News

Three incoming Northwestern State University freshmen who will be part of the university’s bass fishing team were named recipients of Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Scholarships. Ross Miller of Rayne, Cole Pickett of Many and Drake Wadsworth of Stonewall will be awarded a combined $20,500 from Burt and Shelley Poche. All three students will major in business while competing in FLW, B.A.S.S. and Collegiate Bass circuits.

Funds for the annual scholarships are generated through the Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Fishing Tournament, held each year at Toledo Bend Reservoir, with a large portion also donated to the Fishing Team to defray expenses incurred with travel and competition.

A Sabine Parish cattle producer is this year’s Outstanding Young Farm Woman.

Sadie Meshell, 29, received the award at the Louisiana Farm Bureau 101st Annual Convention in New Orleans on June 22, 2023.

“Winning this award means I have reached a milestone: I am being recognized as a true cattleman,” Meshell says. “I was told I couldn’t do what I do alone and yet here I am proving to women you can run an operation. This recognition has given me the confidence to push my boundaries within my operation. I’m looking into diversification options, land leasing opportunities and, of course, the purchase of more cattle.”

A first-generation cattle producer, Meshell says she was raised on her grandparents’ farm and always dreamed of continuing that way of life.

“It’s a slower pace lifestyle with a lot of high-quality people living it,” Meshell says. “I enjoy the simple things in life and put all of myself into anything I am trying to achieve.”

In what could be described as two of the most exciting games of the LHSSA Softball State Playoffs, the Converse Lady Cats claimed their first state title in 29 years in highly dramatic fashion. At the helm of both victorious finishes was pitcher Avery Prine.

In the state semifinal game, the Lady Cats took on the Choudrant Lady Aggies. Not only was Prine a gem in the circle but she also took care of business at the plate. Prine allowed one run on five hits and struck out 13 batters. Alongside teammate Summer Brumley, Prine was 2 for 4 at the plate and sealed the deal in the bottom of the 7” with a massive 2-run homer to lead her team to victory with a final score of 3-1. Also recording hits in the semifinal game were Kraegan Jordan and Kristin Claire Murray.

United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case dubbed “Operation Pick Your Battles” has resulted in a conviction and sentence for Clifton Williams, 48, of Many, Louisiana. Williams was sentenced today by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to a total of 100 months (8 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Williams pleaded guilty November 2, 2022, to possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The West Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park and DAV Chapter 21 held a Memorial Day Program at the location in Toledo Town. There were over 50 people in attendance.

DAV Chapter 21 Commander and Department 3rd Jr. Vice Pam Russell, Navy veteran and LDVA service officer, opened the event by explaining what Memorial Day was supposed to be about, not the living, but the ones that fought the battles before us. She announced the recent veterans that have died from the area.

DAV Chapter 21 Adjutant and Treasurer Vera Kingsley, Marine veteran sang the Star Spangled Banner acapella.

The National Crappie League will visit Toledo Bend Reservoir in Many for an Open tournament June 24 & 25, 2023. Competitors will fish for cash, prizes and an opportunity to qualify for the NCL National Championship.

All anglers are eligible to compete in NCL’s Open Division. In this two-day tournament, paybacks will be 100% or more guaranteed, with a guaranteed minimum of $20,000 payback. Big Fish $2,000. The highest- placing senior, adult/ youth and male/female teams will be awarded at this event.

With 185,000 surface acres situated across Louisiana and Texas, Toledo Bend Reservoir is the fifth largest man-made reservoir in the United States. The secret to success is finding the crappie, and when you do, you’ll likely have some bragging-size slabs for weigh-in.

The Sabine Council on Aging, Inc. will hold their Annual Membership and Board Meeting on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 3 p.m. at the Legacy Building in Many.

All are invited to attend the public meeting, and members will have the opportunity to vote for the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Board Members. To vote, you must become a member of the council by July 13, 2023.

The Legacy Building is located at 200 Legacy Drive in Many. For more information please do not hesitate to call (318) 256-4140

The Toledo Bend Lake Association (TBLA) fingerling distribution for release into Toledo Bend will take place on Wednesday June 7, 7:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. at The Cypress Bend Marina.

You must be a current TBLA member to participate. You can join at the site or renew with cash only if you are currently not a member.

The TBLA will distribute two bags of fingerlings per member actually present at the distribution, maximum of six bags per vehicle or boat.

The Sabine Council on Aging, Inc., is hosting their Annual Membership Drive/Open House on Friday, June 9. The event will be hosted from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Converse, Florien, Many, and Toledo sites.

An active participating client can become a member by filling out an application. The differences between members and clients are listed below.

A member is any Sabine Parish resident 18 years of age or older who has an interest in the well-being of the seniors of our parish. Being a member also entitles the person to vote at the annual board meeting when new board members are elected. There are no membership dues.

An active participating client is any resident of Sabine Parish 60 years of age or older, who has been assessed by the council on aging and is receiving services or is participating in any of the activities provided at any of the four locations.

On May 12, the Sabine Parish Health Unit held a well-attended open house, which marked a new era in the long-running public health facility.

The facility was initially completed 23 years ago and recently underwent some renovation. Also housed at the Health Unit are the offices of the Sabine Parish Sanitarian. Recently, the Coroner’s Office moved into the facility, and will have a permanent home there.

In attendance were a number of local elected officials including but not limited to Many Police Chief Cheryl Wooley, Sheriff Aaron Mitchell, Director of the Chamber of Commerce Shanna Gaspard, Clerk of Court Shelly Salter, and Tax Assessor Chris Tidwell. Numerous members of the local medical community set up booths. Numerous health officials from the region were also recognized.