By Mary Brocato

Fall will be a busy time in the Many Cultural District, Mayor Ken Freeman said.

“Our Cultural District Advisory Committee has worked hard to make sure there’s plenty to do. We’ll have movies and a music show at the Many Community Center, and we’ll also have Happy Hours classes at the Many Historic Depot Museum,” Freeman said.

Activities will increase each month leading up to the Magical Christmas Festival, which begins Nov. 24 and lasts until Dec. 25. There will be activities almost every day during that period.

Two free movies will play during the month of October. “LaLa Land” is the featured movie on Saturday, Oct. 7, and “Ghost Busters” will be the Halloween movie on Saturday, Oct. 21. These movies will play at the Many Community Center, still known to many people as the “Old Sabine Theater.”

Meanwhile, Happy Hours painting classes be offered at the Many Historic Depot Museum on Saturday, Oct 14. Happy Hours Crafts classes will be taught at the museum on Saturday, Oct. 21. Happy Hours Jewelry Making classes will be taught on Saturday, Oct. 28. All classes are taught from 1-4 p.m. and require reservations and small fees to cover materials and supplies. Members of the Depot Art Guild teach the Happy Hours classes. The numbers to call to reserve a place in the various classes are as follows:

Painting class (Farm House Fuchsias) Call Kimberley Remedies at 337-424-6526. $20 fee for this class on Oct. 14.

Craft class (Festive Fall Wreath) Call Shanna Dees Gaspard at 318- 602-1641. $20 fee for this class on Oct. 21.

Jewelry making class (Beaded brooch) Call Cheryl Pearsall at 727-534-1057. $25 fee for this class on Oct. 28.

Music in Many is offered on Oct. 28 at the Many Community Center. This month’s musical performers will be the popular Buster Jordan and Sarah Strickland Erwin with Friends. The cost of a ticket is $10 and $5. Veterans are admitted free to this show.

“You can see we have a busy schedule,” Mayor Freeman said. “All we want now is for people to support these movies, music shows and arts classes by attending them and participating. We deliberately make these events either free or very affordable. The idea is to provide entertainment and cultural events for our Many and Sabine Parish residents at a reasonable cost so that no one can complain that there’s nothing to do around here.”

The Town of Many, the Sabine Historical Society and the Many Cultural District Advisory are restoring the Many Depot and converting it into an historical museum. The group’s hope for completion by early 2018.

The old Sabine Theatre was restored and given a new life as he Many Community Center. Music shows, movies and special events are scheduled there every weekend.

By Brooke Shirley

The Sabine Parish fair had an excellent turn out this year! The crazy Louisiana weather was even quite pleasant. There were a few rides that were great for entertaining the children featuring, of course, a large Ferris wheel and carousel. The music was great and the food was even better thanks to Louie’s Pizza LLC and their delicious array of pizza recipes. Throughout the week, the Sabine Parish Fair Queens were greeting people and assisting in any way that they were able.

Hopefully, you were able to check out all of the arts and crafts in the exhibit building that our 4-H, FFA, and Cloverbuds made. Different 4-H teams from the schools in the parish were able to participate in multiple animals shows. They were encouraged to bring their pets, chickens, lambs, goats, pigs, and even their livestock to be judged based on a variety of things. Thursday, Sunshine Kids and Many Elementary brought over 150 students to pet the animals in the barn.

The Sabine Parish Fair and Rodeo Pageant will be held on Sunday, Oct. 29.

 

Louisiana 4-H Shooting Sports, a nonprofit organization located in Baton Rouge, will hold a Shooting Sports Camp at Camp Grant Walker to better 4-H’ers marksmanship and firearm safety. The camp is going to be geared towards beginner shooters (ages 9-13).

The people running the camp are 4-H instructors from around the state that run most of their Regional and State matches and/or coach their National Teams. Also, their State Shooting Sports Ambassadors will give instructions to shooters.

The overnight camp costs $100 per shooter, which includes two nights lodging, six meals, snacks, drinks, paper and clay targets, and a t-shirt. Your child must be enrolled in 4-H to be able to attend and participate in one of the following disciplines: archery, shotgun, hunting skills, and .22 rifle.

If your child is attending, you may as well, but you MUST be screened as an overnight chaperone in advance. Check-In is Friday, Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. and the camp will run through until Sunday, Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. Applications must be turned in by October 20.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/165248280697023/?ref=br_rs

Zwolle was originally an Indian village that was occupied by the Spanish Province of Texas, and was settled by the descendants of French and Spanish adventurers. Every year the city holds their Annual Zwolle Tamale Fiesta to celebrate the rich Spanish and Indian heritage of the people of the town.

This year, the 42nd Fiesta begins Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Fiesta Trail Ride. The locals are inviting all riders and riding clubs to saddle up your horses for departure at 2 p.m. from Zwolle’s festival grounds. Following the ride, there will be live music performed by The Black Rose Band.

Senior Citizens Day will be from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and it is sponsored by Toledo Retirement and Rehab on Oct. 12. Festival gates will be opened later that day at 4 p.m. with a $2 admission and shortly after, the fiesta will officially be kicked off with supper and opening ceremonies. 2017 Fiesta Royalty are going to be presented just before Jerad Bridges and Nick Raborn play some funky tunes.

Friday, Oct. 13 be sure to stop by El Charrito Mexican Grill at 7 a.m. for the King’s Breakfast and again at 11 a.m. for the First Lady’s Luncheon. The festival gates will be opened at 4 p.m. with a $5 admission. Live music will begin that evening at 4:30 with a full line up for the evening. Wesley Mitchell & The Roadhouse Rebels, Showcase of Stars, LA Express, and DJ Hunter Malmay will be playing.

Early Saturday morning, people can gather for the 1 mile run and 5k run before the parade starts at 10 a.m. leaving Zwolle High School. A treasure hunt will ensue where clues will be hidden all throughout the festival grounds. The winner will receive a $500 savings bond. The Toledo Cruisers Car Club Carshow will be followed up by a Spanish costume contest and a tamale eating contest. There will be live music that evening also and you can find the line up on their Facebook page.

Come on out to enjoy Johnson’s Rides and Concessions, Arts & Crafts, Food Booths and of course TAMALES.

City Bank and Trust presented a donation and entrants’ gifts to Project Celebration’s second annual charity golf tournament. Pictured from left are Cheryl Wooley, Board of Directors of Project Celebration, Laura Fredieu with City Bank in Many and Glenda McComic of Project Celebration.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Project Celebration operates the domestic violence shelter in Many and Shreveport. Their child advocacy center, family services and domestic violence services covers seven parishes in NW Louisiana.

Paid Advertising

By Brooke Shirley

As we all know, Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on the state of Texas, but Houston particularly. For many residents, clean up continues even after a month since the storm first hit. Families are picking up the pieces, getting back into the groove of work and school while rebuilding after the loss of cars, homes, irreplaceable family heirlooms and, in some tragic cases, family members and friends.

Shanna Dees Gaspard, Brenda Lyddy, and Kim Branum came together to help out the victims of the devastation. Altogether, these ladies were able to collect 332 purses filled with different items women, children, and even men might need in this situation. For many, even having something as small as a toothbrush means the world to them after losing everything.

The purses were loaded into a Suburban that Milton Miliken and Robert Hable from Foy Motor Co. loaned these ladies to haul them to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Deridder. “It actually took two vehicles to haul all of the donations from residents in Sabine and Natchitoches Parish,” said Gaspard. “Monetary donations were also made to gather supplies to fill more purses and bags.”

10/3: Pumpkin Carving Contest Planning meeting at 5:30

10/9: 6 p.m. – Member at Large Meeting
7 p.m. – Jr. Leader Meeting

10/12: Zwolle Tamale Kick Off Supper

10/13: 7 p.m. Photography Club

10/17: Ag in the Classroom Workshop at Farm Bureau in Many. The deadline to register is Sept. 28 and if you’re a teacher that needs copies of the form call 318-256-3406

10/16-10/17: ALL 1st Place Fair Exhibits need to return to the Sabine Office to be tagged for the LA Sate Fair

10/20: State Fair Exhibits should be turned in during the hours of 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

10/21: Sabine Parish Pumpkin Carving Contest at 5:30 p.m.

10/28: State Fair Talent Show

11/4: State Fair BB Gun Contest

Sabine State Bank donated several cases of water & gift bags to the KA
Fraternity who is holding  a golf tournament tomorrow at the NSU golf
course. All proceeds go towards the  Julian Foy Scholarship fund.

Left to right : Kim Raymond, Jeremy Cox, KA’s Sam Brandon, Lacy Bennett,
Erica Vercher, Bertha Williams, Jareyna Washington. Back row: KA’s & SSB
Employee Tyler Johnson, & KA’s Walker Phelps.

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By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

Several thousand festival goers enjoyed themselves at the Annual Marthaville Good Ole’ Days Festival, held this past weekend, Sept. 15-16. This year’s Festival marks the 25th anniversary of what has become one of our parish’s most beloved traditions. This year’s event was especially noteworthy in that former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards was the parade’s Grand Marshal. He and his family rode in a beautifully preserved 1931 antique car. The former governor, 90 years young, showed he hasn’t lost a step as he spoke to the crowd after the parade.

While the parade was the highlight of the festival, it was far from the only activity going on. There was an antique car judging, singing groups from various churches, performances by school dance and cheer groups and a Nashville Music Show. A kids’ area entertained the younger set. The festival also served as a reunion for the Marthaville High School’s classes of 1947, 1957 and 1967. The parade featured 73 entries ranging from the Lakeview’s USAF Junior ROTC Color Guard to Natchitoches Central’s Chiefettes, Cheerleaders and Maroon line. The hometown Marthaville Hawk cheerleaders and spirit group were joined by Sabine parish’s Ebarb High cheerleaders. The First Baptist Church of Marthaville even brought a tank for “The Lord’s Army.” The fire department, antique cars, library bookmobile and a full complement of area pageant queens rounded out the parade roster. The popularity of this fun family event can be deduced from the fact that Randall “Fuzzy” Hennigan reported he threw 71 pounds of candy and 2,700 beads from his 1964 Mustang (a beautiful, one owner, car I might add!)

The Marthaville Good Ole’ Days Festival is a superb weekend of family fun and togetherness. It is small town America at its best! The NPJ is looking forward to next year.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating this event’s photography. Copy protection is turned off and downloads enabled. Anyone may download any the wish. If you do download a photo you like, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society in lieu of payment. I was particularly touched by Miss Cure on the Cane’s speech during the Queen’s Presentation.

By Brooke Shirley

 

Elliot Electric Supply hosted their 4th Annual Battle on the Border this past Saturday and Sunday at Cypress Bend. Registration was held Saturday where each team was required to sign in and officially enter the tournament. Each team was assigned a team number and given credentials for weigh-in.

This event was exclusive to customers and employees of the company so multiple vendors were present with booths set up showcasing their new products and some even provided food and beverages. Everyone who entered had their name put into a drawing for numerous door prizes ranging from a depth finder to t shirts.

The tournament started at 6:30 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Each team couldn’t exceed four fish in their possession at any time during the event. The contestants were allowed to have three for Biggest Stringer and one for Trash Fish. The three winning categories were: Biggest Stringer, Biggest Bass, and Biggest Trash Fish.

Billy Elliott was very excited and said, “I’m glad we are able to host this event each year and give back to our customers, as well as vendors and employees, to really show them how much we appreciate everything that they do.”

Located directly across from Emerald Hills Golf Resort is the famous Hodges Gardens State Park featuring over 700 acres of wild and cultivated beauty. It was originally designed and opened to the public in 1956 by oil and gas businessman A.J. Hodges Sr. The park’s gardens consist of a variety of plants and flowers, from a formal rose garden to a collection of Japanese Red Maple trees. The park also features one of the nations largest botanical gardens.

Effective Oct 1, 2017, the property will revert to the A.J. and Nona Triggs Hodges Foundation. The Louisiana State Parks Office is not aware of any future plans of the property. The foundation has decided to execute a clause in the contract that allows it to take back the park from the state.

Robert Barham said, “Hodges Gardens has fallen into disrepair because of state budget woes. Money allocated for operation and maintenance of the system’s 22 state parks has been redeuced by 40% over the past decade.” Robert is the Director of State Parks and Historical Sites in Louisiana.

Charlie Weems, an Alexandria attorney who represents the foundation stated, “The state did all it could,” and followed that up by saying “It’s just a casualty of the funding crisis.”

 

Turn Teal Natchitoches is creating awareness of national Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September by hosting its annual Teal Tea at Trinity Episcopal Church, 533 Second St., at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 24.  The tea will take place in the Parish Hall and will feature tea, treats, nail painting and information about ovarian cancer. The Teal Tea is free and open to the public. Organizer Leah Lentz hopes to educate both women and men about ovarian cancer, the importance of knowing one’s family medical history and the effectiveness of early detection.

“Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system,” said Lentz, a counselor at the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts.  Lentz lost her mother, Sue Gregory Coleman, to ovarian cancer and initiated Turn Teal Natchitoches in her memory.

Northwestern State University is also getting involved with Demons Turn Teal, a series of events to support Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  Campus Living Villages and NSU’s Office of First Year Experience are presenting events to take place in the Student Union and at campus residence facilities with snacks and ovarian cancer information as part of Demon Days 2017.

Drivers in Natchitoches may have noticed the teal ribbons on the Church Street Bridge that honor ovarian cancer patients, survivors and those who lost their battle to the disease.   Ribbons have also been placed in the LSMSA courtyard, Lentz said.

According to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, an estimated 22,400 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2017, with more than 14,080 deaths expected to result from the diagnosis. While all women are at risk of ovarian cancer, the overall lifetime risk of developing the disease is one in 75.  The estimated five-year survival rate for patients whose ovarian cancer is detected early is about 93 percent. However, only 15 percent of women are diagnosed at the early stages.  Ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose because initial symptoms are similar to gastrointestinal illness and indigestion.

“We have received outstanding community support since we started Turn Teal Natchitoches six years ago,” Lentz said. “There is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer, which is why it is often discovered in later stages.  Our goal is to create awareness and increase research funding for early detection tests that could save more lives.”

For more information on Turn Teal Natchitoches, visit the group’s Facebook page at facebook.com/turntealnatchitoches or email Lentz at llentz@lsmsa.edu.

The Zwolle Tamale Fiesta Association unveiled their 2017 Commemorative Poster Sept. 14 at the fesival grounds activity building. The 2017 Fiesta Royalty, Visiting Queens, local dignataries, and friends of the Fiesta attended the event. The poster committee was honored to have the 2017 Poster Sponsors, Anna Garcie Cash and Michael Cash present. The artist Richelle Dorris, who was born in Shreveport and raised in Hornbeck, LA by her parents Toni and Richard Doris, shared her excitement about her participation in the Poster Project.

An authentic George Rodrique “Blue Dog” was awarded in a 52 card raffle. Some of the artwork auctioned off was the original poster, the number 1 poster and the 32nd Anniversary poster. After the auction posters were revealed, the auction began for the participants from local business and a few festival friends.

The Tamale Fiesta Committee would like to thank Anna Garcie Cash and Michael Cash for sponsoring the poster this year as well as bidding to purchase the number one poster. The Tamale Fiesta Committee would also like to express appreciation to Lisa Sonnier for bidding on the original poster and donating it back to be auctioned again. Thanks goes out to Harold Stewart who bid and purchased the Original Poster. Also winning the bid was Don and Virginia Burkett for the Anniversary poster. Again, the committee would like to thank everyone in attendance who continue to support the festival. Last, but not least, a HUGE thank you goes out to Richelle Dorris for creating the 2017 Commemorative Poster.

Photo Credit: Phyllis Lehr

By Brooke Shirley

Shanna Gaspard, the President of the Depot Art Guild, instructed a “Happy Hours” class where they made fall pumpkin home decorations Sept. 16 at the Many Depot Art Gallery. Everyone was given a wooden pumpkin cut out, paint, and were instructed to pick their favorite design. Some of the students went the traditional route with orange and brown paint while others chose colors such as blue and white. The youngest attendees painted a Batman pumpkin and an Emoji pumpkin.

Mrs. Gaspard asked for us to share a sneak peek of the next craft she will be working on. It is a wreath made of recycled bags.

The “Happy Hours” classes, co-sponsored by the Town of Many Cultural District Advisory Committee and the Depot Art Guild, are hosted every 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Saturday in the month. Mayor Ken Freeman and the Town of Many are also sponsors. All of the class instructors are members of the Depot Art Guild.

We at the Sabine Parish Journal want to congratulate all of the participants in the Mr. And Miss Sabine Parish 4-H Interviews. Winners are as follows:

Senior King: Ja’Darius Williams from Zwolle High School
Junior High King: Jackson Beasley from Negreet High School

High School Queen: Lora Peace from Negreet High School
Junior High Queen: Matea Whittington from Zwolle High School
Elementary Queen: Sarah Kate Green from Florien Elementary School
Cloverbud Queen: MacKinleigh Knippers from Florien Elementary School

Ja’Darius Williams and Lora Peace will each be awarded with a $500 scholarship upon graduation. Contestants will be given trophies and certificates at the end of the year’s award ceremony.

We would also like to congratulate the winners of the 2017 Youth Baking Contest.

The winners in the Cloverbud Division are:

Sugar Cookies
1st: Mya Ferguson
2nd: Branson Merriman
3rd: Chloe Clark

Chocolate Chip
1st: RyLeigh Morales
2nd: Mya Ferguson
3rd: Zoey Chavez

Peanut Butter
1st: Mya Ferguson
2nd: Chloe  Clark
3rd: Braylee Veuleman

The winners for the 4th-6th Grade Division are:

Cookie Bars
1st: Josey Parler
2nd: Aiden Freeman
3rd: Caleb Corley

Blueberry Muffins
1st: Marcus Davis
2nd: Saylor Fitch
3rd: Madelyn Wilson

Tea Cakes
1st: Cash Sepulvado
2nd: Patrick Parrie
3rd: Preslee Sepulvado

M&M Cookies
1st: Emily Eason
2nd: Selena Ebarb
3rd: Randi Jo Kelly

Chocolate Cookies
1st Addison Martin
2nd Sara Kate Booker
3rd Maliyah McCoullough

The winners for the 7th and 8th Grade Division are:

Decorated Cookies
1st Alyah Markham
2nd Collin Canik
3rd Karley Martinez

Lemon Cookies
1st Max Martinez
2nd Ariel Sepulvado
3rd Blayne Dillard

Snickerdoodles
1st Kagan Sandel
2nd Grace Manuel
3rd Maggie Walker

Thumbprint Cookies
1st Lilly Rains
2nd Karley Martinez
3rd Allison Russell

Oatmeal Cookies
1st Jaeger Ebarb
2nd Tyler Gibbs
3rd Navy Britt

Pecan Pie Bars
1st Presley Pleasant
2nd Hannah Hippler
3rd Matea Whittington

The winners for the 9-12th Grade Division are:

Sugar Cookies
1st: Shemar Carhee
2nd Jaycee Limon
3rd Joseph Hinds

Chocolate Chip
1st Caleb Pilkington
2nd Aiden Martinez
3rd Lilly Rivers

Peanut Butter Cookies
1st Madison Mulligan
2nd Tristaan Ross
3rd Kelsie Etheridge

Brownies
1st Bailey Leone
2nd Emily Ferguson
3rd Cheyenne Pilkington

Funfetti Cookies
1st Millie Tarver

Shortbread Cookies
1st Joely Vines

Cheryl Pearsall, a talented, experienced jewelry maker, will teach the newly added Happy Hours Jewelry Making class which begins on Sept. 23 in Many.

Students will make a brightly colored tangerine beaded bracelet for this first class.

The class is from 1-4 p.m. at Many’s Historic  Depot Museum.  The fee is $25 which covers the cost of supplies and materials.   A place in the class, which is expected to be popular, can be reserved by calling 727-534-1057.

Pearsall will teach the jewelry classes on the fourth Saturday of each month from September through December.  Her classes are expected to be popular, so people interested in jewelry making are encouraged to call early to reserve their spots.

A native of Sabine Parish, Cheryl lived in Florida and worked for an upscale art gallery for more than 20 years.  She learned to make jewelry and has been making one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, and brooches for the past 16 years.  Her work can be seen every Saturday at the Many Depot Guild Art Gallery.

Shanna Gaspard, president of the Depot Art Guild, works closely with the Cultural District Advisory Committee to plan art-related classes on each Saturday afternoon.  She is hoping to add a photography class on the first Saturday of each month, starting in January.

Painting classes are offered on the second Saturday of each month. Crafts classes are offered on the third Saturday, and the newly added  jewelry making classes are taught on the fourth Saturday.

By Kevin Shannahan

Don’t miss “Kevin’s Gallery” link below.

Kevin’s Gallery

Northwestern State University’s 1st Year Experience, Alumni Association and Student Activities Board got the student body fired up for Saturday’s home opener against Lamar University with a truly epic pep rally. Hundreds of loyal Demon fans of every age packed the alumni tailgating area in order to see the show. They didn’t leave disappointed. The NSU Cheerleaders kicked off the action with their signature high flying moves followed by spirited performances by the NSU Pom Line and Demon Dazzlers. The Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening and ended the pep rally with the alma mater and fight song.

The evening concluded with a high energy, crowd pleasing concert by the ’80’s tribute band The Molly Ringwalds. The band dressed in costumes from that era and kept the crowd on their feet and dancing with their collection of 1980’s hits.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to commend the NSU community for putting on this superb event and to extend our best wishes to the football team this season. Fork ’em Demons!

Sabine Parish is on a mission — to clean up trash and litter throughout the parish.
The big trash bash day will be Saturday, Sept. 30 from 8 a.m. until 10  p.m.  Church groups, civic groups, sports teams, 4-H groups, co-workers, family  and friends can join in to keep Sabine clean.
Linda Curtis-Sparks, director of the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission, said that tourists visiting the parish sometimes complain about the litter along the roadways. She said it creates a bad impression and can have an negative impact on tourism. She thinks having a cleaner parish will positively affect the number of tourists who visit Sabine Parish.
Several committees have been working hard since March to educate everyone in the parish about litter and how it damages the image of the parish, creates health hazards, is harmful to wild life, and has a negative impact on the environment.

The Educational Committee for Children, headed by Deb Pennington, has been presenting  programs to all 4th grade classes in the parish schools.  The program is funded by the Toledo Bend Lake Association. Presentation manpower is provided by the Rotary Club and other volunteers.  Children learn about the negative aspects of litter, what litter is, how wild animals can be trapped and disabled by litter, what the effects on the environment are, how litter affects everyone, and what kids can do to prevent littering by setting a good example and volunteering for litter pick-up events.  Other members of the committee are Sheriff Ronny Richardson, Bill Thomas, Geri Alford and Sarah Ebarb.

The Educational Committee for Local  Adults, with members Matthew Couvillion, Jim Mifflin, Mandy Cathy, Warren Founds, Mare Gore, and Suzanne Williams  presented information to groups in the parish including churches, civic clubs, hunting clubs, fishing clubs, volunteer fire departments, business groups, and at City Council meetings. It was also their suggestion to have a parish-wide trash pick-up day.

Other committee  groups that have been working hard to teach people about cleaning up Sabine Parish  include an  Educational Committee for Businesses, an Educational Committee for Tourists, and an Educational Committee for Government Officials.

September 30 and the Sabine Parish Trash Bash are fast approaching, and volunteers to help out are still needed.  For more information on how you or your group can help, please contact Linda Curtis Sparks at 318-332-8240 or Deb Pennington at 318-315-2448.

Now think about it, if you needed a surgical procedure, would you try to perform your own surgery on yourself in order to try to save a few dollars?  Odds are that would not turn out too well for you.

Although that sounds a bit farfetched, many times that is tantamount to what a person does when they try to handle their own automobile accident claim, especially when there are injuries involved.

“Why should I hire a lawyer?”, you may ask.  You’ve heard that lawyers generally handle accident claims on a contingency basis and that you will have to pay the lawyer part of your recovery as his fee.  You may think that you can just deal with the insurance company yourself, handle your own claims, thereby saving the portion of the recovery that you would have to pay your lawyer.

There you go again, trying to perform your own surgery.

First of all, you need to understand that insurance companies are generally some of the most profitable corporations in America.  One of the ways they are able to maintain this favorable profit margin is by paying out the least they can on claims.

Sure, insurance companies spend millions on slick advertising campaigns that say things like “Like a Good Neighbor,” or “You’re in Good Hands.”  But at the end of the day, they have experienced claims adjustors working for them whose sole purpose is to get claims settled while paying out the least amount possible.  They also have armies of attorneys working for them with the same goal.

If you are involved in an automobile accident and try to handle your own claim, then it will be you pitted against an experienced claims adjuster or even potentially an army of attorneys.  You’re going to need some experienced, qualified assistance to help level the playing field.

While the handling of a personal injury claim may seem simple to you, it is certainly not.  In fact, there are many issues out there that the average layman would have no way of knowing and which could potentially cause a claimant to get much less than they are entitled to or lose their claim all together.

Here’s an example of just a few of questions/potential pitfalls which could come up in an automobile accident case:

1.  What are the types of insurance coverages available to compensate you and what are the policy limits?

2.  What types of damages can you collect?  Damages to you automobile?  Pain and Suffering?  Lost Income?  Medical Bills? Rental automobile expense?  Other damages?

3.  How long do you have to make a claim with the insurance company before you lose your rights forever?  What is the true value of your claim? (To know this you would have to know the amount that Louisiana courts have awarded in similar type claims.)

Are you confused yet?  These are just a few examples of the type of questions that will need to be answered to properly handle a personal injury claim.  While it may not be brain surgery, it can get very complicated.

If you’ve been in an automobile accident and, particularly if you’ve been injured, do the prudent thing.  Hire a lawyer, one that is experienced in handling accident cases.    If you try to deal with the insurance company yourself, then you very likely will not be in “Good Hands” and they may not treat you “Like a Good Neighbor.”

I think another insurance company advertises that they are “On Your Side.”  Well, that is what you need, someone on your side, to take on the adjusters and insurance company lawyers who are definitely on the company’s side.

The Harrington Law Firm located at 459 Jefferson Street in Natchitoches, Louisiana.  The attorneys are C. Rodney Harrington and C. Edward “Eddie” Harrington.  They handle all types of Personal Injury cases together with Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability, Successions and Divorces.  For free consultation call (318) 352-5900.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code. Results may vary. Free initial consultation.

BOM presented a check to the Town of Many Police Department to help sponsor the National Child Safety Council in Many. Pictured from left are Linda Guay, Roger Freeman, Chief of Police, and Debra Funderburk.

Held during the last full week of September, the Sabine Parish Fair is full of activities to entertain your family and friends. Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy plenty of yummy food and great music. You can expect to see brightly lit carnival rides and be surrounded by the noises of laughter and games being played. There will be arts and crafts to participate in creating or simply just buy for yourself. No matter your mood, there’s something for everyone!

There is a Bake Off taking place and anyone competing needs to deliver their baked goods to the Sabine Parish 4-H Extension Office by Monday, Sept. 18 between 3:30-5:45 p.m. It’s asked that you pick four of your prettiest pastries to submit on a paper plate inside of a gallon zip lock bag with all necessary forms. No early or late entries will be accepted and if your baked goods are store bought it will count as an automatic disqualification.

A talent show will be held for anyone willing to participate at noon on that Friday, Sept. 22. All attire must be family appropriate and music must be approved before you are allowed to play it.

Livestock, Poultry, and Rabbit shows will be held on Friday and Saturday during the day with the Sabine Parish Rodeo to follow. The Rodeo begins at 8 p.m. on both nights and includes these events:

Bareback Bronc Riding
Bull Riding
Calf Roping
Cowgirl’s Barrel Racing
Cowgirl’s Breakaway Roping
Saddle Bronc Riding
Steer Wrestling
Team Roping

Contact Elyda Thaxton at 1-(318)-586-7062 or the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission at 1-(800)-358-7802 for times and prices as well as any other questions you may have.

Interviews for the 2017-18 Miss Sabine Parish 4-H will begin at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 at the extension office in Many. This year they are incorporating a Mr. Sabine Parish 4-H for the first time. After careful consideration, candidates will be chosen for the upcoming school year’s ambassadors.

They will choose a King and Queen for each of the following categories:
Cloverbuds (Kindergarten thru 3rd Grade)
Elementary (4th thru 6th Grade)
Junior High (7th and 8th Grade)
High School (9th thru 12th Grade)

The candidates should have many hours of service for 4-H and should be junior leaders who are active on all levels. These students should participate on a local, regional, and state level. All winners are expected to attend and work at:

Sabine Parish Fair and Rodeo
Sabine Parish Fair Parade (If there is one.)
Sabine Parish Livestock shows on Friday and Saturday
Tamale Fiesta Educational Day
Tamale Parade or Freestate Parade
Spring Fling

Students are also required to speak to Rotary, School Board, and Police Jury members on behalf of Junior Leaders.

The High School King and Queen will be awarded a $500 scholarship upon graduation.

For more information call 318-256-3406.

By Brooke Shirley

The Annual St. Jude’s Fall Fest was held Sept. 8-9 at the Zwolle Fairgrounds. Friday evening kicked off with a LRD Dance Performance followed by Gyth Rigdon, who opened for Joey Dean and The Heat. Saturday was jam packed full of fun events for the entire family to participate in. Bright and early that morning folks lined up for the Walk of Hope, which lasted until it was time for the parade. Candy and beads were thrown to eager children standing on the side lines.

Other activities of the day included a game of Bingo, a Mud Bog, a performance by Renee’s Dance Studio, and door prizes including cash and a gun. Later in the evening, three local bands showcased their talents as fans packed the area in front of the stage.

The Pine Knotz Band was up first followed by LA Express. Debra Laborde said, “They were a phenomenal group.”

Bringing the festivities to an end, Tommy G and Stormy Weather played late into the evening as people danced and visited.

2017 Miss St. Jude Fall Fest Queen Autumn Wyatt and King Trenton Harvey were out and about both days ensuring that everyone was having a good time and assisting any way they could.

This year, butterflies were released into the sky because they are meant to represent life and new beginnings, which is exactly what St. Jude is trying to offer to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since the hospital opened in 1962. All proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital in its search for “Finding Cures: Saving Children.”