Surveillance and investigation by the Leesville Police Department Narcotics team has led to the arrest of a Leesville man.

When the owner of an area residence was robbed earlier this month, he installed a security camera on his property, which helped the Vernon Parish detectives nab two suspects caught on tape during a second theft.

Courtney Donnell Zeno was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday by Judge Patricia Minaldi.

Kenyatta Scott has been sentenced for the 2008 forcible rape of a Leesville woman, while Justin Richmond, accused of the same crime, is facing a trial.

Terri Whiddon is seeking re-election to the Board of Aldermen here in the upcoming election set for October 2. Whiddon has been a member of the board since November 2003 when she was appointed to fill a vacant seat. She was elected to her first full term in November 2006.

On Monday Gov. Bobby Jindal awarded 158 veterans from Vernon Parish with the Louisiana Veterans’ Honor Medal at the VFW Old Stage Post 3106.
 

Addressing a small crowd of area business leaders Monday, U.S. Congressman John Fleming said that a "ratcheting down" on war fronts may be having far-reaching effects.

Across from Vernon Middle School sits a fireplug that should deliver up to 1,000 psi of water. But the plug itself is in need of repair. In fact, it's just one of at least 10 in the city that need to be replaced. Six more are out of service and need to be repaired. But the city has none in its inventory.

Magnetic toys and double strollers are among the recalled products in this week's roundup. Television wall mounts for flat screen TVs are included, too, along with gas smokers used for barbecuing that could explode and baby bottle warmers.

Four year incumbent, Vernon Travis is seeking reelection to his position to the Vernon Parish School Board, he announced.

Leesville Mayor Robert Rose said his administration is developing a master plan for the city which would include replacing water lines along La. 28 with six-inch lines. Engineering for the future, though more costly at first, is a necessity that in the long run would be cost efficient, he said.

Voters can view the ballot and verify all of their voter information, including party affiliation, address and polling place, by visiting www.GeauxVote.com.

The Army combat brigade stationed at Fort Polk will leave for Afghanistan in October.
 

Holly A. Brewer has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleaded guilty in June to second-degree cruelty to a juvenile.

Every school day buses from Vernon Parish Schools stop at the corner of North Gladys and Nona Streets in Leesville for elementary and middle school children to scamper down the hill on Gladys to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center as Director Leroy Stokes watches at the front door.

The Leesville Police Department recently launched its website, which will allow community members to access a variety of public safety information.
 

Voters in Sabine Parish's South Sabine Consolidated School District No. 20 will decide Nov. 2 whether they want to pay property taxes to construct a new school.

The City of Leesville is facing some tough decisions, according to Mayor Robert Rose, who has been in office seven weeks now.  At the top of the list is sewer.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles began phasing in a new vehicle registration certificate Aug. 16. All Office of Motor Vehicle locations will be utilizing the new registration certificate by Sept. 1. In an effort to make the transition as easy as possible for everyone involved, samples of the new versions of the approved registration certificates will be included along with a guide to reading and understanding the new forms.

Steve Woods has announced that he is seeking re-election to the Vernon Parish School Board District 1.
“When I announced my candidacy for school board four years ago I promised that I would faithfully pursue the following: I would be a  voice on the Board for every taxpayer and citizen, I believe the public school system belongs to the public school system belongs to the public and they deserve a voice, and I believe that I have faithfully fulfilled that promise,” Woods said.