T.N.T Officers Chase Suspect on Foot Leading to Narcotics Arrest

ZWOLLE, La – The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Tactical Narcotics Team arrested Frederick Marqueze Smith (age-32) of Zwolle yesterday afternoon during a traffic stop on LA 191 near Mayfield Loop.
 
A blue Mercury SUV was stopped for a traffic violation when Smith ran from the front passenger side of the vehicle. T.N.T. Agents noticed a handgun fall to the ground from Smith as he was running. T.N.T. Agents were able to catch Smith a short distance from the vehicle.
 
T.N.T. Agents located suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, a glass smoking device, and a loaded 9mm magazine in Smith’s pockets and on the ground near Smith.
 
Smith was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of firearm while in possession of CDS, Possession of firearm by a convicted felon, Resisting by flight, No seatbelt.
Smith’s bond was set at $15,000 this morning by the 11th Judicial District Court.
 
Source: SPSO

Movies in Many – The Lion King

MANY, La – The Lion King is coming to the Many Community Center on Saturday, August 7.  this  Disney adventure  movie is PG and is free for everyone.  It starts at 7 p.m. some lucky movie goers will win some awesome  door prizes.  

Disney’s film journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

 The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon, and utilizes pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way. 

The Lion King is two hours of wholesome entertainment for the entire family. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday night in Many with children and\or

grandchildren  in a cool, air conditioned theatre with surround sound and a huge 30 foot movie screen.  Popcorn and soft drinks are available for only $1.00 each.

The Lion King adventure movie is sponsored by the Town of Many, Mayor Robert Hable, the City Council, and the Cultural District Advisory Committee.

Hable commented,  “We want our citizens of Many and the surrounding area to be able to enjoy some good, wholesome entertainment right here in Many without having to travel out of town.  Movies in Many serves that purpose.”

Some awesome door prizes will also be awarded to those lucky people whose names are drawn.  “This is just a fun way of ‘sweetening the pot’ and encouraging people to attend Movies in Many,” said Mary Brocato, chairperson of the Cultural District Advisory Committee and councilwoman. She hopes to see lots of families enjoying the Disney summer movie.

The theatre had to be shut down for a year because of COVID but attendance at Movie in Many is picking up and people are starting to come out and enjoy our movies again,” said Mayor  Hable.  “This is a good movie for EVERYONE to enjoy.”


Generous Benefactor Returns to Many to Show His Parents The Donated Volleyball Court

The Many Fairgrounds now has  a grass volleyball court for folks to enjoy when they’re looking for some activities.

The Jaret J. Barrett Volleyball Court was made possible by the idea and generous donation of Jaret Barrett, a former resident of Many when he was a small child.

Barrett and his family moved to the Houston area in 1983, but he has never forgotten his small-town roots in all these years and returns often for visits with family, including his grandmother who still lives in Many.

Last year Barrett donated the money to build one of the basketball goals for the Leon James Park on Martin Luther King Drive.  When that project was completed, he began to think of additional ways that he could  provide more activities for young people who live in the town.

His idea was to build a volleyball court down at the Fairgrounds.  Once former Mayor Ken Freeman found a location and gave his approval,  Barrett began to shop for a professional grade volleyball net that would hold up for several years.  He found one, purchased it, and had it shipped to the Town of Many at City Hall.  

Next step was construction of heavy iron posts to attach the net so it could not be removed.  Clauriste Byles of Byles Welding and Tractor generously donated the posts and supervised the installation of the posts into concrete so they would not lean or sway. City workers performed the actual installation.

Then Mayor Freeman ordered a sign naming the play area “Jaret J. Barrett Volleyball Court”.  Freeman said Barrett deserved that recognition because Barrett devoted so much time and funding for the court as well as the basketball goal.

Barrett recently returned to Many and brought his parents to see the volleyball court for the first time and said he was pleased with what they saw. 

His mother, Sandra Barrett Warren, and his father, Jerry J. Smith Sr., were happy to see the results of their son’s hard work.

Barrett finished high school in the Houston area and attended college on a basketball scholarship. After his college graduation, he played professional basketball, playing internationally  in China and other countries.  He then returned to the Houston area where he owns his successful pest control business and a power washing business as well.

He has always remembered his home town of Many and plans to continue finding projects in Many for the youth of the area. 

“I have a good life,” Barrett said, “and I want to give back to my home town and its residents, especially young people.   I’m not finished giving back to Many.  There will be more to come.” 


NSU Alumni Association will host gathering at Cane River Brewing

The Northwestern State University Alumni Association will host an After Hours event at Cane River Brewing on Thursday, Aug. 5. The gathering will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. for all NSU alumni, supporters and friends.

Those who would like to attend should RSVP to alumni@nsula.edu to ensure an accurate headcount for food. There is no charge to attend.

NSU Trivia will begin at 7:30 p.m. following the After Hours event.


Northwestern State Places Record Five Players on NABC Honors Court

Academic achievement has always been a core tenet of the Northwestern State men’s basketball program under head coach Mike McConathy, and the Demons exemplified that principle on this year’s National Association of Basketball Coaches Honors Court.

A program record five basketball players earned recognition on the NABC Honors Court, which requires a junior or senior to have at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA.

Seniors Dalin Williams, C.J. Jones and Jairus Roberson along with juniors Trenton Massner and Jordan Potts qualified for the academic honor.

“It’s great to have that many kids taking care of business academically,” McConathy said. “It’s a great tool in recruiting not only for incoming students but also for present-day students because they know what our expectations are.”

Williams graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA in industrial engineering technology.

Massner (3.57), Potts (3.55), Jones (3.41) and Roberson (3.26) also met the academic qualifications.

Jones and Roberson earned their bachelors degrees with Jones receiving a degree in child and family studies and Roberson getting a general studies degree.

Massner was an All-Southland Conference and SLC All-Academic performer with an average of 13 points per game with a 49 percent shooting percentage.

Roberson and Jones were starters this past season as Roberson led NSU in made 3-pointers (43) and Jones in assists (73).

Under McConathy, the Demons have placed at least one player on the Honors Court for six of the last seven seasons with five of those seasons featuring at least two student-athletes on the team.


Northwestern State’s Owens to Sharpen Skills on Belize Tour

Northwestern State center Kendal Coleman set foot on foreign soil when he traveled to North Macedonia earlier this month on a basketball trip, but now it’s veteran center Larry Owens’ turn.

Owens will head to Belize in early August with an organization called Sports Reach, a Christian group that puts together athletics trips across the globe.

The senior rediscovered his role this past season, averaging seven points and four rebounds in 15 minutes per game.

Because of the NCAA COVID-19 waiver, Owens will get one more season in Natchitoches.

“We’ve had players go on tours with Sports Reach before, and this is a great opportunity for Larry,” said NSU men’s basketball coach Mike McConathy. “He can build on his improvement this spring.

“Larry had some really great moments this year, and this is a way for him to stay active this summer and be in a position to be in great condition heading into this coming season. He can use this experience to help his game.”

Owens and other members of Team Spirit will head to Waco, Texas, for a training camp started July 31 before jetting to Belize, a Central American country on Mexico’s southern border.

The American group is expected to play up to eight games against local and regional squads.

NSU athletics trainer Zach Standiford will also provide his medical service during camp and on the trip.

The Sports Reach team is coached by Kelly Combs, who has coached for 30 years, including an eight-season tenure as the head coach at Union College (NAIA) before joining the basketball ministry ranks full-time.

PHOTO: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services


Shawn and Linnye Daily Create NSU CAPA Professorship

A Natchitoches couple who are longtime supporters of Northwestern State University have created a professorship in the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts. The donation of $80,000 will be matched by the Board of Regents Support Fund to present the fully endowed Shawn and Linnye Daily Endowed Professorship at the $100,000 level. Interest generated by the endowment will fund faculty research, travel, professional development, software, equipment and other necessities to enhance classroom instruction.

Mr. and Mrs. Daily have been devoted supporters of CAPA and other programs and development initiatives at NSU. Mrs. Daily served two terms as president of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society, on organization in which the couple have been platinum underwriters for many years, and has served on the NNSS board of directors since its inception. Mr. Daily has also been an instructor of finance in NSU’s School of Business for many years. Last year he returned a portion of dollars he earned as holder of the Charles Ragus Chair in Business by donating it back to the NSU Foundation to support the Shawn and Linnye Daily Endowed Scholarship, along with a portion to support the Columns Fund. He created the scholarship to benefit students pursuing degrees in business fields, such as accounting, finance or marketing. Mr. Daily also previously served as chapter advisor and financial advisor to NSU’s Beta Omicron chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.

Mrs. Daily, a pianist, loves music and has hosted Symphony events in their home, her husband said.

“Linnye thinks the world of CAPA programs and the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra,” Shawn Daily said. “Looking at the needs there, and considering her feelings towards CAPA, it made sense.”

“CAPA has wonderfully talented faculty and students, but they don’t have the number of professorships that other departments at NSU have. We very much appreciate Mr. and Mrs. Daily investing in NSU and CAPA in particular,” said Director of Development Jill Bankston, CFRE. “In addition, enough funds were leftover to also create a scholarship in the School of Business.”

According to Scott Burrell, director of the School of Creative and Performing Arts, the Daily Professorship is CAPA’s sixth professorship and will rotate between faculty in Fine and Graphic Art, Music, New Media and Theatre and Dance.

“CAPA is thrilled to have the Dailys fund an endowed professorship. They have always been proud supporters of CAPA and they have a played an integral role in the growth and continued excellence of our school,” Burrell said. “Their funding of the professorship will provide our faculty opportunities to enrich their knowledge and expertise, which in turn, will serve our students and community.”

Pictured: Shawn and Linnye Daily created a professorship in NSU’s School of Creating and Performing Arts. From left are NSU Director of Development Jill Bankston, CAPA Director Scott Burrell, Daily, Dr. Greg Handel, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, and Assistant Director of Donor Relations Cristy Bernard.


Women And Bass Fishing Part I

July 30, 2021
 
         Today’s article may get me trouble but here it goes. Why are women not more prevalent in the bass fishing tours and why hasn’t their own pro tour taken off. Can women really compete on the pro tour with the men? Boy, these are some interesting questions that I’ll try an answer for you today and hopefully I won’t get myself in a pickle with all my lady friends.
 
         Let’s make one thing clear, without women there probably would not be professional bass fishing tours! Now why is that? Because without the ladies back home holding down the fort, the men would not be able to go fishing! To be a professional bass fisherman, someone has to take care of kids and all their needs from doing homework to dance lessons to baseball practice to piano lessons and so on. Getting the kids up every day and ready for school and making sure they are fed, bathed and ready for bed at a descent hour. Taking care of all the bills rolling in and handling everything by themselves from a leaky faucet to changing a flat tire. This routine takes place every single day by the women who take on the role of being the home CEO. Yes, it’s a tough job and if you talk to any professional angler, they will tell without the women back at home doing all these things and raising the kids, they would not be able to be successful and fish the pro tour. It takes a special lady to be the wife of a professional bass fisherman.
 
         Why aren’t more women fishing the pro tours with the men? As I have just revealed, 98% of the wives/women take care of everything going on in the household. This means that the ladies have less opportunity to get away and go fishing. To fish the professional level, requires a lot of time away from home with speaking engagements, travel, practice days and the 3- or 4-day tournament itself. When it’s all said and done, an angler will be gone from home 10 to 14 days straight at a time; sometimes even up to a month if the schedule calls for back-to-back events. Honestly, most men are not programed to handle the daily household chores and commitments with the kids required to keep a house running smoothly. Yes, this is sad but true!  Us men know our limitations!
 
         Now let’s look at women competing against the men. This is where I might get into some hot live well water. First, yes women can catch fish just like the men do but there seems to be a disconnect with catching bigger fish which I feel comes into play because of technique. Most men tend to power fish more than the ladies do. By that I mean men like flip and punch heavy cover like hydrilla, lily pads, deep brush tops and flip bushes with jigs and soft plastic lures; they like to throw big crankbaits all day which can take a physical toll on even the most fit angler. Most of the women I have fished with, tend to be more finesse type fishermen with lighter/smaller lures. A lot of women I’ve noticed really like to use a Carolina rig which is also more of a finesse technique.
 
Nothing wrong with anything the women are using; it’s just that finesse style fishing tends to produce smaller bags weighed in on tournament day. Trust me, I know there are times when finesse techniques work better for the men as well. But this is not the norm with guys most of the time. Now I know I’ll hear from some lady bass anglers how wrong I am but all I have to go by is what I have observed in my 31 years of tournament experience fishing with the ladies or guiding some of the pro tour ladies for an upcoming event. It’s just like any other sport; women are going to do things a little differently most of the time than men do basically because of our physical makeup. Another thing that gives the men an advantage is the fact that men will more than likely make more casts in a day than the ladies therefore giving them more opportunities to catch more fish again due to the power fishing techniques men tend to use.
 
Understand, that these are general rules of thumb and there are exceptions to these so-called rules I’ve established. Next week we’ll take a serious look at some of the best women bass anglers of all time. I just want to make sure you understand that I’m not trying to slight the ladies at all, but I want people to understand the reasons why there aren’t more ladies fishing either the women’s pro tour like the LBAA (Lady Bass Anglers Association) or fishing on the men’s tours. Again, without the ladies, it would be very difficult for the men to go fishing and make a living on the pro tour. Till next week, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!
 
Steve Graf
 
Owner/Co-host
 
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show                                                  
And Tackle Talk Live

NSU Will Offer Notary Prep Course

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will offer a Notary Public Exam Prep Course starting Tuesday, August 24. Class time is 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday until December 2. The early bird fee is $430 until August 18 is and $450 after that date.

In partnership with Louisiana State University-Shreveport, this 52-hour course is an introduction to notary public fundamentals. The instructor, attorney and notary Jennifer Brown, distributes significate course study guides and materials to assist in your preparation for the exam. This course will be delivered via online video conferencing. The instructor will provide you with a conferencing link to join the class once enrolled.

Requirements for the course are that participants must have broadband access, a camera and sound. The test is based on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s newest edition of “The Fundamentals of Louisiana Notarial Law and Practice,” only available at www.sos.la.gov or by calling (225) 922-0507 for further information. You must have this book on the first day of class.

Visit the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Website’s Notary and Certifications for qualifications at www.sos.la.gov or call (225) 922-0507. In order to take the Louisiana State Notary Exam, students must be Louisiana residents and registered to vote in Louisiana.

For more information or to register for classes, go to checkout.nsula.edu or call (800) 376-2422 or (318) 357-6355.


Notice of Death – July 29, 2021

SABINE:
Ken Busby
November 18, 1940 – July 25, 2021
Service: Friday, July 30 at 11 am at Little Flock Baptist Church, located at 1805 Little Flock Road in Many

NATCHITOCHES:
Melvin Berryman
July 28, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Andrew Wesley (Lil’ Andy) Daniels
September 20, 2011 – July 24, 2021
Service: Sunday, August 1 at 1 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Bruce Clark
July 26, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Otis Lil’ Bug James Williams
October 01, 1984 – July 23, 2021
Service: Saturday, July 31 at 2 pm in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Juanita Virece
April 18, 1967 – July 25, 2021
Service: Saturday, July 31 at 11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Sam Telsee
July 22, 2021
The casketed remains will lie in state at the funeral home Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 8:00 a. m. A procession to the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church Cemetery near Clarence, LA will depart from the funeral home at 9:30 a. m.
COVID19 REGULATIONS WILL BE STRICTLY OBSERVED. YOU MUST WEAR FACIAL MASKS AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING.

Cynthia D. French
May 15, 1958 – July 05, 2021
Arrangements TBA

WINN:
Douglas Couttee
July 27, 2021
Arrangements TBA


FOSTER CAMPBELL: Letter to Sabine Parish

Louisiana Should Respond to Climate Change

The punishing heat wave in the western United States and heavy flooding in the Northeast from Tropical Storm Elsa provide more evidence that the world’s climate is changing.

I think of Al Gore. The former U.S. senator and Vice President held the first Congressional hearings on global warming in the 1970s. His 2007 documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, offered a clear-cut message of the threat of climate catastrophe and won him a Nobel Peace Prize.

Gore’s public acclaim made him a threat to the special interests under pressure to change their climate-warming ways and the politicians who defended them.

Now we know from legal proceedings and independent reporting that fossil-fuel interests knew in the 1950s their products were warming the Earth. An ExxonMobil internal document in 1982 declared the science on climate change was “unanimous” and would cause “significant changes in the earth’s climate.”

But the oil industry publicly doubted its own science, much like Big Tobacco did when its research blamed smoking for cancer and heart disease. Exxon and other companies launched a systematic campaign to question the science of global warming and prevent meaningful action.

My home in Bossier Parish lies in the middle of the Haynesville Shale gas fields. As a landowner, state senator and utility regulator I have had a great deal of involvement with Louisiana’s oil and gas industry. It has provided tax revenue, good jobs and economic benefit. But I have seen firsthand the industry’s heavy hand on our political leadership.

In the early 1980s Governor Dave Treen, a conservative Republican, proposed the Coastal Wetlands Environmental Levy. CWEL was designed to address industry’s damage to our fragile coast with a tax on oil and gas produced offshore and processed in our state’s refineries and facilities.

In reply, industry and its allies, supporters of Treen when he ran in 1979, turned on him and helped defeat him for re-election in 1983.

Oil representatives in the 1990s similarly rejected my plan to modernize Louisiana’s 1920s system of taxing oil and gas. I said taxing only the oil and gas produced in Louisiana was wrong when far greater volumes of hydrocarbons produced offshore but processed in Louisiana were untaxed.

These hard lessons have convinced me that Louisiana suffers from the Resource Curse. The phrase refers to a nation (or state, in my example) with its wealth concentrated in a few industries. The industries develop enough influence and power to undercut the public interest and bend the government to their will.

For Louisiana, the Resource Curse helps explain why our state finishes poorly in measures of economic wellbeing despite our fossil-fuel resources, forests, rich soils and assets like the Mississippi River.

At the Public Service Commission, I have urged Louisiana electric companies to favor energy efficiency and solar and wind power. This has proved a challenge due to our abundant natural gas, cheap lignite coal and low rates for electricity. Early in my tenure I promoted power from offshore wind and rooftop solar.

The utilities, confident of backing from other PSC members, ignored wind and actively opposed rooftop solar.

In our last debate over rooftop solar I predicted the utilities would begin building their own solar plants to replace some of their fossil-fuel generation.

That is where we are headed. We are an energy state, not just an oil and gas state. We have a task force studying climate change and are promoting offshore wind. Our coastal industries are helping to build a wind-power sector. Utilities are investing in renewables.

Al Gore was right on climate. Louisiana is now recognizing that it is vulnerable to rising seas and damaging storms. We can fight climate change, develop new industries and jobs, and watch our state prosper. It is not too late.


Investigation Leads to Largest Fentanyl Seizure in Caddo Parish or Surrounding Areas

CADDO PARISH, La – An investigation involving local law enforcement agencies has resulted in the largest fentanyl seizure in Caddo Parish or the surrounding area, said Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator.
 
Four pounds of fentanyl in powder and pill form and other drugs were confiscated on Friday, July 23, following a traffic stop in west Caddo Parish. Two people were arrested.
 
In recent years, illicitly produced fentanyl has been associated with a dramatic increase in overdose fatalities ranging from 2,666 in 2011 to 31,335 in 2018, according to the DEA. Friday’s seizure occurred following investigations of Theresa Atkins, 47, of Frierson, by the DEA and the Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office. Atkins was suspected of distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in Desoto, Bossier and Caddo parishes and had been targeted for investigation by both agencies.
 
Atkins’ vehicle was stopped by Louisiana State Police at approximately 3:20 a.m. on Friday at Jewella Avenue and I-20. A consensual search was conducted which resulted in the seizure of the fentanyl, approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, and a handgun.
 
Atkins and her passenger, Tanner Raney, 43, of Bossier City, were arrested for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Both were booked into the Caddo Correctional Center on federal charges.
 
The DEA Task Force includes deputies and officers from Caddo, Bossier, and Desoto parish sheriff’s offices, Shreveport Police, Louisiana State Police, and the DEA.
 
SOURCE: CPSO

City Bank Sponsors Louisiana Amateur Golf Open

City Bank was proud to be the Title Sponsor for the Louisiana Amateur Golf Open at Cypress Bend Golf Resort Saturday, July 24.   Each golfer was given a cooling towel, koozies, cups and plenty of ice-cold water.  Pictured left to right is LeAnn Thatcher, Kristy Miller, Kenny Thomas, Gina O’Neal, McKenzie O’Neal, and Tiffany Carnline.

#mycitybank #community


LOUIE BERNARD WELCOMES LSU PRESIDENT WILLIAM F. TATE IV

LSU President William F. Tate IV came from Baton Rouge today to visit the LSUA campus on Friday, July 26th, and to meet the faculty, staff, and students of LSUA.

His visit included an initial meeting with Dr. Coreil, a tour of the LSUA campus, and an open forum to speak and answer questions from faculty, staff, and students. After lunch with the Senior Leadership Team of LSUA, Dr. Tate met with community leaders and concluded his visit by attending a reception with VIPs from the campus and surrounding communities.

“We wanted to make sure Dr. Tate understood how crucial this university is to the economic future of central Louisiana , and I think we succeeded with that today,” said LSUA Chancellor Paul Coreil. “The mission of the campus is to educate the community, give them the opportunity for a path to a career and a job that can be fruitful, and make sure they don’t leave this area. They can have a career right here in Central Louisiana.”

When asked for his impression of LSUA, President Tate said “…Really pushing the academic agenda along with treating students as if they’re part of a family is a special combination.”

“What’s really special is the real passion to serve the community. I was appreciative of it and it motivated me as President to do my best on behalf of the community,” said Dr. Tate. “I wish we could triple what we have here, because it’s that great.

LSUA, along with the rest of the LSU family, looks forward to working closely with Dr. Tate and his administration to accomplish great things.


Remember This?: The Last Request

By Brad Dison

On Wednesday, June 19, 1957, workers drilled, moved and crushed the earth at the Rattlesnake Uranium Pit Mine, 37 miles north of Monticello, Utah. 46-year-old James W. Rodgers normally worked outside the open pit mine and had only been moved inside the mine that very day to help in drilling operations. 33-year-old Charles “Chuck” Merrifield operated a power shovel, a bucket-equipped machine used for excavating earth or fragmented rock. June 19 was the first day that James and Chuck worked together.

At about 3:30 p.m., Dee Gardner, a truck driver at the mine, saw James walk from the pit to the red pickup truck assigned to James for working in the mine. The truck was owned by the mining company and painted a high-visibility red for safety. James told Dee and other workers nearby, “I guess I’m going to have to kill him (Chuck) before I leave this job.” James retrieved a .38 caliber revolver from the truck and headed back into the pit. James walked back past Dee and toward Chuck’s power shovel. Another mine worker told Dee, “I guess Rodgers is going to scare Chuck with a gun.”

At the power shovel, James motioned for Chuck to get off of the machine. Chuck stood up, put one foot down out of the cab, and James began firing his pistol. The first shot was not aimed at Chuck and hit the ground. A split second later, James aimed the pistol at Chuck and fired until the revolver was empty, with each shot taking effect. Chuck fell to the ground. Dee was afraid to move because he “felt Rodgers didn’t like [him] either.” James turned to Dee and other witnesses and said, “Well, I guess that takes care of that.” James put the pistol back in his belt and walked toward the pickup truck. He passed another mine worker as he neared his truck. James calmly told him, “Well, he asked for it and he got it.” James got into the pickup truck and drove away. Chuck died within a few short minutes.

Law enforcement officers in Utah set up roadblocks on the main roads in the area but James had taken a back road into Colorado. Utah law enforcement officers notified Colorado police near the Utah line of the shooting and told them to be on the lookout for the bright red mine truck. A policeman near Cortez, Colorado, about 100 miles east of the mine, recognized the vehicle immediately and initiated a traffic stop. The officer told James that a lot of policemen were looking for him, to which he replied, “Yes, I guess you are.” The officer arrested James without incident. He was armed with a .22 caliber rifle and the .38 caliber pistol he used in the shooting. James reassured officers that he “wasn’t going to shoot anybody else.” While in custody, James eagerly confessed to killing Chuck.

When questioned about the shooting, James told reporters, “I can’t tell you why I did it. He’d been getting on my nerves for some time and I knew it was going to lead to serious trouble… But I just can’t explain why I did it. He came at me one time with a wrench in his hand and I thought he was going to hit me. He didn’t, but I felt he didn’t like me and he kept on needling me. Not anything in particular, but all the time. I just couldn’t take any more of it. But I can’t tell you why I shot him.”

In court, James pled not guilty by reason of insanity. His attorneys argued that James was suffering from Syphilis which impaired his mental processes. The disease, his attorneys argued, had deteriorated his brain, which affected his thinking and reasoning capabilities. After two trials and a host of appeals, James was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to death by firing squad.

In the early morning hours on March 30, 1960, Sheriff Seth Wright and prison warden John Turner sat with James and waited for daylight, the time of his execution. The sheriff held a black hood that would be put over James’s head during the execution. James looked at the hood and asked the sheriff, “What you got there?” Sheriff Wright replied, “something to keep you warm.” “Don’t worry,” James answered, “I’ll be where it’s warm pretty quick.” When it was time to go to the prison field, Sheriff Wright asked if he was ready. James quipped, “Yes, give me an hour’s head start.” Just before the five riflemen “blasted him into eternity,” Sheriff Wright asked James if he had a last request. “Sure,” James replied, “how about a bullet-proof suit?” His request was denied.

Sources:
1. The San Juan Record (Monticello, Utah), June 20, 1957, p.1.
2. The San Juan Record, December 12, 1957, p.1.
3. Deseret News (Salt Lake City, Utah), December 9, 1958, p.21.
4. The Ogden Standard-Examiner (Ogden, Utah), March 30, 196


McAlister’s Deli is OPEN!

McAlister’s Deli® opened its doors in Natchitoches today, July 26,  at 10 a.m. Known for its genuine hospitality, McAlister’s Deli is home to handcrafted sandwiches, always-fresh salads, giant stuffed spuds, and McAlister’s Deli Famous Sweet Tea™.   

“We are excited to open our new McAlister’s Deli location in the town of Natchitoches,” said Todd Darst, Area Director. “We look forward to welcoming the local community into our restaurant and sharing our table together!”

McAlister’s Natchitoches offers a variety of ways for guests to dine. Guests can dine-in, delivery, a pick up station inside the restaurant, and a pickup window— where guests place their order online and drive thru to pick up their order to provide an even quicker dining experience.

The Natchitoches restaurant will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, please call the restaurant at 318-581-4011, or visit us on the McAlister’s Deli – Natchitoches Facebook page.

McAlister’s guests always have the opportunity to skip the line by placing their order through the McAlister’s app and rewards program or online at www.mcalistersdeli.com and can conveniently pick up their order to go or select delivery. Download the app and sign up today for a free tea! Select McAlister’s locations now offer Tableside ordering on premise where guests can order their meals from the comfort of their table.

McAlister’s also offers a variety of fresh, made-to-order catering options including breakfast, snacks, spud bars, salads, sandwich trays, box lunches and desserts, and always comes with a side of genuine hospitality. Whether it’s for one person or one hundred, a business meeting or a family reunion, they can cater a feast to please any crowd.   


NSU Freshman Connection welcomes incoming students

By Sheridan Duet

This summer Northwestern State University welcomed over 1,000 new students to their campus during Freshman Connection. Here students had the opportunity to learn about campus resources, connect with fellow peers and upperclassman, browse different campus organizations and schedule their classes.

Brady Mathis, a recent graduate of Haughton High School who attended Freshman Connection said, “I loved how at Freshman Connection everyone was there to help. No matter what it was, the connectors were there to help.”

Brooklyn McGhee, an incoming freshman and graduate of Leesville High School, said that attending Freshman Connection and getting to create her schedule, “set {her} realization that it’s all happening, and these are the people I will spend the next four years with.”

Freshman Connection is a tradition that dates back to 1984. Freshman Connectors are upperclassmen that are selected through a rigorous process and lead new students through the tradition from high school to college as both a mentor and a friend.

This summer students had the choice to attend one of four sessions, in person, throughout the months of May, June, and July.

Pictured: Northwestern State hosted more than 1,000 new students during 2021 Freshman Connection. From left are Matt Nelson, a student coordinator; Kat Haymon, director of First Year Experience and Leadership Development; Mary Katherine Horton, assistant director, and Katie Kennedy, student coordinator.


Podcast: Marcus Jones joins Billy West LIVE

PART ONE
Marcus Jones joins Billy West Live and discusses his Interim Appointment as President of Northwestern State University.

The interview includes Marcus’ educational background and experiences teaching and in administration of higher education.

Marcus answers questions about his vision for the immediate future of NSU and increasing on-campus enrollment for Students in Natchitoches.

PART TWO

Marcus Jones answers questions related to his commitment to higher education in general and specifically related to keeping NSU competitive in Division 1 Athletics, especially football.

Marcus also discusses the position of permanent President of NSU and whether or not he will be a candidate for that position. Marcus also discusses his views on whether a terminal degree is necessary or required to be the permanent President of NSU.


Notice of Death – July 27, 2021

SABINE:
Houston Lane Randolph
July 25, 2021 – July 25, 2021
Service: Wednesday, July 28 at 2 pm at Noble Cemetery

Ken Busby
November 18, 1940 – July 25, 2021
Service: Friday, July 30 at 11 am at Little Flock Baptist Church, located at 1805 Little Flock Road in Many

Maurice Malmay
February 28, 1939 – July 25, 2021
Service: Wednesday, July 28 at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church

NATCHITOCHES:
Andrew Wesley (Lil’ Andy) Daniels
September 20, 2011 – July 24, 2021
Service: Sunday, August 1 at 1 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Bruce Clark
July 26, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Otis Lil’ Bug James Williams
October 01, 1984 – July 23, 2021
Service: Saturday, July 31 at 2 pm in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Juanita Virece
April 18, 1967 – July 25, 2021
Service: Saturday, July 31 at 11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Alice Lovick
July 21, 2021
Service: Wednesday, July 28 at 3 pm in the New Light Baptist Church Cemetery of Marthaville

Sam Telsee
July 22, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Cynthia D. French
May 15, 1958 – July 05, 2021
Arrangements TBA

WINN:
Tracey Thomisee
February 22, 1998 – July 18, 2021
Service: Wednesday, July 28 at 10 am at Montgomery United Pentecostal Church


LSU AgCenter Sabine Parish Extension Office Announces New Youth Development Agent

The LSU AgCenter Sabine Parish Extension Office is excited to announce Beca Breckenridge as the new 4-H Youth Development Agent!
 
Beca is a graduate of The University of Tennessee at Martin with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Communications and a graduate of The University of Missouri with a Master of Science in Agriculture Education, Communications and Leadership. Beca grew up on a small show stock operation out of Brighton Tennessee. Beca says, “Having the ability to grow up involved in agriculture has opened many doors for connections, experiences, and education. I am excited to meet the youth of Sabine Parish this year and help them find what they are passionate about! If you have been looking somewhere for a spot to volunteer, have ideas for prospective programs this coming year, or are interested in getting your child involved in 4-H, please give me a call at 318-256-3406 or drop by the Extension office for a visit! I look forward to meeting all of you!”
 
The LSU AgCenter Sabine Parish Extension Office will be hosting a Meet-And-Greet for everyone to meet Beca on July 29th, 2021 from 6PM to 8PM at the extension office conference room. 
 
SOURCE: LSU AgCenter Sabine Parish

Many Police Department Participates in Technology Training

MANY, La – Many Police Department and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office participated in a class involving new technologies Thursday morning. Chief Wooley has pushed for more technology to be implemented into the department, as new times require new skills from officers.

The Sabine Parish Journal had the chance to talk to Chief Wooley about her thoughts on the use of new technology in the field which she believes is an “essential part of [their] job these days.” Chief Wooley also stated that “ongoing training is one of [their] priorities and Motorola is one of the tech partners to MPD.” 

New technology is quickly becoming part of every aspect of the Many Police Department including advanced cellphone use for investigations. Chief Wooley stated that one of the MPD officers “recently completed a three day training on cell day training on cell phone and cloud technology that will aid us in our investigations.”


D.A.R.E Deputies Attend Training in Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, La – D.A.R.E. Deputies Steven Myers, Lamar Thomas and James Campbell are attending a training conference in Baton Rouge this week.
 
D.A.R.E. Deputies must complete continuing education units each year to improve their knowledge and skills to teach D.A.R.E. classes.
 
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell is proud and thankful to have these three Deputies teaching D.A.R.E. in Sabine Parish schools.