The Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force arrested a Leesville man on June 26 following an investigation into a regional drug trafficking operation.

Rickie Dewayne Bell, 41, was taken into custody after agents with the task force executed multiple search warrants during the early morning hours across six locations in the Leesville area. The operation, the result of a lengthy investigation, uncovered what authorities describe as “stash houses”—properties used to store and distribute illegal narcotics.

During the execution of the warrants, law enforcement officers seized quantities of cocaine, firearms, and cash. The collected evidence is currently being processed.

According to the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, the investigation into Bell’s activities revealed that the alleged drug trafficking operation extended beyond parish lines and into multiple jurisdictions and neighboring states.

The case remains under active investigation, with additional charges or arrests potentially forthcoming as evidence continues to be reviewed and processed. The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to work with other agencies to determine the full scope of the trafficking operation.

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

June 23, 2025

Larry Morris, age 40, of San Antonio, Texas, was arrested on an out of jurisdiction Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Morris remains in the VPSO jail.

Michael Sterling, age 59, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with two counts of Domestic Abuse Aggravated Battery. Bond was set at $ 10,000.00. Sterling posted bond and was released.

June 24, 2025

Crystal Leann Carter, age 41, of Leesville, was arrested on four outstanding Bench Warrants. Bond has not been set and Carter remains in the VPSO jail.

June 25, 2025

Ariel Posey, age 32, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Simple Battery. Bond was set at $ 1281.00. Posey remains in the VPSO jail.

Robert Marler, age 62, of DeRidder, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond was set at $ 1500.00. Marler posted bond and was released.

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

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FORT POLK — Nine Soldiers officially became U.S. citizens during a Naturalization Ceremony held June 24 at Fort Polk.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the service members, each of whom completed the necessary requirements to earn American citizenship while actively serving in the U.S. Army.

The newly naturalized citizens are:

Spc. Barimah Kwabena Amoah Akrasi
Sgt. Jeremy Joaquin
Pfc. Seyram Koudolo
Pfc. Kee Ling
Pfc. David Martinez Esqueda
Pfc. Richard Alberto Osuna Arredondo
Spc. Austine Cion Jesie Arao Pacursa
Spc. Alexander Sabuni
Spc. Kevin Omar Torres Pereira

Fort Polk officials and fellow service members were present to honor and congratulate the Soldiers during the ceremony, which celebrated their commitment to both their military service and their new nation.

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Since the Louisiana Maneuvers of 1941 Louisiana has been visited by many famous military officers. During the Louisiana Maneuvers men such as George Patton, Mark Clark and Dwight Eisenhower are still well remembered. During the Vietnam War years another famous officer came and visited Fort Polk, La. in October 1966. His name was Creighton “Fighting Abe” Abrams.

Creighton Abrams was born September 15, 1914 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 1936. One of his classmates was William C. Westmoreland. Upon graduating the military academy Lt. Abrams was assigned to the U.S. Cavalry. After serving in the cavalry, with the rank of captain, he was transferred into the newly formed 1st Armored Division in 1940. The 1st Armored trained continuously in armored tactics. During World War II Major Abrams commanded the 37th Tank Battalion of the 4th Armored Division. The 8th, 35th, and 37th tank Battalions made up the 35th Armored Regiment of the 4th Armored Division. In December 1943 the 4th Armored was shipped to England where it trained for the assault on Europe. In July 1944 the 4th Armored crossed the beaches into France. On August 1, 1944 the 4th Armored was assigned to the newly formed 3rd U.S. Army commanded by General George S. Patton Jr. The 37th Tank Battalion was commanded by Abrams and it began the sweep through Normandy and into western Europe.

Abrams always led his units from the front in his M4 Sherman tank nicknamed Thunderbolt. By wars end Abrams had went through 7 tanks nicknamed Thunderbolt. In one battle near the Moselle River the 37th Tank Battalion was involved in a large scale battle with German armored units. The 37th lost 14 Sherman’s but destroyed 55 German tanks of various types. During the Battle of the Bulge at dawn of December 26, 1944 Abrams gave the order for the 37th to move out and to relieve the embattled 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne, Belgium. After 4 p.m. the same day Lt. Colonel Abrams reported to General Anthony McAuliffe, acting commander of the 101st Airborne. The siege of Bastogne was broken.

Creighton Abrams became a Brigadier General in 1956. He had many commands and began his climb in the general officer ranks. By 1964 General Abrams had rose to the position of Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. The United States began it large scale involvement in the Vietnam War in 1965 when several large American military units arrived in Vietnam. The commander of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam was General William C. Westmoreland, Creighton Abrams old classmate. American units were soon engaged in combat with North Vietnamese and Viet Cong units. In April 1967 General Abrams, was promoted to 4 star general, deputy to General Westmoreland. On July 2, 1968 General Westmoreland was named US Army Chief of Staff and General Abrams became the commander of all US forces in Vietnam. General Abrams commanded the American military forces and began troop reductions from over 500,000 to less than 30,000 troops. He began the intensive program of “Vietnamization” where Vietnamese units were trained to take over the complete combat role in that country. Upon signing of the Paris Peace Accords in 1972 General Abrams succeeded General Westmoreland as Army Chief of Staff, a position he held until his untimely death in 1974.

General Abrams came to Fort Polk, La. and on October 2, 1966 where he toured the training sites where infantry trainees were undergoing combat training in the “Vietnam Villages” located on Fort Polk and Peason Ridge. General Abrams was impressed by the Advanced Individual Training (AIT) being conducted at Fort Polk and in these training areas. General Abrams and Major General Reeves, commander of Fort Polk, took the whole day to visit these training areas and to visit with the troops. He toured the new village site located at Peason Ridge that was to become known as Tiger Village and the location that was near completion at the Tiger Ridge Cantonment Area. This area became famous due to all the combat recruits who trained here and due to their fighting capabilities of the tiger. These new combat infantrymen became known as “Tigers.” And many many of these men who trained at Fort Polk were later commanded by General Abrams when they arrived in Vietnam. General Abrams believed in night ambushes and patrols and this was taught at Fort Polk. And this training paid off for so many who were sent to Vietnam.

Sadly General Abrams passed away on September 4, 1974 at Walter Reed Military Medical Center. General Abrams was buried in Arlington National Cemetery and many Vietnam Veterans visit his gravesite each and every day. Yes we had a great military leader in Creighton W. Abrams. He followed in the footsteps of so many famous military leaders yet he made his mark in history. And to honor this fighting general, the U.S. Army has named its main battle tank, the M1 the “Abrams.” And yes, another American hero came and visited Louisiana where so many combat soldiers have trained and continue to train in the defense of our nation and our many freedoms.

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Rickey Robertson retired from Louisiana State Police and upon his retirement became a historical researcher/writer for Stephen F. Austin State University.  Rickey is a proud Peason Ridge Heritage Family member and currently is Pastor of Cold Springs Baptist Church in Anacoco, Louisiana. Rickey has written many articles on the Louisiana Maneuvers of 1941 and speaks to groups on this great historical event that affected our state and nation. He and his wife reside in Peason, Louisiana.

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The Leesville Lions Club celebrated a longstanding tradition on June 30 with its 83rd Annual Board of Directors Installation Luncheon, marking another milestone in the club’s commitment to service and community leadership.

During the luncheon, outgoing President Lawna Mayo was recognized for her leadership over the past year. In a ceremonial transition, Mayo officially passed the gavel to incoming President Robert Haymon, who will lead the club into its next chapter of service.

The event also featured several special recognitions honoring outstanding contributions by club members. Both Lawna Mayo and Marc Klein were awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship plaque, a prestigious honor in Lionism recognizing their dedication to humanitarian service.

In addition, Mayo received the Outgoing President’s Plaque and an honorary gavel, acknowledging her achievements and leadership throughout the year.

Lion Bernadine Lenahan was named Lion of the Year for her exceptional dedication and contributions to both the club and the broader community.

With new leadership in place and a continued focus on service, the Leesville Lions Club looks forward to building on its legacy and making a positive impact in the year ahead.

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Beginning Wednesday, July 2, demolition work on the access drive adjacent to Georgia Avenue will temporarily impact entry to the Fort Polk Recycling Center.

The construction project, expected to last approximately three weeks, is part of the ongoing improvements to Georgia Avenue. During this period, the Recycling Center will remain open but access will be redirected.

Motorists will need to use the Illinois Avenue entrance to reach the facility. Signage will be posted to guide drivers to the alternative route while the work is underway.

Officials advise drivers to remain alert for changes in traffic patterns and to exercise caution in the area during the construction period.

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The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning to residents about a scam currently circulating in the parish involving individuals posing as agents from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

According to officials, residents have reported receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be a federal officer from the FTC. The caller often provides fake credentials such as badge numbers or ID cards and may use the names of actual FTC employees in an effort to appear legitimate.

The FTC has confirmed the existence of this scam and is warning the public to remain cautious. Scammers typically use high-pressure tactics and urgent messages to claim that there is an issue with the victim’s bank account, computer, or other personal matters. They may instruct victims to transfer money, buy gold, or withdraw cash under the guise of protecting their funds.

Authorities emphasize that the FTC does not contact individuals in this manner and will never request or demand money.

To avoid falling victim to impersonation scams, the FTC recommends the following:

• Do not send money to anyone claiming to be from the FTC. The agency will never ask for payments, wire transfers, or asset purchases.
• Be skeptical of urgent requests, as scammers often try to pressure individuals into acting quickly before verifying information.
• Contact institutions directly using verified contact information if there are questions about a suspicious message or call.

Report any scam attempts to the FTC by visiting ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office urges the public to remain vigilant and share this information with family and friends to help prevent further incidents.

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When it comes to local sports coverage, the experts say you can’t do better than what you get for free in your favorite Online Journal publication.

The experts are out-of-state sports media who judged entries in the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s annual Writing Contest. Results from this summer’s contest, which included content produced in the calendar 2024 year, were announced Sunday during the LSWA’s Awards Brunch in Natchitoches.

As coaches say, statistics don’t lie. The numbers point out the tremendous value Journal readers get with top-caliber content on their local teams as well as compelling state and national topics.

The Shreveport-Bossier Journal sports team – editor/writer Doug Ireland, and writers John James Marshall, Ron Higgins, Teddy Allen and Tony Taglavore – produced more award-winning entries than any other single-market news media outlet In Louisiana, and it wasn’t close.

The SBJ team was rewarded with 18 LSWA recognitions, including some of the top honors in the contest. No other single-market media entity had more than 10.

Adding in awards won by the staff (Malcolm Butler, Kyle Roberts and Reggie McLeroy) at the Lincoln Parish Journal and columnist Bob Tompkins in the Rapides Parish Journal, the Online Journals’ LSWA contest haul was 24 honors. That was on pace with the collective total of the closest competition, which had four outlets that received a combined 24 recognitions.

Journal writers received some of the contest’s top honors, headed by Ireland earning the LSWA’s Sports Writer of the Year award after he earned recognition in eight different categories. He previously won the honor in 1987 for the Alexandria Town Talk before shifting into the athletic media relations profession and not returning to sports writing until 2021.

Marshall was named the LSWA’s Prep Writer of the Year for his high school sports coverage in the SBJ.

Journal writers took home first and second in the state Columnist of the Year in Class II (circulation below 10,000 daily) with Tompkins winning the award while Butler was the runner-up in that category. Butler was also named runnerup for the Class II Prep Writer of the Year for the second straight year.

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Welcome to 2025 and the information highway known as the internet. Here a person can explore, search, and check vast amounts of useful and useless content. There’s literally nothing a person can’t find on the worldwide web. But for bass fishermen, it’s also an unlimited source of information that can help an angler understand any body of water with just a few clicks.

But the word “information” can be a tricky term for tournament anglers. In some cases, you might say it’s a dirty word and can get a tournament angler in a lot of trouble. Bass tournaments have a plethora of rules that can boggle the mind of the intelligent.

How, where, and from whom the angler gets his tournament info is critical to being able to pass a polygraph test. This is a test given at the end of a tournament in which an angler is asked a series of questions pertaining to the rules of a particular tournament circuit.

Not all tournament trails are the same and each one may have a few rules that might not apply to another trail. For example, the rules for team trails will be a little different than those of an individual pro circuit in which the angler fishes by himself.

But of all the rules in the tournament world, the “no information” rule might be the most abused, as there tends to be too much grey area depending on how the rule is written. It’s similar to the Bible in that it can be open to interpretation.

It’s also the rule that anglers tend to bend or break as they search for anything that can help them win a bass tournament. Some circuits do not allow anglers to talk to anyone or receive information about tournament waters from someone who is not in the event.

For example, hiring or calling a lake guide during the dead water period can be a major no-no; and yet they do it anyway and feel they can pass the polygraph no matter what. Everyone is OK until the day comes when the tournament director calls their name to take a polygraph test.

One thing I’ve been seeing on the high school level for years is how parents or boat captains are hiring full-time fishing guides, not to teach them how to find fish, but showing them where fish are! This is not helping these youngsters to learn anything. In fact, it’s handicapping them for future success!

Look, we all want our kids to succeed, but wouldn’t it be better if they did it on their own and not because the parents had the money to hire the best guide on the lake? What lessons are we teaching these young anglers by doing that?

The best advice I can give all the up-and-coming high school and college anglers is to learn to find fish on your own. Don’t rely on a guide or another buddy for information. It’s much more gratifying when you win with fish YOU found rather than just catching another angler’s fish.

Always remember, it’s not easy catching another angler’s fish. Never rely on other’s fishing information because it’s usually old and unreliable. The reports you read, even on the internet, are more often than not two to three days old. When bass fishing, a lot can change in two or three days.

Learn to trust yourself and your ability to locate schools of fish on your own. Because in the end, tournament fishing is all about you versus the fish, not you versus the other anglers.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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If adventure had an arch-nemesis, it would be my traveling companion: Mr. Excuses. Not a superhero, mind you, unless you consider dodging joy a superpower. His real name is Dave, but I’ve dubbed him Mr. Excuses after surviving five trips together—if “surviving” includes getting stranded at a gas station in Kentucky because “I thought I packed the map.”

Traveling with Mr. Excuses is an experience of lowering expectations and elevating blood pressure. Planning a trip with him is like trying to schedule lunch with a squirrel—evasive, erratic, and occasionally involves acorns.

We once decided to go camping in the Smokies. I was thrilled. Fresh air, starry skies, bears that hopefully minded their own business. But Mr. Excuses texted me the night before: “Can’t go unless my asthmatic cat gets approval from her spiritual healer.” Spoiler: The cat doesn’t exist. Neither does the healer. But you can’t argue with metaphysical pet care.

When we finally did hit the road, he showed up two hours late because “my socks didn’t match the energy of this trip.” The energy? It was 7 a.m. and we were driving a 2008 Honda Civic with a busted speaker.

You’d think the open road would calm his chaos. Nope. Within the first hour he had already claimed:

He forgot his sunglasses (“Light sensitivity—it’s real.”)
The GPS gave him motion sickness (“Maps just know too much.”)
We should stop for “authentic local pastries,” which, in central Alabama, turned out to be stale gas station donuts and regret.
Hotels? Mr. Excuses doesn’t do hotels. “The linens have been slept in by too many vibes.” So, he insists on Airbnb. The one he picked in Nashville was a lovely cardboard box behind a barbecue joint with a “rustic aroma.” I believe the French call that eau de brisket and raccoon.

Dining with him is a performance art piece. At every restaurant, he invents a new dietary restriction. Gluten-free on Monday, lactose-intolerant by Tuesday, fruit-phobic by Wednesday. Once he insisted on ordering “just steam” at a seafood place. “With essence of shrimp, but none of the commitment.”

Still, for all the delays, detours, and deeply spiritual cats, I must admit: the man is entertaining. Sure, he’s a logistical nightmare wrapped in a riddle and dipped in confusion, but life’s a little brighter when Mr. Excuses is around. He adds a dash of absurdity to every itinerary. Plus, his ability to explain away anything could be weaponized in high-stakes diplomacy. Or at least used to get out of jury duty.

So, would I travel with him again? Absolutely. As long as I drive, plan the trip, manage the budget, carry both our suitcases, and bring emergency donuts. Because when the world gives you lemons, Mr. Excuses will likely cite citrus sensitivity and demand you exchange them for mangoes.

We all know Mr. Excuses, let’s avoid being that person.

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Baton Rouge- The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has confirmed Louisiana’s first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) of the 2025 mosquito season and urges all Louisianans to protect themselves from mosquito bites. This case was confirmed in an individual from Livingston Parish who was hospitalized due to complications from the infection. To protect patient confidentiality, no further information about the patient will be released.

About 1 in 150 people who are infected with WNV develop a severe illness that can affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, which may even cause paralysis or death.

West Nile virus has been actively spreading throughout Louisiana since its first detection in the state in 2002. To date in 2025, WNV activity has been confirmed in 14 parishes. In 2024, there were 57 confirmed human cases of WNV in Louisiana, including three deaths.

West Nile virus

West Nile virus is spread to people by mosquitoes and can cause mild to severe illnesses. While most people infected with West Nile virus develop no symptoms, about 20% of infected people develop West Nile fever. West Nile fever is a flu-like illness with symptoms that can include fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, and rashes.

A small percentage of infected people develop West Nile neuroinvasive disease, a severe illness that affects the central nervous system and can result in hospitalization or even death. Symptoms can include high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, muscle weakness, numbness, coma, and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks and carry the risk of death or permanent damage.

It is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites to prevent illness. People 55 years of age and older and people with certain medical conditions are at a greater risk for severe disease if they are infected.

Tips to protect yourself against mosquitoes

Wear EPA-registered mosquito repellent outdoors and always follow label instructions.
Apply repellent on exposed skin only. Do not apply under clothing or on broken skin.
Carry a travel-size repellent if you will be outdoors for an extended period.
Apply sunscreen first, insect repellent second, if you are also wearing sunscreen.
Make sure windows are tight-fitting and screens are free of holes to keep mosquitoes out.

Tips to protect your home from mosquitoes
Eliminate standing water around your home, which is where mosquitoes breed.
Turn over wheelbarrows, plastic wading pools, buckets, trash cans, children’s toys, and anything that can collect standing water.
Quickly discard or store any containers around your home to avoid accumulating water. Drill holes in standing containers to drain water quickly.
Clean roof gutters routinely. Clogged gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes annually.
Take steps to prevent water gardens and ornamental pools from stagnating (and becoming major mosquito producers), such as adding fish or aeration.
Clean bird baths weekly, as changing the water keeps it from stagnating and becoming a breeding area for mosquitoes.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, especially if they go unused. Be aware that mosquitoes also breed in water accumulated on pool covers.
Install or repair window screens.

Visit the CDC online for more tips on preventing mosquito-borne diseases.

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During what has become known as the Battle of France in World War II, German troops had surrounded more than 338,000 allied troops on the beaches and harbor of Dunkirk in northern France.  The soldiers had retreated to the sea and could retreat no further.  The Germans were preparing to slaughter them.  British Prime Minister Winston Churchill considered this the greatest military defeat in centuries and struggled to find a solution.  Time was of the essence. With each passing hour, the outcome looked more grim.  At Churchill’s request, the British Navy requisitioned more than 850 “little ships” which consisted of family yachts, lifeboats, fishing vessels, sailing barges, fire boats, paddle steamers, river launches, and just about anything else that could float to help in the evacuation codenamed Operation Dynamo.  Some of the boats were taken under protest.  Others were taken without permission.  In some cases, the boat owners were unaware that their boats were taken until the operation was over.

One boat owner, 66-year-old chicken farmer Charles Lightoller, refused to allow the Navy to take his 52-foot converted Admiralty steam pinnace called Sundowner.  Charles, a retired sea captain himself who was twice awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery, declared that he would captain Sundowner himself.  He insisted that his ship would be crewed by his oldest son, 33-year-old Robert Lightoller, and 18-year-old sea scout Gerald Ashcroft.  Charles was no stranger to danger.  He had survived the sinking of two ships during World War I, and rammed and sank a German U-boat, UB-110, with his destroyer HMS Garry.  Charles’s ship was so badly damaged during the ramming that he had to steer it 160 miles to safety in reverse.  The Royal Navy knew of his seamanship and agreed to his request.  Captain Charles and his crew left the harbor at Ramsgate, England for Dunkirk.      

Although Sundowner was licensed to carry just 21 passengers, Captain Charles loaded his ship with sailors.  One survivor wrote a letter to Charles’s widow, Sylvia, after his death in 1952.  He told her that he “looked over the stern while your husband stowed the soldiers below in every corner it was possible to stow one.  Only your late husband’s knowledge of the Channel and his seamanship brought the boat right back into Ramsgate harbour.”  For nine days in May and June 1940, hundreds of “little ships” including Charle’s Sundowner, evacuated more than 338,000 stranded allied soldiers from the beaches and harbor of Dunkirk, France.     

Charles, the captain of the little ship who saved 139 lives during the evacuation of Dunkirk, is mostly remembered as the second officer of what was once the largest ship afloat.  Charles Lightoller was the last person off of and the most senior surviving officer of the Titanic.

Sources:
1.      Daily Echo, May 31, 1990, p.7. 
2.     The Daily Telegraph, April 9, 2009, p.17.

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On July 2, 1964, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded as President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law. The landmark legislation marked a turning point in the nation’s long struggle for racial equality, outlawing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and putting an end to segregation in public places.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 came after years of intense activism, widespread civil unrest, and mounting pressure from civil rights leaders and organizations across the country. The legislation followed decades of Jim Crow laws in the South that enforced racial segregation and denied Black Americans equal access to education, employment, housing, and voting rights. While the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, change was slow and often met with violence.

The Civil Rights Act sought to provide a comprehensive response. Among its key provisions, the law banned segregation in schools, restaurants, theaters, and other public accommodations. It authorized the federal government to enforce desegregation, allowed the Justice Department to intervene in cases of racial discrimination, and established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to address workplace discrimination.

The bill’s passage was hard-won. It faced strong opposition in Congress, including a 60-day filibuster in the Senate—the longest in U.S. history at that time. But a bipartisan coalition ultimately came together to break the filibuster and pass the legislation, signaling a shift in national attitudes and a growing commitment to civil rights.

For many Americans, the signing of the Civil Rights Act was more than a political act—it was a signal of hope. It followed the bravery of countless individuals who had marched, protested, and risked their lives for equality, from the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the Freedom Rides to the 1963 March on Washington.

Though the law did not instantly erase the systemic racism embedded in American society, it gave civil rights advocates new legal tools to challenge discriminatory practices and policies. It also laid the groundwork for future legislation, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

Sixty years later, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 remains a foundational part of American law and a symbol of the country’s ongoing effort to live up to its ideals of justice and equality. July 2 serves as an opportunity not only to remember the moment the legislation became law but also to reflect on the courage of those who fought for change—and to consider the work that remains.

The anniversary stands as a reminder that progress is possible when voices are raised, coalitions are built, and the principles of fairness and dignity are defended.

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William Guy Graham “Guy Buck”
Tuesday, April 25, 1939 – Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Service were held on June 27

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).

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Scouts from Troop 124, along with a scout from Troop 3619G, joined Fort Polk Cub Scouts Pack 72 on June 22 for a meaningful flag retirement ceremony at the Anacoco Lake Spillway Park. The event was held to respectfully retire worn and unserviceable American flags in accordance with U.S. Flag Code.

 

Approximately 100 flags were retired during the ceremony, many of which were collected from the designated drop box at the park entrance and from VFW Post 3106 Canteen. The scouts participated in the solemn proceedings with dignity and respect, honoring the symbols of the nation while representing their units with pride.

In addition to the ceremony, several Troop 124 scouts used the opportunity to complete their Canoeing Merit Badge requirements at the lake. The day concluded with some well-earned fun in the water, giving the scouts a chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors after a day of learning, service, and camaraderie.

Leaders from the participating troops commended the scouts for their efforts and commitment to upholding the values of Scouting and civic responsibility. Plans are already in motion to sort and retire additional flags in the near future.

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

June 16, 2025

Scotty Ray Meier, age 29, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Damage to Property. Bond was set at $ 1281.00. Meier remains in the VPSO jail.

June 18, 2025

Waylon Walter Regan, age 37, of Estherwood, Louisiana, age 37, was arrested and charged with one count of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. Bond was set at $ 15000.00. Regan remains in the VPSO jail.

June 19, 2025

Mark Gerber, age 58, of Elizabeth, was arrested and charged with one count of Residential Contractor Fraud. Bond was set at $ 20000.00. Gerber remains in the VPSO jail.June 19, 2025

Quientavious Carrington, age 23, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Simple Burglary. Bond has not been set and Carrington remains in the VPSO jail.

Zavieon Markeese Foster, age 20, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Simple Burglary. Bond has not been set and Foster remains in the VPSO jail.

Trinity Michelle Yates, age 21, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Principal to Simple Burglary. Bond has not been set and Yates remains in the VPSO jail.

June 20, 2025

Christopher Danell Jackson, age 45, of Baton Rouge, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, one count of Switched Plates, and one count of Possession of Marijuana. Bond was set at $ 3,983. Jackson remains in the VPSO jail.

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

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By Sgt. Ryan Reed

FORT POLK, La. – More than 4,000 Soldiers from the Iowa Army National Guard trained throughout June at Fort Polk, undergoing one of the Army’s most demanding combat training events in preparation for an upcoming overseas deployment.

Known since the Vietnam War era as “Tigerland,” Fort Polk and the Joint Readiness Training Center have become synonymous with forging combat-ready Soldiers through intense, realistic training. For Iowa’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry division, this rotation marks a pivotal moment: their first full brigade deployment since 2010.

At the Joint Readiness Training Center, or JRTC, Soldiers are evaluated under pressure. Their minds are stressed, their physical limits are tested and their endurance is pushed to the edge. From junior enlisted Soldiers to senior Iowa Army National Guard leaders, all participants endure mental, physical and emotional exhaustion.

The JRTC is one of four Army combat training centers. The others are the Joint Multinational Readiness Cente in Hohenfels, Germany; the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; and the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.

The JRTC, however, is known for being the most grueling. The simulated combat environment, complete with force-on-force scenarios and constant stressors, provides Soldiers with some of the most realistic training they will encounter in their careers.

“There are a lot of methods that we use to test Soldiers while they’re in the training area. One is simply the stress and pressure of combat,” said Brig. Gen. Derek Adams, the senior trainer for rotation 25-08. “We try to simulate that as best we can.”

As the senior trainer, Adams works closely with observer-coach/trainers and the JRTC leadership to design, execute and evaluate the training rotation. He coordinates with the operations group, which oversees the exercise, monitors unit performance across all warfighting functions and delivers objective feedback through after-action reviews to improve readiness at every level.

“JRTC emphasizes DOD’s priorities of lethality, warfighting and readiness by training the entire brigade combat team, from the individual Soldiers to the brigade combat team level,” Adams said. “It’s a large, complex organization, and this training reflects that.”

This type of training marks a broader shift in Army doctrine.

The Army is transitioning from the counterinsurgency operations of the past two decades to large-scale combat operations, or LSCO. Large-scale combat operations prepare Soldiers for potential conflicts with near-peer adversaries by emphasizing large-scale maneuvers, complex logistics and sustained combat power.

“LSCO changes sustainment operations sheerly in the magnitude of what occurs,” said Col. Tony Smithhart, commander of the 734th Regional Support Group. “You’re talking about large numbers of Soldiers, large numbers of equipment.”

The Regional Support Group is structured to provide logistical support to up to 20,000 Soldiers in a deployed environment. As the Regional Support Command for the JRTC, the RSG was tasked with coordinating all sustainment efforts. This included feeding more than 5,800 Soldiers, managing medical treatment and staging and preparing more than 2,500 pieces of equipment for operation.

Planning for the JRTC began more than a year before the first boots hit the ground.

“I made my first trip to Fort Polk about 18 months ago to determine the actual area we’d operate in,” Smithhart said. “Since then, my team at the 734th Regional Support Group has returned about six times to coordinate with Fort Polk staff, validate our node concepts and rehearse operations to support reception, staging, onward integration and base camp management.”

The JRTC has earned its reputation. The environment is humid and rainy, the terrain is unforgiving and the scenarios evolve constantly.

All of these factors come together to form a stressful and taxing exercise, but one that will toughen Soldiers. Despite numerous aspects working against them, the Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, proved they not only have the grit to complete their upcoming deployment successfully but also to complete any mission that is asked of them.

“The scale of this operation is critical to the development of our Soldiers,” Smithhart said. “It’s been called a generational training opportunity, and I believe that’s accurate.”

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The Anacoco First Baptist Church invites the public to the Faith & Family Freedom Music Festival, Sunday, June 29.

Music begins at 4 p.m. and features the Erwins, Rhett Walker, the Jason Lovins Band, and five-time CMA Award winners, Shenandoah.  This event is free and open to everyone.  Event parking is available with shuttles to take festival goers to the concert area.  The church is located at 4813 Port Arthur Avenue in Anacoco.

A variety of vendors will offer food, beverages and merchandise.  The evening will end with one of the largest fireworks shows in Central Louisiana.  You are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and wear comfortable clothing.  For more information visit www.anacocofbc.org.

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The Vernon Parish Police Jury announced on June 19 that the Vernon Parish Recycle Center will be closed until further notice.

Officials did not specify the reason for the closure but expressed regret for the inconvenience to residents. No timeline has been provided for when the facility will reopen.

Updates regarding the status of the Recycle Center will be shared as they become available.

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The Leesville Lions Club recently hosted Hamburger Night at the Louisiana Lions Camp, bringing a night of good food and community spirit to campers and staff alike.

Club members served up freshly grilled burgers and shared plenty of smiles during the evening event, which has become a cherished tradition at the camp. The gathering offered an opportunity for the Lions to connect with the campers while celebrating the values of service and fellowship.

“Serving is what we do,” said a representative from the Leesville Lions Club. “And nights like this remind us why we love being Lions.”

The Louisiana Lions Camp, located in Anacoco, provides a summer camp experience for children with physical disabilities, diabetes, and special needs. Events like Hamburger Night reflect the ongoing commitment of Lions Club members to support youth and strengthen community ties.

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Three fun-filled days and nights make Natchitoches the festive focal point in our state Thursday evening, Friday and Saturday with the 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration and you and yours are invited.

The LSHOF’s Class of 2025 will be enshrined Saturday night at the Natchitoches Events Center to culminate the 66th Induction Celebration. A seating reconfiguration last week created additional seating up to 900 and a few dozen tickets remain available at LaSportsHall.com.

The Induction Celebration will kick off Thursday with the free admission Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m. at the Hall of Fame museum at 800 Front Street.

The Friday schedule begins with the Mardi Gras Bowling Bash presented by BOM at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. There’s still room for individual and team entries with participants enjoying lunch catered by Walk-On’s while warm up for the competition takes place at the 40-alley facility.

Two of south Louisiana’s hottest musical acts from the Baton Rouge area will take the stage for the coolest concert for miles around, the absolutely free Rockin’ River Fest party Friday evening.

The Lauren Lee Band will get the party started and The Chase Tyler Band is the featured act on the Rue Beauport stage bordering Cane River Lake smack dab in the middle of the City of Lights’ historic and beautiful downtown district.

In conjunction with the Rockin’ River Fest is the VIP Taste of Tailgating party, a ticketed indoor-outdoor event that is approaching capacity on the Front Street bricks and inside Mama’s Oyster House, Papa’s and the Blues Room.

The slate on Saturday kicks off with the free LSHOF Junior Training Camp led by community relations personnel from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, along with Northwestern State coaches and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, on the NSU campus at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center and Turpin Stadium. This event is presented by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and is nearing capacity. Free registration for kids ages 7-16 is required and can be easily accomplished at LaSportsHall.com.

At noon Saturday, the Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation is set for Riverside Reserve on Mill Street. Fox Sports broadcaster Tim Brando emcees an entertaining program.

Festivities culminate Saturday evening with the Induction Reception at the LSHOF museum beginning at 5, followed at 7 by the Induction Ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center. Northwestern State University and State Farm Agents of Louisiana are presenting sponsors Saturday evening.

Louisiana Public Broadcasting will televise the ceremony live from 7-9:30.

The VIP Taste of Tailgating, the Bowling Bash, the Round Table Luncheon and the Induction Reception and Ceremony are ticketed events requiring purchase in advance through LaSportsHall.com or by calling 318-238-4255.

The Thursday reception, the Friday evening River Fest and the Junior Training Camp are free.

The Class of 2025 is headlined by two men pivotal in LSU’s 2003 football national championship – coach Nick Saban and Andrew Whitworth, a champion at West Monroe High School, LSU and in the NFL during a 16-year pro career. More sparkle is provided by pro basketball All-Stars Vickie Johnson and Danny Granger, the state’s winningest all-time college baseball coach Joe Scheuermann and Danny Broussard, one of the nation’s most successful high school basketball coaches, in this year’s induction class.

It also includes LSU gymnastics great and NCAA individual champion April Burkholder, transformational Catholic-Baton Rouge high school football coach Dale Weiner and George “Bobby” Soileau, a four-time high school and 1956 NCAA boxing champion at LSU who also won a state crown as a football coach at his alma mater, Sacred Heart High School in Ville Platte.

LSU graduate Herb Vincent, now a longstanding associate commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, is receiving the Hall’s Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award with his enshrinement.

Also being honored: Ed Daniels, a generational television sports broadcaster in New Orleans, and Glenn Guilbeau, one of the nation’s more decorated sportswriters in a career that has seen him cover LSU, state college, high school and pro sports along with stories across the South and around the SEC. They are being inducted as recipients of the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism.

Approximately 100 flags were retired during the ceremony, many of which were collected from the designated drop box at the park entrance and from VFW Post 3106 Canteen. The scouts participated in the solemn proceedings with dignity and respect, honoring the symbols of the nation while representing their units with pride.

In addition to the ceremony, several Troop 124 scouts used the opportunity to complete their Canoeing Merit Badge requirements at the lake. The day concluded with some well-earned fun in the water, giving the scouts a chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors after a day of learning, service, and camaraderie.

Leaders from the participating troops commended the scouts for their efforts and commitment to upholding the values of Scouting and civic responsibility. Plans are already in motion to sort and retire additional flags in the near future.

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