Wednesday, December 18, 2019

It’s strange how rumors get started. A few weeks back, my daughter Verity Gentry, a Shreveport attorney, was visiting me and asked, “Dad, why didn’t you tell me about that $30,000 worth of gold coins that was lost for 40 years, then found and given to you?”  She’d been in the Sabine Parish Courthouse earlier that day and picked up the story.

Since then, I have had many people ask me about it. So, it seems wise to let the public know the whole story before some drughead tries to rob me thinking I’ve got money.

One Sunday morning some weeks ago after church I stopped by the old Many Pawn Shop building to see how the new Southern Ladeez business was taking shape. Since they moved into the former Pawn Shop, I have been most interested in all they have done to improve and clean up the place, and have also been especially happy to see a business moving into downtown Many instead of away from it. I talked with the owner, Ms. Robbie Edwards, and during our visit she told me she had found a box of silver and gold on top of the safe, covered in about an inch of dust.

She showed me the box and I looked in. It turned out to be some old, plastic coin holders filled with medallions that I had issued back in 1988 commemorating the 50^th Anniversary of Roy Acuff as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. There were a total of about 150 silver medallions and about 125 bronze medallions. Some unknowing, uninformed soul had marked the bronze medallion holder with a “G,” which we suppose is what started the rumor that some old gold coins had been found. Bronze does have a bit of “gold” color to it, but in no way, shape or form is it to be confused with gold – especially when it comes to value. Look it up.

At the request of my ex-wife, who still owns the old Pawn Shop building, I sold the silver coins for her, and the bronze ones are being advertised on Ebay right now for less than $1 each. Again, I invite all interested persons – particularly those who wish to purchase over 100 Roy Acuff bronze medallions – to look it up. No buyers yet, but hope springs eternal.

So, if you have heard the rumors and wondered about them, this is the real story.  I’m still just as poor as I was before the find because I didn’t take one cent of the money from the sale of the silver coins.

This is a wonderful example of exactly how easily rumors get started and spread.

And lagniappe:  Only yesterday evening, we were informed yet again of how someone had heard of me being given over $30,000 worth of found gold coins and according to their story, I was so rude I didn’t even say “thank you.” Apparently at the rumor mill greed and ungratefulness go hand in hand.

We understand that the State Police has started an investigation into the Drug Task Force notebook that ended up on the internet in recent months. District Attorney Don Burkett verified the information for Observations on Monday.

There are many different versions of what happened, and still after all this time many unanswered questions. 

Observations first carried the story some weeks back. It came to our attention that a lot of confidential information about the illegal drug business in Sabine Parish was released on the internet. In the materials were sheets that contained names and information on more than 80 informants. There was also a two-page report compiled by Kyle Cook when he worked for the Many Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit, which contained information about 17 persons. Cook now works for the Sheriff’s Department. In addition, there was an intel report from the Tri-Parish Task Force giving information on nine persons obtained in a Jan. 24, 2017 meeting with two informants.

A short video on the internet shows a person flipping through the pages of a binder.  It contains a photo listed “Suspect Rap Sheet” and a Walmart money transfer receipt, among other things. On the video is the voice of an African-American man talking as he flips through the pages. We understand subpoenas have been issued to find who put the information on the internet.

It has been reported that the binder was taken from the patrol car of David A. Deshautelle, who was a member of the Sheriff’s Department Drug Task Force at the time. The Task Force is headed by Deputy Randy Murphy.

Last week NOLA.com carried a long, very detailed story about the incident headed, “Whirl of suspicion surrounds small-town police chief after breach of drug task force intelligence.” The article centers on Zwolle Chief Daniel Thomas and former Chief, Marvin Fraser.

The question of how this information ended up on the internet needs to be answered. Apparently the Sheriff’s Department can’t find an answer, so we are glad someone called in the State Police. What about the safety of those informants listed?  What about the integrity of law enforcement? Shouldn’t such information be kept under lock and key? And shouldn’t those with access know it should never be taken out of the office? Will informants want to cooperate with law enforcement in the future if they know information about them might be made public? Again we repeat:  shouldn’t those responsible be held accountable?

Hats doffed to the mighty Many Tigers football team for giving it all they had at the state playoffs in New Orleans last Friday evening. We are proud of them and of Coach Jess Curtis. And thanks again to John and Pam Curtis for all they have done for the football program at Many High.

Daniel Bennett, the man who runs the Bank of Montgomery in Sabine Parish, said the bank provided two busses to take fans to the game. We thank them for their support, too.

The Century 21 Sabine Property Shoppe real estate office in Many presented two awards to employees at their recent Christmas gathering. Receiving Century 21 Multi-Million Dollar Producer awards were Anna Remedies and Tony Pugh. The awards were presented by Broker Ronnie Brandon, who is also a Sabine Parish Assistant District Attorney.

Many’s “Hometown Christmas” will take place this Saturday, Dec. 21, with lots of events planned for everyone.

The annual parade will be along San Antonio Ave. at 3 p.m. with lots of floats and riders, and lots of candy and trinkets for all parade-goers.

Dean and Amanda Lambert are the Grand Marshals of the parade. Mary Perry is Honorary Grand Marshal. Savanah and Siarah Hall are being honored as the Young Achievers and Emma McElwee as the Rising Star. All six of the parade honorees will lead off the parade. Santa Claus himself will be the last honoree in the parade of floats through downtown Many’s Cultural District.

Festivities begin at the fairgrounds immediately after the parade with fun for everyone. There will be food, arts and crafts, a magic show, and lots and lots of giveaways.

Twenty-two bicycles will be given away to lucky winners, and footballs and basketballs are also being given. For some lucky adults, there will be turkeys and hams. The grand prize is a laptop computer donated by Becky Miller. Children MUST be present to win. Registering for the prizes is from 1-4 at the fairgrounds. You must register, and you must be present with your winning ticket to claim your prize. The winners will be announced at the raffles beginning at 5 p.m.

But wait, the fun’s not over yet. A spectacular fireworks show will light up the fairgrounds at 6 p.m.

After the fireworks end, people will want to hurry up to the Many Community Center on San Antonio Ave. in time to enjoy the annual Down Home Christmas Concert performed by the Stewart Family and Friends. The music show starts at 7 p.m. and it’s free. Concessions will be for sale in the lobby. Clancey Stewart says there are lots of new songs this year, and the band is excited to put on an entirely new Christmas show for 2019. 

Stewart family patriarch Willie says this is his family’s gift to Many and Sabine Parish.

So be sure to Save the Date for Dec. 21 in Many! You and your family will have a great time at “Hometown Christmas 2019.”

A special thank you to Mary Brocato for the above report.

Dean and Amanda Lambert have been selected to be the Grand Marshals for the 2019 Many Christmas Parade this Saturday, Dec. 21.

Dean was born in Natchitoches and raised on a farm near Robeline. He graduated from Robeline High School in 1966 and attended NSU for the next four years. It was during this time that he met his wife Amanda. After the young couple married, they lived in Natchitoches briefly before moving to Many in 1971. They’ve lived in Many for the last 48 years.

In 1972, Dean joined the Many Police Department and served as patrolman until Chief Alfice Brumley was elected Sheriff in 1978. He was appointed Chief of Police at that time and won that position after a special election was held. Dean served 5 more four-year terms, all without opposition. In all, he served 23 years as Chief before retiring in 2001. He returned to the department in 2009 and served as Criminal Records Supervisor until 2018. Dean served 38 years with the Many Police Department.

While Dean was Police Chief, Many had one of the most respected and efficient departments around. He understood when someone called or came through the door that most likely they had a problem and needed help. He fully understood that the police department was there to serve the public and he tried his best to do that.

Dean said, “I have always been honored to have served this community. We have some of the greatest folks that can be found anywhere.”

His interests these days include history, genealogy, and writing articles to keep local and family history alive. Even though Dean has a long history in law enforcement, he would like to be remembered more as a local historian and a story teller. He has a very active Facebook page where he posts daily local and national historical tidbits along with some family stories.

Dean thinks one of the reasons he has a fascination with history is that once he was grown, he realized just how unusual his family background was. His father was born in 1870, just a few years after his grandfather returned from the Civil War. That meant his dad was 6 years old when Custer was defeated at the battle of Little Big Horn. Dean’s father had three marriages that produced a total of 15 children – 12 boys and 3 girls. His oldest brother Joe was born in 1895. Twin brothers Dale and Dean were his last children. His father was 78 years old when Dean and Dale were born.

Dean’s dad is currently listed as the world’s oldest man to father twins. And yes, Dean has been tested. It’s DNA verified.

Dean and Amanda  have been married 49 years and are the parents of two sons, Ron and Lance. They have four grandchildren: Gage, Chandler, Hannah and Braxton, and one great-granddaughter, Vesper.

Amanda Baldridge Lambert was born in Clovis, NM and as a youth lived in such places as Popular Bluff, MO and Rapid City, SD. She attended middle school in Pineville, LA before moving to Many in 1965.

Amanda graduated from Many High School before obtaining a degree in education from Northwestern State University. She taught for more than 30 years in the Sabine school system, mostly in elementary grades, but also in middle school, Special Ed and Gifted Education.

Amanda’s parents are Ed Baldridge and the late, beloved Pat Baldridge. Her parents and maternal grandparents have been very influential in her life, both academically and spiritually. Her parents believed a good education was a necessity in life. Amanda and her sisters all have Masters degrees in various educational fields. Amanda has a Masters plus 30 with emphasis in Special Education and Gifted Education.

Amanda always enjoyed going to school. Since early childhood she wanted to be teacher. The oldest of 6 children, she practiced teaching school on her younger siblings. She taught in public schools for over 30 years and in the private preschool at the First United Methodist Sunshine Kids preschool program for 12 years. Teaching and children are Amanda’s passion.

Amanda’s family moved to Many from Pineville when she was in the 9th grade. It was the first time her family had lived in a small town. Amanda was so impressed that she could walk to town whenever she wanted.

Amanda believes Sabine Parish and Many are populated by the most giving people anywhere. She has always been impressed that the people in Many have always been more than generous when helping people in need. That is what Amanda especially loves about Many.

Amanda enjoys reading anything she can get her hands on, especially mysteries and historical fiction. She says she keeps learning that way and she believes everyone should try and learn something new every day.

Amanda, like her husband Dean, enjoys history and genealogy. She loves having her family around her, including her four sisters and father. Amanda says, “We get together as often as we can. My day is always brighter when one of my sons and their family walks through the door and my grandchildren and great grandchild make my heart sing when I am with them.”

Speaking of making her heart sing, Taos, NM is one of her most favorite spots in the world. She says, “It speaks to my heart and puts me at peace. I love the mountains and culture as well as the food.”

Even though Dean and Amanda were not born in Many, they have lived here most of their lives.  They have contributed much to our town and community, through outstanding law enforcement responsibilities, and through teaching the children of the area for so many years.

The Many Christmas Festival Committee is pleased to honor this deserving couple by naming them the 2019 Grand Marshals of the Christmas Parade at 3 p.m. on Dec. 21, when the parade will make its way down San Antonio Ave.

Thank you to Mary Brocato for the article above.

A lonely lady brought this poem for us to use in Observations.  She said she woke up one morning and wrote it.

OLD AND ALONE

When you get old and all alone,

There’s no one left to call your own.

You look high and low for someone to make you spry,

But all that’s left just makes you cry.

Some day will come when you are happy again,

But for now, try to keep from sin.

God will help you in good time,

Just keep praying all the time, Amen.

On that happy note, we’ll say Merry Christmas to you and thanks again for your faithful readership. Hard to believe it is almost time to put another year in the books. Please call or write me with your ideas for future columns. Call (318) 332-8653 or send an email to robertrgentry@gmail.com. To see Observations of the past year, follow the pages below. To see older ones, visit our Facebook page, where they are listed under Photo Albums by date. If you wish to save, send or print this week’s column, please click on the appropriate icon below.

-30-