Vernon Parish
Local farm teaches children about pumpkins
Anderson Farms has plenty of rip pumpkins, and every year, farm staff treat area students to a detailed lesson about how pumpkins come to be, even in drought-ridden Louisiana. Each child plants a pumpkin seed in a take-home cup, while hayrides around the farm introduce them to the workings of a crawfish pond and other farming methods. Full article.
Vernon Parish schools rank among leaders in state
The Vernon Parish School District got another strong round of results with the release of the district performance scores: Vernon Parish schools ranked sixth in their 2011 district performance score. Vernon Parish School District Superintendent Jackie Self reported that the success can be attributed to everyone involved with the district. Full article.
Women's Shelter offers Safe Date classes
Trish Moore, of the June N. Jenkins Women's Shelter Vernon Outreach Office, recently spoke about a program, "Operation Safe Date." The program teaches children aged 13 to college aged young adults about building healthy dating relationships and how to notice the red flags of abusive or unhealthy relationships. Full article.
Contests move into mass communication
Are you interested in seeing your art splattered across a billboard on U.S. 171, having a message you wrote was broadcast over the radio, or a commercial you wrote and produced aired on television? These are the contests, offered to Children in Vernon and Beauregard parishes, offered this year by Fort Polk's Army Substance Abuse Program in honor of Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 22-30, which is dedicated to alcohol and drug abuse prevention awareness. Full article.
Cougar spotted in Vernon Parish
Earlier this month a trail camera spotted a cougar in Vernon Parish. Two agents LA Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries agents confirmed the authenticity of the photograph. Cougars in LA are protected under state and federal law. Full article.
Vernon Parish Police Jury creates University Parkway Economic Development District
The Vernon Parish Police Jury recently approved an ordinance to create an Economic Development District within the parish, named University Parkway Development District. The designation of Economic Development District by the U.S. Economic Development Administration enables a region to apply for competitive federal funds for planning and infrastructure as well as technical assistance. Full article.
Tri-Parish group begins work on Myths and Legends Byways Program
The Beauregard, Vernon and Allen Parish Tourist Commissions recently gathered to discuss marketing opportunities for the tri-parish group's assets. The parishes involved began work on the Myths and Legends Byways, which is a program that highlights interesting tourist spots along the road. Full Article.
Vernon Parish students improve test scores
The Vernon Parish Superintendent of Schools reported that Vernon Parish students continue to improve test scores for 4th, 8th, 10th and 11th grades. Vernon Parish was among the top 10 highest ranking districts, based on the percentage of students performing at grade level or above on Spring 2011 testing. Full article.
New program seeks to link education with workforce development
The Vernon Parish School District, in conjunction with The Rapides Foundation, will introduce the Cenla Work Ready Network to area business leaders Friday morning at the Pearl Creek Event Center in Leesville. Joe Rosier, CEO and president of The Rapides Foundation: “…The program is a two-pronged systemdesigned to link education and workforce development efforts and align them with regional economic needs. Full information.
Drought Aid may be available for livestock producers
The County Executive Director for the local Parish FSA Office recently indicated that livestock producers in Beauregard and Vernon Parish may be eligible for a payment due to drought conditions. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2011. Full information.
