Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Observations would like to recognize the outstanding job done by Many Chief of Police Roger Freeman, Assistant Chief Kyle Cook and the force during the time Hurricane Laura passed through town.

We have heard many compliments about how the Many Police Dept. remained on duty overnight when the hurricane hit, and about their online updates via Facebook. Citizens appreciated them being available throughout the night and keeping an eye on everything.

The Police Dept. took several calls during the storm. One notable call came from a female amputee who fled to Many to avoid the hurricane in her home area.

“She was missing limbs and couldn’t roll over to get her prosthetics after becoming confused in the dark of her motel room,” Cook said. “We got her up and covered, and Chief Freeman gave her a flashlight to see to get around during the power outage. She was a sweet lady, and we were honored to be of help to her,” he shared.

Other duties performed during the hurricane including patrolling stores as much as possible, taking routine disturbance calls, helping a man who had a tree on his roof and answering other calls for help.

“We simply made ourselves available and a comfort,” said Cook. “It seemed to help those we were in contact with.

“The Mayor made sure everyone was fed in City Hall, as well. That was very kind of him. He had city workers ready to go and they were on it,” Cook remarked.

Hats doffed to the Many Police Dept. for going above and beyond during Hurricane Laura.

In other Many Police Dept. related news, a recent, local car theft investigation was solved just before Labor Day weekend.

Last Thursday, Marion and Shannon Hall, local business owners who live on South Capitol St., realized their Jeep was missing a little before lunchtime. They contacted Many Police, and the Jeep was immediately entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and local law enforcement was notified to Be On Look Out.

The time of the theft was pinned down to 1:19 a.m., when video footage showed a Black female fleeing the scene as the Jeep lights flashed on.

After Assistant Many Police Chief Kyle Cook began investigating, he learned a small group of juveniles had been walking around the area and was able to learn names.

“Their parents were [then] visited, and they cooperated to the fullest extent. The children were supposed to be having a sleep over,” Cook shared.

It was discovered shortly after that, the thieves had ditched the auto at the old Many Junior High School, and the Halls were notified early to mid-afternoon of the development.

“The names of the culprits have been given and warrants are being issued for their arrests,” said Cook.

As to how the theft unfolded, Shannon Hall shared, “We had been locking our cars pretty well and being careful because of recent robberies on the other side of town, but I guess my mind has been very distracted lately due to the hurricane, which really destroyed my hometown, caused heavy damage to my sister’s home and my mother’s home, etc., so I didn’t lock up as per usual,” she explained.

After the incident, security camera footage revealed a group of five kids, approximately 15 years old, walking along South Capitol St. and one was carrying a bat. A bat was left in the Halls’ front yard when their vehicle was stolen.

An eyewitness was able to identify two of the group. It turned out the Many Police were already familiar with the names the eyewitness provided.

The Jeep was badly abused after it was taken – rear view and vanity mirrors ripped out, possible transmission and/or drive train damage, sound system damage and other destruction, including front and rear glasses being smashed. The vehicle was finally wrecked, then parked at the old Jr. High.

The Halls began asking around about this group of youngsters and became aware the group has a reputation for allegedly stealing things.

From these unofficial sources, the Halls were told the juveniles used the Jeep to joyride throughout the night, picking up people and playing loud music. It was reported to them that the wreck occurred when a fight broke out among the group about who was going to drive.

Hall said, “The way they parked the Jeep at the old Jr. High, they know that campus well, they have full access to it, [and it] may even be sort of a home base for them. That Jr. High needs to be torn down or locked down in my opinion.

“I fear Many can quickly become a dangerous place to live if these kids aren’t stopped, because with no remorse and no consequences, it is a recipe for disaster one way or the other. We have felt violated and have not slept well since, watching cameras, trying not to sleep soundly so we don’t miss anything. It’s really taking a toll,” Hall shared.

There is an unaccompanied juvenile curfew law in Many, but juveniles who are up to no good immediately vacate when they see police units (or any car) approaching.

“Citizens see this from their porches and windows,” Assistant Chief Cook explained. “Regrettably, this is not effectively reported to the officers. We do, of course, occasionally catch juveniles walking and make sure their parents take possession of them, [but] the kids caught generally are the ones who don’t run because they’re not doing anything out of line.

“So, our response to the crime is to not only charge the juveniles, but to charge the parents as well. It appears that we must hold the parents accountable to get results. This is the path I will be taking and that patrol officers will be taking, when deemed appropriate,” Cook concluded.

The Town of Many Code Curfew for Minors is as follows:

Sec. 9-211. Curfew for Minors.

It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of seventeen (17) years to be or remain in any public street or thoroughfare or in any public place between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday in the town, unless one (1) of the exceptions under section 9-212 applies.

(Ord. No. 1990-7, § 4, 6-26-90)

Exceptions to the Curfew for Minors listed in the Code include being accompanied by parent or guardian; accompanied by an authorized adult for a designated period of time and purpose; when exercising First Amendment rights (but only when the minor has already provided written notice to the mayor specifying all details of intended activity); because of “reasonable necessity,” but only after the minor’s parents have communicated to the police the related facts; within 30 minutes of the end of a school, religious or associational activity; when the minor has special permission obtained from the mayor to be on the streets; when the minor is employed during hours of curfew and carries a card of employment; or when the minor is in a motor vehicle with parental consent for normal travel, with interstate travel through the Town of Many. [See complete exception details in the full text of the Code.]

Sec. 9-213. Parental responsibility.

It shall be unlawful for a parent having legal custody of a minor knowingly to permit or by inefficient control to allow such minor to be or remain upon a town street or thoroughfare or in a public place under circumstances not constituting an exception to, or otherwise beyond the scope of, this division. The term “knowingly” includes knowledge which a parent should reasonably be expected to have concerning the whereabouts of a minor in that parent’s legal custody. It is intended to continue to keep neglectful or careless parents up to a reasonable community standard of parental responsibility through an objective test. It shall, a fortiari, be no defense that a parent was completely indifferent to the activities or conduct or whereabouts of such minor.

(Ord. No. 1990-7, § 6, 6-26-90)

The boys in blue in the Speed Trap Town of Robeline were also busy when Hurricane Laura came through. The roof of a building adjacent to the police station blew off during the storm and someone noticed it flying over and going above the posted speed limit. It was brought down on top of the police station, ticketed and left in place until the whole matter can be cleared up.

Last week we ran a funny meme from Facebook which stated:  “I bet Laura don’t pass through Robeline at 150 miles per hour.” We didn’t know it then, but it was created by Daniel Jones, editor of the Sabine Index. Great work, Daniel.

Young Brandon James looked mighty pale.

Was standing by the sheriff’s side.

And when Sheriff Mitchell said, “I’m sending you to jail,”

The young man raised his head and cried:

“Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above,

Don’t fence me in.

Let me ride through the wide open country that I love,

Don’t fence me in.“

– Adapted From Western Song by Roy Rogers (1934)

It was the first jail escape under the administration of Sheriff Aaron Mitchell, Chief Deputy Brad Walker informed Observations last Friday. And it is a strange and unusual story. Inmate Brandon James Corley, 21, was last seen at breakfast time at the Sabine Detention Center. Sometime after 6 a.m. Friday, one of the jailers noticed he was missing.

Now, here’s the strange part. When Hurricane Laura came through early Thursday morning, it did some damage to the roof of one of the Detention Center dormitories. Some of the ceiling got wet and can you believe it, part of the ceiling was constructed of nothing but sheetrock. Corley saw his chance and climbed up onto a staircase bannister, where he was able to knock a hole in the wet sheetrock above and grab onto a ceiling joist to swing himself into the attic. Once above the ceiling, he crawled to the end and pried open a window, exiting onto a building roof. From there, he was able to jump to a lower roof, then make another jump about 10-12 feet to the ground.

Search dogs were put to work, but they lost his track on Georgia Ave. It is possible Corley caught a ride from Georgia Ave. to travel elsewhere.

This is not Corley’s first escape from law enforcement. On July 20, he jumped out of a vehicle near Florien and ran from deputies. He managed to elude capture that day, but was later taken into custody by Sabine County Texas Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Ray. He was charged with felony theft of a firearm, felony burglary of a building, felony gross littering, felony theft under $1,000, felony speeding-driving under suspension, felony identity theft and felony flight to avoid arrest. He was extradited back to Louisiana.

As Observations was posted Tuesday evening, Corley had been charged with simple escape and criminal damage to property in this latest incident. His information has been entered into the NCIC, so anywhere he goes local law enforcement will know he is wanted.

Chief Deputy Walker said a work crew worked all weekend putting 2x6s on 6-inch centers onto and above the Detention Center rafters, to make the ceiling escape-proof. Still can’t believe someone put a sheetrock ceiling in a jail.

The Sheriff’s Office is using every means available to locate Brandon James Corley and is following every lead. Corley is a White male, age 21, 5’9” and weighs 150 lbs. If you have information about his whereabouts, call the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Dept. at (318) 256-9241 or call anonymously to the Sabine CrimeStoppers hotline at (318) 256-4511.

A new, state-of-the-art camera system is being installed at the Sabine Detention Center on Monday.

A Sabine Sheriff’s Dept. vehicle was involved in a wreck near Zwolle over the weekend on Hwy. 171 S. The Deputy’s vehicle was southbound in the slow lane and attempting to move into the left hand passing lane. Just as he did so, a car came around and struck the Deputy’s front left fender. No one was seriously injured.

Observations sends heartiest congratulations to Steve and Phyllis Birdwell of Marthaville who are welcoming their first grandson. Wells Kirkland Shofner was born to Grant and Dana Birdwell Shofner of Benton, LA on Tuesday morning. His big sister is Indiana, whom our readers have met before. The little guy weighed in at 8.5 lbs. and measured 20 inches. Congratulations to all!

It all happens this Saturday, Sept. 12 in downtown Many at 6:30 p.m.:  Community Bank of Louisiana presents “A Night with Mike Morris & Uptown Jazz.”

“All of us at Community Bank think post Storm Laura, it’s time to have some fun,” said Senior Vice Pres. J. J. Blake in a social media post promoting the event.

There will be a Cornhole Tournament sponsored by Attorney Chris Sylvia, organized by Adam Lehr from Rigs and Racks, the weather is expected to be good, and the bank is giving away a gorgeous Blackstone grill!

It’s an evening not to be missed, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the sidewalk in front of Sabine Theater. Hope to see you there!

And speaking of Community Bank’s head man in Many, J. J. Blake, he and wife Sharon enjoyed a wonderful trip to South Dakota last week. 

While traveling, they saw many things of interest including Mount Rushmore, the construction of the Sitting Bull Monument, Deadwood where Wild Bill Hickok roamed along with Calamity Jane and many other sights along the way. 

It was a wonderful time to take a trip and we are happy they had so much fun.

As journalists, it is our job to print the items we think are of interest to the public. The first amendment to the Constitution gives us this right. Our founding fathers thought it was important, too. With that being said, we want the public to know we will not shirk our duty.

This year we have been writing about an event in which a parish government body has been involved. We took the position that it is not right for one district to take funds from the general fund of the entire body, and the other districts not get the same amount.

Well, a few days ago, we received a couple of personal messages from the wife of one of the public officials involved in the matter. Since the messages were sent personally we won’t use her name, but we will share the content of her messages, as follows:

“Sad excuse for a column…and this wife is not gonna keep taking your shi[*]…I’m not as nice as my husband…”

The second message:  “Trust me…this juror isn’t your lap dog…y’all love drama…like Teddy [Dumas] said it sales [sic] radio…sad really.”

I called District 1 Police Juror Bo Stewart and asked if he was my lap dog. He responded, “Yes.”

Congratulations to Jennifer Anderson and Mike Caspari on taking over and re-opening the Gulf Station Café. The small downtown restaurant is located at 1040 San Antonio Ave. in Many, and years ago was the location of a Gulf Service Station.

The spot developed a great reputation over the past several years as a good place for breakfast and lunch. The menu will continue with morning fare and a lunchtime meat-and-three option, and Anderson promises, “It’s going to be even better!”

New items have been added to the menu, and the couple has worked hard renovating the interior to provide a new atmosphere for the restaurant’s customers.

It’s a great place to drink morning coffee. Observations can vouch for that, and we look forward to trying it out right away.

Plans were to start operations on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

We salute this hardworking couple for investing in downtown Many. Their efforts are much appreciated.

WE GET LETTERS

From Liz Alford:  “So happy to see this [last week’s Observations.] At least the COVID was not big enough to stop Observations. Take care and thank Laurie for all of us.” A side note:  I have known Liz for something like 50 years. She is one of the best cooks, seamstresses, piano players, singers and several other things that I have ever seen.

From Joey Harris:  “Missed the last two editions of Observations and I’m glad to hear you’re doing well with the Coronavirus. Really enjoy your column each week. Between you and Tedd Dumas, it’s about the only real news we get in this day and time. Keep up the good work.” And a personal note – Joey, don’t miss a week of reading Observations. No excuses.

Our good friends Ed and Mary Dranguet of Natchitoches called Laurie Saturday morning to check on me. I was asleep when they called, but Laurie said she had a wonderful visit with them. We are members of Pete Abington’s Happy Bunch Club and last time we met, we sat across from the Dranguets at dinner. The next day I was tested for the Coronavirus, and a day later, the results came back positive. Needless to say, they went to be checked, too, and thank God they both tested negative.

I first met Ed when I was a student at Northwestern. That was sometime around 1960. I believe he worked at Peoples Bank at the time. We have remained friends since those days. It is a friendship I value very highly. Ed is an authority on the history of Natchitoches, and it is always a pleasure to hear his stories. He and wife Mary are still very active and enjoy traveling.

Our longtime friend Barry Guillett of Natchitoches, who has been guiding me through my bout with COVID-19 sent the ad shown above from the Thursday, Nov. 7, 1918 edition of a Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada newspaper. You’ll see things today are a lot the same. Thanks, Barry.

I want to say how much I appreciate the many phone calls, messages, emails and other expressions of interest and good wishes during the time I have had the Coronavirus.

A very interesting thing happened over the weekend that I must share. After having around-the-clock fever for 16 straight days, I was beginning to wonder if I would ever get rid of it. On Saturday afternoon, my good friend, Brother Kenny Carter, called to check on me. He first apologized for not calling sooner and I assured him that was not a problem and that it was good to hear from him.

We had a nice conversation and then as we were getting ready to end the conversation, he asked, “Would you mind if I prayed for you?” I told him I would be very pleased for him to do so.

I had already shared with him about the unending fever, and he prayed the most powerful, heartfelt prayer that my fever would come to an end and that I would recover completely. Well, Saturday night my fever broke. On Sunday, I had it on and off, and then on Monday I don’t think I had any at all. Tuesday I was again fever-free. Speaks a lot for the power of prayer. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Kenny.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the great peach cobbler that Phyllis Birdwell of Marthaville brought me and the muscadines from her husband, Steve. Those will cure what ails you. Then Monday evening of this week, our television service was finally restored, and I watched three episodes of “Gunsmoke.” That was like three good shots in the arm. Mayor and Mrs. Ken Freeman offered to cook us a meal and then Hurricane Laura came along, and Hurricane Laurie asked them to please not do it as she knew they were much too busy with other, more pressing things. At any rate, we appreciate their good thoughts and it is wonderful medicine to know that friends care and want to help.

Thanks to Sabine Sales Tax Collector Nolan Rivers for the August sales tax report. The columns listed as “change” note the difference between this August and August of 2019.

Because of an abundance of news and the fact that I am feeling better, Observations will be posted again Friday, so be on the lookout for it.

Zachery Brent Faircloth has been appointed Registrar of Voters by the Sabine Police Jury. 

According to Jury Secretary Bill Weatherford, all 23 applicants were interviewed by the Personnel Committee of the Jury, which selected the five applicants they considered best qualified for the position. Those five were interviewed and discussed in executive session by the full Jury and then they appointed Faircloth.

Robert Hable, right, Manager of Foy Motors in Many, is pleased to announce the promotion of Maressa Brant, left, to Finance Manager. We send our congratulations to all concerned. Mrs. Brant is a hardworking, diligent young lady and we feel sure she will continue to help make Foy Motors one of the best dealerships in the region.

That will do it for now. I love to hear your thoughts and ideas for future articles, so call me at (318) 332-8653 or send an email to robertrgentry@gmail.com. To see Observations of the past few years, scroll through the pages below. To see older ones, visit our Facebook page. To print, save or send today’s column, please click on the appropriate icon below. As always, thanks for faithfully reading.

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