HEADLINES - June 26, 2003

Maurice Tate, Guilty Of 2nd Degree Murder

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

Maurice Tate sat quietly next to his attorney, Paul Garner, as the verdict was read, “Guilty as charged.” Tate had been charged with the Second Degree murder of 13-year-old Shannon Denise Capers who disappeared from her home in Haynesville on March 8, 1997. Capers’ skeletal remains had been discovered in a shallow grave between the Mill Street Apartments and the home of Keith Killgore on May 10, 1999, more than two years after she had disappeared. It was an anonymous tip received May 4, 1999 that led authorities to the discovery of the shallow grave. District Attorney Danny Newell summed up the evidence presented during the trial in his closing remarks. He said the State had produced evidence to confirm the skeletal remains found behind the Killgore home were in fact those of Shannon Denise Capers. Both DNA evidence and the fact the red striped shirt, tennis shoes and braids last seen worn by Capers were identified by her mother, Patricia Capers. Judge Jenifer Clason gave instructions to the 12-member jury and told them the mandatory sentence for second degree murder was life without the benefit of parole or suspension of sentence. It took jurors less than an hour to return the unanimous guilty verdict. Sentencing will be held July 28.

Haynesville Resident Shot During Argument

Haynesville resident, Gerald Hawthorne, 26, was shot Wednesday, June 25 when an argument over a debt erupted at the Mill Street Apartments. According to reports by the Haynesville Police Department, there was a confrontation around noon between Hawthorne and Armarcion Henderson, 19, in the breezeway of the apartment building where Hawthorne was a resident. The argument continued in the apartment of Alonzo Jackson, where Hawthorne was shot in the abdomen. He was transported to the LSU Medical Center in Shreveport where he was treated and later released.

Domestic Dispute Leads To Stabbing, Arrest

- First Case Tests Positive In Claiborne Parish

An argument between a Haynesville couple ended with the man being stabbed in the chest. Approximately 4 AM on Tuesday, July 1, Bobby Shelton was stabbed in the chest. He was transported to the LSU Medical Center in Shreveport about 7:30 AM where hospital officials reported Shelton appeared to have expired soon after his arrival. Emergency medical technicians were able to revive him and he remains under care in the ICU unit at LSU Medical Center. The Haynesville Police Department was notified of the altercation by members of Mr. Shelton’s family around noon Tuesday. Shelton’s wife, Brenda, 38, of 1745 Spring Drive in Haynesville voluntarily surrendered to police officers and was charged with suspicion of attempted murder. She is presently incarcerated in the Claiborne Parish Jail in Homer.

Hundreds Attend Ewing Fundraiser

Over 500 persons attended the fundraiser held for gubernatorial candidate, Randy Ewing, at St. John Ranch near Homer on Saturday, June 14. Citizens from at least six parishes turned out in support of the former state senator's bid for governor. People attending included pastors, teachers, deputies, firemen, doctors and medical personnel, farmers and other business people, retirees, parents with children, friends, and members of Ewing's family. Many former or current elected/appointed officials were at the fundraiser: sheriffs, clerks of court, tax assessors, police jurors, mayors, city council members, assistant district attorneys, school board members, and school superintendents. Former state representatives, Dr. Virgil Orr and Sheriff Kenneth Volentine, were recognized as having served with Ewing during his first term as state senator. District 11 State Representative Rick Gallot gave the introduction to the former Louisiana Senate President after a huge cookout, musical entertainment, and the crowd's personal visits with the gubernatorial hopeful. Ewing's wife, Rosemary, was recognized and spoke briefly in support of her husband. Ewing said, "Early in the season someone asked if my hat was in the ring for the governor's election." My reply was, "No, my heart is in the gubernatorial race. Prayer, much thought, and my family are all a part of this election." In closing, Ewing said, "I will make no promises other than that I will work diligently toward making our state better, and I will work just as hard to make our citizens better educated and grow business for all our citizens."

Bobby Jindal Visits Homer

Gubernatorial candidate Bobby Jindal stopped in Homer on Monday, June 30 and met with a number of local officials and citizens at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex. Lawson Wilder introduced Jindal, the only Republican in the top five candidates for Governor of Louisiana and who is now in second place overall according to a recent poll conducted June 18-19 by Garin-Hart-Yang Research. The 32 year old Jindal was appointed Secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals by Governor Mike Foster in 1996. He rescued Louisiana’s Medicaid program from bankruptcy by turning a $400 million deficit into a $220 million surplus in 3 years. Jindal was appointed President of the University of Louisiana System in 1999. Two years later, President George W. Bush appointed him Asst. Secretary for Planning and Evaluation of Health and Human Services. Jindal said there were several factors that helped shape his views about the appropriate role of government in our society, particularly in matters of faith and values. They include the fact that he is a Christian, the work on welfare reform with the Bush Administration, his marriage of five years and the birth of his daughter. Bobby unveiled the first chapter on economic development and job creation in May and the second chapter on education earlier this month. His “Bold New Vision for Louisiana,” for reform and fundamental change for the state can be found at www.BobbyJindal.com.

Haynesville Wins Judgment Against Entergy

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

Attorney Charlie Weaver addressed the Haynesville Town Council at a Special Called Meeting on Tuesday, July 1. He gave a brief narrative of the legal action taken against Entergy Louisiana, Inc. since February 2000 when the Town hired the firm of Sharp, Henry, Cerniglia, Colvin, Weaver, and Hymel to pursue a lawsuit to recover franchise fees owed the Town pursuant to its franchise agreement. Weaver said although the State Supreme Court had upheld the first portion of the suit in regard to the differing percentage of franchise fees paid to West Monroe, the remaining portion involving the difference in fees paid by Entergy through its affiliate or subsidiary Entergy Gulf States was still pending in District Court.

Merritt Announces Plans To Run For Sheriff

There are five black males in leadership positions of higher standards in America and in the Republican Party. Reginald Merritt will be the fifth wheel among those black Republican men, once he is elected Sheriff in Claiborne Parish. The others are Secretary of State Colin Powell, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Ambassador Allen Keys and U.S. Congressman J. C. Watts. Reginald Merritt, Sr. would like to take this opportunity to introduce himself and to announce his plans to qualify in August to run for Sheriff in the October 2003 election. Merritt has completed an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice at Grambling State University and is presently pursing his Bachelor’s Degree at Louisiana Tech. He believes through his educator in the criminal and law enforcement field, he will be the best candidate in the fall election. Remember to vote for Reginald Merritt. Sr. on October 4, 2003.

4th Of July Fireworks, Boat Parade Set For Friday, July 4, 2003

The Fourth of July Boat Parade and Fireworks Show will be held Friday, July 4, beginning at Pleasure Point Marina with the Patriotic Boat Parade at 7:30 PM and ending with the Fireworks Display on the Lake Claiborne dam just after dark. Fourth of July Fireworks for Lake Claiborne, Inc., the non profit corporation responsible for the annual shows, is asking for continued and additional tax deductible donations for this annual event. An adequate mailing list is almost a reality but the establishment of adequate parking is only getting started. In order to start, a staked land survey of the property between the dam and Highway 518 is needed. This survey will identify the work to be done and permit information of a work plan and the budget to pay for the work. Those in our community who are able to support the fun and patriotic July 4th Fireworks and Boat Parade are asked to please do so. Let’s continue to improve on this annual event. Please mail your checks now or after July 4th to: Claiborne Fireworks, Inc., 180 Post Oak Road, Homer, LA 71040. For information on Fireworks call Fred Lewis at (318) 927-9180 or the Boat Parade, call Dick Dorrell (318) 927-0039. Enjoy the shows and “Let’s Roll”

July 3, 2003 NEWS BRIEFS

Claiborne One Is Presently Soliciting New Sponsors

The Claiborne One website at www.claiborneone.org features news from Homer, Haynesville, Junction City, and all of Claiborne Parish. They are presently soliciting new and added sponsors. To contribute news or purchase advertising banner, call Joel Ponder at 927-9787 or Al Lynn at 927-9674.

Sheriff’s Office To Sponsor Hunters Education Course

Learn to hunt the right way. The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office is sponsoring a Hunters Education Course to be held at the Homer Fire Station July 24, 25, and 26 from 6:30-9:30 PM each night. Interested persons must pre-register by calling the Sheriff’s Office at 927-2011. The course is free but class size is limited. Must be at least 10 years of age.

School Board Special Services To Destroy Old Records July 11

Claiborne Parish Special Services will be destroying all special education records on students who exited the program before 1998. If you would like a student's records contact the Claiborne Parish Special Service Office at (318) 927-2496 on or before July 11, 2003. You must provide a picture I.D. to obtain these records.

Homer High Pelican Dolls, Flag Line Selling $1 Chances

Homer High Pelican Dolls and HHS Flag Line are holding fundraisers to purchase uniforms and equipment. The Flag Line are selling $1 chances on $100 gift certificate at Wal-Mart. The Pelican Dolls are selling $1 chances on a custom made chest with bottom lined in cedar or a custom made 8 gun cabinet, both on display at Regions Bank. Contact any Pelican Doll or Flag Line member or Mary Canterbury at 927-6839. Drawing will be held July 10.

Ford Museum Will Reopen On Monday July 7

The Ford Museum will be closed June 27-July 7. For inquiries call Beverly Smith at 927-2223 or Toni Robertson at 927-6855. The Museum will reopen July 9 for regular hours, M-W-F from 9 AM - 4 PM, closed from 12 noon until 1 PM.

The Town Of Homer Offices Will Be Closed Friday, July 4

The Mayor's Office and the Business Office of the Town of Homer will be closed Friday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Swimming Lessons Set In July At The Mayfield Pool

Swimming lessons are being offered at the Mayfield Pool from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM on July 5, 12, 19, and 26. For more information, call City Hall at 927-3555.

Claiborne Classic Car & Bike Show Looking For Donations

Rickey Bearden is looking for contributions for the 2nd Annual Lake Claiborne Classic Car & Bike Show to be held October 4, 2003 as a benefit fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Donations are needed for the silent auction and for giveaway bags. Call Bearden at 927-9740.

The Town Of Junction City To Hold Public Hearing July 8

The Town of Junction City will hold a public hearing at 6 PM on July 8 at the Town Hall to obtain views on housing and community development needs and discuss the application for funding under the LCDBG Grant program.

Gospel Musical Play “From Whence We Came” July 3

Haynesville/Woodson Alumni Reunion to present The Gospel Musical Play “From Whence We Came” to be held at the Haynesville High School Gym on Thursday, July 3 at 7 PM. Donation $2. A portion of the proceeds go to the Claiborne Parish Boys and Girls Club.

Haynesville High Classes 1970-79 To Hold Reunion

Haynesville High School Class Reunion for Classes 1970-1979 will be held July 19 at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn in Haynesville. For more information, please contact Celeste Ware at 624-2330 or Jeff Waller at 624-2455.

Reunion For Descendants Of Miles Fuller Ware, Saturday, June 26

The descendants of Miles Fuller Ware will have a reunion on Saturday, June 28 at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn in Haynesville at 10 AM until. Bring your favorite covered dish and drinks.

Summerfield High School Classes 1961-1965 To Hold Reunion

The Summerfield High School graduating classes of 1961-1965 will be having their 40th year high school reunion on Saturday, July 26, 2003. They plan to meet at the Summerfield High School cafeteria at 11 AM. Each classmate and their spouse is to bring a covered dish of their choice. Former teachers are also invited to join them for the day. Anyone in those classes they may have moved away and did not actually graduate from Summerfield is also invited to be a part of the reunion, such as Patricia Strahan and Kay Bailey, or any others we do not know how to locate.

Strategic Plan For Claiborne Parish To Be Topic Of Public Meetings

The Strategic Plan for Claiborne Parish titled “Vision For a Better Tomorrow” will be the topic of several public meetings to be held throughout Claiborne Parish at the following locations:

Lisbon - Thursday, July 10 at Lisbon Civic Center

Athens - Thursday, July 31 at Mt. Olive Christian School

Homer - Monday, August 18 at Homer High School

All meetings will begin at 7 PM. Following introductory comments by parish officials and a Power Point presentation of the Strategic Plan, the public will be invited to participate in a question and answer session. These meetings are critically important to the future of our parish. Please plan to attend and participate.