Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Longtime public servant Mike Tarver announced today that he will seek the office of Many Mayor in the March 20 primary.

Tarver stated, “After much prayer and careful planning of my time and resources, I have decided to offer myself again as your Mayor. I feel I can be an effective Mayor as I have vast experience.”

He continued, “I have served in elected office as Many Mayor for eight years, on the Many City Council for four years, and as Justice of the Peace for 18 years.”

Tarver stated, “I will work hard to solve the problems any citizen may have, and I will work to bring jobs to our town. In addition, I will be accessible to the public. If you need me, all you have to do is call.”

Concluding, he stated, “Please join with me to make our town a better place to work and live. I ask for your vote and support. Please like and follow me on Facebook at ‘Mike Tarver for Many Mayor.’”

To contact Mike Tarver, call (318) 256-2182.

Phillip Horace Andrew Dane Cutrer, known to some as “Koolaid,” announced this week he will run for Many Chief of Police. He was born July 10, 1985 in Marshall, TX and moved to Big Sandy when he was 11 and attended school there. He was graduated from high school in a Home School program in 2004. While in school he was both an avid football and baseball player.

His first son Tuffy was born in 2006 and his second, Peyton, in 2007. The family moved to Converse to be close to family and he immediately got involved in community activities. He coached Little League Baseball for nine years, taking six Sabine Allstar teams to the next level in competition.

“During this time, I served many young kids as a coach, mentor, role model and parent in some cases,” he related. “I left my caring and enthusiastic impression on many young lives. It is a very accomplished feeling to be in a store and a kid sees you that you coached and they run and hug you and say they miss playing for you. That is what it’s ultimately about.”

While attending First Baptist Church in Converse, Cutrer met then-Sheriff Ronny Richardson, who offered him a job. He worked for four years, earning the rank of Sergeant at the Detention Center. In addition, he worked for the Tri-Parish Drug Force for a short time. In 2015 he met then-Chief of Police Roger Freeman, who hired him at the Many Police Dept. He and his family became close to the Freeman family and the Chief became another mentor. He obtained the rank of Detective during his time with the Police Dept.

Cutrer is well trained, having achieved the following: 

X26 Tazer Certified; Chemical Agent Certified; Yearly Firearm POST Certification; Certification and Tile as POST Level 1 Peace Officer (Highest Peace Officer Cert.); Louisiana Homicide Investigator Conference in 2017-2018 and 2018-2019; Trans-National Interrogation Class; Fingerprint and DNA Certified; worked and solved 2 Homicides; Numerous Shootings and Stabbings; worked alongside State Investigators which investigated 1 cold case from 1986; various Juvenile Cases; involved in working alongside staff at Project Celebration; Member of the Sabine Prevention Alliance (Juvenile Alcoholism); worked as Chief Freeman’s second in command at Many Police Dept. to help maintain a stability during his time with no Asst. Chief; received an Above and Beyond Award from Chief Freeman for Outstanding Service; Zero write-ups; Zero Infractions; worked alongside state, federal and local agencies on various cases to bring offenders to justice; coordinated Toy for Tots through Many Police Dept. and provided gifts to 500+ children during Christmas 2019; started a “Letters to Santa” Program between Many Police Dept. and U.S. Postal Service; and worked in conjunction with Northwest Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory with getting Evidence to them for further testing.

In 2020, he met and married Jennifer Spillyards. She has two children, J. W. Rhodes, 12, and Makayland Jessup, 9. In addition, they have a daughter of their own, Ireland.

The candidate listed several items he plans to put into effect when elected, as follows (his added thoughts are in quotes):

Maintain a healthy and well-trained Department (“Physical fitness program with incentives”); Serve and Protect (“Not just write tickets”); have a healthy relationship with elected Mayor; be incredibly involved in the youth of Many (“They are our future”); hire a Many Police Dept. School Resource Officer for Many School complex (“If applicable”); work Alongside Many City Council to help Many move forward; Departmental Open-door Policy (“Be available”); influence Officers to Community Police and have superior public relations; create and maintain working relationships with surrounding agencies; attend and police all community functions; work hand in hand with all media: Sabine Index, Cenla Report, Observations and local radio station (“Communications with the public and passing information is paramount”); create a superior administration for Many Police Dept.; work alongside Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) with juvenile offenders; and maintain a working relationship with court systems.

In conclusion, Cutrer said, “Chief Freeman is gone but will not be forgotten. By him sharing his knowledge and legacy with others, his legacy will live on. I pledge to carry on this legacy and make Many a safe and comfortable place to live and visit.”

Town of Many Alderman at Large Mary Brocato has announced she will run for re-election in March. Her statement follows:

“I’m Mary Beth Key Brocato and I will seek re-election in March as your Alderman at Large on the Many City Council. I would like to tell you a little about myself, my background and explain why I want to continue to serve you as your alderman.

“I was first appointed to this position when Mrs. Barbara Peterson passed away while serving in this position. I then ran for Alderman at Large in 2018 and was elected to fill the remainder of her term. I have served the people of Many faithfully since that time. I would like to continue my service.

“When I retired as an associate professor at Northwestern State University in 2011, I asked myself what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. The answer came quickly. I wanted to volunteer and give back to my hometown of Many and its people who have played such an important role in making me a responsible, productive, dependable and caring adult.

“I helped to create and then became chairperson of the Town of Many Cultural District Advisory Committee. I still do that today. I also serve on the board of the Sabine Parish Humane Society and the Sabine Animal Shelter. I am a member of the Sabine Parish Historical Society and serve on the board of directors of Project Celebration. I recently was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Northwest Louisiana Alliance on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. We will open a clinic this spring at 257 Highland Ave. to work and counsel with people who have alcohol and/or substance abuse problems.  

“Serving on the City Council since 2018 has enabled me to do even more to serve my town and the residents of Many. That is why I decided to run for the next four years – so that I can accomplish even more for our citizens and our town.

“As a council member, I work very hard to find ways to make our citizens’ lives better. We work to operate the city’s budget in the black and we stretch every dollar as much as we can for the betterment of our community. If I am elected, I will continue to strive to operate our city budget in the black.

“I work very hard to secure grant funding for music shows and other events held at the Many Community Center. Last year we received a $20,000 grant for playground equipment for the Fairgrounds Ball Park. We also received a generous donation of a professional basketball goal and installed it at the fairgrounds for our citizens to enjoy. Parents and children enjoy going to the Fairgrounds Ball Park with their families and having a great time on the new recreational equipment. If re-elected, I want to find additional grants for a second basketball goal at the park and for upgraded/new basketball goals to be installed on Martin Luther King Dr.

“Being the Alderman at Large can and should be a full time job. I am retired. That means I can serve you full time. I refuse to be a part-time council member. I’m available when you have a problem and want to talk with me. It is important that your council member can talk to you anytime about a problem – whether it be potholes in front of your house, an unreasonably high water bill, garbage pickup, or some other  problem. As a retired citizen and a member of the council, I will have no other job responsibilities and I can serve you full time. As you can see, my retirement works to your benefit whenever you have a concern and need to talk to me. You can reach me on my cell phone, (318) 617-5239, or by email at  brocatomary@gmail.com. I always like to hear from you.

“Many is an awesome and caring small town. Let me continue to serve you and find ways to improve our town even more. I sincerely ask you to vote in March for Mary Beth Key Brocato as Alderman at Large for the Town of Many. I won’t let you down.”

Candidate qualifying for the March 20 Primary Election will be held in the Clerk of Court office Jan. 20-22, according to Clerk Shelly Salter. The office will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each day.

The Clerk will hold qualifying for Town of Many officials, Police Jury District 3, Constable/Justice of the Peace for District 4, Noble Alderman and BESE Board Member from District 4.

If you need more information, call Ms. Salter at (318) 256-6223.

We were sorry to learn of the death of Ms. Maggie Sepulvado Manshack at the age of 104. That’s right, 104. She lived in Noble and was born Sept. 29, 1916. She was fortunate to have lived all her life in the house she was born and raised in, and she also died there.

Ms. Manshack crossed the river on Dec. 29. Services were held Jan. 9 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Zwolle with burial at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Noble. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Only wish I had the pleasure of knowing her.

Natchitoches Parish Fire Dist. 7 Chief Doug Birdwell has a word or two to say about the bad roads in that district. He posted the following on Facebook:

“Everyone is aware of our road condition, state and parish roads. What most people are unaware of is that with the condition of our roads, it slows down our response time. The fire department is rated every five years. The response time is included in the rating. With a slow response time, it can and will affect our rating. This means your property insurance will go up. I urge everyone to call your elected officials starting from local government [up] to state government. We have got to get something done. When saving a life or someone’s property is concerned, every second counts. We’re estimating our response time has dropped by 20 percent due to the condition of our roads.”

Enough said. The condition of our roads is deplorable and getting worse. And it’s not just in Natchitoches Parish, but also in Sabine.

SIGNS ALONG LIFE’S HIGHWAY

We saw this marker recently at the Gorum Cemetery in south Natchtoches Parish. There are a lot of folks who fit into that category on the one hand, and not so many on the other. Depends on how you want to look at it.

A high-speed chase in Bossier City Friday ended in front of Planet Fitness on Benton Rd., with two in custody and an SUV stolen from near Many earlier in the day, according to Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Brad Walker. 

The stolen SUV was totaled and its driver, Jerald Shepherd, broke his leg in the wreck and had to have emergency surgery at Oschners Hospital in Shreveport.

Shepherd was charged with illegal possession of stolen things and illegal possession of stolen firearms.

Pending further investigation, the three juveniles from Many who were allegedly involved in the theft will be interviewed and charged appropriately.

About 7:15 a.m., Walker said the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban was stolen from the home of David Mains on Cedar Lane, just off Petty Rd. near Many High School.  The vehicle had been left unlocked and the keys were in it. Earlier, the thieves tried to steal a neighbor’s vehicle.

In addition, the group of four also stole two guns from Corey Bowling and $125 and a laptop computer from Levi Miller. During the time of the thefts, a nearby neighbor came out of his house about 3 a.m. to let the dog out and saw someone in the yard.

The stolen vehicle was tracked to Bossier via OnStar.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell and Walker both urge Sabine residents to start locking their vehicles and to not leave anything of value in them.

“We are living in a different era now,” Chief Walker said. “It is not safe to be trusting anymore. We are having too many thefts and break-ins in our region. Please be very cautious. Pay attention to your surroundings. Report anything that may be suspicious to the Sheriff’s Office. And remember to always lock your vehicle and do not leave valuable items in it.”

In response to the SUV theft, Shannon Clements Hall posted on Facebook that about four months ago her Jeep was stolen from her driveway on Capitol St. in Many. She said the suspects wrecked it twice, causing several thousands of dollars of damage. “The subjects who stole the vehicle were identified, but no arrests were ever made, no charges ever levied,” she commented. “They were juveniles and Friday they struck again. Hopefully they might face some charges this time because I feel for the people who were victims of this. It’s frustrating to deal with, to say the least.”

It was the Many Police Dept. that investigated Hall’s theft a few months ago. Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Walker said he will reach out to Many PD and to Shannon Clements Hall to see if the Sheriff’s Dept. can assist in the matter.

With camera in hand, Observations saw this CLECO truck with a workman high in the sky over San Antonio Ave. in Many last week.

There was talk that Sarah Lee was going to run for Many Mayor. Then the rumor was she might run for Town of Many Alderman from District D.

Observations talked to her last week and she said because of her father’s illness, she has decided not to seek office this go-around. Every good wish to her father, Larry Lee of Florien.

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT IN DOWNTOWN MANY:  Two offices on San Antonio Ave. are for rent. One is 21×18 ft., the other 21×19 ft. Can be rented individually or together. Offices have parking and private, back entrance. If interested, call Verity at (318) 573-2213.

Sabine School Board Member Dale Skinner, Dist. 9, had informed us the Monday night, Jan. 11 meeting of the School Board was going to be a stem-winder, so he said to be sure to be there. The 30-minute session turned out to be anything but that.

The big item on the agenda was the election of officers. Terrell Snelling, Dist. 7, was re-elected as President. Donald Garcie, Dist. 6, nominated Snelling. After Garcie offered the nomination, Skinner asked if he could speak without anyone getting mad and raising cane. Snelling responded something to the effect that a nomination has to have a second, at which time Ms. Genevieve Gordon, Dist. 5, made the second.

Snelling then immediately called for a vote. Six members voted in favor, with Skinner and Donald H. Remedies, Dist. 8, voting against and Daron Chandler, Dist. 1, abstaining. Snelling voted for himself, which is a violation of “Robert’s Rules of Order,” the Bible for conducting public meetings. Those Rules say that a president can only vote in case of a tie. “Robert’s Rules of Order” also say that after a motion and a second, the floor is open for discussion. Snelling did not open the floor for discussion.

For Vice-President, Ms. Gordon nominated Dr. Leah Byles, Dist. 2, Garcie seconded the motion, and she was unanimously re-elected. Again, Snelling did not open the floor for discussion.

The Board took care of several other pieces of business during the brief session. At the end of the agenda, Snelling tapped the gavel and announced the meeting was over. No motion, no second – again violating “Robert’s Rules.”

Skinner then asked to speak, announcing, “We’ve done things in this Board room that are not legal and are not fair.” President Snelling led the way as most of the Board Members walked out the meeting room to the other end of the building.

Ms. Gordon stayed in the room a few minutes, and she and Skinner got into a heated discussion. She asked Skinner, concerning some matter, “Did you do something illegal?” and he responded, “Yes, but I was in the clique at the time, like you are now.” She told him, “I am not in a clique. You made your own decisions.”  She also told Skinner he is talking about the past, and the Board should move forward.

After more heated discussion, she left the meeting room. Remedies, Chandler and Kowonno Greene, Dist. 4, stayed in the room after the meeting.

There was another group of about seven or eight persons who also attended the meeting. After the meeting adjourned, a couple from this group said they were supposed to be on the agenda, but were not called upon. They are having a problem about their son being sent to the SPARKS school. After being told it was for a certain length of time, the length of their son’s attendance time was changed and it is now longer. A member of the group told Observations we would be contacted later with details.

According to the weekly report from the Louisiana Department of Health, Sabine Parish schools have had 99 students reported as having COVID-19. This includes the 10 schools in the parish. There have been 22 faculty, staff and/or volunteers reported as having it. For the period of Dec. 28-Jan. 3, no cases were reported.

DeSoto Parish Supt. Of Schools Clay Corley was recognized last week as Region VII Superintendent of the year. He is a native of Sabine Parish, which is one of nine parishes in the district. Corley was hired as Superintendent in May 2018 and the DeSoto Board in the fall of 2019 extended his contract through July 1, 2023.

Rumblings that two persons might be looking at running for Police Juror from District 3. They are Valmore Byles and Randy Skidmore, who ran a couple of elections back.

Come Jan. 23, I will start my 64th year of writing columns. I started on that date in 1957 when I was in 11th Grade at Marthville High School. My first column was entitled “Around Marthaville High School.” I am humbled and thankful for all the readers of Observations on bdcradio.com. And I thank friend Tedd Dumas for giving me the opportunity to write it weekly.

A LOOK AT STUPID:  Missouri Rep. Emanuel Cleaver prayed at the recent opening of the new U.S. Congress. He closed it by saying “Amen” and then “Awoman.” Say what?

“Amen” is a Hebrew word that means “To be firm or sure” or “so be it,” thus the reason it is used to close prayers. As far as we can tell, there is no such word as “Awoman.”

Cleaver now claims he was trying to make a point to acknowledge all the female legislators now serving in the House and Senate. How about simply thanking those women publicly? 

Someone needs to tell Rep. Cleaver that “amen” does not refer to gender.

Before Sunday’s snow came, Robbie Edwards, owner of Southern LaDeez had this snow scene painted on her window. Her store, which has booths filled with collectibles, antiques, new and pre-loved boutique-type items and food is located in the former home of Hancock Furniture at 625 San Antonio Ave., next door to the BDC Radio stations office.

Watch in a future Observations for an article on Laurie-Anne Meshell, a lover of old things who runs Honey Hole Mercantile, an antique booth inside Southern Ladeez.

Speaking of snow, it was beautiful. Below freezing temperatures have kept the snow on the ground a lot longer than we normally experience.

Sabineland residents were mostly thrilled to see everything covered by a blanket of white Monday morning. Lots of “Snow Day” pictures were posted on social media celebrating the unusually deep snowfall for our area.

Many did not get as much snow as north Sabine Parish nor as much as points east received, but it was pretty, nonetheless.

Shown above and below are two scenes from the Blake Addition neighborhood in Many, and three scenes near my old homeplace in Bethany Community near Marthaville in Natchitoches Parish.

After the Save America rally in Washington, DC last Wednesday, a thousand or so of an estimated several hundred thousand attendees turned the event into mayhem by breaching the U.S. Capitol, disrupting proceedings, sending legislators scrambling for safety, damaging property and otherwise creating chaos. One of the break-in participants, Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, age 35, was shot by Capitol Police in the fracas. Three other persons died from unspecified medical emergencies and on Friday of last week, it was reported a Capitol policeman had also succumbed to injuries sustained during the melee, bringing the death total to five. The response by these wrongdoers to Pres. Trump’s speech and his family members’ speeches earlier in the day was stunning.

The lawbreakers should be prosecuted, as should have been the lawless crowds who ravaged so many of our nation’s cities this past year. Several who participated in the Capitol breach last week have already been arrested; we don’t imagine too many who rioted and looted this past summer have been given a second thought. For what it’s worth:  a mob mentality that results in violence should never be tolerated. That is always true, no matter your politics.

The rally was a completely different experience for others, including for several local persons who attended, and it was reported by these and others attending to be a peaceful, patriotic event. Some did not even know of the Capitol break-in until media reports came out about it later.

Without a doubt, the presidential election results in some places were suspicious. It was widely reported beforehand that mail-in ballots had been sent to deceased persons. A few folks’ pets even received ballots by mail. Wonder how they voted? We also heard some precincts across the U.S. reported voting totals which surpassed their number of registered voters. If such had happened in typically red voting precincts, the boys and girls in blue would still be howling.

From here, it is impossible to determine whether the effects of all these events would have made a difference in the election outcome. And we’ll never know.

The potential for illegal voting or voting irregularities must always be addressed before an election, not afterward. And states changing their rules after an election process is already underway should never be allowed. That only invites problems and it simply isn’t fair.

After the fact, there is little anyone can do about shady election shenanigans. Illegality or irregularity is awfully hard to prove once ballots have been processed.

That is all for now. Looking forward to seeing you next week. As always, thanks for reading!

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