News

By Tonia Fishback
INDEX Reporter

Dorothy did it by clicking her heels together and saying, “There’s no place like home.” The old saying, “You can never go home” has some truth, even though part of one’s self is always left at home, whether you return or not. Some never return, others are given a chance to look into their past and therein lies a heartwarming story.

Back in Oct. 1966, Lee and Bertha Wedgeworth had the feeling of never being able to go home when the Sabine River Authority claimed their land, per a court order, to build a man-made lake, known as Toledo Bend.

The Harlem Wizards, celebrating their 50th year in existence, will be back in town on Saturday, February 11 at 7 p.m. in the Many High School Gym to take on the Sabine All Stars in a rematch.

Last year hundreds of fans were thrilled to trick shots, slam dunks and side splitting comedy. Come out and help us celebrate 50 years of Trick-Hoops and Alley-Oops from the Harlem Wizards.

by Daniel Jones, news editor

Robert Conyer, former Sabine River Authority chairman and member of its water sales committee, addressed the board during their Jan. 19 meeting.

Conyer stated that he appreciated his support over the last four and a half years, which encompasses the time he served on the board.

“The SRA has difficult times ahead, and I don’t envy your having to do it,” Conyer said. “I’m sorry the water sales agreement didn’t work out.”

Current board member Ned Goodeaux offered his thanks for Conyer standing up for what he thought was right.

Peoples State Bank was recently recognized by the Small Business Administration as a Preferred and Certified Lender under the 7(a) Loan Program, as well as continuing its participation in the SBA’s Express Loan program.

The Preferred Lender Program (PLP) is part of SBA’s effort to streamline the procedures necessary to provide financial assistance to the small business community. Under this program, SBA delegates the final credit decision and most servicing and liquidation authority and responsibility to carefully selected PLP lenders.

Ellen Downs has been chosen the winner of our Super Bowl contest out of three correct entries. Also sending in the winning scores were Megan Craig of Many and Barbara Malmay of Noble.

Effective immediately, the boat launch at North Toledo Bend State Park, near Zwolle is open to boat traffic.

Boat launches at both North Toledo Bend and South Toledo Bend State Parks closed in July due to extremely low lake levels at the Toledo Bend Reservoir.

The South Toledo Bend State Park boat launch remains closed pending dredging of boat lanes by the Sabine River Authority.

Victor L. Rutherford, 49, pled guilty to three counts of second-degree battery and one count of second degree cruelty to a juvenile in the 11th Judicial District Court Monday, Jan. 30.

Eleventh Judicial District Judge Stephen B. Beasley sentenced Rutherford for four years with the State Dept. of Corrections.

Rutherford was arrested following an investigation last year into abuse involving his live-in girlfriend’s four minor children.

On Jan. 23 at 3:30 a.m., reports were received by Asst. Coroner Ron Rivers in reference to a death off Hwy. 174 west of Converse.

Upon arriving at the site, it was learned that the deceased, identified as 55-year-old Roger Patton of Zwolle, had shown up at the site to begin a day’s work. After arriving at the location he began experiencing some difficulty breathing and called 911, where dispatched obtained his name, partial location and that he may be having a heart attack.

Louisiana State Representative Richard Burford (R - District 7) has been selected by the Louisiana House Leadership and the Governor to serve on four important House Committees.

“In accepting these appointments,” said Representative Burford, “I realize each provides not only me but, more importantly, the people and businesses of House District 7 and NW Louisiana a stronger voice in decisions affecting our region, our families and our future.”

Foster Campbell was elected chairman of the Louisiana Public Service Commission at an LPSC meeting in Baton Rouge on Jan. 25.

Campbell, D-Bossier City, has served on the commission as its District 5 (North Louisiana) representative since 2003. He was nominated for chairman by current LPSC Chairman Jimmy Field of Baton Rouge and seconded by Commissioner Lambert Boissiere of New Orleans.