Eric Lee Williams, age 18 of Hornbeck, was arrested and charged with one count of Cyberstalking.  Bond was set at $1500.  Williams posted bond and was released.

Jacquelyn Sigler, age 43 of Alexandria, was arrested and charged with one count of Stalking.  Bond was set at $5000.  Sigler remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Randy Allen Taylor, age 36 of Pitkin, was arrested on two outstanding Bench Warrants.  Bond has not been set.  Taylor remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Jessee Maddox Jones, age 17 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Disturbing the Peace/Language, one count of Resisting a Police Officer with Force or Violence/Simple Assault and one count of Battery of a Police Officer.  Bond was set at $3443.  Jones remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

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

Ken Hughes, Chairman/President & CEO of Merchants & Farmers Bank is pleased to announce the selection of Luke Brandon as the bank’s new President & CEO, following an extensive search process performed by an outside firm. Brandon, who currently serves as the bank’s Chief Financial Officer, will replace Hughes upon his retirement in February 2025, after 50 years of service to Merchants & Farmers Bank, and the communities we serve. Hughes will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Hughes further stated, “Luke will do a great job leading Merchants and Farmers for many years to come.

I am very pleased to be handing over the CEO position to someone so uniquely qualified to manage our
financial institution on a day-to-day basis. In the two years he has been our CFO, he has shown himself to
be a “forward thinker” and someone who will always have our shareholders and customers best
interests in mind.”

David Nathaniel “Luke” Brandon is a graduate of Anacoco High School and Louisiana State University.
He holds the designation of Certified Valuation Analyst from the National Association of Certified
Valuators and Analysts and is a graduate of Louisiana State University’s Graduate Banking School
program, where he received recognition for outstanding performance in Bank simulation.

Brandon started his banking career at American Planning Corporation, a consulting firm that specializes
in financial and strategic planning for community banks, regulatory rehabilitation, and investment
banking services. Brandon served as an outsourced CFO for over 50 community banks ranging in size
from under $50 Million to over $2 Billion in assets. Over a 16-year period, he assisted in the successful
formation of several banks (two in Louisiana), assisted in numerous Merger and Acquisition projects,
and specialized in bank stock valuations. Brandon joined Merchants & Farmers Bank in July of 2022, and serving as the bank’s CFO he made an immediate impact assisting in the branch acquisition of a
competitor, enhancing the bank’s risk management practices, and enhancing community outreach
initiatives.

“I am honored to step into this role and build upon the foundation that Ken has established. Merchants
& Farmers will always be steadfast in its mission to be the community bank that goes above and beyond for our customers and communities. I look forward to continuing our almost 100-year tradition of
supporting local business and building long term relationships,” states Brandon.

Brandon resides in Anacoco, Louisiana, with his wife Jana, and their two boys, Lucas, and Brody. He is a
former past President of the Leesville Lions Club and a devoted supporter of the Louisiana Lions Camp
for Children. Luke also serves as the Chairman of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce.

In operation since 1928, Merchants & Farmers Bank is an independent community bank headquartered
in Leesville, Louisiana, with eight full-service locations in seven cities. Among the first of Louisiana banks
to establish online banking, Merchants & Farmers offers a variety of banking products and services.

To enter this week’s contest,  CLICK HERE

Congratulations are in order for Mr. Chris Ferguson of Florien and his new friend Ben!  Chris won Week Two of the VPJ Football Pick-Em contest  correctly picking the winners in all ten games.  Chris is a former coach at Anacoco and sports fan.  This week there were at least 10 entries that went 9-1.  Every entry comes with a free subscription to the VPJ.  Click the link above this article to play and win.  Entries must be received by the VPJ by Friday at 4pm.  We’ll be giving away $100 every week through December 20.

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.

It’s not too late to get on board.  Advertise your business with the Vernon Parish Journal and get results.  Call 337-208-9253 and get started.

HAPPY PICKING!!

The Pilot Club of Leesville will hold a memorable day for area families.  A walk for Alzheimer’s Awareness is planned in memory of the late Donna Williams.  Come and join the club and their friends at Leesville’s Dogwood Park at 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 21.  Funds raised will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.  This is a donation-only event.  There is no cost to participate.

You can walk the path with friends, play cornhole and other games, plant a flower in the Garden of Hope, bid on auction items, visit food trucks, and more! The Kiwanis and Lions Clubs will offer free popcorn, water, and cotton candy; the Junior League will paint faces; and the Rotary Club will have a chalk-drawing space.

FREE MOVIE NIGHT

Following the 6 p.m. event in the park, the Pilots invite area families out for Movie Night in the Park.  The feature presentation is Disney’s “A Bug’s Life,” which will start at 7:30 p.m. on the big screen.  Snacks will be available at no cost.  Bring lawn chairs and blankets and find your best seat at Dogwood Park in Leesville.  All of this happens Saturday, September 21, at Leesville’s Dogwood Park off Belview Road.

By Tammy Sharp

The interviewer threw me off with his very first question. He wanted to know what my Daddy did for a living. No one, that I can remember, has ever asked me that before in relation to my own career. I wonder now why it mattered to him, in particular. 

But, that wasn’t the last time he befuddled me. A few minutes later, after I explained that my father’s job meant that he was away from home more often than not, the interviewer wanted to know if I had missed him. I laughed uncomfortably. I wasn’t sure at all where he was going with his questions. 

Did I miss him? I can’t even remember now what I said, but it wasn’t true, whatever it was, and I knew it. So I had to backtrack and tell him not to print it because it wasn’t exactly true. I wanted to explain, but I didn’t have the words. 

I guess the right and most truthful answer would  be “of course I missed him. I just didn’t know I was missing him. I was actually glad he was not there a lot of the time because we would have been in TROUBLE.” But even that needs clearing up. 

My Daddy is a good man. He worked very hard, far away from home, with strangers who didn’t care about him at all, so that he could provide for my mama, my brothers and me. Before that, he served his country. Before that, he served his parents. He did the very best he could with what he had been given. So did my mama, for that matter. But, not everyone is blessed with what others deem a necessity: a nurturing environment. Even that phrase is completely subjective. What is nurturing to one can be harmful to another.  

I think something important happens when you do without the things you think you need or want, the way you think you need them or want them, especially if the doing without is because you are seeking something higher than your present circumstances. 

Love the way you want it. Food the way you want it. Shelter the way you want it. Income and outgo the way you want it. We don’t always get what we want, and that’s actually a good thing. It’s a song that has played in the background of my life. 

The most productive times of my life have been when I felt like I was starving for something I thought needed in another area. Not enough love? Well write some poems about it or have some kids and see if you can’t do it any better. 

Not enough money? Well here, you go to work. You pay the bills, you say no to the kids.

Not enough tasty, healthy food? Well, grow a garden or your own meat, or both, and milk a cow or a goat while you’re at it. 

Mostly, just stop whining and get to work. Be grateful for what you do have. 

That’s what I missed most about my Daddy being gone, the discipline his presence would have provided, in a much more tangible way…but that too, probably would not have been the way I wanted it. But hey. You can’t always get what you want. But if you quit your whining, you sometimes get what you need. 

**************************************************************************************************************

Tammy Sharp lives in Sabine Parish, Louisiana. Her debut novel, A Fortunate Murder, was released August 1, 2024. Follow her on Facebook or email her at mojonovel@gmail.com.   Sharp has announced that her debut novel, A Fortunate Murder, will be released on Kindle September 17, 2024. The digital download can be pre-ordered on Amazon now for delivery to your device September 17. 

With student housing just shy of capacity and the highest on-campus student population in five years, new Northwestern State University President James T. Genovese Tuesday announced Fall 2024 enrollment is 8,523 students.

Campus housing is at 99 percent occupancy with over 1,400 students living on campus.  On-campus enrollment – students who live on campus and attend classes in Natchitoches – represents 44 percent of the total enrollment, the highest since 2019. 

NSU’s freshman class includes over 1,100 students, a group whose average ACT scores are higher than last year’s freshman class.  Freshman to sophomore retention is at 70 percent, another increase from last year. Nearly 3,000 students live in Natchitoches or within 20 miles of campus.

Academic programs are provided at the main campus in Natchitoches, as well as instructional sites in Shreveport, Bossier City, Alexandria, Leesville, Marksville and eNSU online.

“There is a renewed sense of energy and purpose on campus,” said Genovese, who arrived in Natchitoches Aug. 5. “The (home football) gameday atmosphere was electric this past weekend.  Student life has become more vibrant and the campus looks thriving and healthy.”

Students have enjoyed a series of activities since Fall semester classes began Aug. 19, including First Night Fest, New Student Convocation and President’s Picnic, Color Chaos and 1-of-7 Service Initiative.

Meanwhile, strides continue to bolster the academic experiences for students who are pursing 43 undergraduate and 27 graduate areas of study, in addition to 36 specialized certificate programs. Retention rates have climbed over the last few years through an emphasis on added academic resources, increased financial literacy conversations, and a holistic approach to student needs through student and academic services.

NSU administrators have been proactive in developing tools and a personalized approach to assist students. Last year, the School of STEM launched the FLAME (Faculty Led Assistance in My Education) program, in which faculty dedicate extra time each week for office hours and supplemental instruction. The university is also developing a faculty collaboration incubator called CREATE (Center for Research, Education, and Artistic Teamwork Exploration). This initiative encourages students, faculty, and staff to share ideas and collaborate across a wide range of academic disciplines

Last year, NSU earned a Title III grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support retention and graduation rate initiatives. The grant is enabling NSU to improve academic advising, tutoring, career planning, affordability and other issues that can affect student success.

The university’s partnerships with the business, industry, education and healthcare communities help facilitate the development of relevant degree programs that prepare students for high-demand and emerging jobs.

The College of Nursing and School of Allied Health has shown growth in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, the first Nurse Anesthesia and first sonography programs in north Louisiana, post baccalaureate certificate programs and alternative pathways into nursing and allied health professions.

The opening of Alost Hall, the university’s new state-of-the-art academic building that is currently under construction, will have significant impact next year.  The 73,200-square-foot building will feature large multipurpose classrooms, simulation labors for graduate and undergraduate nursing and anesthesia programs, a social work/psychology clinic and training area, a café, administrative offices, a conference room and reception area.

“Our success is driven by the generosity of our alumni and community support, along with the dedication of our faculty and staff who consistently go above and beyond for academic excellence,” Genovese said.

Nearly 300 high school students are already registered for N-Side View, a college preview day for high schoolers and their parents, coming up on Saturday, Oct. 12. At N-Side View, students and parents can tour campus, meets faculty and staff, explore academic majors, learn about admissions and financial aid and take placement tests.  They also get free tickets to the NSU football game. For more information on N Side View visit https://www.engagensu.com/nsideview/.

Enrollment for B-term classes at NSU is available until Oct. 22. B-term classes begin Monday, Oct. 14.  Information on registration is available at https://www.nsula.edu/registrar/.

Administrators say the Fall semester student count indicates that enrollment is stabilizing following a post-COVID decline.

The Vernon Parish Chamber Orchestra will kick off its 2024-25 season next Tuesday, September 17. These talented musicians practice in the Leesville High School band room every Tuesday at 6 p.m. under the direction of conductor Guy Bordelon. If you love music, played an instrument in band or orchestra, and miss playing with other musicians, we have a place for you. There are no auditions, but you must have your own instrument and be able to read music. For more information visit our Facebook page or email us at nanakoubi@outlook.com 

By VPJ Staff

In case you haven’t noticed, today is Friday the 13^th (of September).  That’s all right.  There’s no slasher sneaking up on you, but today does give some people the heebie-jeebies!  What are the reasons you ask?

It’s estimated that 10% of Americans suffer from Triskaidekaphobia, a fear of the number 13.  Well, we have kind of done it to ourselves!  Eighty percent of high-rise buildings in the U.S. have no 13^th floor.  Hotels, hospitals and airports avoid using the number. Some individuals avoid the number like the plague!  Why is 13 so unlucky and 7 is considered good luck?  Igor Radun of the University of Helsinki (Finland) studies behavior and numbers.  He said, “No data exists and will never exist to confirm the number 13 is unlucky.”  Yo, Igor!  Tell that to the millions of Americans out there who have heard about the unlucky number 13 all their lives!

However you slice it, the number 13 is not as feared as Friday the 13^th.  Thanks to Stephen King and slasher movies for keeping that myth alive!  It is different than being afraid of the number 13.  Your word for the day is Paraskevidekatriaphobia. This is the fear of Friday the 13^th and it goes back centuries.

Superstitions about the date go back, way back. Some scholars point to the Bible.  Jesus Christ had 12 disciples at the Last Supper.  The latecomer to the buffet was Judas, number 13. Christ was also crucified on a Friday, so there’s that.  In 19^th century America, Friday was an unwise day to start a new piece of work or embark on a new venture.  In 19^th century England, Friday was unlucky because public hangings were held on that day.

Today, Friday is the bell cow for the weekend; T.G.I.F. and all that.  We love our Fridays and our long weekends. So, as you trip along today, no worries! Just don’t step on a crack or walk under a ladder.  During lunch, don’t spill salt or open an umbrella indoors.  Watch breaking that morning mirror!  Keep your eyes open for that black cat trying to cross your path, and just keep rubbing that rabbit’s foot keychain.  Let me know if you have any Powerball or Lotto numbers…you know, lucky numbers!!

Leesville’s Dairy Queen at 190 Alexandria Highway has new owners and management.  Dairy Queen opened its first US location in Joliet, Illinois, in 1940.  The DQ opened in Leesville in 2019.  The new owners look forward to supporting education in Vernon Parish and have some novel marketing ideas.

Use your DQ app now to get a BOGO on Blizzards through September 22.  New Blizzard flavors for the fall include French Silk Pie, Oreo Fudge Brownie, Reese’s Pieces Cookie Dough, Salted Caramel Truffle, Caramel Java Chip, Royal NY Cheesecake (filled w/strawberry) and Pumpkin Pie.  Old School Blizzard flavors are also on the menu, like Mint Oreo, Turtle Pecan Clusters, Frosted Animal Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Cotton Candy.

Dairy Queen began selling malts and shakes in 1940; banana splits in the 50’s.  You will find them and all your favorites still on the menu: Peanut Buster Parfaits, Sundaes, Dipped Cones, Dilly Bars, and more.

Dairy Queen Signature Stackburgers are made with 100% pure beef and come in a variety of flavor profiles.  This month try the Backyard Ranch Burger.  It’s a mouthful paired with fries, onion rings or cheese curds.  The DQ menu features something for the whole family,  including chicken strip baskets, tacos, taco salads, steak fingers, hot dogs, and a big kid’s selection.  Dairy Queen will soon bring back Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips.  Just returned menu items include a White Mocha shake and Frozen Hot Chocolate.

The Leesville location of Dairy Queen is open seven days a week:  Sunday through Thursday from 10am-10pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am-11pm.  You’re invited to grill and chill at Dairy Queen, 190 Alexandria Highway.

Fall travels to Vernon Parish!

Vernon Parish offers an array of unique experiences, from celebrating the region’s rich forestry heritage to enjoying local art, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a Labor Day weekend getaway or fall travel plans, here’s your guide to a memorable fall trip in Vernon Parish.

Paddle Through Scenic Kayak Trails!
For those who crave a little adventure, Vernon Parish’s waterways and trails offer an exciting way to explore the region’s natural beauty. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a first-timer, kayaking along Vernon Parish’s scenic lakes is a must-do activity. If you prefer staying on dry land, the area has many trails with paths that wind through the Kisatchie National Forest and beyond.
https://vernonparish.org/outdoors/

Explore Creativity at the Leesville Art Park!
Art lovers will find inspiration at the Leesville Art Park, where local creativity shines. Take a stroll through this charming outdoor space, where sculptures and installations are nestled within nature. It’s the perfect way to spend a peaceful afternoon.
https://vernonparish.org/?outdoors=leesville-art-park

Celebrate at the West Louisiana Forestry Festival!
Mark your calendars for one of Vernon Parish’s most beloved annual events, the West Louisiana Forestry Festival on October 2-6! This celebration is a tribute to the region’s forestry industry, featuring a fun-filled lineup that the whole family will enjoy. The festival will include a parade, carnival rides, a livestock show, and food! Keep an eye out for the complete festival schedule and the exciting music lineup—this event is not to be missed!

Tag us on social media at #LALegendCountry and share your legendary fun this fall!

Funeral services for Mildred Johnson, of Leesville, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September
14, 2024, at Johnson Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Leesville. Burial will follow in the Leesville Memorial
Cemetery under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral of Leesville.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 14 th , from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the church.
Mildred Johnson’s life was truly remarkable and filled with love, dedication, and service. Born on
February 21, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Issac “Ike” Garner Burns and Lillie Mae Smith
Burns, she touched many lives through her work and ministry. Her marriage to Willie “Bill” Johnson
Jr. on November 1, 1968, brought forth four children. Mildred’s long career at Byrd Regional Hospital
was marked by her infectious smile, encouraging words and making a lasting impact on many
patients.

Mildred dedicated her life to Christ in 1970 as a founding member of Zion Glorious Church of
Apostolic Faith in Jamaica, NY. Zion Glorious Church of Apostolic Faith was her foundation. She
loved the church ministry and her leader, Pastor Edwards. In 1991, Mildred’s passion for serving
God only increased when she moved back to her hometown of Leesville. Her passion for people was
evident in her involvement at Johnson Temple COGIC, under the leadership of Pastor Maurice
Johnson. She was ordained as a licensed missionary under the late Bishop Roy L. H. Winbush.
Mildred contributed to various ministries, including the Missions Department, Sewing Circle,
Women’s Department, Prayer Band Ministry Leader, Usher Board and Primary Teacher for the
Women’s #1 Sunday School Class. Her dedication to ministry brought her comfort and fulfillment.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Willie Johnson Jr., her parents, Issac and Lillie Mae
Burns; three brothers. Herbert Burns, Lane Hart Burns and Donald Burns; and two sisters, Vera
Silvey and Bessie Lee Burns. Her legacy continues through her children Sondra Johnson, Willie
Johnson III, Shana Johnson, and Lakisha Devine; grandchildren Tyheem, Asharay, Juwan, Tyrese,
Maurice, Courtney, Brittney, Willie IV, Tysean, Kaiya, Jaidyn, and Naima; three great grandchildren;
one brother, Robert Burns, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mildred’s earthly presence will be missed beyond words, but we find peace in knowing that she is
now resting in the arms of Jesus. Her life story is a beautiful testament to her faith, love, and
unwavering commitment to serving others.

Faculty from Northwestern State University’s Department of Mathematics will take part in Math 4 Fun, a program set to take place at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum on Saturday, September 21.  Math teachers from elementary through college levels are invited to join fellow teachers for fun math problems and games.  The event is free and open to the public, but participants should RSPV so that adequate food and materials can be made available.

The event will be from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the museum and will include a meal catered by Lasyone’s Meat Pie Kitchen and plenty of door prizes.  NSU Math Professor Dr. Judith Covington said event is intended to create a space where math teachers can enjoy working on fun math problems with other teachers.

“K-12 teachers today have so many requirements placed on them in the classroom,” Covington said. “We will make sure that all problems are accessible by teachers from all levels of education. We want Math 4 Fun to be a place where teachers can spend time with other teachers in a positive supporting environment. Hopefully these events will be a place where teachers feel supported and heard and ultimately have a bit of fun.”

This is the first of a planned series of Math 4 Fun events.  The next meeting will be Saturday, Nov. 9. The event is sponsored by the American Institute of Mathematics (AIM) and NSU’s Stan Chadick Mathematics Enhancement Fund.

For more information, to RSVP or to be added to the Math4Fun email list, email Covington at covingtonj@nsula.edu. 

Wanda Sue Goff was born June 25, 1948, in Leesville, Louisiana and passed away September 9, 2024, in Leesville at the age of 76. For a while, she lived and worked in California before moving back to Louisiana, where she worked in role play at Fort Polk. Sue enjoyed deer hunting and going on cruises with her husband and taking care of their dogs. Her family meant so much to her – especially her grandchildren, who called her Grammy Sue.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Jacqueline and Russel Rowzee; brother, Gene Rowzee; son, Mark Alan Hawkins; and her beloved husband, Dalton “Buddy” Ray Goff.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Russel “Rusty” Alan Hawkins of Leesville; daughter, Hollyn Williams of Prosper, Texas; stepchildren, Carl Lee Goff and wife Cindy of Placerville, California, Suzette “Sam” Benson and husband Ryan of Aztec, New Mexico, and Alicia Goff of Jasper, Texas; grandchildren, Leanne Waggoner, Jillian Goff, Michelle Langley, Matt Ketchum, Payton Howell, Layla Richardson, and Carsen Bruno; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

Sue’s family will plan a memorial service to honor her memory for a future date.

Funeral services for Billie “Bib” Jean Boyd will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September
13, 2024, at Jackson Chapel Church of Christ with Brother Ricky Jackson officiating and
Ethan Jackson leading the music. The burial will follow in Cooper Cemetery under the
direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. The pallbearers will be Matthew Harter, Daniel
Highbaugh, Austin Chandler, Tim Keen, Travis Highbaugh, Robert Highbaugh, Neil Gaunt
Jr., and Jeremy Gaunt.

Billie was born June 2, 1935, in Leesville, Louisiana and passed away in her home in
Leesville on September 10, 2024, at the age of 89. She was born and raised in Vernon
Parish where she worked at Fort Polk in the Central Accounting Office for many years
then drove a school bus for Vernon Parish for over 20 years before retiring. Her faith was
important to her, and she was a member of Jackson Chapel Church of Christ. Billie loved
all her family and spending time with them brought her so much joy. She would hunt with
her father and brothers and enjoyed vacationing with her siblings in Colorado. She left a
legacy of love and laughter that they all will cherish.

Billie was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Bernard Boyd; son, Butch
Highbaugh; parents, A.L. and Ona Murray; and siblings, A.L. Murray Jr., Travis Murray,
Katherine Murray, and Bobbie Holder.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Chuck Highbaugh and wife Jeanine of
Leesville, Mike Boyd and wife Stacie of Phenix City, Alabama, and Matthew Harter and
wife Noelle of Leesville; daughters, Debbie Hundley and husband Woody, Tina Highbaugh,
Kim Perkins and husband Gomer, and Katie Spillers all of Leesville; sisters, Chloe Dean
Howe of Leesville, Shirley Graham of Leesville, and Sharon “Doubie” Dye of Red Level,
Alabama; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; seven great-great-
grandchildren; and a host of extended family members and friends.

WANDA SUE GOFF
June 25, 1948 – September 9, 2024
Service: To be announced at a later date

BILLIE “BIB” JEAN BOYD
June 2, 1935 – September 10, 2024
Service: September 13, 2024, at Jackson Chapel Church of Christ in Leesville at 2:00 p.m.

MILDRED JOHNSON
February 21, 1948 – September 4, 2024
Service: September 14, 2024, at Johnson Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Leesville at 11:00 a.m.

BOBBY GENE SKIDMORE
January 22, 1943 – September 12, 2024
Service: September 17, 2024, at Cooper Baptist Church in Leesville at 10:00 a.m.

Tropical Storm Francine was expected to intensify overnight Tuesday into a Category 1 or Category 2 hurricane as it heads for landfall Wednesday afternoon near Morgan City.

Thunderstorms are expected to increase this morning in West Central Louisiana.  We are on the western side of the storm and can expect wind gusts of 25-40 mph as the storm winds its way to the northeast.   Forecasters are calling for 1-3 inches of rain for the already-soaked ground in Vernon Parish.  Power outages are possible. High waters are expected in low lying areas of Vernon and Beauregard Parishes.

The storm will impact our weather until early Thursday morning as it gradually tapers out of our area.  Skies are expected to be clear and sunny throughout the weekend with a high temperature of 90 degrees.

Vernon Parish Schools are scheduled to remain closed through Thursday.  Beauregard Parish schools are scheduled to return Thursday, weather permitting.  Northwestern State University will re-open their campuses on Thursday.

Todd Sain, age 50 of Florien, was arrested and charged with one count of Violation of a Protective Order.  Bond was set at $7500.  Sain remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Stephen Joseph Ledet, age 37 of Anacoco, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant from Allen Parish.  Ledet remained in the Vernon Parish Jail while awaiting transfer to Allen Parish.

Tiffany Marie Kay, age 39 of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Extortion.  Bond has not been set.  Kay remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Michael D. White, age 59 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic and one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Bond has not been set.  White remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Shelby K. James, age 23 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic.  Bond has not been set.  James remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Willie McNutt, age 48 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Resisting an Officer and one count of Disturbing the Peace/Language.  Bond was set at $2162.  McNutt posted bond and was released.

Randy King, age 56 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.  Bond has not been set.  King remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Donald Christopher Kay, age 44 of Evans, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set. Kay remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Marcus Broxson, age 44 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery and one count of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation.  Bond has not been set.  Broxson remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Bobby Ray Jackson, age 59 of New Llano, was arrested on two outstanding Bench Warrants.  Bond has not been set.  Jackson remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

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

To enter this week’s contest,  CLICK HERE

Congratulations are in order for Ms. Liz Holmes of Pitkin for winning Week One of the Football Pick-Em Contest in the Vernon Parish Journal.  She was the only entry to correctly pick nine out of ten winners.  She is shown above with her friend Ben Franklin. This is just the start of the contest, so play and win $100 cash by reading the Vernon Parish Journal weekly.  Every entry comes with a free subscription to the VPJ.  Click the link above this article to play and win.  Entries must be received by the VPJ by Friday at 4pm.  We’ll be giving away $100 every week through December 20.  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.  It’s not too late to get on board.  Advertise your business with the Vernon Parish Journal and get results.  Call 337-208-9253 and get started.

HAPPY PICKING!!

The Vernon Parish Police Jury met at 5 p.m. Monday, September 9, in the Jury’s administrative building in Leesville.

A special-called meeting was held five minutes prior to the committee meeting.  Jurors declared some equipment surplus, which will be auctioned on September 14. The equipment includes a 2006 Mahindra tractor and a 2000 Case backhoe from Districts 1,4,8,9, and a 1999 New Holland TS-100, a 2009Tiger boom mower, and a 2008 Ford F-350 pickup truck from Districts 10,11,12.

Committee reports were heard next with Cody Hostetler of the Economic Development Committee and Jury President Jim Tuck, both speaking on the urgency of getting the task done of finding three candidates for seating on the Board of the Vernon Parish Development District.  The state legislature created the district to promote and encourage economic development.  A nine-person committee will be formed.  The Police Jury will seek three Vernon Parish residents to sit on this Board.  The City of Leesville and the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce will also put forth three nominees. Jurors will submit names at the next board meeting or ASAP.

Scottie Benjamin with the Equipment Committee reported a request from the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office to purchase a new Chevrolet 15 passenger express van for the mowing crew.  The cost of the vehicle would be $46,166.35 on a state contract.  Some jurors suggested the sheriff split the cost with the jury.  There was discussion on the topic. That request will be on the agenda at the next meeting.

Marvin Hilton with the Personnel Committee reported to jurors two new hirings.  Austin Mathews was hired as a full-time equipment operator in District 7.  Brian Davis was hired as a full-time grader operator in District 7.  Both men have a 6-month probationary period.

The Road Maintenance and Construction Committee reported that bids were opened on August 20 for liquid soil stabilizer.  There was only one bid, which was from Base-Seal International, Inc.  BS-100 will cost $1,650 per 55-gallon drum, and TS-100 will cost $1,540 per 55-gallon drum.  The Vernon Parish School Board requested the Police Jury construct a bus turnaround at the end of Jerry Nolen Road in District 5.  That committee received two requests from the Vernon Parish Health Unit to bury two dead horses.  A request from District 9 came in to asphalt 550’ of Mitchell Road in District 9/Ward 3.  The cost is $13,400 and will be paid with District 9 funds.

Kenny Haymon with the Ways and Means Committee spoke on requests from the Vernon Parish Housing Authority to re-appoint Ms. Nelva Jeane to the Board of Commissioners for another term, and to appoint Ms. Deborah Franca to replace Ms. Pauline Walters, who resigned.

A public hearing will be held Monday, September 16, at 10 a.m. on two proposed ordinances, both dealing with abandoning roads.  Lynn Nash Road in District 3/Ward 3 will be abandoned in its entirety.  Wilcox Road in District 3/Ward 3 is also no longer needed.  The request came from the only resident on the road.

Jurors adopted a resolution to waive the PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) through September 30 for the Vernon Parish Housing Authority.  That estimated PILOT is $15,100.

The Vernon Parish Police Jury will next meet at 10 a.m., Monday, September 16.

The Vernon Parish School Board met Tuesday, September 10, at 10 a.m. in the administration building on Belview Road.  Board members adopted a resolution approving the Consolidated and General Fund Budgets for 2024-25.  They accepted employee retirements and authorized all claims to be paid. The Board also approved updated policies and additions and agreed to advertise for bids to replace the roof at Rosepine High School.  A motion to advertise for a promotional assistant principal position at Leesville High School was tabled by the Board.

Jeff Taylor with Taylor and Sons Insurance presented the September Employee of the Month award to Ms. Tasha Robertson, a Title 1 paraprofessional at Simpson High School.  Her principal, Ms. Kayla Hopkins, praised Robertson for her efforts all over the school, from her job to coaching the cheer squad, and always being ready to lend a hand.

Ms. Leslie Ortiz with Special Education reported that Vernon Parish had recently been ranked in the Top 10 school districts in the state that showed measurable growth in special education students in grades 3-8.  There are currently 92 autistic children in the Vernon Parish school system that have met the requirements for autism.  Each student assessment can take up to 60 days.  However, new state regulations allow for more scheduling of students with therapists and counselors to more quickly identify special education students.

The next meeting of the Vernon School Board will be Thursday, October 3, at 10 a.m.