State Representative Charles Owen met with prospective Student Council officers at Leesville High School to discuss what goes into running an effective campaign.
Students were able to ask questions about happenings at the state level and Owen’s time as a Wampus Cat.
The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office thanked the women of Greater Bethel AME Church Ministry for their generous donation of supplies to female inmates at the Vernon Parish Jail.
Sheriff Craft and Warden Conn expressed their appreciation for the donation and the ministry.
The Leesville Rotary Club hosted District 6190 Governor Charlotta Nordyke during its weekly meeting.
Nordyke shared challenges with the club as it began the 2026-2027 Rotary year. Area Assistant Governor Scott Wysong also attended the meeting.
The club also welcomed its newest member, Shanena South, who received her welcome packet.
The Leesville Lions Club welcomed Tommy Nuebert, HR Generalist with Boise Cascade, to share information about the company’s upcoming Annual Charity Golf Tournament.
The tournament is scheduled for Sept. 17 at Oakwing Golf Course.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Louisiana Lions Camp, helping provide opportunities and experiences for children with disabilities and special needs.
Participants can get involved by forming a team, becoming a sponsor or sponsoring a hole.
Richard Thomas Fogle
Service: Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 1:30 pm at First Christian Church Sapulpa
Lana D. Thompson Goins
Service: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 4 pm at Myers Colonial Funeral Home
Ronald “Ronnie” Bryan Dickey
Service: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 3 pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church
Milton Lynn Stevens
Service: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 2 pm at Sunrise Chapel at Walters Funeral Home
Betty Jo Moudy Macias
Service: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 12:30 pm at Labby Memorial Funeral Home
Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies continue to monitor a fire located on the east side of Highway 171 in the Neame Hills area.
The Louisiana Department of Forestry is on scene, along with the Rosepine and Sandy Hill fire departments.
Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.
August 11, 2026
Valerie Kay Davis, age 25, of Lake Charles, was arrested and charged with one count of Theft over $750.00. Bond was set at $ 5,000. Davis remains in the VPSO jail.
August 13, 2026
Kenneth Moore, age 25, of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery and one count of Criminal Damage to Property. Bond has not been set and Moore remains in the VPSO jail.
Misty Ledoux Smith, age 49, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery. Bond has not been set and Smith remains in the VPSO jail.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
The Leesville Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board will give a written examination in approximately 90 days on a promotional basis to approved applicants for the purpose of placing names on the promotional employment list for the class of fire chief.
Application forms may be obtained from Debbie Twyman, secretary to the Civil Service Board, by calling 337-397-2125. Completed applications and required attachments must be received by Twyman by Aug. 27, 2026, at 4 p.m.
Approved applicants will be notified of the exact date, time and place of the examination at least five days prior to the examination date.
Applicants must meet all requirements of the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Law, including being a U.S. citizen and of legal age. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and, after being offered employment but before beginning work in the class, pass a physical examination designed to demonstrate good health and physical fitness sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without accommodation.
Applicants must meet one of three qualification options.
The first option requires a bachelor’s degree in fire science, fire administration, business administration, public administration or a related curriculum and at least five years of experience in full-time fire service positions in a permanent, paid, professional fire department, with at least two years in positions that include administrative or supervisory responsibilities. Fire service experience must include work providing a background in fire prevention and investigation, fire training and related areas of fire department operations and management.
The second option requires an associate degree in fire science or fire administration, or a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated curriculum, and at least seven years of experience in full-time fire service positions in a permanent, paid, professional fire department, with at least two years in positions that include administrative or supervisory responsibilities. Fire service experience must include work providing a background in fire prevention and investigation, fire training and related areas of fire department operations and management.
The third option requires a high school diploma, high school equivalency certificate, high school transcript, affidavit from the issuing high school, associate degree, bachelor’s degree or college transcript indicating that graduation has occurred or a degree was awarded. Louisiana applicants presenting a home study diploma must submit documentation indicating Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approval of the home study curriculum. Non-Louisiana applicants must provide proof of completion of a high school curriculum accredited by their state or its state-approved agency. A certification of completion is not sufficient to substitute for a diploma or equivalency certificate.
Applicants qualifying under the third option must also have at least eight years of experience in full-time fire service positions in a permanent, paid, professional fire department, with at least two years in positions that include administrative or supervisory responsibilities. Fire service experience must include experience in fire suppression and rescue and may include work providing a background in fire prevention and investigation, fire training and related areas of fire department operations and management.
The notice is to be posted at all stations from Aug. 14 through Aug. 27, 2026.
The City of Leesville is an equal opportunity employer.
Officers with the Leesville Police Department and an officer with the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office recently attended the Jubilee Park school supply giveaway.
The officers spent time with children at the MLK Center, including playing basketball with them.
The children won the games.
“Do you hear what I hear?”
It is a little early for Christmas music, but that old Christmas song has been running through my mind this morning.
I am sitting in my new little 4-by-6-foot office, practicing my pastor emeritus skills. Apparently one of those skills is sitting still long enough to notice what is going on around you. After years of meetings, sermons, phone calls, hospital visits, committee reports, and somebody always needing to know where the extension cord is, sitting quietly feels almost suspicious.
But this morning, I am listening.
Right now, the church building is silent. That will change soon.
Today is the first day of school for our preschool children. We have 104 children enrolled, which means that in a little while this silence is going to disappear. I expect to hear laughter, crying, little feet running down hallways, teachers giving instructions, parents saying goodbye, and perhaps one child announcing loudly that he absolutely does not intend to participate in whatever has been planned for him.
In other words, I expect to hear life.
And I cannot wait.
While I sit here listening for those sounds, another question occurs to me:
What are we listening for? And who are we listening to?
Jesus talked a surprising amount about listening.
Again and again he said, “Let anyone with ears listen.” He told his disciples to pay attention to what they heard. And in John’s Gospel Jesus described his relationship with us this way: “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.”
Apparently discipleship involves more than talking.
That includes prayer.
We usually think of prayer as talking to God, and certainly it is. We bring God our worries, hopes, fears, families, decisions, illnesses, disappointments, and dreams. We pray because we believe God listens and responds because God loves us.
But here is the harder question:
After we finish talking, do we listen?
Sometimes my prayers resemble leaving a voicemail for God.
“Lord, here are the problems. Here is what I need. Here is what I think you ought to do. Thank you very much. Amen.”
Click.
And then I am off to the next thing.
Maybe prayer occasionally needs a little silence at the end.
“Speak, Lord. I’m listening.”
Perhaps God’s answer will come through Scripture. Perhaps through another person. Perhaps through an unexpected thought, a nudging of conscience, a door opening—or closing. And sometimes God may simply give us the quiet assurance that we are loved and that we do not walk alone.
Soon the hallway will be filled with 104 little reminders that silence does not last forever.
But for this moment, it is quiet.
So I am listening.
Listening for children.
Listening for life.
Listening for God.
There is great joy in discovering that amid all the noise of this world, the Shepherd is still speaking.
The question is not only, “Do you hear what I hear?”
The better question may be:
Are we listening?
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has scheduled a drawdown of Vernon Lake in Vernon Parish beginning Sept. 15, 2026, for parish, state and landowner maintenance, fish habitat improvement and vegetation control.
The lake will be lowered to approximately 8 feet below pool stage, the level required to achieve the desired benefits. The control structure will be closed for refill during the first week of January 2027.
The action is part of a cooperative effort between LDWF and the Vernon Parish Police Jury/Vernon Lake Commission to establish a regular drawdown schedule for the lake. Under the schedule, Vernon Lake would be drawn down every seven years for maintenance to the dam, spillway and boat ramps, as well as vegetation control and fisheries habitat improvement.
Fishing will remain open during the drawdown, but boaters should use extra caution. At lower water levels, boat lanes may not provide normal clearance for underwater obstructions.
For more information, contact LDWF Biologist Manager Beau Gregory at bgregory@wlf.la.gov or 337-491-2217.
Northwestern State University’s rodeo team announced the addition of Arkansas native Cade Simmons. Simmons, also known as “Sunshine,” will join the NSU rodeo team and compete in saddle bronc and bareback.
Kash Wisby of Pitkin High School was named the 2026 recipient of the $500 Perry Johnson Memorial Scholarship.
Wisby is the son of Tommy and Dana Wisby. He graduated with a 3.1 GPA and was a member of 4-H and FCA while participating in basketball and baseball.
Wisby will continue his education at Sowela Technical Community College in Lake Charles, where he will pursue degrees in business and HVAC.
Merchants & Farmers awards the scholarship each year in memory of Perry Johnson, a long-time officer and dedicated employee who worked at the bank for 22 years. Johnson was an athlete and graduate of Pitkin High School, class of 1965.
As an angler who has fished it all: BFL’s, Toyota Series, ABA Solo 150’s, ABA Pro League, Bassmaster Opens, Fisher’s of Men, Media Bass, Angler’s Choice and too many others I just can’t remember, I can say that some of these were great tournament trails and some were just OK.
Now don’t get me wrong, there’s never been a circuit that I didn’t enjoy, but there’s an issue I would like to address. Major League Fishing (MLF) is taking the BFL’s from a pro/am draw format and making it a team/solo trail, hoping they can get their numbers up.
Do we really need another team trail? I think I speak for a lot of anglers who still like to fish solo/individual trails and the last thing anglers need is another team trail as we have too many already! Since the demise of ABA dropping the Solo 150 and the Pro Leagues, the only remaining individual trails are the Bassmaster Opens and the Toyota Series.
Both of these are very expensive with the Toyota’s costing an angler on the pro side $1,700 per event while the B.A.S.S Opens will cost you $2,000. The BFL was considered an entry level circuit designed for the working man but will now cost you $500 per event as a team/solo entry.
Years ago, the BFL’s would draw a full field of 200 boaters (which used to be the case) due to the low entry fee, but their payback was the worst of any circuit out there as they took part of BFL’s money to help support its upper-level circuits, therefore shorting the anglers supporting the BFL’s.
Another issue has been that ever since the “Live Scope” controversy started, BLF participation has gone down dramatically as so many anglers refuse to participate in events where this technology is allowed. Boaters and co-anglers walked away faster than a hook set.
So, after a few years of low turnouts for the BFL’s, Major League Fishing (MLF) will be taking this circuit in a totally different direction. I hope they thought this through as it has just eliminated the last remaining pro/am circuit for the lower level of tournament bass fishing.
As an angler who loves fishing a solo/individual circuit, I really wish MLF would have put the same amount of guaranteed first place money of $10,000 and kept the original format of a pro/am circuit. Anglers would have flocked for this kind of guarantee!
The next issue is the fact that there will be no limit on using forward-facing sonar (FFS) for 2027 when fishing the BFL Team Trail. This will bring out many of the younger anglers who have grown up using FFS. But one thing I wish MLF would adopt for 2027 is only allowing the use of FFS every other tournament like Bassmaster does with their schedule.
This would help to level the playing field especially with the older generation of anglers particularly on lakes where local anglers tend to dominate. As far as what to do with forward-facing sonar in the long run, we may not have a choice as some states, starting with Florida, are looking to ban FFS altogether.
If this happens, other state organizations will follow suit and implement the same rule. Then FFS will no longer be an issue for tournament organizations to deal with.
I’m so tired of talking about it and yet no matter what decisions are made from ANY organization, everyone has their own opinion if this technology is good or bad, as the division continues nationwide on this topic.
It appears this year’s three-hour FFS rule for the BFL’s and the Toyota Series has been the most popular and if that’s the direction they want to go, so be it … I DON’T CARE! Even if they choose to take it away completely… I DON’T CARE! Just make a decision, stick with it and move on!
I know this article will draw some comments and I welcome everyone’s opinion. We have enough team trails nationwide and need more solo or individual circuits to help balance things outs and give anglers another option.
Good luck, good fishing, stay cool and be safe out there if you’re going to brave the heat to wet a hook.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
More than a century before commercial air travel became routine, Orville Wright was born Aug. 19, 1871, in Dayton, Ohio.
Orville Wright would go on to become one of aviation’s most important pioneers alongside his brother, Wilbur. The Wright brothers developed and flew the first successful powered airplane in 1903, changing transportation and opening a new chapter in human history.
Their achievement did not come easily. The brothers spent years studying flight, building gliders and conducting experiments before successfully controlling a powered aircraft.
Orville’s Aug. 19 birthday is also shared by another name associated with groundbreaking technology: Gene Roddenberry, creator of “Star Trek,” was born on the same date in 1921. Former President Bill Clinton was also born Aug. 19, 1946.
Aug. 19 has been the date of several other notable moments in history, including the 1812 battle in which the USS Constitution defeated the British ship HMS Guerrière and earned the nickname “Old Ironsides.” In 1960, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 5, carrying two dogs that became the first animals to survive an orbital flight and return safely to Earth.
But for aviation, Aug. 19 carries a particularly fitting connection: it marks the birth of the man who, with his brother, helped turn the dream of human flight into reality.
Rachel lived on the island of Saint Croix in the Caribbean. She married Johann Lavien and they had a son named Peter, but Johann was such an abusive husband that Rachel left for her own safety. In retaliation, Johann had her imprisoned for adultery. Upon her release, Rachel sailed from Saint Croix to another island in the Caribbean called Saint Kitts. There, she met a Scottish trader named James. Shortly thereafter, Rachel’s father died and left her a seaside lot on the nearby island of Nevis. She and James moved there together but could not marry because she was still technically married to Johann. Rachel had two sons with James, James Jr. and Alex. After a little over ten years together, James abandoned Rachel and his children. Some historians argue that James left to protect Rachel and their illegitimate children from legal action brought on by Johann. Whatever the reason, Rachel and her two sons sailed back to Saint Croix. Three years after James left, Rachel and Alex contracted yellow fever. Alex made a full recovery, but Rachel did not. She died at the young age of 39.
Things went from bad to worse. James Jr. and Alex became orphans. Because she was still married to Johann at the time of his death, he had control of her estate. Johann sold all of Rachel, James Jr., and Alex’s possessions in an auction. For a few months, James Jr. and Alex lived with their cousin, Peter Lytton, until he died by suicide. James Jr. became an apprentice to a carpenter and Alex became a clerk at an import/export company on the island. Alex was not yet a teenager.
On one hot August day, a powerful hurricane devastated Saint Croix and changed the course of Alex’s life. Well, not the hurricane itself, but a letter Alex wrote which described the hurricane. Alex wrote the letter to his father. Alex’s mentor, a minister and newspaper editor, was impressed with the letter and published in the local newspaper. “Honoured Sir,” Alex Wrote, “I take up my pen just to give you an imperfect account of one of the most dreadful Hurricanes that memory or any records whatever can trace, which happened here on the 31st ultimo at night.” Ultimo was short for “in the previous month.” As he neared the end of his letter, Alex wrote, “I am afraid, Sir, you will think this description more the effort of imagination, than a true picture of realities. But I can affirm with the greatest truth, that there is not a single circumstance touched upon, which I have not absolutely been an eyewitness to.” When the people of Saint Croix read the article, they were also impressed. Those who knew Alex knew he was illegitimate and uneducated, but they knew how hard he worked. They paid for Alex to come to North America for a proper education and to give him a chance at a better life. Alex did not squander the opportunity. While in college, war broke out and Alex joined the military. Within a short time, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel because of leadership abilities and became the chief staff aid to the general in charge of the whole war. After the war, Alex became a delegate to Congress, practiced law, and founded a bank. When the general he served under became President of the United States, he chose Alex as his Secretary of the Treasury. Because of this position, those of us who still carry cash can see him on our $10 bills. Alex, that illegitimate orphan who achieved the American dream, who was a signer of the U.S. Constitution, was Alexander Hamilton. And it all started because of a letter to his father.
Sources:
1. Susan B. Barnes, “Walk in the Footsteps of Alexander Hamilton on This Tiny Caribbean Island,” Smithsonian Magazine, August 23, 2017, https://www.smithsonianmag.
2. “Alexander Hamilton to the Royal Danish American Gazette, 6 September 1772,” National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/
3. The Royal Danish American Gazette, October 3, 1772.
Richard Thomas Fogle
Service: Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 1:30 pm at First Christian Church Sapulpa
Lana D. Thompson Goins
Service: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 4 pm at Myers Colonial Funeral Home
Ronald “Ronnie” Bryan Dickey
Service: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 3 pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church
Milton Lynn Stevens
Service: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 2 pm at Sunrise Chapel at Walters Funeral Home
Betty Jo Moudy Macias
Service: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 12:30 pm at Labby Memorial Funeral Home
Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
The City of Leesville Mayor LaFonda Stelly, Councilpersons Phillip Hunt, Fred Carter, Will Anderson and Jessica Herring, along with members of the community and the Patriot Riders, attended services at Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery to honor Senior Airman David Paul Adamo of the United States Air Force and SP4 Wesley Raines of the United States Army.
The two veterans were laid to rest without family present, but were surrounded by members of the community.
The City of Leesville and the surrounding community remains dedicated to honoring those who have worn the nation’s uniform and ensuring that no veteran is forgotten and no soldier is laid to rest alone.
The Leesville Rotary Club heard from guest speaker Charles “Chuck” Satterfield during its weekly meeting about a vision to provide housing for homeless residents of Vernon Parish.
Satterfield said his vision is slowly coming to fruition. He has a property site selected and plans to start with 10 pod-type housing units.
He has also spoken with people in key knowledgeable roles and positions within the parish who are willing to lend their expertise. Satterfield is also seeking assistance from churches, businesses and organizations willing to provide financial support or volunteer their time and talents.
The community will operate under the name “Pods of Hope Community.”
Vernon Parish Schools is inviting student artists in grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 to participate in the 2026-27 Louisiana School Boards Association Art Contest.
The theme is “Louisiana,” featuring scenes, products, buildings and people.
Artwork must be original, mounted or matted, and no larger than 14 inches by 16 inches. Artwork should not be framed. Three-dimensional work will not be accepted.
The submission deadline is Thursday, Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. Artwork should be submitted to Mrs. Alexander at the Vernon Parish School Board office.
The submission form is available on the Vernon Parish School Board website.
Qualifying artwork will be displayed at Gallery 111 in downtown Leesville during November. Selected artwork will represent Vernon Parish Schools at the LSBA Art Contest and Annual Convention.
Heart of Worship presented complimentary copies of “The Shepherd’s Book Part 1 & 2,” written by Dr. Keith Dickens, to Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft, Leesville Fire Chief Bobby Hooks, Leesville Police Chief Mike Campbell, Vernon Parish Chief Deputy Calvin Turner, Mr. Wisby and Wayne Uran from Rosepine.
HOWchurch and Dr. Keith Dickens expressed gratitude for first responders and community leaders. The book was written to help first responders and pastors serve the people they lead and navigate the situations they face each day.
First responders and pastors who would like a free digital copy may email emkenleah@gmail.com.