Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Wednesday of last week Rep. Alan Seabaugh shared that he saw this beautiful bald eagle near Hwy. 171 in Zwolle. “It was exciting for me,” he said of the sighting. “But not such a great day for the rabbit.”
We are seeing more and more bald eagles in this area, and they surely are a beautiful sight.
As Observations got underway this week, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office was looking for a Mansfield man who was involved in the shooting death of Jalan Dunte McGee, 19, of Zwolle. The shooting happened Sunday afternoon, March 26, at the Willa Point Apartments in Powhatan.
The man they were searching for, Jacoby Javon “Cobi” Forte, age 20, was armed with a handgun as he fled the scene.
Arrest warrants were issued for the arrest of McGee, described as 6’01,” 220 lbs. with black hair and brown eyes, and he was known to have ties to Zwolle, Mansfield and Stanley.
Forte turned himself in at the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center Monday shortly after noon. He was accompanied by his Shreveport attorney.
He was charged with Second degree murder and Illegal possession of a firearm.
Many Attorney Ronnie Brandon is taking in the building next to his present office on San Antonio Ave. A door will be cut between the two buildings and construction on new offices is currently underway.
The building at one time was the F&H Hardware Store, operated by Frank Folden. When some of the floor covering was torn away, there was the original pine 1×4 flooring. And on the floor, still visible, was a distance of fifty feet marked off in one-foot increments. This was used to measure rope or chain when sold. What an interesting reminder of the past.
Many Police Dept. updates strange case of missing elderly couple found in Many
What started out as a simple welfare check request turned into a federal case and a Colorado man receiving an 18-month sentence for Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
In February 2022, Chief Cheryl Wooley received a request from an attorney in Virginia to do a welfare check on an elderly couple from Virginia.
“The couple, Mr. and Mrs. Castro who were in their 90s, had been declared legally incapacitated by the court in Virginia. The Conservator, an ex-daughter-in-law from Colorado, had been appointed by the court. But shortly afterwards, the elderly couple was moved from Virginia to Louisiana without the court’s knowledge or Conservator’s consent, by her husband, Exzavior McCulley,” Chief Wooley recalled.
After confirming the information with the attorney, who was the Court appointed Guardian Ad Litem, attempts were made to make contact at a Marthaville Road residence in Many, but the gate was locked, and no one answered the intercom.
Another attempt in an unmarked unit was successful.
Exzavior “Rick” McCulley told Chief Wooley and another officer he was a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, and his wife was a retired Navy Admiral. Neither of those statements proved factual.
In reality, McCulley was not a retired Air Force Colonel, but it was their ward who had honorably served in the Air Force and retired as a Colonel in the Air Force and then had gone on to serve the Bureau of Prisons in New York state. His wife spent her career in the University of Virginia system.
“Mr. McCulley was already a convicted felon in multiple states, including a federal conviction for attempting to carry a loaded firearm onto a plane. The welfare check was completed but due to numerous concerns, an investigation was opened. The Commonwealth of Virginia Court also had numerous concerns about expenses the McCulleys were incurring using the Castros’ money, including the purchase of the home here in Sabine Parish,” Chief Wooley explained.
It was learned through the investigation that McCulley had firearms in his home, and this ultimately led the Many Police Dept. to contact the FBI because of the multi-state nature of the investigation.
In April 2022, the Many Police Dept. and the FBI conducted a search warrant of the residence. Numerous weapons and marijuana were found in the home.
McCulley was arrested. The Commonwealth of Virginia filed motions to remove the ex-daughter-in-law as Conservator and shortly afterwards, the elderly couple was removed from the home.
“Mr. McCulley recently pled guilty to a federal firearms charge, receiving 18 months in prison in addition to time served and three years’ supervised probation. The Commonwealth of VA Court in Richmond still has an open case concerning the funds of the elderly couple,” Chief Wooley shared.
On a sad note, Mr. Castro has since passed away. The last known whereabouts of Mrs. Castro was in a nursing home south of Sabine Parish somewhere.
A bill will be offered in the 2023 regular session of the Legislature to abolish the office of Police Chief in the Village of Noble and to authorize the municipality to contract for law enforcement services.
The bill is being offered by Rep. Larry Bagley of District 7.
Hats doffed to Sheriff’s Detective D.W. “Wade” Seegers who leaves Thursday for Quantico, VA where he will take a 10-week course at the 286th National session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.
The course is designed to teach many different aspects of law enforcement.
Wade has worked under three Sheriffs. Present Sheriff Aaron Mitchell selected him to be the media representative for the Sheriff’s Office and he does an outstanding job.
Attorney Hunter Lundy of Lake Charles was a special guest speaker at the Tuesday, March 21, meeting of the Vultures Club in Many. A full house greeted him. His motto is “Putting Louisiana First.”
The candidate earned his law degree in 1980 from Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson. He was Editor of the Law Review and after graduation, served two years as law clerk for U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi. He returned to Lake Charles in 1981 to practice law.
Lundy was chosen by his peers to be listed in Best Lawyers of America, nominated for the Top 100 National Trial Lawyers, listed in Louisiana Super Lawyers magazine and recently was listed in the Round Table of the Top Fifty Trial lawyers in America.
He is a member of the governing board of the National Association of Christian lawmakers, an organization now having legislators in over 320 states. He has participated in drawing of model legislation to re-establish and protect conservative values in America.
Zwolle Chief of Police Daniel Thomas announced that he is supporting the re-election bid of Sheriff Aaron Mitchell. Said he, “As Chief of Police I am very pleased with the job he has done. He has proven he is very capable of holding this position another four years.”
State Rep. Alan Seabaugh brought his campaign for State Senator to Sabine Parish Tuesday, March 21, when he spoke to the Vultures Club in Many.
A Shreveport attorney, he has served in the House since 2010. He is a Republican, well known as a staunch conservative. He is seeking to replace Sen. Louie Bernard of Natchitoches who is retiring after one term representing Dist. 31.
“I have family throughout the district,” Seabaugh told the Vultures. “I know the people. I know and understand their wants and needs as well as their passions and enthusiasm. I know how to get things done in the Legislature. I can put my experience, work ethic and conservative American values to work for the people of this district.”
The new Dist. 31 boundaries include parts of 10 parishes, but 70% of the population within the district is located in Bossier, Caddo, Natchitoches and Sabine parishes. Bienville, DeSoto, Rapides, Red River, Webster and Winn are the other parishes partially included the district.
Hall of Fame banquet welcomes sold out support, thanks sponsors
The Sabine Hall of Fame induction banquet set for Tuesday evening, March 28, in Zwolle was essentially sold out as of the end of last week. There was a lot of public support for this year’s slate of honorees including Hall of Fame inductee Paul Christopher “Chris” Loupe, Achievement Award recipient Philip Troha, Accomplishment Award honoree Victoria Gaspard, Good Citizen Shantrece Underwood Hooker, Posthumous Award recipients Selma Mains Scaife and Arnold Charles “Jack” Staton, and Sports Award honorees Tia Holmes and the Curtis Family.
My wife Laurie, a Sabine Hall of Fame board member, had this to say: “The response has been amazing. The enthusiasm for this year’s honorees is through the roof, and the Hall of Fame is excited to formally recognize each person’s contributions to Sabine.”
Following the pandemic, the Hall of Fame has had assistance from a few major sponsors each year which helps cover event costs and assures proper recognition of each honoree. Sponsors for this year’s event were Anna Garcie, Foy Motors, Curtis Family Pharmacy, Walmart, Momentum Midstream and DT Midstream.
The Sabine Hall of Fame was established 25 years ago, and 2023 inductee Chris Loupe is the first second-generation honoree to be selected for induction. His father, Rogers Loupe, was inducted back in 2000. Hall of Fame members’ bronze plaques detailing their contributions to life in Sabine Parish are on permanent display inside the Sabine Parish Courthouse entrance.
Each year the organization also gives to a Sabine Parish charitable cause. Their donations over the years now total over $15,000 given from the Hall of Fame to serve the parish. The charitable groups receiving donations at Tuesday night’s banquet are H.E.L.P. of Sabine and SWAG youth group of St. Joseph’s.
“Hall of Fame major sponsors are laying a good foundation for the Sabine Hall of Fame to continue for at least another 25 years,” Laurie said. “We thank everyone who has taken part as a major sponsor and our faithful, annual table sponsors. Without them, so many deserving Sabine Parish people could not be recognized.”
A doff of the hat to Many Police Department Chief Cheryl Wooley and her hard work to initiate and continue excellent training for Many Police Officers and related agencies.
Chief Wooley recently announced five new POST verified homicide investigators in the Many PD as initial certifications in a series of Homicide Investigation training sessions were completed.
Letters of certification were received from the State of Louisiana stating that, shown above from left, Assistant Chief Mason Wiley, Chief Cheryl Wooley, Detective Mark Holder, Detective Joseph Rainer and Shift Commander Stan Cook had all completed the necessary courses.
A second homicide training class was also held recently with the Coroner’s Office.
Shown above from left at the second training class were Many PD Officer Calvin Hay, Lisa Cooper with the Coroner’s Office, Wayne O’Con with the Coroner’s Office, Many PD Officer David Self, Brian Mattison with the Coroner’s Office, Officer Stan Cook, Jim Manning with the Coroner’s Office and Chief Cheryl Wooley.
Chief Wooley’s efforts to raise professionalism at the Many Police Dept. and among local law enforcement do not go unnoticed. It is much appreciated.
Attorney Chris Sylvia presented another Sylvia Family Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 to a Sabine Parish graduating student on Monday, March 20. This year’s recipient attends Zwolle High School.
“I was pleased to present the Sylvia Family scholarship for the second year in a row to the Sabine Parish High School Student of the Year,” Sylvia said. “Jaeger [Ebarb] is a graduating senior from Zwolle High School and is set to begin his college career this fall. The Sylvia family commends this bright, young scholar and wishes him the best in all of his future endeavors,” Sylvia remarked.
Kudos to Chris, his wife Frances and their family for this effort. The annual scholarship is automatically awarded each year to the 12th Grade student who earns the Sabine Parish High School Student of the Year.
IT’S HERE: we’re talking about the 2nd Annual Bloom on Main event in downtown Many to be held this Saturday starting at 9 a.m. It was a good time last year, and we expect this year’s will be just as nice.
Confirmed vendors as of press time are:
- Ellie’s Embroidery & Crafts – decorated t-shirts, mugs, etc.
- Batter Up – sweet treats
- Queen Bee – sauces, etc.
- D’Alish Kitchen food truck
- Chefs Cuisines food truck
- The Savage Spork – full menu including protein power bowls
- Nana’s Crafts – variety
- YummE’s – bundt cakes, sweets and more
- Crafts and Things – variety
- B-R-B Collective – baked goods, etc.
- Nuttin Fanci Designs – home, porch décor, etc.
- Elements and Stone – pendants, jewelry, more
- For the Love of Junkin – cool pre-loved treasures
- Just Claying Around (Lostgap VIP Group) – pottery and more
- The Twisted Topiary – Unique, artsy home décor
- The Golden Whisk – bakery items
- Klassy Kay’s – handbags, jewelry, more
- Mercy Me Bakery
- Belinda’s Handmade Jewelry and Crafts
- A & A Nursery and Landscaping – plant, flower and landscaping products
- R & B Produce – fresh veggies
- ABJ One Stop – hair and beauty products, keychains, jewelry, snacks and more
- Gracefully Tarnished in Gray – Unique jewelry crafted from upcycled silver, etc.
- Cristalynn Creations
- Shannon’s Butcher Block – hearty food vendor
Looks like a great time! Don’t miss it. It all happens on Main Street, one block south of San Antonio Ave. in downtown Many from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. this Saturday, April 1.
Northwestern State University hosted an event for 60 Sabine Parish high school students with hands-on learning workshops in mindfulness, interviewing skills, resume writing and academic and career opportunities in healthcare and education.
The March 24 “Winning Workshops” hosted by Louisiana Gear Up were the last in a series that took place at NSU this semester and included sessions on ACT prep and experiential learning. Faculty and staff from NSU’s School of Education and College of Nursing and Allied Health talked to students about their degree programs and what jobs are available in each field.
A federally funded national initiative, Louisiana Gear Up (Louisiana Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is supported by the U.S. Department of Education, which awards grants to states or institutions of higher learning to create partnerships with high-poverty middle or high schools. In partnership with 16 school districts and the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA), Louisiana Gear Up aims to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education.
Information on LA GEAR-UP is available at https://mylosfa.la.gov/schools/la-gearup/.
(Special thanks to Leah Jackson, Northwestern State University’s Director of Public Information and Media Relations, who wrote the article shared above and to NSU Director of Communications David West for bringing it to our attention.)
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