Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019

District and school level student growth data was recently released by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDE). This data is indicative of how students in grades 4-12 are progressing toward fully mastering the standards in English Language Arts (ELA) and math each year. According to the LDE, academic achievement indicates whether students are prepared for the next level of study while student progress indicates whether students are improving from one year to the next.

Sabine was named an “Outstanding School System” ranking in the top ten systems in the state for helping students progress toward mastery in ELA and Math. The district also ranked in the top ten systems statewide for growing economically disadvantaged students in ELA and math. Among the systems in the Central Region, Sabine is ranked first in the percentage of students earning Top Growth in Math, first in the percentage of economically disadvantaged students earning Top Growth as well as ranking second in the percentage of both students with disabilities and African American students earning Top Growth in ELA and Math combined.

Zwolle High and Many High were both named as “Outstanding Schools” for helping students progress toward mastery in ELA and Math. Zwolle ranked first in the Central Region. The District recognized Zwolle High, Many Elementary, Many High and Converse High for having over 50 per cent of their students earning “Top Growth” in both ELA and math combined. Also recognized were Negreet High, Florien High and Many High with over 50 per cent of students scoring Mastery or better in ELA, and Negreet and Many High with over 50 per cent scoring Mastery or better in Math.

School Performance Scores will be released by the LDE in the fall. In addition to an overall school performance score and letter grade, schools will also receive a score and letter grade equivalent for both student performance and student progress. Results will be published in the Louisiana School Finder later this fall.

For more information, persons may contact Supt. Sara P. Ebarb at (318) 256-9228 or access detailed breakdowns of the data in the PK-8 and High School Performance libraries.

In connection with the report, Supt. Ebarb issued the following statement:

“I am very proud of our staff and students for the work they have done to bring our schools and district to this level of achievement. Our goal is for every student to reach their potential. These assessment results are evidence that our teachers are helping our students move toward the Mastery Level of performance or meet or exceed the Mastery Level, at the expected rate, on State Assessments. Our mission is to Inspire, Educate, Challenge and Achieve. I believe our staff members have made this their personal mission, and that is what education is all about!”

Many Mayor Ken Freeman has announced that the Town Council has selected 10 streets in town that will be resurfaced. Apeck Construction started on the project last week.

The streets are Nabours which turns into Trace to Hwy. 171, West Dillon to Hwy. 171, Ritter, Ponder to Hwy. 6, Andries, Washington from MLK to McFarland, Veteran Park to Magnolia, Smith, and Courthouse.

The Mayor said the streets will be constructed from the ground up, including a strong base upon which to apply the overlay so the streets will withstand the test of time. Proper drainage will also be part of the work.

Many Mayor Ken Freeman has announced that the Town of Many will not roll forward property tax millages.

Mayor Freeman said, “I know that with the new property assessments in Many and Sabine Parish, our citizens are very concerned and will have a hard time paying their new property taxes for 2019. I am also concerned about these increases.”

“Because of that, I made the recommendation to our City Council members that we not roll our citizens’ property millages forward.”

Freeman continued, “Our Alderman at Large Mary Key Brocato made the motion to the council that property tax millages not be rolled forward, but be kept at the 2018 level. The Council members then voted and passed this motion unanimously. This action on behalf of our taxpayers will keep the Town of Many’s property taxes the same as they were in 2018.”

The Town of Many currently has a balanced budget. Mayor Freeman stressed that he and the Council will continue to work hard in order to manage the town budget wisely so that it will remain balanced in the coming year of 2020.

In more news for the Town of Many, Mayor Freeman has announced the Council has decided to use Facebook as a way to inform residents what is going on in town.  He said, “The council and I hope to also use it as a way to hear from the citizens of Many concerning problems they may have.” He said the town is also working on a new web site so citizens may post issues there when the site is completed.

HAPPENING TOMORROW, THURSDAY, SEPT. 5:

REMINDER:  The last date to register to vote in person or by mail in the Oct. 12 primary is Sept. 11. The last day to register online to vote in the election is Sept. 21.

J. J. Blake, well-known Many banker who has teamed up with Community Bank of Louisiana to open a branch in Many, came up with some interesting information, which he posted on Facebook.

He pointed out that if you have an account with MidSouth Bank, you recently received a 33-page book about Hancock Whitney Bank, which will take over MidSouth shortly.

In the packet was a map showing the bank’s locations, which he pointed out, did not show Many, Zwolle, Toledo Bend, Mansfield or Greenwood.

Blake’s grandfather, his father and he have been in the banking business for over 106 years.

Last week, Ann Stuckey-Davis, widow of Country star Nat Stuckey, received from Broadcast Music Inc. a “Special Citation of Achievement” for three million plays on “Diggin’ Up Bones,” made famous by Randy Travis. Nat wrote the music for the song, and the lyrics were written by Paul Overstreet and Al Gore. Nat passed away Aug. 24, 1988.

Ann now lives with husband Randy Davis out from Florien.

She stated, “Even though I knew it was coming, I was still so surprised and delighted to receive it on behalf of my late husband.”

Nat has also been awarded Special Citation Certificates from Broadcast Music for:  One million plays on “Waitin’ In Your Welfare Line,” which Buck Owens made famous; one million plays for “Sweet Thang,” which he and also Ernest Tubb and Loretta Lynn had hits on; and “Pop A Top,” popularized by Jim Ed Brown.

Seems that “Pop A Top,” would be good to use on some company’s beer commercials, especially with craft breweries taking hold like they have.

Ann operates the House of Stuckey music publishing company and will soon be working to lease masters from RCA Records to release a mini-CD of Nat’s work.

Movies in Many is giving a big party this Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Many Community Center and everyone is invited!

It’s the 30th Anniversary Celebration of “Steel Magnolias.” A reception, just like Shelby’s wedding reception in the movie, with armadillo cake and punch will be held and will include door prizes, a guest speaker, and then a special showing of the movie will all be part of the big celebration.

The reception gets under way around 6:30 p.m. The program and giveaways will start at 7, and after that, the movie will play.

The big celebration is free and a gift from the Town of Many, Mayor Ken Freeman and the Many Cultural District Advisory Committee.

“We’re expecting a big crowd,” said Mary Brocato, chair of the Cultural District and Advisory Committee.  “So it’s important to get there early if you want to get a seat.  The Community Center has 200 seats, and when those seats are filled, we have to close the doors and cannot admit anyone else.”

Talented local baker Kristi Ebarb is making the armadillo cake for the “wedding” reception, and she is also donating a smaller armadillo cake as one of the fun door prizes.

In the movie wedding reception, guests snacked on an armadillo-shaped groom’s cake. The scene was shot at the sprawling historic house that served as the film’s family home. An armadillo cake was part of Susan’s (“Steel Magnolias” writer Robert Harling’s sister) actual wedding, “but it was basically a sheet cake cut into the silhouette of an armadillo,” Harling says.

The elaborate, three-dimensional movie version, complete with a long tail, was rendered in red velvet cake. The cake has a cult following and has been re-created repeatedly by fans.

“If I only leave one thing behind as my legacy, it is the armadillo cake,” Harling says. “If I had been able to patent the armadillo cake, I’d be jetting around the world in my private plane. I have seen some amazing ones.”

But a luscious armadillo cake won’t be the only door prize at this big celebratory event.

Candidate for State Representative Dist. 24 and Leesville physician Dr. Greg Lord and Mrs. Lord have donated a magnificent custom-made magnolia door wreath as another door prize.

The Steel Magnolias B&B in Natchitoches, owned by Attorney Dan Dyess and Judge Desiree Dyess, has donated jars of jellies and jams especially made for the popular bed and breakfast inn. The Steel Magnolias House is the original home featured in the film.

Candidate for Sabine Parish Assessor Donnie Wooley and wife Cheryl have donated two special items.  One is an original and hard-to-find 1989 “Steel Magnolias” movie poster, and the second item is a Steel Magnolias cookbook.

Nichols Store in Many has also donated what’s sure to be another popular door prize:  a basket of Magnolia House fragrances and bath products.

Attorney Dyess, who was recently named a Louisiana Ambassador for Tourism by Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, will be the special speaker and will share stories about the historic home which was featured in the film.

Then it will be time for the main event… a showing of the classic, local film “Steel Magnolias.”

“Steel Magnolias” is a 1989 American comedy-drama film. It is a film adaptation of Robert Harling’s 1987 play of the same name. The play and film are about the bond a group of women share in the small-town Southern community of Natchitoches, and how they cope with the death of one of their own.

Playwright Robert Harling was from Natchitoches and insisted that the movie be filmed in his hometown. He also picked the then-mostly-unknown Julia Roberts to play the role of his sister. “When I saw Julia for the first time, I said to myself, ‘That’s Shelby,’” Harling said. 

Even though “Steel Magnolias” doesn’t open with a “based on a true story” title card, Shelby’s tale belonged in real life to Harling’s sister, Susan, before Julia Roberts brought it to the big screen. 

The historic Natchitoches house where “Steel Magnolias” was filmed is now a bed and breakfast and has been renamed The Steel Magnolia House. Guests can stay in rooms named after the film’s characters, like the Clairee, Ouiser, and Annelle.

It was important to Harling that the film be shot in his hometown of Natchitoches, LA. Its impact is still being felt today. “For everyone who has seen the movie, Natchitoches is synonymous with the movie,” Arlene Gould, past executive director of the Natchitoches Convention and Tourism Bureau,  said, “It had a tremendous impact on the tourism trade and on our community.”

Many Mayor Ken Freeman said, “Natchitoches is a sister city to Many, and so we relate very much to this delightful movie. I hope everyone will enjoy our 30th Anniversary Celebration. We’ve gone to great lengths to make it entertaining and special for everyone.”

A gentle reminder:

The renovation and restoration of the Sabine Parish Historic Depot Museum in Many is finally complete, and the Town of Many, the Cultural District Committee, along with the Sabine Historical Society, are now seeking items to exhibit in the museum.

The museum will be about the people, history and culture of Sabine Parish. “We have a story to tell about our parish and our people, and we are looking forward to telling it,” said Mayor Freeman.  “We want to encourage our people to call and tell us about the items they may have that relate to our history and culture, from any period,” the mayor continued.

People who have something that may be of interest to the Museum may call Sandra Neel, the mayor’s executive assistant, at (318) 256-3651.

“Sandra will set up a time frame for you to bring those items by the office or arrange for someone to go out to see the items. We have both donation and loan forms if you want to share these items in… the museum,” said Freeman.

Beginning on Sept. 19 and continuing until Oct. 31 at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday mornings, there will be a Ladies Community Bible Study held at Many First Baptist Church. The study is “Seamless” written by Angie Smith. The cost for a study workbook is $20. Anyone interested in attending this study should sign up immediately by calling (281) 610-1778 or (318) 256-5655.

Mary Key Brocato’s campaign for Alderman at Large appears to be going well. She’s out working diligently to meet folks and solicit votes.

It’s certainly not a secret Brocato has worked hard for Many the last eight-and-a-half years. Most of that time, she has served as Chair of the Many Cultural District, spearheading the renovation of Sabine Theater and other local programs. And she continues in that capacity. More recently Brocato has also served as Alderman at Large, after being appointed to the position following the death of Alderman Barbara Peterson last year.

Whether a fan of Brocato’s efforts or not, most everyone we’ve heard from agrees she takes hold like a bull dog on a bum’s ankle when it comes to getting things done. She just doesn’t let up. Wish the big dogs in DC could take a lesson from that kind of commitment. We could sure use a lot more “doers” up there and a lot less of their talk.

It should also be noted Brocato’s got the most interesting campaign card of any we’ve seen this election season, shown above. It is a folded card, rather than the flat panel style, and offers a lot of info in a compact, easy-to-carry format.

Wednesday of last week Many resident Daniel Allen killed a big rattlesnake at his home near Hwy. 191. It was four-and-a-half feet with 14 rattles and a button. The snake was very pregnant and just about to give birth. Allen opened the rattlesnake afterward and retrieved 20 live baby rattlers, so he actually eliminated a den, not just one.

“[It was] at my house; my babies were playing on that pile of lumber! They saw its tail slide under it and hollered for me. I’m just thankful the good Lord was watching over them yesterday!” Allen shared.

A couple of days later, Ronnie Neel, who lives on Stoker Loop toward Robeline from Many, killed a large rattlesnake with five rattles and a button. He killed it in the road near his driveway. He noted another one got away, and that the one caught appeared to be a pregnant female.

The rattlesnakes are out, folks. We’re getting reports almost every day of rattlers and other venomous snakes in yards, garages, driveways and on local roads. They’re large this year, plentiful and moving. Please be extra-vigilant and take care before letting your little ones play outside in areas where snakes may be.

Rattlesnakes like to hide in brush, bushes, rocks, wood piles, tool sheds, pool pump houses and pretty much any place they can get into.

If you build a fence to make a snake-free zone for your kids or pets to play, be sure it is smooth and at least 36 inches high so snakes cannot climb over. It should also have at least a 12-inch barrier underground to prevent the possibility of a rattlesnake being able to infiltrate through holes in the ground.

Holes, gaps, windows, vents and other openings around homes and fences should be eliminated with flashing or similar.

We cannot overstate it:  WATCH OUT FOR SNAKES!!

Only 35 persons participated in the BDC Radio poll for State Senate, District 31.  Louie Bernard had a big lead with 25 votes representing 71.4 per cent. Douglas Brown came in second with five votes for 14.3 per cent and Trey Flynn also had five votes.

A new BDC poll starts today and continues through Friday. Persons are invited to cast their votes for who they will vote for as Sabine Parish Clerk of Court. Running for the office are Pollie Brandon and Shelly Salter.

Only one vote is allowed per computer. To vote, go to bdcradio.com and click on their link to Facebook.

District 9 School Board Member Dale Skinner is on a mission to get answers.

This week he sent the following message to Sabine Schools Supt. Dr. Sara P. Ebarb:

“I want to thank you or the Sheriff for providing me with security or protection at the last Board meeting. Is there something I need to know about Donald Garcie? I know he called me a wise ass and threatened me by saying something like ‘I have something for you or for people like you.’ For you or the Sheriff to provide me with my personal officer at the last meeting, you must feel Donald Garcie is a serious threat to me.

“I am requesting my own personal officer from now on at every meeting until someone tells me why I needed one to start with. Please let me know as soon as possible who deserves credit for protecting me so I can thank them personally. Are you concerned about my safety because in about a two-week period Donald Garcie was accused of threatening John Stewart, saying about the same thing he said to me?

“How serious do you or the Sheriff think Donald Garcie’s threat is?”

At the last Board meeting, Sheriff’s Deputy Palmer was seated in the back of the meeting room prior to the start of the meeting. Shortly before the meeting started, he moved to sit directly behind Skinner.

In a separate letter to Dr. Ebarb, Skinner asked for the following information:

“1. What happened when the resource officer at Sparks called for assistance? Who did she call first and what happened after that?

“2. What happened at a Many school concerning the resource officer being accused of leaving her weapon in the bathroom?

“I know what people have said, but I want to know the facts and the truth.

“I have asked for the following information at least one before, and maybe twice, so would you please send it this time?

“1. Name of each resource officer and rank.

“2. What academy each attended, how long was the academy training and what was their main focus?

“3. Years of experience of each job they have held.  For example, Patrolman (how many years), Supervisor (how many years), Jailer (how many years), etc.”

And lastly, Skinner has asked that the following items be put on the agenda for the next Board meeting:  Safety for the students, and what hours resource officers are needed and why.

We love to get messages. This week the following came for Derek Campbell of Belmont concerning all the political signs we now see. He writes:

“It is election time again, and all the political signs are everywhere. These signs, in my opinion, are trashing up our parish. Some of the candidates seem to have a war going on. If one puts a sign up, a day later there is someone else’s in front of it. There is a large sign in Belmont that you have to pull way out to see around! There aren’t supposed to be any signs on the highway right-of-way. If they can’t follow a simple rule before they get into office, what’s it going to be like if they win??? …By the way, I have contacted the Department of Transportation and Development to see if they will do something. This is nothing more than littering! Should be fined for doing it.”

It should be noted that awhile back, DOTD came through the parish and picked up a lot of campaign signs from the highway right-of-ways. But, many of them were back a few days later. Candidate for Sheriff Frankie Howard announced early on that he would not be putting up yard signs.

Radio personality Tedd Dumas has been a critic of some of the actions of the Sabine Parish Police Jury. He has been told that some of the Jurors agreed they would retaliate by not advertising for re-election on the radio stations he operates.

According to him it is working. He said he has already sold out many of the advertising slots that he has open. Another success story.

Pink Sisters of Sabine held their first official public meeting a couple of weeks ago and they report it was a good first step with 22 persons attending.

Pink Sisters Pres. Betsy Godfrey opened the meeting with a warm welcome, some inspirational quotes, and a statement of the group’s mission: “to offer resources of total support, including physical, emotional and spiritual wellness, to women diagnosed with breast cancer.” Nancy Spiller then led the group in prayer.

Laurie Gentry, who handles publicity, spoke next and produced a letter from the IRS verifying Pink Sisters of Sabine is now officially a non-profit organization. She shared that the group’s by-laws are in ship-shape form, having been carefully written and reviewed. She also shared a few ideas for publicizing the organization’s activities and mission, which will develop over the next few months.

Vice-Pres. Ginger Jordan then demonstrated how to fill out the Pink Sisters registration form online through Facebook. The data gleaned from these surveys will be used to match breast cancer patients with survivor mentors, according to community and type of treatment. It was noted that the experiences of survivors will “become part of someone else’s survival guide.”

Pink Sisters Sec. Nancy Spiller unpacked one of their big Pink Gifts Need Bags which was on display and in addition to showing items included in the tote bag, she requested suggestions for other practical items someone undergoing treatment would find helpful. Each bag costs about $50 to supply, and tax-deductible donations (perhaps in honor of a special person) may be sent to the Pink Sisters Treasurer, Laurie Morrow at P.O. Box 323, Many, LA 71449.

Persons who know of a breast cancer patient who may need a help bag can contact Pink Sisters of Sabine through their Facebook page.

Treas. Laurie Morrow then shared an overview of Pink Sisters upcoming activities. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so the group is planning some special activities next month.

On Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 4:30 p.m., Delta Kappa Gamma will host a program at the Sabine Council on Aging. Dr. Mary Nordberg, a genetic counselor at Willis -Knighton Cancer Center, will be the presenter.

On Sunday, Oct. 13 at 10 a.m., a “Worship in Pink” Sunday will be hosted at First United Methodist Church of Many. The congregation and visitors are invited to wear pink that Sunday, and they will be given information about Pink Sisters of Sabine.

Other October activities are also being discussed and may be added to the Pink Sisters of Sabine calendar.

In addition, plans are underway for Pink Sisters to participate in the Sabine Parish Relay for Life in April 2020.

The meeting closed with music by Laurie Gentry and guest Steve Birdwell, followed by door prize drawings and visiting.

The public is invited to like Pink Sisters of Sabine on Facebook, participate in the group’s survey pinned to the top of their page, and to also send a private message with breast cancer patient or survivor information.

The group’s meeting was also made possible by the hard work of enthusiastic local volunteers, including Mary Ellen Freeman, Mary Byles, Anna Payne, and Cherry Williams.

We are happy to report that the American Cancer Society has selected Seth Freeman, former Many resident and son of Mayor and Mrs. Ken Freeman, as one of its “beaus” to be included in their Belles and Beaus on the Cane 2019 Honorees.

A special announcement party is being hosted at The Landing in Natchitoches tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 5, at 5:30 p.m., and the event is open to the public. The festivity will serve free appetizers and a cash bar will be available.

Congratulations to Seth on his successful efforts battling cancer and for being honored by the American Cancer Society!

It was a sight to see. One of the largest houseboats ever made, I suppose, coming through Many on Wednesday afternoon of last week at about 5:30 p.m. It was escorted by the State Police and was headed west. Observations attempted to get information about it from the State Police, but thus far has been unsuccessful. Photos are courtesy of Donnie Wooley, candidate for Sabine Tax Assessor, and Tonia Bridges.

Doing a good deed:  Sheriff Ronny Richardson was out at the Many Tigers football game Friday night in a golf cart. He was giving a lift to old folks, women with children, the handicapped and others from their vehicles to the stadium and back again.

That’s it for another week! Call or write me with your thoughts and suggestions. Call (318) 332-8653 or send an email to robertrgentry@gmail.com. Recently archived Observations may be found on the following pages. Older ones are archived on our Facebook page. To save, send or print this week’s column, click on the appropriate icon below. As always, thanks for reading.

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