Wednesday, February 2, 2022
A celebration of the life of Dr. Thomas L. Hennigan of Natchitoches was held at noon Saturday at Blanchard-St. Denis there. He was 92 years old and crossed the river on Jan. 26 after an extended illness. I first met Dr. Hennigan when he taught Home Improvement at Marthaville in 1956-57. A native of Marthaville, he married his high school sweetheart Gloria Crump, and they raised three wonderful sons.
After being graduated from Marthaville, he was graduated from Northwestern. He received his Doctor of Education from Indiana University. At NSU he was an instructor and Director of Audio Visual Education. He headed up the Audio Visual Department, which loaned educational films to area schools, ran the photography department and was in charge of microfilming. At NSU he introduced 16mm film production and with Paul Keyser designed, developed and operated the first and only closed circuit television instructional system in Louisiana. He was honored many times for his work at Northwestern.
Following his retirement from teaching in 1985, he became a Certified Lay Speaker for the First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches. The Rev. Linda Clark honored Dr. Hennigan at Saturday’s service with both prayer and scripture. His favorite verse was Galatians 6:7: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
State Sen. Louie Bernard, who is a wonderful speaker, presented “Words of Celebration.”
Among the stories he told was one about a country boy who lived out in the woods and was ready to graduate from Marthaville High in 1958.
He continued, “One morning this young man was called to the office of Principal Hoyt J. Reed. Thinking he was in trouble some way, he walked slowly and peeked in the door when he got to the office. Inside he saw Dr. Thomas Hennigan.”
“What are you going to do when you graduate?” Dr. Hennigan asked. The boy replied he really didn’t know. “You are going to Northwestern,” Dr. Hennigan told him in a firm, commanding voice. The boy explained that his parents didn’t have the money to send him to college.
“I will give you a job in the Audio Visual Department, and I will help you get registered,” Dr. Hennigan told him. In that one short visit and with his persuasion, he changed the direction of that boy’s life forever. He went to the boy’s house when college started to bring him to Natchitoches. The boy met him holding a paper sack in his hand. “Where are your things?” Dr. Hennigan asked, “I told you to bring all your clothes,” to which the boy replied, “This is it. They’re all right here in this sack.” The young man attended Northwestern where Dr. Hennigan took him under his wing and taught him photography, darkroom work, microfilming and much more. It was because of Dr. Hennigan that the boy got a college education.
Sen. Bernard continued, “The lad was successful, which is really an understatement. He and Dr. Hennigan remained in touch and were great friends. Through the years, the boy, who is now an old man, told Dr. Hennigan many times how much he appreciated his help and interest, and how he would have never gotten a college education without his help. And he has told many other people his story about how Dr. Hennigan helped him.”
And I can assure the story is true because I lived it. My deepest sympathy is extended to Gloria, his brother Fuzzy, his three sons Michael, Mickey and Thomas C. and other members of the family.
Congratulations once again to Many Attorney Verity Gentry, who has been named a “Rising Star Super Lawyer” for the second consecutive year. I am proud to say Verity is my youngest daughter.
Super Lawyers is a national rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. While up to five percent of the lawyers in the state are named to Super Lawyers, no more than 2.5 percent are named to the Rising Stars list.
“I am honored that the hard work put in on behalf of clients has been recognized by my peers,” Ms. Gentry said.
Verity began her career as an Orleans Parish Public Defender in New Orleans, then moved on to other prominent Louisiana law firms before opening her own thriving offices in Many and Shreveport. She has successfully handled thousands of cases across Louisiana.
“Though it is humbling to be recognized in the field, there is no reward greater than being in the courtroom advocating for my clients and making sure justice is served fairly and humanely. That is truly my passion,” she shared.
The Law Office of Verity Gentry Many location is at 690 San Antonio Ave., Suite B. In Shreveport, visit 1532 Irving Place. The firm is always available at (318) 701-8127.
As Observations was posted Tuesday evening, a manhunt was still underway for the man convicted of killing his girlfriend and then fleeing before the guilty verdict was read in Hemphill in Sabine County, Texas. The U.S. Marshals Service continues to search the Louisiana Texas border for any signs of the fugitive.
Matthew Hoy Edgar was in the midst of his trial in connection with the October 2020 shooting death of Livye Lewis, 19, but was a no-show in court on Jan. 27. He had earlier been released on bond from jail while awaiting trial. Edgar disappeared on the third day of his trial, and he allegedly threatened to hurt himself and his family before disappearing. He was ultimately found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to 99 years.
Readers will recall that Lewis’ mother, former Zwolle resident Darci Bass, confronted her teenage daughter’s killer inside a Hemphill convenience store back on Dec. 20. After the confrontation, Ms. Bass admitted on social media she had assaulted Edgar and damaged his vehicle as he was leaving the store. Edgar filed charges against Ms. Bass, and she was subsequently arrested for Assault and Criminal Mischief.
Dozens of persons protested Ms. Bass’ arrest at the time, understanding her deep angst in seeing her daughter’s murderer out and about enjoying his freedom.
After his recent disappearance, Sabine Parish Chief Deputy Brad Walker told Observations that a tip had been received that Edgar was seen in the Cypress Bend area last week. Deputies checked it out but did not find him.
The Marshall’s Office is asking anyone with information related to Matthew Hoy Edgar’s whereabouts to submit a tip on their website, contact the Sabine County Sheriff’s Office at (409) 787-2266 or call 9-1-1.
Seems the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission is headed in a new, positive direction, and we compliment new Director Georgia Craven for her leadership. For years, the Commission has basically ignored our local Baldridge-Dumas Communications which operates eight radio stations in northwest Louisiana and east Texas.
Head man Tedd Dumas has been highly miffed at the Commission for some years because he felt they were only spending a pittance with Baldridge-Dumas Communications and in doing so, ignoring their largest visitor-base area. He has let his problem with the Commission be known on “Radio Unafraid” for several years. He knows the power of radio advertising and knew those eight stations could bring visitors into Sabine Parish to visit Toledo Bend Lake. It makes sense to invest in inviting people within easy driving distance of the Lake to its amenities rather than throwing big dollars after folks from far-off places.
Then stepped in Ms. Craven. Tedd met with her, expressed his concerns and she corrected the problem.
Earlier last year Many Mayor Robert Hable started a series of radio ads welcoming Toledo Bend visitors and asking them to be sure to also visit Many while in the area. And the promotion has been successful.
The following Sabine Parish Sales Tax report for January has been issued by Sales/Use Tax Administrator Wanda Rivers. Total sales tax collected was $2,189,593.73, representing an increase of $386,961.44 over January of last year.
A search warrant was executed late on Jan. 26 at a home in the Pirates Cove area of Toledo Bend Lake in southwest Sabine Parish.
The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) had been investigating the illegal narcotic activity of Eugene Patrick Kavanagh III, age 56, of Florien for a couple of months.
Sabine Parish Sheriff Deputies and TNT Agents located approximately three ounces of suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and five firearms, one being an illegal-length shotgun, during the search.
Kavanagh’s friend, Miranda Rebecca Setliff, age 41, of Shreveport was also inside the residence at the time.
Kavanagh was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of firearm while in possession of CDS, Felon in possession of firearm, Possession of illegal shotgun, and a warrant for six counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine.
Setliff was booked into the Sabine Parish Women’s Jail for Possession of with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of firearm while in possession of CDS.
(Information above provided by Det. D.W. Seegers, whom we thank.)
Shortly before 2 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29, an unknown suspect(s) in a tan Ford F250 4-door truck attempted to gain access into the Bank of Montgomery ATM at Toledo Pharmacy on Hwy. 6 west of Many.
The incident was not discovered until after 5 a.m. when a passerby noticed the ATM doors were forced open.
It appears a cutting torch was used to cut the arm which is in place to prevent access to the ATM doors. The arm was open, and the ATM doors were pried open. No money was taken.
Detectives were dispatched to the scene, and the pharmacy surveillance video and other evidence were obtained.
Shortly after 11 a.m., the suspected vehicle was located on a lease area on Pilcher Rd. off Hwy. 191.
The initial investigation revealed the truck used in the attempted heist was stolen the night prior from Mark’s Wholesale Tires, located on Texas Hwy. in Many.
The Many Police Department along with the Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case and collecting evidence.
There was also an ATM heist at Sabine Bank in Hemphill, TX the night of Jan. 28/early morning of Jan. 29. The suspect vehicle was left at the scene and an unknown amount of cash was taken.
If you remember, the Bank of Montgomery ATM on Hwy. 171 Bypass in Many was hit on Nov. 12 of 2020. The suspect vehicle was left at the scene and an unknown amount of cash was taken.
No suspects have been arrested at this time in any of these three ATM robberies.
Law enforcement authorities in Louisiana and Texas believe this is a large criminal organization which has targeted ATM locations across the South over the last two years.
(Special thanks to Det. D.W. Seegers for the above article.)
On Friday, Jan. 28, the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office honored the service of longtime dispatcher Jan Coburn as she entered retirement.
Ms. Coburn started working for the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office in February of 1998 under the Guffey Lynn Pattison administration. She served under Sheriff Pattison, Sheriff Ronny Richardson, and under current Sheriff Aaron Mitchell a combined total of 24 years.
Before coming to work at the Sheriff’s Office, Jan was employed at Hodges Gardens State Park.
Ms. Coburn was born Jan Potter on July 13, 1955. She married Kenneth Coburn on September 15, 1973. Jan has two sons: Thomas Coburn and daughter-in-law Robin, and Christian Potter. Thomas and Robin blessed Jan with the apple of her eye, her granddaughter Olivia.
Jan enjoys making jewelry, spending time with her family, and taking care of her mother.
Jan loved working for the Sheriff’s Office and was responsible for training many new dispatchers. Jan leaves a gap in the dispatch office that will not be easily filled. Jan has a big, generous heart and loves to help anyone who needs it. She always has a positive attitude and handles anything thrown her way with a smile.
The Sheriff’s Office noted on her retirement, “Lucky for us Jan will continue serving on a part-time basis as needed. Sheriff Mitchell and the entire staff at the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office wish Jan the best in her retirement and thank her for her dedicated service over the last 24 years.”
(Thanks to Det. D.W. Seegers for the above information.)
The Sabine Prevention Alliance and the City of Many hosted a Youth Mental Health First Aid training class at Many City Hall on Thursday, Jan. 27.
Members of the Sabine Prevention Alliance, Sabine Parish School Board, Department of Children and Family Services, Many Police Dept. Officers and Sabine Parish Sheriff Detectives attended the eight-hour course.
Instructors were Jill Waltemate and Serenitie Garner.
Attendees were trained to provide initial help to young people experiencing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis and substance abuse disorders. They also learned how to assess for risk of suicide or harm, listen, give reassurance, encourage professional or self-help, and other support strategies.
It was a very hands-on, interactive class which kept everyone engaged in the training material. A delicious lunch was also provided by the Hard Kor Café.
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell thanked the Sabine Prevention Alliance and the City of Many for the opportunity for his staff to attend. At the class from the SPSO were Detectives Lamar Thomas, D.W. Seegers, Shelly Sepulvado and Trevor Beason.
(Thanks to Det. D.W. Seegers for the above material.)
The first monthly birthday party of the year was hosted by Apollo Plaza Apartment Staff at the complex on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 27.
Apartment Staff provided cake, popcorn and goodie bags for the kids. They also provided basketball goals and a dart game.
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell, Many Mayor Robert Hable and the Central Sabine Fire Department were in attendance to entertain and help celebrate the children.
The kids enjoyed a tour of the fire engine and a patrol unit and activating the lights and sirens.
Sheriff Mitchell said he was honored to attend and is thankful to the Apollo Apartment Staff for what they do for the children.
The monthly birthdays celebration is held on the last Thursday of each month at 3 p.m.
(The above report courtesy of Det. D.W. Seegers.)
VOTING SYSTEM COMMISSION REPORT DEADLINE SUSPENDED
Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced last week that Gov. John Bel Edwards has issued a proclamation suspending the deadline for the Voting System Commission’s final report as a result of Hurricane Ida and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Act 480, the legislation that created the Voting System Commission, was passed and signed into law during the 2021 Regular Legislative Session. The act required the commission to produce a final report recommending a type of voting system to Secretary Ardoin by January 31 of this year.
“As chairman of the Voting System Commission, I am grateful to the governor for suspending the deadline for the report. The Voting System Commission has already had to delay its meetings due to Hurricane Ida and has canceled one meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision will give the commission the time it needs to hold its final meetings and carefully weigh its decision. The task of recommending a new type of voting system is far too important to rush the process,” Ardoin stated.
The commission will vote to recommend a type of voting system after its final meeting this year. All meetings are open to the public.
For more information about the Voting System Commission, contact John Ryan McGehee in the Communications Office at (225) 922-0820 or visit www.GeauxVote.com. If members of the public would like to view recordings of previous meetings, please visit https://senate.la.gov/.
The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office announces their January 2022 Felony Narcotics and Firearms Arrests as follows:
Approximately 28 ounces of suspected methamphetamine, 3.8 ounces of marijuana, Ecstasy, Oxycodone, and Clonazepam pills, one-half ounce of crack cocaine, various drug paraphernalia, over $1300 cash, nine firearms and two vehicles were seized during the month of January.
Justin Jeremy Calhoun, age 34, of Many – Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Crack Cocaine), Possession of schedule IV (Clonazepam), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Second or subsequent offenses, Flight from an officer.
David Albert Andries Jr., age 61, of Many – Felon in possession of firearm.
Benjamin Edward Brevelle, age 28, of Marthaville – Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of schedule II (Oxycodone), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Contraband in penal institutions prohibited, Use of spotlights and auxiliary lamps.
Eugene Patrick Kavanagh III, age 56, of Florien – Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of firearm while in possession of CDS, Felon in possession of firearm, Possession of illegal shotgun, and a warrant for 6-counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine.
Miranda Rebecca Setliff, age 41, of Shreveport – Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of firearm while in possession of CDS.
Carl Darius Blair, age 40, of Baton Rouge – Possession of hallucinogenic plant (14g Mushrooms).
Malik Dequez Williams, age 25, of Natchitoches – Possession of firearm by convicted felon, General speed law.
(Information above provided by Det. D.W. Seegers.)
We enjoy watching Classic Country and Bluegrass music on RFD-TV a lot. They broadcast a number of great old TV shows like “The Wilburn Brothers Show” and “The Porter Wagoner Show,” as well as newer shows like Alan Sibley’s “The Bluegrass Trail” and Michael Johnathon’s “WoodSongs,” which has all manner of Folk and Traditional music artists.
We were happy to see our good friend Clancey (Ferguson) Stewart of Florien on an old episode of “WoodSongs” last week. The show we watched originally aired on June 14, 2014. It featured Country and Western artist Michael Martin Murphy. Clancey played backup for him on fiddle. She did a great job, as always. The show was filmed at the 66th Annual Ozark Folk Festival in Eureka Springs, AR and it also had performances by the Clark Family Trio of Searcy, AR.
Crayola has gone fully woke. They now have crayons, colored pencils and markers in new “Colors of the World” packs with colors ranging from “deepest almond” and “extra deep golden” to “very light golden” and “extra light almond.” And are there any plain ole red, yellow, black or white crayons in these packs, you ask? Nary a one. These special packages have only very politically correct skin tones.
We guess it’s all fine and good as long as the budding artist wants to use one of the 24 “specially formulated colors that represent people from all around the world.” But someone is bound to get offended. Come to think of it, why didn’t they recognize us Southerners with skin colors like “peanut” and “praline”? Somebody may want to file a suit over the harm caused by such a limited choice of skin tones to use while coloring. God knows there’s way more than 24. Some of us “parched peanuts” and “creamy pralines” ought to unite and fight for the right to be represented.
To get all of Crayola’s regular primary and pastel colors, you have to buy another package of crayons, of course. So it looks like wokeness helps their bottom line, too. How convenient.
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