Police Investigate Armed
Robbery At Dixie
Mart
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Homer Police began an investigation
Monday, May 15 into the armed robbery of more than $3,000 from Dixie Mart #3.
The call came in around 6:25 AM Monday morning. Upon arrival
at the convenience store located on Hwy. 79 beside Sonic Drive-In, officers
found store clerk Anetha Fields shaken. She stated she had been robbed by a
medium build black male wearing black pants and a white shirt. She was unable
to give a good description of the subject because the suspect’s face was
partially covered with a black ski mask. She did notice he had some facial hair
on his lower lip.
The
David Wade Correctional Center Chase Team was called in. They arrived at the
store just before 7 AM. Dogs were able to obtain a scent but were only able to
follow it for about half a block.
Fields was slightly injured during the robbery and was
treated at the scene by Claiborne Ambulance personnel. Anyone with information
on this crime is asked to call the Homer Police Department at 927-4000.
Homer Police are investigating
another theft that occurred at the Armory Park sometime late Monday evening.
Officer Ken Woods was patrolling the Lyons Hill area when he noticed the
concession stand had been broken into. He contacted Glen Kyle with the
Claiborne Parish Dixie Youth Baseball League. Kyle said most of the food items
in the concession stand, valued around $260, had been stolen. Kyle said about
one week earlier, someone tore the screen off the front window of the
concession stand and stole some meters off the light poles.
On Tuesday, Homer Police Chief
Russell Mills arrested Carlos Kelly, 17, of Homer. He was found to have several
items stolen from the concession stand in his possession. He admitted his
involvement and cooperated with law enforcement officials. Kelly was arrested
and charged with possession of stolen items valued less than $300. Three
juveniles have been implicated in the theft. Mills said more arrests are
forthcoming..
Chief Mills said his officers
continue to have problems with juveniles. On Saturday, May 6, between 8:30-9:00 PM while patrolling the area near
the intersection of East 4th and North 4th, Officer Ken Woods and Reserve
Officer John Bailey stopped four young boys, age 14-16, who were walking in the
area. The confiscated a boxcutter from one of the juveniles, then found a
Captain double fire lighter that had the appearance of a real handgun lying on
the ground where the young men had been standing.
On Tuesday afternoon, May 16,
officers were dispatched to the apartments on Armory Drive between 12:30-1:00
PM.
When they arrived at the scene they observed 25-30 people watching three young
women involved in a fight. Officers dispersed the crowd, then arrested Treshala
Curry, 19; Lena West, 17, and Brittney Livingston, 19, all of Homer. They were
charged with disturbing the peace by fighting.
Officers received several calls
Tuesday night concerning a group of juveniles throwing rocks at vehicles and
placing bricks in the roadway at North 4th and East 4th to block the road.
Juveniles were also were reportedly blocking the entrance to Claiborne Place
Apartments. The driver of one 18-wheeler reported being hit by rocks and
another lady reported the window in her vehicle had been broken by rocks thrown
in the same area.
Homer Chief Russell Mills said he has not seen
any evidence of gangs, but gang-related violence is on the increase. With
summer months ahead and children out of school, he is asking parents to help
his office protect their child before they get into trouble. The goal of the
Homer Police Department is to protect the children and provide for their safety.. Any parent who notices an unusual action or change in
their child’s normal behavior should seek help. He said, “Don’t hesitate to
call. Our office will be more than happy to work on a 1-on-1 basis to keep your
child from becoming involved in any criminal activity.”
Anyone interested in holding a
meeting in their district or neighborhood to discuss this or any other police
issue can call Mills at 927-4000 to set up a meeting.
HOMER POLICE OFFICERS Thomas Davis
and Mario Thomas and Chief Russell Mills work an accident just after 6 PM on Tuesday,
May 16 in front of Good
Home
Center
and Wal-Mart in Homer that sent one person to the hospital with minor injuries.
A 1992 Dodge pickup
driven by John Wardwell was traveling north on Hwy. 79 when a 1990 Geo Prism
driven by Danielle Chew crossed the center lane and collided with the truck.
Chew, 29, of Homer had purchased helium balloons at Wal-Mart and they were
obstructing her view, which
caused the accident. She was cited for careless operation and
expired driver’s license. She was transported to Homer Memorial Hospital
by Claiborne Ambulance with moderate injuries to her face.
Arkansas
Man Arrested For Theft
Traffic Stops Lead To Drug Arrests
Claiborne
Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey released information on several arrests, one for
theft and two for drugs during traffic stops while on patrol. Johnny Earl
Young, 52, of Genoa, Arkansas was arrested Thursday, May 11 following an investigation
by Detective Randy Smith. Young was charged with theft and unauthorized entry
of an inhabited dwelling after he entered the home of an elderly woman without her
permission. He then intimidated the woman into paying for services he did not
render. At the time warrants were signed, Young was housed at the Bayou Dorcheat Detention Center in Webster Parish on similar
charges. He was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center (CPDC) and
served warrants for his arrest. Bond was set at $20,000.
In an unrelated incident,
Deputy Randy Pugh observed Rickey Craighead, 20, of Summerfield traveling down
the highway on Friday, May 12. Realizing there was an active warrant for Mr.
Craighead on failure to appear in court. Pugh stopped him on La. 9. Upon
checking the vehicle, Pugh discovered drug paraphernalia and what appeared to
be methamphetamine in the truck console. Craighead was charged with no
registration in vehicle, driving under suspension, switched license plates, no
insurance, possession of drug paraphernalia and
possession of methamphetamines. After being advised of his Miranda rights, he
was transported and booked into the Detention Center.
CPSO Detective Randy Smith and
Deputy Brian Pepper made a routine traffic stop on Sunday, May 14 on Hwy. 79 at
the intersection of Academy Road. Driver of the vehicle was
charged with improper lane usage. A passenger in the car, Terrance Maynard
Rhodes, 26, of Minden was observed throwing a clear
plastic bag containing a green vegetable material out the window. He was
advised of his Miranda rights, transported to the Detention Center and booked on possession of
marijuana. His bond was set at $500.
HOMER POSTMASTER Gregory Young said the
portable building behind him, located behind the Homer Post Office, will serve
as post office during renovations over the next 2-3 months.
Post
Office Undergoes Renovations
Local citizens may have noticed a
rather large portable building placed at the back of the Homer Post
Office last weekend next to the loading dock. The reason—the United States
Postal Service is relocating to the rear of its 71-year-old facility while
long-awaited renovations are performed. A portion of the work has already begun, however, the entire project is anticipated to take
60-90 days. The most noticeable change will include features that will make
this historic landmark handicap accessible.
Some inconveniences should be expected by the good
customers of the Homer Post Office, however, management and contractors have taken
steps to minimize hardships. Regular retail products and services, and delivery
of boxholder mail will be provided to the addressees at the new location behind
the post office. Residential mail delivery will not be affected.
Police Jury Change Speed
Limit, Not Meeting Date
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
The Claiborne Parish Police Jury
voted at their regular meeting on Thursday, May 11 to begin the procedure
necessary to amend the present ordinance to set the speed limit on all
non-posted parish roads to 35 mile per hour. They will advertise and vote on
the change at the next meeting.
Following the work session,
Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court Patrick Gladney issued the oath of office to
Byron “Bud” Ruple who was appointed by the Jury to fill the unexpired term of
Weldon Kilpatrick who resigned last month for health reasons.
After repeated requests by The
Guardian-Journal to change the regular meeting date for the Police Jury back to Thursday due to the inconvenience it
has placed on the newspaper staff to attend Wednesday meetings, the Police Jury
failed to approve a change. Juror Willie Young Sr. immediately made a motion not
to change the meeting, stating he had already set his schedule for the year and
would not be able to attend meetings if they were changed back to Thursday.
Young’s motion failed when President
Roy Mardis refused to break the 4-4 tie. Mardis said he felt the meeting should
be changed to Thursday. When a second
motion by Mark Furlow to change the meeting to 6 PM on Thursday also failed,
jurors voted to table the issue.
THESE TEACHERS, AIDES, and support staff personnel
were honored last Thursday by the Claiborne Parish School Board on their
retirement with a presentation of certificates
School Board Honors
Retiring Employees
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
The Claiborne Parish School
Board at their regular meeting on February 11 approved purchasing two pieces of
property, recognized retiring employees, and voted to eliminate certain
programs in an effort to further reduce the 2006-2007 budget.
Retiring employees who were
recognized by the Board were teachers
Betty F. Andrews ( 32 years-Homer Jr.), Lana Beams (20 years total, 3 in
Claiborne-Haynesville Jr.-Sr.), Helen L. Houston (34 years-Athens), Linda S.
Jacob (34 years, 30 in Claiborne-Athens), Betty Jean Johnson (33 years, 30 in
Claiborne-Homer Elementary), Sue Oliver (26 years-Homer Elementary), Paul Smith
(30 years-Athens), and Dianne Springer (25 years-Homer High); aide Gwen Eades (
13 years-Homer Elementary); bus driver Leroy Hamilton Sr. (33 years-Pineview);
cafeteria employee Dorsey Meadors (22 years-Summerfield); and Wilbert Williams
(26 years-maintenance at Central Office).
As recommended by
Superintendent James Scriber to meet the 15-1 teacher-pupil ratio approved at
the last meeting, the Board voted to eliminate the following programs: choral
music and one preschool program at Haynesville Elementary, the vocational
industrial program at Haynesville High, one special education class at Homer
Elementary and one at Homer Junior High.
Board members voted to purchase
the Shannon Penix property, the last remaining house on Bonner Street, for the price of $61,000. The
rock house is located between the new Homer Junior High School building and the home of Elmer
Poss on North
Main.
Scriber said the additional property is needed to allow room for the Homer
Junior High library/gym and more parking, which is the next phase of the
project.
The Board authorized allowing
Superintendent James Scriber to advertise for bids for the library and gym
pending the final reception of construction plans expected to be ready for
approval on Wednesday, May 17.
DICK’S
HAT BAND performed during Claiborne Charity Classic’s
annual fundraiser held last weekend.
Dick Dorrell and Patrick Gladney (left and center) have been performing
together since 1989. Three years ago, Johnny Zeitz, or Johnny Z as he is
called, (right) joined the band. The group plays year round at a variety of
charitable and community events, such as the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, held April 21 at Homer High’s gymnasium, where
Dick also served as master of ceremonies.
Dick’s Hat Band Entertains
Us
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Dick
Dorrell and Patrick Gladney have been entertaining local folks for more than
sixteen years. Some might say there is
nothing more entertaining that being entertained by Dick’s Hatband. Where the
band got its name is still somewhat of a mystery, although there may be a clue
in the phrase used on one of the band’s fliers, “Nothing’s tighter than...Dick’s
Hat Band.” It seems the duo were once known as the
Progressive Farmers. Their motto then was—”Careful lest we peak too soon”.
Dick a native Iowegan, transplanted to the Piney Hills for the love of
Deanie, a good Webster Parish woman. In his spare time, Dick owns and operates
Homer Loans.
Patrick, on the other hand, was
born and raised in Homer. He did a five year tour in Memphis until a
winsome lass from Little Rock roped him and brought him back
home for good. He now serves as Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court. His wife,
Christy, is also very musically talented. Both sing in the choir at First
Presbyterian Church, along with their daughter, Camille.
Three years ago, Johnny Zeitz
(or “Johnny Z” as he is called by Dick and Pat) joined the group. Zeitz, who is
owner of the Homer Flower Shop, played professionally in Houston and Austin, Texas for seven years including the
infamous Mickey Gilley’s. He even played with Tiny Tim, known for his 1960s hit
“Tiptoe Through The Tulips”.
The group has even considered
changing their name again—this time to “Sons of Margaret”. Yes, it is true, they all have mothers named Margaret.
Dick’s Hat Band has played at Holiday in Dixie, Cactus Jacks, Valhalla
Motorcycle Campground, Bonnie & Clyde, the American Cancer Society’s Relay
for Life, Claiborne Jubilee, Christmas Festival, and the Purple Parrot in Arcadia. They have play for political
events and private birthday parties.
Combining your favorites from
Blues to Bluegrass, from Rock ‘n Roll to Soul,
Folk to Country, there “all kinda’ music” for everyone. Want more information
on how to book the Dick’s Hat Band for your next crawfish boil, fish fry, or
birthday party, call Dick at 927-0039.
Homer Lions Learn How To
Keep Medical Costs Down
BY
JIMMY DEAN, Feature
Writer, The Guardian-Journal
Since medical costs are rising
faster than temperatures on a July day in Claiborne Parish, most anyone wants
to know how to hold down those costs. So members of the Homer Lions Club were
interested in what Donna Norman had to say last Thursday May 11. A registered
nurse and Marketing Manager for Ark-La-Miss Case Management of West Monroe, Norman spoke at the Lions’ noon meeting.
She explained what Ark-La-Miss
Case Management does to control medical costs. Dealing mostly with workers compensation
claims, they contain costs in several ways. For example, they negotiate with
medical providers for MRIs, second opinions, physical therapy, and other
services. They also review hospital bills for errors. Norman said, “For example, if a male
patient being treated for a prostate problem is charged for a chest tube that
is probably a billing error. Such errors can be very costly.” Their program
also includes vocational rehabilitation services to help patients get back to
work.
Their service also allows
claims adjusters use of “Case DirectorTM,” an Internet-based computer program.
“Case Director” permits instant access to each claim with related invoices,
case notes, treatment records, and other tools to help monitor costs.
Norman said their company has
experienced rapid growth since its inception only two years ago. The reason? “Our awesome service,”
according to Norman. Initially serving Northeast Louisiana, they now serve all of the
state and have expanded into south Arkansas and east Mississippi. Assisting primarily insurance
companies, third-party administrators, and self-insured employers, they have
“virtually eliminated medical bill litigation between the medical provider and
the client company,” according to Norman.
Assisted by Tommye Jane English,
Norman concluded by answering
questions from the audience.
MICHAEL J. OLIVIER, Secretary for
Louisiana Economic Development met in Shreveport
with representatives from four North Louisiana
parishes (l.-r.) Rodney Warren, Tommy Martin, Doug Efferson John David Watson,
Jason Ebey, J. T. Taylor, Lynn Warnock, (Olivier), Richard Noles, Philip Fincher, and Chip Rogers.
Secretary Meets With
North
Louisiana Representatives
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Michael
J. Olivier,. Louisiana Economic Development (LED)
Secretary was in Shreveport on Thursday, April 20. At the
request of Claiborne Chamber President J.T. Taylor, Congressman Jim McCrery’s
District Representative Richard Wright was able to set up a private meeting
with Secretary Olivier with representatives from Claiborne Parish and three other parishes
(Webster, Bienville, and Red River). Taylor said a variety of subjects
were discussed including the Homer Bypass, promotion of the film industry in
Claiborne and Webster parishes, and development of lakes.
Taylor first explained the history
and need for the Homer Bypass to Secretary Olivier. Doug Efferson,
administrator of Homer Memorial Hospital, gave a brief overview of
plans to construct a new hospital in conjunction with the Bypass project,
noting the economic development both could provide to the area.
Secretary
Olivier listened to each concern and cordially responded with encouragement and
advice. Chip Rogers offered his help and told the
group he would be willing to offer guidance and direction.
Those
attending were J.T. Taylor and John Watson (Claiborne Chamber of Commerce), Dr.
Phillip “Butch” Fincher, (Chairman, Claiborne Watershed Commission), Richard
Noles (Claiborne Electric Board Member), Doug Efferson (Homer Memorial Hospital
Administrator), Lynn Warnock (Louisiana Films North), Tom Martin (President,
Arcadia/ Bienville Chamber of Commerce), Jason Ebey (President, Coushatta-Red
River Chamber of Commerce), Robert Fudickar (LED Director, Technology
Industry), Chip Rogers (LED Northwest Regional Director), and Secretary
Olivier.
