The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) proudly announced the Sabine Parish Tourist and Recreation Commission as the recipient of the prestigious CVB of the Year Award at its Annual Meeting in Monroe.

This year, the LTA celebrated excellence in the Louisiana tourism industry by presenting 20 “Louey Awards” to outstanding individuals and organizations. These awards honor those who have made significant contributions to promoting and enhancing Louisiana’s vibrant tourism landscape.

“We are thrilled to receive the CVB of the Year Award from the Louisiana Travel Association,” said Georgia Craven, Executive Director of the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission. “This recognition inspires us to continue showcasing all that Toledo Bend Lake Country as to offer alongside the rich and vibrant culture of Louisiana to the world.”

The winners of the 2025 Louey Awards are as follows:

Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Commission of the Year (budget up to $499,999): AVOYELLES COMMISSION OF TOURISM
Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Commission of the Year (budget from $500,000 – $999,999): SABINE PARISH TOURIST & RECREATION COMMISSION
Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Commission of the Year (budget from $1 million and above): DISCOVER MONROE-WEST MONROE
Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget up to $29,999) Platinum: CAJUN COAST TOURISM – SHRIMPLY DELICIOUS FOOD TRAIL
Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget up to $29,999) Gold: VISIT THE NORTHSHORE – ALL THE WAVES PODCAST
Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget of $30k and above) Platinum: VISIT BATON ROUGE: WITH A CAPITAL
Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget of $30k and above) Gold: ASCENSION PARISH TOURISM COMMISSION – LOUISIANA’S SWEET SPOT
Tourism Campaign of the Year (budget of $30k and above) Silver: VISIT LAKE CHARLES – AS MUCH JOY AS YOU CAN PACK IN
Attraction of Year: SHREVEPORT AQUARIUM
Accommodation of the Year: GOLDEN NUGGET LAKE CHARLES
Festival of the Year: 74TH ANNUAL LOUISIANA PEACH FESTIVAL
Event of the Year: THE MAW MAW WALKER
Restaurateur of the Year: TRACY CARTER
Restaurateur of the Year: HORST PFEIFER
Major Event of the Year: LAFAYETTE CONVENTION & VISITORS COMMISSION – 2024 USA NATIONAL KARATE CHAMPIONSHIP & US JR. TEAM TRIALS
Rising Star of the Year: DEVAN CORBELLO
Will Mangham Tourism Lifetime Achievement: MARK ROMIG
Victor Profis Travel Media: VITO ZUPPARDO, MILES PARTNERSHIP
Marion “Butch” Fox Advocacy Award: VIMAL “RICKY” PATEL
Louisiana Spirit Award: TICO SOTO

About the Louisiana Travel Association

LTA is a trade association leading and strengthening Louisiana’s vibrant tourism industry through advocacy, education, and promotion on behalf of our members. Tourism generated $1.9 billion for Louisiana in 2023 and is the 4th highest employer in the state. For more information, visit LouisianaTravelAssociation.org.

---

The Sabine Parish Hunting Skills Team showcased their expertise and dedication at the Louisiana State Hunting Skills Competition this past weekend, competing across nine skill areas and earning top honors. The senior team secured 2nd place overall, while the junior team claimed 1st place overall, marking a significant achievement for the program.

Under the guidance of Coach Chris Pearce, team members spent months preparing, honing their skills, and mastering the fundamentals of hunting safety, marksmanship, and outdoor knowledge. Their dedication and hard work paid off, as several individuals earned top placements.

Senior Team Individual Rankings:
1st Place – Kent Rains
3rd Place – Blaise Dillard
10th Place – William Mains
15th Place – Baylie Tedder
16th Place – Lillian Church

Junior Team Individual Rankings:
1st Place – Allen Walker
6th Place – Chloe Mains
7th Place – Raegan Matkin
8th Place – Brantly Tedder
11th Place – Camden Dillard

Adding to the excitement, Kent Rains and Blaise Dillard have qualified for the National Hunting Skills Contest in Nebraska this summer, where they will represent Louisiana and compete at the highest level.

“We are incredibly proud of every team member for their hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout this competition,” said Coach Pearce. “Their performance reflects the countless hours of training and their commitment to excellence.”

The Sabine Parish Hunting Skills Team continues to uphold a strong tradition of success, and their latest accomplishments highlight the importance of youth involvement in conservation, safety, and outdoor education. Congratulations to all the competitors on a job well done!

---

Job seekers and career changers in Sabine Parish will have the opportunity to connect with employers and career resources at the Sabine Parish Resource and Job Fair on Thursday, Feb. 27 from 10 AM to 2 PM. The event will take place at the Sabine Parish American Job Center, located at 1125 Mississippi Avenue in Many.

This event aims to support individuals seeking employment or career advancement by offering a range of valuable resources, including:

• On-site resume assistance and mock interviews to help candidates refine their job applications and interview skills.
• Professional development presentations at 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM, offering expert insights into career growth.
• Opportunities to meet with local employers and career specialists for direct hiring discussions and networking.
• Community partners on-site to provide additional workforce support and career guidance.

The job fair is hosted by the Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce, Goodwill, Louisiana Workforce Commission, NCLA Reentry Coalition, and The Coordinating & Development Corporation.

Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate as vendors by registering online at form.jotform.com/250234626154047.

This event is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program with auxiliary aids and services available upon request for individuals with disabilities.

For more information, visit the Sabine Parish American Job Center or contact the event hosts. Don’t miss this chance to take the next step in your career!

---

Gov. Jeff Landry visited Northwestern State University on Feb. 25 to meet with community officials, legislators and leaders in business, industry, education and economic development to address the pending closure of the International Paper mill in Campti and its projected negative impact for Natchitoches Parish. 

“There is no one who understands the economic impact of the loss of these jobs more than me,” Landry said, referencing the closure of multiple Fruit of the Loom facilities in south Louisiana in the 1990s and early 2000s. “It’s not only the jobs that are leaving the Campti facility, but the downstream effect of what it does to the small businesses that are attached. While I don’t have all the answers today, I can tell you that we will continue to work towards building economic opportunities throughout central and north Louisiana.”

“I think that the greatest opportunity that we have for economic development is actually central and northern Louisiana,” he said, referencing the selection of Richland Parish as the site of Meta’s $10 billion artificial intelligence data center.

The governor said a proposed constitutional amendment on the March 29 ballot to reform the state’s tax code could open new opportunities to bring jobs to north and central Louisiana. He has also tasked higher education administrators with shaping Louisiana’s universities and community college systems to support jobs and industry.

“I think it’s evident from the governor’s remarks that his intention is clearly to bring the full force of the government to do whatever we can do to mitigate the reality of this decision by IP,” said Susan Bourgeois, secretary of the Department of Louisiana Economic Development. “One of the things I started out talking about in my role was that we really had to take the whole of government approach to economic development. It’s not just a government solution to the challenges or the opportunities that we face. It really does have to be the private sector, the education sector, the public sector, all of us pulling on the same rope.”

Bourgeois said her office is currently working with five active wood-related projects in north Louisiana.

“We’ve announced 21 wood-related projects in the last seven years that our team is now going to focus on seeing about placement of employees, placement of product and how we can redeploy some of the Louisiana resources that were used at the Campti facility in those projects,” Bourgeois said.

Susie Schowen, secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, said she has engaged a rapid response team, the team that responds to layoffs, who can offer services specifically for IP workers.

“The IP workers are getting services in career counseling, envisioning where their career could go and how to connect with training. We can help offset the cost of that training with the focus of getting people jobs right here in this area.”

“We want to do as much as we can to backfill, to give back, what the closure is going to cause,” Landry said. “We will work as hard as we can and the good news is you’ve got other areas of the state that are performing, and a high tide has a tendency to lift all boats. We are focused on this area, not only Natchitoches but the central and north Louisiana area. We are hyper focused on opportunity because I think that there are opportunities out there.”

Landry said there are companies around the country and around the world are looking for investments in the U.S., which aligns with President Donald Trump’s agenda to boost American manufacturing.

“Right now, that is being driven primarily by the president’s agenda and we want to be able to capture as much of that as we can. You see this great team and we have worked hard and I don’t know anyone who isn’t trying to soften the impact,” he said.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission has resources available at laworks.net/. Information on the Louisiana office of Economic Development is available at opportunitylouisiana.gov/.

---

Northwestern State University students Masen Starks of Many, Shannon Boone of Pitkin and Natalie Sutton of Bossier City, from left, competed in Integration Bee and the Student Team Competition at the Louisiana/Mississippi section of the Mathematical Association of America meeting last week. The math majors qualified in the first round of the Integration Bee with Starks coming in second of 59 students during qualifiers. All three competed in the student team competition against 20 teams from 13 colleges. The Mathematics Association of America is the world’s largest community of mathematicians, students and enthusiasts. The organization furthers understanding of the world through mathematics. Information on NSU’s Division of Mathematics is available at https://www.nsula.edu/mathematics/.

---

Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced new voter list maintenance data sharing agreements with Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas. These agreements will help ensure the further accuracy of Louisiana’s voter rolls by detecting duplicate registrations within neighboring states.

“I am thankful to Secretary Nelson of Texas, Secretary Watson of Mississippi, former Secretary Thurston and current Secretary Jester of Arkansas for working with our office to help keep our voter list accurate and up-to-date,” Secretary Landry said. “Election integrity is my highest priority as Louisiana’s Secretary of State. These agreements underscore how focused my office is on maintaining safe and secure elections, while also safeguarding voters’ sensitive data.”

Secretary Landry previously announced a similar agreement with Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen in July 2024.

---

March 18, 1951 — February 24, 2025

Funeral services for Mr. Harold Lamar Stewart, 73, will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, 5272 Hwy 482, Noble, Louisiana. A burial will follow at St. Ann Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Many, Louisiana. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Officiating the service will be Father Timothy Hurd.

Harold was born on March 18, 1951 to Clyde Stewart and Cecile Ebarb Stewart in Burlington, Iowa and peacefully passed away in his home on Monday, February 24, 2025 in Ebarb, Louisiana.

Harold graduated from Summerfield High School, attended Louisiana Tech University in Ruston and transferred to Northwestern State University in Natchitoches where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration. After college, Harold worked as the store manager of Nichols Dry Goods in Zwolle and in 1980 he started his own business, Stewart’s Auto Sales which he owned and operated until the time of his death. Harold was a life-long member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Ebarb, where he served as Lector and as un usher. He was also active on church committees and on many church activities and events. He was elected to serve on the Sabine Parish School Board representing Ebarb High School from 1983-1987 and again from 1995-2010. He served as a council member of the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb and on the DeSoto Board of Regional Directors. In 2013 he was honored to serve as Zwolle Tamale Fiesta King sharing the culture and history of the fiesta at numerous events. He was a member of the Tamale Fiesta Board of Directors, where he oversaw the car show and helped in the planning of events each year. Harold loved and collected classic cars and showed them regularly at parades and Toledo Cruiser Shows. He will be honored posthumously as a recipient of the Good Citizen Award by the Sabine Hall of Fame during the Annual Hall of Fame Banquet on March 25, 2025.

He was a mild-mannered man who enjoyed talking to people and looked for opportunities to help them. He cherished the time he spent with his family.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Cecile Stewart and his sister, Melba Stewart. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joy Stewart, of Ebarb, Louisiana; sons, Gabriel Stewart and wife, Blanca, of Zwolle, Louisiana, Nathan Stewart and wife, April, of Ebarb, Louisiana, Matthew Stewart and wife, Taryn, of Benton, Louisiana, and John Stewart and wife, Candice, of Ebarb, Louisiana; daughter, Julie Draper and husband, Chad, of Benton, Louisiana; special sons, Chad Deutreil and Bryant Rivette; brother, Jerry Stewart and wife, Doris, of Zwolle, Louisiana; 16 grandchildren, Isabella Stewart, Sean Stewart, Carley Sepulvado, Kyle Stewart, Kolby Stewart, Caroline Draper, Cambree Draper, Collin Draper, Carter Draper, Hutch Watts, Makayla Gray, Makinah Stewart, Mack Stewart, MaKynzlee Stewart, Madalyn Ebarb, MarLee Stewart; 4 great-grandchildren, Kason, Beckham, Addison, and Emmerson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. His Grandchildren and great-grandchildren will greatly miss their “Pops.”

Honoring Harold as pallbearers will be Heath Brandon, Jarred Brandon, Sam Brandon, Russell Busby, Seth Busby, Hunter Curtis, Cody Ebarb, Bert Fletcher, Aaron Sepulvado, David Sepulvado, Richard Sepulvado, and Clyde Stewart.

---

June 21, 1942 — February 17, 2025

A graveside service for Mrs. Claudine Mizell, 82, was held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Freedom Baptist Cemetery, 3800 Marthaville Rd., Many, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Brother Cyle Clayton.

Claudine was born on June 21, 1942 to Arthur Samuel Armour and Addie Daughterty Armour in Converse, Louisiana and passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025 in Many, Louisiana.

Claudine had a love of music, flowers, and being outdoors. She loved to work with children, and she taught Sunday School for many years at the First Baptist Church. She absolutely adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Claudine is preceded in death by her father, Arthur Armour; mother, Addie Armour; daddy, J.A. Brumley; sister, Arthurine Harrison; and brothers, Alfice Brumley and Terry Brumley. She is survived by her husband, Roy Mizell of Many, Louisiana; son, Michael Mizell of Coushatta, Louisiana; daughter, Paula Thomas and husband, Gary, of Many, Louisiana; sister, Marjorie Ebarb of Houston, Texas; 3 grandchildren, Garrett Thomas and wife, Esther, of Houston, Texas, Gabe Thomas of Many, Louisiana, and Grace Manasco and husband, Lang, of Many, Louisiana; and 5 great-grandchildren.

---

By Steve Graf

Times sure have changed here on Walton’s Mountain as bass tournaments have become a magnet for anglers looking to cash a check and make some money — illegally. In a few cases, it’s just about fulfilling their ego by being the so-called “best” angler on their designated lake. These are anglers who want you to think that they are the best fisherman on the planet! Let’s look at why cheating has become the preferred technique when it comes to tournament bass fishing.

If I had to speculate on why this has become a problem nationwide, I would first look at the money involved. Bass tournaments today are offering some big money and prize packages. For example, the Bob Sealy Big Bass Splash Series offers a prize package valued at over $100,000 for the biggest bass caught in their event. THAT’S $100,000 FOR JUST ONE FISH!

Numerous trails with both team and individual formats are offering anywhere from $10,000 up to $75,000 for first place. But the cheaters aren’t just showing up at these major tournaments, they’re also backing their boats in the water at your local Thursday night three-hour shootouts, which is really sad!

If it’s not for money, then what other reason would someone have to cheat? For guys that like to race, it’s the need for speed that’s the addiction, but for bass anglers fishing for a couple of hundred dollars on a three-hour event in the middle of the week, I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the reason for cheating.

Once you’ve been labeled a cheater in the bass tournament world, your reputation is gone, and everyone knows the kind of person you really are. It’s just not worth losing your pride and dignity.

Are the anglers who cheat just a sign of the times and the world we are living in? A lot of people today are looking for a shortcut and don’t want to earn their keep. Not many people want to work for what they have! They either want it given to them or they will cheat to get what they think they deserve.

I’ve even witnessed, first-hand, guys who thought it was OK to cheat in a golf tournament by turning in a score that wasn’t a true reflection of their actual score. This was all for a $200 gift card to the local pro shop! This seems to be especially prevalent with the younger generation, which is very disturbing to me.

Where have we gone wrong with raising kids that think it’s OK to cheat or stretch the truth, or is it a “social media” thing? Now we just might be onto something here, as both young and old people love to post their accomplishments on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. I guess they think it gives them instant fame and credibility on their ability to achieve success.

All I know is this — IT HAS TO STOP! People who fall into the “cheaters” category need to be taken out behind the woodshed and taught a lesson. I’m wondering when the day will come where tournament anglers take a page from the NASCAR guys and hold kangaroo courts in the parking lot.

The next thing that must happen is when these guys get caught cheating and committing fraud: judges need to come down harder on them with automatic jail time and a lifetime ban from fishing tournaments. All fishing tackle including rods and reels, their bass boat and any other equipment needs to be forfeited.

I’m personally tired of going to tournaments and asking the question, “did they cheat or was their catch legitimate?” The problem is that no event is immune from someone cheating. Even the Fishers of Men Tournament Trail, a Christian anglers tournament trail, has delt with this issue lately. How sad is it that someone thinks it’s OK to cheat in a Fishers of Men event!

Besides the issues with forward facing sonar, cheating is just another reason honest anglers are walking away from bass tournaments and refusing to pony up entry fees. They’re tired of worrying about that two percent of anglers out there that don’t want to play by the rules. Both issues are having a negative effect on tournament organizations trying to provide a reputable bass fishing trail.

Here’s my concern. One day something bad is going to happen to one of these low-life cheaters when they show up at an event and anglers decide to take matters into their own hands. I just hope they have good medical insurance!

‘Til next time, keep your boots dry and your hooks wet. And remember, if you must cheat to win, you’re really a loser!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

---

“Wow! I am so excited!” Jamey McIntyre shared in a recent interview. “Our Meet & Greet this week was amazing. There was so much positive response both in attendance and support! A big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who has offered such wonderful encouragement since I announced for Town of Many Alderman at Large. I could not be more grateful!”

McIntyre is new to politics, but she is loving the campaign journey as she listens to potential constituents and makes a game plan to serve them more effectively than they feel they are being served now.
“My team and I recently walked almost eight miles one day, knocking on doors, visiting people and asking for votes,” she said, “And we are just getting started good!”

In the weeks since announcing, Jamey has laid out a small portion of her vision of service to the Town of Many. Her platform includes a focus on youth, assistance for the elderly, strong support for infrastructure, robust law enforcement, high-quality, transparent education, financial responsibility, a hospitality focus and support of Many’s new development “Master Plan” recently announced by the Sabine Chamber.

“I am excited by what I see in Many and across Sabine,” McIntyre shared. “A lot of hardworking leadership from all sectors has come together to work on a plan that recognizes all our communities’ needs, celebrates our strengths, and pools our talent, natural resources, and everything we have to offer to create a roadmap for a brighter future. With my degree in Hospitality, I will work hand in hand with their efforts, and I cannot wait to get started!”

She recently talked about each of her main message points as follows:

• INFRASTRUCTURE MATTERS – I support infrastructure investment in streets and water system; when financially sound, I will support improvement and modernization.
• EDUCATION CONNECTION – I support high standards, high-quality resources, and transparency to provide all students with a safe, strong educational foundation.
• ROBUST LAW ENFORCEMENT – I support robust law enforcement and superior training for officers as well as policies, activities and events to build trust between agencies and at-risk neighborhoods.
• OUR YOUTH IS OUR FUTURE – I support community programs for youth to provide mentorship, job training and opportunities to improve their present and future prospects.
• OUR ELDERLY ARE A TREASURE – I will devote myself to supporting our seniors all year, especially those who lack basic necessities.
• FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – I will watch the bottom line, but at the same time, I will work to get grants and other funding for Many to support projects that add true value to the lives of everyday citizens.
• HOSPITALITY ADVANTAGE – As the only candidate with a degree in Hospitality, I will put my knowledge and training to work for the Town of Many to support growth and development throughout the area.

A five-year employee of the Sabine Parish District Attorney’s Office, McIntyre is a hard worker and the proud mom of a 16-year-old daughter at Many High School. She has a degree in Hospitality and Human Resources and three Business Office Technology certifications. She is a 2006 graduate of North DeSoto High who has lived in Many almost 20 years.

“I am enthusiastic, committed, young and ready to serve! Nothing in life has ever been handed to me. I believe in hard work and a strong work ethic,” Jamey said. “First and foremost in my life is Jesus Christ. I am nothing without His grace. That is not a political statement. It is simply who I am.”

She reminds everyone that online voting registration ends Saturday, March 8. Those who need to register can visit GeauxVote.com and select “Register to Vote” from the sidebar menu to complete the easy process online. The walk-in deadline for paper registration at the OMV or Registrar of Voters office is Wednesday, Feb. 26.

Election Day is March 29, 2025, and early voting runs March 15-22.

“If you are not registered, please do it now, and please vote Jamey McIntyre for Many Alderman at Large,” she encouraged. “Together let’s build a brighter future!”

Paid Content

---

By Doug De Graffenried

Right now, I have a laptop where it belongs. I am composing this wonderful tome for you sitting in my recliner. To the right of my keyboard is a numeric keypad. I rarely use the calculator function. It seems I only use the numbers for my passwords. Next to my laptop on the arm of the chair is my cell phone. Of course, on the table next to the cell phone is the remote for the TV. I have a laptop, cell phone, and an iPad all within reach. I think for Lent I need to give up being connected or maybe go on a digital diet.

Do you remember when phones were attached to the wall, had chords, and rotary dials? If you had to make the rare long-distance phone call, it took quite a while with that rotary dial phone. Yes, I do remember party lines. A party line was a vast treasure trove of information for the community, not that anyone ever listened to a party line call.

Cell phones are everywhere now. You can’t escape them. It seems they are always going off in church, at weddings, and even at funerals. Yes, we are all secretly laughing at that dumb ring tone you have set as your default for your phone. There are some things that can’t be unheard over the hushed crowd at the funeral.

So, I am looking at the numbers on my phone. One, two and three are across the top line of the phone. On the computer keypads one, two, and three are across the bottom. I have noticed this same phenomenon at ATM’s and gas pump numeric pads. I’m wondering why. Why can’t all the numeric keypads have the same arrangement?

Whoever oversees numbers, could you get together so there will be only one pattern on these number pads? It is very confusing to those of us who use both.

As a minister people often ask me “why?” I will tell you that ministers mostly can’t answer why questions. Those are management questions. We minister types are pretty good at answering “how” questions. So, if you are dealing with some “why” event in your life, I invite you to church we can talk about “how” you can live through your “why.”

---

By Brad Dison

During World War II, Leslie Townes was a civilian working with the United States military. Leslie was so skilled at his job that he led a group of sometimes as many as 30 other male and female civilians who also worked with the military. Leslie and his team went wherever they were needed, usually on short notice, and performed their jobs to perfection.
On April 30, 1945, when Soviet soldiers surrounded Hitler’s command bunker in Berlin and Hitler realized that Germany would lose the Battle of Berlin, he and several others in his bunker committed suicide. On May 2, the Berlin garrison surrendered to the Soviet army and the war in Europe was over. Leslie and his team had been working in Germany at the time the Soviets overran Berlin. Because of Leslie’s work, the Russians provided him with a pass and transportation to get into Berlin to see Hitler’s bunker. Remember, Russia was our ally during World War II. Leslie could not pass up the opportunity. Several Air Force men who had just returned from flying President Harry Truman to the Potsdam Conference accompanied Leslie to the bunker. Leslie said, “They drove me in a big car past all the rubble that used to be Berlin… There were all these Russian sentries guarding a big concrete dome sticking up out of the ground, covered by grass and mud, surrounded by huge bomb craters.” Leslie was shocked by what he saw inside. He said, “The place was a shambles, furniture scattered all around,” then added, “as if the last tenant had just gotten a divorce and his ex-wife had tried to take the rugs with her.”

Leslie and his Air Force escorts began collecting some of the smaller items from the bunker. The Russian guards made no attempt to stop them. The Russians had already rummaged through and collected what they considered valuable. Some of the items Leslie collected from Hitler’s bunker included stationary with Adolph Hitler’s initials and the handle from Hitler’s toilet. While the Air Force men collected other items, one of them noticed Leslie staring at a large swastika flag which covered one whole wall. As Leslie contemplated what that flag represented as he stood just feet from where the dictator met his demise by his own hand, one of the airmen said, “would you like to have that?” Leslie was a little doubtful. He did not want to leave the swastika flag flying as Hitler had left it, but he was unsure how they would get it out of the bunker. Finally, the airmen rolled it up from the floor to the ceiling and removed it from its fasteners. They folded it as well as they could. The guard, who had paid little attention to them until now, was watching their every move. The airmen gave the guard a couple packs of American cigarettes. In return, the guard gave them an iron cross that he had found in the bunker. Leslie referred to this as the first post-war Russian-American trade pact. As the guard lit a cigarette, Leslie and the airmen left Hitler’s bunker with Leslie’s large swastika flag. Leslie’s plan was to display the items in a museum.

Following the war, Leslie’s work with the U.S. military continued until his retirement in 1991. He had worked with the military for 50 years. In 1997, Congress passed a bill that made him an honorary veteran of the Armed Forces. Leslie was the first American to be so honored by Congress. During the presentation at the Capitol Rotunda, Senator Strom Thurmond presented a resolution which referred to Leslie as, “a great man, a great American, a great entertainer.” The man who took Hitler’s flag from his bunker, who led his troupe of performers around the world entertaining the soldiers for 50 years, was Leslie Townes “Bob” Hope.

Sources:

1. Bob Hope with Melville Shavelson, Don’t Shoot, It’s Only Me (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York, 1990), 48.

2. The Times and Democrat (Orangeburg, South Carolina), October 30, 1997, p.3.

---

On this day in history, February 26, 1932, one of America’s most iconic musicians was born—Johnny Cash. Known as “The Man in Black,” Cash’s music transcended genres, blending country, rock, blues, and gospel into a sound that resonated with generations of fans.

A Life in Music

Born in Kingsland, Arkansas, Cash grew up during the Great Depression, an experience that deeply influenced his storytelling style. His breakthrough came in the 1950s with hits like I Walk the Line and Folsom Prison Blues, which showcased his deep voice and signature boom-chicka-boom rhythm.

Over his decades-long career, Cash recorded over 1,500 songs, won 13 Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame—a rare and prestigious honor.

His Legacy Lives On

Even after his passing in 2003, Cash’s influence remains strong. His music continues to inspire artists across multiple genres, and his story is immortalized in the 2005 film Walk the Line. On this special anniversary of his birth, fans around the world are revisiting his greatest hits and reflecting on the legacy of one of music’s greatest storytellers.

---

Claudine Mizell
June 21, 1942 — February 17, 2025
Service: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Mt. Freedom Baptist Cemetery, located at 3800 Marthaville Rd. in Many

Harold Lamar Stewart
March 18, 1951 — February 24, 2025
Service: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, 5272 Hwy 482, Noble

Sabine Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge.)

You may email them to SPJContent@sabineparishjournal.com

---

Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reports the arrest of Doyle Wayne Behan III (age-20) of Zwolle on Feb. 18.

Sabine Parish Sheriff Detectives investigated several burglaries which occurred the week of February 10th in the Jeff Davis Drive and Shenandoah Trace area off Carters Ferry Road. A mobile home, three travel trailers, and one shed had been broken into and numerous items missing. Detectives were able to obtain home surveillance video in the area which led to Behan as the suspect. Detectives have been able to recover most of the stolen property.

Behan was arrested and booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for:
5-counts of Simple Burglary (Felony).
Behan’s total bond is $55,000, he remains in jail.

These cases remain under investigation and additional charges are pending. Sheriff Mitchell said if you live in the area and have any items missing or if you have any information about these burglaries, contact Sabine CID at 318-590-9475 or submit a tip through our Sabine Parish Sheriff App.

---

Work is moving ahead on the $20.5 million project to repair a nearly 12 mile section of LA 6 in Sabine Parish from US 171 to the Natchitoches Parish line.

As long as weather permits, the contractor is on site currently removing and replacing particularly damaged sections of roadway.

This phase of work is done prior to milling off all of the old asphalt, and replacing with new layers.

Anticipated completion is Fall 2025.

---

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announced the arrest of Ollie Dwayne Lee III (age-58) of Zwolle on Feb. 14. The Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team investigated Lee’s illegal narcotic sales activity in the Zwolle area for over a year. T.N.T. Agents obtained arrests warrants for Lee and a search warrant for Lee’s home and property on Oak Street in the City of Zwolle.

T.N.T. Agents located and seized over one pound of suspected methamphetamine, some marijuana, and various drug paraphernalia during the search of Lee’s property.

Lee was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for:
-Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana),
-Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth),
-Possession of drug paraphernalia,
-Warrant for 12-counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth).

No bonds have been set at this time.

Sheriff Mitchell thanks Desoto Parish Sheriff Narcotics Agents for their assistance with this investigation.

---

Residents of Sabine Parish will have the opportunity to dispose of old tires at the upcoming Tire Sweep event, hosted by the Sabine Parish Police Jury. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 15 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Sabine Parish Road Office, located at 25981 Highway 171 in Many.

The Tire Sweep aims to help reduce waste and promote environmental cleanliness by providing a free tire disposal service for local residents.

Participants must meet the following guidelines:

Each driver’s license holder may dispose of up to five (5) tires.
Only regular-sized tires and 18-wheeler tires will be accepted.
No rims or tractor tires will be permitted.
Participants must be residents of Sabine Parish to qualify.

For more information or any questions, residents can contact Ashley at (318) 256-6231.

This initiative is part of the Sabine Parish Police Jury’s ongoing efforts to support environmental responsibility and community cleanliness. Local officials encourage residents to take advantage of the event to safely and properly dispose of old tires, helping to prevent illegal dumping and environmental hazards.

---

The Many Police Department continues its investigation into a case of animal cruelty after a severely neglected dog was found within the city limits. The incident, which was first reported earlier this month, remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Young or send a private message to the department.

On Feb. 14, Animal Control Officers (ACOs) responded to a call regarding a dog in critical condition. The dog was immediately transported to the Humane Society, where it was seen by a veterinarian. Sadly, despite efforts to provide medical care, the dog’s condition was too severe, and it later passed away.

Investigation Findings:

The Many Police Department conducted multiple interviews with the landlord, tenant, and neighbors while also reviewing veterinary records and other evidence. The investigation determined the following:

The tenant did not abandon the dog but was in the process of moving and still had belongings at the residence. The tenant had taken in the stray dog days before the incident and attempted to care for it. However, due to the dog’s already deteriorated state, it was beyond recovery.

The tenant did not contact the Humane Society before attempting to care for the animal. The landlord noticed the dog’s condition and promptly contacted Many Animal Control for assistance.

The Humane Society took custody of the animal, but it ultimately did not survive. Authorities are working to finalize the case and will provide updates as available.

The Many Police Department reminds the public that stray animals often require professional care beyond what an individual can provide. If you see an animal in distress, contact the Many Police Department or the Humane Society for assistance.

“Animals cannot call for help—if you see a stray in need, please reach out. We have trained officers and resources available to assist at no cost to you.”

Two POST-certified officers in the Many Police Department also serve as licensed Animal Control Officers, ensuring that all cases are handled with the necessary expertise.

For further information or to report concerns, residents are encouraged to contact the Many Police Department.

---

City Bank & Trust Company is thrilled to introduce our ScoreCard® Rewards Program. With your consumer or business City Bank VISA debit card, you can earn 1 point for every $2 spent on credit purchases. These points can be redeemed for a wide range of rewards, including brand-name products, travel, gift cards, and much more. Please remember that points will expire after 36 months.

To enroll in our ScoreCard® Rewards Program, visit www.mycitybank.com for more information. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Bookkeeping Department at 318-357-3719 during business hours or stop by one of our branch locations.

We are here to help you with any inquiries regarding your rewards!

Thank you for choosing us!

City Bank & Trust Company

---

The Town of Many’s zoning meeting, originally scheduled for Feb. 13, has been postponed due to a lack of quorum, officials announced. The meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20, at 5:30 p.m.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the rescheduled meeting to stay informed about local zoning decisions and developments.

For more information, contact the Town of Many’s municipal office.

---

By Doug De Graffenried

This winter has been a great season for the dogs digging holes in the yard. They are unencumbered by grass or other plants. They dig with abandon. They discovered a corner of the yard where fences meet. The corner is a natural low place in the yard, thus aiding their digging.

Their corner digging has become a game. They dig and I fill. The hole is amazing. They have actually dug under the fencepost in the corner. The hole takes me a while to fill in each day. I know, from looking at them, that I have two dogs working on the digging project.

The other day I was filling the hole, and I noticed that it seemed to go a good distance out into the yard behind the house. It was rather strange, and I tried to imagine the position the dog must have been in to dig out on the other side of the fence.

Since I was curious, I walked around the fence to the other side and found out that the dogs were digging on the other side of the fence as well. They were working on a “two-sided hole.” Most of the dogs I have owned dug under the fence to get out of the yard. It appears as though I have a couple of dogs who dig for the joy of digging.

They could have escaped and explored another world for most of the day, but they did not. My dogs are focused on digging the best hole ever dug in that backyard!

The dogs are on a perfect hole digging mission.

What about your life? Do you have that kind of focus and that kind of tenacity as you strive to live out your purpose? That raises another question, doesn’t it, what is your purpose in life? To refer to last week’s article, I pose an alternative query, Which path are you on? There is a place called the church and on Sunday mornings we help you answer that very question.

We can also help you escape from that hole you have dug for yourself!

---

Red Bird Auction Company, located in Arcadia, is gearing up for its next live auction on Thursday, March 13th, at 10 a.m. Specializing in Industrial Machinery Auctions, Red Bird Auction brings together a wide selection of high-quality equipment ready to find a new home!

Join us at 392 Gap Farms Lane in Arcadia for an onsite auction experience, or participate remotely from anywhere by visiting bidredbird.com to place your bids online. The auction will feature a range of Heavy Machinery and Construction Equipment, including but not limited to Trucks, Cars, Tractors, Big Trucks, Trailers of all kinds and Construction Equipment Implements.

Are you looking to turn your equipment into cash? Red Bird Auction is currently accepting consignments! Contact Burkes Brown today at 601-502-5084 or email burkes@bidredbird.com to consign your items.

Be sure to follow Red Bird Auction Company on Facebook and Instagram for updates and sneak peeks leading up to the event!

Red Bird Auction— License Number LA AB-556.

Paid Content

---