News

Bailey Willis of Opelousas and Ebenezer “Eb” Aggrey of Baton Rouge were selected as queen and king of the 2022 Homecoming Honor Court at Northwestern State University. Willis and Aggrey are part of a 22-member honor court, which will participate in activities during Homecoming Week at Northwestern State and will be presented at halftime of the Homecoming game against Southeastern Louisiana on Oct. 23.

The Oilmen’s Bass Classic fishing tournament turned out to be a huge success. Our local Shriners are extremely thankful that the tournament’s success allowed the oilmen to donate a total of $4,000. The money will be used to further the mission of the Shriners and the children they serve.

Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Many held its Second Annual Team Bass Tournament Fundraiser on Saturday, September 24th at Buckeye Landing Marina on Toledo Bend Lake. The first place team prize of $1000 went to Tommy Washington of Milam, TX and Shane Slaughter of Many with a 10.030 weight. Second place team winners were Tanner Meyer of Mermentau, LA and Katelyn Mott of Jennings (8.77 weight). Third place was awarded to Clint Paddie and Matt Sepulvado of Many (7.495 weight). Tanner Meyer was the Big Bass Winner with a weight of 5.390.

The Kayak Division winner was Don Lemaire. The Children’s Division First Place winner was William Tarver with a 1.285 weight and Second Place winner was Jase Nichols with a .905 weight.

Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi announced that the Social Security Administration (SSA) established an Office of Native American Partnerships within the Office of the Commissioner. This office will elevate and centralize efforts to administer comprehensive programs and policies related to American Indians and Alaska Natives. It will enhance the agency’s relationship with Tribes and serve as the primary point of contact on Tribal affairs for all stakeholders.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to reducing barriers to ensure people who are eligible for our benefits receive them,” Acting Commissioner Kijakazi said. “Establishing our new Office of Native American Partnerships strengthens that commitment by providing Tribal communities more representation and a strong advocate, messenger, and facilitator within Social Security’s Office of the Commissioner.”

United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced the sentencing of a Many, Louisiana man in federal court today. United States District Judge Donald E. Walter sentenced Damien Medlock, 36, of Many, Louisiana, to 151 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana this week unveiled a guide to help voters understand 11 proposed constitutional amendments they will be asked to decide in November and December.

The PAR Guide to the 2022 Constitutional Amendments breaks down eight ballot questions for the Nov. 8 election and three proposed amendments for the Dec. 10 ballot, offering not only an explanation but also arguments for and against the proposals.

Amendment 1 for November would authorize the state to increase the maximum amount of money the state’s seven trust funds can invest in equities on the stock market to 65%. The state’s largest funds are capped at 35%, though limits are different for each fund and some do not currently allow stock investments at all. There’s now about $3.2 billion in the seven trust funds.

Please join the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum as Dr. Shane Rasmussen, Director of the Louisiana Folklife Center and Professor of English at NSU, interviews Ms. Gauthier about her traditions and her work.

An Adeasonos and member of the Choctaw- Apache Tribe of Ebarb, Louisiana, and president of Ho Minti Society, Inc., Rhonda Gauthier grew up outside of Zwolle. As a young girl she began learning traditional arts from the women in her immediate and extended family, including crochet, embroidery, hand sewing, quilting, cooking, baking, and animal tending. Her grandmother taught her midwifery, the use of natural herbs to treat common ailments, and herb gardening.

On September 13, Central Sabine Fire graduated nine firefighters from the in-house academy. Three of the firefighters were from the Leesville Fire Department. The firefighters met twice a week and every other Saturday for live burns and skills. We want to thank these individuals for their accomplishment and dedication to our community.

The Zwolle Tamale Fiesta is heating things up in Louisiana! The town of Zwolle will host its 46th annual Tamale Fiesta, October 6-9th, 2022 at the Festival Grounds located at 1100 S Main Street in Zwolle. There will be music, carnival rides, concessions, souvenirs, lots of tamales, and fun for the entire family!

Festivities will kick off October 1st at 2:00 pm with a family trail ride. Following the trail ride, the Fiesta First Lady’s and Kings dinner will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. At 7:00 pm, DJ-K9 production’s music and dancing will start!

Royal Mass will take place on October 2nd at 11:00 am at Saint Joseph Catholic Church.

On the first day of the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta, Thursday October 6th, there is Senior citizen’s day from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. At 4:00 pm, festival gates will open ($2 admission fee); kick-off supper, opening ceremony, and fiesta royalty presented beginning at 6:00 pm.

The Tamale Fiesta Poster Committee unveiled their 2022 Commemorative Poster on Thursday September 15, 2022 at the festival grounds. On hand were Festival King Ronald Brandon, First Lady Gwen Garcie, Baby Miss-Rylee Brandy, Tiny Miss- Tynslee Ezernack, Toddler Miss-Raelee Stockton, Petite Miss-Alara Cook, Little Miss Sammy Woods, Deb Miss-Charlee Rodriques, . Junior Miss-Remi Rivers, Teen Miss-J’Leigh Tousant , and Royal Pages- Lawson Ezernack, Brock Faust They were also joined by Visiting Queens, local dignitaries, and friends of the Fiesta. Serving as Mistress of Ceremonies was Brandy Rivers Cathy, who was introduced by Chris Loupe, President of the Fiesta Association.