Barbara Garlington
Service: Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 2 pm at Hopewell Methodist Church in Pitkin
Glenda Jean Dowden
Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Leesville
David Earl Stephens Jr.
Arrangements TBA
James (Jay) Merigo Shearer
Arrangements TBA
Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.
July 7, 2026
Jay Hargis Jr., age 37, of DeRidder, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of Marijuana, one count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic with the Intent to Distribute, one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, two counts of Illegal Possession of a Firearm while in Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, one count of Driving on a Roadway Laned for Traffic, and one outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond was set at $ 78,757.00. Hargis posted bond and was released.
July 8, 2026
April Franklin, age 42, of Hornbeck, was arrested on an out of jurisdiction warrant from Sabine Parish. Franklin was transferred to Sabine Parish.
July 10, 2026
Jason Smith, age 48, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Smith remains in the VPSO jail.
Brooks Bridges, age 28, of Hornbeck, was arrested on an outstanding Traffic Bench Warrant. Bond was set at $ 1500.00. A detainer for the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole was placed on Bridges and he remains in the VPSO jail.
July 12, 2026
Lofya Clint Martin, age 37, of Simpson, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant for Misdemeanor Probation and Parole. Martin paid past due fines and fees in the amount of $ 2417.50 and was released.
July 14, 2026
Jason Patrick Kay, age 50, of Anacoco, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond was set at $ 1500.00. Kay remains in the VPSO jail.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
The City of Leesville has announced that Mayor LaFonda Stelly has appointed Reginald Seastrunk as a commissioner for the Housing Authority of the City of Leesville.
According to the city, Seastrunk has dedicated many years to serving the Leesville community and looks forward to continuing that commitment in his new role. The city said his experience, leadership and passion for helping others will be an asset to the Housing Authority.
The Housing Authority of the City of Leesville administers the Section 8 Housing Program, providing eligible residents with access to safe, affordable housing while creating opportunities for individuals and families to build a stronger future.
The city congratulated Seastrunk on his appointment and thanked him for his continued dedication to the citizens of Leesville.
The Village of Simpson has announced that Police Chief Ronnie Hagan has graduated from the 2026 Louisiana Law Enforcement Executive Management Institute (LEEMI) Chiefs Academy.
According to the village, the training is mandatory for all newly appointed or elected police chiefs in Louisiana.
Hagan said it was an honor to train alongside police chiefs from agencies across the state and described the knowledge, leadership lessons and professional relationships gained during the academy as invaluable.
He also thanked the staff at the Louisiana State Police Joint Emergency Services Training Center (JESTC) for their professionalism, hospitality and commitment to developing law enforcement leaders.
The Village of Simpson recognized Hagan for his dedication, professionalism, respect and integrity, thanking him for his service to the community and surrounding areas.
Residents can expect a warming trend across Vernon Parish over the next several days, with temperatures climbing into the upper 90s by early next week and heat index values reaching as high as 105 degrees.
Wednesday will be partly sunny with a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High temperatures will reach the upper 80s with southwest winds around 5 mph. Rain chances remain low at 20 percent. Wednesday night will be mostly cloudy during the evening before becoming partly cloudy, with lows in the lower 70s.
Thursday will be mostly sunny with highs in the lower 90s. Light and variable winds will become southerly around 5 mph during the afternoon. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with lows in the lower 70s.
Friday through Saturday will bring partly cloudy skies and hotter conditions, with afternoon highs in the mid-90s and overnight lows in the mid-70s.
From Saturday night through Tuesday, mostly clear skies are expected. Daytime highs will climb into the upper 90s while overnight lows remain in the mid-70s. Heat index values could reach up to 105 degrees during the hottest part of the day.
Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit prolonged outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and check on children, older adults and pets as the heat intensifies heading into next week.
Leesville High School has announced the addition of Brittany Draughn to its administrative team as assistant principal.
According to the school, Draughn is the mother of four children — Landin, Riley, Jacob and Westin — and is married to Chris Draughn.
The school said Draughn shares its commitment to inspiring students and staff to reach their full potential. During her career, she has received multiple coach and teacher of the year awards, including leading a Class B Girls State Track and Field Championship team.
Evans High School has announced the appointment of Bonita Phillips as its new administrative assistant.
A lifelong Evans resident and Evans High School graduate, Phillips brings 27 years of service to students and families. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education.
According to the school, Phillips is passionate about listening, collaboration and removing barriers so teachers can teach, students can learn and families can stay connected.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren, is active in her church, and enjoys gardening and traveling.
Phillips said she believes student success happens when administrators, teachers, support staff, parents and community members work together to support the whole child academically, socially and emotionally.
In a July 9 social media post, Evans High School congratulated Phillips on her appointment, stating that her dedication to serving students and supporting educators will have a positive impact in her new role.
The Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University will present a traditional music and dance informance with Native Nations Intertribal at on Friday, July 17 at 6 p.m. the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front St. in Natchitoches. The event will be free and open to the public.
The event will feature members of Native Nations Intertribal, who will symbolically open the 46th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival with Native American music and dance. Native Nations Intertribal will engage in a discussion of their traditions with NSU Professor of Anthropology Dr. Hiram “Pete” Gregory, an expert on Southeastern Native American tribes and culture.
“We are so grateful to Native Nations Intertribal for so generously sharing their cultural knowledge with us,” said Dr. Shane Rasmussen, professor of English and director of the Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University. “Attendees at this event will have the opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful music and dance traditions in the world.”
Native Nations Intertribal is an all-Native American song and dance troupe dedicated to sharing the beauty, diversity and living traditions of Indigenous peoples across the United States. For over 25 years, it has proudly performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, where the troupe honors their ancestors and educates audiences from around the world through the power of their songs, dances and stories. The group is composed of approximately 15-18 dancers and five singers, representing more than 10 tribal nations including Alabama-Coushatta, Coushatta, Southern Cheyenne, Mescalero Apache and Chickasaw, among others. Each performance is a celebration of these cultures, an opportunity to showcase the rich traditions that have been passed down through generations while building understanding and respect among all peoples.
Native Nations Intertribal will participate in the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival on July 18. In honor of the 2026 Festival theme, “America the Beautiful,” the Festival will feature the traditional music of the nation – blues, gospel, Cajun, Celtic, country, bluegrass and zydeco on three stages of music as well as in the Magale Recital Hall. Over 70 traditional crafts persons from throughout the state will display their crafts, handcrafting their work during the festival.
Held in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum, the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival features three stages of live music, Louisiana cuisine food vendors, the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, dance lessons, music informances, narrative sessions, on-site demonstrations and more. Admission to this family friendly event is $10 for an all-day all-event pass, with children 12 and under admitted free all day. For more information, call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu, or go to https://www.nsula.edu/
The event is sponsored by the Louisiana Folklife Center and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest History Museum and is in partnership with the City of Natchitoches. Support for the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the State of Louisiana.
The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.
Over my career, I have fished in every southern state below the Mason Dixon Line. Of all the lakes and river systems I have fished, I have never heard as many anglers hate on a body of water like they do the Red River.
Why does this body of water garner such disdain? What is it about the Red that makes anglers’ blood boil like it’s the worst place on Earth to fish?
For the life of me I have never been able to figure this out. Before we answer these questions, let’s take a look at some history of this wonderful river system.
Before the great floods of 2015 and 2016 and from the time the locks and dams were implemented, the Red River became a fishing and hunting paradise. There was great duck and deer hunting along with some awesome bass fishing; fishing so good that both major professional bass fishing organizations, the FLW (now MLF) and the Bassmaster Classic, held championship events on the Red.
Well-known backwater areas like the Jungle, Little Jungle, Knee Knock, Sutherlands, White House and Goose Pond, to name a few, offered some of the best bass cover imaginable. Lush green acres of lily pads and hydrilla along with plenty of standing timber and laydowns were just loaded with bass.
Then in 2015 and 2016 the Red River went through two floods of Biblical proportions. These were truly 100-year events that took the Red River system years to recover.
So much of the main river was destroyed with small islands totally wiped out. Tree lines along the river were completely stripped of the timber that once stood tall.
Backwater areas off the river that held good vegetation like reeds, hydrilla and lily pads were all wiped clean. There was little to no cover left behind after these devastating floods.
Just to give you an idea of how massive these back-to-back floods were, the water reached record levels of 25 to 30 feet above pool!
There was also a huge fish die-off during the floods but give credit to the Red River Waterway Commission for developing a restocking program that has brought the river back to life with quality bass being caught once again.
OK, enough history. Let’s get back to the question: why do so many anglers hate the Red River? First, it can be a tough place for a bass boat to navigate, especially in some of the backwater areas. It’s full of stumps and laydowns that can do damage to an outboard engine’s lower unit, not to mention the fiberglass damage that can occur to the boat. It is a very unforgiving body of water if you don’t know how to get around.
Additionally, there are underwater rock jetties. Knowing where these are located is VERY IMPORTANT, especially along the main river system. Some of these jetties are not visible and run straight off the bank several yards underwater. If you cut the corners too tight or run the river too close to the bank, you can hit these rocks and do major damage to your outboard motor. But if you stay between the red and green buoys that line the main river, you’ll be just fine.
Let’s talk about the fishing! Some anglers really struggle to catch fish on the Red River, especially anglers who have never fished a river system. Rivers are a different animal than your man-made lakes. Fish relate a little different in a river system than they do in a lake.
Current and moving water can be a big factor in catching bass with any river system. Bass relate to current breaks like sand bars, big laydowns, and rock jetty points, making the main river current very important. However, the backwater areas do fish like any other lake.
So, between the difficulty of navigating the Red and the challenges of river fishing, the weigh-ins are a cry fest of guys complaining about coming to fish here! Tournament directors are inundated with complaints from the guys who can’t stand a Red River event.
Here’s my advice to all the whiners. “Get your butt in the boat and learn it like you would any other body of water!” It’s no different than going to a new lake; you have to learn it! STOP YOUR WHINING!
Another reason some anglers hate coming to the Red is the fact that it levels the playing field. Every lake has a handful of local guys who you must beat when you back your boat in the water, which can make it more difficult for a lot of anglers to compete for a win. But the Red River is an equalizer and gives a lot of anglers a shot at winning.
Here’s my personal viewpoint. I absolutely love the Red River and everything about it! It’s a great fishery with both backwater and main river habitat. It’s a body of water on the rebound as local tournaments are now taking over 18 pounds to win.
After the two major floods of 2015 and 2016, anglers needed 14-15 pounds to win. But now, due to the impact of the restocking program, good fishing has returned with more quality bass being caught.
From the very first time I fished an event here, I was hooked! I have loved the Red River ever since and made it a priority to learn it. As an angler, some of my greatest tournaments have been on this body of water. To all those who hate it, take the time to learn it and it will probably become one of your favorite places to fish!
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
July 15 has been the date of several notable events throughout history, but one of the most influential in modern communication happened in 2006 when Twitter officially launched to the public.
Originally created as a simple platform for users to post short status updates of 140 characters or less, Twitter quickly evolved into one of the world’s most influential social media platforms. The service became a hub for breaking news, emergency alerts, entertainment, sports and public conversation, fundamentally changing how information is shared in real time.
The platform’s first tweet was posted months earlier on March 21, 2006, by co-founder Jack Dorsey, who wrote, “just setting up my twttr.” The public launch on July 15 marked the beginning of what would become a global communications tool used by millions of people.
Over the years, Twitter played a major role in covering elections, natural disasters, sporting events and other major world events, often delivering news faster than traditional media outlets.
In 2023, the platform was rebranded as X, though many people still commonly refer to it by its original name.
Nearly two decades after its public debut, the platform continues to influence how people communicate and consume news around the world.
By Brad Dison
William Bruce “Bill” Rose was an unsavory character. Police arrested him numerous times for non-violent crimes. In 1964, 22-year-old Bill left his 18-year-old wife Sharon and their two-year-old son William Bruce Rose Jr. and infant daughter Amy. In 1965, Sharon met Stephen Bailey and married him the following January. When they married, Sharon told Billy and Amy that Stephen was their father, and they took his last name. As a teenager, Billy disliked the name because kids teased him for being Bill Bailey. Stephen and Sharon raised Billy, Amy, and their only child together, Stuart, in a Pentecostal church. Their children often performed in church as the Bailey Trio, but there were problems at home. Billy and his stepfather fought constantly. When he was 17 years old, Billy accidentally learned that Stephen was not his biological father. Billy knew nothing about his biological father, but he began going by the name Billy Rose. For better or worse, Billy never met his father as an adult.
In 1984, Bill Rose, who had recently been paroled from prison, disappeared from Marion, Illinois. Three years later, in May 1987, police arrested 39-year-old James Faulkner for murdering Bill sometime between May 1 and July 4, 1984. The family had kept the murder a secret until James’s son Jimmy revealed it to Katie Adams, a counselor with the area Youth Services Bureau. At her insistence, Jimmy contacted the police. Jimmy told investigators that Bill was killed in their home at 409 E. DeYoung Street in Marion. Jimmy said that on the night of Bill’s murder, “My mom and dad and Bill went out drinking.” Later, they returned to the Faulkner’s home where the trio began having intercourse. At some point, James left the bedroom, went to Jimmy’s bedroom, and woke him. James told his then 15-year-old son that he needed him to see something. Jimmy followed instructions and walked toward the bedroom. He noticed that his father was holding a long knife. As Jimmy stood there in shocked silence, his father stabbed Bill, then dragged Bill into the bathroom. He said “Sayonara, Bill” and finished him off with a baseball bat. Jimmy said his parents wrapped Bill in painter’s cloth and tied it with a piece of clothesline. James put the knife into a jug of bleach. James had his wife and son help load Bill’s body into the trunk of their car, and the family drove five miles to a remote wooded area known as Crenshaw Crossing. James, Judith, and Jimmy removed the body from their trunk, and they rolled it down one of the area’s many embankments. James covered the body with debris to disguise it. The family returned home and James and Judith began scrubbing the floor and carpet in the bedroom. James told Jimmy to throw the knife in the city reservoir a few blocks south of their home and to put the baseball bat on a public baseball diamond. Jimmy complied. Jimmy later showed investigators where he had thrown the knife and divers retrieved the weapon. Judith’s testimony initially agreed with Jimmy’s, but she later changed her story to help James. On September 9, 1987, James was found guilty of murder even though Bill’s body had not been found, and he was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. Bill’s body has never been found.
Had Billy Rose wanted to meet his biological father as an adult, he never had the chance. Like his father, Billy was arrested numerous times for various crimes. Just as he had done as a child in church, Billy always found comfort in singing. Billy became a famous singer. The world knows William Bruce “Billy” Rose Jr. as Axl Rose, lead singer for Guns N Roses.
Sources:
1. Southern Illinoisan, May 7, 1987, p.1.
2. Southern Illinoisan, August 13, 1987, p.9.
3. Southern Illinoisan, August 24, 1987, p.9.
4. Southern Illinoisan, September 2, 1987, p.21.
5. Evansville Courier and Press, September 4, 1987, p.1.
6. Southern Illinoisan, September 10, 1987, p.1.
7. Dave Basner, “25 Things You Might Not Know About Birthday Boy Axl Rose,” February 6, 2025, IHeart Radio, https://kfmqrock1061.iheart.
Barbara Garlington
Service: Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 2 pm at Hopewell Methodist Church in Pitkin
Glenda Jean Dowden
Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Leesville
David Earl Stephens Jr.
Arrangements TBA
James (Jay) Merigo Shearer
Arrangements TBA
Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
A Hunter Education Course will be held July 24-25 at the West Louisiana Forestry Building, located at 276 H.M. Stevens Blvd. at the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds in Leesville.
The course is scheduled for Friday from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday beginning at 8:30 a.m. until the course is completed.
The 10-hour classroom course is typically held over two to three days and covers firearm and hunting safety, wildlife management principles, ethics, game identification and outdoor survival.
Students must successfully complete a live-fire exercise. Firearms and ammunition will be provided for the exercise, and students should not bring their own firearms or ammunition.
Anyone wishing to register for the Hunter Education Course must register online at louisianaoutdoors.com.
Chuck Christ is the course instructor and can be reached at 337-424-5209 for additional information.
Leesville Junior High School is welcoming several new teachers to its seventh grade team for the upcoming school year.
Stephen Briscoe will teach seventh grade math. Briscoe is entering his 11th year in education and his fifth year teaching math. Last year, he taught fifth grade at Florien High School. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his family and visiting Walt Disney World.
Ashley Ratliff joins the school as a seventh grade English Language Arts teacher. Ratliff said she looks forward to helping students explore novels, strengthen their writing skills and discover new perspectives while creating a supportive classroom where students feel confident sharing their voices.
Amanda Davis will teach seventh grade math. Davis is entering her second year as an educator and said she is grateful to teach in the community she has called home her entire life. She said growing up in Leesville and in a military community has given her a passion for being a positive influence on military children.
Amber Jackson also joins the seventh grade math department. A third-generation Leesville High School graduate, Jackson is a 10-year educator and lifelong learner who recently earned her second master’s degree from LSU. Her interests include animals, nature, the arts, logic puzzles and community improvement projects.
Delaina Craft will teach seventh grade English and science. Craft said she believes teaching is her calling and enjoys making learning fun and interactive. Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with her husband and three children. She said she is excited to learn and grow alongside her students this school year.
When Brittany McKelvey takes the stage at the Mrs. American Competition on Sept. 2 in Las Vegas as Mrs. Louisiana American 2026, she’ll be representing more than Louisiana. She’ll also be carrying with her a story of resilience, advocacy and purpose that began with a life-changing diagnosis at just 13-years-old.
McKelvey, a Vernon Parish resident, said representing both her community and the state on the national stage is an honor.
“As a military family, we have lived in three states in our seven years of marriage,” she said. “I can truly say that Vernon Parish has been the most welcoming community in all our moves thus far. I am proud to be a resident of Vernon Parish and the amazing community that we have here, and to exemplify that warmth and support on stage.”
Her family relocated to Vernon Parish through her husband, John, who serves as an active-duty Army soldier at Fort Polk. Together, they are raising their 2-year-old daughter while McKelvey balances a career in cancer policy, advocacy work and preparations for the national pageant.
McKelvey said Vernon Parish has shaped not only her family’s experience but also her advocacy.
“This community is hard-working and treats strangers like family,” she said. “Vernon Parish has taught me how to approach people with open arms, let my guard down, and feel comfortable in sharing my story.”
That story began when she was an eighth-grade student.
“When I heard the words ‘you have thyroid cancer’ at 13, I was terrified that I would not make it to high school, let alone have a family or career,” she said. “I knew older adults or family members that had cancer, but I did not know anyone my age who had gone through this experience. It was a very lonely feeling.”
McKelvey said she had actually lost her voice months before her diagnosis after a tumor pressed against the nerve controlling one of her vocal cords. During surgery, the nerve could not be saved, and she awoke to learn she would never speak normally again.
“Faced with not being able to be heard or communicate was terrifying,” she said.
After undergoing two additional surgeries that placed an implant in her neck, McKelvey regained the ability to speak.
“Having cancer take my physical voice absolutely ignited in me a passion to use the voice I have today to help those impacted by cancer,” she said.
Her experience inspired her to pursue a career studying the disease that changed her life.
While in high school, she became interested in understanding cancer on a biological level. She attended Clemson University, where she dual-majored in biochemistry and genetics before earning a Ph.D. in molecular biology and genetics from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, focusing her research on thyroid cancer.
“Being able to go into the operating room, where a patient was lying on the table just as I was a decade before, to take a bit of their tumor to study back in the lab was truly a full circle moment for me,” she said.
Today, McKelvey leads the Transforming Clinical Trials Initiative at LUNGevity Foundation, where she works with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, pharmaceutical companies, clinicians and patients to improve how cancer clinical trials are conducted so new therapies can reach patients sooner.
Her advocacy also extends to young cancer patients. Remembering how isolated she felt as a teenager, McKelvey worked with the Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association to establish a virtual support group for teens diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
“We’ve helped over 40 teens so far,” she said.
McKelvey said earning the title of Mrs. Louisiana American 2026 has given her another platform to continue that work.
“I am humbled and beyond grateful for the opportunity to represent our community and state on the national stage,” she said. “I do not take for granted the opportunity to use this new platform to continue to use my voice to speak hope for our community and raise cancer awareness.”
She said she is especially looking forward to the interview portion of the Mrs. American Competition.
“I am excited to share my heart about my story, our state, and my passion for action against cancer,” she said.
Regardless of the outcome, McKelvey hopes people remember one message.
“My message is to speak hope—to highlight the power of each person’s individual voice to make a difference,” she said. “Every person has a unique story and a voice that needs to be heard.”
She also hopes her own journey reminds others that adversity can lead to purpose.
“We all have unique challenges that we face in our lives, and I hope my story serves as a reminder that through these great challenges can arise greater purpose,” she said.
Looking beyond the pageant, McKelvey plans to continue partnering with cancer organizations, including Louisiana Cancer Prevention & Control Programs, to advance cancer awareness and education throughout the state.
For McKelvey, success is measured by something greater than a crown.
“Success is making my family, Vernon Parish, my teens in my support group, and our community proud—knowing that I showed up authentically and used my voice and this opportunity to spread awareness,” she said.
The organization also recognized its July 2026 birthdays, including Lynda Larche, Mickey Arthur and Phyllis Haymon.
Alexandria International Airport (AEX) announces the completion of its Runway 18/36 extension, a critical infrastructure upgrade that enhances the airport’s capacity to support larger aircraft and expanding air service demands.
The construction project, which began in 2021 and added approximately 1,500 feet to the airport’s north-south runway, brings the total runway length to 8,503 feet. This extension complements AEX’s existing Runway 14/32 and allows AEX to more efficiently accommodate heavier commercial and military aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and the C-130.
“While AEX already boasts a premier 9,350-foot primary runway, the extension of Runway 18/36 significantly enhances our aviation competitiveness and long-term operational flexibility,” said Scott Gammel, AEX Director of Planning and Development. “This project represents a decade of meticulous planning and oversight, and we are proud to see it come to fruition.”
In addition to the physical runway extension, the multi-phase project included:
This approximately $30 million investment was made possible through a collaborative funding effort between the Federal Aviation Administration and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The project aligns with the England Airpark Master Plan, which commits to providing world-class facilities for regional travelers, military partners, and commercial carriers.
John P. Thompson Jr.
Service: Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Union Baptist Church
Kristin Paige Hurst Linn
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 1-4 pm at Gallery 111 in Leesville
Bianka Nicole Matlock-Smith
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 12:00 P.M. at Bethesda Ministries in Leesville
Kenneth Lloyd Jarrell
Arrangements TBA
Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
The Town of Simpson is notifying residents about individuals who have been going door to door within the community.
According to town officials, Mayor Vickie Standifer confirmed the individuals are representatives with SWYFT Fiber, the new fiber internet provider in the area.
The mayor said she has spoken with SWYFT management and requested that the community be notified in advance of future door-to-door visits.
Standifer also inquired why the representatives were not wearing SWYFT uniforms or clearly marked SWYFT logo apparel or reflective vests.
Town officials apologized for the inconvenience and reminded residents that if they are hesitant or unsure about anyone at their door, they should not open or answer the door. Residents are encouraged to contact law enforcement if they feel their safety is threatened.
Residents may contact Simpson Police Chief Ronnie Hagan at 337-353-9229 or Mayor Vickie Standifer at 337-208-2055 with any questions or concerns.
Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.
June 29, 2026
Dustin Ryan Thompson, age 47, of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with one count of Second Degree Battery. Bond was set at $25,000.00. Thompson remains in the VPSO jail.
June 30, 2026
Victoria Lee Henson, age 44, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Theft. Bond was set at $ 3500.00. Henson remains in the VPSO jail.
Daniel Parker, age 25, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Traffic Bench Warrant. Bond was set at $ 1500.00. Parker remains in the VPSO jail.
Alan Pearcy, age 34, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery. Bond has not been set and Pearcy remains in the VPSO jail.
Wesley Ryan Czudek, age 33, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Entry on or Remaining on Land or in Place where Forbidden. Bond was set at $ 2500.00. Czudek remains in the VPSO jail.
Andrew Williams, age 28, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault and one count of Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault – Child Endangerment Law. Bond has not been set and Williams remains in the VPSO jail.
July 1, 2026
Katy Marie Hicks, age 36, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile. Bond was set at $ 3500.00. Hicks posted bond and was released.
Aaron Lathaniel Johnson II, age 37, of Rosepine, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery – Strangulation and one count of Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment. Bond has not been set and Johnson remains in the VPSO jail.
July 2, 2026
Johnnie Ray Cheley, age 45, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic. A Detainer for the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole has been placed on Cheley and he remains in the VPSO jail.
Sierra Denise Gent, age 32, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Maximum Speed Limit, one count of Possession of Marijuana, and one count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic. Bond was set at $ 11,600.00. Gent remains in the VPSO jail.
July 3, 2026
Paul Russell Williams, age 51, of Evans, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Williams remains in the VPSO jail.
Melissa Crawford, age 46, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Improper Telephone Communications. Bond was set at $ 3500.00. Crawford remains in the VPSO jail.
July 4, 2026
Bertis Brown, age 67, of Pitkin, was arrested on an out of jurisdiction Bench Warrant from Allen Parish. Brown remains in the VPSO jail awaiting transfer to Allen Parish.
July 5, 2026
Delilah Robinett, age 25, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery. Bond was set at $ 15000.00. Robinett remains in the VPSO jail.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
Leesville High School is welcoming five new educators and coaches to its staff as preparations continue for the upcoming school year.
Among the new hires is Riley Beirs, who will serve as a Geometry teacher and head baseball coach. Beirs brings several years of coaching experience, including four years as a varsity assistant coach, Area Director and head coach for 5 Star National, and head coach for Knights Knation from 2023-2025. Under his leadership, the Knights Knation program earned a Top 50 national ranking in 2025. He also served as the 2024 Perfect Game Louisiana All-State head coach. Beirs said he is committed to helping students succeed both academically and athletically by emphasizing hard work, accountability and character.
Danny Carroll joins the school with 34 years of teaching and coaching experience. He will serve as an assistant football coach specializing in defense and weightlifting while teaching Quest for Success. Carroll previously served as both a head football coach and defensive coordinator and said he is proud to join the Wampus Cats program.
Jaquavius Dupree has been hired as the school’s Financial Math teacher. In addition to his classroom duties, he will serve as an assistant basketball coach and football coach. Dupree said he looks forward to building meaningful relationships with students while supporting their academic and athletic success.
Nickol Komsuprom will take over as the head girls soccer coach. Komsuprom said the focus of the program will be on developing athletes through hard work, teamwork and a positive attitude while building confidence, leadership and character on and off the field. The goal is to create a competitive environment where every player has an opportunity to succeed.
Claire Lee is also joining the Leesville High School faculty after spending the past three years working with students in Vernon Parish. Named the 2024-2025 Vernon Parish Middle School Teacher of the Year, Lee is entering her fourth year in education and will teach Civics, Art and Psychology. She said she looks forward to continuing to invest in students she has already worked with while helping them grow during the next chapter of their educational journey.
Leesville High School welcomed the new staff members this week, expressing excitement about the experience, leadership and dedication they will bring to the campus and its students.