Dr. Susan Steele-Moses, associate professor, statistician and methodologist in Northwestern State University’s College of Nursing, was named Louisianian of the Year for Nursing by Louisiana Life Magazine.

Steele-Moses, a resident of Baton Rouge, made the list that is annually compiled by editors to recognize artists, athletes, medical professionals, teachers, conservationists, volunteers, politicians, entertainers and others who stand out in their professions, give back to their communities and/or contribute to the good of society or to Louisiana culture.  

Steele-Moses is also this year’s Nursing Educator of the Year for Louisiana, named by the Louisiana Nurses Foundation.  

Steele-Moses grew up in Oregon, Ohio, a suburb of Toledo, and felt a calling from a young age to become a nurse.  She earned associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing.  Her dissertation topic was on health behavior, “The relationship of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, perceived threat on the mammography behavior of women in three rural southeast Louisiana parishes,” research she continued in post-doctoral work.  Her career has spanned more than four decades, almost 20 years spent as an oncology nurse before her transition into education.  After working in acute care and teaching clinical students, Steele-Moses transitioned to nursing education. “My mother and both of my brothers are educators, so education was in my blood.” 

As a nurse statistician methodologist, Steele-Moses assists students and faculty as needed with research project design and computation of their statistical analysis. She is particularly proud of the number of nurse’s lives she has touched.  “This compassion came from my mentor, Dr. Demetrius Porche. He went above and beyond, way more than any other faculty ever did, and all he asked was that I pass it on.  

“If you think about it, one faculty member touches 20-25 students in any given year, and over the course of a career, 30 years for me, that is 750 lives I have been involved with. Then if you think about the number of patients the average nurse takes care of in any one given day, 5-6, that is 4,500 patients a part of me took care of today. In nursing, we take what we like from each of our instructors and leave the rest. In so doing we grow the profession to become better.” 

For a full list of 2024 honorees visit https://www.louisianalife.com/la-nouvelle-louisiane/ 

For information on Northwestern State’s College of Nursing, visit https://www.nsula.edu/nursing/. 

The following is an editorial opinion paid for by State Representative Charles Owen, District 30:

                 A few months back, I penned what I believed was a thoughtful article on what we need to be talking about in terms of our nation and ESPECIALLY Louisiana’s embrace of Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS).    I tried reason and statesmanship in this article, hoping to have a conversation, but my words are falling on deaf ears.   Events in recent weeks have convinced me NOT TO GO BACK down that road—it’s time to simply speak a little more forcefully:   CCS is a FRAUD BASED ON FAKE SCIENCE AND IT IS THE GREATEST THREAT TO PERSONAL PROPERTY RIGHTS SINCE WE DECLARED OUR INDEPENDENCE IN 1776. Common sense ALSO seems to indicate it might be A THREAT TO OUR ENVIORNMENT.  We need to educate our public of this potential scam and change course from this potentially dangerous path.

                Some so-called scientists and radical environmentalists who think we need to capture carbon exhaust from oil and gas wells and then “sequester” it underground and this act will have an impact on the earth’s weather are either misinformed (ignorant) or are belligerently lying.  There are no other reasons for this narrative.

                As humans, we breathe in oxygen.   Our bodies use that oxygen, then we exhale Carbon Dioxide (C02).   Trees consume C02 and turn it into oxygen.  We turn around and breathe it in.   Some C02 exhaust comes out of oil and gas wells and there is a belief that this fairly clean exhaust goes into the atmosphere and is now causing what the same supposed scientists and environmentalists call climate change.

               A group of “scientists” came along some time ago and started convincing political leaders that we need to capture C02 in order to change the weather we are now living through.   The fact that they believe we can actually change weather is a topic all unto itself and we’ll get back to that another time.  

                CCS has been an allowable process in Louisiana since 2009.   Act 517 (Rep. Jim Morris) enacted the “Louisiana Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide Act” to create a regulatory framework for CCS.  Not a whole lot happened with CCS in Louisiana until 2020, until Sen Sharon Hewitt proposed a framework that was purportedly designed to help the oil and gas industry (which was under excruciating pressure from our anti-oil-and-gas Governor-at-the-time) and assist in economic development.    The law spoke of storage facilities and provided a new framework for how pipelines would be used to move captured carbon.   In full disclosure, I had never heard of CCS before this time.   Like every Senator and Legislator, I voted to ostensibly help the oil and gas industry.  No specific parish was ever discussed.    We all thought we were helping our oil and gas industry. 

                If I had known then what I know now, I would not have voted for it.  I would have screamed loudly.   I have raised my voice in the Capitol and am not afraid to do so. 

                About 2 years later, the cover came off a trojan horse when citizens started seeing weird activity in Lake Maurepas in Livingston Parish.   People started finding out what was coming and analysis began of the plans for sequestering carbon.   Small groups of us started asking questions about things like personal property rights, plumes and the ability of government to seize property.  

                In 2023, the former Speaker of the House shoved through a much-expanded framework that empowered all sorts of things related to CCS.   I was one of only 9 who voted against this mess.    My district was punished for standing up against the sham.

                Also in 2023, I heard about a plan to bring CCS storage sites into my home parish of Vernon.  I started getting calls from firms who told me they had plans for bringing sites to our parish.   In one of the meetings with one of the companies, they basically told me “we don’t want to, but we are prepared to”  take property under the guise of eminent domain in the name of being able to create a carbon storage site.  

                While we’re on that topic, let’s be clear:  Carbon storage sites are dump locations.  The carbon “captured” from oil and gas wells is turned into a toxic liquid and then stuffed into the ground all with the altruistic end purpose of helping the environment.   Yes, that’s what I said.    These are sites where toxic fluids are going to be stored below ground.   Proponents say they will store it below our water table.    Some are trying to sell the notion that it might be of economic value “some day.”

                Traditionally, eminent domain is for projects that are of the public good.   For roads, schools, bridges, water systems, etc.      I can imagine NO public good in a toxic waste site.

                Running in tandem to all of this has been and is continuing to be companies approaching landowners and trying to get landowners to “lease” their land for the purpose of either allowing a pipeline or a dump site (called well site).   Several attorneys have read these leases and have told me the “leases” are most closely related to a bill of sale, because some of them prevent you from doing what you want to do with your property once they have your ink on their contract.   In short, if a citizen signs one of these leases, they are, in effect selling their land to the company moving or storing the toxic waste.  I’m not a lawyer, but I recommend people consult with one before they sign these things. 

                In 2023 and 2024, there were several efforts to slow down or thwart the actions of our state in supporting this fraud.   We lost nearly all of them but one:  In 2024, we did codify in law that eminent domain cannot be used to take your property for a carbon storage site (dump site).   Chairman Brett Geyman got this done and I am grateful for his fortitude in ensuring there would be no seizure of land for waste sites (carbon capture wells).    I stood with the people of Livingston Parish trying to roll back what they were doing in Lake Maurepas. I stood with a Democrat in St. Helena Parish who was trying to codify the rights of property owners who are adjacent to these dump sites.   We lost, but our votes are on record.

                I support the oil and gas industry.   We need to extract oil and gas from our ground and from off shore and sell that oil and gas on the open market for the public good.    As a rule, when I hear something is good for the oil and gas industry, I’m on board.     While CCS may be good for the oil and gas industry, it is in NO WAY good for landowners.   My dad used to tell me a half-truth was essentially a lie.  The half truth told in 2020 and 2023 was that this would be good for oil and gas.  The rest of the story that we would be dumping toxic waste below the feet of citizens was not relayed to us.

                I understand some very powerful people are FOR CCS.    If that’s true, let them come here and explain it to our people.   Further, if they think this is a good thing, then why don’t we send the pipes out to the Gulf of Mexico and sequester these materials below the ocean’s floor?  While I don’t care one bit about making the environmental crazies happy, I care VERY MUCH about the soil under our feet and our drinking water.  If our nation is foolish enough to actually do CCS, then send it somewhere where it won’t do harm and where it won’t result in the theft of personal property rights.

                PS  I’m not putting any gloves back on.  This fight has been enjoined. 

Charles Owen is a member of the Rural Caucus, The Louisiana Freedom Caucus, the Republican Delegation, and the Central Louisiana Delegation

A celebration of life for Sharon Guinter Knarr will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at First Methodist Church of Hornbeck with Reverend Bill Moon officiating. Visitation will be begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until time of service.

Sharon Guinter Knarr was born on December 2, 1955, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and passed away on October 11, 2024, in Alexandria, Louisiana, at the age of 68. She grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania, where she met the love of her life, Gilbert. The couple married and later relocated to Louisiana, where they raised their family and established roots.  Sharon worked in the accounting profession, serving the communities of Vernon Parish and the surrounding areas since the 1980’s.

Sharon was an active member of First Methodist Church of Hornbeck, where she also held the position of treasurer. She was a gifted quilter and pianist, sharing her talents to benefit others. Those who knew her will remember Sharon for her kindness, her generosity and her immense heart.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Gilbert Knarr of Anacoco; children, Vicki Nagayama and husband Cliff of Missouri, and Gilbert Knarr II of Florida; siblings, Laura Ortega, Mary L Guinter, Harold Guinter, Jr. and wife Mary, Oran Guinter and wife Marianne; brothers-in-law, William Knarr and wife Deb, Bruce Knarr and wife Karol; five nieces, six nephews, five great nephews, three great nieces, and a host of extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to Gideons International at P.O. Box 427, Leesville, LA 71446.

Vernon Parish will hold three big events for the public to enjoy this Halloween season. 

Mayor’s Women’s Commission – The MWC invites you to view the entries in the Scare The Crows Off Main Street Contest.  This family-friendly, fall-themed event will feature beautiful decorative works on Third Street in downtown Leesville.  The Main Street (3^rd Street) has been recently re-lit by CLECO.  You may drive around and view day or night to view the displays.

Ft. Johnson-DFMWR     Public invited to attend Louisiana Hayride event at Headquarters Field on post  Saturday, October 18, beginning at 11 a.m.  Enjoy food, music, pumpkins, inflatables, and hayrides.  For more information, see the social media page Ft. Johnson Family and MWR.

Friends of Main Street – The annual Witch Way to Main Street will happen Thursday, October 31, from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. in downtown Leesville.  Family-friendly, big crowd, food trucks, live music, games, a dog costume contest, haunted house, and more.  Candy and treats for all from local businesses and civic groups.   FREE and open to all.

City of Leesville – Trick or treaters will be permitted within the city limits to be on city streets from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 31.

If you have other events from civic groups, churches and organizations that you would like us to list in the Vernon Parish Journal, e-mail us at VPJnewsla@gmail.com.

Northwestern State University will present “Dancescapes 2024” on October 17-20 in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium on the Natchitoches campus. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on October 17-19 with a 2 p.m. matinee on October 20. 

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children and senior citizens and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dancescapes-2024-tickets-1005197852837?aff=ebdsoporgprofile. NSU, BPCC@NSU and Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts students are admitted free with a current student I.D.

According to Director of Dance Kirstin I. Riehl, “Dancescapes” will invite the audience to experience a captivating journey through movement and expression, where the boundaries of dance dissolve, and the stage becomes a canvas for artistry and emotion.  

This year’s concert features original choreography by NSU dance faculty Brett Allan Garfinkel, Nhan Ho, Riehl and Joy Campbell. Each piece reflects the unique artistic vision of its creator, as well as two guest artists Brandon Collwes and Eric Rivera.   

According to Riehl, this was the first time NSU Theatre and Dance brought in a classical modern dance company to restage a work involving its students. Collwes from the Merce Cunningham Dance Company worked with NSU students and arranged and restaged a work called “Natchitoches MinEvent.” Eric Rivera of Virginia Commonwealth University is restaging a work titled “Corrientes.”  

The cast includes, Lara Bankston of Kenner, Jaeda Barrett and Journey Wills of New Orleans, Cameron Bruno of River Ridge, Ellie Dufrene of Schriever, Jillian Duggan of Shreveport, Victoria Freeling of Covington, Avery Holmes of Monroe, Nicole Miller of Rayville, Makenzie Scroggs of Marksville, Jennifer Ann of DeRidder, Makynli Delcambre of New Iberia, Joseph Gomez and Diana Mercado-Garcia of Cartagena, Colombia, Gabrielle Marino of Lafayette, Ashanta Wilson of Leesville, Ariyonna Sarpy of Natchitoches, Lauryn Vernon of Arcadia and Cara Thompson of Denham Springs. 

Richard (“Ree”) Preston Sibley was born on March 3, 1962, in Leesville, Louisiana and passed away on October 3,2024 in Leesville, Louisiana at the age of 62. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Preston and Violet Sibley, his sister, Paula Sanders, and his sister, Vicki Robbins. He is survived by his brother, Rayford Sibley of Houston, Texas and his sister, Rose Sibley Lopez and her husband Terry of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by his adopted Cruz siblings, Greg and Sandy, Sindy and Barry, Marvin and Debra, and Luisa and Myron. Also, he is survived by his adopted Navarro sibling, Raymond aka Ray Ray, and his brothers from another mother, Curt Mitchell and Mike Cristina.

After graduating from college, Richard was interested in accounting and became a stockbroker and retired as an accountant. He was a member of the Louisiana National Guard. His true passion was sports. Ree was an avid fan of LSU sports. Our own in-house expert, his knowledge and extraordinary details for all things LSU football was incredible. He also enjoyed playing golf.

His enthusiasm for grilling, especially popo ribs and worcestershire burgers, were enjoyed by all who were lucky enough to experience them.

Ree was a one-of-a-kind, genuinely funny, and loyal friend. His smile and presence will be missed immensely.

There will be a celebration of life for Richard held on October 26, 2024, at the Leesville El Flamingo Mexican restaurant (old Pats) from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A celebration of life for Raymond Ivanhoe Jordan will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Joseph L Garner officiating.  Burial will follow in Leesville Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.  

Visitation will take place Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.  

Raymond was born September 2, 1980, in Deridder, Louisiana, to Judith Jordan and Raymond Neasey Jr. He was educated in Vernon Parish Schools. He was inspired at an early age to play drums and sing. He was a dynamic singer and drummer in many churches from Louisiana to South Carolina. Also, he sang with Lawrence Rush Gospel Recording Group. He worked as a cook at Church’s Chicken, Breau Cantu, and a floor tech at Bayne Jones Hospital at Fort Johnson, before becoming ill.

He was baptized at Mount Olive Baptist Church with his grandmother, Mrs. Ellen G Harris, then again at Pleasant Hill Baptist. He believed and trusted in God. The Lord was his guide! He loved his family. He married Jennifer Garner, his true love. He will be reunited with his mother Judith Jordan, his father Raymond Neasey Jr., his paternal grandparents and maternal grandparents, and other relatives who went on before him.

He is remembered in love by his wife, Jennifer G Jordan; sons, Kaleb Overton, Demandra Swearinger, Tristen Garner and Terrance Garner; sisters, Latricia Miller, Inetta Jordan, Taniko Lewis, Latitia Trezevant, Evaellen Neasey and Wilmeco Neasey; brothers, Terrance Neasey and Charles Trezevant; mother, Rosary Neasey, mother in law, Mary Garner, father in law, Lorenzo Garner, aunts, Sheila Williams, Carol Broussard, and Wanda Gregorie; uncles, Charles Nelson, Courtney Johnson (Cynthia), and Jerry Williams; great uncle, Ernest Guillory Sr., bonus brothers, Bobby Hewitt and Lamont Kirkland, backbone, Naomi Colbert, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

SHARON GUINTER KNARR
December 2, 1955 – October 11, 2024
Service: October 17, 2024, at Hornbeck United Methodist Church at 12:00 p.m.

JACKIE W. BUXTON
October 12, 1951 – October 10, 2024
Service: October 16, 2024, at Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, Louisiana, at 11:00 a.m.

RAYMOND IVANHOE JORDAN
September 2, 1980 – October 7, 2024
Service: October 19, 2024, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Leesville at 11:00 a.m.

VIRGINIA E. JUDY JOHNSON
July 12, 1937 – October 8, 2024
Service: October 18, 2024, at First United Pentecostal Church in Leesville at 11:00 a.m.

LAMAR EUGENE HOWARD
July 29, 1965 – October 13, 2024
Service: October 23, 2024, at Central Louisiana Veterans’ Cemetery in Leesville at 1:30 p.m.

MARGARET ANN GLASPIE
May 5, 1952 – October 13, 2024
Service: October 16, 2024, at Prewitt’s Chapel Baptist Church in Hornbeck at 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, October 8, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Vernon Parish Sheriff’s deputies joined a member of the Anacoco Police Department in conducting a routine wellness check that had been called in by a family member.  The officers arrived at the residence near Hornbeck and could not get anyone to answer the door.

Officers entered the residence where they discovered the bodies of two women, apparent homicide victims.  The deceased were identified by authorities as 86-year-old Ruth Holt and her 64-year-old daughter, Fredda Pierce.  Their bodies have been turned over to the Vernon Parish Coroner’s office to determine the cause of their deaths.

No arrests have been made, and this investigation is ongoing.  Authorities do not believe there is any danger to the neighborhood where the bodies were discovered.

Mike McConathy – coach, servant-leader, mentor and ambassador – is returning to Northwestern State University to serve as a special advisor to new President James Genovese.  

McConathy will utilize his skills in fostering relationships and his vast professional network to reinforce recruiting and external support for the university, serving as a key contact with high school personnel, coaches and the numerous colleagues, families and individuals he impacted over 40 years of coaching. 

McConathy has already begun visiting nearby high schools to improve or rekindle relationships but said the groundswell should begin locally. 

“It’s important that we start in Natchitoches.  We have over 4,800 graduates in Natchitoches, and we’ve got to get more of them excited about our school,” McConathy said. “I want to reengage alumni to let them know Northwestern appreciates them. They can help us communicate the positive.” 

McConathy’s long career as a successful basketball coach – including 23 record-shattering years at Northwestern, his parents’ alma mater – brought him many accolades over the years but he is just as well-known as a role model engaged in community service, often during his tenure weed-eating or power washing facilities or volunteering to drive other teams to competition when no one else was available.

A self-described people person, he has been deeply involved since his Airline High School days in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. During his five-decade collegiate coaching career, McConathy used athletics as a vehicle to instill confidence, discipline and a sense of purpose in others, while reaching throughout communities and high schools around Louisiana with positive messaging.

The conversations advocating Northwestern are already taking place.

“In Shreveport and Bossier, for example, there are large high schools where our alumni are working in the school,” McConathy said.  “Our focus is to work with the Office of Recruiting in places where we are currently getting about 150 students and we should be getting more.” 

Genovese said the relationships that McConathy developed with coaches, players and educators over the years will translate well into outreach to future Northwestern students, their parents and teachers. 

“Coach McConathy’s outgoing, authentic nature and relatability resonates with people,” Genovese said. “Throughout his career, he supported many students and staff on their personal and professional journeys.  His experience will be important in building relationships with stakeholders.  We’re very happy to have him back on our team.”

Information for future Northwestern State students is available at http://www.nsu.la/explore.    

#####

By VPJ Staff

We struck it rich looking at the National Calendar today!  October 11, we love ya!

Today is World Egg Day.  Eggs are arguably one of the oldest foods known to man.  They are consumed raw or cooked and used in thousands of recipes around the globe.  Your baking projects may suffer from a lack of eggs.  MY baking projects just suffer!

We eat lots of eggs, mostly chicken.  They are a great source of protein and vitamins.  That’s why Rocky Balboa drank half-a-dozen raw every morning in training.  Whatever floats your boat; duck, quail, ostrich, but I draw the line at reptiles and lizards.  We have family members coming in this weekend and they are bringing us farm fresh eggs.  Yumm!

The first weekend in November, down in Abbeville, LA, they hold the Giant Omelette Celebration.  This is truly a great Louisiana festival Nov. 2-3, and the crowning moment comes when chefs from around the world cook a 5000-egg omelet in the town square.  Yes, a 5000-egg recipe!  The town has had 40 years of celebrating the egg.  Make them chickens work Boudreaux!

Today is also National Gumbo Day, and yes Louisiana has a festival or two in celebration.  This weekend the town of Chackbay hosts the Louisiana Gumbo Festival.  Over 500 gallons of scratch-made gumbo of all types!  I’m-ma gonna’ need a big spoon if I go!  Chackbay is in northern Lafourche Parish down near Houma/Thibodeaux.  Rice or potato salad, cher??  I once judged a gumbo cookoff at Ft. Johnson (nee Polk).  I tasted 10 entries and none of them tasted anything remotely like gumbo!  It really is a Louisiana thang!

Today also happens to be National Sausage on Pizza Day, and this is where it gets tricky.  I can’t go for breakfast sausage on my pizza.  It has to be Italian sausage and it needs to have some fennel/anise flavor and garlic.  Smoked Cajun sausage will work as a twist, but don’t bring me maple flavored breakfast sausage with my red sauce and provolone, just don’t!  Many a pizza of mine were billed as sausage without the Italian and my taste buds can tell!  Sorry to hold such rigid standards but hey, it really is an east coast thang!

Today is National Spread Some Joy Day!  Take someone out for a meal, compliment a stranger today, tell a fun story to someone.  Bring a smile to the face of a child. How about a hug?  That’s a sign of joy!  Do as R&B singer Bobby McFerrin said…Don’t Worry, Be Happy.  Go out there and be joy contagious!  Spread the word — Tell Your Neighbor!

Leesville will hold two big events for the public to enjoy this Halloween season. 

Mayor’s Women’s Commission – The MWC invites you to view the entries in the Scare The Crows Off Main Street Contest.  This family-friendly, fall-themed event will feature beautiful decorative works on Third Street in downtown Leesville.  The Main Street (3^rd Street) has been recently re-lit by CLECO.  You may drive around and view day or night after the judging on October 14.

Ft. Johnson-DFMWR     Public invited to attend Louisiana Hayride event at Headquarters Field on post  Saturday, October 18, beginning at 11 a.m.  Enjoy food, music, pumpkins, inflatables, and hayrides.  For more information, see the social media page Ft. Johnson Family and MWR.

Friends of Main Street – The annual Witch Way to Main Street will happen Thursday, October 31, from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. in downtown Leesville.  Family-friendly, big crowd, food trucks, live music, games, a dog costume contest, haunted house, and more.  Candy and treats for all from local businesses and civic groups.   FREE and open to all.

City of Leesville – Trick or treaters will be permitted within the city limits to be on city streets from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 31.

If you have other events from civic groups, churches and organizations that you would like us to list in the Vernon Parish Journal, e-mail us at VPJnewsla@gmail.com.

Get your tickets NOW – > Click Here

Prepare for a journey into the heart of darkness as the Dark Woods Haunted Attraction roars back to life in October at Dark Woods Adventure Park. This highly anticipated event promises to deliver unforgettable terror and heart-pounding fun for thrill-seekers of all ages.

This year’s event features the return of the notorious “Buried Alive!” experience, a solo virtual reality burial simulator that pushes the boundaries of fear. Visitors will be plunged into total darkness, lying in a sealed coffin as they endure their own chilling funeral. The experience is designed to test even the bravest souls, ensuring a truly unforgettable night of horror.

Beyond “Buried Alive!”, the Dark Woods Haunted Attraction promises a deep dive into the bloody and disturbing past of Hickory Ridge. The veil between worlds will be at its thinnest, unleashing nightmares that rule the darkness. Visitors will be immersed in a world of terror, confronting the evil that lurks just beyond the edge of town.

Additionally, Dark Woods Haunted Attraction unveils a brand new attraction “Alice’s Madhouse in 3D: Descent”. Step into an asylum where the boundaries of reality twist like Wonderland itself. Experience the madness in vivid 3D Chroma-Depth, a hauntingly immersive journey where nothing is as it seems. The only attraction of its kind in Louisiana, this descent into madness will leave you questioning what’s real and what’s nightmare.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring back the Dark Woods Haunted Attraction for another year of unforgettable scares,” said Jason Summerlin, Owner/Operator of Dark Woods Adventure Park. “Our team has worked tirelessly to create an experience that will push visitors to their limits and leave them screaming for more. Whether you’re a horror fan or just looking for a unique night out, this event is not to be missed.”

Don’t miss your chance to face your fears and experience the ultimate night of horror. Secure your tickets now for the Dark Woods Haunted Attraction at darkwoodshaunt.com, opening on October 4th at Dark Woods Adventure Park in Natchitoches.

About Dark Woods Adventure Park
Dark Woods Adventure Park is a family-friendly outdoor destination in Natchitoches, LA, featuring a variety of activities and attractions from March to December. In addition to the Dark Woods Haunted Attraction, the park offers seasonal events, delicious food, retail shops, and outdoor activities like gem mining and mini-golf. Whether you’re looking for a day of fun or a weekend getaway, Dark Woods Adventure Park has something for everyone.

Leesville High School    Tonight at 7 p.m.   Leesville (4-1 Dist.3-4A) @ Iowa (4-1 Dist.3-4A)

Listen live on KJAE-FM/93.5

Rosepine High School     Tonight at 7 p.m.   Rosepine (0-5 Dist. 4-2A) @ Winnfield (2-3 Dist. 3-3A)

Pickering High School    Played last night at Crescent City in Metairie (score unavailable at press time)

The following is an editorial opinion paid for by State Representative Charles Owen, District 30:

                 A few months back, I penned what I believed was a thoughtful article on what we need to be talking about in terms of our nation and ESPECIALLY Louisiana’s embrace of Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS).    I tried reason and statesmanship in this article, hoping to have a conversation, but my words are falling on deaf ears.   Events in recent weeks have convinced me NOT TO GO BACK down that road—it’s time to simply speak a little more forcefully:   CCS is a FRAUD BASED ON FAKE SCIENCE AND IT IS THE GREATEST THREAT TO PERSONAL PROPERTY RIGHTS SINCE WE DECLARED OUR INDEPENDENCE IN 1776. Common sense ALSO seems to indicate it might be A THREAT TO OUR ENVIORNMENT.  We need to educate our public of this potential scam and change course from this potentially dangerous path.

                Some so-called scientists and radical environmentalists who think we need to capture carbon exhaust from oil and gas wells and then “sequester” it underground and this act will have an impact on the earth’s weather are either misinformed (ignorant) or are belligerently lying.  There are no other reasons for this narrative.

                As humans, we breathe in oxygen.   Our bodies use that oxygen, then we exhale Carbon Dioxide (C02).   Trees consume C02 and turn it into oxygen.  We turn around and breathe it in.   Some C02 exhaust comes out of oil and gas wells and there is a belief that this fairly clean exhaust goes into the atmosphere and is now causing what the same supposed scientists and environmentalists call climate change.

               A group of “scientists” came along some time ago and started convincing political leaders that we need to capture C02 in order to change the weather we are now living through.   The fact that they believe we can actually change weather is a topic all unto itself and we’ll get back to that another time.  

                CCS has been an allowable process in Louisiana since 2009.   Act 517 (Rep. Jim Morris) enacted the “Louisiana Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide Act” to create a regulatory framework for CCS.  Not a whole lot happened with CCS in Louisiana until 2020, until Sen Sharon Hewitt proposed a framework that was purportedly designed to help the oil and gas industry (which was under excruciating pressure from our anti-oil-and-gas Governor-at-the-time) and assist in economic development.    The law spoke of storage facilities and provided a new framework for how pipelines would be used to move captured carbon.   In full disclosure, I had never heard of CCS before this time.   Like every Senator and Legislator, I voted to ostensibly help the oil and gas industry.  No specific parish was ever discussed.    We all thought we were helping our oil and gas industry. 

                If I had known then what I know now, I would not have voted for it.  I would have screamed loudly.   I have raised my voice in the Capitol and am not afraid to do so. 

                About 2 years later, the cover came off a trojan horse when citizens started seeing weird activity in Lake Maurepas in Livingston Parish.   People started finding out what was coming and analysis began of the plans for sequestering carbon.   Small groups of us started asking questions about things like personal property rights, plumes and the ability of government to seize property.  

                In 2023, the former Speaker of the House shoved through a much-expanded framework that empowered all sorts of things related to CCS.   I was one of only 9 who voted against this mess.    My district was punished for standing up against the sham.

                Also in 2023, I heard about a plan to bring CCS storage sites into my home parish of Vernon.  I started getting calls from firms who told me they had plans for bringing sites to our parish.   In one of the meetings with one of the companies, they basically told me “we don’t want to, but we are prepared to”  take property under the guise of eminent domain in the name of being able to create a carbon storage site.  

                While we’re on that topic, let’s be clear:  Carbon storage sites are dump locations.  The carbon “captured” from oil and gas wells is turned into a toxic liquid and then stuffed into the ground all with the altruistic end purpose of helping the environment.   Yes, that’s what I said.    These are sites where toxic fluids are going to be stored below ground.   Proponents say they will store it below our water table.    Some are trying to sell the notion that it might be of economic value “some day.”

                Traditionally, eminent domain is for projects that are of the public good.   For roads, schools, bridges, water systems, etc.      I can imagine NO public good in a toxic waste site.

                Running in tandem to all of this has been and is continuing to be companies approaching landowners and trying to get landowners to “lease” their land for the purpose of either allowing a pipeline or a dump site (called well site).   Several attorneys have read these leases and have told me the “leases” are most closely related to a bill of sale, because some of them prevent you from doing what you want to do with your property once they have your ink on their contract.   In short, if a citizen signs one of these leases, they are, in effect selling their land to the company moving or storing the toxic waste.  I’m not a lawyer, but I recommend people consult with one before they sign these things. 

                In 2023 and 2024, there were several efforts to slow down or thwart the actions of our state in supporting this fraud.   We lost nearly all of them but one:  In 2024, we did codify in law that eminent domain cannot be used to take your property for a carbon storage site (dump site).   Chairman Brett Geyman got this done and I am grateful for his fortitude in ensuring there would be no seizure of land for waste sites (carbon capture wells).    I stood with the people of Livingston Parish trying to roll back what they were doing in Lake Maurepas. I stood with a Democrat in St. Helena Parish who was trying to codify the rights of property owners who are adjacent to these dump sites.   We lost, but our votes are on record.

                I support the oil and gas industry.   We need to extract oil and gas from our ground and from off shore and sell that oil and gas on the open market for the public good.    As a rule, when I hear something is good for the oil and gas industry, I’m on board.     While CCS may be good for the oil and gas industry, it is in NO WAY good for landowners.   My dad used to tell me a half-truth was essentially a lie.  The half truth told in 2020 and 2023 was that this would be good for oil and gas.  The rest of the story that we would be dumping toxic waste below the feet of citizens was not relayed to us.

                I understand some very powerful people are FOR CCS.    If that’s true, let them come here and explain it to our people.   Further, if they think this is a good thing, then why don’t we send the pipes out to the Gulf of Mexico and sequester these materials below the ocean’s floor?  While I don’t care one bit about making the environmental crazies happy, I care VERY MUCH about the soil under our feet and our drinking water.  If our nation is foolish enough to actually do CCS, then send it somewhere where it won’t do harm and where it won’t result in the theft of personal property rights.

                PS  I’m not putting any gloves back on.  This fight has been enjoined. 

Charles Owen is a member of the Rural Caucus, The Louisiana Freedom Caucus, the Republican Delegation, and the Central Louisiana Delegation

By Rickey Robertson

From the early 1900’s until the mid to late 1930’s throughout Natchitoches, Sabine, and Vernon Parishes there were many mills being operated to make pine lumber of all shapes and sizes from the massive virgin pine forests of the area. Small mill towns sprung up across West Central Louisiana where workers and their families could live near their job. One mill, the Peavy Wilson Lumber Company mill at Peason, La. was the largest pine mill west of the Mississippi River.

During the mill run of the Peavy Wilson Lumber Company, the years of full production runs were from 1918 to 1929. The monthly production was about 4 million board feet. During the mill run, there were from 200 to 450 workers with a population in the sawmill town of 1500 to 2000 inhabitants. One thing that Mr. Peavey and Mr. Wilson were proud of was that during the Great Depression they never laid off any of their workers. Through skillful management practices all the employees were able to make their weekly hours. There were white, black, and Hispanic workers both at the mill and in the log woods. They had many varied jobs from cutting the timber, skidding the logs, mill work, and even building tram roads, and there were many workers who took care of the hundreds of horses, mules, and oxen used by the company in its logging operations. Ancestors of these animals still reside on present day Peason Ridge Military Reservation. Opportunities during the Depression were scarce, but Peavy Wilson Lumber Company was known to take care of their employees and their families.

In all the mill towns one thing needed was family entertainment. Peason Mill had a baseball team that played in the “Sawdust League” and people attended these games.  Peason High School also had a fine boys basketball team.  Usually once each fall there would be a carnival that would come to town. The children got to ride small rides of various types and could get cotton candy and candied apples. The one event that was enjoyed by everyone was “bear wrestling”!

 The men who worked in the log woods were lean and tough from all the hard daily work they completed. In 1932, right in the heart of the Depression, a carnival came to town. There was the man who had a giant bear.  He would challenge any and all to wrestle his bear. If the challenger could pin the bear for a three count, they would win $25! That was a small fortune! But it was tough to pin the bear. During the carnival, Edward Browning, who worked in the log woods, carefully watched the bear as he whipped all his challengers. Mr. Ed, as we knew him, accepted the challenge to wrestle. The match began with the bear throwing Mr. Ed around some but guess what ? Mr. Ed got that bear in the right hold and he pinned him! He had won the match! He collected his winnings and saved enough money that on December 20, 1934, he married Miss Katie Clark at Peason. The Browning Family still has roots in that community. My Grandfather and my Father told me the story of the Peason Bear Wrestler many times. And that $25.00 in winnings in 1932 would be about $600.00 today! But I don’t think I want to wrestle a bear for it!

The Leesville Market will be buzzing this weekend.  It’s the Second Saturday at the market.  You’ll find an expanded list of vendors and exciting gift ideas from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.  The market is located on lower Third St. at Harriet Street, across from VFW Post 3106.

Don’t miss the Second Saturday Market, always a bigger event, and it’s never too early to shop for Christmas.

To enter this week’s contest,  CLICK HERE

Congratulations to local retiree Roxanne Dailey of Pickering, for guessing her way to a 7-3 record in last week’s Pick-Em contest.  She told the VPJ she did it on a dare and really doesn’t follow football.  Roxanne loves her new friend Ben Franklin and urges everyone to give it a try!  Every entry comes with a free subscription to the VPJ.  Click the link above this article to play and win.  Entries must be received by the VPJ by Friday at 4pm.  We’ll be giving away $100 every week through December 20.

Thanks to our inaugural sponsors: The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, Mockler Beverage, Bud’s Auto and Towing, Mad Bullies-ATV Repair, Mark Smith Insurance, Cryer’s Sports, and Dairy Queen of Leesville.

Advertise your business with the Vernon Parish Journal and get results.  Call 337-208-9253 and get started.

HAPPY PICKING!!

By Doug De Graffenried

Over a decade ago, I flew to Kansas City for a preacher’s meeting. I had to rent a car.

I had reserved the car months before the trip. I was expecting a mid-sized car. It is funny that rental agencies have categories one step above the actual size of a car. A mini-Cooper is described in their literature at a “mid-sized” car. By their logic, a go-cart would be an “economy car.” I had reserved a “mid-sized” car. I was not expecting much.

When I arrived at the counter, my rental counter expert was “Karen.” Karen was from Baton Rouge, and we at once began speaking Louisiana to each other. She could even spell, “Natchitoches” and knew the proper pronunciation. It is always good to find home folks when you are on the road. Karen pulled up my reservation and started giggling. I asked her what was so funny.  She said that the car I was assigned was a Mercury Grand Marquis. Now if you drive one of those, that is your choice, and I mean no disrespect to your proper conservative car. I made an audible sigh at the rental counter. She said, “Yeah, you don’t look like that kind of guy.”

I guess since she was from Baton Rouge and we were speaking Louisiana to each other, she decided to do something nice.  She said, “Let me fix this reservation.”  A couple of keystrokes on her computer and she said, “You reservation is in space 31. Have a nice day.” She made sure I had a map to my destination and the name of the best BBQ in Kansas City. I was certainly going to take that recommendation!

I walked out of the rental terminal to the parking lot. I found space 31. Karen had change to Mercury Grand Marquis to a Ford Mustang! The Mustang was a convertible! There is nothing like pulling up to a preacher’s meeting in a black Mustang convertible. I enjoyed all three days of my workshop and driving that Mustang convertible.

When you are traveling, and you meet someone who understands” lagniappe” isn’t it a blessing?

I think of heaven in those terms. Our faith in Christ gives us an abundant joy-filled life here on earth and when we finally wear out these old bodies, God has lagniappe planned. Heaven is one serious “upgrade.” I think Jesus takes pride in showing each of us that place He has gone to prepare for us.

Think of the greatest experience you have had in life, and you have not even touched the joy that is ours in Heaven. It is way better than a convertible Mustang at a preacher’s meeting!

Doug de Graffenried is Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston.

You can contact Doug at dougsponderings@gmail.com

Doylan “DOC” Wilbanks was born to Wayburn and Adell Wilbanks on October 21, 1948, in Port Arthur, Texas. He passed from this life on October 10, 2024. When he was a young man, he and his family moved to Hicks, Louisiana. Doc graduated from Hicks High School and went on to get his Bachelor’s degree at Northwestern State University. Soon thereafter he returned to the classroom. He was the shop teacher at HHS for 33 years. Many memories were made throughout those years. Doc taught students how to build, draft, and weld. He encouraged them to learn life skills that were necessary for everyday living. The impact he made on students was admirable and one that is still remembered today. Doc was an avid outdoor enthusiast. He used to joke with Mrs. Kay and tell her he wanted to be buried in the woods where the deer are. The reality is that’s where he found his peace. He loved sitting in the deer stand waiting for a big buck to step out or sitting around the campfire telling stories of memorable hunts he had been on. Doc found no greater joy than being in the woods with his grandbabies when they got their first deer. His legacy is one to be cherished and will be passed down from generation to generation. Each cool October morning when his family climbs up in a deer stand, every spring when fresh soil is broken for a garden, or peaceful evenings spent rocking on the front porch drinking coffee will cause memories of Doc to flood our minds. He will forever and always be missed, but the life he lived was one that left us with plenty of memories to cherish and hold dear to our hearts.

Doc was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Kay Wilbanks; his parents, Bud and Adell Wilbanks; brothers-in-law, John O’Malley & Joe Wellman; nephews, Chad Spangler and Michael Wellman.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Tracy (Michael) Beaubouef of Hicks; son, Brandon (Jennifer) Wilbanks of Hicks; grandkids, Amelia (Justin) Miller, Brock (Shaley) Beaubouef, Chloe Wilbanks, Luke Beaubouef, Jayde Wilbanks, and Corbin Wilbanks; great-grandchildren, Adeline & Audrey Miller; sisters, Sylva Wellman of Hicks, Tammy (Jerry) McKenzie of Hicks, Cindy (William) Chandler of Hicks; sisters-in-law, Linda (Carlos) Medina of Orlando, Florida and Ginger O’Malley of Alvin, Texas; sitters, Tara Humphrey, Penny Hillman, Bernadette Gardner, and Jenna Beaubouef; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to thank those who spent time sitting with Doc and taking exceptional care of him. The Lord truly blessed him with the best folks to love and care for him throughout this difficult time.

Funeral services for Doc will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Flactor Baptist Church with Reverend Justin Miller officiating. The burial will follow in Flactor Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be Brock Beaubouef, Corbin Wilbanks, Luke Beaubouef, Heath Chandler, Jeremy O’Malley, Jack Wellman, Brett Wellman, and Wade Merchant. The honorary pallbearers will be Patrick Wellman, Bradley Chandler, and Yancy Chandler.

A visitation will be held at Flactor Baptist Church on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

DOYLAN WILBANKS
October 21, 1948 – October 10, 2024
Service: October 12, 2024, at Flactor Baptist Church in Leesville at 11:00 a.m.