Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.

September 23, 2025

Gary Lee Grosenbacher Jr., age 46, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Simple Battery and one count of Criminal Trespass. Bond has not been set and Grosenbacher remains in the VPSO jail.

September 24, 2025

Kourtney Rose Lewis, age 31, of Florein, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Lewis remains in the VPSO jail.

Gregory Wayne Martin, age 30, of Alco Hutton, was arrested on one outstanding Bench Warrant and two out of jurisdiction Bench Warrants. Bond has not been set and Martin remains in the VPSO jail.

Jason Scott McDuffie, age 49, of Rosepine, was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. Bond has not been set and McDuffie remains in the VPSO jail.

Kyle Conerly Brack, age 45, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. Bond has not been set and Brack remains in the VPSO jail.

September 25, 2025

Jason Michael Pitts, age 45, of Anacoco, was arrested on two outstanding Bench Warrants. Bond has not been set and Pitts remains in the VPSO jail.

William Robert Freeman, age 44, of Anacoco, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond was set at $7,500. Freeman posted bond and was released.

Glenn M. Holmes Jr., age 46, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Obstruction to driver’s view or driving mechanism, one count of Operating a vehicle while license is suspended, and two counts of Resisting an Officer. Bond was set at $3,832, Holmes remains in the VPSO jail.

Jessica Brister Cox, age 52, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Distribution of a Schedule I Narcotic and one count of Introduction of Contraband into a Correctional Facility. Bond was set at $20,000. Cox remains in the VPSO jail.

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

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Work has begun on the runway extension project at Leesville Municipal Airport (L39), which will lengthen the runway from 3,800 feet to 5,600 feet. The project is expected to be completed by July 2026.

The first phase, involving excavation and embankment north of the runway, is underway and has no impact on normal airport operations. The next phase will require dirt work closer to the end of the runway, at which time the threshold will be displaced 800 feet, leaving 3,000 feet available for landing. A NOTAM has been issued to inform pilots of the temporary changes.

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Sundown Fire Department responded to the Rosepine area on Sept. 24 around 4:20 am to assist Rosepine Fire Department with a residential structure fire.

When personnel arrived, they found the residence fully involved. Firefighters immediately began suppression operations, but the extent of the damage made it impossible to salvage the home.

Agencies on scene included Rosepine FD, Sundown FD, Caney FD, New Llano FD, Sandy Hill FD, Beauregard Parish Fire District 4, Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, MedExpress Ambulance, and BECI.

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The Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk welcomed Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on Sept. 25 for a visit highlighting the installation’s mission and priorities.

The day began with a command briefing focused on how JRTC builds the Army’s ready and lethal formations, including updates on infrastructure upgrades, training innovation, and quality-of-life programs that support Soldiers and their Families.

During lunch, the Speaker met with Soldiers to hear firsthand how world-class training at JRTC prepares them for combat and how initiatives such as housing and healthcare improvements strengthen the force and their Families.

His visit underscored a shared commitment to developing disciplined, lethal units and sustaining the Army’s readiness at all times.

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JOURNAL STAFF

Richard Smith was the winner of $100 in the Sawgie Bottom Outdoor Power Sports High School Football Pick ‘Em Contest.

There’s another $100 prize on the line.  You have until Friday afternoon at 4 to enter this week’s contest. Anyone has the chance to win the $100 prize as the week’s top predictor of High School football games.

Participation is very simple. Just click on this link:

CLICK HERE TO PICK YOUR WINNERS!

Win $100 weekly just by picking the winners in ten high school football games.  You must also pick the total number of points scored in two tie-breaker games.  You can win $100 with some knowledge and a little good luck.  MUST BE 18 TO PARTICIPATE.  All you need is an e-mail address.  The contest will continue through the high school playoffs and the State Championship games in the Superdome. 

The list of games to pick will come out in the Wednesday edition each week during the season, and you will have until Friday at 4 p.m. to make and submit your selections.  The weekly winner will be announced in the following Wednesday’s edition of the Vernon Parish Journal.

Our thanks to our Title and Anchor Sponsor – Sawgie Bottom Outdoor Power Sports for joining us on the 2025 Vernon Parish Journal Pick Em Contest. 

Advertising space is still available at a great low price.  Contact the Vernon Parish Journal at 318-564-3609 for information on advertising rates in the Vernon Parish Journal.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL PICKIN’?

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After finding themselves in an impressive win against Many, Leesville (1-2) will attempt to string together consistent performances when the Wampus Cats head to Pineville (2-1) on Friday.

Meanwhile Pickering and Rosepine will try to stop their losing skids at home this week.
Pickering (1-2) will host a Merryville (0-3) bunch that’s lost two games by one score.

While Rosepine finally doesn’t play on a Friday (first three games of the season were on Thursdays), the Eagles won’t get a reprieve as undefeated Ascension Episcopal (3-0) visits.

LEESVILLE
One thing that Leesville and Pineville have in common (other than having ‘ville’ in their names) – they both got hammered by Tioga this season.

Tioga scored 42 unanswered points against Pineville this past week to break a 14-14 tie and run away with a 56-14 win.

Two weeks ago, Leesville was feeling the sting when Tioga exploded to a 56-20 win.

But the Wampus Cats returned to their rushing roots in a 48-14 win against Many as Grant Braxton collected his second 150-yard rushing game with an unimaginable five touchdowns.

Pineville brings its own explosive running back Kelmarion Phillips, who scored on runs of 66 and 73 yards early against Tioga before the Indians smothered Pineville’s offense.

Tioga ran and through at will against Pineville, and Leesville would love to strike that same balance.

Leesville’s defense bottled up Many’s power rushing attack, but Pineville will bring a spread offense that often features multiple backs at varying depths in the backfield.

While that alignment contributed to Phillips’ long runs, it also was a big factor in the many negative offensive plays Pineville had. Phillips gained 149 rushing yards just on those two plays, but Pineville finished with just 153 yards of total offense.

But Pineville certainly didn’t have trouble moving the ball in two earlier wins (44-34 against New Iberia and 69-14 against Avoyelles).

Another efficient outing from quarterback Trel Bloom (8-for-11 for 152 yards against Many) will give Leesville the offensive diversity to outpace a Pineville offense that can be susceptible to negative plays against good defenses.

PICKERING
The Red Devils will attempt to take advantage of its early home schedule as Friday’s matchup against Merryville is third time in four this season Pickering will be playing at home.

Pickering has just two home games in their final six, so making this one count at home would be beneficial.

While Merryville doesn’t have a win, the Panthers have a pair losses by one score. North Central (46-40 win) and LaSalle (30-22) have a combined record of 5-1 this season.

One number of note – Pickering beat Gueydan (56-14) worse than North Central did (38-14).

The Red Devils can definitely make a stand and get to 2-2 in the early going.

A 2-2 start would Pickering’s best since 2020 (3-1 start), a season in which the Red Devils finished 5-3 in the regular season.

Merryville won this past season’s matchup 30-7 over Pickering.

ROSEPINE
Not playing on a Thursday will be a welcome reprieve for football players who don’t have to wake up for school the next morning.

Playing undefeated Ascension Episcopal won’t offer a similar reprieve as the Eagles are vying for their first win.

The Class 1A opponent has logged all three wins against higher classification teams, topping Class 3A Kaplan (41-7), 4A Archbishop Hannan (21-10) and 3A Abbeville (39-34).

Holding two of its three opponents to 10 points or less likely isn’t a welcome sight for a Rosepine offense that’s been shutout in two of its first three games.

But the Eagles did make some headway with their power running game, something they hope can create running lanes against Ascension Episcopal, who won the 2024 meeting 42-8.

Rosepine does have a home-heavy schedule this season with six games, including its third home date of the season in the first four weeks.

Rosepine’s defense has the ability to force turnovers (four against Grand Lake), so extra offensive possessions would be welcomed against Ascension Episcopal.

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The City of Leesville has completed construction of a 1.34-mile paved walking path at the Leesville Municipal Golf Course, providing a safe and scenic route for residents and visitors looking to walk, jog, or enjoy the outdoors.

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Heavy rain and muddy trails set the stage for the 2025 Warrior Hills Cross Country Invitational, held Sept. 24 at Warrior Hills Golf Course by the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk.

Local high school athletes demonstrated heart, grit, and determination as they pushed through the challenging conditions. Despite the weather, runners showed endurance and competitive spirit, inspiring those who came to support them.

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Vernon Parish 4-H has officially crossed over 1,000 members enrolled for the 2025–2026 year.

Leaders credit the milestone to the families who continue to support 4-H and trust the program to help youth grow through leadership, service, and opportunity. Enrollment for the year remains open, giving more students the chance to participate in activities and opportunities ahead.

In addition, the Club Points Contest is underway. School clubs that show a 10 percent increase in paid membership over last year will earn 50 bonus points toward Club of the Year.

Vernon Parish 4-H encourages students and families to keep the momentum going as the program works to make “the best better.” Enrollment is available online at v2.4honline.com.

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Vernon Parish Head Start and Early Head Start, in partnership with Merchants & Farmers Bank and The Rapides Foundation, is working to increase access to books and encourage early childhood literacy across the parish.

Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, all children in Vernon Parish from birth to age 5 are eligible to receive free books delivered directly to their homes. Registration is now open at imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/LAVERNON.

Vernon Parish Head Start emphasizes that education is a collaborative process involving the home, school, and community. Leaders say this initiative will help foster a love of reading and provide developmentally appropriate learning opportunities for all children in the parish.

The program is made possible through the support and funding of The Rapides Foundation, Vernon Parish Head Start Birth to Five program, and Merchants & Farmers Bank in Leesville.

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Franklin L. Neal
Service: Monday, September 29, 2025 at 3 pm at Oak Grove Congregational Methodist Church

Wilfredo “Freddy” Cruz-Rios
Service: Friday, October 3, 2025 at 1:30 pm at the Central Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery in Leesville

Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or vpjnewsla@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to vpjnewsla@gmail.com).

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Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.

 

September 20, 2025

James Walker Jr., age 29, of Leesville, was arrested on a Fugitive Warrant from Orange County Texas. Walker remains in the VPSO jail awaiting extradition to Texas.

Ryan Christopher Robinson, age 26, of New Llano, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespass, one count of Criminal Mischief, and one count of Theft. Bond was set at $ 6500.00. Robinson remains in the VPSO jail.

September 21, 2025

Dayvawn Calhoun III, age 31, of Leesville, was arrested on an out of jurisdiction Bench Warrant from Rapides Parish. Calhoun remains in the VPSO jail awaiting transfer to Rapides Parish.

September 22, 2025

Bobby Wayne Hickman II, age 40, of New Llano, was arrested on an outstanding Traffic Warrant. Bond was set at $ 635.00 and Hickman remains in the VPSO jail.

Tiffany Freeze, age 29, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $ 1561.00. Freeze remains in the VPSO jail.

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

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Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the graduation of recent participants of the Inside Out Program which is a faith driven addiction recovery program conducted through Cross Ties Ministries of Leesville.

The classes are conducted at the Vernon Parish Jail by ministry leaders Andy and Jodi Williams.

The purpose of the program is to rescue those in the midst of their addiction and connect them with the resources and support needed to help the recovering addict find their purpose and become productive members of society.

The program began eighteen months ago and during that time approximately 32 men and 13 women have graduated from the program.

Sheriff Craft states, “This partnership with Cross Ties is solely to lend help and support to those incarcerated so that when they are released back into society, they will hopefully have the necessary tools to enable themselves to become productive members of society.”

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The Vernon Parish Library is proud to present a special program titled “Sharing Stories: Volunteer Fire Department,” featuring guest speakers Ed Laughlin and Gene Dougherty on Friday, Oct. 10 at 10 AM, in the Vernon Parish Library Meeting Room.

Firefighting is not for the faint of heart. Every day, brave men and women risk their lives to protect their communities. According to the International Association of Fire Chiefs, their mission extends far beyond fighting flames—they respond to emergencies, provide medical aid, and perform rescues, all in the name of public safety.

At this event, you’ll hear firsthand accounts from two men who didn’t just serve in the Anacoco Volunteer Fire Department, they helped found it. Ed and Gene will share their memories, experiences, and behind-the-scenes stories of what it was like to build and serve in a rural volunteer fire department. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper appreciation for the history and heart behind their service.

Come be part of this unique opportunity to honor our local heroes. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the courage, dedication, and community spirit that built the Anacoco Volunteer Fire Department. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information call 337-239-2027 or 800-737-2231, fax 337-238-0666, stop by the main branch, located at 1401 Nolan Trace in Leesville, or go online to vernonparishlibrary.org and facebook.com/vernonparishlib.

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For a Leesville team that was struggling to find its way in a blowout loss to Tioga, the Wampus Cats didn’t appear to be in great position with a resurging Many program coming to town.

But Leesville sprinted to a big lead and smothered the visiting Tigers in a victory that feels like more than just a tally in the win column.

The Wampus Cats (1-2) smashed Many (2-1) in a 48-15 win to log its first triumph of the season.

Pickering came close to doubling its win total on the season, but the Red Devils couldn’t muster enough offense in the 14-6 loss at Northwood-Lena.

The good news for Rosepine is they don’t play on Thursday this week. The bad news is the third Thursday night game to start the season ended in a 52-0 shutout by Kinder.

LEESVILLE
The offense leaned more toward the pass in the Tioga loss, but Leesville got back to its running roots against Many thanks to a lead and the effectiveness of the offensive line.

Grant Braxton amassed his second 150-yard rushing game this season and an astonishing five rushing touchdowns to lead Leesville.

The Wampus Cats’ quick start and complete game allowed them to cruise against a Many squad that crushed its first two opponents in Logansport and DeRidder.

Leesville scored the first 28 points, which included taking advantage of one Many turnover and another failed fourth-down conversion.

After Braxton plowed in the first score, Leesville recovered a Many fumble in Tigers territory, setting up a second Braxton scoring plunge.

Many’s most promising drive ended in a failed fourth down near the red zone, and Leesville marched down the field to take a 21-0 lead on a Trel Bloom 10-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Tucker.

Bloom’s efficiency increased dramatically, completing 8-of-11 passes for 152 yards with his lone touchdown going to Jacob Pajinag.

Julius Brown led all receivers with 80 yards on three catches.

The Leesville defense stymied Many’s power rushing attack, holding the Tigers under 100 rushing yards and to 175 total yards.

PICKERING
Pickering’s offense couldn’t find a way to sustain drives against an improved Northwood-Lena defense that surrendered 40-plus points in its first two losses.

The Gators scored their two touchdowns in the first half before Pickering shut them out in the second half.

The Red Devils pulled within one score but couldn’t find another in the eight-point loss.

But progress continues to be made in John Daughtery’s third season as the Red Devils lost 28-7 to Northwood-Lena this past season.

ROSEPINE
Facing a traditional power like Kinder was going to be a tall order, and Kinder backed that up in the 52-0 win.

The Yellowjackets scored a pair of touchdowns each in the first three quarters and evenly dominated the game throughout.

Kinder led 30-0 at halftime and scored 15 more points in the third quarter for a 45-point margin.

Kinder’s defensive pressure plagued Rosepine all night as the Eagles were behind the sticks often.

Rosepine had trouble bringing down Kinder ballcarriers, allowing for extra yardage and sustained drives.

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When you say the words “Red River” to most tournament anglers, the majority will instantly start telling you how much they hate this body of water. BUT NOT ME! Yes, the Red River is a challenging river system and not just with fishing, but navigation as well. But I love the Red River for several reasons.

First is the fact that it’s such a diverse fishery. You have two choices on where to fish. It’s either the shallow backwaters or the jetties and cuts on the main river, which pretty much narrows down where you’re going to attack this body of water.

The fishing can be really good, especially when it comes to catching numbers of bass. Quality, on the other hand, can be a little tougher to come by. When fishing the Red, you must lower expectations in terms of size and quality. A 13-to-15-pound bag with five fish will be in the running to win. However, the Red River is on its way back to providing catches of good solid five-fish bags of 15 to 18 pounds.

The improvement in fishing is thanks to the Red River Waterway Commission which has implemented an annual restocking program for black bass ever since the flood of 2016.

My latest adventure on the Red was one of regret and one of joy as I participated in the recent American Bass Anglers Louisiana Pro League make-up tournaments. Two of the three regular season LA Pro League events were canceled back in April and May due to various reasons.

While I’ve been fishing the Texas division since its inception, I decided to jump into the Louisiana circuit when ABA rescheduled both make-up events on back-to-back days on my favorite body of water — the Red River.

Over my tournament fishing career, the Red has been the site of some of my most successful tournament experiences with a few wins and several Top 10 finishes. For some strange reason it seems to fit my style of fishing. I’ve always been a shallow water angler since I was a kid growing up on small ponds. And the river is conducive to my throwing a crankbait, spinnerbait and flipping a creature bait in thick cover.

Tournament 1 was on Saturday, August 23 and the results were average for me with a sixth-place finish, weighing a little over 11 pounds. But tournament 2 on Sunday was much better as I finished second with 13 pounds. Former FLW pro Jim Dillard won the event on Day 2 with 15.03 pounds.

On Day 2, I pretty much followed the same game plan as Day 1 but with a couple of adjustments. Instead of starting on the main river, I went straight into the backwater areas. This turned out to be a good move as I had a five-fish limit by 8 a.m. I still caught two good keepers on the main river later that day, which allowed me to cull up in weight.

Turns out, one specific spot I had found in Pool 4 during practice was the key to my success on Day 2. Over a two-day period, I caught over 22 bass off this one spot about the size of a pickup truck. I caught 15 fish off it on Day 1 with only two keepers. Day 2, I caught seven fish off this same spot and three fish were 3 pounds each or better. As they say, “What a difference a day makes!”

Again, I’ve never been able to say exactly why I seem to do so well on the Red River. It’s just a place I feel so confident and comfortable on that no matter how big the event, I seem to do very well.

Every angler who has ever fished tournaments will tell you that there are certain bodies of water where they just feel right at home. For me, that would be the Red River.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Citizens from Jamestown drove to the Dept. of Environment & Natural Resources (LDENR) in Baton Rouge this week to personally deliver 800 letters of opposition to a ‘saltwater’ waste injection well operation, proposed for the old Acme Brick plant site on Hwy 792. The Mayors of Jamestown, Saline, and Castor joined the opposition to yet another injection facility. There are 7 Saltwater Disposal sites already operating within a 25-mile radius of the proposed Brickyard site and an 8th one has already been permitted.

These Parish and Town officials join a growing list of local and State leaders who are standing up against the increasingly controversial practice of injecting enormous volumes of hazardous material into the ground, given threats to aquifers and private property. In addition to recently permitting its first Carbon Capture injection facility, Louisiana has continued to permit drilling wells with insufficient regard to waste management. Plus, drilling wastes are imported from Texas for local injection, given Texas’ ban on this type of disposal.

Once permitted, Brickyard Trucking, LLC could accept up to 24,000 barrels a day of oilfield Exploration & Production Waste fluids. Its proposed site was never cleaned up, after having been severely polluted for decades. It released nearly 12,000 lbs. of deadly Hydrogen Fluoride into the air in 2001, as well as massive amounts of Hydrochloric Acid. The facility is considered “tantamount to a Superfund site” by the citizens, who are outraged that Sparta Aquifer Commission experts were not consulted, as Jamestown is a critical aquifer recharge area.

“This proposal adds insult to injury to rural residents who deeply care about their water, quality of life, and the burden that’s being left for future generations,” says Sherri Balance, one of the local leaders. “We’re shocked at the lack of public involvement and protection at LDENR.”

The citizens are demanding that a public hearing be held in Ringgold, LA and an extension of the public comment period of another month, to allow proper scrutiny of the application by experts and the public. Bienville Parish citizens are currently asking their State Representatives, Jack McFarland and Rashid Young, to help acquire an extension of the public comment period, given the fact that the online application remains incomplete and to give the Sparta Aquifer Commission a chance to consider the cumulative impact of waste injection in the area.

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Every Sunday morning, as families shuffle into the sanctuary with coffee in one hand and a diaper bag in the other, a sacred ritual begins—not the liturgy, not the sermon, but the parental chant of the two great commandments for children in church: “Be quiet” and “Don’t run.” These are not found in Exodus or Deuteronomy, but they are etched into the hearts of every parent who has ever tried to keep a toddler from turning the aisle into a NASCAR track.

Let’s be honest: church with kids is a spiritual workout. You arrive with the best intentions—maybe even dressed in matching outfits—and within five minutes, someone is loudly asking why Jesus doesn’t have a pet dinosaur. Another is crawling under pews like a Navy SEAL. And you, dear parent, are whisper-yelling, “BE QUIET!” with the intensity of a Broadway performer who’s just missed their cue.

The second commandment, “Don’t run,” is equally vital. It’s not just about safety—it’s about dignity.

Nothing tests your humility like chasing your child down the center aisle during the offertory. There’s something about polished church floors that turns every child into Usain Bolt. And while the pastor is preaching about grace, your child is demonstrating velocity.

But here’s the thing: these little rule-breakers are exactly who Jesus was talking about when He said, “Let the little children come to me.” He didn’t say, “Let the well-behaved, silent, non-running children come to me.” He welcomed the squirmy, the curious, the loud, and the sticky-fingered. He knew that children bring life, energy, and a kind of holy chaos that reminds us all what it means to be fully present.

So to the parents who feel like they’re herding cats in the sanctuary—take heart. You are not failing. You are forming. Every whispered correction, every goldfish cracker offered as communion, every coloring book passed down the pew is a seed of faith. You are teaching your children that church is a place they belong, even before they understand why.

And to the church—thank you. Thank you for being a place where children are not just tolerated but treasured. Thank you for the volunteers who smile through crayon murals on hymnals and the ushers who dodge sprinting toddlers with grace. Thank you for understanding that a little noise is a sign of life, not a disruption.

Yes, we’ll keep whispering the commandments: “Be quiet” and “Don’t run.” But we’ll also keep showing up, sticky fingers and all, because we believe that faith is caught more than taught. And sometimes, catching it looks like a child singing off-key, dropping Cheerios in the offering plate, or asking loudly if God likes dinosaurs.

So let the children come. Let them come with their noise, their energy, their questions, and their joy. Let them come running—yes, even down the aisle—because in their chaos, we find a glimpse of heaven. And in their laughter, we hear the echo of a Savior who said, “Do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Doug de Graffenried is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach Doug at his email: DougDeGraffenried

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Choosing a college can feel overwhelming for students and families. With so many questions about programs, admissions, campus life, and cost, the search often begins online. But if a university website feels dated or confusing, that first impression can create more stress than clarity.

Northwestern State University in Natchitoches has recognized this challenge and responded with a bold solution: a redesigned website that puts students and families first.

Unveiled this month, the new nsula.edu is built to guide prospective students, parents, and the community through a clear, engaging digital experience.

“Our enhanced site is dynamic, mobile-friendly, and designed with users in mind,” said Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer. “Whether you’re a high school student exploring majors, a parent reviewing financial aid, or a faculty member sharing research, the website is your first step into NSU.”

The redesign highlights admissions, academic programs, and campus life while showing the long-term value of an NSU degree.

“The website is more than just a facelift,” Gentry explained. “It’s a living, adaptable platform that will continue to grow alongside our students, faculty, alumni, and the broader Natchitoches community.”

Features include:

• Simple admissions navigation
• Interactive views of academic offerings
• Mobile-first design for families on the go
• Accessibility to ensure every visitor has a seamless experience

For President James T. Genovese, the project signals NSU’s forward momentum.

“This new digital front door reflects who we are today and the bright future we’re building,” Genovese said. “It shows students across Louisiana and beyond that NSU is a place where they can belong, grow, and succeed.”

While prospective students are the primary audience, the refreshed website also serves alumni, current students, faculty, staff, and the local community. From campus events to academic updates, nsula.edu is designed to be a central hub for all who are part of the NSU family.

“Our goal is for everyone who visits the site to feel connected,” said Gentry. “For prospective students especially, we want them to see themselves at NSU from the very first click.”

As students and families look ahead to the next chapter of education, a strong first step can make all the difference. Northwestern State University’s new website is designed to open doors, answer questions, and showcase the opportunities waiting in Natchitoches.

Discover the redesigned experience today at www.nsula.edu.

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Jimmie Bodard and Ronnie Peterson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, suffered from continual wanderlust. Jimmie wanted to go to New Mexico, and Ronnie wanted to go to Shamrock, Texas, but they disagreed on how they were going to get to their destinations. Ronnie wanted to hitchhike, but Jimmie wanted to fly. Neither had enough money for a plane ticket, but Jimmie had another idea. Once before, when they were overcome by wanderlust, Ronnie had talked Jimmie out of borrowing an airplane, but Jimmie was more convincing this time. As most thieves do to minimize their actions, Jimmie called it borrowing rather than stealing. That evening in May 1948, Jimmie and Ronnie walked to Oklahoma City’s downtown airpark which was open to the public. They agreed that they would wait until the following day to steal an airplane and spent the night in one of the many airplanes in the airpark’s hangar. Rather than getting an early start on their trip, they spent most of the day deciding which plane to take. While browsing, they stole a pair of headsets and microphones which they needed for their flight.

Finally, a little after 5 p.m., Jimmie and Ronnie pushed their plane of choice out of the hangar and onto the runway. In the cockpit, Jimmie started the engine and opened the throttle. The airplane gained speed, Jimmie pulled back on the yoke, and the airplane lifted off. It was a textbook takeoff. Just after the plane got off the ground, the engine sputtered. Jimmie reassured Ronnie that airplanes always did that on takeoff. Ronnie was unconvinced until, just as Jimmie had said, the engine smoothed out. Jimmie aimed the plane westward toward their destinations. Their plan was for Jimmie to drop Ronnie off near Shamrock and then continue to his destination in New Mexico. Jimmie and Ronnie took turns flying the plane until Ronnie decided he had had enough. He told Ronnie to land so he could get out. They found a large field and landed just northwest of Cheyenne, Oklahoma, about 40 miles from Ronnie’s intended destination. Just after touchdown, the front wheel of the plane got stuck in the field. They had no choice but to abandon the airplane.

Undeterred, Jimmie and Ronnie stole a saddle horse from the farmer in whose field they had landed and rode toward Cheyenne. At the Washita River, the horse refused to cross, so they abandoned the horse, swam across the river, and continued on foot. Soaked to the bone, Jimmie and Ronnie drew so much attention in Cheyenne that someone notified the sheriff. The sheriff questioned Jimmie and Ronnie, but they told the sheriff they had hitchhiked into town. The sheriff arrested them after he learned that they were wanted by the highway patrol, but not for stealing the airplane. A confused farmer located the airplane in his field the following day and called the police. Investigators traced the airplane back to the airport, but no one at the airport had realized the airplane was missing. Finally, after some tough questioning, Jimmie and Ronnie confessed everything to the shocked sheriff. You see, Jimmie and Ronnie, the airplane and horse thieves, had run away from home. They were fifth graders; Jimmie was 11 years old, and Ronnie was 12. They had learned how to fly an airplane by reading comic books.

Sources:

Pawhuska Journal-Capital, May 21, 1948, p.1.
The Daily Oklahoman, May 22, 1948, p.30.

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On September 24, 1908, history shifted gears when the first factory-built Ford Model T rolled off the assembly line. It wasn’t just a new automobile—it was the beginning of mass mobility for millions, setting in motion transformations in work, culture, cities, and even leisure.

Henry Ford had spent years tinkering with designs, experimentation, and small-scale production. But by 1908 he refined the process enough to introduce a car that was affordable, simple, and rugged. The Model T would soon be dubbed the “Tin Lizzie,” acknowledging its utilitarian charm more than anything to do with luxury.

What made the 1908 date especially noteworthy was that this was the first time factory-built Model Ts were produced—not custom or semi-custom units, but vehicles coming straight off (or down) the assembly line, with parts standardized, labor specialized, and production going into full swing.

What makes the Model T’s debut weird in retrospect is how foreign the idea seems now: a car built not for the ultra-wealthy, but for average people. It flew in the face of automotive thought at the time, where cars were often custom-built, expensive, and labor-intensive. The Model T forced a rethinking of what cars could be.

Additionally, the manufacturing methods used began to reshape entire economies: assembly lines, standardized parts, and cost-cutting without sacrificing reliability (though with plenty of compromises by later standards). Ford’s innovations laid groundwork not just for the auto industry, but for industrial production in many sectors.

By making cars accessible, Ford changed how people lived: where they could work, how far they could travel, what jobs were possible, and how communities were structured. Roads, gas stations, suburbs, road trips—all owe something to that moment when the Model T became a real possibility for millions.

Culturally, too, the Model T became a symbol: of progress, but also of questions about the trade-offs of mass production—environmental, social, and economic. Critics at the time and since have noted both the benefits (mobility, jobs, growth) and the costs (pollution, urban sprawl, car dependency).

The debut of the Model T wasn’t just about a car—it was a turning point in how societies move, work, and think about technology as a tool for everyday life. On this day, over a century ago, something ordinary and revolutionary began rolling off a factory line in Michigan that would change the world for anyone with a roadside.

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