Wednesday, September 23, 2020
AUGUST DRUG & CONTRABAND ARRESTS
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell has announced that fourteen persons were arrested during August on charges of felony narcotics and contraband in the Sabine Detention Center. The Tactical Narcotics Team and Patrol Deputies were instrumental in these arrests. Sheriff Mitchell continues his fight to target narcotic sales, traffic and use in Sabine. He is very passionate about bringing the drug business under control.
In addition, the Sheriff urges citizens to report any illegal drug activity to the Sheriff’s Office at (318) 256-9241 or to Sabine Crime Stoppers at (318) 256-4511.
During the month, the estimated street value of confiscated drugs was $12,167.98, according to Chief Deputy Brad Walker. In addition, two firearms were confiscated. Methamphetamine confiscated was 192.42 grams and marijuana totaled 88.849 grams. A total of 77 Schedule II, III and IV pills were taken in, including Adderall, Bupren Hydrochloride, Methocarbamol, Xanax and Buspirone.
A Sabine Parish jailor has been charged with malfeasance in office following a complaint filed against him by a prisoner last week. Ethan Allen Sandel, 19, was horse-playing with the prisoner who filed the complaint.
The prisoner said the jailer, who had been hired July 14, used the jail keys to touch/hit him in the buttocks area.
Well, that escape artist Brandon James Corley, 21, is back at the Sabine Detention Center, according to Chief Deputy Brad Walker. He was captured by Sabine Parish deputies before daylight Tuesday morning in the Florien area. He was charged with simple escape and criminal damage to property.
When he was first arrested on July 20, he jumped out of a vehicle near Florien and eluded deputies. He was later found in Hemphill and returned to Sabine Parish. Then on the morning of Sept. 4, he escaped from the Sabine Detention Center through a sheetrock ceiling that was compromised by rainwater from Hurricane Laura.
Corley was arrested Tuesday without incident at the home of Margie Fitch, who was charged with accessory after the fact.
REMEMBERING MISS CLARA BOSWELL
Miss Clara Boswell was a regular visitor to the Sabine Index office while I owned it. In fact, when the Index was located across the street from where it is now, she lived behind our offices in a very old house located on the corner where Hancock Whitney Bank drive-in is now.
Miss Boswell was very religious and attended the First Baptist Church. At one time she had a program on KWLA Radio. She would sing, play the piano and preach. I do not mean to be ugly, but her singing sounded like a cat squalling.
One time, Miss Clara came to my office and presented me with an autographed copy of The Bible. That was about 1979. She told me that she had also given Judge John S. Pickett Jr. a Bible.
And then she said, “I don’t know of anyone who needs a Bible more than the two of you.” And she was sincere. I thought, “Well, at least I’m in good company with Judge Pickett.”
Congratulations to Mayor Bobby Behan and the Robeline Village Council for their work in bringing a new dollar store to town. Recently the old MidSouth Branch Bank was torn down to make room for the new development. Dollar General, just up Hwy. 6 toward Natchitoches, has been one of its firm’s best producers.
It is well known that the roads around Marthaville in Natchitoches Parish were a disaster under the leadership of former Parish President Rick Nowlin. Under the administration of John Richmond they remained pretty awful.
Then, the Parish finally hired a motor grader operator named Jody Cantrell. Cantrell learned fast. A native of the area, he knew all the roads like the back of his hand, all their problem spots, and all the locals soon had his cell on speed dial because they knew they could count on Cantrell to take care of any bad stretches. After literally years of little to no road maintenance and hardly a thought from the Parish President, Cantrell did a great job of taking care of the roads – probably the best since Dewey Hennigan and Henry Gamble ran the grader.
Now this is what we understand has happened: The Parish had an operator in the Kisatchie area who was not doing a good job at all. The Parish phone started ringing off the hook with complaints from down there. So, Jody Cantrell was transferred to the Kisatchie region, and the operator who was doing such a terrible job in Kisatchie is now bringing his lack of skills to Marthaville. Does that make any sense? We don’t think so, either.
If an employee will not or cannot do the job, or needs additional training to learn how to do a good job, there are effective ways to handle it. You don’t simply switch him out with someone who is successfully handling his territory.
It has been reported to Observations that Johnny Salard, Road Maintenance Supervisor, made the decision to swap up the grader operators.
We hope to hear from Parish President John Richmond about the matter. If you live around Marthaville and are concerned, let your Council Representative John Salter know your feelings. You may also call Parish President Richmond at (318) 352-2714 or send an email to info@npgov.org.
DON’T MISS IT! Somebody’s going to win a fabulous stay for two in a resort suite with dinners and breakfasts included at Cypress Bend Resort at this Friday’s Social Distance Social in downtown Many. It all starts at 6:30 p.m. in front of Sabine Theater and the Grand Prize giveaway will benefit the Sabine Humane Society.
There is absolutely no limit on the number of Grand Prize tickets a person can get. They’re only $2 each or 3 for $5. Now that’s a bargain in anybody’s book and all for a great cause. Don’t leave early though, because you must be present to win.
Shortly before starting time, the talented girls from Studio B will dance on the street for the audience, and then great street festival style music will kick off with The Turn-Ups and their musical guests.
Bayou Crawfish will have all the drinks you wish and a full menu for dine in or carry out, and Hard Kor Café will be on the street with their delicious loaded teas and all their customer favorite menu items.
Southern Ladeez [Antique Mall and more] will be open and speaking of, the talented Robbie Edwards, who owns Southern Ladeez, created two stunning Fall décor pieces that will be given away free. Everybody attending the Social will get free tickets to win one of those.
Attorney Verity Gentry will have free bottled water outside her office door across the street from the theater as usual, and Laurie Gentry Designs will be giving away free washable face masks and hand sanitizers.
The last Cornhole Tournament of the season will be held, and whoever wants to win that cash pot should register immediately with Adam Lehr at Rigs & Racks Fitness on Hwy. 171 Bypass or by calling (318) 508-1514. I’ve heard a rumor some of the Gentry ladies plan to take part in this tournament. Mr. Observations may have to help them out. We shall see.
The Sabine Prevention Alliance will have an info table at the event, and the Sabine Humane Society will also have a table with cat, dog and pet supplies – everything from treats to collars.
The Social Distance Social has really become a fun night of being with Many friends and neighbors and experiencing great outdoor music, food and activities together. Every one offers something a little bit different than the last, and everybody we’ve seen goes home with a smile and a lot of fun memories.
A special thank you to the series’ core sponsors, who signed on to sponsor all five concerts, running from July of this year until November. They are Mayor and Mrs. Ken Freeman, Laurie Gentry Designs, Wagley Industries, John and Betsy Godfrey, Vanguard Behavioral Health Consultants and Attorney Verity Gentry.
Be sure and come out this Friday, Sept. 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for the Social Distance Social in downtown Many.
GET WELL SOON
We send our prayers and best wishes to Many Chief of Police Roger Freeman who was hospitalized in Shreveport as Observations was posted this week. Many people are concerned, so hang in there, Chief.
And best wishes to Many Councilwoman Mary Beth Brocato who will undergo periodontal surgery in Shreveport on Sept. 23. Our thoughts and prayers are with her.
DON’T FORGET: “Little Women” shows this Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Many Community Center [Sabine Theater] as Movies in Many grand reopening. It starts at 7 p.m. and as always, is completely free. Be sure to wear a mask and social distance and come ready to have a good time. Concessions are only $1 each for soda and popcorn, and it’s a great time right here at home for the whole family.
Pete Abington called me Saturday night and said he had a friend that I had not talked to in many years with him. He then put on the phone a lady with a very nice-sounding voice.
We visited awhile, and it was Sue Burgdorf Smith who was “Miss Current Sauce” when I was editor of the Northwestern State newspaper back in 1963-64. It was the first time I had talked with her since those days – 57 years ago.
Sue married Gene Smith who had the first McDonalds in Natchitoches. He later owned many McDonalds and was very successful in business, according to Pete. The couple now lives in a beautiful home near Shreveport. It was good to hear from her again, and thanks to Pete for arranging it.
That will do it for now. Please call or write with your suggestions and ideas for future articles. I always love to hear from you. Call (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 Observations of the past few years, scroll through the pages provided below. To read older, archived ones, visit our Facebook page. As always, thank you so much for faithfully reading.
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