Friday, April 24, 2020
Sabine District Attorney Don Burkett would like to announce that his office has been celebrating NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK, April 19-25. He notes that they work very hard to protect the rights of victims of crime, and that the District Attorney’s staff works diligently to provide victims and their families with a multitude of services that includes information about the status of each case, a liaison to attend court hearings with the victim, restitution requests, referrals for medical/counseling/social services, crime victims’ reparations funding, property recovery after a case is complete, employer intervention, shelter and protective order services, as well as notification of court dates. In general, the office strives to provide advocacy and support to victims during these difficult times in their lives, though each victim’s needs are unique.
Burkett states, “We care about our victims, they are real people. These victims and family members have had their lives turned upside down because of the actions of a criminal. Unfortunately, in our current society, criminals have more rights than victims.”
In 1982, Congress passed the first few pieces of crime victims’ legislation. Don Burkett was instrumental in writing and assisting with funding to establish the first ever position of Crime Victims Coordinator for each Louisiana parish. In Sabine, the Crime Victims Coordinator is Karen Williams, who is assisted by Angie Ponder. “These ladies truly care about the wellbeing of victims,” said Burkett.
He asks everyone to join in celebrating the strides that have been made to assist and support victims of crime.
Shown below is the “Victim’s Bill of Rights” from the District Attorney’s office:
VICTIM’S BILL OF RIGHTS
– To be treated with dignity and compassion
– To be protected from intimidation and harm
– To be informed about the criminal justice process
– To be informed of agencies which can assist them
– To be notified of judicial proceedings
They can also:
– Accompany to court hearings
– Help you with restitution and property recovery
– Provide forms for Victim Notification and Registration
The DA says, “We are here to help guide the victims of crime through the criminal justice system by answering questions or addressing their needs. For questions, please call the Sabine Parish District Attorney’s Crime Victim Services at (318) 256-6246.”
It came a gully washer in Many and surrounding areas on Wednesday. My, have we had the rain. Botan Road by the Sabine Parish Fairgrounds was flooded, as was the lower ground to the right of the Fairgrounds entrance. Several other spots around town also had deep water, including the Miller St. ditch in the Blake addition of Many. It was running like a river just after the downpour. Photos courtesy of Don Burkett (Botan Rd.), Shannon Clements-Hall (Fairgrounds), and Kayla Hataway (Blake Addition).
Four persons have asked the Sabine Parish School Board to consider them for appointment to fill the unexpired term of Roderick Davis, Dist. 4. Davis had to resign when he pleaded guilty to defrauding Medicaid during his employment at the Sabine Association for Retarded Citizens.
Those applying for the Board seat are Kowonno Green, Colette Parsons, Robert Hable and Kelvin Gosey. Jeff Scaife also submitted a resumé, but it was found he does not live in Dist. 4.
The School Board will make a selection at its Monday, April 27 meeting. An election to fill the remainder of the unexpired term will be held Nov. 3.
Local businessman J. J. Blake was happy to report receipt of a letter from Pres. Trump dated April 14.
“Back in 2016 when Trump was running for President, I made a donation to his campaign. First time I had ever made a contribution to a presidential campaign. Several weeks ago, another first for me, I wrote the President to say thank you and to offer words of encouragement and prayers. I received my response yesterday,” Blake shared.
Nice to see the President and his staff taking care of business.
My father, the late E. E. Gentry of Marthaville, was a devoted letter-writer who wrote presidents, actors, national leaders and others person of renown who were generally thought to be unapproachable. It was surprising how often he received a thoughtful response from these persons, and a few maintained a regular, personal correspondence with him over the years.
We believe it is always a good thing to share one’s thoughts in writing.
Toledo Retirement and Rehab is hosting a “Blowing Kisses Parade” on Tuesday, April 28 at 3:30 p.m. Family and friends of residents are invited to join the parade line-up to drive through and show support for the residents by blowing kisses. The residents will watch the passing cars from a safe distance.
The battle against the Coronavirus continues. As head information man on it in Sabine Parish, DA Don Burkett has been issuing a daily report on COVID-19 from the District Attorney’s office. His report for today, shortly after noon, is as follows:
“April 24: State Health and Hospital still reporting 13 positive tests and no deaths for Sabine, but local Homeland Security has 21 cases and 1 death. The state report [cases/deaths] of other parishes is Caddo 1407/85, Bossier 258/12, Rapides 228/8, DeSoto 180/10, Red River 22/4, and Vernon 15/1. Statewide hospitalized from Covid-19 is down 30 to 1697 and on vents up 12 to 286. Deaths went down by 6 to 61 in last 24 hours. Please stay safe, everyone, and enjoy another strange weekend,” said DA Burkett.
It is Day 39 of the Shutdown. Time to get back to work and re-open businesses using common sense precautions.
A big congratulations to our friends Becky Birdwell and Oscar Ensinger, who were married on Saturday. We wish the happy couple many more smiles, much love and joy! A beautiful yard sign at their residence helped announce their wonderful news on Hwy. 1221 in Bethany Community near Marthaville.
At left, the happy pair is shown enjoying some “honeymoon” tea at home courtesy of their friends Donna Redwine and Nicole Birdwell.
Photos courtesy Nicole Birdwell.
Rep. Rodney Schamerhorn has partnered with the Central Food Bank of Louisiana to distribute dry goods and fresh produce to persons who need them. Drive-through pick up times start today and continue until May 1. The locations and details are noted below. If you have questions or need more information, call (318) 565-4959.
Friday, April 24 – Hornbeck, Florien. Pick up at Rep. Schamerhorn’s Office starting at 12:30 p.m. Contact Sandy Cosio at (318) 565-4959 or Suzanne Williams at (318) 715-4963.
Thursday, April 30 – Pleasant Hill, Converse. Pick up at Pleasant Hill High School starting at 10 a.m. Contact Shelly Rivers at (318) 332-3500 or (318) 256-0137.
Thursday, April 30 – Zwolle, Ebarb. Pick up at Zwolle High School starting at 2 p.m. Contact Mayor Pie Martinez at (318) 645-6142.
Friday, May 1 – Many, Negreet. Pick up at Many High School starting at 1:30 p.m. Contact Joella Peace at (318) 315-0172.
For assistance with food in Provencal, Robeline or Marthaville, call Stephanie Parker at (318) 602-1187 or Amanda Clark at (318) 663-1942. Food will be distributed from the Robeline First Baptist Church Pantry.
Starting Wednesday, July 1 the Town of Many will conduct a chlorine burnout to disinfect the water pipes for the Town of Many water system. This will run through Tuesday, September 1.
Congratulations to Kelsie Bell Ethridge from Zwolle on signing with the Baton Rouge Community College Lady Bears to play softball as pitcher. We continue to have student athletes from Sabine who make us proud. Way to go, Kelsie!
The Many Community Center [Sabine Theater] on San Antonio Ave. downtown currently has this message on its marquee.
HONK, HONK, HONK.
Many Healthcare North, the retirement and rehabilitation facility at 120 Natchitoches Hwy. in Many will have a “Waves and Whistles” drive-thru parade for its residents on Thursday, April 30 at 2 p.m. Mark it down and plan to attend! These type events are a great encouragement to the residents of care facilities who have not been able to have contact with their outside friends, family and loved ones for several weeks now.
That’s a wrap. I love to hear your ideas for future articles, so please call me at (318) 332-8653 or send an email to robertrgentry@gmail.com. To save, send or print today’s column, click on the appropriate icon below. To see past Observations, follow the pages below. As always, thank you for your faithful readership.
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