EDITOR'S NOTE: For the safety and security of the persons involved in the apprehension of Julius Theodore Winfield IV, the portion of this article detailing the capture of Winfield has been removed.
CAPTURED: Julius Theodore Winfield IV
Law enforcement officers had been chasing Julius Theodore Winfield IV, age 21, since the night of July 13 when three people were struck by gunfire at a trail ride near Many. Charges included Attempted first degree murder. The fugitive was considered armed and dangerous.
On Monday afternoon of this week, law enforcement officials were looking for Winfield off LA Hwy. 175 and Fire Tower Rd., south of Pleasant Hill. Deputies spotted him in a vehicle when he bailed and ran into the woods beside Fire Tower Rd. It is speculated that he then traveled the Fire Tower Rd. to Cook Road, down McCaskill Rd. to Hwy. 1221 near Marthaville where he was caught Tuesday morning.
Winfield was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for Attempted first degree murder, Illegal use of weapons, Aggravated criminal damage to property, Possession of a firearm by person convicted of Domestic abuse battery and Terrorizing.
The case remains under investigation; Winfield could face additional charges, and others who aided him to elude law enforcement could also be arrested.
Sheriff Mitchell thanks all of the agencies and resources who assisted in the search. They include the Natchitoches, DeSoto and Caddo Sheriff’s Offices and U.S. Marshals Service.
We were happy to receive this note from Monica Rhodes Chessum: “I like that Observations articles seem to tell stories matter-of-factly rather than including just enough information to incite ‘like’ and ‘comment.’ Informative rather than dramatic.”
One of the biggest and best promoters of El Dorado, AR is our own Many native Bob Riser. He regularly sends us a copy of El Dorado Insider, the very slick magazine that helps put El Dorado on the top shelf.
I first met Bob when we were students at Northwestern many years ago. Laurie and I have visited with him in El Dorado several times, and he always is happy to spend time with us and show us around.
In the current issue of El Dorado Insider, the inside cover features a full-page color ad from Southern Bankcorp. And that’s the bank fortunate enough to have Bob working for them.
Former Zwolle resident and Assistant Fire Chief of the St. George Fire Department in Baton Rouge Chad Roberson, shown center above, was leader of an Incident Management Team who went to offer assistance with the impacts as Hurricane Debby blew through South Carolina last week. He is the son of the late Fred Roberson, a community leader who ran Pelican Drug in Zwolle, and his mother is Shawnee Roberson. The team consisted of seven skilled members and provided on the ground crucial emergency resources and support to the state.
My new book “The Stranger Who Call Himself God” was released last week to brisk sales and good reviews. The book is a true novel based on a Sabine Parish court case from 1896 when a stranger came to Many saying he was God.
Mary Beth Brocato wrote: “I began reading this book last night and stayed up until midnight because I just couldn’t stop reading it. I loved Coon, the main character! And the storyline and the location which is tiny Many in the late 1800s. You all need to get this book. You’ll be glad you did. I finished reading this ‘true’ novel today and loved how Robert blended the truth and his imagination to create a memorable novel I will long remember.”
Former Many Mayor Ken Freeman stated: “Yesterday, I bought the recently released 'The Stranger Who Called Himself God,' written by Robert Gentry. A moral, almost Bibical story. I could not put it down. An interesting and entertaining read. I highly recommend. Also enjoyed reading the ‘APPENDIX.’ Reading the Sabine Clerk of Court records about the event. I also enjoyed the biographies of the people who contributed to the book. Names of men and women whom I have known and respected for most of my life.”
Kathy Warmack: “I can’t wait to get back home to get to reading it again. I read about 10 chapters last night. I love the book and highly recommend everyone read it.”
The book may be purchased from Yours Truly at my office inside the Radio Station offices in Many or by searching “The Stranger Who Called Himself God” on Amazon.com.
One of the turnoffs from Hwy. 191 South onto Pisgah Church Loop. The road is in horrible condition.
On Sunday morning Laurie and I attended services at Pisgah Baptist Church where Brother C. M. Kelly is pastor. The church is located off Hwy. 191 South on what is known as the Pisgah Church Loop.
Without question, it qualifies for the Sabine Police Jury’s worst road in the parish. There are more potholes per 100 feet than any other road around.
I talked to several people at the service about the terrible condition of a road leading to a church and the historic old Pisgah Cemetery. They said they talked to a former member of the Jury about improving the road, and all they got was excuses.
We also heard a report from someone who lives off Hwy. 191 South who had just received his new assessed property values in the mail, and he said, “I understand everything goes up and life today is more expensive, but I would feel better about it when I pay those extra taxes, if I could see some changes. Improved roads would be a great start.”
He also noted that every time he visits relatives in other states, he only has to cross the state line headed elsewhere in any direction, and he is instantly driving on much better roads.
Louisiana taxpayers beating the heat in a water-filled pothole.
It has been said that Louisiana is the only state that can fix a road and make it worse.
And Kelsi Lea Horn had this to say: “My favorite part of a road trip is when I lose all the time I’ve saved hitting Hwy. 6, where no one can manage to go 55.”
And someone else said: “I feel Louisiana owes everyone at least one wheel alignment and a couple of new tires.”
As Americans we need to take over our country again or we are going to lose it. We need to again teach our youth patriotism and love of country.
And to those who would burn our flag, wrap it around yourself before lighting it.
Our good friend Mike Webb in Hohenwald, TN, where he is the Financial Trustee for the county, said this: “You know it is hot and dry when you see two buzzards on the road fighting over a fan belt.”
Down to Earth Rocket Science
We had a nice visit from Cecil Mills of Converse last week. Cecil is the man who has Mills Engine Works Inc., which he said is the world’s largest pollution-free automotive engine research laboratory since 1980.
Cecil said he sent General Motors a copy of an article I wrote about his engine in the Sabine Index some months ago. He said Ms. Mary Barra was so interested that she called him and they talked for 45 minutes or so.
He wrote Ms. Barra, giving her some further information and concluded, “I guess the basic question is: ‘Is GM interested in pollution-free (or better) engines? Let’s start by expediting the process. I am willing to come there at my expense.'”
We’ll see.
We recently learned our longtime friend Ronny Byrd, nonagenarian Pickleball champ, is mentoring younger guys in another of his champion hobby sports – disc golf. The following on mindfulness was written by Ray Robertson last week for the Gazette Virginian and mentions Ronny. We're awfully glad to see Ronny enjoying life and staying active.
“Practicing mindfulness on a disc golf course”
Ray Robertson, left, and Ronny Byrd, right - disc golf buddies
In Halifax County, Virginia, we are fortunate to have a great and well-maintained disc golf course at Edmunds’ Park. I’m very fortunate to have a 91-year-old Grand Legend World Champion teaching me the game.
I found that disc golf is every bit as fun and frustrating as regular golf. I had many misconceptions before starting so let me share some truth for the benefit of all before touching on mindfulness.
You would think that throwing a disc is so much easier than swinging a club that you will never shank a shot 20 degrees to one side. Nope.
You would think you will never lose a disc because it is easy to find something so large in the woods instead of a tiny white ball. Nope.
You would think that a thin-edged disc could not roll so far on its side that your shot ends up 20 feet behind you. Nope.
You would think the equipment is less extensive than regular golf. Nope. There are distance drivers, fairway discs, mid-range discs, putters, rollers and many weight and form varieties for wind conditions and other factors. Some players carry 20–30 discs.
As mentioned, it can be frustrating. On some long par four holes at Edmunds, the par represents the number of trees I hit. The sound is distinctive. Thunk. Thunk. Thunk. Thunk.
When playing, I try to visualize a good round, but my plans often go awry. I start to grumble when walking to the next tee. If I play well, I might start thinking ahead about what it will take to make my best round yet if I just make this score on 17 and that score on 18.
With mindfulness, we seek to not get too high or too low. I remind myself how glad I am to be out in nature, observing the trees, creeks, and hills. How fortunate I am to be playing with a good friend. I remind myself to focus on the breath to avoid overthinking about what just happened or what might come. Staying in the moment is so important.
Do I manage that all the time? Nope.
As with disc golf, I’m always learning, and mindfulness takes much practice. My goal: Let go of the think and perhaps that will reduce the thunk.
BOM of Natchitoches recently made a donation to the Rho Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The donation will benefit their Debutante Ball, which is a scholarship benefit for young women pursing post-secondary education. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Brittany Robinson, Kelis Powell and BOM’s Emily Breedlove.
Just released: "A Fortunate Murder" by Tammy Sharp of Florien
Another nearby native featured in print recently was Ms. Tammy Sharp of Florien, who just released a new book, “A Fortunate Murder.” The following is taken from a story in the Baptist Message, which recently highlighted her new release.
Tammy is a native of Vernon Parish, but now resides in Sabine. Her debut novel, “A Fortunate Murder,” is set in the fictional town of Bethel, LA.
Sharp, a poet, journalist and teacher, said her new novel was “fun to write,” noting, “I’m dedicated to clean fiction, but I also like a lot of different genres. I’d call this a clean, contemporary Southern gothic, with sprinkles.” The “sprinkles” she refers to are romance, humor and psychological twists.
The book features a character named Moriah Jordan who comes home to assist her sick mother, but after returning to Louisiana, becomes entangled in helping her best friend beat a fake murder charge.
Memory problems, a stalker, blackouts and more cause the local investigator, an old high school flame, to question if Moriah is involved in the very murder she is trying to solve to get her friend off the hook.
“I’ve had this story on my mind since my senior year in high school. Actually, my high school term paper was my first bit of research,” Sharp explained. “I’ve been working on it bit by bit through the years. My honors thesis in college was my very first draft, and technically, most of my working life in the newspaper industry has been field research. Now it’s time to get it out there,” she said.
Tammy is a graduate of Hornbeck High School, Queens University in Charlotte, NC, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she earned her Master’s. She is an award-winning poet and has worked at a number of Louisiana newspapers, including the Louisiana Baptist Message, the Leesville Daily Leader, and The Independent. She has received awards for both print and digital coverage of news events, feature stories, special sections and photos from the Louisiana Press Association.
She and husband Kenny have two sons, two dogs, two cats, three cows, two pigs, three ducks, 13 chickens and numerous rabbits on their Hobo Holler Farm in Sabine Parish.
“A Fortunate Murder,” Book 1 of the “Shattered” series, is available at Amazon and select distributors.
Zoe Aguillard has Sabine roots and enjoyed working in politics for several years in Washington DC. She is now based in Baton Rouge.
Miss Aguillard, right, and Paris Hilton when she visited Capitol Hill advocating for child welfare reform.
Zoe Aguillard with an early boss, former Senator David Vitter.
Miss Aguillard and the late Senator John McCain.
Zoe and her grandparents, Don and Beth Scaife, of Many.
Zoe Aguillard has had an extremely successful career in politics and has a deep connection to Sabine Parish. She is the granddaughter of Donald and Beth Scaife, residents of Many since 1974.
She spent most of her summers at “granny camp” with her dear grandparents making memories to last a lifetime. Whether it was checking chicken houses, shopping at her great grandmother’s store, Selma’s Fashion, or playing with her mother’s Barbies (with special clothes sewn by her grandmother), Miss Aguillard cherishes every moment. For her, “Sabine Parish is very near to my heart because it is a place of family, love and tradition. It’s where I learned the values of hard work, faith and community, and those values continue to influence my life and career.”
Miss Aguillard is a 2016 graduate of Louisiana State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in International Studies and a minor in Political Science. While at LSU she was an active member of Delta Gamma sorority, studied abroad in Paris, and was a student worker for the LSU International Studies Program Office. Miss Aguillard’s career in politics began with an internship for Senator David Vitter’s gubernatorial campaign. While working for him, she was, “... engaging in grassroots campaigning by knocking on doors, making phone calls, and putting up yard signs. This experience was instrumental in igniting my passion for politics and ultimately inspired me to move to Washington, DC.”
This move is what Miss Aguillard considers the biggest accomplishment of her career. After making the bold move to DC, she secured a position as a Staff Assistant for Senator David Vitter in 2016 and as Scheduler for Congresswoman Martha McSally. Later in 2017, she worked as a scheduler for Senator Bill Cassidy. This position led to her becoming his Director of Scheduling, overseeing meeting requests and strategic planning. After seven years of hard work, she stepped aside from Senator Cassidy’s office with the impressive role of Deputy Chief of Staff. Reflecting on her time in DC, Miss Aguillard said, “Working on Capitol Hill has been an extraordinary experience, providing me with unique opportunities to contribute to meaningful legislative work, develop professional skills, and build lasting relationships. Each role, from Scheduler to Director of Scheduling to Deputy Chief of Staff, has been a steppingstone, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally.”
Now, she works in Baton Rouge as the Vice President of Government Relations for Bold Strategies LLC. Within this role, her responsibilities include fostering relationships with legislators and clients, as well as spearheading impactful government outreach.
Considering her success in the industry, when asked about advice she might have for someone who wishes to work in government one day, this is what Miss Aguillard shared:
1. Start Locally: Begin by reaching out to your local Representatives and Senators.
Building connections at the local level is crucial. Young people are needed in Congress, and it all starts with making those initial connections.
2. Align with Your Values: Stay true to your values and find a member of Congress who represents them. Working for someone who shares your beliefs will make your work more fulfilling and impactful.
3. Get Involved in Campaigns: I began my career interning for a campaign. Campaigns always need the help of young, eager individuals willing to knock on doors and engage in grassroots efforts. This experience is invaluable and can open many doors.
4. Make Connections: It’s essential to start building connections now. These relationships will help you advance your career. Listen to those around you and understand what issues are important to them.
5. Stay Informed: Educate yourself on key issues, even if they don’t seem immediately relevant to you. Issues like healthcare and social security may not seem pertinent when you’re young, but they are crucial to the functioning of society.
6. Be Proactive: Hit the ground running. Show initiative and dedication in your work. A career in government can lead to many opportunities, so it’s important to be proactive and seize them.
7. Foster Relationships: Always remember to be kind to those who give you a chance.
The connections you make early in your career can have a lasting impact. You never know when you might cross paths with someone again.
Miss Aguillard is an image of determination and drive. While she may not be a Sabine native, the spirit of this parish runs through her veins and in her heart. Her grandparents, Don and Beth Scaife, as well as Sabine Parish family and friends, should all be very proud.
(Special thanks to our recent Observations intern Lauren Ray for the article above.)
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