Local History: Headlines From the Sabine Index - 2000, Sabine Parish Source: Sabine Index, Many, La., Jan 3, 2001 Submitted by: Carl Dilbeck carlrad@earthlink.net ********************************************************** ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** ************ by DONNA SMITH AMMONS, Special Assignments Y2K came and went without a hitch, despite media hype and intelligent people forecasting a bleak beginning in 2000, with computers crashing, etc. Sabine Parish residents welcomed the new year with fireworks and gatherings, as residents from Converse to Florien, Negreet to Many, Ebarb, Pleasant Hill, and Zwolle entered the new millennium. The year was a busy one on the local scene, and will be remembered for a number of newsworthy events, including the release of former SARC administrators Nellie Leone and her daughter Brenda from prison. It was also the year that the Many Tiger football team advanced to the state semi-finals in Class 2A, under the leadership of Head Coach David Feaster, and the talented Darnell Williams, who was named to all Cenla, All Area in Shreveport, and All District. He will return for his senior year to take care of "Unfinished Business". The year also brought a major investigation by the Sabine Parish Sheriff's Dept. into cult-like activities in several Sabine Parish towns, two sightings of Big Foot, several bomb threats, the killing of an undercover narcotics officer from South Louisiana, and the deaths of several prominent community leaders. Events of each month, taken from the pages of the INDEX, are listed below. -- January -- The Many City Police began the new year investigating the shooting death of Roderick Bill Lewis, 23, of Many. On April 11, Melvin Dewayne Joseph of Jonesboro, Georgia was arrested in connection with the crime. On Jan. 9, off-duty narcotics officer Sgt. Todd Touchet was shot and killed in front of the Eight Ball Lounge. Joseph Lee Sepulvado, 27, was arrested and charged with one count of first degree murder, and two counts of attempted first degree murder. Sepulvado plead guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter on Nov. 10, and a hearing followed. A pre-sentence investigation is underway, with sentencing to follow by Judge Charles Adams. James Q. Salter of Zwolle was named author of Zwolle's history book. Sears announced the opening of a new store in Wright's Shopping Center. The state-issued water ban for the Ebarb Water District was still in force as the New Year began. Over 300 local citizens participated in a march in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday. Rep. Joe Salter presented a state flag to students at Pleasant Hill High during a special ceremony. Many's own Roderick Davis was elected President of the Sabine Parish School Board, and G. J. "Pie" Martinez of Zwolle was elected Vice President. Former Sheriff's candidate Ben Isgitt was arraigned in the 11th Judicial District Court on charges of two felony counts, and a misdemeanor count stemming from an Oct. 13 incident. Isgitt claimed he was the target of a shooting on the Belmont Road. He was acquitted on August 11. -- February -- Tiger football player Brandon Troquille was attacked with a knife in Wal-Mart. His assailant, David Wayne Meshell, was charged with second-degree murder. Many Police Officer Polly Dappen was reassigned to the La. Community Policing Institute. Rodney Jordan of Florien was returned to office as Mayor of Florien, unopposed. Aaron Mitchell was re-elected Chief of Police. A fatal wreck at the railroad tracks in Zwolle claimed the life of Steve J. Baker, 18, of Converse. Construction was almost complete on the newest branch bank of Peoples State Bank in Robeline. Ethel Rhodes celebrated her 100th birthday on Feb. 14. Georg A. Boyens, longtime Many merchant, died on Feb. 11, following a lengthy illness. He was a native of Germany, and operated Boyens Hardware for years. The chapel at Sabine Medical Center was dedicated, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Richard Oosta. Janelle Hershberger was named Employee of the Year by Sabine Medical Center. Louise Dozier retired as branch librarian at the Toledo Bend Branch. Betty Fields replaced her. Kusum John was named Honorary Chairman of the Annual WalkAmerica campaign. JoAnna Page of Converse was named ambassador, according to Lewis McBryde, chairman. Taylor House, Sabine's shelter, hosted a candlelight vigil for victims of domestic violence, on Feb. 17. -- March -- Charles Jones of Ebarb was elected president of the Ebarb water District. Students of the Year were Crystal Davis, a Negreet 8th grader, John Charles Wood, a MJHS fifth grader, and Holly Patrick, a senior at Converse High. The Sabine Parish's Hall of Fame newest inductee was Rogers P. Loupe, father of the Tamale Fiesta. The Achievement Award winner was Ed Baldridge, a local philanthropist; and the Accomplishment Award was bestowed on Adrienne Weldon Veuleman. Joe Lee Sepulvado was granted bond of $100,000, and released. He was charged in the murder of an undercover narcotics officer, who was on a hunting trip in Sabine Parish. Zwolle's John Patton Sr. died unexpectedly on March 9. He was a retired educator. Mavis Funderburk, coordinator of E-911. stressed the importance of house numbers. Willie R. Self was killed in a one vehicle accident near Hodges Gardens. He was driving a ConAgra truck. The Sabine Parish Players were in rehearsal for "The Mousetrap", with Mary Bozeman directing. An April 15 tax election was coming up. The tax was to provide improvements at six Sabine Parish schools, excluding Many, who had their own tax passed. Gas prices were soaring, and the Sabine Parish School Board approved a one-time operational expense for bus drivers. The Florien Masonic Lodge 231 celebrated 100 years of continuous charter. Florien's Blackcats brought home their seventh state Class B Championship title. Peyton Rutherford was named Most Valuable Player. Negreet School was declared substantially complete. A youth revival was hosted in the Many gym, with hundreds of local teens attending. J. J. Blake III was named president of the Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce. Four-laning was on the way into Sabine Parish, when bids were let on the Highway 171 construction from Hornbeck to Florien. Dr. Oscar Chan was welcomed as the new surgeon at Sabine Medical Center. -- April -- Many Police Chief Dean Lambert and his department received high marks from an assessment by the La. Community Policing Institute. Senika Tatum reigned over the Battle of Pleasant Hill. It looked like Andy and Tallie Serfield would get their day in court for a tainted food incident at McDonalds in Feb. 1999. They didn't, since the case was once again postponed. Fort Jesup State Historic Site celebrated it's 40th anniversary. Many Junior High Head Basketball Coach Pete Gray was killed in a head-on collision, between Marthaville and Robeline. His death was mourned by many. Sabine State Bank purchased $4.75 million in general obligation bonds from the School Board, in the first phase of financing for the new construction of Many Junior High, and the renovations to MHS and MES. Over $5,000 was collected at the Heart Association's Cardiac Arrest. Brandon Horn of Florien's Blackcat squad signed with University of Louisiana at Monroe. Sawmill Days celebrated it's 25th anniversary. Eleventh Judicial District Judges Stephen Beasley, and Robert Burgess, hosted an open house in the courthouse to show off the renovations. Judge Charles Adams was unable to attend. "Visions of His Glory", an outstanding Easter program, was presented at the Sabine Theatre. Sugar 'N Spice Studio, Kim Williams, and Prissy Knotts, along with Calvary Baptist Church, coordinated the event. Seventy citizens participated in the Good Friday Walk, the Way of the Cross. Many Mayor Ken Freeman did his stint at carrying the cross during the six-mile walk. A soft opening of Cypress Bend Resort was held on May 1. John Leggett of Zwolle was named Christian Businessman of the Year by the La. Moral and Civic Foundation. -- May -- Carolyn Martin of Many High was named Wal-Mart 2000 Teacher of the Year. Detectives from the Sheriff's Dept. were looking into the arrest of a Texas man who robbed the Winnsboro State Bank. His modus operandi matched the Sabine State Bank-Toledo Branch robbery of a year ago. The Converse Lady Wildcats Softball team were District B champs. The Zwolle Hawks Baseball team advanced to the state championships, only to lose in semi-final play. The Many Police named Douglas Palmer as the first Community Policing Officer of the Month. The death of two-month-old Julisa Stanley of Zwolle was under investigation. The family donated the Stoker Barn in Fort Jesup to LSU. Former bookkeeper, Wanda Heflin, was charged with theft, after it was discovered that more than $184,000 was missing from the INDEX. Sweet Dreams Publishing Co. published "Jimmie Davis, More than Sunshine". It was the 11th book published by the company, founded by Robert Gentry a year ago. Patrice and Matt LaFollette, music teachers in Sabine, showed off the talents of their students in an open air concert at Tiger Stadium. The La. PTA named Jacque Shuford of Pleasant Hill, Educator of Distinction. Former School Board President, and former Tamale Fiesta King, E. B. Malmay, died on May 17. He was to be honored as the Oldest Logger by the Zwolle Festival in June. LEAP test scores returned, and some students are headed for summer school. Happy first anniversary to Lagniappe Trade Days. La. College signed Negreet Indian T. J. Drew to their basketball team. Sabine martial arts hosted the national tourney in Many. Ric Quayhagen is sensei. One-half million fingerlings were released into Toledo Bend Lake. WalkAmerica raised $23,000 to help the March of Dimes. -- June -- Don Gervais left the INDEX as editor, after a six-month stint. The Sixth Zwolle Loggers and Forestry Festival was hosted. Eric Sean Oxley was found guilty of the first-degree murder of Eddie Carnline. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Anthony Perry, known as "the largest known drug dealer in Zwolle", according to sheriff's detectives, was arrested. Kusum John donated ten memorial benches to the town, and had them placed in the downtown area. Carroll Daniels of Robeline was named Florien High principal. An unexploded military shell was found in the lake near the dam. Emergency procedures were enforced, before it was discovered the shell was a flare. A methamphetamine drug lab was destroyed in Zwolle, following a domestic call. The Long Leaf Gallery opened in the Fisher Commissary. "Greater Tuna" was presented onstage at the Sabine Theatre, staring Jim Quayhagen, Dean Crittenden, and Chuck Boudreaux. -- July -- L. Alan Egleston was named the Medical Director of Emergency Services at Sabine Medical Center. Several thousand dollars worth of damage was sustained by Many High, following a break-in. No arrests were made following an intensive investigation. The town of Many received a grant for $13,081 for landscaping. Rep. Joe Salter was named Outstanding Rural Legislator. Dr. Haytham Bishara hosted the grand opening of his new office. Many's history book arrived. The long-awaited project had 336 pages. The death of three-year-old Mercedez McCray was under investigation. Sabine Foundation for Safe Families was organized to support Taylor House. Polly Dappen was named president. The group's goal is to purchase the house. Tyler Wilkerson, and Terry Cook of Florien, rescued a family on the lake on July 14. Kasey Crittenden was named chairman of the 2000 Relay for Life, to benefit the American Cancer Society. -- August -- Many Police seized $20,000 in drugs from Thorton A. Barrett, 20, of Many. Claude Holbert Jr., 19, of Negreet was charged with first degree murder in the death of his daughter, Mercedez McCray. Randy Sandel was named Honorary Chairman for the Relay for Life. Peoples State Bank sponsored a new teachers luncheon at Pearl's Place, as students headed back to school. Timber fires raged throughout the parish, and the drought continued. Boise Cascade lost over 40 acres. The La. Municipal Association presented Many with the Community Achievement Award. Two Sabine Parish inmates walked off a litter detail on August 18. Michael Austin was captured in Wichita Falls in September, and Mayfield was nabbed in California a few days later. Mattie Holland joined the Many City Police as a patrolman. Seniors at Zwolle High, Lori Sebren and Russell Busby, attended the National Rural Electric Youth Tour to the nations capitol. A local doctor's office received a bomb threat on August 23. The airport terminal at Hart Airport is nearing completion. A mother's protest about un-air conditioned handicapped busses spurred Military Truck Parts into action. Air conditioners were installed in the busses, much to the relief of the students and parents. The Sabine Neutral Strip Foundation will purchase the Florien Depot, after the town almost let the historic building be purchased for removal. A benefit dinner was held at the home of Ed and Polly Dappen to benefit Taylor House. Boy Scout Troop 80 of Many relayed their experiences at Philmont National Scout Ranch to residents of IHS No. 1. -- September -- David Earl Leone Jr., a 17-year-old Noble teen, committed suicide. Pleasant Hill was hooked up to the Belmont Water System, after a two-inch line was installed. The town was almost out of water. A two-vehicle collision in Zwolle claimed the lives of Scotty Craig and Shanna L. Branch. Their vehicle hit a car driven by Amy M. Parrie, leaving her paralyzed. She remains in the rehab hospital in Shreveport. Mrs. J. B. Vandegaer, 99, of Many, welcomed family visitors from Belgium into her home. Many Mayor Ken Freeman presented a history book to the group, who was shown the sights by Mary Beth Tarver. The family of the late Lloyd Murdock sponsored the 16th Fiesta poster. The INDEX celebrated it's 121st birthday. Temperatures continued to hit the 100 degree mark. Still, no rain in sight. What? No prayer at the football games? Fans recited the Lord's Prayer during a moment of silence. An overnight rampage by unknown vandals left 25 businesses with shattered windows and doors, and ping marks. Zwolle was hit a week later. There were plenty of hot books at the library. The sizzlers were due to the air conditioning unit going out. A new one was installed, but the library was closed for several days. Jim Quayhagen was cast as Julius Caesar in the play by the same name. The production was presented in the Rose garden at Hodges Gardens. Hosea Remedies spotted Big Foot in Zwolle. The large hairy creature was lurking on land owned by Mayor Pro Tem Allen Rivers, whose pigs were slain by an unknown creature. Justice of the Peace Rosie Ebarb and her husband Tom made the second sighting. La.'s First Lady, Alice Foster, visited Sabineland as part of a promotion to beautify the state with wildflowers. Cult-like activities were under investigation by the Sabine Parish Sheriff's Dept. Reports of students dressing in black, with white faces, and other potentially dangerous activities were brought to the attention of law enforcement officers. Det. Bradley Marr was heading the investigation. Sharon Egleston began organizing an effort to educate the community on organ donation. The groundbreaking for the new surgical unit at Sabine Medical Center was held. Named Teachers of the Year were Janne Crews of Many Elementary, Becky Loupe of Zwolle Intermediate, and Nancy Lambert of Many High. -- October -- An Anthropology class from Northwestern State University was digging into the past of Fort Jesup. Dollie Knippers and Tom Litton finalized plans for the Parish Pride clean-up campaign. A new Pizza Hut was under construction. It will open in 2001. Chris Loupe was Tamale Fiesta King, and his wife Becky was named First Lady. Reigning as Queen was Angel Rivers. In the Oct. 7 election, Susan Slay was unopposed as Fisher Mayor. Bobby Poarch was re-elected Chief of Police. Mayor George Shannon defeated incumbent Mayor Truman Durr in Pleasant Hill, and Chief Ray Williams was returned to office. Harold W. Brumley was elected Converse Mayor, and Chief John Brock was re-elected. A candlelight vigil was hosted on the courthouse steps in remembrance of victims of domestic violence. At Senior Day at the Sabine Parish Fair, Joe Mitchell was crowned Silver Gent, and Iva Briery was Golden Lady. Crowds attended the annual fair during the week-long run. Fantasy Limousine acquired a 1964 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III, and a 2000 Lincoln Super Stretch Limo. Gene and Doris Parker, and their daughter and son-in-law, Genelle and Lonnie Hughen founded the company in 1994. Zwolle fireman Paul Ezernack Jr., who was killed Dec. 15, 1999 when he lost control of his tanker truck enroute to a fire, was honored in a national ceremony in Washington. A 39-year-old Fisher man died in a house fire. Zwolle's "Our Story", was unveiled in ceremonies at the Zwolle auditorium. Homemade stained glass windows were dedicated at Prospect Methodist Church near Florien. Groundbreaking for the new Florien Elementary playground was held. Work is being donated by Jones Bros. Inc. of Juliet, Tenn., and W. E. McDonald and Son of Glenmora, who are working on the four-laning through Florien. It is a good neighbor project. Rumors are running wild that the Toledo Bend area is being sought as a possible location for a future land-based casino. Dr. Jack Corley and his office staff won top honors in the town's Scarecrow Contest. The James Leone Memorial Park was re-dedicated after extensive work was done. -- November -- Supt. Dan Leslie's contract as superintendent was renewed for two-and-a-half years. Florien's Freestate Festival was 20-years old. The new Sabine Parish Health Unit hosted a grand opening. Relay for Life raised over $22,000. New orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Douglas McKay was welcomed to the community. The La. Shakespeare Festival was hosted at Hodges Gardens. Many's own Dean Crittenden won the coveted Gifford/Richardson Scholarship, and Anquinette Moore was named Best Supporting Actress for her role as the soothsayer in "Julius Caesar". The SRA is looking into building a major water processing plant. Evelyn Bush was named Grand Marshall of the Many Christmas Parade. The Small Business of the Year award was presented to Wayne Turner, and his family/staff of Glass Technology at the Chamber of Commerce Banquet. The Chamber presented a Parish Pride Award to George Alleman of Toledo Bend Lake. Loree Maxey was designated Master Municipal Clerk. A strange cross appeared in a glass window at the Pleasant Hill home of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Miller. Hundreds have visited since the first sighting. The Christmas season was in full swing right after Thanksgiving. The Community Choir, directed by Carole Troha, performed "The Winter Rose", and Kusum John shared a holiday dinner with the needy at the Fourth Annual Sharing Our Blessings Dinner. Peoples Bank erected the Angel Tree, and the Toys for Tots Campaign at the First United Methodist Church began purchasing toys for the needy. The Many Tigers advanced to the semi-finals, but lost out Ouachita Christian in West Monroe during the Class 2A football play-offs. Many's first Christmas Festival was hosted, complete with a parade, entertainment, Moonlight Madness, and a fireworks display at the fairgrounds. -- December -- The Sabine Council on Aging depot was listed on the National Register of Historical Places. "A Christmas Carol" was sponsored at the Sabine Theatre, in memory of Dr. V. M. John. Jim Hyde played Scrooge. School Board Supervisors Betsy Godfrey and Paula Patrick explained a proposed Child Development Center at a networking luncheon. Al Davis, the new director of La. Technical College, will be instrumental in the center, since it will be located at the trade school, so student mothers will have a place to leave their children. Marshall S. Tullos was named General Manager of Cypress Bend. On Dec. 13, the groundbreaking was hosted for the new Many Junior High. The $9.5 million project will be paid for with a 20-year ad valerem tax, and a 20-year one-half cent sales tax. Clay Hopkins signed with the Battle Wings, a new Arena II football team in Bossier. Sixteen teaching positions could be lost if the state mandates teacher pay raises, according to Supt. D Leslie. He will be making a power point presentation to area organizations in early 2001. The Memorial Tree of Remembrance at Warren Meadows Funeral Home celebrated it's 13th year. Christmas was in evidence all over the parish. Christmas on Toledo Bend was celebrated on the lake with a barge parade, and numerous open houses. The town was decorated with lights; Fisher was illuminated, and a decorations contest was hosted. The Senior Circle was organized at Sabine Medical Center. Amanda Cotton is the director. The Harmon Drew Super Group, and Cypress Bend are working together for a Jan. 20 fund-raiser to benefit Taylor House. A Lafayette attorney and parents of a paddled Zwolle child demand action against ZES principal Judy Rials. They allege bruises were left on the child's buttocks. The INDEX Christmas issue was 64 pages. And on Dec. 31, as everyone was getting ready to welcome 2001, the snow began to fall. A blanket of white covered the ground by midnight, as firecrackers popped, and shouts of "Happy New Year" echoed through the darkened streets. _______________________________________________________________