Wednesday, January 26, 2022
It was with a great deal of sadness that we learned of the death of Blake Taylor recently. He died while hospitalized out of state after a long fight with Covid. His father, Bruce Taylor, has been a long-time, faithful friend. We spoke with Bruce Saturday, and we extend again to him and other members of the family our deepest sympathy.
Memorial services for Blake Allen Taylor, 39, of Many will be held on Saturday, Jan. 29, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Fort Jessup. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m.
Blake Allen Taylor was born on Saturday, Jan. 16, 1982, in Natchitoches. He passed away on Friday, Jan. 14, 2022, in Carlsbad, NM.
Since his graduation at Many High School, he has been employed in the oilfield. With his energetic laugh and personality, he never met a stranger and was loved by many. Everyone that knew Blake knew that he loved his children. He would light up when he spoke of them with a smile that was contagious to the whole room.
He was preceded in death by his sister Brittainy “Sommer” Taylor of Many; maternal grandparents, W.C. and Doris Wright of Negreet, and paternal grandparents, Gaylon and Anice Taylor of Many.
He is survived by his wife, Brandi Taylor, of Many; son, Brady Taylor, of Many; daughters Carly, Amelia and Daisy Taylor, all of Many; stepson Xyler Koss of Many; parents Bruce Taylor and wife Candi of Many; Karen Brunet and husband Wayne of Lafayette; along with a host of family.
The Friends of Fort Jesup will host a planning meeting to discuss plans for this year’s 200th Anniversary of the Fort, according to Suzanne Williams, Town of Many Grant Writer and other assorted titles. The meeting will be held Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Fort, and all interested persons are invited to attend. Williams pointed out you do not have to be a member of the Friends group to attend.
According to the release, “Where in Louisiana can you walk on the same ground as two presidents, over 40 generals, over 1,000 soldiers and Drew Scott? The answer is Fort Jesup State Historic Site and it’s right in your own back yard.”
The group will be planning a year-long celebration, and they need the help of all interested persons. Persons interested may contact ftjesupfriends@yahoo.com or call (318) 461-5376.
These studies of State Sen. Louie Bernard were taken when he spoke to Pete Abington’s Vultures Club on Jan. 18. He brought the group up to date on what is going on in state government, including the two upcoming sessions of the Louisiana Legislature, one of which will deal with reapportionment. He said the lines of his district will change and pointed out several ways they may go. Sen. Bernard also discussed highway construction in the area and some projects which hopefully will be done this year.
The Sabine Parish Library presents author Michael Louis Kuk for a book signing on Thursday, Feb. 10 from 2 until 4 p.m. at the Main Branch, located at 705 Main St. in Many.
“An Army Firefighter in Vietnam, 1970-1971” is Fire Chief Emeritus Michael Louis Kuk’s story of the time he spent in Vietnam with the U.S. Army as a combat firefighter.
At the conclusion of a short presentation by Chief Kuk, the author will sign copies of his work. Books may be purchased from him at that time.
His work encompasses what a very small detail of soldier-firefighters did while stationed in Vietnam in support of the overall war effort.
His was not a glamorous war-hero position. But it required bravery and courage to face and overcome other hazards the war could present. A misstep would have resulted in serious injury and/or death if these soldier-firefighters had not performed to the highest standard required.
The events of this book tell his story in a matter-of-fact manner. There is no Hollywood limelight, just a hard, factual retrospect of young American soldiers doing the right thing at the right time, to save and protect the U.S. Military’s assets and personnel in a remote part of the world.
The photographs alone tell a more detailed story, as documentation of fire apparatus and their response personnel are rarely captured on film in any theater of war, much less noted at all.
Don’t miss this opportunity to listen to and learn from a true, unsung American hero.
Michels Pipeline Inc. of Brownsville, WI has opened a large yard near Marthaville. The company was founded in 1959.
The pipeline will run through Natchitoches and Sabine Parishes. Observations is attempting to find out more information about the project and will let our readers know more as soon as we do.
WE GET LETTERS. And we always love hearing from our friend Ronald Byrd of South Boston, VA. His observations on last week’s Observations follow.
“Robert, I have three questions: (1) Why was I not surprised to learn that Sheriff Mitchell was helping in that post-tornado work? (2) How in the world could you be so tactful in your response about the error made in the management claim? (3) How in the world can a motion made at a governmental meeting be kept secret? Don’t bother to answer any of these. Just sayin’, as they say nowadays. On a serious note, that bunch of folks rallying to help their neighbors hurt in the tornado says so much about the nature of most Americans. And there are such good neighbors in all fifty states, despite what the mainstream media would have you believe. Keep the faith, my friend, and keep those observations coming! Ronny”
Reward money is now being offered in a theft of tires case that happened last week between Zwolle and Toledo Town.
A $500 cash reward has been offered to anyone who has information in this case.
The tires and wheels were stolen from a residence on Herman Leone Rd., which is off Tobe Nabours Rd., east off of Hwy. 191 on Wednesday night, Jan. 19.
The tires are Venom Power Terra Hunter X/T, size 35×15.50R26LT.
The wheels are XF Off-Road XFX-303, black with silver accents, 6-lug, size 26×14.
These tires and wheels are valued at over $7,000.
If you have any information, please contact Detective Beason, Sabine Criminal Investigations Division, at (318) 590-9475. If you wish to remain anonymous, submit a tip through the Sabine Parish Sheriff App.
(A special thank you to Det. D.W. Seegers for the article above.)
It’s a good thing. It started last year and has proven to be very successful. I am talking about the Apollo Plaza Apartments Birthday Celebration held each month for the kids who live at Apollo Plaza. This month’s event will be Thursday, Jan. 27 at 3 p.m., according to Heather Smith.
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell and Chief Deputy Brad Walker played a big part in the event when it started, and the Central Fire District has also been a big supporter. We applaud all their efforts to make positive connections throughout the community.
As usual, they will have a cake, drinks and candy goodie bags. Anyone is invited to attend and bring along any gifts for the kids. This is a real community project and we hope it brings much good cheer.
St. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we are happy to announce that the youth of First United Methodist Church of Many are going all out to make it extra special.
These enterprising young people are hosting a Valentine’s Day Banquet for couples and singles on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the FUMC-Many Family Life Center, located at 1000 Main St. in Many.
The banquet will feature dinner, dancing and games. On-site childcare will be available for those who wish to bring their little ones.
Tickets are $15 per person and all funds raised will go toward youth activities at the church. And we are quite sure if you cannot attend the banquet, that the FUMC youth would gratefully accept a contribution toward their good efforts.
To reserve tickets, contact Mrs. Ashley Ford at (318) 508-3281 or message the First United Methodist Church of Many Facebook page. Act now, as the event is expected to sell out quickly.
-30-
