By Brad Dison

On the night of April 23, 2006, David Kotkin, Cathy Daly, and Mia Volmut went to dinner after work in West Palm Beach, Florida. David was a multimillionaire and Cathy and Mia were his assistants. At about 11:15 pm, after they had finished dinner, they left the restaurant and walked into the parking lot. They were unaware that they were being watched.

Four teenagers sat in a dark car and watched as David, Cathy and Mia exited the restaurant. When the trio was about halfway between the restaurant and their vehicle, far enough that they would be unable to run to the safety of either, the teenagers jumped from their parked car. Before the trio could react, pistols were pointing at their faces at close range. The teenagers told the trio to give them their money, cell phones, and whatever else of value they had on them. By stealing their phones, the robbers knew they would be long gone by the time the trio could alert police.

Cathy and Mia gave the teenage robbers a purse which contained about 200 euros, $100, a passport, and airline tickets. Cathy and Mia emptied their pockets of about $400. To the robbers, it was looking like it was going to be a good night. In David, however, they were attempting to rob the wrong man.

David, himself, had a habit of making things disappear and could escape pretty much any situation which presented itself. He had made his fortune by making things owned by other people disappear right before their own eyes. At his peak, David cleverly pulled in thousands of dollars per night.

David remained calm. He carefully studied the faces of the teenage hoodlums. At their insistence, David pulled his pockets inside out. He showed the robbers that his pockets contained nothing of value. The teenagers were surprised that he had no money, no wallet, and no cell phone, when they had made such a big score from his companions.

Finally satisfied that they had taken all there was to take from the trio, the teenage robbers ran to their car and sped away. David had outsmarted the four robbers. By using what he referred to as “reverse pickpocketing” aided by the shadows that the night provided, David hid his cell phone and wallet in the palms of his hands. As the robbers were fleeing, David, cell phone already in his hand, dialed 911 and gave the police the license plate number of the robbers’ car.

Within minutes, police arrested the four teenage robbers and recovered the stolen goods. At the police station, David, Cathy, and Mia easily identified the teenage robbers. Police charged the teenagers with armed robbery and held them without bond. Some of officers knew that David had a habit of cutting women into pieces, but none attempted to arrest him. Rather, several of them asked for his autograph. You know David Kotkin by his professional name. He is master illusionist David Copperfield.

Sources: Fromm, Emily. “David Copperfield Robbed at Gunpoint.” People.com. Accessed May 9, 2022. people.com/celebrity/david-copperfield-robbed-at-gunpoint/.

The NRMC Wound Center was recently recognized for receiving the Center of Distinction Award; the prestigious Robert A. Warriner, III Clinical Excellence Award for 2021, and a 2021 President’s Circle Award recipient.

For more than a decade, Healogics has presented the Center of Distinction Award to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and accomplishments of Wound Centers that deliver care, treatment and services in a manner that exceeds the performance of other like Centers. Center of Distinction awards are given to Centers that achieve or exceed outstanding clinical and operational results, including ≥ 92% Patient Satisfaction Rate, ≥ 75% Wound Adjusted Comprehensive Healing Rate and a ≤ 16% Outlier Rate.

To be awarded the Clinical Excellence Award, a Center must score in the top 10 percent of eligible Wound Care Centers for 2021 on the Clinical Excellence measure, which is the Comprehensive Healing Rate weighted by wound mix.

The 2021 President’s Circle Award is based on achieving or exceeding outstanding clinical and operational results in 2021. This award distinguishes winners as the best of the best.

“We are exceptionally proud of our outstanding wound care team,” explained Kirk Soileau, NRMC CEO. “Since opening, they have consistently set high standards of care and customer service and performed their work at the top deciles nationally. Their ability to heal problem wounds is astounding. They improve their patients’ quality of life by successfully treating wounds that impact every aspect of life: physically and emotionally. Most importantly, they are saving lives and limbs. Thank you to every member of the NRMC Wound Care team for your care and commitment to our community.”

For more information on wound care services, please visit NRMChospital.org

The Sabine Parish Library will hold its 2022 Summer Reading Program from June 3 – July 15. This year’s theme is “Oceans of Possibilities.”

A Kick Off Celebration will be held on Friday, June 3 at 10 am at the Many Community Center featuring Musician Johnette Downing.

The Summer Reading Program will take place at the library’s main branch in Many on the following days:

Mondays at 10 am for ages 0-2

Tuesdays at 10 am for ages 3-4

Wednesdays at 10 am for ages 5-7

Thursdays at 1 pm for ages 8-12

The program will take place at the library’s Toledo Branch on Tuesdays at 1 pm, Zwolle Branch on Tuesdays at 1 pm and at Converse Branch on Tuesdays at 2 pm.

ATTENTION: Educators, Law-enforcement, health-care providers, mental-healthcare providers, teens 16 years and older, parents, clergy, administrators, blue and white collar workers, etc.

We invite you to attend a 2-DAY, ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). ASIST is similar to a CPR skill that resuscitates someone to physically breath again, whereas ASIST helps resuscitate someone into wanting to keep breathing. The cost to you is $0, because we want everyone to have an opportunity to learn this skill. It is our belief, that suicide can be prevented if we all learn how to recognize someone who may be thinking of suicide and help them agree to work towards safety. All mental health professionals, in the nation, can receive 12 CEUs after this training, through Livingworks education, for a $60 fee. 

Avoyelles Parish: May 16/17, 30/31, & Aug 2/3 (CLHSD)

Vernon Parish: June 6/7 (Leesville) (CLHSD)

Red River Parish: Jun 20/21 (Coushatta) (Christus)

Bienville Parish: July 25/26 (Arcadia) (Christus)

 REGISTER HERE: https://www.savecenla.com/asist

The Many Police Department recently received a Special Wave Enforcement grant from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission to partner with the state in its annual Click it or Ticket program.  

May 23 through June 6 the Town of Many Police Department will check to make sure everyone is properly secured in their vehicles, drivers and passengers alike. Extra patrols will be on duty to ensure  citizens are safe as they travel on city streets and roads throughout town. 

“This campaign is to raise awareness that wearing a seat belt is one of the safest habits to learn, from the time your children are passengers in a vehicle,” said Many Police Chief Cheryl Wooley.  “One of the safest choices you can make is to buckle up EVERY TIME you get into a vehicle, especially for children.”

Many Americans understand the lifesaving values of the seat belt as the national use rate was 90.7% in 2019. Seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2018. In contrast, of the 22,215 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2019, 47% were not wearing seat belts. 

The consequences of not wearing or improperly wearing a seat belt are clear. When a person is properly restrained in a seat belt, the chance of being ejected from the vehicle in a crash is close to zero but almost always results in death if ejected because of not wearing a seat belt. Air bags are not enough to project you in a crash and can seriously harm or kill you if you are not properly restrained in your seat belt. In 2017, 54% of unrestrained passengers ages 13-15 were killed in vehicle crashes. 

With school about to be out and the summer holidays fast approaching, more people will take to the roads on vacation. Always be sure you and your passengers are properly buckled in to keep everyone safe even if you are involved in a wreck. Constantly remind your children to buckle up properly during the whole ride and always make sure they are buckled in prior to moving the car, no matter how short or routine the trip.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, NHTSA.org, has information about properly restraining vehicle occupants including infants and small children.  Always remember to buckle up when getting into a vehicle before you begin driving. The life you save just may be your own.

BOM was a table sponsor for the Toledo Bend Lake Association – Bass Unlimited Banquet. All proceeds raised at the Bass Unlimited Auction are directly invested into projects benefitting the Toledo Bend Lake Area – projects like the Sabine Parish 5th Grade Fishing Clinic, purchasing school supplies for Sabine Parish and Sabine County children, and boat ramp signs around the lake.

Pictured left to right: Ted Dove (TBLA – Sponsor Committee Chairman), and Daniel Bennett (BOM Sabine Parish Market President)

Northwestern State University awarded 1,025 degrees to 991 graduates during spring commencement May 11-12.  Graduates collected diplomas for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees, post-baccalaureate certificates and post-master’s degrees.  An honorary doctor of humanities was awarded to Baton Rouge businesswoman and 1968 NSU alumna Lela Mae Wilkes.

Graduates listed by hometown (in Sabine Parish) are as follows.

Belmont – Jayce Gentry, Bachelor of Science;

Converse – Kimberly Dobbs, Associate of Science in Nursing; Hannah Parker, Master of Education;

Florien – Lacey Ezernack, Associate of General Studies; Shellie Miller, Bachelor of General Studies;  Connor Arthur, Bachelor of Science; Stefanie Corley, Master of Science in Nursing;

Many – Sarah Lewing, Associate of General Studies; Seth Ozsoy, Bachelor of Arts; Emmalynn Beason, Toby Bruce, Gabrielle Bryant, Shayla Duhon, Haydn Knight, Tanner Rains, Aubrey Sepulvado, Tobias Williams, Bachelor of Science;                                                                                                                

Pleasant Hill – Ethan Johnson, Bachelor of Science; 

Zwolle – Jerry Palmer, Autumn Wyatt, Bachelor of General Studies; Lloyd Gentry, Mckenzie Steele, Emerald Terrell, Bachelor of Science  

NATCHITOCHES:
Benedict “Bubba” LaCour, Jr.
December 1, 1945 – May 4, 2022
Service: Saturday, May 21 at 11 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle

WINN:
Marie Guthrie Saucier
January 18, 1926 – May 16, 2022
Service: Wednesday, May 18 at 12 pm at Bethel Church of Christ, located at 4793 Highway 501 in Winnfield

RED RIVER:
Terry Lynn Fields
December 31, 1951 – May 14, 2022
Service: Wednesday, May 18 at 1 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel

The Many Police Department is seeking any information that could be critical to finding Shelby Loranna Carhee, born on March 11, 2010. She was last seen last seen wearing black hoodie, brown pants, possibly tennis shoes or sandals.

If you have any information, please contact 911 immediately. Don’t let her become another stat.

Being raised in Ferriday hardly makes you a city boy. But because he could sing and tickle the ivories, and because he opened a watering hole in Texas the size of a football field, Mickey Gilley, a son of small-town Louisiana, ended up batting leadoff in the Urban Cowboy League, which was no small deal in the rawhide-crazed 1980s.

With the sad weekend news of the passing at age 86 of the keyboard whiz, singer and approachable entertainer, our heart was heavier than a couple of barroom bouncers sitting on top a honkytonk piano.

I sort of got to meet Mickey Gilley (somehow you have to say his whole name — “Mickey” or “Gilley” doesn’t sound right) a half-dozen years ago when he played at Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant. I say “got to meet” but really all I did was take a picture of him and my spousal unit, who he was a bit taken by. They talked and hugged and I took some pictures and they carried on and I got out of the way and went looking for a place to sit down. I’m used to this.

He was a nice man and his picture hangs in her office, along with a lot of other pictures of her and other people I almost sort of got to meet until they met her.

Speaking of women, the 1980s were about Urban Cowgirls as much as they were about cowboys. Country was cool. Ropers and hats and belt buckles the size of saucers. Your friends who usually listened to nothing but hard rock suddenly knew all the words to Lookin’ for Love.

It vanished of course, as all good things do, and now what passes for country music is gut bucket drivel. The Urban Cowboy craze was the last great run country music had. We have been lucky that a George Strait or Brad Paisley have surfaced since, but I’m afraid that the days of Mickey Gilley and Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings are gone, lost as a dozen of your old worn out bandanas.

And so, with our felt Stetson over our heart, we salute a time gone by with the Top 10 Mickey Gilley Songs, According To Me.

10. Room Full of Roses: “I just want my arms around you…”

9. Overnight Sensation: “She’s an overnight sensation, she’s an open invitation…” Mickey Gilley could not quite figure this girl out.

8. Window Up Above: Couldn’t figure this one either. Heartbreak City.

7. Don’t The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time: EVERYBODY knew the words to this monster hit.

6. Stand By Me: One of Mickey Gilley’s classic covers, along with …

5. True Love Ways, and

4. You Don’t Know Me

3. Object of My Affection: Lots of good bluesy “boogie woogie” piano here.

2. Power of Positive Drinking: And here too.

1. It’s a Headache Tomorrow (Or A Heartache Tonight): “No matter which one you choose, you loose…” Hurts me. One of the best songs of the Urban Cowboy era, a chapter of which closes with the passing of Mickey Gilley.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

The North Sabine Fire Department was dispatched to a one vehicle MVA that went off into lake on Hwy 1215 on May 8 at approximately 2:56 pm. No injuries were reported. Units on the scene included: rescue 1 (Zwolle), 103 (duty crew), 106 (Zwolle), and the NSFD Dive team, which was on standby for rescue and assisted with the recovery of the vehicle from the lake.

At approximately 6:15 the same day, NSFD was dispatched to a one vehicle MVA that went off the roadway on Hwy. 191 at Fisherman Warf Road with injuries reported. NSFD, SPSO and Med Express, Rescue 1 (Zwolle), 103 ( duty crew), and Engine 6 (Union Springs) were on the scene.

Sabine Parish – Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a fatal crash on May 7 at approximately 6:30 pm on JaBush Road. This crash claimed the life of 11-year-old Saylor Gatti of Zwolle.

The initial investigation revealed a 2021 Yamaha Viking Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV), driven by Gatti, was westbound on JaBush Road.  For reasons still under investigation, Gatti lost control of the vehicle which caused it to overturn. This action ejected Gatti and her three juvenile passengers from the vehicle.

Gatti, who was not restrained or wearing a helmet, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Sabine Parish Coroner’s Office. One juvenile passenger, who was not restrained or wearing a helmet, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Two additional juvenile passengers, who also were not restrained or wearing a helmet, sustained no injuries.

Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

Grant Parish – Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on May 7 at approximately 8:45 pm on U.S. Highway 165 at Louisiana Highway 3130. This crash claimed the life of a 14-year-old juvenile passenger.

The initial investigation revealed a 2006 Toyota Tacoma, driven by a juvenile, was westbound on Louisiana Highway 3130. As the Toyota approached the intersection of U.S. Highway 165, the juvenile failed to stop at the stop sign before proceeding. As a result, the Toyota entered the northbound travel lanes of U.S. Highway 165 and was struck by a northbound 2022 Hyundai. This action caused the Toyota to overturn onto its roof ejecting two passengers. 

At the time of the crash, the juvenile driver was transporting six juvenile passengers. Four of the six juvenile passengers, who were not restrained, sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital. One juvenile passenger, who was not restrained, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital. One juvenile passenger, who was not restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by Grant Parish Coroner’s Office. The juvenile driver, who was not restrained, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The driver of the Hyundai and three passengers, who all were restrained, sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital.

Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police would like to take this opportunity to remind/inform motorists that properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most important decisions that a motorist can make. While not all crashes are survivable, proper use of seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.

In 2022, Troop E has investigated 16 fatal crashes resulting in 17 deaths.

 BOM was proud to sponsor the Many High School Lady Tigers Softball Team as they traveled to Sulphur to compete in the LHSAA Softball State Tournament. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Twyla Lovelady, Kaley Koss, MaKynli Miller and BOM’s Tiffany Miller. Congratulations on your back to back State Championships!

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell sadly reported on May 7 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Sabine Parish Sheriff Deputies and Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a fatal crash on JaBush Road. This crash claimed the life of 11-year-old Saylor Gatti of Zwolle.

The initial investigation revealed a 2021 Yamaha Viking Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV), driven by Gatti, was westbound on JaBush Road. For reasons still under investigation, Gatti lost control of the vehicle which caused it to overturn. This action ejected Gatti and her three juvenile passengers from the vehicle.

Gatti, who was not restrained or wearing a helmet, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Sabine Parish Coroner’s Office.

One juvenile passenger, who was not restrained or wearing a helmet, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Two additional juvenile passengers, who also were not restrained or wearing a helmet, sustained no injuries.

Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. The crash remains under investigation by the Louisiana State Police.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $500 cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of anyone involved in the burglary at the VFW Hall. Cash and other items were taken. This incident happened May 4 on Dahlia Vines Street in Zwolle. Crime Stoppers can be contacted at 318-256-4511.

Zwolle Police Chief Thomas and everyone at the Zwolle Police Department would like to congratulate its new Assistant Chief, Heath Bennet, as he takes on his new role. Heath has been with the department since September of 2020. He has proven that he is worthy of this promotion. Keep him in your prayers as he steps into his new position. Congratulations!!!!

The NRMC Foundation proudly presents the 34th Annual NRMC Foundation Gala Saturday, May 21st. Join us for an evening of glamour and fine dining with entertainment provided by Limelight – a renowned eleven-piece band experience. The 2022 “Black and White” Gala will be a night to remember. Proceeds from the event will support the mission of the NRMC Foundation. Tickets are on sale for $100 per person, and a few table sponsorships (reserved seating) are also available.

Make a difference for better health in our community and have an amazing night with us.

Saturday, May 21, 2022
Natchitoches Event Center
Cocktails served at 6:30pm

For tickets, table sponsorships or more information, please contact Cathy Jacobs at Cathy.Jacobs@nrmchospital.org or call 318.214.4513.

Special thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors who make this event possible.

On May 13^th, 1822, future President Zachary Taylor arrived at Fort Jesup with four companies of the 7^th United States Infantry officially opening the Fort.  Fort Jesup would not only be an important part of Sabine Parish History but would also play an important role in American History.  Help us celebrate the founding of Fort Jesup on Friday and Saturday, May 13-14 with a weekend full of special events. 

Kicking the celebration off at 6 pm on Friday will be a special “Taste of History” meal served in the original army kitchen.  Experience some of the dishes that officers and soldiers would have eaten in 1822 by candlelight in the only original building from Fort Jesup.  After the meal, at 7 pm, there will be special presentations on the history of Fort Jesup and the region. 

On Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm there will be a Living History Day that will recreate military and civilian life at the Fort from 1822-1846.  There will be a special flag raising ceremony at 10:30 a.m. to commentate the opening of the Fort.  Step back in time and experience what life was like 200 years ago at America’s newest frontier fort.

Tickets to the Taste of History are $ 25 and can be purchased at Many Town Hall or by contacting the Friends of Fort Jesup at ftjesupfriends@yahoo.com, ftjesup.org or 318-461-5376.  Only a limited number of tickets will be available at the door.  All proceeds go to the Friends of Fort Jesup to help fund special events, youth education programs and new museum exhibits.

Admission to the Special Presentations is free and a ticket to a Taste of History is not required.

Admission to the Living History Events will be regular park admission of $ 4 for adults.

Mark your calendars for Fort Fest Arts, Crafts, and Heritage Festival on Saturday November 12!