Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reports that a 71-year-old Haughton man was found deceased Wednesday morning on Toledo Bend Lake.

Richard Edward Whatley was discovered in the water near the bank at the end of Ed Callie Road in San Patricio Bay at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 25. According to the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, Whatley’s boat was still running nearby when he was located.

Authorities said it remains unclear how Whatley drowned, but investigators believe he may have fallen from his boat.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is leading the investigation.

Sheriff Mitchell and his staff extended condolences to Whatley’s family and friends.

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of Roger Dale Rivers, 64 of Converse, following a narcotics investigation at his residence near Fisherman’s Wharf on Toledo Bend Lake.

Authorities received multiple complaints regarding possible drug activity at Rivers’ Lakeshore Road home. In response, the Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team launched an investigation and obtained a search warrant for the property.

Tactical Narcotics Team agents , working alongside the Sabine Parish Sheriff Special Operations Group, executed the warrant on Feb. 23. Rivers was taken into custody without incident.

He was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center on a warrant for one count of Distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance (Methamphetamine). No bond has been set at this time.

A joint narcotics investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies — including the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office — has led to the arrest of a Mansfield man and the seizure of more than one-quarter pound of methamphetamine.

According to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, agents with the Tri-Parish Drug Task Force, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish Street Level Interdiction Unit (SLIU), and the DeSoto Parish SWAT Team concluded a several-month investigation into the illegal distribution of methamphetamine in and around the Mansfield area during the early morning hours of February 13, 2026.

Narcotics agents obtained an arrest warrant for Fredrick McDaniel, 37, of Mansfield, on four counts of Distribution of Schedule II (Methamphetamine). Search warrants were also secured for his residence and the home of a known associate.

During surveillance operations, agents identified McDaniel in his vehicle as he entered the parking lot of a McDonald’s in Mansfield. Authorities conducted a traffic stop and took him into custody without incident.

A search at the time of arrest reportedly resulted in the seizure of more than two ounces of suspected methamphetamine. By the conclusion of the investigation, agents had seized a total exceeding one-quarter pound of methamphetamine.

McDaniel was transported to the DeSoto Parish Detention Center and booked on charges including a DeSoto Parish warrant, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute (Schedule II), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, Resisting an Officer, and a Second or Subsequent Offense.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson expressed appreciation for the coordinated efforts of all participating divisions and specifically thanked the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office for its assistance in the investigation.

An arrest indicates that probable cause existed for the charges. All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Dear Residents,

We are reaching out to inform you that due to an elevated fire danger in our region, the Sabine Parish Police Jury has declared a Burn Ban. This measure is essential to protect our community from the increased risk of wildfires caused by dry conditions and low humidity.

Effective Tuesday, February 24, 2026:

A burn ban is in place, prohibiting all outdoor burning activities, including garbage, grass, leaves, and brush.

This ban is enacted in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 29:727.1 to ensure the safety of our residents and property.

Due to persistent drought conditions in Sabine Parish, there is a significant risk of wildfires. This situation poses a serious threat to both property and the lives of residents.

Consequently, a Burn Ban is now in effect for Sabine Parish, prohibiting all outdoor burning activities, including garbage, grass, leaves, and brush.

Burn permits can be obtained from the Fire Chiefs of the South Sabine Fire Department Wards 1&2, Central Sabine Fire Department, and North Sabine Fire District.

We urge everyone to follow this directive closely and remain vigilant. Penalties may apply for violations.

Our priority is the safety and well-being of our community. This state of emergency will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.Updates will be posted as they become available to the public.

Stay safe,
Sabine Parish Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness and Sabine Parish Police Jury

The National Weather Service is forecasting warm afternoons and increasing rain chances for Sabine Parish as the week progresses, followed by a sunny and pleasant weekend.

Wednesday will be partly sunny with a high near 77 degrees. South winds will range from 5 to 10 mph, with gusts reaching up to 25 mph at times.

Wednesday night will turn mostly cloudy, with overnight lows around 61 degrees.

On Thursday, there is a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Skies will be partly sunny with a high near 79 degrees.

Thursday night carries a slight 20 percent chance of showers before midnight, followed by mostly clear skies and a cooler low around 49 degrees.

Friday will be sunny with a high near 75 degrees, and Friday night will be mostly clear with temperatures dipping to around 47 degrees.

The weekend outlook remains bright. Saturday will be sunny with a high near 79 degrees, while Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low around 52 degrees.

Sunday will be mostly sunny with highs near 78 degrees, closing out the weekend with comfortable conditions.

Residents should stay weather-aware Thursday afternoon as scattered showers move through the area before drier air settles in for the weekend.

The Sabine Parish Tourist Commission, alongside the Sabine Parish America 250 Committee and local partners, invites everyone to attend a special presentation of Remembering Louisiana Maneuvers followed by a vibrant performance by the Victory Belles sponsored by Toledo Bend Lake Association.

This special World War II themed event will take place Saturday, March 7 at the Zwolle Festival Building in Zwolle. Doors will open at 9 am.

This event is designed to educate and inspire while honoring the significant military training exercises known as the Louisiana Maneuvers that transformed Central Louisiana into one of the nation’s most pivotal wartime training grounds during World War II. As part of Sabine Parish’s America 250 programming, the event aims to connect local history to the broader national narrative in a meaningful and engaging manner.

Local historian, Ricky Robertson will lead the presentation, guiding attendees through the transformative events that occurred in Sabine Parish and the surrounding area during this critical time in our nation’s history. Dr. Cody Bruce will enrich the program by sharing the poignant story of the Torres Brothers, exploring their vital contributions during the war and their lasting impact on the local community.

Throughout the day, attendees will be transported back to the 1940s with interactive historical displays, period demonstrations, and hands-on educational activities.

The day culminates with an exhilarating performance by the Victory Belles, a renowned vocal trio known for their harmonious renditions of classic songs from the era. Their concert pays tribute to the music that uplifted spirits both overseas and on the home front.

This family-friendly event is free and open to the public, with lunch provided for all attendees.

Community members, students, families, and visitors are encouraged to take part in this enriching commemorative experience.

Former information visit toledobendlakecountry.com, follow Sabine Parish America 250 on Facebook, or contact the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission at (318) 256-5880.

Five 4-H members from Sabine Parish spent their recent school break at Louisiana State University for the annual Spark Action Change Summit, an immersive three-day event for Louisiana youth in grades 7 and 8 focused on civic engagement, leadership, and community service.

Set in the heart of Louisiana’s capital, the summit offered participants hands-on workshops, tours of the state capitol and LSU campus, and collaborative service projects designed to deepen their understanding of government, sharpen leadership skills, and inspire meaningful action in their communities.

Representing Sabine Parish at the summit were students Khloe Clark, Peyton Fisher, Gus Harwell, and Allyson McMahan. In addition, Lexie Jones attended as a representative of the Louisiana 4-H Citizenship Board, which planned and executed the event.

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Acadian Ambulance Service, hosted an extensive CPR training session last week in Many, equipping more than 100 law enforcement officers with lifesaving skills.

The majority of participants were Sabine Parish Sheriff’s deputies, along with other area law enforcement officers. The comprehensive course covered first aid, choking response, Narcan administration, CPR, and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Participants were required to successfully complete both a hands-on practical exam and a written exam in order to receive certification.

Acadian Quality Improvement Coordinator Tyler Farris served as the lead instructor for the training, assisted by additional Acadian staff members.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell expressed his appreciation to Acadian Ambulance Service for their continued partnership and commitment to community safety in Sabine Parish. Officials say the training enhances deputies’ ability to respond effectively during medical emergencies, further strengthening public safety efforts across the parish.

When you’re young and full of pee and vinegar, you think you’re bullet proof. You have a younger mindset that nothing can happen to you. But nothing could be further from the truth. For an angler, or anyone who spends a great deal of time in the outdoors, there are three words you never want to hear, “You have Melanoma.”

This is the number one form of cancer that takes more lives than any other. Like so many others, I thought something like this would never happen to me. But God had other plans as that day came for me in June of 2023. Never in a million years did I think I would be that guy who would have to battle cancer, but here’s my story.

A couple of years earlier I started seeing a dermatologist on a regular basis. Then one day while my sister-in-law was cutting my hair, she asked if I knew about this small black dot on the back of my ear. Since none of us can see the back of our ears, I had never seen this spot. She suggested I get it looked at, so I took her advice and made an appointment.

It was March of 2023 when I had this appointment, and my dermatologist suggested we try some chemo cream to help get rid of this spot. Well, after two weeks of chemo cream the spot went away. I thought my worries were over until mid-April when the spot returned. So once again, I made another appointment scheduled for the first week of May.

While I wasn’t overly concerned, we were planning a family vacation to Disney World the last week of May and I wanted this spot off my ear. But as fate would have it, my dermatologist had to go out of town to attend a convention, and my May appointment was cancelled. So, they rebooked me for the last week of June which was basically eight weeks.

Again, at this point, I’m still not overly concerned but really wanted this off my ear. Well, let’s just say when I returned for my appointment the last week of June, this spot had ulcerated and was now a deep purple color. Then the day of my appointment, the minute I was called to the back, the nurse took a look at my ear, and she instantly got very concerned and rushed out of the room to get my dermatologist.

This got my attention and now I’m nervous as my doctor walked in and said, “Oh, Steve this is not good, and I’ll go ahead and prepare you that this is probably going to come back positive for Melanoma.”

She biopsied the spot and overnighted it to a lab for testing. The next day around 10 that morning, she called and told me, “You have Melanoma.” My heart sank and I was a little overwhelmed and wasn’t sure what to think. But my dermatologist did an outstanding job of reassuring me that everything will be OK, as hopefully we’ve caught this early.

To shorten this story, I had two ear surgeries to remove the upper portion of my left ear and four difficult immunotherapy sessions that were hard to get through due to my reaction to the drug OPDIVO. But since then, all of my scans have been clear and bloodwork has been good.

Immediately I started the first year going to M.D. Anderson in Houston every three months. Then in late 2025, they scheduled me for testing every six months which is where I’m at today. Hopefully, if my PET scans, MRI’s and bloodwork continue to be clear, I’ll soon be moving to testing annually for the rest of my life.

The one thing my cancer doctor has told me is that Melanoma is the worst form of cancer that can hide in the body for long periods of time. It can come back at any point and that’s why I’ll continue to go back to M.D. Anderson from now on.

Here’s my advice to anyone (especially anglers) when it comes to protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun. First, understand this: Melanoma does not discriminate, and no one is immune to getting this form of cancer. Wear long sleeve SPF shirts with built-in sunscreen. Wear long pants instead of shorts to protect your legs. Wear a wide brim hat — even if you look goofy. I also wear fishing gloves to help protect my hands.

Always apply sunscreen to any portion of the skin that might be exposed. Do everything you can to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Because the words you never want to hear are, “You have Melanoma.”

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

Baton Rouge, LA-Governor Landry formally requested on Feb. 23 that the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education’s investigation be expanded to include every public institution of higher education in Louisiana to ensure full compliance with federal law across the state. Letter attached.

“Let me be clear: Louisiana is done with woke DEI policies. Discrimination against ANY student will not be tolerated,” said Governor Landry. “This issue began under the previous administration, and we are fixing it. That is why, I’ve formally requested that the investigation be expanded to EVERY public higher education institution in Louisiana. If there are violations of federal law anywhere in our system, we want them corrected.”

I did not put my sense of humor away for Lent. Honestly, I’m not sure I could if I tried. My sense of humor has a mind of its own and occasionally needs to be told, “Hush now, we’re in church.” I once preached a funeral with the “Exit” sign burned out over the doors we’d be leaving through. My brain, unhelpfully, started processing the symbolism — we all exit eventually — and before I knew it, my mouth was dangerously close to sharing that observation with the grieving family. That’s when I realized: for Lent, I may fast from many things, but my sense of humor is apparently not one of them.

And speaking of Lent, that little moment of funeral foolishness reminded me how this season always brings out our quirks, our questions, and our wellintentioned attempts at spiritual discipline. Many congregations observe Lenten practices, and you can usually spot us by the annual question: “So… what are you giving up for Lent?” Some of my Roman Catholic friends give up meat on Fridays, which has sparked many a conversation — and, fun fact, is the reason McDonald’s invented the fish sandwich. Stick with these Ponderings long enough and you’ll be ready for Jeopardy!

Which brings me to one of my favorite Lenten stories.

John Smith was the only Protestant to move into a large Catholic neighborhood. On the first Friday of Lent, John was outside grilling a big, juicy steak. Meanwhile, all his neighbors were dutifully eating cold tuna fish. This went on every Friday. Finally, the Catholic men decided something had to be done — John was tempting them beyond what any human should endure.

So they set out to convert him.

They talked with him, brought him to church, and the priest sprinkled water over him saying, “You were born a Baptist, you were raised a Baptist, and now you are a Catholic.” The men rejoiced. Their Lenten temptations were over.

Until the next year.

The first Friday of Lent rolled around, and just as the neighborhood sat down to their tuna, the unmistakable aroma of steak drifted through the air. They rushed to John’s yard, ready to remind him of his new commitments.

And there he stood, sprinkling water over his steak, saying, “You were born a cow, you were raised a cow, and now you are a fish.”

It’s funny — and it’s also a gentle reminder. It’s not what our neighbors call us that defines us. It’s not even what we call ourselves. Our actions, our habits, our quiet choices — those speak louder than our reputations or our labels.

Lent invites us into that quieter truth. Not the showy kind, not the “look what I’m giving up” kind, but the kind that shapes us from the inside out.

This Lent is Jesus shaping your heart and your journey to Easter?

Ever notice how quickly opinions travel faster than facts? This week’s cartoon plays with that idea, leaning into the humor of how we debate, react and sometimes overreact in the digital age. Inspired by the game-show energy of Jeopardy!, it’s a lighthearted reminder that not every buzzer needs to be hit — and sometimes it’s okay to wait for the full answer.

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH), with support from the State of Louisiana, has awarded $65,000 in Emergency Readiness Grants to 17 cultural organizations across 11 parishes. In Sabine Parish, the Ho Minti Society received $5,000 to strengthen its preparedness for natural disasters and other emergencies.

These grants help museums, historic sites, archives, and other cultural organizations develop emergency plans, train staff, make structural improvements, and protect valuable collections from future threats. Funding may also support insurance deductibles, digital preservation, and other mitigation efforts.

“Cultural institutions like the Ho Minti Society are essential to preserving Sabine Parish’s heritage and history,” said LEH representatives. “This grant provides the resources to help them prepare for emergencies, safeguarding their collections and the community they serve.”

Past recipients, including the Opelousas Museum, have used LEH funding to implement emergency readiness plans, create supply kits, make building improvements, and improve coordination with local first responders, ensuring their cultural treasures are protected during disasters.

With the support of this grant, the Ho Minti Society aims to enhance its emergency preparedness, keeping its collections secure and ensuring continued public access to the rich history and culture of Sabine Parish.

Help us celebrate BOM’s Genevieve Loe and Kelcie Sepulvado on reaching their 90-day milestone with BOM Bank! In just three months, these two have already made a big impact with their hard work, positive attitudes, and dedication to taking great care of our customers. We’re excited to watch them continue to grow and thrive as part of the BOM family! Join us in congratulating Genevieve and Kelcie on this milestone—and here’s to many more successes ahead!

February 25 marks the birthday of Nina Simone, an artist whose music blurred the lines between entertainment, activism, and cultural revolution. Born in 1933, Simone became one of the most uncompromising voices of the Civil Rights era, using her platform to challenge injustice while reshaping the sound of American music.

Trained as a classical pianist, Simone defied expectations by blending jazz, blues, folk, gospel, and classical influences into a style uniquely her own. Her performances were emotionally raw and politically charged, reflecting both personal struggle and collective Black experience. Songs like “Mississippi Goddam” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” became anthems of resistance and pride.

Unlike many artists of her time, Simone refused to separate art from politics. Her willingness to address racism directly often made her controversial, but it also cemented her place as a cultural truth-teller. February 25 serves as a reminder of how her music functioned not just as entertainment, but as commentary on American life.

Simone’s influence on pop culture has only grown over time. Her music has been sampled and referenced by modern artists across genres, from hip-hop to indie pop. Filmmakers and television creators frequently use her songs to underscore moments of tension, empowerment, or historical reflection, introducing her voice to audiences far removed from the 1960s.

Beyond her music, Simone’s image and persona have become cultural symbols. Her unapologetic authenticity and refusal to conform resonate strongly in today’s conversations about artistic freedom and racial justice. Documentaries, biopics, and streaming playlists have renewed interest in her life, prompting deeper discussions about how Black women artists are treated by the industry.

February 25 also invites reflection on Simone’s complicated legacy. Her life was marked by brilliance, struggle, and resistance — elements that mirror the broader Black American experience she so often sang about. Today, she is widely recognized not only as a musical innovator but as a cultural icon who spoke truths others feared to voice.

As Black History Month nears its close, Nina Simone’s birthday serves as a powerful reminder that pop culture can be a force for change — and that music can carry the weight of history.

William J. “Bill” Blythe Jr. had recently been honorably discharged from the Army and had just been hired as an equipment salesman by the Mankee Equipment Company of Chicago. Immediately following World War II, so many soldiers were returning home and looking for work that jobs were scarce. 29-year-old Bill could find no work in his hometown of Hope, Arkansas, and was lucky to find work even if it required him to relocate to the windy city. It could not have come at a better time. Bill’s wife, 22-year-old Virginia Dell Cassiday, was six months pregnant. After calling home with the happy news, Bill began the 750-mile drive back to Hope, Arkansas, to prepare the family for the move.

Just before midnight on May 17, 1946, Bill had driven about half of the 755 miles to Hope when, about three miles west of Sikeston, Missouri, one of the front tires on Bill’s 1942 Buick sedan blew out. Bill lost control of the car, and it rolled over twice before coming to a stop on the side of the Brown Spur drainage ditch along Highway 60. Sikeston was surrounded by drainage ditches to help prevent flooding. Bill suffered a head injury and crawled out of the wrecked car. He could hear the sounds of passing cars and could see their headlights as they passed. He began crawling up the steep embankment toward the highway. As he was crawling, he slipped and fell into the drainage ditch which contained four feet of water. There, he drowned.

Virginia was devastated. Three months after the accident, she had her child and named him William J. Blythe III in honor of her late husband. Everyone called him Billy. Virginia, now a single parent, went to nursing school in New Orleans, Louisiana. Virginia’s parents took care of Billy while she was away. In 1950, Virginia returned to Hope and went to work as a nurse. In that same year, she met and married a car dealership owner named Roger. In 1956, Roger and Virginia had a son whom they named Roger Jr. At some point, Billy Blythe began using his stepfather’s last name, and, in 1962, Billy legally changed his last name so that he and his half-brother would have the same last name. In the following year, Billy was selected to be a delegate to Boys Nation, a special youth leadership conference held in Washington D.C. Billy was among the other boys from Boys Nation who, along with the Girls Nation, were invited to the Rose Garden at the White House to meet President John F. Kennedy. Billy was one of the first in line to shake JFK’s hand. Billy said later that meeting JFK had a profound impact on his life.

Imagine just for a second that Bill Blythe’s car wreck never occurred. Billy Blythe III would probably have been born in Chicago. The whole trajectory of his life would have been different. He probably would not have become President of the United States. If he had, we would know him as Bill Blythe rather than Bill Clinton.

Sources:

1. Daily American Republic (Poplar Bluff, Missouri), May 18, 1946, p.1.

2. “It All Began in a Place Called Hope: Biography of the President Bill Clinton,” National Archives, accessed February 15, 2026, https://clintonwhitehouse5.archives.gov/WH/EOP/OP/html/Hope.html.

July 28, 1956 — February 14, 2026

Antonia Roberta Randolph Harwell Sonnier, lovingly known as “Tonie,” 69, of Pendleton, Louisiana, passed away on February 14, 2026 at Rapides Medical Center. Born on July 28, 1956, in Zwolle, Louisiana, Tonie lived a life as vibrant and unforgettable as her wardrobe. She was proud of her German heritage and carried that pride in her traditions, values, and strong spirit.

Funeral services for Tonie will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Pendelton Assembly of God Church, 14152 Texas Hwy, Many, Louisiana. A burial will follow at Pendelton Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Officiating the service will be Brother Ed Held.

A proud 1974 graduate of Negreet High School, she faithfully cheered on the Indians and often reminded those around her that it was always “a great day to be an Indian.” That school pride stayed with her throughout her life.

Tonie was an accomplished accountant, known for her dedication, intelligence, and sharp wit. She was a proud supporter of Northwestern State University and enjoyed cheering on NSU. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. Her most cherished roles were wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin, and friend.

Above all, Tonie loved the Lord. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and Pendleton Assembly of God was near and dear to her heart.

She is survived by her loving husband, Phillip Sonnier of Pendleton, Louisiana; her children, Amanda James (Neil) of Negreet, Louisiana, Phillip Harwell of Pendleton, Louisiana, Nick Sonnier (Carlotta), and Stacey Sonnier of Oberlin, Louisiana; sister, Kathrine Brown of Plainview, Louisiana; brother, Rodney Randolph (Beverly) of Pendleton, Louisiana; special sisters-in-law, Brenda Pate (Billy) of Valliant, Oklahoma, Kerry Thomas (Harley) of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and Betty Randolph; sisters-in-law, Louise Stelly (Mike) of Lake Charles and Kat Hooper (Gerald) of Moss Bluff, Louisiana; special friends, Steve and Rose Fontenot; along with innumerable cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends, and loved ones.

She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Gus Harwell and Ronnie James of Negreet, Louisiana, and Jacob James (Marly), and a cherished great-grandmother to Annalise James.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Hilda Randolph; husband, Joe Harwell; brothers, Peter and Frank Randolph; her beloved aunts known as “The Seven Sisters,” including her godmother, Bonnie Layfield; nephews, Bobby Glen Randolph and Jeffrey Randolph; mother and father-in-law, Ralph and Pat Harwell; brother-in-law, JD Brown; her beloved fur babies, Daisy Mae and Kitty; and her grand dog, Tank.

Honoring Tonie as pallbearers will be Neil James, Jacob James, Andy Randolph, Tracy Brown, Timmy Layfield, Andrew Fultz, Nick Sonnier, and Justin Merritt. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Gus Harwell, Ronnie James, and Tim Layfield.

Tonie had a larger-than-life personality and never entered a room quietly — especially when dressed to the nines. She loved gardening, traveling — especially to the beach — shopping, and took great pride in her purse and shoe collection. She enjoyed cooking for those she loved, was an avid reader, loved working puzzles, and never missed an opportunity to test her knowledge while watching Jeopardy! She loved a good debate and stood confidently in her well-informed opinions.

Even in her passing, Tonie continued to give to others as a selfless organ donor, a final act of generosity that reflected the giving heart she carried throughout her life.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Acadian Ambulance Service, the Sabine Parish first responders, Sabine Medical Center, the compassionate staff at Rapides Regional Medical Center, Pastor Ed Held, the entire Northwestern State University Social Work Department, and Pendleton Assembly of God for their care, compassion, and support. The outpouring of love has been tremendous.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her — and as she would proudly remind you, it was Tonie with an E.

In true Tonie fashion, the family would like those attending her service dress in their most fabulous attire and shoes or Mardi Gras in celebration of her beautiful life.

Services and care were provided to the family by Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Many, Louisiana.

September 4, 1970 — February 19, 2026

Funeral services for Anthony Terrell Ebarb, 55, will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 307 Hammond St., Zwolle, Louisiana. A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Hwy, Many, Louisiana and again on Monday, February 23, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. A burial will follow the service at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Officiating the service will be Father Timothy Hurd.

Terrell was born on September 4, 1970 to Earl Anthony Ebarb and Brenda Kay Ebarb in Many, Louisiana and passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026 in Shreveport, Louisiana surrounded by his loving family.

Terrell is preceded in death by his brother, Steven Wayne Ebarb; paternal grandparents, Earl and Florence Ebarb; and maternal grandparents, Earl and Mary Olla Malmay. He is survived by his parents, Anthony and Brenda Ebarb of Noble, Louisiana; daughter, Paige Freeman and husband, Kenneth “Spooky” Freeman of Noble, Louisiana; son, Dewayne Ebarb and wife, Ashley, of Many, Louisiana; grandchildren, Ethan Ebarb, Bentley Ebarb, Carson Ebarb, and Brooklyn Ebarb; and a great number of aunts, uncles, nephews, and cherished friends.

Terrell made many friendships through the places he’s worked, including Market Basket, Rivers Builders Supply, and Walmart. His greatest joy outside of work was spending time with his pup, Cosmo, and his grandpups, Tank and Boomer. He loved hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. His memory will shine brightly through the lives of those he touched.

Honoring Terrell as pallbearers will be Waylon Malmay, Jeremy Campbell, Trystan Ezernack, Keith Lopez, Josh Winfield, and Daniel Smith. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Cricket Manshack, Kenneth “Spooky” Freeman, Dewayne Ebarb, Josh Ebarb, Trevor Ebarb, and Tyler Ebarb.

Services and care were provided to the family by Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Many, Louisiana.

Continue your article here…

Bobby Earl Salley
March 9, 1940 – February 15, 2026
Visitation: February 27 at 9:00 AM at Marthaville, First Baptist Church
Services: February 27 at 10:00 AM at Marthaville, First Baptist Church

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

Authorities have closed a section of Louisiana Highway 191 in northern Sabine Parish on Feb. 24 because of smoke from multiple uncontrolled wildfires in the area. The closure affects the stretch between Highway 1218 and Highway 174, near Bison and Buddy Roads.

Drivers are advised to slow down, use caution, and seek alternate routes. Authorities warn that motorists may be turned around if they approach the affected area.

Officials urge the public to stay alert for updates as crews work to manage the fires and ensure roadway safety.

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office will hold a hunter education class for residents interested in completing the state’s required training for hunting certification. The class will be held at the Sabine Parish Detention Center Gun Range, located at 384 Detention Center Road in Many. Sessions are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, February 18 and 19, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day.

The course is designed to provide participants with important safety information, hunting regulations, and responsible firearm handling practices. Hunter education certification is required for many individuals before they can legally obtain a hunting license.

Officials encourage those interested to register as soon as possible through the provided online registration portal, as space may be limited.

To register go online to louisianaoutdoors.com/events/195594

The training opportunity provides local residents in Sabine Parish with convenient access to the education needed to safely and legally participate in hunting activities across Louisiana.