March 16, 1955 – July 24, 2025

Funeral services for Debra Kaye Holt Wilt was held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025, with Reverend Justin Eubanks officiating. The burial will follow in Lacamp Pentecostal Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be Noah Tibbitts, Patrick Robinson, Payton Tibbitts, Dalton Tibbitts, Nathan Rabenstein, Caden Clark, and Alex Scott. The honorary pallbearers will be Kendall Smith, Brandon Smith, Kenneth Smith, Aaron Delire, James Smith, Chris Fiesel, Charlie Dowden, and Brandon Tibbitts.

A visitation was held at Laurel Hill Baptist Church on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

Kaye was born March 16, 1955, in Shreveport, Louisiana and passed away July 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in her home in Lacamp, Louisiana. She was a lifelong resident of the Vernon Parish area having grown up in Sieper and attended Hicks High School. You could call Kaye a “Jill of all trades” because she held many jobs, but her main job was driving a truck and providing a loving home for her family. She missed her calling as a home interior decorator but still loved making her home cozy and inviting. Crafting was her favorite hobby, and she spent many hours arranging flowers, working with wood, painting, and sewing. She also enjoyed driving a race car, but her true passion was being a mother and grandmother. Kaye would often end a conversation by saying “I love you”. Her loved one would respond, “I love you more” but Kaye would get the last word by saying, “I love you the more mostest” then hang up. Her family will be hosting her funeral service in her home church, Laurel Hill Baptist Church.

Kaye was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Marie Barton; sister, Janet Marie Smith; step parents, Huey and Margaret Bonnett; and special aunt, Ruby Bobeck.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Carl Tibbitts Jr. and William Tibbitts (Brandy) daughters, Carla Gattis (Rocky), Belinda Rabenstein (Brian), and Sharon Webb (Debb); grandchildren, Noah Lane Tibbitts, Carleigh Danae Tibbitts, Patrick Robinson (Brandy Mount), Jacquelyn Robinson (Caden Clark), Kristen Robinson (Alec Scott), Joshua Gattis, Justin Gattis (Ariel), Christian Gattis (Abby), Nathan Rabenstein, Hannah Rabenstein, Payton Tibbitts (Anna), Dalton Tibbitts (Leann), Brandon Powell, and Bradley Powell; great-grandchildren, Emma Kay Clark, Colin Wayne Clark, Sadie Kaye Clark, Lane Christopher Scott, Madilyn Kay, Triston Troy Gattis, Ashton Keith Gattis, Kylie Gattis, Elowynn Gattis, Dakotah Parker Tibbitts, Jaxon Shackelford, Rustyn Shackelford, Kash Shackelford, and Joseph Gattis; niece, Regina Kay Smith; nephews, Kendall Smith (Stacy) and Brandon Smith (Kim); brother-in-law, Kenneth Wayne Smith; special friend, Nancy Lou McKee Allen; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Brian Anthony DeHoven
Service: Wednesday, July 30th, at 5:00 PM at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville

Tommy Lee Holder Sr.
Service: Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Jackson Chapel Church of Christ

Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or vpjnewsla@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to vpjnewsla@gmail.com).

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Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.

July 22, 2025

Leo Luca Plaia III, age 39 of Leesville, was arrested on an out of jurisdiction Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Plaia remains in the VPSO jail.

James Robert Brown, age 24, of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with one count of Introduction of Contraband into a Correctional Facility. Bond has not been set and Brown remains in the VPSO jail.

Dinora Mejia Saumeth, age 49, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Resisting an Officer. Bond was set at $ 1281.00. A detainer for the United States Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) has been placed on Saumeth who originates from Columbia.

Edwin Sanchez Avellaneda, age 46, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of No Driver’s License on Person. Bond was set at $ 595.00. A detainer for the United States Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) has been placed on Avellaneda who originates from Columbia.

ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

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The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a scam circulating within the parish.

Residents report receiving a phone call from 337-218-1375. The caller identifies themselves as a representative of VPSO or the Department of Justice.

The caller then advises the resident of unpaid fees or taxes. The caller advises the resident that a Deputy will be at their residence within the hour if the outstanding fees are not paid.

This is a scam.

Neither VPSO nor the Department of Justice will contact you by telephone in reference to unpaid fines, fees, or taxes.

If you receive a call of this nature, hang up immediately, and block the phone number.

You can always call VPSO at 337-238-1311 if you receive a questionable call of this nature.

DO NOT provide ANY personal, banking, or credit card information to these callers. DO NOT purchase ANY type of gift cards for payments to unknown callers.

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The Exchange at JRTC and Fort Polk has been officially renamed in honor of Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a World War I hero whose bravery continues to inspire generations of American Soldiers.

Sgt. Johnson served with the famed 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Harlem Hellfighters.” In 1918, during a fierce German raid, he single-handedly fought off enemy troops to protect a fellow Soldier—despite sustaining multiple injuries. His extraordinary valor earned him the Medal of Honor posthumously.

The newly renamed Exchange now serves as a living tribute to Sgt. Johnson’s courage, loyalty, and unwavering resolve. As a central hub for Soldiers, families, veterans, and retirees, it stands as a daily reminder of his legacy and the warrior spirit that defines the U.S. Army.

Leaders at Fort Polk emphasized that honoring Sgt. Johnson not only preserves history but also inspires current and future Soldiers training on post to embody his example of service and sacrifice.

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All students in Vernon Parish schools will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2025–2026 school year, thanks to continued participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program.

The CEP, authorized under the National School Lunch Act, allows eligible schools to provide meals to all students at no charge. The program is funded through a formula based on data from programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), eliminating the need for families to submit income applications.

This initiative supports both student well-being and academic success. With nutritional needs met, students are more likely to stay focused, attend school regularly, and demonstrate improved behavior. The program also promotes equity by removing the stigma often associated with free or reduced-price meals and helps families by reducing out-of-pocket costs.

Additionally, schools benefit from reduced administrative work, as CEP eliminates the need for meal applications and simplifies the meal counting and claiming process.

Vernon Parish School officials encourage families to take full advantage of this opportunity to ensure every student is prepared to learn each day.

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Anacoco High School is pleased to announce the hiring of Aaron West as the new head coach of the girls basketball team. West, a native of Pine Prairie, Louisiana, brings extensive coaching experience and a strong commitment to student-athlete development.

Coach West holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Louisiana Christian University. He is married to Brittany West, and together they have four children: Maddyn and Landri West, and Abby and Hunter Anderson.

With 15 years of successful high school head coaching experience across multiple sports, West has led teams to numerous district championships, semifinal, and final appearances. His proven leadership and dedication are expected to strengthen Anacoco’s girls basketball program and inspire student-athletes to reach their full potential.

The school community looks forward to supporting Coach West as he begins his new role at Anacoco High School.

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Anacoco High School is excited to welcome Kimberly Gribbins as the new school secretary. Gribbins brings over 10 years of experience working within the education system, providing valuable support to staff and students alike.

Kim and her husband, Mark, are proud residents of the beautiful Toledo Bend area. She is eager to assist and welcome students as they return for the 2025-2026 school year, ensuring a smooth and positive experience for all.

The Anacoco community looks forward to having Gribbins as part of the team and values her commitment to supporting the school’s daily operations.

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Families across Vernon Parish are invited to celebrate the upcoming school year with fun, food, and free supplies at the 4th Annual Back to School Bash on Saturday, Aug. 9.

Hosted at the Third Street Market in downtown Leesville, the event will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and feature something for everyone—including free school supplies, local vendors, inflatables for kids, and a waterslide to help beat the summer heat.

GG’s Eats, named Leesville’s Best Food Truck of 2025, will be on-site serving up crowd favorites during the event.

The Bash is part of an ongoing community effort to support local families and small businesses. Organizers encourage attendees to shop small, shop local, and give back while enjoying a festive day downtown.

Vendor registration is open now. Those interested can register at: https://form.jotform.com/252018363455152. Registration is $25.

The Third Street Market is located at 201 S 3rd Street in Leesville.

This event is sponsored by Leesville Main Street, the City of Leesville, and VFW Post 3106.

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Baton Rouge, LA – July 24, 2025 – Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting (Friends of LPB) is proud to announce the appointment of Billy West of Natchitoches to its Board of Directors. West brings with him a wealth of experience, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the importance of public broadcasting and educational programming in Louisiana.

Friends of LPB’s mission is to cultivate members, funding, and resources that enhance and expand LPB’s programming and educational initiatives. Driven by a strong commitment to education, opportunity, and access, the organization supports LPB in its role as Louisiana’s largest classroom—providing free, high-quality educational resources for children and families, along with trusted emergency information and enriching cultural programming for communities statewide.

“Billy West’s passion for education and community engagement makes him an invaluable addition to our board,” said Bo Harris, Board Chair. “We are confident that his leadership and vision will help us continue to advance LPB’s mission and expand its impact across Louisiana.”

As a board member, West will play a critical role in strengthening fundraising efforts and expanding community outreach at a time when public media is facing significant challenges and a growing demand for quality, educational content. His leadership will help ensure that LPB remains a vital resource for communities across Louisiana.

For more information about Friends of LPB and its mission, visit www.friendsoflpb.org.

Vernon Parish 4-H is proud to announce that Loryn Bailey, this year’s Miss Vernon Parish 4-H, was elected to serve as the 2025–2026 Secretary of the Louisiana State 4-H Fashion Board.

Bailey earned the position while attending the 2025 WeLead Conference, held last week on the campus of LSU. The annual summer training event brings together newly elected state board members from across Louisiana to prepare for the year ahead.

Representing Vernon Parish as a member of the State 4-H Fashion Board, Bailey demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to 4-H. Vernon Parish 4-H officials congratulated her on this achievement and look forward to the positive impact she will make in her new role.

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Children and families are invited to a special “NNO Goes Western” storytime event at the Beauregard Parish Library on Tuesday, July 30 at 10:30 a.m.

As part of the National Night Out (NNO) celebration, local law enforcement officers will read books to children in a fun and engaging environment aimed at promoting literacy and strengthening community bonds. The event offers young readers a chance to meet local heroes and enjoy storytime in a welcoming setting.

Library staff encourage families to attend and make reading a shared experience while supporting community connections.

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October 12, 1935 – July 22, 2025

Visitation – Thursday, July 31, 2025; 9:30AM – 11:30AM
Christian Living Fellowship Church
12955 Lake Charles Hwy
Leesville, LA 71446

Funeral – Thursday, July 31, 2025; 11:30AM
Christian Living Fellowship Church
12955 Lake Charles Hwy
Leesville, LA 71446

Final Resting Place
Central Louisiana Veterans’ Cemetery
3348 University Parkway
Leesville, LA 71446

The Pregnancy Care Center of DeRidder is calling on the community for help as it faces a shortage of essential baby supplies. The nonprofit organization, which supports families in Beauregard and surrounding parishes, is in immediate need of the following items:

Wipes
Diapers (Sizes 4, 5, and 6)
Summer Baby Girl Clothes (Sizes 9 months – 2T)
Each donation directly benefits local mothers and babies, providing much-needed relief and support during critical times. The center serves as a safe and welcoming place for women—whether they are newly pregnant or navigating parenthood again—offering help, guidance, and encouragement.

Donations can be dropped off at the Pregnancy Care Center, 422 McMahon Street, DeRidder.

Community members are encouraged to contribute and help ensure every baby has the essentials they need. Every item makes a difference.

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Zenobia M. Wilson
Service: Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 1 P.M. at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Leesville

Brian Keith Perkins
Service: Friday, July 25, 2025 at 11 A.M. at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Hineston

Lawrence Duncan Jr. Jr.
Arrangements TBA

Floyd Haskell Collins
No Service Information Listed

Merida Neal Holton
Service: Saturday, July 26 at 11 AM at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville

Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or vpjnewsla@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to vpjnewsla@gmail.com).

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Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.

July 16, 2025
Steven Sims, age 56, of Pitkin, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond was set at $ 3500.00. Sims remains in the VPSO jail.

July 20, 2025
Jushaun Flammings, age 24, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Flammings remains in the VPSO jail.

ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

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Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a one-vehicle crash on July 21 around 9 pm on Louisiana Highway 463 near Moore Road. This crash claimed the life of 57-year-old Brian Perkins of Pitkin.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2017 Ford F-250, driven by Perkins, was northbound on Louisiana Highway 463. For reasons still under investigation, Perkins failed to negotiate a left hand curve. As a result, the vehicle left the roadway, impacted the ditch embankment, and sequentially overturned.
Perkins, restraint usage unknown, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state. Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving. A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences.

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Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies Malissa Sweeney and Jacob Durrett recently attended the statewide D.A.R.E. conference, where they joined other officers from across Louisiana to collaborate, share ideas, and continue their commitment to making a difference in the lives of our youth.

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If you’ve lived in Vernon Parish long enough, you know that real relationships matter. You know the people you trust with your business, your family, and your future. And that’s exactly why the team behind IHS Group feels right at home here.

Although IHS Group is a new name in the business world, the people behind it are anything but new to this community — or each other. Led by Rodney Boswell, the IHS team has worked side-by-side for over 20 years, guiding Louisiana families and small businesses through everything from tax challenges to payroll setup, from financial planning to succession and legacy strategies.

“We don’t just crunch numbers,” says Rodney. “We walk with our clients through real-life decisions. Our clients become family — and that’s how we’ve always done it.”

IHS Group officially launched through a strategic merger with Thornton Accounting in Leesville, bringing together two trusted teams with shared values and decades of combined experience. This move brought a fresh brand to an already strong foundation — one built on faith, trust, and long-term relationships.

With deep roots in Louisiana, the firm brings a unique mix of big-picture advisory services with small-town care.

Their mission? Empower families and entrepreneurs to thrive. Whether you’re launching your first business, trying to simplify payroll, or planning for the next generation, the IHS team brings strategic insight and hands-on support every step of the way.

And the difference is clear:
- They return calls fast.
- They explain complex things in simple terms.
- They take the time to listen, not just bill.
- And most importantly, they care.

Now officially serving clients in Vernon Parish, IHS Group invites you to experience the value of having a real advisor in your corner.

Visit: ihsgroup.co 
Call: (318) 302-0879


Follow us on social media:


Facebook: facebook.com/ihsgroupla


LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ihsgroupla


Instagram: instagram.com/ihsgroupla

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The Vernon Parish Library will present a special program exploring the historic Louisiana Maneuvers of 1941, a critical military training operation that helped shape the outcome of World War II. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 10-11:30 a.m. in the library’s meeting room.

Guest speaker Rickey Robertson will lead the presentation, offering insights into how more than 400,000 American soldiers trained across the piney woods of Louisiana in preparation for the battlefields of World War II. The massive military exercises not only prepared U.S. forces for war but also left a lasting impact on local communities throughout the region.

Robertson, a retired Louisiana State Police officer, is now a historical researcher and writer affiliated with Stephen F. Austin State University. He is a member of a Peason Ridge heritage family and a descendant of a Peavy Wilson Lumber Company worker. In retirement, he has dedicated his time to preserving and sharing the history of West Central Louisiana through writing, speaking engagements, and archival research.

In addition to the presentation, the library will offer light refreshments and showcase a variety of archival materials, including photographs and documents related to the maneuvers. These items will also be available for viewing on the library’s Flickr page.

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The Sept. 17 event is part of an ongoing historical series featuring Robertson. Additional upcoming programs include “Heritage Families of Peason Ridge” on Oct. 15, and “Sawmill Town of Peason” on Nov. 19.

For more information, contact the Vernon Parish Library at 337-239-2027 or toll-free at 800-737-2231. Visitors are also welcome to stop by the main branch located at 1401 Nolan Trace in Leesville. Updates and event details can be found at http://www.vernonparishlibrary.org or on the library’s Facebook page at facebook.com/vernonparishlib.

Last week I expressed my feelings about summer bass tournaments. This week we’ll break down and go over the results of my last two ABA (American Bass Anglers) summer events.

First, the Texas Pro League event was held on Lake Tyler on June 21 as hot temperatures and high winds made fishing difficult for some, but not for everyone.

It seems that no matter how difficult the fishing might be in any bass tournament, someone will figure out how to catch a big bag. It doesn’t matter if there are 200 boats or 20, somebody will figure it out!

That was pretty much the case for the Lake Tyler event, as Zach Fogal (2024 Angler of the Year) decided to show out a little as he came to the scales with five bass weighing over 36 pounds! That’s right, you read it right- 36 pounds! To put this in perspective, the next closest angler was Wyatt Frankens of Corrigan, Texas, with 27.84.

This event was dominated offshore by these two guys who are really good with forward facing sonar. It’s just another example of how good some guys are with this technology.

For me, this was a tough tournament as I struggled to catch a five-fish limit and only brought four fish to the scales. But the fish I caught were descent size fish as I managed to finish ninth with a little over 13 pounds and got some good points, keeping me in the Top 10 (seventh) in the overall points race.

Next was the ABA Solo 150 held June 27-28 on Lake Palestine. Once again, Fogal, a Longview native, backed his boat in the water and blew the field away as most everyone knew he would. Some anglers are just on another level and Zach is that guy!

Turns out, Zach came to the scales and spanked all of us with a two-day total of over 56 pounds, winning this event by an amazing 18.4 pounds! Catching this kind of weight in June used to be unheard of, but not today with forward-facing sonar as it’s becoming more of the norm no matter what lake it is.

This event for me was the tale of two days, as on Day 1 I came in with 15.80 pounds. and was sitting in third going into Day 2.

But what a difference a day makes! Day 2 was filled with one lost fish after another, as I lost a four-pounder on the first dock I pulled up on. Then I lost two three-pounders in 10 minutes, not to mention the eight-pounder I lost four feet from the boat on Day 1.

I wound up in sixth place overall, as I had a two-day total of 25.47 pounds. Day 2 really hurt me, bringing in five bass just under 10 pounds. The fish just didn’t seem to take the bait as well. Several guys complained about losing fish on Day 2.

Bass fishing is a funny sport that sometimes defies explanation! You would think in a tournament this time of year (summer), and with no major weather change, that the fishing would be the same day in and day out. But no, for some reason the bass decided they just weren’t as hungry on Day 2 as they were on Day 1.

But make no mistake, I still hate summertime bass tournaments! It would not bother me in the least if tournament trails suspended bass tournaments for the months of July and August. It’s just not worth everything you have to go through as anglers with the heat, babysitting fish all day, and constant fighting against recreational boaters.

Hope everyone has a great summer and please be safe out there with regards to the heat. Heat exhaustion can creep up on you quickly if you’re not paying attention. Make sure to always drink plenty of water the night before you hit your area lake, either for fishing or just having a good time.