Wednesday, February 12, 2020
A group of about 25 prayer warriors met Friday night for a 30-minute prayer session for Sabine Parish. The event was the brainstorm of Bruce Taylor and Mark Schoth, who led the meeting.
Bruce said he awoke from a deep sleep Thursday night thinking about things in Sabine Parish, like the terrible happenings at Many High School, the conflict between the Many Town Council and the Chief of Police, a publicly elected official allegedly threatening to kill a man, among others concerns. Some of these events have brought wide-spread attention to Sabine Parish.
“I see a lot of anger on Facebook,” Bruce told the gathering. “There is a lot of anger. Our town is dying. We’ve got enough bad going on. We need God in Sabine Parish. The only way to get God here is to pray. With all the problems we’ve had, it’s time we all get together and pray.” He said folks need to put their anger aside and seek to get along, be more civil to one another and be helpful.
The session, which lasted about 40 minutes, was held at Mark’s Wholesale Tires in Many. Bruce said the event was quickly put together, and Mark Schoth allowed his place to be used. It was noted that Mark hosts a men’s prayer meeting at his business each Friday morning at 7.
At the start of his remarks, Mark read from 2 Chronicles 7:14: “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 will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
In his prayer, he said, “We want to do what’s right, but we need Your help. We are lifting up everyone in authority in our schools, our elected officials. We lift up the broken-hearted and the kids who have to walk through bullying every day.”
He said he felt the meeting was the beginning of something new in Sabine Parish. He noted in his prayer that our country is terribly divided, and he asked God to bless Pres. Donald J. Trump. “We need to look at our neighbors and not see their faults, but look with love.” Schoth prayed. “We lift up the families that have been devastated. We know You can take evil and turn it around. We don’t know how, but we trust in You.”
Rev. Daniel Lowe, pastor of the Many Church of the Nazarene, referred to the gospel song, “It’s Me, Oh Lord, Standing in Need of Prayer.” He said we can all be disciples by the way we love one another.
“May this be the beginning,” he prayed. “One man standing in the gap can make a difference. Pray without ceasing. What is taking place is not Your will. I pray that You will come back to our town, parish and state.”
Mark called for justice concerning the situation at Many High, adding “…but we (also) want mercy. We need to show mercy to one another.”
A lady in attendance called for prayer for the families of all those involved at Many High. “Let them know we’re praying for them,” she said. Mark suggested persons write letters to anyone involved, to give them encouragement, a bond of healing and hope for peace.
In closing, Mark said, “Many and Sabine Parish can be the starting place for a movement all across America. Everyone has a voice.”
Bruce said these Power of Prayer meetings will continue if people are interested. He invited anyone interested to contact him on Facebook. He closed by saying, “We know our problems. We want to get God back in schools. It starts at home. Bullying will stop if we get God back in schools.”
Concern about the incident involving the Many High School basketball team continues to be foremost in the area. In wake of the event, three students were arrested last week for sexual battery. In addition, two more students were arrested as adults on charges filed by the State Police. They are Keelan Williams, black male, 18, arrested for sexual battery and second-degree kidnapping, and Reginald Mitchell Jr., black male, 18, charged with accessory to sexual battery.
There was a video which was posted on Snapchat that was taken during the incident. The Sabine Sheriff’s Office recently issued a reminder about the law regarding pornography involving juveniles. Anyone who views and/or shares any pictures or videos that meet the definition listed is in violation. This includes all forms of social media.
Senior Trooper Casey Wallace of the Public Affairs Section Region E told Observations the State Police is currently working the Many High case. On Friday he said, “The investigation is ongoing and because of juveniles involved, I can’t discuss anything right now. A news release will be prepared and released sometime next week.”
Sabine Schools Supt. Sara Ebarb also told Observations Friday she could not discuss the case because it is ongoing. She stated, “I cannot discuss personnel or student discipline. The board is informed and there will be an executive session Monday night.”
Observations followed up with Dr. Ebarb and asked for a report on any actions on the Many High matter taken by the School Board at their Monday night meeting. As of publication time Tuesday afternoon, Supt. Ebarb had not responded to our request.
When contacted, District Attorney Don Burkett said he could not say a lot and he didn’t.
It is interesting to note that Negreet School was placed on lockdown last Thursday. When asked for an explanation, Supt. Ebarb stated, “A local lady was driving to the school and saw, on Hwy. 476, a man walking along the road with a shotgun. He went into the woods. She was concerned because it was not far from the baseball field. She went to the school and reported it. The school went into lockdown as a precaution. There was no threat made to the school. The Sheriff’s Department responded and searched the area. When law enforcement gave them the ‘all clear,’ the lockdown was ended. School was dismissed on time. Parents were notified of the lockdown.”
Hats doffed to the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta. They won the 24th Annual Award for Best Marketing for Fair or Festival, Division I, for 2019. The award was presented Feb. 8 by the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals.
Along life’s trail, we met and became friends with Attorney Robert B. Vincent and his mother, Jackie LaBauve Vincent of Erath. Five years ago, the doctor said Robert had only three months to live. He defied the odds. Many people have supported him during this time. It has meant so much to him that people have taken the time to send cards, call him and do things to brighten his day. And so many people have supplied food for the family. Folks in the community have also done many other things to help.
Mrs. Vincent said, “We are so blessed by the many people that have carried us these five years in prayer and friendship. We can never thank you enough for making our cross just a little lighter each day.”
Robert is an amazing man. He is very interested in Louisiana politics and serves on the City Council in Erath. He has headed the big July 4 parade they have there. What a great guy and we wish him and his family all the best. And one day before long, we are going to slip down to Erath and see him.
Still a lot of unhappiness about the Sabine Police Jury spending $71,000 from the general fund to purchase a ball park in Converse. The other districts in the parish were left out on the funding. Only one Juror voted against it.
The folks in the Pleasant Hill area say they have some of the worst roads around. It was suggested that they name a road “Ball Park Lane” and their Juror ask for $71,000 to use on roads in the district.
The flu, Types A and B, are hitting hard this season. We’d like to send Get Well wishes to our sweet friend Phyllis Birdwell of Marthaville, another sweet friend and neighbor Diann Migliore, and to Laurie’s niece and nephew-by-marriage, Mary Catherine and Josh Harvison of Shreveport. They are both down with the flu; poor Mary Catherine was diagnosed with both Type A and Type B at once. Talk about miserable!
Also on our Get Well wishes list is Mr. Charles Enterkin, who was just diagnosed with pneumonia.
We wish all a speedy recovery and hope all are feeling much, much better very soon!
Tuesday of last week, my wife Laurie and I were coming in from Shreveport. It was early dusk when we passed Walmart headed South. Just a short way down Hwy. 171 we saw a beautiful adult Bald Eagle. As we drove slowly toward it, we saw that it was feeding on a deer that someone had hit and killed. A few moments after we stopped, the eagle flew into the adjacent field to wait until it felt safer eating its supper.
A couple of weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon we saw a juvenile eagle on Mark Schoth’s beautiful place a few miles west of Robeline on Hwy. 6. It was in a tree and then flew into a nearby field.
It is always good to hear from our friend Bob Risor who lives in El Dorado, AR. He is a native of Many and was graduated from Northwestern where he was active in many things, including the Black Knights Drill Team. Some years back, he was honored by the Sabine Hall of Fame with presentation of the Achievement Award which is given to a native of Sabine who has left the parish and gone on to be very successful in life.
In El Dorado, Risor is active in many things including banking. The city has a very fine, slick magazine named El Dorado Insider. The Fall 2019 issue ran a photo of Bob playing golf; another picture of Bob appears in the current issue of the Insider.
The latest featured photo shows Bob with his associates at Southern Bancorp. Shown above, that’s Bob second from right.
From Elvis With Love is a special romantic Valentines show that Richard Bruce Cook, a well-known Elvis tribute artist, will present at the Many Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 15.
The special music show will begin at 7 p.m. and will last two hours.
It will be packed with Elvis love songs that the audience is sure to enjoy. Admission is only $10 for adults and $1 for children under 12 years old.
Cook, who has not appeared at the Community Center for two years, is a popular entertainer who delights the audience with his tributes to Elvis Presley.
Richard has placed in the top 10 in Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) preliminaries and has been chosen to perform “Under the Tent” at Graceland Crossing during Elvis Week. Come out and see why Richard is among the best of the best ETAs in the country!
Richard Cook has been a fan of Elvis Presley since he was five years old and heard Elvis for the first time. With encouragement and support from his family, he began performing his tribute to Elvis at age 14 by entering his first talent contest and winning 1st Place.
Over the years, Richard performed his tribute whenever and wherever there was an opportunity, purely out of love and respect for Elvis and his music. Today, Richard has proven himself to be one of the top Elvis Tribute Artists in the country, and he continues to reach new heights in his quest to perfect what can only be described as an amazing tribute to the King.
Born on Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, LA, Richard now lives just across the river in Shreveport, and is a proud father to his son, Taylor.
Competition highlights include:
· 2011 – Top 10, Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist, Tupelo, MS
· 2006 – 1st Place, Horseshoe Talent Show, Bossier City, LA
· 2005 – 2nd Place, Tribute to the King, Isle of Capri, Lake Charles, LA
· 2005 – 3rd Place, Tribute to the King, Isle of Capri, Natchez, MS
· 2004 – 1st Place, Tribute to the King, Best Young Elvis, Isle of Capri
· 2003 – Centaur Mardi Gras Parade, Viva Las Vegas float Elvis
· 2001 – 3rd Place, Tribute to the King, Isle of Capri, Bossier City, LA
· 1999 – 3rd Place, Tribute to the King, Isle of Capri, Bossier City, LA
· 1997 – Images of Elvis, James Burton’s Rock ‘n Roll Cafe
Cook tells in his own words why he chose to be an Elvis tribute artist: “When I was five years old, I heard a voice on the radio. Then I turned on the television and saw the man that went with that voice. That man was Elvis Presley. I loved the way he sang, moved, treated people, and his charismatic mannerisms.
“Even at that young age I knew what I wanted to do: impersonate Elvis. I used to pull out my record player and put on concerts for my family in our living room. I wanted to show the world just how much I loved Elvis. I entered my first talent show at age 14 and won 1st Place. My Mom always said, ‘You will make it one day, Richie.’
“Well, now I feel that I have made it. I pay tribute to Elvis because of my admiration for him. He has always been my idol, and always will be. I always try to do my best. My tribute is out of love and respect for a man who gave so much to the world.”
Members of the Many Cultural District Advisory Committee are especially pleased to offer the Elvis Tribute show as the first Music in Many show of 2020.
“So many of us remember Elvis Presley as our greatest Rock ‘n Roll musician, and so we are especially proud to present one of the finest Elvis tribute artists in the country as our February entertainment,” said Many Mayor Ken Freeman.
Music in Many is sponsored by the Mayor of Many, the Many City Council and the Many Cultural District Advisory Committee as an effort to bring high quality musical entertainment to Many and Sabine Parish residents free or at an affordable cost.
A special thank you to Mary Brocato for the above article.
The old Many Ford Motor Company building on San Antonio Ave. was demolished last week to make way for the new Community Bank of Louisiana to be built on the site. The Community Bank Many branch, led by J. J. Blake, has been very supportive of several recent civic projects, and we are happy to see them prepare to build their new permanent location in downtown Many.
The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, AR – America’s #1 outdoor drama, which depicts the last week in the earthly life of Jesus – is gearing up for its 52nd season. Hard to believe. Some who attended years ago are now visiting with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Passion Play has extended their recent special ticket deals until March 6. These tickets are good for any 2020 performance, and you don’t have to pick your date ahead of time or even let them know when you are coming. If you end up not being able to go in 2020, the tickets are still good for 2021 and beyond.
Prices are as follows: $20 for adult Passion Play tickets; $10 for youth (ages 12-16); $7.50 for children (ages 4-11); and kids under 4 are free as always.
That’s a $10 savings on adult and youth (ages 12-16) Passion Play tickets and a saving of $7.50 on child (ages 4-11) tickets. So, now is definitely the time to bring your family or church to The Great Passion Play.
May 2020 performances will be given on several Friday and Saturday nights and one Sunday night. They are on May 1, 2, 22-24, 29 and 30 at 8:30 p.m.
June and July performances are every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 p.m.
August and early September dates are August 1, 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29; and September 4-6 (Labor Day weekend); all will begin at 8:30 p.m.
The remainder of the season includes performances every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. from Sept. 11 until Oct. 31. In addition, there is a Thursday, Oct. 15 performance.
In addition to its beloved outdoor drama, the Passion Play also offers unique mission trip opportunities to help put on their production and host the many tourists who visit. They have just a few spots left for their summer mission trip weeks.
Participating individually or as a church/youth group allows people to work on projects that truly impact the lives of thousands of people. Not only that, but participants also have an opportunity to actually be in the Great Passion Play production.
Whether folks can work only one day or for an entire week, they are encouraged to visit GreatPassionPlay.org and click on Mission Trips to fill out a trip form and see available mission dates.
Examples of on-site mission group projects include: performing as an extra in The Great Passion Play, painting and staining, working at the petting zoo and marketplace area, landscaping, gardening and mowing, weed eating and trail maintenance, and general beautification and improvement projects throughout the complex.
This season, The Great Passion Play has been issued a $300,000 donation match challenge. They have raised $112,044 to date. When they reach $300,000 in donations, it will be matched with an equal amount from a generous benefactor. We encourage everyone to give to this very worthy cause. Every little bit helps. They are a 501-c3 nonprofit, so all donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible. To learn more, call (800) 882-7529 or visit GreatPassionPlay.org.
The production is located at 935 Passion Play Road in Eureka Springs, AR. Other site attractions include the seven-story Christ of the Ozarks statue, the Cross, mountain bike and hiking trails, Noah’s Ark Park petting Zoo, the Bible Museum, the Sacred Arts Museum, the History Museum, an Israeli bomb shelter, a section of the Berlin Wall, Church in the Grove, “Parables of the Potter,” a sculptor, “David the Shepherd,” the Marketplace and Christmas lights in season.
They also offer a replica Holy Land Tour, in-depth tabernacle teaching, a Backstage Tour, dinner buffet and Movies in the Chapel.
Last, but certainly not least, we wish all our readers a very Happy Valentine’s Day. We hope you and yours will find good ways to celebrate love this Friday.
As always, thanks for reading. I love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for future articles. Email me at robertrgentry@gmail.com or call (318) 332-8653. To see older, archived Observations, visit our Facebook page where they are listed by date under Photo Albums. To see newer ones, follow the pages below. To send, save or print this week’s column, click on the appropriate icon below.
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