Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Sabine Parish voters again turned thumbs down on three tax propositions in voting Nov. 8.  It was the second time these taxes were defeated.

During the runup to Election Day, there was more interest in the tax for the Sabine Parish Library.  At the Nov. 13, 2021 election, the proposition for 5.05 mills failed by a vote of 1,695 against to 517 for.  This represented 76.63% against and 23.37% for.  After that resounding defeat, the Library Board reduced their millage request to 4 mills for 10 years.  The vote on Nov. 8 was 4,668 against, representing 64.75%, to 2,541 for, representing 35.25%.

A 1 mill tax for maintenance of the Health Unit also failed in the Nov. 13, 2021 election by a vote of 1,400 against, representing 63.52%, to 804 for, representing 36.48%.  After the loss, the requested tax was reduced to .25 mills for 10 years.  In the Nov. 8 balloting, there were 4,012 against, representing 56.31%, to 1,113 for, representing 43.60%.

Police Jury Road District 4, Ward 7, failed by a vote of 52 against to 34 for in the Nov. 13, 2021 balloting.  The tax was for 13.88 mills for 10 years.  In voting Nov. 8, there were 145 against to 143 in favor, a majority of only two votes.  That amounted to 50.35% against to 49.65% in favor.

Conrad Cathey, who led the charge to inform the public about the proposed Library tax, and popular radio personality Tedd Dumas made their first official statement following the second defeat of the tax in a radio program Tuesday morning.  Both strongly opposed the tax, as presented, although both are in favor of having a Parish Library.

Before the Police Jury called the second vote, Cathy sent the Jury a letter asking them to postpone a vote on the Library and Health unit taxes, but suggested they put the Road District tax on the ballot because he felt if it were presented alone, it would be approved by voters of that district. The Jury did not follow his advice.

Cathey also suggested to the Jury that an outside firm be called in to determine how many people use the library, how long they stay and how they use it.  He also asked about use of the branches and the number of staff members at each location.

Tuesday morning Cathey again asked the Jury to bring in an outside consultant to conduct a study of usage and needs of the library.

Dumas said he thinks the Jury ought to tell the Library Board to terminate its agreement with the architect for a new library building, saying it would save taxpayers $500,000.

Cathey said, “If we are going to build a library, let’s do it right.  It should be placed on the ballot as a bond issue.  We were over-taxed for the last 10 years.” He reminded that residents of Sabine voted against building a new library a few years ago. 

Cathey continued by saying the Police Jury and Library Board should review the returns of the Nov. 8 election.  He said of the parish’s 39 precincts, only three voted in favor of the library tax – one in Many, one in Converse and one in Mitchell.

Dumas said the Police Jury should take an active role now, meet with the Library Board and they should: 

1.  Terminate the architect and put the new building on hold. 

2.  Hire an outside consultant to determine how many people use the main office and branches, how long they stay and what they do. 

3.  Take a look at the number of employees and determine if all are needed.

Cathey said in the last two years he had not found anyone who is against the library, but “They are opposed to spending millions of dollars on a building we don’t need.”  He pointed out if a bigger building is needed, they might look at moving the library into the Health Unit building.  Dumas said if branches are not needed, the Board might consider using a Bookmobile.

During the recent campaign, Cathey said he was disappointed the Friends of the Library group ran a lot of ads and made a lot of statements that were misleading and conflicting.  One he pointed to was the statement that if the tax failed, the library would close.  The library has about $5 million in the bank and current operations costs are about $500,000 per year.

Both Cathey and Dumas agreed on these issues:

– That the Library Board members should change and not be allowed to serve long terms.

– That Cathey should work with the Police Jury and Library Board to try to find a compromise on something that will work.

– That it is time for the Police Jury and the Library Board to listen to the wishes of the people who pay taxes.

– That their goal is to have a good library that operates efficiently.

– That the Road Tax vote was a victim of anti-tax sentiment this election and should be approved.

In closing, Dumas said he hoped the Police Jury will listen to the people who have voiced their opinion.  Cathey said, “I hope the Police Jury will listen to us.  The library proponents worked hard, but they didn’t have anything to sell.  They didn’t have any figures on usage.”

The Sabine Parish Citizens for Better Roads group reported Sunday they have now obtained 596 signatures for the recall of Dist. 5 Police Juror Jeff “Gilligan” Davidson.  Headman Pat Scarborough said the team put in an extra day Sunday and got 28 signatures.  The group’s goal was a total of 600 signatures, but he said they will work to get some extra just to be sure they have enough,

Said he, “The original eight-week schedule ends Dec. 3.  We will turn the signatures in to the Registrar of Voters on a Monday, probably before Dec. 5.”

Pat, his wife Joy and others have put a lot of time and effort into the process.

It was with sadness we learned last week of the death of Jerry Pierce, External Vice-President at Northwestern State University.  I first met Jerry in 1959 when we studied journalism together under Dr. John C. Merrill.

Through the next 63 years we remained friends and stayed in touch with each other.  He was a loyal friend and we shall miss him.

Sympathy and well wishes to his wife Regina, his children, grandchildren and other family members.

We understand that Pleasant Hill Mayor Edward “Glen” Arnold has announced that he will resign effective Jan. 2.

Community Bank of Louisiana to host the 2022 Sabine Parish Angel Tree

The Sabine Parish Christmas Cheer Committee is pleased to announce the main Angel Tree for Sabine Parish is in the lobby of Community Bank of Louisiana (CBLA) at 540 San Antonio Ave. in downtown Many. A second tree is located at Sabine Medical Center at 240 Highland Ave. 

The trees are decorated with blue and pink angels representing 89 boys or girls from 31 impoverished families that live in Sabine Parish.  J.J. Blake, CBLA Senior Vice-Pres. said, “We are very excited when the angel tree goes up in our lobby because we get to experience the true spirit of Christmas firsthand as people come in and adopt these special angels!”

The Angel Tree Program sponsored by Sabine Parish Christmas Cheer began about 32 years ago, in conjunction with the Toys for Joy Program. While the Toys for Joy program provides toys, the goal of the Angel Tree project is for each child to receive a minimum of an outfit of clothing, a pair of shoes and a jacket.  Shopping is made easy as each Angel ID tag number includes the child’s age, clothing and shoe sizes.

Many people enjoy selecting their angels from the tree, personally shopping for them and wrapping, then returning the packages labeled with the angels ID information. This year’s return deadline is Friday, Dec. 9. However, some individuals elect to give a donation and let someone else do the shopping and wrapping.  Those who wish to participate in this way should make their donations payable to the St. Vincent de Paul Society with Sabine Parish Angel Tree in the memo line.  

Although many people are involved in the Sabine Parish Christmas Cheer Program, ultimately it is the generosity of Sabine Parish citizens that makes this project a huge success.  

“There is no better way to get in the spirit of Christmas than helping our neighbors in need,” says Madeline Leslie, president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. John’s Catholic Church in Many. 

All are encouraged to stop by Community Bank or Sabine Medical Center in Many and adopt angels today!

Many Police Department honors Chasity Falcon

On Wednesday morning, Oct. 19, Sabine Parish Dispatcher Chasity Falcon received a 911 call from a juvenile threatening to commit suicide. The juvenile hung up on Ms. Falcon, but she immediately called the juvenile back and continued to speak with the youth while dispatching Many Police Dept. officers to the residence.

In their conversation, Ms. Falcon reasoned with the juvenile to put the suicide weapon down and to go to the front door of the residence to talk with the responding officers.

“Ms. Falcon’s composure and compassion resolved the situation, preventing a tragedy while providing safety to the responding police officers,” a Many Police Dept. spokesperson shared.

The Many PD presented Ms. Falcon with a plaque for her remarkable efforts of Oct. 19.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin Issues Statement on Louisiana Elections

Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s Chief of Staff and Sabine native Joe Salter shared the following statement with us that the Secretary issued after Tuesday’s elections:

“I am proud of and grateful for the hard work done by our Department of State staff, Clerks of Court and their staff, Registrars of Voters and their staff, and the thousands of election workers across the state to deliver another successful election to the people of Louisiana. Over 1.3 million voters made their voices heard in Tuesday’s election, with all unofficial results being uploaded less than five hours after polls closed. We had no reports of major issues across the state, and we were able to work with our law enforcement partners to resolve a threat at a polling place in Kenner by quickly disseminating accurate and appropriate information and, working with the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court, expeditiously moving the polling site to a nearby location. Also, our office was able to quickly resolve an issue which caused our Geaux Vote mobile app and voter portal to work slower than usual due to the high volume of visitors to our site. Yesterday’s election shows why Louisiana is given high marks by national organizations for election integrity and administration, and why the Louisiana Legislative Auditor praised our procedures. Despite what some may wrongly say about Louisiana’s elections, they are and will continue to be safe, secure, transparent and accurate, thanks to the policies our office has put in place.”

We appreciate Joe keeping us informed on the Secretary of State’s good work.

In Zwolle Police Dept. news, Chief Daniel Thomas and Asst. Chief Heath Bennett congratulated Officer Ron Clemence and Officer Auston Bliss for going above and beyond their call of duty by responding to an emergency and delivering a healthy baby boy.

“These two officers stepped up when emergency responders were not close enough to take over,” a Zwolle PD spokesperson said of the Exemplary Service Award recipients. “This experience will help mold them into becoming more compassionate officers for our community, again thanks to these two officers.”

DON’T FORGET:  This Saturday, Nov. 19, is the Rotary Club of Many’s first annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk. It will start at 8 a.m. at Cypress Bend Park, 3462 Cypress Bend Rd., Many.

Online registration is at www.runsignup.com. Late registration will be at the park at 7 a.m.  The $25 entry fee also gets registrants a “uniquely designed t-shirt,” a Turkey Trot medallion, and First Place winners will get a turkey!

Refreshments will be served after the 5K featuring the Many Rotary Club’s famous breakfast sausage.

For more information, contact Hurd Armstrong at hurdarmstrong@yahoo.com or call (586) 530-5132.

WE GET LETTERS.  It’s always a pleasure to hear from our longtime friend Ronald Byrd of South Boston, VA.  His latest follows.

“[It has been] pointed out the insanity of electing Pennsylvania’s mentally challenged John Fetterman to the Senate, [and] I’d like to note that in that same state they reelected a dead man to the State House of Representatives. Anthony Deluca died on October 9th, a month before Election Day and that wasn’t a problem for Pennsylvania voters. Maybe this new breed of Democrats up there have discovered something. They might run JFK again in 2024 for the presidency.  After all, he was a moderate and might attract some Republican and Independent votes!

“Also, Fetterman-Deluca-Biden: Think about the similarities. Do politicians really need their brains?

“I know you’ve had similar revelations on nights when you couldn’t sleep.  I’m aggravated and that might contribute to my thinking on these points.  Going to take a Tylenol and see if that helps…

“Hi to Laurie… Ronny”

Vendors are being sought for the Town of Many’s Home for Christmas Moonlight Madness event upcoming soon on Friday, Dec. 2 in downtown Many from 5 until 8 p.m.

Registration is free for each participating vendor or business. Town of Many Businesses who plan to participate are asked to register on the “Business Form.”

Pick up a form at Many City Hall or register online at https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLSdGiJmP-5Pofrn4nz084mKXpSqOkVcm5LIdXBrvURt5cMzYKg%2Fviewform%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3AfHgc7Q623kwJ1inpojh6n72mswgXND759UQKBLaotmj6VI8kwKpR5Gc&h=AT257HTwluNh74Oqo2ABVeZ7Ck2-ebSQ31SkiS9TuNRsMKA7wfjn0g48qe0n67SBVToMt0K9lMxs6wPwXVRU-Ne9Z-IpJVY3yQFo6gVP0Q5xW8YZHxOiZRvuCx78&s=1

A special meeting will be held at the Many Community Center [Sabine Theater] in Many on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. to discuss potential changes in the United Methodist Church, according to Ken Freeman, who put the meeting together. The meeting will be informational only.

Guest speakers will inform attendees about options now being presented to churches currently affiliated with the United Methodist Church (UMC.) One option is for churches already affiliated with the UMC to remain affiliated. The other option is disaffiliation from the UMC, and the establishment of a new affiliation with the Global Methodist Church.

According to former Mayor Freeman, interested members of the United Methodist Churches in Sabine, DeSoto, Natchitoches and Vernon Parishes are invited to attend the meeting.

More information will be carried in next week’s Observations.

SPSO October Felony Narcotic and Firearm Arrests

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell recently announced the Felony Narcotic and Firearm Arrests for October 2022.

Almost two pounds of suspected methamphetamine, synthetic marijuana, Oxycodone, Ecstasy, Tramadol pills, various drug paraphernalia and seven firearms were seized during these arrests and operations last month.

Arrested were:

Sasha L. Gasaway, age 32, of Many – Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I (Synthetic Cannabinoids), Possession of Schedule I (MDMA),  Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II (Meth), Possession of Schedule II (Oxycodone), Possession of Schedule IV (Tramadol), Possession of Firearm in the Presence of CDS, Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Her bond was set at $50,300.

Huey Pete Scott Jr., age 61, of Many – Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession of firearm in presence of CDS, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Warrant – Distribution of schedule II (Meth) and Warrant – Failure to appear for court for Simple Littering.

His total bond was set at $30,000.

Christopher Bernard Garner, age 50, of Many – Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession of firearm in presence of CDS and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

His bond was set at $17,500.

Joseph Timothy Meshell, age 41, of Shreveport – Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia and Failure to signal while turning.

His bond was set at $2,500.

Stephanie D. Alvey, age 50, of Many – Possession of schedule II (Meth).

Her bond was set at $0.

David Bithen McCollum, age 39, of Florien – Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia and Modification of exhaust system.

His bond was set at $10,000.

Jared Ryan Salter, age 41, of Florien – Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth) and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

His bond was set at $10,000.

Lakin M. Cantrell, age 24, of Florien – Possession of schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia and Warrant for Failure to appear for arraignment (Possession of drug paraphernalia).

Her bond was set at $3,000.

Kala Teresa Durley, age 53, of Many – Possession of firearm by convicted felon.

Her bond was set at $10,000.

(Thank you to Det. D.W. Seegers for the above information.)

It’s the biggest in Many! We’re talking about the 18-foot Christmas tree that just went up early Tuesday afternoon inside the lobby of Community Bank of Louisiana at 540 San Antonio Ave. Next up, getting the massive tree decorated.

Once decorations are in place, all are invited to come see the tree, take photos, and register children and grandchildren, ages 3 -12, for the bank’s “Twelve Days of Christmas” toy giveaway.

While there, bank visitors may also donate canned goods for the Sabine Council on Aging food bank and adopt a child on the Angel Tree [details in an article above.]

“Thank you, Connor Hennessey and Lester, for getting the 12-section tree erected…,” Senior Vice-Pres. J.J. Blake posted online. “Now, to the decorations.”

Mark it down: The Town of Many “Home for Christmas” Poster Unveiling happens this Thursday, Nov. 17, at the CDC Building on Church St. beside the Post Office in Many. See the flyer above for more details. Last year it was a fabulous night, and we expect another great time this year!

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