Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.
April 16, 2026
Amanda Brister Young, age 45, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Bond has not been set and Young remains in the VPSO jail.
Brianna Creed, age 31, of DeRidder, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Creed remains in the VPSO jail.
Leroy Joseph Saxon, age 54, of DeRidder, was arrested and charged with one count of Disturbing the Peace / Drunkenness and one count of Resisting an Officer. Bond was set at $ 2162.00. Saxon remains in the VPSO jail.
April 17, 2026
Ronnie Gene Dauzat, age 51, of Hornbeck, was arrested and charged with one count of Switched Plates, one count of No Driver’s License on Person and one count of No Vehicle Insurance. Bond has not been set and Dauzat remains in the VPSO jail.
April 18, 2026
Tommy Wayne Gordy, age 44, of Hineston, was arrested and charged with one count of Stalking and one count of Criminal Trespass. Bond has not been set and Gordy remains in the VPSO jail.
April 19, 2026
Terry Wayne Cochran, age 63, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespass and one count of Violation of a Protective Order. Bond has not been set and Cochran remains in the VPSO jail.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
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The Vernon Parish Police Jury recognized the 2026 Division III Select State Basketball Champions, the Rosepine Lady Eagles, during a recent meeting.
Officials honored the team for capturing the state title and representing their school and community with a championship season.
The recognition highlighted the Lady Eagles’ achievement, dedication, and the pride they brought to Rosepine and Vernon Parish through their successful run.
A mix of clouds, rain chances and gradually warming temperatures is expected across Vernon Parish in the days ahead, with the highest rain chances arriving midweek.
Rain chances increase on Wednesday, with a 70 percent likelihood of showers and possible afternoon thunderstorms. Highs will climb into the upper 70s. Skies will become partly cloudy Wednesday night with lows in the lower 60s.
Thursday will bring partly sunny skies with a 40 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs will reach the lower 80s, followed by mostly cloudy conditions Thursday night and lows in the mid-60s.
By Friday, the area will see a mix of clouds and sunshine with a 40 percent chance of afternoon storms and highs in the mid-80s. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms will continue into Friday night.
The weekend will trend warmer with slightly lower rain chances. Saturday will be mostly cloudy early before becoming partly sunny, with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and highs in the upper 80s. Sunday will follow a similar pattern, with highs in the mid-80s and a 30 percent chance of afternoon storms.
Looking ahead to Monday, skies will start cloudy before becoming partly sunny with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs are expected to reach the upper 80s.
Residents should prepare for periodic showers and thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon hours, along with a steady warming trend into the weekend.
A rusted and overgrown pump jack sits abandoned, a scene playing out thousands of times across the state as orphaned oil and gas wells outpace the ability to plug them.
By Richard Searles, Journal Contributor
State faces record 6,465 orphaned wells, a cleanup bill that could top $1 billion, and a broken oversight system
Louisiana’s oil patch is leaving behind a growing legacy of abandoned wells that leak, contaminate groundwater and cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars — and on a per capita basis, the state’s problem is more than four times worse than Texas, which has drawn national attention for the same issue.
As of March 2025, Louisiana has 6,465 orphaned oil and gas wells — unplugged, abandoned sites with no responsible operator — according to the state Department of Conservation and Energy. Texas has approximately 10,029 orphaned wells, according to its Railroad Commission. But Texas has nearly seven times Louisiana’s population. Louisiana has roughly one orphaned well for every 711 residents. Texas has one for every 3,130. Louisiana’s per capita burden is more than four times heavier.
The Numbers Are Accelerating
Between 2014 and 2023, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor found that an average of about 445 wells were added to the orphaned list each year. In 2025, more than 1,600 wells were added — more than three times the historical annual average. In just the first months of 2026, another 517 wells have already been added.
Behind those orphaned wells sits an even larger problem: inactive wells not yet orphaned but at risk. The Legislative Auditor found the inactive well count climbed 21.7 percent from 2019 to 2024, reaching 21,629 statewide.
What It Will Cost — and Why the Numbers Differ
The cleanup bill has been reported in different ways, and understanding why requires a distinction between two categories of problem wells.
The first is the orphaned well count itself — the 6,500 wells with no responsible operator. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor places the average plugging cost at $113,000 per well. Multiplied across the current orphaned well list, that produces the widely cited $730 million figure.
But that number covers only orphaned wells. A July 2025 white paper from the LSU Center for Energy Studies, commissioned by the state, calculated that plugging and abandoning both orphaned and idle wells in just the Monroe and Shreveport regulatory districts — two of Louisiana’s three oil and gas districts — would cost approximately $860 million. The Lafayette district, which holds roughly 41 percent of the state’s total orphaned and idle well inventory, was not included in that estimate. When all three districts and all idle wells are accounted for, the total cost to Louisiana taxpayers could well exceed $1 billion.
Since 2023, the state has plugged just 490 orphaned wells at a combined cost of nearly $90 million in state and federal funds — far behind the pace needed to make meaningful progress.
The Oversight System Failed
Louisiana’s attempt to manage the problem through a private industry-led entity collapsed. The Louisiana Oilfield Restoration Association, created in 2019 to collect operator fees and fund plugging activity, was dissolved after a state audit found it falling far behind — and after allegations of self-dealing that included a $780,000 loan to a state official. An audit also found the association’s administrative partner was charging a 36 percent fee on revenues, nearly double the agreed cap. During fiscal years 2020 through 2023, the state plugged 976 orphaned wells through the program. During that same period, nearly 1,700 new orphaned wells were reported — meaning the system was losing ground even while operating.
The Louisiana Legislature responded in 2024 by creating the Natural Resources Trust Authority under the Department of Conservation and Energy, tasked with rebuilding oversight and funding. Financial security requirements — the bonds operators must post to cover future plugging costs — remain a structural weakness. Though coverage rose from 25 percent of wells in 2014 to 74 percent by 2024, the Legislative Auditor found the amounts collected still fall well short of actual plugging costs.
The Bottom Line
Louisiana is producing new orphaned wells faster than it can plug old ones, carrying a per capita orphaned well burden more than four times that of Texas, and facing a total cleanup bill that state and university researchers suggest could exceed $1 billion when all idle and orphaned wells statewide are fully accounted for. The consequences — contaminated groundwater, leaking methane, degraded land — fall most heavily on the rural communities where these wells are concentrated.
Sources: Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy; Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office; LSU Center for Energy Studies, “Orphan and Idle Wells in Louisiana,” July 2025; Texas Railroad Commission; Louisiana Illuminator.
Celebrate spring in Louisiana’s Legend Country at MayFest, the Louey Award winner for Festival of the Year, returning May 1st–2nd, 2026 at the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds in Leesville. This annual, free event brings together two full days of live music, food, and family-friendly fun, making it one of the most anticipated weekends of the year in Vernon Parish.
Held at 276 HM Stevens Blvd., MayFest features vendors from across Louisiana and surrounding states offering handmade goods and made-from-scratch food. From local shopping to delicious eats, there’s something to enjoy around every corner. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and settle in for a weekend filled with live entertainment, demonstrating artists, children’s activities, and more.
Festivities kick off Friday at 4pm with a full evening of music, followed by a full day of fun on Saturday. Don’t miss the Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast from 7am-10am on Saturday in the arena, along with special ceremonies and activities throughout the day.
Bring your lawn chairs and join us at the fairgrounds for two free days of family fun!
2026 Live Music Lineup All day: DJ Jim Wise, Big Daddy’s Entertainment
Friday, May 1st – Main Stage 11:30am – Senior Citizens Lunch (Auditorium, music by Louisiana Scramble Band) 4pm – Old Man Band 5:30pm – The Johnson Brothers 7pm – Rosedown Rockers 8:30pm – Donald Ceasar & the Creole Soul Band
Saturday, May 2nd – Main Stage 7am – Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast (Arena) 10am – Opening Ceremony 10:30am – MayFest Pageant Kings & Queens 10:45am – VPPJ MayFest Dedication & WLFF Memorial Stage Dedication 11:30am – Michael Maddox Band 1pm – Stereodrive 2:30pm – Josh Love 4pm – Has Beans 5:30pm – Bad Moon Rising 7pm – Flow Tribe 8:30pm – Craig Wayne Boyd
Saturday, May 2nd – Gospel Stage 11am – The Amazing Rhythm Disciples 12pm – Roy Mosby & The Johnson Temple Choir 1pm – Chuck Marze Gospel Group 2pm – By Faith 3pm – Signed, Sealed & Delivered 4pm – Pleasant Hill Baptist Choir 5pm – Anacoco Pentecostal Church Choir
While MayFest is a highlight of your trip, Vernon Parish’s natural beauty adds even more to your experience. With more than five notable bodies of water—Anacoco Lake, Toledo Bend Lake, Vernon Lake, Sabine River, and Toro Bayou—the area offers opportunities for boating, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Vernon Lake is a favorite for anglers looking to cast a line and unwind. Spend the day fishing, enjoy a peaceful boat ride across the calm waters, or simply take in the scenery. A great access point is Vernon Lake Spillway Park, located on Spillway Rd. in Leesville. Visitors can take advantage of a free boat launch, fishing dock, and scenic spots for picnicking, birding, and swimming.
For those looking to make the most of their time on the water, join the Vernon Lake Fishing Reports Facebook group to stay up to date on conditions and local tips.
Beyond fishing, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, from horseback riding and golf to birdwatching and more.
So pack your bags and come celebrate MayFest in Vernon Parish, where culture, cuisine, and nature meet for the ultimate getaway. Start planning your MayFest trip now and make the most of your time in Louisiana’s Legend Country.
A beloved local tradition is returning to the pavement this spring with a fresh identity and a new home. After a brief hiatus, the festival formerly known as Chalk-A-Block has officially rebranded as Chalk the Park, set to take over the Leesville Art Park on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
For over a decade, the event served as a creative cornerstone of Mayfest in the Leesville Main Street District. When the festival transitioned to the fairgrounds and moved away from its arts-centric roots, the chalk festival was paused. Now, thanks to a coalition of local organizations, the event is back and “better than ever.”
A Day of Creativity and Community
The festival, running from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, promises an immersive experience for families and aspiring artists of all ages. This year’s revival is a collaborative effort between:
Rotary Club of Leesville
GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN
The D.A.R.E. Program (Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office)
Leesville Kiwanis
Highlights & Activities
Visitors to the Leesville Art Park at 1201 Abe Allen Memorial Drive can expect a full schedule of entertainment and art:
Chalk Art on the Path: The Rotary Club will continue its tradition of providing free chalk for everyone. This year, GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN is sponsoring four “Featured Artists” who will create professional-grade chalk paintings on-site while offering guidance to the public.
Live Music: Performances on the small stage in the Art Park by members of the Vernon Parish Chamber Orchestra, with arrangements coordinated by Nancy El Koubi.
Food Truck Favorites: Local vendors including GG’s Eats, Gringo Biscuit, and Deja Brew will be on-site to provide refreshments.
Hot Dog Meals: The Kiwanis Club will be serving $5 hot dog meals for children aged 12 and under.
A “Family Day Out” in Leesville
The revival has been fueled by a surge of community volunteers led by Heather Houston of GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN. The event aligns with a broader community focus on youth engagement, coinciding with the Junior League’s Touch a Truck event held the same day.
“It will be a great day for kids in the parish,” organizers noted, “a wonderful Family Day Out in Leesville!”
For more information, residents are encouraged to visit the Leesville Art Park on May 16 to help transform the walking track into a vibrant, multi-colored gallery.
Members of the Leesville Lions Club recently attended the 103rd Annual Louisiana Lions State Convention held at Cypress Bend Resort.
Club members celebrated leadership recognition within District 8L, including Lion Ray Cecil, who was honored for his service as District Governor over the past year. Officials noted his leadership and dedication made a lasting impact throughout the district.
The club also congratulated Lion Trey Dowden, who was elected District Governor-Elect and will officially assume the role in July.
Members expressed appreciation for both individuals’ continued commitment to Lions Club service and their representation of the district and local club.
Students from Simpson High School were recently recognized for their performances in the Vernon Parish Special Education Gifted & Talented Program’s “Through the Decades” event.
Makenzie Ladner placed first in Talented Visual Arts, while Katelyn Somers earned second place in Talented Visual Arts. Madelyn Moore was also recognized for her outstanding vocal performance.
School officials praised the students for their creativity, dedication, and willingness to showcase their talents, noting that their accomplishments reflect strong representation of Bronco Nation.
I don’t care what sport you play, there comes a day when the Gods of that sport will humble you. So many times, as an athlete, we think we have everything figured out. We think we know more than anyone else and that we are invincible. We have the attitude “you can’t beat me!”
That’s when we get a little too comfortable in our own skin and things start to unravel and go south. For bass tournament anglers, you never know when that day will be coming. But rest assured, it will happen!
My humbling moments have occurred more than once in my 30-year fishing career but there is one that stands out more than any other. It took place about five years ago on Lake Texoma on the Oklahoma/Texas border during one of those late February events with temperatures in the upper 20s and lower 30s.
Over the years, I’ve had several tournaments on Lake Texoma and have done well there in the past. It’s a lake that I feel very comfortable with. I have a lot of confidence each time I drop my boat in the water at this famed Oklahoma/ Texas fishery.
If you’re angler who likes to power fish with buzz baits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits, Texoma is the place for you. But there are times when you will question if there’s any bass in this lake as the fishing can get really tough.
On one of my recent trips to this impoundment, I found out firsthand just how tough Texoma can be. I was preparing for a three-day event while pre-fishing in some very frigid temperatures. To say that the bite was tough would be a huge understatement.
As Day 1 of practice began, I knew that the only way I was going to get a bite was by slowing down my presentation. Bass in cold water conditions are very lethargic and slow to react to a bait.
Well at the end of practice on Day 1, I had absolutely nothing figured out as I put my boat back on the trailer after a long 9-hour day with zero bites. That’s right, I had zero bites the entire day!
Day 2 brought the same cold temperatures but sunny skies as daytime temperatures rose into the upper 40s. I thought with temperatures warming as the day went on, that maybe there would be a good afternoon bite. My thinking was wrong as I once again as I loaded my boat after Day 2 of practice with zero bites.
That’s right, I had fished for a total of 18 hours and had yet to set the hook on a single fish! So, as I laid in bed that night, I thought that maybe I need to speed up my presentation and throw some type of reaction bait like a rattle-trap, which is very popular during cold weather tournaments.
As the final day of practice rolled around, I was actually a little excited and was looking forward to trying something different. So I tied on a ¼ oz SPRO Aruku Shad in the popular chrome with a blue back. When I say I threw the paint off that bait, I mean I stayed committed to my plan and never put it down pretty much all day long.
But as only the bass fishing Gods can explain, I once again came off the lake nine hours later with zero bites! At this point, now I’m as frustrated as I’ve ever been going into Day 1 of a tournament.
To cut this article short, I’ll just go ahead and tell you that over the next two days of tournament competition, I had one bite and never caught a single fish I could weigh-in.
For the first time in my tournament career, I fished on a body of water I’m very familiar with and caught only one bass over five consecutive days!
So, for all those up-and-coming anglers, listen up — if you fish tournaments, there will come a day when you question if you really know anything about how to catch a bass.
With this frustration, you might even want to sell everything you own that’s related to bass fishing! But hang in there — sooner or later, grey skies will fade, and sunshine will return as you catch bass like never before.
Local quantum physicists are reportedly baffled by a recurring temporal anomaly centered around departing vehicles and friendly neighborhood grandmothers. A recent incident at an undisclosed Natchitoches residence has once again demonstrated that a simple, “Well, I best be getting along” functions not as an exit strategy, but as a binding verbal contract for at least ninety additional minutes of conversation, standard (weather, health) and bonus (garden pests, Junior’s third divorce) topics mandatory. Experts warn that the standard “Southern Goodbye” is not a process, but a geological event, with exit times now measured in fiscal quarters rather than minutes. We’ll have more on this story, assuming our reporter can ever leave.
This is story from a book entitled “Moments for Mothers.” The Rogers family was a strong Christian unit. Mr. Rogers took seriously his role as spiritual leader. Often at supper the family would have a Bible quiz or discuss some spiritual truth. One evening the family was discussing what heaven will be like. 7-year-old Jimmy grabbed this subject and ran with it; he had a very creative imagination.
Jimmy said, “When we get to heaven, the big angel will call the roll. He will come to the Rogers family and say, ‘Daddy Rogers’ and Daddy will say ‘Here! ‘. Then the angel will call out, ‘Mommy Rogers,’ and Mommy will say, ‘Here! ” Then the same thing will happen for Susie and Mavis. Then the angel will call my name, “Jimmy Rogers,” and because I’m little and don’t want to be missed, I will jump up and shout real loud, ‘Here!’”
Just a few days later, there was a tragic accident. A car struck down Jimmy as he made his way to the school bus. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The family gathered round his bed and kept a prayerful vigil through the night. The doctors told them that he had suffered severe brain damage and could not recover.
Just before dawn, Jimmy seemed to be stirring a bit. The family saw his lips move; just one word was all he uttered before he passed from this life. But oh what comfort and hope that word gave for this grieving family. In a voice clear enough for everybody in the room to hear, Jimmy said, “Here!!” and then he was gone, to another world, to a better world, where a big angel was calling the roll.
We Christians believe this is true. It is why we can live with hope in the midst of such a crazy world. We know that we are all pilgrims, simply passing through this life. Our home is in heaven.
Easter people believe that one day we will all answer, “Here!”
April 22 is best known as Earth Day, a global event dedicated to environmental protection, but the date also holds a broader place in history with events that have shaped science, culture, and international awareness.
The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, marking the beginning of a modern environmental movement. Millions of Americans participated in rallies, teach-ins, and demonstrations focused on pollution, conservation, and sustainability. The momentum from that first observance led to the creation of key environmental protections, including the Environmental Protection Agency and landmark legislation addressing clean air and water.
Beyond environmental milestones, April 22 also marks the birth of Vladimir Lenin in 1870. As a revolutionary leader, Lenin played a central role in the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the formation of the Soviet Union. His influence reshaped global politics and contributed to the ideological conflicts that defined much of the 20th century.
In scientific history, April 22, 1994, saw the discovery of a new comet that would later be named Comet Hale-Bopp. The comet became one of the most widely observed celestial events of the late 20th century, visible to the naked eye for months and sparking widespread public interest in astronomy.
April 22 continues to be a day associated with awareness and reflection. Whether through environmental advocacy or recognition of historical figures and discoveries, the date underscores humanity’s ongoing relationship with both the planet and the forces that shape global change.
Troyal wanted to be a professional athlete. “The only thing that stopped me,” Troyal said, “was my professional athletic ability.” At Yukon High School, Troyal played football, baseball, and ran track and field. He was especially talented at the javelin throw. When he graduated in 1980, he attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater on a track and field scholarship. Troyal knew he wanted to play sports in college, but he was unsure what to study. Troyal finally decided to study advertising. As a child, his parents and siblings held casual weekly talent nights. Everyone had to participate. Because of this, Troyal learned to play banjo and guitar. Troyal used his talent to write jingles and commercials for his advertising classes.
In 1984, Troyal walked across the stage at Oklahoma State University and received his diploma. Shortly after he graduated with his degree in advertising, he learned that he had not completed the requirements for his degree. He was one college hour short. The clerical error was discovered after he walked. Troyal had no choice but to take another class, but his student loan and scholarship money ended the moment he walked across that stage. Troyal was from a large family who could not afford to pay his tuition for the single class, so he had to work to pay for the class.
All through college, Troyal worked odd jobs including roofing houses and working as a bouncer at a nightclub. One night while working to pay for the remaining class, Troyal asked Dolly, an employee at Willie’s Saloon in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to allow him to play his guitar and sing for the audience. Dolly agreed. The first night went so well that she asked him to play the following night. The crowds grew and drink sales increased, so Dolly kept Troyal on stage. What could have been just a one-off thing turned into a five-night a week job. One day, Troyal said to himself, “Hey, maybe this is what you’re supposed to be doing.”
Troyal had hoped to become a professional athlete, but he sang instead. One of the songs he sang had the line “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers.” If his prayers to become an athlete had been answered, you might know Troyal in a whole different way. You know Troyal. His full name is Troyal Garth Brooks.
Nettie Wayne Fontenot Calloway Service: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 1 pm at Texas Avenue Baptist Church
George Hodges Service will be held at the National Cemetery in Jacksonville in the fall.
Roy Lamar Brown Service: April 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Labby Memorial Funeral Home 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.
April 8, 2026
Aaryn Ashleigh Attales, age 28, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with three counts of Child Desertion. Bond was set at $45,000. Attales remains in the VPSO jail.
April 9, 2026
Terry Wayne Cochran, age 63, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Entry on or Remaining on Land or in Place Where Forbidden. Bond was set at $3,500. Cochran posted bond and was released.
April 10, 2026
Justanne Nicole Evans, age 39, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Distribution of a Schedule II Narcotic. Bond was set at $35,000. A detainer for the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole was placed on Evans and she remains in the VPSO jail.
April 11, 2026
David James Turner, age 38, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of Marijuana. Bond was set at $1,500. Turner remains in the VPSO jail.
Daniel Glenn Evans, age 50, of Evans, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Damage of Property and one count of Cruelty to the Infirmed. Bond has not been set and Evans remains in the VPSO jail.
Joe Everett Lacaze, age 53, of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespass, one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Bond has not been set and Lacaze remains in the VPSO jail.
April 12, 2026
Steven Ford, age 46, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. Bond has not been set and Ford remains in the VPSO jail.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
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The Vernon Parish School Board took time during its Tuesday night meeting to honor the vital role school counselors play in student success, naming three local educators as “Counselors of the Year” for 2026.
The awards, presented during the April 14 session, recognize outstanding service and dedication at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
This year’s honorees include:
Elementary School Counselor of the Year: Melissa Maddox, Pickering Elementary
Middle School Counselor of the Year: Shirlee Sturm, Vernon Middle School
High School Counselor of the Year: Robin Fritts, Pickering High School
The Leesville Police Department is recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, paying tribute to the dispatchers who serve as the critical link between the public and emergency responders.
Often described as the “first first-responders,” telecommunicators are the calm, steady voices on the other end of emergency calls—answering during some of the most stressful and frightening moments people may experience. With professionalism and compassion, they gather essential information, provide life-saving instructions when needed, and coordinate the rapid response of police, fire, and medical personnel.
Though they are rarely seen by the public, their role is central to every emergency response. Their quick thinking, resilience, and dedication help ensure that help arrives as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The Leesville Police Department expressed its appreciation for its communications team, noting the vital role they play in protecting the community each day and the lasting impact they make through every call they answer.
Vernon Parish can expect a stretch of warm and breezy spring weather through the end of the workweek, followed by an increase in cloud cover, rain chances, and a noticeable cooldown over the weekend.
Wednesday will bring partly sunny skies with highs climbing into the mid-80s. South winds will remain steady between 5 to 10 mph, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph at times. Those breezy conditions will continue into Thursday as temperatures rise even further, with highs المتوقع in the upper 80s under a mix of sun and clearing skies.
By Friday, mostly sunny conditions will persist, keeping temperatures in the upper 80s and continuing the unseasonably warm trend across the parish.
Clouds begin to build heading into the weekend, with mostly cloudy skies expected Friday night into Saturday. Highs will ease slightly into the mid-80s before a more significant shift arrives Saturday night.
Rain chances increase Saturday evening, with showers likely and a chance of thunderstorms continuing overnight. Temperatures will drop sharply, with lows falling into the lower 50s.
The cooler air settles in Sunday, bringing mostly sunny skies but much lower temperatures, with daytime highs only reaching the lower 70s. Overnight lows will remain in the lower 50s into early next week.
Cloud cover lingers into Monday with highs in the mid-70s, before a gradual warm-up returns by Tuesday as partly sunny skies push temperatures back into the lower 80s.
Overall, residents can expect a warm and breezy lead-up to the weekend, followed by a wet and cooler pattern change heading into Sunday and early next week.
Louisiana is set to overhaul its K-12 English language arts (ELA) requirements, shifting toward what officials describe as a “return to timeless academic practices.”
The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) recently approved the revised standards, which were recommended by State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. The changes are designed to build upon the state’s recent gains in reading proficiency by doubling down on fundamental literacy skills.
“These standards reflect a return to timeless academic practices,” Dr. Brumley said. “They also prioritize feedback we’ve heard from parents and teachers who want more classroom time devoted to core skills.”
The updated standards, which are scheduled to take effect for the 2027–2028 school year, introduce several key shifts in how literacy is approached in Louisiana classrooms:
The Science of Reading: The curriculum will place a heavier emphasis on phonics and foundational decoding skills. This aligns with a growing national movement to move away from “balanced literacy” in favor of evidence-based methods that help students become independent readers.
Grammar and Communication: The revisions reinforce a structured progression in grammar and usage, aimed at improving student communication in both professional and everyday environments.
Cursive Writing: Despite the digital age, the state is recommitting to handwriting, requiring cursive as part of a comprehensive approach to literacy.
State policy requires a review of K-12 content standards at least once every seven years. The current update marks the first major revision since the 2015–2016 cycle.
The process began in 2024 and was facilitated by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). To ensure the changes reflected real-world classroom needs, the LDOE utilized a committee of local educators, school leaders, parents, and higher education experts. The revision included public meetings and a formal comment period to gather stakeholder input.
State officials clarified that while the new standards define what a student is expected to learn at each grade level, local school systems maintain the authority to choose their own curriculum—the specific textbooks and daily lesson plans used to teach those standards.
To prepare for the 2027 rollout, the LDOE plans to provide school systems with specialized training, instructional resources, and guidance to ensure a smooth transition for teachers and students alike.
