John Dillinger was one of the most notorious of the Depression Era criminals.  His crime sprees included charges of desertion from the U.S. Navy, theft, auto theft, armed robbery, bank robbery, attempted murder, and murder.  On January 25, 1934, Dillinger and his gang were captured in Tucson, Arizona.  Dillinger was extradited to Crown Point, Indiana to stand trial on a host of charges including the murder of a police officer.  Lake County officials claimed their jail where Dillinger was held was “escape proof.”      

At about 9:30 on the morning of March 3, 1934, Dillinger and his cellmate, convicted murderer Herbert Youngblood, sat impatiently in their cell as a guard, Sam Cahoun, was making his rounds.  As Sam peered into their cell, Dillinger aimed a pistol at him and ordered him under threat of death to open the cell door.  Sam was unarmed and had no choice but to comply.  Dillinger told Sam to remain quiet and to follow him.  At Dillinger’s request, Sam called out for Deputy Earnest Blunk.  As the deputy stepped out of the fingerprint office, Dillinger stuck the pistol against his side.  Dillinger led Sam and Deputy Blunk back to the jail cell.  After locking Sam in the cell, Dillinger had Deputy Blunk call out for Warden Lou Baker.  As Warden Baker and three others stepped out of their offices, Dillinger aimed his pistol at them and forced them into the cell with Sam.  Dillinger locked the cell door and headed for the warden’s office. 

Dillinger exchanged his pistol for one of the machine guns from the warden’s gun rack and told Youngblood, “Come on, quick.  Get one of those guns there.”  Youngblood took a machine gun from the same gun rack and followed Dillinger’s lead.  Dillinger used Deputy Blunk in the same manner to disarm a total of six deputies and 16 guards, all of whom he locked in jail cells.  Unable to find any car keys in the prison offices, Dillinger, Youngblood, and Deputy Blunk made their way out of the jail house where they met the warden’s wife.  Dillinger told her, “Be a good little girl and we won’t kill you.”  She let them pass. 

Dillinger, Youngblood, and their hostage made their way to the Main Street Garage where they located Edward Saagers, the garage mechanic.  Dillinger ordered Saagers to give Deputy Blunk the keys to the fastest car in the garage, which happened to be a black police car.  Then, Dillinger ordered Saagers to get in the car with them.  At Dillinger’s order, Deputy Blunk slowly drove the escape car away from the prison as to not attract attention.  Mrs. Baker alerted the sheriff, which set off a search for Dillinger by practically all of the law enforcement officers in Indiana and Northern Illinois.  Two hours after their escape, Dillinger and Youngblood released Deputy Blunk and mechanic Saagers at Peotone, Illinois, 35 miles south of the Crown Point jail.  Before driving off, Dillinger gave Deputy Blunk and Saagers a $4 tip and told them, “Good job!”    

Newspapers reported that it was one of “the most spectacular breaks in the history of American crime,” partly because the pistol Dillinger used to set off the daring jailbreak was absolutely harmless.  It was not loaded.  It could not be loaded.  You see, the pistol Dillinger used in that escape was one he had whittled out of a piece of wood.

Sources:

1.     The Times-Picayune, March 4, 1934, p.10.

2.     The Times (Hammond, Indiana), March 5, 1934, p.10.

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April 17, 1946 – March 6, 2026

In loving memory of Vroni Lynn Thornock

With heavy hearts and deep love, we remember Vroni Lynn Thornock (Gautsche), who passed peacefully March 6, 2026, in Leesville, Louisiana, at the age of 79. Surrounded by the family she loved so deeply, she entered eternal rest after a courageous battle with declining health.

Vroni was born April 17, 1946, in the small town of Beetzendorf, Germany, to Hermann Gautsche and Anna Lieselotte Krause. She was the second of four children and grew up during a time that required strength and resilience from a very young age. When she was about six years old, her family fled East Germany and settled in Pirmasens in West Germany, seeking a safer future. Those early hardships helped shape the strong, determined, and compassionate woman she would become.

As a young woman working in a shoe factory to help support her family, Vroni met the love of her life, Richard Lamor Thornock. Their meeting began a lifelong journey of love, partnership, and devotion. Together they built a family that became the center of her world.

Vroni was a woman whose greatest joy came from caring for the people she loved. She was a devoted wife, a loving and dedicated mother, and a proud and adoring grandmother and great-grandmother. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and comfort, and her presence brought a quiet strength and kindness to everyone around her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Lamor Thornock, whose memory she carried in her heart.

She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her love and guidance: her son, Richard Peter Thornock and his wife Lisa; daughter, Cindy McCartney (Thornock) and husband, Ronnie; and her treasured grandchildren, Heather Winter, Stephanie Thornock, Jennifer Thornock, Thomas McCartney, and Eric McCartney, along with many great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life.

She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings: sister, Heidelore Winkmann and brothers, Hans Gautsche and Peter Gautsche.

Vroni’s life was defined by quiet strength, unwavering devotion to family, and a generous heart. The love she gave so freely will live on through the generations she helped shape and through the many lives she touched. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort in knowing that her love remains with us always. Her memory will forever be a blessing. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in our hearts.

A memorial service for Vroni will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Her family requests that you wear her favorite color – purple. A visitation will be held at Jeane’s in Leesville from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

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Clara Lee “Terry” Wiley
Service: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 4 pm at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville

Vroni Lisa Thornock
Service: Friday, April 17, 2026 at 1:30 pm at the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery

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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The City of Leesville has issued a boil advisory for customers on its water system along Highway 28 North.

The advisory applies to all residents and businesses in the affected area, including those located near the traffic circle. Officials stated the advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Customers in the impacted area are advised to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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Natchitoches Parish Fire District 1 responded to a structure fire in Vernon Parish on March 13 following a mutual aid request.

According to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Natchitoches Parish Communications District 911 dispatched firefighters at approximately 3:53 p.m. to the 1200 block of Louisiana Highway 8 after authorities in Vernon Parishrequested assistance.

Officials said the scene remains active, and no additional details were immediately available.

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

March 9, 2026

Matthew Wayne McCormack, age 35, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Turning Movements and Signals required, one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, and one Bench Warrant for Probation Violation. Bond was set at $4,500. A detainer for the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole has been placed on McCormack and he remains in the VPSO jail.

March 11, 2026

David Albert Bailey, age 58, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear in Drug Court. Bailey must serve 5 days in the parish jail.

Donald R. Richardson, age 68, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Theft. Bond was set at $2,500. Richardson was also arrested on a Probation Violation warrant and he remains in the VPSO jail.

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

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The New Llano sewer system upgrade project is expected to be completed in August, according to an update from the Town of New Llano.

The $3.2 million project, funded through a grant, has been underway for the past several years and focuses on significant improvements to the town’s sewer infrastructure.

Work on the project includes a full renovation of the town’s sewer treatment plant as well as the installation of generators at five sewer lift stations throughout the system.

Town officials said the upgrades are intended to strengthen and modernize the sewer system to better serve residents in the community once the project is completed later this year.

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Why rural communities deserve facts and honest debate about carbon capture and storage

I am a small-business owner in Vernon Parish trying to keep my doors open and raise a family in the community I love.

Few issues facing rural Louisiana right now carry bigger consequences for communities like ours than carbon capture and storage.

Some see it as a dangerous experiment being forced on rural parishes. Others see it as an opportunity to bring jobs, stabilize struggling industries, and reverse the population decline many rural communities have experienced for decades.

Representative Charles Owen recently wrote that there are a “litany of unanswered questions” surrounding carbon capture and storage.

On that point, he is right.

There are important questions. But the reason many remain unanswered is not because answers do not exist. It is because the geologists, engineers, and industry professionals who understand the science are often shouted down before the conversation can even begin.

Major decisions that affect the future of our communities deserve more than headlines, rumors, or social media posts. They deserve careful review of the facts and the willingness to listen to people who actually understand the science and economics involved.

And when fear becomes the loudest voice in a discussion, something unfortunate happens.

The very voices we need to hear from become silent.

Representative Owen compared carbon dioxide to weed killer and suggested it should be viewed as a poisonous or carcinogenic substance.

That comparison deserves clarification.

Carbon dioxide is not classified as a poison, and it is not classified as a carcinogen.

It is also already woven into daily life. CO₂ is used in medical manufacturing, fire suppression, agriculture, refrigeration, welding, food preservation, beverage carbonation, and water treatment. It is part of the air in every breath we take; it helps preserve many of the foods we eat, and for many people it is literally in the soda they drink.

The United States has transported carbon dioxide by pipeline for more than 50 years. Today there are over 5,000 miles of CO₂ pipelines, and during those decades there have been no recorded deaths from CO₂ pipeline transportation or injection.

Even the well-known pipeline rupture in Satartia, Mississippi — while serious and deserving investigation — resulted in no fatalities.

Two concerns often raised are that a leak would contaminate soil or drinking water.

Drinking water protection is central to the regulatory process. Class VI wells inject CO₂ thousands of feet below drinking water sources into deep rock formations sealed by thick layers of impermeable caprock — essentially a natural underground lid that fluids cannot pass through.

These same formations have naturally trapped oil and gas underground for millions of years.

CO₂ also does not contaminate soil the way chemicals do. It is part of the natural carbon cycle that plants use to grow, and soil itself releases carbon dioxide as organic material breaks down.

Representative Owen has suggested enhanced oil recovery is acceptable, but sequestration is not. But enhanced oil recovery already works by injecting CO₂ underground — and after the oil is produced, much of that carbon dioxide remains trapped in those formations permanently.

If carbon capture were truly a scam, environmental groups would not oppose it so strongly. Many oppose it precisely because it allows industries like oil, gas, and LNG to continue operating while reducing emissions.

And Louisiana sits at the center of that debate. As one of the nation’s largest energy-producing states, what happens here matters. If carbon capture works in Louisiana, it strengthens the future of American energy.

I know these things not because I read a headline, but because I set aside what I thought I knew and started asking questions of the people who work with this science every day.

Growth rarely comes from a place of comfort. But discomfort forces us to learn and search for better answers.

I am a small-business owner in Vernon Parish trying to keep my doors open. I am also a parent with children in our local schools — one of which could face closure if population trends continue.

That is the math our parish is already living with.

Without the economic impact of Ft. Polk, nearly 58% of Vernon Parish households fall into the ALICE category — families who work hard yet still come up about $5,000 short of the cost of living here.

They earn too much to qualify for assistance, but not enough to make ends meet.

Those families are not statistics. They are our neighbors.

Programs like the federal 45Q tax credit are often criticized as government spending, but they work differently. Companies only receive those credits if they are operating, employing people, and safely storing carbon dioxide.

If Louisiana chooses not to pursue these opportunities, the credit does not disappear. Our tax dollars will still fund the program — the difference is that the jobs and investment will go to states like Texas instead of communities like ours.

At the same time, our forestry economy is under tremendous pressure. When markets disappear, forests go unmanaged, disease spreads, and wildfire risk increases as timber grows overcrowded.

The proposed Class VI well would allow projects like Highland Pellet and Beaver Lake Renewables to locate in our region, supporting more than 1,000 jobs while purchasing roughly 500 additional truckloads of timber each day from Central Louisiana’s timber basket.

Without healthy markets, landowners may eventually clear forests for other development or solar projects. But when timber markets exist, forests are thinned, land remains productive, and rural jobs stay local.

The real question for rural Louisiana is simple: which future makes more sense for our communities?

When jobs disappear, families leave.

When families leave, schools lose students — and the difficult conversations about consolidation begin.

We invest years educating our children, but when opportunity disappears, those same young people often must leave to build their careers somewhere else.

Louisiana helps educate them — and other states benefit from the talent we lose.

Representative Owen and I both care deeply about the future of our communities. We may not be as far apart as it sometimes feels.

But the stakes for rural Louisiana are too high to allow fear, rumors, or division to guide the outcome.

The future of our parish — and rural Louisiana — deserves to be decided by facts, careful consideration, and the shared desire to do what is right for the people who call this place home.

Robert Haymon is a small-business owner in Vernon Parish.

 

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When March rolls around in Louisiana’s Legend Country, all roads lead to one signature celebration — the Louisiana Moonshine Festival. This high-energy, music-filled weekend has quickly become one of Vernon Parish’s most anticipated spring events, drawing visitors from across the region for live entertainment, local flavor, and authentic Louisiana culture.

The excitement began early with the Louisiana Moonshine Festival Pageant on March 7. This hometown tradition highlights community pride and sets the stage for festival season in Vernon Parish.

https://vernonparish.org/event/moonshine-pageant/

Festival weekend officially starts with a Pre-Party on Thursday, March 26 at 4 PM at Louisiana Moonshine Company, located at 12193 Lake Charles Hwy, Leesville, LA 71446. Guests can enjoy live music by Stereodrive and food prepared by Kenny Emrick. It’s the perfect opportunity to gather with friends, meet fellow festivalgoers, and ease into the weekend festivities. 

https://vernonparish.org/event/louisiana-moonshine-festival-pre-party/

The main event takes place Friday, March 27 through Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds. Hosted by Keeping It Country Live – featuring the Louisiana Moonshine Company — Louisiana’s first and only moonshine company — along with many other moonshiners and master distillers. The Louisiana Moonshine Festival is an all-day celebration featuring live music, food vendors, and a lively atmosphere that blends Southern tradition with modern festival fun. Major funding is provided by: Keeping It Country Live in conjunction with AMVETS Veterans Tribute & United Cajun Navy.

https://vernonparish.org/event/louisiana-moonshine-festival-2/

Visitors will appreciate the festival’s welcoming, family-friendly environment. Kids 15 and under receive free admission with a paid adult ticket, making it easy to bring the whole crew. Veteran, Military, and First Responder discounts are available at the gate on the day of the event with official ID, reflecting Vernon Parish’s strong support for those who serve.

Beyond the festival grounds, March is an ideal time to explore Vernon Parish. Enjoy mild spring weather, discover local restaurants and shops in Leesville, and take in the natural beauty that makes this area of Louisiana special. Pair your festival experience with a weekend stay and turn it into a true getaway.

Things To Do

While you’re in town, don’t miss Backyard Beats 2026: A Spring Concert Series at the Leesville Polk Outdoor Stage. The series kicks off March 13 and continues April 10 and April 24, bringing live music and hometown energy to the outdoor stage. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly way to experience Vernon Parish’s growing live music scene.

https://vernonparish.org/event/spring-concert-series/

March also highlights the strong military presence in the parish. On Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 2:30 PM CT, the community will gather for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the opening of the new USO Center at Fort Polk, located at Bldg. 8403 H Ave., Fort Polk North. The new center will serve as a place of relief, renewal, and support for the thousands of service members who train and serve there, reflecting the deep connection between Vernon Parish and its military community.

https://vernonparish.org/event/uso-fort-polk-center-ribbon-cutting/

If you’re looking for live music, local culture, and a one-of-a-kind Louisiana experience, Vernon Parish is the place to visit this March. Start planning your trip to Louisiana’s Legend Country today.

https://vernonparish.org

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BY RICKEY ROBERTSON

The United States had elected a new president John F. Kennedy, in 1960 and there was hope that the world situation would be more peaceful. But in 1961 the Soviet Union started what is called the “Berlin Crisis”. The Soviets under Nikita Khrushchev were concerned about the status of Berlin, which was divided into 4 parts at the end of World War II. Hundreds of Germans were fleeing from East Germany into the safety of West Germany as they tried to avoid the Soviets. At Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin US Army tanks and Russian tanks had a 16 hour standoff at this access point into Berlin.

With the Berlin Crisis about to explode into possible nuclear war in Germany, President Kennedy called up thousands of Army reserve and National Guard troops to active duty. One such unit called into active service was the 49^th Armored Division of the Texas National Guard. This National Guard Armored Division was activated and was sent to Fort Polk, La. for extensive armored training. On October 15, 1961 the division was activated into federal service. Thousands of Texas National Guardsmen and many from our local area’s here in Louisiana filled the division rolls. 

While at Fort Polk the 49^th Armored trained heavily on the ranges at Fort Polk and on Peason Ridge. This training gave all the attached units the opportunity to work together as a team. But in May 1962 the division staged a very large-scale maneuver known as EXERCISE IRON DRAGOON.

Exercise Iron Dragoon was one of the largest training exercises in the history of the National Guard.  All exercise training during EXERCISE IRON DRAGOON was realistic with no equipment, units, or personnel being simulated with the exception of toxic chemicals, nuclear weapons, and live ammunition. As the units convoyed to their assemble areas all movement was orderly and upon arrival to their areas units began to camouflage both vehicles and tents. Much of the tactical activity consisted of attacking, seizing, and defending Peason Ridge . As the 49^th advanced into Peason Ridge the AGRESSOR FORCES fell back but by the next day there was a large counterattack when the AGRESSOR FORCES set off a simulated atomic bomb southeast of Eagle Hill near the Sabine and Vernon Parish line. The 49^th counterattacked and pushed the AGRESSOR FORCES back. When the 49^th counterattacked the divisions missile unit became the very first Army National Guard Unit to fire the Honest John missile . The Honest John was fired with a training war head but in time of actual war the missile could fire a nuclear tipped surface to surface warhead.

EXERCISE IRON DRAGOON was the first training exercise involving an entire armored division since EXERCISE SAGEBRUSH in 1955. The 49^th Armored would have been rushed to Germany if the Russians had started a war during the Berlin Crisis. The 49^th Armored would have been sent to stop the Russian Army from advancing through the Fulda Gap straight into Germany. But thankfully cooler heads prevailed in the Russian Army and it was decided to not push into Germany and Berlin especially. EXERCISE IRON DRAGOON accomplished one great thing. The exercise and other training made the 49th Armored Division combat ready. As the Berlin Crisis subsided the 49^th Armored Division was returned to Texas State control in August 1962 and each unit returned to their home station in Texas.

EXERCISE IRON DRAGOON was another large training exercise that took place in Natchitoches, Sabine, and Vernon Parishes. This area from 1941 to the present day continues to be one of the major training areas for the United States military as units train to defend our great nation. 

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Two members of the Rosepine High School Fishing Team have earned a spot on the national stage after a strong finish at the Student Angler Federation State Championship.

Chandler Brown and Luke Moss placed fifth overall in the SAF State Championship, securing qualification for the SAF National Championship scheduled to take place this summer in Kentucky.

Their finish among the top teams in the state advances the Rosepine High School anglers to the national competition, where they will compete against qualifying teams from across the country.

The Rosepine High School Fishing Team recognized the pair for their accomplishment and looks forward to their performance at the upcoming national championship.

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Vernon Parish 4-H Livestock Club has announced upcoming validation dates for exhibitors planning to show Louisiana Bred steers or heifers.

Officials said tags must be ordered in advance and will cost $50 per calf. Payments should be mailed to Vendal Fairchildat 4325 Hwy. 582, Oak Grove, 71263. Validation forms can be printed from the State Fair of Louisiana website.

Organizers said both the cow and calf must be present during the validation process.

Scheduled validation locations and dates include:

• Delhi Sale Barn — March 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon
• Rosepine Research Station — March 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon
• Louisiana State University — Baton Rouge — April 9, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon
• R&R Cattle — Keithville — April 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon
• LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research Station — April 25, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon

Officials said this will be the only Brand Commission certification held this year, though veterinarians may also validate calves.

For questions about Louisiana Bred validation, exhibitors may contact Fairchild at 318-282-4765 or reach out to Dwayne Nunez. Vernon Parish exhibitors can also contact the local 4-H office for additional information.

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Students from Pitkin High School recently visited the campus of Louisiana Christian University for a day of exploration and engagement.

The group spent time on campus learning more about the university and experiencing campus life during their visit. University officials expressed appreciation for the opportunity to host the students and welcomed them to spend time exploring the school’s programs and facilities.

The visit provided Pitkin High School students with an opportunity to see the campus firsthand while learning more about potential educational opportunities at Louisiana Christian University.

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Several Vernon Parish 4-H Shooting Sports members earned top finishes and qualified for the Louisiana 4-H State Shooting Sports Competition after an impressive showing in the Modified Trap event at the regional competition.

In the Junior Division, Tab Power placed 2nd and Daniel Kelly finished 4th. Elijah McKee and Jase Blakenbaker also qualified for the state competition. The junior team — Tab Power, Daniel Kelly, Elijah McKee, Jase Blakenbaker, and Anna Johnson — tied for 3rd place overall.

In the Senior Division, Bun Park III earned 3rd place, followed by Aubrey Wilson in 5th, Trendon Bush in 8th, and Parson Pennington in 10th. The senior team of Bun Park III, Aubrey Wilson, Trendon Bush, Parson Pennington, and Kaden Doughty captured 1st place as a team.

Congratulations to all of these shooters for their focus, discipline, and sportsmanship while representing Vernon Parish. Good luck to the qualifiers as they prepare to compete at the Louisiana 4-H State Shooting Sports Competition.

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Dozens of students recently took part in a hands-on program designed to teach practical life skills and highlight the real-world consequences of risky decisions.

The Kiwanis Club of Leesville hosted its annual “Reality Check” event at Leesville High School, where 38 students spent their off day participating in interactive lessons focused on safety, responsibility and life readiness.

The program was held in partnership with Louisiana State Police Troop E, based in Alexandria, which has supported the initiative since its beginning.

Students rotated through a series of demonstrations and activities aimed at preparing them for challenges they may encounter as young adults. Topics included changing a tire, checking engine oil, how to respond during traffic stops, and the basics of banking such as writing checks, using debit cards and understanding credit scores.

Participants also learned about the dangers of impaired driving through simulations using “drunk goggles,” which mimic the effects of intoxication and allow students to experience how alcohol can impact coordination and judgment.

Additional sessions addressed the risks of vaping, the hazards of social media, and the role of DNA in investigations, including how easily DNA can be transferred and how it can assist in cases involving missing children.

Organizers said the goal of the program is to give teenagers the knowledge and resources they need to make responsible choices as they transition into adulthood, while also allowing them to interact with state troopers in a positive environment and ask questions about safety and the law.

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Linda Sue Dace Canoy
Service: Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville

Herman Lee Erwin
Service: Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11 am at First United Pentecostal Church 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.

March 6, 2026

Summer Dnae Jeane Moore, age 37, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Disturbing the Peace / Language . Bond was set at $881. Moore paid a cash bond and was released.

Tammy Jean Nichols, age 52, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Simple Battery. Bond was set at $1,281. Nichols posted bond and was released.

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

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Representatives from the City of Leesville and 7 Brew Coffee recently gathered for a brief groundbreaking ceremony marking the arrival of the company’s newest location in Leesville.

Though the ceremony was held today, construction had already begun and immediately after this morning’s ceremony, work crews proceeded with positioning the modular building onto its foundation in the parking lot of Town Plaza Shopping Center, signaling the rapid progress being made toward the store’s opening.

7 Brew is a one‑of‑a‑kind drive‑thru concept known for its energetic atmosphere and wide selection of beverages, including coffee creations, infused energy drinks, Italian sodas, smoothies, teas, and milkshakes. Founded in 2017, the company has grown rapidly nationwide and is recognized for its commitment to friendly service and community engagement.

The City of Leesville welcomes 7 Brew Coffee and looks forward to the economic activity, job opportunities, and added convenience this new business will bring to residents and visitors.

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Dialog and debate are important, and I welcome the opportunity to engage on the sequestration of carbon waste in western and central Louisiana. I offer these words with respect and seriousness.

On 27 Feb 2026, Ms. Lemoine criticized the “what-ifs” being raised by concerned citizens in Vernon and Rapides parishes and suggested we are short-sighted for not embracing the promised jobs and growth. Fair enough.   Wrong, but I understand the point she is trying to get across. No one is rejecting industry or jobs.   Here are a few of my own “what-ifs” for consideration by Ms. Lemoine and by all who ae paying attention to this debate.

What if the author of the 2009 legislation that opened the door to carbon burial (Rep. Jim Morris) had known then what we know now? In his floor speech, all he told colleagues was, “We’re putting carbon in the ground,” and “This is complicated.” He did not appear fully informed. He didn’t explain anything.    He certainly didn’t seem to know this day would be coming.

What if the legislators at that time had perfect knowledge of where we would be today? I believe many members — including my own — would have asked much harder questions.

What if the industry sponsors who pushed Senator Sharon Hewitt’s 2020 bill had told her about the Satartia pipeline rupture? What if they had admitted the true intent was not to bury carbon only in depleted oil fields, but in unmapped subsurface zones with no definable traps like in Vernon Parish?

What if the special interests that backed these bills had done real due diligence on the risks — including potential damage to our water supply, family land, and the second-largest Army training range in America — instead of hoping the details would slip through under cover of darkness?

There are real risks here. This is not like betting on a product that might or might not sell, where the only but serious downside is bankruptcy. Much more is at stake — our groundwater, our land, our way of life, and our national security infrastructure.

What if the industry Ms. Lemoine speaks of would maybe consider another place to send their captured carbon?   No one from around here is fighting the production and sale of wood products (biomass).   We want wood pellet and other timber producers to come here.   It’s what they do with carbon that is the consternation.  We are voracious users of pipelines in Louisiana, right?  What if they pipe the carbon to the Gulf and put it under the ocean floor?   No one EVER thinks of that or even addresses it.  It appears to be ALL OR NOTHING in the CENLA HUB—in Vernon Parish.    What if we think outside the box?

A full, transparent debate has never taken place on these issues.  One side or the other always feels like discussions are slanted or one-sided.    Why not have a public debate?  I extend this public invitation: I will bring a geologist, an environmental scientist, and an engineer, and you can bring who you wish.  Maybe we can get Moon Griffon and Brian Haldane to be the moderators.   Let’s sit down in Vernon or Rapides Parish and have an honest discussion — no spin, no slogans, just facts.

The people of Central Louisiana deserve nothing less.

PS  What if people stop lying about the Sierra Club being behind the efforts in CENLA?  They’re not.  They came to a meeting.  They might have visited with some folks, but the opposition to carbon burial is not funded by leftists and most of us want nothing to do with the green scam they still relish.   Opposition is organic and local and it’s NOT left wing.  No one around here is fighting oil and gas, timber or progress.

Very respectfully,
Charles A. Owen
State Representative, District 30

Member, Central Louisiana Delegation, Louisiana Rural Caucus, Louisiana Freedom Caucus

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Residents in Vernon Parish can expect warm and mostly cloudy conditions early in the week before showers and thunderstorms arrive Wednesday, followed by a significant cool-down heading into the end of the week.

Tuesday will remain mostly cloudy after early morning patchy fog, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the lower 80s. South winds between 5 and 10 mph are expected, with occasional gusts up to 20 mph.

Rain chances increase Wednesday as showers and thunderstorms develop during the afternoon. High temperatures are expected to reach the lower 80s with breezy south winds between 10 and 15 mph and gusts up to 25 mph. Rain chances are forecast at around 90 percent.

Storms are likely to continue into Wednesday evening before gradually tapering off overnight. A cooler and less humid air mass will move into the region, dropping temperatures into the lower 50s. Winds will shift to the north and increase to 10 to 15 mph after midnight, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph.

Thursday will bring sunny skies, noticeably cooler temperatures and lower humidity. Highs are expected to reach the mid-60s with brisk north winds continuing through the day.

Clear skies are expected Thursday night and Friday, with overnight lows falling into the lower 40s and daytime highs rebounding into the mid-70s.

Warm and sunny conditions will continue into Saturday, with highs around 80 degrees. Partly cloudy skies are expected Saturday night and Sunday with lows near 60 and highs again in the lower 80s.

Another round of cooler weather could arrive late Sunday, when clouds increase and a chance of showers develops in the evening. Temperatures will drop into the upper 40s overnight.

By Monday, mostly cloudy skies and much cooler temperatures are expected, with daytime highs only reaching the lower 60s.

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