Northwestern State University’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development recognized local students during the Spring Honors Convocation.

Department of Military Science
Superior Cadet Decoration MS1 Joao V. Dos Santos/Ft. Johnson
Superior Cadet Decoration MS2 Jacob Mullican/DeRidder

Department of Psychology
Terry Isbell Outstanding Senior Psychology Major Award Shae Wetzel/Pitkin

NSU Honors Week welcomed new members into the University’s oldest and most prestigious honorary service organizations.
Purple Jackets Hannah Kennedy/DeRidder
Blue Key          Jacob Mullican/DeRidder
                       Allyce Richards/Leesville

NSU’s Alpha Lambda Delta First Year Honorary Society welcomed 155 new members during Honors Week
Anacoco Cash Day, Cheyenne Lopez
DeRidder Bella Dimaggio, Eva Perry, Landon Price, Lillian Robertson
Leesville Rebecca Deaton, Jace Donaldson, Sueann Nena, Joshua Peek, Faith Sims
Pitkin Brenlea Carroll, Abby Robinson

Congratulations on your achievements from the Vernon Parish Journal.

William Monk, age 60, passed away on his journey home, carrying with him a heart full of love, memories, and music. Born on June 15, 1964 in Scotlandwell, Kinross-shire, Scotland.

William was a man of great intellect, eccentric charm, deep family devotion, and quiet faith.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gene Monk, and his beloved mother, Isabel Geddes. He was also preceded by his paternal grandparents, Floyd and Dorothy Monk; his maternal grandparents, William and Rosa Geddes; his half-brother, Quinton Monk; and his stepbrother, Scottie Willis.

William’s life was one of depth and determination. He was strong-willed, bold, brilliant, and proud—graduating college with a perfect 4.0 GPA. He loved music passionately, especially the timeless sounds of Electric Light Orchestra, the Bee Gees, The Carpenters, and ABBA. His favorite song, “Dancing Queen”, brought him joy and symbolized his free spirit.

He also loved the Lord and found strength and support through his church and the friendships he built there. His faith sustained him, especially through the hardships of illness, and was a source of peace in his final days.

William is survived by a loving family who cherished him deeply:

– His brother, Michael Monk, wife Paula, and their children Michael, Emily, and Ryan.

– His sister, Melinda Monk Young, husband James, and their children Taylor McCaulley, Sydney and Jordan (spouse) Williams, Hailey and Kaitlyn Young

– His sister, Melissa Monk, and her children Jared Johnson, Lauren and Logan (spouse) Blood and Isabella Sikes.

– His half-brother, Mason Monk, wife Chasity, and their children Alyssa and Landyn Monk.

-His step brother Rustin Monk and his children Lorelai and Cordelia .

William was a loving brother, uncle, and friend. His humor, intelligence, loyalty, and love will be remembered by all who were blessed to know him. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his memory will live on in our hearts, in the music he adored, and in the stories we share.

A Memorial service and celebration of life will be held to honor his memory on April 19th at 1pm at LaCamp Church of God. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

LONNIE RAY STEWART
November 7, 1960 – March 29, 2025
Service: April 12, 2025, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Leesville at 2 p.m.

CHARLES PATRICK HARMON
January 15, 1969 – April 13, 2025
Service: April 17, 2025, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 10 a.m.

MARY M. BRYANT
July 7, 1957 – April 11, 2025
Service: April 15, 2025, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 10 a.m.

RAYMOND CLEMENTE ROBINSON
May 23, 1972 – April 7, 2025
Service: April 23, 2025, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 11 a.m.

WILLIAM MONK
June 15, 1964 – April 11, 2025
Service: April 19, 2025, at LaCamp Church of God in Leesville at 1 p.m.

Spring is here, and Vernon Parish is buzzing with activities for everyone. From Easter celebrations to community cleanups and music festivals, April is packed with opportunities to get involved and have fun.

Easter celebrations begin on Main Street in Anacoco on April 12th with the Easter Egg Hunt & Butterfly Release, where families can create cherished memories as children search for eggs and watch butterflies take flight. On April 20th, start your Easter Sunday with the Easter Sunrise Service at 6am on Main Street in Anacoco, a peaceful and uplifting gathering to celebrate the holiday.

https://vernonparish.org/event/easter-egg-hunt-butterfly-release/

https://vernonparish.org/event/easter-sunrise-service/

Spring Fling in the Park (April 12th) at Dogwood Park brings a full day of entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities. This is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and connect with the community.

https://vernonparish.org/event/spring-fling-in-the-park/

For those who love giving back, Love the Boot Week (April 5th-13th, 2025) is the perfect opportunity to help beautify our community. Roll up your sleeves and join projects like the Trash Bash on April 5th at 8am, Leesville Beautification on April 7th at 4:30pm, Main Street Cleanup on April 12th at 9am, and Campus Cleanup at Leesville High School on April 12th at 10am. Volunteers can sign up with Leesville Main Street or Keep Louisiana Beautiful to make a difference.

https://vernonparish.org/event/love-the-boot-week/

The Alzheimer’s Walk on April 12th at 9am at Dogwood Park offers a meaningful way to give back while enjoying the beautiful spring weather. Hosted by the Pilot Club, this donation-based fundraiser supports the Alzheimer’s Association and encourages community participation in a great cause.

https://vernonparish.org/event/alzheimers-walk/

Music lovers won’t want to miss the Spring Music Festival on April 19th at 5pm at Polk Outdoor Stage. The free event, sponsored by the City of Leesville, features a performance by the Casey Peveto Band, promising a lively evening of entertainment.

https://vernonparish.org/event/spring-music-festival/

For a unique cultural experience, ART of the EAT (April 26th) offers a feast for the senses, blending art and food at Gallery One Ellleven. Enjoy a Cochon de Lait and fried catfish feast while supporting the arts. Tickets are available in advance, and volunteers are welcome to help make this event a success.

https://vernonparish.org/event/art-of-the-eat/

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for MayFest (May 2nd-3rd) at the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds. This beloved festival is bigger than ever, featuring live music, delicious food, artisan vendors, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Whether you’re a fan of great music, local flavors, or just a fun-filled weekend, MayFest is an event you won’t want to miss.

https://vernonparish.org/event/mayfest-2025/

With so much happening this spring, it’s the perfect time to step outside, join the community, and celebrate the season in Vernon Parish!

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.

Northwestern State University’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will host Destination Science Camp June 23-27. The camp will offer a comprehensive experience with workshops in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, physics, drone technology, veterinary technology and natural science.  

The camp is geared towards students ages 10-14 and not recommended for students who have not completed the fourth grade.  Nine-year-olds heading to fifth grade will be eligible to attend. 

Campers will be exposed to topics in a variety of fields of science, work with various technologies used in research, interface with faculty in the School of Biological and Physical Sciences and learn through games and activities. 

The cost is $125 for each student with proceeds going to the School of Biological and Physical Sciences Endowment to support the sciences at the university.  Checks can be made payable to ASM NSU on the first day of camp. 

Drop-off will be at 8 a.m. in the lobby of Beinvenu Hall with pickup at noon in Bienvenu Hall.  Accommodations for later pick up can be arranged. 

Registration is online at  https://www.nsula.edu/sciences/destination-science-camp/.  For more information, contact Dr. Christopher Lyles, director of STEM, at lylesc@nsula.edu.  

Today is National Pet Day.  We do so love our fur babies!  Seems like we take them everywhere we can.  My wife and I are currently without a pet.  My last pet was a blue-eyed Siberian Husky about thirty years ago.  My wife’s beloved Schnauzer, Amos, is long gone but hardly forgotten.  We will most likely get a dog when we both retire.  Not sure if the animal will have to choose a favorite human.  You don’t want to lose that battle!

Pets do so much for human happiness.  I wonder if they realize it.   Cat owners are loyal but are their cats?  A bit aloof for me.  Birds can talk back to you, sometimes.  Snake lovers swear by their pets, but I still find it a bit creepy.  Sorry!

Today is Submarine Day, where we honor the men and women who served under the sea and the technology that allows them that freedom. Marvelous technology indeed.  Just a little too claustrophobic for me!  I like subs with loads of Italian cold cuts, cheese, veggies and oil and vinegar.  I have a perfect set of ingredients that make my ultimate sub!  It is my recipe for bliss on good bread.

Today is National Poutine Day.  Poutine can be classified as the national food of Canada.  Basically, it’s French fries covered in your choice of protein, mixed with cheese curds, and topped with brown or cream gravy.  Just allow yourself a moment to explore the many possibilities. So, go find your favorite poutine combination and go there, no regrets, ehh?

I do not know how National Eight Track Tape Day made this list.  Many of you, my age, will remember the 8-track.  My first car had a four-track tape player and I thought I was Special!  Today, not many youngsters even remember the cassette tape!

Speaking of noise, it’s National Barbershop Quartet Day.  This form of choral singing is celebrated at the highest levels with conventions and national competitions.  You had better have good ears to ply those vocal skills.  That counts me out — talk about tone deaf.

This weekend, celebrate the things that are special to you.  It is also National Day of Silence!  Peace, Out!

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is now providing a safe exchange zone in the parking lot of the VPSO main office at 1203 S. Fourth Street in Leesville.

These designated parking spots are covered by surveillance cameras and can be used for child custody exchanges, private property exchanges, or E-commerce transactions.

If you are buying or selling online, schedule your pickup location at these sites to ensure the credibility of both online sellers and buyers.

Sheriff Sam Craft is committed to providing a safe environment for these transactions.

Softball and baseball regular seasons are nearly at an end.  Several local teams are poised to enter the state playoffs.

SOFTBALL

The #4 ranked Anacoco Lady Indians are 21-4, having already claimed the District 4B title.  Anacoco had a 13- game winning streak broken by Grace Christian, 3-1.  They play at Many on Saturday, 2pm.

The Hicks Lady Pirates are ranked #5 in Class B with a 17-5 record.  Hicks blasted Plainview 17-2 and won at Pitkin, 18-3, Tuesday night.  The Lady Pirates hosted 4A Peabody last night.

Rosepine is ranked #11 in Division III Select schools and has won eight of the last ten games.  They lost at Iota Monday, 15-0 but rebounded against Pickering, 15-2.  Rosepine is 13-12 overall.

Leesville ended the regular season losing to Eunice, 13-6, but the Lady Cats won their previous two games by a total of 27-2.  Leesville is 10-10 and ranked #15 in Division II Select.

Evans is making a late playoff push, having won six of the last seven.  The Lady Eagles are 8-10 and ranked #13 in Class C.  Hornbeck is ranked #19 in Class C with a 2-8 record.  They hosted Evans last night.

Pitkin is 7-16 and ranked #25 in Class B.  The Lady Tigers fell to Many on Monday, 7-2 and dropped an 18-3 decision to Hicks on Monday.

Simpson is 5-11 and beat Negreet and Pleasant Hill by a combined score of 30-2.  The Lady Broncos lost to Evans on Tuesday night, 7-2.  Pickering has lost seven in a row to fall to 4-12 overall.  Their last game with Negreet was cancelled.

BASEBALL

Rosepine, Pitkin, and Hicks look like playoff contenders in baseball.  Rosepine is 18-9, ranked #9 in the Division III Select rankings.  The Eagles broke a two-game losing streak with a 9-0 district win over Vinton.  They followed that with a 24-1 win over Pickering.

Pitkin has won nine of their last ten games, beating Oak Hill, 16-0 and Hicks,13-2.  The Tigers are 16-6 and ranked #1 in Class B.  Pitkin will face 3A Jennings Saturday at noon.

Hicks is 14-7 and ranked #4 in Class B.  The Pirates lost to Oakdale, 5-1 and Pitkin 13-2.  They visit 3A Westlake Saturday at 1pm.

Anacoco had won four in a row to move to 9-15 on the year, but the  Indians fell to Menard earlier this week, 11-6.  Anacoco is ranked #15 in Class B. 

Hornbeck is hot, winning seven of the last eight games, before falling to DeQuincy on Monday, 7-2.  The Hornets are 10-9 on the year and ranked #6 in Class C.  Hornbeck hosted Avoyelles last night.

Leesville is ranked #16 among Division II Select schools with a 9-14 record.  The Wampus Cats fell to Many this week, 6-4.

Evans defeated Elton Monday, 16-6 to move to 4-10 this season.  The Eagles faced Alexandria Country Day last night.  Simpson moved to 6-10 this season with back-to-back wins over Pleasant Hill and St. Josephs-Plaucheville.  The Broncos are #10 in Class C state rankings.   Pickering is 2-16 this season after losing to Rosepine, 24-1.

Playoff pairings will be out in a week.

Not really sure where to start with this article. I understand that we live in a world that is
constantly moving forward in so many ways, especially when it comes to technology. All sports
evolve with time! While some progress is for the good of the sport, it could be argued that
some is not.

Golf, for example, has become so advanced due to technological advances with equipment,
that some golf courses are becoming obsolete. Whether it’s the clubs or the balls, the
advancements are insane and have made some golf course architects lengthen their new
designs to accommodate the improvements in golf equipment.

This is true even with bass tournaments. Rods and reels, tackle, bass boats and electronics have
all come so far in the last 20 years that the sport is no longer just about who can catch bass, but
who has the best equipment.

Technology has leveled the playing field with the controversial forward-facing sonar (FFS). This
invention has allowed the younger generation of anglers coming up to compete with the older
more experienced anglers. No longer can an angler just go flip bushes and win an event. He or
she better be good at using FFS and looking for fish that are roaming in open water, a technique
that was unheard of 10 years ago.

Also, 10 years ago, 20 pounds was the target weight if you wanted to have a chance to win. Not
today! The new normal at weigh-in time has become 25 pounds or better. Twenty pounds
today is average with this new FFS technology.

Another question that’s being asked today: “Why has bass tournament participation gone way
down?” By way down, we mean cut in half, as most tournament trail registrations are down 50
percent! Why? There could be several reasons like the economy, the price of bass boats, etc.,
but most will say forward-facing sonar. 

Anglers using FFS are dominating tournaments. While other anglers can’t afford it, some have
just rejected or refused to learn to fish this way. They have come to the realization that they
just can’t compete with anglers who are using this advanced technology. Therefore, many have
decided to withdraw from tournament competition all together.

What does this mean for tournament organizations in the long run? Well, if they don’t adapt
and change, some will just fade away like the sun going down. But I think there might be a
glimmer of hope! 

Some tournament organizations have taken the initiative to ban FFS in all their events in order
to encourage tournament anglers to come back. Up until now, only a few have taken a hardline
stance on this issue. Most benefit tournaments like the Despino Tire Fishin’ for Kids event have
banned this technology and have had record numbers of anglers show up to fish their
tournament. The Dylan Kyle Poche Tournament for 2026 will also be a no-FFS event.

Other organizations have also taken a stance to ban this technology like the newest
professional level circuit, the NPFL (National Professional Fishing League). Top name pros have
made decisions to leave major organizations like Major League Fishing (MLF) and the
Bassmasters (B.A.S.S.) in order to fish with no FFS. 

As some of the older anglers will tell you, the sport of bass fishing should not come down to
who has the best electronics, but rather who has the most skill for both finding and catching
bass. The new technology has ruined the purity and integrity of the sport of bass fishing. For the
first time in my life, FFS may be the most controversial advancement that a lot of anglers feel
has not been good for the sport.

So where do we go from here? Will 2026 bring a whole new set of rule changes like banning
forward-facing sonar? Will all tournament organizations finally take a stance and do what’s best
for the sport or will they be convinced by money from these electronic sponsors to maintain
the status quo? 

Only time will tell what the future will hold for so many tournament organizations as they
attempt to reel in so many anglers that have left the sport for what they feel is an unlevel
playing field.

‘Til next time, make sure your hooks are sharp, and your boat is full of gas. Hope to see you on
the lake! 
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

Two Leesville High School athletes recently were honored for their athletic and academic careers.

Shyann McCummings was named to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 4A All State Team.  McCummings was selected to the second team.  She is a dual sport athlete and will represent Leesville in track this spring.  She has verbally committed to play basketball for the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas.

Deandre Herron, the Leesville all district football performer has verbally committed to play football at Louisiana Christian University in Pineville.  Herron was a defensive lineman who saw time on both sides of the ball for the Wampus Cats.  He was a disruptive force on the defensive line of Leesville.

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!

The Club Sports program at Northwestern State University is continuing to grow with three more sports added and more on the way. 

NSU has seven club sports with more than 100 students participating. New teams in volleyball, tennis and chess have recently been formed to join established teams in rowing, bass fishing, archery and Esports. Students are setting up club teams in golf, disc golf and powerlifting. 

According to Northwestern Associate Director of Competitive Sports Dr. Jason Stelly, a club sport is a registered student organization formed by a group of students that share interests in a specific sport or physical activity. He said their purpose “is to encourage participation and engage its members in competitive, extramural sports.” 

 These sports can be competitive or recreational. Each club sport is founded, organized, managed and maintained by student leaders.  

“Club Sports provides opportunities for students to develop leadership, management and organizational skills, as well as competition, physical activity and social well-being for all participants,” said Stelly. “Joining a club sport gives students a balance of having collegiate sport experience without the intensity of a varsity athletic team. Club sports are a great opportunity to continue an athletic career or learn new skills while also building new friendships.” 

Stelly said these clubs can compete with other clubs and organizations of other colleges and universities. Club sports fundraise to cover almost all their expenses, and teams can request limited funding. There is a small student fee dedicated to club sports. 

NSU’s fishing team is nationally ranked, and the rowing team has produced All-Americans which gets positive attention for the university. 

The students who set up the newest club sports said they did so because of their love of the sport. 

The volleyball team was formed last June and has almost two dozen participants, most of whom are also active in a number of other campus organizations.

“I formed the team because of my love of volleyball,” said Michael Bertrand, a senior accounting major from Lake Charles, who leads the program. “I’ve only been playing for about two and a half years. Like most guys on the team, I didn’t know there was a league in this region men could compete in.” 

Bertrand says NSU has two men’s teams and just one women’s team. NSU mainly competes against other Louisiana colleges and universities. He said the team has been competitive and recently finished third in a tournament at UL-Lafayette. 

The chess club has five members and plans to compete against other schools in the future. 

“I formed the chess club because of my love for the game,” said Aniyah Smith, a junior nursing major from Shreveport. “I had only been playing for one year prior to forming the club and I thought to myself if I love the game, I’m sure there are others that do too.” 

The club tennis team is a coed organization that allows students from all experience levels to play and learn more about tennis.  

“I played tennis throughout all my years in high school so going to club tennis practices allows me to keep that skill alive and is the reason I joined,” said Lia Portillo Cantarero, a senior communication major from Galliano. 

The tennis team is not competing against other colleges and universities at this time. 

For more information on club sports at NSU, contact Stelly at stellyj@nsula.edu or Club Sports Coordinator Courtney Chancellor at chancellorc@nsula.edu. 

Funeral services for Alex Manuel Smith will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Preach for the Right Church Evangelistic Ministry, 349 Vernon Street, New Llano, LA 71461 with Pastor Joiner officiating. The burial will follow in Leesville Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be Jerome Buckley, Travis Smith, Fredrick Smith, Derrick Brock Jr., Sedrick Smith, and Jason Smith. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Elbert Smith, Donnie Maxie, Derrick Brock Sr., and Rodney Brock.

A visitation will be held at Jeane’s Funeral Service on Friday, April 11th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Alex was born to Velma Smith and Luther Easterlin in Pineville, Louisiana on July 10, 1961. Alex departed this life on April 1, 2025, at Byrd Hospital. Alex never fathered any children but had an abundance of nephews, nieces, and greats to fill that void. Alex was preceded in death by his mother, Velma; father, Luther; brothers, John Thomas Buckley (JT), Willie Buckley (Dickey), Robert Lee Smith (Ronnie), and Bill Buckley; and sister, Josie Pauline Smith.

He is survived by his brothers, Donnie Maxie and Elbert Smith; sisters, Louise Jefferson, Thelma Brock (Potina), Carlin Henderson, Zella Mae Smith, Lucille Smith-Simmons (Tiny), and Laridy Smith (Loretta). He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, greats, cousins, and friends to cherish his memory.

Funeral services for Kevin James Bourke will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Hicks United Pentecostal Church with Reverends Lane Fletcher and Greg Mortensen officiating and Greg “Elmo” Reynaud speaking. The burial will follow in Glass Window Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be Kamryn Bourke, Greg Bourke, Nathan Reynaud, Kent Burnaman, Danny James, and Beau James. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Hudsen Kane Northup, Mark Robles, Dwight James Sr., Darwin James, Hunter James, Donny James, L.J. James, Josh Golemon, Max Cloud, Lane Fletcher, Elmo Reynaud, Dwight James Jr., and Kevin’s coworkers at Gilchrist Construction.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 11th at Hicks United Pentecostal Church from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday.

Kevin was born March 30, 1967, in Evanston, Illinois, and passed away at his home in Leesville on April 8, 2025, at the age of 58. He proudly served his country in the Army before beginning a 26-year career with Gilchrist Construction where he was a talented mechanic who could fix just about anything. Besides working, Kevin enjoyed helping his family and friends. They all knew that he was only a phone call away. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and brother-in-law, and his family will miss his support and love.

Kevin was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Brooklyn Bourke; parents, George & Delores Bourke; father and mother-in-law, Buddy & April James; sisters-in-law, Donna James & Cindy James; and nephew, Wyatt James.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of almost 30 years, Delores A. James Bourke of Leesville; sons, Gregory John Bourke (Jasmine) and Kamryn Slade James Bourke all of Leesville; daughter, Bianca Ann Bourke of Leesville; granddaughter, Marlee Nicole Bourke; sister, Nancy Goeller (Bob) of Fairbanks, IA; special friends, Greg and Becky Reynaud who supported Kevin and his family throughout his sickness with their visits and prayers; and extended family members and friends.

WILLIE JAMES HOWARD
February 23, 1956 – April 4, 2025
Service: April 12, 2025, at Bethesda Ministries in Leesville at 11 a.m.

KEVIN JAMES BOURKE
March 30, 1967 – April 8, 2025
Service: April 12, 2025, at Hicks United Pentecostal Church at 2 p.m.

Walter Eben Greenleaf IV, age 42 of Leesville was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespass and one count of Resisting a Police Officer with Force or Violence-Simple Assault.  Greenleaf was also arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set.  Greenleaf remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Justin Levi Deason, age 40, of Rosepine, was arrested by Agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force.  Agents charged Deason with one count of Obstruction to the Drivers View or Driving mechanism, and one count of Possession of a Firearm or carrying of a Concealed Weapon by a Felon. Deason was also arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond had not been set.  Deason remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

James Neill, age 43, of Hornbeck, was arrested and charged with one count of Cruelty to Juveniles.  Bond was set at $3,000.  Neill posted bond and was released.

Amarion Davis, age 18, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant for the Leesville Police Department.  Bond was set at $250,000. Davis remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Emmet Cheley, age 67, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic and one count of Disturbing the Peace.  Bond has not been set.  Cheley remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Jefferson Erwin, age 44, of Hornbeck, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant from Sabine Parish.  Erwin remains in the Vernon Parish jail, awaiting transfer to Sabine Parish.

Brooks Theodore Bridges, age 27, of Hornbeck, was arrested on two outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set.  Bridges remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

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

A story by investigative reporter Tyler Bridges appeared Monday in print and in online editions in newspapers in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette, as well as online in the Shreveport-Bossier area.  The story brought light to a lawsuit settled in 2020 by the City of Leesville.  The suit was brought by two former female employees of the City.  The story briefly made social media in early February of 2025 when it appeared on websites at KALB-TV and KPLC-TV.  The story was removed overnight from both sites.  You may read the story by visiting the following:

https://www.nola.com/news/courts/leesville-mayor-refuses-to-discuss-allegations-in-settlement/article_38262ba4-311f-441b-a794-ed51aab0aaac.html#tncms-source=featured-3

The Vernon Parish Journal refrained from speculation on this story earlier this year.  The e-paper has been published since late summer of 2023.  The incident described in the story was settled in federal court in 2020.  It was certainly off the radar at that point, since the incidents described in the lawsuit took place in 2018.

The Vernon Parish School Board met in a lengthy meeting Tuesday, April 8, covering a wide range of topics.  Routine business included accepting employee retirements, requests for leave without pay, personnel changes, and payment of claims.  The Board approved changes to Head Start policy and procedures.

Six bids were opened for copy paper.  Contract Paper from Ohio had the low bid of $28.69 per case.  Their bid was accepted.

The motion to approve a hybrid school calendar was unanimously approved by the Board.  There was public comment from Ms. Rhonda Mann, who spoke against changing the calendar.  It is anticipated that shortening the school week by being off Mondays will save nearly $1.5 million for the system.

The Board also voted to call for an election October 11 to ask the voters to renew five existing millages for another 10 years.  These millages are used for school maintenance.  The millages are for Ward 3, Ward 7, Hornbeck School District, Ward 6, and Ward 8.

Vernon Parish Counselors of the Year were introduced by Lisa Lohman.  Kayla Bush of East Leesville Elementary School was named Elementary School Counselor of the Year.  Jennifer Carroll of Anacoco Elementary School was selected Middle School Counselor, and Nancy Blaylock of Leesville High was selected High School Counselor of the Year.  They will all represent the Vernon Parish System at the regional and state level.

Jeff Taylor with Pelican Benefits presented the Employee of the Month Award to Rosepine secretary Lynette Myers.  Her principal, Carolyn Bosley, said that she knows every student (860) by name and embodies the spirit of the school community.

Anne Smith with the Curriculum Department introduced three administrators who have completed the Leading for Better Instruction Program through the Rapides Foundation.  This is a three-years program and a major investment of time by the administrators.  Congratulations to Amy Green of Parkway Elementary, Cedric Clemons of Leesville Junior High, and Donna Adams of West Leesville Elementary!

Fort Johnson recently held its annual Education Summitt.  The Vernon School system was asked this question: What makes Vernon Parish great?  Lisa Lohman answered for the Board with the Five Pillars of Vernon Parish Education:

1. Academic A District (named by State Department of Education)
2. Cutting Edge Curriculum, Technology and Infrastructure
3. Collaborative Partnerships
4. Athletics and Extra Curricular Activities
5. Advanced Academic Opportunities.

Lohman and Anne Smith shared a video of Vernon students engaged in STEM work to the Board.  Smith introduced Jessica LaCaze, who works with the Starbase Project at Fort Johnson.  The technology-driven program for 5^th graders does 30 camps a year.  This year only two school from Vernon Parish have not been to Starbase but hope to be scheduled before the school year ends.  Fort Johnson has funded this program through May.  LaCaze said that she got the green light to schedule for next year but notice of DOD funding will come later in April.  There are Starbase initiatives in Pineville, New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport.

Finance Director, Tim Ward, reminded Board members of Federal Impact Aid as a key source of system funding.  Nearly one-third of students have ties to the military.

The Academic Achievement Banquet for high school seniors is scheduled for Monday, April 28, at the East Leesville Baptist Church Family Life Center at 6 p.m.

The Spring Musical and Visual Arts Showcase presented by the Vernon Parish School Board Talented Program will be held Friday, April 11, at 6 p.m. in the Christian Life Fellowship Building at 12955 Lake Charles Highway, just south of the Entrance Road.  The public is invited.

The next meeting of the Vernon Parish School Board will be Thursday, May 1, at 10 a.m.

Pilot Club, Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, The Junior League, The Vernon Parish Tourism Commission, Friends of Main Street, and City of Leesville are hosting the first-ever Spring Fling in the Park on Saturday, April 12.  Your family is invited to Dogwood Park on Belview Road in Leesville from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The day’s events will include an Alzheimer’s Walk in memory of the late Donna Williams at 9 a.m., food trucks, live music, popcorn, cotton candy, and much more.  Kids will enjoy the art space, brain minders, a puppet show, and a story walk.  Craft vendors will be on site and organizers are still adding events to the day.

The Junior League of Leesville will offer pictures of your kids with the Easter Bunny.

There is no admission.  Bring your family and friends.

The first-ever Spring Fling is Saturday, April 12, at Dogwood Park in Leesville.