News

The Black Heritage Committee of Many is kicking off the Juneteenth festivities with an entertaining Motown Matinee! Saturday, June 3 grab your dancing shoes and come down to Many Community Center at 675 San Antonio Avenue in downtown Many from 4-6 p.m. to enjoy the sounds of Etta James, Sam Cooke, Mary Wells and more by local and regional performers. Admission is by donation only.

The Master of Ceremonies will be Reverend Recie Medlock.

Motown Matinee is being sponsored by Foy Motors, Tomiko’s Financial Services, Rebecca Meshell & Mike King, The Stevens Law Firm, Sabine Prevention Alliance, Community Bank, Tabitha White, Bobbie Kratz, R.F. Expert Services, and Pete Abbington- Sabine Venture. For more information, contact the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission at (318) 256-5880 or visit ToledoBendLakeCountry. com.

Toledo Bend Family Adventure Park (TBFAP), the first family waterpark and miniature golf in the area,had their Ribbon Cutting Celebration Saturday, May 20 to mark the completion of Phase I. The park will officially open to the public on Saturday, May 27 in time for the Memorial Day weekend, located at 115 San Miguel Road, Zwolle.

TBFAP has over five acres of fun for the entire family. Phase I includes: an 18-hole Mini Golf Course,Lazy River (301feet), Splash Pad,Kids Wading Pool,Kangaroo Jumper,Kids' Slides, Birthday Party Pavilions, Playground, Cafe', and more. Two Serpentine and Racing Slides,currently under construction, will be opening soon in Phase IIof the Adventure Park.

A $483 million increase in revenue for the state’s general spending fund is now being estimated for 2024, adding to a giant pile of money that the state Legislature has at its disposal.

Under the new projections, the state’s general fund also will take in $323.4 million more than previously expected in the current fiscal year, bringing the total surplus from the last two years to over $2.1 billion.

The new projection was made Thursday by the state’s Revenue Estimating Conference. It updated revenue forecasts for both the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, and for next year.

The increased projections come as the House and the Senate are split over what to do with all the extra money.

Under a formula that places a cap on spending, the Legislature could only spend $500 million of the surplus funds in fiscal year 2024 on recurring budget items, and the additional revenue forecasted Thursday will not increase the cap.

The House Agriculture Committee advanced a resolution to create a task force to study the impact of using farmland for solar energy developments.

House Concurrent Resolution 45, written by Rep. Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice, stated that the Louisiana Solar Siting Task Force would “study the impact of, and alternatives to, locating solar energy developments on farmland.”

The discussion featured Rep. Danny Mc-Cormick, R-Oil City, expressing his concern that solar farms would destroy more jobs than they would create and that the task force would be filled by members with ties to the solar farming industry.

Rep. Vincent St. Blanc III, R-Franklin, responded that the task force’s job would be to protect farmers from making costly mistakes. He noted that many farmers’ decisions to lease land for large installations of solar panels did not pan out.

Rudbeckia, a member of the daisy family, has long been a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers alike. With its bright yellow and orange blooms, rudbeckia adds a splash of color to any garden or landscape. But where did this popular plant come from, and how has it been used over time?

The genus Rudbeckia is native to North America and was first introduced to Europe in the 1700s. The first recorded instance of rudbeckia being grown in Europe was in 1710 when a botanist named Johann Jacob Dillenius brought the plant to England. The plant was named in honor of two prominent botanists, Olof Rudbeck the Elder and his son, Olof Rudbeck the Younger.

Over time, various species of rudbeckia have been cultivated and developed for use in gardens and landscapes. One of the most well-known species is Rudbeckia hirta, commonly known as the black-eyed Susan. This perennial plant is native to eastern North America and has been a popular garden plant since the 1800s.

A House committee on crime advanced a bill 8-1 that would allow permitless concealed carry for individuals 18 and older.

Rep. Danny McCormick, R-Oil City, brought what he said was a “constitutional carry” bill before the committee Tuesday. McCormick’s bill would amend present law that only allows concealed carry for 21 or older who undergo the proper training to receive a permit.

Rep. McCormick told the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice that his bill, House Bill 131, would mimic current rules that allows individuals 18 and over to openly carry a firearm. His bill would allow individuals to carry a concealed weapon at the same age.

The Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce and Sabine County Chamber of Commerce are partnering to host a three day patriotic event on Toledo Bend Lake June 30 through July 2.

Sabine’s DAV chapter is extending an invitation to the public to attend the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. at the LA War Veterans Memorial and Park located at 29336 LA-191. There will be a guest speaker along with many veterans and their families. A meal will be provided afterward and time for fellowship with each other.

For many Americans, the last Monday in May marks the unofficial start of summer—a long weekend with a family barbecue or gathering of friends. For those who served in the military, Memorial Day holds a greater significance, as it commemorates the brave men and women who lost their lives defending our great nation.

A large number of Many Tiger athletes have been placed on the All-District 3-2A team following the 2023 season.

Being named Most Valuable Player in District 3-2A is junior J.C. Hendrickson of Many. Coach of the Year accolades were awarded to Many coach Toby Remedies.

Making the first team from Many are: --Junior pitcher Hayden Evans; --Junior catcher J.C.

Hendrickson;

--Freshman infielder Payton Hyden; and --Junior outfielder Trevor McLendon. Being named to the second team are --Sophomore pitcher Tuffy Cutrer; --Junior infielder Garet Culverson; --Senior utility player Jesse Taylor; and --Senior utility player Joseph Yount.

Receiving honorable mention is Luke Westbrook of Many.

The Black Heritage Committee of Many is seeking vendors for the Black Heritage Festival & Juneteenth Celebration to be held Saturday, June 17th at 850 Highland Ave in Many, La from 11am – 3pm. The festival will include music, food, games, storytelling, crafts and more.

The Black Heritage Committee of Many invites those interested in promoting their businesses and joining in on the celebration of Juneteenth to apply as a vendor.