During the span of a lifetime, we are met with this question. For example, when is it time to change jobs, get married, have kids, or retire? Everyone has a different timeline for each of these questions. But the one thing we ALL want is the ability to make these decisions when we are ready and on our own terms. 
 
Everyone that has played a particular sport, especially at a high level, wants to walk away when they are ready, not when someone tells them they are no longer good enough. 
 
I’ve always wanted to be in control no matter what, and the one thing I’ve always told myself was, “When it’s no longer fun or I’m no longer competitive, it’s time to walk away.” I have applied this rule of thumb throughout my athletic career and will do so with regards to my fishing career. 
 
I’ve been fishing tournaments since the early 1990’s and have enjoyed almost every minute of it! Sure, there’ve been some ups and downs just like any other sport, but the friends I have made and the good times I’ve shared with so many can never be taken away. 
 
Another aspect I still enjoy today is trying to figure out how to catch bass. This never gets old for me. And the feeling I get when it all comes together for a tournament, well there’s just no better feeling in the world! It’s what motivates me and drives my competitive fire!
 
Over the years, people who don’t know or understand the sport of bass fishing think it is all luck. Nothing could be further from the truth because if that was the case, why are the same anglers always near the top of the standings?
 
They say luck is where preparation meets opportunity. I’m a firm believer in that saying because if you want to compete with the best anglers on any circuit, you have to do your homework and spend lots of time on the water. In bass fishing, “time on the water” is essential to being successful.
 
So, to answer the question of, “How do we know when it’s time?” – for me, it will be when I can no longer compete with the young guns of the tournament bass fishing world or when it’s no longer fun. 
 
But if all my fishing buddies continue to fish, I’ll still hang around. This has become the main reason I’m still competing today. I’ve been blessed with some of the best dudes an angler could ask for when it comes to travel partners. 
 
We’ve shared in some awesome times, ate some great meals and told a lot of fish stories, some true and some just pure lies! These same stories have been repeated time and time again and are told as if it was the first time we have ever heard them. But that’s ok, it’s all a part of the memories being made that make every trip special. 
 
One thing about tournament anglers, they are unique in many ways and are a little stingy when it comes to fishing information. We’ll try and help each other a little, but may not always reveal every detail on how we are catching fish. 
 
There’s also a great bond with all anglers that travel and stay together on the road. Each is always willing to help the other in their time of need, whether it’s a boat breakdown on the water or a blown trailer tire on the road. They are like the Marines; no man will be left behind!
 
This is why I’m still doing it at the age of 64 and will continue as long as my health is good, I can still get bites, and hopefully cash a check once in a while.

‘Til next time, here’s to wishing all anglers tight lines and good times fishing! 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Doug McGuire was the Senior Minister of Trinity Methodist Church through the 1960’s. He was a great guy. In his retirement he acquired his private pilot’s license. Years ago, I was known to spend hours in the air with Doug. Doug has gone on to his reward. He was filled with preacher aphorisms. His advice was wise. He encouraged, “Always enter the pulpit with a full heart and an empty bladder. And don’t get them reversed!” He also said, “If a sermon is worth preaching once it is worth preaching again.” I wonder if that holds true for these articles.

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To wit.

A dog was on a safari with this master, but he got lost chasing butterflies. He then noticed out of his peripheral vision that a lion was slowly sneaking up to attack him. He saw a pile of bones nearby. Pretending not to see the lion, the dog started chomping on a bone. He hollered, “Boy, the lion sure tasted good!” The lion decided that this must be a very ferocious dog, so he left.

But a monkey watched all of this. He chased down the lion and told him the truth. Furious, the lion turned around to go eat the dog. The monkey jumped on the lion’s back intending to watch the whole thing unfold before him. Realizing what had happened, the quick-thinking dog grabbed another bone and hollered, “Where is that stupid monkey? He should have brought me another lion by now!”

It is a great story. Don’t you wish you could be like that dog and be that quick witted? Sure you do! When someone zings you at work, you stew about it all that night and you finally figure out what you could have said to that person. Or after an argument you stew until you finally think of what you should have said.

In my line of work, I want to be comforting and Godly when someone seeks my wisdom or advice. Often, I am neither and I toss and turn until I come up with a better answer to a person’s question or concern.

Most of us wish we could think faster and say the right word at the right time.

I wonder how many of us read this story and thought, “maybe it is best not to get lost in the first place.” I think that was the ultimate point.

A funeral service for Josette Rene’ Myers was held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Christian Living Fellowship with Pastors Bobby Ganaway and Kaleb Ganaway officiating. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Marc Smith, Dylan Thomas, Jecori Williams, Zamareon Capehart, Jaiden Blum, Brailen Willis, Matthew Cosme, and Treaez Martin.

Josette Rene’ Myers was born into this life on December 3, 1983, in Pineville, Louisiana and passed from this life on June 16, 2025, at the age of 41. Josette was more than a daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, niece, and cousin. Her infectious laughter could brighten even the darkest days, and her kindness knew no bounds. Josette had a unique ability to make everyone around her feel special and loved. Josette’s passion for life was evident in everything she did, from her dedication to her job to the love she had for her family, friends, and animals. Her strength in the face of many challenges and obstacles she overcame was truly inspiring. Even when times were tough, Josette faced each obstacle with grace and determination. She taught all of us the importance of perseverance and staying true to oneself. Josette’s absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but her spirit lives on in all the hearts of those who knew her. Her legacy of love, compassion, and joy will continue to guide us. We will miss you dearly, Josette, but we are all grateful for the time we had with you and the memories we will cherish forever. Josette was a member of Christian Living Fellowship, and she loved serving the Lord our Savior.

Josette was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Sheppard and grandparents, Dalton Myers, Betty Myers, and Ida Green.

Those left to cherish her memory are her parents, Beverly and Russell Hanson of DeRidder; sister, Crystal Willis (David) of Leesville; children, Alexia Stanford (Dylan), Kyrstin Bailey, and Evan Bailey all of Leesville; nephews, Jaiden Blum and Brailen Willis of Leesville; grandson, Dallas Ray Stanford; bonus children, Marc Smith, Dylan Thomas, Jecori Williams, Zamareon Capehart, Matthew Cosme, and Treaez Martin; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Funeral services for Patrick David Carr were held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Jeane’s Funeral Service with Reverend Wade Carroll officiating.  Serving as pallbearers will be Lyn Edwards, Lane Belsha, Larry Stanley, Jimmy West, Kevin Hunter, and Kanalous Belsha. 

Patrick was born January 10, 1963, in Alexandria, Louisiana and passed away June 21, 2025, in Rosepine at the age of 62. Growing up he usually had a hammer in his hand or something with wheels. He worked in construction as a carpenter and had a passion for building. In fact, Patrick could build just about anything and loved seeing the result. His other passion in life was being outdoors fishing or hunting. He spent many hours on the lake or in the woods.

Patrick was preceded in death by his father, David Anzely Carr.

Those left to cherish his memory are his mother, Lorena Gwendolyn Carr; brother, Michael Anzely Carr; nephew and niece, Dillon Carr and Micaela Stone; and a host of extended family members.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Lisa Welch during this difficult time.

On June 25, 1981, Microsoft took a major step toward transforming the personal computer industry with the introduction of MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System). Though the software would not become widely used until later that year, this date marks the official beginning of a platform that would come to dominate personal computing for more than a decade—and propel Microsoft from a modest software startup into one of the world’s most influential tech giants.

The story of MS-DOS is one of timing, opportunity, and rapid innovation. In 1980, IBM was developing its first personal computer—the IBM PC—and needed an operating system to run it. Microsoft, founded just five years earlier by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, had never developed an OS before. But when IBM came calling, Microsoft made a bold move: it agreed to provide the software and then quietly acquired an existing OS called 86-DOS from a small Seattle company, Seattle Computer Products.

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Microsoft adapted 86-DOS for IBM’s hardware, rebranded it as MS-DOS, and delivered it to IBM in time for the launch of the IBM PC in August 1981. The agreement allowed IBM to use the system under the name PC-DOS, while Microsoft retained the rights to license it to other manufacturers. This seemingly small decision would prove to be one of the most consequential in tech history.

Over the next several years, MS-DOS became the backbone of countless IBM-compatible personal computers, also known as “clones,” which flooded the market. As hardware became more affordable and accessible, Microsoft’s operating system powered millions of machines in homes, schools, and businesses worldwide.

MS-DOS was a command-line operating system, meaning users had to type specific text commands to launch programs or access files—an experience that could be intimidating for newcomers. But at the time, it was a revolutionary step forward, offering a standard platform for developers and helping to fuel the rapid growth of the software industry.

Though rudimentary by today’s standards, MS-DOS laid the groundwork for future advancements in personal computing. It supported early versions of now-legendary programs like WordPerfect, Lotus 1-2-3, and eventually, Microsoft Word and Excel. It also paved the way for the development of Windows, Microsoft’s graphical user interface that would eventually replace MS-DOS as the dominant operating system.

By the mid-1990s, MS-DOS had been largely phased out as users transitioned to more user-friendly systems like Windows 95 and Windows 98. Still, echoes of MS-DOS remain in modern Windows environments, where the “Command Prompt” is a direct descendant of its early interface.

Beyond the technology itself, the launch of MS-DOS on June 25, 1981, marked a defining moment in Microsoft’s history. It positioned the company as a central player in the emerging PC industry and set the stage for its meteoric rise. By retaining the rights to MS-DOS, Microsoft was able to license the software to dozens of manufacturers, securing a steady stream of revenue and building a near-monopoly on personal computer operating systems for years to come.

Today, MS-DOS is a footnote in the story of modern computing, but its impact remains undeniable. It empowered a generation of computer users, shaped the trajectory of the digital age, and demonstrated how a few lines of code—backed by strategic thinking—can change the world.

As we look back on June 25, 1981, it serves as a reminder of how quickly technology evolves, and how the smallest decisions can have the biggest consequences.

Josette Rene’ Myers
December 3, 1983 – June 16, 2025
Services were held on June 24, 2025 at Christian Living Fellowship

Patrick David Carr
January 10, 1963 – June 21, 2025
Services were held on June 24, 2025 at Jeane’s Funeral Service

Velma Dell Baker Goins
September 7, 1940 – June 19, 2025
Services were held on June 23, 2025 at East Leesville Baptist Church

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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Jacob Schermerhorn, age 37, of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with Resisting an Officer, and one count of Domestic Abuse Battery.  Bond has not been set.  A detainer for Misdemeanor Probation has been placed on Schermerhorn.  He remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Paul Casey Smith, age 27, of Evans, was arrested and charges with one count of Disturbing the Peace-Violent and Tumultuous Manner.  Bond was set at $881.  Smith remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

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Krystle Leann Roberts, age 40, of DeRidder, was arrested and charged with one count of Theft over $1500.  Bond has not been set.  Roberts remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Farrah Hope Kuhlow, age 48, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Third Offense, and one count of Maximum Speed Limit.  Bond has not been set.  Kuhlow remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

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

A Leesville woman was killed in a single-vehicle accident that occurred on Highway 63 near Burkeville, Texas, Monday afternoon.

The Texas Department of Safety identified the woman as 41-year-old Josette Blasdel of Leesville, Louisiana. Blasdel was driving the rig when a rear driver’s side tire blew out on the tractor-trailer, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and strike a tree.  Blasdel was pronounced dead at the scene.  An unidentified passenger in the truck was not hurt.

The accident happened in Newton County, near Burkeville, at approximately 3:45 p.m.

The Anacoco First Baptist Church invites the public to the Faith & Family Freedom Music Festival, Sunday, June 29.

Music begins at 4 p.m. and features the Erwins, Rhett Walker, the Jason Lovins Band, and five-time CMA Award winners, Shenandoah.  This event is free and open to everyone.  Event parking is available with shuttles to take festival goers to the concert area.  The church is located at 4813 Port Arthur Avenue in Anacoco.

A variety of vendors will offer food, beverages and merchandise.  The evening will end with one of the largest fireworks shows in Central Louisiana.  You are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and wear comfortable clothing.  For more information visit www.anacocofbc.org.

RELATED ACTIVITY

A fundraising Incrediball tournament will be held, Saturday, June 14 at the Anacoco Youth Fields on Greenhead Road.  The entry fee is $200 per team.  Proceeds will benefit the music festival.  Enter your 10-person team (co-ed) by calling 337-353-3804.

The Vernon Parish Police Jury met Monday, June 16, at 10 a.m. in regular session.  Jurors welcomed Avon Knowlton from the Louisiana Military Alliance, who addressed some events being planned by the group later this summer.

Jurors went over items that came in following committee meetings earlier this month.

The Capital Properties Committee recommended the Jury enter into Annual Maintenance Agreements with Star Services for preventative maintenance on the HVAC system at the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office (new jail) and the Air-Cooled Chiller at the Judicial Building (new courthouse).  In addition, the committee recommended an Equipment Agreement for the dryers at the Vernon Parish jail, at a cost of $280.

The Economic Development Committee is in support of the Vernon Parish Economic Development District in pursuing a PILOT Agreement with NextEra Energy (Little Clear Solutions LLC) to support economic growth in the parish.

The Road Maintenance and Construction Committee recommended the Jury approve a low-quote bid from Sinclair Utility Solutions LLC to relocate a gas line on Holton-Harris bridge, in preparation for the replacement of the bridge.  Due to a wide disparity in Sinclair’s bid compared to others, further review of the bid was suggested and agreed upon by Jurors.

A public hearing was entered into regarding a proposed ordinance to abandon Pat Roberts Road in District 12/Ward 1, beginning at Lake Vernon Road, in its entirety.  There was no public comment.  The Board returned to regular session.

A public hearing will be held July 21 at 10 a.m. to hear public input on two proposed ordinances.  One ordinance would abandon a portion of Lone Oak Road in District 11/Ward 1.   Nearly 238 feet of the road would be abandoned.  The second ordinance will reduce the speed limit on Elijah Haymon Road in District 12/Ward 1 to 25 mph, in its entirety.

The next Vernon Parish Police Jury meeting will be Monday, July 14, at 5 p.m.

It was my privilege to have been talked out of retirement and into publishing the Vernon Parish Journal in the summer of 2023.  Thanks, Bill Vance and Doug Ireland!

The two years have flown by, as we tried our best to report news from around Vernon Parish and Ft. Polk.  More than ever, good information is important today in our society.  We attempted to bring you information and news important to us all in Vernon Parish.

Thanks to contributors like Rickey Robertson, James Turner, Tony McDonald, Billy Crawford, and Carol Conner for sharing their insights and perspectives with us.  Thanks to Rick Smith for the best photos.  Thanks to the Vernon Parish Police Jury, the Vernon Parish School Board, and the Leesville City Council for access to their meetings and the information we were able to share with the public.  Thanks to the advertisers that placed their trust in the Vernon Parish Journal and spent money to support it.  Thanks to my smart and patient wife, Mary Lou, for her editorial acumen and computer skills.

The Vernon Parish Journal will continue to publish an e-paper, thanks to Journal Services in Shreveport.  My recent health concerns and age (73) have led me back to retirement.  Mary Lou retires in a little over a year, and we would like to travel.  Time for me to lose some weight and get healthier.  No more deadlines and stress over gathering news all day.  Time to concentrate on me a little.

Best of luck to you and yours, and thanks for supporting the Vernon Parish Journal.

Rick Barnickel, Publisher.

Attendees at the Louisiana Folklife Center program “Fiddlin’ with the Finest! A Celebration of Louisiana Folk Fiddling” on Saturday at the Many Depot Museum in Many were treated to a performance of fiddle musical artistry. Several musicians participated, including three Louisiana State Fiddle Champions, Clancey Stewart (2018), Joe Suchanek (2017 and 2024), and Ron Yule (2000 and 2019). Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the Louisiana Folklife Center and professor of English at Northwestern State University, coordinated the event, which included a discussion of various aspects of the tradition and a Q&A with the audience. Live music throughout the program included examples of fiddle styles as well as a demonstration of twin fiddling. Stewart also displayed her skill at traditional clogging or flat foot dancing, including while playing on the fiddle. 

The well-attended program was a prelude to the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship which will be part of the 45th annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival to be held on the Northwestern State University campus on July 19. The Fiddle Championship will be held at 1 p.m. in the Magale Recital Hall. Fiddlers may compete in the championship or non-championship, as well as in the twin fiddle category. Registration is at noon in the first-floor foyer outside Magale Recital Hall. The Fiddle Championship winner will perform on the main stage in Prather Coliseum at 5 p.m. 

“The music performed at events like this one remind us how vital and vibrant Louisiana’s folk music can be,” said Rasmussen. “The Louisiana State Fiddle Championship provides important opportunities for fiddlers young and old to have fun while at the same time meet with peers, make new friends, and showcase their talent. When folklife is alive and well people are happier, because our traditions give meaning to our lives as individuals and as a community.” 

The event was sponsored by the Louisiana Folklife Center. Support for the festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the City of Natchitoches, the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, and the State of Louisiana. The festival is sponsored by C&H Precision Machining, City Bank, Cleco, Evans Family, LLC, Exchange Bank, the Family Doctors of Natchitoches, the Harrington Law Firm, Natchitoches Wood Preserving Company and Young Estate, LLC. The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in the program did not necessarily represent those of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. 

For information on pre-registering to compete in the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu or go to nsula.edu/folklife. 

My wife and I spend a lot of time on our back deck, overlooking the golf course.  When the weather is right, there is no more perfect place to sit and visit with each other.  When we had the deck built, we did a little landscaping.  A Loropetalum bush provides shade on the side of the deck.  When it blooms it looks like a giant pink blob from Highway 171.  It’s really just a bird condo unit!

We got curious one day about the birds we see inhabit our high-rise bird house.  We wrote a letter to a bird magazine to ask a few questions.  Why do cardinals, house sparrows and others love our bush so much?

Imagine our surprise when we got correspondence back from noted ornithologist, Dr. Andres Noseemenki.  Noseemenki is a world renowned bird expert from Uruguay who was on a trip through the southern states, studying migratory wildfowl.  He asked if he could swing by and see our habitat as he passed through Louisiana.

We welcomed Dr. Noseemenki to our home in mid-May.  He loved our deck and view.  Noseemenki is a graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Biology.  He did his post-graduate work at Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology and studied at the University of Edinburgh and Simon Frasier University.  The good doctor loved our bottle of red Chilean “house” wine and wanted to know where the nearest Brazilian Steakhouse was.

Dr. Noseemenki visited a few hours, breaking down our birdhouse and why it attracted certain species.  He left Leesville headed for Mobile Bay and a lecture on the seafaring birds of the Gulf of Mexico.  It was a pleasure to visit him as he was passing through.  We appreciate our view even more these days.

Publishers note: This story was created with absolutely no A1…just very low intelligence.

BEWARE THE NOSEY MONKEY IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD!

The Army will take all necessary actions to change the names of seven Army installations in honor of heroic Soldiers who served in conflicts ranging from the Civil War to the Battle of Mogadishu. Five of them received the Medal of Honor, three received the Distinguished Service Cross and one received the Silver Star.

Fort Pickett (formerly Fort Barfoot) will be named in honor of Distinguished Service Cross recipient 1st Lt. Vernon W. Pickett for his extraordinary heroism during World War II. While pinned down by enemy machine gun fire, Pickett crawled forward and destroyed two enemy positions with grenades. After being captured, he escaped from a transport train with fellow POWs and rejoined his unit before being killed in action.

Fort Hood (formerly Fort Cavazos) will be named in honor of Distinguished Service Cross recipient Col. Robert B. Hood for his extraordinary heroism during World War I. Amid intense shelling near Thiaucourt, France, then-Capt. Hood directed artillery fire under enfilading machine-gun fire. After his gun crew was lost to enemy fire, he rapidly reorganized and returned fire within minutes, restoring combat capability.

Fort Gordon (formerly Fort Eisenhower) will be named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt. Gary I. Gordon for his valor during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, Somalia. Gordon volunteered to be inserted to defend wounded crew members at a helicopter crash site and held off an advancing enemy force, protecting the pilot after exhausting all his ammunition.

Fort Lee (formerly Fort Gregg-Adams) will be named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Pvt. Fitz Lee for his heroism during the Spanish-American War. During a coastal assault in Cuba, Lee voluntarily disembarked under direct enemy fire to rescue wounded comrades from the battlefield.

Fort Polk (formerly Fort Johnson) will be named in honor of Silver Star recipient Gen. James H. Polk for his gallantry in action as commanding officer of the 3rd Cavalry Group (Mechanized) during operations across Europe in World War II. Then-Col. Polk led reconnaissance and combat missions under fire, spearheading Third Army advances as part of Task Force Polk. He later served as commander in chief of U.S. Army Europe.

Fort Rucker (formerly Fort Novosel) will be named in honor of Distinguished Service Cross recipient Capt Edward W. Rucker for extraordinary heroism in World War I. Flying deep behind enemy lines, then-1st Lt. Rucker and his fellow aviators engaged a numerically superior enemy force in a daring aerial battle over France, disrupting enemy movements and completing their mission against overwhelming odds.

Fort Anderson-Pinn-Hill ( (formerly Fort Walker) will be named in honor of Medal of Honor recipients Lt. Col. Edward Hill, 1st Sgt. Robert A. Pinn and Pvt. Bruce Anderson for extraordinary heroism during the Civil War. Then-Capt. Hill, Pinn and Anderson executed significant actions separately at Cold Harbor, Virginia; Chapin’s Farm, Virginia; and Fort Fisher, North Carolina, in support of the U.S. Army.

The Secretary of the Army will take immediate action to implement these redesignations, which are in accordance with Section 1749(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. 

For more information, please contact usarmy.pentagon.hqda-ocpa.mbx.mrd-press-desk@army.mil. 

The Village of Simpson invites the public to attend their Second Annual Red, White and Blue Festival on Saturday, June 28.  The festival is free to attend and super kid friendly.  You will enjoy live music, vendors, a classic parade, food trucks and an entire area dedicated to the Kids Zone.

Vendors will set up at 9am on the grounds of Simpson High School.  Potential vendors can contact Tracy Parker for information at 337-208-7752.  Live DJ, “Big Daddy”, will hit the music from 1030-130 before live bands will take the stage to entertain.

Parade entries will gather at Simpson Baptist Church at 11am.  The parade rolls through town at noon.  Grab your lawn chairs and dress for comfort.

The Kids Zone features a 46’ obstacle course(WET) and a (WET) bounce house/slide combo.  $10 armbands are good all day for these events. You may pay by cash, cash ap or Venmo. The Kids Zone will also feature a big arts/crafts station and games galore.

Live music begins at 2pm with the Old Man Band.  Southern Country takes the stage at 4pm.

 Food and drink needs will be handled by food trucks, including the 626 Lunchbox, Two Seven Five Smokehouse and Shellshocked.

Find information on Facebook on the Simpson Community Events Committee site.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration’s Round Table Luncheon is the most exclusive, yet casual, opportunity for the public to enjoy hearing from the Class of 2025 inductees.

It’s next Saturday, June 28, at noon at Riverside Reserve, 104 Mill Street, in Natchitoches. There are still a few seats available among the 300 guests for the seventh annual Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation.

Registration is available for the luncheon and can be made by visiting LaSportsHall.com, or by calling 318-238-4255. It is a ticketed event and only a few dozen seats are still open to see and hear from 2025 inductees including Nick Saban, Andrew Whitworth, Vickie Johnson, Danny Granger, Danny Broussard and Joe Scheuermann.

Festivities begin next Thursday evening, June 26, at 5 with the free of charge Welcome Reception open to all, no registration necessary, at the Hall of Fame museum facing the traffic circle at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches.

The Friday, June 27, slate begins with the BOM Celebrity Bowling Bash at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. Friday evening is the free Rockin’ River Fest concert on Cane River Lake in downtown Natchitoches, from 6-10:30, with the Class of 2025 introduced at 9:15 right before a sports-themed fireworks show over the water.

Events Saturday include the free for kids Saints and Pelicans Junior Training Camp, the Round Table Luncheon, and the Induction Reception and Ceremony, which is sold out. A waiting list is being compiled.

The Round Table Luncheon starts with tremendous Louisiana cuisine and quickly kicks into gear with Fox Sports announcer (and 2020 LSHOF inductee) Tim Brando interviewing small groups of inductees on stage in a very informal and fast-moving setting.

A poignant scene at the 2019 luncheon unfolded before the program when Peyton Manning, being inducted later that day, stopped by to greet LSU legend Johnny Robinson, who was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame two months later.

Scenes like that, up-close access and the fun-filled dialog between Brando and the Hall of Fame inductees combine to provide a memorable 90-minute event.

The Hall of Fame Round Table Luncheon shapes up as a highly entertaining opportunity for guests to have a up-close-and-personal experience and be entertained and well fed in a casual setting, with a touch of elegance at Riverside Reserve on the banks of Cane River Lake just a mile from downtown Natchitoches.

The 45th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival will be held on Saturday, July 19, in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum located at 220 South Jefferson Street on the campus of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. The festival’s curated showcase of Louisiana folk musicians, food vendors and traditional crafts persons will open at 9 a.m., with live entertainment scheduled from 9:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. The family-oriented festival is fully wheelchair accessible. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets are $10 at the door for all events, or $6 for an evening pass to all events after 5 p.m. 

The festival features three stages of music. Music headliners include Cajun band Amis du Teche, zydeco band Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, blues artist D.K. Harrell, western swing artist the Kristyn Harris Band, roots band Smithfield Fair, gospel group the Amazing! Rhythm Disciples and swamp pop dance band the Has Beans. The festival also includes numerous food vendors offering traditional Louisiana cuisine. Outdoor activities feature demonstrations of traditional blacksmithing, Dutch oven cooking and a child-friendly hands-on demonstration of a 19th century wash day. 

In honor of this year’s theme, “Crafting Louisiana,” more than 80 crafts vendors have been invited to display and discuss their traditional work with those attending the festival. Craftspeople are expected to display beadwork, baskets, cowhide chair covers, alligator jewelry, Pysanky eggs, Native American crafts and pottery. Other expected craftspeople will display needlework, wood carvings, handmade toys and dolls, paintings, sculpture, homemade soap, spinning & weaving, handcrafted knives, handmade brooms, walking sticks, folk art quilts and more. 

The Festival will include a Red Beans and Rice Cookoff, in which professionals and hobbyists alike can compete in one of multiple categories and demonstrate their cooking skills. Registration and the cooks’ meeting will take place at 8 a.m. Tasting and judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. with winners to be announced at 3:30 p.m. There is no fee to compete in the Cookoff. Red beans & rice must be cooked on-site outside of Prather Coliseum, but beans may be pre-soaked. 

The Annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship will be held at 1 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. There will be a non-championship class and a championship class. A twin fiddle category will also be held. Registration is at noon in the first-floor foyer outside Magale Recital Hall. The Fiddle Championship winner will perform on the main stage in Prather Coliseum at 5 p.m. 

The festival includes several opportunities for patrons to engage directly with Louisiana folk culture. Free dance lessons include line dancing taught by the Classy Steppers, Celtic dance taught by the Thistle Dancers and Pipers and Cajun and zydeco dancing taught by the Cajun French Music Association Dance Troupe. Interactive activities include a yodeling demonstration by Kristyn Harris, dancing with the Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers, a son jarocho fandango dance by the Armadillos Tejano and a musical spoons workshop taught by folk musician Clancey Stewart, with 50 free musical spoons given to workshop attendees. 

“The festival bridges the distance between artists and the festival patrons, thus breaking the artificial barriers between artists and audience,” said Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the festival and NSU’s Louisiana Folklife Center. “Rather than watching from the sidelines, everyone who takes part in these activities will share and engage in Louisiana’s rich culture.” 

KidFest will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kidfest is an area dedicated to child-friendly activities and is a fun way for children to examine their own cultural and family traditions as well as those from around the state. 

Narrative sessions will be held in the festival N-Club Room from 10 a.m. to 6 p,m. and feature presentations on traditional dolls and dollmaking, Creole architecture, Mexican fiddle styles and folk artist Clementine Hunter, with music informances on the blues with D.K. Harrell and roots music with Smithfield Fair. ASL interpretation, assistive listening devices and audio description for these cultural discussions will be made available upon prior request.  

This year also features several pre-Festival events which are free and open to the general public. Fiddlin’ with the Finest will be held at the Many Depot Museum on June 14 and will include several Louisiana State Fiddle Champions discussing and performing traditional fiddling. Attendees are invited to bring their own acoustic instruments for a folk music jam session. A second free pre-festival event, A Life of Zydeco, a Musical Informance with Chubby Carrier, will be held on June 21 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum in Natchitoches with Grammy winner Carrier discussing the cultural significance of zydeco to Louisiana with Rasmussen. A third pre-festival event will be an interactive crafts workshop, with Creole and Native American tradition bearers sharing their cultural knowledge. It will be held at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum on July 12. Free crafting materials will be provided for attendees. 

For a full schedule of events, as well as registration forms to participate in the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship and the Red Beans & Rice Cookoff contact the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332 or email folklife@nsula.edu or go to louisianafolklife.nsula.edu. 

Support for the festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the City of Natchitoches, the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, and the State of Louisiana. The festival is sponsored by C&H Precision Machining, City Bank, Cleco, Evans Family, LLC, Exchange Bank, the Family Doctors of Natchitoches, the Harrington Law Firm, Natchitoches Wood Preserving Company and Young Estate, LLC. 

Northwestern State University recently announced the Honor, Dean and President List candidates for the spring of 2025 from Vernon Parish. Congratulations from the Vernon Parish Journal.

HONORS LIST    GPA between 3.0-3.49

Anacoco   Cash Day, Haleigh Fox, Loryn Gross, Chelsea Kay.

Ft Polk      Morgan Bain, Kaylee Hoff, Sara Letzgus, Isabella Massanet-Martinez,Amanda Sanchez.

Leesville   Jamie Boswell, Jacqueline Cook, Ellen Daily, Alessia Gomez, Amanda Gordy, Matthew Horn, Jayden Huson, Marvin Mackey, Nashaly Molina, Kendall Noff, Amara Rodriguez, Noah-Rodriguez Gomez, Faith Sims, Lyndsie Snider, Johnathan Stewart, Jessica Underwood, Jaden Watson.

New Llano   Alexis Blalock, Angel Sanchez, Cameron Smith, Dyamond Smith.

Pitkin     Logan Cheever, Charlene Graham, Donald Nolen, Isaac Reed, Abby Robinson, Annamarie Wolfe.

Rosepine    Samantha Bailey.

DEANS LIST  GPA between 3.5-3.99

Anacoco    Darrian Chaney, Cheyanne Lopez, Shelby Milton, Abby Nicholas, Lucas Scerbo.

Ft. Polk    Autumn Clear, Angelissa Dobbins-Taylor, Samantha Kraemer, Jamie Prewitt, Stephanie Slaughter, Kathryn Whiteside.

Hornbeck    Joshua Corley, Cody Jarrell, Logan Lawrence

Leesville    James Bell, Tarina Berry-Hunter, Brianna Billiot, Dylan Carver, Carter Causey, Claire Chaney, Jace Donaldson, Cody Greenhaigh, Kaycie Helton, Camryn Huff, Elizabeth Jackson, Dacota Lee, Eric Lopez, Monique Lord, Jada Mackey, Brooklyn McGhee, Jessie Miller, Jacob Mount, Lala Mouton, Sueann Nena, Joshua Peek, Donald Sneed, Ashlan Stephens, Dana Tatum, Morgan Wilson.

New Llano   Iris McNeely.

Pitkin     Josie Halvorson, Gracelyn Lacaze, Tristan Millsaps, Alexis Thetford, Caitlin  Thetford.

PRESIDENTS LIST     GPA OF 4.0

Anacoco      Sarah Carpenter, Mallory Cooley, Eric Flaherty, McKenzie Guy, Landen Jett, Jarlea Welch.

Ft. Polk    Danielle Adams, Gennie Briggs-Johnson, Joao Vitor Dos Santos, Mary Mahaffey, Spencer Meyer, Alaina Olsen, Amanda Sinder-Lewis, Candace Sizemore, Emily Turley.

Hornbeck    Adam Rhodes.

Leesville    Chelsea Bornowski, Alexis Branch, Caleb-Mitchell Branch, Avari Cain, Raegan Ducote, Tanya Edds, Sophia Huson, Nathaniel Means, Ethan Nash, Allyce Richards, Madison Vinson, Samantha White.

Pitkin    Brenlea Carroll, Shae Wetzel

DOTD announces that, weather permitting, work will begin on the LA 111 Rehabilitation Project on Monday, June 16, and will continue for approximately six months.

This project is located between US 171 and LA 117.

The 8-mile project will receive borrow, drainage structures, milling asphalt concrete, pavement patching, lime treatment, in-place cement treated base course, asphalt concrete overlay, and related work.

The contractor will begin milling asphalt pavement on Monday and the roadway will remain open to all local and through traffic with no restrictions for passenger vehicles. The roadway will be reduced to one lane during construction operations.

Funeral services for Velora Ann Guess were held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Hornbeck, Louisiana, at 10:00 AM with Reverends Jack Bell, Jason Nolde, and Wayne Chance officiating. 

Velora “Vee” Ann Guess was born to E.C. and Lois Mitchell on August 17th, 1944, in Many, LA. She went to be with her personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 11th, 2025, peacefully surrounded by her family. After graduating from Many High School, she then went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in nursing from NSU. She would then move to Florida for clinicals where she would meet the love of her life, Ronald Guess, at a gas station. She and “Ronnie” were married for 48 years before he was called home to Heaven. Vee loved to spend time with her family, often playing games with her grandchildren for hours at a time. She also loved to birdwatch while enjoying nature. But most of all, she had a deep love for her church, where she sang in the choir every Sunday. She was devoted to putting God first above everything else in her life. She loved reading her Bible every day, strengthening her personal relationship with God, and even more, she loved telling others about Jesus Christ. Vee will be deeply missed by all of her family and friends, but they take comfort and peace in knowing that she is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in her beautiful mansion in Heaven.

Preceding Velora in death were her parents, E.C. and Lois Mitchell; husband of 48 years, Ronnie Guess; brothers, Jerome, Elton, and William Mitchell; sister, Carolyn Langton; and grandson, Andrew Snell.

Velora’s children left to cherish her memory are Rhonda Ellzey and husband Pat of Hornbeck, LA; son Chad Guess and wife Chelsea of Hornbeck, LA; daughter Liz Bonnett and husband Lane of Myakka City, FL; sisters, Lavonne Davis of Shreveport, LA, and Linda Montrose of Alexandria, LA; grandchildren, Alainah Williams, Caleb Snell, Zackery Ellzey, Alivia Perkins, Miranda Ellzey, Abram, Court, Lillie, and Emmy Guess; Shaun Maus, Jamie Niepert, Josh Niepert, Alex Bonnett, and Lindsay Castiglione; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Pallbearers honoring Mrs. Guess were Caleb Snell, Jason McDaniel, Donnie Dowden, Jody Browning, Scott Vines, and Roger Whatley. Honorary Pallbearers were Abram Guess, Court Guess, Zack Ellzey, & Wayne Jones.

The family would like to say thank you to everyone who has shown so much love and support through your prayers, calls, visits, or by providing food during this difficult time.

Daniel Lee Barrington, beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, father and grandfather, passed away on June 10, 2025, at the age of 62, after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. Danny fought this battle with dignity and grace, and was an inspiration for all who knew him. He was born on November 24, 1962, in Leesville, Louisiana. Danny went to school in Leesville, was a 1981 graduate of LHS, and a lifelong resident of Vernon Parish. He was a member of East Leesville Baptist Church. Danny never met a stranger; to know him was to love him. So many of his childhood friends remain close friends to this day. It was a close friend that introduced Danny to the love of his life in 1982, Michelle Harville Barrington. They were married on December 1, 1984.

In 1983, Danny began a career in the railroad industry that would span over 42 years, with the last 40 of those years spent with Watco where he was employed at the time of his passing. Danny forged many long lasting friendships during his career, and the people he worked with became his beloved work family. Danny loved anything and everything to do with being outdoors. He particularly loved planting and working in his garden and tending his chickens. He was a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his family. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. He especially took great pleasure in spoiling his grandkids.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie F. Barrington and Barbara A. Box Barrington, maternal grandparents, Ellis O’Lee Box and Cherry Guin Box, paternal grandparents, H. Lonnie Barrington and Tera Addision Barrington. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 40 years, Michelle Harville Barrington their children, Carly (Art) Barlow of Clarksville, Tennessee and Lauren Barrington (Arron Davis) of Pensacola, Florida. Siblings Mike (Mary) Barrington, Sandy (Dale) Richmond and Trish (Randy) Bennett, all of Leesville. Grandchildren Noah Davis of Pensacola, Florida, Isabella Barlow and Emilia Barlow of Clarksville, Tennessee. Nieces and nephews Chris Richmond, Chasity (Paul) Cryer and Trey (Rachel) Bennett all of Leesville. Great nieces and nephews Cole Cryer, Addie Cryer, Waylon Richmond and Josephine Richmond, all of Leesville.

Service was held Friday, June 13, at East Leesville Baptist Church at 11 a.m.  under direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.  Serving as pallbearers were Keith LaCaze, Tony Clark, Ronnie Perkins, Mike Perkins, Douglas Marshall and Jason Jeane