April 29 has served as the backdrop for events ranging from historic weddings to moments of unrest, each leaving a lasting imprint on society.

One of the most widely recognized events tied to this date occurred in 2011, when Prince William married Catherine Middleton in a ceremony watched by millions around the world. The royal wedding was seen as a modernizing moment for the British monarchy, blending tradition with contemporary appeal and capturing global attention.

April 29 is also remembered for the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which erupted following the acquittal of police officers involved in the beating of Rodney King. The unrest lasted several days, resulting in widespread damage, injuries, and loss of life. The riots highlighted deep racial and economic tensions in the United States and prompted ongoing discussions about policing and justice.

In wartime history, April 29, 1945, marked the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp by Allied forces during World War II. The discovery of the camp’s conditions exposed the full extent of atrocities committed during the Holocaust and became a pivotal moment in documenting those crimes.

The date also carries significance in technological progress. In 2004, the final Oldsmobile rolled off the assembly line, marking the end of one of America’s oldest automobile brands and symbolizing shifts within the auto industry.

From celebration to conflict and remembrance, April 29 reflects the wide spectrum of human experience, illustrating how a single date can hold moments of joy, tragedy, and transformation.

Cleco Group LLC, a Pineville-based electric utility serving nearly 300,000 customers across Louisiana, is set to be acquired by infrastructure investment firm Stonepeak and Bernhard Capital Partners under a newly announced agreement.

The transaction will transfer ownership from a consortium that includes Macquarie Asset Management, British Columbia Investment Management Corporation and Manulife Investment Management. Upon completion, Stonepeak will hold the majority interest in the company.

Cleco, which employs approximately 1,200 workers, will remain headquartered in Pineville and continue operating as a regulated utility under the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Company officials said there are no planned changes to staffing levels, compensation or benefits, and operations will continue across its existing 24-parish service area.

The company will maintain its focus on reliability and infrastructure improvements, supported by new investment partners with access to capital and experience in energy and infrastructure sectors. Over the past decade, Cleco has invested about $3 billion in system upgrades and resiliency projects, including a major grid hardening initiative approved by regulators in 2025.

Officials said the acquisition is expected to strengthen Cleco’s role as a key energy provider and economic driver in Louisiana, while supporting continued modernization and future growth.

The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals before it can be finalized.

Many and Sabine Parish residents will have the opportunity to celebrate God and country on Thursday, April 17, at the Many Community Center.

The talented Amazing Rhythm Disciples Band will present America’s Faith Concert in honor of America’s 250^th Anniversary.

The music will start at 6:00 p.m. at the Many Community Center.  Rodney Harrington, leader of the band, said the music will be about family and country, two important values to all Americans.

Harrington also had some good news to share.  “Because we have some faithful and supportive sponsors, admission to the concert will be free to everyone.”

Concert sponsors are The Harrington Law Firm, Foy Chevrolet, Anna Garcie for District Attorney, Sabine State Bank, and Buddy Wood State Farm Insurance.

“Let’s show everyone how much our people love God and country by showing up for this joyful evening of music here in Many,” said Many Mayor Robert Hable.

The Amazing Rhythm Disciples is the first in a number of planned programs throughout Many and Sabine Parish to celebrate the 250^th Anniversary of the United States of America.

Sabine Parish residents may soon decide on two tax measures aimed at community infrastructure and services following the State Bond Commission’s review on April 17, 2026. The Sabine Parish Police Jury has submitted two items for the June 27 election cycle.

The first proposal is a 2.0 mills tax for a 10-year period (2026-2035) to fund the administration, maintenance, and support of the Parish Library and its various branches. The second measure focuses on Road District No. 15, Ward 5, requesting a 13.02 mills tax for 10 years (2027-2036). These funds would be dedicated to the construction, repair, and maintenance of public roads and bridges, including drainage work and equipment purchases.

Students from Sabine Parish pursuing degrees through Northwestern State University’s School of Education were recognized during an Apple Pinning ceremony held March 24, marking their acceptance into teacher candidacy.

The ceremony honors students who have demonstrated a commitment to careers in education and will now advance into upper-level education coursework.

Students from Sabine Parish recognized include:

A Sabine Parish native has returned to the region to provide specialized women’s healthcare services, as Dr. Heather Jarrell Havener joins Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and its OB/GYN Associates practice.

Dr. Havener, a graduate of Negreet High School, is bringing her expertise back to the area after more than 12 years of practice in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and service in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps.

She specializes in a wide range of women’s health services, including prenatal care, high-risk pregnancies, menopausal management, and minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Havener is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and is also a certified menopause practitioner.

“I have always had an interest in women’s health and chose obstetrics and gynecology for its unique blend of medicine and surgery,” Dr. Havener said. “It allows me to build lasting relationships with patients while also providing hands-on, procedural care when it is needed most. From guiding patients through routine care to stepping in during critical moments, I am able to combine thoughtful clinical decision-making with surgical skill to support women’s health at every stage of life. Returning to the Sabine area to provide this specialized care for the communities that helped shape me is truly meaningful, and I am honored to be a part of a trusted healthcare team dedicated to improving lives.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Havener to our medical staff and back to the area where she grew up,” said Kirk Soileau, chief executive officer of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. “Not only does she bring exceptional clinical expertise, but also a deep connection to Natchitoches and the surrounding communities we serve. Having her team up with Dr. Aviles, Dr. Mason and Dr. Olatinwo at NRMC OB/GYN Associates ensures that women and families have access to essential, high-quality care close to home. This strengthens the overall health of our community and helps ensure the next generation has a healthy start in life. We are excited to have Dr. Havener join us and are confident in the compassionate, high-quality care she will provide.”

Dr. Havener is now seeing patients at NRMC OB/GYN Associates in Natchitoches. Those interested in scheduling an appointment can call 318-214-5773 or visit the hospital’s website for more information.

A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement leader serving multiple parishes across Central Louisiana has completed advanced training through the FBI National Academy.

Capt. John Volentine graduated from the 297th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on March 18. He was among 253 law enforcement officers selected from across the United States and internationally to participate in the program.

Volentine serves as captain over enforcement operations across a large region that includes Sabine, Vernon, Natchitoches, Grant, Winn, LaSalle, Avoyelles, Rapides, Catahoula, and Concordia parishes. He has been with the LDWF Enforcement Division since 2005.

The FBI National Academy is known for its intensive 10-week training program focused on leadership, communication, and physical fitness. Participants are chosen based on their experience and leadership within their agencies.

During his career, Volentine has played a role in emergency response efforts during multiple major hurricanes, including Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike, and Harvey. He has also received recognition for his work in wildlife enforcement, including being named Waterfowl Officer of the Year in 2013 and 2014.

In addition to his enforcement duties, Volentine serves as an adjunct instructor at LSU of Alexandria, where he teaches criminal justice courses.

Officials say his completion of the FBI National Academy highlights continued investment in leadership and public safety across Central Louisiana.

It’s barely spring, and it already feels like summer showed up early. Around here, people aren’t just noticing—it’s becoming the main topic of conversation.

Even the jokes are writing themselves. Crawfish might as well be saying they’re “boiling before the pot now.”

All humor aside, the early heat has folks doing double takes at the calendar and wondering what the rest of the season has in store.

Northwestern State University hosted over 1500 high school students, faculty sponsors and families from 38 schools from throughout the region for the Northwest Louisiana Literary Rally, Saturday, March 14. The Louisiana High School Rally, an academic competition held throughout the state since 1909, with the regional competition being held at NSU since the 1960’s, is an academic competition in which high school students compete by taking exams in a variety of subjects taught in high school. The Northwest Louisiana Rally held at NSU features different tests ranging from Agriscience to Calculus. Sabine parish was ably represented by students from Many, Zwolle, Converse, Ebarb, Florine, Negreet, and Pleasant Hill High Schools. 

Many took top honors in the Rally’s always competitive Division I. Zwolle earned a second place finish in Division II. Individual students who earn qualifying scores on their test or performance will advance to compete at the state literary rally at LSU in Baton Rouge on April 18.

Hard working teachers raising our young people’s sights and encouraging academic excellence are an integral part of our schools’ mission that all too often goes unrecognized. Thank you ladies and gentlemen for the hours of hard work, dedication and belief in your students’ abilities. Lastly, the Sabine Parish Journal wishes all the best to our parish’s students who will go on to represent Sabine parish at the state rally in Baton Rouge.

Don Burkett announced that he will not seek reelection as district attorney for the 11th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Burkett said serving the people of the 11th Judicial District has been a great honor and credited the success of the office to the work of its staff and employees.

The 11th Judicial District includes Natchitoches Parish and Sabine Parish.

Burkett also expressed appreciation for the kindness and support shown to him and his family throughout his time in office, noting that he has always tried to be fair and just in the decisions made during his tenure.

Masen Starks of Many represented Sabine Parish as he competed with fellow Northwestern State University students at the Louisiana/Mississippi Mathematical Association of America competition in Lafayette on Feb. 28.

Starks joined Shannon Boone of Deville and Natalie Sutton of Bossier City in competing in both the Integration Bee and the Team Competition.

Starks tied for fourth place out of approximately 60 students in the Integration Bee, narrowly missing a second-place finish.

The Team Competition featured 20 problems covering multiple areas of mathematics. More than 20 teams from 11 schools across Louisiana and Mississippi participated.

“Our team has been consistently improving their position over the last couple years,” said Nicholas Richardson, assistant professor of mathematics and team sponsor at Northwestern State University.

Information on mathematics programs at NSU is available at nsula.edu/program/bachelor-of-science-in-mathematics.

Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a fatal crash on Feb. 28 around 5:27 pm at the intersection of Louisiana Highway 120 and Louisiana Highway 175. This crash claimed the life of Kathy Birdwell, 66 of Natchitoches.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2000 Chevrolet Van was traveling west on Louisiana Highway 120.  For reasons still under investigation, the driver failed to stop at the intersection, which caused the vehicle to leave the roadway and impact the ditch embankment. 

The driver and two passengers, who were restrained, sustained moderate injuries and were transferred to a local medical facility for treatment. Birdwell, who also was 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.

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.

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.

Many Mayor Robert Hable announced that Chick-fil-A will bring a pop up event to Many later this month.

The popular restaurant chain is scheduled to set up at the Many Depot on Wednesday, Feb. 25. According to Hable, Chick-fil-A plans to return every other week to offer a delicious lunch to the Many community.

Sabine Parish law enforcement agencies were among several local partners involved in a long-term federal investigation that resulted in the indictment of 11 individuals accused of participating in a large, multi-parish drug trafficking organization operating across central Louisiana.

The investigation began in late fall 2024 after the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office launched a comprehensive narcotics operation targeting drug trafficking organizations operating within Vernon Parish and surrounding areas. As the scope of the investigation expanded, coordinated partnerships were established with multiple agencies, including the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, which contributed extensive manpower and investigative support.

Federal prosecutors said the joint effort targeted both local and out-of-state sources involved in the supply and distribution of illegal narcotics. The investigation ultimately disrupted multiple supply chains and dismantled local distribution networks connected to cartel-supplied drugs.

On Jan. 21, 2026, a federal grand jury in Lafayette returned a 12-count indictment charging 11 defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine. The indictment further alleges that one individual possessed more than 2,000 fentanyl pills intended for distribution within the Western District of Louisiana. Prosecutors also allege the use of cell phone communication facilities to facilitate the trafficking operation.

Authorities confirmed all 11 defendants have been arrested and are currently in federal custody.

Those indicted are:

Detrail Harris
Kameron Harris
Barry Pearson
Frank Coleman Jr.
Earl Thompson, also known as Nook
Michael Womack
Sevesta Sweet
Charles Jackson
Andrew Bulloch
Craig Hopkins
Buford Sawyer, also known as Dog Pound

Federal officials emphasized that the charges are allegations and that each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The case is filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana under docket number 26-CR-27. Officials noted the investigation remains ongoing and additional enforcement actions may occur.

Saturday services in Shreveport have been set for Northwestern State N-Club Hall of Fame basketball player Mickey Crknovic, who passed away last week.

A 2004 inductee into the N-Club Hall of Fame and a member of Northwestern’s All-Century Team as part of the “Fantastic 50” Legends Era, Crnkovic, 92, passed away peacefully at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Bossier City on Jan. 28. Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Shreveport with a 10:30 a.m. mass of Christian burial at 10:30.

A Zwolle native who attended then-Northwestern State College for two years before being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Crnkovic was the lone senior on the Demons’ 1957-58 Gulf States Conference championship team. That season, Crnkovic earned Little All-American honorable mention honors along with a spot on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s All-GSC first team.

He also was the 1958 Louisiana Invitational Tournament MVP and an all-tournament selection in a season where he was Northwestern’s team captain. Crnkovic remained in the area following his playing career, establishing a long educational career as a coach and as an administrator.

Crnkovic also remained close to Northwestern basketball.

“He used to come to our reunions, and he was a regular when we had those fish fries in early October,” former Demon head coach and fellow N-Club Hall of Famer Mike McConathy said. “My dad (John McConathy) used to talk about him being a really solid player. He was a gentleman who was a competitor who really loved the game of basketball and took a great deal of pride in being a Northwestern alumnus.”

Moving southwest to Florien, Crnkovic became a fixture in Sabine Parish education, eventually working his way into a position at the parish’s central office.

Crnkovic’s reputation of building relationships with his students was evident – on and off the court – especially in one who enjoyed a full-circle relationship with Crnkovic.

“I was his student, then when I got out of college, we taught together for several years,” said Ed Corley, himself a three-time Northwestern graduate. “Then the year I became principal (at Florien High School), he moved from Florien to the central office.”

Crnkovic’s success on the sideline at basketball-obsessed Florien – a school that has captured eight boys basketball state titles – were clear. The former basketball player, however, was just as successful in all areas of education and showed a knack for administration even while in the classroom.

“Coach Crnkovic probably most impressed me as a professional my first year as a teacher,” Corley said. “We were K-12 (kindergarten through 12th grade) at the time at Florien. We were getting SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) certification, and our principal at the time wanted us to go line item by line item through those packets. We were meeting and the elementary teachers were driving us crazy. They spent 30 minutes arguing about fair versus mediocre. I was watching coach Crnkovic and noticed he didn’t have much to say. When he spoke up, we all of a sudden were on the same page and happy with him. He had his stuff all together.”

Although they did not coach together, Dewain Strother – another NSU alumnus and a 2026 inductee in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame – did share some time at Florien together with Crnkovic.

Strother said their interactions were limited with most taking place in the teachers’ workroom at Florien. Strother described his fellow coach and NSU alum as someone with “a dry sense of humor” who was “a big, likeable guy.”

That understated sense of humor was made clear to Corley when he was still in school at Northwestern.

Corley had spoken with Crnkovic about substituting for him for a week in December.

“I did a lot of substituting – a college boy needs money,” Corley said. “(Substituting for a week) was going to be a pretty decent paycheck. The principal told me, ‘Coach put his lesson plans in his gradebook and put it in his mailbox.’ I went to his mailbox and got his gradebook out. There was one sheet in it, it said ‘Improvise.’

“I was teaching social studies and P.E. so it wasn’t going to be a problem, but he probably wouldn’t have left that as his plans if it had been anyone other than me. That just tickled the fire out of me. Improvise. I truly respected him as a friend, as a teacher and a fellow worker. I loved that man to death.”

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.

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.

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.