Wednesday, July 20, 2022
The big news this week is that Many High School Tiger four-star linebacker and No. 6 prospect in Louisiana for the Class of 2023 has committed to Southern California. The 6 ft. 2, 215-pounder made his announcement on Twitter Monday.
A few weeks ago, Tackett narrowed his choices to Wisconsin, Ohio State and USC. He is the No. 92 linebacker in the country and No. 5 linebacker in the country according to the 247Sports Composite.
“After a lot of consideration and thought, I’ve decided to commit to the University of Southern California,” he posted on Twitter. “I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this process and all of the programs that recruited me! #Fighton@USC.”
“I feel each school would be a great fit for me and what I want to accomplish as a college football player,” Tackett recently told the Shreveport Times. “I have a great relationship with all the coaches and staff from each school, and I feel like that goes a long way. Every school has the resources that I would need to succeed at the next level and become the best version of myself that I can be.”
Tackett has 128 tackles, including 18 for a loss, with four interceptions and three forced fumbles in 2021. He’s been the Outstanding Defensive Player for two consecutive seasons on the LSWA Class 2A All-Star team. He also had offers from 10 SEC schools including LSU, Texas A&M and Arkansas, along with Notre Dame.
Many Tiger Coach Jess Curtis, Tackett’s uncle, said he believes The Times 2021 All-Area Defensive Player of the Year picked from three “great programs” that have recruited him “hard” for well over a year.
“Coach Lincoln Riley and Linebacker Coach Brian Odom at USC have recruited him hard going back to OU,” Jess commented. “Riley calls and Facetimes him often. We feel like USC is fixing to be back like the Pete Carroll era under Lincoln.”
Tackett visited all three of the top-contending schools in June before making his final decision for USC this month. He is the son of Moses and Leslie Curtis and the grandson of John and Pam Curtis and Warren and Ann Founds, all of Many.
Qualifying for the Nov. 8 Primary will start Wednesday, July 20, and continue until Friday, July 22, according to Sabine Parish Clerk of Court Shelly Salter. Her office will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each day.
Joe Salter, Florien native and Chief of Staff for Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, listed the following offices to be elected for Sabine Parish: District Judge, all nine School Board positions, Mayor – Town of Zwolle, Mayor – Village of Noble, Chief of Police – Town of Zwolle, Chief of Police – Village of Noble, Aldermen – Village of Fisher, Aldermen – Village of Noble and Councilmen – Town of Zwolle.
Also on the Nov. 8 ballot will be Judge, Third Circuit Court of Appeal First District Division A; Fourth District U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator.
Speaking of the Hon. Joe R. Salter, he informs Observations that the Louisiana Department of State was the recipient of the 2022 National Association of Secretaries of State Innovation, Dedication, Excellence and Achievement in Service Award at the 2022 NASS Sumer Conference in Baton Rouge. Secretary Ardoin accepted the award for Louisiana’s submission, the “Operation Geaux Vote Task Force.”
“I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the Operation Geaux Vote Task Force, our Department of State Staff, Clerks of Court, Registrars of Voters and election commissioners who helped successfully execute the 2020 and 2021 statewide elections in Louisiana,” he said. “They did so in the face of extraordinary challenges during a global pandemic and the aftermath of major hurricanes which upended their own lives and the lives of the citizens they serve. I could not be more proud of their work, dedication and service.”
HERE AND THERE ON POLITICS: Lynn Montgomery will not seek re-election as Mayor of Noble. He has done a commendable job of cleaning up the Village.
The political pot is going in Robeline. Rumors are that Mayor Bobby Behan will seek re-election and Chief of Police Gordon O’Con is also in the race. Word is that Wayne O’Con will toss his hat in the ring for Chief of Police. Alderwoman Pam Jennings is looking at running for Mayor and Terri Matthews will run for something – maybe Mayor, or Chief of Police or Alderwoman.
Also heard that Everett Guidry looking at seeking election as Sabine School Board Member from Dist. 5. He is the headman out at B.J.’s Grocery & Bait, west of Many. Genevieve Gordon now holds that position and has said she will run again.
Dr. Leah Byles who represents Dist. 2 on the Sabine Parish School Board has informed Observations that she will seek re-election in the Nov. 8 primary. She was appointed by the School Board to fill the unexpired term of her father, Buddy Veuleman, in January 2016 following his death. She was then elected to fill the remaining two years of his term. Dr. Byles was re-elected for a full term in 2019.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board proudly announced that Diana Curtis of Many has been hired as Principal of Provencal Elementary/Junior High School. She has been an educator since 2006 and received her Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas in 2011. She did an outstanding job as Principal of Logansport High School in DeSoto Parish since 2020.
Ms. Curtis is excited to bring her leadership skills to Provencal, saying, “I am so excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the Provencal community. I look forward to meeting the teachers, students and families that I will serve.
She is married to John Curtis Jr. of Many.
If you like classic Country Music, then this coming Saturday you’ll want to make your way to the historic Municipal Auditorium in Shreveport for a full day of it. There’ll be 30 artists including the great, legendary Gene Watson and the Farewell Party Band, Moe Bandy, Joe Stampley, Tony Jackson, Bobby Marquez, Linda Davis, Penny Gilley, Tony Booth, Diane McCall and Dave Gore. In addition, Negreet’s own Sara Beth will be on the bill.
The program starts at 9:30 a.m., with doors opening at 8 a.m. The full day of Classic Country will go until 11 p.m.
This year marks 60 years since Watson released his first single to radio. To celebrate, the iconic star embarked Jan. 1 for his 60th Anniversary Tour in Florida, which will take him across the country. During his career, Watson has charted 75 titles including 23 Top 10 hits, six No. 1 country singles and five No. 1 gospel records.
The Texas native continues to perform to sold-out crowds, singing in the same key he did more than five decades ago and thrilling fans with his famous octave-jumping ending to “Farewell Party.”
Also on the program will be Stephen Pride, Richard Lynch, Wesley Dennis, Lisa Layne, Dean Holmen, Mike Hughes, Zac Clifton, Missy Dunaway, Tina Patterson-White, Anna Marie, Scott Southworth, Tommy Lee Crosslin, Diane Berry, Dee Jee Overbey, Brenda Lynn Allen, Leigh Pollarie, Rebecca Bagwell, Amber Seay, Mike Siler and Cheridy Adams.
Advance tickets are still on sale. Follow the links below to buy online or call (318) 841-4196.
https://www.ticketmaster.com/keeping-it-country-lives-traditional-country-shreveport-louisiana-07-23-2022/event-1B005CAAF6189784
A ticket link is also available at www.keepingitcountrylive.com
Tickets may also be purchased the day of the show at the door.
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reports seven subjects were indicted for Federal narcotic and firearm charges in United States District Court, Western District of Louisiana in Shreveport on Wednesday, June 29.
These indictments are a result of the October 2021 arrests of these subjects for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Schedule II (Methamphetamine).
Criminal conspiracy is the agreement or combination of two or more persons for the specific purpose of committing any crime when one or more of such parties does an act in furtherance of the object of the agreement or combination.
Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) Agents began an investigation in December 2020 after Lionel Somersall Jr. was arrested during a traffic stop for Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth) while driving Thomas Dew’s Ford truck. The investigation continued into February 2021 and through the summer of 2021.
TNT Agents discovered communication and relationships between the seven subjects about illegal narcotics use and sales.
Countless hours were spent by TNT Agents and Detectives obtaining and analyzing various digital forensic data of the seven subjects.
Subsequently, all seven people were arrested in August and September 2021 for various felony drug and firearm charges. Over 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine and several firearms were seized during the investigation and arrests of the subjects.
The Federal Indictments are as follows:
Lionel George Somersoll Jr., age 46, of Zwolle – Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; Possession of Firearms by a Felon; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking.
Kenneth Ray Smith, age 62, of Many – Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; Possession of Firearms by a Felon; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking.
Thomas Dewayne Dew, age 44, of Many – Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; Distribution of Methamphetamine; and Possession of Firearms by a Felon.
Joseph Vern Lewing, age 40, of Many – Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
Gary Dewayne Smith, age 46, of Zwolle – Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
Christy Rene McPherson, age 41, of Many – Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of Firearms by a Felon.
Sharon Nichole Taylor, age 36, of Robeline – Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
Sheriff Mitchell stated the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office has been able to obtain 26 Federal Indictments for narcotic and firearm charges since he became Sheriff of Sabine Parish in July 2020. There are also 14 pending Federal Indictments at this time.
(Special thanks to Det. D. W. Seegers for providing the above article.)
Get ready for another fun Friday night at the Ark-La-Tex Music Variety Show to start at 7 p.m. at the Many Community Center [Sabine Theater] downtown this Friday, July 22. Organizer and musical emcee Buster Jordan promises it will be a great one featuring a variety of Country, Rock, Gospel and Easy Listening from the 1950s through the ’90s.
The show is presented by the Town of Many and in addition to Jordan, is hosted by the talented Sarah Erwin, the Burton Bros. and Jacob Heard.
As always, there will be a Guitar Giveaway and for this show Candidate for Judge Verity Gentry is sponsoring a $100 Nichols gift card for a special door prize to be awarded, so you don’t want to miss it!
Adult admission is $10, Students 7th-12th Grade are $5, Kids 6th Grade and under are free as are all veterans.
Signs Along Life’s Highway
Grant Shofner of Benton, LA sported his best for the July 4th Holiday. The shirt shows a picture of President Joe Biden with the words, “Merry 4th of Father’s Day.” Grant’s shirt got a lot of laughs.
WE GET LETTERS. We always love to hear from longtime friend Ronald Byrd of South Boston, VA. His note follows.
“Robert, with respect to the Dumas/Ebarb controversy, nobody used the phrase conflict of interest, but it seems to me that that’s what’s at work. You reported that ‘Ebarb pointed out that the Police Jury by law created the Library Board, and the Jury President can either serve on the board or if he chooses not to, can appoint someone to serve.’ Why would they have created a Library Board rather than having a subcommittee of Police Jury members administering library business as part of their duties? I think the answer is obvious; they have enough on their plates and wanted input from other interested and qualified citizens. A more pertinent question is why would the Police Jury appoint any of their own members to a board that answers to the Jury, inviting questions of possible conflict of interest, as Dumas did? Ebarb should never have been put in a position where such a question could arise. The error was in appointing him to the Library Board. Dumas’ opinion was legitimate; the appearance of a possible conflict of interest should be avoided at all levels of government. That’s my opinion, Robert, and if you don’t like it, sue me! LOL, Ronny”
Sabine Prevention Alliance (SPA) and its Community Partners are hosting a parish-wide community forum for the prevention of substance abuse at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Many this Saturday, July 23, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided.
It is important to contact the SPA now to confirm attendance so that adequate preparations may be made to accommodate all attendees. Those planning to attend should contact (318) 602-9206 or email jameswagley.lcsw@gmail.com immediately.
SPA is a volunteer coalition dedicated to reducing under-age drinking throughout Sabine Parish.
Facilitation of this weekend’s gathering will be provided by Drew Brooks, Faith-Partners CEO and Otto Shultz, Nebraska Faith-Partners Program Coordinator
The event will provide an opportunity to:
– Get professional training and information on key factors affecting youth and families
– Meet and interact with others throughout the parish from areas such as: education, healthcare, law enforcement/legal, faith-based organizations, youth serving agencies, 12 step groups, CADA, municipal governments, parents, and families, recovering alcoholics/addicts and more.
– Learn about existing groups, organizations, and resources
– Build relationships and support
– Help create a vision to fight addiction where Sabine residents live, work, play and worship
For more information or to confirm attendance, contact Coalition Coordinator James Wagley at (318) 602-9206 or email jameswagley.lcsw@gmail.com.
The church is located at 1000 Main St. in Many. The Fellowship Hall is located at the rear of the church off of West Louisiana Ave. There is good parking there and also at the front of the church.
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