Bill J. “B.J.” Orchid passed away on April 11, 2018, in Port Arthur, Texas. He was born in Amity, Arkansas on September 30, 1933, he was the son of Eunice and Carl Orchid. He graduated from Clarks High School in Clarks in 1953. He was a well-known high school athlete, particularly a baseball catcher. Mr. Orchid declined an athletic scholarship to Northwestern State University and instead enlisted in September 1953 in the U.S. Army. He spent 16 months in Korea as an artilleryman and served until 1956, attaining the rank of sergeant. He also spent time in the Army Reserves. During his break between basic training and advanced infantry training in 1953 he took time to marry his high school sweetheart, Helen Small. They remained an inseparable couple for 64 years. Mr. Orchid was a devout Christian. He was ordained a Deacon in 1969 at the Alford Heights Baptist Church in Many. In Many, Mr. Orchid was active in many community organizations.

Funeral services for Michael Paul Wedgeworth, 69, of Many were held April 11 at Oak Hill Baptist Church. Burial followed in the Oak Hill Cemetery. He was born on Monday, May 31, 1948 in Many, and passed away on Monday, April 9, 2018 in Shreveport. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wiley Paul Wedgeworth and Jewell Kelly Wedgeworth; and his brother, Ricky Wedgeworth. He is survived by his wife, Diana Blanchard Wedgeworth of Many; son, Gary Thomas Jr. and wife, Paula, of Many; grandchildren, Garrett Thomas of Austin, Texas, Gabe Thomas of San Diego, California and Grace Thomas of Shreveport; sisters, Sharon Montang of Many, Charlene McCormic of Many, Phillis Greer of Many, Marsha Cormier of Many and Sonia Doucet of Many; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Pallbearers were Dennis McGaha, Barry Goss, Dennis Dzieken, Ronnie Bison, Dan Haigh, Richard Martone Jr., Jerrad Bragg and Dan Cormier.

A memorial service honoring the life of Richard “Ricky” H. Evans, Sr., 71, was held April 13, at Rose-Neath’s Chapel in Mansfield with the Reverends Chucky Clark and Glenn Bezerra officiating. Ricky was born March 18, 1947, in Converse to Lillian Krousel and S.B. Evans, Sr. and entered into rest on April 11, 2018, in Converse. He lived his entire life in Converse. He was a well-known businessman in the area and a loyal family man. He was preceded in death by his parents, and B.G. Lewis. Those left behind to cherish his memory is his wife of 49 years, Rachel Evans of Converse; son, Richard H. Evans, Jr. of Shreveport; daughters, Teri Lea Evans of Austin, Texas, and Toni Ann Evans and Brad Dudley of Dallas, Texas; brother, Sidney “Sonny” Evans, Jr. and wife, Evelyn, of Natchitoches; grandchildren, Sela Hinkhouse and Samuel Hinkhouse; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Sid B.

By Daniel Jones, editor

In a recent news release, Sabine District Attorney Don Burkett stated that after an extensive investigation conducted by the La. State Police, the May 21, 2017, shooting death of Ricco D. Holden by Converse Chief of Police Chief Manshack was deemed justifiable.

The release also provided a summary of facts determined by the investigation.

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Toledo Bend Lake is high and so is the enthusiasm for the Toledo Bend Lake Association (TBLA) and Sabine Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Fish Fest 2018. The ninth annual tournament will be held at the Sabine River Authority’s Cypress Bend Park. Youth fishermen will be easily recognized in their TBLA/Sabine SWCD t-shirts on Saturday, June 2.

The goal is to register 150 youth by April 27. Fishing time begins at 7:30 a.m. Fishermen can start fishing after they check in at the registration table. Weigh-in time will be at 11 a.m. The event is open to school age children registered in kindergarten through 12th grade for the school year 2017-2018 attending schools in Louisiana and Texas. There will be six specie categories for first, second, and third place. Specie categories are bass, bream, catfish, white perch, turtle, and other. All fishermen must be pre-registered to participate on Saturday, June 2.

Artist JoAnn Cason is shown with Ashley Ford - Store Manager and Melodie Tuttle – Assistant Store Manager representing Market Basket at Toledo Town, after placing the winning bid on the 2018 TBLA Bass Unlimited signed poster #1.

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Every April, the Office for Victims of Crime and District Attorney Don Burkett commemorate National Crime Victims Rights Week. The week offers an opportunity to recommit to ensuring that all victims of crime— especially those who are challenging to reach or serve—are afforded their rights and receive an informed response.

This year, the week is being observed on April 8-14 with the theme “Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.”

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By Daniel Jones

After a huge victory over the Pleasant Hill Eagles, the Ebarb Lady Rebels softball team stumbled late on April 2 to Evans, losing 2-1.

Ebarb got on the scoreboard early after Raeghan Lewing doubled, scoring one run. Evans answered back in the fourth inning with one run and then the game winner in the sixth.

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A Thursday, March 29 game turned out poorly for the Negreet Indians, as they lost to the Florien Blackcats 15-12 after a valiant fight.

The game was tied at 12 when Florien’s Hayden Tidwell singled on a 3-2 count to score one run in the top of the sixth.

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March was National Reading Month so the girls collected books throughout the month & delivered to Sabine Parish Many Library Branch along with some cookies. They wish to thank the parish for supporting the Troop during cookie season. The girls that participated in the event were Alaina Stewart, Anamiya Ramirez, Mya Ferguson, Layla Carnline, Landry Remedies, Shyla Bridges, Mollie Sepulvado, AnnaBella Ramirez, Naveah Jackson, and Matea Whittington. The troop leader is Lindsey Carnline.

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