Lisa Lynn Reeks was born July 17, 1966, in Front Royal, Virginia, and passed away in her home in Leesville on January 3, 2025, at the age of 58. She was a caregiver and was dedicated to caring for her brother, John, for many years. Her children and grandchildren brought her much joy.
Lisa is survived by her daughter, Jaclyn L. Hull; son, William C. Barnard; four grandchildren, Eliza, Willow, Grace, and Clayton; and brother, John C. Lowery.
ROBERT J. LOUIS
November 5, 1964 – December 27, 2024
Service: January 13, 2025, at Johnson Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Leesville at 11 a.m.
CALLIE “SIS” DELORES GRANT
November 28, 1948 – January 9, 2025
Service: January 11, 2025, at Silver Creek Baptist Church in Leesville at 2:00 p.m.
Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces the January 6, 2025, arrest of Devlin Spearman, age 36, of the Knight Community.
The arrest is the result of an investigation into a complaint of Criminal Damage to Property which occurred at a store in the Evans Community.
On January 3, 2025, the driver of a U-Haul truck attempted to drive beneath the canopy of the store. The top of the truck struck the support beams of the canopy, causing approximately $1500.00 worth of damage to the structure.
The truck was occupied by three individuals who all left the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement.
A social media post was made on January 6, 2025, in relation to the incident.
Shortly after 5 p.m. deputies with the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office located the U-Haul truck with three occupants in the Junction Community.
Devlin Spearman was operating the vehicle and was identified as the driver of the truck at the time of the Evans incident.
A U-Haul representative advised law enforcement that the truck had been rented in August 2024, and the vehicle failed to be returned as agreed upon in the rental contract. The truck was reported stolen in October 2024, at a law enforcement agency in the Houston, Texas area.
Deputies located a lease agreement in the vehicle and determined that none of the current occupants of the truck were listed on the agreement. The truck was towed from the Beauregard Parish location.
Devlin Spearman was transported to Vernon Parish where he was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Damage to Property. Bond was set at $10,000.00. Spearman remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
Sheriff Craft would like to thank the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office for a job well done in locating and detaining Spearman.
Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a single vehicle crash on Saturday January 4 at approximately 5 p.m. The accident occurred on Louisiana Highway 101 near Bearhead Road in Singer, when a 2019 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, traveling south on Highway 10, failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway, and struck a tree.
Jeromy F. Ambrose, age 42 of Leesville was killed in the accident. Ambrose was wearing a non-approved DOT helmet and suffered fatal injuries in the crash, dying at the scene.
Routine toxicology tests are pending. The investigation continues by officials of Troop D Louisiana State Police.
The Louisiana Department of Health reports the patient who had been hospitalized with the first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in Louisiana and the U.S. has died. The patient was over the age of 65 and was reported to have underlying medical conditions. The patient contracted H5N1 after exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds.
LDH’s extensive public health investigation has identified no additional H5N1 cases nor evidence of person-to-person transmission. This patient remains the only human case of H5N1 in Louisiana.
The Department expresses its deepest condolences to the patient’s family and friends as they mourn the loss of their loved one. Due to patient confidentiality and respect for the family, this will be the final update about the patient.
While the current public health risk for the general public remains low, people who work with birds, poultry or cows, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk.
The best way to protect yourself and your family from H5N1 is to avoid sources of exposure. That means avoiding direct contact with wild birds and other animals infected with or suspected to be infected with bird flu viruses.
Protecting yourself and others from H5N1 infection:
• Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings and do not bring sick wild animals into your home.
• Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces.
• Do not eat uncooked or undercooked food. Cook poultry, eggs and other animal products to the proper temperature and prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked food.
• Avoid uncooked food products such as unpasteurized raw milk or cheeses from animals that have a suspected or confirmed infection.
• If you work on poultry or dairy farms, talk to your provider about getting your seasonal flu vaccination. It will not prevent infection with avian influenza viruses, but it can reduce the risk of coinfection with avian and flu viruses.
• Report dead or sick birds or animals to the USDA toll-free at 1-866-536-7593 or the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Diagnostic Lab at 318-927-3441.
If you have been exposed to sick or dead birds or other animals or work on a farm where avian influenza has been detected, watch for respiratory symptoms or conjunctivitis. If you develop symptoms within 10 days after exposure to sick or dead animals, tell your healthcare provider that you have been in contact with sick animals and are concerned about avian influenza. This will help them give you appropriate advice on testing and treatment. Stay home and away from others while you have symptoms.
State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams urges Louisianans to be aware of and proactive about addressing home fire hazards after six lives were lost recently in three different house fires across the state.
Just after 4 a.m. on January 7, the Winnsboro Fire Department responded to the 200 block of Willow Street for a house fire where four victims, including children, were tragically discovered.
Less than an hour later, firefighters were called to the 800 block of E Oak Street in Abbeville for a house fire where one victim has been sadly confirmed.
Then around 7 a.m., the Shreveport Fire Department responded to a call in the 5200 block of Norton Street where one victim was unfortunately found inside.
While the investigations into what caused these fires are still early and ongoing, the frigid forecast across the state is being considered as a potential factor in all of them.
“It has been a truly devastating past few hours, especially after multiple warnings about the increased risk of home fires when temperatures drop and, of course, our constant message about the life-saving difference smoke alarms make,” said Adams.
These concerning deaths follow three others that have occurred since the start of the year in Church Point (Jan. 2), Abbeville (Jan. 2) and New Orleans (Jan. 4), each resulting in one life lost. The investigations into those causes are ongoing as well.
“Louisiana, we have to take all fire dangers seriously and act as if it can happen to every one of us, at any time, because it can,” said Adams.
With extended freezes expected throughout the state for the remainder of the week, the SFM is stressing the following home heating safety tips:
▪ If using a space heater, make sure it’s placed 3-5 feet away from objects that can catch fire easily like blankets and furniture.
▪ Ensure space heaters are plugged directly into a wall outlet as opposed to an extension cord or power strip.
▪ Space heaters should also always be turned off when you’re going to sleep or leaving the room and/or home.
▪ Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your home
▪ Make sure any open flames, like fireplaces and candles, are never left unattended.
▪ Have a working smoke alarm!
Chief Adams wants to remind Louisiana residents that smoke alarms are a critical, life-saving device for every family to have. If you need assistance obtaining smoke alarms for your home, Operation Save-A-Life can help, especially following the large influx of alarms to the program as part of a historic donation from Lowe’s and First Alert last month.
To learn more about Operation Save-A-Life, or to register for a free smoke alarm installation, visit our website at lasfm.org or contact your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm installation.
The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce will host its 82nd Annual Installation Banquet on Tuesday, January 28, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church Center at 604 South Third Street in Leesville.
The evening will begin with a networking social time at 5:45 p.m. The banquet is scheduled to start at 6:15 p.m.
Tickets are currently available for $25 each. Visit www.greatervernon.org to purchase them. The meal will be catered by The Hickory Smokehouse.
Ms. Cindy Wann Jeane, with Phoenix Home Medical, will accept the gavel as President of the Board of Directors during the evening ceremonies. She will welcome new members to the Board: Karra Aymond with Aymond Medical Spa, Kevin Quinn of Byrd Regional Hospital, and Greg Lord, Jr. of Lord Management Service LLC.
The high school basketball season is in full swing with district games up next for everyone. The Simpson girls have been the most impressive team, sporting a 26-1 record. They won the Vernon Parish tournament in mid-December and tournaments at Florien, Hicks and Simpson. The Lady Broncos were impressive at the ASH Round Robin, posting victories over 4A Tioga and 5A ASH. Pickering’s ladies are 12-6 after losing to Leesville Monday night. The Lady Eagles of Rosepine, defending state champs in Division III Select, are off to a 11-7 start and had a win over Ebarb Monday night.
The local boys’ teams are led by Hicks with a 20-5 mark. Pitkin sports a 15-7 record going into a game Tuesday night with 4A DeRidder. Hornbeck’s Hornets are 11-7 with a recent big win over St. Mary’s. The hottest team in the parish may be Rosepine. The Eagles are 14-3 and have won 13 of their last 14 games, including a 34-point win over Ebarb Monday night.
VERNON PARISH TEAM RECORDS
ANACOCO(G) 11-7 Beat 4A Leesville 48-36…played at 5A Natchitoches-Central last night.
ANACOCO(B) 9-13 Lost at Leesville 70-49…Played at 5A Natchitoches-Central last night.
EVANS(G) 8-13 Played at Singer last night, no score available.
EVANS(B) 2-19 Played at Singer last night, no score available
HICKS(G) 8-13 Next game vs Fairview on Jan.14
HICKS(B) 20-5 Next game at Holy Savior Menard on Jan.14
HORNBECK(G) 7-9 beat St. Mary’s 70-40, played at Westlake last night..no score
HORNBECK(B) 11-7 beat St.Mary’s 68-25, played at Westlake last night..no score
LEESVILLE(G) 6-8 beat Pickering Monday night 57-35, SR Shyann Cummings had 31pts.
LEESVILLE(B) 5-8 Lost at Pickering Monday night 52-48
PICKERING(G) 12-6 Lost to Leesville Monday night 57-35
PICKERING(B) 7-9 Beat Leesville Monday night 52-48 SR A.J. Berry had 27pts.
PITKIN(G) 12-12 Lost 4 of last 5 games. Hosted Livonia Tuesday. No score available.
PITKIN(B) 15-7 Played at 4A DeRidder last night. No score available.
ROSEPINE(G) 10-7 Lost by 1 to 5A Barbe on Jan.3. Beat Ebarb Mon. 58-46
ROSEPINE(B) 14-3 Won 13 of last 14 games. Beat Ebarb Mon. 95-61
SIMPSON(G) 26-1 12 wins in a row. Hosted Negreet last night. Score unavailable.
SIMPSON(B) 7-12 Hosted Negreet last night. Score unavailable.
Faith Training FTCA(G) 5-1 Host CHEF on Friday Jan.10
Faith Training FTCA(B) 2-6 Host CHEF on Friday Jan.10
COACHES…The Vernon Parish Journal would love to high light the achievements of your teams. Please send your game results to vpjnewesla@gmail.com. The VPJ is published every Wednesday and Friday, and we would be happy to include your teams’ results in our updates.
By James R. Turner, FAAR, FASLA
My cell phone went dead after it complained of not being connected to anything. This process of dying took about three weeks. It seemed like self-inflicted wounds to me. For example, a pop-up would appear that said, “You are no longer connected to a provider service, emergency calls only.” All my calls are emergencies. For example, “Honey, have you seen my keys?” But seriously, are we being duped? These telephones today are presented as salvation itself and are actually basements full of computing power. Who’s running the show at my house, anyway? It ain’t me. The alternatives, an old-fashioned “land line,” are becoming more and more obsolete. Half the time they don’t work, or the only message you can get through is “my electricity is out,” and that is to a robot. What happened? Of course, you still get to pay them for the service, and somebody else had already notified the robot anyway. You are expendable. Without a doubt.
Well, the other day I went to make an important call. After failure to be able to use the phone because my battery was too low, and a proper charge cable could not be found — I swear, I thought I saw one somewhere! — I resorted to email. What a joke. It took an hour to find the right name for the guy I was trying to reach. People do the damndest things to get recognized by the World Wide Web. Where do they get these names, hang-on-sloopy.jones? A favorite one for myself is idiotturner@gmail.com. Very simple, no? The World Wide Web is properly named, a metaphor for an arachnoid. It’s the work of spiders. They got that right.
Am I wrong about the old-fashioned telephone? It did not require countless batteries that pollute our environment and landfills. There was a time when you simply paid your bill. Result: you made a telephone call. Nowadays you still get to pay your bill. For sure, but you must buy a device which costs more than my first Volkswagen. You then buy the batteries that maintain this amazing thing. Followed by and through your home electric bills, you provide for the device’s electricity, not cheap, then you care for it, like you are some sort of technician. I couldn’t fix an old one, didn’t dare, much less a new one, Holy Cow! Anyway, my bride switched the SIMS card from my deceased phone to hers and put her card in my phone for safe keeping. She is now our IT person.
Meanwhile a storm blew trees down and we were out of real electricity. Ever notice that when you need a cell phone the most, in a real emergency, like needing to know which way to run…clouds move in, and it starts to rain? The phone goes dead. Something to do with towers, clouds and satellites. That reminds me that I need to plug in this laptop or get fussed at by the little bar at the top with all its icons representing a language I somehow missed in elementary school. That’s another story.
Shut my mouth before I go nuts. To tell you how much I miss the big, fat phone books, deliciously full of white pages with everybody in it, their address, and their phone number, and those morbidly obese yellow pages that were totally useful, is to cry tears of super-duper proportions.
I had kept the party’s number that I needed to call on a sticky note. Good luck with finding that. So, I casually asked if my friend in crime, visiting with on another matter, as we do, if he might have the number in his phone? He is very organized. He did. I knew he would, grrrr….and I got it back onto another, second sticky note. Then using my newly-charged wife’s phone, with my SIMS card carefully inserted, I finally called the guy I had originally wanted to call. I got a recording.
Nobody wants to be scammed. But that is a subject for yet another day, “The anxiety associated with the use of the phone today”. A lifelong pal recently lost his house by a mortgage scam done entirely on the cell phone. I hear that setting up semi-device-free communities might be in our future. Lordy, what’s next?
The Simpson Volunteer Fire Department is seeking volunteers. If you live in the community and would like to give back to the community, please consider becoming a volunteer firefighter.
Applicants must pass a background test and a drug test. For information call Chief Stephen Schatteles at 337-383-7226 or Assistant Chief Kamryn Bourke at 337-378-7839. You may also reach out to any member of the Simpson Fire Department.
Funeral services for Nola Faye Haymon Goins were held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Canaan Baptist Church with Reverend Kenneth Hodges officiating and Bev Sanders speaking. The burial followed in Mt. Bethel Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers were Rodney Haymon, David Haymon, John Bodine, Randall Haymon, Robert Haymon, and Michael Bodine. The honorary pallbearers were Travis Pew, Beckham Hajighasssem, and Jaden Pew.
Nola was born July 9, 1939, in Leesville and passed away in her home in Leesville on January 5, 2025, at the age of 85. Nola married her husband, Morris, two days before her 17th birthday and spent 68 years and six months as the faithful wife to the love of her life. When not serving in the church as a pastor’s wife, Nola was employed by the Vernon Parish School Board, working many years aiding in Special Education. She was an active member of Canaan Baptist Church, serving as pianist, working in VBS, and WMU. Nola was a dedicated game show watcher, Wheel of Fortune being her favorite, and she loved sitting with Morris watching football and baseball games on TV. Her favorite place to travel and vacation was in the Great Smoky Mountains! Her pride and joy were her grandchildren and her furbaby, Lucy.
Nola was preceded in death by her parents, Elijah and Etta Haymon; brothers, Huel Haymon and Earl Haymon; and brothers-in-law, Wayne Miers and Johnny Bodine.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Morris Dale Goins of Leesville; daughter, Beverly Ann Sanders of Leesville; granddaughter, Austen Pew and husband Travis of Leesville; five great-grandchildren, Preslee Hajighassem, Beckham Hajighassem, Kaylee Pew, Jaden Pew, and NolaReese Pew; brothers, M. Gene Haymon (Janie) and Charles Haymon (Mildred); sisters, Vera Miers and Nelda Bodine; sisters-in-law, Margie Haymon and Linda Haymon; and numerous nephews, nieces, extended family members, and friends.
Armon Ethridge Wilson, 93, of Otis, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025, in Alexandria, Louisiana. Born on October 14, 1931, in Leander, Louisiana, Armon lived a long and fulfilling life characterized by hard work, dedication to his family, and a deep love for his many interests.
Armon was a retired civilian employee of Fort Polk and the founder of Hicks Grocery Store, a beloved local establishment. He proudly served in both the US Air Force Reserve and the US Army Reserve, demonstrating his commitment to service and his love for his country. A man of many talents and a tireless work ethic, Armon had a passion for farming, caring for horses and farm animals, and restoring old tractors. Known as a tinkerer, he found joy in creating and fixing things with his hands. Above all, he cherished family gatherings, especially the Easter reunions that brought his loved ones together.
Armon’s life was further distinguished by his enduring commitment to the Masonic tradition. He was inducted into Fellowship Lodge No. 217 of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, where he was honored for over 50 years of membership, a testament to his dedication and service.
Armon is survived by his sons, Rodney (Mickey) Wilson, Roger Wilson, Russell (Tina) Wilson, and Rickey (Eileen) Wilson; his brother, Adrian (Beverly) Wilson; his brother-in-law, Jim Cammack; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Yvonne Wilson; his parents, William and Ella Wilson; his sisters, Audrey Riggleman and Arlene Cammack; his brother, Arlon Wilson; his daughter-in-law, Charlotte Wilson; and his infant grandson, Jeffrey Wilson.
Funeral services were held at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church on Monday, January 6th at 12:00 p.m. with Reverend John Smith officiating, followed by burial at Mt. Moriah Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers were Aaron Wilson, Josh Wilson, Rusty Wilson, Jared Wilson, Matt Frazier, and Dylan Frazier. Honorary pallbearers were Shane Wilson and Chad Wilson.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff of Lexington House and Guardian Hospice Care for their compassionate care and support during Armon’s time with them.
Armon will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His legacy of love, service, and dedication will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Legendary southern gospel group, The Southern Plainsmen, will hold a free concert at the First United Methodist Church in Leesville on Sunday, January 15, at 5 p.m. The church invites all lovers of southern gospel music to come and enjoy the evening with them. The concert is free to all. A love offering will be taken. You are invited to start the new year with a great night of southern gospel favorites.
The Southern Plainsmen currently hold the #1 position on CASHBOX Magazine’s, Southern Gospel Charts, with their song, “Roll Back River Jordan”.
The First United Methodist Church of Leesville is located at 202 North 5th Street in Leesville.
Susan “Suzie” DeLaya Morgan was born October 15, 1957, in Dallas, Texas and passed away January 2, 2025, in Alexandria, Louisiana, at the age of 67. She worked in the clerical field for many years for various businesses. Suzie was fun-loving and enjoyed playing the occasional prank on her family. She had a caring heart and every three or four years would donate her hair to Locks of Love. Even though she was small in stature, she had a firecracker personality and was very protective of her family. They knew she would always be there for them and could feel her love in everything she did.
Suzie was preceded in death by her daughter, Erin Nicole Yates; father, John Albert Hullum; mother, Maurita Harris; and brother, Ronnie Havens.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 22 years, Thomas Morgan of Leesville; daughter, Katie Wolfe (Brian) of Buda, Texas; grandchildren, Caine Wolfe, Conner Wolfe, and Branson Yates; close cousins, Ken and Mary Harris of Porter, Texas; and extended family members and friends.
Suzie’s family is planning a memorial service for a later date.
Robert Lozano, a quiet and introspective man devoted to his family and his country, passed away peacefully on December 18th in Houston, Texas. Born in 1946 in Brownsville, Texas, Robert’s life was a testament to resilience, resourcefulness, and an unwavering determination to forge his own path, despite the challenges he faced.
Growing up in southern Texas under difficult circumstances, Robert’s early life was marked by hardship, including poverty and an abusive father. Even as a young teenager, he displayed an entrepreneurial spirit, selling prepackaged cooking spices and homemade snow cones door-to-door in the barrio projects of Brownsville. His bedroom famously carried the distinct aromas of cumin and garlic during this time, a memory that still brings smiles to his siblings’ faces.
When formal jobs proved scarce, Robert took up work as a cotton picker in the fields of the Rio Grande Valley. Never one to accept limits, he found creative ways to maximize his meager earnings, though his ingenuity occasionally landed him in trouble. By age 17, seeking escape and adventure, Robert left home to hitchhike across the country, leaving his family uncertain of his whereabouts until his draft notice for military service arrived.
In 1964, at the height of the Vietnam War, Robert chose to volunteer for the U.S. Army, rather than waiting to be drafted. This decision allowed him to shape his future, and he proudly served in the Military Police Corps for over 20 years. During his service, Robert earned his GED, an accomplishment he valued greatly, and exemplified the discipline and loyalty that defined his military career.
Robert was a man of actions rather than words. One cherished family memory is the set of encyclopedia books he ordered for his younger siblings, a gift that opened up a world of knowledge during a time when resources were limited.
Despite the difficulties he endured, including a tumultuous relationship with his father, Robert never lost his quiet determination. His later years, with the love and support of his wife, Christa, brought stability and joy. Together, they built a life in Leesville, near Fort Polk, where he enjoyed fishing and occasional trips to the casino. These simple pleasures reflected the peace he sought after years of hard work and sacrifice.
Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Christa, and his devoted mother, who always held him close in her heart. He is survived by his sisters, Rose Abbott (Ron) and Alma Benavidez who fondly remember his unique way of showing love and the adventures that shaped his extraordinary journey. He is also survived by his children, Robert Lozano (Debbie) of Leesville, Michael Lozano of Dover, Tennessee, and Misty Matthews (Land) of Madison, Alabama; eleven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family members and friends.
Robert’s life serves as a reminder that even in the face of hardship, love and resilience can illuminate the way forward. He will be deeply missed, but lovingly remembered by all who knew him. His family extends a special thanks to FNP Christina Miller and the staff at Beauregard Health for the extraordinary care they gave to Robert.
A memorial service for Robert will be held at the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery on Tuesday, January 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Friends and family will gather at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville at 10:30 to follow in procession to the cemetery.
JOSEPH DAVID ANDRADE
May 31, 1996 – December 31, 2024
Service: January 4, 2025, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Leesville, at 10 a.m.
CARRIE EVELYN MOORE GAYNOR
November 23, 1940 – January 2, 2025
Service: None announced at this time.
NOLA FAYE HAYMON GOINS
July 9, 1939 – January 5, 2025
Service: January 7, 2025, at Canaan Baptist Church in Leesville, at 1 p.m.
SUSAN “SUZIE” DELAYA MORGAN
October 15, 1957 – January 2, 2025
Service: None planned at this time.
LISA LYNN REEKS
July 17, 1966 – January 3, 2025
Service: None announced at this time.
DORIS LEA HUGHES WERNER
October 26, 1947 – January 4, 2025
Service: January 6, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Leesville, at 2 p.m.
ARMON ETHRIDGE WILSON
October 14, 1931 – January 4, 2025
Service: January 6, 2025, at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Hineston, Louisiana, at 12 p.m.
By VPJ Staff
2025 will prove to be a pivotal year for Leesville and Vernon Parish. Leadership positions at every level of Vernon Parish government will be up for election. Will the impact of Fort Johnson to the local economy increase or decrease? A dwindling population base and lack of economic development should worry every resident.
The Vernon Parish Journal remains committed to the long-term growth and economic development of Vernon Parish. We are interested in the news and try to accurately report on all Vernon Parish Police Jury, Vernon Parish School Board, and Leesville City Council meetings.
We continue to support the efforts of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, Leesville City Police, Louisiana State Police, and all first responders. We believe the community needs to know what you do and what happens on their streets.
The Vernon Parish Journal will publicize information on the arts, entertainment, community happenings, and sports, as well as news.
Contact the Vernon Parish Journal to share your group or organization with our subscribers at VPJnewsla@gmail.com
Billie Sioux Hardisty O’Neal, age 33 of Pitkin, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. A detainer for the Vernon Parish Probation Office was placed on O’Neal, and she must pay $1107 or serve six months in the parish jail. O’Neal remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
Adam Rhen Trahan, age 37 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Arson and one count of Terrorizing. Bond was set at $75,000. Trahan remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
Alvin James Deblieux, age 62 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery. Bond was set at $2500. Deblieux posted bond and was released.
Troy Gerald Wolford, age 39 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery. Wolford was also arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set. Wolford remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
Mother Nature let local residents enjoy Christmas before unleashing thunderstorms, high winds and several tornadoes over Vernon Parish last weekend.
Meteorologists identified multiple small tornadoes that touched down briefly before lifting back into the air. The worst of them occurred at approximately 3:20 p.m. Saturday, December 28, when an EF-1 category storm began off Cooper Church Road near Pickering. The path was six and a half miles long, moving ENE over Hazel Jeane Road, before crossing Highway 171 and lifting off from a wooded area. A second EF-0 category storm touched down in the New Llano area some 5-7 minutes following the heavier storm last Saturday. This one began east of Highway 171 and pulled the roof off a metal building before moving off in a SE direction. The storm then crossed Eissman Road and moved onto Ft. Johnson momentarily, before lifting back into the sky. There were no reports of injuries or major structural damage, mostly felled trees and debris.
Power outages on December 28 affected nearly 10,000 electric customers, many lasting over 24 hours in portions of the parish. Flash flood warnings were out for low-lying areas. The City of Leesville lost water pressure due to a lack of electricity, but there were no water main breaks and no boil advisories were issued. Water pressure was restored when the power went back up.
Weather forecasters are calling for arctic-like weather the first full week of 2025. Temperatures are predicted to be at hard freezing conditions (25 degrees or below) for three to four days through January 11. Start making plans now to protect your residence, plants and animals this weekend.
The Vernon Parish Police Jury held a special called meeting, on Monday, December 30, and moved forward on four major road improvement projects, so that work could begin as soon as crews are able. These are projects funded by ARPA money that has increased in value over the last year due to the fiscal conservancy of the Police Jury’s actions.
The Jury adopted resolutions and accepted the Owner-Engineer Agreement between Meyer and Associates and the Vernon Parish Police Jury. The resolutions allow Jury President, James B. Tuck, and Parish Administrator/Treasurer, Rhonda M. Plummer, to execute all contracts and documents related to the projects. The four roadways are: Tom Beckom Road (MA Project # B6-24049); Bailey Road/Phase One (MA Project #B6-24047); Lake Vernon Road and Spillway Road (MA Project # B6-21114); and East Hawthorne Road (MA Project# B6-24048).
Police Jurors also adopted a motion to pay invoices for preliminary engineering services to Meyer and Associates. Invoice #34491 was for $2,014.15, on the Tom Beckom Road project. Invoice #34489 for Phase One of the Bailey Road project was for $1,165.95. The East Hawthorne Road project had invoice #34490 for a total of $3,808.10, while invoice #34488 on the Lake Vernon/Spillway Road project was for $4,504.92.
Jurors adopted a resolution approving the amended budget for the year 2024 and the proposed budget for 2025.
Parish Administrator, Rhonda Plummer, gave a quick recap of 2024. Sales taxes were down 4%, an estimated $539,000. Property taxes were up 12%, due to pipeline work on the western side of the parish. This extra $823,000 will go toward maintenance and construction for all Vernon Parish Police Jury districts. Plummer noted the hotel/motel tax revenue was down $20,000 from 2023.
Plummer expressed concerns over rising costs for criminal court funds and the health insurance trust fund. Health insurance expenses have doubled from 2022-2023 rates. The Vernon Parish Police Jury paid $7 million in claims in 2023 and currently has a balance of $3.7 million in the account. Small increases can be expected to the rates in March. Plummer told Jurors a 4% overall raise is in the budget for 2025. The Finance Committee will meet in the coming weeks to iron out the details.
All Vernon Parish Police Jury offices are re-opened for business today, Friday, January 3, 2025, including the Administrative offices, animal shelter, landfill, Public Works, and the recycling center.
BY LAMAR GAFFORD
WRITTEN FOR THE LSWA
Leesville has had its share of amazing running backs throughout a storied football history.
However, none of them had a season like the one Xavier Ford had this fall.
The senior, who broke the NFHS national single season record for rushing yard, is now the recipient of the coveted 2024 Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance/LSWA Mr. Football award as selected by sportswriters from across the state.
Ford rushed for 3,467 yards and 52 touchdowns while carrying Leesville to the Division II select semifinals – the central Louisiana school’s first semifinal appearance since 2018.
“He’s a high-character kid,” Wampus Cat coach Robbie Causey said. “Whatever people believe (see) in his athletic ability, his character is so much greater. He just answers the bell. He goes, competes and is a great team kid.”
Ford saw limited varsity action as a freshman but tallied at least 2,400 yards and 30 touchdowns as a sophomore and as a junior to have an outside shot of breaking former Leesville and LSU great Cecil Collins if he kept that same pace.
Ford did not just keep that pace. He destroyed it.
In the Wampus Cats’ first game of the season against Sam Houston, he rushed for 298 yards and six touchdowns. However, he topped that by compiling 400 yards and another six touchdowns against Tioga.
Ford’s uncle, Michael, is the only Leesville running back to compile more yards in a single game.
“Without my team, I couldn’t achieve what I achieve,” Ford said. “Me understanding them better, being able to support them and help them stay motivated throughout the game. That’s how I felt like I became a better leader this year.”
Ford was held under 150 yards just twice all season as he continued to take aim at Collins’ records – first with the touchdowns and then the yards.
The magical night came Nov. 8 at LaGrange when Ford rushed for 331 yards to break Collins’ school rushing record.
Finishing with 8,591 yards and 123 touchdowns for his career, Ford awaits the next chapter of his career. Houston and Tulane are among the many schools to offer Ford scholarships.
The honors and records are noteworthy. Most importantly, Ford managed to do all with the grace and humility he displayed throughout his high school career.
“My saying is, ‘No bad days,’” Ford said. “I just always keep a smile on my face. I never like to see anybody down. I always try to stay positive and happy. That’s just the type of person I am off the field.”
With the selection, Ford is the first Leesville player to win the award since Collins in 1995.
Louisiana Farm Bureau/Mr. Football
2024: Xavier Ford, Leesville
2023: Ju’Juan Johnson, Lafayette Christian
2022: Tackett Curtis, Many
2021: Landry Lyddy, Calvary Baptist
2020: Sage Ryan, Lafayette Christian
2019: Christian Westcott, Lakeshore
2018: Derek Stingley Jr., The Dunham School
2017: Anthony “Pooka” Williams, Hahnville
2016: Keytaon Thompson, Landry-Walker
2015: Lindsey Scott, Zachary
2014: Deshawn Capers-Smith, Warren Easton
2013: Leonard Fournette, St. Augustine
2012: John Diarse, Neville
2011: Landon Collins, Dutchtown
2010: Anthony Johnson, O. Perry Walker
2009: Gavin Webster, Lutcher
2008: Blake Matherne, Belle Chasse
2007: Randall Mackey, Bastrop
2006: Joe McKnight, John Curtis
2005: Charles Scott, Jonesboro-Hodge
2004: Ryan Perrilloux, East St. John
2003: Chris Markey, Jesuit
2002: Robert Lane, Neville
2001: Jason Miller, Iota
2000: Byron Robertson, St. Thomas Aquinas
1999: Brock Berlin, Evangel
1998: Bradie James, West Monroe
1997: Adam McConathy, West Monroe
1996: Travis Minor, Baton Rouge-Catholic
1995: Cecil Collins, Leesville