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.

If it feels like getting or keeping insurance lately comes down to luck, you’re not alone. With rates climbing, policies changing, and hurricane season always looming, many homeowners are left wondering what they’ll land on next—and whether they can afford it.

All our lives we’ve heard people say, “I was there when …” Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record. I was there when Reggie Jackson hit three home runs in a World Series game. I was there when Dale Earnhardt crashed in turn four and died at the Daytona 500. 

Well, there was one event that I can say “I was there when” one particular fishing bait was introduced to the bass fishing world. 

It was on Lake Okeechobee in 2006 when the concept of a new bait took bass fishing by storm … the ChatterBait! This was a bait that has become a staple for all bass tournament anglers. It’s a combination of two of the best baits ever made, a jig and a spinnerbait. 

It’s a skirted jig with a small blade attached to the head of the bait. It has an unbelievable vibrating action that bass cannot refuse. Over the last 20 years, there have probably been more bass caught on this bait than any other. 

I remember the day that I first heard about this new bait. I was fishing an FLW Tour event on Lake Okeechobee in South Florida and the word was out about this new bait that was catching bass like crazy. 

Anglers were scrambling to get their hands on just one of these baits! Some guys would pay as much as $100 to get one. At this event, Roland Martin Marina was the only tackle store where you could get one. Every day for three straight days I walked into this store and every time all the pegs were empty.

Finally, with only one day left in the tournament, I asked Mrs. Mary Ann Martin (Roland’s wife) to please put one back for me and I would pick it up after I weighed my fish on the final day. 

Turns out pro angler Bryan Thrift, in his first professional bass tournament, won this event and the ChatterBait craze began. For a couple of years, he tried to keep his secret bait under wraps but the folks that make the ChatterBait asked that he please let the cat out of the bag. 

It was on stage during that FLW Tournament weigh-in on Lake Okeechobee that Bryan introduced the world to this revolutionary bait. From this event in 2006 through today, there’s probably not a single bass angler on a body of water that does not have some form of the ChatterBait tied on. 

The company behind this bait is known as Z-Man and they have not only perfected this bait over the years but have come out with more versions. One thing about the fishing business; it’s a copycat industry, as other companies have tried to emulate this bait, but none have had the impact of the original ChatterBait. 

While Z-Man has a patent on this bait protecting their blade design, there are other brands on the market that have had a little success, but no one has been able to capture that same magic that a ChatterBait produces. 

While it’s not often that many of us can say “I was there when” a special moment took place, I was actually there when one of the greatest bass fishing lures hit market … the ChatterBait!     

April 15 is a date etched into history through events that span tragedy, perseverance, and transformation across different eras.

Perhaps the most widely recognized event tied to this day is the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. After striking an iceberg late on April 14, the luxury liner sank in the early hours of April 15, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,500 passengers and crew. The disaster shocked the world and led to sweeping maritime safety reforms, including improved lifeboat requirements and the establishment of the International Ice Patrol.

April 15 is also known in the United States as Tax Day, the deadline for filing federal income tax returns. While far less dramatic, the annual date has become a consistent fixture in American life, often sparking discussions about fiscal policy, government spending, and economic responsibility.

In 1947, another milestone unfolded when Jackie Robinson made his debut in Major League Baseball, breaking the color barrier. His first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers marked a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, challenging segregation in professional sports and paving the way for greater inclusion.

The date also carries somber significance in more recent history. On April 15, 2013, two bombs detonated near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring hundreds. The attack led to a massive manhunt and ultimately changes in security measures at major public events.

Across generations, April 15 has come to represent both loss and progress, serving as a reminder of how pivotal moments can reshape safety standards, social norms, and national conversations.

Dottie Ann Shipes Shelton
Service: Friday, April 17, 2026 at 2 pm in Bowers Cemetery.

Bishop Steven R. Thomas Sr.
Service: Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11 A.M. at House of Prayer in Leesville

Maria Lore Dukes
Service: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 11 am at New Hope Baptist Church, Calcasieu

Larry Joe Fulks
Service: Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 1 pm at Simpson Baptist Church

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 6, 2026

Christian Scott Alford, age 24, of Leesville, was arrested on three outstanding Bench Warrants. Bond has not been set and Alford remains in the VPSO jail.

Frank Bowers, age 63, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Turning movements and required signals and one count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic. Bond was set at $ 2196.00. Bowers remains in the VPSO jail.

April 7, 2026

Joseph Nelson Jordan, age 24, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Reckless Operation of a Vehicle, one count of Maximum Speed Limit, one count of Switched Plates, and one count of No Vehicle Insurance. Bond was set at $3206.00. Jordan remains in the VPSO jail.

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

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Vernon Parish School District announced that it has earned Cognia^® Systems Accreditation with Distinction. Cognia is a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers.

“Accreditation as conferred by the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission provides the Vernon Parish School District a nationally recognized mark of quality for our school system,” shared James Williams,  “It demonstrates to our community our commitment to excellence, our willingness to enact meaningful change based on evaluation and feedback, and our desire to be the best we can be on behalf of the students we serve.”

Cognia recognizes schools and districts across the globe that meet rigorous standards focused on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation, and effective leadership. To earn Cognia Systems Accreditation, a school district must submit to internal and external review. Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission means that the school system meets Cognia Performance Standards and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement. Schools and districts in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a six-year term.

Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia, stated, “Cognia Systems Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school system and its community on the primary goal of ensuring all students can flourish in engaging and equitable learning environments. We commend the Vernon Parish School District for meeting high standards and making progress on key indicators that impact student learning.” 

Cognia is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). Parents and interested community members can learn more about Cognia Systems Accreditation at cognia.org

About Cognia

Cognia is a global, nonprofit improvement organization dedicated to helping institutions and other education providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, and improvement services within a framework of continuous improvement. Serving 40,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries, Cognia brings a global perspective to advancing teaching and learning. Find out more at cognia.org. 

Local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to learn about protecting their businesses during an upcoming workshop hosted by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce.

The event, “Business Insurance 101,” is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northwestern State University Fort Polk Campus, located at 3329 University Parkway in Leesville.

The session will feature Reba Phelps of BOM Financial Services and will focus on key topics such as business protection and planning for unexpected events.

Organizers said the workshop is designed for both new and established business owners and aims to provide practical guidance on insurance fundamentals.

The event is free and open to the public, and a light lunch will be provided.

Participants can register online at eventbrite.com/e/business-insurance-101-nsu-leesville-campus-tickets-1986357902959?aff=oddtdtcreator

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents arrested a Leesville man for allegedly committing fraud against the Toledo Bend Lake Association (TBLA) Lunker Bass Program.

Agents arrested Jody K. Jeane, 40, of Leesville, for attempted theft and forgery and booked him into the Vernon Parish Detention Center. He was later transported to the Sabine Parish Detention Center.

On March 15 around 7:30 a.m., agents arrived to the Hickory Ridge boat launch on Vernon Lake to conduct a routine patrol. Agents observed two men loading a bass boat onto a trailer and one of the men offered to show the agents a 12 pound bass that was caught that morning.

The man, later identified as Jeane, showed the agents the bass and said it was his personal best and he was going to have it mounted. Agents noted the bass had a distinct bloody marking on its tail, indicating spawning activity and providing a unique identifying characteristic.

On March 16, agents saw Jeane posing with the bass in a social media post from the TBLA Lunker Bass Program. The Lunker Bass Program awards anglers who catch bass weighing 10 pounds or more in Toledo Bend Lake with a fiberglass replica at no cost provided the fish is presented live at a certified weigh station, documented, and released back into the lake.

The social media photo also showed Jeane wearing the same clothing observed during his Vernon Lake encounter with the agents. The fish’s distinctive tail markings were also clearly visible.

Following coordination with TBLA personnel, agents learned that participants must sign official documentation verifying the location, date, and time of the catch and declaring the fish was legally caught in Toledo Bend Reservoir.

Based on the evidence gathered from the investigation, LDWF agents obtained an arrest warrant through the 11th Judicial District Court for attempted theft and forgery. On April 1, agents met with Jeane at the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office where he admitted to catching the fish in Vernon Lake.

Attempted theft brings up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. Forgery carries up to a $5,000 fine and 10 years in jail.

Agents involved in this case are Sgt. Harvey K. Pearce, Corporal Dustin Nash and Senior Agent Callie Pitre.

Mary Nell “Tootsie” Harding
Service: Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 1 pm at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Leesville

Nicoletta Francesca “Nikki” Menard
Service: Friday April 10 at 2 pm at Anacoco United Pentecostal Church

Dusty Lee Simonelli
Service: Friday, April 10, 2026 at 11 am at Old Anacoco Baptist Church

Emily Marie Story
Service: Monday, April 13, 2026 at 10 am in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home in Pineville

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 1, 2026

Travis Elton James, age 63, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, one count of Operating a vehicle while License is Suspended, one count of Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, and one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $ 13,531.00. James was also arrested on an outstanding Traffic Bench Warrant. James remains in the VPSO jail.

April 2, 2026

Billie Sioux Hardisty O’Neal, age 34, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Turing Movements and Required Signals and one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Bond was set at $ 11,500.00. O’Neal remains in the VPSO jail.

Dylan Edward Lewis, age 21, of Fort Polk, was arrested on an out of jurisdiction warrant from Illinois. Lews remains in the VPSO jail awaiting extradition to Illinois.

April 3, 2026

Peyton Shane Grimm, age 24, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Simple Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling and one count of Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle. Bond has not been set and Grimm remains in the VPSO jail.

April 4, 2026

Mark Armond Thurman, age 28, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic and one count of Driving on a Roadway Laned for Traffic. Bond has not been set and Thurman remains in the VPSO jail.

Sherry Ellen Martinez, age 27, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic and one outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Martinez remains in the VPSO jail.

Albert Russell McCauley, age 44, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle. Bond has not been set and McCauley remains in the VPSO jail.

Daniel Antonion Jimenez Barahona, age 31, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Turning Movements and Required Signals, one count of Possession of Cocaine, and one count of Illegal use of a Controlled Dangers Substance in the Presence of a Person Under the age of 17 years of age. Bond has not been set and Barahona remains in the VPSO jail.

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

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that beginning on Monday, April 13, 2026, the LA 463 bridge over Boggy Branch north of the Pitkin community in Vernon Parish will be closed for replacement.

This bridge is located approximately 2.8 miles north of the intersection with LA 10/LA 113.

The estimated completion date for this project is August 2026, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.

DOTD is sending out this notification on behalf of the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction (OLHC), who is managing construction activities for non-federal aid (NFA) routes, as well as the bridge bundle projects. Inquiries regarding this project should be directed to OLHC.

This contract was awarded to Gilchrist Construction Co., LLC.

Permit/Detour section
Southbound: east on LA 121 to LA 112, south on LA 112 to LA 113, west on LA 113 to LA 10
Northbound: east on LA 10 to LA 113, north on LA 113 to LA 112, west on LA 112 to LA 121

The Vernon Parish School Board will meet on Thursday, April 9 at 10 a.m. in the Board office, located at 201 Belview Road.

CALL TO ORDER

PRAYER BY: Shad Stewart

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE BY: Shad Stewart

ROLL CALL

1. Motion to approve minutes of the March 10, 2026 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes

2. Motion to advertise for janitorial/cafeteria supplies

3. Motion to advertise for bread, milk, and juice

4. Motion to approve 2026-2027 School Calendar

5. Motion to receive bids for copier paper

6. Student Recognition for RHS, SHS, and PHS

7. Headstart Policy/Procedure Update

8. Special Olympics Update

9. Vernon Parish Schools Accreditation Engagement Review Report

10. Athletic Update

11. Report from Salary/Personnel

12. Superintendent’s Remarks

13. Memorial Resolutions

14. Adjournment

NOTICE: Anyone desiring to comment in connection with items listed on the agenda before a vote is taken on said item by the Board, should complete a Public Comment Card thirty minutes before the School Board meeting begins. The Public Comment Cards are located at the receptionist’s desk.

A stretch of mostly sunny and mild weather is expected across Vernon Parish through the end of the week, with temperatures gradually warming into the weekend before cloud cover increases early next week.

Wednesday will bring mostly sunny skies with highs in the lower 80s and light east winds around 5 mph. Clear conditions will follow Wednesday night, with lows in the upper 50s under light southeast winds.

Thursday will remain mostly sunny, with highs again in the lower 80s and light southeast winds. Thursday night will turn partly cloudy with lows holding in the upper 50s.

Friday will feature partly sunny skies and highs in the lower 80s. Heading into the weekend, partly cloudy conditions will continue, with highs climbing into the mid-80s and overnight lows settling in the lower 60s.

From Sunday through Tuesday, skies will trend mostly cloudy, while temperatures remain warm. Highs are expected to stay in the mid-80s, with overnight lows in the upper 60s.

Overall, the forecast points to a pleasant stretch of spring weather with a gradual warming trend and increasing cloud cover into early next week.