Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reported early this week the arrest of Shemar Juan Hicks, age 25, of Many during a traffic stop Monday afternoon, July 24.

The arrest came about when Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) K-9 Sgt. Nick Sandel and Agent Jeriah Steinke were monitoring traffic on Hwy. 6 east of Many. Agent Steinke stopped the vehicle Hicks was driving for several traffic violations. Hicks seemed extremely nervous, and consent was given to search the car. A young adult female was a frontseat passenger, and a small child was lying in the backseat unrestrained.

Agent Steinke located and seized over four ounces of suspected methamphetamine and 36 grams of synthetic marijuana hidden inside the vehicle.

A family member picked up the female and small child.

Hicks was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for:  Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Synthetic Cannabinoids), Illegal use of CDS in the presence of persons under 17 years of age, Cruelty to juveniles, No child passenger restraint system, No proof of insurance, Expired MVI, Driver must be licensed, No rearview mirror and Vehicles without required equipment or in unsafe condition.

As of press deadline, no bond had been set.

(Special thanks to Det. D. W. Seegers for the information above.)

Many High School football standout Tylen Singleton will change his Tiger streak and his colors come 2024. This past Saturday night he announced his commitment to play football for LSU. He received offers from Arkansas, TCU, Tennessee and Texas A&M, but his heart for Louisiana and the opportunity that awaits him in Baton Rouge won out.

Singleton, one of the nation’s top linebackers, declared he is “100% committed” to the LSU Tigers. He said, “I would like to thank all the coaches for recruiting me and giving me the opportunity, but I will be staying home!!” He followed up with hashtags #GeauxTigers and #4Louisiana.

On one piece of Commit publicity, he was listed by V2 RECRUITS as 147 – National, 13 – Linebacker and 5 – Louisiana for 2024.

He plans to attend Many High until Jan. 2024, then leave to begin practice and studies at LSU.

The purple and gold LSU Commit promo announced, “Tylen Singleton is committed to LSU,” saying, “At some point, every champion reaches a crossroads, a day when they must choose which path to follow… …the path starts here.”

Congratulations to Tylen on making this important decision. We wish him well in Baton Rouge and will be watching his football career and future life path with interest.

Signs Along Life’s Highway

A big banner hangs on the side of Murphy’s Package Liquor in Many. No need to grab a Bible and look up the scripture reference. Here it is: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – II Chronicles 7:14

Kudos to the store for sharing this important word.

Sheriff Mitchell Reports 80+ Arrests, $225,000 in Recovered Items

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell last Thursday reported criminal cases investigated and solved by the Sabine Parish Sheriff Criminal Investigations Division (CID) so far this year.

The CID is comprised of seven detectives who investigate thefts, burglaries, fraud, abuse, homicides, juvenile incidents and cybercrimes.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, numerous search warrants have been obtained for homes, vehicles, digital devices, social media accounts and other private property.

During that time, detectives recovered approximately $225,000 worth of assets. This includes money, firearms, vehicles, ATVs, RVs, tractors, mowers, building materials, tools and other items.

Over 30 suspects were arrested and many more have warrants for their arrest at this time. Additionally, 50 juveniles were arrested for various juvenile crimes as well as for serious felony offenses.

Sheriff Mitchell pointed out that although every single crime cannot be solved due to lack of evidence and the like, Sabine Parish Sheriff Detectives work endless hours to investigate every single criminal case reported to the CID. Their goal is to solve every crime regardless of how daunting an investigation may prove to be.

Sheriff Mitchell encourages citizens to do their part to deter crime, such as keeping homes and vehicles locked, securing personal property and valuables, and installing video security systems.

Citizens who wish to report a crime are asked to call Sabine CID at (318) 590-9475 or to submit an anonymous tip through the free Sabine Parish Sheriff App.

“Together, we can make Sabine Parish safer,” Sheriff Mitchell stated.

(Special thanks to Det. D. W. Seegers for the above report.)

We continue to be amazed at the ability of our little neighbor across the street, four-year-old Wyatt Bennett. We send our congratulations on him recently winning the Honda Mini Moto Triple Crown in Houston. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Bennett of Many. Proud grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Travis Bennett of Many, and Mr. and Mrs. Randy Merrill of Monterey.

Wyatt won his first race ever at the Lone Star Night Series at Swan MX in Tyler, TX on May 20 of this year racing in the 12eDrive 4-year-old category. Not long after, he finished 1st Place in Round 4 of the Stacyc World Championship in Dallas, TX on June 3. That put him one podium finish away from qualifying for the national championship in Tulsa, OK in September. If that info is still accurate, this latest win should have put Wyatt over the top and headed to the nationals this fall.

We are excited to see Wyatt’s success and wish him all the best in his future races.

A Heart of Gold:

Hannah Rivers’ Gift to Earl K. Evans

The heartwarming Sabine Parish story of Hannah Rivers and Earl K. Evans unfolded in March 2023. When Hannah’s path crossed with the elderly veteran, little did she know that their lives were about to be forever intertwined.

After Mr. Evans lost his beloved dog, a faithful companion for years, Hannah stepped in with a thoughtful gesture, gifting him a puppy. From that moment on, they formed an extraordinary bond. As they met at Family Farm in Many, their initial interaction stretched into an hour and a half of sharing memories. Mr. Evans showed her his photo album from his service days in Korea and Japan, and he recounted his life story, forging a connection that quickly turned them into the best of friends.

“He is one of the best people I’ve ever met in my life,” Hannah said of the veteran, who turns 87 today.

As the days turned into months, Hannah discovered that Mr. Evans was living down between Esto and Toro without basic necessities like water and electricity after his wife’s passing left him in a tough financial situation. The resilient veteran never complained about his circumstances and, instead, always showed concern for others’ welfare.

Hannah’s heart couldn’t bear to see her friend living in such conditions. “I knew I had to do something,” she said. Hannah, a 26-year-old stay-at-home mom, shared Mr. Evans’ circumstance with her parents, Bobby and Janice Isgitt. They backed her efforts 100% and got to witness firsthand her and others’ good deeds unfold.

Hannah decided to take action, starting a GoFundMe campaign two weeks ago to raise funds to repair Mr. Evans’ septic system. What started with a modest goal of $5,000 quickly took an unexpected turn as an outpouring of support flooded in from the community.

Kelly Masters, Syl Martinez and Zwolle VFW Post 5187 played a pivotal role in helping Mr. Evans. They generously purchased a car for him, ensuring he could travel with ease. Meanwhile, Louise Thaxton of Florien and the American Warrior Initiative promised funds to fix his septic system.

“The Zwolle VFW has been awesome,” Ms. Isgitt said. “In addition to purchasing the car and helping him take care of insurance and legal details, they have walked hand in hand with Hannah to try to get him a house. They have a camper that one of their members is donating, so they are going to provide that and then work to get basic services hooked up,” she shared.

With the initial fundraising goal almost doubled, people throughout Sabine continue to rally behind Hannah’s cause, now raising nearly $11,000. The funds will go towards hooking up water and electricity, covering future needs, and easing Mr. Evans’ living expenses.

But the story doesn’t end there. For Mr. Evans, his humble nature made it challenging to accept help, even though he was deeply touched by the community’s support. Despite facing his own health challenges, he is deeply grateful for the kindness shown to him.

Sabine Sheriff Aaron Mitchell, a 40-year friend of Hannah’s dad, noted, “Mr. Evans would never ask for anything. When you would see him out and ask how he was, he would just smile and tell you everything was fine. He has always been such a positive person.”

Amidst the collective efforts to make Mr. Evans’ life more comfortable, Hannah stood as a beacon of compassion and determination. Refusing to take no for an answer, she became like a granddaughter to Mr. Evans, ensuring he never felt alone or forgotten.

Bobby and Janice Isgitt knew their daughter would refuse recognition for her efforts to help Mr. Evans, so they secretly had a small plaque made to honor her work to help the veteran. Since Mr. Evans proudly supports the re-election of Sheriff Mitchell, and Bobby and the Sheriff have known each other so long, the Isgitts asked the Sheriff to host the surprise presentation to their daughter at his offices on July 20.

Ms. Isgitt said, “Our veterans get very little recognition, and they are so proud. They would never ask for help. There’s so much bad and wrong going on in the world right now, it’s great to see something good, something heartfelt. There are still good people out there. Sabine Parish and Hannah are proof of that. Just like the plaque says, she really does have a heart of gold.”

As Mr. Evans’ 87th birthday on July 26 neared, an outpouring of love and support continued. KSLA-TV in Shreveport was set to interview him, allowing Northwest Louisiana and beyond to witness the incredible bond between a young woman and a veteran, brought together by God’s goodness and an unyielding heart of gold.

“I am mind-blown because so many people have reached out to help,” Hannah said. “I cannot take credit. It’s been amazing the people who have reached out to help with this. I’m just a vessel at this point,” she explained.

The story of Hannah Rivers and Earl K. Evans serves as a reminder of the power of kindness, the strength of human connections, and the importance of supporting those who have given so much for their country. In a world often troubled by challenges, this example of compassion and selflessness reminds us that there is still goodness and love to be found in the hearts of people like Hannah and Mr. Evans.

(Special thanks to my wife Laurie for the above article. Interested persons may donate to the GoFundMe set up for Mr. Evans by searching “Helping Mr. Earl, by Hannah Rivers” at GoFundMe.com)

WE GET LETTERS:  It’s always a pleasure to hear from our longtime friend and faithful reader of Observations Ronald Byrd of South Boston, VA. His thoughts follow.

“Robert, from the first time reading your Observations I continue to be thankful to be living in a small town, one very similar to Many.  I’ve commented on that to you several times. The recent controversial song by Jason Aldean reinforces that general theme:

“Sucker punch somebody on a sidewalk

Carjack an old lady at a red light

Pull a gun on the owner of a liquor store

Ya think it’s cool, well, act a fool if ya like

Cuss out a cop, spit in his face

Stomp on the flag and light it up

Yeah, ya think you’re tough

[Chorus]

Well, try that in a small town…

“Citizens of these small towns like Many or South Boston, VA, support or help the police and sheriff’s departments in seeing that life in small town America isn’t like that in the typical big cities and for them we can be thankful. Jason’s standing strong and not backing down to the cancel culture leftists who are enraged at his lyrics and video. What a world we’re living in!  Ronny”

Restoration begins on Historic Natchitoches Church

Observations was happy to recently learn Trinity Episcopal Church is moving forward with a much-needed restoration of the bell tower of the historic church on Second Street in Natchitoches. The work was made possible by grant funding from the Cane River National Heritage Area, an insurance payment for storm damage and a loan from the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana.

Trinity Episcopal Church carries with it many memories and associations dating back to pre-Civil War days. It was the first non-Catholic church in Natchitoches and the third Episcopal Church in Louisiana.

Work to be done will include repair/replacement of damaged exterior mortar and brick and restoration of the exterior of the bell tower windows. The firm of Thomas & Parker Waterproofing Company from Shreveport is the contractor with work projected to be completed before the Trinity Episcopal Preschool reconvenes in August.

Work on the church and bell tower began when the cornerstone was laid in April 1857. Regular services began on Ash Wednesday, 1858. A large percentage of funds for the original building was given by Major General J. Watts de Peyster of Tivoli, NY, in memory of his daughter Maria, who died in 1857. The tower bell, said to be one-third silver, is inscribed “West Troy Bell Foundry, NY 1857. Presented to Trinity Church, Natchitoches by J. Watts de Peyster as a token of respect and regard for Thomas Scott Bacon, its first rector and his friend.”

Thomas & Parker employees photographed this inscription on the bell as well as the following Luke 2:14 Bible verse that had not been documented. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men! Luke 2nd 14.”

The restoration project began with the removal of the protective polycarbonate panels covering the exterior of the lower windows. Clear acrylic panels will be installed after the windows are restored and frames are painted. As the work on the windows continues, power washing of the outside has begun to clean the centuries-old bricks. Cleaning is necessary before beginning the process of “spot tuckpointing,” which replaces the mortar between the bricks where it is missing. Because some of the mortar remains solid, the brick wall does not have to be completely replaced. Some spalled bricks will also be repaired or replaced. The preservation work will maintain the integrity of the original building, securing the structure for generations to come.

 In 2011, a Columbarium was installed in Trinity’s Bell Tower. This is a permanent structure made up of niches, which contain the ashes of loved ones. This installation is a natural extension of the church’s role as home for the sacraments, which members experience at various stages of their spiritual journeys. It is a holy space designed to bring peace to all those who enter and is an essential element of the bell tower.

For additional information, please contact Donna Yacoe at (601) 324-8429.

(Special thanks to Cathy Reed Seymour for providing the report above.)

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