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

October 7, 22026

Jerome Jamel Scott, age 32, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery – Strangulation and one count of Interfering with Emergency Communications. Bond has not been set and Scott remains int he VPSO jail.

October 8, 2026

Joshua D. Welch, age 44, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with three counts of First Degree Rape – Victim under age of 13 and three counts of Aggravated Crimes Against Nature. Bond has not been set and Welch remains in the VPSO jail.

Donald Ray Wofford Jr., age 43, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with Disturbing the Peace – Drunkenness and one count of Simple Obstruction of a Highway. Bond has not been set and Wofford remains in the VPSO jail.

October 9, 2026

Michael Scott Evans, age 52, of Florence, Mississippi, was arrested and charged with one count of Violation of a Protective Order. Bond was set at $3,000. Evans remains in the VPSO jail.

October 12, 2026

Matthew Ellias , age 32, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Damage to Property. Bond was set at $1,281. Ellias posted bond and was released.

Heath Thompson, age 50, of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, one count of Tail Lamps, one count of No license plate light, one count of Operating a vehicle while license is suspended , and one outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond was set at $9,166. Thompson remains in the VPSO jail.

Stephen Sims, age 57, of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Bond was set at $5,000. Sims remains in the VPSO jail.

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

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BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Office of State Parks has launched the Louisiana State Parks Passport, a free program created to encourage families and travelers to visit public lands and historic landmarks across the state.

The passport booklet serves as a travel keepsake for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can collect a commemorative stamp at each location they explore. Travelers who visit all 32 state parks and historic sites can submit their completed passports to receive prizes ranging from official state park gear to a free overnight cabin or campsite stay.

“Whether hiking scenic trails, camping under the stars, paddling peaceful waterways, fishing, enjoying family recreation or exploring Louisiana’s historic treasures, this passport makes every stop along the way special. Each passport stamp represents a new destination and a new adventure,” Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser said. “The Louisiana State Parks Passport is a fun way to get explore new places and discover everything our state parks and historic sites have to offer. Grab a passport, get outdoors, and see if you can hit all 32 destinations”

Standard day-use entry fees apply at all participating locations. Passports are free and can be requested online by visiting the Louisiana State Parks Passport webpage.

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Residents across Vernon Parish can expect several more days of summerlike heat before a noticeable change in temperatures brings cooler, more comfortable conditions to West Central Louisiana this weekend.

The forecast calls for afternoon highs in the lower 90s Wednesday and Thursday, followed by a gradual cooling trend beginning Friday. By Saturday, daytime temperatures are expected to fall into the mid-70s, with overnight lows approaching 50 degrees.

The cooler conditions will be relatively short-lived, with temperatures climbing back into the 80s early next week.

Wednesday and Thursday:

Wednesday will bring sunny skies throughout Vernon Parish, with afternoon highs reaching the lower 90s. South winds will range from 5 to 10 mph.

Mostly clear skies are expected Wednesday night, with temperatures falling into the mid-60s. South winds around 5 mph during the evening will become light and variable overnight.

Thursday will bring another sunny and hot afternoon, with highs once again reaching the lower 90s. Southeast winds will remain light at approximately 5 mph.

Mostly clear conditions will continue Thursday night, with overnight temperatures settling into the mid-60s. Southeast winds around 5 mph during the evening will become light and variable.

Friday:

Temperatures will begin to decline Friday, although conditions will remain warm across Vernon Parish.

Mostly clear skies are forecast, with afternoon highs reaching the upper 80s.

A more noticeable change will arrive Friday night, when temperatures are expected to fall into the mid-50s under mostly clear skies.

The drop in overnight temperatures will signal the beginning of a cooler weekend across the parish.

Saturday:

Saturday is expected to bring the most significant temperature change of the forecast period.

Afternoon highs will reach only the mid-70s, approximately 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the temperatures expected Wednesday and Thursday.

Mostly clear skies will continue throughout the day, providing favorable conditions for outdoor activities across Leesville, Fort Johnson, and surrounding Vernon Parish communities.

Saturday night will bring some of the coolest temperatures of the week, with overnight lows expected to fall to around 50 degrees.

Residents heading outdoors during the evening or early Sunday morning may want to have a jacket available.

Sunday:

Sunday will bring sunny skies and a gradual return to warmer weather, with afternoon highs reaching the lower 80s.

The day will remain considerably cooler than the middle of the week, although temperatures will begin climbing following Saturday’s cooldown.

Mostly clear skies are expected Sunday evening before becoming partly cloudy overnight.

Low temperatures Sunday night will settle into the upper 50s.

Monday and Tuesday:

The new workweek will bring another warming trend across Vernon Parish.

Mostly cloudy skies are expected Monday and Tuesday, with afternoon highs reaching the upper 80s.

Overnight lows will return to the lower 60s, marking a noticeable increase from the cooler temperatures experienced over the weekend.

Despite the increase in cloud cover, the forecast does not indicate significant rainfall during this period.

The primary weather development for Vernon Parish will be the transition from lower-90-degree temperatures during the middle of the week to highs in the mid-70s by Saturday.

Overnight temperatures will also fall considerably, dropping from the mid-60s Wednesday and Thursday nights to around 50 degrees Saturday night.

The forecast calls for generally sunny to mostly cloudy conditions throughout the period, with no significant rain chances indicated.

For residents throughout Vernon Parish, the weekend will offer a brief stretch of fall-like weather before warmer temperatures return Monday and Tuesday.

Tighten the forecast into a shorter articleAdd a quick day-by-day forecast summary

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Hicks High School 4-H member Coen Davis was recently recognized for earning first place in his division in the Match Split competition during this year’s West Louisiana Forestry Festival Woodsman Skills competition.

The Vernon Parish 4-H Club presented Davis with his first-place ribbon during a Hicks High School 4-H Club meeting, recognizing his achievement in the forestry skills event.

According to Vernon Parish 4-H, Davis had left the competition before organizers were able to present him with his award.

Club representatives later arranged to recognize him during the school meeting, ensuring he received his ribbon and acknowledgment for his accomplishment.

The Match Split event was part of the festival’s Woodsman Skills competition, which provides participants an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in forestry-related activities.

Vernon Parish 4-H congratulated Davis on his first-place finish and expressed pride in his performance.

The recognition highlighted Davis’ achievement while celebrating student participation in agricultural and forestry-related competitions through the 4-H program.

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 changed our world in so many ways, especially Aviation – and 25 years later, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is still adapting airport security to keep us safe.

Last week, Alexandria International Airport announced that it is testing location for Gateside by TSA PreCheck, a new program that allows TSA PreCheck® members and people with Known Traveler Numbers (KTNs) to enter participating airports’ post-security areas without a departing flight. This free authorization is available at select U.S. airports, including Alexandria International Airport (AEX), with additional locations planned in the coming months.

Before 9-11, you could walk beyond the security checkpoint to say goodbye to your loved one – or be there to welcome someone as they exited the airplane tunnel. Gateside by TSA PreCheck expands upon traditional airline gate pass access, which is limited to special circumstances like accompanying a minor, a person with a disability, or a military service member.

With an approved Gateside pass, eligible non-travelers can meet arriving passengers at the gate, accompany departing travelers, or enjoy airport amenities beyond security like restaurants or shopping opportunities. Passes are valid for just one calendar day, with same-day re-entry allowed.

Gateside by TSA PreCheck Eligibility and Instructions 

1. To participate, applicants must be TSA PreCheck members or have a KTN. 

2. Eligible participants must apply for Gateside by TSA PreCheck online at tsa.gov/gateside one to three days in advance of their visit to the airport. Applicants will need to log in with or create a free Login.gov account to access the application portal. Children may be entered on their parent’s or guardian’s reservation. 

3. Upon their arrival at the airport, approved non-travelers will still undergo TSA security screening using an acceptable form of identification. 

Visitors should verify their approval status in the portal before arriving and be prepared to show their live portal dashboard via mobile device if requested by a TSA officer. Screenshots or paper printouts of approval status will not be accepted. Learn more about Gateside by TSA PreCheck at tsa.gov/gateside.

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By Journal Staff

There is something truly magical about bringing Louisiana communities together to celebrate what makes our state so vibrant, welcoming and unique.

Over the past few weeks, the Parish Journals of Louisiana had the privilege of partnering with Paige Alost and the Natchitoches Parish Tourist and Convention Commission, alongside Rebecca Blankenbaker and the Cane River National Heritage Area, to help promote a one-of-a-kind regional celebration: Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: Natchitoches Celebrates Dolly Parton.

From the moment planning began, our mission was simple: rally readers from across North and Central Louisiana and share the charm, history, and warmth of Natchitoches.

Today, we could not be prouder of the overwhelming response.

Throughout the multi-week promotional campaign, our readers answered the call in record numbers:

• Over 1.29 million total impressions were delivered across our 16 digital Parish Journals, connecting community members to the spirit and schedule of the festival.
• More than 1 million views greeted readers on topboard banners across every single news article published in our network.
• Nearly 300,000 in-depth reads were logged on our dedicated feature advertorials exploring the weekend’s itinerary and the rich heritage of Cane River country.
• More than 4,400 verified, non-duplicated entries were submitted by readers eager to win the exclusive $600 Dolly Parton Weekend Getaway package.

Beyond the numbers, what stood out most was the enthusiasm of our neighbors. Whether reading in Lincoln, Webster, Rapides, Jackson, Shreveport-Bossier, or right at home in Natchitoches Parish, readers embraced the chance to support and visit a premier Louisiana destination.

Events like Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend demonstrate the enduring spirit of local community. Partnering with dedicated leaders like Paige Alost and Rebecca Blankenbaker reminds us of the power of collaboration between local tourism organizations and local community journalism.

To the Natchitoches Parish Tourist and Convention Commission and the Cane River National Heritage Area: thank you for trusting us to help tell your story. And to our readers across Louisiana: thank you for supporting community events and continuing to make our parish news network your daily home.

We were honored to play a part in this unforgettable celebration—and we look forward to many more to come.

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Vernon Parish football teams should be well-rested coming off a pair of Thursday that featured all three teams.

Now it’s back to traditional football Friday as the parish trio tries to make their way toward district titles and playoff contention.

After Rosepine (6-0, 1-0) handled Pickering (1-5, 0-1) this past week in the “Battle for the Big Dog Jug,” the Eagles will host Plain Dealing. The Lions just ended the state’s longest losing streak at 49 games with its win against Pine Prairie.

Pickering will lick its wounds and try to start its three-game homestand off right when East Beauregard visits.

Leesville (5-1, 1-0) will look to keep is District 3-4A train rolling when they head to North Vermilion (5-1).

LEESVILLE

The Wampus Cats didn’t have any trouble with new district member Rayne, and they’ll get another new district member in North Vermilion for the programs’ first-ever meeting.

Leesville worked on its passing game against Rayne (2-4, 0-1) in a 49-6 win as Trel Broom and Brayden Vargas combined to throw for 314 yards and five touchdowns on 15-18 passing.

The Wampus Cats rolled up 114 rushing yards on just 13 carries led by Grant Braxton’s 75 yards, which pushes him across the 3,000-yard mark for his career.

Leesville scored 43 points in the first half.

With Julius Brown’s six catches for 82 yards, the receiver is just five receptions away from tying Levander Liggins for the school’s all-time receptions record (118). Brown has 113 catches for 1,875 yards in his career, according to the Leesville Wampus Cat Football History Facebook page.

North Vermilion’s record looks nice, but their 4.33 strength factor is the lowest in Division II Non-Select.

The Patriots’ best win is Class 1A St. Martin’s Episcopal (28-7) in the opener. St. Martin’s is the only North Vermilion win whose is slated to make the playoffs currently.

When North Vermilion did tussle with a Division II playoff caliber team in No. 18 Erath, they fell 45-20.

Leesville is sitting at No. 9 in those rankings and could push its way into bye territory by winning their last four games, which includes Week 9 date at Jena and Week 10 date at Lake Charles College Prep.

ROSEPINE

Belief can be contagious, and Plain Dealing (1-5) just might believe after ending their 49-game losing streak with a 22-0 shutout of Pine Prairie.

But the Eagles won’t pay any mind to that as their superior depth overwhelmed Pickering in their Vernon Parish clash this past week.

Rosepine just has to focus enough on Plain Dealing without turning too much of an eye to undefeated Vinton next week, which appears to be the de facto district title game.

The Eagles have won all six games by double digits with its 54-point win over Pickering, the largest of the season and the largest since a 56-point win against Pickering in 2022.

The shutout is also the first since the 2023 blanking of Pickering as the Eagles have won 15 of the last 18 in the series.

This season, Rosepine is winning its games by an average of 35 points.

Plain Dealing has been shut out in four of their six games, and they’ll face a Rosepine defense that’s held all six opponents to 20 points or less and three to single digits.

The Eagles are sitting at No. 5 in Division III Non-Select, but their low strength factor (3.33) should improve some with Vinton on the schedule.

PICKERING

The Red Devils playoff hopes are slipping as Pickering sits at No. 35 in the Division IV Non-Select power rankings.

Pickering’s last three games are all at home, starting with East Beauregard (3-3, 1-0 District 5-2A) on Friday.

The Trojans are riding high after a 44-20 win against DeQuincy, Pickering’s Week 8 opponent.

The Red Devils need to reverse both offensive and defensive trends to score multiple victories in the last three weeks.

After shutting out Pine Prairie, Pickering has allowed an average of 48 points in its five-game losing streak.

The Red Devils dropped 47 in its opener, but they haven’t totaled that number (40) in their last five games combined.

East Beauregard snapped a three-game skid with its win against DeQuincy with its other two wins against Merryville (30-9) and Northwood-Lena (48-8).

Merryville contributed to Pickering’s losing streak with a 44-20 win.

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BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana hunters using firearm suppressors will not face state penalties for lacking federal tax stamps or registration papers following recent changes to federal law, wildlife officials announced Monday.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issued guidance clarifying how enforcement agents will address suppressors in the field after major federal shifts removed long-standing registration mandates.

Congress recently reduced the federal tax on suppressors to $0, and a federal court in Texas ruled in August that the federal government could no longer enforce specific registration requirements. On Oct. 9, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced it would no longer require agency approval or registration to possess a suppressor.

While Louisiana state law permits hunters to use suppressors, state statutes previously relied on the federal tax stamp as proof that the device was possessed legally.

LDWF officials said enforcement agents will adjust their field inspections accordingly. Agents will not cite hunters or seize equipment simply because an individual does not possess an ATF tax stamp or registration paperwork, provided the suppressor is legally owned and attached to a firearm permitted for the active hunting season.

Officials emphasized that standard hunting regulations and restrictions remain in effect. Agents will continue checking licenses, harvest tags, season dates, legal hunting hours, bag limits and approved methods of take.

Key rules that remain unchanged include:

• Suppressors remain legal for taking game birds, wild quadrupeds, outlaw quadrupeds, nutria and beaver.
• Firearms must still meet legal specifications for the specific season and game pursued; attaching a suppressor does not make an otherwise illegal firearm lawful.
• Individuals legally prohibited from possessing firearms may not possess suppressors.
• Anyone convicted of a class four or greater hunting violation remains barred from hunting with a suppressor for five years following the conviction date.
• Machine guns remain fully regulated under federal law.

Hunters with questions or seeking local contact information for enforcement agents may visit wlf.louisiana.gov/page/contact-local-law-enforcement.

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Growing up as a kid who fished stock ponds his whole life, I could not wait for the day that I got my first bass boat. Every angler who loves bass fishing looks forward to the day they pull out of a boat dealer towing their first bass boat. 

As a new boat owner there are so many things that you must learn on your own. Not many dealers take you out and show you how to launch your boat or go over maintenance tips you need to do yourself. 

So much about a bass boat is learned through experience. You learn through trial and error, but hopefully the errors you make don’t cost you a ton of money to fix.

But there was one thing I learned the very first time I took out my new Pro Gator bass boat back in 1992. When you arrive at the dock after fishing, make sure you tie the boat to the dock properly. 

It was on Chicot Lake,  just north of Ville Platte, where I took it out for the very first time. I was so excited to go fishing in my new boat while learning all the ends and outs about it. 

There was one thing that got my attention as I idled away from the boat dock. I noticed on my left, there were several gators sitting on the bank sunning themselves. A couple of these gators were over 10 feet long and looked at me as if I would be their next meal. More on that in just a minute.

After catching a few bass that evening, I decided to stay on the lake until after it got dark, as the bass were really biting just after the sun went down. It was around 9:30 that I headed back to the ramp. 

Upon arriving at the boat dock, I tied off my boat (or so I thought). I then headed to my truck so I could back my trailer down the ramp and load my boat.  After getting the trailer into the water, I hopped out of the truck and walked down the dock towards my boat. But as I got to the end of the dock, my boat was gone!

Now remember, there’s no one around for help and it’s pitch dark except for the light on the dock itself. So, as I scanned the bay and saw my boat floating about 50 yards out in the bay with its running lights on, panic set in on how I was going to get to it. At the same time, reality also set in and I knew there was only one way to retrieve the boat. 

That’s right, I was going to have to swim alligator-infested waters to retrieve my brand-new bass boat. So, I did what any crazy man would do. I stripped down to my underwear and made a running sprint down that long boat dock and dove headfirst into the lake. 

Let’s just say that had this been an Olympic swim meet, I would have set a new world record for the 50-meter freestyle. Arriving at the boat and having the fear of a gator pulling me under as I grabbed the side of my boat, I hopped in it quicker than a rabbit jumping over a briar patch. 

The moral of the story: always make sure you properly tie your boat to the dock, so you don’t have to make an unnecessary swim. Good luck, good fishing and remember, every time you go fishing, it’s a great trip whether you catch fish or not. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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“Use it or lose it.”

Football coaches said that in the weight room, usually while we were trying to explain why we needed to sit down. Language professors warned us to use our Greek, Hebrew, Latin, and German daily. My piano teacher said something similar about muscle memory. Apparently, muscles have memories. Mine remember how much they dislike exercise.

I haven’t used it, and I have almost lost it.

I am talking about my handwriting.

I often write notes to members of the congregation. Some are invitations to church events. Others offer encouragement during rocky times. Then there is my special category: “I know where you sit, and I haven’t seen you sitting there for a couple of Sundays.”

If you want your preacher to have trouble tracking your attendance, move around the sanctuary. Of course, convincing a Methodist to change pews may require a greater miracle than anything I am prepared to perform.

I was writing a pile of those notes this week. For every successful note, I threw away two because of mistakes. By the time I finished, I had encouraged six church members and exhausted a small forest.

My handwriting is on the fritz. I know what I intend to write, but somewhere between my brain and my fingers, the message gets translated into a prescription.

When I was growing up, we learned cursive in the third grade. It was a rite of passage. Adults could no longer hide information in that mysterious, looping script. The Christmas gift list was finally readable. Unfortunately, so were the chores.

We spent hours forming those majestic letters. Our teachers expected proper slants, graceful loops, and consistent spacing. My handwriting now looks like a committee reached an agreement on none of those things.

These days, I do most of my writing on a keyboard. The computer straightens my lines, corrects my spelling, and occasionally changes a perfectly good word into something that could end my ministry.

I have neglected a skill I once used every day. Now my fingers need a refresher course.

Where has “use it or lose it” proven true in your life?

Some things grow rusty when we neglect them. That includes the ways we love one another. Patience needs practice, especially with people who give us plenty of opportunities. Compassion grows when we pay attention. Forgiveness takes more exercise than holding a grudge, although a grudge can certainly wear you out.

Jesus calls us to put love into practice: love our neighbors, pray for our enemies, forgive one another, and care for those who are easily overlooked. Those teachings become part of our lives as we follow him in ordinary, sometimes inconvenient moments.

We do not practice our way into earning his love. His love comes first. Then, by his grace, we learn to love as he loves.

So find a church on Sunday. We will be practicing following Jesus together. Then comes Monday, when we discover whether we learned anything. You are welcome to sit beside me. Just don’t ask me to take notes.

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On Oct. 13, 1972, a plane carrying 45 people crashed into the snow-covered Andes Mountains in South America. What followed became one of the most remarkable and disturbing survival stories in aviation history.

For 72 days, a group of young men endured freezing temperatures, starvation, an avalanche, and the devastating realization that rescuers had stopped searching for them. When help finally arrived in December, only 16 people remained alive.

The tragedy, now widely known as the Miracle of the Andes, began when Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 was traveling from Uruguay to Chile. Among those aboard were members of the Old Christians Rugby Club, along with friends, relatives, and crew members. The aircraft was approaching Santiago, Chile, when a navigational error led the pilots to begin descending before clearing the surrounding mountains. The plane struck a mountain, losing both wings and its tail section before the remaining fuselage slid across the snow and came to rest in a remote valley high in the Andes.

Twelve people died in the initial crash, while others succumbed to injuries in the days that followed.

Those who survived found themselves stranded thousands of feet above sea level, surrounded by towering mountains, with little food, inadequate clothing, and no reliable means of communicating with the outside world.

The wrecked aircraft became their shelter.

Passengers used luggage, seat cushions, and pieces of the fuselage to block openings and protect themselves from the bitter cold. With almost no medical supplies, they treated injuries as best they could. Meanwhile, search aircraft flew over the region, but the white wreckage was nearly impossible to distinguish from the surrounding snow. After several days of unsuccessful searching, authorities suspended rescue operations.

The survivors eventually learned through a small radio that the official search had ended.

They were on their own.

As their limited food supplies disappeared, the group faced a decision that would become the most controversial aspect of their survival. With no vegetation or animals available and no other source of nourishment, the survivors eventually resorted to consuming the bodies of those who had died. The decision was not made lightly. Many of the passengers were deeply religious, and the dead included their friends and family members.

Survivors later described the emotional struggle surrounding the decision, explaining that it became a matter of survival rather than choice.

But their ordeal was far from over.

On Oct. 29, an avalanche struck the wreckage while the survivors were sleeping inside, burying the fuselage in snow and killing eight more people. Those who remained alive continued to endure the harsh mountain conditions as the weeks passed. Eventually, they concluded that waiting for rescue was no longer an option.

In December, three survivors — Nando Parrado, Roberto Canessa, and Antonio Vizintín — set out across the mountains in search of help. Equipped with makeshift clothing and a sleeping bag constructed from materials salvaged from the aircraft, the men began an exhausting journey through deep snow and rugged terrain. After several days, Vizintín returned to the crash site so the remaining two could conserve their limited food supplies.

Parrado and Canessa continued, climbing and descending through the mountains until they finally encountered a Chilean herdsman named Sergio Catalán. Their encounter set a rescue operation in motion. On Dec. 22 and 23, helicopters reached the crash site and evacuated the remaining survivors.

After 72 days in one of the world’s most unforgiving environments, 16 people returned home alive. Twenty-nine others had died.

The extraordinary events captured international attention and eventually inspired books, documentaries, and films, including the 1993 movie Alive and the 2023 Spanish-language film Society of the Snow. The latter introduced the tragedy to a new generation, emphasizing the relationships, sacrifices, and impossible decisions faced by those stranded in the mountains.

More than half a century later, the events of Oct. 13, 1972, remain a powerful example of human endurance. What began as a routine flight to a rugby match became a 72-day struggle against starvation, isolation, and death — and a survival story that continues to challenge conventional ideas about the limits of human resilience.

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Dr. Kathryn “Kathy” Sullivan wanted to take a walk, but this was no walk around the block.  She wanted to take a 140-mile walk.  Let me explain.  Kathy’s brother Grant had heard about the planned walk, had applied to be a participant, and encouraged Kathy to apply as well.  She was uninterested at first because she wanted to take a seven-mile swim in the Pacific Ocean instead.  Kathy disregarded Grant’s suggestion until she saw an advertisement for the upcoming walk in a scientific magazine.  Shortly after she applied for the walk, William Ryan of Columbia University offered Kathy the chance to take the seven-mile swim that she had been dreaming of for years.  William and Kathy discussed the walk and the swim, and they concluded that Kathy should wait to hear if her application to take the walk was accepted.  Williams reassured Kathy that she would have another opportunity to take the swim but the opportunity to take the walk would probably never happen again.  Kathy’s wait was worth it.  She was invited for a week of interviews, psychological examinations, and physical examinations.  Of the large group who were chosen, Kathy was one of six females selected.  Grant, Kathy’s brother who had encouraged her to apply, was not selected.                    

The magazine advertisement I mentioned earlier said women could apply, but many scientists believed that women would be unable to complete such a walk because they were inferior to men.  Scientists believed women would require more specialized equipment than men to complete such a walk.  Of course, those scientists were mostly men.  Kathy was fitted with a special pressurized suit which provided oxygen and blocked out the Sun’s rays.  Kathy spent years training for the 140-mile walk which would last just a few hours.  On October 11, 1984, 33-year-old Kathy dressed carefully in her specialized clothing which weighed more than she did.  Then, she stepped out of the vehicle and began her walk.  There were no trees, no sidewalks, nor automobiles on her route.  Despite the initial doubts of scientists, she completed the walk without any trouble at all.  Kathy made history. 

Kathy still wanted to take that seven-mile swim, but it took longer than she had imagined.  36 years after Kathy completed her walk, she finally got the opportunity to take that swim in the Pacific Ocean.  Just as she had for her walk, Kathy prepared well and used specialized equipment.  On June 8, 2020, sixty-eight-year-old Kathy finally fulfilled her dream and completed the swim that she had dreamed of for decades.                   

Kathy does not consider herself an adrenaline junkie, but a scientist and explorer.  You see, the 140 miles I mentioned was not the distance she traveled on her walk, but the height above the Earth she was when she took her walk.  On October 11, 1984, Kathryn Sullivan became the first American woman to take a walk…a spacewalk 140 miles up in space.  On June 8, 2020, she became the first woman to swim, well… descend, in a submersible to Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in Earth’s oceans.  Kathy is the only woman known to have both walked in space and visited Challenger Deep.

 Sources:

1.     Colin Dwyer, “1st U.S. Woman To Walk In Space Dives To Deepest Point In The Ocean,” NPR, June 9, 2020, accessed September 27, 2026, https://www.npr.org/2020/06/09/873194201/first-u-s-woman-to-walk-in-space-dives-to-deepest-point-in-the-ocean.

2.     Mark Kahn, “Kathryn D. Sullivan: From Outer Space to Under the Sea,” September 17, 2022, accessed September 27, 2026, https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/kathryn-sullivan-outer-space-under-sea.

3.      “The New Space Age with Kathryn Sullivan,” University of Alaska Anchorage, accessed September 27, 2026, https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-arts-and-sciences/cas-community-lecture-series/sullivan.cshtml.

 © 2026 Brad Dison. All rights reserved. Remember This? is distributed for licensed publication only.

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Laura Denise Dixon
Arrangements TBA

Melba Joan Newman
Private Service

Oscar Larue Shell
Service held on Oct. 13

Floyd Allen Jeane
Service: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Canaan Baptist Church

Gladys Rose Bagley
Service:  Friday, October 16, 2026 at 11:30 A.M. at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville

Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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The City of Leesville has issued a boil water advisory affecting several streets within the city.

According to an announcement from city officials, the advisory covers the area from 5th Street east to First Street and Lee Street south to East South Street.

Residents and businesses within the affected area are advised to boil water intended for drinking, cooking, food preparation, and other consumption purposes until the advisory is lifted.

As a precaution, water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute before use. Residents may also use bottled water during the advisory.

The city has not announced a specific cause for the advisory or provided an estimated time for its cancellation.

Officials said an update will be issued once the advisory has been cleared and normal water use can resume.

Residents in the affected area are encouraged to follow updates from the City of Leesville’s official communication channels for additional information.

The boil water advisory remains in effect until city officials announce that it has been lifted.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested one suspect and is searching for another in connection with a shooting that claimed the life of a 20-year-old Leesville man Sunday night, Oct. 11.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies and the Vernon Parish E-911 Communications Center began receiving calls shortly before 11 p.m. reporting a shooting at Jeane Chapel Trailer Park in Leesville.

Deputies and emergency personnel responded to the scene, where they discovered an unresponsive man suffering from gunshot wounds.

First responders administered lifesaving measures before transporting the victim to an area medical facility for treatment.

The victim, identified as 20-year-old Jackson Malone, died from his injuries at approximately 4 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12.

During the investigation, detectives interviewed witnesses who indicated that two men were involved in the shooting and had fled the scene in a green Nissan Titan pickup truck.

Investigators subsequently identified the suspects as 19-year-old Amarion Davis, also known as “Man Man,” and 20-year-old Khamarre Carthan, also known as “K3.” Both men are from Leesville.

The Sheriff’s Office initially issued a public request for assistance in locating both suspects.

In an update released Monday evening, authorities confirmed that Carthan surrendered to Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives at approximately 8 p.m.

Carthan was arrested and charged with one count of criminal conspiracy, one count of second-degree robbery, and one count of principal to second-degree murder.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, bond had not been set at the time of the announcement, and Carthan remained in the Vernon Parish jail.

Davis remains wanted on a charge of second-degree murder.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about Davis’ whereabouts to contact the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office immediately.

The Sheriff’s Office also warned that individuals found harboring or assisting Davis could face arrest and prosecution.

Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft and department personnel extended condolences to Malone’s family and friends following the shooting.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue efforts to locate Davis.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-238-1311.

The charges are allegations, and the suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Sheriff Sam Craft and the employees of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office congratulated Amy Jeane on her graduation from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Correctional Academy.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office congratulated Deputy Jeane on a job well done.

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Students in the Vernon Parish School Board’s Birth to Five Program enjoyed their annual day at the West Louisiana Forestry Festival Fair.

The students enjoyed laughter, excitement and memories during the event.

Sheriff Sam Craft provided lunch for everyone, and the West Louisiana Forestry Festival provided free admission and free rides.

Birth to Five Program Director Cheree Atkins and her staff were recognized for their hard work and commitment to making the day possible.

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BATON ROUGE, La. — The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana has released its comprehensive guide analyzing the 10 proposed constitutional amendments scheduled for the fall statewide ballot.

The independent, nonpartisan review is designed to explain the legal background, arguments for and against, and practical effects of each measure so voters can make informed decisions at the polls.

Seven of the 10 proposed changes address Article VII of the Louisiana Constitution, focusing on state and local tax policy, assessment rules, and public finance:

• Amendment 1: Permits the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who qualified for a special property tax exemption to transfer that exemption to a new home in a one-time move.
• Amendment 2: Grants local taxing bodies greater flexibility and time to determine whether to roll forward to their maximum authorized property tax millage or retain a lower rate.
• Amendment 3: Prohibits bail for individuals convicted of certain aggravated offenses against children under state law.
• Amendment 4: Establishes a lifetime limit of two four-year terms for Louisiana governors, replacing the current consecutive-term limit.
• Amendment 5: Gives the Louisiana Legislature and state retirement systems discretion over the order in which state surplus funds are applied toward retirement debt.
• Amendment 6: Authorizes parishes and municipalities to increase property tax exemption levels for qualifying senior homeowners ages 65 to 81.
• Amendment 7: Clarifies that public funds can be used to identify and replace lead drinking water service lines extending from public mains onto private residential property.
• Amendment 8: Prohibits private corporations affiliated with designated foreign adversaries from exercising expropriation powers over private property.
• Amendment 9: Increases the household income eligibility ceiling for property tax assessment freezes from $100,000 to $150,000.
• Amendment 10: Authorizes parishes to create optional property tax exemption programs for the rehabilitation of blighted or derelict properties.

The full PAR report is attached below for review.

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LEESVILLE, La. — Treaty Oak Clean Energy, LLC will host an informational open house regarding a proposed solar energy project in Vernon Parish.

The public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds, located at 276 H.M. Stevens Blvd. in Leesville.

Area residents and community members are invited to attend, learn details about the proposed development, and ask questions of project representatives.

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP ahead of the event. Additional information regarding the project and event registration is accessible via the event notice QR codes.

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The Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk marked a new chapter in leadership on Oct. 8 as Maj. Gen. Jason Curl relinquished command to Brig. Gen. Matthew Hardman during a change of command ceremony at Warrior Field.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Maj. Gen. Curl and his family for their dedicated service, steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to our Soldiers, families, civilian workforce and surrounding communities. We wish them continued success and all the best as they begin their next chapter.

We proudly welcome Brig. Gen. Hardman and his family back to Fort Polk! We look forward to the leadership, experience and commitment they bring as we continue our mission of building readiness and forging the Warrior Spirit.

Thank you, Maj. Gen. Curl, and welcome back, Brig. Gen. Hardman!

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From athletes and coaches across the spectrum of sports to the writers and sports figures who chronicle their achievements, “Behind the Glory” from Louisiana Public Broadcasting carries viewers behind the stats and headlines to tell the stories of the people who have helped shape Louisiana’s remarkable sports legacy. 

Season 4 of this award-winning, original sports series showcasing Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductees premieres tonight at 8:45, with a new episode each Thursday night through November 5 and returning for a spring series. LPB programming airs on Channel 25 KLPA in Central Louisiana.

The show is hosted by acclaimed state sports journalist Lyn Rollins, an Alexandria native, distinguished graduate of Bolton High and Northwestern State.  “Behind the Glory” was developed as a stand-alone short-form series and spinoff of LPB’s annual live coverage of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Each episode profiles an inductee and gives audiences a closer look at their lives, careers and lasting impact.  

The premiere episode Thursday spotlights former LSU and NFL standout Todd McClure. The Baton Rouge native’s professional football career didn’t get off to the most promising start, but McClure more than made up for lost time during his 13 seasons as an offensive lineman with the Atlanta Falcons. 

Other new episodes this fall feature journalist John James Marshall, coaches John Brady and Kathy Holloway, and NFL great Pat Williams. Five additional episodes will premiere in spring 2027, including a profile of Alexandria resident and LSU baseball legend Warren Morris, to complete Season 4. 

“Louisiana has a rich and vibrant sports culture that connects communities across the state. From our recent premiere of “Circles: The Life of Billy Cannon” to “Behind the Glory” and our weekly college football series “Game Notes” and “Post Game Notes,” LPB continues to tell stories that celebrate Louisiana’s sports traditions and the people who shape them,” says Jason Viso, LPB Director of Programming. 

“Behind the Glory” was recently honored by the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters at the 2026 Prestige Awards for Best Series or Documentary. The series is headed by LPB Senior Producer Chris LeCoq. 

Viewers can stream past episodes of “Behind the Glory” anytime at www.lpb.org/behind-the-glory and on the LPB YouTube channel. 

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