Shown here are the Sabine Parish Police Jury members who were in attendance for the first regular meeting of the year on Friday, Jan. 19. Left to right are Bruce Taylor, Eric Garcie, William Ruffin (seated), Ronny Bison, K-Wall Sepulvado (seated), Kenny John Remedies, Bo Stewart and Randy Byrd. Newly elected Juror Barry Stevens was not in attendance.
Introduced at Friday's meeting were Sabine Parish Police Jury President K-Wall Sepulvado, right, and Vice-President William Ruffin, left.
The Sabine Parish Police Jury met Friday to elect officers, appoint committees and conduct other business.
Committees named were:
Courthouse Committee – Bo Stewart, Chairman, K-Wall Sepulvado, William Ruffin and Randy Byrd.
Fender Cemetery Committee – Eric Garcie, Chairman, Bo Stewart, Bruce Taylor, Kenny John Remedies.
Finance Committee – William Ruffin, Chairman, K-Wall Sepulvado, Ronny Bison, Bo Stewart.
Personnel Committee – Ronny Bison, Chairman, Randy Byrd, Eric Garcie, Barry Stevens.
Pine Belt Committee – William Ruffin, Chairman, Barry Stevens, Bruce Taylor, Kenny John Remedies.
Road & Shop Committee – K-Wall Sepulvado, Chairman, Randy Byrd, Eric Garcie, Bruce Taylor.
Solid Waste Committee – K-Wall Sepulvado, Chairman, Ronny Bison, Barry Stevens, Kenny John Remedies.
Just an Observations on the Jury meeting: The room was full of visitors, which we were glad to see. One of the first items on the agenda was District Attorney Don Burkett telling the Jurors what they could and could not legally do. I take it this was primarily for the benefit of the new Jurors who took office in January. His remarks were good and needed. Seems to us, though, this would have been more meaningful if the DA had talked to the Jurors alone rather than including the public in such a long discussion.
Another item: Toward the beginning of the meeting, the Jury voted to go into Executive Session. All the visitors had to leave the meeting room and stand out in the hall. We are told the session was somewhat lengthy. Seems to us such sessions could be held at the end of jury meetings to allow members of the public to go home instead of having to stand out in the hallway waiting. We know for a fact some elderly guests and at least one official, maybe more, had to leave before the Jurors came out of Executive Session.
As they say, “Just sayin’!”
Barbara Lopez, owner of Barbara's Tax Service and Notary in Zwolle
The Internal Revenue Service has announced that Monday, Jan. 29, is the official starting date for the tax season. This is when agencies will be able to accept and process 2023 tax returns, and Barbara Lopez of Zwolle stands ready.
She is ready to handle all your tax preparation needs, including for those who need W2s or 1099 NECs issued.
Barbara’s Tax Service and Notary is located at 825 Maple St. in Zwolle. She is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. You may make an appointment, but walk-ins are welcome. Her phone numbers are (318) 471-4262 and (318) 645-6012.
Barbara has more than 40 years of experience in tax preparation. She attends tax classes and seminars to stay current on the latest tax laws and regulations.
It’s time, so plan to be there! The Town of Many will again this year host a lighted “Many Gras Parade” in downtown Many this Saturday, Jan. 27, at 6 p.m. In addition, there will be a pet parade, food vendors, music, dancing and more. Sounds like a great time, not to be missed.
Mr. and Mrs. Observations have been invited, along with some of our family and others, to ride on the huge "buggy" owned by Kevin Kelley and Ramona Guin of Natchitoches. It has been a big hit at parades in the area, and we'll be throwing lots of goodies courtesy of Kevin and Ramona's hospitality. We much appreciate the invitation and look forward to it! Watch for their Monster Truck, too, which you cannot miss.
Sabine native Pro Angler Justin Cooper
Justin Cooper of Sabine Parish will begin his first season in the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour on his home lake, Toledo Bend.
Cooper, who grew up in the Converse area, is a father, husband, fishing guide and full-time angler. When he isn’t traveling the nation to fish in tournaments, he’s at his Zwolle home on Toledo Bend running his guide service and fishing for bass and crappie. In the fall, you may find him hunting or working with RMS Outdoors as an Assistant Breeder Consultant.
“Not many people get to make a living out of something they love every day. I’m blessed for sure,” Cooper recently shared.
Cooper began fishing with his father at a young age, mostly on Red River, and he has always loved sports and the outdoors. He also grew up playing baseball and at the rodeo. At Northwestern State University he earned a degree in Biology with a Pre-Med concentration and another degree in Natural Sciences. Despite always having had strong ambition, Cooper never dreamed of being a full-time angler. It seemed out of reach so early in life.
With an itch to compete, Cooper and his college friends teamed up to revive the NSU Fishing Team, and he later took his new wildlife and fisheries education and interned at a South Texas ranch growing white-tail deer.
By graduation, Cooper’s heart was not in biology or set on medical school anymore. He continued seasonally at the ranch, continued fishing and worked some with Sabine pro angler Darold Gleason. He also began fishing in small circuit tournaments in the area.
Cooper said, “I began realizing I could have a real shot at fishing at the professional level when I realized I could hold my own against some big names in those tournaments.”
In 2020, he joined the Toyota Series with Major League Fishing, soon qualifying for the 2021 Pro Circuit. During his rookie year, Cooper had three Top 10 finishes and placed second in the Rookie of the Year race. The next year, he finished eleventh, leaving him only one spot away from his big break. At the 2023 season's end, Cooper was at twelfth place in points.
At that time, the MLF only brought the top eight anglers from the Invitationals to their Bass Pro Tour. However, when an angler retired or moved to another circuit, spots would open for the next five anglers.
It was in this way a spot opened for Cooper, and he got an unexpected call to join the Bass Pro Tour last fall. It was a welcomed surprise to Justin, who thought he hadn’t qualified. It was time to decide if he was going to go for it, but first, he shared the news with his wife and family. Tears were shed over the dream come true, and he immediately accepted the offer to join the MLF Bass Pro Tour Angler Roster.
When asked about goals, Justin said he’s giving everything he has to this season’s seven events. His dream is to place First Overall and win “Angler of the Year.” He is also striving to qualify for Redcrest, described as “the Superbowl of bass fishing.”
Cooper’s attitude going into the first event is optimistic and while he may have big goals and a competitive drive to reach them, he’s also humbly aware of the unique opportunity he has been given.
He said, “I’m going to be sure to enjoy every minute of it. I’m fishing against guys that I’ve looked up to my whole life like Edwin Evers, and I’ve even become friends with some of them. Edwin has been a mentor to me this past year, and I remember getting a picture with him at Foy’s in Many when I was young, and he was here fishing with the Bassmaster Elites... We’re all friends on and off the water. Once it’s ‘go time,’ of course it’s competition, but we’re a tight knit community that really looks out for each other.”
The Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour season begins Jan. 30 on Toledo Bend, and the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission wishes Justin the best of luck.
The tournament will be livestreamed daily at MajorLeagueFishing.com. Based on Cooper’s finishes, folks can meet him and other top anglers at the Watch Party and Trophy Ceremony that weekend. For more information on the tournament and its events, visit www.ToledoBendLakeCountry.com/MLF.
(Special thanks to Sabine Parish Tourist Commission Marketing and Events Manager Kelsi Horn, who supplied the above report.)
Kathy Ebarb worked with me and Barbara Lopez when I had the Many Pawn Shop many years ago. She then went on to have a successful career with the Louisiana Sabine River Authority.
Kathy has always had good things to say about her time working with me. She consistently talks about what she learned during that time, and it makes me feel good to know that maybe somewhere along the way I was able to help someone and make a difference.
For my recent birthday, she wrote: "A man with a sense of humor and taught me a lot about work, people, trust, just to be one’s self and believe in prayer.” Thanks, Kathy.
Sabine Sheriff Aaron Mitchell recently reported felony narcotic and firearm arrests for the month of December 2023.
Over one pound of suspected marijuana, almost two and one-quarter pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine, assorted pills, various drug paraphernalia, and five firearms were seized during the arrests and investigations of last month.
Arrested were:
Doyle Wayne Behan III, age 19, of Many - Possession of schedule II (Meth), Expired license plate, No headlights and No insurance.
Bond was set at $0, and he was released.
Kenneth Doyle Palmer, age 74, of Many - Warrant for Possession of schedule II (Hydrocodone).
He was released.
Mike Francis Matthews, age 54, of Robeline - Possession of schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of firearm in presence of CDS, Improper display of license plate and Failure to signal.
Bond was set at $5,000, and he bonded.
Jason Michael Stocking, age 45, of Milam, TX - Possession of schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of schedule II (Meth), Taillights required and Vehicle with required equipment, unsafe.
Bond was set at $2,500, and he bonded.
Mandy Melinda Roberts, age 44, of Florien - Possession of schedule III (Buprenorphine) and No license plate light.
Bond was set at 2,500, and she bonded.
Garry Q. Davis, age 41, of Jonesville - Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of firearm in presence of CDS, Possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies, Possession of CDS in presence of person under age 17, Operating vehicle while license is suspended and Modification of exhaust system.
Bond was set at $10,000, and he bonded.
Kyle Wayne Wallace, age 32, of Many - Possession of schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Flight from an officer, Careless operation, Operating vehicle while license is suspended and Taillights required.
Bond was set at $3,500, and he bonded.
Cameron N. Holden Jr., age 42, of Zwolle - Federal indictment for Distribution of methamphetamine.
He was transferred to federal custody.
Bacelis Brito Perry, age 47, of Zwolle - Federal indictment for 3-counts of Distribution of methamphetamine, five counts of Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
He was transferred to federal custody.
Bacelis Bernard Perry, age 28, of Zwolle - Federal indictment for 7-counts of Distribution of methamphetamine and Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
He was transferred to federal custody.
Alonzo Dharry Carter, age 23, of Many - Federal indictment for Felon in possession of firearms.
He was transferred to federal custody.
Darious Dejuan Brumfield, age 39, of Many - Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession of schedule IV (Xanax), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies and Warrant for Distribution of schedule II (Fentanyl).
His total bond was set at $80,000, and he was transferred to another facility.
Aaron Wayne Farmer, age 35, of Natchitoches - Possession of schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of firearm in presence of CDS and Possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies.
Bond was set at $10,000, and he remains in jail.
Jessie Lawayne Williams, age 48, of Provencal - Possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies, Taillights required, No insurance, Warrant for Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia and Taillights required.
His total bond was set at $6,000, and he remains in jail.
Rodas Rondolfo Watler Alvarado, age 23, of Port Arthur, TX - Possession of schedule I (Marijuana), Possession of schedule II (Cocaine) and Open container.
Bond was set at $1,000, and he remains in jail.
Amber Dawn Castillo, age 38, of Converse - Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of CDS in a drug free school zone and Warrant for Possession of schedule II (Meth) and drug paraphernalia.
Her total bond was set at $9,000, and she bonded.
(Thanks to Det. D. W. Seegers for the above information.)
[NOTE: Bond amounts are based on several factors, including type of arrest, the defendant’s criminal background and the likelihood of flight before trial. The bond amount is not a punishment, but an amount to make sure the defendant appears in court for the criminal proceedings. Generally, the higher the risk of non-appearance before the court, the higher the bond.]
The Rev. William "Bill" Nash, Bishop of Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church in Mangham
One long-time reader of Observations is the Rev. William “Bill” Nash, who serves as Bishop of Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church in Mangham. He is a native of DeRidder and is very interested in state politics, having written several books on the subject. In addition to his pastoral work, he is also president of the Fort Polk Heritage Family Association. Another great thing about him is that Buddy Wood thinks the world of him.
At any rate, on my recent birthday, Jan. 5, Brother Nash wrote the following, which made me feel richly blessed:
“[As] a longtime reader of The Sabine Index (Many, Louisiana), I salute the testimony of my dear friend, Mr. Robert Gentry, in this week's edition. Mr. Gentry owned the great weekly paper for many years.
“He details the fire of June 1978 which hit his building in Many while he was on vacation and the distressing news he received. Mr. Gentry immediately flew home, [and] with the help of friends, he didn't miss a publication that week. Proof that in any battle or struggle, by trusting the Lord, one can rise back up and move forward!
“Robert Gentry is a stalwart man, my loyal senior friend. I have been his guest, visited he and his dear wife, Laurie Gentry, just prior to my 2017 trip to Washington D.C. to pray in U.S. House. The Gentry's friendship is one I value.
“Remember, it's the small and determined steps that God will bless. 'He is Faithful and His Compassions are renewed every morning!' Lamentations 3:22-23.”
That scripture has become my wife’s favorite over the last few years, and what Brother Nash shared blessed both of our hearts.
Terry Pilkington at Dairy Delight in Pleasant Hill continually turns out good food. We had the pleasure of dining there last Friday with the Hon. Joe R. Salter and Tedd Dumas. Joe and I always eat fish when we have the opportunity, and Joe said it was some of the best he has ever eaten. And the wonderful thing about it, Tedd paid for it!
According to the Kobeissi Letter, the U.S. national debt just broke above $34 trillion. It went up $1 trillion in the last three months, $2 trillion in the past six months, $4 trillion in the past two years and $11 trillion in the past four years. That’s a massive 50% jump in the debt since 2020.
The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed the death of a Fisher woman due to winter weather-related matters. She was 73 years old and died due to hypothermia. It was confirmed by the Coroner’s Office as a weather-related death.
Travis, Bayli and little Clovis Brossette; Bayli is steward of Briarwood Nature Preserve in Saline, LA.
It was with great pleasure I saw some relatives featured in Garden & Gun magazine recently in a piece about Briarwood Nature Preserve, which was first established in 1859. Briarwood was once the family property of conservation pioneer Caroline Dormon, the first woman to be hired by the U.S. Forest Service. When she passed in 1971, the Saline, LA acreage went into the hands of her foundation.
A maternal cousin of mine, Travis Brossette, is married to the present-day curator of the preserve. His wife is Bayli Brossette, and she and Travis are the proud parents of baby Clovis. They live on the Briarwood property full-time in a 50-year-old home the young couple is renovating.
“We were a package deal,” Bayli told the magazine. “Travis does manual labor, chainsaws, and tractors. I do tours, outreach, and fundraising.”
Among its other natural treasures, the beautiful preserve is known for its historic and rare Louisiana irises. We hope to attend the upcoming April 20 picnic party at Briarwood, when Bayli will unveil the big 2,000-square-foot iris garden she has been working on diligently to repair from the tornado damage it suffered in 2019.
The party will celebrate the garden’s "in progress" restoration. Bayli and Travis are working hard to complete the entire project by 2025. Thankfully, a few dozen nearby high school students have volunteered on the project, all while learning about the property, its history and its needs so the grounds may enjoy preservation for years to come.
Congratulations to the Brossettes on the recent publicity of their good work!
Sabine Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announces Recovery of Stolen Vehicle
The driver of a stolen Chevrolet Silverado, shown at left, was apprehended by a Sabine Sheriff's Deputy at Shop a Lott #19 on the corner of Hwy. 6 and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive last Wednesday morning.
On Tuesday morning, Jan. 23, Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reported the Jan. 17 arrest of Tyler Tyjaie McNeal, age 19, of Leesville for Illegal possession of stolen things.
The Deridder Police Department had been investigating the theft of a Chevrolet Silverado from their city earlier this month, and on Wednesday morning, Jan. 17, the truck was located at Apollo Apartments in Many.
Sabine Parish Sheriff Deputies initiated surveillance of the truck and waited for the suspect to drive the vehicle. McNeal left the complex in the stolen truck, and he was stopped by Deputies shortly thereafter at a Many convenience store.
McNeal was arrested and booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for Illegal possession of stolen things.
The case remains under investigation by the Deridder Police Department.
WE GET LETTERS. And we always look forward to hearing from faithful Observations reader and good friend, Dr. Ronald Byrd, of South Boston, VA. His latest follows:
“Judge Gentry might be overdoing the continuing education bit; at this rate, she might have to relocate to Baton Rouge to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court one day. On another note, it is refreshing to see a conservative governor in Louisiana; with what's happening across the Nation, it was hard for me to understand how voters stumbled and had earlier put a liberal in charge, a person with values that didn't represent the Louisiana voters that I know. Welcome, Jeff! Laurie was clearly the belle of the ball at his inauguration, getting him off to a good start, so I'm looking forward to some solid conservative governance from him. My best wishes also go to Speaker Mike Johnson who has his work cut out for him, being hindered badly by so many RINOs. …Still, things political might improve if we can turn the corner in this next election! Wouldn't we like to see a return to peace in the Middle East, a strong economy, common sense use of fossil fuels, and an understanding that the climate has changed for millions of years and an increase in carbon dioxide is not to blame? Love your Observations!”
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