Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Sam Craft announced the May 8, 2026 arrest of Justin Rodriguez, 26, of Leesvillefollowing an alleged home invasion incident in the area of Roshong Road.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded around 3:30 a.m. after receiving a call reporting that a break-in had occurred and that a neighbor was holding a male subject at gunpoint.

When deputies arrived, they located a male subject seated in the yard of the residence. Authorities said the suspect was detained without incident.

Investigators said the elderly female victim reported waking up and leaving her bedroom only to discover an intruder sitting at her dining room table. The victim told deputies she returned to her bedroom, locked the door, and contacted a neighbor for assistance.

The victim further reported that the suspect allegedly began banging on the bedroom door while yelling apologies.

According to the sheriff’s office, the neighbor responded immediately, located the suspect, and held him at gunpoint until deputies arrived on the scene.

Deputies later determined that Rodriguez allegedly broke a window to gain entry into the residence.

Authorities said the victim was not injured during the incident.

Rodriguez was arrested and charged with one count of home invasion involving destruction, damage, or vandalism of property, one count of criminal damage to property, one count of disturbing the peace, and one count of criminal trespass.

Bond was set at $53,457, and Rodriguez remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright announced that Terrie Ann Gray, 49, of Leesville was found guilty of first-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to a juvenile following a jury trial in Vernon Parish.

According to the district attorney, the jury returned its verdict after approximately five minutes of deliberation.

Gray was convicted in connection with the death of the 4-year-old daughter of her live-in boyfriend, Logan Miller, as well as abuse involving Miller’s 2-year-old son. Prosecutors said the children had moved into the home shared by Gray and Miller only months before the incident occurred.

Authorities said the 4-year-old child was found unresponsive inside the couple’s home and was transported by emergency medical personnel to a local hospital before both children were later transferred to a trauma facility in Shreveport. The child died the following day.

A forensic medical examiner later determined the cause of death to be blunt force trauma to the head.

Lambright thanked investigators, prosecutors, and the victims’ family members following the verdict.

“My office will continue to seek to hold people accountable for horrific crimes such as these,” Lambright stated. “Dealing with the mistreatment of children is one of the hardest things we have to face.”

Judge C. Anthony Eaves scheduled Gray’s sentencing for Aug. 25, 2026, at 9 a.m. Under Louisiana law, a conviction for first-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of probation or parole.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Lea R. Hall.

The trial for co-defendant Logan Miller is currently scheduled to begin Oct. 19, 2026.

Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Sam Craft and members of the sheriff’s office are congratulating Deputy Randy Williams on graduating from the Alexandria Regional Police Academy.

According to the sheriff’s office, Williams was already a POST-certified law enforcement officer and completed a refresher course through the academy.

Williams currently serves as a School Resource Officer at Faith Training Academy.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents that unpaid property taxes are now considered delinquent as the parish prepares for the upcoming sheriff’s tax sale.

According to the sheriff’s office, the 2026 Sheriff Tax Sale is scheduled for June 24.

Officials said there are currently more than 300 properties within Vernon Parish with delinquent taxes. The reminder was issued in an effort to encourage property owners to address outstanding balances before the scheduled sale.

The sheriff’s office stated that it does not want to see residents lose their property due to unpaid taxes and encouraged anyone with questions or concerns to contact the parish tax office.

Residents seeking additional information regarding outstanding property taxes can contact the tax office at 337-238-7221.

Sheriff Sam Craft announced that Micah Merchant of Vernon Parish has been named the recipient of an academic scholarship from the Louisiana Sheriff’s Scholarship Program for the 2025-2026 school year.

Micah resides in Hicks, Louisiana and plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Monroe and pursue Kinesiology as a field of study. Micah’s parents are Wade and Tara Merchant.

The Sheriff’s Scholarship is made possible by the Louisiana Sheriff’s Honorary Membership Program (LSHMP). Louisiana Sheriffs provide scholarships to graduating high school students from each parish where the Sheriff is an affiliate of the program.

Qualities such as academic achievement, leadership, and character are considered in making selections of Sheriff’s scholarship recipients. The only limitations are that applicants be permanent residents of Louisiana; scholarships be utilized in higher education within the State; and students be enrolled as full-time, undergraduate students. Scholarships will be awarded in sixty-four parishes throughout the state.

In closing Sheriff Craft said, “Academic awards by the Louisiana Sheriff’s Scholarship Program to Louisiana students demonstrate what the LSHMP is all about. This is one of our finest accomplishments. It invests in Louisiana’s future and gives something back to our community. This would not be possible without the kind and generous support of Vernon Parish’s Honorary Members.”

We would like to congratulate Micah on his graduation and his receipt of the LSHMP Scholarship.

Betty Jean DeVore Tolar
Service: Friday, May 22, 2026 at 10 am at Cannon Cemetery

Donald Ray Beltz
Service: Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 12 pm at Canaan Baptist Church of Leesville

Clarence William Williams
Service: Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11 am at First Assembly of God Church in DeRidder

Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or vpjnewsla@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to vpjnewsla@gmail.com).

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

May 15, 2026

Tina Schlegel Tighe, age 54, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic with the Intent to Distribute, one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, and one count of Possession of Marijuana. Bond has not been set and Tighe remains in the VPSO jail.

Lance Joseph Meyer, age 35, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Cultivation of Marijuana and one count of Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute. Bond has not been set and Meyer remains in the VPSO jail.

May 16, 2026

Darkus Dartanyuan Dunlap, age 54, of Leesville, was arrested on three outstanding Bench Warrants and one count of Domestic Abuse Battery – Aggravated 2nd Degree. Bond has not been set and Dunlap remains in the VPSO jail.

May 18, 2026

Laci Joe Brown, age 44, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant and charged with one count of Resisting an Officer. Bond has not been set and Brown remains in the VPSO jail.

Samuel Wilson Lucius, age 49, of Slagle, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of Marijuana, one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, one count of Operation of Official Inspection Stations, one count of Open Container, and one count of Obstruction to the Driver’s View or Driving Mechanism. Bond has not been set and Lucius remains in the VPSO jail.

May 19, 2026

Jeffrey Michalk, age 62, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Required Position and Method of Turning at Intersections, one count of Operating a Vehicle while License is Suspended, one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, and one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond has not been set and Michalk remains in the VPSO jail.

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

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A long-term joint task force investigation in Vernon Parish led to the arrest of a Leesville man following the execution of a search warrant at a residence on Pine Road, authorities said.

Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announced the May 14, 2026 arrest of Jason Smith, also known as “Catwalk,” age 48, of Leesville.

According to investigators, the arrest stemmed from an ongoing multi-agency investigation that culminated in a search of Smith’s residence. During the search, authorities reported seizing large quantities of methamphetamine, synthetic marijuana, and multiple firearms.

Smith was taken into custody and booked on several charges, including possession of a Schedule I narcotic, possession of a Schedule II narcotic with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, and two counts of illegal carrying of a weapon.

He remains in the Vernon Parish jail with no bond set at this time.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges or arrests have not been ruled out.

Sheriff Craft, who oversees the investigation through the department, continues to coordinate the task force effort as part of ongoing narcotics enforcement in the region.

A prolonged stretch of wet and stormy weather is expected to continue across the region through Memorial Day and into next week, bringing daily chances for showers and thunderstorms along with cooler-than-normal daytime temperatures.

Wednesday’s forecast calls for partly sunny skies with scattered showers and thunderstorms possible during the morning before rain activity becomes more widespread in the afternoon. High temperatures are expected to reach the mid 80s with light east winds shifting north later in the day. Rain chances are set at 70 percent.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue Wednesday night, especially after midnight. Overnight lows will remain warm at around 70 degrees.

Forecasters expect Thursday to bring some of the heaviest rainfall of the extended forecast period. A chance of morning showers and thunderstorms will give way to more widespread afternoon rain and storms under mostly cloudy skies. Temperatures are expected to peak in the lower 80s before gradually falling into the upper 70s later in the day. Rain chances increase to 90 percent.

Rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue Thursday night with showers likely lingering after midnight. Overnight lows are forecast to remain in the lower 70s.

Friday will bring another round of showers and thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon hours. High temperatures are expected to remain in the lower 80s with rain chances holding at 90 percent.

Conditions are expected to stay mostly cloudy Friday night with lingering chances for showers and thunderstorms. Overnight lows will once again settle into the lower 70s.

The unsettled weather pattern will continue through the weekend. Saturday’s forecast includes likely showers and thunderstorms both during the morning and afternoon hours with highs in the lower 80s and rain chances around 80 percent.

Rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue Saturday night with temperatures falling to around 70 degrees.

Sunday’s forecast calls for widespread showers with thunderstorms becoming more likely during the afternoon. High temperatures are expected to remain in the lower 80s while rain chances climb to 90 percent.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue Sunday night before carrying into Memorial Day, when forecasters predict additional showers and scattered thunderstorms with highs again reaching the lower 80s.

The wet weather pattern is expected to persist into Tuesday with mostly cloudy skies and additional chances for showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon hours.

With multiple days of rain expected, residents planning outdoor events, graduations, travel or Memorial Day activities are encouraged to monitor weather updates closely and prepare for periods of heavy rainfall, lightning and localized ponding on roadways throughout the week.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam once again circulating in the parish in which callers are impersonating law enforcement officers in an attempt to solicit money.

According to the sheriff’s office, a resident recently reported being contacted by an individual claiming to be a police officer who referenced accurate information about a relative allegedly in law enforcement custody. The caller then falsely stated that the inmate would be required to complete anger management classes as part of bond conditions.

Authorities say the scam escalated when the caller instructed the resident to send payment for bond and related fees through Cash App and also mentioned cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, as acceptable methods of payment.

The sheriff’s office emphasized that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not request bond payments or fees through Cash App, Bitcoin, or similar payment platforms, and they do not require payment for programs such as anger management in this manner.

Officials are urging residents to avoid engaging with callers making such requests and to independently verify any bond or incarceration information by contacting the jail directly using official phone numbers.

The department also advised that individuals who receive such calls should hang up immediately, block the number, and report the incident. Authorities noted that any money sent to scammers is not recoverable.

Residents are encouraged to remain cautious, as similar impersonation scams have been reported in other areas as well.

The City of Leesville recognized two local students this week as recipients of annual scholarship awards from the Mayor’s Women’s Commission.

Bhavi Patel and Matthew Koury were selected to receive $500 scholarships as part of this year’s program. Both students are seniors involved in the Leesville High School SGA.

The City of Leesville Municipal Government congratulated the recipients and noted the importance of continued support for student achievement and leadership development.

The Mayor’s Women’s Commission, which oversees the scholarship program, was also recognized for its ongoing commitment to investing in local youth and encouraging educational advancement within the community.

City officials said the awards reflect a broader effort to support students as they prepare for higher education and future careers.

Forget steaks and racks of ribs — in this economy, one hot dog is apparently enough to require armed security and laser protection. Guests at this backyard gathering stare at the grill like they’re bidding on a rare collectible, hoping they might score a bite before prices go up again. The cartoon pokes fun at rising grocery costs and shrinking cookout menus, where even a humble barbecue has started to feel like a high-stakes event.

The City of Leesville and the Leesville Recreation Complex marked a milestone this week with a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the new multi-use sports facility.

City officials thanked residents, partners, and sponsors for their support, noting that Monday morning’s event drew a strong community turnout and marked what they described as a successful launch for the complex.

The facility includes five turf ball fields, two practice fields, four pickleball courts, and a fishing pond. Officials say the development is designed to serve local youth programs and provide expanded recreational opportunities for Leesville and surrounding areas.

The City of Leesville Municipal Government and recreation leaders also recognized support from the Vernon Parish Police Jury and the West Louisiana Forestry Festival, crediting local partnerships for helping bring the project to completion.

City representatives said the complex represents a long-term investment in community recreation and youth development, and they expect it to play a key role in future sporting events, programming, and regional growth.

No one has more secrets than bass fishermen, especially tournament bass fishermen! If you’re an angler fishing for bass, crappie or anything else, there are certain things you never reveal. For bass tournament anglers, it’s considered a cardinal sin to reveal how and where you’re catching bass. Since the beginning of competitive bass fishing, anglers have always been very secretive about what they know. 

So why are anglers sworn to such secrecy and not telling others about what they do and how they do it? Well one reason would be, it’s about finding fish and making sure other anglers don’t figure out where their secret locations are.

For tournament bass fishermen, the practice of being hush-hush has gone on forever. The problem is some anglers can’t find their own fish and will resort to whatever means necessary to poach another angler’s location. 

One thing that separates a great angler from an average one is the ability to find bass. Guys that develop this skill have a major advantage over those that can’t. Some anglers who are desperate will pay other anglers or fishing guides for waypoints and locations that hold bass.  

Some anglers are very tight-lipped about where and how they are catching fish. Forever, anglers have exercised their right to remain silent about information that someone can use against them in a tournament. 

So why are anglers so compelled to withhold this valuable information or sometimes try and mislead other anglers they are competing against with false information? 

First, it’s the money and prizes anglers are fishing for today. Some tournaments offer cash payouts while others offer both cash and prizes like a new bass boat!  Isn’t it funny how when there’s money involved, morals and ethics go out the window. 

Several circuits have high payouts with the winner taking home $100,000 or more for a win. Also, if it’s a high-level tournament trail, it’s not just about the money, but it’s the points they can earn that allows them to qualify for a championship at the end of the season.

Pretty much every circuit has a points system that will reward anglers who finish in the circuit’s top 20 or 30 percent at the end of the regular season, with an opportunity to fish for a championship which has an even greater payout. 

One thing that has been practiced forever on all tournament trails is the bond between small groups of anglers who, in most cases, room together on the road. These are guys that trust each other and feel confident that no matter what information they share, they know it won’t leave the group. 

With this being said, there are a few exceptions on who an angler will tell where and how he is catching bass. The thing about tournament bass fishing is that it creates a comradery among a select few anglers who TRUST one another.  

They trust the fact that while they might give away locations and how they are catching bass among each other, they know no one in their group will encroach on the location they have been told about during the tournament. But they will take this information and try to find a spot similar and catch their own fish.

This secrecy among anglers is what makes the sport of tournament bass fishing so unique, along with the comradery that is seen in only a few select sports. 

But this trust or bond can be a problem if just one angler decides to go outside the group and share information they promised not to tell. It’s like a marriage, once the trust is broken, the relationship is over! Bass tournament anglers are no different!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Is there a place in your home or office that looks like the picture above? Is your multistrip, multitasking more than it’s designed for? Does your extension cord have an extension cord plugged into it?

While it may sound like the intro to a “You Might be a Redneck” monologue, unfortunately, the answer is more commonly yes to many of those scenarios.

May is National Electrical Safety Month, and Cleco is offering tips on how to avoid electrical hazards which can cause fatalities, injuries and property loss.  By taking simple precautions, you can avoid dangerous situations and stay safe, not just in May, but year round.

Tips to keep homes and businesses safe from electrical hazards:

• Have electrical work performed by qualified electricians.
• When a fuse operates or circuit breaker trips, determine the reason before replacing or resetting.
• Avoid placing cords in places where they can be damaged or pinched by furniture, such as under rugs or across doorways.  Cords that are frayed or damaged should be removed and replaced immediately, not spliced or taped.
• Minimize the use of extension cords and never plug two extension cords together.
• Inspect all electrical appliances before using them to ensure they’re properly grounded.
• Remember that water and electricity do not mix.
• Don’t let children climb trees near power lines.
• Avoid overhead and underground power lines when you use a ladder, work on the roof, clean a pool, prune trees or dig in the yard.
• Never touch a downed power line or anything in contact with it.  Keep away and call Cleco or 911.

For more safety tips, visit www.cleco.com and follow Cleco on Facebook at @ClecoPower

Fifty years ago, a much younger, much more nervous version of me stepped into a pulpit for the very first time. My sermon was too long, my theology was too thin, and my confidence was too high for someone who had no idea what he was doing. In other words, I fit right in with every preacher who ever lived.

Half a century later, I stand amazed — not only that God has been faithful, but that congregations have been too. Some of them even stayed awake. If you want to understand humanity, don’t study psychology. Don’t read philosophy. Just preach weekly for fifty years and watch what happens in the pews.

I’ve seen:

People sleeping so soundly during my sermons that I considered checking for a pulse. One gentleman snored in perfect rhythm with the Doxology. I took it as a compliment. Parents losing control of toddlers who suddenly discovered their spiritual gift was interpretive dance in the center aisle. Teenagers communicating entirely by eyeroll, a language I now speak fluently. Peppermint unwrappers — the saints who believe they can open a candy “quietly,” which somehow takes seven minutes and sounds like a raccoon rummaging through aluminum siding. Folks, at this point in my ministry, I beg you: grip it and rip it. The Lord already knows.

After fifty years, I owe some congregations an apology. Not for theology, not for leadership decisions, not for pastoral missteps — though I’ve had my share of those — but for some truly lousy sermons. There were sermons that wandered. Sermons that limped. Sermons that should have been humanely euthanized. Sermons that were so confusing even I wasn’t sure what I meant.

To the churches who endured them: Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your grace. And thank you for not forming a search committee.

Through it all — the laughter, the tears, the baptisms, the funerals, the potlucks, the revivals, the meetings that should’ve been emails — I have been surrounded by people who loved Jesus and tried their best to love one another.

I’ve watched congregations rally around the grieving, celebrate the newly married, welcome the newborn, and feed the hungry. I’ve seen the church at its most beautiful: ordinary people doing extraordinary things because Christ lives in them.

Fifty years of ministry has taught me this: Following Jesus is less about perfection and more about direction. Less about knowing all the answers and more about trusting the One who does. Less about preaching great sermons and more about living a faithful life.

I’ve stumbled, learned, grown, laughed, cried, and kept walking — because Jesus kept leading. And somehow, by grace alone, I’ve made it to this milestone.  If the next years bring more sleeping saints, more peppermint concerts, more toddlers on the loose, and more holy moments of grace — I’ll count myself blessed.

Thank you for letting me preach, love, learn, and laugh among you. Thank you for fifty years of community. Thank you for walking with me as I’ve tried to walk with Christ. And if you happen to fall asleep during this article, I’ll take that as a sign of spiritual peace.

When you hear ‘Peach Festival’, you may picture baskets of fuzzy peaches, maybe a peach cobbler bake-off, or even a parade. But here in Ruston, the Louisiana Peach Festival is so much more than just a celebration of our locally grown fruit. It is a time to experience the rich tradition and culture that can only be found in our small historic town. Residents and visitors alike come for this special day, filled with activities that keep people coming back year to year. This year’s Peach Festival in Ruston is Saturday, June 6.

Here are 5 ways that the Peach Festival exceeds just peach appreciation (although, we love our peaches too):

1. A Love Letter to Louisiana Culture

Area artists, vendors, musicians, and makers are the forefront of what makes this festival thrive. Browsing our curated arts market with 90+ artists of all mediums allows you to get a glimpse into the vibrant arts of our state. And you can’t miss the music! Louisiana-based musicians play on the Railroad Park Stage to ensure the spirit of the festival carries on into the night. Celebrate our Louisiana roots with us, and dive into what makes our culture so unique.

2. The Food Scene Goes Full Peach (In the Best Way Possible)

Here in Ruston, we pride ourselves on the quality and diversity of our local restaurants and food trucks. The creativity of Ruston’s culinary scene is unmatched, and the sweet peach flavor is no exception. In the week leading up to the festival, 30+ local restaurants come together for the Peach Culinary Crawl, featuring unexpected dishes, drinks, and pairings. From a peach caprese turkey melt to a pint of locally-brewed peach wheat ale, indulge your tastebuds with this staple, seasonal ingredient.

3. It Still Holds Tight to Its Sweet Southern Traditions

Of course, it would not be a southern festival without all of the classic contests and exhibits. The Peach Pageant, Peach Parade, Antique Car Show, Peach Rodeo, Peach Art Exhibit, and Cookery Contest are all ways that the community engages with the roots of the festival. These fun traditions have been happening for generations, and plan to stay for many, many more. The Ruston community continues to add to these celebrations, with sidewalk sales, a 5K race, and even a Pickleball Tournament. All these traditions keep the festival feeling like a small town gathering, keeping it close to the hearts of our residents and visitors.

4. It’s One of the Few Festivals Where You Don’t Feel Nickel-and-Dimed

The Peach Festival prides itself on having free admission, making it accessible for a Saturday full of activities. In Kids Alley, there are no paid vendors, allowing all kiddos to enjoy hands-on crafts, games, entertainment, and more festival activities. It is the perfect opportunity to bring the family out for fun that won’t break the bank. Our goal is to make the festival easy and accessible for all ages to enjoy!

5. It Feels More Like a Community Gathering Than a Carnival

No flashy rides or ferris wheels here – the Peach Festival provides something even more memorable. Surrounded by the painted murals of downtown, local organizations, and all the friendly volunteers, it’s easy to feel like a part of the Ruston community that we know and love. With festivities happening from morning to late into the night, you have plenty of time to experience the festival at your own pace. So bring out your lawn chair, grab a bite, listen to the music, and enjoy all the sights and sounds of our community. 

The traditions, culture, and hospitality surrounding this celebration reminds us that this isn’t just a festival, but a signature kind of Southern experience you don’t find everywhere. The peach flavor is just the tip of the iceberg to all of the sweetness of peach season in Ruston, LA. 

For more information on the 76th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival and to see the full schedule of events, visit www.lapeachfest.com/. 

Today’s kids are booked, busy, and burned out—but one parent is asking if it’s time to bring back a simpler, slower kind of childhood.

 See what Ida says 

In April 1969, Gaynor Hopkins’s aunt heard her singing in her bedroom and entered her in a local talent competition.  She was nervous and excited.  The song she chose was the chart topper “Those Were the Days,” made popular by Mary Hopkin.  It was the first time the 17-year-old had ever used a real microphone.  Gaynor did not win the talent show but came in second place to an accordion player.  People at the talent show praised Gaynor for her vocal delivery and sweet voice.  The following week, Gaynor saw an advertisement in her local newspaper in which a singer named Bobby Wayne was looking to hire three female backup singers.  The ad said, “No experience needed, training [would be] given.”  Winning second in the talent show gave Gaynor the confidence to audition.  Out of the 34 girls who auditioned, Gaynor was one of the three selected.  For two years, she performed with Bobby Wayne and the Dixies.  There was a problem.  Gaynor Hopkins resembled and sounded like Mary Hopkin, and people often confused the two.  Gaynor said she never really liked her name, so she took the opportunity to change it.  She adopted her niece’s first name, added a common last name, and became Sherene Davis.  She performed under that name with her own band called Imagination.

In 1975, Gaynor was performing with her band at a local hotspot called “The Townsman” which was in a multi-story building.  Talent scout Roger Bell went to the building to see Vic Oakley sing, but he went to the wrong floor by mistake.  Roger liked what he heard and invited Gaynor to London to record a demo.  That demo led to a contract with RCA Records.  Gaynor released her first single in 1976, but it was a flop.  Her second, “Lost in France,” fared much better, then there was another career setback.  After suffering with a sore throat, Gaynor’s doctor said she needed surgery to remove nodules from her vocal cords.  In the spring of 1977, her doctor said the operation was a success and her voice would return to normal if she remained completely silent for the six-week recovery period.  He instructed her to communicate only by writing.  Gaynor, a self-proclaimed chatterbox, tried but failed and strained her voice.  Her doctor explained that the damage was irreversible. 

Gaynor had years left on her contract with RCA, so they brought her in for another recording session.  After singing the first six words of a song in the studio, everyone involved was worried.  The sweetness was replaced with a huskiness.  RCA released the song as a single in November 1977 only after the song’s producer and songwriters threatened to terminate their contracts with RCA.  To RCA’s surprise, the song rose to the top 10 in 20 countries and to the number one spot in 8 of those countries.  That song was “It’s a Heartache.”  Gaynor had many other hit songs including “Holding Out for a Hero” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”  When Gaynor signed her contract with RCA, they stipulated that Gaynor change her stage name from Sherene Davis to something that sounded less like a belly dancer.  She bought two newspapers from which she listed all the Christian names and surnames.  She tried many different combinations until she found one that suited her.  You may never have heard the names Gaynor Hopkins or Sherene Davis, but the world knows her as Bonnie Tyler. 

Sources:

1.     Abby Morgan, “Bonnie Tyler: ‘The older you get, the less you have to prove,’’’ Leicestershire Press, July 10, 2023, accessed May 10, 2026, https://leicestershirepress.com/2023/07/10/bonnie-tyler-the-older-you-get-the-less-you-have-to-prove/.

2.     “33.1/3^rd,” Record Collector, December 28, 2023, accessed May 10, 2026, https://recordcollectormag.com/articles/33-1-3rd-8.

3.     Goldmine Contributors, “Bonnie Tyler feels ‘The Best Is Yet To Come,’” Goldmine: the Music Collector’s Magazine, May 27, 2021, accessed May 10, 2026, https://www.goldminemag.com/interviews/pop/power-ballad-singer-bonnie-tyler-feels-the-title-is-perfect-for-her-latest-album-the-best-is-yet-to-come/.

For generations, blue jeans have survived fashion trends, school dress codes, road trips, concerts, awkward family photos and at least a few questionable DIY projects. And on May 20, one of the world’s most recognizable wardrobe staples celebrates a major milestone in history.

May 20 marks the anniversary of the 1873 patent that helped launch blue jeans into global fame. On that date, businessman Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob Davis received a U.S. patent for adding metal rivets to men’s work pants, creating a stronger and more durable product designed for laborers during the Gold Rush era.

At the time, the invention was practical. Workers needed clothing tough enough to survive mines, railroads and physically demanding jobs. More than 150 years later, those same rugged pants somehow became acceptable attire for everything from grocery runs to weddings held in barns.

The original riveted denim pants were intended for hardworking laborers in the American West. Today, they are just as likely to be worn by teenagers filming dance videos, tourists walking through Buc-ee’s or someone insisting they are “dressed up” because they chose dark denim instead of faded denim.

Jeans have become one of the few pieces of clothing capable of sparking universal emotional experiences. Nearly everyone has owned a pair that fit perfectly for exactly three weeks before shrinking, stretching or suddenly becoming uncomfortable for reasons science still cannot explain.

The evolution of denim trends has also created some memorable fashion eras. Over the decades, styles have ranged from bell-bottoms and acid wash to ripped skinny jeans and ultra-baggy designs large enough to store camping equipment in the pockets. Every generation has confidently declared its preferred version the correct one while criticizing the styles that came before and after it.

Despite changing trends, denim remains deeply tied to American culture. Blue jeans have appeared in movies, music, political campaigns and countless advertisements promoting the idea of rugged independence. They are worn by ranchers, celebrities, mechanics, teachers and people pretending they definitely did not just spill queso on themselves moments earlier.

Retail analysts say denim sales continue to remain strong even as athleisure wear and comfortable loungewear compete for closet space. Still, many shoppers continue searching for the mythical perfect pair of jeans — one that is comfortable, affordable, flattering and does not require Olympic-level flexibility to put on.

As May 20 rolls around, Americans once again celebrate an invention that managed to outlast countless fashion trends while remaining stubbornly difficult to shop for. More than a century after their invention, blue jeans remain one of the few things capable of making people simultaneously feel confident, nostalgic and personally attacked by fluorescent dressing room lighting.