The following was written by my wife, Laurie, and she shared it online Tuesday morning after we watched the Monday night coverage of the Republican National Convention. I thought Laurie’s article was great and right on target. Her post follows.
By the Grace of God
President Donald Trump, vice-presidential nominee J. D. Vance and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson applaud during the Republican National Convention on Monday night. (Photo published online without attribution.)
In the last several years I have often thought the loud voices of the far left-wing were in control. At times I thought the mainstream media or deep pockets were in control. There is much evidence to support those viewpoints.
How can someone be so wrong?
I am embarrassed to say, at times, I must have lost sight of the fact God is in control. Always has been, always will be.
Looking at the three men standing together at the convention last night after President Trump took his place, I thought, “None of them should be there! But they ARE there. Each one is standing in that group only by the grace of God.” How amazing.
Speaker Mike Johnson is perhaps the most unlikely speaker to ever serve the U.S. House. His unpredictable ascent to third in line to the presidency can only be attributed to divine providence.
It is not at all probable J. D. Vance should be a vice-presidential running mate. He came from nothing with all odds stacked against him. It may be a miracle that he is even here. Yet he rose above unbelievably hard circumstances to achieve great things. Truly he is the epitome of the American Dream.
President Trump? God’s hand was on him Saturday. Except for that, we would be speaking of him in the past tense, part of the nation would be mourning, and his family would be burying him.
As those three men stood together, I was reminded again, on the deepest level, of God’s sovereignty. It is always, always Him, never us. Whatever happens, we can stand firm on the rock-solid promise of Romans 8:28: “…all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”
There is no reason any of the three standing together last night should have been there, but God.
Colin Cosenza, center left, and Caleb Johnson, center, both of Many, were named recipients of this year’s Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Fishing Scholarships at Northwestern State University. The two will join NSU’s competitive Bass Fishing Team. The scholarships are funded by the Poche family through proceeds from the Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Bass Tournament that took place March 23 on Toledo Bend Lake.
Shown with Caleb and Colin, at left and right, are Burt and Shelley Poche. A third scholarship recipient, Ayden Slack of Vivian, is shown center right.
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announced last week the arrest of Tonia Claire Bass, age 48, of Zwolle. Her arrest unfolded as follows:
On Wednesday night, June 26, Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) agents attempted to stop the vehicle Bass was driving on Hwy. 6 near Pendleton Bridge for a traffic violation. Bass refused to stop for several miles, then pulled into the Toledo Town & Tackle parking lot, near the intersection of Hwy. 6 and Hwy 191.
Bass was taken into custody and TNT agents noticed suspected methamphetamine scattered inside the vehicle. Agents also learned Bass dissolved some methamphetamine in a drink before being stopped.
TNT agents located and seized 2.3 ounces of methamphetamine and a digital measuring scale inside Bass’ vehicle.
Bass was arrested and booked into the Sabine Parish Women’s Jail for Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Obstruction of justice, Flight from an officer, Driving under suspension, Improper lane usage, Illegal window tint and No insurance.
Her bond was set at $80,000.
TNT Agent Jeriah Steinke further investigated the illegal narcotic sales activity of Bass and determined Bass had been distributing methamphetamine in the Hwy. 1215 and Zwolle areas for quite some time.
Agent Steinke obtained arrest warrants for Bass for Distribution of schedule II (Meth), two counts of Conspiracy to distribute schedule II (Meth) and Attempted obstruction of justice.
Bass’ bond on these charges was set at $85,000.
Her total bond amount at this time is $165,000, and she remains in jail.
This case is still under investigation and more arrests are pending.
Sheriff Mitchell thanked the Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division for their assistance with this case.
(Special thanks to Det. D. W. Seegers for the above report.)
DON’T MISS IT: This Saturday, July 20, is the 44th Annual NSU Folk Festival & Louisiana Fiddle Championship, with lots of events on tap starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 10 p.m. This year’s theme is “The Old Songs Live Forever.”
It will be held indoors at Prather Coliseum on the Northwestern State University campus, South Jefferson Street.
Among the festival's many activities and wall-to-wall music will be
Square Dance lessons led by fiddler Clancey Stewart to live music of the Willie Stewart Family and Friends Bluegrass Band at 10:30 a.m.
Hall of Master Folk Artists Induction at 11:15 a.m.
Jambalaya Cookoff with tasting and judging at 12:30 p.m. in the N-Club Room inside Prather Coliseum
Louisiana State Fiddle Championship from 1-4 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall in the Fine Arts building
Cajun Dance lessons from 4-5 p.m.
Willie Stewart Family and Friends Bluegrass Band at 6:30 p.m. followed by an Open Stage Jam hosted by the Stewarts at 7:45 p.m.
Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs at 8:30 p.m.
Arts and Crafts will be on display and for sale all day at the event from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Craft demonstrations by certain vendors are also promised.
Tickets are $10 per adult for all day, or $5 per person after 5 p.m. Age 12 and under are admitted free. For more information, call (318) 357-4332.
Signs Along Life’s Highway
Our Young Folks Need Encouragement
There are a number of ways to encourage young people in Christian living. Some ideas include:
1. Modeling and encouraging Christian behavior.
2. Sharing personal experiences.
3. Encouraging open, honest discussions.
4. Providing resources for study and enrichment.
5. Encouraging church and community involvement.
6. Explaining the practices associated with Christian faith.
7. Telling stories and illustrations.
8. Encouraging self-reflection and examination of motives.
9. Guiding them toward helpful, trustworthy mentors.
10. Encouraging them to look for God’s presence in nature and others.
WE ARE PROUD TO BE AMERICANS!
LET’S SHOW OUR COLORS
Living Word Church on San Antonio Ave. in Many has red, white and blue bunting across their entrance, and we applaud their patriotism.
Celebrate your local heroes on July 20 at the Sabine Parish Fairgrounds.
The Central Sabine Fire Department is putting on their 2nd Annual Heroes Day, a time to showcase the great agencies that help protect our area. This is an event for the whole family, and everyone is welcome. Parents can visit with the people they would usually only meet in a time of trouble, and children are able to see and learn about the different equipment and vehicles that are used by first responders. A few of the agencies invited to attend are Louisiana State Police, Air Evac, and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Mrs. Patsy Lowe will be at the event selling snow cones in the Lowe's Big Dream Snowball truck, and there will also be a food vendor, Fueled by Faith. The event will take place at the Sabine Parish Fairgrounds, located at 115 Fairgrounds Rd. in Many, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
For more information or questions, contact Salvador Cruz at scruz@centralsabinefire.org.
(Special thanks to Observations Intern Lauren Ray for the above article. Look for more of Lauren’s articles in next week’s Observations.)
Dana Alford posted on Facebook recently that an “Immigration bus just seen on Hwy. 6 headed to Many. Lock your things!”
She was deeply concerned about seeing the bus headed toward Many and questioned if a bus load of illegal immigrants could be dropped off in Sabine Parish without the general public being informed. She asked, “Can they just be dropped off here or does it have to be okayed through someone with authority?” Many Mayor Robert Hable responded that he was with Chief of Police Cheryl Wooley and Town Clerk Amie Allen Brown and none of the three knew anything about it.
Ms. Alford said the bus she saw was green, silver and white, had two lights above the windshield that were red and blue, but were not turned on, and lettering on the side of the bus which read “Immigration.”
My wife and I travel at lot, and we have seen many totally black busses with heavily tinted windows and no identification on them. I took these to be busses loaded with illegal immigrants, but that is only my opinion. The busses we have seen as we travel look exactly the same as the one below and as often shown on the news when illegal immigrants are disembarking at a destination.
This Fall 2022 image shows a bus from Texas carrying illegal immigrants parked overnight in Rising Fawn, GA en route to Washington DC. When local law enforcement checked into it, they were told some of the group was spending the night at the hotel where the bus was parked, and some riders had already decided to get off at Rising Fawn, believing Chattanooga to be within walking distance. (Photo, information courtesy of the Chattanooga Times Free Press.)
I talked to Sheriff Aaron Mitchell about the immigrant bus matter, and he is unaware of any illegal aliens who were delivered to Sabine Parish. He said he is interested and certainly wants to know if they are.
District Attorney Don Burkett responded to Alford’s concerns, saying, “No immigrants would just be dropped off without local authorities being notified.”
We received a report several weeks ago that a bus load was shopping at Walmart in Many and “they had money.”
A regular reader of Observations sent us a picture recently and asked about the cameras located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Hwy. 171 North and Trace St. in Many.
Derek Campbell of Belmont wrote: “I recently noticed these cameras in Many. Been asking around to whom they belong and the only answer I could get was Many Police Department. I swear Many is getting worse by the day! If someone has better info, please let me know.”
We talked to Chief of Police Cheryl Wooley, and she said the cameras are License Plate Readers. The Police Department has another one on a trailer. She said both were paid for with grants.
The purpose of the cameras is to possibly assist with stolen vehicles, AMBER Alerts and other law enforcement needs. They are not used to spy on anyone or check for speeders.
Chief Wooley said the Sabine Sheriff’s Department has some, as do law enforcement agencies across the state.
Another reader of Observations last week asked the question, “What was a Sabine Parish Police Jury truck doing in Leesville?” They even sent a picture of it.
We asked Jury Member Bruce Taylor that question. He said the Jury purchases rock and asphalt in Leesville and DeRidder, thus the reason for the truck being down there.
It is good to have citizens who are interested in verifying that our tax dollars are being spent wisely.
It was wonderful to recently hear from Jody Cantrell of Marthaville who does a great job with the Natchitoches Parish Council on improving roads. He reports that Parish President John Salter is doing a fine job and making progress, including work to save money and repair bridges, in addition to road work.
Jody reported that the Council had three big road graders and John got with the leasing company and got them to take the three plus a dozer back, and got them to exchange the items for four smaller graders. He said the smaller graders do a much better job of taking care of the roads.
Jody said the parish has 1,000 miles of rural roads and with three graders, each had to take care of about 333 miles. With four graders, that reduces the amount to about 250 miles each.
In addition, Jody said they are looking at purchasing a grinder which will be used to pulverize the asphalt on roads that are too rough and on grinding up oversize rock put on some of the roads.
Gathered around their mother, Ms. Ophelia Sepulvado, at her 100th Birthday party are her seven children, Marilyn, Mary Ann, Roger, Linda, Denise, Dennis and Chester as well as great grands Waylon and Harper. Kneeling beside is Laurie Gentry, Legislative Assistant to State Sen. Alan Seabaugh, who presented a commendation from the Senator to Ms. Ophelia.
The children of Ms. Ophelia Sepulvado threw a grand party in honor of their mother’s 100th birthday on Sunday afternoon, July 14, in Zwolle. Ms. Ophelia turned 100 on Monday.
Dozens of family members and friends turned out to wish the centenarian well at Pat’s Place venue, which was packed with people, lots of delicious food, a beautiful birthday cake, cookies, photos from over the years and lots of festive décor.
The party was organized by daughters Mary Ann, Linda, Marilyn and Denise, and sons Chester, Dennis and Roger.
They and Ms. Sepulvado were delighted to receive a commendation from State Sen. Alan Seabaugh, which stated, “On behalf of the Louisiana Senate, Senator Alan Seabaugh extends heartiest congratulations and commendation to Ms. Ophelia Sepulvado on the occasion of her 100th birthday. It is with great honor this remarkable milestone is celebrated as a testament to a century of wisdom, resilience, and invaluable contributions. Ms. Sepulvado’s life and legacy serve as an inspiration to all. May this special day be filled with joy, love, cherished memories, and wishes for many more beautiful moments to come.”
We add our congratulations as well. It was an honor to join in the celebration for this great lady.
WANTED: Julius Theodore Winfield IV
Sunday morning, July 14, the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office put out a notice that Julius Winfield, age 21, is wanted.
He is sought in reference to a shooting that occurred off Newton Rd. just west of Many on Saturday night, July 13. A social event was held off Newton Rd. with close to 1,000 people in attendance. For unknown reasons, Winfield allegedly shot into the crowd striking two or three people. The injuries were non-life-threatening. A vehicle was also struck by gunfire.
Winfield is wanted 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.
Those with information should submit an anonymous tip through the free Sabine Parish Sheriff’s app or call (318) 256-9241.
(Thanks to Det. D. W. Seegers for the above information.)
Tyler Mitchell of Many caught his whopping 10.04 lb. bass on Toledo Bend Lake on July 13.
This whopper of an alligator gar set a new Toledo Bend Lake record when caught on July 10. It was 7 ft. 8 inches long, 48 inches around and weighed 275 lbs.
Dr. John Fleming, Louisiana State Treasurer, on Monday released the following statement:
“For years, President Trump has been aggressively investigated and prosecuted and portrayed as an authoritarian dictator. It has even been claimed that his re-election would be the end of democracy in America. This type of behavior must end immediately. It may very well have triggered the attempted assassination of President Trump. At the same time, the Secret Service must be given additional resources to bolster their protection of President Trump. A full investigation must be launched to determine how there was such a massive breakdown of protection in Butler, PA that allowed the assassin close access to the Trump rally. We must make sure this type of security lapse never happens again. Thankfully, President Trump was not killed, but one attendee did lose his life and two others were seriously wounded. Please join me in praying for President Trump, the other victims of this heinous attack, and our nation.”
Since the shooting, the mainstream media and others continue to make remarks that, if elected, President Trump will punish political enemies and be a dictator and they continue to say he is an "existential threat to democracy." President Biden and others have used that one a lot. They have also, in their zeal to rid this country of Trump, called the 45th president Hitler. Did their remarks motivate the would-be presidential assassin, who killed one and critically injured others? We’ll never know.
One thing we do know, when President Trump was shot Saturday, not a single one of his supporters, much less a group of them, set fire to any cities, marched in riots or acted the fool despite conservatives and people of faith often being labeled as “dangerous” or “domestic terrorists.” I guess we’re just not as bad as some would like to believe. And I guess, to borrow Al Gore’s phrase, for some that reality is “an inconvenient truth.”
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