The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious object at a local apartment complex earlier today, Aug. 6. After further investigation, deputies determined the object was a non-explosive military training aid. The object was collected by the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, and there was no threat to the public.
Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.
July 29, 2026
Michelle Tinsley, age 26, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Tinsley remains in the VPSO jail.
July 30, 2026
Gary Paul Winfree, age 54, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Simple Battery, one count of Domestic Abuse Battery, one count of Theft of a Motor Vehicle, one count of Resisting an Officer, one count of Reckless Operation of a Vehicle, one count of General Speed Law, one count of Aggravated Burglary / Burglary , one count of Possession of Methamphetamine in Excess of 28 Grams, one count of Possession of A Schedule II Narcotic with the Intent to Distribute, and one count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic. Bond has not been set and Winfree remains in the VPSO jail.
July 30, 2026
Sammy Joe Phillips, age 52, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Turning Movements and Required Signals and one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Bond has not been set and Phillips remains in the VPSO jail.
Brittney Marie Hubbard, age 35, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Bond has not been set and Hubbard remains in the VPSO jail.
Michael Joseph Tinsley, age 54, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Bond has not been set and Tinsley remains in the VPSO jail.
Daniel Roy Dixon, age 49, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Bond has not been set and Dixon remains in the VPSO jail.
July 31, 2026
Britney Marie Hubbard, age 35, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Hubbard remains in the VPSO jail.
Danial Lagrange, age 54, of Florien, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Lagrange remains int he VPSO jail.
August 1, 2026
Emmitt Gene Hinton, age 24, of DeRidder, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery. Bond has not been set and Hinton remains in the VPSO jail.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
Louisiana’s new State Fire Marshal, Chief Chad P. Sonnier, met with firefighters from Vernon Parish in Leesville on Monday night, continuing a tradition of engaging directly with firefighters serving communities across the state.
Chief Sonnier succeeds Chief Bryan J. Adams, who now serves as the Department of Public Safety’s Principal Assistant. According to the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, their leadership reflects a continued commitment to strengthening Louisiana’s fire service through collaboration, communication and support for fire departments statewide.
“My commitment is simple, to serve Louisiana’s firefighters with integrity, provide them with the resources and support they need to succeed, and work every day to protect the lives, property, and well-being of the people of Louisiana. Together, we will continue building a stronger, safer future for every community in our state,” Chief Sonnier said.
Hot and humid conditions will continue across Rapides Parish through the upcoming week, with daily highs in the lower to mid-90s and periodic chances for afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Wednesday will be sunny with a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High temperatures will reach the mid-90s with southwest winds around 5 mph. Rain chances are 20 percent, and heat index values could climb to 105 degrees. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy in the evening before becoming mostly clear, with humid conditions and lows in the mid-70s.
Thursday will be sunny with a 50 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs will reach the lower 90s with south winds around 5 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear with humid conditions and lows in the lower 70s.
Mostly clear skies are expected Friday through Saturday, with highs in the lower 90s and overnight lows in the lower 70s.
Saturday night through Sunday night will be partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-70s and highs in the lower 90s.
Monday will be mostly sunny with a 40 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High temperatures will remain in the lower 90s, with heat index values reaching up to 105 degrees. Monday night will be partly cloudy with lows in the mid-70s.
Tuesday will bring mostly sunny skies with another 40 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs will remain in the lower 90s, and heat index values could again reach 105 degrees.
Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks if working outdoors, and limit prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day as heat index values remain elevated.
The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal (SFM) has arrested 37-year-old Justin Ware of Pitkin in connection with a February residential fire that investigators determined was intentionally set as part of an insurance fraud scheme. SFM deputies arrested Ware on July 30, 2026, on two counts of insurance fraud and one count of arson with the intent to defraud. The investigation began after the Plainview Fire Department requested assistance from the SFM Fire Investigations Unit following a house fire in the 400 block of Hopewell Road in Pitkin.
At approximately 3 a.m. on Feb. 24, 2026, the Plainview Fire Department responded to the house fire. Following an extensive investigation that included a scene examination, digital evidence analysis and witness interviews, investigators determined the fire had been intentionally set to support fraudulent insurance claims involving both the residence and a vehicle. The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds the public that anyone with information regarding fire-related crimes is encouraged to submit an anonymous tip by visiting lasfm.org and selecting the “Arson Fires” icon.
The Village of Simpson Water System received the 2026 Source Water Protection System of the Year award during the Louisiana Rural Water Association’s Annual Awards Ceremony held July 15 in Lake Charles.
The award recognizes the Village of Simpson Water System for its efforts to protect the community’s drinking water supply.
Village officials thanked the Louisiana Rural Water Association for its continued support, knowledge and assistance over the years.
According to the village, the award reflects the dedication and hard work of the team responsible for maintaining the water system and ensuring a safe drinking water supply for customers each day.
Officials said the work of protecting the community’s drinking water may not always be visible, but it is made possible through the expertise, vigilance and commitment of the water system’s staff.
Merchants & Farmers Bank has awarded the 2026 Perry Johnson Memorial Scholarship to Pitkin High School graduate John Davis.
Davis, known as “J-Dub,” is the son of John and Stephanie Davis. He graduated with a 3.8 GPA and was named Mr. Pitkin High School. During high school, he was a member of 4-H, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and the National Honor Society (NHS), while also participating in basketball and baseball.
He will continue his education at SOWELA Technical Community College in Oakdale, where he plans to pursue a degree in criminal justice.
Merchants & Farmers Bank awards the $500 scholarship annually in memory of Perry Johnson, a longtime bank officer and employee who worked at the bank for 22 years. Johnson was a graduate of Pitkin High School’s Class of 1965 and a former athlete.
The Leesville Police Department partnered with the Louisiana Basketball Boot Camp to support local youth.
Sgt. Devin Buterbaugh, public information officer for the Leesville Police Department, attended the camp and observed the athletes as they worked to develop their skills and represent Vernon Parish and surrounding communities.
The department thanked the Louisiana Basketball Boot Camp for investing time, talent and mentorship into the next generation, recognizing its efforts to develop skilled athletes as well as disciplined and confident young leaders.
The Leesville Police Department said it is proud to support programs that encourage teamwork, perseverance and positive opportunities for youth.
It’s that time of year when there’s not a whole lot going on in the bass fishing world. August is when there’s a lull on most tournament trails as they avoid the hot summer heat. But come September and October, trails start to crank up again with their end-of-the-season championship events.
The goal of all anglers who fish tournament trails all spring is to qualify for the fall championship. It’s where champions will be crowned and Anglers of the Year announced. It’s also when most tournament trails reveal their new schedules for the upcoming spring.
Most anglers make their decision on what circuit they will follow next season based on where the fall championship will be. Some like trails that stay close to home to help cut down on travel costs, while others like trails that travel more on a regional level and go to places that are known for quality fishing.
But one thing all anglers want is to wrap up the season at a great fishing venue where they can catch a lot of fish. While most anglers would love to win a regional championship, the reality is they want a place they can enjoy and to finish out their season on a high note at a good fishery. They want a great experience!
Most bass tournament trails also want to send anglers to great fishing destinations where anglers are rewarded for making the championship. But every once in a while, some circuits will send anglers to a place like the Red River, a body of water that tends to level the playing field with its diversity as a fishery.
Any time you go to places like Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn, Grand Lake, or maybe Texoma, there are a handful of anglers who frequent those bodies of water, giving them a distinct advantage going into the event, and potentially making them harder to beat.
River systems like the Red or the Arkansas River are places that aren’t as popular and tend to give more anglers a shot at taking home a win. Certain lakes like Arkansas’s Lake Ouachita and East Texas fisheries like Lake of the Pines or Lake Palestine are also places that are great for championship events.
But there’s also another huge factor that determines where a tournament trail will have its championship event. What city or community will be willing to put up the money to host these events? Yep, that’s right, it all comes down to who will foot the bill to host these major tournaments.
While these championship events bring in a lot of money over a weeklong period, it’s also great exposure for the local community. Most of the time, the standard of “how good is the fishery” falls way down on the list of things most important deciding who gets to host a championship event. Sure, the trail owners want all the anglers to have a good time, but in reality, it’s all about the money.
Other priorities a host community must provide are free hotel rooms for the entire staff that it takes to put on one of these championship events. They must have adequate boat ramp facilities and plenty of lodging options for anglers.
Here’s the bottom line. When anglers sign up for a particular tournament trail, the location of the season-ending-championship is very important. It’s a pride thing for all anglers to know they have qualified for the championship, as it means they have had a very good season.
For most anglers, these championship events are a great way to end the fishing season. It also means fall is right around the corner as anglers trade in their rods and reels for bows, rifles and shotguns.
They prepare to hit the woods and enjoy some great hunting. Bass boats will be parked, deer stands will be cleared of unwanted wasps, while duck blinds will be dressed, and four-wheelers will be cranked … because tournament anglers aren’t just bass fishermen, they are outdoorsmen who love the outdoors no matter what season it is.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
There are few places in life where a person feels quite as vulnerable as the dental chair. Reclined, mouth open, bib clipped on like a toddler at mealtimes, we are reminded—sometimes painfully—that even the strongest among us can be brought to our knees by a stubborn molar. Recently, during a stretch of extensive dental work (the kind they do before you get dentures), I found myself reflecting on forgiveness, sin, and the curious ways God uses everyday experiences to get our attention.
There I was, gripping the armrests “with my teeth clenched,” even though the dentist had politely asked me not to clench anything. As drills whirred and suction tubes slurped, I realized how much of life feels like this: uncomfortable, exposed, and out of our control. Sin works the same way. It sneaks up on us, decays what we thought was solid, and before long we’re dealing with something far more extensive than we ever expected.
The hygienist cheerfully said, “We’re just going to get down to the root of the problem.” I almost laughed. Isn’t that exactly what God does with us? Grace doesn’t just polish the surface; it goes deep, right to the root. It addresses the infection, the hidden places, the things we’d rather keep tucked away. And like dental work, grace can feel intrusive before it feels healing.
As the dentist worked, I thought about how often we “bite off more than we can chew,” how frequently we “grit our teeth” through situations we caused ourselves, and how easy it is to “sink our teeth” into resentment. Sin has a way of leaving us spiritually toothless—unable to chew on the Word, unable to speak truth without wincing, unable to smile without feeling the ache of what’s broken.
But here’s the good news: God is the Master Dentist of the soul. He doesn’t shame us for the decay; He simply says, “Open wide.” And when we do, He gets to work—cleaning, restoring, reshaping. Forgiveness is His anesthetic: it numbs the sting of guilt and gives us courage to face the deeper work. Grace is His reconstruction: building us back up where life has worn us down. And mercy? Mercy is the gentle rinse that washes away what we cannot remove ourselves.
When the appointment finally ended, the dentist said, “You’re going to feel better once the healing kicks in.” I knew he meant my mouth, but I heard something more. Forgiveness doesn’t just fix what’s broken; it frees us to heal. It lets us smile again—really smile, not the tight-lipped kind we give when we’re still hurting.
So if life has left you feeling like you’re in the dental chair—exposed, anxious, and aware of your own decay—take heart. God’s grace is already at work. And when He’s finished, you’ll walk out renewed, restored, and ready to sink your teeth into joy again.
One of the most influential figures in space exploration was born on Aug. 5, 1930.
Neil Armstrong, who would become the first person to walk on the moon, was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio. His interest in aviation began at an early age, and he earned his student pilot’s license before obtaining a driver’s license.
Armstrong served as a naval aviator during the Korean War before becoming a test pilot and later joining NASA’s astronaut program.
On July 20, 1969, Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface during the Apollo 11 mission, delivering the famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
The moon landing was watched by an estimated 600 million people worldwide and remains one of the most significant achievements in human history.
After leaving NASA, Armstrong taught aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati and served on several national commissions related to aviation and space exploration.
Armstrong died on Aug. 25, 2012, at the age of 82, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists, engineers and explorers.
Each year, Aug. 5 marks the anniversary of the birth of the man whose historic first steps on the moon changed the course of history.
Each summer we discuss the unbearable heat as if we have somehow forgotten from previous years. This is nothing new. Our ancestors complained about it too. For thousands of years, people in our hemisphere have linked the hottest days of summer, which are often times of drought, disease, and unrest, with astronomy and folklore. Our ancient ancestors paid more attention to the stars in the sky than we do today. During July and August, ancient keen observers noticed that a bright star appeared in the eastern sky just before dawn. Aside from the Sun, it was the brightest star in the sky. They concluded that the sweltering temperatures were produced by a combination of the heat from the Sun and this star which they named “Sirius,” the Greek word for “scorching.” The Greeks and Romans believed Sirius was responsible for drought, fever, general discomfort, and a host of other unfortunate occurrences. Ancient Egyptians believed that the appearance of this star which they called “Sothis” signaled the annual flooding of the Nile. Egyptians depended on the annual flood because it delivered nutrients to the otherwise infertile land.
Today, Sirius is seen as little more than a curiosity. If you look to the east in the pre-dawn hours, you can spot Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, which is Latin for “greater dog.” Because Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky and the brightest star in the “greater dog,” it became known as the “Dog Star.”
Through the centuries, as our understanding of astronomy and knowledge in general improved, the old superstitions slowly faded away. Well, mostly. While trying to beat the heat this summer, you will undoubtedly hear an ancient folklore phrase based on Sirius’s appearance in the sky which has been spoken for millennia. Most people mistakenly associate the ancient phrase’s meaning with laziness brought on by heat and humidity. However, this phrase links the period of time when, as ancient people incorrectly believed, the Dog Star and the Sun combined forces to produce sweltering, almost unbearable heat. That phrase which you will undoubtedly hear this summer, which has been repeated every summer for years, refers to July and August as being the Dog Days of summer.
Source: Catherine Boeckmann, “What Are the Dog Days of Summer? Meaning, Dates & History,” The Old Farmer’s Almanac, June 19, 2026, accessed July 26, 2026, https://www.almanac.com/
Brian Douglas Marshall
The family will have a visitation on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 11 AM – 12 PM at Jeane’s Funeral Service. Please stop by and share your memories and stories with the family.
David Earl Stephens Sr.
Service: Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 1 PM at First United Pentecostal Church in Leesville
James Edward “Jim” Manning Sr.
Service: Friday, August 8 at 11 am at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville
Vivian Gail Pickering
Service: Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 9:30 am at Blackjack Cemetery in Pitkin
Talmadge Edward Curtis
Arrangements TBA
Loretta Faye “Lettie” Heck
There will be a private funeral service for Lettie.
Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
Every Vernon Parish student will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2026-2027 school year to help ensure students start the day ready to learn and stay fueled for success.
Although meals will be free for all students, families must still complete the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) form. The information helps schools secure state and federal funding.
Students will continue receiving free meals regardless, and the form only takes a few minutes to complete.
The Vernon Parish Animal Shelter is warning the community that it is approaching a critical point due to overcrowding and a spread of ringworm among cats.
According to the shelter, cats are experiencing a spread of ringworm, and because the facility does not have a proper isolation area, staff members are working to manage the situation and care for the animals safely.
The shelter also reported it is at maximum capacity with dogs and is asking for animals to leave through adoption, foster care, rescue or responsible reclaim.
Officials said they do not want to euthanize any animal for space but may have to call a “Mayday” if animals do not leave the shelter soon.
The shelter said a Mayday is its most serious effort to notify the community that animals are at immediate risk of euthanasia because there is no longer enough space to safely house incoming animals.
The Vernon Parish Animal Shelter said it must continue providing animal control services and cannot permanently hold kennels while waiting weeks or months for animals to be adopted.
The shelter will continue updating available animals and is asking residents to share posts and visit the shelter to meet available pets.
The shelter is also asking the community to help prevent unnecessary shelter intake by making efforts to rehome pets before surrendering them, safely holding stray animals while searching for owners or intake options, spaying and neutering pets, keeping vaccinations current, microchipping pets and keeping animals safely contained at home.
The shelter encouraged residents to adopt, foster, rescue, reclaim and share available animals, noting every open kennel could save a life.
The Leesville Police Department partnered with the Louisiana Basketball Boot Camp this week to support local youth.
Sgt. Devin Buterbaugh, Public Information Officer for the Leesville Police Department, attended the camp and witnessed the hard work, determination and commitment demonstrated by athletes as they worked to become stronger competitors and representatives of Vernon Parish and surrounding communities.
The Leesville Police Department extended appreciation to the Louisiana Basketball Boot Camp for investing time, talent and mentorship into the next generation.
The department said the program’s dedication to developing skilled athletes, disciplined individuals and confident young leaders makes a lasting impact on the community.
The Leesville Police Department said it is honored to support programs that encourage teamwork, perseverance and positive opportunities for local youth.
East Leesville Baptist Church is highlighting its Compassion in Action (CIA) group, a ministry focused on encouraging and caring for others by sharing the love of Christ.
The group meets every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Family Life Center at East Leesville Baptist Church.
Members of Compassion in Action write cards of encouragement, deliver flowers to those who are sick, homebound, recovering or lonely, and take homemade cookies to brighten someone’s day.
The ministry is made up of men, women and children of all ages and welcomes new members who have a heart for encouraging others and serving the community.
The Leesville Rotary Club welcomed Jennie Davis, founder of SEEDS (Serving Everybody Everyday Selflessly), and member Donna as guests at a recent meeting.
The organization shared information about its mission and how it helps senior citizens with basic everyday needs through community donations.
The Rotary Club thanked Davis and Donna for sharing SEEDS’ vision and encouraging community support for the organization.
SEEDS is asking community members to get involved by donating needed items from its list while shopping, contacting the organization and making donations to help others.
The City of Leesville will partner with surrounding area law enforcement agencies and first responders to bring the community together for National Night Out 2026.
The event, themed “Under The Big Lights,” will take place Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 4-8 p.m. at the Leesville Recreation Complex.
The evening will feature family fun, community engagement and activities for all ages. Residents are invited to bring their children to meet local law enforcement officers and first responders while enjoying vendors passing out merchandise, food and drinks throughout the event.
Activities will include watching law enforcement clock pitches in the batting cages, helping teach kids how to bait a hook at the new fishing pond and throwing tricky pitches during the Home Run Derby.
The event will also feature Buddy Ball Teams, with attendees encouraged to cheer on special athletes during the community event.
Businesses, organizations and community partners are invited to join the event and participate.
Registration is available online through the National Night Out Registration Form.
For more information or to register a business to participate, contact LeeAnn Cooley at 337-884-9486 or events@leesvillela.gov.
Antoine James “Spanky” Dalme
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 10 am at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville
James Freddie Monroe
Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 3 pm at Simpson Baptist Church
Alan Theodore Baker
Service: Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 10 am at Grace Bible Church in Leesville
Jason McGraw
Service: Friday, July 31, 2026 from 10-11 a.m. at Skyvue Funeral Home in Mansfield, TX
Dennis Estel Howard Jr.
Service: Friday July 31, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Hornbeck
Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced a $1.1 million project to install new pavement striping and rumble strips along numerous routes throughout the Alexandria region.
Work is scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 3, weather permitting, starting on LA 1 and LA 29 in Avoyelles Parish.
Construction will begin on LA 1 from W. Bon Temps Street in Marksville to LA 114 in Echo and on LA 29 from Dora Road to Dupuy Crossing in Avoyelles Parish. Motorists are advised to watch for advance warning signs, crews and equipment in the work zone.
This portion of the project is expected to take approximately five months and is dependent on weather conditions.
The project includes the following routes:
Future work will take place in Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon and Winn parishes. DOTD said it will provide another update when contractor Nation Striping Company, LLC moves from Avoyelles Parish to the remaining parishes.
According to DOTD, the project is intended to replace pavement striping that provides important information to motorists while improving safety through the installation of rumble strips, which alert drivers with sound and vibration when they drift from their travel lane.
All roadways included in the project will remain open to local and through traffic during construction, with no vehicle width restrictions. Lane closures will be used as needed during construction operations.
DOTD reminds motorists to drive with caution through construction zones, watch for work crews and equipment, leave adequate following distance and use caution when walking or biking near active work areas.