The Sabine Valley Campus of Central Louisiana Technical Community College in Many enjoyed hosting local Girl Scout Troop 540 on the campus October 26.

Student Success Coordinator Julia Kernaghan gave the Girl Scouts and their parents a tour of the campus and explained each of the programs offered on site. Those in attendance were able to meet program instructors, see the classrooms and equipment, and learned more about career and technical education.

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The weekend was a windy one, but the anglers participating in the Toledo Bend Bass Club’s October tournament made it happen. made it.

Shannon Thibodeaux won first place with 15.66 pounds and Big Bass honors with a 6/08 pound catch.

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Funeral services honoring the life of Carrie Laffitte, 83, were held October 28 at Pelican United Methodist Church in Pelican with the Rev. Paul Gwinn and Lay Servant Jeremy Phillips officiating. Burial followed at Pelican Cemetery in Pelican. She was born February 19, 1935 in Harmon to Marion and Velmer Morse Richey and entered into rest on October 24, 2018 in Pelican. Preceding Carrie in death were her parents; husband, Marshall Mack Laffitte; sons, Carey Marcel “Cooter” Laffitte, and James Marshall “Jamie” Laffitte; sisters, Ruby Burns, Verna Gabel, Mallie Litton, and Doris Richey; brother, Vernard Marion Richey; and son-in-law, Donnie Averitt.

Gwendolyn “Lynn” Gail Johnson, 71, passed away Thursday, October 25, 2018 at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas. Graveside services and interment for Lynn will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Florien on October 31 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Wilton Anthony officiating. Visitation will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, beginning at 10 a.m., immediately preceding graveside services. Arrangements are provided by Warren Meadows Funeral Home. Gwendolyn Gail was born July 4, 1947 to Wilbur and Irene née Hopkins Salter of Sabine Parish. She was a 1965 graduate of Florien High School. Lynn was married to George Johnson for over 45 years and raised two daughters, Michele and Melissa. She worked as the City Clerk for the Village of Florien for many years. She was known for being patient, kind, and positive with everyone during her time as City Clerk. Lynn enjoyed reading and sharing her love of books with her children and grandchildren. She was an avid animal and dog lover.

Funeral services for Reta Nadine Slaughter, 80, of Florien were held October 25 at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Wayne Chance officiating. Burial will follow in the Florien Cemetery. She was born on Thursday, February 3, 1938 in Sabine Parish, and passed away on Monday, October 22, 2018 at Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Slaughter and her parents, Edward and Myrtie Burleson Browning. She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Craft and husband, the Rev. Bill, of Florien; son, Richard Slaughter and wife, Joyce, of Anacoco; sisters, Imogene Salter of Many, Bennie Lou Browning of Many, and Netha Powell of Florien; brother, Edward Claude Browning, Jr. of Natchitoches; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Pallbearers were Colby Walsh, Rowland Powell, Mickey Browning, Dustin Santos, Wade Daily and Thomas Smart.

Funeral services for Randel Franklin O’Banion, 79, of Zwolle, were held October 27 at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverends Matt Warren and James Ericson officiating. Burial followed in the Zwolle City Cemetery. He was born on Sunday, June 21, 1939 in New Iberia, and passed away on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 in Shreveport. Randel loved to fish, hunt and watch football. He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Delores O’Banion; parents, Henry Edger O’Banion and Myrtis Webb O’Banion; and brother and sisters, Thomas O’Banion, Hazel Dockens and Laverne Heard. He is survived by his daughter, Rosalind Garcie and husband, Sammie, of Zwolle; son, Randy O’Banion and wife, Karen, of Florien; brother, Douglas O’Banion of Greenville, North Carolina; grandchildren, Brandy O’Banion Lopez of Zwolle, Meagan O’Banion Ammons of Many, and Jordan O’Banion of Marthaville; seven great grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services for Robert “Bob” M. Britner, 88, of Many, were held October 29 at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel with Father Francis Kamau and Deacon Mike Sullivan officiating. Burial followed in the St. John The Baptist Catholic Cemetery. He was born on June 15, 1930 in Williamsport, Maryland and passed away on October 25, 2018 in Many. Bob was a lifetime sports enthusiast including hunting, fishing, golfing, baseball and basketball. He loved being competitive and the spirit of the games. He was also an avid gardener and loved to share his harvest. While serving in the U. S. Airforce he was a member of the Barksdale Bombers Baseball Squad and traveled extensively as catcher for the team. In later life Bob became a dedicated LSU fan and kept abreast not only of the football squad but the other sports at the University, including the girls team. Bob will surely be missed by his wife, family and many friends.

William Dwight “Sid” Spilker came into this world on March 5, 1954, born in Shreveport to the parents of William “Bill” and Mary Jo Spilker. He grew up as a small town country boy who enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing softball, and enjoying life. He married his high school sweetheart, Kathy Sue Gaddis. They were married 44 years and loved each other through thick and thin, sickness and health, and their true love was an example to us all. Sid and Kathy had three children, Stephen Brand Spilker, Brittany Allison Spilker Merricks, and Michael Cody Spilker. They welcomed three grandchildren, Haley Lauren Spilker, Hannah Grace Spilker, and Rylen Hunter Spilker into this world with open arms and love like no other. His grand-babies were his world. Dwight was more than just a husband, father, or grandfather. He was a best friend, a helping hand, a shoulder to lean on, a daddy, and a “Paw Paw Baby.” He always knew how to bring a smile to your face with a goofy joke or saying.

District Manager Nicole Mitchell announces the Natchitoches District Probation and Parole Office will hold a mandatory meeting Wednesday, October 31 for all convicted sex offenders under supervision with the Natchitoches District of Probation and Parole that are residing in the areas of the following parishes: Natchitoches, DeSoto, Sabine, Red River and Winn.

The event will be at the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Community Service Division Office, 726 Third St., Natchitoches, from 5-8 p.m., considered peak trick-or-treating hours. The aim is to keep all sex offenders, especially those under the supervision of the local State Probation and Parole Office, from any contact with children Halloween night. Officers will update official records, inform the local sex offenders of any new and/or revised laws and will review compliance issues.

By Daniel Jones, editor

In an update to a story originally covered by the Sabine Index in January, a judgment issued by 11th Judicial Court Judge Stephen Beasley has ordered a new trial for Melvin Maxie, who was convicted in the murder of Tyruss Thomas. His judgment on the case brings into many legal questions ahead of a vote on a new Louisiana amendment that juries must come up with a unanimous verdict.

Of the many inconsistencies filed by the defense, the court chose to strike many, while focusing on the most contentious. Among the most important is the focus on allegations that the majority verdict scheme for Louisiana jurors is unconstitutional, and that there were three unique standards not followed, in addition to there being a non-resident juror that served. The new trial will require a unanimous jury for conviction.

District Attorney Don Burkett is unpleased by the ruling in a statement released by his office.