The Vernon Parish School Board was informed by the Louisiana Department of Education that 2023-2024 district and school SPS results are out. The Vernon system has once again earned an “Academic A” rating as one of the top ten school districts in the state.  Vernon is ranked #7 in the state.  The district SPS score went up 1.4 points, which indicates the system has achieved its goal of returning to pre-Covid student performance levels.

Lisa Lohman, Assistant Superintendent/Curriculum Director pointed out six Vernon schools were rated as “Academic A” schools.  Nine schools received “Top Gains” status for an overall Academic A in student progress.  Vernon is the only Academic A district in the state for ACT index.  The system was awarded top marks in high school indexes like, student progress, strength of diploma, graduation rate and interest and opportunities.

Lohman thanked the Central Office staff, administrators, teachers, support personnel, students and parents for their work in getting such high marks statewide.

David & Kylie Knight are a husband-and-wife Christian illusionist duo who have traveled and performed together for over 15 years. They have a passion for wowing audiences with their craft, and their intense love for Jesus and for each other shines through in everything they do. Check out their website at https://www.knightillusions.com/

They will be performing at FBC Anacoco on Sunday, December 8th. For interview requests with David and Kylie Knight, please contact LeannCallaway@aol.com

When Christian illusionists David and Kylie Knight want to quickly capture the attention of audiences, they have been known to make it snow inside venues or cause objects to disappear. But there is a method to their madness. 

By using over-the-top object lessons, the husband-and-wife team entertains audiences in a variety of settings while sharing the gospel.

With a blend of humor, illusions and stunts to teach lessons, the Knights have become popular entertainers for sports award nights, children’s programs, youth events, retreats and church services.

As a team they have covered thousands of miles and helped churches and ministries all around the world reach their communities with the love of God.

Born and raised around Dallas, Texas, David has always been a performer. From his first role in a kindergarten play, David has continually found himself in front of a crowd. As a child, he would urge his cousins to perform in plays that he would write (and star in) for the family.

His early love was music. Concentrating on his vocal skills, he joined the Mesquite Boys Choir where he learned more about the skills of showmanship. He was also cast in a made-for-tv movie. But, he probably won’t tell you what it was.

It was during a 6th grade reading assignment that David felt the draw of the art of illusion after reading a biography on the famous magician and escape artist, Harry Houdini.

Throughout high school David honed his craft by performing in restaurants and at private parties around his hometown of Dallas, Texas. You would often find him at the local magic shop or hanging out with Dallas magic professionals like: past Society of American Magicians president Dal Sanders, world-wide performer and consultant Rick Walker or creator and TV personality Bizzaro.

While attending college, David was offered a position with world-renowned Christian illusionist, Andre Kole. He spent 3 years under Andre’s tutelage where he learned some of the finer skills of the art of illusion.  Kylie was born and raised in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Even at a young age, this southern girl enjoyed the stage. She participated in the school productions and was even briefly part of the Victorian Children’s Choir.

At the age of 20, with a nudge from God, she bravely decided to get on a plane and travel to the other side of the world on her own in hopes of traveling.

Kylie’s talent isn’t limited to the stage and spotlight; in Australia, Kylie was a dental assistant. She considers this her “crown”-ing achievement.

As a partner in the show, Kylie is much more than just an assistant. It is because of her tireless work and attention that the show is able to go on. Her time onstage does not reflect the copious amount of work that she does behind the scenes.

From load in to load out, Kylie handles and coordinates the set up and flow for the show. If that weren’t enough, she also has to keep David in line — that can be a full-time job in itself!

By Billy Crawford

LEE HILLS – Leesville’s First Housing Subdivision

Dedication ceremonies for the Lee Hills Housing Project, one of the largest privately owned housing projects built exclusively for Commissioned Officers in the United States and Defense family members, was held on Friday evening, July 3, 1942, at 6 o’clock.

Jean M. King, president of the Leesville Improvement Corporation Lee Hills project, was master of ceremonies. After introducing the members of the board of directors of the Lee Hills project, he introduced principal speakers for the event, Fred H. Bailey Federal Housing Administration for Louisiana, and Major General Alvan C. Gillem, Jr. Commanding General of Camp Polk.

Mr. Bailey outlined the building of the Lee Hills from the beginning, giving very interesting information. General Gillem expressed the Army’s appreciation for the building of Lee Hills was probably the only one on record of its kind in the United States, built exclusively for use of the Army. (Camp Polk did not have family housing on the Base at this time.)

The Lee Hills project was begun with McGregor & Pickett as contractors on the building of the houses, the project consisting of 435 housing units. The improvement work was done by W.R. Aldrich & Co. under contract with the City. The sewer system was built by E.L. Dalton & Co., also under contract from the City. Mr. O.E. Morris was mayor of Leesville.

The streets in Lee Hills were named after Board members: Kings Road, John Paul Jones (formerly Morrison Street), Marvin, Dennis, Douglass, Pinckney, Jean, Edwards, Miriam, Aaron, Merchants, Merritt, Thomas, Allison, and Abe L. Allen Memorial Drive.

The 435 homes had a typical Lee Hills floor plan– two bedrooms, one bath, living room, dining room, and kitchen with a pantry and small back porch. An attic fan was used for cooling and the floor furnace for heating. Each home had a driveway leading to a separate car garage. There were also duplex homes mixed in with a double garage.

Rent for the month was $65. The Lee Hills Office was located across the street from Lee Hills Park, Mrs. Maydele Whitman or Mrs. Hazel Edwards were the office secretaries.

Lee Hills Park was the gathering place where teens would meet up after school and during the weekends, playing the “sports of the season”—shooting hoops, touch football, and baseball.

Pilot Club of Leesville presents their 10^th annual Reindeer Run on Saturday, December 14 with registration set at 8:30.  The race begins at 9 a.m.  Run headquarters will be at Dogwood Park off Belview Road in Leesville.  Individual runner cost is $35 (Early Bird cost) and $40 day of the race.  Teams of five or more runners are $25 per runner (Early Bird cost) and $30 day of the race.

Early bird registration is available until December 3.  To register go to https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race

A team of Demon Coders from Northwestern State University participated in the International Collegiate Programming Contest (IPCP)/Mid-Atlantlic USA regional competition November 16. The three mathematics majors competed with colleges from all over the south and placed first in Division 2 in Louisiana, 12th in the region consisting of Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma and were the first team to solve two problems in Louisiana.  Pictured above from left are Masen Starks of Many, Shannon Boone of Pitkin, and Natalie Sutton of Bossier City.  Dr. Nicholas Richardson, assistant professor of mathematics, is team sponsor. Information on Northwestern State’s Department of Mathematics is available at  https://www.nsula.edu/mathematics/.  

VOLUNTEER VERNON has a great Christmas project for the whole community.  They are looking for clubs, organizations, schools and churches to decorate trees in selected areas of downtown Leesville.  VOLUNTEER VERNON will facilitate the project, which will run through the end of the year.

There is no cost to participate and no entry fees involved.  Trees must be completed by December 8 and remain in place through December 31.  The groups decorating the trees will be responsible for removal of the trees by January 5, 2025.

No glass ornaments are allowed!  All decorations must be natural or non-breakable.  The tree must be secured by sandbags or cinder blocks.  Only heavy-duty extension cords and outdoor-use-only light strands will be allowed.  VOLUNTEER VERNON will have a few trees to use.  These are available on a first- come basis.

Trees will be set up at the park, next to the Museum of West Louisiana, and on the lot behind the old Phoenix Healthmart drugstore downtown.  Some will also be worked into the trees on the Courthouse lawn.

Register your group or organization at the VOLUNTEER VERNON Facebook page, submit a message or text 337-424-6406 or 337-208-8915.

By VPJ Staff

Today is National Cashew Day.  Cashews are my favorite nuts, with salted peanuts a close second.  I enjoy cashews in the cuisine of southeast Asia, and for snacking they can’t be beat!  Nut lovers will have differing opinions.

If you eat nuts, this is your time of the year.  The holidays are rife with recipes that include pecans, walnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, pistachios and more.  Savory recipes, sweet treats galore … everyone has a favorite recipe using nuts. The holidays bring out the nuts, no pun intended.

Growing up in Bossier City, we lived off the back gate of Barksdale AFB, in the Shady Grove subdivision.  There was a pecan tree in every backyard!  My mother came from a large family in Pittsburgh, where pecan trees can be scarce.  Marge would shell five-pound bags of pecans and send them to her sisters.  What a gift for a baker!  Go check the price on five pounds of shelled pecans these days! For Mom, it was just a labor of love.  True to her Slavic roots, Mom would make Hungarian nut rolls for Christmas — some to eat, some to give as neighborhood gifts.  THEY WERE A HIT ALWAYS!  She rolled out the homemade dough, added the chopped nuts and seasonings, then rolled them up and baked em. They were great with coffee, tea, or cold milk.  Whoever helped Mom the most got to eat some first.  I volunteered a lot!

I am truly saddened to learn so many people have nut allergies.  No PB&J sammies, no putting salted peanuts into a cold bottle of Coca-Cola, never knowing the nut/nougat joy of a Payday candy bar.

Thanksgiving tables next week will be littered with pecan pies, brownies with walnuts, and  mixed nuts to snack on during football.  Sweet potato casseroles will be sprinkled with pecans, and almonds will find their way into green bean dishes.

The legendary Catfish Junction restaurant, south of Leesville, gave you roasted peanuts to nibble before your visit to the salad bar.  I loved that, but hated the thought of someone having to sweep up all those shells from the floor at night’s end.

There will be a congealed salad on our Thanksgiving table, and it will have nuts in it.  The Pie-Caken we bought for dessert has a layer of carrot cake, then a layer of pumpkin pie, and a slice of pecan pie on the bottom.  MIND OFFICIALLY BLOWN!

Here’s hoping nuts find their way to your Thanksgiving feast.  From one nut to another, Happy Thanksgiving!

Northwestern State University President James Genovese toured the University’s Leesville-Fort Johnson campus Wednesday, where he visited with students and faculty to learn more about the role the campus plays in serving traditional and non-traditional students, including many active duty military, veterans and their families. 

“Our mission is to make this a top-notch service center,” said Martha Koury, campus director. “Our students don’t fit in a mold. We have non-traditional students who take a mix of on-line and face-to-face classes, and we have traditional students who come to us for their core classes before attending the main campus in Natchitoches. Our niche is in going the extra mile.”  

Koury said that although a large percentage of the Leesville campus students are affiliated with Fort Johnson, many students from Vernon and surrounding parishes choose NSU-Leesville because of its affordability. Staff and administrators place priority in working one on one with students navigating the admissions process, registration, financial aid and scholarships.  

“Nursing is huge here and makes up a large percentage of the enrollment,” Koury said. “Many students are military spouses who are here for three years.  While they are here, they can earn an Associate of Science in Nursing in two years, then complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in one year. It’s a huge selling point.”  

With a presence at both Fort Johnson and Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, NSU has for years consistently earned the Military Friendly School designation.  The university was recognized as a Silver designee for the 2024-2025 Governor’s Military and Veteran Friendly (GMVF) Campus designation.  

Northwestern State provides services for veterans that include specialized financial aid and advising services, counseling designed specifically for veteran students, training and flexible course formats tailored to veteran and service member obligations and degree pathways recognizing military experience.  Last year, administrators formalized two agreements to benefit military personnel seeking degrees.  In one agreement, the training that soldiers receive can be applied as college course credits towards a bachelor’s degree.  A second agreement allows soldiers to use job-embedded training as credits towards a master’s degree. 

Following the visit to the Leesville campus, Genovese visited Fort Johnson for a command brief with Brigadier General Jason A. Curl, commanding general at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Johnson, and installation leadership who discussed the history of Fort Johnson and its role as the most advanced tactical training center in the United States. 

NSU’s Leesville campus is located on Hwy. 467 between Leesville and Fort Johnson.  Information on NSU’s Leesville-Fort Johnson campus is available at https://www.nsula.edu/leesville/.  

The basketball season for high school boys and girls is underway. The Simpson ladies are off to a 10-0 start, best in the area for now. The best boys record belongs to Hicks at 7-2.

ANACOCO Boys are 4-5/Girls are 4-2 Boys play Zwolle on Dec.3 Girls play Elizabeth Dec.10

EVANS Boys are 1-4 Girls are 5-0 Boys play Singer Dec. 2 Girls play Vinton Nov. 26

HICKS Boys are 7-2 Girls are 4-4 Boys and girls play Florien Dec. 3

HORNBECK Boys are 2-2 Girls are 2-2 Both play at Montgomery Dec. 2

LEESVILLE Boys are 0-1 Girls are 0-1 Boys play at LCCP Dec.10 Girls at North DeSoto on Nov. 26

PICKERING Boys are 0-1 Girls are 1-0 Both play at Hamilton Christian Dec. 3

PITKIN Boys are 5-3 Girls are 3-4 Both play at Simpson Nov. 25

ROSEPINE Boys are 2-0 Girls are 0-1 Boys play at DeRidder Nov. 25 Girls play at Pleasant Hill Dec. 3

SIMPSON Boys are 3-4 Girls are 10-0 Both host Pitkin Nov. 25

FAITH TRAINING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Boys are 1-3 Girls are 2-1

All games tonight are in the Regional round and kickoff at 7pm.

Division II Select

#10 Loyola at #7 Leesville       Listen live on KJAE-FM/93.5  AND KVVP-FM/105.7

Division I Select

#18 Evangel Christian at #2 Alexandria

Division II Non-Select

#21 Wossman at #5 Iowa

#14 Opelousas at #3 Jennings

#10 Belle Chase at #7 North Desoto

Division III non-select

#13 Westlake at #4 Kinder

Division IV non-select

#19 Franklin at #3 DeQuincy

#11 Elton at #6 Logansport

Winners will advance to the quarterfinals of the state tournament the day after Thanksgiving.  The LHSAA Prep Classic championships  will be December 12-14 at the Superdome in New Orleans.

The City of Leesville’s annual Jingle & Mingle event will expand to three days this year and move to the Leesville Event Center on Nolan Trace.

The highlight of this year will be an indoor ice skating rink set up inside the Event Center.  Skating sessions are 3-10pm, Friday December 6, 10am-10pm Saturday, December 7 and 1-6pm Sunday, December 8.  Buy your ice skating tickets in advance at Eventbrite.com.   Skates are included in the cost of the tickets.

In and around the Event Center it will be Christmas, Friday-Saturday-Sunday with inflatables, vendors, free tickets to door prizes, food trucks, music and more.  Visit Santa and Joy the Elf to get pictures.

Bakers can enter the pie contest.  There is no pre-admission, just bring your 8-10″ pie for judging at 2pm Saturday December 7 in the Event Center.  You might take home a blue ribbon!

When you arrive get your free ticket for some great door prizes, including a Coleman Gas Powered Mini-bike or a Yeti Tundra Hard Cooler with accessories.  Must be present to win Saturday evening.  Bring the family to get the Christmas spirit at Jingle & Mingle, December 6-8 at the Leesville Event Center.

The Leesville Mayor’s Women’s Commission recently presented the October and November Civic Awards for Beautification.

The October award was presented to Zachary and Holly Boney, who lives at 1205 Aaron Ave.  Their Halloween themed yard was full of frightful items.  A large pumpkin-headed skeleton was surrounded by friends, while the Grim Reaper watched over the cemetery. Pictured above from left to right: Glenda Jarrell (MWC), Holly and Zachary Boney.

The November award was presented to Anthony and Katie Struthers, who resides at 2110 Kings Road.  Notice the large Pilgrim gobbler in the front yard with other nearby fall ornamentation.  The lawn chairs are ready for a bonfire.   Pictured above left to right: Glenda Jarrell (MWC) and Anthony Struthers.

Congratulations to both families and thanks for keeping our city beautiful.  Both say they plan to decorate “Big” for Christmas.

To enter this week’s contest,  CLICK HERE

Congratulations to high school football fan, Rhonda Morrison of Leesville.  She is the mother of an athlete and coach so we give her props for knowing her football.  There were several pickers that went 8-2 but Ms. Rhonda won it on the tiebreaker.  She just met this guy named Ben!   Good luck pickers! Every entry comes with a free subscription to the Vernon Parish Journal.  Click the link above this article to play and win.  Entries must be received by VPJ by Friday at 4 p.m.  We’ll be giving away $100 every week through December 14.

Thanks to our inaugural sponsors: The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, Mockler Beverage, Bud’s Auto and Towing, Mad Bullies-ATV Repair, Mark Smith Insurance, Cryer’s Sports, and Dairy Queen of Leesville.

Advertise your business with the Vernon Parish Journal and get results.  Call 337-208-9253 and get started.

HAPPY PICKING!!

WHAT: Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, an official Wreaths Across America (WAA) location, will host a wreath-laying ceremony, joining more than 4,000 other locations across the country at sea and abroad for National Wreaths Across America Day. Coordinated and led by local volunteers, sponsorship groups have raised funds throughout the year to sponsor the placement of more than 1400 veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of our fallen service members laid to rest there. This annual event seeks to further the yearly mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, ensuring that the memory of those who served our country endures.
WHEN: Saturday, December 14, 2024 10:55 am

WHERE:
Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery
3348 University Parkway
Leesville, Louisiana 71446
337-238-6405

About Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s yearlong mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 3,700 veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and overseas.

Volunteer Location Contact:
James K Armes III
Mary Ann Conner
337-238-6405
clvc@la.gov

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Christmas Parade Saturday, December 14, at 5:30 p.m.  Line-up will begin at 3 p.m. The parade rolls through downtown Leesville at 5:30 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Angels Among Us”.  Register online at greatervernon.org.

Christmas shopping at Third St Market

The second Saturday at the Third Street Market will begin Saturday, December 14, at 9 a.m. and continue ’til 3 p.m.  You’ll find loads of vendors, food, family activities, and Christmas shopping galore.   The market is at the corner of Third and Harriet Streets in downtown Leesville.

One of our staff stopped in my office the other day.

She said, “I’m here for chocolate.” Years ago, I started stocking my office with candy. I discovered that adults would stop by for chocolates and would often feel comfortable enough to tell me what is really on their minds. It happened that day.

The staff person said, “I am angry that this morning my electric toothbrush did not work. I had to brush my teeth the old-fashioned way.” I could relate to that. An electric toothbrush is a luxury that I also share. She waxed poetic about the virtues of an electric toothbrush compared to the old-fashioned kind. Another bite of chocolate and a deep breath later, she said, “You know we forget our blessings. We should remember all the blessings we have in our life.”

An important Old Testament word is “remember.” The Hebrews were challenged to remember how God delivered them from Egypt. They were to remember the Commandments and the Law. They were to remember to treat the orphans, widows, and strangers with compassion. They were to remember to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Remember is no memory test but a line of thought that causes one to live differently. When we remember to be thankful for what we have and the source of those blessings we are less likely to be upset when our blessings break.

Your electric toothbrush broke. That is an inconvenience. You have the blessings of an extra toothbrush, right? What about a quick review? 

The Egyptians and Babylonians invented the earliest known form of a toothbrush, referred to as a “chew stick.” This rudimentary tool consisted of a twig fashioned with a frayed end, which was used to scrub the teeth clean. The chew stick was an effective tool, albeit crude when compared to the more sophisticated designs that would appear in later centuries.

Meanwhile, in the East, the Chinese were developing their version of the toothbrush. Around 1498 AD, they created a tool that bore a closer resemblance to the modern toothbrush we are familiar with today. This toothbrush featured bristles sourced from the necks of pigs, known for their toughness and durability.

Compared to a chew stick or pigs necks an old-fashioned toothbrush is a real blessing. Have you remembered your blessings? Do you live with gratitude as a theme for your day? Do you thank the source of all your blessings?

Funeral services for Felecia Marie Coffey will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Slagle Baptist Church with Reverend Greg Blackwell officiating and Brother Buddy Freeman singing. The burial will follow in Castor Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be Darius Coffey, Bud Bassett, Kyle Bassett, Nathan Parr, Colton Cooley, and Marshall Carter. The honorary pallbearers will be Terry Tiner (Rose), Doug Cooley, and Sam Welch.

Felecia was born August 9, 1964, in Muncie, Indiana, and passed away in her home in Leesville, Louisiana, on November 19, 2024, at the age of 60. Felecia was the proud daughter of a Vietnam Vet (her father). The accomplishment that she was most proud of was her daughter, Chasity. The gift of her granddaughter, her “Precious One”, Jaleigh’ brought her much joy. She worked for a while in the day care at First Baptist Church of Leesville but mainly worked as a caregiver for many families. Her kind heart and patient spirit brought comfort to those that she cared for. Her smile and warm personality were contagious. Felecia enjoyed cooking and creating new dishes which her friends and family loved. Her other hobbies were fishing, camping, arts & crafts, and caring for animals, but most of all she cherished the time spent with her family.

Felecia was preceded in death by her parents, Oral Ronald Brenner, Jr. and Marilyn Lou Claspell Brenner, and her first husband, Joseph “Jay” Frenzel.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Chasity Cooley and husband Doug of Leesville; granddaughter, Jaleigh’ Ingram of Leesville; brothers, Ronald Clayton Brenner and Aaron Shawn Brenner; sister, Angela Ward; four step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and numerous friends.

FELECIA MARIE COFFEY
August 9, 1964 – November 19, 2024
Service: November 24, 2024, at Slagle Baptist Church in Leesville at 3:00 p.m.

GLYNN EDWARD WELCH
March 6, 1958 – November 19, 2024
Service: TBA

Casey Wayne Haymon, age 34 of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespass.  Bond was set at $1295.  Haymon posted bond and was released.

Cathy Elizabeth Lewis, age 42 of San Diego, California, was arrested and charged with one count of Theft over $1500.  Bond was set at $5000.  Lewis remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Jessica Payton Stracner, age 31 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespass.  Bond was set at $1295.  Stracner posted bond and was released.

Stephanie Mae Davis, age 52 of Hornbeck, was arrested and charged with one count of Obstructing Public Passages and one count of Possession of Schedule II Narcotic.  Bond has not been set.  Davis remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Angela Danell Walker, age 47 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Tail Lamps Required and one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic.  Bond was set at $10,635.  Walker posted bond and was released.

Angela Runae Martinez, age 51 of Leesville, was arrested on two Bench Warrants.  Bond has not been set.  Martinez remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Robbie Lee Babcock Griffin, age 31 of Sulphur, was arrested and charged with one count Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, one count of Operating a Motor Vehicle while License is Suspended, one count of No Vehicle Insurance, one count of Operation of a Motor Vehicle without a Valid Registration, and one count of Proper Equipment Required on Vehicles.  Bond has not been set.  Griffin 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 10 a.m. Monday, November 18, in the Jury Administration Building.

Vernon Parish District Attorney, Terry Lambright, was asked for his thoughts on a recent situation.   The Sabine River Authority turned some flood-prone land over to the Vernon Police Jury recently, and hunters have been wanting to hunt the property. Lambright urged Jurors to look into that situation now that hunting season is here.  Jurors will make a decision on leasing the property for hunting and letting the hunters police the property.

The subject of carbon sequestration was brought up again.  Jurors Scottie Benjamin and Cody Hostetler attended a meeting last week of the Louisiana CO2 Alliance. Benjamin reported to Jurors that the Risk Assessment team hired by the alliance is 75% finished with their study.  The Louisiana CO2 Alliance now has a Facebook page.  Benjamin asked that local citizens look at and share the page.  Vernon Parish Police Jurors adopted a resolution in objection to Carbon Sequestration until there is a better understanding of the negatives and positives of the topic.

Jurors accepted the resolution of the Equipment Committee to sell surplus electronics from the Vernon Parish Library at the Pederson Auction in Lake Charles this weekend.  Jurors voted to fund an upgrade kit for the generator at the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office and to enter into a maintenance contract with Precision Mechanical.  Those invoices total $6,998.  Jurors also will spend $1,766 to replace the VAV controller in the Judicial Building.

The Permit and Claims Committee had one item come up after the November 12 committee meeting.  A claim was received from Ms. Carol Luebbers for a broken windshield, caused when a Parish road crew was mowing.  Jurors accepted the low bid of $359.90 from Penny’s Glass and voted to pay the claim.

The Personnel Committee accepted the voluntary termination of employee, Perry Able, in District 5 and announced two hires. James Nolen was hired as a full-time Grader Operator for District 5, effective November 18, and Johnny Hall was hired full time as a Grader Operator in District 2.  Jurors accepted the committee recommendation to increase the salary for the Ward 1 Marshall by $250 per month.  Holiday hours were also approved and made official.  Employees will be off Wednesday, November 27 through Friday, November 29, for Thanksgiving.  Christmas time off begins Tuesday, December 24 and runs through Thursday, December 26.  New Years time off begins Tuesday, December 31 and runs through Thursday, January 2.

The Ways and Means Committee has one item that came in following committee meetings.  The Vernon Parish Police Jury is still under review and discussion to determine the legitimate use of the Opioid Abatement Funds.  The Police Jury will make an initial determination of the use of the funds by the end of the year.

Jurors approved and accepted Equipment Lease/Purchase Agreements for heavy equipment through Cadence Bank.  The five new vehicles total over $600,000 for use across parish districts.  Jury president, Jim Tuck, will execute the agreements on behalf of the Jury.

The next meeting of the Vernon Parish Police Jury will be Monday, December 9.

Two teams that love being in the playoffs will meet at Leesville’s Wampus Cat Stadium Friday in the Regional round of the LHSAA Division II Select football playoffs.  Both Leesville and Loyola Prep have been to post-season action the last four years.  Leesville went deepest, losing in the quarterfinals in 2022.  Loyola has been knocked out in the regional round three of the last four years.  Friday, the teams will meet for the first time in their history. Loyola Prep is the old Jesuit High of Shreveport.

The #7 ranked Wampus Cats, 8-2/4-1 Dist. 3-4A, drew a bye in last week’s first round. #10 Loyola Prep, 6-4/4-3 Dist.1-4A blasted #23 Sophie Wright of New Orleans, 63-44 in Shreveport.  Both teams had over 500 yards in offense in that game, and the Flyers’ defense allowed two scores on the last three possessions of the game.

Loyola Prep averages 30.9 points per game on offense while allowing 18.9 points per game defensively.  The Flyers are led by sophomore QB Bryce Restovich whose 28 TD passes this year set a school record.  Last week, Restovich went 18/22 passes for 287 yards and 5 TD’s. He hit 13 of his last 14 attempts.  His favorite targets are senior Ben Brewer, who caught nine balls last week for 106 yards and four TD’s.  Wide receiver Jake Black had four receptions for 99 yards but really shined on special teams with kick returns of 48-39-49 yards.  Junior running back Mason Drake averaged 110 yards per game this year.  Last week, Drake had 132 yards rushing and three TD’s.  Drake has found the end zone 16 times this year.

Loyola lost their last two regular season games, falling to North Desoto and Northwood of Shreveport.

Coach John Sella is in his 9^th year at the school; his first as head coach.  He was the  offensive coordinator for the previous eight. The Vernon Parish Journal visited with Sella earlier this week about the match-up.  Sella said, “I like the Leesville defense, the way they fly to the ball but still manage to hold pressure and contain.”   When the head Flyer discussed Xavier Ford, he was amazed that no one gets a real solid hit on him because of his balance and agility.  Sella knows his team has to limit Ford’s big play ability.

Lately, the Leesville offense has blossomed in the passing game. Ford has 2727 yards rushing and 42 TD’s, but sophomore Trel Broom has led a resurgent passing attack who has a calm presence in the pocket and good downfield vision.  Broom has completed 93/161 passes for 1642 yards, 20 TD’s and nine interceptions with a QB rating of 109.  Broom has four receivers with double digit catches, led by freshman Ju-Ju Brown with 30 catches for 606 yards and 5 TD’s; junior Mike Davis with 25 catches for 512 yards and 7 TD’s; sophomore Dylan Absher with 14 catches for 117 yards and a score; and sophomore Davion Brtek with 12 receptions for 235 yards and three TD’s.  Leesville has had consistent kicking out of Christian Delapp all season.

The Wampus Cat defense has been an aggressive unit all year.  Fourteen players have double digits in tackles, led by Jacob Pajinag with 83, Mike Williams with 78, Roderick Taylor with 60, and Deandre Herron with 55.  The defense has recorded eight sacks on the year and intercepted 9 passes.

Leesville head coach, Robbie Causey, told the Vernon Parish Journal that the Flyer offense is very balanced.  They use the run to set up the pass and do most of their scoring through the air.  Causey remarked they mix it up well and spread it around.  They will be a challenge to the Leesville defense.

Game time is 7 p.m. Friday at Wampus Cat Stadium.

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Publishers note:  The LHSAA legal case against #2 ranked University High of Baton Rouge was upheld when the court ruled against the school on Monday, November 18.  They were forced to forfeit 8 wins and are out of the playoffs.   If Leesville beats Loyola, they will face Booker T. Washington of New Orleans in the quarterfinals in Leesville the day after Thanksgiving.