After the video presentation tribute to her life, 2024 Sabine Hall of Fame inductee Nell Britner addressed the crowd at last week's banquet. Photo by Phyllis Lehr
Many native Dr. Terrell A. Gray Sr. of San Jose, CA, was presented the Achievement Award at the Sabine Hall of Fame banquet. Photo by Phyllis Lehr
Jaeger Ebarb, center, recipient of the Accomplishment Award is shown with his family after last week's Sabine Hall of Fame banquet. Pictured are dad Kenneth and mom Tamilyn as well as his siblings, Jensen and Kaydence. Photo courtesy of the Ebarb Family
Ms. Evelyn Bush, aged 99 years, addressed the crowd after receiving a special Tribute Award. Photo by Phyllis Lehr
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell enjoyed visiting with Ms. Alma Cross and others at the Sabine Hall of Fame banquet, which was a packed house again this year. Photo by Observations
The 2024 Sabine Hall of Fame Induction Banquet was outstanding again this year. The Grand Ballroom at Cypress Bend was filled to capacity with friends and family of those who were honored on Tuesday night, March 26.
Selected as the Sabine Hall of Fame inductee this year was Nell Britner, longtime Sabine resident, business owner, past Louisiana Secretary of the Year and committed civic servant.
The Achievement Award went to Dr. Terrell A. Gray Sr., a Many native, who made a name for himself in the Silicon Valley of California [San Jose.] He has also traveled the world building collaborative partnerships in Semiconductor Industry Technology.
Honored with the Accomplishment Award was Jaeger Ebarb, the son of Kenneth and Tamilyn Ebarb of Zwolle. Jaeger was recognized for his civic leadership, committed efforts for St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, scholastic and other notable achievements in life thus far.
Receiving the Good Citizen Award was VFW Post #5187 Commander Walt Korb, who is very civically involved and was the visionary behind the new “Circle of Freedom” flag display along Hwy. 171 on the north end of Zwolle.
Ms. Evelyn Bush was honored with a special Tribute Award to pay homage to her many years as a beloved educator and community leader.
Receiving Posthumous Awards were Dr. Jack Corley, Mr. Gary Mark Rivers and Msgt. Douglas Ray Palmer.
As usual, music leader Henry Reggans held forth as the evening’s entertainment joined by bandmembers, and he also accompanied Hall of Fame Board Member William Ruffin, who sang during the banquet.
Another musical artist, Jill Dupont, portrayed Patsy Cline with a few of the late legend’s songs and also invited the crowd to the upcoming “Always... Patsy Cline” tribute show at Many’s Sabine Theater, which will be presented on April 11-14 by Cane River Theatre.
It was a great night full of fellowship, honored guests and special memories for all who attended.
(Thanks to Sabine Hall of Fame Board Member Phyllis Lehr for the above information and photos.)
Author Dean Lambert's book signing is upcoming this Friday, April 5.
Just a reminder that Dean Lambert will be at the Sabine Parish Library on Friday, April 5, from 1-3 p.m. for an autograph party for his new book, “Book of Dean, His Strange History and Great Humor.” The book sells for $12.95.
For those who cannot attend the book signing, his work can be purchased at Good Gracious on San Antonio Ave. in Many, Tres Bien Book Store on St. Denis St. in Natchitoches and from Amazon. For more information about the book, see the March 20 edition of Observations.
Former Sabine educator, Speaker of the House and retired Secretary of State Chief of Staff Joe R. Salter will be honored soon.
We were very happy to learn that Florien’s own Joe Reece Salter will be honored by the State Legislature on Thursday, April 18. We don’t have specific details at the present time, but will keep you posted as we learn more.
Joe has been a public servant for many years having held numerous jobs in the field of education. Gov. Kathleen Blanco appointed him Speaker of the House during her term in office. He recently retired from government after serving as Assistant Secretary of State.
We mentioned the Patsy Cline tribute show earlier. Here are the details:
“Always.... Patsy Cline” is a faithful recreation of a friendship shared between Patsy and one of her most ardent fans, which features 27 of her unforgettable songs. It will be presented at the Sabine Theater in downtown Many on April 11-14.
It is the true, touching story of Country music legend Patsy Cline and her friendship with Texas housewife Louise Seger as remembered by Louise. The production tugs at the heartstrings, but also holds a lot of lighter moments that will bring a laugh or smile. The singer’s biggest hits are included, such as “Crazy,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.”
“Always... Patsy Cline” was written by Ted Swindley and is directed by Dallas McCann, proprietor of Cane River Theatre. Show dates are April 11, 12, 13 and 14. General admission is $20 per person.
Tickets are on sale now at https://canerivertheatre.ludus.com/index.php or you may call the box office at (318) 763-6188.
Don’t miss it! It is sure to be a treat.
The 44th Annual Battle of Pleasant Hill is scheduled for April 12-14 to mark the 160th anniversary of one of the last Southern victories of the war between the states. The event’s re-enactments and festival activities will take place three miles north of Pleasant Hill at 23271 Hwy. 175 in Pelican.
The Battle of Pleasant Hill was fought on April 9, 1864, and was one of the major battles of the Civil War. The conflict was between Union soldiers who sought to march on Shreveport, and Confederate soldiers who sought to keep control of the area. An estimated 3,100 people were killed in the battle; 1,100 Union forces and 2,000 Confederate soldiers.
Experience history first-hand this year as the outstanding Civil War re-enactment portrays the historically recorded events of the battle with the help of more than 400 re-enactors. Join the town as they celebrate the anniversary through a parade, period ball and court presentation, the crowning of the next Miss Battle of Pleasant Hill, church services, and historical demonstrations.
For a full schedule of events, visit www.BattleofPleasantHill.com. To learn more about accommodations and to plan a trip, visit www.ToledoBendLakeCountry.com or contact the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission at (318) 256-5880.
(Special thanks to Sabine Parish Tourist Commission Marketing Director Kelsi Horn for the article above.)
Several Sabine area projects are included in the State Capital Outlay Bill currently before the Legislature. Before it is approved, there will be changes to the bill.
In the first presentation, the following projects were listed:
Rehabilitation, planning and construction of the Plainview Road, $1,837.720.
Florien Town Hall, $385,505.
Hornbeck West Side Water System Expansion, $74,903.
Many, Water Treatment Plan Improvement, $1,500,000.
South Toledo Bend Waterworks District, Vaco Rd., Prospect Rd. and Firesheets Lane, $225,000.
Belmont Waterworks Inc. Improvement, $23,598.
(Thanks so much to David West for supplying this information.)
A big construction project is currently underway across from the MS Louisiana Gathering Sabine Facility just off Hwy. 171 a couple of miles north of Many. Dirt work has been underway for several months now and the foundations for the equipment is being laid at present. Alpine Energy Services recently ran electric service from the nearby power sub-station to the new facility. The views above show the expansive property seen to the left and to the right of the tall pole with a roll of cable attached on its side.
There is a lot of fun on tap for the remainder of this week and weekend. The Toledo Bend Lake Association (TBLA) Bass Unlimited Poster Unveiling and Auction will be held Thursday, April 4, at the Cypress Bend Resort Grand Ballroom, 2000 Cypress Bend Pkwy. west of Many. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit the TBLA Facebook page, call Carolyn Scheurich at (225) 892-6848 or visit www.toledobendlakeassociation.com.
These food, arts and crafts vendors, and more are confirmed for the 3rd Annual Bloom on Main Spring Fest in Many this Saturday.
Many’s 3rd Annual Bloom on Main Spring Fest is set for Saturday, April 6, on Main Street in downtown Many. There will be vendors, free Painting with Shanna, music, food, fun and more. Bloom on Main runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information, visit the Events in Many Facebook page.
…and lagniappe:
If you’re looking for more fun to round out the day, head on over to Natchitoches for the Big Top Circus from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. The Zerbini Family Circus will perform at the Natchitoches Parish Fairgrounds this Saturday evening, April 6.
Ron Allen, second from left, Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Shreveport, was a guest speaker at the Tuesday, April 2, meeting of the Vultures Club in Many. Also pictured are Sheriff Aaron Mitchell, at left, Sabine Deputy drug enforcement officer Jesse Branam, center right, and Chief Deputy Brad Walker, at right.
The FBI is assisting the Sabine Sheriff’s Office in the apprehension and trying of persons charged with illegal drugs, according to FBI Agent Ron Allen who spoke on Tuesday to the Vultures in Many. “We are trying to make this place safer,” Allen commented. Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Brad Walker noted in the last four years there have been 68 federal indictments on Sabine drug cases. He said because of federal laws, drug dealers are dealt with more harshly in federal court than in state courts.
Deputy Walker said that during the current session of the Legislature, under the leadership of conservative lawmakers, including Sen. Alan Seabaugh who serves District 31, bills are being introduced to add more serious penalties and, when appropriate, increased length of time served for convicted criminals. He said, “For the record, I do believe in second chances and every option for a person to live in society and be a successful, productive citizen. However there has to be a penalty and consequences for career criminals and lawlessness.”
He singled out Judge Verity Gentry and District Attorney Don Burkett as being very cooperative with the Sheriff’s Department.
SENTENCED: Larry Maurice Malmay
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announced on Monday, April 1, that Larry Maurice Malmay, age 47, of Zwolle was sentenced in federal court for drug trafficking charges.
Malmay was sentenced to 182 months (15 years, two months) in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and Possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking in United States District Court, Western District of Louisiana in Shreveport.
The charges against Malmay stem from an incident which occurred on Dec. 28, 2022, when officers with Probation and Parole went to his residence to perform a routine residence check. At the time of the visit, Malmay was on probation for prior felony convictions. When Malmay answered the door, the smell of marijuana was immediately apparent to the officer. The officer asked him if there were any prohibited items in the house and he admitted to having two firearms. When the officer attempted to handcuff Malmay, he struggled with the officer and was able to break away and flee the scene. Sabine Parish Sheriff Deputies were called to assist in locating Malmay.
Meanwhile, a home visit of Malmay’s house was completed by the officer where he discovered a Ruger EC9S 9mm pistol, a Remington 410-gauge shotgun, 17 grams of methamphetamine, 74 grams of marijuana packaged for distribution, and over 90 various narcotic pills, as well as clear bags for packaging and scales.
The Sabine Parish Sheriff K-9 eventually located Malmay hiding and passed out in the woods, and he was taken to the hospital for evaluation. The defendant later admitted to law enforcement officers that he had consumed over 100 Hydrocodone pills to avoid their discovery and shared that was what had caused him to pass out in the woods. He also admitted to storing over two pounds of methamphetamine for another individual in his house at different times. Malmay had multiple prior felonies and was fully aware that he was prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Louisiana Probation and Parole (LA P&P), and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office in Shreveport.
(Special thanks to Det. D. W. Seegers for the above report.)
Mr. James Cook, Many businessman and crawfish legend
Just about everybody knows James Cook of Many. What a lot of people may not know is that on Tuesday, April 2, he turned 85 years young. All the pretty girls are telling him, “James, you sure don’t look or act like you’re 85.” This really puts a smile on James’ face. James is known for selling used cars and for operating Cook’s Crawfish Hole. In years past, he was active in operating a stock car race track. Happy Birthday, James, and may you have many more.
-30-
Comments