The First Baptist Church of Leesville was organized in 1898 with the Rev. S.C.Self as its pastor. From Tall Pines II A History of Vernon Parish, Louisiana and its People by Erbon W. Wise.

NATCHITOCHES– A recent election involving the sale of Valley Electric Membership Corp. (VEMCO) to Ohio-based AEP-SWEPCO (Southwestern Electric Power Company) is being challenged by members of the locally-owned electric cooperative.
The challenge has also gained the support of the Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives (ALEC). ALEC agrees with the petition’s claim that the election was not legal.

Joel Scott, 62, of Leesville, passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2010, at Byrd Regional Hospital in Leesville. For the full obituary click here.

Ymeka Smith, 36, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 2 at Rapides General Hospital. For the full obituary click here

Funeral services for Clarence V. Dye, 88, of Leesville, will be held Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 10 a.m. for the full notice click here.

The Vernon Parish School Board voted to replace retiring District 8 representative M. Gene Haymon on Thursday.
Haymon's term expires December 31, 2010; however the 15-year veteran of the School Board announced that he was stepping down in January, effective Jan. 31.
The board voted unanimously to accept Kay Willbanks to replace Haymon.

This weeks top photos.

Dr. Brown Word served as Vernon Parish Sheriff from 1934 to 1936. From Tall Pines II A History of Vernon Parish, Louisiana and its People by Erbon W. Wise.

Time, sprinkled liberally with fear, were what allowed a murder fugitive to hide out at a Fort Polk residence for at least two days before law enforcement agencies apprehended him.

These paintings and more will be on display at Gallery One Ellleven this month as part of an exhibit featuring the work of local students. Students at Leesville Junior High School, Leesville High School and Pickering High School created the works as an interpretation of Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken". A reception will be held this Saturday, Feb. 6, to introduce the exhibit to the community and feature the young artists.

The Antioch Baptist Church, which is located about seven miles north of Leesville, east  of La. 117, was founded in 1883 by Frank  Bolten, Jim Stephens, Riley Hillman, Joseph Williams and Newton Williams. From Tall Pines II A History of Vernon Parish, Louisiana and its People by Erbon W. Wise. 

A toy gun may have played a big role in seven armed robberies allegedly committed by a Fort Polk soldier.

A capital murder suspect believed to have killed a Shelby County, Texas woman was apprehended Tuesday afternoon on Fort Polk.

Sports photos from last week.

The Leesville Lions Club Auxiliary, which cooperates with the Leesville Lions Club in carrying out programs of youth activities and community betterment, was organized August 29, 1961. From Tall Pines II A History of Vernon Parish, Louisiana and its People by Erbon W. Wise.