Central Sabine Fire holds Fire Safety Summit

Members of Central Sabine Fire Department participated in a fire safety summit held at a local church. Personnel took this opportunity to show Engine 12 and Ladder 12, firefighter gear, and the equipment on the fire trucks. The department is always excited to be involved in the community.

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NSU could lose baseball coach Bobby Barbier to Southeastern

HEADED SOUTH?:  Northwestern State baseball coach Bobby Barbier appears to be the choice to take over the program at Southland Conference rival Southeastern Louisiana. (Photo by CHRIS REICH, Northwestern State)

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

Northwestern State’s baseball tradition since 1990 is second to none in the Southland Conference.

But Southeastern Louisiana’s baseball resources are unquestionably second to none in the league currently, which could result in the Lions hiring Demons’ coach Bobby Barbier.

Baseball America national writer Teddy Cahill reported Thursday that Barbier has emerged as the likely pick at SLU, which fired veteran coach Matt Riser shortly after the end of the regular season. The Lions finished eighth in the nine-team league and did not qualify for the seven-team Southland Tournament, finishing with an overall record of 25-25 and a league mark of 9-14.

An announcement could happen as early as Monday, sources close to the SLU Athletic Department indicated. Barbier was unavailable for comment Thursday evening.

If Barbier is the choice at Southeastern, associate head coach Chris Bertrand – a former championship head coach at UT-Tyler after serving as a longtime assistant at LSUS – will be a prime and popular choice to take over the Demons’ program. Bertrand has been Barbier’s top assistant in the last seven years and has been a pivotal figure in recruiting and fundraising, and has worked with all coaching aspects, including coaching the pitchers, catchers and hitters at various times.

Barbier wrapped up this season as head coach at his alma mater by leading the Demons to a third-place finish at the Southland Conference Tournament, with a 29-27 overall record, 12-12 in the conference regular-season. NSU won series over five of the other six teams in the tournament, including beating regular-season and tournament champion Nicholls 2-1.

Barbier, a New Orleans native, was a standout player for the Demons from 2003-06, helping NSU to the 2005 NCAA Tournament and earning Academic All-America status in 2004. He still ranks in the school’s top 10 list for career RBIs.

In seven years as head coach, he is 181-169 overall and 89-88 in conference play. NSU’s best league finish under Barbier is third place in 2018, when they won the first Southland Tournament title in school history and won a game over San Diego State at the Corvallis Regional. Barbier was Southland Coach of the Year and Louisiana Coach of the Year that season.

NSU won nine Southland regular-season titles between 1991 and 2005 under some of the more successful coaches in college baseball (Jim Wells, Dave Van Horn, John Cohen and Mitch Gaspard, all who reached at least Super Regional play as SEC head coaches – all but Gaspard reaching the College World Series). However, Northwestern did not win a SLC Tournament crown until Barbier’s club went unbeaten in the 2018 event. The Demons then made the fourth NCAA Regional appearance in their NCAA Division I history (1991, 1994, 2005 and 2018).

His teams have routinely produced Major League Baseball draft picks – seven in the past five years. Four of the last five years, except in 2021, Barbier-coached Demons have been the top Southland picks in MLB’s annual draft.

Cleveland Guardians infielder David Fry developed under Barbier’s leadership. As the Demons’ pitching coach under current Louisiana Tech head coach Lane Burroughs, Barbier was credited with elevating Adam Oller from a catcher to an All-American pitcher, and Oller has reached the big leagues with the Oakland As. A third Barbier-coached Demon, outfielder Nick Heath, briefly reached MLB with Kansas City and Arizona.

Barbier’s second NSU team equaled the best single-season turnaround in school history, improving by 18 wins.

Barbier began his coaching career at NSU in 2007 under Mitch Gaspard, then moved to Alabama in 2010 as an assistant under Gaspard. Burroughs hired Barbier as his pitching coach at Northwestern after the 2014 season.

Southeastern athletic director Jay Artigues, a former Bossier Parish Community College baseball coach, was SLU’s head coach before giving way to Riser 10 years ago. Riser went 320-224 and led the Lions to four NCAA Regional appearances (the last in 2022), but was reportedly on thin ice in the 2022 season before his team won the conference tournament.

That earned Riser a contract extension which will require a buyout of $224,000 to be paid no later than 60 days after his termination on May 22, according to Lions Athletic Association president Allen Waddell.

Riser’s salary and outside income at Southeastern were essentially equal to the approximately $115,000 package Barbier has at NSU. But the Lions’ program annually leads the Southland in attendance, averaging well over 1,000 fans, and has what is uniformly considered the league’s best-funded program with a combination of university budget money and outside revenues.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com


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Belton suspends race for state Attorney General

By T. Scott Boatright, Lincoln Parish Journal

Third Judicial District Attorney John Belton announced today that he suspended his campaign for Louisiana attorney general, saying that another opportunity that he cannot discuss at this time is the reason behind his making that decision.

Belton admitted the move might seem sudden but that it is one he feels good about.

“Leading in the polls has accelerated the number of fundraising events being planned in the next few weeks,” Belton said. “However, though I am not at liberty to discuss, an opportunity has presented another possibility for me to be of service to my state. While I will continue to serve as the District Attorney of the Third Judicial District, I will suspend my campaign for Attorney General. 

“I’m excited about what the future holds for me and my family.”

The four candidates in the race to replace current Louisiana District Attorney Jeff Landry, who is running for governor, included Belton, Louisiana Solicitor General Liz Murrill, Louisiana District 2 state Rep. John Stefanski of Crowley and 18th Judicial District Marty Maley before Belton’s decision to suspend his race.

“For some time now, I have campaigned to be Louisiana’s next Attorney General and have enjoyed traveling around our  beautiful state sharing my personal story of faith in God, hard work, and overcoming,” Belton said.

And Belton, who has also been in the spotlight recently while pursuing criminal charges against the five white police officers involved in the May 2019 death of Ronald Greene, a Black motorist, after a vehicle pursuit across parts of Union and Ouachita parishes, said he felt he was the frontrunner in the race before circumstances changed and caused him to reconsider continuing his campaign.

“The response has been nothing short of amazing and our campaign has been blessed to
have the support of so many hard-working citizens, fellow public servants, business, community, and religious leaders across Louisiana. And I am forever thankful for that support.

“In fact, in the recent polls, I am the leading candidate for Attorney General.”

But Belton said the “new opportunity” was one that forced him to reconsider.

“Right now, it’s at a point where I really can’t discuss it, but that will come at the right time,” Belton said. “But at this point I feel the best thing to do is to suspend my candidacy and see how it all plays out.

“It’s something I’m excited and feel good about. At this point, that’s all I can say.”


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Central Sabine Fire Burn Day

Members of Central Sabine Fire Department held a burn day at the North Sabine Training Facility on May 26. This training consisted of live burns, search and rescue, and pump operations. Firefighters had to deploy an attack line to extinguish the fire while the pump operators had to man the engine and connect to a hydrant. Trainings like these can mimic the same adrenaline, stress, and heat that actual fires produce but in a controlled and safe environment.
 
The department would like to thank North Sabine Fire for allowing the department to use their burn building.

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Harrington Law Firm: Job Opportunity – Legal Assistant

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Legal Assistant to join our law firm specializing in personal injury cases. As a Personal Injury Legal Assistant, you will provide vital support to our legal team by managing correspondence, maintaining deadlines, communicating with clients, ordering medical records, and drafting legal documents. Your organizational and communication skills will be crucial in ensuring the smooth flow of operations and the efficient handling of personal injury cases.

To apply email Eddie Harrington at To apply email Eddie Harrington at eddie.harrington@theharringtonlawfirm.com.

Responsibilities:
1. Correspondence Management: Handle incoming and outgoing correspondence related to personal injury cases, including emails, letters, and faxes. Maintain organized filing systems for easy retrieval of case-related documents.

2. Deadline Management: Monitor and maintain case deadlines, including court filing deadlines, the statute of limitations, discovery deadlines, and other important milestones. Collaborate with attorneys and paralegals to ensure timely completion of tasks.

3. Client Communication: Act as a primary point of contact for clients and provide regular updates on case progress. Answer inquiries, schedule appointments, and relay messages between clients and attorneys. Maintain a professional and empathetic demeanor when dealing with clients.

4. Medical Records Management: Initiate and oversee the process of ordering medical records and other relevant documents for personal injury cases. Maintain an organized system to manage and update medical records, ensuring their accessibility to the legal team.

5. Legal Document Preparation: Draft, edit, and proofread legal documents, including pleadings, motions, subpoenas, settlement agreements, and correspondence. Ensure accuracy and adherence to formatting guidelines.

6. Case File Management: Organize and maintain case files, ensuring all relevant documents, pleadings, and evidence are properly cataloged and easily retrievable. Follow established protocols for document retention and disposal.

7. Court Filings and E-Filings: Prepare and file legal documents with courts and government agencies in compliance with procedural rules and deadlines. Familiarity with e-filing systems is essential.

8. Calendar Management: Maintain attorneys’ calendars, scheduling appointments, court appearances, depositions, and client meetings. Coordinate with internal staff, opposing counsel, and court personnel to arrange dates and times.

9. Research Assistance: Conduct legal research using online databases and other resources to gather relevant case law, statutes, regulations, and legal precedents as needed. Summarize and present findings to attorneys.

10. Administrative Support: Provide general administrative assistance, including managing attorney expenses, processing invoices, coordinating travel arrangements, and assisting with other day-to-day tasks as required.

Preferred Qualifications:
• High school diploma or equivalent; additional legal secretary or paralegal certification is a plus.
• Preferred experience working as a legal assistant, preferably in a personal injury law firm or related field, but not required.
• Solid knowledge of personal injury law and legal terminology is preferred but not required.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and legal research databases.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional demeanor with the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Familiarity with court filing procedures and e-filing systems, preferred but not required.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Friendly and approachable demeanor, promoting a positive and welcoming work atmosphere.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and empathy.
• Willingness to contribute to a workplace that values teamwork and treats colleagues like family.

Note: This job description is a general overview and may be subject to modifications and adjustments based on specific requirements and the needs of the law firm. We take pride in maintaining a very friendly work environment and fostering a supportive team culture, treating each other like family.

EOE


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Roadwork week of June 5

The Sabine Parish Road Department reminds locals road crews will be beginning work on Pilcher and Merrit Mountain Roads. This will begin during the week of June 5, and include repairing base work and milling sections of the road in preparation for asphalt overlay. Expect approximately 2-3 weeks per road and drive safely through the work zones.


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South Sabine Fire Celebrates Memorial Day

The South Sabine Fire Department held a Memorial/Family Day training event at the station on May 29. Everyone enjoyed a great day of cooking, visiting, eating, training and having fun. Their members put a lot of long hours and days into the district and nothing goes unnoticed. They appreciate each and every one of their responders.


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Notice of Death – June 1, 2023

Lonnie Mae Baker
December 8, 1941 – May 30, 2023
Arrangements TBA

Debra Darby
July 19, 1960 – May 18, 2023
Service: Saturday, June 3 at 11 am in the chapel of the Winnfield Funeral Home of Winnfield

Maudie Irene Fabian
December 25, 1935 — May 22, 2023
Service: Saturday, June 10 at 9 am at the Bolton Cemetery in Gorum


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Families invited to Hero’s Day on June 10

Central Sabine Fire Department, along with other various agencies, will hold its Hero’s Day celebration on Saturday, June 10 from 9 am – 1 pm in the Dollar Tree parking lot in Many. Families are encouraged to bring their kids to meet their heroes and see the vehicles and equipment.


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Tasty Treats on the Bend Grand Opening on June 3

Tasty Treats on the Bend will hold its grand opening on Saturday, June 3 from 12-4 pm at its location at 30425 Hwy. 191 in Many. They will also have Louie’s Pizza and Big Meaux’s BBQ set up as food vendors. There will be homemade ice cream samples, vendors, face paintings, door prizes, movies, and more.


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NSU hosts summer STEAM camp for Sabine students

Northwestern State University hosted junior high and high schoolers from Sabine Parish for a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) day camp May 22-25.   

“This year, our junior high school campers were immersed in STEAM education and career exploration,” said Steve Gruesbeck, NSU’s director of service-learning and La GEAR UP.  “Each morning they studied one ACT subject area with School of Education faculty. After a networking lunch with college faculty, they explored academic disciplines and careers in journalism, art, computer information systems and nursing and allied health.” 

The camp was made possible through NSU’s partnership with Louisiana GEAR UP and Sabine Parish Schools. Louisiana GEAR UP (Louisiana Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded national initiative.  NSU works with 16 school districts and the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education. 

Campers participated in hands-on learning about the ACT and joined NSU staff for interactive tours and workshops with Northwestern professors from Computer Information Systems, Journalism, New Media, and Communication Arts, Fine and Graphic Art and Nursing and Allied Health. In small groups and one-on-one, they met with college professors on grade-level appropriate lessons and activities in English, math, reading and science.  

“They programmed computerized robots and entered worlds of virtual reality. They also filmed and edited professional-grade videos in locations across our campus. They saw examples of fine art and practiced printmaking and framing techniques. They also learned about human anatomy, blood pressure testing, and practiced hands-only CPR to the beat of the Bee Gee’s disco song ‘Stayin’ Alive.’ We had a lot of fun and our campers learned a lot about academic and career opportunities in emerging fields,” Gruesbeck said.  


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End of The Cereal Sagas

Two of the past three weeks, we’ve traded love notes about one of the Major Food Groups.
 
Been a good run, our time with cereal.
 
And it doesn’t have to end — not in real life. Not as long as the amber waves of grain are a thing.
 
But it does have to end here. Time to move on to other Foods, other Friends, other Things.
 
As an exclamation point, we’ll do something I used to do semi-regularly but we haven’t done yet in the SBJ. Today, a few of you take the wheel and share some Very Personal Stories. Had to leave out so many, including a favorite from a friend who loves cereal so much, he uses many of his favorites in his various passwords. Thank you to all who took the time to bear their Cereal Souls.
 
From Donnie Golfgame: There was a time in my life I was torn between Quisp, which I’m proud you mentioned, and Quake – which was like a sister cereal to Quisp, although instead of a sister there was a picture on the box of a miner with a light on his hardhat. As George Herbert Walker Bush would say, Quisp was a “kinder, gentler” form of Cap’n Crunch, which we all know is like having a mouthful of thumbtacks in your mouth. Quake, however, was Cap’n Crunch’s evil uncle as far as texture. Eat a bowl of Quake and you weren’t eating — couldn’t eat — anything else that day. Gum carnage.
 
I noticed when my kids were little that Sugar Crisp had suddenly become Honey Crisp and then later on it was just Crisp on the box. Same thing with Sugar Pops, which became Corn Pops and I think today it might just be Pops. Sugar has gotten a bad rap.
 
My Top 10, starting at the top:
 
1. Cap’n Crunch
2. Raisin Bran
3. 40 Percent Bran Flakes, (which now are just Bran Flakes; I always wondered why they didn’t call themselves 60-Percent-Of-Whatever-Else-Was-In-The-Box Flakes).
4. Rice Krispies; (are they just Krispies now? Is rice wrong?)
5. Fruit Loops
6. Corn Flakes, (or is it just Flakes?)
7. Sugar Pops
8. Honey Comb
9. Cap’n Crunch with Crunch Berries
10. Quaker Oats Oatmeal; (when I was a kid, there was a glass dish inside the oats).
 
From Duke of Don: There’s nothing more numerous than different people’s sense of humorous, right? I sent your Cereal Piece to a nephew in England. He responded, “Sadly nearly every cereal mentioned is not known to me; here we have our own which are the same as yours only under a different name. My breakfasts are not usually cereal-based but are instead …
 
1: Muesli (our own make barley flakes, rolled oats, porridge oats, oat bran, every kind of nut crushed up, mixed seeds, and raw cacao pieces plus milk); keeps you going through the day.
2: Croissants with lashings of extra butter, (Sundays only).
3: Porridge
4: Bacon Sandwich
5: Cold meats and cheese when in Europe
6: Crumpets
7: Toast
8: Lashings of coffee
9: Weetabix with warm milk but not very often
10: Corn flakes but only with a gun pointed at my head
 
From JayVee, Team Captain: First, a resounding NO to Trix, or any cereal with colors, and also to Grape Nuts (who in the world thinks this is really human food?! And why ruin the good name “Grape” by associating it with this product?)
 
1. Raisin Bran Crunch
2. Frosted Mini Wheats
3 and 4. Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios (tie game)
5. Frosted Flakes
6. Sugar Crisp (as in — add music — “Can’t get enough of them Sugar Crisp.” It’s a different name now — heaven forbid we actually put “sugar” in a name anymore. Gotta eat ’em fast; if soggy it’s a different ballgame.
7. Sugar pops, (ditto previous comment).
8. Raisin Bran
 
From The Skynman: My go-to is Honey Nut Cheerios. I have ditched the rest. I can do both ways. With milk or without. A handful of HNC for a quick snack is a pick-me-up. And on long trips there is a box in the seat next to me to munch on while I drive and listen to my book on tape.
 
From Train: If a team of cereal played ball, here’s my batting order:
 
1. Fruity Pebbles
2. Frosted Flakes
3. Honey Nut Cheerios
4. Lucky Charms
5. Cinnamon Toast Crunch
6. Cocoa Puffs
7. Cap’n Crunch
8. Raisin Bran
9. Count Chocula
 
Naturally, a bowl would coach first, a spoon third, and milk would be the manager.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu


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Remembering Jolee Raeann Northcutt

Jolee Raeann Northcutt, 15, of Zwolle, Louisiana entered into eternal rest on May 24, 2023. She was born on September 25, 2007 in Natchitoches, Louisiana to Darwin Ray Northcutt and Courtney Northcutt.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home-9891 Texas Highway, Many, Louisiana 71449. Visitation will follow on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. until the time of the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Aimwell Cemetery in Zwolle, Louisiana.

Left to cherish her memory are her sisters, Carley Northcutt and Cortlin Northcutt, and her brothers, Tylan Northcutt and Carwin Northcutt.

Honoring Jolee as pallbearers will be Darwin Northcutt, Joey Meshell, Anthony Meshell, Tylan Northcutt, Albert Meshell, and Wayne Meshell. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Natalie Meshell.


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Remembering Kadience LeNae Northcutt

Kadience LeNae Northcutt, 17, of Zwolle, Louisiana entered into eternal rest on May 24, 2023. She was born on May 19, 2006 in Natchitoches, Louisiana to Darwin Ray Northcutt and Courtney Northcutt.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home-9891 Texas Highway, Many, Louisiana 71449. Visitation will follow on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. until the time of the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Aimwell Cemetery in Zwolle, Louisiana.

Left to cherish her memory are her sisters, Carley Northcutt and Cortlin Northcutt, and her brothers, Tylan Northcutt and Carwin Northcutt.

Honoring Kadience as pallbearers will be Darwin Northcutt, Joey Meshell, Anthony Meshell, Tylan Northcutt, Albert Meshell, and Wayne Meshell.


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Remembering Billy Ray Meshell

Billy Ray Meshell, 66, of Zwolle, Louisiana entered into eternal rest on May 24, 2023. He was born on October 21, 1956 in Converse, Louisiana to Albert and Corrine (Stains) Meshell.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home-9891 Texas Highway, Many, Louisiana 71449. Visitation will follow on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. until the time of the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Aimwell Cemetery in Zwolle, Louisiana.

Billy was preceded in death by his wife, Cindy Meshell, and his brothers, Ronny Lynn Meshell and Martin Meshell. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Wayne Meshell and Joey Meshell of Zwolle, LA; daughters, Amanda Meshell, and Courtney Northcutt and husband Darwin of Zwolle, LA; brother, Emmit Meshell and wife Linda of Winnie, TX; sisters, Mary Jo Campbell of Coushatta, LA, and Roseline Brown of Mansfield, LA; along with thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Honoring Billy as pallbearers will be Darwin Northcutt, Joey Meshell, Anthony Meshell, Tylan Northcutt, Albert Meshell, and Wayne Meshell.


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Notice of Death – May 30, 2023

Lonnie Mae Baker
December 8, 1941 – May 30, 2023
Arrangements TBA

Debra Darby
July 19, 1960 – May 18, 2023
Service: Saturday, June 3 at 11 am in the chapel of the Winnfield Funeral Home of Winnfield

Sylvia Stanfield
May 28, 1942 — May 28, 2023
Service: Wednesday, May 31 at 10 am at Trinity Baptist Church with interment to follow at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches

Patsy Procell
February 13, 1947 — May 26, 2023
Service: Wednesday, May 31 at 11 am at St Anne’s Catholic Church in Spanish Lake Community followed by burial at Beulah Cemetery

Maudie Irene Fabian
December 25, 1935 — May 22, 2023
Service: Saturday, June 10 at 9 am at the Bolton Cemetery in Gorum


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Sabine Parish Crash Kills Two Unrestrained Juveniles and Zwolle Man

Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop E began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on May 24 around 3:45 pm on U.S. Hwy 171 south of Zwolle. This crash claimed the lives of 66-year-old Billy Meshell, a 17-year-old juvenile, and a 15-year-old juvenile of Zwolle.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2003 GMC pickup truck, driven by Meshell, was traveling north on U.S. Hwy 171. At the same time, a loaded 2012 Peterbilt log truck, also traveling north, began slowing to make a right hand turn. For reasons still under investigation, Meshell failed to decrease his speed and impacted the rear end of the Peterbilt. 

Meshell, who was restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two additional juvenile passengers in the GMC, who were not restrained, sustained fatal injuries and were also pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Peterbilt, who was restrained, sustained minor injuries. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state.  Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving.  A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences.

Louisiana State Police would like to take this opportunity to remind/inform motorists that properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most important decisions that a motorist can make. While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.

In 2023, Troop E Troopers have investigated 23 fatal crashes resulting in 26 fatalities.  


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Blessed: Sharp Curves

For the past sixteen years I have lived on the same quaint street. My youngest daughter was only six months old when we first moved in. Our neighborhood has always been busting at the seams with children and families. Both of my daughters have grown up with a multitude of neighborhood buddies. As you can imagine over the years, we have seen our share of neighbor’s teenager children learning to drive, including my own.

This is scary and sad all at the same time.

When my daughters were learning to drive, one of the things that drove them crazy is when I would walk out onto the drive way and warn all of the kids playing outside that a new driver is backing out. All of them understood the assignment. With great precision they would immediately freeze until said driver made a safe pass. We have also seen our share of mailboxes demolished at the hands of youthful operators. There is no judgement from neighbors at all, we have all been there at some point. All of our children have committed some kind of driving faux paus.

One of the interesting things about my street is that there are six extremely sharp curves on the way to my home. Once you turn off of the main street it seems like it is one sharp curve after the next. At any given time you literally can meet another vehicle almost head-on if you are not paying attention. One fumble of the radio will leave you having someone else fear for their life. It happens to every single one of us who live on this street. We have all been victim to these sharp curves.

Most recently, as I was rounding curve number four, a vehicle was coming in my direction very fast. I didn’t panic because normally the driver will recognize their error and recover. This driver took way more than the allotted “safe time” and was not stopping. I mindfully pulled over, came to a stop, and hoped for the best. Once the inattentive driver noticed me they veered back into their lane and waved with an extremely apologetic wave.

When I first moved to this street, almost two decades ago, I was way more “judgey” of these chance encounters in the sharp curves. I wish I had a dollar each time I met someone and gave them a not so nice glare or rolled my eyes. My house would be paid off with all of those dollars. I had very little patience for the not-so-attentive drivers. As time went on, and after I was found guilty of being neglectful as well, I softened. My patience multiplied almost immediately. 

In life we have all ended up in the terrifying sharp curves that consume all of us. Whether it is embarrassing family problems, mortifying things our children have done, mistakes made in our careers or even financial woes. For some people, their sharp curve may be addiction. Someone else’s sharp curve may be from something that is no fault of their own.  Sharp curves befall all of us.

No one leaves this beautiful life without some type of scar from the sharp curve that life sent their way. It is really easy to sit and judge when others are dealing their sharp curves. Unlike the sharp curves found on my street, life has a way of sending those sharp curves when you are least expecting it.

As followers of Christ, we are to show love, grace, patience and kindness through all of life’s curves.  Not to sit in judgement. We are to help pick up our brothers and sisters when they fall. Unfortunately, judging others and their sin is a common theme among some of the very perfect Christians that walk among us. The grace we extend to others may be indeed needed by us one day. As for me and my house, I remind my daughters way too often, we are not perfect. We are forgiven often. Also, whatever we judge and ridicule usually finds it way back to us in some form or fashion.

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37


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Does he have an unfair advantage?

Over the past couple of years, there’s been some controversy with a certain professional angler having an unfair advantage. Today we’ll look at this particular angler who is at the root of this controversy. He’s a guy who is not a cheater, but an angler who takes advantage of how the rules of the game are written. He’s an angler, fishing at the highest level with both B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing, who has had a lot of success doing it his way. 

The angler we’re talking about is Keith Poche. Keith was raised in Natchitoches, attended Natchitoches Central High School and after graduation went on to play football at Troy State University. After a knee injury, Keith decided to walk away from football and pick up a rod and reel. Even though he grew up fishing the banks of Cane River, he decided to take his fishing to another level and pursue a career as a professional angler. 

In 2014, Keith qualified to fish his first Bassmaster Classic, held on the Red River out of Shreveport, where he finished third overall. To say Keith has had “a little success” is an understatement. He’s had 46 top 50 finishes, 21 top 20’s, and 7 top 10’s, with a few victories mixed in. 

A few seasons ago, Keith made a decision to fish out of a custom-built aluminum boat that allowed him to get into areas that other anglers could not. He did not want the fully-wrapped fiberglass boat that 98 percent of the professional anglers use.

His competition was not happy with him having such an advantage with his custom boat. After several events, protests were made and there were many attempts to have him disqualified with the way he was accessing backwater areas. This special boat, built to his specifications, allowed him to gain access into backwater areas holding bass that had zero pressure and, in some cases, had never seen a bait before. 

As I’ve said in past articles, anglers are a fickle bunch and hate it when one guy figures something out they did not. Keith figured out quickly that this was his niche, how he could have success without breaking any rules. Now he obviously pushes the envelope, but he never violates a written rule. Still anglers and officials knew something had to be done to “level the playing field.” One rule implemented a couple of years ago was that whatever boat you start the season with, is the same boat you must fish out of in all the tournaments. 

But here’s what amazing — these same anglers complaining are not recognizing that Keith is at a huge disadvantage when tournaments are held on large bodies of water like the Great Lakes. His small custom boat with a 90-horsepower engine is not conducive for fishing the larger bodies of water, putting him at a distinct disadvantage. Keith is restricted on how far he can go compared to the guys running 20 to 21-foot boats with 250 horsepower engines.

Keith has never complained about him being at a disadvantage when the tour reaches these massive lakes. He just puts his head down and tries to make the best of it. Not sure if it’s just a coincidence, but no one is complaining about Keith’s small aluminum boat unless he is at or near the top of the leader board.

The most recent issue came this month at the Toledo Bend B.A.S.S. Open Series where Keith ran up the lake and gained access into an area other anglers could not reach. He finished 29th in this event, but a protest was made on the area and how Keith gained access. 

This is a continuing story that I will make sure to monitor as Keith and his lawyers, along with B.A.S.S. officials, are working together to try and come to a mutual agreement on what’s allowed and not allowed. One thing is for sure: look for some major rule changes at B.A.S.S for the upcoming 2024 season to take away Keith’s advantage.

Until next week, good luck, good fishing and make sure to wear sunscreen and good protective clothing. No one is immune to skin cancer like Melanoma.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com


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Good Morning From The Farm

Farmer Jason Anderson announced, “We are officially open for the 2023 Vegetable season. We are excited and looking for a great season. HUGH Boston ferns are available and an assortment of colorful flowers. We have a great selection of Dan Cason beef again this year.

So come and enjoy the fruits of our labor.” Anderson Produce is open Monday-Saturday 8-5. Phone 318-932-1432.


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Remembering Ethel Mary Remedies

Ethel Mary (Garcie) Remedies, 96, of Zwolle, Louisiana, passed from this life into eternal life on the morning of Tuesday 23, 2023 at her residence. A visitation was held for her at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Highway, Many, Louisiana 71449 on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 6:00 p.m. Ms. Remedies was laid to rest on Thursday, May 24, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 307 Hammond Street, Zwolle, LA, 71486. Officiating her service were Fr. Peter Mallya, FMH, and Rev. Dean Johnson.

She was a strong, faithful, determined, and very independent woman. She loved her fur babies, Tommy and Suzy. Ethel was wonderfully devoted to her family and friends. She was hard-working. She had a smile that could light up a room and she never met a stranger. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Garcie and Lucy (Sepulvado) Ebarb; her husband, Phillip Remedies; her daughter, Mary Lou Remedies; her sons, Mike Remedies, Danny Remedies; her sister, Leathy Rivers; her brothers, William P. Garcie, Curtis Garcie, Freddie Garcie, James Garcie, and Henry Garcie, Jr.; and her son-in-law, Benny Cox. Left behind to cherish her memory are her sons, Doyle P. Remedies of Zwolle, LA, Phillip Remedies & wife, Winnie of Zwolle, LA, Mark Remedies of Zwolle, LA; her daughters, Linda Cox of Lancaster, TX, Glenda Remedies of Zwolle, LA; her brother, David Garcie of Zwolle, LA; her sisters, Barbara Lopez & husband, Danny of Zwolle, LA, Annie Ruth Rivers, of Zwolle, LA; her 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and other family members.

Serving as pallbearers for her will be Ethan Johnson, John Austin Cox, Peyton Cox, Trenton Harvey,  Ronnie Remedies, and McKinley Cox.


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NSU announces President’s List of 4.0 students for Spring 2023

Five hundred twenty-nine students were named to the President’s List at Northwestern State University for the Spring 2023 semester. Students on the President’s List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of 4.0. 

For questions regarding the President’s List, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357- 6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu. 

Students listed by hometown (in Sabine Parish) are as follows: 

Converse — Madison Wray;                                

Florien — Nicholas Slaydon, Abigail Thomas, London Vidrine;                              

Many — Alexis Bush, Chikuita  Carhee, Shania Collier, Brooklyn Davis, Shelby Leone, Sarah Moore, Ethan Penfield, Wade Salter, Adelaide Soileau, Alaina Wright; 

Pleasant Hill — Katie Murray, Celeste Waddle;                                                     

Tioga — John Liggin;                                                  

Zwolle — Mckenzie Leone, Matthew Lovelady, Canada Sepulvado, Kaylyn Sepulvado.                           


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