Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Many Chief of Police Cheryl Wooley told Observations on Monday morning that she has detectives looking into the altercation which followed the meeting of the Sabine Parish Police Jury on Wednesday, Sept. 20. Involved were Linda Schmidt McCormic, wife of Dist. 2 Police Juror Mike McCormic, and Joy Scarborough, wife of Pat Scarborough who is running for Dist. 5 Police Jury.

The Scarboroughs have been livestreaming Jury meetings for about a year now. According to reports, Joy sets up her tripod and camera in one particular spot in order to livestream each meeting, and Ms. McCormic always sits nearby.

Chief Wooley said after the investigation by her department, the matter will be turned over to District Attorney Don Burkett for possible prosecution. The two women had been in a previous altercation and charges against Ms. McCormic were dropped by Burkett.

Burkett said the earlier charges were not pursued by his office because what the Many Police brought to him were conflicting statements. He pointed out on the recent conflict that his office does not investigate, that it prosecutes. He continued that if charges are filed by the Many Police, he will look into the evidence and move forward accordingly.

In a report to the police, Ms. Scarborough said Ms. McCormic kicked her tripod, with phone attached, bending its leg and tried to take it away from her. She reported Ms. McCormic kept yanking and broke a leg off the tripod and started stumbling backward. She said Ms. McCormic then threw the broken tripod leg at her.

The “ladies” exchanged verbal assaults toward each other, but we will not get into that. Ms. Scarborough accused Ms. McCormic of drinking.

A report of this matter was posted on the Facebook page, “Sabine Parish Citizens for Better Roads,” which the Scarboroughs administer.

Ms. McCormic posted her side of the story on the Facebook page “Sabine Parish Needs to Know.” She stated, “The meeting was over, and I was attempting to leave. The row I was sitting in was blocked by people standing and talking. In my effort to leave, I had to try to pass the area where Joy had a tripod setup. As I was attempting to go around the tripod, Joy picked it up and started pushing me back to the point where I stumbled and fell against the wall and windowsill. I did not go all the way to the floor, but had to be lifted to get up.”

She continued, “All the time [Joy] was screaming, ‘She’s drunk. I smell alcohol on her.’ I did not want to file charges on her and haven’t but I wanted my statement on record. I also wanted an official record that I had not been drinking.”

Being the Good Samaritan that is he, Juror Kenneth Ebarb ran over to aid and comfort Ms. McCormic. We are told that neither husband rushed to aid their wives.

Many native Butch Bella will bring his new “Almostbama” concert to the Many Community Center [Sabine Theater] on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. He was graduated from Many High School, and his class will have a reunion on the prior Friday night. Tickets to the Alabama tribute concert are available by calling (615) 479-0954 or at almostbama.com.

The Sixth Annual Benton Johnson Memorial Rodeo will be held at the Sabine Parish Fair Grounds Friday and Saturday, Sept. 29 and 30, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Valerie Abington, the daughter of Pete Abington and Mary Abington, has always been a sponsor of the rodeo. Valerie was seriously injured in an automobile accident many years ago and is in a special needs residential home in Alexandria.

Pete helps out with a sponsorship each year because Valerie always loved animals, and he wants to keep her name active in her hometown.

Admission is $10 and advance tickets may be purchased at Family Farm and Garden in Many.

J2 Rodeo Co. will be in charge with Jake Britt, the rodeo clown, Lucky Lou bucking bulls and Burgess Brothers bucking horses.

Tioga High School has dedicated a bronze plaque to the memory of Adam Nelson, who graduated in the Class of 2014. He played baseball there. The plaque shows a picture of his high school years and one of him as a Deputy Sheriff with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office. Adam died suddenly while on a vacation to Colorado on Dec. 29, 2022. He was married to the former Emily Ford, whose parents are Brad and Crystal Ford.

Joe Rivers of Zwolle has been a wildfire fighter for the Forestry Department for 25 years. His nephew, 8-year-old Bryson Ardoin of Eunice, recently wrote a school paper about his hero, and he chose his Uncle Joe.

Bryson wrote, “Uncle Joe is my hero. He is a firefighter. He helps put out wildfires. Uncle Joe is very brave. He risks his own life to save people from danger.”

Yes, and we thank Uncle Joe and all the firefighters, law enforcement officers and volunteers for their hard work and dedication during the last few weeks.

Management professionals from St. George Fire Department (SGFD) in Baton Rouge were able to make a difference as part of the Louisiana office of State Fire Marshal efforts.

They assisted in wildfires in seven parishes that burned across 70 square miles. People from all walks of life responded to help. It was a remarkable operation. The SGFD post on Facebook states, “As horrific as it was, we have once again proven we can take on anything in Louisiana.”

Chief Chad Roberson, a native of Zwolle, was surprised at a morning briefing by being honored for his coordination efforts with the Red Team, the Federal Management Incident Management Team.

Chief Roberson is the son of the late Fred and Shawnee Roberson of Zwolle. Mr. Roberson operated Pelican Drug for many years and was highly regarded as a community leader in Zwolle.

Observations received word recently that ole Bigfoot is still harassing the DuBose family at Fisher.  This matter first came to our attention last year, and we wrote about it in Observations on Aug. 17, 2022.  Bernice and DeWayne DuBose and their children are the family of whom we speak.

Mrs. DuBose moved to Fisher in December 2019.  Seems ole Bigfoot welcomed her on the first night with very loud howling, which caused dogs to also bark in the middle of the night.  The family moved to Fisher from Gallup, NM.  Mr. DuBose arrived to this area earlier and lived with his brother near Ft. Jessup.

It was reported by Mrs. DuBose that the recent event on the night of Aug. 22 began when the dogs started barking about 8:30 p.m.  Her husband said there was something in the tree line.  She said their next-door neighbors had put a big fence up and told her husband to leave them alone, and that anyone venturing on their property would be shot.

She woke up in the night with a feeling that something was wrong

Mrs. DuBose continued, “All of a sudden, I heard something come up on the porch.  I could tell it was heavy by the way it walked.  I nudged my husband and he said it was nothing.  Later I found the fingerprint on the door frame.  I’m not sleeping by the door anymore.” She also found fingerprints on the front of their air conditioner. 

She said her son went outside recently to see the blue moon and heard something chattering.  His girlfriend, who lives nearby, said she heard two different voices.  In addition, she said her husband has seen the creature and their daughter saw a big something skinny and tall run into the tree line.

Asked why she thought Bigfoot was targeting their family, Mrs. DuBose said she was told it had a crush on their daughter and granddaughter.

Mrs. DuBose issued the following statement:

“I just want people to know what’s out here in these woods and it’s dangerous.  I’m not doing it to be famous or be on television, nor am I on drugs or alcohol.  Many people don’t come out to say they seen things they can’t explain.  I talked to numerous people and coworkers and they have seen it or heard it, but won’t talk about it because they don’t want to be made fun of, bullied or called names.  There are a lot of childish adults out there that just don’t know how to behave and act their age.  What they need to do is keep their family safe.  That’s all I’m trying to do.  They may not be my family, but I’m helping them be aware of the dangers out there in the woods.”

Sen. Sharon Hewitt of Slidell, a Republican candidate for Governor, spoke to the Vultures Club in Many on Tuesday, Sept. 19.  She was elected to the Legislature and took a commonsense approach with her in that she has been a champion for improving education, lowering taxes and creating high-paying jobs.

Sen. Hewitt began her career working for Shell Oil Co. on an offshore drilling rig in the Gulf, probably the first woman to ever do such.  With a degree in engineering, she worked to help Shell cut unnecessary spending, both offshore and in the office.  In her 20-year career at Shell, she held many job titles and eventually became a high-ranking executive, managing hundreds of employees and billions of dollars in deepwater assets.

In the Legislature, she has been against wasteful spending and government overreach.  She has eliminated over $120 million in dedicated funding and has passed numerous bills cutting government regulations.  Sen. Hewitt has written and passed over 125 pieces of legislation earning her the 2018 National Legislator of the Year award from the American Legislative Exchange Council.

She told the Vultures her priorities are:   as a pro-business leader who will fight to attract high-paying jobs to Louisiana, make education a Number 1 priority, expand career pathways for children, fight crime and keep communities safe, protect the oil and gas industry, pro-life work, to make home insurance affordable, protect the Second Amendment and reduce taxes while growing the economy.  She concluded by saying her plan will “Put Louisiana first.”

BIG NEWS – Nancy Jones, widow of the late-great Country music legend George Jones, is coming to Many for an autograph party for her new book, “Playin’ Possum.”  The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. until noon at Many City Hall.

Nancy will be available to autograph her new book, take pictures and visit.  The former Nancy Ford of Mansfield, this will be a sort of homecoming for her. 

Nancy was married to the famous singer for 30 years until his death in August 2013 at the age of 81.  In the book, she tells of George’s battles with cocaine and alcohol, his abusive behavior toward her and others, his battles with himself and most of all, his battles against the demons that sought to control him.  Nancy knew there was good in him and refused to give up on George.  He ended up changing, and the couple brought joy to music fans for many years.

The book also talks about Nancy’s own battle with Covid during the pandemic.  She credits God and her faith for bringing her through.  Her co-writer, Ken Abraham, has authored or helped author a number of best sellers, including biographies of Chuck Norris, Buzz Aldrin, Billy Graham, George Foreman and others, plus several inspirational books.

Make plans now to attend this great event!

Chris Abrahams, long-time law enforcement officer, was turned down by the Many Town Council on his request to be brought in the Town of Many City Limits.  He lives on Hwy. 6 east, just beyond Many High School and adjacent to the town limits.

He currently is a detective with Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and was Chief of Police in Sulphur before moving to Many several years ago.

Chris said he did not want any town services and only wanted to pay his taxes.

His reason for wanting to be in the town limits was to possibly run for Chief of Police next go around.  At first, he said he would not run if current Chief Cheryl Wooley ran, but later changed his mind and said he might run.

Chief Wooley’s husband, Donnie, spoke against taking the property into the town limits at a recently public hearing, after which the town council turned thumbs down on the proposal.

Early voting starts Saturday, Sept. 30, in the office of Registrar of Voters Zach Faircloth in the Courthouse.  It will continue from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until Saturday, Oct. 7, except for Sunday, Oct. 1, when the office is closed.  The primary election is Saturday, Oct. 14.

The 31st Anniversary Marthaville Good Ole Days is upon us! The festival, which features live music, food trucks, craft vendors, antique cars and trucks, a huge parade, lots of throws, and plenty of fun, outdoor activities, offers something for everyone. Mark it down for this weekend, Sept. 29 and 30, and plan to be there!

It all happens this weekend starting with Gospel in the Park on Friday night, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m. at Heritage Park Stage downtown.

Speaking and singing will be folks from Jennings Chapel Congregational Methodist Church, Blanchard First Baptist Church, Bethel Congregational Methodist Church, Crossroads Baptist Church and Marthaville First Baptist Church.

Saturday, Sept. 30, kicks off bright and early at 9 a.m. with the festival’s “Grand Opening” and introductions of Miss Marthaville Good Ole Days 2023 Shawna Albert and Horse/Wagon Parade Grand Marshal Miss Rayle Hayes.

Bethel Christian Academy students, J. J. and Naomi Vercher and Jaylea Brister will post the Colors, after which will be the introduction of Parade Grand Marshal Laurie Gentry, who will sing the National Anthem.

At 9:30 a.m., the ATV/4-Wheeler/Motocycle Parade begins rolling followed by the “World-Famous Good Ole Days Festival Parade” at 10 a.m.

Afterward at 11 a.m., the Kids Area opens with bounce house activities, antique cars and trucks will be judged, and music will begin on the Park Stage by Casey Martin and later, a song or two by Laurie Gentry.

At 11:15 a.m. all candidates running for statewide office will participate in open mic speaking.

Local and regional beauty queens will take the stage shortly before noon.

Performance groups will be presented, then the Marthaville Good Ole Days Essay and Poster Contest winners from Marthaville School will be presented their awards and prize money by Mrs. Laura Strahan.

At 12:25 p.m., all Marthaville High School graduates from the Class of 1973 and prior will be recognized.

After the presentation of parade and performance awards, local and parish political candidates will again have an open mic opportunity shortly before 1 p.m.

And that’s just the beginning! Hold onto your hats for the big 31st Anniversary Nashville Music Show at 6 p.m. on the Heritage Park Stage featuring StereoDrive, Justin Merrit, and Casey Martin and Wild Child. They’re all set to bring some hot, southern Country rock to downtown Marthaville.

These talented acts will close out the night under the stars in downtown Marthaville. Heritage Park has lawn seating, so bring lawn chairs or a blanket to place on the grass. The park also has a concrete dance pad in front of the stage.

As always, First Baptist Church of Blanchard will have their wagon and campfire cooking set-up for folks to enjoy, and it’s a prime spot to start off the weekend for festival foodies.

This year’s festival theme is “Tuff Enough to Wear Pink” in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which starts on Oct. 1. Pink Sisters of Sabine will be riding in the parade and will have info to share on their annual October fundraiser, and parade Grand Marshal Laurie Gentry, a founder of Pink Sisters, will also have awareness items to share at the festival.

To get this year’s Good Ole Days festival t-shirt, contact Marthaville General Store at (318) 472-8741 or t-shirt coordinator Haley Kilgore at (318) 315-3339.

It was 50 years ago on Sept. 20 that the plane carrying singer-songwriter Jim Croce and five others crashed at the Natchitoches Airport killing all.  The entertainer had just finished a performance at Northwestern that night.

On Monday, Sept. 18, a crowd filled the Sports Hall of Fame Museum in Natchitoches to remember the event.  Foundation Board Member Doug Ireland served as Master of Ceremonies.  Billy O’Con, who played Croce in a short film about 20 years ago, performed and there was a film featuring then-NSU journalism students who covered the crash.  Attorney and entertainer Rodney Harrington was on the bill, as was Dan McDonald and Melanie Torbett, who were students at the time.

Reports are that his Natchitoches concert was low-key, lasting only 42 minutes with 10 songs interspersed with dialogue about how some of them came to be written.  There was no encore and the audience numbered less than a thousand.

Croce’s plane departed to leave the Natchitoches Airport at about 10 p.m. or so.  The FAA ruled the crash was due to pilot error as he chose to take off with a full load of passengers, luggage, and fuel into a headwind instead of flying out in the other direction.  The plane never cleared a small grove of pecan trees about 250 ft. beyond the runway.

The event in Natchitoches was very interesting, and we were happy to see and visit with friend Julie Abington Brewton.

Observations received the following letter from a Sabine Parish resident.  The letter covers several topics.  The writer asked that it be published without the writer’s name.  We know the writer and know this person to be responsible.  We are printing the letter because it is of interest to a lot of our readers.  Concerning the Political Forum, which we did not attend, we have heard from several people who thought it was very good and had no criticism.  We heard from some there were about 40 people in attendance, others say 50, or maybe 60.

“As a Sabine Parish citizen for 20+ years and [as a voter] in countless local, state, and federal elections, I was happy to learn about the Political Forum for candidates running in local races that was being held in Many at the Sabine Theater!

“When I read the article in the Index, I assumed each candidate running for their particular office would be asked the same questions so we could hear how each one would respond to the issues facing our Town and Parish. However, as it turned out, that was not the case.

“The newspaper said that the candidates would be asked questions, allowing 5 minutes for their response. It also said that candidates would not be pitted against each other, or that was how I interpreted the article.

“I was shocked that the moderator interrupted while candidates were speaking, and no one was asked the very same questions. One gentleman asked for his minute back due to being talked over by the moderator! I really thought we could learn each candidate’s position on issues we face as one of the poorest parishes in the state. Our region is made up of very small villages and small towns. Most of these struggle with infrastructure, up and down sales tax revenue, and to make improvements to water and sewer systems and of course, our roads. That’s another discussion…

“In conclusion, I would like to say, that as a citizen in Many, I am very proud of Mayor Hable’s leadership these last two years! He has been transparent in his administration as he said he would be before he was elected. He is very approachable and always makes time to talk with us when we drop in at Foys or city hall.

“And the new events planned by different volunteer groups that happen on Main Street in the spring and fall, and the Christmas pageants, poster unveiling, tree lighting, the evening shopping downtown before Christmas, and festival after the parade at the fairgrounds are excellent family entertainment and as a grandparent of two school-aged girls, I must say my family loves to be a part of all of it!! Oh! And how about that Mardi Gras parade? Now that was something else that was fun to do with our kids and grandkids!

“But back to the political forum – I was sad to see how unfair and contentious it became, and I was embarrassed for our Town.

“Please research the candidates for yourself and find out their voting records if they are already in office. Call them personally or send an email and ask your questions! Unfortunately, the audience was banned from asking the candidates questions on issues important to us, the voters.

“Get involved. Volunteer. Go to the parades and festivals. Shop local and support our established [businesses] and welcome all our new merchants! We are good people in Sabine Parish, and we can always do more to help when and where we can!! Geaux Vote!”

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