Royal Alexander/Opinion

No nation can long remain a sovereign nation if it cannot control, secure, and defend its own borders

It is not often we are presented in national policy with such a clear contrast—a clear connection between cause and effect—but that is what is on display on our southern border.

As reflected in the latest data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) the overall tally for all illegal immigrants, of all ages, encountered on our southern border in March was 172,000, a 71% percent increase from the already high numbers in February, the Biden Administration’s first full month in office. That’s up from 103,731 in March 2019 and way up from 50,347 in March 2018. Sadly, this includes 18,890unaccompanied children, compared to 9,380 in March 2019 and 5,244 in March2018.

It’s worth asking why the number of those attempting illegal entry into the U.S. has increased so dramatically in 2021. The only logical answer is the drastic change in immigration policy in the Biden Administration.

It’s been feebly argued that these droves are the result of a “seasonal surge” of workers who seek unfilled jobs here. (This assertion is undermined by the fact that, in a political gift to the unions, there are no new avenues for guest workers who would on a short-term basis be allowed to take unfilled American jobs). Seasonal workers may impact the number but the drastic surge we are seeing can only be credibly attributed to Biden promises and policies. His words and actions have created the impression that now is the time to try to sneak into America.

Also, most importantly, why has the border wall and the fencing and technology it includes not been continued to completion? It’s clear that the area in which the wall has not been finished is where illegals are most heavily pouring into the country. The wall unquestionably slows if not stop entirely the flow of illegal activity. What video and documentary evidence there makes clear is that the surge at the border is about much more than children and their parents seeking jobs or even asylum in the U.S. Instead, the drug trafficking from Mexico has hugely increased as large amounts of drugs including marijuana and heroin have been seized at the border. This, of course, says nothing about the human traffickers and terrorists who are coming into the country.

And—while the national media often does not report honestly anyway—why has it been denied access to the southern border by the Biden Administration?(Can you imagine the screaming if the Trump Administration had denied press access this way?). The answer of course is that the southern border has become both a humanitarian disaster and magnet for illegal activity that the Biden Administration does not wish the American People to witness.

The American people must quickly demand that our federal government take the necessary steps to stop this influx and secure our borders. No immigration reform legislation has a chance until we first stop the illegal activity.

Our team is growing! We are looking for someone who is team oriented to fill the Volunteer Recruiter/Trainer position. Do you have experience managing social media pages and enjoy being involved in our community? I fro, please read the position description below!

-Assisting with the recruiting and training of community volunteers

-Attending events in the community where a CASA is needed

-Ability to embrace flexibility and help with other projects when needed

-Editing website as needed

-Managing main Facebook page, creating and scheduling content

-Creating graphics and writing captions for posts

-Planning and execution of community outreach events

-Assisting with the administration of the training program

CASA of Central Louisiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Resumes are currently being accepted by email only at edahl@casanat.org.

NATCHITOCHES:
Thomas Allen Solomon
September 14, 1950 – April 12, 2021
Service: Friday, April 16 at 1 pm at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Natchitoches

Keshundrel DeQuez Russell
June 8, 1978 – March 31, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Sean Anthony Revels
June 22, 1968 – April 7, 2021
Service: Friday, April 16 from 6-9 pm at the Winnfield Life Funeral Home in Natchitoches

Johnnie Coleman
April 10, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Sean Revels
June 22, 1968 – April 7, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Amos Payton Jr.
April 4, 2021
Arrangements TBA

WINN:
Larry Williams
November 19, 1938 – April 08, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Darren Jackson
April 1, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Mary Lee Sproles Ortego
May 29, 1949 – March 18, 2021
Arrangements TBA

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office has posted their monthly felony narcotics arrests.

During these arrests this month, approximately 1132 grams of marijuana, 120 grams of synthetic cannabinoids, 10 grams of cocaine, 477 grams of methamphetamine, several firearms and over $11,000 in cash was seized, along with other narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell has taken a firm stance on illegal narcotics in Sabine Parish since he was elected Sheriff.

23 suspects were arrested just this month. These are all for felony narcotics and firearm charges.

Sheriff Mitchell continues his pledge to the citizens of Sabine Parish to investigate and locate and arrest the drug users and dealers in Sabine Parish!

The Following are the arrests made. The corresponding mug shots are pictured above.

Top Row, Left to Right:

Buckey Adams

03/01 – Possession of Schedule II (Meth), Possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, Driving left of center, No insurance.

03/03 – Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Failure to signal when turning.

Ardis Dennis Hickman

Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of Marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Expired Vehicle Registration.

David Benjamin Nash

Possession of schedule II(Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Krystal Lynn Malmay

Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dustin Anthony Malmay

Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), 2 – counts of Possession with intent to distribute schedule I, Possession of schedule II (Hydrocodone), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of firearm while in presence of CDS.

Kalynn Leigh Peters

Possession of schedule II, Possession with intent to distribute schedule IV, Operating a vehicle while intoxicated, Obstructing public passages.

Second Row, Left to Right:

Cardaries Martez Marks

Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Hydrocodone), Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Synthetic Cannabinoids), Possession with intent to distribute schedule IV (Alprazolam), Possession with intent to distribute schedule IV (Tramadol), Possession of legend drug (Promethazine), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of firearm while in presence of CDS, Possession of firearm or carrying concealed weapon by a person convicted of certain felonies, Firearm-free zone, Violation of uniform controlled dangerous substances law.

Marks was also indicted federally for narcotics and firearms charges.

Melvin Pippin Jr

Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Hydrocodone), Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Synthetic Cannabinoids), Possession with intent to distribute schedule IV (Alprazolam), Possession with intent to distribute schedule IV (Tramadol), Possession of legend drug (Promethazine), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of firearm while in presence of CDS, Possession of firearm or carrying concealed weapon by a person convicted of certain felonies, Firearm-free zone, Violation of uniform controlled dangerous substances law, Resisting an officer.

Javoy Lanay Johnson

Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Hydrocodone), Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Synthetic Cannabinoids), Possession with intent to distribute schedule IV (Alprazolam), Possession with intent to distribute schedule IV (Tramadol), Possession of legend drug (Promethazine), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of firearm while in presence of CDS, Possession of firearm or carrying concealed weapon by a person convicted of certain felonies, Firearm-free zone, Violation of uniform controlled dangerous substances law, Entry or remaining after being forbidden.

John Wesley Lynch

Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of Marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Resisting an officer.

Jerome Lee Manuel

Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of schedule II (Crack Cocaine), Possession of schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of CDS in presence of anyone under age 17, Failure to register as sex offender (Vehicle), Driver must be licensed.

Shannon Lashay Manshack

Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession of schedule II (Cocaine), Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Synthetic Cannabinoids), Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Ecstasy), Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Third Row, Left to Right:

Gary Paul Miller

Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Improper lane usage, No proof of vehicle insurance.

Ronnie Kurt Hongo Jr

Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Crack Cocaine), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Hydrocodone), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of CDS in the presence of persons under seventeen years of age, Possession of firearm while in presence of CDS, Possession of firearm by a convicted felon, Resisting a police officer with force or violence, Battery of police officer, Resisting an officer.

Donald Ray Aldredge Jr

Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of schedule I (Ecstasy), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Resisting by flight, Driver must be licensed, Improper display of license plate.

Joevoskie L Mitchell

Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Methamphetamine), Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession of CDS in the presence of persons under age 17.

Kara Kinniard

Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession with intent to distribute (Synthetic Cannabinoids), Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kimberley Ann Scott

Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession with intent to distribute (Synthetic Cannabinoids), Possession of schedule IV, Possession of legend drug, Signal lamps and signal devices, No vehicle insurance.

Bottom Row, Left to Right

Wendy Lynn Lopez

Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joseph Edward Malmay

Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Resisting an officer.

Carrius Lenard Waller Jr

Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Synthetic Cannabinoids), Possession of schedule IV (Xanax), Possession with intent to distribute schedule V, Aggravated assault with a motor vehicle on a peace officer, Aggravated flight from officer, Possession of firearm while in presence of CDS, Improper lane usage, Driver must be licensed, Failure to dim lights.

Jerald Dwayne Shepherd

Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Synthetic Cannabinoids), Possession of schedule IV (Xanax), Possession with intent to distribute schedule V, Possession of firearm while in presence of CDS, Possession of firearm by a convicted felon.

Joshua J Perry

Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Synthetic Cannabinoids), Possession of schedule IV (Xanax), Possession with intent to distribute schedule V, Possession of firearm while in presence of CDS.

SOURCE: SPSO

BOM is proud to honor the Sabine Parish Teacher of the Year with a new iPad. Congratulations to Brittany Bashara. In the photo from left to right: Dr. Sara Ebarb, Brittany Bashara, Linda Guay, and Ashley Parrie.

While I never attempted to fish at the highest level of professional bass fishing, that still has not damped my passion to compete at this lifelong sport. Bass fishing is a constant attempt to continually educate yourself in order to be successful. It’s a never ending process of reading, studying and spending endless hours on the water committing yourself to getting better. If you want to compete at a high level, you’ll have to dedicate yourself and develop fishing skills. But where did this passion come from? Where did it all start for me and why?

It all began on an East Texas Ranch located just north of Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Graf Brothers Ranch (owned by my dad Loyd Graf Jr. and his brother William”Bill” Graf) was a little under 400 acres just on the edge of Sulphur bottom. We had three fully stocked ponds, not including my Grandad’s (Loyd Graf Sr.) place that joined our east fence with two stock ponds as well just waiting for a young angler to get hooked on what would become a lifelong passion for me. At the age of 8 years old in 1969, I made my first cast on one of these stock ponds with a Zebco rod & reel and little did I know, that it would be the first of thousands of casts. Endless hours of walking the banks cast after cast, looking to catch one of those little green trout called largemouth bass.

I had a cousin who also loved to fish, who would show up at the ranch from time to time and we would fish together all day. He was also the guy who introduced me to Bassmaster Magazine and my first open face reel; the Ambassador 5000C. It was the prettiest piece of fishing equipment I had ever seen. It was bright red with silver knobs and handles and just looked so impressive. I remember getting one for my 9th birthday and could not get it out of the box quick enough. None of my friends had a fishing reel with such high tech innovations. In my mind, I was now king of the water and none of my friends could even come close to the set up I now possessed. But it was also a challenge to learn to throw without getting a major backlash or rats nest. But once you mastered that reel, oh what a joy it was to fish with. Smooth and you could cast it a mile!

Every kid who ever picked up a rod and reel has raided their dad’s old tackle box. I remember the first time I opened my dad’s and was so intrigued by the many lures he had accumulated over time. Old crankbaits and topwater lures along with a small selection of H&H spinnerbaits. This tackle box also had two or three packages of Crème soft plastic worms (3 in a pack), you know the ones with the hooks already threaded in the worm. This tackle box is where I got my first look at a flat sided crankbait known as a Sonic which later became the predecessor to the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap. I sure wish I had some of those old baits from that dust covered tackle box including the ones I lost or hung up on an underwater stump. Many of those old lures would now be collectors items and worth a few dollars.

By age ten (1971) like my cousin, I was a subscriber to the greatest bass fishing magazine that is still in existence today…Bassmaster Magazine! I was like a kid in a candy store every month when that arrived at my house. Even more excited to get that magazine than I was the Sears & Roebuck Christmas catalog. It was a resource beyond belief to a ten year old boy with great information, sketches and drawings in detail about the latest techniques and the hottest baits. Interviews with the best anglers on the planet like Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Ricky Green, and Booby Murray who won the first Bassmaster Classic in 1971. Truly a wealth of information that I thumbed through night after night before going to sleep and dreaming of a huge largemouth that I would soon be catching. While other kids were reading the “Highlights” magazine and other boring books like “Where the Red Fern Grows” and “Huckleberry Finn,” I was studying how to pitch and flip a jig in heavy cover! Now that was something worth reading!

While I still remember walking those East Texas stock ponds and making cast after cast, I did not know that this would be where I would cut my teeth and light the fuse for what would become a lifelong passion. The freedom I had as a kid is something kids today cannot relate to. Days on end I left the house just after sunrise and came home at sunset hopefully with a stringer full of bass that would make my dad proud. The only thing that trumped bass fishing was my passion for baseball.

After a short minor league baseball career with the Montreal Expos, I needed something to fill that competitive void I had in my life. Fast forward to 1990 when a friend of mine asked me to fish a team bass tournament on north Louisiana’s Lake Bistineau and once again the fuse was lit! From that day forward I have fished competitively on all levels. Fished several team trails, Pro/Am events like the FLW BFL Tour, the FLW Everstart/Costa Series, B.A.S.S Opens and the ABA Open Series and the new (2021)ABA Top 150 Solo Tour. It’s just like any other hobby, once it gets in your blood, it’s hard to walk away from. But for me it’s still fun and something I truly enjoy. I’ve met and made some great friends for life while fishing and that by far is better than winning any tour event…well maybe! Till next time, don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf
Owner/Co-host
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show
And Tackle Talk Live

SABINE:
Roy Mitchell
February 17, 1945 – April 7, 2021
Service: Saturday, April 10 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel

Edna Leone
February 17, 1927 – April 6, 2021
Service: Saturday, April 10 at 11 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church

Rayford Monroe McComic Sr.
January 28, 1940 – April 2, 2021
Service: Friday, April 9 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel

NATCHITOCHES:
Sean Revels
June 22, 1968 – April 7, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Earana Varra Metoyer
December 13, 1928 – April 02, 2021
Service: Friday April 9 at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Natchitoches

Elizabeth Dean Vercher Trichel
March 04, 1940 – April 01, 2021
Service: Friday, April 9 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Henry Jernigan
April 5, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Mitchell Clark
April 2, 2021
Service: Saturday, April 10 at 11 am in the Rock Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Ajax

Daniel Haig Kitishian
May 10, 1949 – April 03, 2021
Service: Saturday, April 10 at 1 pm at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

Amos Payton Jr.
April 4, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Troy Jackson, Jr.
August 19, 1954 – March 30, 2021
Service: Saturday, April 10 at 11 am at Central Baptist Church in Robeline

Van Thomas Barker, Jr.
January 03, 1945 – December 26, 2020
Service: Friday, April 9 from 5-6:30 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

WINN:
Gene Timothy Bolin
June 12, 1941 – April 01, 2021
Service: Saturday, April 10 at 11 am at the Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home in Jena

Jody Renae Grant
March 03, 1962 – March 10, 2021
Service: Friday, March 12 at 10:30 am at the Summerville Cemetery

Darren Jackson
April 1, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Mary Lee Sproles Ortego
May 29, 1949 – March 18, 2021
Arrangements TBA

A Many, Louisiana man has been arrested following an attempted escape from a local police officer.

According to Many Police Chief Cheryl Wooley, Marcus Williams, age 22 of Many, was arrested on April 1st, 2021 after trying to elude Many Police Officer Matt Cook.

Williams ran red lights at two intersections at high speeds. He then ran the car he was driving off the road and fled into the woods where he was ultimately captured and arrested.

According to reports, Williams was in a rental car that was not rented in his name.

In the car was approximately 29 grams of marijuana, over 150 pills of suspected Ecstasy, 23 Valium, a small bag of a yet to be identified powder, digital scales, and a firearm.

The firearm was identified as a 40 caliber with 48 rounds.

Many Police Department was aided by the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Department in the pursuit and arrest.

The investigation is ongoing.

SOURCE: Many PD

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office is looking for any information regarding a stolen jeep. 

Local Sabine Parish school, Zwolle Elementary, will host a Cereal Food Drive through Thursday, April 8th. 

Students, as well as others in the area, are encouraged to bring unopened boxes of cereal (no bags, please!) to Zwolle Elementary School.

“Help us fill our hallways for a Cereal Box Domino Effect that stretches all the way from the Kindergarten to 6th Grade in the new wing by donating UNOPENED boxes of cereal by THURSDAY, APRIL 8TH!!”

The students and staff are excited to contribute to the Northwestern State University Food Pantry and make a difference! 

Zwolle Elementary Staff will be available to accept donations during school hours. Anyone bringing food donations will need to wear a mask to follow COVID-19 guidelines. 

The Natchitoches Police Department is currently hiring new officers to provide a safe community for our citizens, businesses and visitors.

Requirements for employment

• Must meet all requirements of the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Law, including being a citizen of the United States, and of legal age.

• Must not be less than eighteen (18) years of age.

• Applicant must possess one of the following: high school diploma, high school equivalency certificate, high school transcript, affidavit from the issuing high school, associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or college transcript, any one of which must indicate that graduation has occurred, or a degree awarded. Any Louisiana applicant who presents a home study diploma shall submit necessary documentation indicating Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approval of the home study curriculum. Non-Louisiana applicants shall be required to present proof of completion of a high school curriculum which has been accredited by the applicant’s state, or its state-approved agency. A certification of completion shall not be sufficient to substitute for a diploma or equivalency certificate.

• After offer of employment, but before beginning work in this class, must pass a physical examination, the selection and administration of which shall be authorized by the Appointing Authority, designed to demonstrate good health and physical fitness sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without accommodation.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

If you are interested in becoming a police officer for the City of Natchitoches please contact Lt. Jessica Williams at (318) 357-3809 or if you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

Brad Dison

Moyna Macgill was an actress from Northern Ireland. She performed regularly in London’s West End, and also appeared in film and, many years later, in television productions. Her husband, Edgar, was a successful English politician, and had served as the mayor of the Metropolitan Borough of Poplar, England. Theirs was an upper middle-class family.

Their daughter, Brigid, was born in a Central London hospital in 1925. Brigid had an older stepsister from her mother’s previous marriage, and two younger brothers, Edgar and Bruce. When Brigid was nine years old, her father died of stomach cancer. That same year, Moyna got engaged to a former colonel with the British Army. Moyna and her children moved in with the former colonel and his children. For five years, the two families lived in a tense environment. The former colonel ruled his home like a tyrant. Moyna wanted to escape.

Events of World War II had a profound effect on the lives of Moyna and her family. In 1939, war with Germany was inevitable. In addition to Moyna’s desire to escape from the former colonel, she also wanted her family to escape from the looming war. Moyna secretly finagled passage for herself and her children to Canada aboard an ocean liner called the RMS Duchess of Atholl.

Late one night in late 1940, Moyna gathered Brigid, Edgar, and Bruce, along with their belongings, and left London. Moyna and her children never saw the former colonel again. Moyna’s oldest daughter, a newlywed, remained in London. After a four-and-a-half-hour trip, Brigid’s family arrived at the docks in Liverpool.

The Duchess of Atholl was a grand ship, about two-third the size of the Titanic. In December of 1939, the British military requisitioned the ship for troop transportation. Although the ship was not supposed to be used for passenger transportation at this point in the war, Brigid’s mother got herself, her children, and what little they brought with them, aboard the ship. Many people have theorized that Brigid’s mother used her celebrity status or her late husband’s political connections to gain passage to Canada.

Later that afternoon, the Duchess of Atholl left Liverpool and headed into the Atlantic Ocean toward Canada. Rather than traveling in a straight line, the ship zigzagged through the ocean to lessen the chances of being struck by a torpedo from a sneaky German submarine. On the night Moyna, Brigid, Edgar, and Bruce left England, Germany began a nighttime bombing raid on Liverpool, the main Atlantic seaport, in what is referred to as the Liverpool Blitz. Brigid’s family had escaped just in time.

Several days later, Moyna and her family arrived in Canada and eventually made their way down to New York. With no money and few possessions with which to barter, their futures seemed miserable. Just when their situations seemed hopeless, a kind family took them in and helped them gain a foothold on their new lives in America. Moyna and her children had heard that America was the land of opportunity, and the kind family helped reinforce that notion.

Had Moyna and her family waited just one more day to leave Liverpool, they might not have survived the Liverpool Blitz. During World War II, after Moyna and her family traveled to the new world on the Duchess of Atholl, the ship was struck by several torpedoes from a German submarine and sank in the Atlantic Ocean.

Within two years of their arrival, Moyna began acting in Hollywood films. From 1943 to 1945, Moyna appeared in no less than ten films. The Irish Times ranked Moyna Macgill 35th in Ireland’s greatest film actors of all time. In her more than four decades in film and television, she appeared in productions including The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Twilight Zone, and Black Beauty. Her children followed her into theater. Edgar became a multiple award-winning theater, film, and television producer. He produced Broadway plays such as The Subject Was Roses, Promenade, and Gypsy. Bruce became a television producer, television writer and screenwriter in a career which spanned over thirty years. He worked on such iconic television shows as The Wild Wild West, Mission: Impossible, Wonder Woman, Knight Rider, The Brady Bunch, Happy Days, The Odd Couple, and Murder, She Wrote. Brigid’s acting career has spanned eight decades so far. Brigid occasionally shared the screen with her mother. Her other numerous film credits include The Manchurian Candidate, Blue Hawaii, and Beauty and the Beast. Like her brother Bruce, Brigid also worked on the Murder, She Wrote television series. Moyna Macgill is better known for being the mother of Brigid than for her work as an actress. You see, Brigid’s family called her by her middle name. The rest of the world knows Brigid as… Angela Lansbury.

Photo: Moyna Macgill in 1945.

Sources:

1. “Lesser-Told Story of Belfast-Born Film Star Who Was Mother of Iconic Superstar,” NewsLetter, accessed March 30, 2021, newsletter.co.uk/retro/lesser-told-story-belfast-born-film-star-who-was-mother-iconic-superstar-985733.
2. “Moyna Macgill,” IMDb.com, accessed March 31, 2021, imdb.com/name/nm0532256/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1.
3. “Edgar Lansbury,” IMDb.com, accessed March 31, 2021, imdb.com/name/nm0487052/?ref_=nmbio_trv_1.
4. “Bruce Lansbury,” IMDb.com, accessed March 31, 2021, imdb.com/name/nm0487049/?ref_=nmbio_trv_1.
5. “Angela Lansbury,” IMDb.com, accessed March 31, 2021, imdb.com/name/nm0001450/?ref_=nmbio_trv_1.
6. “Angela Lansbury – Interview On Her Life, Career,” YouTube.com, accessed April 4, 2021, youtu.be/yHtq-kGzF9o.

By: Royal Alexander/Opinion

The hallmark of a free society and a legitimately functioning democracy is the honest and legal exercise of the voting franchise by its citizens because our fundamental and sacred right to vote is preservative of all other rights.

The hotly debated Georgia election reform law that passed this week, like voting reforms taking place in states across the country, has been highly and purposely mischaracterized. (Louisiana is considering certain election and voting reforms as well). The Georgia law actually expands voting rights and voting flexibility by adding early voting on more weekends and providing additional equipment and workers in larger precincts.

For example, while legal voting would reasonably include requiring a voter to display a valid driver license the Georgia law, nevertheless, allows for a free, state-issued non-driver ID for those without a driver license. However, even those who lack a free, state-issued non-driver ID may still vote if they present a Social Security number, a copy of a current bank statement, utility bill, government check, or paycheck.

It is worth reiterating an unassailable principle: genuine reform of voting laws must begin with requiring valid ID. The request to see a valid ID occurs millions of times across our country every day and the only people who object to its use in voting are doing so on behalf of those who aren’t supposed to be voting in the first place.

In fact, many of the civil liberties we exercise every day are based upon freedoms that stem directly from the Constitution: purchasing a firearm requires valid ID, marrying requires valid ID to obtain a license, boarding an airplane (freedom of movement) requires valid ID, petitioning the government (right of assembly/free speech) in a rally at a public place requires a permit that often requires valid ID, or checking into a hotel (public accommodations) requires valid ID. There are many other similar examples.

Still further, Georgia’s law leaves in place Sunday voting and it also leaves in place “no excuses” absentee voting. This means that every registered Georgia voter may still simply and easily request an absentee ballot for any reason at all. (Many states still require voters, wisely in my view, to provide a valid excuse to vote absentee). Additionally, rather than having poll workers be responsible for deciding if signatures match, Georgia voters will instead submit a state ID number with their ballot. The ID number will either match or it won’t, eliminating the need for subjective scrutiny of a voter’s signature by an election worker.

No election reform or election rules will ever be perfect, but we must strive at the very minimum, in Louisiana and across the country, to ensure that our votes are received and counted honestly. Numerous states already have voter ID requirements enshrined in law and they have been upheld by the Supreme Court.

It cannot be said often enough or loudly enough: our freedom depends upon an honest and transparent vote. The right to vote is a gift that has been purchased with the blood and lives of American soldiers and citizens who bravely spoke out and suffered and died to have their votes—and ours—counted. The right to vote is exceedingly rare throughout history as most who have ever walked on and drawn a breath on this planet have lived under some form of dictatorship, tyrant, or other strongman. That is why Lincoln powerfully and memorably called America’s experiment in democracy the “last best hope” for man on earth. And that is why the legitimate right to vote must be defended at all costs, so we preserve the legitimacy of the government by retaining the consent of the governed.

NATCHITOCHES – Another day, another award for Northwestern State right-hander Levi David.

David, a sophomore from Waxahachie, Texas, was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Baseball Pitcher of the Week on Tuesday, one day after earning his second Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week honor of the season. The LSWA award is voted on by baseball sports information directors across the state.

David became the first LSWA honoree this season after striking out 12 across seven scoreless innings in a 5-3 win against Abilene Christian on Friday. It marked the second straight start in which David fanned a career-high 12, and it was the longest scoreless outing of David’s two-year Demon career.

With wins in his past two starts, David is 2-2 with a 2.97 ERA and a team-leading 49 strikeouts, which places him 57th nationally. His 14.54 strikeouts per nine innings leads the Southland Conference and ranks 12th nationally.

David and the Demons return to action Friday when they host Lamar at 6:30 p.m. in the opener of a four-game Southland Conference series at Brown-Stroud Field.

Photo: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

NPSB Job Vacancy: Department of Exceptional Student Services Secretary

SITE LOCATION(S): Central Office

QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or Equivalent, Associate or Bachelor’s Degree preferred, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in computer skills.

SALARY: According to the parish salary schedule.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 12 months

WHERE TO APPLY:
Linda G. Page, Personnel Director
Natchitoches Parish School Board
P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016
(318) 352-2358

DEADLINE: Wednesday, April 14, 2021; 4:00 p.m.

APPLICATIONS: Application packet should consist of a letter of application, resume’, official transcript, and two letters of reference.

EOE

SABINE:
Elizabeth Ann Terrell
December 13, 1942 – April 3, 2021
Service: Wednesday April 7 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel

WINN:
Jody Renae Grant
March 03, 1962 – March 10, 2021
Service: Friday, March 12 at 10:30 am at the Summerville Cemetery

Darren Jackson
April 1, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Mary Lee Sproles Ortego
May 29, 1949 – March 18, 2021
Arrangements TBA

NATCHITOCHES:
Earana Varra Metoyer
December 13, 1928 – April 02, 2021
Service: Friday April 9 at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Natchitoches

Elizabeth Dean Vercher Trichel
March 04, 1940 – April 01, 2021
Service: Friday, April 9 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Henry Jernigan
April 5, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Mitchell Clark
April 2, 2021
Service: Saturday, April 10 at 11 am in the Rock Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Ajax

Daniel Haig Kitishian
May 10, 1949 – April 03, 2021
Service: Saturday, April 10 at 1 pm at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

Amos Payton Jr.
April 4, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Troy Jackson, Jr.
August 19, 1954 – March 30, 2021
Service: Saturday, April 10 at 11 am at Central Baptist Church in Robeline

Van Thomas Barker, Jr.
January 03, 1945 – December 26, 2020
Service: Friday, April 9 from 5-6:30 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

RED RIVER:
O. B. “Cooter” Madden
November 10, 1926 – April 03, 2021
Service: Thursday, April 8 at 3:30 pm at Mt. Zion Cemetery

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office announced the unfortunate conclusion to their search of a local man with has dementia and Alzheimer’s who was reported missing early Wednesday morning. 

The man missing from his residence on Mallard Road has been found.

Shortly before 10AM, a 1st Responder located Arthur Wright Jr’s body approximately 100 yards from Mallard Road on a small road/trail behind a locked gate about 1/2 mile from his home.

Sabine Parish Sheriff Detectives and the Sabine Parish Coroner’s Office do not suspect foul play, but Wright’s body will be taken to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell is saddened because it is not the outcome he was expecting. Sheriff Mitchell and his Staff extend their deepest condolences and prayers to Wright’s family.

Original Story:

The Sheriff’s Office and 1st Responders are looking for a 85 year old black male who is missing from Mallard Road, which is off LA 175 near Belmont. He has grey hair and grey beard. The man has dementia and Alzheimer’s and he was last seen at 5AM this morning.

The Sheriff’s Office discontinued the search for 85 year old Arthur Wright Jr shortly after 1AM Thursday morning after all leads were exhausted.

Family members reported Wright missing Wednesday evening from his Mallard Road residence off LA 175 near Belmont. Wright is a black male, 5’6” tall, 100lbs, and has gray hair and beard. Wright may be wearing a long sleeve striped shirt and grey pants.

Wright’s wife and son left for the doctor around 5AM Wednesday morning and when they returned, he was gone. Wright did not get around well and used a cane to walk.

Family said Wright has dementia and is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Sheriff Deputies, 1st Responders, Chief Deputy Brad Walker and Sheriff Aaron Mitchell themselves began the search of the wooded area around Wright’s home, along with his family and friends.

Cold-nosed tracking dogs from Shreveport Fire & Rescue were contacted and joined the search. Dogs picked up Wright’s scent and tracked down Mallard Road towards Lone Star Road where the scent was lost.

At this time, we believe Wright walked away from his home and someone picked him up.

Late Wednesday night, the Sheriff’s Office received a report that Wright was seen at Walmart around 12:30PM Wednesday. Deputies went to Walmart and reviewed video surveillance, but concluded that the man seen was not Wright.

We plan to resume the search around 8AM Thursday morning. If anyone has any information or has seen Wright, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 318-256-9241.

SOURCE: SPSO

The Town of Many issued a noticed to citizens regarding the upcoming testing of sewer systems. The following is the letter sent out regarding the information and safety of the testing.

Important Public Notice

To: All Occupants and Residents of the Town of Many:

The Town of Many will be conducting smoke testing on the sanitary sewer systems. The testing will be conducted the month of August. This smoke testing will involve opening and entering manholes in streets and public utility easements. An important task of the testing will be to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system. The smoke will also reveal sources of where storm and other surface water is entering the sewer system.

A special, non-toxic smoke will be used in these tests. This smoke is manufactured for this purpose, leaves no residuals or stains and has no effects on plant or animal life. The smoke has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor. Visibility and odor last only a few minutes, where there is adequate ventilations.

Because the plumbing appliances in your house or building are connected to the sanitary sewer system, some of this smoke may enter your house if the:

-Vents connected to your building’s sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed.

-Traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers, and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed, or missing

-Pipes, connections, and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under your building are damaged, defective, have plugs missing or are improperly installed.

All residents are advised that if traces of this smoke or its odor enter your house or building, it is an indication that gases and odors from the sewer may also enter. These can be both unpleasant and dangerous as well as a health hazard to occupants. Location, identification, and correction of the source of smoke that enters your house is urgently advised.

A photograph will be taken of leaks occurring in the system. In order to do so, our representatives may have to enter your yard, depending on where the leaks are located. At no time will it be necessary for our representatives to enter your home. We would appreciate your cooperation in allowing the photographer to take pictures.

The information gained from this testing will be used to improve your sewer services and may reduce the eventual cost to utility customers.

While the Town of Many will render all possible cooperation, the correction of any defects in the pipes and sewer lines on private property is the responsibility of the owner. The services of a professional plumber are advised.

If you have any questions or desire more information, please contact us during the office hours of 8 am to 5 pm:

Town Of Many
(318) 256 – 3651

SOURCE: Town of Many

While the weather looks good for Easter Day, things got a little shaky for part of the North Lousiana region heading into Good Friday.

At around 2:26 a.m. Thursday, April 1, 2021, a 3.0 earthquake was reported in Caddo Parish, west of Blanchard, and about 12 miles northwest of Shreveport. he earthquake was reported to be centered 3.1 miles under the ground.

While it hasn’t happened for more than two centuries, Louisiana has felt tremors from major earthquakes before.

Multiple devastating earthquakes hit the United States in 1811 and 1812 the epicenter of which was the New Madrid fault area. These quakes were some of the largest ever experienced in the USA and the effects were across north Louisiana and all the way to the southern parts of the state, including New Orleans.

Since 1843, the U.S. Geological Survey says that more than 40 earthquakes felt in or around Louisiana.

When you talk about legendary bodies of water, bass fishing meca’s, Toledo Bend is pretty much where it all started. A $70 million dollar project completed in 1969, this lake was built for recreational and hydroelectric power generation. It was the result of rapid industrial development and the changing demands of an evolving economy of the 1940’s. This lake took years to become a reality with the creation of the Sabine River Authority in 1949. At one time this was considered the “Miracle Project” that almost never got off the ground. It truly became an economic engine for western part of Louisiana and East Texas.

I remember as a kid in the early 70’s watching TV fishing shows Virgil Ward and John Fox Outdoors. I was amazed how they were fishing in standing timber and catching bass on just about every cast. I had dreams of getting to go to this fishing heaven and wet a hook. This was a place according to legendary pros and Toledo Bend guides Tommy Martin and Larry Nixon, catching a hundred bass a day was commonplace. People from all over America came to this lake for what many called “the trip of a lifetime.” It was the number one lake in the country where anglers would drive for hours or days to get to this bass fishing paradise.

Stories have been told of catching so many bass that your arms would cramp at night after spending a day on the Bend. I’ve seen photos of 4X8 sheets of plywood covered in bass ranging from 2 to 8 pounds. Stringers mounted on the wall of local restaurants loaded with 6 and 8 pound bass. This of course was before the days of catch and release. Anglers back then, kept pretty much every fish they caught. Now think about that, if the mindset of anglers in the late 60’s and early 70’s was to keep everything they caught, there must have been a ton of fish in Toledo Bend!

Another story I’ve heard from some of the old timers who were lucky enough to get to fish the Bend in its hay day; that after the dam was built and the gates closed, the lake filled so fast due to major rainfall, that timber excavation projects were halted and some of the equipment used could not be gotten out quick enough. Old home places, bridges and churches where left standing and eventually became landmark places to fish.

Now let’s talk about today and what the lake is like in 2021. While she’s not what she used to be, Toledo Bend is still a great destination for a lot of anglers. Here in recent years, the Hydrilla (grass) has pretty much disappeared. The south end of the lake (Housen, Six Mile and Indian Mound areas) for years always had a great supply of grass, but the last couple of years it has been sparse. But this end of the lake still holds large schools of fish that tend to move around and suspend making them hard to locate and catch. Focus on structure (humps, ridges or points) and you’ll probably come across fish at some point. Crankbaits, Texas rigged worms and Carolina rigs seem to be the most popular ways to locate and catch these fish.

Moving to the north end of the lake, (Lanan, Sam Miguel, Patroon, San Patricio and 1215 areas) all these will hold fish in both shallow and deep. If you like to fish boat houses, Lanan and San Miguel are loaded with boat docks and hold quality fish. The only area in the last few years that has any vegetation to speak of is the 1215 area or what some call Blue Lake. This end of the lake will also have plenty of bushes holding fish when the water levels are up above the pool (172). The 1215 area is a very good pre-spawn area. Spinnerbaits, Rat-L-Trap style baits and small crankbaits will catch a lot of fish. If you want to catch some really good bass and the water is high or rising on the Bend, make sure to head for the bushes and flip/pitch a jig or creature style bait. In the words of Major League fishing Pro Shaw Grigsby, nothing is more fun than catching “a big ol’ pig” out of the bushes.

With all this being said, Toledo Bend is still a place anglers all over the country want to come and wet a hook. It’s still a bucket list destination! The lake has a long list of great resorts with plenty of cabins and accommodations from one end to the other. One more piece of advice I have for a bass fishing newcomer to this beautiful lake. Due to it’s size, Toledo Bend can be very intimidating. Take a section of the lake and zero in on it and break it down. Also just like Sam Rayburn, the wind will play a huge role on where you can fish. The Bend can get extremely rough especially with winds out of the north or straight out of the south. Also follow the boat lanes that are marked. This lake is full of stumps that are just under the water and will cause major damage to your boat or engine. So when you come off the boat lane, IDLE!!! Hope this information has wet your appetite to head over to Toledo Bend and enjoy one of America’s best bass lakes. Till next time, don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf
Owner/Co-host
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show
And Tackle Talk Live