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

January 27, 2026

Christopher Lee Scott, age 42, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Proper Equipment Required on Vehicles, one count of Speeding, one count of Turning Movements and Required Signals, three counts of Flight from an Officer, three counts of Resisting an Officer, one count of Possession of a Firearm or Carrying of a Concealed Weapon by a Felon, three counts of Turning Movements and Required Signals, one count of Safety Helmet Required, two counts of No Vehicle Insurance, two counts of Operating a Vehicle while License Suspended, one count of Examination of Applicants required – Classes of License , one count of No Seat belt, one count of Open Container, one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and one outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Scott remains in the VPSO jail.

Brittany Ann Vernell, age 34, of Rosepine, was arrested for an out of jurisdiction Bench Warrant from Beauregard Parish. Vernell will be transferred to Beauregard Parish.

Dennis Joe Nash, age 32, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Nash remains in the VPSO jail.

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

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The department has announced the appointment of Amanda Westmoreland as its new chief of police, bringing more than two decades of law enforcement experience to the position.

Westmoreland has served in a wide range of roles throughout her career, including records, dispatch, administration, patrol, investigations, and as a school resource officer. Her experience across multiple divisions has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of departmental operations and a well-rounded approach to leadership.

In addition to her professional background, Westmoreland is known for her strong commitment to community relationships and her compassionate approach to public service. Officials said her leadership style emphasizes integrity, service, and building trust with both officers and residents.

Department leadership expressed confidence in Westmoreland’s ability to guide the agency forward, citing her dedication to protecting the community and supporting those who serve within the department. Officials said they look forward to the future under her leadership and her continued commitment to public safety and community engagement.

The Hornbeck Volunteer Fire Department provided mutual aid assistance during an early-morning structure fire response on Jan. 28 supporting the South Sabine Fire Department as crews worked to bring the incident under control.

Firefighters responded to the call in the early hours of the morning, with operations continuing until approximately 2:15 a.m. Hornbeck VFD units and personnel assisted on scene alongside South Sabine Fire Department crews, contributing manpower and resources during the response.

The incident occurred amid ongoing cold weather conditions and power outages in parts of the area, which have increased fire risks. Residents are encouraged to use caution when heating their homes and to check on neighbors, particularly elderly individuals and those without power.

Fire officials emphasized the importance of mutual aid partnerships in ensuring timely and effective emergency response throughout Vernon Parish, especially during periods of extreme weather.

During the Jan. 27 City Council meeting, Chief of Police Amanda Westmoreland recognized four members of the Leesville Police Department for actions deemed above and beyond the call of duty. The commendations highlighted moments of exceptional professionalism, dedication, and service that strengthened public safety and reflected the department’s highest standards.

Those honored were PFC Devin Buterbaugh, PFC Tyler Hardwick, PO Caleb Phillips, and Records Clerk Judy Horton. Chief Westmoreland praised each individual for their outstanding contributions, noting that their efforts exemplify the integrity and commitment that the community has come to expect from the Leesville Police Department. Their recognition stands as a reminder of the everyday courage and quiet excellence that often goes unseen but never goes unnoticed.

Hornbeck High School has unveiled new scoreboards at both its baseball and softball fields, marking a significant upgrade for student-athletes, families, and the community.

As part of the project, the school officially named its athletic fields in honor of two longtime supporters of youth sports. The baseball field has been designated Charles Harmon Field, while the softball field will be known as Pat Finn Field, recognizing the lasting contributions both individuals have made to student-athletes and athletic programs in the Hornbeck community.

School officials noted that the improvements and field dedications reflect years of dedication, service, and leadership by those honored, whose influence extends well beyond athletics.

The project was made possible through community support, including contributions from school board member Angie Davis and Luke Brandon of Merchants & Farmers Bank, who helped bring the vision for the upgrades to fruition.

The new scoreboards and field dedications represent continued investment in students and school programs and highlight the strong community partnerships that support Hornbeck High School.

December 2, 1986 – January 27, 2026

A celebration of life for Joshua James Petrillo will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Christian Living Fellowship at 1:00 PM, with Pastors Bobby Ganaway and Caleb Ganaway officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Those serving as pallbearers will be Scott Cushing, Ryan Boudreau, Ryan Robinson, Troy Boudreau, Sam Fertitta, and Butch Stevens. Serving as an honorary pallbearer will be Tony Gibbs.

Joshua James Petrillo was born in Las Vegas, NV on December 2, 1986 to his loving parents, Lora Fulton and Mike Petrillo.

Joshua was born with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. At 15 months old Joshua got spinal meningitis which made him lose his hearing and later in life he became a type 2 diabetic.

Despite all these challenges Joshua faced he never saw himself as different or challenged. In fact he thought of himself with so much confidence and love. He could do anything with no fear. He never met a stranger, and everyone became his new best friend. Joshua had a fabulous memory, even as a young child he would never forget a person or name or places he went or the years he did them. Whatever Joshua put in his mind to do he would do it. He had so much joy in him, he always woke up in a good mood eager to start the day and he never wanted to miss out on anything.

Joshua’s favorite thing and passion was karate, he became a black belt under his instructors Ric and Josh Quayhagen, they were his mentors, he called Ric his Sensei and Josh his brother. He received many trophies and medals that he is so proud of but most importantly was the many “new best friends” that he made and honored throughout his karate journey.

Joshua graduated from Leesville High School in 2006, he was a Wampus Cat through and through. He served in JRTC and was so proud of our military, whenever he saw a soldier he would stop and salute them no matter if he was on Ft. Polk base or walking through the airport, he always saluted and honored them. Joshua was so excited that he was going to celebrate his 20-year school reunion this year in October, but the Lord had a bigger homecoming planned for him on the streets of gold and the roar of a Lion.

Joshua started working at Wagon Master in November of 2017. He loved his job and was so proud when he hit his 8-year mark there. He loved all his co-workers and seeing and visiting with people that came through the door always making new best friends.

Joshua loved playing sports, he loved to swim and play incrediball with his church and play pickleball. He attended all Special Olympic events and looked forward to them every year. He attended the Leesville Lions Camp as a child for many years and as an adult he got to meet and greet all the new campers coming in on Sunday’s and work the carnival on Wednesday nights. He always looked forward to every June when he could serve at the camp and see all his friends, especially Mr. Ray Cecil whom he loved very much. Joshua loved all kinds of music and if you asked him to freestyle rap on the spot he could do it, and he didn’t have a shy bone in his body. Josh truly was the life of the party.

Most importantly Joshua loved hard and had so much compassion for others. He loved his mom, they did everything together, they truly were two peas in a pod, and he knew if he wanted something momma would get it even if step daddy Jeff said no. But oh, how he loved his step daddy, and the two together were always a bright light.

Joshua loved his church family, and he loved God and loved to praise and worship with both hands lifted high. There is so much more to Joshua’s life, but if we all could just be a little more like him what a beautiful world it would be!

#LiveLikeJosh

#lovelikeJosh

Preceding Josh in death is his grandpa’s Robert Nelson, Jim Petrillo and Jim Lichtenthaler; grandma Mady Fulton; uncle Steven Petrillo and uncle David Petrillo.

Those left to cherish his memory are his mother Lora Fulton and step-daddy Jeff Fulton of Leesville, and father Mike Petrillo of Las Vegas; brother Brad Fulton (Tracy) of Ocean Springs, MS; papa Sam Fulton of Leesville; granny Marge Lichtenthaler of Leesville; nana Peggy Petrillo of Port St. Lucie of FL; aunts Candy Tovar of Leesville, Dawn Boudreau (Troy) of Waterford, MI, Kathy Petrillo (Noel) of Jupiter, FL, and Carmen Fulton-Froggatt (Jim) of Destin FL; uncles Bob Nelson of Reed City, MI, Sam Fulton (Donna) of Leesville, Paul Petrillo of Las Vegas, NV; nieces Hannah Overstreet (Austin) and Averie Fulton; nephew Hunter Fulton; great-nieces Hallie and Mallory Overstreet; host of cousins Amanda, Melissa, Ryan, Breanna, Leif, Angela, Nick, Danielle, and Robbie; slew of adopted brothers, sisters, grandmas, grandpas, and best friends

Joseph Victor Goeller
Service: Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 2 pm at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home in Mishawaka, IN

Goldie Mae Doyle
Service: Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 2 pm at Occupy #1 Cemetery in Pitkin

Frank Almer Stephens
Service: Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 2 P.M. at First United Pentecostal Church in Leesville

Joshua James Petrillo
Service: Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 1 pm at Christian Living Fellowship

Priscilla Mae Williams
Service: Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11 am at the Church of The Living God Temple #42 in Pascagoula, MS

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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Vernon Parish residents can expect several cold mornings with widespread frost through the end of the week, followed by a gradual warming trend heading into early next week.

On Wednesday, widespread frost is expected during the morning hours before skies turn sunny by mid-day. Afternoon temperatures will climb into the lower 50s, with light winds becoming northwest around 5 mph during the afternoon.

Wednesday night will remain cold, with partly cloudy skies and another round of widespread frost. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the upper 20s, with light and variable winds.

Thursday will bring another frosty start to the day, followed by mostly sunny conditions. Highs will warm into the upper 50s, with light south winds around 5 mph. Thursday night will be mostly cloudy, with temperatures dropping into the mid-30s. Winds will shift from the southwest to the northwest after midnight.

Cooler air will return on Friday, with mostly cloudy skies during the morning becoming partly sunny by the afternoon. High temperatures will reach the mid-40s. Friday night will be colder, with partly cloudy skies and lows falling into the lower 20s.

The coldest stretch of the forecast arrives over the weekend. Saturday and Saturday night are expected to be mostly clear, with daytime highs only in the mid-30s and overnight lows near 20 degrees. Clear conditions will continue into Sunday, with highs in the mid-40s and overnight lows in the mid-20s.

A warming trend will begin Monday, with sunny skies and highs climbing into the mid-50s. Partly cloudy conditions will continue into Monday night and Tuesday, with lows in the lower 30s and afternoon highs reaching the upper 50s.

Residents are encouraged to protect sensitive plants, pets, and exposed pipes during periods of widespread frost and to use caution during early morning travel when cold conditions may create slick spots on roadways.

Beauregard Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BECi) has announced a temporary suspension of all service disconnects due to current and forecasted freezing temperatures across the area.

According to BECi, all disconnects will be halted through Monday, February 2, as winter weather conditions continue to pose safety concerns for members.

While the cooperative encourages customers to remain current on their accounts when possible, officials emphasized that member safety remains the top priority during periods of extreme cold.

BECi will resume normal disconnect procedures after February 2, weather permitting. Members are encouraged to monitor official BECi communications for updates and to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the winter weather event.

By Porsha Auzenne

FORT POLK, La. — The Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk hosted their first Innovation Industrial Conference, Jan. 14–15, bringing together defense industry vendors and Army modernization experts to support efforts to modernize JRTC’s Transformation in Contact initiative.

The two-day conference focused on electromagnetic warfare, unmanned aerial systems, unmanned ground vehicles, artificial intelligence, command and control, and intelligence and fires integration.

More than 40 defense industry vendors from across the country participated, showcasing technologies aligned with concepts developed by the JRTC Innovative Modernization Equipping Group. Vendors included Interference Management and Cancellation International, ORKID, Farada Group and EagleNXT.

Representatives from several Department of War organizations also attended, including Army Materiel Command, Army G-3, U.S. Army Reserve Command G-34, First Army Training and the Joint Counter–Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems University.

“This is super important for what we do here at JRTC,” Brig. Gen. Jason A. Curl, commanding general, said about the event. “We’re making sure we continue to move up and close the gap between what we’re seeing in the current operating environment and what we’re able to replicate. We’re focused on making sure that we continue to advance the Army’s Combat Training Center itself.”

Organizers said the conference was designed to connect emerging industry solutions with JRTC’s operational experimentation environment, ensuring future equipment supports realistic training at the Army’s premier CTC.

Sgt. First Class Travis Keiper, USAR Soldier assigned to Task Force 76 from Salt Lake City, Utah, discussed the importance of the conference and gave feedback.

“To build our counter-UAS program, it’s important for us to understand what capabilities and products are coming and how we can integrate them into a top-down program,” he said.

“While I’m here, I can ask questions about what products are coming out, if we can get a better feel for those systems and understand the training timeline so we can continue to develop the program. We also attend several annual training events each year, so it would be beneficial to incorporate those programs as well, along with working with the JRTC here. Ideally, we could bring our unit to Fort Polk to train and gain hands-on experience across the full spectrum of capabilities.”

Maj. Roman Xydias, USARC G34 Training and Exercises officer, shared similar beliefs.

“We are looking at both materiel training solutions and using a bottom-line up-front approach,” Xydias said. “From the USARC G-34 perspective, our goal is to develop a complete concept that moves materiel solutions through the training and testing pipeline within an operational environment, allowing us to clearly determine what capabilities we should be fielding and which we should not.”

Col. Justin Sisak, USARC G-34 program manager, said events like the Innovation Industrial Conference are important because they help build relationships to form partnerships and identify missing links.

“Now that we’re here at the Innovation Industrial Conference, we’ve identified a relationship that we can continue to build and grow,” Sisak said. “The current environment is saturated with individual organizations all trying to solve the same problem at the same time, often in isolation. Those are the walls we need to break down, and this type of event does exactly that for the USAR. It accelerates the maturation of our strategy and campaign plan significantly.”

Lt. Col. Troy Allen Catterton, U.S. Army reservist assigned to the JRTC G-3 Directorate as the senior USAR advisor and the JRTC TIC modernization project officer, was a key organizer of the conference. Upon conclusion of the two-day event, Catterton expressed how the Innovation Industrial Conference enables JRTC to bridge the gap between Department of War initiatives and the modernization of warfighter capabilities.

“There is much more that could be added to the broader environment, but our initial task is to create a venue where technology modernization and its various facets can be identified and where we can leverage vendor capabilities and industry leaders to synchronize our path forward,” he said.

Catteron said he hopes to see the conference evolve into an annual event in the future.

As the Army continues to adapt to rapidly evolving threats, the Innovation Industrial Conference marked a significant step in aligning industry innovation with realistic, operational training. By fostering collaboration across Army organizations and defense partners, JRTC and Fort Polk strengthens its ability to modernize transformation in contact and prepare Soldiers for the complexities of the modern battlefield — setting conditions for continued innovation and readiness in the years ahead.

Area pilots are advised to review current Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) for Leesville Airport (L39) due to ongoing runway extension construction.

Airport officials have installed a displaced threshold at the end of Runway 18, resulting in a reduced available landing length of 3,000 feet during the construction period.

These temporary conditions are expected to remain in place through July 1, 2026. Pilots are encouraged to plan accordingly and check NOTAMs prior to flight operations for the most up-to-date information.

The Pilot Club of Leesville is inviting the community to honor loved ones while supporting local park improvements through its “Cardinals at Dogwood Park” fundraiser.

The project allows individuals to purchase decorative cardinal displays that will be placed on the first bridge at Dogwood Park. Cardinals, often seen as symbols of love and remembrance, may be dedicated in memory or in honor of someone special, with each name included on the display.

Each cardinal costs $50, with 100 percent of proceeds going directly toward improvements at Dogwood Park, according to the Pilot Club. Club members say the goal is to create a meaningful visual tribute while enhancing a shared community space.

Pilot Club members are also encouraging fellow pilots and residents to help spread the word by sponsoring at least one cardinal as part of the fundraising effort.

Those interested in participating may contact any Pilot Club of Leesville member or purchase a dedication online at bit.ly/3ZB5q8N.

Louisiana snow day essentials: space heater, extension cord, boiling water, generator, candles, and a phone at 3% battery. While some outside the South might chuckle at a Louisiana winter, we know how to stay prepared, make the most of any situation, and get through it together.

Once again I’m going off the rails and taking a break from talking fishing. Those of you that have read my articles from the very beginning know about my history as a kid. Growing up on the streets of Rosenburg, Texas, and Houston, made me a little tougher than most kids my age. I knew first-hand by the age of 8 what it was like to be footloose and fancy free running the streets ‘til all hours of the night, with zero guidance. 

While my biological mother was more concerned with her modeling career and surviving the beatings she took at the hands of my stepdad, I was just trying to survive. I was the one sneaking into houses looking for a quick meal. 

The one thing I always wondered — where was my real dad during all of this and why did I never get to meet him? Why was he never involved in my life?

Was this his choice to avoid contact with me or was there some kind of a mutual agreement between my mother and him that he was to never reach out to me for any reason?

These are questions that I’ll never get the answers to until the day I’m reunited with my dad and the loved ones who have crossed over to the other side. But as a father myself, I cannot imagine having a child in this world and not knowing who or where they were. 

I’ve always heard that my athletic abilities came from my dad. I’ve heard stories from my older brother, Mike (we share the same mom and dad), on the kind of dad he was to him and how he supported him and his athletic career. 

But the same questions continue to go through my head today, even at the age of 64. How was it that we never met? Why didn’t he reach out to me? 

Every kid wants that relationship with their dad. A dad plays an important role in the development of a young boy growing into a man. He also provides a sense of security to all his children that no matter what, dad always has their back.  

He provides advice and guidance for life’s troubled journey and teaches how to navigate those trials and tribulations. He’s the man who jerks a knot in your tail when you need correcting or get out of line. He’s the rock you look up to and hope to make proud one day. He’s the man you only hope you can be one day. 

But for me, that connection was never made. The years went by with zero contact from the man that I only heard about from relatives. From what I’ve been able to learn over the years, he had a good side and a bad side. 

I’ve been told that he enjoyed his Friday and Saturday nights at local taverns, but he also had wandering eyes for the ladies and traded one for another frequently. Guess this is why he and my mother divorced while she was pregnant with me. All total, he was married seven times (the legal limit in Texas) and once to the same lady, twice. 

So, maybe those that knew him thought it was in my best interest NOT to have a relationship with him; that nothing good would come out of us having that father-son bond that a boy wants with his dad. 

But looking back, he missed out on so much of my life’s great experiences. Things that a dad is supposed to be there for like a high school state championship, graduation, signing an athletic scholarship, getting married, being drafted by a Major League Baseball team and so much more! He missed out on so many of my life’s ups and downs — and three great grandkids. 

Growing up, I had the best childhood a young boy could ever ask for while being raised by my aunt and uncle in an awesome small town in East Texas. My uncle, who I called Dad after being adopted, was a great provider and taught me about responsibility and hard work while growing up on a ranch. He assumed the role of a loving father as best he could, but it’s just not the same.

There’s something about having a relationship with the man you share the same DNA with as it completes the internal connection — the connection that only a father can have with his children. 

So, I know the day will come when I’ll get all my questions answered. I’ll finally get to meet the father I never met.  But in the meantime, I’ll do my best to be the best father I can be to all three of my children.  

Here’s my latest Q & A

About Ida

Beginnings are tricky, but here we are—fresh page, blinking cursor, and a head full of questions. I’m Ida B. Torn, a lifelong Southerner from Kenner, Louisiana, who’s spent years working in newsrooms, design studios, and public service. I’ve seen my share of life’s chaos and comedy—and learned that sometimes, folks just need straight answers and a little laughter along the way.

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January 28, 1986, stands as one of the darkest days in the history of space exploration. Just 73 seconds after liftoff, the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean, killing all seven crew members and shocking viewers around the world.

The mission had drawn unprecedented public attention due to the presence of Christa McAuliffe, a New Hampshire schoolteacher selected to become the first civilian educator in space. Millions of students watched the launch live in classrooms, making the tragedy especially traumatic for a generation of Americans.

Investigations later determined that the disaster was caused by the failure of O-ring seals in one of the shuttle’s solid rocket boosters. Cold temperatures on the morning of the launch compromised the seals, allowing hot gases to escape and ultimately leading to structural failure. Evidence revealed that engineers had raised concerns about the risks, but those warnings were not acted upon.

In the aftermath, NASA grounded the shuttle fleet and launched an extensive review of its procedures, management culture, and safety protocols. The Rogers Commission’s findings led to significant changes within the agency, emphasizing the importance of engineering judgment and transparency in decision-making.

The Challenger disaster reshaped public perception of space travel, underscoring the inherent risks of exploration. Memorials, scholarships, and educational programs were established in honor of the crew, ensuring their legacy would inspire future generations.

January 28 serves as a solemn reminder that progress often comes at great cost. The lessons learned from Challenger continue to influence aerospace safety and remind the nation of the human lives behind scientific ambition.

Francis Marie Curtis
Service: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 6 pm at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville

Priscilla Mae Williams
Service: Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11 am at the Church of The Living God Temple #42 in Pascagoula, MS

Kenneth Richard Stiegler, Sr.
The family will gather privately.

Irma Jeane Perkins
Service: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 2 pm at Occupy #1 Baptist Church in Pitkin

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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Vernon Parish Schools and district offices will be open and operate on a regular schedule tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 28.

School officials expressed appreciation to families, staff, and the community for their continued support as normal operations resume.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor official Vernon Parish Schools communication channels for any additional updates.

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

January 17, 2026

Robert Pounds, age 43, of DeRidder, was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, three outstanding Bench Warrants, and a Probation Violation Warrant. Bond was set at $50,000. A detainer for Avoyelles Parish was placed on Pounds along with a detainer for the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole. Pounds remains in the VPSO jail.
January 20, 2026

Devin Edward Canady, age 34, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. A detainer for the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole was placed on Canady and he remains in the VPSO jail.

Jason Aaron Perry, age 50, of Alexandria, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Perry remains in the VPSO jail.

Caleb Stephens, age 28, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of No / Expired MVI and one count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic. Bond was set at $2,196. Stephens posted bond and was released.

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

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The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office will open a warming center beginning Saturday, Jan. 24 at 12 pm to provide a safe, warm place for residents during the ongoing winter weather event.

The center, located at 1203 S. 4th Street in Leesville, will remain open throughout the inclement weather. Officials advise visitors to bring any necessary items, including medications, snacks, and bedding, while using the facility.