News

ConnectLA is proud to present the first volume of Louisiana’s draft of the state’s Digital Equity Plan. With the public comment period closing in about one week, we ask you, as a broadband stakeholder, to review the document with a critical eye and provide as much constructive feedback as you can.

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance defines digital equity as “a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy.”

World champion female boxer holds book signing, demonstration

The Sabine Parish Waterworks District No. 1 has been awarded $1 million by the Louisiana Department of Health’s Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund (DWRLF) Program to construct a new water well, including new chlorination equipment and transmission main near the district’s Ajax facility.

The new well will replace a defunct well at that site, according to Project Engineer Henry Shuler of Shuler Consulting Company.

“The Ajax system had two water wells in the past, but one of those wells is no longer operating,” Shuler said. “The new well will replace that defunct well, and the primary benefactors of this investment will be the nearby residents of Powhatan, which this facility serves.”

PCI, Inc., is offering a free support group for survivors of Domestic Violence Project Celebration, Inc. will offer a support group on every Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Everything is free and confidential.

You are not Alone in this journey.

Please come on Tuesday or call Luci for more information at 318-2566242.

Mitchell Baptist Church recognized for service to Operation Christmas Child

The second edition of the Little Chefs Cooking Academy was held July 14 at the Sabine Parish Health Unit, where the kids in attendance made a veggie infused snack pizza.

They discussed kitchen safety ,importance of good handwashing, the Myplate concept, we played a game where the kids identified what foods belonged in what food group. Each child got to make their own mini pizza… they didn’t know the sauce was infused with pureed carrots, onions, garlic and tomatoes! We talked about the importance of eating plenty of veggies -- infused sauces and smoothies are a great way to get in those veggies.

Jaci Miller from Studio B Dance CO. taught the children a dance exercise and we talked about the importance of movement!

There were two youth helpers, Paige and Ayla Instructors for the event were Vessa Hawkins- Handy and Tennille Jenkins. More information regarding this and other programs offered locally will be included in an upcoming edition of The Sabine Index.

Trio catches 150 lb. loggerhead turtle on Toledo Bend

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), is proposing to relocate and replace the LA 8 bridge (SH 63) over the Sabine River that is located at the state line. The bridge connects Newton County, TX and the City of Leesville in Vernon Parish. The proposed project would remove the Tx-DOT/DOTD jointly owned existing historic bridge and construct new roadway approaches and a new bridge approximately 0.3 miles downstream from its current location. This project is necessary due to the condition of the existing structure. An in-person public meeting is scheduled to allow stakeholders and other interested parties to ask questions, obtain information, and provide input on the project. Meeting details are as follows: Tuesday, July 25,2023 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Leesville High School Cafeteria

Tribal Secretary, Nancy Sanchez presented over 2,000 tribal ballots to the Post Office in Zwolle on Friday, June 30. Tribal members ( in good standing) who live out of parish, state or country will receive a ballot to vote in the upcoming election on August 5.

All tribal elders will also be receiving ballots allowing them to vote by mail. All ballots must be returned by July 21(not postmarked). Tribal members (in good standing) who reside in Sabine Parish will vote at the tribal office on August 5.

Sabine Parish voters will have the opportunity to absentee vote on July 6 and July 13 at the tribal office located 35 Lonnie Rd., Zwolle, from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. with a picture ID.

Call 318-645-2588 for more information.

The summer heat didn’t discourage some enthusiastic children who are participating in the Summer Reading Program at the Sabine Parish Library.

It all began when 21 children, ages 8 to 12 years, heard the story of The Incredible Life of Balto, by Meghan McCarthy. Robbin Jordan, who is the children’s librarian and plans the popular summer reading programs for children at the library, read the story to them.

This true-life story was about Balto a Siberian Husky dog who became famous for leading a dogsled team through a blizzard in 1925 to deliver diphtheria serum to Nome, Alaska, during a diphtheria epidemic. Balto. Who once had been deemed unfit to be a sled dog, became the symbol of loyalty, courage, bravery, and teamwork. Sadly, Balto’s future life did not go so well. Years later, poor Balto was part of a traveling side show where he was badly abused.