Wednesday, December 8, 2021

The big news this week is that the Many High School Tigers will be headed for the 2A State Finals in New Orleans Friday afternoon. Congratulations to the team, Head Coach Jess Curtis and his staff. This is the third straight season the mighty Tigers will be playing for the State Championship.

Friday night before a packed crowd at John W. and Pam Curtis Field, the Tigers edged out the Avoyelles Mustangs for the second time this season. The game went down to the wire with a final score of 40-38.

Many has a chance to win back-to-back state championships for the first time in school history in the 3:30 p.m. game Friday against Amite in the Superdome. Said Coach Curtis, “This is our third trip to the State Championship. That just don’t happen. You gotta pinch yourself a little bit. We’ve gone six times with our staff to the dome, three times in a row. So, we’re just proud of these kids. It’s tough to repeat. Everybody is coming for you. They’re giving you their best game. So, it’s a grind to get back here. I’m so proud of them. They’ve done it!”

And we’re so proud of Coach Curtis. Not only does he teach football, but so much more. So much more that some of the players would never get otherwise.

Observations received a phone call Tuesday of last week about 7 p.m. from a person who was following a Many Police car on Hwy. 171 between Mansfield and Frierson, asking the question, “What is a Many Police car doing in DeSoto Parish at this time of the night?” It was also reported the vehicle was driving somewhat erratically and speeding.

We checked with Mayor Robert Hable, who got an explanation for us. He said Officer Jacob Bridges’ wife just had a baby and there were some problems following the birth. Hable said the mother had to be transferred to LSU in Shreveport and that Officer Bridges, who was on duty at the time, took off immediately to be with her when he got the word.

Mayor Hable said he talked to Police Chief Cheryl Wooley and that Officer Bridges is a good guy and was justified in what he did. Chief Wooley did ask that in the future she be notified of such events. We hope Mrs. Bridges and the baby are both doing well, and we send our best out to them.

Word is that Nolan Rivers has resigned as Sabine Parish Sales and Use Tax Administrator and has taken a better paying job with the Sabine Parish School Board. We appreciate the fine job he did while with the Tax Commission.

Jan Barnhill was named Interim Administrator. The Commission received 10 applications to fill the job and met last week and selected three persons to be interviewed.

The Commission was to meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday to interview applicants. Among the finalists are Wanda Rivers, a long-time Sabine Tourist Commission employee, Samantha Rivers who works at the Police Jury office and a gentleman from Dry Prong. We requested additional information from Ms. Barnhill, but she had not responded before Observations was posted Tuesday afternoon.

The Stewart Family and Friends Down Home Christmas Show on Dec. 11 has become an annual tradition at the Many Community Center [Sabine Theater.]

There’s one big change to this year’s show. It will start an hour earlier – at 6 P.M, instead of 7.  Willie Stewart thought it was a good idea to move the time up by an hour, “since it gets dark so early, and folks like to get home by 9 o’clock”.

Even though some posters and fliers had already been distributed that show the starting time at 7, Willie wants to get the word out that the show will now begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 11.

The Stewart Family features Willie, his wife Debbie, his son Bo, his grandson Kelly, and his granddaughter-in-law Clancey. Their friends, the talented father and son team, Steve and Mark Birdwell from Marthaville, and the Stewarts’ talented friend Laurie Gentry will also entertain and join the Stewarts in putting on a Christmas show that will long be remembered.

Willie said the band has enjoyed getting ready for the Christmas show and he’s confident that this year’s concert will be the best one of all. This will be the third Christmas show the group has presented at the Community Center. The Stewarts presented their first Christmas show in 2018.  Then came the second in 2019.  Their 2020 Christmas show was cancelled because of COVID pandemic restrictions. This year the Stewarts and their friends are delighted to return with “the best show of all” according to Willie.

Once again, admission is free, a Christmas gift from Mayor Robert Hable, the Many City Council and the Many Cultural District Committee.

Concessions are available and donations to the Community Center are greatly appreciated. 

(Special thanks to Mary Brocato for the above article.)

Christopher Delane Malmay, age 27, of Zwolle was arrested Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 1.

Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) Agents attempted to stop Malmay driving his white Jaguar Type S vehicle for a traffic violation in the Billy Rd. area off Hwy. 3229.

Malmay refused to stop and led TNT Agents on a pursuit, traveling through yards in the neighborhood and damaging property.

Agents also observed Malmay throw items from his vehicle.

Agents were able to stop Malmay’s vehicle and had to physically detain him to effect the arrest.

TNT Agents located suspected marijuana and Xanax he threw from his vehicle and found more inside his vehicle.

Malmay was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of schedule IV (Xanax), Aggravated assault with a motor vehicle upon a peace officer, Aggravated flight from an officer, Aggravated criminal damage to property, Resisting a police officer with force or violence, Reckless operation of a vehicle, Simple criminal damage to property, Intentional littering, No vehicle license, No vehicle insurance, Illegal window tint, and a warrant for Aggravated assault.

(Special thanks to Det. D.W. Seegers for the above information.)

IT’S TIME!! MOONLIGHT MADNESS happens tomorrow evening, Thursday, Dec. 9 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in downtown Many on San Antonio Ave. and at a few other local businesses. Make plans to attend. Here is the list of all taking part:

Bub T’s Tamale House

Go Texans Food Truck – Hamburgers and Fries

MawMaw & PawPaw’s Snack Shack – Hamburgers, Chicken Baskets, Funnel Cakes, More

Butcher Block BBQ

Taqueria Conchita’s Taco Truck – Tacos, Nachos, Quesadillas

Lou’s Gifts

Good Gracious

Lafitte’s Home Furnishings

Revitalize Medspa and Wellness Center

Coffee Bistro

Past & Present Antique Mall

K&W Clothing

Treasure Chest

Magnolia Key

Golden Girls Tanning Salon – Tan Your Hyde, Therapy Massage by Ashley

Bayou Crawfish

Curtis Family Pharmacy

Gypsy Boutique

Sabine Southern Nutrition

Nichols

The Fitting Room

Rhonda Shafer – Baked, Canned Goods

Sarah Jo Ezernack – Red Headed Heifer Women, Children’s Clothes, Knives, Christmas Items

Brenda Lyddy – Granny Bee’s and Papa Hornets Crackers, Pretzels, Peppers

Jeri Lewing – A Little Extra Bags, Luggage, Masks, Purses

Lynda Durr – Woodcuts by Durr Wood Signs

Amanda Wilder- Toledo Bend Flooring

Nan Arthur – Mary Kay and King Cakes

Joanne Catto – Christmas Soldiers, Christmas Crafts and Pallet Trees

Melissa Hudson – Nuttin’ Fanci Designs Wood Décor, Wall Hangers, Porch Leaners

Micala Britt – To Go Loaded Teas and Baked Goods

Lynette Mitchell – Thirty One Monogrammed Bags, Ring Bombs, Gift Baskets

Tarkeisha Wysinger Mackey – Bucket Hat Bae Boutique Bucket Hats

Simply Sheen – Shirts and Sweatshirts

Paige Colston Designs – Fresh Flowers

Rennie Clifton – Yard Signs and Color Street Nails

Janice Ezernack – Days to Remember Signs

Eboni Palmer – Creations Shack Custom Sweatshirts, Hair Accessories, Wreaths, More

Dee Dee Palmer – Paparazzi Jewelry

Lauren Meshell – Crafts and Things by Lauren Wooden Door Hangers

Regan Anderson Jones – Usborne Books

Carrie McCormic – Idyll Fancies Handknit Clothing, Bags, Ornaments

Jennifer Cutrer – Cutrer Custom Designs – Sign Gypsies on the Bend Custom t-shirts, More

Cathy Kelly – Table Runners, Pin Cushions, Handmade Items

Santressa Medlock – Bubbly Boba Bar LLC Drinks, Gifts, Gift Baskets

Nancy Murphy – Pampered Chef (Inside Good Gracious Boutique)

Whitney Meshell – WM Photography Christmas Minis (Inside City Hall)

Christina Faust – Vintage Grace – Plunder Jewelry (Inside Magnolia Key Real Estate)

Susan Anderson – Hot Cocoa (Inside Magnolia Key Real Estate)

Tanya McMillian – Scentsy (Inside Magnolia Key Real Estate)

Lynsi Newman – YummE’s Bundt Cakes (Inside Curtis Family Pharmacy)

Paige Ezernack – Blaize’s Beauxs (Inside Southern Comfort Boutique)

Almost one pound of methamphetamine, Xanax pills, Tramadol pills, crack cocaine, synthetic cannabinoids, various drug paraphernalia and two firearms were taken off the streets in Sabine Parish last month.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell and his Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT), Detectives, and Patrol Deputies continue the fight against illegal drug users and dealers in Sabine Parish.

Arrests last month were as follows:

Jerry Lynn Rains, age 56, of Converse – Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of firearm while in possession of CDS, Possession of or dealing in firearms with obliterated number or mark, Improper lane usage.

Brian Nicholas Randolph, age 41, of Many – Possession of schedule IV (Xanax), Operating vehicle while license suspended, Improper lane usage.

John Michael Murphy, age 35, of Many – Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth).

Jaci Reshay Craig, age 21, of Florien – Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Following to close, Operating vehicle while license suspended.

Steven Michael Bowermeister, age64, of Many – Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia.

John William Tedder Jr., age 54, of Florien – Possession of Schedule IV (Tramadol), Unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, Simple criminal damage to property, Violation of protective orders.

Elizabeth R. Sweet, age 40, of Many – Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia.

(Special thanks to Det. D.W. Seegers for the above information.)

A treasured era in Many is coming to an end. It is with a mixture of sadness, hometown pride and good wishes we get ready to say goodbye to a downtown Many mainstay – K&W Clothing. For almost 70 years, the clothing store has served local citizens with a smile, unmatched friendliness and a consistent spirit of service that Sabinelanders will sorely miss.

Brothers Woodrow and Kenny Nichols started the business back in 1953, when Woodrow’s son, Mike, was only four years old.

“My daddy, Woodrow, first worked for Debbie Nichols’ grandpa [H.A. Nichols, founder of Nichols; no relation] when he was 12 or 13, delivering Nichols sales papers around Peason and that area,” Mike shared with Observations. “As he grew older, he worked his way up to store manager and traveled the whole region overseeing the display of merchandise at all the Nichols stores. They had 17 or 18 stores at that time,” Mike explained.

After serving in World War II, Woodrow Nichols returned to Sabine Parish and coached at Florien High School before opening K&W Clothing with his brother Kenny, a banker, in the early ‘50s.

Observations got to visit with current K&W owners Mike and Marilyn Nichols on Monday as they looked back over a lifetime of service to Sabine Parish and beyond.

“I’ve worked here from 1965 right up until today,” Mike told Observations. Mike and wife Marilyn began actively running the business in 1974, following his father’s leadership of twenty years.

“Mike and I married in ‘71, and we’ve been working together up here for almost fifty years.” Marilyn said. She is a native Mississippian who was raised in West Texas. Her family came to Many with the oil business, and her mother still resides in a local care facility.

Today, K&W carries workwear, fashion wear, men’s clothing, formal wear and accessories. The store is in its third location at 780 San Antonio Ave.

The first K&W opened by Woodrow and Kenny was located in the present-day site of Chuck Soileau’s law office at 730 San Antonio. It then moved to 740 San Antonio, now occupied by Hospice of Many. When Peoples State Bank built the “new” bank building in about 1966-67, Woodrow Nichols bought the bank’s old location and moved K&W to where it has remained ever since.

“Back then, upstairs was Dr. [Charley] Tramel’s dentist office in the front end, Judge [John] Pickett’s office was in the middle, and Sarah Vandegaer’s abstract office was in the back end,” Mike remembered. Eventually the upstairs was taken into the clothing store. The store’s front ceiling was raised, and the remaining space upstairs used for storage and extra retail space.

“We never offered formal wear until after my daddy passed away,” Mike shared. “He wouldn’t do it, but he used to measure for people that we do business with now. He’d measure and then send the measurements to them [for the customer’s rental]. Marilyn and I started doing it right after Daddy passed away, and we figure we have rented over 40,000 pieces.”

“When Mike’s dad originally started, he carried children’s clothing and on up. Gradually they got out of that and stayed with men’s, ladies and juniors. For a short time, they carried men’s shoes, too,” Marilyn recalled.

The Nichols talked about their deep commitment to service with a smile, a principle the elder Nichols instilled in Mike at an early age. Their friendly service and utmost professionalism may be what locals will miss most after K&W is no more.

“My daddy told me years ago, ‘We don’t have anything to give away except for service.’ He always said, ‘I hate to go in a place where somebody’s frowning or grouchy,’” Mike said with a laugh. 

The Nichols began discounting their clothing and accessories at K&W following their announcement they would close around the end of this year. Storewide discounts are now at 40% off. They will continue to deepen the discount every week or so, depending on sales and how long they stay open.

“We’re hoping to close by the first week in January, but we may not have enough time to finish up by then,” Marilyn explained. “We have weddings with formal wear rentals right up through New Year’s Eve,” Mike said with a smile. Ever accommodating, they plan to stay open until their final wedding customers have time to return their rentals. 

As they look toward the future, Marilyn shared the couple has several “projects” to complete and would like to do a little traveling but plan to stay pretty close for the foreseeable future so they can attend to her elderly mother’s needs.

Plans are to sell the K&W building after the store closes. It is not yet sold, but there has been interest expressed in the location since the couple announced it will be for sale soon.

On one hand, the Nichols regret another locally-owned business closing its doors but, understandably, they look forward to retirement without the demands of a busy work week. They are also hopeful a future business will enjoy great success on the San Antonio Ave. corner spot that has been so good to them.

“We are going to miss our customers,” Mike said. “Oh, yes we are,” Marilyn added. “Our loyal customers from everywhere – here, the Lake, Zwolle, Ebarb and all the surrounding areas. It’s going to be hard missing them. It’s going to be a big change,” she said. “I told somebody when my car comes to town, it will be hard-pressed not to pull in here and park. It’s been doing it so long, I’m sure it’s going to want to park right here!”

K&W Clothing is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 780 San Antonio Ave. They carry a full line of men’s suits, sport coats, slacks, dress and casual shirts, ties, belts, cufflinks and other accessories. They also have a large stock of LSU men’s casual wear and other name brand wear for men. For ladies, they offer a large selection of dresses, blouses, slacks, casual tops and pants – both trendy and for work, as well as scarves, wraps, holiday sparkle wear, earrings, necklaces and other accessories.  All items are currently priced 40% off. The store may be reached at (318) 256-2392.

Playing to audiences Friday night, Dec. 3 and again Sunday afternoon, Dec. 5, young thespians from the Sabine Parish Drama Club introduced a hysterical snapshot of the “real” holidays through the eyes of families.

“A Good Old-Fashioned Big Family Christmas,” written by Pat Cook, provided many laughs and a bit of self-reflection. Over 200 attended the two performances, giving the students confidence and money for scripts and royalties for future performances.

The club, led by Janet Elam, has teamed up with the local Sabine Prevention Alliance, headed by James Wagley, to provide wholesome activities for youth of the parish.

Fourteen students worked for a mere seven weeks perfecting their lines, learning how to block the stage and working on expressions as they readied for the production.

Hayden Stewart (Kadyn Dees) always says the wrong thing to his wife, Judith, (Harli Cruse.) This time he is credited for suggesting a family Christmas celebration.

Add two sisters, Carla (Bethany Giddings) and Beth (Isabella Berry), and their husbands, Max (Shawn Williams) and Cliff (Patrick “Mick” O’Neal), and plans began to be made!

But there’s more:  Judith’s parents, Jack and Arlene (Jeffery “J.D.” Etheridge and Maliyah McCullough), are the reason for the big celebration. Their girls have decided that something is wrong with their relationship because they argue all the time. Throw in Hayden’s parents, Tom (Caleb Corley) and Marjorie (Madeline Berry), who don’t get along with their son’s parental in-laws, and the pot begins to boil.

Added to the plot was a nosey college girl home for the holidays, her two teenage sisters, and a well-meaning neighbor. The combination was ready to explode. There was plenty of intrigue and some great lines masterfully delivered by the cast. Throughout the production snickers and belly laughs were heard throughout the theater.

Backstage crew consisted of Emma Campbell, Kyra Cedars, Ava Isgitt, Trenton Springer, Savannah Clinkscales and Conner Brown. Benjamin Webb ran the sound and lights.

Assisting Director Janet Elam were Linda Boudreaux and Vicki Weaver. Suzanne Ammons was in charge of the Props and Set.

At the two performances special thanks were extended to Supt. of Schools Sara Ebarb, Many Mayor Robert Hable; the City Council; BDC Radio’s Brad Ford and Randy Bostian, First United Methodist Church of Many, and Suzanne Williams, James Wagley and Terry Gatti as well as parents, grandparents, guardians and students.

(A special thank you to Donna Smith Ammons for the above article and photos.)

The First United Methodist Church of Many’s UMW Ladies celebrated the Christmas season and installed the 2022 Officers on Tuesday, Dec. 2.  Gail Thomas hosted the festive meeting and luncheon at her Andries St. home in Many, which was beautifully decorated with a huge tree and unique ornaments.

UMW Member Nancy Spiller installed the group’s officers as follows: President Vicki Isgitt, Vice-President Carolyn Dove, Secretary Donna Smith Ammons, Treasurer Chris Nolen and Gail Thomas, Nurture and Outreach. The installation featured “Beatitudes for Members.”

Church pianist Patsy McCormick played several Christmas carols, and the ladies sang along. A delicious lunch was then served in the dining room, with ornament décor at each place setting.

The Rev. Brian Coplin, who attended with wife Monica, offered prayer prior to the luncheon. The couple and their two children, Jackson and Anna Claire, arrived in July to FUMC-Many, where Rev. Coplin serves as Pastor.

(Special thanks to Donna Smith Ammons for the above article and photos.)

It was an exciting night when the Town of Many introduced their first ever Christmas Poster on Thursday, Dec. 2. The person selected to paint this year’s image was Shanna Gaspard, a local artist better known as Director of the Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce. The event’s Mistress of Ceremonies was Rigs & Racks owner Anna Cate Wright, who did a fine job.

The celebration was held in the beautiful Coordinating Development Corporation (CDC) building near their Sabine Parish offices at 1125 W. Mississippi Ave. in Many.

It was standing room only as this year’s “Merry Many Christmas” parade Grand Marshals were introduced, other citizens were honored, the poster was unveiled, and an auction was held.

Serving as the 2021 Grand Marshals for the “Merry Many Christmas” Parade will be area First Responders, including the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, Many Police Dept., Sabine Medical Center, Central Fire Dept. and Emergency Medical Services personnel. Selected as Honorary Grand Marshals for 2021 were John and Tina McCormic. Honored as Many’s “Young Achiever” was Good Gracious Boutique owner Grace Thomas Manasco, and selected as “Rising Star” was ZeQuarrius “Cadillac” Rhone.

Also recognized during the evening were last year’s Christmas honorees whose parade activities were curtailed due to the pandemic. They included 2020 Grand Marshals Shawn and Lauren Moore and Honorary Grand Marshals Rick and Mary Beth Tarver.

Just before the Christmas poster artwork was unveiled, artist Shanna Gaspard recalled fond memories of when Many was still able to stretch lights across San Antonio Ave. before the era of 18-wheelers and large trucks prevented such. “Those are the days that inspired me as I created this piece,” Gaspard shared.

After the unveiling, auctioneer Kelly Stewart of Florien ably assisted by dad Bo, started a lively auction for the framed commemorative posters.

Many Mayor Robert Hable won the original poster artwork with a bid of $750 but was quick to point out in his remarks following, “I just want you to know not a penny of Town of Many funds went toward the purchase of this. It was all Foy Motors!” His clarification was rewarded with a big round of applause and laughter, and the auction continued in fine style. Funds raised will cover Many’s Christmas activities this month, including the Santa Mailbox, the renovation of the Shriners Train (now on display beside the Many Police Dept. parking lot), the poster unveiling event, Christmas giveaways and the upcoming Christmas event at Sabine Parish Fairgrounds on Parade Day.

Congratulations to the Town of Many on their new Christmas activities this year. We applaud their efforts to provide fun holiday entertainment and especially their efforts to encourage shopping at home this Christmas season.

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