Central Sabine Fire Department, along with other various agencies, will hold its Hero’s Day celebration on Saturday, June 10 from 9 am – 1 pm in the Dollar Tree parking lot in Many. Families are encouraged to bring their kids to meet their heroes and see the vehicles and equipment.
Sabine Parish Road Department will place a cross culvert on Flatwood Ridge Road on Wednesday, May 31. Due to underground power Swepco will be on site and may have to turn power off while the work is being done.
Tasty Treats on the Bend will hold its grand opening on Saturday, June 3 from 12-4 pm at its location at 30425 Hwy. 191 in Many. They will also have Louie’s Pizza and Big Meaux’s BBQ set up as food vendors. There will be homemade ice cream samples, vendors, face paintings, door prizes, movies, and more.
Northwestern State University hosted junior high and high schoolers from Sabine Parish for a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) day camp May 22-25.
“This year, our junior high school campers were immersed in STEAM education and career exploration,” said Steve Gruesbeck, NSU’s director of service-learning and La GEAR UP. “Each morning they studied one ACT subject area with School of Education faculty. After a networking lunch with college faculty, they explored academic disciplines and careers in journalism, art, computer information systems and nursing and allied health.”
The camp was made possible through NSU’s partnership with Louisiana GEAR UP and Sabine Parish Schools. Louisiana GEAR UP (Louisiana Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded national initiative. NSU works with 16 school districts and the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education.
Campers participated in hands-on learning about the ACT and joined NSU staff for interactive tours and workshops with Northwestern professors from Computer Information Systems, Journalism, New Media, and Communication Arts, Fine and Graphic Art and Nursing and Allied Health. In small groups and one-on-one, they met with college professors on grade-level appropriate lessons and activities in English, math, reading and science.
“They programmed computerized robots and entered worlds of virtual reality. They also filmed and edited professional-grade videos in locations across our campus. They saw examples of fine art and practiced printmaking and framing techniques. They also learned about human anatomy, blood pressure testing, and practiced hands-only CPR to the beat of the Bee Gee’s disco song ‘Stayin’ Alive.’ We had a lot of fun and our campers learned a lot about academic and career opportunities in emerging fields,” Gruesbeck said.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
Jolee Raeann Northcutt, 15, of Zwolle, Louisiana entered into eternal rest on May 24, 2023. She was born on September 25, 2007 in Natchitoches, Louisiana to Darwin Ray Northcutt and Courtney Northcutt.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home-9891 Texas Highway, Many, Louisiana 71449. Visitation will follow on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. until the time of the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Aimwell Cemetery in Zwolle, Louisiana.
Left to cherish her memory are her sisters, Carley Northcutt and Cortlin Northcutt, and her brothers, Tylan Northcutt and Carwin Northcutt.
Honoring Jolee as pallbearers will be Darwin Northcutt, Joey Meshell, Anthony Meshell, Tylan Northcutt, Albert Meshell, and Wayne Meshell. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Natalie Meshell.
Kadience LeNae Northcutt, 17, of Zwolle, Louisiana entered into eternal rest on May 24, 2023. She was born on May 19, 2006 in Natchitoches, Louisiana to Darwin Ray Northcutt and Courtney Northcutt.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home-9891 Texas Highway, Many, Louisiana 71449. Visitation will follow on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. until the time of the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Aimwell Cemetery in Zwolle, Louisiana.
Left to cherish her memory are her sisters, Carley Northcutt and Cortlin Northcutt, and her brothers, Tylan Northcutt and Carwin Northcutt.
Honoring Kadience as pallbearers will be Darwin Northcutt, Joey Meshell, Anthony Meshell, Tylan Northcutt, Albert Meshell, and Wayne Meshell.
Billy Ray Meshell, 66, of Zwolle, Louisiana entered into eternal rest on May 24, 2023. He was born on October 21, 1956 in Converse, Louisiana to Albert and Corrine (Stains) Meshell.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home-9891 Texas Highway, Many, Louisiana 71449. Visitation will follow on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. until the time of the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Aimwell Cemetery in Zwolle, Louisiana.
Billy was preceded in death by his wife, Cindy Meshell, and his brothers, Ronny Lynn Meshell and Martin Meshell. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Wayne Meshell and Joey Meshell of Zwolle, LA; daughters, Amanda Meshell, and Courtney Northcutt and husband Darwin of Zwolle, LA; brother, Emmit Meshell and wife Linda of Winnie, TX; sisters, Mary Jo Campbell of Coushatta, LA, and Roseline Brown of Mansfield, LA; along with thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Honoring Billy as pallbearers will be Darwin Northcutt, Joey Meshell, Anthony Meshell, Tylan Northcutt, Albert Meshell, and Wayne Meshell.
Lonnie Mae Baker
December 8, 1941 – May 30, 2023
Arrangements TBA
Debra Darby
July 19, 1960 – May 18, 2023
Service: Saturday, June 3 at 11 am in the chapel of the Winnfield Funeral Home of Winnfield
Sylvia Stanfield
May 28, 1942 — May 28, 2023
Service: Wednesday, May 31 at 10 am at Trinity Baptist Church with interment to follow at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches
Patsy Procell
February 13, 1947 — May 26, 2023
Service: Wednesday, May 31 at 11 am at St Anne’s Catholic Church in Spanish Lake Community followed by burial at Beulah Cemetery
Maudie Irene Fabian
December 25, 1935 — May 22, 2023
Service: Saturday, June 10 at 9 am at the Bolton Cemetery in Gorum
Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop E began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on May 24 around 3:45 pm on U.S. Hwy 171 south of Zwolle. This crash claimed the lives of 66-year-old Billy Meshell, a 17-year-old juvenile, and a 15-year-old juvenile of Zwolle.
The initial investigation revealed that a 2003 GMC pickup truck, driven by Meshell, was traveling north on U.S. Hwy 171. At the same time, a loaded 2012 Peterbilt log truck, also traveling north, began slowing to make a right hand turn. For reasons still under investigation, Meshell failed to decrease his speed and impacted the rear end of the Peterbilt.
Meshell, who was restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two additional juvenile passengers in the GMC, who were not restrained, sustained fatal injuries and were also pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Peterbilt, who was restrained, sustained minor injuries. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis.
While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state. Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving. A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences.
Louisiana State Police would like to take this opportunity to remind/inform motorists that properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most important decisions that a motorist can make. While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.
In 2023, Troop E Troopers have investigated 23 fatal crashes resulting in 26 fatalities.
For the past sixteen years I have lived on the same quaint street. My youngest daughter was only six months old when we first moved in. Our neighborhood has always been busting at the seams with children and families. Both of my daughters have grown up with a multitude of neighborhood buddies. As you can imagine over the years, we have seen our share of neighbor’s teenager children learning to drive, including my own.
This is scary and sad all at the same time.
When my daughters were learning to drive, one of the things that drove them crazy is when I would walk out onto the drive way and warn all of the kids playing outside that a new driver is backing out. All of them understood the assignment. With great precision they would immediately freeze until said driver made a safe pass. We have also seen our share of mailboxes demolished at the hands of youthful operators. There is no judgement from neighbors at all, we have all been there at some point. All of our children have committed some kind of driving faux paus.
One of the interesting things about my street is that there are six extremely sharp curves on the way to my home. Once you turn off of the main street it seems like it is one sharp curve after the next. At any given time you literally can meet another vehicle almost head-on if you are not paying attention. One fumble of the radio will leave you having someone else fear for their life. It happens to every single one of us who live on this street. We have all been victim to these sharp curves.
Most recently, as I was rounding curve number four, a vehicle was coming in my direction very fast. I didn’t panic because normally the driver will recognize their error and recover. This driver took way more than the allotted “safe time” and was not stopping. I mindfully pulled over, came to a stop, and hoped for the best. Once the inattentive driver noticed me they veered back into their lane and waved with an extremely apologetic wave.
When I first moved to this street, almost two decades ago, I was way more “judgey” of these chance encounters in the sharp curves. I wish I had a dollar each time I met someone and gave them a not so nice glare or rolled my eyes. My house would be paid off with all of those dollars. I had very little patience for the not-so-attentive drivers. As time went on, and after I was found guilty of being neglectful as well, I softened. My patience multiplied almost immediately.
In life we have all ended up in the terrifying sharp curves that consume all of us. Whether it is embarrassing family problems, mortifying things our children have done, mistakes made in our careers or even financial woes. For some people, their sharp curve may be addiction. Someone else’s sharp curve may be from something that is no fault of their own. Sharp curves befall all of us.
No one leaves this beautiful life without some type of scar from the sharp curve that life sent their way. It is really easy to sit and judge when others are dealing their sharp curves. Unlike the sharp curves found on my street, life has a way of sending those sharp curves when you are least expecting it.
As followers of Christ, we are to show love, grace, patience and kindness through all of life’s curves. Not to sit in judgement. We are to help pick up our brothers and sisters when they fall. Unfortunately, judging others and their sin is a common theme among some of the very perfect Christians that walk among us. The grace we extend to others may be indeed needed by us one day. As for me and my house, I remind my daughters way too often, we are not perfect. We are forgiven often. Also, whatever we judge and ridicule usually finds it way back to us in some form or fashion.
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Over the past couple of years, there’s been some controversy with a certain professional angler having an unfair advantage. Today we’ll look at this particular angler who is at the root of this controversy. He’s a guy who is not a cheater, but an angler who takes advantage of how the rules of the game are written. He’s an angler, fishing at the highest level with both B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing, who has had a lot of success doing it his way.
The angler we’re talking about is Keith Poche. Keith was raised in Natchitoches, attended Natchitoches Central High School and after graduation went on to play football at Troy State University. After a knee injury, Keith decided to walk away from football and pick up a rod and reel. Even though he grew up fishing the banks of Cane River, he decided to take his fishing to another level and pursue a career as a professional angler.
In 2014, Keith qualified to fish his first Bassmaster Classic, held on the Red River out of Shreveport, where he finished third overall. To say Keith has had “a little success” is an understatement. He’s had 46 top 50 finishes, 21 top 20’s, and 7 top 10’s, with a few victories mixed in.
A few seasons ago, Keith made a decision to fish out of a custom-built aluminum boat that allowed him to get into areas that other anglers could not. He did not want the fully-wrapped fiberglass boat that 98 percent of the professional anglers use.
His competition was not happy with him having such an advantage with his custom boat. After several events, protests were made and there were many attempts to have him disqualified with the way he was accessing backwater areas. This special boat, built to his specifications, allowed him to gain access into backwater areas holding bass that had zero pressure and, in some cases, had never seen a bait before.
As I’ve said in past articles, anglers are a fickle bunch and hate it when one guy figures something out they did not. Keith figured out quickly that this was his niche, how he could have success without breaking any rules. Now he obviously pushes the envelope, but he never violates a written rule. Still anglers and officials knew something had to be done to “level the playing field.” One rule implemented a couple of years ago was that whatever boat you start the season with, is the same boat you must fish out of in all the tournaments.
But here’s what amazing — these same anglers complaining are not recognizing that Keith is at a huge disadvantage when tournaments are held on large bodies of water like the Great Lakes. His small custom boat with a 90-horsepower engine is not conducive for fishing the larger bodies of water, putting him at a distinct disadvantage. Keith is restricted on how far he can go compared to the guys running 20 to 21-foot boats with 250 horsepower engines.
Keith has never complained about him being at a disadvantage when the tour reaches these massive lakes. He just puts his head down and tries to make the best of it. Not sure if it’s just a coincidence, but no one is complaining about Keith’s small aluminum boat unless he is at or near the top of the leader board.
The most recent issue came this month at the Toledo Bend B.A.S.S. Open Series where Keith ran up the lake and gained access into an area other anglers could not reach. He finished 29th in this event, but a protest was made on the area and how Keith gained access.
This is a continuing story that I will make sure to monitor as Keith and his lawyers, along with B.A.S.S. officials, are working together to try and come to a mutual agreement on what’s allowed and not allowed. One thing is for sure: look for some major rule changes at B.A.S.S for the upcoming 2024 season to take away Keith’s advantage.
Until next week, good luck, good fishing and make sure to wear sunscreen and good protective clothing. No one is immune to skin cancer like Melanoma.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
Farmer Jason Anderson announced, “We are officially open for the 2023 Vegetable season. We are excited and looking for a great season. HUGH Boston ferns are available and an assortment of colorful flowers. We have a great selection of Dan Cason beef again this year.
So come and enjoy the fruits of our labor.” Anderson Produce is open Monday-Saturday 8-5. Phone 318-932-1432.
Ethel Mary (Garcie) Remedies, 96, of Zwolle, Louisiana, passed from this life into eternal life on the morning of Tuesday 23, 2023 at her residence. A visitation was held for her at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Highway, Many, Louisiana 71449 on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 6:00 p.m. Ms. Remedies was laid to rest on Thursday, May 24, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 307 Hammond Street, Zwolle, LA, 71486. Officiating her service were Fr. Peter Mallya, FMH, and Rev. Dean Johnson.
She was a strong, faithful, determined, and very independent woman. She loved her fur babies, Tommy and Suzy. Ethel was wonderfully devoted to her family and friends. She was hard-working. She had a smile that could light up a room and she never met a stranger.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Garcie and Lucy (Sepulvado) Ebarb; her husband, Phillip Remedies; her daughter, Mary Lou Remedies; her sons, Mike Remedies, Danny Remedies; her sister, Leathy Rivers; her brothers, William P. Garcie, Curtis Garcie, Freddie Garcie, James Garcie, and Henry Garcie, Jr.; and her son-in-law, Benny Cox. Left behind to cherish her memory are her sons, Doyle P. Remedies of Zwolle, LA, Phillip Remedies & wife, Winnie of Zwolle, LA, Mark Remedies of Zwolle, LA; her daughters, Linda Cox of Lancaster, TX, Glenda Remedies of Zwolle, LA; her brother, David Garcie of Zwolle, LA; her sisters, Barbara Lopez & husband, Danny of Zwolle, LA, Annie Ruth Rivers, of Zwolle, LA; her 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and other family members.
Serving as pallbearers for her will be Ethan Johnson, John Austin Cox, Peyton Cox, Trenton Harvey, Ronnie Remedies, and McKinley Cox.
Five hundred twenty-nine students were named to the President’s List at Northwestern State University for the Spring 2023 semester. Students on the President’s List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of 4.0.
For questions regarding the President’s List, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357- 6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.
Students listed by hometown (in Sabine Parish) are as follows:
Converse — Madison Wray;
Florien — Nicholas Slaydon, Abigail Thomas, London Vidrine;
Many — Alexis Bush, Chikuita Carhee, Shania Collier, Brooklyn Davis, Shelby Leone, Sarah Moore, Ethan Penfield, Wade Salter, Adelaide Soileau, Alaina Wright;
Pleasant Hill — Katie Murray, Celeste Waddle;
Tioga — John Liggin;
Zwolle — Mckenzie Leone, Matthew Lovelady, Canada Sepulvado, Kaylyn Sepulvado.
Seven hundred and twenty-seven undergraduate students were named to the Spring 2023 Dean’s List at Northwestern State University. Students on the Dean’s List must be enrolled full time and earn a grade point average of between 3.5 and 3.99.
For questions regarding the Dean’s List, please contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357-6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.
Those named to the Dean’s List by hometown (in Sabine Parish) are as follows.
Converse – Jared Lum;
Belmont – Ian Gentry;
Florien – Jordan Merritt, James Miller, Taylor Richardson, Eric Rutherford, Bailey Sandel;
Many – Destiny Bryant, Presley Corley, Lexi Ezernack, Kristen Hammontree, Layton Knowles, Jada Lee, Alexander Martinez, Gertrude Maxie, Kasey Moore, Erik Sandel, Kaylie Spears, Hilary Williams, Levi Miller;
Noble – Emma Craig, Ethan Ezernack, Averie Meshell, Selena Rodriguez, Harleigh Schexneider, Nickolas Tramel;
Pleasant Hill – Skylie Harris;
Zwolle — Madasyn Ebarb, Melissa Guin, Zachary Remedies, Khristian Parrie, Victoria Sepulvado;
Five hundred fifty-seven students were named to the Honor List at Northwestern State University for the Spring 2023 semester. Students on the Honor List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of between 3.0 and 3.49.
For questions regarding the Honor List, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357- 6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.
Students listed by hometown (in Sabine Parish) are as follows.
Florien – Diego Almanza, Lauren Dees, Laila Garner;
Many – Hope Cambias, Andie Gilcreast, Kaylee Herr, Michael Lane, Lila Laroux, Joseph Laughlin, Presley Pleasant, Emma Wilson;
Noble – Tanner Funderburk;
Pleasant Hill – Raegan Johnson;
Tioga – Halo Goudeau;
Zwolle – Olivia Crittenden, Collyn Crow, Erin Escott, Hannah Esthay, Gracie Leone, Sarah Lewing, Landon Malmay, Autumn Palmer, Katelyn Rivers.
Jim Bob Key
July 5, 1932 — May 23, 2023
Service: Saturday, May 27 at 11 a.m. at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
William Earl Weems
April 23, 1935 — May 24, 2023
Service: Sunday, May 27 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Maudie Irene Fabian
December 25, 1935 — May 22, 2023
Service: Saturday, June 10 at 9 am at the Bolton Cemetery in Gorum
Paul Travis Russell
May 18, 1954 — May 21, 2023
Black Lake – A time of remembrance for Paul Russell will be held on Friday, May 26 from 4-9 pm at the Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. A eulogy service will be held at 7 pm in the funeral home chapel.
Delphine Jackson
September 12, 1963 – May 17, 2023
Arrangements TBA
Ethel M Sarpy
November 20, 1934 – May 19, 2023
Arrangments TBA
Joshua M Howard
March 24, 1980 – May 20, 2023
Service: Saturday, May 27 at 11 am at St. Paul Baptist Church in Bermuda
The staff and management of Blanchard-St Denis Funeral Home would like to welcome Dottie Clark to their team as their new Prearrangement and Aftercare Specialist.
Dottie’s venture into the funeral business began nine years ago with the passing of her father. Growing up, she remembered him saying that all he wanted to do was live to the age of 90. He achieved his goal, turning 90 in November of 2013, and he passed away the following January.
To honor his service as a veteran of WWII, Dottie, and her family planned to have a military funeral. They thought he had a $25,000 life insurance policy but were devastated to learn that he had aged out of his policy just two months prior, on his 90th birthday. Dottie, along with her three siblings, had to pay for his funeral out of pocket.
After they said their final goodbyes to their beloved father, the only phone call that they got from the funeral home was to pick up his death certificates. There was no condolence call or offer to help with grief management.
This was when Dottie found her calling. She wanted to make sure that people knew the ins and outs of life insurance, and she wanted to make sure that every family who suffered the loss of a family member got a condolence call from the funeral home.
“It amazes me that people don’t realize that you can lose your life insurance if you go into a nursing home,” said Dottie. “Life insurance is considered an asset and, therefore, the state can force you to cash out your life insurance for your living care. Prearranged funerals are exempt from such a procedure because they are fully accepted as a legal asset according to MEDICAID spend down rules. Also, people don’t know that when you buy a prearranged funeral plan from Blanchard-St Denis Funeral Home, the cost is ‘locked in’ for life, and the plans are fully transferrable anywhere in the United States.”
Dottie’s specialty is helping people prearrange and pay for their funerals in advance, saving their families thousands of dollars in unnecessary expenses. However, that is not where her job ends. Once a loved one passes away, she follows up with each and every family to make sure that their needs have been met.
No obligation, consultations are available by appointment. Please call Blanchard-St-Denis Funeral Home at 318-357-8271 for details.
Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported. Extreme stress and uncertainty for families may increase the risk of child abuse and neglect raising the need to support families and prevent abuse before it occurs.
Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana (PCAL) stresses that all community members have a role in ensuring children have positive experiences and families have the resources they need when they need them, well before they are in crisis. By focusing on the importance of creating systems and programs that put children and families first, we can help prevent child abuse.
Working with PCAL, VIA LINK offers a statewide program, Louisiana Parent Line, which provides parents with free, confidential, 24/7 access to a live specialist. Translation services are available, and the Louisiana Parent Line can be reached by phone and text 24 hours a day.
“The Parent Line provides parents and other family members with a safe space to express their frustrations, ask parenting questions and get support,” explained LaVondra Dobbs, CEO of VIA LINK. “Parent Line specialists are well trained and experienced in offering emotional support to parents. They focus on de-escalation and crisis intervention. They listen and understand parents’ concerns. Specialists can provide information on different services and referrals. Perhaps most importantly, they can help parents develop plans for coping.”
Yet, the Parent Line is more than a one-time call. Parents can call in as often as they want or need. The goal is to provide emotional support whenever parents need it. The specialists can also offer follow-up calls and help increase the circle of support for families. Throughout Louisiana, this free service is working to prevent child abuse by getting families the support they need.
The phone number is 833-LA-CHILD (833-522-4453). You can also text us at (225) 424-1533.
For more information about PCAL, VIA LINK, or the Louisiana Parent Line, please contact Sherrard Crespo, LCSW, Director of Outreach and Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana at screspo@vialink.org or visit our website www.vialink.org.
As you head out around the Memorial Day Holiday, you’ll likely see more law enforcement on the roads as part of the Click It or Ticket Campaign. The campaign runs from May 22-June 4 in an effort to remind drivers and their passengers of the importance of buckling up and the legal consequences — including fines.
In 2021, 11,813 passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts. Among the young adults ages 18-34 that were killed, 59% were unbuckled — one of the highest percentages for all age groups.
Always remember to buckle up. We wish you all a safe, blessed Memorial Day weekend.