News

A major improvement was recently implemented in the 11th Judicial District in the processes required for completion of juror questionnaires. The new method takes less time, is less expensive and saves judicial staff time and expense as well.

Since taking the bench in Fall 2022, Judge Verity Gentry has solicited feedback from Sabine Parish jurors to identify areas of needed improvement and find ways to streamline the jury selection process. Two issues that were found to need attention were the requirements that prospective jurors mail in paperwork and also arrive an hour before court to fill out a questionnaire.

Jury Coordinator Kaleigh Carver researched jury management systems across the state and country to discover ways to modernize the process in the 11th Judicial District Court. She provided valuable input in the design of a new online juror questionnaire.

BOM continued our sponsorship of the Sabine Freestate Festival. Pictured left to right: Brian Miller, Clancy Stewart, and BOM’s Tiffany Miller.

BOM was a sponsor of the Many Christmas Parade and Festival. Pictured left to right: Crystal Hable and BOM’s Tiffany Miller.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reports the arrest of former Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Brennin Kade Cox, 25, of Florien.

Cox was hired on April 21, 2023, and assigned to the Corrections Division.

On December 17, a report was made to the Sheriff’s Office regarding possible inappropriate behavior involving juveniles. Cox was terminated on December 18, following a brief internal investigation.

The case was then turned over to the Criminal Investigations Division. Cell phone data obtained showed inappropriate texts and communication with a juvenile.

Upon completion of the investigation, Cox was arrested for one count of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile (Felony), one count of Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor (Felony), and one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

Cox was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center where he later bonded.

A literacy grant from International Paper Foundation will enable Northwestern State University’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development to create a Center for Excellence in Teaching to serve aspiring teachers through mentoring, service projects and well-being awareness.

The IP Foundation presented the $5,000 grant to administrators in the School of Education where components are already in place to improve teacher preparation. Creating a Center for Excellence will enhance and centralize those initiatives, according to Dr. Neeru Deep, interim dean of the College.

Northwestern State University awarded 427 degrees to 422 Summer 2023 graduates 683 degrees to 665 Fall 2023 graduates during commencement exercises Dec. 13-14.

Summer 2023 graduates are listed as follows: Converse – Taylor Hill, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Florien – James Boline, Associate of General Studies; Frances Parris, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; London Vidrine, Bachelor of Social Work; Many - Roger Dew, Masen Starks, Associate of General Studies; Caroline Settle, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Marthaville Kaylene Desoto, Associate of General Studies; Madison Pleasant, Master of Arts; Pleasant Hill -- Taylor Jones, Associate of General Studies; Robeline -- Keely Dubois, Stephen Mccallister, Bachelor of Science. Fall 2023 graduates are listed as follows:

A grant from the Louisiana Board of Regents in partnership with Louisiana’s Department of Health will enable the Northwestern State University Foundation to match donations dollar for dollar through Dec. 31.

Funds have been made available to all nine universities in the University of Louisiana System to enhance mental health services, increase awareness and outreach about the importance of mental health and to expand the pipeline of behavioral health professionals.

“These funds are intended to enable institutions to bolster their existing mental health programs and create innovative initiatives tailored to the evolving needs of student populations,” said Jill Bankston, NSU’s director of Development. “In addition, matching funds can be used to set up individually named endowments which will be matched 1:1 while funds are available.”

Each year for decades upon decades, The Sabine Index has published the many letters our local youngsters have penned to Santa Claus.

Each letter is generally submitted by a school teacher or parent.

For us at the paper, reading the many letters containing the wishes and wants of our local children are one of the first indications that this wonderful season is upon us.

We’d like to thank all of those who participate each year and sincerely hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Dear Santa, My name is Annalyse Chavez. This year I have been very good. What I would most want for Christmas this year is dinosaurs and a car for me, too. If your elves are not too busy, I would also like, really, a car. I promise to leave you some cookies and milk.

As Christmas approaches we would like to ask that you keep Project Celebration, Inc. in your holiday plans. While preparing for the joyous holiday celebrations with your friends and family, it’s important to stop and reflect on the joy and blessings in our own life while also being aware that not all families are that fortunate. While shopping for gifts and gathering with loved ones, please consider setting aside a gift or donation to support the work that Project Celebration, Inc. does for the community.

PCI is seeking the support of our wonderful community to help these families in need anyway we can whether it be food for their pantries, gifts for Christmas, or just providing basic supplies for the women and children in need.

Every year PCI gears up to provide needs for the clients we serve. PCI is a nonprofit organization; all donations are tax deductible.

The donations will benefit the Domestic violence safe house and the Child Advocacy Center.

Little Flock Lodge #236 is pleased to announce their new officers for 2024. Pictured on the front row are Senior Deacon Jim Kelly, Guest Lee Simmons, Senior Warden John Bennett, Master Bill McHan, and Junior Warden Carroll Salley. On the back row are Treasurer Craig Smith, Guest Brad Williams, Secretary Bill Bellamy, Master of Ceremonies David Miller, and Junior Deacon Wayne Benedict.

Willie wins VFW gun raffle