The Leesville City Police and Fire Departments invite area children to hunt Easter eggs with them on Friday, April 18, at Dogwood Park, off Belview Road.
The park will open at 5:30 p.m. You are encouraged to bring Easter baskets and bags for eggs with you. The entire event is free and for kids 12 and under. There will be free hot dogs for all in attendance and lots of door prizes to take home.
One- to three-year-olds will hunt at 6:15 p.m. The four- to six-year-olds will hunt at 6:45 p.m. Ages seven to nine will hunt for eggs at 7:15 p.m. Ten- to twelve-year-olds will hunt at 7:45 p.m.
The Leesville City Police and Fire Departments wish your family a happy Easter.
Vernon Parish has one Fire District, which includes 21 volunteer departments and two paid departments in Leesville and New Llano, to cover 1,341 square miles in one of the most rural parishes in the state.
On the ballot for May 3, voters in Vernon Parish are being asked to renew a ½ percent millage for ten years. The millage renewal would begin April 1, 2026. This millage will generate $4.3 million annually in revenue. Half of that, or 1/4 percent, goes to the Vernon Parish Police Jury for roads, highways and bridges. The other half, (1/4 percent), will be used by the Fire District for constructing, improving, maintaining, and operating parishwide fire protection facilities.
Voters and residents need to understand that if this measure fails at the ballot box, the consequences would be dire for many. THERE IS NO STATE FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR FIRE PROTECTION! Home and fire insurance would be more expensive for all residents and unaffordable for many. Money from this millage renewal will fund only fire protection in Vernon Parish. It will cover the cost of trucks, equipment and gear for every station in the parish. It is the only source of revenue available.
The Vernon Parish Fire District is housed in the new E-911 building on Ned Woodham Road. The building and contents are paid for. Nothing is owed by the First District. Vernon Parish Fire District spokesperson, Donald Haymon, has spent 18 years on the fire board and reassured taxpayers that the district is a good steward of taxpayer money.
The Vernon Fire District began in 1986, and this millage is used to update facilities, equipment and fire-fighting gear. The district has 250+ volunteer firefighters who need functional, current equipment and gear. The State Fire Marshall’s office does offer training. Volunteers also participate in station and regional training.
The ½ percent millage is one of two measures on the May 3 ballot. Early voting begins this week in that election.
OPINION
In order for insurance rates to improve and to maintain the status quo without losing current levels of service, the Vernon Parish Journal urges voters to vote YES on this measure May 3.
For the first time in over a decade, Northwestern State University has reinstated a full-time dean to lead its Graduate School, naming a familiar and trusted face to guide the next era of advanced academic excellence.
Dr. Mary Edith Stacy will serve as dean of the Graduate School, where she will oversee admissions and enrollment for 25 graduate degree programs in nursing, allied health, education, art, languages, cultural studies, psychology, music, health and human performance, criminal justice, history, social sciences and computer information systems. Along with the Graduate Council she will also have oversight over graduate assistantships and guidance for thesis review, graduate research projects and approved field studies.
“With close to 33 years in higher education, it is a privilege to lead the Graduate School at Northwestern, where collaboration and innovation drive our community forward,” Stacy said.
“Throughout my journey across campus, I have engaged with various departments, collaborated on interdisciplinary projects and built strong relationships with students, faculty and staff. These experiences have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of our institution’s strengths and areas for growth, enabling me to contribute effectively to the advancement of our graduate programs.”
Completion of a graduate degree, which includes master’s and doctoral degrees, is achieved after earning a four-year bachelor’s degree and requires advanced knowledge and expertise in a specific field. Master’s degrees require coursework, research and a thesis or capstone project. At NSU, the degree requires 30 semester hours of study/research with students maintaining a 3.0 or higher grade point average. Doctoral degrees have additional coursework and research requirements.
Northwestern State has not had a full-time Graduate School dean in many years since the position was absorbed by the Office of the Provost, the university’s chief academic officer, with an associate provost overseeing the Graduate School. The associate provost position was eliminated a decade ago, leaving NSU the only school in the University of Louisiana System without a full time Graduate School dean, according to Dr. Greg Handel, NSU’s executive vice president and provost.
Stacy has served as dean of the College of Business and Technology since 2022. She has been a member of the staff and faculty at Northwestern State since 1992, working in the Office of Financial Aid as coordinator of university scholarships from 1992 to 1998 and as director of auxiliary services from 1998 until 2003. From 2003 to 2011, she was director of enrollment management where she was responsible for NSU’s student recruitment and retention plan and future enrollment forecasting. She also served on faculty in the Department of Psychology and School of Business, teaching classes in business statistics and operations management. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree at Northwestern State and a doctorate at Louisiana State University.
“I am pleased that Dr. Stacy has agreed to serve in this role and look forward to working with her in the transition along with the Graduate Council in order to train her in learning about the intricacies and unique elements of our outstanding Graduate programs,” Handel said. “I can’t think of anyone better than Dr. Stacy to serve in the role as we re-establish this deanship at Northwestern.”
The hiring is subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana system.
Dr. Curtis Penrod will continue to serve as director of the School of Business and Handel will maintain supervisory oversight for the College of Business and Technology for any Dean-related matters. A national search for a new dean will begin soon with the intent of making a selection this fall to be approved by the ULS Board of Supervisors.
NSU’s College of Business and Technology includes bachelor of science programs in accounting and business administration with concentrations in business analytics, e-sports management, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management and marketing. The College also includes bachelor of science programs in computer information systems with concentrations in application development, core programming, cyber security, networking, system management and web development and a degree in hospitality management and tourism with concentrations in culinary arts, hospitality services, travel and tourism. The College offers a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems.
Stacy’s appointment reaffirms Northwestern State University’s commitment to academic innovation, research excellence and preparing graduate students to meet the evolving demands of today’s workforce. To explore NSU’s extensive graduate programs, visit www.nsula.edu/graduateschool. For more on the College of Business and Technology, visit www.nsula.edu/business.
The organizers of the Faith, Family and freedom Music Festival sponsored by the Anacoco First Baptist Church will host a family-oriented bass fishing fundraiser on Saturday April 26 at Bivens Landing on Vernon Lake. Proceeds from this event will support this year’s concert/festival on June 29.
Cost to enter is $120 per boat/two anglers to a boat. You may launch from anywhere on the lake. You can register at Bivens Landing as late as 6am the morning the tournament.
Fishing will be from thirty minutes prior to sunrise till 2pm. Five fish limit. Fish must be live at weigh-in. For more information contact the church at 337-238-1877.
The Leesville Rotary Club and Ft. Johnson MWR present the 22nd Annual Bill Bailey Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 26 at the Warrior Hills Golf Course on Ft. Johnson. Bill Bailey was a retired enlisted soldier, a long-time Rotarian and former Executive Director of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Bill was a “pardner” to everyone he met.
The two-person scramble format tournament is18 holes. Entry fee is $70 per person, $50 for active duty and retirees, and includes golf, cart, lunch and door prize tickets. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three places in each flight. The number of flights are determined by the total number of entries. Goodie bags for all golfers and mulligans are available. Prizes for Closest to the hole and longest drive will also be awarded.
For entries at this date, call Connie Ball/337-718-6156 or Jenny Rogers/337-239-3128.
This year’s tournament is a Ft. Johnson MWR tournament, sponsored by the Leesville Rotary Club.
Cadet Caiden Mathews, right, a graduating senior from Shreveport, was named recipient of the MG (R) Erbon W. Wise Touchstone Award during NSU’s 75th Demon Battalion Military Ball. The Touchstone Award is presented annually to a cadet who is the model of good citizenship. LTC Joshua Drake presented the award.
Demon Battalion Commander Cadet Caiden Mathews was named recipient of the MG (R) Erbon W. Wise Touchstone Award and Lieutenant Col. Reginal Horton, U.S. Army Retired, was inducted into the Northwestern State University Demon Regiment Hall of Fame during the 75th annual Demon Battalion Military Ball April 12. The event drew together ROTC cadets, alumni, faculty, staff and honored guests to celebrate the milestone anniversary for NSU’s ROTC program and cadet accomplishments.
Matthews is a graduating senior from Shreveport majoring in business. He will graduate and commission as a second lieutenant in May. The Touchstone award is presented annually to a cadet who is the model of good citizenship. The honoree not only embodies Army values and warrior ethos but is recognized for contributing beyond the expected and encourages others to do the same.
Horton graduated from Northwestern with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology. He commissioned into the U.S. Army as an infantry officer in 1985. He had prior service as an enlisted soldier stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Okinawa, Japan, 1979-82, ad with the Louisiana Army National Guard I 1983-85.
Horton earned a Master of Arts in Student Personnel Services at NSU in 1990 and later a Master of Social Work from Grambling State University. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College. Senior Transportation Officer Course and the Reserve Component Theater Sustainment Course.
At NSU, Horton was president of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., secretary of Blue Key Honor Society and president of the Interfraternity Council. He served on the Student Government Association and was elected Mr. NSU in 1986.
After commissioning, Horton served as a Platoon Leader with the 1st Battalion, 156th Armor Regiment, Shreveport, then commanded Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 4th Brigade, Bossier City. He later served as a company commander for the 3rdBattalion, 379th Infantry Regiment, Bossier City, then as Assistant Battalion S-4, Company Commander and Chief Plans and Operations Officer for the 3rd Battalion, 377th Infantry Regiment. Horton was next assigned to the 1190th Deployment Support Brigade, where he served as Chief, Unit Movement Team, and as Chief, Operations Division.
Horton’s final assignment includes serving a Battle Captain with the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command; Liaison Officers, 595th Transportation Brigade in Afghanistan; Senior Transportation Officer, 1190th Deployment Support Brigade, and Maintenance Officer, 412th Theater Engineer Command. He retired from military service in 2013.
Horton’s military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Reserve Component Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M and 30-year Devices, National Defense Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Assault Badge.
Horton began his civil service career in 1997 as a readjustment counselor with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Shreveport prior to his current position as the OIR/OEF Transition Patient Advocate in Alexandria. He also serves as the Minority Veterans Program coordinator and as the Congressional Medal of Honor coordinator for the Alexandria VA Healthcare System.
Horton is a licensed and ordained Minister of the Gospel, former pastor of St. John the Baptist Church, Chestnut, and Iron Spring Baptist Church, Ashland. He is currently associate minister at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield.
Col. Richard P. Taylor, commander, Operations Group, Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Johnson, was guest speaker. Taylor commissioned as an infantry officer in 2000 and was designated a distinguished military graduate from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. He completed U.S. Army Ranger School following the Infantry Officer Basic Course. Taylor has deployed to Afghanistan nine times, Iraq twice, Poland, Tunisia, Jordan and numerous other worldwide deployments.
NSU’s Army ROTC program was founded in 1950 as part of a nationwide initiative to strengthen military leadership during a time of growing global conflict. In the post-World War II era, there was an increasing need for trained officers to serve during the Cold War and NSU answered that call be creating a program dedicated to preparing students for military service.
The Spring 2025 ROTC Awards program will be 4 p.m. Thursday, May 1 in the NSU Student Union Ballroom.
Matthews’ commissioning ceremony will be 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 in the Student Union Ballroom.
Many residents of West Central Louisiana have heard the news that MayFest 2025 has been moved from its one-and-only-home in downtown Leesville to the West Louisiana Forestry Festival Fairgrounds. MayFest has been a staple of downtown since its inception and was named the 2012 Louis winner as State Festival of the Year.
This move will give organizers added flexibility to schedule events that can be sheltered from bad weather. Parking is certainly plentiful, and many of your favorite activities will go on as planned.
MayFest officially begins Friday, May 2, with opening ceremonies on the main stage at 3 p.m. Music will begin at 4 p.m. The last act is set for 8 p.m. The welcome ceremonies will include a military color guard and a flyover by Blackhawk attack helicopters.
The Vernon 4-H program and 4-H Club will be involved with kids’ activities, sponsoring mutton busting in the Lions rodeo arena at 4 p.m. Friday and team roping competition Saturday at 10 a.m. Contact the 4-H office to enter either event.
Saturday at 7 a.m., the Leesville Lions Club will host their annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser on the midway. They’ll be serving hot pancakes and all the trimmings for breakfast or brunch. Join the fun and food with the Leesville Lions Club at the fairgrounds.
MayFest will feature a giant car show this year on the midway. The cars will be lined up for your approval on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The cost to enter the show is $20. Pre-register your ride at the Vernon Parish Police Jury office at 300 S. 3rd Street, or call 337-238-0324. Winners will be announced from the main stage at approximately 2 p.m. Saturday.
The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a new event Saturday in the fairgrounds auditorium. Area seniors are invited to come out and be welcomed at 10:30 a.m. You’ll enjoy a day of great gospel music and a free meal.
GOSPEL LINEUP-In the Auditorium/Saturday, May 3
11 am/Chuck Mars 11:30/Lunch 11:45 am-12:15 pm/Good Old Boys 1:30 pm-2:15 pm/Pollock Family 2:30 pm-3:15 pm/Johnson Temple Church of God 3:30 pm-4:15 pm/Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
Friday, May 2-Music Lineup on Main Stage
4 pm-5:15 pm/Rosedown Ramblers 5:30 pm-6:45/Beaushyne 7 pm-8:15 pm/Born to Boogie 8:30 pm-10 pm/Kenne’ Wayne
Saturday, May 3-Music Lineup on Main Stage
11:30 am-12:30 pm/Louisiana Scramble Band 11:45 pm-1:45 pm/Old Man Band 2 pm-3:15 pm/KCM
3:30 pm-4:45 pm/Southern Country 5 pm-6:15 pm/Whiskey Dent 6:30 pm-8 pm/Sundown Band 8:30-10 pm/Glen Templeton
There is NO ADMISSION to MayFest 2025, so pack up the family. You’ll find loads of food and beverage options Friday and Saturday, plus rows of arts and craft items. The U.S. Army at Ft. Johnson will have a static display for viewing Saturday on the midway from 1-5 p.m.
MayFest is moving! If you like music, good food and sunshine, MayFest weekend is for you! Thanks to the Vernon Parish Police Jury and all the volunteers who have been working behind the scenes to make this first year memorable.
T.J.Lee Gordy, age 44, of Leesville, was arrested by Agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force. Agents charged Gordy with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Gordy was also arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant for Non-Payment of Child Support. Bond was set at $3500. Gordy must serve 90 days in the Vernon Parish jail for the child support warrant. Gordy remains in the Vernon Parish jail.
Lisa Welch, age 30, of Leesville, was arrested by Agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force. Agents charged Welch with on count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic(methamphetamine). Bond was set at $3500. Welch posted bond and was released.
Chadburn Chaney, age 50, of Leesville, was arrested by Agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force. Agents charged Chaney with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic(methamphetamine). Bond was set at $3500. Chaney posted bond and was released.
Jennifer Heard Braxton, age 42, of Lake Charles, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set. Braxton remains in the Vernon Parish jail.
Robin J. Leach, age 51, of Leesville, was arrested by Agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force. Agents charged Leach with one count of a Legend Drug and Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Bond has not been set. Leach remains in the Vernon Parish jail.
Ted Junior Wilson, age 43, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set. Wilson remains in the Vernon Parish jail.
Jeri Ann Parker, age 36, of Leesville, was arrested by Agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force. Agents charged Parker with one count of No Vehicle Insurance, one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, and one count of a Schedule IV Narcotic. Bond has not been set. Parker remains in the Vernon Parish jail.
Justin Sigler, age 35, of Leesville was arrested by Agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force. Agents charged Sigler with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, and one count of a Schedule IV Narcotic. Bond has not been set. Sigler remains in the Vernon Parish jail.
Andrae Green, age 46, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Bond has not been set. Green remains in the Vernon Parish jail.
Jillian Nichole Walker, age 24, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Assault. Bond has not been set. Walker remains in the Vernon Parish jail.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
The Vernon Parish Police Jury met at 5 p.m., Monday, April 14, for committee meetings and business. New Jury President, Curtis Clay, called the meeting to order and welcomed a visitor to speak.
Jurors heard from Mr. Oddist Lambright with the Four Winds Tribe/Cherokee of Louisiana on implications Carbon Capture Sequestration would have on the U.S. Safe Water Drinking Act. Lambright detailed a Memorandum of Agreement between the state and federal governments to abide by certain acts. A study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows economic harm across the board to plants, animals and aquafers. Lambright pointed to the language of the agreement, urging the Vernon Parish Police Jury to draft a letter to the EPA in Dallas, asking why the EPA would allow contamination to drinking water aquafers. Lambright counseled Jurors that the wording of the agreement was vague and could be useful in stopping pending issuance of Class VI injection wells. Jurors agreed the presentation was informative and shed new light on the subject.
The Senate of the State of Illinois recently voted 58-0 to curtail carbon capture as a result of a leak that threatened an aquafer there.
Police Jurors will adopt a resolution approving and accepting an agreement between the State of Louisiana DOTD-Public Transportation Section and the Vernon Parish Police Jury for the Public Transportation Operating Assistance program of the Vernon Council on Aging (VCOA)
Jurors heard a resolution authorizing the Jury to commit to cover all costs over state funds, including a minimum of $141,600 of construction funds, to provide funding for the Base Bid for improvements for Bailey Road/Phase 1.
A public hearing will be held on Monday, May 19, at 10 a.m. to hear public input on an ordinance to amend the Vernon Parish Code of Ordinances to reduce the speed limit on Oak Forest Loop to 15 mph.
The Finance Committee reported an invoice received from Diamond B Construction, LLC for the Bushy Creek Drainage Improvements project. The invoice totaled $21,153.27.
The Permit and Claims Committee reported on two applications for beer and liquor licenses. A Class B permit was requested from Stuart and Samuel Peterson, Compass Fuel Company at 113 Highway 326, DeRidder. Another permit was requested by Gregory Harmon and Callie Green for GC Da Pub at 19632 Lake Charles Highway, DeRidder. Both applications have met all requirements to be granted a liquor license.
The Carbon Sequestration Committee will adopt a resolution authorizing the Police Jury to send a letter to members of Congress, requesting them to repeal wasteful and dangerous carbon capture subsidies (tax credits).
The Ways and Means Committee will adopt a resolution of support for the Jury to send a letter to the U.S. Congressional delegation in support of an appropriation request for a new Rotational Unit Billeting Area (RUBA) at Ft. Johnson.
The Road Maintenance and Construction Company recommends the Jury perform routine maintenance for the Town of Rosepine. The Health Unit requested Jury help with burying dead horses on Spillway Road in District 9/Ward 2 and on Hollywood Road in District 5/Ward 5.
Bids were opened March 27 for the 2025 Overlay Project. Bids were awarded as follows: Apeck Construction for 1-½” and 2” asphalt; Merrick, LLC, for Lime Conditioning and Soil Cement; and RC Paving was awarded the grinding bid. No bids were received for chip seal.
Bids were open February 26 for 2025 materials and supplies. Bids were awarded as follows: Prairie Contractors, LLC/Hot mix and Rhyolite materials; Diamond B Construction/Cold mix; Asphalt Products Unlimited/CRS-2, SS1 Primer; Chara Solutions/Bottom Ash; Arcosa Aggregates/Gravel; Dirtblades.com/Grader blades and grader nuts and bolts; Coastal Culvert & Supply/Corrugated culverts; LeMoyen, LLC/Bridge materials and pilings; Lott Oil/Oil products and fuel; NAPA/Batteries and filters; Jody Cloud Trucking, LLC/#8 clean limestone and limestone materials; and Apeck Construction/Reclaimed asphalt and crushed concrete.
Vernon Parish will share the cost of rehabbing two roads shared with Beauregard Parish, Duplessis Road in District 7/Ward 7 and John Brewer Road in District 5/Ward 7. Beauregard crews will do the work. Materials will cost the Vernon Parish Police Jury $22,988 for Duplessis and $19,340 for John Brewer.
The next meeting of the Vernon Parish Police Jury will be Monday, April 21, at 10 a.m.
The Leesville City Council met at 3 p.m. on Monday, April 14, at City Hall. A group of 3-4 persons milled around the building, holding signs of protest against the administration. A camera crew from KALB-TV and a reporter were also on site.
Council business included paying monthly bills of $195,241.87 and hearing a report from City Engineer, Mark McCarty.
McCarty updated Council members on the 2025 Street Repair project. The state has signed off on the projected work, and bids will be let in early May. Work is expected to begin 60 days after the bids are awarded.
McCarty said that a third crew will join the Entrance Road Sewer project to help finish the final stages of that project. He also mentioned the $40K that will be saved on the Boone Street/roundabout project.
City Planner, Grant Bush, reported that a District Three property at 1501 Kings Road has been condemned. Owners of the property have given their consent to the action.
A resolution was introduced to approve Change Order #1. This reconciliation of bid quantities to built quantities will save the city $40,000 on the water main relocation and sewer main replacement at the roundabout on Boone Street.
The City will enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the Office of Community Development-LA Watershed Initiative Program. The CDBG-MIT grant is for the Ballpark Lift Station project. Mayor Rick Allen, City Administrator, Patti Larney and Finance Director, Nicoe Naral, are all able to sign and provide for all matters related.
The mayor will request qualification statements and requests for engineering services for the Airport Layout Plan.
The City will enter into a CEA with the Friends of Main Street to host community events as an extension of the city. This authorizes the group the use of city-owned properties to hold said events.
Council members approved an event permit submitted by the Junior League of Leesville for their Touch a Truck event on May 17.
The next Leesville City Council meeting is set for Monday, April 28, at 3 p.m.
Vernon Parish has one Fire District, which includes 21 volunteer departments and two paid departments in Leesville and New Llano, to cover 1,341 square miles in one of the most rural parishes in the state.
On the ballot for May 3, voters in Vernon Parish are being asked to renew a ½ percent millage for ten years. The millage renewal would begin April 1, 2026. This millage will generate $4.3 million annually in revenue. Half of that, or 1/4 percent, goes to the Vernon Parish Police Jury for roads, highways and bridges. The other half, (1/4 percent), will be used by the Fire District for constructing, improving, maintaining, and operating parishwide fire protection facilities.
Voters and residents need to understand that if this measure fails at the ballot box, the consequences would be dire for many. THERE IS NO STATE FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR FIRE PROTECTION! Home and fire insurance would be more expensive for all residents and unaffordable for many. Money from this millage renewal will fund only fire protection in Vernon Parish. It will cover the cost of trucks, equipment and gear for every station in the parish. It is the only source of revenue available.
The Vernon Parish Fire District is housed in the new E-911 building on Ned Woodham Road. The building and contents are paid for. Nothing is owed by the First District. Vernon Parish Fire District spokesperson, Donald Haymon, has spent 18 years on the fire board and reassured taxpayers that the district is a good steward of taxpayer money.
The Vernon Fire District began in 1986, and this millage is used to update facilities, equipment and fire-fighting gear. The district has 250+ volunteer firefighters who need functional, current equipment and gear. The State Fire Marshall’s office does offer training. Volunteers also participate in station and regional training.
The ½ percent millage is one of two measures on the May 3 ballot. Early voting begins this week in that election.
OPINION
In order for insurance rates to improve and to maintain the status quo without losing current levels of service, the Vernon Parish Journal urges voters to vote YES on this measure May 3.
The Friends of Leesville Main Street will hold a community Easter Egg hunt in conjunction with the Third Saturday at the Farmers Market, Saturday, April 19, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The egg hunt will be broken down by age groups. The 1-3-year-old crowd will hunt at the Farmers Market on Harriet Street at 9 a.m. The 4-5-year-old group will hunt at 9:30 a.m. on the corner of E. Lee Street and N. Third Street. The 7-10-year-old egg hunt will be at 10 a.m. on the lawn of the Historic Courthouse in downtown Leesville.
Kids will find lots of eggs and door prizes in all age groups.
The Leesville City Police and Fire Departments invite area children to hunt Easter eggs with them on Friday, April 18, at Dogwood Park, off Belview Road.
The park will open at 5:30 p.m. You are encouraged to bring Easter baskets and bags for eggs with you. The entire event is free and for kids 12 and under. There will be free hot dogs for all in attendance and lots of door prizes to take home.
One- to three-year-olds will hunt at 6:15 p.m. The four- to six-year-olds will hunt at 6:45 p.m. Ages seven to nine will hunt for eggs at 7:15 p.m. Ten- to twelve-year-olds will hunt at 7:45 p.m.
The Leesville City Police and Fire Departments wish your family a happy Easter.
MayFest 2025 has been moved from its one-and-only-home in downtown Leesville to the West Louisiana Forestry Festival Fairgrounds. MayFest has been a staple of downtown since its inception and was named the 2012 Louis winner as State Festival of the Year.
This move will give organizers added flexibility to schedule events that can be sheltered from bad weather. Parking is certainly plentiful, and many of your favorite activities will go on as planned.
MayFest officially begins Friday, May 2, with opening ceremonies on the main stage at 3 p.m. Music will begin at 4 p.m. The last act is set for 8 p.m. The welcome ceremonies will include a military color guard and a flyover by Blackhawk attack helicopters.
The Vernon 4-H program and 4-H Club will be involved with kids’ activities, sponsoring mutton busting in the Lions rodeo arena at 4 p.m. Friday and team roping competition Saturday at 10 a.m. Contact the 4-H office to enter either event.
Saturday at 7 a.m., the Leesville Lions Club will host their annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser at the rodeo arena. They’ll be serving hot pancakes and all the trimmings for breakfast or brunch. Join the fun and food with the Leesville Lions Club at the fairgrounds.
MayFest will feature a giant car show this year on the midway. The cars will be lined up for your approval on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The cost to enter the show is $20. Pre-register your ride at the Vernon Parish Police Jury office at 300 S. 3rd Street, or call 337-238-0324. Winners will be announced from the main stage at approximately 2 p.m. Saturday.
The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a new event Saturday in the fairgrounds auditorium. Area seniors are invited to come out and be welcomed at 10:30 a.m. You’ll enjoy a day of great gospel music and a free meal.
GOSPEL LINEUP-In the Auditorium/Saturday, May 3
11 am/Chuck Marze 11:30/Lunch 11:45 am-12:15 pm/Good Old Boys 1:30 pm-2:15 pm/Pollock Family 2:30 pm-3:15 pm/Johnson Temple Church of God 3:30 pm-4:15 pm/Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
Friday, May 2-Music Lineup on Main Stage
4 pm-5:15 pm/Rosedown Ramblers 5:30 pm-6:45/Beaushyne 7 pm-8:15 pm/Born to Boogie 8:30 pm-10 pm/Kenne’ Wayne
Saturday, May 3-Music Lineup on Main Stage
11:30 am-12:30 pm/Louisiana Scramble Band 11:45 pm-1:45 pm/Old Man Band 2 pm-3:15 pm/KCM
3:30 pm-4:45 pm/Southern Country 5 pm-6:15 pm/Whiskey Dent 6:30 pm-8 pm/Sundown Band 8:30-10 pm/Glen Templeton
There is NO ADMISSION to MayFest 2025, so pack up the family. You’ll find loads of food and beverage options Friday and Saturday, plus rows of arts and craft items. The U.S. Army at Ft. Johnson will have a static display for viewing Saturday on the midway from 1-5 p.m.
MayFest is moving! If you like music, good food and sunshine, MayFest weekend is for you! Thanks to the Vernon Parish Police Jury and all the volunteers who have been working behind the scenes to make this first year memorable.
Art and Design Creative Colton Bailey of Rosepine will hold his Senior Exhibition at Northwestern State University on April 21-25 in Orville Hanchey Art Gallery 2. Admission is free and open to the public.
The exhibition titled “The Glow Below” will feature a collection of pieces ranging from three dimensional to two dimensional with two prominent themes. These themes being the ocean and glowing.
“I wish to create an art world that brings to form this great expanse of space that art is into a plane that can be terraformed by titans, so come and take the dive with me while I explore the world below before I claim the world above,” said Bailey.
The show’s reception will be held on Thursday, April 24 at 5 p.m. in Orville Hanchey Art Gallery 2. There will be food and refreshments. For more information, Bailey can be contacted at cgbdesignhub@gmail.com.
Louisiana is a diverse state, split up into definitive regions separated by culture and history. Vernon Parish sits in No Man’s Land, the Neutral Strip, which is very different from Acadiana, New Orleans, French Settled Marksville, the Zydeco Plains of Ville Platte, etc. These areas are distinctly different in their music, language, customs, food and Art.
Two years ago, GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in the Leesville Main Street District invoked ART OF THE EAT to highlight the diverse cultures represented in Vernon Parish due to the proximity of the military base here. They featured food from 18 different countries and cultures, all represented by residents of the area. This year ART OF THE EAT will highlight Food and Music from our area with Louisiana eats
Saturday, April 26, GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN will host the event that will have a unique food offering, a whole roasted pig. This Cochon de Lait will be presented by a master of the skill, Randall Peart of Marksville, Louisiana. Beginning early that morning Randall will fire up the spit and begin turning the pig until the crackling and pork are ready for the evening. In addition to this Louisiana Regional dish, they will have fried catfish plates: Louisiana Catfish provided by the Louisiana Seafood Marketing Board.
Roots, blues and regional live music will be provided that evening by the local band Whisky Dent. The musical entertainment is provided by a grant from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Let’s not forget the Art!
In the gallery that evening will be work by three internationally renowned artists. Anat Ronen, Tetiana Talanova and Alex Maksiov have produced large scale public murals across America, Europe and Asia. The gallery is excited to promote and present examples of their work and begin promoting the idea of murals in our town. We continue our international theme with these three artists, as Tetiana and Alex are Ukrainian and Anat is from Israel.
Tickets are now on sale at the gallery and from gallery members. There will be an open bar thanks in part to Mockler Distributors. Sponsors for ART OF THE EAT 3 are Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Vernon Parish Journal, Vicki Green/ Snowden-Word Insurance Agency, Mockler Distributors, Louisiana Seafood Marketing Board, Vernon Parish Tourism and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Access to the gallery for the Art Reception is Free and tickets to the ART OF THE EAT 3 are 25.00 in advance and 30.00 at the door. All ticket purchases are a donation to GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN and serve to support the Leesville Art Park and other Arts events in the area. Doors open at 5:00 on Saturday, April 26 at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in Leesville.
The LHSAA state tournaments are coming up. Girls’ playoff pairings and rankings are out later today, and Vernon Parish will be well represented.
Due to the fact the boys play a different format, the boys’ pairings are out. Eight of Vernon Parish’s nine teams qualified for the baseball playoffs. The boys’ state tournament is at McMurray Park in Sulphur, May 13-17.
Division II Select
#15 Leesville vs #18 McDonaugh 35 (NOLA). Best of three series. Games one and three in Leesville. April 16-19. Time TBD
Division III Select
#11 Rosepine gets first round Bye. Will face #6 Episcopal of B.R. in a best of three series. Game two at Rosepine. Series will start 4/22-4/26. Time TBD
Class B
#1 Pitkin gets first round Bye. Will play 4/29-5/3. Time TBD, against winner of #16 Zwolle vs #17 Simsboro
#4 Hicks gets first round Bye. Will face winner of #13 Stanley vs #20 Fairview 4/29-5/3. Time TBD
#11 Anacoco gets first round Bye. Will play at #6 Holden in regional round. Time TBD
Class C
#6 Hornbeck gets first round Bye. Will host #11 Claiborne Christian in regionals 4/29-5/3 time TBD
#12 Simpson gets first round Bye. Will play at #5 Hackberry in regionals, 4/29-5/3. Time TBD
#19 Evans will play at #14 Plainview in first round. Thursday, April 24 at 4:30 p.m.
The Vernon Parish Journal will feature girls’ softball brackets and more playoff times for boys in the Friday, April 18, edition of the e-paper.
Northwestern State University’s Department of Engineering Technology will host two STEM educational camps this summer for middle and high school students.
Robotics and Engineering Camp – Junior will be May 27-29. This camp is designed for students ages 9-12 and will accommodate up to 40 participants.
Robotics and Engineering Camp – Advanced will be June 3-5. This camp is geared toward students ages 13-17 and will host up to 20 participants.
Sessions will be from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Williamson Hall.
Registration is free and will be open from noon Monday, April 28 through noon Friday, May 2. Details about the camps and registration forms are available on http://www.nsu.la/ETcamps
Vernon Parish District Attorney, Terry Lambright, reports the recent sentencing of McKenzie Pinzino of Missouri. On February 23, 2024, Officers with the New Llano Police Department, while investigating a hit- and-run accident, stopped Pinzino on U.S. Highway 171 just South of the town limits of New Llano. During the traffic stop as officers were obtaining information from Pinzino, she fled the scene at a high rate of speed, traveling South towards the Town of Rosepine.
As Pinzino entered the town limits of Rosepine, Louisiana, and while still fleeing at a high rate of speed, she traveled through the intersection of U.S. Highway 171 and Lewis Road where she collided with another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle, Mr. Vernon Jackson, 84 years of age, of Rosepine, was unfortunately killed as a result of the crash. Pinzino was ultimately arrested by the Rosepine Police Department for vehicular homicide among several other traffic offenses.
On January 7, 2025, Mrs. Pinzino pled guilty to vehicular homicide and a sentencing hearing was held on March 19, 2025. On April 9, 2025, Pinzino appeared before the Honorable Judge Scott C. Westerchil, and after careful consideration by the Court of the evidence presented, Pinzino was sentenced to serve a term of imprisonment of 25 years at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Corrections.
“This was a completely avoidable tragedy that cost Mr. Vernon Jackson his life. The decision to flee from law enforcement in the manner that Mrs. Pinzino did put our entire community at great risk. Such behavior is unacceptable and warrants stiff consequences. I will continue to work diligently each and every day to ensure the safety of our citizens. I want to thank all law enforcement involved for their cooperation and work on this case,” said Mr. Lambright. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ronald K. Seastrunk.
The City of Leesville will host a Spring Music Festival on Saturday, April 19, at 5 p.m. on the Polk Outdoor Stage, located on East Texas Street, a block from downtown Leesville.
Admission is free, so bring your lawn chairs. Enjoy food trucks, kids activities and the Casey Peveto Band.
The Spring Music Festival is Saturday, April 19, on the Polk Outdoor Stage. Free and open to all!
