Three students from Sabine Parish have been named nominees in the Louisiana Department of Education’s 2026 Students of the Year program, an honor that recognizes exceptional student achievement across the state.

The Louisiana Department of Education, in partnership with the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), annually recognizes outstanding fifth, eighth, and twelfth grade students who demonstrate excellence in academic performance, leadership, citizenship, and service to their schools and communities.

Nominees are selected through a competitive review process that includes public, charter, and nonpublic schools within each BESE region. From this group, regional honorees and finalists will be announced later in the school year. Finalists will be celebrated at a statewide awards ceremony, where one overall honoree per grade level will be selected.

The following Sabine Parish students were named nominees in the 2026 Students of the Year program:
• Audrey Marie Faust, fifth grade
• Vivian Leigh Campbell, eighth grade
• Allie LaRae Tarver, twelfth grade

Each student was recognized for demonstrating strong academic achievement, leadership skills, and a commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Their nominations reflect the dedication of Sabine Parish schools to fostering student success and encouraging leadership at every grade level.

The nominees will continue through the selection process as the Department of Education prepares to announce regional honorees and finalists later this year.

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Questions surrounding transparency and procedural fairness in the Sabine Parish EMS Request for Proposals (RFP) process have prompted heightened public concern and renewed calls for community involvement.

According to information brought forward in recent days, the Attorney General’s Office has reviewed allegations related to the Police Jury and EMS Advisory Board’s handling of the EMS provider selection process. One issue under scrutiny involves changes made to scoring and criteria during evaluation.

Documents indicate that Pafford Ambulance would have led the scoring had adjustments not been made to scoring sheets — specifically, the alteration of multiple scores from 10 to 20 by a board member. The tally was reportedly taken in a session later deemed improper, raising further concerns about the legitimacy of the evaluation.

Another concern centers on an alleged change to Acadian Ambulance’s required response time, which was modified from 19 minutes to 25 minutes during the RFP process. Because response times are considered a material component of an EMS contract, any change of that significance typically requires a formal addendum, notification to all vendors, and an opportunity for revised submissions. Without that, the process risks being invalidated or challenged.

Community members advocating for accountability argue that the EMS RFP should be restarted to ensure a legal, transparent, and fair process for all providers. They emphasize that the issue is not which vendor wins, but that the decision is made properly and in accordance with state procurement rules.

A special call meeting of the Sabine Parish EMS Advisory Board has been scheduled for Monday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. in the Police Jury Meeting Room in Many. The posted agenda includes an executive session to discuss the professional competence of Acadian Ambulance, Med Express, and Pafford, followed by the tallying of proposal scores.

Residents are being urged to attend to ensure community oversight and support a transparent process before any final EMS contract decision is made.

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Hospice of Natchitoches and Many hosted its Seventh Annual “Lighting of Hospice” Candle Lighting and Memorial Service on Nov. 13, bringing families, staff, and community members together to honor the memory of loved ones who passed away within the last year.

The evening program included prayers, scripture readings, musical reflections, and a four-candle lighting ceremony symbolizing grief, courage, memory, and love. The service is held each year to provide comfort, reflection, and communal support for families navigating loss.

Administrator Dominick Metoyer welcomed attendees and reflected on the history and purpose of hospice care. He noted that hospice traces its origins to the 11th century, when it served as a place of rest for travelers, later evolving into a refuge for the sick and dying. He thanked families for allowing the hospice staff into their homes and emphasized the team-based, holistic approach used to support patients through the end of life.

“During the past 12 months, we’ve encountered many special patients and families,” Metoyer said. “You taught us a lot and made us better healthcare providers.”

Chaplain Mary Keele delivered the memorial message and scripture reading from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. She spoke about the natural process of mourning and the comfort scripture offers to those grieving. Keele emphasized that grief is both a human experience and an expression of love, while the hope of reunion offers spiritual reassurance.

Keele introduced the symbolic lighting of four candles, each representing a different aspect of grief and remembrance: the pain of loss, the courage to continue, cherished memories, and the enduring love left behind. She reminded families that their loved ones’ legacies live on through the light they left in the hearts of those who remain.

Social worker Kasey Sparish offered additional reflections, expressing gratitude for the trust families extend during some of life’s most difficult moments. She described the privilege of witnessing families’ stories, silence, and sorrow, calling it “one of the greatest acts of compassion.”

The program featured musical selections, a memorial video, and an introduction of the hospice staff by Director of Nursing Melissa Britten. Pastor Matthew Pagels led the invocation, and Chaplain Keele concluded the evening with closing remarks and a benediction.

This year marked the 25th anniversary of Hospice of Natchitoches and Many’s service to communities across Natchitoches, Sabine, Red River, Bienville, Rapides, DeSoto, Grant, and Winn parishes. Metoyer credited the organization’s longevity to the dedication of founders Sylvia and Ricky LaCour and the continued support of families throughout the region.

Families in attendance lit individual candles during the ceremony, honoring the lives and legacies of their loved ones. The event provided a peaceful space for remembrance, reflection, and shared hope.

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The Amazing! Rhythm Disciples will take the stage on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 6 pm at Trinity Baptist Church to launch a special series of benefit concerts in support of three-year-old Lydia Rachal, who is battling Sanfilippo syndrome — often referred to as “childhood Alzheimer’s.”

Sanfilippo syndrome is a rare, fatal genetic disease that causes progressive brain damage. While Lydia has not yet experienced the inevitable symptoms, her family knows time is running short. Experimental clinical trials have shown promising results in slowing or diminishing the symptoms, but FDA approval and funding remain crucial hurdles before treatment can reach children like Lydia.

“Our theme is ‘The clock is ticking,’ because for Lydia and so many others, it truly is,” organizers shared. “We are proud and excited to do our small part to help Lydia and other children literally LIVE. Continued community support is vital.”

The “Save Lydia” concert series will continue at venues throughout October and November:
October 12 – First United Methodist
November 2 – Siloam Baptist
November 14 – Sabine Theater
November 16 – Westside Baptist

Each event will feature uplifting music from the Amazing! Rhythm Disciples, with proceeds benefiting “Hope for Lydia” and efforts to advance Sanfilippo research and treatment.

Organizers invite the public to attend one or more of these upcoming events and “make a joyful noise for a very good cause.”

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Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell and Florien Chief of Police Stuart Anthony report a man was killed in the City of Florien. Chief Anthony was informed of a couple arguing on Sept. 9 around 10 pm at a convenience store in Florien. Chief Anthony discovered a black male lying on the ground bleeding, North of the store near the highway.

Kamrie Raeanne Caballero, 32 of Fisher, was arrested and booked into the Sabine Parish Women’s Jail for Second Degree Murder.

Initial investigation revealed Caballero allegedly stabbed the male subject once in the chest and he died on the scene from his injuries. The case remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and Florien Police Department.

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Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a fatal crash on Aug. 26 around 9:40 pm at the intersection of Progress Church Road and WPA Road. This crash claimed the life of 28-year-old Victoria Grantham of Pleasant Hill.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2025 Kia Seltos, driven by Grantham, was traveling south on WPA Road. For reasons still under investigation, Grantham failed to stop at the intersection, which caused the vehicle to leave the roadway and sequentially impact a tree.

Grantham, who was not restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on-scene. Routine toxicology samples were obtained and 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.

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UPDATE: August 13, 2025

On August 2, 2025, at approximately 9:42 p.m., Detectives with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations were requested by the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office (SPSO) to investigate a deputy-involved shooting that occurred on Branam Road.

The preliminary investigation revealed that SPSO Deputies attempted to stop a subject near Many to serve a property ban notice due to a previous incident. The subject failed to stop, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit concluded at the subject’s residence, where he exited his vehicle armed with a firearm before retreating inside and barricading himself. Deputies established a perimeter and initiated negotiations in an effort to resolve the situation peacefully. After several hours, the subject exited the residence armed with a firearm and two knives. Deputies gave verbal commands immediately, but the subject refused to surrender his weapons. As a result, a Deputy discharged his firearm at the subject, striking him. Immediately after the shooting, Deputies rendered aid until EMS arrived on the scene. EMS then transported the subject to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Louisiana State Police is the lead investigating agency in this deputy-involved shooting incident. The investigation remains ongoing, with further information to be released in coordination with the Sabine Parish District Attorney’s Office at the appropriate time.

Anyone with information and/or pictures and video is urged to share that information with LSP Detectives. You may anonymously report information through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting lsp.org and clicking on Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity, or calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

ORIGINAL

REGION 3 NEWS RELEASE
August 12, 2025

Detectives with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations were requested by the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office (SPSO) to investigate a deputy-involved shooting that occurred on Aug. 2 around 9:42 pm on Branam Road.

One subject was shot and has been pronounced dead. No Deputies were harmed during the incident. Detectives worked to process the scene and gather further information. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that SPSO Deputies attempted to stop a subject near Many to serve a property ban notice due to a previous incident. The subject failed to stop, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit concluded at the subject’s residence, where he exited his vehicle armed with a firearm before retreating inside and barricading himself. Deputies established a perimeter and initiated negotiations in an effort to resolve the situation peacefully.

After several hours, the subject exited the residence armed with a firearm and two knives. Deputies gave verbal commands immediately, but the subject refused to surrender his weapons. As a result, a Deputy discharged his firearm at the subject, striking him. Immediately after the shooting, Deputies rendered aid until EMS arrived on the scene. EMS then transported the subject to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Louisiana State Police is the lead investigating agency in this deputy-involved shooting incident. The investigation remains ongoing, with further information to be released in coordination with the Sabine Parish District Attorney’s Office at the appropriate time.

Anyone with information and/or pictures and video is urged to share that information with LSP Detectives. You may anonymously report information through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting lsp.org and clicking on Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity, or calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

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December 20, 2023 — July 31, 2025

Funeral services for Margie Ann Whitley, 1, will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Souled Out For Christ, 6773 Texas Hwy, Many, Louisiana. A burial will follow at Aimwell Cemetery in Many, Louisiana. A visitation will be held Tuesday, August 5, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Officiating the service will be Brother Leon Manshack and Pastor James Green.

Margie was born on December 20, 2023 to Gregory Austin Whitley and Brianna Renee Whitley in Leesville, Louisiana and passed away on July 31, 2025 in Many, Louisiana.

Margie is preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Joann Youngblood and Reese Youngblood, Sr. and Margie Vancleave and Rodney Vancleave. She is survived by her parents, Gregory and Brianna Whitley of Noble, Louisiana; grandparents, Belinda and Phillip Kelsey of Noble, Louisiana, Patricia and Ronnie Fisher of Pineville, Louisiana, Lavelle Whitley of Alma, Georgia, Grandma Sharon of San Sabith, Texas, and Great-grandma Pumpkin and Pepaw of Waxahachie, Texas; aunts, Shaylee Kelsey of Noble, Louisiana, Lexus Kelsey of Noble, Louisiana, and Sissy Whitley of Pineville, Louisiana; uncle, Patrick Vancleave of Pineville, Louisiana; sister, Madyson Whitley of Fishville, Louisiana; brother, Dalton Whitley of Fishville, Louisiana; and a host of cousins, great aunts and uncles.

Honoring Margie as pallbearers will be Patrick Vancleave, Jerry “Ducky” Vines, Rusty Vancleave, and Lance Bordelon. Serving as an honorary pallbearer is Dalton Whitley.

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

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The Sabine Animal Shelter, located on McDonald Drive in Many, is urgently seeking the community’s help as it struggles with overcrowding. With kennels full and space running out, the shelter is asking residents to consider adopting a pet this weekend and help save lives.

In an effort to ease overcrowding and avoid euthanasia, the shelter is waiving all adoption fees for fully vetted cats and dogs during a special adoption event this Saturday, July 26. The shelter will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and all animals available for adoption are up to date on vaccinations and ready for loving homes.

Organizers emphasize that every adoption makes a difference. “Adopt and save a life” is more than a slogan—it’s a plea for help.

Anyone interested in adopting is encouraged to visit the shelter on Saturday and meet the animals in need.

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Bernice Wayne Crittenden
October 19, 1944 — July 18, 2025
Service: Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Carson Baptist Church, located at 266 Carson Rd. in Zwolle

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

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Beginning in the 1870’s a new mode of transportation in America came into being. Railroad lines crossed the nation and both passengers and freight could be carried on both passenger and freight trains. One of the railroad lines that came through Louisiana was the Kansas City Southern Line that came from Kansas City, Missouri down to Lake Charles, La. and along southeast toward New Orleans, La. and west to Port Arthur, Texas.  Up and down the KCS line were many depot’s in both large towns, small towns, and just small communities. These depots were known as “rail stops” and passengers could either board the train or disembark at the depot and freight could be received or shipped from these deports. One such depot was located at Sandel, La. in Sabine Parish La.

Sandel was a small community that was located about 4 ½ miles south of Florien, La. on US Hwy 171South. The little community was named after the Sandel Family that lived there. The Kansas City Southern line ran right through Sandel and a depot was located there. When the sawmill town of Peason was built and the Peavy Wilson Lumber Company Mill was established in 1917 the Christie and Eastern Railroad was a spur off the KCS line and it went all the way to Peason. The rail line was vital for the Peason Mill since it allowed timber and all types of lumber products to be shipped throughout the United States. As the mill began a full production run, loads of lumber of all types were shipped on the Christie and Eastern to the KCS and it eventually ended up in San Francisco, California. In 1906 San Francisco had been ravaged by a fire and earthquake. The terrible fire was caused by the earthquake that ruptured gas mains that caused the fire, and water mains were broken and damaged and a large portion of the town was destroyed. But the reconstruction began and lumber from Peason held reconstruct and also build complete new buildings. And many of those buildings still stand to this day !

The Sandel Depot was a fine building that was on the west side of the KCS tracks. Passengers could get off the train here and freight could be unloaded or loaded onto the train for shipment. Coming from Peason each morning and afternoon was the “Toonerville Trolley”. The trolley, a 1919 Ford Model T with railway wheels, had bench seats for the passengers and it towed a Sheffield flatcar that had been converted to carry both excess passengers and freight and mail to and from the mill town of Peason. The trip to Peason from the Sandel Depot was about 10 miles on the Christie and Eastern Line. 

The Sandel Depot was a large wooden building that even had some upstairs storage, and for the passengers convenience, an outside “water closet” or as country folks say, an outside toilet. Around the depot, water closet, and small outbuildings there were white rock walkways. Several people worked at the depot, including the station master, and several workers who assisted with the freight loading and unloading, along with assisting the passengers. 

As all the timber was harvested the mill run at Peason came to an end in 1935. Most of the timber had been cut by 1934 and it took until 1935 for all this timber to be cut into lumber and shipped to buyers. When the mill whistle blew for the last time in 1935 the mill closed and was later shipped to Holopaw , Florida where it ran until 1947. But with the mill closed the Christie and Eastern Railroad ended its operation from Peason to Sandel La. and was abandoned. Since the Sandel Depot was a “junction point” with the Christie and Eastern Railroad, after the mill closed it only became a “standalone depot” where only passengers for the Sandel area were loaded or unloaded and very little freight was received. In the KCS archives the depot may have sat along the KCS line until the mid to late 1950’s. But the little community of Sandel, La. once had a thriving rail depot located there. Sadly nothing remains of the depot but it was part of the large timber harvesting conducted in this area from the early 1900’s until the mid 1930’s when many of the mills closed. Many thanks to the KCS Archives and most of all the Southern heritage Museum at Lonfleaf, La. for the assistance and the use of photographs of the Sandel Depot. 

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Louisiana workers who rely on tips will see meaningful tax relief starting this year, thanks to a newly enacted federal law that exempts a portion of their tip income from taxation. The “No Tax on Tips” provision, part of the broader One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law on July 4, officially became federal law as Public Law 119-21—and Louisiana is among the states embracing it without additional legislative hurdles.

The new law allows employees and self-employed individuals in tip-based occupations to deduct up to $25,000 annually in qualified tips from their taxable income. The deduction applies to voluntary tips received in cash, by card, or through tip-sharing arrangements, and must be reported through standard IRS channels such as Form W-2, Form 1099, or Form 4137 for unreported tips.

Waitstaff, bartenders, hair stylists, delivery drivers, casino workers, and others in traditionally tipped professions stand to benefit the most. To qualify, the occupation must have been recognized by the IRS as regularly receiving tips by the end of 2024.

Self-employed individuals can also take the deduction, though it is capped at their net income from the relevant trade or business, before accounting for the tip deduction.

The full deduction is available to individuals earning less than $150,000 in modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), or $300,000 for married couples filing jointly. Above these thresholds, the deduction phases out.

Because Louisiana’s income tax system largely conforms to federal adjusted gross income, most workers in the state will automatically see the benefit of this deduction reflected on their state returns as well—without needing to complete separate calculations or forms. That’s welcome news in a state where service industries play a major role in the economy, particularly in hospitality hubs like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Natchitoches.

The deduction takes effect for tax year 2025 and will remain in place through 2028, barring further congressional action. The IRS is expected to release updated instructions and guidance before the end of the year.

In the meantime, tip earners are encouraged to continue accurate recordkeeping and reporting. The deduction doesn’t eliminate reporting requirements—only the tax burden on qualifying amounts.

For service workers across Louisiana, especially those juggling fluctuating incomes and long shifts, the “No Tax on Tips” provision offers more than just savings—it’s a nod to the essential roles they play in the state’s economy.

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Natchitoches, LA — July 10, 2025— There’s never been a better time to support mothers and babies in our community. The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is now officially eligible for Louisiana’s Maternal Wellness Center Tax Credit, a new initiative offering generous financial benefits to individuals and businesses who invest in maternal health services.

This state income tax credit of 50% applies to any donation made to an approved center like WRC. That means when you give, half your donation comes back to you at tax time—while the full amount goes to support life-changing services for women and families in need.

“This program is a blessing,” says Nicole Woods, Director of WRC. “It allows community members to make a powerful impact on local families while receiving meaningful tax relief. Everyone wins—especially the moms and babies we serve.”

To help explore the financial and community benefits of this new tax credit, WRC Director Nicole Woods recently met with Rodney Boswell of The IHS Group in Natchitoches, a firm that provides insurance and financial services to individuals and small businesses. “Rodney’s insights on how local donors—both individuals and companies—can strategically take advantage of this credit were incredibly helpful,” Woods shared. “We’re excited to work with local professionals to ensure that this opportunity is well understood and widely utilized.”

The Women’s Resource Center has been a trusted nonprofit in Natchitoches for over 30 years. As a Christ-centered ministry, WRC provides free pregnancy testing, counseling, parenting classes, material support, and referrals. In 2024 alone, the Center served women from 10 different parishes, walking with each client in compassion, truth, and grace.

Key Highlights of the New Tax Credit:

• 50% Louisiana state income tax credit for donations to WRC
• Available to both individuals and businesses
• No cap on donation size (statewide credit pool applies—act early)
• Easy and secure ways to give via http://www.wrcnatchitoches.org

The funds raised will help expand parenting education programs, provide critical baby items, and ensure every woman who walks through WRC’s doors receives the care and support she needs.

Donors are encouraged to consult their tax advisor to understand how to claim the credit and maximize their giving potential.

“By participating in this program, you’re not just giving to a cause—you’re helping transform lives,” says Woods. “We invite you to partner with us as we continue to equip parents and empower families in Jesus’ name.”

To make a donation or learn more about the tax credit, visit http://www.ProLifeTaxCredit.com or call (318) 357-8888

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Today, I’m going to hop on my soap box. There aren’t many things that I truly hate, but summer bass tournaments would be at the top of the list! 

Now why would this be? For several reasons that I’ll get into later, but the most obvious one –IT’S BLAZING HOT! It’s a time of year when anglers become babysitters, trying to keep their 5-fish limit breathing for eight hours in a live well.

Summer bass tournaments in the South are a grind for both anglers and the bass. The fishing is good the first hour, but can be horrendous the rest of the day. With daytime temperatures reaching the mid to upper 90s and humidity levels over 90 percent, it takes all the fun out of fishing, especially during the months of July and August.

A few tournament trails have or will drop their daily fish limit down from five to three which really helps in so many ways. For one, it allows for better survival rate, as there are less fish to manage in your live well and it means less bass being handled at the weigh-in. 

Some anglers hate the three-fish limit tournaments as they think it levels the playing field too much. They feel anyone can get lucky and catch three good fish. But if you go back and look at three-fish tournament results over the years, it turns out that the same guys who win with a five-fish limit are still at the top of the tournament standings with three fish. 

My personal reasons for hating summer tournaments would begin with the exhaustion you feel at the end of the day fishing in high temperatures. Fishing in 95 degree-plus temperatures drains the life out of an angler.

 Next gripe — I hate it when sweat is dripping off my nose or running down my butt! The heat just makes fishing difficult and unenjoyable.

But what I really look forward to the most is nighttime cramps that occur after fishing in the hot sun all day. There’s nothing more fun than waking up in the middle of the night as your calf muscles or hamstrings decide to tighten up like a guitar string. Thank the Lord above for pickle juice, as there’s pretty much nothing better for eliminating cramps! 

Another gripe — everything in your boat is blazing hot and will leave a mark on your butt if you sit on one of those latches that’s a part of the storage lockers. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up being branded like cattle at a stockyard. 

Then there’s the wear and tear on your electronics which are large investments, as these units can cost up to $5,000 each.  It’s also hard on your rods and reels and the fishing line spooled on each reel.  Nothing is harder on your equipment than the hot sun!

As anglers, we must take precautions to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays. As a Melanoma survivor, I can attest to all the things I have to do in order to fish in high temperatures. These days, I always wear long sleeve UV protective shirts, a wide brim hat, long pants (most of the time) and plenty of sunscreen.

But my main reason for hating summer bass tournaments — it’s just not fun! It’s a miserable way to spend your day sweating to the oldies on the front deck of a bass boat! ZERO FUN!

The next issue (as if I need anymore) would be dealing with all the crazy recreational boaters like pontoon boats, jet skis and those awesome stupid wake boats that put out four-foot-high waves and disrupt everyone and everything on the lake! Sorry wake boaters, but there should be a limit to the size of the waves you all put out! 

One rule I would like to see implemented strictly for wake boaters would be that they are not allowed on the lake until after 2 p.m. This way there would be no conflict with bass boaters and wake boats being on the lake at the same time, as most summer bass tournaments are over by 2 in the afternoon. 

Now I know I’ll get some good fan mail over my wake boater comments, but at least I’ll know they read my article! Just kidding wake boaters, hope y’all have fun as well, but keep your wakes down please! 

‘Til next time, enjoy your hot summer days on the lake as I hope and pray you won’t see me out there very often. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

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BOM was a proud supporter of the Zwolle Loggers Festival. The festival paid tribute to all of the logging and forestry families and industries in the town and parish. Pictured left to right: Lela Malay and Brittany Sepulvado.

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Let’s talk about the most overconfident, underperforming button in modern technology: the “Close Door” button on an Otis elevator. A button so bold, so brimming with promise, that you can’t help but press it like your entire timeline depends on it. Yet, more often than not, it sits there, mocking your urgency with silent defiance—like a cat watching you call it from across the room.

Imagine this: you’re running late, Starbucks in hand, nerves frayed, and you finally reach the elevator. Someone’s trailing 20 feet behind you, clearly aiming for the same vertical destination. You eye the “Close Door” button with steely determination, channeling all your willpower into one righteous jab. And… nothing. The doors pause, dramatically, as if considering your plea… before staying open long enough to let your trailing co-rider slip in with a smug nod. You didn’t close the door—you just sent a polite request to the elevator gods, who promptly ignored it.

Why does Otis even have a “Close Door” button? Well, turns out, it’s largely placebo. For many elevators, especially in buildings built post-1990—the button is deactivated or overridden by a timer, reserved for emergencies or maintenance personnel with magical keys. For the rest of us mortals? It’s basically an adult version of a toy steering wheel. We press it to feel in control, because pushing buttons is what we do when we don’t actually have time for real solutions.

Scientific studies (conducted primarily in crowded office lobbies and hotels at 8:58 a.m.) have shown that humans are 73% more likely to hit the “Close Door” button repeatedly than just wait patiently. This behavior stems from our deep distrust of time and other people. Pressing the button repeatedly creates the illusion of productivity, much like reloading your inbox when you’re waiting for that one important email—or opening the fridge for the sixth time hoping chocolate has materialized.

There’s also social strategy involved. The way you press the “Close Door” button says everything about you.

• The tap and glance: You’re pretending not to notice the other person running toward the elevator.
• The full press with body shield: You’ve decided to betray basic human decency for your own schedule.
• The fake press: You press it while smiling warmly, signaling, “I tried,” while fully aware it does nothing.

Otis elevators have essentially turned us into actors in a moral drama performed 50 times a day.

In many ways, the Otis “Close Door” button is a symbol of adulthood itself. Full of buttons that seem to do something but don’t. Mortgage refinancing, printer troubleshooting, dieting after 5 p.m.—all have the same energy. The illusion of control is the lifeblood of modern living. We love the illusion of control, don’t we?

And yet, even as we know its futility, we still press it. Every single time. Because hope, however unscientific, beats standing next to a stranger who insists on loud phone calls or eye contact.

So next time you find yourself jabbing that shiny, unyielding button—hold your head high. You are a dreamer. A doer. A hero in an elevator shaft. You know it may be a lie, but you press it anyway.

After all, your hurry is more important than the other guy’s hurry. I wonder, what do we impatient people do with the invitation Jesus issued to the disciples, “Hey guys, let’s get away from the crowds and rest.”

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Governor Landry Announces LA Wallet Accepted Nationwide
 
Baton Rouge–Governor Jeff Landry and OMV Director Bryan Adams announced LA Wallet is now approved nationwide. The Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) has certified Louisiana’s LA Wallet complies with federal requirements, allowing Louisiana residents to present LA Wallet at TSA security checkpoints, federal buildings and courthouses for the next three years. In 2028, TSA will again review Louisiana’s LA Wallet to ensure it remains compliant with federal privacy and security standards.
 
“We are thrilled to see Louisiana utilizing innovative technology to allow for a more flexible and accessible TSA experience. Under Secretary Noem’s leadership and work with our state partners, we are enhancing the passenger experience at TSA,” said Adam Stahl, TSA Deputy Administrator.

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NONE

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

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Sheriff Aaron Mitchell has announced the latest felony narcotics and firearm-related arrests for June 2025. These arrests and investigations reflect ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes and keep the community safe.

Byron Dale Black Jr (age-65) of Ringgold
• 2-counts of Aggravated assault with a firearm.
Bond set at $5,000, he bonded.

Edward Gene Dean (age-60) of Zwolle
• Possession of schedule II (Meth),
• Possession of drug paraphernalia,
• Improper lane usage.
Bond set at $5,000, he bonded.

Ollie Dewayne Lee III (age-58) of Zwolle
• Federal Indictment for Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
He was transferred to federal custody in Shreveport.

Theddie Theodore Holden (age-31) of Noble
• Possession of schedule II (Meth),
• Possession of drug paraphernalia,
• Obstruction of justice,
• Expired MVI,
• Vehicles without required equipment or in unsafe condition.
Bond set at $5,000, he bonded.

Gerald Donald Theiler (age-74) of Burkeville, Texas
• Aggravated assault with a firearm.
Bond set at $15,000, he bonded.

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Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announces the Sabine Parish Police Jury adopted Ordinance No. 5 of 2025.

This ordinance establishes policy and procedures for monitoring and controlling special events held within the boundaries of Sabine Parish.

“Special Events” includes outdoor music events, carnivals, circuses, trail rides, fishing tournaments, car shows, fund raising events and similar activities, held in all areas of Sabine Parish, except those held entirely in an area that falls within any municipal town limits with Sabine Parish. This ordinance shall apply to gatherings of 200 or more people. Further, this ordinance is intended to apply to commercial activities generating revenue or other economic benefit, and/or held in exchange for goods or services, This ordinance is not intended to apply to family assemblies of people. All “Special Events” being held on public property will be excluded from this ordinance. Permitting decisions shall be made without regard to the content of protected speech.

Permit applications must be obtained at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event from the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office at 400 South Capitol Street in Many.

Sheriff Mitchell said that similar ordinances have been adopted in neighboring parishes during the last few years.

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Sabine Parish Schools Demonstrate Continued Growth Sabine Parish School District is proud to share they are one of only twenty-six districts demonstrating overall percent proficiency growth in ELA, math and science. The LDOE’s recent release of the 2025 LEAP assessment results are a direct reflection of the district’s unwavering commitment to Building a Stronger Sabine Parish, One Student at a Time, a vision realized through the collective efforts of educators, students, families, and the broader community.

Thirty-three percent of students in grades 3-8 performed at the top two achievement levels, a Mastery or Advanced, in ELA, math, and science, an increase of one percentage point from 2024. When including high school assessments (English | & II, Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, and U.S. History), the district’s overall Mastery or Advanced rate rose to 34%, marking
another year of positive growth.

Highlights from the 2025 LEAP Results:

• English Language Arts (3rd-12th): ELA proficiency remained steady, holding at 41% for grades 3-8, with 4th grade ELA improving significantly by 7 points. The district is actively enhancing literacy instruction to support further gains.

• Mathematics (3rd-12th): Math proficiency scores improved by 1 percentage point in grades 3-8. Notably, 7th-grade math proficiency increased by 9 points, indicating momentum in middle school numeracy.

• Science (3rd-12th): The district recorded a 3-point increase in grades 3-8 science proficiency, as well as a 3-point increase in high school Biology, signaling positive impact from districtwide science initiatives.

• Social Studies: U.S. History proficiency increased by 3 points and remains a strategic focus area. Results for grades 3-8 social studies are pending due to the implementation of new assessments aligned to the Louisiana Freedom Framework.

These results underscore the importance of ongoing investment in high-quality instruction, data-informed decision-making, and professional development. These gains are a testament to the focused efforts of our students, teachers, and school leaders; each percentage point of growth represents students who have been positively impacted. As we look toward the future, we remain dedicated to building a stronger Sabine, one student at a time.

As Louisiana transitions to a new accountability system in 2026, Sabine Parish remains aligned with the state’s vision while staying true to its mission of providing challenging and inclusive educational experiences that develop the whole child, developing leadership and life skills to prepare every student to become a productive citizen.

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