Judge Gentry hones expertise through Digital Evidence course
Judge Verity Gentry, 11th Judicial District
Judge Verity Gentry of the 11th Judicial District completed an intensive Digital Evidence course last week at the National Computer Forensics Institute in Hoover, AL. The program, aimed at providing advanced training for state and local law enforcement, prosecutors and judges, was a unique opportunity that came at no cost to the parish or the state.
As one of only 25 judges selected nationwide, Judge Gentry's participation distinguished her as the sole attendee from Louisiana, the youngest judge, and the one with shortest tenure on the bench. Most of the class participants have served as judges for a decade or more.
The diverse group hailed from various jurisdictions, including Wisconsin, Saipan (U.S. Commonwealth), Puerto Rico, California and Idaho, among others. The breadth of experience represented ranged from limited jurisdiction to tribal court, district court and appellate court.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have attended an extremely informative, cutting-edge week of training for judges at the National Computer Forensics Institute,” Judge Gentry said.
During the first part of the week, participants delved into hands-on activities, including disassembling and rebuilding computers, extracting data from a phone using Cellebrite and examining cellphone content. They also explored cutting-edge technologies employed by law enforcement for solving crimes.
The latter part of the week was dedicated to a comprehensive study of the legal aspects surrounding digital data. This included an examination of how courts, including the United States Supreme Court, interpret the Fourth Amendment's warrant requirement concerning different types of digital data. Exception scenarios to the warrant requirement were scrutinized, along with the need for expert testimony for admitting digital data as evidence during trials.
As a part of the week-long course, Judge Gentry enjoyed a class tour to the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. A photo she took of the landmark is shown above.
As an enlightening complement to the course, the participants took an after-hours tour of the Civil Rights Institute and Museum in Birmingham, gaining insights into the judiciary's role in the civil rights movement. A visit to the 16th Street Baptist Church provided a poignant reflection on the evolution of judicial power in challenging and dismantling discriminatory practices.
Judge Verity Gentry's attendance at the prestigious program enhances her proficiency on the bench and underscores her commitment to assuring Sabine Parish is at the forefront of legal knowledge and technology.
(Thanks to my wife Laurie for the article above.)
Pete Abington of Many
Many business leader Pete Abington was released last Friday night from the “chain gang” after 30 years of service. We’re talking about the gang that drags the chain up and down the football field to provide an accurate first down measurement for the Many High School Tigers football team. That many years sounds like a record, but Bruce Gandy tells us John Curtis has also done it that long.
Pete is known for his association with Many Ford, Hanna-Abington Ford, Peoples State Bank and other businesses in the area. He has also been very active in community affairs for years and is a founding father of the Sabine Hall of Fame, the Happy Bunch and the Many Vultures Club, among others.
During his career in dragging the chain, he has been tackled at least three times, maybe four. The last tackle he sustained was only a few weeks ago. He came to the Gulf Station Café a few days afterward looking like he had been run over by a stalk cutter.
We thank Pete for his service and wish him continued success on life’s journey.
The Cenla Report, a very popular news gathering entity on Facebook will celebrate its 11th anniversary on Monday, Nov. 27.
The page, which continually posts news from Central Louisiana and items of regional interest from across the nation, was created by Damon Robinson, a native of Zwolle, who now lives in the Miami, FL area.
He continues to run the Facebook page as a labor of love, and we appreciate him for all the effort he puts forth. He provides a vital service of providing factual news to the readers in this area.
We congratulate Damon on this milestone and wish him continued success.
He is the son of the late Fred and Shawnee Robinson of Zwolle. Mr. Fred operated Pelican Drug for many years.
The new art on the windows of Bayou Crawfish Restaurant in downtown Many really looks great. Good job, Jennifer.
Project Celebration Inc. would like to ask the help of the public as Christmas approaches. They are asking that persons make a cash donation or donate items that the organization can then supply to persons in need.
Project Celebration helps families in need in our community in any way possible, whether it be food for their pantries, gifts for Christmas or just providing basic supplies for women and children.
The group is a nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible. Donations will benefit the Domestic Violence Safe House, the Child Advocacy Center and the Family Resource Center.
Interested persons may drop donations off at the Project Celebration Office, 580 Main St. in Many, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., from now until Dec. 18.
For more information, call (318) 256-6242.
You can't keep a good man down. James Cook of Many had open heart surgery on Tuesday, Nov. 14, and came home the next day. Tuesday of this week he ate lunch with the Vultures.
The family of newly-ordained minister Kelly Stewart, left, gathers around as Pastor Ray Liedig, right, asks God to bless the new ministry.
Global School of Ministry representatives David and Bridget Hayes, at right, speak before presenting a Certificate of Ordination to Kelly Stewart, center left, marking his official entry into Christian ministry. Kelly's wife, Clancey, stood by his side.
It was a momentous occasion at Prospect Community Church when Kelly Stewart of Florien was ordained as a minister during a special service on Sunday, Nov. 19. Many friends and family gathered to witness the milestone in Stewart's spiritual journey.
Following Sunday morning worship, Kelly Stewart was presented to the church and was given a certificate of ordination by Global School of Ministry representatives David and Bridget Hayes, marking the culmination of a rigorous 15-month course in seminary and Bible studies.
The ordination service took on an added layer of significance as Pastor Ray Liedig, who has served at Prospect Community Church for many years, delivered his final sermon and announced his retirement, effective immediately.
After Kelly's ordination, Pastor Liedig symbolically "passed the mantle" to Stewart, designating him as the new pastor of Prospect Community Church. The handover added a touching dimension to the proceedings, signifying continuity and the passing of spiritual responsibility.
For those in attendance, it was a special time filled with blessings and good wishes for Kelly Stewart as he assumed the role of minister at Prospect Community Church. The service represented not just a changing of the guard but also the start of a new era under the guidance of Pastor Stewart. Prospect Community Church is deeply grateful for Pastor Ray Liedig’s leadership over the years and also looks forward to the spiritual journey ahead with optimism and faith.
Congratulations to Kelly Stewart. We wish him, Pastor Liedig and Prospect Community Church well.
(A special thank you to my wife Laurie for the above article.)
COME ONE, COME ALL: Singer-songwriter Joe Cuellar is coming to town! The Texas artist will be at Los Primos Mexican Grill in Many this Saturday night, Nov. 25, at 6 p.m. He keeps a mighty busy schedule in Texas, so be sure to catch this Louisiana appearance over Thanksgiving weekend.
We would describe Joe's sound as white soul meets backroads with raw, edgier, more husky vocals than today's run-of-the-mill polished Pop Country. As such, he is equally at home presenting his own heartfelt originals or covers - everything from Pat Green and Lionel Richie to Creedance Clearwater Revival.
Los Primos offers some of the best Mexican food around, and dinner patrons are welcome to BYOB. The location is 1894 Texas Hwy. west of Many. Call (318) 256-5431 for more information.
It is always good to hear from Many native Bob Riser who lives in El Dorado, AR. He recently sent us a copy of “El Dorado Insider,” which we appreciate very much. Bob is a real promoter of El Dorado and loves living in the city.
A group of hand-lettered signs appeared along Hwy. 171 at Walgreens recently.
The first reads “Hamas Mossad,” which is a group that works to keep Israel safe from terrorists. Others read: “Sleep Together,” “UN AG 2030,” “Love Their Neighbors,” “Love Jews” and “Hear God, Not Man.” We don’t know the responsible party.
There are so many things for which we are thankful this year, but at the top of the list are all of our faithful readers! Wishing each one of you a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends and an upcoming Christmas season filled with warmth, happiness and love.
Mike Webb, Lewis County Trustee
Congratulations to our good friend Mike Webb who has served 10 years as a Trustee in Lewis County, Tennessee. The county seat is Hohenwald.
Said Mike, “I try to do my job to the very best of my ability and, as with anything, there is always something new to learn or a different way to do things. As I have always said, whenever my tenure ends, as long as people say I did what they hired me to do and didn’t mistreat anyone, I’ll be happy.”
Mike plays dobro and performs comedy with the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, who played to two packed houses at Sabine Theater in Many a few years back. That is when we first Mike, and we have been friends ever since. His wife Samantha is principal of Lewis County Intermediate School in Hohenwald, and their teenage son, Carter, is an up-and-coming musician and all-around good guy.
By the way, Mike reads Observations every week which we much appreciate.
And Many native Dr. Ted “Bussey” Mims said he was on an overseas cruise recently and read every posting of Observations while he was gone. He visited Amsterdam and Kinderdijk in the Netherlands; Cologne, Koblenz, Miltenberg, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Munich and Passau in Germany; Melk and Vienna in Austria; and Budapest, Hungary. He has been a loyal reader and supporter for years. Bussey will be coming down for a visit before long.
Many Christmas Poster Unveiling excites Town with Whoville magic
John Monteith of CBE Properties shows off the original artwork he won at the Many Christmas Poster unveiling and auction last Thursday, Nov. 16.
The Sabine holiday spirit began in earnest as the Town of Many unveiled its Christmas poster on Thursday evening, Nov. 16, at the CDC building on Church St. Mayor Robert Hable and his wife, Crystal, graciously welcomed a full house of eager guests to the festive event.
Emceeing the occasion was Mary Murphy, who took center stage to highlight the upcoming Many Christmas parade honorees. She announced the selection of Grand Marshals Sabine Parish Firemen, Honorary Grand Marshals Shannon and Amy Self, Young Achiever Porsha Aldredge, Athletic Rising Star Tylen Singleton, Academic Rising Star Jaxon Foster and Business of the Year Revitalize Medspa, who will all be celebrated at the Dec. 9 Many Christmas Parade, setting the stage for a joyful holiday.
Mayor of Many Robert Hable, left, and wife Crystal welcomed Senator-elect Alan Seabaugh, right, and wife Laura to the Many Christmas Poster unveiling.
Several elected officials were in attendance, including Senator-elect Alan Seabaugh, who was joined by wife Laura, Representative-elect Michael Melerine (Dist. 6) and wife Stacey Melerine, who on Saturday won the runoff for the BESE Dist. 4 seat, District Attorney Don Burkett, Deputy District Attorney Anna Garcie, Many Chief of Police Cheryl Wooley and Sabine Clerk of Court Shelly Salter.
Community leader Martha Henderson, left, enjoyed meeting BESE Board Member-elect Stacey Melerine, right, at the Poster Unveiling.
The star of the evening was this year’s fun Christmas poster, which depicted the Town of Many as an enchanting Whoville. The artistic piece perfectly captured the theme of this year's Many Christmas festival - "Grinchmas in Many." Whimsical imagery of downtown Many, including the iconic Sabine Theater, was created by the talented Kathryn Latham who shared with the crowd her inspiration for the piece before it was unveiled.
First Lady of Many Crystal Hable, left, held a huge Christmas basket of prizes as auctioneer Kelly Stewart, right, conducted a drawing for it. The lucky winner was Jennifer Anderson, owner of Bayou Crawfish Restaurant.
Excitement built near the event’s end when a bidding war began for the original poster artwork. Auctioneer Kelly Stewart of Florien skillfully conducted the auction, and the honor of claiming the original artwork went to John Monteith of CBE Properties, who secured the piece with a winning bid of $1000.
"We are excited to become more involved in Many and the wonderful events here," Monteith and wife Mallory shared with Observations at the evening’s start.
Community spirit was further highlighted as other winning bidders, including Senator-elect Seabaugh and Bayou Crawfish owner Jennifer Anderson, won bids for framed prints.
Senator-elect Alan Seabaugh, left, showed off his winning bid Christmas Poster by artist Kathryn Latham, right.
A moment of surprise rippled through the crowd when Mayor Hable announced that Senator-elect Seabaugh would be opening a senatorial office in Many after his swearing-in this January. Loud cheers went up through the venue, and Seabaugh's winning bid for a framed Christmas poster only added to the excitement. With a big smile, the Senator-elect quipped, "That will be the first piece of décor for the new office!"
Helping bring holiday cheer to the Nov. 16 Poster Unveiling were Town of Many Clerk Amie Brown, left, Christmas Committee member Lauren Thompson, center, and event emcee Mary Murphy, right.
The Christmas poster unveiling in Many not only showcased artistic talent but also fostered community unity and holiday cheer, helping set the stage for a memorable Christmas season in Sabine.
Next up is the Town of Many’s Christmas Tree Lighting to be held Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 6 p.m. in the lot across from City Hall, (965 San Antonio Ave.), in downtown Many. There is no admission fee to the event and during the ceremony, a surprise “Cheermeister” Award will be announced and presented.
(Thanks to my wife Laurie for the article above.)
Mr. Freddie Rivers of Zwolle
We were sorry to learn of the death of Freddy Rivers of Zwolle. He built Rivers Builders Supply in Zwolle into a top-notch business that served the people of this area for many years.
In addition, Freddy was very interested and active in the community affairs of not only Zwolle, but all of Sabine Parish. You could always count on him to support what was good and right.
We extend to members of his family our deepest sympathy.
Ground-breaking started Monday morning on the new Fish-N-Fuel Toledo Town along Hwy. 6 west of Many. Blake Byes of Earthmovers of Many, LA will be doing the dirt work.
It is interesting to note that the Sabine Police Jury Road District 4, Wd. 7, tax renewal failed again in voting Saturday for the third time. There was apparently little, if any publicity, put out to inform the voters that the issue was on the ballot.
A total of 121 persons voted with 66 voting no and 55 voting yes. The tax was 13.88 mills to run for 10 years. The voter turnout on the proposal was only 16.5 percent.
Ryan Masters and his trophy Veterans Day buck
Many resident Ryan Masters on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, killed a magnificent buck, a trophy that measured 158 2/8 inches of antler mass. Masters is the Assistant Fire Chief for the Natchitoches Fire Department.
As impressive as this kill was, we must turn back the calendar to Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2019, when Masters downed a 172 6/8-inch 10-point buck. He noted that he is almost certain this year’s buck was a son to the one from four years ago.
The Masters Family has a goal of producing the most impressive bucks possible on their 3,300-acre Whitetail Masters Hunting Club in Sabine Parish.
We were so happy to learn that the Town of Zwolle will be the first to benefit from a new program started by Weyerhaeuser to bolster small manufacturing and production towns. The firm operates a mill in Zwolle and is committing a $1 million investment that will serve as a flagship for their innovative “Thrive” program.
Collaborating with local businesses, nonprofits and community leaders, Weyerhaeuser aims to shape their support to meet Zwolle’s specific needs. These could range from infrastructure improvements, workforce development and youth education as well as recreational access.
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