Sen. Louie Bernard
State Sen. Louie Bernard will be among four new inductees into the Northwestern State University Alumni Hall of Distinction, the Long Purple Line on Friday, Nov. 3, at a noon luncheon in the Natchitoches Events Center. Tickets at $30 may be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nsu-long-purple-line-luncheon-tickets-678071870217?aff=ebdssbdestsearch .
Sen. Bernard has distinguished himself with a lifetime of public service. A graduate of Natchitoches High School, he earned a degree in political science and history from NSU in 1973. He began his public service working with the Natchitoches Parish Police Jury where he worked for 16 years as purchasing agent, assistant secretary-treasurer and then as administrator.
Moving on up, he was elected Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court in 1991. Prior to his retirement from the Clerk’s Office in 2016, he was an active member of the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association, having served as a member of the Board of Directors, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President and was one of only two Clerks to serve as President twice.
Louie has represented District 31 in the State Senate for the past four years. He serves as Vice-Chair of the Senate Insurance Committee, in addition to serving on other committees. In the recent election, he chose not to seek re-election to the Senate post.
Louie is one of the most likable persons we have ever known. He is an outstanding speaker, and there are folks who say he can bring a tear to a glass eye. He has been very active in community affairs for many years and is highly regarded by all who know him.
As a side story, many years ago while attending NSU, I was driving home to Marthaville on a Friday afternoon, and I came upon an accident just a few miles west of Natchitoches.
A young lad on a bicycle had been hit by a truck. I was the first on the scene and asked the boy, who was hurt and crying, where he lived. He pointed to a house up a nearby driveway. I took the lad in my arms, ran up the driveway and delivered him to his mother. I did not know how important a package I was carrying at the time.
Many years later, the late Dollie Knippers, who was Sabine Clerk of Court at the time, invited me to an area meeting of Clerks of Court at Griffin Lodge.
While there, Louie and I were in conversation and to our mutual surprise, I discovered he was the little boy that I had carried up the drive, and he discovered I was the guy who did it.
It was wonderful to learn that I had helped such a great human being. Though I hate the accident happened, being able to be of help in that moment will always be a highlight among my cherished memories.
Sabine Tourist Commission Director Georgia Craven, right, and staff Krystal Sepulvado, left, and Kelsi Horn, center, greeted folks at the Many Fall Festival last Saturday.
Dozens of booths, great weather and lots of fun activities marked a very successful Many Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 28. A large crowd attended, and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time.
“We want to personally thank our churches and businesses that came out and helped make our Fall Fest carnival such a success,” First Lady of Many Crystal Hable shared afterward. “It was wonderful to see so many come and give back to our community. It was great seeing all the families enjoying time together. We hope to build off this year and make the carnival an annual community involvement [opportunity.] Robert and I couldn't be more proud to live in Many. If you missed out this year because of other commitments, plan on joining us in 2024,” she said.
"Painting with Shanna" Gaspard, shown at left, was a popular attraction at the Fall Festival in downtown Many Saturday. Judge Verity Gentry, center right, sponsored the activity, and she and niece Bree Martinez, right, painted their pumpkins together. Shanna is holding a painting one of her young friends gifted to her. It says, "I love you."
Shown enjoying the Many Fall Festival pumpkin painting activity, above, from left are my granddaughter Bree Martinez, her mom Amber Gentry and Judge Verity Gentry, two of my daughters. At right is the talented Ellison "Ellie" Walker, daughter of Brad and Laura Walker.
Crystal Hable and other event organizers worked hard to provide high quality retail vendors, good food and lots of fun activities for kids and adults alike. One of most popular attractions was riding the mechanical bull which kept a long line of eager riders the entire festival. It was free of charge as were the balloon pop, free throw game, golf putt, bounce house and other games. Lots of Many churches and businesses made it all possible.
Enjoying the festivities and helping out at the Ft. Jessup Baptist Church booth were, from left, Pearlie Colston, Sonya Dubois and Kim Lafitte.
As always, “Painting with Shanna” by Chamber Director and artist Shanna Dees Gaspard was a popular draw. The activity maxed out with 50 people painting art to carry home for free, and Shanna said she will double the number of available spots next time.
Judge Verity Gentry, who sponsored the free painting activity, said, “It touches my heart to see these young people and families enjoying events like this right here in downtown Many. I love that they’re making memories at home, and I hope as the little ones grow, they’ll be inspired to continue to provide great community events for years to come.”
This patriotic pumpkin, above, was one of many decorated pumpkins submitted by 4-H students on display at the Many Fall Festival on Oct. 28.
We hear next up in downtown Many is the Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m., then Moonlight Madness on Nov. 30 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Kudos to all involved who helped produce the great Many Fall Festival. We look forward to the events to come.
Early voting for the Nov. 18 run-off begins this Friday, Nov. 3 in the office of Registrar of Voters Zach Faircloth in the Sabine Parish Courthouse. Early voting ends on Saturday, Nov. 11. Persons may vote from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily. (The office is closed Sunday, Nov. 5, and for Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 10.)
Zach said mail ballots have been mailed out to more than 700 registered voters.
DON’T FORGET: The 2nd Annual “Keeping It Country Live” concert at the Municipal Auditorium in Shreveport is this Saturday, Nov. 4. The huge, historic event will also be a tribute to veterans and military. The concert is presented in a special partnership with ASM Global.
Pre-concert events featuring historical photos, music and other activities will begin at 3 p.m. with the official opening ceremony at 4 p.m.
Featured on the program will be a top array of leading Classic Country artists, including the Bellamy Brothers, Ronnie McDowell, Leona Williams, Ron Williams and Tony Booth.
Also appearing will be Tugboat Jerry, David Church, Tim Atwood, 2Country4Nashville, Joe and Diane, Richard Lynch, Missy Dunaway, Rebecca and Jamey, Sara Beth, Tommy Lee Crosslin, Anna Marie and Lenny, Cheridy Adams, Mike Hughes, David Gore, Brenda Lynn Allen and Don Caldwell.
And speaking of things Country… We’ve had an amazing response to the upcoming Nancy Jones Autograph Book Party for her new book, “Playin’ Possum, My Memories of George Jones.” The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. until noon at Many City Hall, located at 965 San Antonio Ave. in downtown Many.
At 10 a.m. it kicks off with an official Nancy Jones welcome. There will be food, drink and a special Veterans Day Table of Honor. Admission is absolutely free.
Married to Country legend George Jones for 30 years, Nancy is credited with not only saving his life but also his iconic career. Her new book will be available for only $25, and she will happily autograph each one. Books may be purchased with cash or card.
Celebrate the legacy of George Jones and the incredible story of love, life and music in “Playin’ Possum, My Memories of George Jones” when Nancy Jones returns to her Louisiana roots to reconnect with old friends and make new memories on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. at Many City Hall.
Attendees are invited to bring a veteran photo to display during the party on the Veterans Day Table of Honor.
Sponsoring the celebration are ArkLaTex Financial Consultants, Many; Sen. Louie Bernard, Natchitoches; BOM, Many; Brandon Law Firm, Many; Curtis Family Pharmacy, Many; Foy Motors, Many; and Guillet Realty Co., Natchitoches.
Also sponsoring are
Pete Abington, Many; District Attorney Don Burkett, Sabine Parish; Blake Byles, Earthmovers Construction, Many; Dr. Leah V. Byles, Many; Clauriste Byles Jr., Byles Welding & Tractor, Many; James Cook, Crawfish Hole, Many; Robert & Linda Davidson, Lagniappe Land Co./Circle D Tree Farm, Mansfield; Attorney Dan Dyess, Many and Natchitoches; Deputy District Attorney Anna Garcie, Sabine Parish; Judge Verity Gentry, 11th Judicial District; Good Gracious Apparel, Accessories & Flowers, Many; Donald G. Kelly, Kelly & Townsend Law Firm, Natchitoches; Sheriff Aaron Mitchell, Sabine Parish; Chief Judge Elizabeth Pickett, Third Circuit Court of Appeal; Clerk of Court Shelly Salter, Sabine Parish; In Memory of Billy Wayne Sepeda by his Family; Jeff Thomas, Thomas Law Firm, Natchitoches; In Memory of Gerard F. Thomas, Legendary Natchitoches Attorney; Assessor Chris Tidwell, Sabine Parish; Chief Deputy Brad Walker, Sabine Parish; and Buddy Wood, State Farm Insurance, Many.
See you there!
Celebrating Community Excellence:
Highlights from the Sabine Chamber of Commerce 77th Annual Fall Banquet
The Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce hosted its 77th Annual Fall Banquet on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the Sabine Council on Aging in Toledo Town west of Many. The event brought together community leaders, local businesses and guests to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and community engagement.
The evening began with the introduction of the Chamber of Commerce officers as follows: President Hannah Savell from Edward Jones; Vice-President Pollie Brandon of Brandon Law Office and Century 21 Sabine Property Shoppe, Treasurer Jeff Morrow of Sabine Council on Aging, and Past President Mike Mancil of ATMOS Energy.
Honoring Distinguished Members
One of the highlights of the evening was the recognition of exceptional members who have contributed significantly to the community by Chamber Director Shanna Dees Gaspard. The Chamber of Commerce bestowed the following honors:
Best New Business – Dixie Stems by Cally, Cally Killingsworth
Best Curb Appeal – Cypress Bend Resort, Suzanne Fogle
Best Family-Owned Business – Crittenden’s Garage, Dean Crittenden
Emerging Leader Award – Tasty Treats on the Bend, Rick and Kimberly Ann Tuttle
Entrepreneur of the Year – Quad C Physical Therapy, Austin and Kearstin Cooley
Helping Hands Award – Ms. Bonnie Fox-Miles
Service to the Community Award – Ms. Shanna Dees Gaspard
Also presented was the prestigious Overall Business of the Year Award, acknowledging outstanding achievements in the local business sector. It was awarded to Troy’s Butcher Shop of Many.
The event featured a silent auction fundraiser, over a dozen fun door prizes and a trio of speakers organized by Laurie Gentry, who helped emcee the event.
For the keynote address, three local leaders were invited by Gentry to speak about a business challenge and how they each overcame it. Sharing their stories were Robert Hable of Foy Motors, Pollie Brandon of Brandon Law Firm and Century 21 Sabine Property Shoppe and Robert Gentry, former owner/publisher of The Sabine Index. Their words resonated with the audience, inspiring attendees to pursue excellence and make a positive impact in their respective fields come whatever may.
The evening also included the introduction of new Chamber members, underlining the growth and vitality of the local business community.
The dinner menu, expertly catered by Bayou Crawfish, featured a tantalizing array of dishes. Tasty Treats on the Bend provided the perfect sweet ending with several of their indulgent ice cream flavors.
The event underscored the Sabine Chamber's dedication to fostering a vibrant local economy and building a stronger, more connected community for all. To see all of the evening's photos, please visit Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce on Facebook. Photographer Cindy Ezernack did a wonderful job of documenting the night in photos.
For more information about the Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce and upcoming events, please visit their Facebook page or https://sabineparishchamber.com/ .
A copy of the 2023 Sabine Freestate Festival poster is shown above. It was created in memory of Ms. Murrel Arthur Blake by the John J. Blake Family.
The Sabine Freestate Festival poster was unveiled at the Florien Civic Center Monday night, Oct. 30, and reports say the event was very nice.
“Sharon and I were pleased to sponsor the poster in memory of my mother, Murrel Arthur Blake, who grew up in Florien,” Community Bank Vice-Pres. J. J. Blake shared afterward.
Blake also brought along his mother’s 1947 Florien High School yearbook, the first annual published by the school.
J. J. Blake, right, presents an historic Florien High School yearbook to FHS Principal Eddie Jones, left, at Monday night's poster unveiling event in Florien.
“Mother was a typist on the annual staff and her twin brother, Earl, was voted Most Handsome boy. I donated the annual to Mr. Eddie Jones, Principal of FHS,” Blake said.
Community Bank of Louisiana is a proud sponsor of the festival along with dozens of other community-minded businesses and individuals.
Among this weekend’s great activities is the 43rd Annual Sabine Freestate Festival in Florien. The family weekend features an old-fashioned “shoot out,” a parade, live music, a trail ride, lots of wonderful vendors, delicious food, a petting zoo, bounce house and more for the kiddos, plus the addition of a Community Church Service on Sunday morning and a family movie night.
We have attended, and we highly recommend it. For more information, visit www.sabinefreestatefestival.com or call (318) 228-4547.
Robert Eugene Easley, an old friend of many years, was in the nation’s Capital on Friday, Oct. 27, and had his picture taken outside the office of Rep. Steve Scalise, shown above.
While in Washington, he attempted to visit with Rep. Steve Scalise, but found Scalise gone to Louisiana. He did get the opportunity to visit with some legislative staffers and let them know he was glad that Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson had just been elected Speaker of the House.
Eugene and I attended Northwestern together where he was monitor in the Brick Shack dormitory. After he was graduated in accounting, he went to work for the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Department.
He ended up working for NASA where he was Chief of Procurement. Eugene is married to the former Judy Roberts of Natchitoches. He is a native of Goldonna in Natchitoches Parish.
Eugene is a first-class gentleman, and I am richly blessed by his friendship.
Picture of the Past
Sabine District Attorney Don Burkett is shown at right with then-Rep. Buddy Roemer in this 1984 photo. Buddy served as U.S. Representative from 1981-88 and as Governor from 1988-92. He was a Republican.
It is interesting to note that he beat Gov. Edwin Edwards in 1988, and then Edwards returned four years later to win back the office. Buddy died on May 17, 2021, in Baton Rouge.
Thanks to our many readers for the wonderful reception of the move of Observations to our own website and new partnership with The Cenla Report page on Facebook. Thanks also to Cenla’s Ryan Roberson for his assistance in this transition.
We have had many calls and messages asking how to get to Observations now. It is very easy. Simply type www.observations.online into your desktop or device internet search bar, and you’re there.
The new website makes it much easier for my wife, Laurie, to prepare my writings and post them on Observations each week. And it also gives us the ability to post at any time if there is more news than we can handle on Wednesdays. In addition, it is easier to adjust photos, layout, design, etc. We can now also post other things on the site that may be of interest. In the future, some of the special series we have published in the past, including political and personal articles will be archived separately on the site for easy access, plus we may even devote a future page on the site to photography.
In other words, the new website offers more flexibility.
An added plus is we can now keep up with the number of readers each week, where they are located and how they access the column, such as whether they visit the website directly or visit it through a link provided on Facebook. Each reader is simply reported as an “individual user.” We see no names, only town or city locations.
Last week, we had readers in Dallas, San Francisco, Memphis, Chicago, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Houston, as well as many lesser-known spots such as Cat Spring, TX, Apex, NC, Ashburn, VA, Saline, LA, Enid, OK, and other interesting places. One of the most-distant readers last week hailed from Berlin, Germany. We’re pleased. It was interesting to note the second-largest readership location behind Many, LA was Dallas, TX. Who would have thought it?
Moving to a new location was an unknown for us, and we are so thankful it has worked out well. It was certainly to our benefit to move. In the weeks and months to come, we will more fully explore the new website functions and make the most of those for our readers.
Once again, we cannot thank our good friend, Tedd Dumas of Baldridge-Dumas Communications, enough for all his assistance with Observations through the years. His support has been a true blessing.
Trinity Baptist Church, located at 2826 Natchitoches Hwy. in Many, now has a new name: The Bridge Church.
They recently shared, “In scripture, God gives new names to individuals to symbolize a fresh purpose and identity in Him! Just like Jacob became Israel, and Simon became Peter, we believe that God is calling us to embrace this new name as a testament to the transformation He is working within His church.”
The church said they are committed to being a place where lives are connected and rooted in God and each other, and where people of all backgrounds can come together.
“We desire to bridge the gap between denominations, generations, races, and socioeconomic statuses,” the church announced on Oct. 16. “While our name may have changed, our mission remains the same! Grow. Love. Serve.”
The Journey to Bethlehem walk-thru reenactment of the events leading up to the birth of Jesus will he presented again this year by The Bridge Church. It takes about 45 minutes and is set for multiple nights in November and December.
Production dates are Nov. 26 and 29, and Dec. 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 15 and 16. Attendees should register at https://makethejourney.eventbrite.com/ . This link allows an individual or group to select a date and time to schedule their walk-thru of Journey to Bethlehem. Groups of up to 40 may walk through together. Available times range from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., depending on the date selected.
For more information about Journey to Bethlehem, message The Bridge Church on Facebook at TBCMANY, or email thebridge.many@gmail.com.
The church and event location is 2826 Natchitoches Hwy., just west of Many.
Bears are Around
Michael Free Sr. of Shreveport posted this picture of a standing bear at his deer feeder on Saturday. He said the location was about 20 minutes south of Mansfield. Michael is the son of Melvin Free, the grandson of Ernest Free and the great-grandson of Emmett Free, natives of the Bethany Community near Marthaville.
DeWayne Lester captured this photo of a bear at his deer feeder near Negreet. The picture was posted Sunday.
Jimmy Cheatwood, shown above, of Converse has a new CD out titled, “When Jesus Calls.” This is his second CD, his first being “Writing on the Stone,” named after the title song which he wrote.
The new CD contains 13 songs, and all but two are written by Jimmy. The two not written by him are “Turn Back The Pages” and “Jesus Is My Lifeline.” His originals featured on the new CD are : “When Jesue Calls,” “Choices,” “His Name is Jesus,” “Jesus My Savior My Friend,” “Mama,” “Man of God,” “My Dad,” “Thank You God,” “The Road of Life” and “Writing On The Stones.”
It is amazing that Jimmy is still musically active. He has suffered two strokes. The first was on March 3 when he had to be airlifted to Shreveport and the second on April 21. He has worked hard and is improving. He credits physical therapist Dr. Josh Crow with helping him out greatly. And of course, he gives credit to the Good Lord.
Jimmy said production of the CDs is a labor of love. “I give them to a lot of people,” he commented. “God has been so good to me,” he concluded.
There was a gas pipeline flare-off Thursday night, Oct. 26, according to the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Department. Its flame is shown above. A flare-off is when excess gas is burned. It began about 7 p.m. and burned into the night. The flame and roaring sound could be seen and heard for miles.
The area where the flare-off was conducted was near Byrd Extension close to Cedar Grove Rd. off the Marthaville Hwy. There was no danger or evacuation.
Shown above is the new Fish-N-Fuel resort-style campground now proposed that will be adjacent to the coming convenience store, gas station and strip shopping mall at Toledo Town.
Fish-N-Fuel, the proposed development at Toledo Town west of Many, has been going a little slow, with a lot of planning in the works at this point.
According to a recent release, the project is moving forward with some adjustments being made on the plans since there will be about 100 thousand yards of dirt to be moved.
The release stated, “We have having to dig a four-acre pond. Because of that, we decided to put cabins and RV hook-ups to make a resort on the property. We are hoping to start the dirt work by the end of November. We are still negotiating with different franchisees to include in the strip mall.”
Picture of the Past… Lagniappe
This is a photo from a public hanging in Hornbeck around 1925. It was held near the Guinn Cotton Gin. Thanks to Big John Lewing of Big John’s Restaurant in Hornbeck for providing us the picture. He also provides some mighty good food at his restaurant.
Signs Along Life’s Highway
Saw this one somewhere along the trail and thought it mighty worthy of passing on.
The following is excerpted from an NSU Demons News article written by Jonathon Zenk, NSU Assistant Director of Communications. The piece features Lalaina Wood, granddaughter of our longtime friends Many State Farm Agent Buddy Wood of Natchitoches and Ms. Melinda Moore Wood of Many.
Wood sets collegiate best on rainy day at SLC Championships
Lalaina Wood
The Northwestern State cross country teams battled the conditions and the competition on a rainy day at the Southland Conference Championships on Friday at the Windcrest Golf Club [in San Antonio, TX.]
Like the duo has all year, Ceyda Bayur and John Klein led the charge for each gender.
Bayur, a sophomore from Eskieshir, Turkey, finished in 40th place out of 67 finishers, clocking a time of 24:12.5 in the 6k race.
As a team, the women placed ninth out of the 10 teams in the conference. They placed the same as in 2022 but shaved 14 points off last year's total (260 in 2023, 274 in 2022).
Despite the conditions, freshman Lalaina Wood set a collegiate best in the meet, running a 27:15.9, placing 59th overall and third among Lady Demon finishers.
"I was happy with performance from the women today," second-year head coach Dillon Dawson said. "Lalaina stepped up for sure. She has come a long way since the start of the season, and I look forward to what she can do as she continues to work hard."
For the complete article, visit nsudemons.com .
Be sure to spread the news, especially to those who don’t use social media: Observations is now available at www.observations.online . Visit each Tuesday evening to see the weekly Wednesday edition of the latest “news, views, facts and opinions.”
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