LDWF Agents Cite Five Subjects for Freshwater Fishing Guide Violations on Toledo Bend

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement division cited five subjects for alleged charter boat regulation violations in April on the Toledo Bend Reservoir.

Agents cited Frank Canizaro, 36, of Mansfield, Zack Gagnard, 33, of Many, Joseph Hains III, 73, of Many, Robert Laffitte, 31, of Many, Matthew Delaney, 38, of Pollock for not possessing a freshwater charter boat fishing guide license.

The Louisiana freshwater charter boat fishing guide license was implemented in 2022 and is required for anyone that is guiding freshwater trips in Louisiana.

After a one-year grace period where LDWF agents educated the public and issued warnings to charter boat captains for not possessing the freshwater guide license, agents have begun issuing citations.

LDWF agents are reminding the freshwater charter guides about the need to acquire a freshwater charter boat fishing guide license prior to planning any guided fishing trips.

Failing to possess a freshwater charter boat fishing guide license brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.

Agents participating in the cases are Sgt. Harvey Pearce, Corporal James Smith, Agent Michael Thacker Jr., and Corporal Jeremiah Fletcher.

Photo: File Photo


Sheriff’s Office seeks information on stolen ATV

Sabine Parish Sheriff Detectives are requesting information about a stolen ATV.


The 2022 Red Honda Foreman 4×4 520 was taken some time between 5-7am on April 26 from a residence inside Florien City Limits.

The identifying information of the ATV has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

If anyone has any information, please contact Detective Sepulvado, at 318-256-9241 or submit an anonymous tip through our Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office App.


Zwolle officers receive Level 1 Louisiana Basic P.O.S.T. Certifications

Zwolle Police Chief Daniel Thomas and Assistant Chief Heath Bennett congratulate Sergeant Dustin Johnson and Officer Ron Clemence II on receiving their Level 1 Louisiana Basic P.O.S.T. Certifications.
 
For 14 weeks, the recruits received more than 501 hours of training in officer survival skills, active shooter drills, officer-down scenarios, academics, and weapons qualifications. Their training also included physical fitness, chemical weapons, legal aspects, defensive tactics, driving, diversity, professionalism, law, patrol activities, traffic services, report writing, investigations, firearms, first aid, and criminal justice.
 
Graduation exercises for the 53rd basic training class of the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy took place yesterday, May 2, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church in Shreveport. Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator was the guest speaker.
The Zwolle Police Department will continue to strive to have qualified officers that can be successful in serving our community.

Deputies receive Level 1 Louisiana Basic P.O.S.T. Certifications

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell and Chief Deputy Brad Walker announce Deputy Jared Alford, Deputy Timothy Early, Deputy Chris Goodman, Deputy Andrew James, and Deputy Michael McCammond received their Level 1 Louisiana Basic P.O.S.T. Certifications.
 
Graduation exercises for the 53rd basic training class of the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy took place yesterday, May 2, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church in Shreveport. Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator was the guest speaker.
Thirteen agencies were represented when graduates took the oath of office, received their badges, and participated in a special ceremony where family and friends assisted them with pinning on their badges for the first time.
 
For 14 weeks, the recruits received more than 501 hours of training in officer survival skills, active shooter drills, officer-down scenarios, academics, and weapons qualifications. Their training also included physical fitness, chemical weapons, legal aspects, defensive tactics, driving, diversity, professionalism, law, patrol activities, traffic services, report writing, investigations, firearms, first aid, and criminal justice.
 
Deputy Timothy Early was honored with the Firearms Award for having the highest average shooting score in the class.
Lt Jason Heard and Lt. Jesse Branam joined Sheriff Mitchell and Chief Deputy Walker in congratulating Deputies Alford, Early, Goodman, James, and McCammond on their hard work and accomplishments. All deputies are assigned to patrol in Sabine Parish.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell Awards Scholarship to College-Bound Teen

Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announced that Madison Holcomb of Sabine Parish was named the recipient of an academic scholarship from the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program for the 2022–2023 school year. She resides in Many and plans to attend McNeese State University and pursue Nursing as a field of study. Her parents are Candi and Bruce Taylor.
 
The Sheriffs’ Scholarship is made possible by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program (LSHMP). Louisiana Sheriffs provide scholarships to graduating high school students from each parish where the Sheriff is an affiliate of the Program.
Qualities such as academic achievement, leadership, and character are considered in making selections of Sheriffs’ scholarship recipients. The only limitations are that applicants be permanent residents of Louisiana; scholarships be utilized in higher education within the State; and students be enrolled as full-time, undergraduate students. Scholarships will be awarded in sixty-four parishes throughout the state.
 
In closing, Sheriff Mitchell said, “Academic awards by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program to Louisiana students demonstrate what the LSHMP is all about. This is one of our finest accomplishments. It invests in Louisiana’s future and gives something back to our community. This would not be possible without the kind and generous support of Sabine Parish’s Honorary Members.

Veterans Memorial Park Trade Days

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR will hold its inaugural Veterans Memorial Park Trade Days event on Saturday, May 6 from 8 am – 3 pm at the Veterans Park, located at 29336 Hwy. 191 in Many.

This event, held in connection with the Sale on the Trail (May 5-6 from Natchitoches, LA to Nacodoches, TX) is FREE to all shoppers.

Vendor spots are $25 for outdoors or $35 for indoors with a $10 discount for Veterans and DAV members. For more information call Pam Russell at 318-840-1405 or email pamrus43@gmail.com.


Shop ‘Til You Drop this weekend at ‘Sale on the Trail’

Ready to “shop ‘til you drop”? Or sell new or used items?

The El Camino Real Sale on the Trail takes place the this year, Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6, along 111 miles of the historic El Camino Real de los Tejas.
 
Make plans to drive the trail for yard sale bargains! Hop in your car and go along Hwy 6 in LA starting at Natchitoches and then west across Toledo Bend Lake to Texas Hwy 21 into Milam, TX, and beyond to Nacogdoches for a great adventure and great finds!

Along the trail, shoppers will find new and used items sold by local businesses and private individuals.
 
If you are a shopping warrior, collector, or just looking for fun, a weekend shopping the trail is a wonderful way to take advantage of the beautiful spring scenery and historical markers along the El Camino Real de los Tejas. Designated as a National Historic Trail in 2004, El Camino Real de los Tejas has existed for more than 300 years. The Spaniards and the French who marked the trail were followed by early missionaries of multiple faiths and later by such men as Stephen F. Austin, Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett and Sam Houston.
 
Keep up with the latest news on Facebook. For questions, call 1-800-259-1714 or 936-564-7351.

Save the Date: Sabine Parish Health Unit, Coroner’s Office Open House

The Sabine Parish Health Unit and the Sabine Parish Coroner’s Office will hold an Open House on Friday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at the health unit/coroner’s office building, located at 1230 W. Louisiana Ave. in Many.

The public is invited to meet the staff, see the health unit and the coroner’s office, and learn about how it serves the community.
Come speak with community health workers, Medicaid navigators, the Council on Alcohol /Drug Abuse (CADA), Nurse-Family Partnership and other local partners at their resource tables.

Free and open to the public. Light refreshments served.


May’s Upcoming Events

Check out the area’s upcoming events below:

May 5-6 Sale on the Trail along the El Camino Real De Los Tejas

May 7 Juneteenth Black Heritage Pageant at the Many High School Gym

May 13 Toledo Cruisers May Daze Car Show at Many High School

May 19-21 Sealy’s Big Bass Splash at Cypress Bend Park

May 27 Toledo Bend Family Adventure Park Grand Opening

As always, you can go to ToledoBendLakeCountry.com for more information!


Sabine Medical Center Ribbon Cutting

There will be a ribbon cutting for SMC’s Conference Center’s opening, and also in honor of hospital week. There will be things such as food and fun, and is being held on Tuesday, May 9. The ribbon cutting will be held at 12pm.  


Choctaw Apache Powwow

The Choctaw Apache Tribe will be holding its 30th annual powwow; including gourd dancing and lunch and dinner. The powwow will be held on Sat. April 29, from 10am to the evening, at 217 Gene Knight Road, Noble LA. 


Juneteenth Mototown Mantinee

Many will be holding its Juneteenth Mototown Mantinee, featuring regional music such as Etta James, Sam Cooke, Mary Wells, Billy Paul, and local singers. It is being held on June 3, 5pm-7pm, at the Sabine Theater in Many. 


Many man arrested for Zwolle aggravated arson

 
The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) arrested a Many man for allegedly setting fire to a vehicle that spread to a second vehicle and threatened a home in Zwolle where four people, including three teens, were inside sleeping.
 
Germany Thomas, 41, was booked into the Sabine Parish Jail on Wednesday, April 15, on one count of Aggravated Arson.
Around 5:45 a.m. on the 15th, the North Sabine Fire District responded to a report of a vehicle fire located in the 100 block of Ezernack Loop in Zwolle. When firefighters arrived, they found two vehicles on fire located 15 feet from a mobile home where a family of four was asleep.
 
Following an assessment of the scene, conducting witness statements and reviewing video evidence, SFM deputies determined the fire was intentionally set.
 
During the investigation, deputies learned the vehicle owner and Thomas, her ex-boyfriend, had been in an ongoing dispute that included threats toward the victim. Deputies also learned Thomas was a convicted arsonist.
 
After additional investigative efforts, Thomas was confirmed as the suspect in the case and a warrant was obtained for his arrest. The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office located Thomas and took him into custody later that day.
 
The SFM would like to thank the S.P.S.O. for their assistance with this case.
 
Photo: File Photo

Tire Sweep to be held on May 20

The Sabine Parish Police Jury announced a Tire Sweep will be held on Saturday, May 20 from 8 am – 2 pm at the Sabine Parish Road Office, located at 2581 Hwy. 171 in Many. There is a limit of five tire per driver’s license. This is for regular size tires or 18-wheeler tires, NO tractor tires. Participants must live in Sabine Parish. For more information call Ashley at 318-256-6231.


Sabine resident listed among LCU honors students

Louisiana Christian University held its 62nd Annual Honors Convocation Tuesday, recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of students in academics and athletics.

Student awards and recipients are listed below by department:

Art

Central Louisiana Ad Club Scholarship Award: Nathaniel Madrid, of Alexandria (Rapides)

Grady Harper Scholarship Award: Lena Cogghe, of Belgium and Paula Nolla Ferrer, of Spain

Thilo Steinschulte Scholarship Award: Gretchen Wolfe, of Rowlett, Texas

Athletics

NAIA Student Athlete Award: Nicholas Brunet, of Bourg (Terrebone) Claire Borot, of France

Business

ACBSP Student Leadership Award: Abigail Shields, of Deville (Rapides)

Outstanding Graduating Senior in Business Administration: Ting Jiang, of China

Outstanding Junior in Business Administration: Caroline Lucius, of Pineville (Rapides)

Sr External Major Field Test 2nd Highest: Kaleb Breaux, of Scott (Lafayette)

Sr External Major Field Test Highest: Kristoffer Boerjesson, of Sweden

Education

Avis L. Trahan – Outstanding Elementary Education Award: Karli Simmons, of Pollock (Grant)

Avis L. Trahan – Outstanding Secondary Education Award: Hannah Miller, of Iowa (Jefferson Davis)

Education Achievement Award: Paula Sims, of Florien (Sabine)

L. E. Beatrice McKenzie May Scholarship Award: Rebekah Bonnin, of Lufkin, Texas

William C. Todd Education Award: Ethan Christman, of Pineville (Rapides)

History and Political Science

Outstanding First Year Student: Chloe Must, of Lafayette (Lafayette)

Outstanding Upper-Class Student in History and Political Science: Benjamin Menard, of Corpus Christi, Texas

Health and Physical Education

Courtney Butler Scholarship: Hunter Allen, of Downsville (Ouachita)

Outstanding Exercise Science Clinical Wellness Major of the Year: D’Mario Weathersby, of Clinton (E.Feliciana)

Outstanding Exercise Science Sports and Wellness Major of the Year: Lauren Magleau, of Spain

Human Behavior

Alpha Tau Gamma Omega Cole Award: Delaina Doyle Walley, of Hineston (Rapides)

Ann McAllister Excellence in Social Work Award: Georgia Barfield, of Dry Prong (Grant)

Ann McAllister Excellence in Social Work Scholarship: Kayla Dauthier, of Jarreau (Point Coupee)

Social Work Student of the Year Award: Holly Tony, of Haughton (Bossier)

The Dr. James Quillin Memorial Psychology Student of the Year: Sydni Gross, of Lambertville, Michigan

Language and Literature

George Amos English Scholarship: Keirsten Lejeune, of Leesville (Vernon)

Ada Osborne Scholarship: Zane Blanchard, of Belle Rose (Assumption)

Alpha Mu Gamma Outstanding Member Award: Bethany Nichols, of Boyce (Rapides)

Alpha Mu Gamma Outstanding Senior Award: Delaina Doyle Walley, of Hineston (Rapides)

Carson Scholarship in English: Bethany Nichols, of Boyce (Rapides)

Ellander Ridge Scholarship: Mackenzie Strickland, of West Monroe (Ouachita)

English Faculty Scholarship: Delaina Doyle Walley, of Hineston (Rapides)

Ivey Gravette Scholarship in English: Samantha Ray, of Centerpoint (Avoyelles)

Mary Kate Bailes Freshman Essay Award: Anna Hooker, of Boyce (Rapides)

Mayme Hamlett English Scholarship: Cheryl Bullock, of Pollock (Rapides)

Media, Communication and Theatre

Ethel Holloman Memorial Journalism Scholarship: Victoria Watson, of New Iberia (Iberia)

Frank & Helen Bennett Endowed Scholarship in Theatre: Nicoy Harris, of Grand Forks, North Dakota

Fred Kendrick Memorial Journalism Scholarship: Phoebe Lim, of Baton Rouge (Baton Rouge)

Fred Lollar Scholarship in Public Relations: Nathan Roper, of Alexandria (Rapides)

Media and Communication Outstanding Freshman in Production: Sollon Scott, of Marrero (Jefferson)

Media and Communication Senior Excellence Award: Noel Schonhoff, of Slidell (St. Tammany)

Ortis Journalism Scholarship: Brandon Brown, of Lavon, Texas

Oscar Hoffmeyer Endowed Scholarship in Journalism: Sollon Scott, of Marrero (Jefferson)

Richard-Burton Endowed Scholarships:

-Communication Studies Emily Slay, of Pineville (Rapides)

-Convergence Media Kai Stone, of Kaplan (Vermillion)

-Theatre Carmen Taffi, of Pineville (Rapides)

Media/Communication “And Then Some” Award: Kai Stone, of Kaplan (Vermillion)

Wildcat Debate “And Then Some” Award: Camille Allgood, of Denham Springs (Livingston)

Wildcat Debate Top Novice Award: Zavier Whiting, of Fayetteville, Georgia

Missions and Ministries

Christian Studies Award: Ashley Young, of Benton (Bossier)

Zondervan Greek Award: Spencer Murdock, of Pollock (Grant)

Zondervan Theology Award: Evangeline Tudor, of Pineville (Rapides)

Music

Alsup Voice Award:

1st:Peyton Newton, of Alexandria (Rapides)

2nd: Italia Sosa, of Pineville (Rapides)

3rd: A’melia Perkins, of Pineville (Rapides)

B.B. McKinney Scholarship Award: Peyton Newton, of Alexandria (Rapides)

Carroll Lowe Scholarship Award: Billi Barber, of Slidell (St. Tammany) and Selena Torres, of Alexandria (Rapides)

Dixie Sylvest Moss Award: William Dunham, of Monroe (Ouachita)

Edith Kilgore Kirkpatrick Music Scholarship: Samantha McCullough, of Oakdale (Allen)

Gloria Joy Moore Scholarship: A’melia Perkins, of Pineville (Rapides)

Music Service Award: Kyle Dupre, of Houma (Terrebonne)

Pierre Valmont Blanchard Award for Vocal Achievement: Kyle Dupre, of Houma (Terrebonne)

Richard Hill Endowed Scholarship: Emma Walker, of Ball (Rapides)

Robert W. Poole Endowed Scholarship: William Dunham, of Monroe (Ouachita)

Sue McGahey Elgin Endowed Scholarship: Caleb Williams, of Frierson (DeSoto)

Natural Sciences

Carol Anne O’Quinn Award: Ethan Lanford, of Pineville (Rapides)

Hansel B. O’Quinn Award: Ethan Barnes, of Ball (Rapides)

J.F. Richie Memorial Award: Harrison Bieber, of Dry Prong (Grant)

Jarrell Memorial Award: Harrison Bieber, of Dry Prong (Grant)

Outstanding First Year Chemistry Award: Will Patton, of Bossier City (Bossier)

Rocky Vidrine Memorial Award- Outstanding Freshman in Pre-Med: Morgan Tradewell, of Deville (Rapides)

The Monroe Hilburn Award: Ethan West, of Ville Platte (Evangeline)

Nursing

Courage in Nursing: Maurtavius Evans, of Boyce (Rapides)

Division of Nursing Award: McKenna Bryant, of Pineville (Rapides)

Jean Livley Leadership Award: Lessley Fontenot, of Lafayette (Lafayette)

Nursing Association for Students Recognition Award: Adrianna Hedgemon, of Delhi (Richland)

Donies & Novie Magee Scholarship Award: Shelby Cumpton, of Quitman

“These students represent the University’s vision for ‘Preparing Graduates and Transforming Lives’ demonstrated by their commitment to academic excellence and Christian scholarship,” said President Dr. Rick Brewer. “The great tradition of equipping students for lives of learning, leading, and serving emblematic of Louisiana Christian University is evidenced by the work of our faculty and students. The University’s devotion to the Great Commandment is certainly expressed by our students’ dedication to “love God with heart, soul, and mind.”

Dr. Jeannie Gauthier, chair of the Division of Language and Literature, received the Olive Anne Rau Endowed Chair of English during the ceremony, as well. Eminent Scholars and Professorships are designed to recognize outstanding faculty and support productivity.

“Recognizing students who have excelled academically in the collegiate environment has long been a tradition at Louisiana Christian University,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Cheryl Clark. “School deans, departmental chairs, program directors, and faculty members work diligently to identify exceptional students. Students recognized at Honors Convocation represent LCU’s brightest scholars who have excelled in and outside the classroom.

“We are proud to recognize this year’s student honorees who exemplify academic excellence and a passion for learning. They have challenged themselves and discovered new pathways to personal success. We also celebrate our exceptional faculty who teach, mentor, and lead by example.”


Many Man Arrested For Zwolle Aggravated Arson

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has arrested a Many man for allegedly setting fire to a vehicle that spread to a second vehicle and threatened a home in Zwolle where four people, including three teens, were inside sleeping.
 
Germany Thomas, 41, was booked into the Sabine Parish Jail on Wednesday, April 15, on one count of Aggravated Arson.
 
Around 5:45 a.m. on the 15, the North Sabine Fire District responded to a report of a vehicle fire located in the 100 block of Ezernack Loop in Zwolle. When firefighters arrived, they found two vehicles on fire located 15 feet from a mobile home where a family of four was asleep.
 
Following an assessment of the scene, conducting witness statements and reviewing video evidence, SFM deputies determined the fire was intentionally set.
 
During the investigation, deputies learned the vehicle owner and Thomas, her ex-boyfriend, had been in an ongoing dispute that included threats toward the victim. Deputies also learned Thomas was a convicted arsonist.
 
After additional investigative efforts, Thomas was confirmed as the suspect in the case and a warrant was obtained for his arrest. The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office located Thomas and took him into custody later that day.
 
The SFM would like to thank the S.P.S.O. for their assistance with this case.

CPR and EMR Refresher

Members of Central Sabine Fire recently completed a refresher class for CPR/AED and EMR. These certifications must be renewed every two years and are vital to the department. Most of the calls for assistance are medical related.


South Sabine Fire District expands

South Sabine Fire District is currently under construction of two new stations. Pictured is the foundation for Station 11 located off WhiteCity Rd. Station 12 will be located off Sandel Rd. Both of these stations will house a pumper and a service truck and construction should be completed by June.