Wednesday, September 29, 2021

It seems like there is just no end to the mess at the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission. If you’re a regular reader of Observations, you have been keeping up with it. In case you have not been keeping up with it, we’ll give you a brief rundown.

The latest development is that the Commission met in special session Wednesday, Sept. 22, and let the chips fly where they may when they accepted the resignation of Director J. Sterling “Chip” Davis III, who had been on the job almost exactly four months. The resignation was effective at the end of that day. We made a Freedom of Information request to the Commission for a full report of the meeting but were informed the minutes of the meeting would not be available until after Board approval and that would not take place until the Oct. 12 meeting. Then, the Commission issues a news release giving details of the meeting and did not send it to me when I am the one who made the inquiry. I read about it on the popular Cenla Report on Facebook. Quite strange I am the person who requested the information, was denied it, and then when the release was posted, I did not receive it.  Have never had that happen before during 60-plus years in journalism.

Continuing, Chip resigned just a jump ahead of the Board firing him, we think. In addition, the Board determined that President Lauren Moore will act as de facto Director, according to the bylaws of the Commission until a replacement can be found. We are told the Commission will now use folks who specialize in tourism to help in finding a new director.

A reliable source told us Davis was paid “Flex Time” before his departure. We are told this covers the times that he claims he attended tourist shows and such and worked over his allotted hours. The source did not know the amount but said it could run anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000. Plus, his insurance will continue to be paid until the end of the month. Observations made several attempts to interview Chip before it all ended, but he would not cooperate.

Retiring Director Linda Curtis-Sparks, who did not retire, had reported that 150 applications had been received before she hired Davis. Maybe of that number, a good Director could be found.

To recount the story, Curtis-Sparks recommended Davis to the Board very highly. According to his resumé, we might have assumed he would bring a hotel or two to Sabine Parish. I wonder if any are still coming? And according to Curtis-Sparks, he was deeply involved in designing a “Visit Greenville, SC” web site, which she proudly shared as his work product and proof of his talent for tourism. It was indeed a great site, and she acted certain he would create a similar one for Sabine. We wish he had brought the skills to do so. A recent check of the Greenville site revealed it was actually developed out of state by a multi-faceted global firm specializing in tourism. And we could find no mention of Davis’ name associated with that business at all, anywhere. Anyway, Curtis-Sparks said he would be named Director even before the Board voted. Back in the day, whatever Linda wanted Linda got. She got ole Chip and later found out she didn’t want him.

Apparently, she didn’t check his references before hiring him. And there were other glaring things that stood out in his recent past that Curtis-Sparks also didn’t check. Pepper Rains of the “Transparency in Sabine” Facebook group dropped a bombshell recently. Rains did the background check that evidently the Tourist Commission did not do and learned Chip and his girlfriend Diana are being sued by Chip’s mother. She claims she loaned her son $100,000 to buy a house in South Carolina in which she was promised she could live out her days, and then Chip and his girlfriend gave her an eviction notice. She was not happy.

Davis was on the job only a short time, when he asserted Curtis-Sparks could not be Assistant Director, a position the Board gave her when they hired him. She was to stay until the end of December only to complete her work on the Toledo Bend-Zwolle Museum at Zwolle. Chip said it was an ethical conflict and fired her, telling her to have her belongings out of the office by 5 p.m. that day. The Commission met later and said he did not have the authority to fire her, and Curtis-Sparks was back on the payroll.

Then Chip sent a message to the Sabine Chamber of Commerce, the agency that appointed Ms. Moore to the Board, saying when a member misses three meetings in a calendar year, the person should be replaced. It is our understanding Ms. Moore missed meetings because she had COVID. The Chamber did not replace her, nor did the Tourist Commission request it to.

We feel that Ms. Moore as Interim Director is a great move. She is an honest, forthright person, with a good knowledge in business and marketing. She has a sterling reputation. Under her leadership, we have high hopes the Commission will get its business straightened out instead of creating negative publicity for Sabine Parish. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Dale Skinner, who represents District 9 on the Sabine Parish School Board, Monday issued the following statement:

“I feel as though I need to address some things that have been happening on the School Board, as I feel over the last six to ten years it has become very political. This has directly affected our children’s education. I don’t feel our taxpayers have been represented properly, nor do I feel the taxpayer’s money has been spent responsibly. I also do not feel our most qualified educators have been properly placed or recruited. I strongly believe favoritism and politics have played huge rolls in not only our hiring practices, but they have also been factors when it comes to the discipline of our employees. One of these concerns was made obvious in last Monday’s vote for a new superintendent. 

“Before I start, I would like to congratulate Mr. Shane Wright for being named superintendent beginning in January 2022. I will support him 100%, as we attempt to move forward as long as his politics and ideas are what are best for our students. However, some of the events that took place before and after this vote are very disturbing and need to be addressed. I have been told by some sources that it seems some of our members’ motivation in voting was simply to vote against the candidate that I supported. I know this may be hard to believe but when concerned taxpayers talked to some of the school board members, I was told they felt like their dislike for me was very instrumental in who they would support. In fact, it was suggested by one of my sources that I should talk to one of these school board members to see if we could get on the same page. When I asked this member why I was considered a troublemaker, I could not get a sensible answer in my opinion. I have been labeled a ‘troublemaker’ by most of our School Board and I have no idea why. It seems as though I have been used as an excuse for other Members to make highly questionable and what seems to be political votes without the best interest of the students being considered. Many of these votes negatively affect our students.

“Let me ask you some questions:

“- Am I a troublemaker for looking at the two candidates resumés and choosing to vote for the one who had been principal for 17 years, a successful English teacher for 10 and had several glowing recommendations from prominent educational leaders from all over the state?”

“- Am I a troublemaker for voting for the candidate that attended the very rigorous Superintendent Academy in Baton Rouge and received very high marks from the instructor? (Yes, I check references.)

“- Am I a troublemaker because I voted for the candidate that had managed to maintain an “A” or “B” School Performance Score (SPS) his entire career when our district has historically struggled with SPS scores? The candidate I voted for has started and overseen numerous and very successful educational programs in his school. He made that clear in his interview.

“- Am I a troublemaker for voting for the Superintendent candidate who answered every question thoroughly and accurately? Should I have voted for the one that has never been a principal, and during the interview never mentioned an educational program he began or the success of any program. This candidate listed mostly Sabine Parish co-workers as his references with one of the references being a principal from a “C” school and this school has been “C” for many years. Was I supposed to vote for the candidate that seemed to struggle answering many questions in the interview?

“My ‘troublemaker’ label was given to me a few years back. There have been several other events that I have tried to address that seemed to upset other members enough to make them want to ‘punish’ me by going against me on just about every issue that has come up. I’ll ask you, the taxpayers, some more questions so that you can further understand what is happening at the School Board.

“- Is it wrong for me to question the Superintendent and a School Board member about a call I received from that member telling me he had just talked to the Superintendent, and he wanted me to call another principal who was being investigated and tell them they were being called in by the Superintendent and they needed to ‘deny’ the accusations or they would be fired? When you take this into account, is there any wonder we have received as much negative publicity recently on certain other coaches/teachers/administrators being arrested? Did the same thing happen with them?

“- Is it wrong for me to want to discuss an audio tape recording that was sent to me by a concerned citizen? This recording had another School Board Member saying he had talked to the Superintendent, and he warned the employee about ‘not to be stirring a mess’ and if she did, she may never get another teaching job anywhere?

“- Is it wrong for me to question conflicting discipline actions concerning administrators and teacher/counselors based on who they are? Is it wrong for me to question the hiring of a supervisor that did not meet the qualifications set forth by Mr. Shane Wright in the advertisement for the position? The other candidate DID have the qualifications but was turned down.

“- Is it wrong for me to question certain principals being allowed to double dip and manipulate our system by coaching? These principals consistently make more than our supervisors and directors and work a month less. This practice also takes away opportunities from younger, more motivated coaches trying to earn more money. These principals will end up making hundreds of thousands of dollars more than the other principals when you take into account their length of career and retirement income. Yes, this extra income does count in calculating their retirement. These are just few of the examples I can give.

“In closing I would like to say that our recent job search for Superintendent seems to have been done in a way to help one certain candidate. Forty percent or four out of 10 of our schools have an SPS score of ‘C.’ To put that in perspective, Vernon Parish has 18 schools and none of them are below a ‘B.’ Under our current leadership, we have actually had some of our schools earn a ‘D.’ 

“From what I saw in the resumés, the interview and from hearing from references, we seemed to have had a really good chance to possibly fix this problem by hiring a proven and experienced leader. Our School Board seems to have chosen to play the same political game at the risk of hurting our children’s education. Our decisions as a Board are supposed to be determined by what is best for our students, not what is best for our friends and family. The only way that this will get better is for the taxpayers to hold their School Board Members accountable.

“Believe it or not, we have lots of those extremely qualified leaders right here in Sabine Parish, to be given the opportunity to turn education around in our parish. Unfortunately, these employees are often overlooked because they aren’t politically connected. This is sad for our parents and students. 

“I strongly encourage all of you to read the resumés of the two candidates and go back and watch the interviews. Once you do that, go to your School Board member, and ask why they voted the way they did and see if they can provide an answer other than ‘Dale Skinner voted for the other candidate.’ Feel free to also ask them to explain the other concerns brought up in this article and ask their opinion on the rumor that the new Superintendent, that has never been a principal, is getting a three-year contract. Just so you will know, two years is the norm, and our Teacher Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) retirement income is based on the three highest years of pay.

“Thank you for reading my statement and feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns with the School Board.”

Our column is always open to anyone who may have a different opinion.

The Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) and Detectives arrested Kenneth Ray Smith, age 61, of Many on Monday afternoon, Sept. 27.

TNT Agents have been investigating Smith’s illegal drug activity for several months.

Agents were able to obtain a search warrant for his residence and property on Hwy. 175 between Many and Belmont.

TNT Agents and Detectives located and seized approximately 1.6 ounces of suspected methamphetamine, suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, three handguns and various ammunition.

Smith was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession with intent to distribute schedule 1 (Marijuana), Possession of drug paraphernalia, three counts of Possession of firearm in presence of CDS, three counts of Possession of firearm by convicted felon, and a warrant for seven counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine.

(Above information provided by Det. Wade Seegers, whom we thank.)

Last week in Observations we wrote about the 15-mile-per-hour sign that was posted at Many Cemetery and then removed and replaced with a 25-mile-per-hour sign. We wondered who put the sign up and who took it down. Chief of Police Cheryl Wooley informed us:  “If you had asked me, I could have told you that upon inquiring after a citizen got a ticket, that our street department worker told me that the sign was placed there under the last administration.”

Well, we contacted former Mayor Ken Freeman, and he said that information is in error, that he did not authorize the sign to be put up. So, the mystery remains.

The Many Police Dept. is working hard to nab the persons who broke into Russell’s Jewelry, located at 290 Pico St. in Wright’s Shopping Center in Many between 4 and 5 a.m. last Thursday morning, Sept. 23.

“If you have any information, please [private] message [us here on Facebook], don’t post on comments. An intensive investigation is ongoing,” the Many PD posted online a few hours after the incident.

The Police Dept. also posted photos of a vehicle of interest on their Facebook page.

“This vehicle was seen multiple times during the timeframe of the burglary,” Chief Wooley told Observations. “The thieves broke out the bottom part of the door and, once inside, smashed glass display cases and scooped up items in the cases, mostly sterling silver items, some gemstone rings (amethyst and citrine) and other items,” she shared.

During the burglary an alarm was set off, and Many PD officers responded within two minutes. They found the door still locked, despite the bottom being broken. A piece of jewelry, apparently dropped by the thieves, was recovered in the parking lot.

“Detectives are reviewing security cameras from several businesses as well as pursuing other potential leads,” Chief Wooley reported.

Anyone with information should contact the Many Police Dept. immediately by private message to their Facebook page or by calling (318) 256-5617.

Jody Cantrell who works for the Natchitoches Parish Commission sent us the above picture last week. That is a spider web he saw one morning. He said the web was about eight feet from the ground and the ring was probably about 16 inches diameter on the outside and maybe 10 inches on the inside.

Jody stated, “Watching that little guy work was something. Perfect rhythm, pulling the inside ring towards the center, then letting it snap back, then on to the next section between the strands going from center out.”

Jody does an outstanding job for the Parish Commission and we appreciate his efforts. And we also appreciate him sharing this beautiful and interesting picture.

We understand Brandy Roberts is coming back to the Sabine Theater [Many Community Center] on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. The theater marquee says all must wear a mask.

Roberts is a big favorite around here, and we encourage all to enjoy this family-friendly, classic Country and old-time Rock show.

Sabine Parish Sheriff Detectives arrested Joseph Vern Lewing, age 39, of Many on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 23, for Pornography involving juveniles.

Lewing was arrested for felony drug charges on Sept. 5, and his cellular device was seized. Detectives extracted the data from Lewing’s phone and analyzed the results. Investigators discovered over 100 child sexual exploitation videos of prepubescent children.

Detectives also executed a search warrant of Lewing’s residence and property and seized a computer, several cellular devices, various other digital media, drug paraphernalia, and a small amount of suspected marijuana and methamphetamine.

Investigators will be analyzing more digital devices and media accounts, and additional criminal charges are pending.

Lewing was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for 100 counts of Pornography involving juveniles and a warrant for Distribution of schedule II (Methamphetamine).

(Special thanks to Det. Wade Seegers for the above article.)

CALLING ALL GUMBO COOKS:  a big Gumbo Cookoff Tiger Football fundraiser is set for Friday, Oct. 8, on the parking lot of John Curtis Stadium at Many High School.

The event will be held from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and all are welcome. Entrants will be judged on “Best Taste” and “Best Presentation.” Pre-registration is required and is $25.

To register or for more information contact Kristi Kor at (318) 955-5881 or Brad Pickett at (318) 471-6581.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell and Chief Deputy Brad Walker cooked for 230 Pre-K kids from across Sabine Parish at the Fair on Thursday, Sept. 23.

Sheriff Mitchell grilled hot dogs, and the kids had snacks and juice with help from Chief Deputy Walker, Sgt. James Campbell, Deputy Earl Pearce and Sherri Bennett. Sheriff Mitchell’s wife, Leigh Ann, and Chief Deputy Walker’s wife, Laura, were big helps also.

The Sheriff and Deputies talked to kids about “stranger danger” and reasons they should dial 911.

Sheriff Mitchell and Chief Deputy Walker presented all of the kids with Junior Deputy Badges.

(A special thank you to Det. Wade Seegers for the above information.)

We were sorry to learn of the death of longtime Jasper, TX attorney Billy Flynn “Bill” McGraw, father of Dr. David McGraw of Many. He died as the result of injuries received in a multiple-vehicle accident near the community of San Felipe, TX on Interstate 10, west of Houston.

The accident, which involved eight vehicles including a large eighteen-wheeler tractor trailer, took place Sept. 20. Mr. McGraw, 89, reportedly died shortly after arrival to a hospital in Katy, TX. Dr. McGraw was in the vehicle, along with two others, and all escaped serious injury.

Observations sends deepest sympathies to Bill McGraw’s family and friends.

Ronnie Kurt Hongo, Jr., age 42, of Many was indicted Sept. 8 in United States District Court, Western District of Louisiana, in Shreveport.

The Federal Indictment is for Possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and Felon in possession of firearm.

This stems from the search of Hongo’s Ivanhoe Street address on March 19 earlier this year in Many.

Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team Agents located approximately 13 ounces of suspected methamphetamine, crack cocaine, other narcotics and a firearm.

Frederick Marqueze Smith, age 32, of Zwolle was indicted Sept. 23 in United States District Court, Western District of Louisiana, in Shreveport.

The Federal Indictment is for Possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and Felon in possession of firearm.

This stems from his arrest during a traffic stop on July 28 on Hwy. 191 south of Zwolle.

Smith attempted to flee from Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team Agents, and he had narcotics and a firearm in his possession.

Cardaries Marks, 29, of Florien was sentenced on Sept. 23 by Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 84 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On Sept. 29 of last year, members of the Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office met regarding their investigation into the sale of narcotics in the Many area. Agents obtained evidence showing Marks handed a bag of suspected methamphetamine and approximately 95 suspected ecstasy pills to an individual and Marks received payment for those narcotics. The purchased narcotics were sent to the crime laboratory for analysis and confirmed to be over 5 grams of methamphetamine and the pills were confirmed to contain methamphetamine with a net weight of 13.116 grams.

Approximately one month later, law enforcement agents obtained additional evidence regarding an encounter which occurred between Marks and another individual. Marks sold two firearms to the individual and was paid $750 for them. As a convicted felon, Marks knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm. His prior felony convictions were for possession of methamphetamine in July 2019, and possession with intent to distribute narcotics in October 2019.

The FBI, ATF, and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case.

Kudos to the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and all other law enforcement agencies involved in this good work to make Many and Sabine Parish a safer place.

(Thanks to Det. Wade Seegers, who provided the information for the above three articles.)

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