Wednesday, July 21, 2021
“I know your life
On earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain.
You weren’t afraid to face the devil,
You were no stranger to the rain.”
“Go Rest High on That Mountain” was the opening song at former Gov. Edwin Edwards’ funeral Sunday at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge. Its first few lines took care of any dry eyes.
As the ballad’s haunting fiddle break started, I thought about the late governor and Trina’s love of traditional Country music, about how we sat together on the Rebel Park hillside at Marthaville to listen to Gene Watson perform after Robert’s “Final Fling” back in 2011.
Gov. Edwards’ “eulogy, insults and other fitting remarks” were the highlight of that October day along with Watson and his Farewell Party Band, and Edwards’ presence there was one more example, in a countless list, of his willingness and eagerness to mix with everyday folks and take part in whatever festivities were arranged, even of the odd and homemade variety.
Robert and I were honored to be among those who gathered at Edwards’ funeral to pay their final respects to Louisiana’s 50th and only four-time Governor on Sunday.
When we arrived to Baton Rouge Saturday afternoon, we went directly to the Capitol where former Speaker of the House Joe Salter was kind enough to meet us and escort us through the updated, highly-secured Capitol access area.
Former Gov. Edwards was lying in honor at the Capitol and having the opportunity to attend that occasion meant the world to us. We owe a debt of gratitude to Joe, who had a message sent to Trina that we had come. She walked out to greet us, and we went with her back to a hospitality area where family was gathered, and we visited there a short while. It was touching to see Raymond Blanco, husband of the late Gov. Kathleen Blanco, sitting nearby. He seemed a gracious, comforting presence to Trina and the family.
One of the most poignant moments of the entire weekend was witnessing the changing of the guard as Gov. Edwards lay in honor at the Capitol. The State Police who performed the duty conducted it flawlessly. They could not have offered a more dignified, beautiful tribute of service to the late governor.
On Sunday, preparations began early in downtown Baton Rouge for Gov. Edwards’ funeral procession to arrive, which was expected at the Old State Capitol sometime after noon.
As the time neared, we headed from our hotel to the Old Capitol and waited outside with other guests to greet the procession.
Like the changing of the guard, the funeral procession was absolutely perfect. It was led by a large contingent of Louisiana State Police on motorcycles, a Color Guard, then a bagpipe ensemble whose mournful melodies included “Amazing Grace.” A horse-drawn carriage followed, and the late governor’s flag-draped casket could be seen through the carriage windows. It was followed by a riderless horse.
The Southern University Marching Band also played in the procession following behind persons in the procession who walked the route from its start at the Capitol to the Old State Capitol, now the Museum of Political History.
A State Police honor guard carried the casket up the three flights of steps into the Old State Capitol’s west entrance and then carefully ascended the spiral staircase inside to the stained-glass adorned second floor old Senate chambers where the funeral was held.
After “Go Rest High,” Anthony Mangun, Senior Pastor at the Pentecostals of Alexandria, gave an invocation. During his remarks, he quoted Nehemiah 13:31: “Remember me, O God, for my good.”
“The Long and Winding Road” was sung by Pastor Mangun’s wife, Mickey. Her song was followed by four speakers – Tiger Stadium announcer Dan Borné, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, Governor John Bel Edwards and former State Senator Norby Chabert, the late governor’s Godson, who gave the eulogy.
Nungesser recalled how former Gov. Edwards always told him that he was Edwards’ second-favorite Republican, right behind Trina. He said one day Edwards called to say, “You are now officially my favorite Republican,” after Trina left the GOP to become a Democrat.
Governor John Bel Edwards paid tribute to the successes former Gov. Edwards [no relation] had during his historic four terms in office, then said, “Maybe now when I hear someone say ‘Gov. Edwards,’ I won’t look around the room for Edwin, but I doubt it.”
The musical highlight of the service came at its end when the Mt. Zion First Baptist Church Mass Choir comprised of about ten voices sang “Total Praise.” Their soaring anthem provided a final, heart stirring amen to all that had transpired.
There was one last viewing after the funeral, and we should mention the governor’s simple wood casket, enhanced with modest metalwork, was handmade at Angola by prison inmates in the woodshop there.
Former Gov. Edwards was born on Aug. 7, 1927 in Moncla, near Marksville, and passed from this world at his home in Gonzales on July 12, 2021. He was one month shy of his 94th birthday.
He is survived by his loving wife, Trina and their son, Eli Wallace Edwards; daughters Anna and Victoria; sons Stephen and David; and stepsons Logan and Trevor Scott. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Trina, Eli and all the Edwards family.
A special thank you to my wife Laurie for writing the above article at my request.
“I tried to help as many people as I could and I hope I did that, and I hope, if I did, that they will help others too. I love Louisiana and I always will.” – Governor Edwin Washington Edwards
Before we left for Baton Rouge, our friend Homer Free of Marthaville said, “Gov. Edwards gave the eulogy at your ‘funeral’ at Rebel Park back in 2011. You’re the only guy who’s had a eulogy given by Gov. Edwards, and you will hear the eulogy given him as well.” Strange, but true. For those unfamiliar with my Final Fling Funeral Fete held in October 2011, it is a story for another day. Suffice to say, I wished to hold my final service while still living so I could enjoy it. That’s what I did. And yes, that was really it. There won’t be another.
“Aladdin” is the free movie upcoming this Saturday, July 24, to be presented by Movies in Many at the Many Community Center [Sabine Theater.]
Rated PG, it’s a movie the entire family can enjoy together. Admission is always free, and concessions are only $1 each for theater popcorn and soft drinks. The movie will start promptly at 7 p.m. Theatre doors will open at 6:30.
“Aladdin” is a 2019 American film produced by Walt Disney. The plot follows Aladdin, a street urchin, as he falls in love with Princess Jasmine, befriends a wish-granting genie, and battles the wicked Jafar.
The starring role belongs to actor Will Smith as he plays the street urchin who falls in love and summons a genie to help him out.
This “Aladdin” is the funny-sentimental-inspirational story of a poor “street rat” who comes into possession of a magic lamp and a magic carpet, summons a big blue genie, and embarks on a scheme to win the heart of a princess and stop an evil Vizier from stealing the kingdom away from the heroine’s dad.
“We are showing movies throughout the summer that are family-friendly and especially appeal to children. We know kids are out of school for the summer months, and these movies offer families affordable events right here in Many,” Mary Brocato, chairperson of the Cultural District Advisory Committee, said.
Movies in Many are sponsored by Many Mayor Robert Hable, the Many City Council and the Cultural District Advisory Committee.
A special thank you to Mary Brocato for the above article.
My wife Laurie received this nice note from Jacqueline Shuford a few days ago:
“Laurie, Thank you for such a wonderful tribute to Governor Edwards. The article was beautifully written and expressed his love for Louisiana, his passions for the people of our state and his drive to make our state a better place. Jacque Shuford”
Those who know Ms. Louise Moore, the petite, ultra-friendly greeter at Many Walmart will want to send her a get well card or note of encouragement. We recently learned Ms. Louise was recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer. She always has a friendly smile, a welcoming spirit and an enthusiastic “Have a blessed day!” when you see her at Walmart. You may send your cards and letters to Ms. Louise Moore, 2310 Doug Heard Rd., Many, LA 71449.
There has been a rumor floating around that Sabine District Attorney Don Burkett might be looking at taking early retirement. Not true, he told Observations Tuesday morning. Because of the COVID virus, he said there is a big backlog, something like 300 felony cases. Due to a directive from the State Supreme Court, Sabine went almost a year without trying cases.
Be sure to listen to Tedd Dumas’ popular “Open Line” program this Thursday, July 22, at 7:30 a.m. as his guest will be Dr. Ronald Byrd of New Boston, VA. He went to school at Marthaville High and was on the basketball team.
He has been teaching for 65 continuous years, starting with Algebra II all day at Fair Parish High in Shreveport. He taught while doing graduate work, including 10 years in public schools and 55 years at universities.
He taught 21 years at LSU in Shreveport, 10 years at LSU in Baton Rouge, eight years at Florida State University, three years at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, adjunct one term at both Louisiana Tech and Northwestern, eight years online adjunct for Southern Arkansas University, lectures at University of California at Santa Barbara and University of Malaya (Fulbright), Universiti Catolica at Puerto Rico for a summer term and Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, Fulbright, teaching.
Dr. Byrd will be speaking about current education trends, including the differences between critical race theory and multicultural education. The discussion will also include educators getting involved and promoting pre-teens’ gender reassignment, including use of hormones to prevent normal sexual development pre-puberty. The other matter he may speak about is his view of school boards dumbing down math and science for minorities.
Commenting on the subject, Dr. Byrd said, “I’ve taught blacks, whites, Africans, Koreans, Chinese, Malaysians, Indians, Native Americans and probably more, so I have a pretty good feel for race and culture in education.” It should be an interesting interview.
Narcotics Investigation Leads to Search Warrant for Stacy Perry Jr.’s Residence
The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT), Detectives and Deputies executed a search warrant late Tuesday evening, July 13, at the home of Stacy Norvell Perry Jr., age 29, on Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. in Many.
FBI and TNT Agents have been investigating Perry’s illegal narcotic activity for several months. TNT Agents were able to obtain a search warrant for Perry’s residence, property, and vehicles.
Deputies located and seized approximately 382 Ecstasy pills, which tested positive for methamphetamine, measuring scale, grinder, and numerous plastic baggies from inside his residence.
Perry lived with his girlfriend and children aged 5, 9, 10 and 12.
Perry was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for Possession with intent to distribute schedule II, Illegal use of CDS in presence of persons under 17 years of age, and Possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bond has been set at $15,000 by the 11th Judicial District Court.
A special thank you to Det. Wade Seegers for the above information.
Patricia “Pepper” Rains who operates the Facebook page “Transparency in Sabine,” last week issued a report on her request for information from the Sabine Parish School Board. Ms. Rains sent a public records request concerning the pay for Norman Booker III and his brother John Anthony Booker since the time of their arrests on sex crime charges.
Norman Booker, who was principal at Many High School, was arrested Oct. 29, 2020 and placed on administrative leave. Supt. Ebarb said at the time he was on leave “pending law enforcement’s investigation into the matter.” On Feb. 8, 2021 a Sabine Grand Jury indicted him on charges of Sexual battery, Oral sexual battery, two counts of Indecent behavior with a juvenile and Misdemeanor sexual battery. He was placed in jail for about five weeks for breaking terms of his bond by attending a sports event and mingling with underage girls. After a hearing, he was released.
John Booker, 49, known as “Jay,” taught at Many Junior High and after a problem arose, he was transferred to the SPARK school. He was arrested Dec. 4, 2020 on charges of two counts of Indecent behavior with juveniles between Aug. 1, 2019 and Aug. 31, 2020. It was reported at the time he was on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of his trial. He was indicted by a Sabine Grand Jury on Feb. 8, 2021.
According to information received by Ms. Rains, John Booker resigned his position as of May 31, 2021. He remained on the School Board payroll for six months after his arrest. According to our figures, he drew something like $17,334.55 from the School Board between the date of his arrest and the date he was removed from payroll.
Norman Booker III went on leave without pay effective Aug. 1, 2021. We calculated for the 10-month period between the time he was arrested and the time he went on leave, he drew $62,295.03 from the School Board.
Rains said, “According to the State Board of Education attorney, [continued pay] is up to our School Board.” She later posted on her Facebook page, “Yes, it is up to the Board and the recommendation of the Superintendent on whether or not they want to continue to pay a contract to a teacher/principal/coach or any other school official who has been arrested or indicted on criminal charges.”
Ms. Rains told Observations Tuesday morning that she had not received a reply from the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission after being over-charged when they provided her copies of public records she had requested. She was charged $55 for copies that should have cost $4.50, according to the state fee schedule. Rains was charged $1 per 8 ½”x11” copy, plus $31 per hour for one hour of work by former director Linda-Curtis Sparks, who is supposed to be retired, and $15 per hour for one hour of staff time.
In a certified letter to Curtis-Sparks dated July 5, Ms. Rains pointed out that she wrote a letter on June 9 requesting information on five questions. She also noted that she had addressed the letter to Chairman Lauren Manasco Moore, but says she is not even sure if Ms. Moore saw or read the letter as it was answered by Curtis-Sparks.
“I am wondering how you intend to reimburse the taxpayers since I paid for your time and your staff’s time for that one hour?” Ms. Rains writes. “Did you claim eight hours that day or seven on your timesheet, along with you staff? My hopes are that there was no double dipping, so to speak.”
She concluded, “And let me say, I expected nothing less of you and your office. I am a very disappointed taxpayer of Sabine Parish as you have done exactly what I am fighting against, which is suppression. Your effort in trying to prevent me from asking for any additional public records by charging me an exorbitant rate only fueled the fire for me to fight for my rights and the rights of other taxpayers in Sabine Parish.”
Citizens of Sabine Parish, i.e. taxpayers, have every right in the world to request records from governing agencies and officials. And it should be an easy task to receive those records. If a body or person has nothing to hide, we have always found, they are very willing to providing the requested information. I have been in this business for over 60 years, have requested a lot of public records, and not once have I been charged. In most cases, the agency or person was happy to provide such information and many times went above and beyond the call to be helpful and provide additional information. That’s the way government agencies with nothing to hide operate. Overcharging is a means to deter transparency.
Now, when a lowly taxpayer is overcharged by over $50, that says something. That says that the agency was trying to make it hard for the taxpayer to obtain information. And that is just wrong. It looks like in this case they were hoping she wouldn’t come back. And Curtis-Sparks, who’s been on the government payroll for a long time, knows better.
Applications are now being accepted for Superintendent of Sabine Parish Schools. Present Supt. Sara Ebarb will retire at the end of the year.
All applications must be postmarked no later than Sept. 3. More information may be obtained on the School Board web page. The School Board expects to negotiate a competitive salary and benefits package, with a salary range of $130,000 to $140,000
Names we hear mentioned are Eddie Jones, principal at Florien High and Mayor of Florien, Shane Wright, who works at the School Board, and Cindy Lewing, principal at Zwolle Elementary.
Many Head Football Coach Jess Curtis, center right, was guest speaker at Pete Abington’s (at right) Vultures luncheon Tuesday. Proud father John Curtis is shown center left and at left is the great Tommy Joe Andries, a new member of the club. Jess Curtis is what I would call a “coach’s coach.” Without question, he is one of the best and Many is so very fortunate to have him. Not only does he teach the boys how to play football, but he teaches them how to take responsibility for their actions, how to be good citizens, how to study and learn in order to lead a successful life, and so much more. As for football, he is very anxious for the season to start and feels the Many Tigers are going to have a good year. He said the team is composed mostly of younger players, not seniors, who are eager to play. We wish Coach Curtis and the Tigers a great and successful season.
Remember, this Friday, July 23, we will have a special column concerning the late, great Edwin W. Edwards and his relationship to Sabine Parish. The remembrance will continue for the next several Fridays. Be sure to read.
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