SABINE: Ruth Faye Ellzey May 18, 1932 – October 17, 2021 Service: Wednesday, October 20 at 2 pm at Cenchrea Church of the Nazarene
Marvin Randolph Ebarb January 23, 1942 – October 16, 2021 Service: Wednesday, October 20 at 10 am at St. Ann Catholic Church
Guaynell Dunsworth Wimberly September 12, 1929 – October 16, 2021 Cemetery: Saturday October 30, 2021 at 2 PM.
NATCHITOCHES: Shirley Ann LeBlanc Mayeux November 09, 1937 – October 15, 2021 Service: Thursday, October 21 at 10 am at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Rev. Wayne Hicks January 17, 1938 – October 07, 2021 Service: Saturday, October 23 at 1 pm at Calvary Baptist Church in Natchitoches
This weeks game coverage is brought to you by Nu-Me and Wildcat Drinks and Nutrition! If you need a kick of energy, a delicious healthy option to shake things up, or a tasty afternoon pick-me-up, stop by and see Tammy and the girls at these amazing local one stop drink shops! Whether you want something tropical and refreshing like mango, fruity and flavorful with a hint of strawberry, or a tart and tasty with a kick of pink lemonade, Wildcat and Nu-Me have you covered. If you can dream up a flavor, they can deliver the deliciousness you want! Check out Nu-Me in Zwolle or Wildcat in Converse today!
A game that was expected to be very physical and hard hitting was all that, and more, in a slugfest Friday night between Class 2A stalwarts settled in the final seconds.
The Many Tigers scored the go-ahead touchdown in the final minute, then held off the previously undefeated Avoyelles Mustangs to earn a 34-30 victory at John W. Curtis Stadium.
Many improved to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in District 3-2A. Avoyelles fell to a 6-1 record, 3-1 in district. Avoyelles entered the night No. 2 statewide in the all-important LHSAA Class 2A power points rankings, one spot ahead of No. 3 Many, who will doubtlessly move up.
Jayvion Smart’s interception on a desperate halfback pass on the game’s final play locked down the win for the Tigers, who are No. 1 in the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 2A top 10 media poll.
Tackett Curtis scored on a 15-yard run with 59 seconds left, and London Williams added a two-point conversion run for the third and final lead change in the showdown.
This game was all it was hyped up to be. Each team scored in every quarter. Avoyelles totalled 302 yards, six more than Many. It was intense, a playoff-type atmosphere and as physical a football game as you’ll find.
On the first play from scrimmage, Avoyelles’ star running back Carlos Bazert was brought down on a bone-crushing tackle by Curtis, a preview of things to come.
Despite that, the Mustangs marched 71 yards in eight plays, ending with a 3-yard touchdown run by Bazert. Avoyelles tacked on the two-point conversion to go up 8-0 with 7:28 left in the first quarter.
On their first possession, the Tigers matched the Mustangs drive with one of their own: an eight-play, 61-yard scoring drive, highlighted by a fourth-down Trent Williams 44=yard scamper. It concluded with a 3-yard London Williams TD run. The conversion failed, however, and the Tigers trailed 8-6 with 2:17 left in the opening quarter.
Avoyelles answered immediately. After four running plays netted the Mustangs 11 yards, quarterback Nick Casugay found Decareyn Sampson down the right sideline for a 63-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the second quarter. The conversion was good, putting the Mustangs up 16-6 with 11:50 to go in the half.
The Tigers were stopped after seven plays on their next possession, being shut down on a fourth-and-1 as London Williams was halted at the line of scrimmage. But the Many defense picked up the slack.
On the ensuing Mustangs drive, Casugay was sacked and fumbled. The Tigers’ Swayze Carheel picked up the loose ball and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown. London Williams added the conversion to bring Many within 16-14 with 3:22 left in the half.
Avoyelles’ next possession ended on the fourth play when a hard hit from the Tigers defense forcing another fumble, this one recovered by Keaton Montgomery. From the visitors’ 22-yard line, it took the Tigers only three plays to score, this time on a 2-yard run from London Williams. Although the conversion failed, with 36 seconds left in the half the Tigers were up 20-16.
The opening drive of the third quarter featured Many’s running attack featuring London and Trent Williams and highlighted by a 47-yard scamper by Curtis. Trent Williams capped the drive with a 5=yard run. The extra point was no good, but the Tigers led 26-16.
Another Avoyelles fumble set up the Tigers with great field position but the drive ended on a fourth-down stop by the Mustangs on the 6-yard line. One snap later, the Mustangs’ Sampson dashed 92 yards for a touchdown. Adding a two-point conversion, Avoyelles drew within 26-24 with 33 seconds left in the third.
The visitors quickly took the lead. Just 58 seconds into the final quarter, the Mustangs defense answered Carheel’s earlier fumble return TD with one of their own. Sampson scooped and scored on a London Williams fumble that was returned 36 yards for the lead, 30-26 with 11:02 left in the game.
The Tigers responded but couldn’t cash in. Many made a long march down the field only to be stopped after eight plays on a Trent Williams fumble at the 8-yard line, with 6:45 left.
The Tiger defense rose to the occasion, creating a fourth-and-12 situation when nearly every team in the country would punt from deep in their own end of the field. But Avoyelles never punts, and the Tiger defense stopped them well short of the first down, taking over with a short field on the Mustangs’ 26-yard line with 3:08 left.
Getting a critical third-down conversion, Curtis picked up a first down on an 8-yard run, the capped the decisive series on his 15-yard touchdown run. London Williams added the conversion lifting the Tigers up 34-30 with 59 seconds left.
It wasn’t over. Avoyelles returned the kickoff to the 50-yard line. The Mustangs gained 9 yards on three plays, but grinded the clock down to one second for a last chance from the 41. Smart intercepted Casugay on the last play of the game to allow Many to escape with a 34-30 win.
Curtis spearheaded the Tiger defense with 10 tackles, and many of them could be heard all over the stadium. Tylen Singleton and Carheel each registered four tackles.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
7:28, A: Carlos Bazert 3 run, Bazert conversion, Avoyelles 8-0
2:17 M: London Williams run, conversion failed, Avoyelles 8-6
2nd Quarter
11:50 A: Nick Casugay 63 pass to Decareyn Sampson, Bazert conversion, Avoyelles 16-6
3:22 M: Swayze Carheel 58 fumble return, L. Williams conversion, Avoyelles 16-14
0:36 M: Trent Williams 2 run, conversion failed, Many 20-16
3rd Quarter
7:59 M: T. Williams 5 run, conversion failed, Many 26-16
0:33 A: Sampson 92 run, Bazert conversion, Many 26-24
Many Mayor Robert Hable is all smiles as multiple grants have been received to help the Town with delivering the Arts, security, and other services.
The Town of Many has received quite a few grants in the past few months totaling $139,329 with most programs slated to begin next year. The popular Many Cultural District’s “Music in Many” program has received $7,026 from two grantors: the Central Louisiana Community Foundation for $1,500, and the Louisiana Project Grant, formerly known as the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, for $ 5,526. The Cultural District is planning on two music shows next year along with daytime performances by the Shreveport Opera’s traveling group geared toward high school students. A world-renowned poet will round out the schedule with readings and workshops for students and adults.
Mayor Robert Hable had this to say about the grants, “The Town of Many is continually looking outside the box for grant opportunities to enrich the lives of our citizens.”
Two grants for $1,140 each were received from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation for historical markers for the KCS Depot and the Sabine High school. These properties were placed on the National Historical Register in 2000 and 2020, respectively, and the KCS sign will be installed in the near future. The Town is still awaiting delivery of the sign for Sabine High School but it will be installed upon arrival.
Just last week, the Town was notified that a grant for $49,475 has been awarded by the Northwest Law Enforcement Planning Agency, Inc., (NWLEPA) to help the Town’s Police Department pay for the School Resource Officer assigned to SPARK, but the funding date will not start until next fiscal year. The same agency also provided the Police Department with $1,140 for trauma kits for each police car and camera equipment to aid criminal investigations.
Hable also stated, “I am ecstatic that we were able to secure a grant to keep our children safe in school with a Many PD Resource Officer by partnering with NWLEPA, the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and the School Board.”
Senator Louie Bernard went to bat for the Town during this past spring’s legislative session and was able to secure two appropriations for a total of $70,000. The Sabine Many Museum, that is progressing toward opening early next year, will receive $25,000 to complete needed repairs and to acquire displays. The town was able to purchase its own debris removal equipment for $45,000, which will save taxpayers money on contract services after the next storm that causes fallen trees and limbs.
The Town also received a grant from the Louisiana Government Assistance Program (LGAP) for a fire hydrant maintenance and repair program for $9,408 and is still waiting to hear whether or not the Community Water Enrichment Fund (CWEF) will be granted with proceeds going toward paying for a new clear well ground storage water tank at the water plant west of town. Last year the town’s grant writer was able to get a scope of work change approved by the state for LGAP money awarded in 2019 in the amount of $35,000 to also help pay for the new water storage tank. The cost to replace the current 175,000-gallon tank is around one-half million dollars.
Other grants that have been applied for or that are in process, but will not be awarded until next year include: Capital Outlay through the State; Water Sector Program Grant, specifically for water and sewer projects; and the Community Development Block Grant, which has also been dedicated to the Town’s water and sewer infrastructure improvements. Projects written under these grants total more than $15Million and will allow the Town to bring the aging water and sewer infrastructure into the 21st century.
Hable went on to say that, “The Town of Many sincerely thanks our Senator and all of the grantors listed above that have helped us in providing services, security, and entertainment for our residents and visitors alike.”
According to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), we as a nation have seen a decrease over the past 15 years in the percentage of 12- to 20-year-olds who report any lifetime alcohol use: 56.2 percent in 2002 down to 41.0 percent in 2017. However, Sabine Parish has a way to go in this area.
The 2018 Caring Communities Youth Survey (CCYS) data reveals that Sabine Parish students reported the following for lifetime alcohol use: 6th grade 22.6%, 8th grade 48.8%, 10th grade 55.2% and 12th grade 53.8 %. For drinking in the past 30 days, 6th grade reported 9.2%, 8th grade 21.5%, 10th grade 37% and 12th 18%. Binge drinking is defined as 4 or more drinks at one sitting. Sabine 6th graders reported binge drinking at 5.4%, 8th graders 16.1 %, 10th graders 26.1% and Seniors at 18.4%.
The Sabine Prevention Alliance (SPA) a community led coalition is working toward increasing awareness of our underage drinking problem through increasing awareness of students, parents, teachers, church groups and citizens serving youth. One of the SPA’s evidence-based strategies is the SAMHSA Communities Talk town hall meeting. This month SPA will sponsor its second round of annual town hall meetings in Many to include Florien and Negreet and in Zwolle to include Ebarb Converse and Pleasant Hill. The purpose of the Communities Talk is to bring together the various community sectors to discuss the Caring Communities Youth Survey Data and to develop strategies that we can employ to prevent and reduce our underage drinking problem.
SAMHSA’s initiative, Communities Talk Town Hall Meetings to Prevent Underage Drinking began in 2006 with the goal of bringing together stakeholders ranging from parents to law enforcement and educators to elected officials–anyone with an interest in preventing underage alcohol use and high-risk drinking among youth and young adults. Last year’s meetings were well attended, and this year SPA is again partnering with the towns of Many and Zwolle. An addition to this year will include the Sabine Parish Student Drama Club and the Choctaw Apache Rising Sun Youth group who will provide a youth let introduction to our topics of discussion.
A panel of community sector leaders will discuss the top four risk factors identified by our children and youth in the 2018 CCYS data, will listen to input from local citizens and will help develop strategies that we, as a community can implement to reduce and prevent this problem. The panel is composed of representatives from the school system, local and parish law enforcement, business, human service agencies, faith-based organizations, parents and youth. Last year’s meetings produced the following recommendations:
1. Talk with your kids, they will listen. Before going to hang out with friends, before the camping trip, before the sleepover, before the game, before the prom, do not preach, threaten, coax, nag…………. just talk with them and they will listen.
2. Be clear with your expectations and walk what you talk.
3. Volunteer to support and help with positive activities for our children and youth provided by our schools, churches, organizations, tribes and towns in Sabine Parish.
4. Talk with law enforcement, DA and Courts about having clear and consistent consequences for underage drinking and adults who enable.
5. Volunteer to help with projects such as the Communities Talk town hall meetings and other youth focused activities.
6. Learn more about the Sabine Prevention Alliance to see how you can make a difference.
What’s In this for You?
If you are interested in learning more about what is going on with our children and youth, the risk factors they face and the protective factors that help keep them safe, sober, and successful, invite a friend or two to attend one of the Communities Talk Town Hall Meetings scheduled for Thursday, October 21st at the First United Methodist Church in Many and/or the Zwolle Festival Grounds Multipurpose Building in Zwolle on October 28th. Both meetings begin at 6:00 and will last about an hour.
This message was brought to you by the Sabine Prevention Alliance in partnership with Northwest La. Human Services District and LA Office of Behavioral Health, the towns of Many and Zwolle. The SPA is our local volunteer coalition dedicated to preventing and reducing underage drinking and other high-risk behaviors in our Parish. Come join us! SPAWagley@gmail.com, 318-315-0081, sabineprevents.com Facebook/ Sabine Prevention Alliance and Instagram
The Sabine Parish Journal is excited to bring you the main events happening throughout the parish and on the lake this week! It’s fall and that means fall fun for everyone! The Bend is packed with fun events for every age group!
October 20th:
Young at Art Painting Class with Shanna Dees Gaspard at Sabine Council on Aging will be held Wednesday, October 20th at 1:00 pm. Don’t forget to bring your own canvas!
Painting classes are held at the Many location on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
Phone number:
318-256-4140
Event Location:
Sabine Council on Aging
200 Legacy Drive
Many, LA71449
October 22nd:
Vintage Market Days presents Forever Vintage at the Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds on October 22-24 from 10 am – 4 pm. There will be vintage items, vintage-inspired, architectural salvage, repurposed finds, jewelry & clothing, live music & food trucks. Admission is $15 on Friday, $10 on Saturday & $5 on Sunday. Tickets are good for re-entry all weekend. Children 12 & under are free.
Event Location:
Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds
506 West Drive
Deridder, LA
October 23rd:
Zwolle Marketplace will be held at Pat’s Place in Zwolle from 9 am – 4 pm; The market will have a variety of vendors. Call or text Stephanie at 318-521-0961 for more information.
Phone number:
318-521-0961
Event Location:
Pat’s Place
21340 Hwy. 191
Zwolle, LA71486
Justin Hewitt Band will be performing at Beer Time on Saturday, October 23rd at 9:00 pm. There is a $10 cover charge.
Phone number:
318-567-2149
Event Location:
Beer Time
206 E Port Arthur Street
Converse, LA71419
The Sabine Freestate Festival is pleased to announce the 41st Annual Miss Sabine Freestate Pageant is scheduled for Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 10 am – 6 pm. Keeping safety in mind, we are planning to have a morning competition for the Baby Miss through Little Miss and an afternoon competition for Jr. Miss through Miss. Please note that this is subject to change depending upon state and/or federal COVID-19 guidelines.
For more information, please visit 2021 Miss Sabine Freestate Festival Pageant’s Facebook page.
Event Location:
Sabine Freestate Festival Grounds
Florien, LA
Polk Street Market will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. Local artisans, crafts, produce, food trucks, children’s activities, gospel music & live band.Free parking & free admission!
For more information or vendor application, contact mansfieldinmotion@gmail.com or call 318-510-8567.
Event Location:
Court House Square
115 N. Washington
Mansfield, LA
Calvary Baptist Church is hosting a Fall Fest & Pig Roast on Saturday, October 23rd beginning at 2:30 pm.
Phone number:
(318) 256-2871
Event Location:
Calvary Baptist Church
105 Peterson Street
Many, LA71449
Fall Fest at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Florien is Sunday, October 24th at 5:00 pm.
Phone number:
(318) 586-4680
Event Location:
Mount Carmel Baptist Church
5049 Hwy 118
Florien, LA71429
If you have an event you’d like added to the line-up, email the details to spjmanyla@gmail.com
On Wednesday evening, October 27th at 6PM, there will be an exclusive book signing event to mark the official release of the book, Shreveport Martyrs of 1873: The Surest Path to Heaven. The book details the story of the heroic virtue of the five Martyrs of the Shreveport Epidemic of 1873, including the first priest of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, Father Francois LeVezouet. The event will take place at the St John the Baptist hall in Many with the three authors giving a short talk about the experiences they had while writing the book. Everyone is invited to attend and welcome the authors, Rev Peter Mangum, Dr. Cheryl White and Ryan Smith. There will be a reception afterwards as well as an opportunity to purchase autographed books. You don’t want to miss this special event!
Cane River National Heritage Area and the Cane River Creole National Historical Park will host the Cane River Fall Festivities throughout the month of October. Oakland Plantation residents welcomed visitors long before the National Park Service acquired it in 1997.
Join us on October 23, 2021, as the National Park Service welcomes former plantation residents and their descendants back home. Generations of the same families of workers, enslaved and tenant, and owners lived at Oakland Plantation for over 200 years. During self-guided tours from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm visitors will have the unique opportunity to visit and talk with former Oakland Plantation residents.
In addition, 2021 marks the 200th anniversary of the construction of the Oakland Plantation Main House. The tools of the enslaved carpenters, masons, and blacksmiths who built the house can be seen in a special commemorative exhibit. To remember the works of these craftspeople the park invites you to step into the past with skilled park rangers and park partners as you learn how to make bousillage, a traditional Creole building material, watch a blacksmith and experience the clang of the hammer on hot iron, view a special carpentry display, and visit the enslaved nanny’s room on the lower level of the Main House.
Demonstration Schedule
10:00 am – Creole Architecture: The Making of Bousillage 10:30 am – The Art of the Forge: A Blacksmith’s Workshop 11:00 am – Creole Architecture: The Making of Bousillage 11:30 am – Beneath the Surface: The Enslaved Nanny’s Room 12:00 pm – Beneath the Surface: The Enslaved Nanny’s Room 12:30 pm – The Art of the Forge: A Blacksmith’s Workshop 1:00 pm – Creole Architecture: The Making of Bousillage 1:30 pm – The Art of the Forge: A Blacksmith’s Workshop
There is no entrance fee at Oakland Plantation. All tours and activities are free. Oakland Plantation is located at 4386 Highway 494, Natchez La 71456. To reach Oakland Plantation, take I-49 to Exit 127, Flora/Cypress. Head east on LA Highway 120 toward Cypress. Cross over LA Highway 1 onto LA Highway 494. The parking lot and entrance pavilion for Oakland is 4.5 miles east of Highway 1 on the left.
Honoring Joint Service Week (October 10-16), Rotary International collaborated with our friends at Kiwanis International, and Lions Clubs International to increase our collective impact through community service. A joyful collaboration among the three local organizations occurred on Friday, October 15. Each organization donated canned food items to restock the Natchitoches Cane River Food Pantry. In addition, Rotary donated $210 for Cane River Food Pantry Representative Donna Greene to use as needed for purchasing additional food items.
Pictured from left are Rotarians Lance Lopez and Jessica McGrath, Kiwanis President Kaitlyn Harris and Board Director Tiffany Woods, Greene, and Lions Club Member Josh Pierson.
The artist whose piece was chosen by the Natchitoches Arts Council as the official 2021 Natchitoches Christmas Festival poster is a young man with deep local roots and an incredible talent. Trevor Lucas, a 1997 NCHS Alumni, was chosen over a field of almost 30 artists from across Louisiana and several other states.
The 2021 Christmas Festival Poster was unveiled Sunday, October 17 at the Natchitoches Downtown Riverbank. Representatives from the Natchitoches Arts Council were joined by Mayor Ronnie Williams, councilpersons Dale Nielsen, Betty Sawyer-Smith and school board member Reba Phelps in welcoming Trevor Lucas home. Classmates of Mr. Lucas from the NCHS class of 1997 were also on hand as were members of his family.
The poster was unveiled by Miss Merry Christmas Julia Ferrell and the Christmas Belles. The piece incorporates traditional Christmas themes as well as those of Natchitoches and NSU. Trevor Lucas’ artistic talents have been evident since an early age. While still a student at NCHS, he was a two-time winner of the Gatorade Super Dome Classic poster for the LHSAA football playoffs, a truly remarkable achievement. Trevor Lucas is a visual artist, working in all forms of visual art with the sole exception of sculpture. He is also a television host and content creator. He makes his home with his family in Virginia Beach where he has resided and built his art business since his service in the US Navy after graduation from NCHS. He and his wife have one daughter who is an aeronautical engineering student.
The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to congratulate Trevor Lucas upon his being chosen as the winner of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival Poster Contest. His piece is superbly done and captures the spirit of the holidays perfectly.
It’s rare, to say the least, in recent years for the Many High School football team to meet a District 3-2A opponent that outranks the Tigers, but that’s the case tonight.
In a much anticipated matchup, the Tigers will host the Mustangs from Avoyelles at John W. Curtis Stadium at 7 p.m. in Many.
Looking at the rankings that matter most, the LHSAA power point standings, Avoyelles is No. 2 in Class 2A, while the Tigers come in right behind at No. 3. In the Louisiana Sports Writers Association top 10 media poll, Many is No. 1 and Avoyelles stands just outside in 11th.
The Tigers are 5-1 overall and 2-0 in district while the Mustangs are 6-0 and 3-0 in district. Many is averaging 47 points a game while the Mustangs come in averaging 49. Based on the power point rankings, this game could go a long way in determining which team could possibly be at home in the playoffs until the state finals.
Many, on a five-game winning streak, crushed Winnfield 50-0 at home last Friday, leading 36-0 at halftime. Tylen Singleton won the game ball. Swayze Carheel was the Sledgehammer Award recipient and Blake Matkin earned the Hard Hat Award for the Tigers.
Avoyelles rolled at Lakeview, 54-12, last Friday. Other than an opening 22-20 win over Rayne, the Mustangs have dominated their opponents, winning by no less than 27 and by as many as 52.
The game will showcase two rushing attacks and could possibly be one of the fastest paced games this season. Avoyelles features a very unique type of offense. The Mustangs never punt, never kick extra points, and onside kick on every kickoff. If the Mustangs run a pass play it was likely a mixup in the huddle.
Many has a stable of talented running backs led by senior London Williams, who has scored 22 touchdowns and rushed for 1,141 yards (fifth statewide in all classifications) while averaging 10.7 per carry.
This game also features two of the best offensive lines in 2A. The Mustangs have one of the bigger offensive tackles in the state while the Tigers’ entire offensive line unit has been very impressive this season. The game will be won upfront, in the trenches in a smash mouth, old fashion style of physical football. This will be a full-out football WAR!
Both teams are expected to have long journeys in the Class 2A postseason. Come early and tailgate, watch the pregame fireworks, the enjoy a regular season game with playoff type atmosphere featuring two of the state’s best teams in 2A.
Many, LA—There are approximately 112 registered sex offenders in Sabine Parish, and the Sheriff’s Office wants parents to know which houses their children should avoid when trick-or-treating.
“Registered sex offenders report their home address to us. If you are going trick-or-treating, visit our Sabine Parish Sheriff App to see whose door you don’t want to knock on,” says Sheriff Aaron Mitchell. “Parents should search for offenders on their trick-or-treat route, and near any addresses where their children spend time. The search and maps on the App pinpoints where offenders live.” On our Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office website, citizens can also sign up for free email notifications from the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office should an offender move into their neighborhood or around an address important to the parent.
“If you aren’t planning on trick-or-treating in your neighborhood, but will be in a family or friend’s neighborhood, search their address beforehand so you know which houses to avoid,” says Sheriff Aaron Mitchell.
Three things parents should do before Halloween:
• Search for sex offenders on our Sabine Parish Sheriff App.
• Download the Free OffenderWatch App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office website: https://sabinesheriff.org/. The OffenderWatch App is a free app partnered with law enforcement to inform families on registered sex offenders. Parents can find sex offenders near them, track their children while they are trick-or-treating and receive updates from law enforcement.
For further information, please contact the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 318-590-9475, ask for Detective Chris Abrahams.
Five Sabine Parish Sheriff Deputies graduated from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Correctional Academy today.
Johnathon Knippers, Charlotte Thomas, Robert Asbell, Kyle Roberts, and Michael Wilson were among 26 cadets who received their POST Level 2 Basic Correctional Peace Officer Certifications.
Level 2 consist of a minimum of 249 hours and is for peace officers whose duties are the care, custody, and control of inmates and includes POST Firearm Certification.
Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) was established by Act 397 of 1976 to develop training standards for peace officers in the State of Louisiana.
These five Deputies persevered through 9 weeks of intense training to complete Session 51 of Rapides Correctional Academy.
Deputy Kyle Roberts also received the “Top Gun” Award for having the highest firearm qualification score in the class.
Deputy Knippers, Asbell, Roberts and Wilson are Correctional Deputies assigned to the Sabine Parish Detention Center. Deputy Thomas is a Correctional Deputy assigned to the Sabine Parish Women’s Jail.
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell commends these five Deputies for their strength and determination and is proud to have them as part of his department.
Have you ever heard anyone start their prayer by humbly saying, “Dear Lord, it’s me. I know you feel like I am shaking you down, but we really need you again”?
These were the sweet words communicated from my oldest daughter’s lips while we were praying as a family about a situation that had suddenly arisen. I could not contain my laughter and my youngest daughter could not contain her shock. But, we all chuckled so hard it took us a few minutes to gather our composure to pray with more earnestness.
Earlier this month she was worried about her very last college tuition bill that was due before she graduates in December. God has blessed her many times in her years at Northwestern State University with scholarships that have helped with the burden of tuition. It seemed as though this last bill was having to come out of her meager pockets so she became concerned. I explained to her that God cares about the things that concern us, not matter how large or how small.
I refused to let her be anxious about it so I spent a lot of time explaining that God has brought her this far and he will not leave or forsake her now. We took it to Jesus and did not worry about it again. Sometime the next day I felt led to ask her if she completed the annual scholarship applications in a timely manner.
I am not sure about your children but sometimes mine need reminding to handle their business.
Much to my surprise, she said she did so we checked on the status of her application. A few days later she was notified that she was awarded a scholarship that took care of seventy-five percent of her tuition. You could hear the hallelujah chorus being sung from our kitchen from miles away. We were just so grateful and could not contain our praise.
A few days after this joyous occasion she was hit with the news that her car was in need of repair and it would cost a few hundred dollars. We prayed about this and the very same day she received this news she also received a COVID check from NSU. It was completely unexpected but could not have come at a better time. It was almost as if God was working things out before she even knew there was a need. He’s been known to do this from time to time.
While I admired my daughter’s honesty and frankness in her prayers I did wonder if Jesus ever gets tired of hearing from us. We talk to him daily, we thank him daily and sometimes we do need him to show up and help us. We routinely bring everything to him and lay it at his feet. He is truly the friend we run to first and that is exactly how she was addressing him, as a friend.
Prayer time for me and my girls has always been a special time and this was one of the things we were most excited to continue when my oldest came home from her travels. It gives us each a few moments to share what is on our minds for the day and remember those who also need prayer. In this particular prayer where she was “shaking the Lord down” she was asking for help again and it is my belief that he loves hearing from us even when we are in need.
It is an easy lesson to teach someone to trust God when their prayer is being answered. Not all prayers are answered in the way that we wish and that is part of life. Our true test of friendship comes when we can continue trusting even though we are not totally happy with the outcome or we are having to wait longer for answers. The bigger test of friendship with our savior comes when we can be joyful while we wait and content while we trust.
Take heart if you find yourself “shaking the Lord down” for help. That is exactly what he wants us to do.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
A member of one of the most storied NSU athletics families will be recognized on the Turpin Stadium field Saturday.
Wayne Waggoner, who is the most athletically accomplished of the Waggoner clan, is the Exchange Bank Demon Great of the Game. Waggoner will be honored during the first quarter of the McNeese football game.
Waggoner, an N-Club Hall of Famer on the basketball court, followed in the footsteps of his father Bernard to Natchitoches.
Both Waggoner’s were voted to the 100-man All-Century Team that marked NSU basketball in 2013.
Wayne’s son Jackson hopes he can add to his family’s legacy as a freshman on this year’s Demon squad.
Wayne Waggoner played two seasons at NSU after transferring from Centenary, averaging 16.8 points per game in 56 contests while shooting 57 percent as a guard.
That career scoring average would rank fifth all-time among players who scored 1,000 career points, which doesn’t include Waggoner (939 in two seasons).
His career 85.5 percent free throw shooting ranks second all-time at NSU.
The two-time All-Trans America Athletic Conference player was a sixth-round NBA Draft pick (Dallas Mavericks) in 1983 after helping NSU to a 19-9 record as a senior.
At that time, the 19 wins was the most since NSU became a Division I program in 1976 and wouldn’t be bested until coach Mike McConathy led the 2004-05 Demons to a 21-win season that included a regular season Southland Conference championship.
Waggoner also served as an NSU assistant coach for six years (1983-88).
For me, the fall is my favorite time of the year to bass fish. Those hot summer days are behind us and cooler days and nights take over. This in turn cools the water surface temperature down which helps to trigger a good feeding frenzy. Today, we’ll take a look at few of the best fall baits you need to have tied on the next time you go fishing.
First, let’s tie on an oldie but goodie, a spinnerbait! Now with this bait, you want to keep it simple. Keep in mind that bass are feeding on shad or baitfish trying to fatten up for the winter months. So, the color you choose, should be white or if the water has a little stain, use chartreuse and white combination. I have found more success by using a smaller spinnerbait like a ¼ oz. with two small 1 ½ or #2 willow leaf blades. I like double silver blades if the water is clear and a silver/gold combination if the water is stained. Again, you’re trying to imitate small shad, so smaller blades tend to look more realistic. My favorite ¼ oz. spinnerbait is called a “Humdinger” which has small blades and comes in several blade combinations, but again I like the double willow bait the best. One thing that I feel really sets the “Humdinger” apart from other spinnerbait brands, is the living rubber skirt, which has more action coming through the water than your traditional silicone skirt.
Next, a crankbait can be a great choice when targeting bass that are chasing and feeding on shad or baitfish. Again, you’re trying to match the hatch so again, keep it simple. I like a bait called a “Bandit” which comes in three different series: 100, 200 or 300. The 100 series is shallow running crankbait that runs 2 to 4 feet deep depending on what size line you’re throwing. The 200 series for me is my personal choice and runs 6 to 8 feet again depending on the size line you’re using. And the third series, is a 300 which runs 8 to 10 feet deep. When it comes to color, choose either a pearl-colored bait with a black back, a chrome with either a blue or black back and my personal choice is what Bandit calls the “splatter back” which is a white crankbait with black paint splattered across the back of the bait and has a yellow belly but sometimes I’ll alter this yellow belly with hot red fingernail polish.
One more option is a topwater bait like a chugger, prop bait or a walking style bait like a “Zara Spook”, “Chug bug”, or my personal choice, a “Yellow Magic” (Pop R type of bait). Nothing gets the blood flowing more than a bass exploding on a topwater bait! Everyday can be different; you have to let the fish tell you what they want each day. Some days they want a bait that walks from side to side, and on other days, they may want a slow retrieving prop bait like a small or medium size Whopper Plopper. Also, always, always, always make sure you a have “ SPRO” topwater frog tied on no matter what. When the bass are eating the frog, it can get very exciting really quick.
This fall when you head to the lake, I hope this will help make your decision making easier. The fall can be an awesome time to be on the lake, as bass migrate up the creeks and gorge themselves on shad. It’s also a great time for another reason, a lot of anglers are hunters and are in the woods chasing Mr. Buck; leaving the lakes less crowded. So, take the time over the next two months and lock in on some of the best bass fishing action of the year. Make sure to check out the Tackle Talk Live show every Monday at 11:00 AM on our You Tube channel or on our Facebook page. Good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!
The Northwestern State University Presidential Search Committee selected six semifinalists to interview for the school’s top post.
“The search committee has fulfilled the first part of its mission by selecting a group of semifinalists with specific qualifications to lead Northwestern State University,” Committee Chair and System President Jim Henderson said. “Each of our nine member institutions is unique and I am confident that the best person to lead Northwestern State, my alma mater, is among these candidates.”
The following candidates are recommended to the search committee for consideration.
Nancy D. Albers, College of Business International Experience Coordinator at Louisiana State University in Shreveport
Marcus D. Jones, Interim President at Northwestern State University
Darrell P. Kruger, Former Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Appalachian State University
Kim M. LeDuff, Vice President of the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer at University of West Florida in Pensacola
Jeremy L. Thomas, Interim President at Oklahoma City Community College
Virginia R. Van Sickle-Burkett, Chief Scientist at U.S. Department of Interior
The committee will interview the semifinalists on Northwestern’s campus the first week of November with opportunities for student and campus community involvement. The next Northwestern president will be selected by the full Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System at a special meeting scheduled for Nov. 8.
“I’d like to thank those individuals who showed interest in this position, we appreciate their attention to the university,” UL System Chair Liz Pierre said. “I look forward to meeting the six semifinalists in Natchitoches next month.”
Chairing the Northwestern State University Presidential Search Committee is UL System President and CEO Jim Henderson as a non-voting member. Voting members are NSU Faculty Senate President John Dunn and UL System Board Members Elizabeth Pierre, Jimmy Clarke, Barry Busada, Lola Dunahoe, Alejandro Perkins, Joe Salter and Student Board Member L’Oreal Williams.
Non-voting members are Retired Dean of NSU Creative and Performing Arts Bill Brent, NSU Alumni Association’s Nikki Caeser-Small, NSU SGA President Tja’h Edwards, NSU Alumni Association President Patricia Hrapmann, NSU Foundation Member Mike Knotts and NSU Foundation President John Manno, Jr.
SABINE: Evelyn Dees May 16, 1920 – October 12, 2021 Service: Saturday, October 16 at 3 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Jeanette Soileau Polson July 25, 1936 – October 11, 2021 Service: Saturday, October 16 at 10 am at St. Terrance Catholic Mission in Florien
Bobbie Joy Pitt October 20, 1929 – October 8, 2021 Service: Friday, October 15 at 1 pm at Warren Meadows funeral home, located at 355 Capitol St. in Many
NATCHITOCHES: Ronnie Vascocu May 24, 1949 – October 12, 2021 Service: Saturday October 16 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Rev. Wayne Hicks January 17, 1938 – October 07, 2021 Service: Saturday, October 23 at 1 pm at Calvary Baptist Church in Natchitoches
Clarence Jones Sr. February 15, 1929- October 8, 2021 Service: Saturday, October 16 at 11 am at The Abundant Life Church, located at 620 Ben Drive in Natchitoches
WINN: Cathy Denise Little December 30, 1962 – October 13, 2021 Service: Saturday, October 16 at 10 am at Southern Funeral Home
The Sabine Parish Journal is excited to bring you the main events happening throughout the parish and on the lake this week! It’s Spooky Season, and The Bend is packed with fun events for every age group!
October 14th
Sabine Parish 4-H Pumpkin Carving Contest will be held Thursday October 14th at 5:30 at the extension office 1125 W Mississippi Ave.
All pumpkins must be dropped off by 5PM. NO LATE ENTRYS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
The categories include:
SILLIEST
SPOOKIEST
MOST CREATIVE
PAINTED!
The age brackets will be THE SAME AS ALWAYS!
Cloverbuds
4-6th
7-8th
9-12th
Other Fall Festivities will occur Weather Permitting
Event Location:
Sabine Parish 4-H Extension Office
1125 W Mississippi Ave.
Many, LA 71449
Wild for Art Painting Class with artist, Shanna Gaspard, will be held at the Sabine Council on Aging building on Thursday, October 14th at 10:00 am. Don’t forget to bring you own canvas!
Painting classes are held at the Converse location on the 2nd Thursday of each month.
Phone number:
318-567-9631
Event Location:
Sabine Council on Aging
211 N. Front Street
Converse, LA711419
October 15th
Saye’s Boutique is hosting Pumpkin Shine in Pleasant Hill on Friday, October 15th. Registration begins at 6:00 pm; Judging begins at 7:00 pm. Bring your carved pumpkin and register. We will have tea lights to light them. Pumpkins will be judged and can be left out for the night for anyone who would like to walk thru and view. Make sure to wear your costume for a costume contest. Join us for games, movies & snacks!
Phone number:
(318) 431-0216
Event Location:
Saye’s Boutique
2136 W. Main Street
Pleasant Hill, LA71065
Sabine Parish Library Book Character Pumpkin Decorating Contest deadline to submit pumpkins is October 15th! Drop your decorated pumpkins off at the Many Library for the chance to win an Amazon gift card! Winners will be announced October 28th. RULES: Must use artificial craft pumpkins. Decorations are to be based on a book character. The categories for entry will be: ages 3-6, ages 13-17, ages 18+
Phone number:
(318) 256-4150
Event Location:
Many Library
705 Main St
Many, LA 71449
October 16th
Music in Many presents Brandy Roberts, Jerry Lee Lewis Rock ‘N Rolling concert on Saturday, October 16th at the Many Community Center at 7:00 pm. Admission is FREE! Drinks & popcorn are $1.00.
Event Location:
Many Community Center
675 San Antonio Avenue
Many, LA71449
October 16th
The Joey Ward Band will be performing at Beer Time on Saturday, October 16th at 8:30 pm. There is a $10 cover charge.
Phone number:
318-567-4129
Event Location:
Beer Time
206 E. Port Arthur Street
Converse, LA71449
Fall Classic – Bowfishing Tournament
October 16th out of Pendleton Harbor Marina
Open trailer to any public ramp on Toledo bend
Big 20
Sign up from 6 pm- 7 pm
Weigh in at 7 am
Entry fee -$250 per team – 1-4 man teams
Phone number:
Dewayne at 318-315-0792
Event Location:
Pendleton Harbor Marina
Hemphill, TX
If you have an event you’d like added to the line-up, email the details to spjmanyla@gmail.com
15 suspects were arrested in the month of September by the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office for felony narcotic and firearm charges. Almost all of the suspects and details were published in previous news releases.
The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Tactical Narcotics Team executed four narcotics search warrants plus Detectives executed another search warrant where illegal narcotics were discovered with assistance from Patrol Deputies.
Approximately 2.75 pounds of methamphetamine, 2.3 ounces of marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, numerous Xanax, Ecstasy, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and other pills, various drug paraphernalia, 9 firearms (one was stolen), and $3505 cash were seized during these searches and arrests.
In addition, three suspects were indicted and sentenced in federal court in Shreveport last month.
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell said he will continue to aggressively investigate and arrest the drug users and dealers in Sabine Parish.
Sheriff Mitchell also commends the public for their information of illegal narcotic activity in the parish. Many of the tips and other information has led to the investigations and arrests of these suspects.
If you have information of any illegal activity in Sabine Parish, contact us at 318-256-9241 or 318-590-9475. You can also message this Facebook page or submit a tip through our Sabine Parish Sheriff App.
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University gave Tommy McClelland much more than two degrees.
A two-sport athlete who lettered in football and as a javelin thrower on the Demon track and field team, McClelland also met his wife, Jessica, at the school’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry. As the McClellands searched for a way to say thank you for what NSU meant to them, the answer was simple – an athletic scholarship.
Earlier this month, the McClellands established the Tommy and Jessica McClelland Family Scholarship, investing the initial $10,000 toward the endowment that will benefit Northwestern State student-athletes.
“I was a walk-on student-athlete who earned a scholarship in my final year and it was a privilege to represent the university each and every day.” Tommy McClelland said. “Northwestern State gave me the opportunity to play two of the sports I love, track and field (javelin) and Football. I was honored to have been part of a conference championship in both sports during my time, but it was the tremendous education that I received from NSU for which I am most grateful.”
In addition to playing two sports at NSU, McClelland began his athletic administration career with the Demons. He is currently the Deputy Athletics Director for External Affairs and Revenue Generation at Vanderbilt University. After completing his undergraduate degree in 2004, McClelland served as an intern for NSU Director of Athletics Greg Burke while pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Administration, a degree he completed in 2005.
From there, McClelland became the first Southland Conference championships intern before becoming director of athletics at McNeese State University and Louisiana Tech University ahead of joining the Vanderbilt staff in September 2020.
“It is awesome to see Tommy taking initiative, as a student-athlete alumnus, and reinvesting in the athletic program which has impacted his life on multiple levels. His leadership sets a standard to which all former athletes should aspire to better our athletic program today and tomorrow,” said NSU Director of Athletics Greg Burke.
“This gift is especially meaningful to me because Tommy is one of my most genuine friends as a peer in the intercollegiate athletics industry and on an overall basis. It is wonderful for Tommy and Jessica to acknowledge the effect that NSU had on their lives by paying forward their time on campus so that future student-athletes will have the same opportunity.”
The Tommy and Jessica McClelland Family Scholarship is the 71st endowed athletic scholarship at Northwestern State, which has established the “Perpetually Purple” program with a focus on such gifts and grants.
For the McClellands, it all started at NSU.
“For us, this is the place we met,” McClelland said about NSU. “Jessica and I will be married 19 years this December, and it all started on the campus of Northwestern State. We are so honored to give back to a place that means so much to us.”
NSU Athletics now has surpassed $2.5 million in endowed funds to help offset the cost of athletics scholarships. A $5 million endowment total will fully underwrite all NSU athletics scholarships, which is currently being funded by annual gifts to the Demons Unlimited Foundation.
Annual gift revenues will then be redirected to more significantly enhance facilities, bolster recruiting budgets, retain or hire outstanding coaches, and offset ever-increasing scholarship costs.
To inquire about the Perpetually Purple program, contact Burke at 318-357-5251.
Because cancer touches so many families in our parish, NRMC is taking a leadership role in the fight against this disease with the recent acquisition of the Northwestern Louisiana Cancer Center. NRMC’s goal is to create a seamless service in which cancer patients benefit from having access to the hospital’s full range of patient care services, physicians, and technology in addition to the outpatient care offered at the NRMC Cancer Center.
From early diagnosis and treatment to state-of-the-art technology, our team of cancer experts offer an amazing continuum of lifesaving services to help patients in the fight against cancer. NRMC Cancer Center is committed to improving and saving lives.
