News

Wed
27
Jul

Numerous locals qualify for November 8 election

Last week was qualifying at the Sabine Parish Courthouse, and numerous local candidates have thrown their hat into the ring for the November 8 election.

One U.S. Senate seat is up for grabs this election, and incumbent John Kennedy will have plenty of stiff competition for the seat. Qualifying were Beryl A. Billiot, I; Gary Chambers Jr., D; Devin Graham, R; “Xan” John, other; W. Thomas La Fontaine Olson, I; Bradley McMorris, I; Vinny Mendoza, D; Luke Mixon, D; Salvador P. Rodriguez, D; Aaron C. Sigler, L; Syrita Steib, D; and Thomas Wenn, other.

Mike Johnson, the Republican incumbent of the U.S. Representative 4th Congressional District, will return to office unopposed.

Elizabeth Pickett will return as Judge of the Third Circuit Court of Appeal.

Verity Gentry will be appointed as judge of the 11th Judicial District Court.

Wed
20
Jul

Construction begins on $110 million Bossier Parish sawmill

Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the start of construction on a $110 million lumber production facility that will support the creation of nearly 500 new jobs in Northwest Louisiana.

Teal Jones Group, an international forestry products company based in Canada, disclosed in December that it was considering Northwest Louisiana as the site of a new southern yellow pine lumber plant. The company made its final investment decision official at a groundbreaking ceremony Monday that was also attended by LED Secretary Don Pierson, Teal Jones CEO Tom Jones, company President Dick Jones and other regional and local officials.

Wed
20
Jul

More robust surface water regulatory process requested in Bayou State

(The Center Square) – The Louisiana legislative auditor is urging the Department of Natural Resources and state lawmakers to better manage the state’s surface water, citing the lack of a comprehensive plan and caps on voluntary agreements that limit revenues to fight invasive species.

A decades-long delay in developing a statewide water management plan is hampering Louisiana’s ability to regulate and value surface water, which is currently managed through a voluntary program run by the Department of Natural Resources, according to a recent audit.

“During fiscal years 2020 through 2021, DNR had 87 active cooperative endeavor agreements in place for surface water withdrawals that requested a total of 1.54 trillion gallons. For 56 (64.4%) of the CEAs, cash payment was required for water withdrawals, while 31 (35.6%) permitted the submission of economic impact reports in lieu of cash payments,” Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack wrote to legislative leaders.

Wed
20
Jul

Assistance needed locating Provencal man

Assistance needed locating Provencal man

(Editor’s Note: As of press time Mr. Ledoux is still missing. This could change between now and publication.)

The Louisiana State Police has issued a Silver Alert on behalf of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office for 61-year-old David Ledoux. He was last seen at his residence on Robeline Provencal Road in Provencal on July 16, 2022 at 9:30 p.m. His wife discovered him missing this morning. He is believed to be traveling in a 2006 Dodge Ram bearing Louisiana license plate X918312.

Ledoux is a white male with black hair and blue eyes. He is approximately 5’9” tall and weighs about 190 pounds.

Ledoux suffers from a severe medical condition that may impair his judgment.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Ledoux is asked to immediately contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office 318-357-7858 at or dial 911. Questions should be directed to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Wed
20
Jul

Back to School Rally set for Saturday, July 30

The Sabine Parish Back To School Rally is almost here, according to Chairman Mary Gore of Toledo Bend Ministries.

The event will be hosted at the First United Methodist Church of Many on Saturday, July 30. Doors to the Family Life Center will open at 7:30 a.m. with registration following at 8 a.m. Students in all parish schools, K-12, are encouraged to attend and pick up age-appropriate school supplies.

Donations from the community have been received from Toledo Bend Lake Association, Tabernacle of Love in Zwolle, First Baptist Church of Many, the Sisters of Grace Sunday School Class and Vacation Bible School offerings, both of Many’s First Baptist Church, along with the use of the First United Methodist’s Church facility.

Serving as Mistress of Ceremonies will be Third Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Elizabeth Pickett. The guest speaker will be Matthew Couvillion. Music will be provided by Michael Cutright of Zwolle.

Wed
13
Jul

Louisiana hit hardest by recent inflation

(The Center Square) — A recent study shows southern states have been hit hardest by raging inflation and Louisiana tops the list.

When considering change in the consumer price index, regional price parity, state sales tax rates and median household income, southern states are struggling the most with inflation, according to the small business website Merchant Maverick.

“Inflation is a problem everywhere, but the price of necessary staples has risen faster in the Southern region of the country,” according to the report. “In particular, Southern states with high sales tax and low median household income may be feeling the biggest squeeze.”

Researchers used data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Tax Foundation to rank states based on the impact of inflation.

Number one on the list: Louisiana.

Wed
13
Jul

Powhatan man killed in Sabine Parish crash

On July 1, 2022, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 6, west of Many. The crash claimed the life of 48-year-old Ronald Williams of Powhatan.

The initial investigation revealed a 2013 Lincoln MKT, driven by 22-year-old Chas B. Pilcher of Many, was eastbound on Louisiana Highway 6. For reasons still under investigation, Pilcher’s vehicle crossed the centerlines into the westbound travel lane and collided with a westbound commercial vehicle. This impact caused both vehicles to exit the roadway. The Lincoln subsequently impacted an unoccupied structure and the commercial vehicle impacted a creek ditch embankment.

Pilcher, who was restrained, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Williams, who also was restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis.

Wed
13
Jul

Christmas IN JULY

The Many Christmas Festival is currently seeking entries for its second annual poster. This year, entries will be entered into a contest and the winning artist will win $200.

The winning poster will determine the theme for the Christmas season. The poster itself will be available in 18”x24” and postcard sizes.

Entry forms can be found on the Events in Many Facebook page or be picked up at city hall. Deadline for entry is July 22.

Wed
13
Jul

Public Service Commissioner Campbell wants changes to local treatment by utility companies

Public Service Commissioner Campbell wants changes to local treatment by utility companies

Foster Campbell

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner (LPSC) Foster Campbell of Bossier City has an issue with the way customers in North Louisiana are being treated by utility companies when it comes to storm damage costs.

If you look at the details on your utility bill you’ll notice a charge for “storm restoration.” That charge is the same for every customer regardless of where you live and Campbell doesn’t believe that’s fair.

Most of the storm damages are caused by hurricanes occurring in South Louisiana. He doesn’t believe Entergy customers in Bienville Parish (for example) should have their bill increased for South Louisiana repairs. He argues that since the most damage is in South Louisiana, then South Louisiana customers should pay a higher rate then the ones in North Louisiana.

Entergy is not the only utility to go to the customer to pay for repairs. He said others go to the LPSC seeking relief.

Wed
13
Jul

Community forum scheduled to address prevention of substance abuse in parish

Sabine Prevention Alliance (SPA) and its Community Partners are hosting a parish-wide community forum for the prevention of substance abuse at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, located at 1000 Main St. in Many on Saturday, July 23, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

SPA is a volunteer coalition dedicated to reducing under-age drinking throughout Sabine Parish.

Facilitation of the gathering will be provided by Drew Brooks, Faith-Partners Inc. CEO.

The event will provide an opportunity to:

– Get professional training and information on key factors affecting youth and families

– Meet and interact with others throughout the parish from areas such as: education, healthcare, law enforcement/legal, faith-based organizations, youth serving agencies, 12 step groups, CADA, municipal governments, parents, and families, recovering alcoholics/addicts and more!

– Learn about existing groups, organizations, and resources

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