Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.
November 2, 2026
Shalonda Nix, age 39, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Introduction of Contraband into Correctional Facility and one count of Possession of a Schedule II with the Intent to Distribute. Bond was set at $ 20,000.00. Nix remains in the VPSO jail.
Eric Lane Stanley, age 46, of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with one count of Reckless Operation of a Vehicle, one count of Hit and Run Driving, and one count of Cruelty to Juveniles. Bond was set at $ 6750.00. Stanley posted bond and was released.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported school shooter threat after receiving notification from Vernon E911 on Nov. 9 at approximately 2:20 p.m. According to the Sheriff’s Office, a local resident reported receiving a text message indicating a possible threat involving a shooter at a school.
Authorities determined that the message originated from a phone number traced to a burner cell phone in the New Orleans area. The phone was serviced by a third-party provider.
The Vernon Parish School Board issued appropriate notifications throughout the school district, and all School Resource Officers were notified of the reported threat. Additional law enforcement personnel were immediately dispatched to area schools.
The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce has announced the theme for its 2026 Christmas Parade, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, at 5:30 p.m. in historic downtown Leesville along Third Street.
This year’s parade theme, “Hometown Heroes,” will honor Fort Polk soldiers, their families and first responders.
The annual Christmas parade will recognize the contributions of military personnel and emergency responders while bringing the community together for the holiday season.
Registration for parade participants is now open, with an entry fee of $40 per entry.
Those interested in participating can register online at greatervernon.org.
Sunny skies and cooler overnight temperatures are expected across Vernon Parish through the weekend, with a chance of showers returning Sunday night.
Wednesday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping into the mid-50s and west winds around 5 mph.
Thursday will bring sunny skies and highs in the mid-70s, with north winds of 5 to 10 mph. Clear skies Thursday night will allow temperatures to fall into the mid-40s.
Clear conditions will continue Friday, with highs in the lower 70s. Friday night will remain clear, with overnight lows in the mid-40s.
Saturday will be sunny, with highs in the upper 60s. Saturday night will begin mostly clear before becoming partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping into the mid-40s.
Sunday will bring partly sunny skies and highs in the upper 60s.
Cloud cover will increase Sunday night, bringing mostly cloudy conditions and a 30 percent chance of showers. Overnight lows will be in the upper 40s.
Monday will bring mostly sunny skies, with afternoon highs around 70 degrees.
Overall, the forecast calls for several days of dry weather and cooler nighttime temperatures, with a chance of rain Sunday night before mostly sunny conditions return Monday.
Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft hosted his annual Senior Citizen Luncheon at the West Louisiana Forestry Festival Fairgrounds. Craft partnered with the Louisiana Beef Industry Council to provide senior citizens with a brisket dinner featuring all the trimmings.
The 49th annual Retiree Appreciation Day was held Nov. 7 at Fort Polk, bringing together military retirees for a day of recognition, resources and community engagement.
The event began at the In and Out Processing Center, where Brig. Gen. Matthew J. Hardman, commanding general of the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, served as guest speaker.
Following the welcome ceremony, retirees participated in a cake-cutting celebration, updated their identification cards and met with soldiers showcasing military vehicles, drones and other equipment.
Activities continued at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, where retirees had opportunities to update their medical records and learn about available health resources.
Information was provided on services including physical therapy, vaccinations, diabetes care and other health-related programs.
Fort Polk officials expressed appreciation to those who attended and helped organize the event, recognizing military retirees for their service and continued connection to the Fort Polk community.
The Vernon Parish Healthy Initiatives Coalition is inviting community members to participate in its Angel Tree program to help provide Christmas gifts for local school-aged children.
The program allows individuals to select an Angel Tree ornament and sponsor a child in Vernon Parish during the holiday season.
Angel Tree ornaments are available at two locations in Leesville:
Vernon Parish Library: 1401 Nolan Trace, Leesville, LA 71446
Old Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office and Jail Annex: 203 S. 3rd Street, Leesville, LA 71446
The deadline to return sponsored gifts is Friday, Dec. 11, 2026.
Participants are asked to return all sponsored gifts to the Angel Tree location by the deadline to ensure they reach children in time for Christmas.
For additional information, contact Angel Tree Coordinator Tara Parrish at (318) 541-9927.
Quinn Turcotte of Rosepine Elementary School has been named the Vernon Parish Elementary Student of the Year.
Quinn moved to Louisiana with her family in 2021 when the Army brought them to the area. She was in kindergarten at the time and remembers her first friend at Rosepine, Deborah, who helped her feel welcome at her new school.
Now 10 years old, Quinn enjoys reading, making earrings and spending time with her cats, Mac and Cheese and Happy.
One of her favorite family traditions is visiting the Dixie Dude Ranch in Texas, where she wakes up at 5 a.m. to help the wranglers care for the horses.
Quinn hopes to pursue a career as a flight nurse or follow in her mother’s footsteps by becoming an emergency room nurse.
After learning about CPR during fire camp this summer, she hopes to earn her certification so she can help others during emergencies.
Quinn expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity and thanked her teachers, particularly Ms. Lafleur and Ms. Warren, for helping her grow.
Two Vernon Parish students recently addressed the Vernon Parish School Board, sharing their experiences in 4-H and FFA and highlighting opportunities for student leadership, community service and agricultural education.
Abby Welch, one of 1,320 students enrolled in Vernon Parish 4-H this year, spoke to board members about how the organization has helped her develop leadership skills and support local families.
Welch serves as president of the Vernon Parish 4-H Teen Leader Board and represents the Central Region on the Louisiana 4-H State Executive Board.
During her presentation, Welch discussed her opportunity to represent Louisiana 4-H as a national delegate in Washington, D.C. She also highlighted the Vernon Parish 4-H Backpack Project, through which members provide support to local students and their families.
Rosepine High School student Hanna Barrow also addressed the board, accompanied by her FFA advisor, Brian Churchman.
Barrow, who is also a Vernon Parish 4-H member, shared her experiences in FFA and discussed the recent Ag Day held at Porter Ranch.
She explained how the event provided students with opportunities to learn about agriculture in Vernon Parish.
The LSU AgCenter was among several organizations that helped make Ag Day possible.
The Vernon Parish School Board expressed appreciation to Welch and Barrow for sharing their experiences and representing their respective organizations. The board also recognized Churchman and the community partners who help provide educational opportunities for students beyond the classroom.
It’s been awhile since Vernon Parish put multiple teams in the football playoff – 2022 to be exact.
But that year, both Leesville and Rosepine made a run to the quarterfinals.
This year’s Leesville and Rosepine squads are poised to make another deep run in their respective divisions.
The No. 8 Wampus Cats (8-2) will host No. 25 Iota (5-5) in the first round of the Division II Non-Select playoffs.
Rosepine (9-1), No. 6 in Division III Non-Select, will bring in No. 27 Oakdale (4-6) in the first round of the Division III Non-Select playoffs.
LEESVILLE
The Wampus Cats battled against Division II Select power Lake Charles College Prep in the regular season finale, ultimately coming up short 66-42.
Leesville, which was playing for a district title, took two 14-point leads in the first half before LCCP got their bearings and rallied.
LCCP led by one touchdown in the fourth quarter before scoring the game’s final 18 points to make the margin look much larger than the actual competitiveness of the game.
But Leesville proved they are a threat to make a deep playoff run with its win against Jena and competitive play at LCCP.
The Wampus Cats have won at least one playoff game in eight of the last nine years, which includes two semifinals trips (2024, 2018) and another quarterfinals appearance (2022).
Iota is trying to build something like that.
The Class 3A Bulldogs did win four games in a row late in the regular season, but none of those opponents made the playoffs.
Iota struggled against playoff-caliber competition, falling in games with Sulphur (38-14), Church Point (27-13) and Northwest (23-14).
ROSEPINE
Welcome back to the dance Rosepine.
The year 2022 doesn’t seem like that long ago on paper – which is the last time Rosepine made the playoffs with a run to the quarters.
But three seasons that yielded just five wins (2023-25), including a pair of one-win seasons in 2024 and 2025, made that stretch feel a lot longer.
The Eagles topped that win total with their 7-0 start to this year.
Coach David Weldon took over and revamped the Eagles, who feasted on early competition before they hit a roadblock at Vinton (43-26) in their only loss.
Oakdale shouldn’t provide that kind of test as the Warriors needed three wins in their last four contests to secure their playoff spot.
But Oakdale does have that momentum and were just a two-point loss to Avoyelles from finishing on a four-game winning streak.
The 28-24 win against Class 1A Elton is their best victory of the season, and that proves Oakdale won’t be a simple walk in the park.
Oakdale is also a playoff regular and will have more postseason experience than Rosepine, which has none.
It’s a good test for the Eagles to find their playoff stride before hopefully facing the winner of No. 11 Jewel Sumner and No. 22 Bastrop.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) concluded its first recreational alligator harvest on Oct. 31 with 3,606 hunters harvesting 1,817 alligators, the department announced. With the successful harvest, LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth said plans for the 2027 season are already in the works.
“Louisiana’s first recreational alligator season was a success!,’’ said Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry. “With more than 3 million alligators in our state, this was an exciting opportunity for families to enjoy our Sportsman’s Paradise. I’d like to thank the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for their great work. We can’t wait to bring it back next year!”
“The return of a recreational alligator season to the people of Louisiana was nothing short of historic,’’ LDWF Secretary Bosworth said. “I could not be more proud of staff both past and present for all the work that went into making this new hunting opportunity possible. And I’m looking forward to continuing on the success of this season for years to come.’’
The American alligator is a quintessential symbol of Louisiana culture and our rich hunting heritage. The return of this exciting new season created a controlled recreational harvest opportunity for resident hunters, separate from the existing commercial alligator program. It was established to provide Louisiana sportsmen and women with greater opportunity to utilize and enjoy the iconic species and create a new hunting tradition for generations to come. Louisiana’s wild alligator population has reached a point of full recovery following decades of joint conservation efforts between the LDWF, landowners, hunters and farmers.
LDWF conducted the season through a lottery process. The recreational season ran statewide from Oct. 1-31 in all eight harvest zones. Reported size class from the recreational season was comparable to long term historic harvest. Average harvest size was 7.5 feet.
Louisiana has a robust alligator resource capable of providing sustainable recreational harvest opportunities to Louisiana residents without negatively impacting a highly valuable commercial industry that provides more than $250 million dollars annually to Louisiana’s economy.
Over my many years of fishing bass tournaments, I’ve met and visited with several who left an impression not just on me, but the fishing world as well — several men who were true legends of professional bass fishing.
Men who were innovators in bass fishing products and techniques. Anglers who left their mark through outstanding tv productions. There was one meeting that I’ll never forget; the first time I met Forest L. Wood, the founder of Ranger Boats!
In 1998, in the span of eight hours, I was offered the opportunity to represent two boat companies as one of their pro staff members: Skeeter or Ranger Boats.
At the time, Ranger was still the king of bass boat manufacturing, and I knew that this was going to be a tremendous opportunity to be a part of something special.
The following day I called Ranger and accepted their offer. This was something I took great pride in and wanted to help Ranger Boats any way possible.
Each year during the first week of December, Ranger held what they called a “Product Knowledge Tour” exclusive for Ranger Pro Staff members and participating dealers.
All the big dogs in the professional bass fishing world were there. Names like Hank Parker, Jimmy Houston, Larry Nixon and Dion Hibdon. Anglers who helped lay the foundation for Ranger Boats.
After my very first “Product Knowledge Tour,” I left at the end of Day Two to head back home. However, right next door to the Ranger Boat manufacturing facility is the Ranger Boats Museum.
I just could not pass up the opportunity to see what was inside. I had already heard about how much history was on display in this museum and wanted to take the time to go inside. The minute I walked in the door, I heard this deep voice off in the distance yell out, “Welcome to Ranger Boats!”
Low and behold, it was the man himself, Forest L. Wood, the founder of Ranger Boats! With the distinct sound of cowboy boots, he headed towards me with the same walk as the movie actor John Wayne.
He reached out to shake my hand, and we talked like we had known each other for years. Forest was a very personable man who never met a stranger. There was a quiet charisma about him which was probably developed over his many years as a fishing guide on the White River.
It was as if I was talking with my grandpa … and then things got even better! Moments later, the matriarch of the Wood family appeared in the form of Mrs. Nina Wood, his wife. Now I was even more impressed as she came over and gave me a hug like I was one of her own.
But that’s how Ranger Boats operated back then. If you were on their pro staff, you were family, and they treated you as such. Forest then took me on a personal tour of the museum and left no stone unturned.
An hour later I walked out in awe, got in my truck and headed back to Louisiana. While the museum was awesome and I highly recommend you stop in and see it if you’re ever in Flipping, Arkansas, my biggest take away was meeting Forest and Nina Wood!
They were two people who took the time to introduce themselves to a young man who was just another angler. They could have just sat in their office at the museum and let me tour on my own.
But no, they took the time to say hello and make this young man feel special and for that I will always be grateful. Rest in peace Forest and Nina Wood.
Jennifer Reising of Noank, Connecticut, has won the 2027 Louisiana Waterfowl Conservation Stamp Competition sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) with her impressive portrait of a wood duck.
The annual contest, in its 39th year, determines the image on what is commonly called the Louisiana Duck Stamp. The 2027 stamp will be available in June of 2027.
The wood duck was the species selected for this year’s contest. Reising’s piece features a single wood duck at rest on the water with cypress trees in the background.
Second place went to Tony Bernard of Scott, Louisiana, and third place to Buck Spencer of Eugene, Oregon.
A total of 16 entries were submitted from artists representing seven states, including nine from Louisiana, with others from Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Oregon and Texas.
“We, once again, had an outstanding slate of paintings to judge and select a winner from,’’ LDWF Waterfowl Program Manager Jason Olszak said. “This years’ selection was especially difficult. In only her second year entering the Louisiana contest, Ms. Reising really figured out what judges were looking for, and delivered a remarkable piece that adds to Louisiana’s long history of exceptional duck stamps.”
Judges for this year’s contest included Emily Seba of Baton Rouge, an artist who focuses on the natural world, Dr. Luke Laborde of Baton Rouge, who served for six years as the chair of the National Art Committee for Ducks Unlimited, Justin Higdon of Monroe, who is the senior regional director for Delta Waterfowl Foundation, Bob Dew of Youngsville, who serves as manager of conservation programs for south Louisiana for Ducks Unlimited, and Lucas Menard of Youngsville, a Louisiana self-taught artist who has focused on native wildlife among other mediums and formats.
The Louisiana Legislature authorized the Louisiana Waterfowl Conservation Stamp program in 1988. The program was created to generate revenue for conservation and enhancement of waterfowl populations and habitats in Louisiana. During the last 38 years, about $17 million has been generated for wetland conservation. In addition, revenue has supported wetland development projects on Wildlife Management Areas and the Louisiana Waterfowl Project, a cooperative endeavor between LDWF, Ducks Unlimited, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide habitat for waterfowl and other wetland birds on private lands.
For more information and to purchase the 2025 and/or 2026 stamp, go to the LDWF Louisiana Duck Stamp webpage. Additionally, these collector stamps for the most recent two years can be purchased through LDWF’s online licensing system. For more information on the duck stamp contest, contact Jason Olszak at 337-735-8687 or jolszak@wlf.la.gov.
If I had been Moses, I would have asked whether I could put my shoes back on before we discussed my future. A man makes better decisions, I figure, when he has his shoes on.
In the third chapter of Exodus, Moses is tending his father-in-law’s sheep when he notices a bush on fire that won’t burn up. He goes over for a closer look. God calls his name. Moses says, “Here I am.” So far, so good. Then God tells him to take off his sandals. He’s standing on holy ground.
God has heard the cries of his people in Egypt and tells Moses he’s sending him to Pharaoh to bring them out. Moses asks, “Who am I?” Later he wonders what to say, what to do if nobody believes him, and whether God has considered the fact that public speaking is an area in which Moses has considerable room for growth. By the next chapter, Moses is asking God to send somebody else.
I understand Moses. I’ve been in enough church meetings to know that “Here I am” and “I’ll do it” are two entirely different items on the agenda.
We have made “yes, but” an art form. At church, we say, “Yes, we need more young families, but those children do make a lot of noise.” At home, we say, “Yes, we ought to get together,” and spend the next seventeen messages in the family group chat establishing that nobody can do Thursday. We want somebody to fix the traffic in Ruston, preferably without moving a single orange barrel into our lane.
My favorite “yes, but” comes when somebody suggests we try something new at church. “Yes, but we tried that once.” Ask when, and you’ll find out it was in 1987, three people came, and one of them was there to fix the ice machine. The matter is considered settled.
There are times when the person who says “yes, but” saves everybody a great deal of trouble. If I’m about to back over your mailbox, please feel free to interrupt. And Moses had good reason to be scared. He knew what Pharaoh could do. Still, I know how easily I can turn a reasonable concern into a comfortable place to sit. Give me ten minutes and a legal pad and I can make a pretty good case for leaving a good thing to somebody else.
What I love about the story is God’s answer to Moses’ first question. Moses asks, “Who am I?” God says, “I will be with you.” God knows who he’s talking to. He knows Moses is scared, and there are people in Egypt who have been crying out long enough.
The thing in front of us this week may be smaller than a trip to Pharaoh’s palace. Maybe there’s a neighbor we’ve been meaning to check on. “Yes, but I wouldn’t know what to say.” You could knock and start with “How are you?” Then stay long enough to hear the answer.
N-Side View Day invites high school juniors, seniors, and their families to explore Northwestern State University on Saturday, Nov. 14.
By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University
Choosing a college is a big decision. You want a degree that prepares you for a career, professors who care about your success, and a campus where you feel at home. But how do you know if a university is right for you?
Sometimes, you need to see it for yourself.
On Saturday, Nov. 14, Northwestern State University will host N-Side View Day, giving high school juniors, seniors, and their parents an opportunity to experience campus life and get answers to their questions about college.
During the event, you’ll have opportunities to explore academic programs, meet faculty and current students, tour campus and learn about scholarships, financial aid, and admissions.
It’s also a chance to ask questions that matter to your future. What careers can I pursue with this degree? Will I get hands-on experience? Who will help me if I’m struggling in class? What is student life like?
For parents, the visit offers an opportunity to learn about college costs, available support, and the resources that help students succeed.
At NSU, our goal is simple: A degree that leads somewhere. We help students build career skills, gain real-world experience, and get support from people who know their names and care about their goals.
You don’t need to have your entire future figured out before visiting. Come explore your options, meet the people who will help you along the way, and see if Northwestern feels right for you.
N-Side View Day takes place Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. Register today at nsu.la/nsideview.
On Nov. 11, 2011, Bethesda Game Studios released The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, introducing players to a fantasy world filled with dragons, ancient ruins, magic and an enormous landscape waiting to be explored.
Now, 15 years later, the game celebrates a milestone anniversary, having become one of the most recognizable titles in modern video game history.
Released on the memorable date of 11/11/11, Skyrim was the fifth main installment in The Elder Scrolls series. The open-world role-playing game allowed players to explore the fictional province of Skyrim, complete quests, develop their characters and make decisions that shaped their adventures.
At the center of the story was the Dragonborn, a character capable of using powerful abilities known as Dragon Shouts. Players could follow the main storyline involving the return of dragons or spend countless hours exploring caves, joining factions, collecting items and discovering hidden locations.
Part of Skyrim’s lasting popularity came from the freedom it offered. Rather than requiring players to follow a single path, the game encouraged exploration and allowed players to create their own experiences.
The game also became a fixture of internet culture. Memorable dialogue, including the widely recognized reference to taking an arrow to the knee, inspired countless memes and jokes that continued circulating years after its original release.
Skyrim’s popularity extended well beyond its initial launch on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.
Bethesda released updated versions of the game for newer systems, including Skyrim Special Edition in 2016 and Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Nov. 11, 2021, marking the game’s 10th anniversary.
The Anniversary Edition expanded the experience with additional quests, equipment, gameplay features and other content.
Skyrim also developed an active community of players who created modifications, artwork, costumes and other fan projects inspired by the game.
Fifteen years after its original release, Skyrim remains a significant part of gaming culture, with its fantasy setting, memorable characters and open-ended gameplay continuing to attract players.
What began on Nov. 11, 2011, as another installment in a popular fantasy series became a lasting cultural phenomenon, making 11/11/11 a memorable date in video game history.
Thursday, November 2, 1970, was a beautiful day in Florence, Oregon. One reporter wrote, “The sun was shining and there was a gentle breeze.” A crowd of onlookers gathered about a mile south of the Siuslaw River to watch the Oregon State Highway Department’s planned demolition. By the time Walter Umenhofer arrived, the crowd had grown so large that he had to park his year-old car about a quarter of a mile down the highway from the demolition site. Walter and the other onlookers, along with a host of reporters watched for two hours as the highway department’s six-man crew led by George Thornton prepared for the explosion.
Walter and the spectators took turns taking photographs in front of the object that would soon cease to exist. Some onlookers tried to convince the workers to wait until the following Monday to set off the dynamite so more people could take one last look, but George refused. His team had done too much work to turn back. George was unsure how much dynamite he needed so he overcompensated. He explained, “I wanted to make sure we did the job the first time because I wouldn’t want to go back in there after it had been partially blown up.” Rather than placing the dynamite into the object, George and his team dug holes underneath it to place the explosives. When George’s men brought out the explosives, a green-helmeted sheriff’s deputy moved people back to what he thought was a safe distance. Then, George and his team carefully placed twenty 50-pound cases of dynamite. Many of the onlookers watched through binoculars and telescopic camera lenses as George gave the signal to push the plunger.
BOOOM!!! Within milliseconds of the explosion, everyone present realized that they were in danger. George and his team had used too much dynamite and the placement of the dynamite under the object sent sand and chunks of debris in every direction. A column of sand and fragments reached approximately 100 feet into the sky. Some newspapers reported the column reached “hundreds of feet into the sky.” The onlookers screamed, ran, and ducked for cover as the large chunks, some of which weighed up to a ton, flew over them. The blast was so powerful that it left a crater five feet deep and 50 feet across. Somehow, none of the onlookers were injured though they were all covered with sand and rubble. After the shock wore off, the onlookers began to make their way back to their vehicles. As Walter walked the quarter mile back to his year-old car, he saw that a crowd had gathered around it. Walter’s heart sank when he saw that a three-foot chunk of debris had struck the roof of his car with such force that it had crushed it flat to the top of the seats and had broken all the windows in the car. He told a reporter, “My insurance company’s never going to believe this.” With the huge number of photos and videos from the explosion as evidence, the Oregon State Highway Division’s insurance company had no choice and paid Walter for his car. For the rest of his life, Walter Umenhofer had a whale of tale that I would bet my meager life savings that only he, in the whole history of mankind, can claim. The object that destroyed Walter’s car in the explosion was part of a dead, beached sperm whale.
Source:
1. Eugene Register-Guard, November 13, 1970, p.1.
2. The Observer (La Grande, Oregon), November 13, 1970, p.9.
Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.
October 24, 2026
Eric Lane Stanley, age 46, of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespass and two counts of Theft. Bond was set at $ 4295.00. Stanley posted bond and was released.
October 26, 2026
Christopher Lee Scott, age 43, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Traffic Bench Warrant. Bond was set at $ 1500.00. Scott remains in the VPSO jail.
October 27, 2026
Rayshard Lynch, age 23, of Bastrop, was arrested on an out of jurisdiction Bench Warrant for Ruston Parish. Lynch remains in the VPSO jail.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
Voters across Vernon Parish went to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, to decide several local elections, including district judge, school board, justice of the peace, constable, mayoral and municipal aldermen races.
According to unofficial results from the Louisiana Secretary of State, all Election Day precincts and early and absentee voting returns have been reported for the contests listed below.
In the 30th Judicial District Court, Division C, race, “Cindy” Poston Lavespere received 44% of the vote, followed by Lisa Nelson with 29% and Bryan Somers with 27%. Runoff required.
Several Vernon Parish School Board races were closely contested, including District 5, where “Paul” Lemieux Jr. received 52% of the vote against Shad Stewart’s 48%, and District 8, where Candace Black received 51% against Melissa Fulks’ 49%.
Voters also decided municipal races in Rosepine and Hornbeck.
The following results are UNOFFICIAL and remain subject to certification.
Vernon Parish Local Election Results
District Judge — 30th Judicial District Court, Division C
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 60 of 60 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
“Cindy” Poston Lavespere (REP)
4,731
44%
Lisa Nelson (REP)
3,092
29%
Bryan Somers (REP)
2,896
27%
Total
10,719
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 41.6%
Member of School Board — District 2
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 3 of 3 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Larry “Scooter” Alexander (REP)
800
57%
Tammy Cecil (NOPTY)
595
43%
Total
1,395
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 49.0%
Member of School Board — District 3
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 10 of 10 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Deidra Shell (REP)
989
76%
Ben Mount (REP)
311
24%
Total
1,300
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 48.9%
Member of School Board — District 4
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 6 of 6 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Martha Vinson (REP)
517
55%
Paul Eaves (NOPTY)
421
45%
Total
938
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 40.1%
Member of School Board — District 5
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 8 of 8 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
“Paul” Lemieux, Jr. (REP)
592
52%
Shad Stewart (REP)
557
48%
Total
1,149
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 44.6%
Member of School Board — District 6
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 8 of 8 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Curtis Clay (DEM)
318
45%
William Lewis, Jr. (DEM)
183
26%
Robert B. Blow (DEM)
108
15%
Sheneka Acey-Roy (DEM)
97
14%
Total
706
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 34.0%
Member of School Board — District 7
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 7 of 7 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
John Blankenbaker (REP)
783
72%
“Chris” Preece (REP)
306
28%
Total
1,089
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 41.6%
Member of School Board — District 8
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 11 of 11 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Candace Black (REP)
649
51%
Melissa Fulks (REP)
631
49%
Total
1,280
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 50.8%
Members of School Board — District 1
Five to be elected
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 18 of 18 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Kelly Kaiama-Goodwin (REP)
1,575
14%
“Bo” Cryer (REP)
1,455
13%
Rhonda H. Morrison (REP)
1,402
12%
Jessica Rene Haymon (REP)
1,356
12%
Betty Hicks (REP)
1,265
11%
Raymond Haymon (REP)
1,116
10%
Harold Rush (REP)
893
8%
Thomas Neubert (NOPTY)
861
8%
Justin Brown (NOPTY)
855
7%
Bonita Smith (DEM)
653
6%
Total
11,431
Unofficial Turnout: 28.1%
Justice of the Peace — Ward 7
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 12 of 12 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Adam Ducote (REP)
930
57%
Trista Johnson (REP)
690
43%
Total
1,620
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 40.9%
Constable — Justice of the Peace Ward 4
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 20 of 20 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Kaden “Buck” O’Banion (REP)
611
58%
Brandon Lyons (NOPTY)
448
42%
Total
1,059
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 28.7%
Constable — Justice of the Peace Ward 5
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 3 of 3 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
“Chris” Robinson (REP)
521
73%
Macy Willis (REP)
189
27%
Total
710
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 47.7%
Constable — Justice of the Peace Ward 8
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 4 of 4 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Justin Rose (NOPTY)
359
54%
Ronald Hagan (REP)
305
46%
Total
664
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 52.9%
Mayor — Town of Rosepine
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 2 of 2 precincts reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Dennis “BJ” Bjornberg II (REP)
272
82%
Bruce Ward (NOPTY)
60
18%
Total
332
100%
Unofficial Turnout: 37.3%
Aldermen — Town of Hornbeck
Five to be elected
Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 1 of 1 precinct reporting
Candidate
Votes
Percent
Jonathan “Jon” Hyatt (REP)
88
20%
Cullen L. Parker (REP)
85
19%
Hogan Bennett (REP)
84
19%
John Fain (REP)
66
15%
Ida Bynum (REP)
63
14%
“Tom” Reeks (NOPTY)
50
11%
Total
436
Unofficial Turnout: 30.0%
About These Results
All contests listed above have reported 100% of their Election Day precincts, along with early and absentee voting results.
Candidates are listed in order of votes received, with the leading candidates shown in bold. In multi-seat races, the candidates receiving the highest vote totals are identified based on the number of positions to be filled.
The percentages shown are those reported by the Louisiana Secretary of State and may not total exactly 100% because of rounding.
All results are unofficial and subject to certification. Some contests may require a runoff election under Louisiana election law.
Source: Louisiana Secretary of State — Unofficial Election Results, Nov. 3, 2026.
