Council Appoints Mills Police Chief
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
At a Special
Called Meeting Tuesday, January 24, Toney Johnson wasted no time making a
motion to appoint Russell Mills as interim police chief effective immediately
and to submit a letter to Governor Kathleen Blanco to request that she appoint
Mills to the unexpired term of Rodney Hollenshead.
J. C. Moore
said it was a downright disgrace the Council had failed to take care of their
business. He thought Rep. Rick Gallot was supposed to attend the meeting and
make a recommendation. Ford said Gallot told him it was up to the Town Council
to make the decision. He said the law presented by Donald Malray at the last
meeting did not pertain to the Town of Homer.
Carlette
Sanford called for a vote. Toney, Ford, and Sanford voted in favor of Mills.
Billy Kirk Jenkins opposed the motion. J. C. Moore abstained but state he did not make his decision to abstain because of
Mills. This has been
the problem with this council for the past three years. He said,
"A divided house will not stand."
Ford said the
Council did not come to a decision at the last meeting. They had no choice but
to come back and make a decision.
After the vote,
Tansay Harper objected to the Council's decision to appoint Mills. Donald
Malray asked, "Why is David Newell not here tonight?" He wasn't at
the last meeting either. Malray wanted to know how they could get a legal
opinion on the law he presented.
Mayor Huey Dean
said Newell was supposed to be here. Ford said Rep. Gallot was also supposed to
be here, but he isn't here either.
Malray asked
the Council to state again, on the record, why he was not appointed.. Ford said the law Malray read last month does not apply
to this situation, and the fact that he does not live inside the city limits.
Toney Johnson
said he contacted an attorney with the Louisiana Municipal Association. He was
told the law quoted by Malray at the last meeting does not apply to this
situation at all. He said, "That is clearly the wrong law to apply in this
case." He then referred him to the
law which gives the Council ten days to appoint a replacement. That is the law
that is always used in this situation. He said Malray could try to make a case,
but the other law is the one that has always been used.
Ford said
Newell told him the law Malray presented did not apply. Malray said Newell told him
he would be there tonight to recommend him for the position.
Lori Hamilton
brought up the residency requirements of Officer Mills, who she said is renting
a garage apartment,.but that does not meet the state
law residency requirements for a permanent domicile. Ford said, "That is
not true." He checked with District Attorney Walter May and Mills does
meet residency requirements. Hamilton said she wants it to be made aware she
thinks the town is doing something fraudulent.
After approving
Billy Kirk Jenkins' motion to adjourn, Johnson stated, "The voters will
have their say in about a year."
Hamilton then
asked, "Why are we paying a city attorney who never shows up?
Rep. Rick
Gallot, who arrived late to the meeting, said he was glad to see the local
elected officials make the decision rather than state legislators usurp their
duties. At this point, the legislative delegation will make a recommendation to
Governor Blanco that she follow the recommendation made by the Board of
Selectmen and do so as soon as possible.
Homer Vo-Tech Campus Cancels Business
Classes
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Less than two
years ago, in the summer of 2003, the Northwest Louisiana Technical College had
the largest summer enrollment in its 50 year history with 700 students
registered at Minden, Springhill, and Homer. There were four business
instructors at the Homer campus. Since January 2005, the number of instructors
has dwindled from three to one—now to none. Effective last Friday, students at
the Homer campus were told business classes were being canceled for the spring
semester. They could either request a refund or sign up for classes at the
Minden campus.
NW Tech
Director Charles Strong said enrollment in the business courses offered at the
Homer campus has continued to decline over past years. This past year, he and
Doney have discussed trying to offer some male-oriented classes. He said,
"Unfortunately the budget has suffered." Last November following the
devastation from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the State of Louisiana was faced
with unprecedented financial challenges resulting from loss of tuition, fees,
and other self-generated funds. The Board of Regents announced a $17 million
budget reduction in the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. All
new programs were stopped and a freeze was placed on hiring.
When two
business instructors at the Minden campus resigned, NW Tech was forced to move
Homer instructors to the Minden campus. Strong hopes to get classes going again
by summer at the Homer campus. In the meantime, they are enrolling students in
a Nurse Assistant (CNA) class that will begin February 20 at the Homer campus.
They will also continue the IWTP (Incumbent Worker Training Program) training
contracted through local businesses such as Ludlow and Claiborne Electric.
The Board of
Regents is in the process of closely reviewing every campus, looking at square
footage, what classes are being taught, and the number of students, in an
effort to determine what is working effectively and what is not.
Strong said.
"What we need to do is find a way to put students on the campus."
Without funding, however, it is difficult to offer new programs. NW Tech gets
no funding for high school students. Success of the school depends on enrolling
adults.
Joy Hays works
with WIA (Workforce Investment Act) students. Besides the eight students at the
Homer campus, there are 43 WIA students from Claiborne Parish presently
attending classes at the Minden campus: 7 in instrumentation, 24 in nursing, 3
in accounting, and 9 in computers. This does not include students who are
self-pay, on pell grants, TOPS Tech, or TANF funding.
Strong and Asst
Director Lisa Doney, who oversees the Claiborne Parish campuses (Homer and
David Wade Correctional Center) plan to meet with local leaders, other
interested persons and State Representative Rick Gallot on Monday, January 30 at 2 PM at
the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex to discuss possible options. All interested persons are
highly encouraged to attend.
Strong said he
takes his job very seriously and will do whatever he can to get enrollment
numbers up. He said, "If we are going to have a school, we must have
students."
Dogs A Problem
In Haynesville
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Donna and
Charles Buford addressed members of the Haynesville Town Council last week
regarding on ongoing problem with a pack of dogs that are threatening their
neighborhood. She said, "We are dog lovers, but this is getting out of
hand." They asked the Council for help. Charles said the majority of the
dogs do not have a collar.
Mayor H. U.
"Mutt" Slaid said the Town would always have either a dog or cat
problem. The Town has an ordinance which gives the town marshall or his
appointee the right to order the owner of a barking dog that is disturbing the
peace to muzzle the dog. Dogs are also
required to wear a collar and they must be vaccinated. He further stated the
Town has the right to destroy any dog with no collar, identification tag, or
proof of vaccination. Slaid said, "If you want to get in trouble, kill
somebody's dog." He did not mean the Town should not destroy the dogs,
only that dogs can be very important.
Donna said
barking had become so horrible recently, it caused her to cry. It is also
embarrassing to constantly warn visitors to watch their step in her yard, which
also creates a problem when mowing. She said, "I have always thought
Haynesville could do better to control the dogs." She said she was jealous
of Homer, because they seem to have better control of their dog situation..
These dogs are
being allowed to run wild. Charles said, "We take care of our dog. He is
not a nuisance to anyone else." He thinks the town needs a dog catcher and
some cages. If a dog has no collar and is not vaccinated, it should be picked
up. If no owner can be found, it should be destroyed.
Alvin Moss
agreed they need a dog catcher, but questioned how to fund it. Joyce Major said
this is a long-time problem, with past reports of dogs attacking people. She
added. "Everyone should be responsible for their own dog." Rene'
Lincoln-Buggs said many people walk for exercise, adding, "The town needs
a leash law."
Police Chief
Anthony Smith agreed the dog situation was really bad, but his department has trouble
contacting employees in the public works department after hours to have them
pick up the dogs. Moss said he would check into it, and suggested officers call him if they cannot locate an employee.
The Council
agreed to have the town attorney see what could legally be done before making a
decision.
Police Chief
Anthony Smith proposed increasing all fines in the Town of Haynesville.
Haynesville currently has the lowest fines in North Louisiana. He submitted a
list of suggested fines for consideration next month. .
As requested by
Smith, the Council approved hiring reserve officer Quincy Williams as the first
of three part-time officers at a starting salary of $8.50 per hour. Other costs
will be $500 per year to certify them to carry gun, but there will be no cost
for the Police Academy. They will also certify them for mace, baton, and
handcuffs. Smith said he had six regular officers now, with two scheduled to
attend the Academy. Three part-time officers will cut down on overtime.
Town Clerk
Penny Fields read the first reading of Ordinance 575 proposed by Joyce Majors
to increase the salary of town council members to $400 per month effective
February 1, 2006.
WAL-MART MANAGER YAMADA BURKS (center) presented a $3,000 check to the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce
last week. Accepting the donation was J. T. Taylor (left) and John Watson,
president and executive director of the Chamber. Burks said this is one of the
biggest checks Wal-Mart hands out. Taylor said it is the largest single
donation he can remember. Funds came
through a Wal-Mart grant available to civic groups such as the Chamber. Burks
said, "It must be used to better the community. Taylor thanked Burks and Wal-Mart. He
said, "Certainly the money will be used to benefit the community."
Watson suggested using it to promote and encourage economic development, such
as the movie industry.
Claiborne Jury Votes To
Support Louisiana Films North
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Johnnie Hill,
president of Louisiana Films North (LFN), and Michael Haynes met with members
of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury and the Claiborne Industrial Development
Board and other elected officials last week to provide additional information
on the private non-profit organization which Hill said was formed for the
purpose of receiving contributions, both public and private, to assist in
providing marketing tools to attract the film industry to this area. Initial
funds collected will be used to produce a promotional film and to set up an
office in Springhill. Members of the LFN Board include Rebecca McDaniel, Scott
Davidson, and Tip Sherman from Claiborne Parish.
Haynes, who
recently moved back to the Springhill area from California, will produce the
promotional film. Connections to the film industry through his California
office will provide information on films being planned and give LFN an
opportunity to contact them and promote this area for filming. LFN will also
compile a database of
all locations and landscapes unique to this area, as well as
extras, electricians, carpenters, and other skilled persons.
Police Juror
Weldon Kilpatrick asked, "Would Claiborne Parish and Webster Parish share
equally in the film?
Haynes said,
"Absolutely."
Following this
informational meeting, members of the Claiborne Industrial Development Board
Dennis Butcher, Kenneth Volentine, John Wesley Cooper, Benji Winn, and Melissa
Watts met and voted to contribute $10,000 to LNF with the condition that the
Claiborne Parish Police Jury also make a $10,000
contribution. Winn and Watts opposed making the contribution being contingent
upon an equal contribution from the Jury.
The Claiborne
Parish Police Jury met in special meeting Tuesday, January 24 to once again
consider making a contribution to LFN. Jurors approved a motion by Scott
Davidson to donate $10,000 contingent on receiving a legal opinion from both
their attorney and auditor, equal participation by Webster Parish entities, and
that the promotional film and marketing materials give Claiborne Parish equal
representation. Voting for the motion were Davidson, Joe Sturges, Lavelle
Penix, Weldon Kilpatrick, and Jerry Adkins. Lavelle Penix abstained. Cynthia
Steele reported the Claiborne Parish Watershed Commission also approved a
contribution of $5,000 at their January 19 meeting.
Police Run Solicitors Out Of Town
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Calls from all
over Homer began coming in to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office and Homer
Police Department around 7:30 PM last Thursday, January 19. Homer residents
were complaining about being harassed by young men and women seeking donations
or asking citizens to
purchase one or more magazine subscriptions listed in a small
brochure. Some of the individuals, ranging in age from 17 to 27, claimed to be
college students trying to raise money for tuition.
Within two
hours, eleven were picked up from several residential locations in Homer. After
being questioned, they were released around 1 AM and told to leave town.
Captain Donald Malray said some admitted having been run out of Minden and
Springhill earlier the same day. All were traveling in one vehicle, a red
Expedition.
Some gave
addresses in California, while others listed the east coast as their home,
specifically Virginia, Massachusetts, Georgia, and Florida.
Questioned and
released were Heather Marie Forthon, 19, of LaMesa California; Derek Paul Keys,
23, of Beaumont, CA; Paige Renee Rebarcha, 18, of Atlantic, IO; Eric David
Roberts, 21, of Springs, TX; Marcus Jamaal McDaniel, 22, of Marietta, GA; Aaron
Leslie Miles, 27, of Naples, FL; Teresa Amy Wyndowski, 21, of West Brookfield,
MA; Bradley Joseph Graham, 20, of Dale City, VA, April Elaine Braley, 20, of
Marinette, WI; Kayla Matthews, 17, of Texas City, TX, and Dasiy Berlew, 20, of
Minden.
Malray said his
office was unable to confirm whether Atlantic Circulation, Inc. in Cambridge,
MD was a legitimate magazine company. He suggested anyone who purchased
magazines or other subscriptions to call the number listed on their receipt or
call their local bank.
Homer Bypass Essential To Economic Growth
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Claiborne
Chamber of Commerce President J. T. Taylor attended the Joint Legislative
Committee on Transportation held January 4 in Bossier City. Others
attending included Rep. Rick Gallot and a representative from Sen. Robert
Adley's office.
Taylor took the
opportunity to put forth the need once again for the Homer Bypass, or DOTD
Project # 085-07-0014. He said, "The need for this highway project was
first recognized over 20 years ago. Along this span of time, many delays,
schedule changes and postponements have occurred, while the project cost has
steadily risen." He said the
estimated cost of the project in 2001 was around $8.2 million. Last year this
figure grew to $15 million, and could go as high as $18 million in 2006.
CLAIBORNE PARISH SCIENCE FAIR entries for 2005 were displayed for view by students, teachers, and
parents at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn in Haynesville last week. Students
were judged in three divisions: elementary, junior high and high school. All
winners received a ribbon. Savings bonds donated by area merchants were also
presented to students with First and Second Place honors by Barbara
Monzingo.
White Lightning Series #15:
Parish Returns To
Normal As Feuds Become Legend
NOTE: This is the final installment in our series reprinting
prior published information on the White Lightning Feuds.
* * * * *
(continued from last week)
A Splendid Home for Sale
I am offering
residence one mile west of Homer for sale with 160 acres of land or more in
quantities to suit purchaser. The place is well-improved with a large and
commodious dwelling, best of water, good outhouses, orchards, good farming
lands, and fine pastures.
This is the
most desirable home in the parish, affording all the advantages of country life
convenient to schools, churches, markets, etc.
I have other
lands for sale adjoining this tract divided up into small farms.
Also other property for sale in the town of Homer, consisting of
one residence and vacant lots near the depot, 6 or 8 acres of land with a
choice residential lot adjoining Mrs. Palmer's residence, and several business
lots on the square.
Any or all of
the above property can be bought at a bargain.
Address me at
Homer or Keithville, La.
A. K. Clingman
* * * * *
NOTE: The final chapters in the White Lightning Series in
their entirety will be available only in the book being published by The
Guardian-Journal.
