Wednesday, June 29, 2022
It’s not often that a person retires after 43 years with an organization. Come Thursday, June 30, Wayne Martinez will retire as Executive Director of the ARC of Sabine after 43 years of service. It was in 1979 he began his career as a bus driver for the organization and through the years has worked in many other capacities.
In 1995, Wayne was appointed Interim Director and in 2002 he was named Executive Director.
He always felt a passion for the job from his heart, regardless of what his duties might have been. He said from the very first day of employment he felt it was more than just a job – it was God’s purpose for his life for him to work with and help provide exceptional care and services to the intellectually and developmentally challenged individuals at SARC.
During his term as Executive Director he has faced many challenges and obstacles but has always remained steadfast and true to his commitment to always make sure both he and his staff never forgot what SARC is all about – THE CLIENTS; and to make sure they always came first no matter what else was going on.
In 2017 a fire destroyed the main office building and work center, and both clients and staff were displaced for over three years until they were able to move back into the newly remodeled building. This was a very difficult time for everyone, but the incident only reaffirmed what Wayne has always known – good things came come from bad situations. Among many other accomplishments, Wayne will be leaving SARC with all property debt paid in full and a new state-of-the-art office building that now includes an updated 2,400-square-foot work center that clients absolutely love.
Wayne is very grateful to the Board of Directors, his outstanding and devoted staff and the entire community for their years of support and confidence in him. He said it has been a wonderful experience to be part of this very valuable and dedicated organization, and he will forever have a special place in his heart for all the clients he has had the privilege of knowing and serving.
It was sometime in the mid ‘90s when the SARC found itself in the midst of turmoil. The administration at the time issued some kind of statement that was apparently false about Wayne. His wife Pat brought a response to the Sabine Index that strongly defended Wayne. From that visit, I hired Pat and therefore got to know Wayne. That turmoil soon led to Wayne being hired as captain of the ship.
Pat worked at the Index for several years and was loyal, dedicated, dependable and a hard worker. In addition, we worked together on 12 books at Sweet Dreams Publishing Co. She left the Index and went to work for her cousin, Attorney Ronnie Brandon. Later she worked for years at Peoples State Bank and when it sold to MidSouth Bank, and then after it sold to Hancock Whitney. She retired a few years ago.
We wish Wayne much happiness in his retirement and may Pat continue to be happy in hers.
Spencer Faust, three-term member of the Sabine Parish School Board, has announced that he will not seek re-election. He served District 3. The primary is set for Nov. 8, with the qualifying period being July 20-22.
“I believe the voters in District 3 deserve to know that I will not run, so that anyone interested will have a fair chance to do so,” he stated. “I had three opponents the first time I ran, and then returned to office the other two times unopposed. The voters in the district have been good to me and I thank them for their support.”
Faust continued, “I have enjoyed my service on the Board. Our system is running good right now. Our academics are up. Right now, Many High is an A school. During my term we constructed a new Many Elementary School. And we put turf on the Many High football field. I am proud of that. In addition, I helped elect two Superintendents – Dr. Sara Ebarb and Shane Wright.”
In his popular “Take No Hostages” radio program on June 21, host Tedd Dumas called on Sabine District Attorney Don Burkett to rule on whether a member of the Police Jury can ethically serve on a board as the Jury’s appointee to that board. He particularly singled out Juror Kenneth Ebarb, Dist. 8, who was appointed by the Jury to serve as a member of the Sabine Parish Library Board.
Dumas told his guest, good government advocate Conrad Cathey, “[Ebarb] votes with the Library Board to ask the Jury to call a tax election, and then at the Police Jury meeting, as a Juror he seconds the motion, and votes to call the election.”
In a letter to Burkett, Dumas wrote that it is his understanding such activity is an ethics violation and ask that it be investigated. “I don’t think a Police Jury member should be on a Board and then come back and ask the Police Jury to vote on a tax [to benefit that Board],” he stated.
Cathey pointed out that at one time Linda Curtis-Sparks who was director of the Sabine Tourist Commission was thinking about running for the State Legislature. Cathey continued, “It is my understanding that she asked the Ethics Commission for an opinion and was told she could not run and serve as Director.” He added, “I think Police Jurors should not serve on any Board.”
Good government advocate Conrad Cathey told radio host Tedd Dumas on his popular “No Hostage Report” program that the Sabine Police Jury met Wednesday, June 15, and voted to call three taxes on the Nov. 8 ballot without any discussion. The radio program was June 21. Cathey said Juror Mike McCormic, Dist. 2, made a motion to vote on all three propositions at the same time, it was seconded by Kenneth Ebarb, Dist. 8, and carried.
Cathey said Stephen Steinke, Dist. 3, asked that each proposition be voted on separately, but the motion had already been made and seconded. The tax propositions were for the Sabine Parish Library, Sabine Health Unit and Road Dist. 4, Ward 7. Only Steinke and Bo Stewart, Dist. 1, voted against calling all three elections in the same motion. “I want to congratulate Bo and Stephen for having the integrity to stand up for the people,” Dumas said. He added, “If I lived in Road Dist. 4, I would vote against the tax because Randy Byrd, Dist. 9, voted to go along with the Gang of 7 who voted to call all three taxes.”
Cathey, former Sabine Tax Assessor, had sent Jurors and members of the Library Board a letter asking them to postpone the vote on the Library tax until some issues had been resolved. He proposed that an outside firm be engaged to determine how many people use the library daily, the number of users at each branch and the age of the visitors, and for what purposes the libraries are used. He also proposed that such a group determine if the library is operated at its greatest efficiency, including number of personnel at the main location and at each branch, and if their compensation is in line with other libraries of like size.
Next, Cathey pointed out we are going through the worst inflation in 40 years and the vote could be postponed because the Library Board can easily operate with existing funds.
Cathey reported on the radio program that he received no response from his letter and that he did not speak at the Jury meeting. “There was no discussion,” he stated. “I thought there should be comments. My letter was not discussed. There was no discussion on the taxes at all.”
Dumas asked Cathey if he was going to vote for the Library tax and he said he would not until he receives some answers. The two conducted a campaign to oppose the tax when it was defeated late last year by a vote of 1,695 against to only 517 in favor. “I sent three or four letters asking for information last time and did not receive any,” Cathy said. “I am not against the Library. I am for not wasting the taxpayers’ money.” He went on to say that he will spearhead an effort against the tax again this time.
Cathey said, “It is not necessary that a new Library building be constructed. That’s why a study needs to be done. My main concern is: Do we need to spend $5 million on a building we don’t need?” Dumas pointed out that in the last 10 years, library usage has dropped by 31 per cent.
Continuing, Cathey said the Library Board has $5 million in savings. He stated, “Six months ago they sent me a proposal that $4 to 4 ½ million would be spent on a new building and they would pay the architect 10 percent of the cost. And building costs have gone up since then.”
Cathey pointed out that after the defeat of the last election, the Health Unit reduced the amount it is now seeking from 1 mill to 1/3 mill which will bring in about $70,000 and will be used for maintenance.
He said the Library reduced the amount it is asking from 5.5 to 4 mills which will bring in a little over $1 million a year. The Library operating budget is about $500,000 per year.
“I was hoping the Police Jury would put off the election on the Library tax until we get some answers,” Cathey said. “The taxpaying public needs some answers.”
Observations is happy to report that on Tuesday, members of the Sabine Parish Library Board shared they had met with Cathey and had a good discussion with him of the issues at hand.
“Members of the Library Board wish to thank Mr. Conrad Cathey for coming by at our invitation to discuss the upcoming renewal election,” the Library’s Facebook page said. “Voters of the parish are being asked to vote pro or con on the renewal, which will be 4.0 mills instead of the current 5.27, resulting in a reduction to the taxpayers of the parish of over $300,000. Opinions and ideas were exchanged freely, and we appreciated that it was a very frank, open, and congenial meeting. Any person who wishes additional information regarding the library needs only go by the library, and we will be most happy to share any information that might help in the voting process.”
The Sabine Parish Library Main Branch is located at 705 Main St. in Many. They are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday, and 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday. Holiday hours may differ. The Library Main Branch may be reached at (318) 256-4150.
State Rep. Alan Seabaugh, shown center, spoke to the Vultures Club in Many Tuesday, June 21. He represents Dist. 5 and is running for State Senator from Dist. 31, which includes Sabine Parish. Present Sen. Louie Bernard has announced he will not seek re-election. Seabaugh is a conservative and has ties to Sabine Parish. Shown at left is John Curtis of Many; at right is John Aaron of Natchitoches. For the gathering Sheriff Aaron Mitchel and his Chief Deputy Brad Walker prepared a delicious barbecue meal complete with Ms. Leigh Anne’s famous potato salad and baked beans.
Gene Wright, right, celebrated his 83rd Birthday with a special breakfast at the Gulf Station Café in Many on Wednesday morning, June 22. He was accompanied by his daughter Leigh Anne Mitchell and two grandchildren. Gene has been active in educational and religious affairs in the area for many years. Gene is shown at right with two friends Bruce Gandy, left, and John Curtis, center.
Several folks have asked us to find out what Sabine Parish got during the recent session of the Legislature.
Here is what we have come up with:
Plainview Road Rehabilitation, Planning and Construction: Priority 1, $1,902,700 and Priority 5, $2,433,600.
Sabine Parish Arena Complex, Planning and Construction: Priority 5, $1,000,000.
West Side Water System Expansion, Planning and Construction (including Hornbeck): Priority 1, $105,465 and State General Fund Non-Recurring Revenues, $1,500,000.
South Toledo Bend Waterworks District, Vaco Road, Prospect Road and Firesheets Lane, Planning and Construction GOB: Priority 1, $25,000 and Priority 5, $200,000.
Belmont Waterworks Inc., Water Systems Improvements, Planning and Construction GOB: Priority 1, $257,488.
Village of Florien, Town Hall, Planning and Construction: Priority 1, $385.505
Local Government Assistance Program: Act 29 of 2018 Installation of 6” Waterline and Waterwell, planning and Construction, ($25,000 local Match), GOB, $1,043,384 and Priority 5, $5,000,000.
Here are the projects in HB 592:
Many Fire Station, $300,000.
Sabine Parish Police Jury Recreation Site Improvements, $200,000.
Zwolle Historical Museum, $25,000.
We requested comments and information from Police Jury Secretary Bill Weatherford, Rep. Rodney Schamerhorn and Sen. Louie Bernard. None of them responded. We wonder why. When a journalist asks a question of a public official, they are not asking out of personal curiosity; they are asking for Mr. and Mrs. John Q. Public who would like an answer.
(And thanks to David West, head of the News Bureau at Northwestern State University for his assistance in providing information.)
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reports John Michael Murphy, age 35, of Many was indicted in United States District Court, Western District of Louisiana in Shreveport on June 15.
Murphy was indicted for one count of Possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine.
This indictment stems from the November 16, 2021 arrest of Murphy by the Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT.) TNT Agents and Deputies located approximately five ounces of suspected methamphetamine in Murphy’s pants during a traffic stop.
Murphy has been incarcerated since his arrest.
Murphy was arrested on a warrant for two counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth). The warrant was a result of a prior investigation by TNT Agents into Murphy’s illegal drug sales activity.
Sheriff Mitchell and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office continue to combat illegal narcotics in Sabine Parish and utilize federal resources to obtain harsher penalties for these drug dealers.
(All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.)
(Special thanks to Det. D. W. Seegers for the above article.)
This week the Goldwing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) will hold a convention in Shreveport, our friend Carl Derrick, who lives in Bossier City, informed Observations. As this is an international organization, there will be thousands of luxury touring motorcycles in the area.
There are many events each participant can take part in, including GPS programmed rides. One of those choices will bring the riders down Hwy. 171 from U.S. Hwy. 84 and passes right by Derrick Family Farms near Converse.
Carl, being the good man that he is, posted on the Facebook page that he would provide a watering stop at the Farms, including cold water, Gatorade and snacks.
The Louisiana District GWRRA Director picked up on it and posted it to several of the other applicable ride publicity sites. Said Carl, “He messaged me and said thanks, then added the response has blown up with comments and likes. Even the National GWRRA has responded. That’s fantastic. No one has ever done that before.”
Carl will provide the refreshments on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and expects a large number of motorcyclists to stop by each day. He has also been asked to provide information that can be placed on the “Ride” table. “I’ll also have enough signage along the roadway so it can’t be missed,” he stated.
He concluded, “This is a big event and will bring a large number of visitors to the area. We as Sabine residents need to welcome these people and make a good impression for our tourism possibilities. I will encourage riders to even add a trip across Toledo Bend on the Pendleton Bridge on their route.”
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reports Christopher Delane Malmay, age 28, of Zwolle has been arrested.
Shortly before 10:30 a.m. on June 23, Sabine Parish Sheriff Dispatch received a call of a disturbance on Fuller Lane off Hwy. 3229. The disturbance was between Malmay and his uncle.
Sabine Parish Sheriff Deputies responded to the scene and observed Malmay run inside a mobile home. Malmay barricaded himself inside and would not communicate with Deputies.
Malmay has had a warrant out for his arrest and has been eluding Deputies for several weeks.
Sheriff Mitchell and Chief Deputy Brad Walker activated and deployed the Sabine Parish Sheriff Special Operations Group (SOG) to the scene.
Shortly before 1:30 p.m., entry was made into the home by SOG and Sheriff K-9 “Kay.”
Malmay was taken into custody and arrested.
Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) Agents obtained a search warrant for the residence due to plain view contraband inside.
TNT Agents and Deputies located suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, measuring scales, a firearm, and a bullet-proof vest inside.
Malmay was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for:
Possession of schedule I (Marijuana)
Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth)
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Possession of firearm while in possession of CDS
Possession of firearm by a convicted felon
Unlawful use of body armor.
Malmay was also wanted for failure to appear in court for the following charges he was arrested for on December 1, 2021:
Aggravated Flight From Officer
Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
Aggravated Assault With A Motor Vehicle Upon Peace Officer
Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property
Simple Criminal Damage To Property Over $1000
Aggravated Assault
Possession Of Schedule I
No License Plate
Reckless Operation Of A Vehicle
No Proof Of Insurance
Intentional Littering and
Illegal Window Tint.
(Special thanks to Det. D. W. Seegers for the above information.)
We wish our faithful readers lots of happiness and prosperity on this Independence Day, Monday, July 4.
Happy Birthday, America! May we always have freedom, peace, prosperity, and God’s good blessings as we continue to seek a more perfect union.
Lots to do on July 4th weekend, so mark your calendars now.
On Saturday, July 2, all are invited to the Grand Opening of the newly renovated Depot Art Gallery at the historic Kansas City Southern Depot at 750 Hwy. 171 Bypass in Many. It will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will feature lots of new arts and crafts.
On Saturday night, Willie Stewart Family and Friends will present their annual “God Bless America” patriotic concert at the Many Community Center [Sabine Theater] in downtown Many at 7 p.m. The event is completely free of charge, and concessions will be available.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and the big show will feature Stewart family patriarch Willie, his wife Debbie, son Bo, grandson Kelly and his wife, Clancey. In addition, father and son Steve and Mark Birdwell of Marthaville will perform along with Tom Reeks, who will join in on vocals and bass.
As those who have attended before already know, there will be lots of beautiful vocal numbers, lots of good harmony and plenty of inspired instrumentation with guitars, mandolin, fiddle, banjolin, harmonica, cajon drum box, bass and who knows? Clancey may even dance a jig. We can hope.
Then, on Sunday, July 3, the fun continues at Saint Ann Catholic Church Hall after 4 p.m. Mass with Bingo, Corn Hole, a Free Throw Contest, Slip-n-Slide, delicious food and more.
Come dressed in your best red, white and blue as there will be a “Most Patriotic Outfit” Contest held as well. Stay after dark and enjoy fireworks at 8:30 p.m.
St. Ann’s is located at 5272 Hwy. 482 in Zwolle.
WE GET LETTERS. And we always enjoy hearing from our longtime friend, Ronald Byrd, of South Boston, VA. His note follows.
“Robert: I hope that every female reader appreciates how Haleigh Dockens’ story relates to them and how the outcome could have been tragic if she’d not had that drivers’ side door locked. Women alone can be targets; they should never let their guards down. Too bad that some of the bad guys and gals might not have had their faces made public so that folks like you and me might recognize them and notify the law when we see suspicious activity connected to a booking/arrest face that we’ve seen. It’s also too bad that drug activity isn’t on that list of offenses that allows pictures to be made public. Sheriff Mitchell’s job has been made a bit tougher by that law. I’m sure that unlike Senator Louie Bernard, Mike McConathy would never vote for criminal-favoring laws. He is a class act from a really solid family and would represent his constituents well. Reminds me of Verity Gentry’s situation… comes from a similarly solid family and would apply the law appropriately and fairly. McConathy and Gentry both being elected would certainly be a move in the right direction in these troubled times. Hello to Laurie, my friend. Also to Don, Fuzzy, Dale, and Sheriff Mitchell. Be safe and healthy. Ronny”
As some of you know, my wife Laurie received a diagnosis of endometrial cancer in late May and had successful surgery in mid-June. She is recovering very well, and we both wish to thank our family members, many friends and acquaintances who prayed for her and continue to pray, and we also thank all those who brought delicious food, sent beautiful flowers, stopped by for a visit or sent gifts of cheer. You cannot know how touched we were by your expressions of care and concern. We both deeply appreciated every gesture.
Thank you in advance for your continued prayers, good wishes and positive thoughts. Laurie will soon meet with doctors to select the best treatment path. She is very optimistic that those necessary measures can be completed as quickly as possible and successfully.
-30-
