Sabine Parish 4-H Announces November Activities and Upcoming Opportunities

SABINE PARISH, La. — Sabine Parish 4-H is sharing its November activities and upcoming opportunities for local youth and families, including summer camp registration, a competitive bass fishing tournament and the annual sweet potato and pecan sale pickup.

Registration is now open for Camp Grant Walker, scheduled for May 31 through June 3. Families are encouraged to reserve a spot early, as camp space is limited. Deposit forms and scholarship applications are available through the 4-H office.

Students interested in participating in the 4-H Bass Trail must contact the 4-H office by Friday, November 6, to register for the next tournament on Saturday, November 21. The competitive tournament requires each angler to have a partner, a boat and an adult boat captain. Both partners and adult volunteers must be enrolled in 4-H.

Pickup for sweet potato and pecan orders will take place Thursday, November 19, and Friday, November 20, at the 4-H Office in Many. Pickup hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and afternoon customers are asked to arrive by 4:15 p.m.

The November newsletter also includes information about the beef poster contest and camp catchphrase contest.

Families who have not completed their 4-H enrollment for the current year are encouraged to do so. Online enrollment is available at v2.4honline.com.

For more information about activities, registration or getting involved in Sabine Parish 4-H, families may contact the local 4-H office.

NSU Jazz Orchestra concert to present concert Nov. 9 

NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State University Jazz Orchestra will present a concert on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. A livestream of the concert will be available at www.nsu.la/CAPA-LIVE. Associate Professor of Music. Galindo Rodriguez will conduct the orchestra.  

The concert will feature  “Crusin’ For a Bluesin'” by Andy Weiner and arranged by Peter Blair and featuring Rafael Melgar on drum set, Wolfgang A. Otero on trumpet and Jarrett Thomisee playing tenor saxophone “High Clouds and A Good Chance of Wayne Tonight” by Tom Kubis featuring Otero, “A Midnight in Paris” by Billy Strayhorn and transcribed by Mark Lopeman and edited by Christopher Crenshaw and “Snowflake Joys” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and arranged by David Berger and featuring Thomisee and Jacobo Florez on tenor saxophone. 

The Jazz Orchestra will also perform “I’ll Be Home for Christmas 2010 AC” by Kent/Gammon and arranged by Scott Arcangel featuring Ayden Hymel on vocals and Otero, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Frank Loesser and arranged by Paul Murtha featuring Gabe Williams on vocals and Thomisee, “A Swingin’ Little Christmas Time” arranged by Tony Guerrero with Jeremiah McKiney and Claudette Cruz on vocals “Winter’s Never Cold (When You’re Around)” arranged by Guerrero with Cheyenne Carbaugh on vocals and “Jingle Bells” by J. Pierpont and arranged by John Clayton with Josue Bustillo on vocals. 

NSU Leadership Q&A focuses on student success and preparing for the future

By Anastasia L. Douglas, 

Communications & Business Administration Major College of Business & Technology – Social Media & Marketing Coordinator College of Business & Technology – Podcast Anchor (Russell Rm. 108) Presidential Ambassador

NATCHITOCHES – Preparing students for the real world is a priority for Northwestern State University. On Oct. 29, the College of Business & Technology held a leadership Q&A with University President James T. Genovese and Dean Dr. Scott Wysong, during which they answered student questions.

Moderated by Ragus Endowed Chair Dr. Heidy McWhorter Mongeon, the event focused on the value of a four-year degree, artificial intelligence in the future of business, cybersecurity, public speaking skills and preparing students for the professional world. Students also asked how NSU could better prepare them for life after college, help them build confidence and provide insights on gaining experience.

The discussion also explored how higher education can create opportunities for long-term career growth. Genovese emphasized that while an associate degree can provide an entry point into the workforce, a bachelor’s degree can open additional doors. Graduate education can help students move into management and leadership positions.

Wysong discussed the development of the Master of Business Administration program at NSU, which is pending approval by the Louisiana Board of Regents, and the creation of opportunities for students to continue their education. NSU values its students and wants them to advance their learning, he said. 

“Put us on the map,” Genovese stated, encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunities presented. NSU graduates can build successful careers by developing skills and distinguishing themselves.

Increasing enrollment, improving the university’s visibility and expanding academic opportunities are NSU’s priorities in the upcoming years. Genovese stressed the university’s 17-1 student-to-faculty ratio, stating that students receive a private education at a public university.

The president’s goal is to increase enrollment and elevate NSU’s presence across Louisiana. Genovese and Wysong encouraged to students to build a durable professional foundation by learning practical skills and preparing for challenges, as life after graduation comes with new responsibilities.

Information on NSU’s College of Business and Technology is available at https://www.nsula.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/college-of-business-and-technology/.  

Business Leadership Forum:

Northwestern State University’s College of Business and Technology hosted a leadership forum to discuss the importance of people at the dawn of AI and academic programs that meet industry needs. From left are NSU President James Genovese, Dr. Heidy McWhorter Mongeon, moderator, and Dr. Scott Wysong, dean.  

Sabine Parish Arrest Reports for November 3, 2026

Over the past 24 hours, the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office reports 3 arrests. All persons accused of a crime are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Any questions about today’s arrest report should be directed to the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318)-256-9241.

Arrested were:

Mark Douglas Austin II, white male, 38. Arrested on a charge of cruelty to persons with infirmities. Arrested by the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Lauren Breanne Cooley, white female, 29. Arrested on charges of possession of CDS II and possession of drug paraphernalia. Arrested by the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Mary Theresa Losee, white female, 43. Arrested on a failure to appear warrant. Arrested by the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Many Tigers Fall to Mansfield Wolverines, 50-21

The Many Tigers opened the game with a strong offensive showing, but Mansfield pulled away in district play, handing the Tigers a 50-21 loss.

Many got on the scoreboard first when Daniel Thomas broke free for a 45-yard touchdown run with 10:06 remaining in the first quarter. Axel Valdez added the extra point to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead.

Mansfield answered with a touchdown pass and a successful two-point conversion to take an 8-7 lead. The Wolverines added another touchdown to extend their advantage to 16-7, but the Tigers responded.

J.J. Stills broke loose for a 52-yard touchdown run, and Axel Valdez scored the extra point to pull Many within 16-14. Mansfield answered with a 72-yard touchdown pass and another score before halftime, taking a 30-14 lead into the break.

The Wolverines continued to build their advantage in the second half with two more rushing touchdowns and a passing score. Many kept battling and found the end zone again late in the game when freshman Ayden Parson scored on a 6-yard touchdown run. Valdez added the extra point, bringing the final score to 50-21.

Thomas led the Many rushing attack with 133 yards on 33 carries and a touchdown. Stills added 65 yards on five carries, including his 52-yard scoring run, while Parson finished with 31 yards on six carries and a touchdown.

Quarterback Lucas McCarty completed one of five passes for 12 yards. Keelan Maxie recorded one reception for 12 yards.

Defensively, Alyjiah Williams led the Tigers with six tackles. Bentley Aldredge recorded five tackles, while DeVeon Marks and Aiden O’Brien each finished with four.

The loss drops Many to 2-7 on the season. The Tigers will close out the regular season at home Friday, November 6, when they host Lakeside on Senior Night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Many Tigers football coverage continues Friday night on KTEZ 99.9.

Joe Bill Reed

Mr. Joe Bill Reed of San Augustine, Texas, passed away Saturday, October 31, 2026, at his residence at the age of 79 years, 1 month, and 5 days.

Mr. Reed was born September 26, 1947, in Jasper,  Texas. 

Service details are pending and will be announced later.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine.  Visit www.wymanrobertsfh.com for memories and condolences. 

https://www.wymanrobertsfh.com/obituary/JoeBill-Reed

Bennie Faye (Dickerson) Pike

Bennie Faye Dickerson Pike finished her earthly journey in the early hours on October 29, 2026. Her life in heaven began with a peaceful transition and she became whole and healthy with a perfect mind and body.

Bennie Faye was born on July 21, 1937, in San Augustine, County to William “Bill” and Alma Parker Dickerson. Her mother preceded her in death when Bennie Faye was only 6 weeks old. She was raised by her grandmother, Lizzy McGee.

She married Carl Pike on January 14, 1954, and began a wonderful life together. She was so proud to be known as “Mrs. Carl Pike.” She signed everything with that signature. Together, they shared 55 years of marriage until Carl’s eternal journey began on June 23, 2009.

Bennie Faye embodied the traditional role of homemaker. She found great joy in cooking, sewing, and caring for her home and family. She loved to garden, whether it was flowers or vegetables, she always had a big garden. She often would place fresh cut flowers throughout her home, but don’t anyone else dare to pick a flower from her flower bed. That would get you a spanking in a heartbeat.

She also cherished the simple pleasures of hunting and fishing, embracing a life rooted in family, home, and the outdoors. She and Carl raised their family on wild game that was harvested along with vegetables and fruits they grew themselves. And if you wanted nuts, there was a pecan tree in the yard. Go grab you some, but you better leave enough to make pecan pies!

She loved competition. She loved Skip-bo, Forty-two, Scrabble, and Dominoes. Even at 89 she would beat the pants off you. Hunting and fishing were also great competitions. In fact, the only deer mount allowed in her house was from a deer that she harvested, everything else went on the washhouse walls outside.

Bennie Faye is survived by her children, Ruth Langford of Nacogdoches, Barbara Moore of San Augustine, and Eileen Rigsby of San Augustine. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Chasity Butler and husband Michael, Trudy Pike, Josh Pike, Carrie JoHanna Pike and husband Mike Pappas all of San Augustine, Amber Owen and husband RJ of Tyler, and Michael Heth Jr. of Nacogdoches; her great-grandchildren, Shelby, Kayleigh, Brooklen, Karla, Kristen, Kaitlyn, Kady, Casey, Mikel, Daniel, Robbie, Evie, Eli, Emma Grace, Levi, Aaliyah, and Bentley; and her great-great grandchildren, Claira Jane, Brayden, Kolson, Kinsley, Theodore, and Jon Michael. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Alma Dickerson; stepmom, Vera Dickerson; her grandma, who she lovingly referred to as momma, Lizzy McGee; husband, Carl Pike; her mother and father-in-law: Wiley and Ellen Pike; children, Vanessa Pike, Kenneth Pike, Carla Barthol, and Robert Pike; son-in-law, Ray Griffin; and grandchildren, Adam and Andrea Barthol, and Robert Pike Jr. She was also preceded in death by all her brothers and sisters and their spouses.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Wyman Roberts Funeral Home chapel, San Augustine, with Bro. Skipper Eberlan officiating. Interment will be at the Sowell Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers: Ralph Kingsley, Ronald Kingsley, Ned Kingsley, James Poindexter, Shelton Williams, and Michael Heth Jr. Honorary pallbearers: Shane Mills, Mike Pappas, Mikel Pappas, Casey Pappas, Daniel Pappas, and Robbie Pike.

Visit www.WymanRobertsFH.com for memories and condolences.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine.

Kenneth Eugene Yates

Kenneth Eugene Yates took his last breath looking for calm seas, full sails and found his safe harbor to rest easy. Your watch is over, Chief. He passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at Christus Schumpert Hospice.

Kenneth was in the Coast Guard as a machinery technician Chief Petty Officer. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing on Kentucky and Virginia lakes and streams and eventually ending up on Toledo Bend, where he made his home. After retirement he began training dogs for hunt test and judging in the AKC hunting test.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, William and Flora Mae Yates; sister, Beverly Beickert; and daughter, Susan “Susie” Yates Fell.

He survived by his wife, Margie Yates; brother, Gary Yates (Barbara); children, Kevin Yates, Lynn Wilbar (Steve), Rebecca Crump (Mitch), and son-in-law, Rusty Fell; 8 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his special pets, Sailor, Faith, and Baby.

Services and care were provided to the family by Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Many, Louisiana.

Charles Ernest Jackson

Graveside services for Charles Ernest Jackson, 80, of Florien, LA, will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Florien Cemetery.

Charles Jackson was born on Tuesday, May 28, 1946 in San Angelo, TX. He passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Sabine Medical Center in Many, LA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Bolton Jackson and Willie Mae (Berel) Jackson and his three sisters, Charlene Wilbanks, Marline Pitt and Sharon Rollins.

He is survived by his wife, Connie Jackson of Florien, LA; his sister, Sue Jackson Potter of Elmer, LA; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends. 

https://www.warrenmeadows.com/obituary/charles-jackson