Being the target of false accusations and outright lies is unfortunately part of public life. As a rule, I don’t respond to lies, but a recent editorial here contained accusations so demonstrably false I must correct the record, out of principle. 

People who know me and constituents I represent in Vernon and Beauregard wouldn’t believe these claims any more than they’d believe I’d root for the Dallas Cowboys or against my Wampus Cats.

First, a correction: There is no legislator named “Owens.” My last name has four letters. No “s,” please.

Mark Guillory accused me and colleagues Reps. Brett Geymann and Mike Johnson of being “environmental radicals.” That’s laughable and bizarre. Since taking office in 2020, I’ve cast thousands of votes, always striving to do my best. I own my mistakes.

In 2020 in the height of COVID shutdown damage, I was misled into supporting Senate Bill 353, which I was told would help the oil and gas industry recover. The full implications became clear later, and I’ve been working ever since to undo the damage and roll back the framework that enabled carbon sequestration policies. Guillory claims the 2020 bill is the sole cause of today’s issues. That’s simply not true. The foundation was laid much earlier—in laws from 1981, 2009, and 2014.

In 2025 my colleagues and I worked to deliver a major blow to the green agenda. Through SB244, Rep. Geymann amended law to remove language in state law identifying greenhouse gases as a threat to Louisiana. This is important because of the way our laws and courts operate.  He identified another vulnerability and, with majority support ensured captured carbon is treated in court like oil and gas—requiring companies to prove a public good to use eminent domain. They can’t, industry knows it.  

It wasn’t a complete victory, but it was a strong beachhead for future fights this coming session.

In 2024, I authored legislation to eliminate electric vehicles from the state fleet. The bill was killed by crony capitalists, but my position was clear: current EVs for first responders or police are disastrous.  In 2021 and 2022, I voted to end tax credits for solar companies, restrict solar expansion, and limit Red Chinese involvement in Louisiana solar projects. I’ve fought against ESG in our state and will continue until it’s eradicated.   

Since 2023, I’ve stood firmly against carbon sequestration: standing for Lake Maurepas, opposing eminent domain expansions for sequestration, and authoring HB4 in 2025 to give parishes opt-in/opt-out authority over carbon wells. More bills are coming this session, including ending decades-old expropriation authority for foreign entities.

Guillory is free to criticize me but calling me an environmental radical is like saying I supported vaccine mandates or John Bel Edwards—simply not true. He has knowingly said many wrong things against conservatives. 

I stand with property owners, not with forced carbon burial. No landowner should have their rights overridden for unwanted underground carbon storage. It should be illegal, and I am committed to working with anyone willing to defend private property against this abuse. Mike Johnson and Brett Geymann stand there, as well. They can speak for themselves and will.

By State Representative Charles Owen (without an “s”).

Leesville High School recognized Coach Cook and Coach Rios as December Employees of the Month, with appreciation from the Mark Mawae Agency – Horace Mann Insurance.

Coach Cook was named Teacher of the Month for volunteering to teach Geometry while a colleague is out, managing multiple curriculums and maintaining high-level instruction for students. Coach Rios was honored as Support Personnel of the Month for his work as an ESL instructor and in his first year as Head Boys Soccer Coach, providing quality instruction both in the classroom and on the field.

Vernon Parish 4-H announced Justin Bender as the new Extension Assistant Agent for 4-H Youth Development with the LSU AgCenter.

Bender brings more than a decade of volunteer experience with Vernon Parish 4-H, including work in shooting sports and support for local, state, and out-of-state camps and events. Previously serving as a Transient 4-H Agent since January 2025, he officially joins the team in this new role.

A retired U.S. Army combat veteran, Bender holds a bachelor’s degree in Digital Cinematography and a master’s degree in Public Relations from Full Sail University. He also serves on the Louisiana 4-H Youth Wetlands Advisory Council and mentors youth leaders in conservation and environmental education at the state level.

Vernon Parish 4-H officials said they are proud to have Bender serving local youth and families and look forward to his contributions in leadership, education, and community engagement.

Brig. Gen. Jason Curl, commanding general of the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, visited Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital and Shira Dental Clinic to honor staff members for outstanding service.

Brig. Gen. Curl presented challenge coins to the Information Management Division – Customer Service Branch team members Austin Keough, Bob Hess, and Lamar Mosley, as well as to medical support assistant Jone Johnson at Shira Dental Clinic, recognizing consistently positive feedback through the Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) system.

During the visit, Brig. Gen. Curl personally thanked Ms. Johnson for her dedication to Soldier readiness and excellent customer service, emphasizing the critical role dental care plays across the force. He also highlighted that the IMD team has never received a negative ICE comment, underscoring the importance of their behind-the-scenes work in keeping hospital systems running efficiently.

Hospital officials said the visit was a well-earned recognition of professionalism, teamwork, and dedication among BJACH staff.

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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A funeral service for Francis Marie Curtis will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville with Reverend John Lewing officiating. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Francis was born February 15, 1947, in Many, Louisiana and passed away January 21, 2026, in Alexandria, Louisiana at the age of 78. She lived in Louisiana all of her life mostly in the Hornbeck area but also in Keithville. She worked for a while in role play at Fort Polk and then was the owner of Crinnon’s Corner Restaurant in Hornbeck. Francis enjoyed shopping and tending to her flowers and being outdoors fishing or camping.

Francis was preceded in death by her parents, Jack Robert Spears and Mary Alice Gordon Spears; grandson, Justin Brooks; and sister, Barbara Spears.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Robert Brooks of Hornbeck, LA; daughter, Barbara Davis of Hornbeck, LA; grandchildren, Haley Brooks, Austin Brooks, Brooks Bridges (Brandy), and Jacklyn Thompson (D.J.); great-grandchildren, Carter, Averi, John Austin Jr., Braylon, Dawson, Presley, Elisha, Justlynn, Ezekiel, and Roman; brother, Jack Robert Spears Jr. (Kathy) of Dubach, LA; sisters, Charlotte McCain (Danny Patterson) of Keithville, LA and Patricia Johnson of Catawba, SC; and extended family members and friends.

Jennie Sue “Odom” Carter
Service: Friday, January 23, 2026 at 1 pm at Clarksdale Baptist Church, located in Clarksdale, Missouri

LaVonne Joy “Lynn” Dalton Prater
Service: Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 3 pm at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville

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

Minnie L. Thomas
Service: Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Leesville

James Howard Burke
No Service Information Listed

Raymond Joseph “Ray” Juray Jr.
Arrangements TBA

Pamela Ann Beasley
Arrangements TBA

James Burke
Arrangements TBA

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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Reports of multiple gunshots led to the arrest of a 19-year-old Florien man following an investigation by the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office. According to VPSO, deputies were dispatched at approximately 1:19 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, to the area of Holly Grove Road and Fairlane Road in Anacoco after receiving calls from residents reporting gunfire. Responding deputies learned that a small vehicle fled the area shortly after the shots were fired.

The incident caused concern among residents in the neighborhood, prompting deputies to conduct a search of the area. During their canvass, deputies located 15 spent shell casings at the scene.

Detectives with the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation and later identified Kade Cook, 19, as the individual responsible for the incident. Investigators reported that Cook was interviewed and admitted to firing a gun in the neighborhood.

Cook was arrested and charged with one count of illegal discharge of a firearm. As of the report, bond had not been set, and Cook remains in custody at the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office jail.

Sheriff Sam Craft thanked community members who reported the incident and emphasized the importance of residents continuing to report suspicious activity to law enforcement.

Vernon Parish is expected to see a significant shift in weather conditions later this week, as rain gives way to much colder temperatures and the potential for freezing rain beginning Friday night and continuing through the weekend.

Rain chances will increase on Wednesday, with cloudy skies and showers developing through the day. Rain is expected to continue into Wednesday night, with mild overnight temperatures remaining in the mid-50s. Showers may persist into Thursday, though rain chances are expected to decrease as the day progresses, with highs reaching the mid-60s.

Cloudy conditions are forecast to continue into Friday, with scattered showers possible during the afternoon. Temperatures will remain relatively mild during the day, near 60 degrees, before dropping sharply Friday night. Lows are expected to fall into the mid-30s as rain becomes more widespread.

More hazardous weather is expected on Saturday as rain transitions to freezing rain during the afternoon. Temperatures are forecast to fall into the upper 30s during the day, increasing the risk of icy conditions. Precipitation chances are near 90 percent, raising concerns for slick roadways and difficult travel.

Freezing rain is expected to continue into Saturday night, with lows dropping into the lower 20s. By Sunday morning, a lingering chance of freezing rain and rain showers remains before conditions gradually improve later in the day. Highs on Sunday are expected to reach the upper 30s.

Cold but drier weather is expected to settle in Sunday night and continue into Monday, with overnight lows around 20 degrees and daytime highs in the lower 40s.

Residents are urged to stay alert for weather updates and prepare for potentially dangerous conditions, particularly during the weekend when freezing rain could create hazardous travel and outdoor conditions across Vernon Parish.

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce will host its 2026 Mardi Gras Parade on Friday, Feb. 14, at 2:00 p.m. The parade will roll down historic Third Street in downtown Leesville, showcasing the sights, sounds, and spirit of Mardi Gras.

Businesses, organizations, and community groups are invited to participate by decorating floats, vehicles, or walking groups. The registration fee is $40 per entry, and participants can register online at greatervernon.org.

The event offers an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate one of Louisiana’s most iconic traditions while enjoying the festive atmosphere in downtown Leesville.

The Vernon Parish King Day Coalition held a series of events in January 2026 to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., culminating with its annual Scholarship Banquet.

The Scholarship Banquet took place on Jan. 17 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Leesville. The program, themed “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence,” highlighted the importance of civic engagement, service, and nonviolent leadership.

Guest speakers at the banquet included the King Day Scholarship recipients:

• Jakyra Wilson, student at Grambling State University
• A. J. Berry, student at Louisiana State University
• Jamigh James, Louisiana State University graduate and Louisiana State Policeman
• Abriana Smith, student at Grambling State University

The annual banquet recognized student achievement while honoring the principles championed by Dr. King.

Leading up to the banquet, the Coalition hosted several events at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center including:

• Thursday, Jan. 11 – Spelling Bee and Oratorical Contest

• Saturday, Jan. 13 – Health Fair and Blood Drive

• Saturday, Jan. 13 – Scholarship Banquet

• Monday, Jan. 15 – Parade and Rally

A worship service was held on Sunday at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

The Coalition also concluded its celebration with a MLK Day Church Celebration on Monday at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Dr. Rene Brown, pastor of Mt. Zion First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, served as the special guest speaker.

The events brought together community members, students, and local leaders to celebrate Dr. King’s life, reflect on progress made, and reaffirm the commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolence.

In a world of endless alerts and nonstop trends, the public’s attention rarely makes it past the loading screen before the next “new thing” drops.

Nothing has shaken the bass fishing world more than forward-facing sonar (FFS). While I’ve given my perspective on this technology and how it’s affected the bass tournament world, I’m now wondering what’s next? Understand, this is my perspective, as I have no inside knowledge from anyone. 

One thing that we know for sure, the big three fishing electronic companies (Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance) are not going to stop building a better mouse trap. Their engineers are paid to be innovative and are aways looking to make improvements and advancements with regards to their technology. 

Today’s sonar units are crazy good! You can literally see the swimming action of the tail on a bass. No fish is safe anymore and no fish can hide from today’s electronics. 

One thing that is probably coming next will be the ability to identify the fish you’re seeing on the screen without guessing. Is that a bass, crappie or a carp? Knowledgeable anglers can do that today if they’re really good with their electronics and if they have studied and understand fish behavior. 

But I think these companies are going to figure out a way to tell you exactly what species of fish you are seeing on your screen. They are going to continue to simplify the visual aspect of what you’re seeing on the screen. 

Next, get ready for live video! This already exists with a company called Aqua-Vu. (It’s just not allowed in tournaments.) These have been out for a few years and to let everyone in on a little secret: several bass touring pros already use this unit for scouting, but don’t want the public to know.

Look for new camera units from one of the big three electronic companies, probably in association with “Go Pro Cameras,” to be the first to introduce this new way of seeing fish on our screens. 

Many people are asking the question, “Where does all this stop?” Here’s the bottom line. There’s no stopping technological advancement. It won’t stop until people quit paying the prices they are asking for all these electronic advancements. If anglers are willing to pay, companies will continue to build bigger and better units.

Here’s the problem; just follow the money! All these electronic companies are pumping thousands of dollars into these professional bass fishing organizations as sponsors, forcing B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing (MLF) to allow pro anglers to use forward-facing sonar. 

I think we are getting to the point where these organizations are going to have to decide what’s more important — sponsorship support or the integrity of the sport? They also need to ask themselves if this new technology is good for the sport in the long run on the professional level. 

You can say what you want, but forward-facing sonar (FFS) in bass tournaments is destroying the sport. I’m personally not against FFS for the everyday angler. I think it’s great tool for fun fishing and catching crappie. 

I’m even OK with it for local bass tournaments on the amateur level. But when it comes to professional anglers using it on pro tournament trails, I am not a fan and it should be disallowed.

This is the same as Major League Baseball allowing the use of aluminum bats. It’s just not good for the sport of baseball! Hopefully the pro tours will do the right thing and eliminate FFS completely. 

The biggest complaints about FFS come from the older generation of anglers, not the young guns on the rise. The young kids today have been raised with FFS from day one and really understand how to use it, giving them a huge advantage over the older anglers. 

This could all play out another way. Pro tours may just wait out this issue with FFS and let this older group of anglers walk away or retire because five years from now, FFS won’t even be an issue at all. 

So, what’s the next big issue going to be? Probably something totally different, as the electronic companies continue to make improvements and advancements with their electronic units. Only time will tell! 

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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Paula was born in 1896. In 1903, when Paula was six years old, her father died from a lung hemorrhage. Her mother was left with only his meager pension to raise Paula and her brother. In 1907, when Paula was 11 years old and her brother was 18, her mother died from breast cancer. The government provided them with a small pension to ease their burden. Paula’s brother, a romantic, idealistic, and fantasy-oriented teenager, was away at the time of his mother’s death studying fine arts. He dreamed of being a famous artist. He wanted everyone around the world to know his name. He had little money, but he knew he would have better opportunities to earn money than his 11-year-old sister, so he selflessly transferred his share of the pension to her. Paula’s brother sometimes sold a watercolor painting or two to get by, but most of the time he took whatever manual labor job he could get.

For years, Paula and her brother had little contact. When they saw each other they bickered, as most siblings do but they had genuine affection for each other. Paula’s brother struggled to build his reputation as a painter. They both took menial jobs just to survive. He fought during World War I but never gave up on his dream. After the war, he tried to build his reputation as an artist again, but few people had money to buy non-essential items such as watercolor paintings. Paula’s brother began working in politics, but continued painting. When Paula lost her job because of her connection to him, he began sending her money each month to help. He fought during World War II and painted when he had the opportunity. Paula’s brother considered himself, “an artist by nature and not a politician.” He said, “I will end my life as an artist.” In April 1945, Paula saw her brother for the last time. During their visit, they talked for a short time. When it was time for her to leave, he gave her a large amount of money. Two weeks later, he died from a gunshot wound.

Paula lived off the money that her brother had given her for several years and then returned to menial jobs for survival. She died in poverty in 1960. At the time of Paula’s brother’s death, few people knew him as an artist. Now, practically everyone knows his name. His paintings are in collections all over the world and often fetch high prices when they come up for auction. Sometimes, people protest the sale of his paintings. Most people are interested in his paintings, not because of their beauty, but for another reason entirely. For several decades, Paula Wolff kept a secret. She was living under an assumed last name. In the 1930s, Paula’s brother insisted that she adopt the last name Wolff to shield her from his reputation. He was still protecting her. You see, Paula’s real last name was Hitler. Her brother was Adolf.

Sources:

1. Daily News (Sydney, Australia), September 22, 1939, p.1.

2. The Daily News Leader (Staunton, Virginia), November 22, 1992, p.8.

3. The Bolton News, September 27, 2006, p.4.

4. “Alois Hitler Sr.,” Find a Grave, accessed January 10, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11646/alois-hitler.

5. “Klara Pölzl Hitler,” Find a Grave, accessed January 10, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11645/klara-hitler.

On January 21, 1793, King Louis XVI of France was executed by guillotine in Paris, a moment that irrevocably altered the course of French and European history. The execution marked a dramatic escalation of the French Revolution and symbolized the collapse of centuries-old monarchy.

Louis XVI ascended the throne in 1774 during a time of economic strain and social inequality. France faced crushing debt, widespread poverty, and resentment toward an aristocracy seen as detached from the struggles of ordinary citizens. Revolutionary ideas gained momentum, fueled by Enlightenment philosophies advocating liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty.

Following the storming of the Bastille in 1789, the monarchy’s authority steadily eroded. Louis XVI was eventually arrested and charged with treason, accused of conspiring against the nation and attempting to undermine the revolution. His trial before the National Convention was unprecedented, placing a reigning monarch on trial by his own people.

The execution itself was swift but symbolic. As the guillotine blade fell in the Place de la Révolution, it sent shockwaves across Europe. Monarchies feared similar uprisings within their own borders, while revolutionaries viewed the act as a decisive break from tyranny. France soon found itself at war with several European powers determined to suppress revolutionary ideals.

Domestically, the execution intensified political divisions. The revolution entered its most violent phase, known as the Reign of Terror, as leaders sought to eliminate perceived enemies of the state. Thousands were executed in the name of protecting the revolution, leaving a legacy of both radical change and profound loss.

January 21 remains one of the most significant dates of the French Revolution. The death of Louis XVI transformed a reform movement into a full-scale revolution, redefining governance, citizenship, and the balance of power in modern societies.

May 26, 1948 – January 16, 2026

Funeral services for Margaret Darlene LeFeat were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Middle Creek Baptist Church in Florien, Louisiana with Brothers John Lewing, Lynn Lawrence, and Dacota Glover officiating. The burial will followed in Mount Carmel Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers were Dustin Bell, Brady Bell, Tyler Thaxton, Gary Westfall, Bradley Thaxton, and Gordon Canady. The honorary pallbearers were Landon Bell, Lee Glover, Shaylee Glover, Kayden Glover, RaeLynn Bell, Palin Burlison, and Kylene Thaxton.

Darlene was born May 26, 1948, in Sabine Parish and passed away January 16, 2026, in Alexandria, Louisiana at the age of 77. She was a creative person who enjoyed making crafts and flower arrangements. Her son, Derick, was the center of her life, and they enjoyed going on hunts together and attending the races.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Dale Parks; parents, Bobbie Joe Bell and Geneva Bell; and brother, Scotty Bell.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Derick LeFeat; daughter, Daphne Clark and husband Joe;

brothers, Wade Bell and wife Valarie and Terry Bell and wife Trena; grandchildren, Matthew Clark and Brandy Clark; and extended family members and friends.

Richard Allen Childers
Service: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 2 pm at Lone Star Baptist Church, located at 781 Lone Star Church Road in Pitkin

Jennie Sue “Odom” Carter
Service: Friday, January 23, 2026 at 1 pm at Clarksdale Baptist Church, located in Clarksdale, Missouri

Diana Gayle Elliott
Service: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 2 pm at Gravel Hill Baptist Church in Cravens

LaVonne Joy “Lynn” Dalton Prater
Service: Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 3 pm at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville

Pamela Ann Beasley
Arrangements TBA

James Burke
Arrangements TBA

Charles Francis Crowley
September 2, 1928 ~ January 13, 2026
Private service to be held

Tracy Lee Strickland
No service information listed

Aurelio “Deuce” Correa II
Service to be held Jan. 22 in Texas

William Edward Jackson II
Services held on Jan. 18

Margaret Darlene Lefeat
Services held on Jan. 19

Koda Tyrese Poteat
Services held on Jan. 19

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 4-H has canceled its Judging Day scheduled for Jan. 21 due to anticipated hazardous weather conditions.

According to the organization, the decision was made in response to forecasts calling for freezing rain, cold temperatures, and continued rainfall, creating unsafe travel and event conditions. The cancellation was issued in the interest of participant and volunteer safety.

Vernon Parish 4-H officials indicated that information regarding a possible rescheduled date will be shared at a later time. Participants and families are encouraged to monitor official communication channels for updates.

Those with questions are advised to contact Vernon Parish 4-H directly.