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

October 14, 2026

Elizabeth Johnson, age 43, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Unlawful production, manufacture, distribution, or possession of Hallucinogenic Plants, one count of Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, one count of Open Container. Bond was set at $ 51,114.43. Johnson remains in the VPSO jail.

October 15, 2026

Damir Damadzic, age 45, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Stalking, one count of Careless Operation, and one count of Improper Telephone Communications. Bond has not been set and Damadzic remains in the VPSO jail.

October 17, 2026

Sandra Diane Wilson, age 52, of Anacoco, was arrested on two outstanding Bench Warrants. Bond has not been set and Wilson remains in the VPSO jail.

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

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Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright announced the recent conviction of Vernon Patrick Lee, 48, of Leesville, following a jury trial involving possession of methamphetamine.

A six-person jury found Lee guilty of possession of Schedule II methamphetamine in an amount greater than two grams but less than 28 grams after hearing testimony from two Leesville Police Department officers.

According to testimony presented during the trial, officers were dispatched to a local business in response to a drug-related complaint. Upon arriving and making contact with Lee, he fled on foot before being apprehended a short distance away.

Officers testified that methamphetamine was discovered both in Lee’s immediate possession and inside a vehicle.

Testimony was also presented regarding Lee’s previous drug convictions. Prior to the trial, Lee had been convicted of drug-related offenses on four separate occasions.

“He is now a 5th felony offender and our office will seek to have him sentenced under the habitual offender statute. This will increase his exposure and will lengthen the time frame before he becomes parole eligible. I will continue to work every day to rid our community of drugs and those who continue to commit crimes,” Lambright said.

Lee is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2026, by Judge C. Anthony Eaves.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Wayne Bush.

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The Vernon Parish School Board paid tribute to T. Berry Porter, a Leesville High School graduate and nationally recognized rodeo legend, highlighting his accomplishments and the lasting impact he made on his community.

In a photograph shared by the school board, Porter’s great-grandson, Caleb, leads a riderless horse in a tribute symbolizing the life and legacy of the rodeo champion.

Porter’s rodeo career took him from Vernon Parish to Madison Square Garden, where he won the national calf roping championship in 1949. His achievements earned him induction into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.

Beyond his success in rodeo, Porter was remembered for his influence on younger generations. He mentored aspiring cowboys, encouraged young people, and served as a school bus driver for 30 years, transporting children throughout his community.

The Vernon Parish School Board emphasized that Porter’s legacy extends beyond championships and honors, reflecting the importance of character, service, and the impact individuals can have on others.

In its tribute, the school board encouraged students to consider how they want to be remembered, emphasizing that a meaningful legacy does not require fame or national recognition.

Instead, the district highlighted the importance of everyday decisions, acts of kindness, perseverance, and treating others with respect. Helping classmates, keeping promises, and overcoming challenges were among the examples shared as ways students can build their own legacies.

The school board concluded its tribute by reminding students that the opportunity to shape their legacy begins with the choices they make each day.

Porter’s story remains part of Vernon Parish’s history, with his accomplishments and contributions continuing to serve as an example for future generations.

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Residents across Vernon Parish can expect a stretch of sunny skies, mild afternoon temperatures, and cool overnight conditions as pleasant fall weather continues through the weekend and into early next week.

Wednesday will bring sunny skies with afternoon highs reaching the lower 80s. Northeast winds will remain around 5 mph. Clear skies are expected Wednesday night, with temperatures falling into the lower 50s. Northeast winds around 5 mph during the evening will become light and variable overnight.

Thursday will continue the sunny pattern, with afternoon highs climbing into the mid 80s. Northeast winds will remain around 5 mph. Clear conditions will persist Thursday night, with overnight lows in the lower 50s. Light and variable winds will shift to the northeast at around 5 mph after midnight.

Friday will bring another sunny day, with highs reaching the mid 80s. Mostly clear conditions will continue Friday night and through Saturday night, with overnight lows in the lower 50s and Saturday afternoon highs in the lower 80s.

Sunday will introduce some cloud cover, with partly cloudy skies and afternoon temperatures reaching around 80 degrees. Similar conditions will continue through Monday night, with daytime highs around 80 and overnight lows in the lower 50s.

Looking ahead to Tuesday, sunny skies are expected to return, with highs reaching the lower 80s before temperatures fall into the mid 70s during the afternoon.

Overall, Vernon Parish can expect a comfortable stretch of fall weather, with sunny afternoons, cool mornings, and generally clear conditions through much of the forecast period. The mild temperatures and limited cloud cover should provide favorable conditions for outdoor activities throughout the week and weekend.

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Vernon Parish 4-H Teen Leaders welcomed Gregory Funderburk, Deputy Director of Emergency Services at JRTC and Fort Polk, as a guest speaker during their Halloween Costume Social.

Funderburk shared lessons from his career in emergency services, emphasizing the importance of leadership, service, and making responsible decisions.

During his presentation, Funderburk encouraged students to recognize that leadership is ultimately about caring for people and looking out for others. He challenged the teen leaders to consider how their decisions today can influence their futures.

His message focused on communication, character, honesty, integrity, and the importance of doing what is right, even when no one is watching.

One of the lessons shared during the presentation involved the idea that everyone carries two buckets, one filled with gasoline and another with water. Funderburk explained that when difficult situations arise, effective leaders should work to calm the situation rather than make it worse.

Funderburk also shared a story about workers involved in building St. Paul’s Cathedral. While some workers viewed their responsibilities as simply cutting stone or earning a paycheck, another recognized that his work contributed to building something magnificent.

Through the story, Funderburk encouraged the students to recognize that their actions and contributions are part of something greater than themselves, including building stronger communities, states, nations, and a better world.

He challenged the 4-H members to stand tall, square their shoulders, and understand the importance of their roles in shaping the future.

Vernon Parish 4-H expressed appreciation to Funderburk for speaking with its Teen Leaders and reinforcing the message that leadership begins with the choices individuals make each day.

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The Leesville Lions Club Rodeo has been named the Louisiana Rodeo Cowboys Association’s 2026 Rodeo of the Year, earning the organization’s top honor following its 76th annual event.

The recognition marks another milestone for the Leesville Lions Club Rodeo, which was previously named New Rodeo of the Year in 2021 and has ranked among the association’s top five rodeos every year since.

The Leesville Lions Club announced the award and expressed appreciation for the community support and dedication that contributed to the rodeo’s success.

According to the organization, the annual event requires the combined efforts of Lions Club members, volunteers, sponsors, contestants, rodeo crews, and spectators.

The club credited those individuals and groups for helping make the 76th Annual Leesville Lions Club Rodeo a memorable event while continuing to support the Louisiana Lions Camp.

The 2026 Rodeo of the Year designation represents the highest recognition the event has received from the Louisiana Rodeo Cowboys Association since earning its New Rodeo of the Year award in 2021.

The Leesville Lions Club thanked everyone involved in the event and celebrated the recognition as an achievement shared by the entire community.

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Louisiana voters will consider 10 proposed amendments to the state constitution in the Nov. 3, 2026, election, addressing issues ranging from property taxes and gubernatorial term limits to the right to bail and property expropriation.

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PAR), a nonpartisan educational and research organization, has released its Guide to the Fall 2026 Constitutional Amendments to help voters better understand the proposals before heading to the polls.

For five decades, PAR has provided detailed analysis of proposed constitutional amendments, outlining what each measure would change and presenting arguments from both supporters and opponents.

The guide does not endorse or oppose any of the amendments. Instead, it provides voters with information to help them make their own decisions.

The 10 amendments appearing on the November ballot were approved by lawmakers during the 2025 and 2026 regular legislative sessions. Each proposal received the required two-thirds vote in both the Louisiana House and Senate to advance to voters. A simple majority of votes cast on each amendment is required for its adoption.

The proposed changes address property taxes, the right to bail, gubernatorial term limits, retirement debt, water utility lines and property expropriation rules.

Seven of the 10 proposals would modify Article VII of the Louisiana Constitution, which governs state finances and taxation.

Since Louisiana voters ratified the current constitution in 1974, they have considered 330 proposed amendments, approving 221 of them. The 10 proposals on this fall’s ballot will bring the total number considered to 340.

PAR notes that a constitution is intended to establish the fundamental principles of government, including its structure, powers and citizens’ rights, while statutory laws generally address the details of government operations.

Louisiana’s constitution, however, has continued to expand as lawmakers propose additional provisions, including measures that could otherwise be addressed through state law.

The PAR Guide to the Fall 2026 Constitutional Amendments examines all 10 proposals in the order they will appear on the ballot, providing voters with an opportunity to review the potential changes before Election Day.

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Hicks High School recognized three students for demonstrating “SHIP SHAPE” behavior as part of the school’s weekly student recognition initiative.

Each week, school staff nominate students who have demonstrated positive behavior and hard work.

This week’s recognized students include Creed Merchant from the elementary level, Gabriel Malave from junior high, and Devin Geary from high school.

School officials expressed pride in the students’ efforts and encouraged all students to continue working hard.

The weekly recognition program highlights students across the elementary, junior high, and high school levels who demonstrate “SHIP SHAPE” behavior.

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Leesville Municipal Golf Course recently celebrated the success of its City Championship tournament, recognizing winners across four divisions and thanking the sponsors and participants who helped make the event possible.

The tournament featured competition in the Open, Senior, Super Senior, and Women’s divisions.

In the Open Division, Billy Loftin claimed first place, followed by Casey Johnson in second and Landing Draugn in third.

Will Anderson earned first place in the Senior Division, with Derk Chellete finishing second and Chester Cobb taking third.

The Super Senior Division saw Cleve Weisgerber take first place, followed by James Hagan in second and Jerry Spoor in third.

In the Women’s Division, Samantha Goodwin finished first, while Sheilla Guzman earned second place.

The golf course also recognized several local businesses and organizations for their contributions to the tournament.

J-Boys Convenience Store provided catering for the event, while Nichols, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and AutoZone donated prizes for drawings held during the tournament.

Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Smart’s Bail Bonds, Mudbugs, and Jacob McKee Agency also supported the event by helping provide goodie bags for participants.

Leesville Municipal Golf Course expressed appreciation to the sponsors for their generosity and to the players who participated in the championship.

The golf course credited the tournament’s success to the combination of competition, food, prizes, fellowship, and community support.

Officials thanked everyone who attended and supported the local golf course, expressing their appreciation for another successful City Championship tournament.

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The Week 8 football schedule is “make or break” for Vernon Parish’s three teams Friday – just in different ways.

Rosepine (7-0, 1-0 District 5-2A) is effectively playing for a district title tonight when they head to fellow unbeaten Vinton (7-0, 1-0).

For Pickering (1-6, 0-2), it’s now or never if the Red Devils are to keep any sliver of their playoff hopes alive. They host DeQuincy (1-6) in a matchup of teams looking for their second win.

Leesville (6-1, 2-0 District 3-4A) almost surely falls into the “break” category in terms of how much and how quickly they can break the spirit of a winless LaGrange bunch at home.

LEESVILLE

Quarterback Trel Broom has led a super-efficient passing game for the Wampus Cats the past few weeks, which includes a performance of 19-23 for 308 yards and four touchdowns in a 67-22 beatdown of North Vermilion (5-2).

But it’s not like the Patriots were able to hone in on Leesville’s running game either – Grant Braxton piled up 210 yards as Leesville gained more than 600 offensive yards in total.

Dylan Absher led the way with 152 receiving yards on 10 catches while Jaylen James (4-73 2 TDs) and Julius Brown (4-74 TD) were factors.

Brown is just two catches from Leesville’s program record (118 by Levander Liggins).

The offensive explosion isn’t expected to stop Friday against LaGrange.

Leesville is expected to extend its five-game winning streak to six against a LaGrange team that’s lost the last four weeks by a combined score of 166-12.

The road gets much tougher in the last two weeks with trips to Jena and Lake Charles College Prep, the latter of which will be for a district title.

ROSEPINE

The defacto district title game between Rosepine and Vinton features a pair of teams who’ve excelled throughout, but not against particularly tough competition.

Rosepine has solid wins over Montgomery (48-20) and Grand Lake (29-19) in the first two weeks of the season, but their 3.57 strength factor is the lowest in Division III Non-Select.

The Eagles are sitting at No. 4 in the power rankings, and a win could push them even higher against a Vinton team that will boost that strength factor either in a win or a loss.

Rosepine has pitched consecutive shutouts against Pickering (54-0) and Plain Dealing (47-0) as the Eagles aim to make a statement with a deep playoff run this year.

They won’t see Vinton in the playoffs as the Lions are in Division IV this cycle, occupying the No. 3 slot in those power rankings.

Vinton’s closest game came against Class 1A Elton (40-12) as they’ve ripped through their competition, which included shutouts of Grand Lake (47-0) and Oakdale (42-0).

Vinton has won the past two matchups in this series with the last Rosepine win coming in 2023.

PICKERING

A win against DeQuincy probably won’t be enough to launch Pickering into the playoff picture as the Red Devils rank No. 37 in a fight for the Top 28.

But a loss to fellow one-win team No. 32 DeQuincy will guarantee Pickering won’t make the postseason after two years rebuilding the program in postseason ineligibility.

The Red Devils have lost six straight, all by at least 24 points, after winning the opener against winless Pine Prairie.

DeQuincy hasn’t fared much better with their lone win coming against one-win Westlake (24-21).

Pickering should fare better than they have the last three weeks, which have combined for 146-15 score against Acadiana Christian, Rosepine and East Beauregard.

Pickering has just two regular-season games left with a Week 10 bye. The other game is against currently undefeated Vinton.

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BATON ROUGE, La. – With deer season underway across Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is reminding hunters to review updated bag limits, season dates, and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) regulations before heading into the field.

Louisiana is divided into 10 deer hunting areas, each with its own season dates and harvest limits. Hunters are encouraged to review the regulations specific to the area where they plan to hunt.

One of the primary regulation changes for the 2026-27 hunting season affects Deer Area 1, where hunters may now harvest no more than two antlered deer and no more than five antlerless deer.

The statewide season limit of six deer remains unchanged, although some deer areas have lower bag limits.

To accommodate the varying limits across Louisiana’s deer areas, hunters will receive six deer tags with their licenses. These include one antlered tag, two either-sex tags, and three antlerless tags.

Either-sex tags may be used for antlered or antlerless deer, provided the harvest remains within the limits established for the specific deer area.

Hunters can review season dates, deer area maps, and harvest regulations in the 2026-27 Louisiana Hunting and WMA Regulations.

LDWF is also reminding hunters to familiarize themselves with regulations governing Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zones.

For the current hunting season, baiting and supplemental feeding are permitted within CWD Management Zones through March 31.

However, whether baiting remains permitted in future seasons will depend on sampling results within each management zone.

Each zone must meet a CWD sampling goal of 145 deer while maintaining an apparent CWD prevalence below 2.5%.

If a management zone fails to meet its sampling goal or its apparent CWD prevalence exceeds 2.5%, baiting will be prohibited in that zone during the following hunting season.

LDWF emphasizes that every deer submitted for testing counts toward the sampling goal, making hunter participation an important factor in determining future baiting regulations.

Hunters harvesting deer within CWD Management Zones must also follow restrictions on transporting carcasses and carcass parts outside the designated zones.

Deer carcasses and carcass parts generally cannot be removed from a CWD Management Zone, with certain exceptions.

Permitted items include cut and wrapped or boned-out meat; quarters or other meat portions without any part of the spinal column or head attached; antlers; cleaned skull plates with antlers; cleaned skulls without tissue; capes; tanned hides; finished taxidermy mounts; and cleaned teeth.

Any permitted deer parts transported outside a management zone must be accompanied by a possession tag containing the hunter’s name, address, LDWF license number, parish of harvest, harvest date, and sex of the deer.

Hunters wishing to transport an uncleaned deer head to a Louisiana taxidermist may obtain a waiver from LDWF.

LDWF has also announced changes to CWD sample collection locations following adjustments to management zone boundaries.

Because CWD Management Zones are smaller this season, some previously designated sample drop-off coolers are no longer located within management zones.

Hunters are encouraged to verify current drop-off locations before submitting deer for testing.

Additional sample collection coolers are being installed at Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge in Avoyelles Parish and D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge in Ouachita and Union parishes.

LDWF continues to encourage hunters to participate in CWD testing to help meet sampling goals and support ongoing disease management efforts.

Hunters can find CWD Management Zone maps, sampling locations, transportation restrictions, and additional regulations on the LDWF Chronic Wasting Disease webpage.

Complete hunting season dates, deer area maps, and regulations are available through the LDWF website.

For additional information regarding deer hunting regulations, hunters may contact LDWF Deer Program Manager Brad Kennon at rkennon@wlf.la.gov.

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With so many changes taking place with tournament organizations all across the country, the day of the co-angler has vanished. The days of getting in the boat with a touring pro and learning how to become a better angler are pretty much over.

Many of you are probably wondering, “What’s a co-angler?” A co-angler is usually someone who is in the early stages of learning how to bass fish or does not have the money or the time to dedicate to fishing against other anglers who want to fish the pro side. The co-angler entry fees are usually half of what the pros pay.

Most co-anglers just wanted to be able to get in the boat with what is known as a boater/pro and just go fishing. It was pretty much a cheap guided fishing trip as the boater/pro had total control over the boat and the trolling motor all day.

The co-angler, fishing from the back deck, was there mainly to monitor the boater/pro and make sure nothing was done during the tournament that might be considered dishonest.

In the Major League Fishing BFL and the Toyota Series format, co-anglers competed against other co-anglers and the pros competed against the other pros. It was basically two separate tournaments with two separate divisions.

It’s a sad state of affairs that MLF (Major League Fishing) has decided to eliminate co-anglers from the format they have stood by for over 30 years. They have totally blown up the BFL circuit, which was designed for the working man, by turning it into another team trail (like we needed another team trail).

They have also just announced the end of co-anglers with the Toyota Series which takes away the ability to monitor the pros who will now be fishing solo, opening more opportunities for cheating. They claim they will have cameras or Go Pros in each boat to help monitor each angler all day, but we’ll see how that works out.

And there’s another factor to consider: the cost. For 2027, MLF has increased the Toyota Series pro entry fee from $1,700 to $2,000 per event. That’s a $300 increase per tournament, adding even more financial pressure for anglers trying to compete at that level.

For me, this co-angler issue hits close to home because I started my tournament fishing career as a co-angler back in 2003, competing on the FLW Tour. I’m certainly not alone. Many of today’s top professional anglers started out as co-anglers, including Bryan Thrift, Andy Montgomery and Randall Tharp.

Over time, they switched over to the pro side as they gained more confidence, experience and desire to compete with the best anglers in America.

I came up through that system, and I know firsthand the value of having the opportunity to compete, sharpen my skills, and prepare for the next step.

Back in the early 2000’s, the old FLW BFL’s and the Toyota Series were great training grounds for developing up-and-coming anglers. Now that’s no longer an option for anglers who are looking to learn and improve their skills before moving up to the pro level.

So, what does this mean for the future of tournament bass fishing? While it’s too early to tell, I think it’s obvious that a valuable pathway into the sport has been eliminated, one that allowed co-anglers to learn and get better, while also being affordable for the “working man.”

Now, a lot of co-anglers will be forced to jump over to the pro side or just find a team circuit to fish with a buddy. Either way, MLF (Major League Fishing) is bringing the co-angler era to an end, and the future of tournament bass fishing looks very different than it did just a few years ago.

That’s a tough pill to swallow for those of us who remember what these opportunities meant — and for the anglers who may never get the same chance we had.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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The Village of Anacoco is inviting families to attend its “Hot Dogs in the Park” Halloween celebration on October 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Anacoco Community Center.

The free community event will feature trick-or-treating, games, prizes, treat bags, and activities for children of all ages. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and bring their parents for an evening of family-friendly activities.

Free hot dogs and gumbo will be served during the event.

The celebration will also include drawings for one girl’s bicycle, one boy’s bicycle, and two $100 prizes. Participants must be present to win the drawings.

Village officials are encouraging community members to participate by decorating their vehicle trunks and helping provide a trick-or-treat experience for local children.

Several businesses and organizations have contributed donations to support the event, including Waste Connections, which donated hot dogs and buns; Lanahans, which provided Capri Suns; United Rentals, which contributed gumbo ingredients; and Louisiana Seafood, which donated seafood.

The Village of Anacoco hopes the event will bring families and community members together for a safe and enjoyable Halloween celebration.

Residents are encouraged to attend, participate in the trunk-or-treat activities, and help make the evening a memorable experience for local children.

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Beep. Beep. Beep.

Please pick the beep you like best. You will be hearing it again shortly.

A beep is a short, high-pitched sound intended as a signal, summons, or warning. It also replaces words unsuitable for a family digital publication. For example: “Oh, BEEP! I dropped the hot casserole after taking it out of the microwave when it BEEPED.”

Beep is an example of onomatopoeia. That is a large word describing a small noise that is slowly driving me crazy.

The microwave beeps when the food is ready. Mine continues beeping until I open the door or push stop. Apparently, it fears I will forget the sumptuous frozen dinner it has prepared. Nothing says fine dining like a plastic tray and an appliance demanding that you come get it.

The oven beeps when it reaches the selected temperature. It beeps when the cooking time is nearly over. It beeps when the cooking time is over. Then it beeps until I acknowledge its contribution to the meal. I have known preachers who needed less affirmation.

The house alarm beeps when I turn it on, when I turn it off, and when the power fails. When the power returns, it beeps to tell me the power failed. I know. I was here. The lights went out.

Every button beeps. Then the system beeps to announce that I have thirty seconds to leave the house. Suddenly, I am a contestant on a game show, gathering my keys and trying to escape before the horn announces that I have lost.

Seeking peace, I retreat to the BEEPING car.

My Toyota has a mystery beep. Sometimes I turn off the engine, open the door, and receive a beep of disapproval. I don’t know what I have done. Perhaps I have disappointed it. Perhaps it is saying goodbye. Perhaps somewhere in Japan an engineer is laughing.

The car beeps when I get too close to something, when something gets too close to me, and when I change lanes without signaling. It has become a backseat driver with factory authorization.

It beeps when the gas runs low. At the station, the pump beeps when it accepts my card and again when I select the fuel. I suspect the car and pump are talking about me.

This morning, the car beeped as I got out. The office alarm chimed as I entered. A chime is a beep that attended finishing school. Then my computer beeped about something Microsoft wanted.

Oh, BEEP.

Eventually, we stop listening. We have to. Every machine believes its announcement deserves our immediate attention.

But I wonder whether that habit follows us into our relationships.

Someone starts telling a story we have heard before. A lonely person calls at an inconvenient time. A worried friend needs more reassurance than we think necessary. We hear the first few words and mentally reach for the mute button.

I can confess to occasionally wanting people to come equipped with one.

Jesus heard a great deal of noise, too. Crowds pressed around him. People demanded answers, healing, attention. Yet when blind Bartimaeus cried out and others told him to be quiet, Jesus stopped and called for him.

The crowd heard an interruption. Jesus heard a man.

That gives me something to confess. I can become so occupied with doing the Lord’s work that I resent someone the Lord loves for interrupting it.

Christian love takes shape in these ordinary moments: listening to the story, answering the call, asking one more question—and staying long enough to hear the answer. The person before me bears God’s image and is someone for whom Christ died. That deserves my attention.

Lord, help me recognize the difference between a noise I can ignore and a neighbor I am called to love. Give me the patience to stop, the grace to listen, and a heart willing to be interrupted.

The microwave can wait.

Somebody may need to be heard.

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On October 21, 2015, flying cars were supposed to fill the skies, teenagers were supposed to ride hoverboards, and nobody was supposed to worry about tying their shoes.

At least, that’s what Hollywood told us.

The date became famous thanks to the 1989 movie Back to the Future Part II, when Marty McFly and Doc Brown traveled from 1985 to October 21, 2015, in a time-traveling DeLorean. The movie imagined a future filled with extraordinary technology, strange fashion choices and inventions that seemed almost impossible at the time.

Now, on October 21, 2026, we’re 11 years beyond the future Hollywood imagined. And while some predictions were surprisingly accurate, others missed the mark completely.

For starters, where are the flying cars?

In the movie, ordinary automobiles had been converted into flying machines, allowing drivers to soar above traffic instead of sitting in it. Anyone who has spent time waiting at a railroad crossing or sitting behind a slow-moving vehicle on a two-lane Louisiana highway can probably appreciate that particular invention. Unfortunately, flying cars haven’t become an everyday transportation option.

Then there were hoverboards.

Marty famously escaped a group of bullies on a floating skateboard that glided above the pavement without wheels. The real world eventually introduced devices marketed as hoverboards, but most were simply two-wheeled, self-balancing scooters. Engineers have demonstrated actual hovering prototypes, though nothing approaching the convenient transportation imagined in the movie.

Self-lacing shoes were another memorable prediction.

Nike eventually developed shoes with automatic lacing technology, proving that at least one of Hollywood’s stranger ideas could become reality. But the movie also predicted several technologies that now seem completely ordinary.

Video calling was a major feature of the fictional 2015. Today, people routinely use FaceTime, Zoom and other video communication services to talk with family, attend meetings and conduct business. Large, flat-screen televisions appeared throughout the movie, along with voice-controlled technology and fingerprint identification systems. All three have become familiar parts of modern life.

Perhaps the funniest prediction involved fax machines.

The filmmakers imagined a future where fax machines were everywhere, even delivering personal messages inside people’s homes. Instead, smartphones, email and internet messaging largely replaced the technology. And speaking of smartphones, the movie somehow overlooked what would become one of the most influential inventions of modern life.

Marty’s futuristic world had flying vehicles, holographic advertisements and automated clothing, but nobody was walking around staring at a tiny computer in their hand. The filmmakers also imagined a 2015 filled with unusual clothing, including jackets that automatically adjusted their size and dried themselves. That particular invention might still be useful during a humid Louisiana summer.

The movie’s predictions were never intended to be a serious scientific forecast. They were an entertaining interpretation of what life might look like three decades into the future. Yet the comparison raises an interesting question.

In 1989, the idea of carrying a device capable of instantly accessing nearly all the world’s information, taking photographs, navigating highways and communicating with someone across the planet might have sounded just as ridiculous as a flying DeLorean. Today, that device is probably sitting in your pocket.

So, as October 21 rolls around again, it’s worth remembering that the future rarely looks exactly the way we imagine. We may not have flying cars or real hoverboards parked in our garages, but we have technology that would have seemed extraordinary just a few decades ago. And somehow, despite all that progress, we still haven’t figured out how to avoid getting stuck behind a tractor on a country road.

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For nearly a century and a half, Quaker Oats has been a breakfast staple. I remember being excited to eat oatmeal because we would eventually work our way down to the prize inside the cylindrical cardboard container, which was usually a plastic cup or tumbler. It was a clever bit of advertising.  In the 1960s, the Quaker Oats Company was looking to expand into the candy market. Quaker habitually spent millions of dollars advertising its products in newspapers, magazines, and television commercials, but the advertising team knew they had to come up with a unique way to showcase their new product line in addition to their normal advertising campaigns. It had to be big, but what? Numerous ideas were discussed and discarded. They eventually settled on an idea they kept coming back to. They decided to fund the production of a film in which their candy would be the focus. The name of the candy line would even be in the title of the film.

But there was one huge problem. The ad men had set into motion an advertising campaign before they had a product. As newspapers announced the upcoming film and candy line, the research and development team struggled to create a candy that they thought had the perfect combination of texture and taste to beat its rivals. Once they settled on the recipe, the company had to build the machinery to produce the candy in large quantities. It was a race to the finish. Quaker wanted its candy to be on grocery store shelves when the film came out to maximize sales, but it was not to be. When the film debuted on June 30, 1971, Quaker had only a fraction of the candy it had hoped to produce, and what little was available went to specialty shops rather than grocery stores.

Quaker spent an estimated $3 million on the film, and it was a moderate box office success. Quaker expected the film to eventually fade into oblivion, but it is now revered as a classic. It has spawned two feature films, an animated version, stage musicals, theatrical adaptations, and theme park rides. It has become a profitable franchise.  However, the candy the film was made to showcase fared far worse. Quaker Oats president Robert D. Stuart, Jr. announced that the “costs of introducing the [candy] line have had an adverse effect on Quaker’s profits.” The candy sold well, but not well enough. In December 1972, Quaker sold the candy line it had spent millions of dollars to create. A series of companies bought and sold the candy line because, like Quaker, they were unable to make it profitable, or at least profitable enough. Last month, the candy line’s current owner, Ferrero, announced that it was reviving the recently acquired candy line in a limited edition. Ferrero announced, “we’re inviting the young at heart to experience the imagination and unexpected delights that have made the brand so beloved, reimagined through a collection of delicious new treats. And who knows? You might be the next Golden Ticket winner.”  The film the Quaker Oats Company funded to advertise its failed candy line, the Willy Wonka candy line, was called Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Sources:

1.     The Los Angeles Times, April 18, 1971, p.610.

2.     The Cleveland Press, July 21, 1971, p.61.

3.     The Journal Times (Racine, Wisconsin), December 29, 1972, p.20.

4.     “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” IMDb.com, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067992/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_willy%20wonka.

5.     “The Wait is Over: A New Chapter of the Wonderful World of Wonka Arrives,” September 22, 2026, Ferrero, https://www.ferrero.com/us/en/news-stories/news/a-new-chapter-of-the-wonderful-world-of-wonka-arrives.

© 2026 Brad Dison. All rights reserved. Remember This? is distributed for licensed publication only.

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Michael Craig Lawrence
He will be honored with a private memorial.

Judy Wells
Service: Saturday October 24, 2026 at 2 pm in the Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville

Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested both suspects in connection with a shooting that claimed the life of a 20-year-old Leesville man Sunday night, October 11.

Amarion Davis, 19, also known as “Man Man,” has been arrested and was in custody at the Vernon Parish Jail as of October 15. His arrest follows the earlier surrender of 20-year-old Khamarre Carthan, also known as “K3.”

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies and the Vernon Parish E-911 Communications Center began receiving calls shortly before 11 p.m. October 11 reporting a shooting at Jeane Chapel Trailer Park in Leesville.

Deputies and emergency personnel responded to the scene, where they discovered an unresponsive man suffering from gunshot wounds.

First responders administered lifesaving measures before transporting the victim to an area medical facility for treatment.

The victim, identified as 20-year-old Jackson Malone, died from his injuries at approximately 4 a.m. Monday, October 12.

During the investigation, detectives interviewed witnesses who indicated that two men were involved in the shooting and had fled the scene in a green Nissan Titan pickup truck.

Investigators subsequently identified the suspects as Davis and Carthan, both of Leesville.

The Sheriff’s Office initially issued a public request for assistance in locating both suspects.

In an update released Monday evening, authorities confirmed that Carthan surrendered to Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives at approximately 8 p.m.

Carthan was arrested and charged with one count of criminal conspiracy, one count of second-degree robbery, and one count of principal to second-degree murder.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, bond had not been set for Carthan at the time of that announcement, and he remained in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Davis, who had been wanted on a charge of second-degree murder, was subsequently arrested and was confirmed to be in custody at the Vernon Parish Jail as of October 15.

Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft and department personnel extended condolences to Malone’s family and friends following the shooting.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The charges are allegations, and both suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The Leesville Lions Club welcomed a new member during its regularly scheduled business meeting, inducting Ben Pollock into the organization.

Club members celebrated Pollock’s induction and welcomed him and his family back to the Leesville community.

The club also recognized Lion Robert Haymon for helping bring Pollock into the organization.

During the meeting, Tail Twister Lion Luke Brandon questioned Lion Mandy about the whereabouts of the club’s Fire Lion.

Mandy explained that the Fire Lion had not been lost but had been stolen. Despite her explanation, Brandon announced that she would be fined and required to deliver a 15-minute speech for the infraction.

The Leesville Lions Club expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Pollock and looks forward to serving alongside him.

Add a stronger community-service endingClarify the Fire Lion exchange

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The City of Leesville has announced that planning is underway for its annual Jingle & Mingle Christmas Festival, with a new location planned for the 2026 celebration.

This year’s festival will take place Saturday, December 12, 2026, in Historic Downtown Leesville along the Third Street area.

The annual Christmas celebration, hosted and presented by the City of Leesville, will move to the downtown district as part of changes planned for this year’s event.

According to city officials, preparations are underway to bring Christmas lights, holiday decorations, music and family activities to the historic downtown area.

The city is also planning additional attractions, entertainment, activities and special surprises for the festival.

Officials said more information about the event’s attractions and entertainment will be announced over the coming weeks as planning continues.

The Jingle & Mingle Christmas Festival is intended to bring together Leesville residents, surrounding communities and visitors for a hometown holiday celebration.

The City of Leesville encourages residents to mark their calendars for December 12 and watch for additional announcements regarding the 2026 festival.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has stocked 26,200 channel catfish in Anacoco Lake as part of its statewide fall fish stocking program.

LDWF Inland Fisheries biologists began the fall stocking season October 6, 2026, releasing a total of 68,200 channel catfish into public waterbodies across Louisiana between October 6 and October 8.

Anacoco Lake in Vernon Parish received the largest number of channel catfish among the eight locations included in the initial stocking effort.

Other locations stocked during the three-day period included Chatham Lake in Jackson Parish with 5,300 fish, Buhlow Lake in Rapides Parish with 5,800, Lafreniere Park in Jefferson Parish with 3,700, Crooked Creek in Evangeline Parish with 2,200, Grand Bayou Reservoir in Red River Parish with 16,200, Henderson Lake in St. Martin Parish with 8,300, and Moore Park in Lafayette Parish with 500.

According to LDWF, biologists will continue stocking public waterbodies throughout the state over the next three months.

Additional species scheduled for stocking include channel catfish, black and white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and Florida-strain largemouth bass.

LDWF also encourages residents to support the state’s fisheries through the purchase of Louisiana Largemouth Bass license plates. Revenue generated from the specialty plates supports LDWF and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation in funding largemouth bass production and stocking efforts.

For additional information about fish stocking activities, residents may contact LDWF Fish Hatchery Biologist Manager Talon Jeppson at 318-484-6914 or tjeppson@wlf.la.gov.