
Many man indicted for possession with intent to distribute Meth

As the Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce President for the 2022-2023 year, Hannah Vines Savell hopes to energize the community, improve economic opportunities, and promote the importance of supporting our LOCAL businesses.
Hannah moved to Negreet 8 years ago and married lifelong Sabine resident Blake Savell. They have 2 sweet boys, Weston (5) and Tucker (1). Hannah grew up in Nashville, AR and is a graduate of Henderson State University.
Hannah is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments located in Toledo Town (Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Hannah Savell). She has since earned 3 professional designations throughout her career from the College of Financial Planning including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS), and Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS). She is also a member of the Sabine Economic Development Committee, Sabine Parish Tourist Commission and the Toledo Bend Lake Association.
It takes a village to raise a child, but it will take the whole Many community to bring the Sabine High School facility back to life so it can be repurposed to:
Create a recreational center for youth, seniors, and the whole community
Provide after school tutoring
Provide daycare for before and after school
Produce fine art classes and activities
Develop partnerships with medical facilities within an 80 mile radius to address health care issues
Provide job training to address the unemployment rate of 10 percent- four percentage points above the state’s average
Memorialize and celebrate the rich history created by Sabine High School from pre-1958 to 1970
This gem in the northwestern region of Louisiana has a rich cultural heritage, but a poor facade that needs an investment of $3.5 million to renovate and bring back as a cultural beacon of hope for citizens, the youth, of the region.
The level of poverty is slightly above 50 percent, income growth is constrained due to low hourly wages, and job growth is concentrated in low-wage jobs. In Sabine Parish, the cost of living exceeds the availability of income. With slim local resources, this beloved school facility needs to be restored to become an essential venue for the Parish.
School History:
On March 7, 1918, through an Act of Donation from the 12th District, a 4.608 acre tract in Sabine Parish, Many, LA was donated for the building of Sabine High School, also formerly Many Junior High School, and in this summary, the Property. From 1958 to 1970 Sabine School was the educational center for African American students in grades 1-12. From 1970-2001 the facility housed the Many Jr. High School.
In 2001, the facility was left to deteriorate.
On October 10, 2002, Sabine Parish School Board conveyed back to the 12th District in accordance with the provisions of that certain Act of Donation, inasmuch said Property is no longer being used as a public school. During the days of legal segregation, this school was responsible for sending hundreds of students to college and through-out the world.
A New Beginning:
In 2020, the school was declared a historical site by the U.S. Department of Interior and posted on the National Register.
On October 12, 2021, the 12th District granted approval to incorporate a new entity to manage the revitalization project of the now historic Sabine High School. SHSRP Management Group, Inc. was incorporated on November 2, 2021, with a leadership team composed of former alumni, family, and friends, and have full authority to manage the day to day operations necessary for the revitalization of Sabine High School.
Calling all Alumni, friends, citizens, and volunteers to join the “Beacon Brigade.” If you have benefitted at any time in the history of the school, or you see the hope of benefitting from its transformation to an important Community Center, help the revitalization project with a generous tax-deductible donation made to SHSRP Management Group, which is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Federal Tax ID: 873448620
Cash App: $bluewaverestored
Website: sabinehighschoolrevitalizationproject.com
Inspired this spring by the Byrd High School girls bowling team knocking off the state’s No. 1 seed in the playoffs and finishing as the surprising, out-of-nowhere state runner-up, I accepted the challenge to captain a team last week in the 2022 “Surfs Up” Bowling Bash at the Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria.
The event was one of many that made up the always-good-times Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Week, which began Thursday with a press conference to meet the Class of 2022 and ended with the induction of that class Saturday at the Natchitoches Events Center.
In between was tomfoolery, something I know a little something about.
The Big Weekend rolls around every year at this time, and all are welcome, including at the bowling event. Grab five folks, a few bucks, and you’re in. Go to LASportsHall.com and see pictures and videos of all the events and start thinking about next year. I talked with a couple of dozen first-timers who say they’ll be back.
And why? Because a good time was had by all. Especially by me. And especially bowling, because we won.
Not only won, but shattered the events record with a score of 925 for our five-man team in 10 frames of team bowling. (They tell me that’s good. What I know about bowling, you could fit inside a bowling ball’s finger hole.)
As a nod to the 50th anniversary of Title IX — and an equal nod (OK, a bigger nod) to them being really good — I recruited members of Louisiana Tech’s girls bowling team. They accepted. Even without under-the-table cash or an NIL deal.
Just solid old-school recruiting. It all comes back to that when you’re trying to build a one-game, winner-take-all team. Surround yourself with quality kegglers.
It is a plus that, besides finishing their most recent season with 33 wins over top-25 teams, 20 wins over Top-10 teams, 12 wins over Top-5 teams, three wins over No. 2 and two wins over the country’s top-ranked team at the time, these young female student-athletes are a joy to be around.
And even more fun since they earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament and finished as an Elite 8 team.
Friday in Alexandria, they finished as an Elite 1.
Our “five-man team” team is a figure of speech. There was me, bowling-lover-gone-bowling-
madman/wizard Coach Matt Nantais, and three willing talents from the team, listed here with some of their 2021-22 accomplishments: Averi Brown, a grad student from Columbus, Ohio who qualified for the singles national championships; Patricia Rosales, who made a pair of All-Tournament teams; and,
Danielle Jedlicki, who bowled two perfect games, was named to a pair of All-Tournament teams and earned a Tournament MVP.
They had rosin bags. Little pieces of tape on their fingers. A hand fan. Braces for their wrists. Everything but eye black. In it to win it, they were.
Teddy wept.
Did you even know Tech had a bowling team? Now you do. And the state does. And next year, hopefully more of the nation will know. The national championships will be in Vegas next year. Maybe I’ll “need” to go cover it.
So think about going to some or all of the Hall of Fame events next year. And think about going bowling. Start now if you want a chance to beat us.
Which you will, because I think we’ve been, for future events, disqualified.
But it sure was fun while it lasted.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
ACS LIMITED MODIFIEDS
Between April 26 and May 10, 2022, two jet skis were removed from a storage area located off Highway 71/84 in south Red River Parish. One was a 1998 red Kawasaki and the other was a 2012 blue Yamaha along with a white double trailer that carried both jet skis.
Entrance was gained by cutting the chain to a locked gate. The matter is being investigated by the Red River Parish Sheriffs office.
A reward is being offered to the anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the theft.
REWARD OFFER: $1,000.00
CONTACT: The office of Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards
PHONE: 318-932-6701
* All Callers will remain anonymous.
By Brad Dison
In late July, 1923, Vice President of the United States Calvin Coolidge was greatly relieved by news that President Warren Harding was recovering splendidly from his bout of pneumonia at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. Calvin was spending time at his summer home, his boyhood home, in Springfield, Vermont. While taking a break from the politics of Washington, D.C., he performed amateur tree surgery on the beautiful old shade tree in his front yard. He paid no attention to reporters and looky-loos as he concentrated on his work.
On the afternoon of August 2, President Harding’s physicians sent Calvin a telegram and reassured him of the president’s health. The Coolidge home had neither electricity nor a telephone. At about 10:30 p.m. that night, Calvin went to bed. Shortly after midnight on August 3, another messenger arrived by car at the Coolidge residence. Calvin was in bed asleep when his father, John C. Coolidge, awoke him. Calvin knew something was wrong by the sound of numerous cars pulling up at the normally tranquil home. John read the telegram to Calvin: “The president died instantly while conversing with members of his family at 7:30 p.m. The physicians report death was apparently due to some brain embolism, probably apoplexy.” He immediately returned a telegram to Mrs. Harding: “We offer you our deepest sympathy. May God bless you and keep you.” He, Calvin, was now President of the United States.
The news was a great blow to Calvin, though he took it with his characteristic calmness. He dressed immediately and descended the stairs to the sitting room where an army of reporters had already gathered. They could detect no difference in Calvin’s demeanor, as was his nature. He calmly told the reporters, “Reports have reached me, which I fear are correct, that President Harding is gone. The world has lost a great and good man. I mourn his loss. He was my chief and my friend.”
Within half an hour, the Coolidge residence, which was normally a quiet and lonely farm house became “a mecca for hundreds.” By 1:30 a.m., a telephone was installed at the Coolidge residence. Calvin called Washington and received instructions on how to perform the oath of office. He learned that he needed a notary public to administer the oath of office. Just then, a congressman arrived with two federal employees to act as bodyguards. Calvin’s father, John, a notary public, held a brief swearing in ceremony in his own home. Calvin’s father beamed as he spoke in a trembling voice, “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” A reporter asked Calvin’s father to describe his feelings while swearing in his son to which he replied, “One would not say that he was elated to have the President die.”
Calvin’s first act as president after the swearing in was… to return to bed. The two federal employees turned bodyguards stood on either side of the door to Calvin’s bedroom to ensure that no one disturbed the president and first lady. Cars came and went as Calvin slept. Reporters waited quietly but impatiently outside the Coolidge home. Finally, at 7:20 a.m., Calvin looked out the front door. Reporters bombarded him with questions, but Calvin spoke not a word. Calvin bowed at them indifferently, posed for a few photographs, and went back inside. Ten minutes later, Calvin and several others were “taken by motor car” to a special train which delivered him to the White House.
Becoming president upon the death of a previous president had its challenges. Everyone, especially Calvin, understood that he had not been selected by the people to become president. That changed when he won the 1924 election. Calvin strongly supported women’s suffrage and equality. The economy during his presidency, one of rapid and expansive growth, became known as the “Roaring Twenties.” Calvin preferred to take a hands-off government approach and lived up to his nickname “Silent Cal Coolidge” as he seemingly only spoke out of necessity.
In 1927, Calvin took everyone by surprise when he told reporters in as few words as possible, “I do not choose to run for president in 1928.” Reporters gasped. Calvin briefly explained, “”If I take another term, I will be in the White House till 1933. Ten years in Washington is longer than any other man has had it – too long.”
Following his presidency, Calvin published an autobiography and wrote a syndicated newspaper column entitled, “Calvin Coolidge Says.” The columns most certainly were brief. Just after noon on January 5, 1933, Calvin’s wife returned from shopping and found the former president unconscious on his dressing room floor. A sudden heart attack struck as he was preparing to shave and he fell to the floor. Although several people were present in the home at the time of his death, no one heard Calvin fall. Even at the moment of his death, he remained silent.
On this fourth of July, as you enjoy hot dogs and burgers from the grill and drink cool refreshments, take just a moment of silence for “Silent Cal.” Say Happy Birthday to America… and to Calvin Coolidge. He is the only American president who was born on the fourth of July.
Sources:
1. Vermont Standard (Woodstock, Vermont), August 2, 1923, p.1.
2. The Barre Daily Times (Barre, Vermont), August 2, 1923, p.7.
3. Rutland Daily Herald (Rutland, Vermont), August 3, 1923, p.1.
4. Burlington Daily News (Burlington, Vermont), August 3, 1923, p.1.
5. Rutland Daily Herald (Rutland, Vermont), Ja
The drive through window at NRMC’s new retail pharmacy has become a popular place in recent weeks as community members take full advantage of its excellent customer service and convenience. Even when the Multi-specialty Clinic is closed, customers are able to utilize the Pharmacy Drive-thru until 8:30 each evening. The drive-thru is located on the backside of the Multispecialty Clinic off Isadore Street. From prescription medicine and easy refills to over-the-counter medications and supplies, the new Pharmacy is exceeding customer expectations.
Inside NRMC, patients are benefitting from the new Meds to Beds program. On the day of discharge from the hospital, patients have the option to have their “go home” prescriptions filled at the new pharmacy and delivered to them in their patient rooms. No more needing to stop at a pharmacy on the way home or asking family members to run back out and pick up a prescription for them that day.
Another advantage of the retail Pharmacy is the convenience of filling refills. With the pharmacy’s mobile app — RxLocal — customers can quickly and easily refill their prescription or communicate directly with the Pharmacy team.
From competitive pricing to acceptance of most insurances, the new Pharmacy focuses on customers’ needs. Most importantly, the Pharmacy team has the experience and expertise to set them apart. From consultations to assisting patients with complex medication needs, they provide exceptional service.
For more information, call 318.214.5777 or fax to 888-698-1529.
For a complete list of over-the-counter medicines and supplies available, visit www.NRMChospoital.org.
OPPORTUNITY: Chief Financial Officer
Outpatient Medical Center (Natchitoches Headquarters) is looking for a fulltime CFO to join our leadership team and report to our CEO and Board of Directors. The CFO is responsible for fulfilling all financial and collections priorities/requirements of the organization and to effectively manage and direct assigned staff. Must be willing to join a new leadership team and continue improvements initiated over the past two years – necessary to rebuild an organization once seriously threatened financially.
A successful candidate will not only be knowledgeable but also an excellent communicator with the ability to clearly explain fiscal and budgetary matters to executives and policy-makers.
Must be exceptionally organized, assure accuracy of reports and tasks, and meet deadlines in a proactive manner. A successful candidate will have a record of highly responsible CFO experience in a healthcare setting, managing and accounting for multiple grants and revenue sources. OMC will also consider progressively responsible candidates who have extensive FQHC experience with audits, budgeting, management reports, accounting, billing, and supervision.
Resumes are being accepted by email to hr@outpatientmedical.org. Confidential inquires may be made to the CEO, Dr. Mark Guidry, at 318-357-2055.
The Depot Art Gallery is newly renovated with great new arts and crafts. To celebrate, a Grand Reopening ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 2 from 10 am – 4 pm and the public is invited! The gallery is located at 750 Hwy. 171 in Many. For more information call Shanna Gaspard at 318-602-1614.
Come see work from a variety of artists at the Grand Opening, including new members like Jena Nugent and Suzanne Williams. Williams wears many hats in the area (sometimes literally). She is a lover of the arts, specializing in photography. Nugent is an amazing painter.
SABINE PARISH SALES & USE TAX COMMISSION is seeking applicants for the position of Deputy Administrator. Applicants must have 3 years’ experience in business related field, proficiency with MS Word, MS Excel and QuickBooks, familiarity and knowledge with data processing and bookkeeping, and knowledge of Louisiana sales and use tax laws.
Please mail resumes with 2 professional references to PO BOX 249, MANY, LA 71449 or email to wanda.rivers@sabineparishsalestax.com.
Deadline is Friday, July 8 at 4:30 pm. For more information, call 318-256-6219.
SABINE:
Linda Frances Johnson Harris
August 13, 1941 – June 28, 2022
Service: Friday, July 1 at 10 am at First Baptist Church of Pleasant Hill
Patsye Belisle Crocker
February 9, 1935 – June 24, 2022
Service: Thursday, June 30 at 11 am at First Methodist Church of Zwolle
Sharon Montang
December 8, 1953 – June 22, 2022
Service: Wednesday, June 29 at 3 pm at Oak Hill Baptist Church
Katherine M. Kezerle Sepulvado
January 22, 1928 – June 21, 2022
Service: Wednesday, June 29 at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church
WINN:
Jaquita “Jackie” Ann Stewart
May 16, 1939 – June 27, 2022
Service: Thursday, June 30 at 10 am at Cornerstone Apostolic Church
Bobby Joe Bacle
June 1, 1944 – June 26, 2022
Service: Wednesday, June 29 at 10 am at Midway Baptist Church
Erlene Melton Smith
January 6, 1932 – June 26, 2022
Service: Wednesday, June 29 at 11 am at Southern Funeral Home
Over the last two weeks, the Central Louisiana Violent Crime Abatement Team (VCAT) conducted a very successful criminal enforcement detail. This collaborative unified initiative was comprised of Louisiana State Police, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Louisiana Probation and Parole, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, Pineville Police Department, Alexandria Police Department, Natchitoches City Police Department, Lecompte Police Department, Ball Police Department, Boyce Police Department, Glenmora Police Department, Woodworth Police Department, Alexandria City Marshal’s Office, Pineville City Marshal’s Office and Louisiana National Guard.
The goal of the operation was to detect, identify, and apprehend individuals involved in various types of criminal activity including, but not limited to, weapons violations, violent crime, possession of stolen property, and possession/distribution of illicit drugs.
Due to the multi-agency partnership and the effort put forth from all involved, the operation totaled:
Louisiana State Police remains committed to working alongside our federal, state, and local public safety partners to ensure safe communities across the state. To report suspicious or criminal activity in your community, the Louisiana State Police online reporting system is available to the public through a convenient and secure reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. Citizens can access the form by visiting http://lsp.org and clicking the Suspicious Activity link.
ACS LIMITED MODIFIEDS
ACT 433—HB 8 Provides an exception to the illegal carrying of weapons for certain persons.
ACT 434—HB 83 Provides relative to homeowner’s insurance policies that require a civil authority to prohibit use of the dwelling in order to pay loss of use benefits.
ACT 435—HB 93 Provides relative to continuances in workers’ compensation cases.
ACT 436—HB 129 Provides relative to an arrested person’s failure to honor a written promise to appear.
ACT 437—HB 130 Provides relative to motor vehicle crash reports.
ACT 438—HB 135 Authorizes dispensing of medical marijuana to certain qualifying patients who are not Louisiana residents.
ACT 439—HB 137 Provides relative to immunity from prosecution for medical marijuana.
ACT 440—HB 142 Provides for liability for publishers and distributors of material harmful to minors.
ACT 441—HB 153 Provides relative to the Twinbrook Security District in Orleans Parish.
ACT 442—HB 160 Provides relative to abandonment of a rental premises following the declaration of a federally declared disaster.
ACT 443—HB 165 Provides relative to lease sales for wind energy.
ACT 444—HB 190 Authorizes certain nurse practitioners to recommend medical marijuana to patients.
ACT 445—HB 196 Creates the Stimulating More Advanced Research and Technology (SMART) Program and the SMART Fund for the purpose of awarding grants to support research at public postsecondary education institutions.
ACT 446—HB 200 Provides relative to the presence of the defendant in misdemeanor prosecutions.
ACT 447—HB 207 Adds Geometry as a required course for high school students in the career major program.
ACT 448—HB 214 Requires passage of a reading instruction test as a condition of teacher certification in elementary education.
ACT 449—HB 215 Provides relative to the compensation of school bus operators.
ACT 450—HB 223 Provides relative to eligibility for the Reentry Court Specialty Program.
ACT 451—HB 239 Provides relative to stays in workers’ compensation cases.
ACT 452—HB 248 Provides relative to legal holidays.
ACT 453—HB 260 Provides relative to a firearm hold agreement.
ACT 454—HB 261 Creates a French immersion school in the community of Pointe-au-Chien in Terrebonne Parish.
ACT 455—HB 264 Provides for the service of the original petition with the amended petition.
ACT 456—HB 274 Expands the information required to be provided in adoption awareness instruction for high school students.
ACT 457—HB 278 Provides requirements for the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model.
ACT 458—HB 293 Provides relative to carbon monoxide detectors.
ACT 459—HB 294 Provides relative to the guaranteed issue of Medicare supplement policies.
ACT 460—HB 300 Provides relative to licensure for plumbers.
ACT 461—HB 312 Enacts reforms to address workplace violence in healthcare settings.
ACT 462—HB 330 Creates the Industrial Hemp Promotion and Research Program.
ACT 463—HB 346 Provides for a program and a fund for the purpose of providing scholarships for students in approved teacher preparation programs.
ACT 464—HB 364 Provides relative to disciplinary proceedings for students enrolled in public postsecondary education institutions and student-led organizations.
ACT 465—HB 365 Designates the crime of possession of a firearm by a felon as a crime of violence.
ACT 466—HB 369 Requires public school governing authorities and public schools to post on their websites laws pertaining to parental access to instructional materials and the Parents’ Bill of Rights.
ACT 467—HB 370 Provides relative to the self-distribution of certain alcoholic beverages by certain brewers.
ACT 468—HB 371 Amends the definition of “police officer” for the crimes of battery of a police officer and resisting a police officer with force or violence.
ACT 469—HB 389 Provides relative to emergency suspension of legal deadlines.
ACT 470—HB 450 Provides for access to an adopted person’s original birth certificate.
ACT 471—HB 499 Creates a fund for the purpose of funding tuition exemptions and reduction of textbook costs for persons who are age fifty-five or older.
ACT 472—HB 516 Requires each governing authority of a public high school to adopt policies regarding attendance, breastfeeding, and child care for students who are pregnant or parenting.
ACT 473—HB 629 Provides relative to a search without a warrant of a person’s place of residence for the odor of marijuana.
ACT 474—HB 662 Provides relative to the Judicial Council.
ACT 475—HB 773 Authorizes the transfer of certain state property in Caddo Parish.
ACT 476—HB 786 Establishes the Small Business Innovation Retention Fund.
ACT 477—HB 795 Establishes the Small Business Innovation Recruitment Fund.
ACT 478—HB 234 Prohibits smoking or vaping marijuana in motor vehicles.
ACT 479—HB 291 Requires all nursing homes to maintain in effect emergency preparedness plans approved by the La. Department of Health.
ACT 480—HB 374 Increases the fine for gross littering of tires and failure to obtain a generator identification number
ACT 481—HB 549 Provides relative to certain deed restrictions.
ACT 482—HB 551 Provides relative to delivery of alcohol.
ACT 483—HB 555 Provides relative to occupational licenses.
ACT 484—HB 585 Provides relative to reporting of certain firearm data to the La. Commission on Law Enforcement.
ACT 485—HB 618 Allows certain patriotic organizations to access school facilities and grants their representatives the opportunity to speak to and recruit students.
ACT 486—HB 639 Provides relative to occupational licensing for workers with criminal histories.
ACT 487—HB 648 Provides relative to the Crime Victims Reparations Act.
ACT 488—HB 650 Provides for Medicaid coverage of prescription human milk.
ACT 489—HB 651 Provides relative to insurance coverage for prescription human milk.
ACT 490—HB 686 Provides relative to management of the Amite River Basin.
ACT 491—HB 697 Reforms the state systems for regulating the production of marijuana for therapeutic use and for the dispensing of such product.
ACT 492—HB 698 Provides for fees and charges to be assessed by the La. Department of Health in connection with regulation of marijuana for therapeutic use.
ACT 493—HB 706 Creates the crime of menacing.
ACT 494—HB 729 Limits the release and dissemination of booking photographs of an arrested person.
ACT 495—HB 736 Establishes the Athletic Trainer Professional Development Program in the Dept. of Education and provides for administration, qualification, and implementation of the various components of the program.
ACT 496—HB 746 Provides relative to solitary confinement in juvenile facilities.
ACT 497—HB 755 Provides for the disbursement of monies received from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
ACT 498—HB 758 Provides relative to industrial hemp.
ACT 499—HB 775 Provides relative to the definition of drug paraphernalia.
ACT 500—SB 107 Re-creates the Louisiana Workforce Commission and re-authorizes the Incumbent Worker Training Program.
ACT 501—SB 154 Provides for health insurance coverage of genetic testing for critically ill infants with no diagnosis.
ACT 502—SB 191 Provides relative to high school core curriculum requirements.
ACT 503—SB 213 Provides relative to specialized behavioral health rehabilitation services in the Louisiana medical assistance program.
ACT 504—SB 214 Provides for deposition or trial testimony of out-of-state insurance claims adjusters who are licensed or registered in the state.
ACT 505—SB 277 Creates the Megaprojects Leverage Fund.
ACT 506—SB 282 Establishes a workforce training initiative to serve public assistance recipients.
ACT 507—SB 490 Provides for security services in the state capitol building.
ACT 508—HB 796 Establishes the Small Business Innovation Fund.
ACT 509—HB 802 Provides relative to digital assets.
ACT 510—HB 834 Provides relative to a sports wagering account and presumptions of abandonment.
ACT 511—HB 896 Provides for limitations on recoverable past medical expenses.
ACT 512—HB 898 Provides relative to the powers of parishes and municipalities with respect to liquefied petroleum gas.
ACT 513—HB 1061 Provides for procedures for victims of sexually-oriented criminal offenses.
ACT 514—HB 829 Provides relative to alcoholic beverage delivery.
ACT 515—HB 847 Exempts certain non-state entity projects from local match requirements.
ACT 516—HB 854 Provides relative to occupational diseases for members in the classified fire service.
ACT 517—HB 865 Provides relative to textbooks and instructional materials used in reading instruction.
ACT 518—HB 868 Provides relative to the creation of an online handgun education course.
ACT 519—HB 889 Establishes the Dew Drop-America’s Rock and Roll Museum within the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
ACT 520—HB 911 Provides relative to early literacy.
ACT 521—HB 927 Authorizes a tuition increase at Louisiana State University Laboratory School.
ACT 522—HB 933 Provides relative to emergency preparedness among licensed nursing homes.
ACT 523—HB 996 Provides relative to the operation of charitable bingo.
ACT 524—HB 1052 Establishes the Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund.
ACT 525—HB 1055 Provides relative to horse racing.
ACT 526—HB 1070 Provides relative to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
ACT 527—HB 1072 Provides for hearing loss as an occupational disease while employed in the classified police service.
ACT 528—HB 1082 Provides for election procedures during a state of emergency.
ACT 529—HB 1083 Provides relative to hair discrimination in education, employment, public accommodations, and housing options.
OPPORTUNITY: Chief Financial Officer
Outpatient Medical Center (Natchitoches Headquarters) is looking for a fulltime CFO to join our leadership team and report to our CEO and Board of Directors. The CFO is responsible for fulfilling all financial and collections priorities/requirements of the organization and to effectively manage and direct assigned staff. Must be willing to join a new leadership team and continue improvements initiated over the past two years – necessary to rebuild an organization once seriously threatened financially.
A successful candidate will not only be knowledgeable but also an excellent communicator with the ability to clearly explain fiscal and budgetary matters to executives and policy-makers.
Must be exceptionally organized, assure accuracy of reports and tasks, and meet deadlines in a proactive manner. A successful candidate will have a record of highly responsible CFO experience in a healthcare setting, managing and accounting for multiple grants and revenue sources. OMC will also consider progressively responsible candidates who have extensive FQHC experience with audits, budgeting, management reports, accounting, billing, and supervision.
Resumes are being accepted by email to hr@outpatientmedical.org. Confidential inquires may be made to the CEO, Dr. Mark Guidry, at 318-357-2055.
Welcome to summertime, which began Tuesday with the summer “solstice,” a Latin word for “if our AC goes out, call 911.”
So if Tuesday seemed like a really long day … it was. The longest. Because of the way the Earth and Sun were situated — with the Earth tilting on one of its poles and other complicated astronomical stuff that you already know so why should I explain — Tuesday was the longest day and shortest night of the year.
If you are married and came home and said, “Honey, it’s been a long day,” you might have been figuratively correct but you were most definitely literally correct. In other words, for once in your marriage, you were right, even if you didn’t mean to be.
Another reason why summer is good.
Song after song has been written and sung about summertime.
“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy…”
“In the good ol’ summertime…”
“The summer wind/came blowin’ in/from across the sea/It lingered there/to touch your hair/and walk with me…”
“We’ve been havin’ fun all summer long…” – Beach Boys, of course.
And — also of course — the late, great Roger Miller wrote this, a favorite because, well, Roger Miller …
“In the summertime
When all the leaves and trees are green
And the redbird sings ‘I’ll be blue
’Cause you don’t want my love…”
Clever Roger Miller with the colors, green and red and blue. But it’s a sad summer song, and sad is not what summer is about.
It’s complicated now, when school starts and when school stops. Makes no sense.
But in a simpler time, the school system owned our adolescent butts from Labor Day until Memorial Day. Owned us. That was understood. Two days for Thanksgiving. Christmas was a couple weeks, the Glory Days of Wintertime Kiddom. There was an Easter Day or two. Maybe a Presidents Day.
But basically, they had you where they wanted you. In front of a chalkboard. Labor Day until Memorial Day.
Fine.
But we knew that glorious summertime was ours. Memorial Day passed, and we were free to run barefoot for three months. No questions asked.
We worked, sure. Depending on where you grew up, there was grass to cut, tractors to drive.
But there was also baseball to play. Afternoons at the pool. Bikes to ride from daylight to dusk.
Watermelon and sweat and smiles. And you could go to bed Sunday night without thinking of homeroom Monday. Monday was just another “free” day to be a kid, to drink from the water hose (wait a minute ’til it gets cold!), to get sunburned, to hear your momma calling you in for supper.
It’s hot, for sure. Supposed to be more than 100 this weekend. But I can take off enough to stay cool; can’t put on enough in the wintertime to stay warm.
I’ll take summer any day.
It’s been 25 years since I was out walking and met a guy from Up North washing his car. He’d just moved here. He mentioned in passing how hot it was. I nodded and told him it sure was and kept walking.
It was only April. I didn’t have the heart to tell him…
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
Kaitlyn Johnson and Autumn Palmer recently joined the team at Sabine Parish Tourist & Recreation Commission.
Kaitlyn is the new Marketing and Event Coordinator. Born in Misawa, Japan, Kaitlyn attended Anacoco Elementary and Pineville High School. She then studied Mass Communication with a focus in Broadcasting while double minoring in Criminal Justice and Marketing at The University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and worked with the Girl Scouts of Acadiana as a mentor.
While in Lafayette, she spent three years working with KLFY News 10 and ESPN where she was the face of UL Sports Media. She recently transferred closer to home to finish her degree at Northwestern State University. Featured on local, regional, and national television, Kaitlyn has a diverse background in communication, mentoring, leadership, social media, broadcast production, and graphic design. She loves Louisiana and is looking forward to working with members of the community to highlight everything that makes Sabine Parish a special place to call home.
Autumn is the first Social Media Coordinator for the Tourist Commission. Autumn is a Sabine Parish native and graduate of Negreet High School. She is currently a junior at Northwestern State University studying Hospitality Management & Tourism with a minor in Louisiana History. Autumn is active in the community and recently served as Miss Battle of Pleasant Hill 2020-2022. She also placed Top 15 at Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals. Autumn is passionate about tourism and promoting the culture and history of Louisiana.
By Brad Dison
On the morning of November 10, 1980, Daniel Irvin Jr.’s plane landed at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois. With no one to pick him up from the airport, Daniel hailed a cab driven by 38-year-old Gene Phillips. Daniel asked Gene if he was familiar with Castlewood Terrace. Although Gene had been a taxi driver in Chicago for a dozen years, he replied that he did not know the street. In fairness, Castlewood Terrace was a block-long street in the prestigious Lakefront district. Daniel gave Gene directions to the location. “Go down the Kennedy [Expressway] to Lawrence. Go east on Lawrence, and Castlewood would come in between Marine Drive and Sheridan Road. They stowed Daniel’s luggage in the trunk and set off.
Gene followed Daniel’s directions – Kennedy Expressway to Lawrence, east on Lawrence, past Sheridan Road. As he passed Sheridan Road, Gene began looking for Castlewood Terrace. Daniel said it would be between Marine Drive and Sheridan. When they reached Marine Drive, Gene asked Daniel if he had seen the road. Daniel replied that he did not. Gene drove around the area looking for Castlewood Terrace. Finally, Gene said, “Look, I’ve got to be in the garage by 1 p.m. I’m not going to be able to drive around all day looking for it.” Gene’s leased cab had to be returned to the cab company by 1 p.m. or he would have to pay a penalty. Daniel asked Gene if he was trying to put him out of the cab. Gene explained that he was not putting him out but said he had limited time. As they drove, Daniel spotted a police car. Daniel said, “There’s a policeman. I think I might get out and just get in the police car.” Gene responded, “Do what you please, as long as you pay the fare.”
Gene pulled up alongside the police car and asked the policeman if he was near Castlewood Terrace. The policeman explained that they were just two blocks away from the location. Daniel had given Gene bad directions. Daniel decided to continue riding in the taxi with Gene. Within a couple of minutes, they arrived at the requested address. Daniel reached for his wallet and noticed that the driver’s cab license, which was required to be on display and visible to passengers, was missing. “Driver,” Daniel asked, “Where’s your license?” “Mister,” Gene replied, “will you give me my money? The fare is $12.55. Will you pay me?” Daniel said, “I’m not going to give you a thing until you produce a license.” “I’m going to ask you one more time,” the cab driver said, “Give me my money and get out of this cab.” Daniel replied, “I’m not going to pay you until you produce a license.”
Gene was fed up with Daniel. “I got a ticket, mister, and that’s really none of your business,” Gene explained, “but that’s why I don’t have the license there.” The policeman who gave Gene the ticket took his license to ensure that he would pay the fine. The ticket allowed Gene to continue driving his cab. Gene’s explanation was not good enough for Daniel. “I’ll tell you what,” Daniel said, “I’m not paying you. I’m getting out right now. Get my luggage.”
As Daniel reached for the door handle, Gene slammed on the gas pedal. “You won’t pay me?” Gene quipped, “When we stop a squad car, you’re gonna pay me.” The taxi sped down the luxurious street. The only recourse Gene, or any other taxi driver, had against people who refused to pay was to drive until he found a police officer. Taxi drivers could face charges if they physically confronted the person, kept the luggage, or followed him into a residence. As Gene sped through town looking for a policeman, Daniel stuck his head and shoulders out of the window of the car and yelled that he had been kidnapped. He threatened to jump out of the moving car. “Ok,” Gene said, “Jump and you don’t have to worry about paying the fare.” “This is kidnapping,” Daniel yelled. “I’ll make sure you never drive a cab again.” Daniel continued screaming out the window that he had been kidnapped.
Finally, Gene found a policewoman. He pulled the car over and tried to explain the situation. He assumed the policewoman would arrest the man just the same as other police officers had when the same scenario happened. To Gene’s surprise, the policewoman reached out and shook Daniel’s hand. People walking by stopped and did the same thing. Everyone seemed happy to meet Daniel. A passing ambulance saw the cop car, the taxi, and the large gathering of people, and pulled over because the ambulance crew thought someone had had an accident. Other officers arrived and greeted Daniel in the same manner. Gene was puzzled by their actions toward Daniel. Finally, a policeman asked if Gene was the cab driver. Gene only had enough time to reply “Yes,” and they placed him under arrest.
As Gene sat in a jail cell, he learned that Daniel was at the police station and wanted to pay the fare. Danial was adamant, however, that he would do everything in his power to ensure that Gene never drove a cab again. A spokesman for Daniel said, “It certainly is not [Daniel’s] intention for anyone to lose their job, but he is concerned that a similar incident may happen to someone else.”
In April of 1981, Daniel dropped charges against the Chicago cabbie. Through the entire event, Gene never recognized Daniel because he said he rarely watched television. Millions of people around the world knew and trusted Daniel. It was he, Daniel, who reported from Dallas in November 1963 on the John F. Kennedy assassination, gave regular reports on the Vietnam War, Richard Nixon’s presidency, the Watergate scandal, and Nixon’s resignation. The man who claimed Gene had kidnapped him when he refused to pay the $12.55 fare, was CBS news anchor Daniel Irvin “Dan” Rather.
Sources:
1. The Daily Chronicle (De Kalb, Illinois), November 12, 1980, p.12.
2. Washington Post, November 13, 1980. washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1980/11/13/cabbie-no-fare/0acc8cb6-0bd5-4101-b693-993571770466/
3. Globe-Gazette (Mason City, Iowa), April 8, 1981, p.7.
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