District Attorney Updates Marilyn Bush Case

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

District Attorney Walter May was applauded by citizens who attended the regular meeting of the Haynesville Town Council last Thursday after he gave an update on the case against former town clerk Marilyn Bush. Bush pleaded guilty in April 2002 and was sentenced to ten years in prison for felony theft. May said, “I’m proud of what I have done in fighting this case, to be very honest with you....I hope you all are satisfied.”

May said within 30 days of that sentence, Bush’s attorney filed a motion to reconsider sentence. After served only 21 months of her sentence, a hearing was set on January 20, 2004. On February 19, 2004, the court rendered a judgment on the motion to reconsider sentence, ordering Bush to be released from jail provided she pay $100,000 in restitution to the Town of Haynesville and on the condition the District Attorney would not appeal the decision.

At that time, Bush had more than 8 years left in her sentence and would have had to serve 40 months before being eligible for parole. May thought amending the sentence was inappropriate, so he appealed to the Second Circuit Court. He also indicated he did not agree with the judge's decision to release Bush from the sentence of incarceration upon her payment, in the criminal case, of well less than one-fourth the amount the Legislative Auditor reported she had stolen

On July 8, 2004, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in Shreveport overturned the lower court decision, stating that no hearing should have ever taken place and that the decision “flies in the face of logic....and attempts to eviscerate the power of the district attorney.” Bush’s attorney then filed a writ to the Louisiana Supreme Court in New Orleans, which was denied on January 7, 2005, thus reinstating the former clerk’s original jail sentence.

Bush then filed a motion to correct illegal sentence and was again allowed to remain free on bond. A hearing was held April 26, 2005. At that time, Judge Jenifer Clason vacated the defendant’s guilty plea and returned the case to square one, then issued a gag order prohibiting the DA from discussing the case. The Second Circuit Court overruled the court’s decision. Bush appealed. On April 24, 2006, the Louisiana Supreme Court denied the defendant’s writ application and on April 28, May drafted a document for Bush to be arrested. She was arrested the same day and is presently being held in the Claiborne Parish jail. An attempt by May last month to seize the $100,000 bond that had been posted was unsuccessful, since it is prohibited by law.

May said Bush’s conviction is now final, which should help in the civil case. She will be eligible for parole in 19 months. She could, however, seek “post conviction relief” in District Court, but would have to prove there was a violation of her constitutional rights in order to prevail.

Sue Hutchinson, owner of the Haynesville Thrift Store, asked why she was not being allowed to open since she had done everything she had been asked. Following the initial inspection, the fire marshal said he saw no problem with the building. He later changed his mind, instructing them to upgrade bathrooms among other things. Her husband, Jackie, explained that the thrift store was being opened as a ministry, to help people.

Police Chief Anthony Smith said he would not allow the business to open until it met approval of the fire marshal. He said it was not him, the mayor or the council. Sue asked, “Why did the rules all of a sudden change?” She stated that Smith had made the comment, he would shut it down.  Jackie said he called several towns and none had problems like this.

Jackie said Smith told them if they try to go in and get there stuff out, they would be arrested. Sue said they would go in the building and get their stuff. She said, “I paid for that building. I can go in the building. You can arrest me, but they can turn around and release me and I can file charges on you.”

Smith said, “That’s fine, but when you go in, you will be arrested until the fire marshal approves it.“

Councilman Alvin Kendrick owns the building, He asked how Baton Rouge found out about this problem. He went to the fire marshal’s house and tried to call Chief Smith several times to find out what was needed at the building. No one would return his call.  He said, “You have treated this lady wrong, and that’s not right.”

Councilwoman Joyce Major suggested the Council get with the fire marshal to see if we can’t work things out.

Next on the agenda, Rachel Robinson requested the Council go into executive session regarding a complaint against Haynesville Police Officer John Barnette. The Council voted to go into executive session. After reconvening in open session, Joyce Major made a motion to set up a committee to address complaints against the Police Department. The  Council unanimously approved appointing a committee with one representative and one alternate from each district. 

Majors informed the Council she had a skate board ramp removed from city property since no one had permission from the Town to place it there and the liability to the town. Lori Tushner said her son and several other boys had no place to skate, but were given permission by the Haynesville Police to put a ramp at the park. The shop teacher at Haynesville High helped construct the ramp. They did not know they had to have permission from the Council. She asked why they were not notified before the ramp was destroyed and asked the Council to consider placing another ramp at the park, and to reimburse them for the cost of materials.

Mayor Mutt Slaid said he was looking into the situation, possibly some other property, and checking on the liability, to see what could be done.

A REWARD IS BEING OFFERED for the identity and whereabouts of the owner of this yellow bicycle, a 26” 10-speed Schwinn Le Tour, left at the corner of East 4th and Taylor Street following a report of gun shots being fired in the area around 2:30 PM on Monday, June 19. Three spent 9mm shell casings were found under the bicycle.

Juvenile Problems Continue

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

Two young men were arrested Saturday, June 17 following another disturbance in the area of East 4th and North 4th Street, commonly known as the Buck Bottom area. Homer Police officers received a call around 11:40 PM regarding a fight in the area. Officers Thomas Davis, Ken Wood, Mario Thomas, and reserve officer John Bailey arrived on the scene to find a large crowd of juveniles and young adults, between 50 and 80 individuals including bystanders. Several ran when officers approached. Two were apprehended. Ruben Donell, 21, and Derron R. Donell, 18, both of Homer were arrested and charged with disturbing the peace and resisting an officer.

Less than one hour later, at approximately 12:30 AM, Homer officers were dispatched to the same area again. The crowd had gotten out of control; some were fighting. Deputies from the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office Matt Harris, Brian Pepper, and Roger Ellerbe arrived to backup the four Homer officers. For several minutes, officers were verbally attacked and threatened by several in the crowd.

Deputies then observed one male walking down the road. A gun fell from his pants onto the street. He picked the gun up, at which time, he was ordered several times by officers to drop the gun. After dropping the gun, he was told to get on the ground. When officers approached the subject to handcuff him, he resisted. Brian Fisher, 22, of Arcadia was then arrested by Deputy Brian Pepper and charged him with illegal carrying of weapons and two counts resisting an officer. He was also charged with simple criminal damage to property for damage to one of the Sheriff’s vehicles when he kicked the window frame on rear seat of the driver’s side of the vehicle.

The crowd disturbance escalated. Chief Russell Mills arrived on the scene and assisted officers in dispersing the crowd.

Fisher was transported to the Homer Memorial Hospital for evaluation due to his behavior. He was released approximately 15 minutes later and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center where he was booked.

Chief Mills said they were continuing the investigation. Several arrests are pending in conjunction with the Saturday night disturbance. One 14-year-old juvenile was also arrested and charged with disturbing the peace.

On Monday, June 19 at approximately 2:30 PM, Homer Police officers responded to a call of shots being fired on area of East 4th Street. After arriving on the scene, Chief Mills and Officer Norah Banks observed two juvenile males who took off running when they saw the police unit. One youth left an older model bicycle at the corner of East 4th and Taylor Street. Under the bicycle, officers discovered three spent 9mm casings. A reward is being offered for information on the identity and whereabouts of the owner of the yellow 26” 10-speed Schwinn Le Tour bicycle left at the scene. Anyone with information on this or any other crime is urged to call the Homer Police Department at 927-4000.

HOMER POLICE CHIEF RUSSELL MILLS and Officer Ken Wood arrest Pak-A-Bag employee Linda J. Bennett Tuesday afternoon. Bennett, 53, of Homer was charged with theft under $300 following a 3-week investigation by Chief Mills, with assistance by store owner Jerry Andrews. Review of surveillance videos between June 1-17 by Mills and Andrews provided the evidence needed to make the arrest.

Athens Woman Arraigned For Theft Over $400,000

An Athens woman was arraigned in Third Judicial Court in Lincoln Parish last week on five counts of felony theft. She has been charged with embezzling approximately $486,000 over a nine year period from her former employer, Rebel Transport of Dubach, where she worked as secretary/bookkeeper. Cynthia Watkins, 39, entered a plea of not guilty on all charges.

When the alleged theft was discovered in July 2005, Watkins was terminated. Rebel Transport filed a civil suit against Watkins and her husband, Warren Keith Watkins, who was reportedly aware of the theft. According to the suit, the couple agreed to make restitution but have only repaid $50,000. Property owned by Watkins in Claiborne Parish has since been seized through a writ of attachment.

Cynthia Watkins was arrested May 10 by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office on a warrant charging theft over $500. She was released on a $10,000 property bond. She is scheduled to appear in court for a pre-trial conference on July 11.

Sheriff Deputy Makes Arrest

While on routine patrol, Claiborne Parish Deputy Randy Pugh, assisted by Deputy Brian Pepper arrested Luther James Drake, 33, of Homer. Drake was stopped on the Old Athens Road for a license plate violation. After questioning the driver and passengers in the vehicle, deputies discovered that Drake was in possession of paraphernalia. He also had an outstanding warrant for failure to pay child support, a writ of  attachment order for failure to appear in court on February 6, 2001, and another warrant for probation violations. In addition, Drake was charged with resisting an officer.

Drake was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. Bond was set at $500.00 for resisting an officer and $1,000.00 for possession of drug paraphernalia. A pay-off amount of $971.50 was set on failure to appear writ and $4,000.00 on failure to pay  child support. The probation violation warrant bond will be set at the hearing.

Annual Fireworks,

Boat Parade Set For July 4^th

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

The 2006 Claiborne Parish Fourth of July Fireworks and Patriotic Boat Parade will be held on beautiful Lake Claiborne Tuesday, July 4th. The Patriotic Boat Parade will begin at Pleasure Point at 7:30 PM led by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office. The Fireworks Display will begin around dark from the Lake Claiborne dam, about 9 PM.

Boats will gather around 7 PM on the water near Pleasure Point. The parade route will include Pleasure Point Marina, Port-Au-Prince, Parden's Paradise, the Coleman Creek Subdivision, Public Boat Launch off Hwy. 146 (White Lightning Road), Lake Claiborne State Park, and Sport Point. No jet skis will be allowed. The first 50 boats will receive a free Claiborne Parish Boat Parade cap for the captain of the boat— limit one per boat.

Parade participants are asked to decorate boats in patriotic themes with red, white, and blue. They are asked to follow in a single line along the shoreline so all spectators will have a great view. No jet skis will be allowed in the parade. In recent years, some parade participants have begun throwing beads, similar to the Mardi Gras beads. Organizer Dick Dorrell suggests others may want to do the same. He said, “It could me like our own Mardi Gras parade on Lake Claiborne.”

Boat owners are cautioned to prepare their boats for the event by checking to see that the running lights operate properly and that sufficient life jackets are aboard. Once it gets dark, boats must have their white running lights on even when the boat is not running and while they are watching the fireworks display. The parade route will end in front of the Lake Claiborne dam giving boats a fantastic view of the fireworks display!

When fireworks are over, boaters are asked to take their time leaving and watch out for other boats. Lake Claiborne will be shut down as the parade is in progress. The Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will be patrolling the lake to make sure all boating safety laws are observed. Remember to keep it safe and follow all boating and lake rules and regulations.

Please keep 2-3 boat lengths between boats. Remember there are no brakes. Also, please keep a safe distance from shore, but close enough for viewers to see, and do not break in line.

Thanks to the efforts of Fred Lewis, the Fourth of July Fireworks Committee, the Claiborne Parish Watershed Commission, and the Claiborne Parish Police Jury, additional parking for spectators has been added at the Lake Claiborne dam site.

The Fireworks Display will start at "dark", around 9:00 PM. Neither boats nor individuals will be allowed within 420 feet of the firing area, because of the rules governing the safe distance from the shooting site, however, there will be an area on the end of the dam nearest the spillway where people be allowed to watch the show. Other areas around the shores of the lake will also have a good view. The best view will be from the boats and barges, where hundreds of people watch each year.

Donations are still needed to help fund this worthwhile event. Any amount will certainly be welcome. Please mail your tax-deductible donation to Claiborne Fireworks, Inc., 180 Post Oak Road, Homer, LA 71040. For information about Fireworks, call Fred Lewis at 927-9180. Boat Show questions should be directed to Dick Dorrell at 927-0039.

Empty Shelves And Stacks of Boxes Marked “Wal-Mart - Return For Reuse” are a clear indication that the Wal-Mart store in Homer will close in nine days, on July 1, 2006, in spite of the efforts by local leaders and pleas from the community for Wal-Mart to reconsider their decision.  Several leaders met Tuesday with Maggie Sans, public affairs director for Wal-Mart, in a last ditch effort to effect the inevitable outcome.

Homer Makes Last Ditch Effort

To Keep Wal-Mart

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

In a last ditch effort to convince Wal-Mart to reverse their decision to close the Homer store, local leaders met Tuesday with Maggie Sans, Director of Public Affairs for Wal-Mart Store, Inc. Sans was in Homer to listen to the concerns of the local community regarding the loss of tax revenue, jobs, as well as the ripple effect it could have down the road on the entire parish.

Several members of the committee appointed by the Homer Town Council (Claiborne Chamber of Commerce President J. T. Taylor, Homer Industrial Foundation President Bob Robinson, David Aubrey, and Maggie Dowies representing Loy Weaver), Claiborne Parish Police Jury President Roy Mardis,  Claiborne Industrial Board President Dennis Butcher,  Claiborne School Superintendent James Scriber, Jury Secretary Cynthia Steele, and Chamber Director John Watson spent more than an hour with Sans, sharing information and asking questions about the decision to close.

Sans said the decision to close the Homer store was not easy, but  the store had been struggling internally for more than 10 years. She wanted suggestions on how Wal-Mart could ease the transition.

Scriber said he could not understand how Wal-Mart, with all their knowledge and expertise, was unable to operate the Homer store successfully. He asked, “Was it poor management?” He also wanted Sans to find out what Wal-Mart did to correct the problems.

She said she was aware of only two other towns where stores closed—one was in Dumas, Arkansas and another in Livingston, Mississippi. Taylor said the mayor of Dumas told him they were given 30-day notice last December.

Mardis suggested Wal-Mart improve their image by remodeling the store and reopening, which he said would normally boost sales. He asked if it would help to take busloads of children to Bentonville.

Aubrey said you cannot sustain a relationship if you are not privy to knowledge. He asked for a private meeting between now and July 1 without the media to meet with those who made the decision to close the store.

Mardis wanted to know if Wal-Mart had taken advantage of all the tax incentives available in Claiborne Parish.

Bob Robinson asked if there was ever a plan to build a Super Center on the Homer Bypass, and if that would still be an option if a location could be secured. He also asked if Wal-Mart might agree to stay at least one more year to see if the community could effect a change.

Several suggestions were made regarding shrinkage (theft) and sales. If local officials had been warned of the situation, residents could have been encouraged to stop making out-of-town purchases at Wal-Mart. Sans was also asked why Wal-Mart did not prosecute associates caught stealing, but did pursue prosecution for shoplifters.

Mardis asked if Wal-Mart will not consider reopening the store, would they at least agree to some type of grant to help offset the loss in taxes for public bodies through next year.

Sans agreed to take concerns and questions back to headquarters and try to get some answers. She also asked for suggestions on where to spend the $30,000 in charitable contributions Wal-Mart was committed to pay through 2007.

Citizens Urged To Call 1-800-Wal-Mart

Claiborne Parish residents and friends are being urged by local officials to call 1-800-WAL-MART and let them know how you feel about the announcement they will close the “only” Wal-Mart store in Claiborne Parish on July 1, 2006. Local officials and civic leaders are working to set up a meeting with Wal-Mart officials to see what, if anything, can be done to keep the Homer store open. Citizens are being asked to fill out Pledge Forms available by clicking here or at the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce and the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex, pledging to shop with local merchants whenever possible and to boycott Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club if the store closes, and to encourage family and friends to do the same. Citizens can also submit comments on-line by going to http://walmartstores.com or by calling 1-800-WAL-MART (1-800-925-6278). Comments can be mailed to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Bentonville, Arkansas 72716-8611. The Guardian-Journal wants you to share your comments with us as well. Send comments to The Guardian-Journal, P.O. Box 119, Homer, LA 71040 or email them to guardianjournal@bellsouth.net. Place “Wal-Mart” in the subject line. DON’T DELAY!! MAKE YOUR CALL TODAY!!

LOCAL LEADERS MET WITH WAL-MART Public Affairs Director Maggie Sans, who was in Homer Tuesday to listen to concerns of the local community regarding closure of the Homer store. A number of options were discussed. Sans will take information gathered and concerns expressed to corporate headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, and will try to get answers within the next few days.

OEP Director Warns Summer Heat

Can Cause Death

Dennis Butcher, director of the Claiborne Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, offers tips to local citizens on potential health-related illnesses and deaths associated with summer heat. Butcher said, “The death of the 22-year-old man from Bossier last week prompted me to issue this warning.” Although a young man in good health, an autopsy confirmed it was heat that led to the death of Shawn Doran on January 12. Doran was found dead in the bathtub after spending several hours working in very hot weather.

Heat kills by pushing the body beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to extreme heat. Conditions that can induce heat-related illnesses include stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality.

According to the National Weather Service, about 175 Americans succumb to the demands of summer heat in a normal year. Only the cold of winter takes a greater toll, not natural hazards such as lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or earthquakes.

Human bodies dissipate heat by varying the rate and depth of blood circulation, by losing water through the skin and sweat glands, and, as the last extremity is reached, by panting, when blood is heated above 98.6 degrees. The heart begins to pump more blood, blood vessels dilate to accommodate the increased flow, and the bundles of tiny capillaries threading through the upper layers of skin are put into operation. The body’s blood is circulated closer to the skin’s surface, and excess heat drains off into the cooler atmosphere. At the same time, water diffuses through the skin as perspiration. The skin handles about 90 percent of the body’s heat dissipating function.

Sweating, by itself, does nothing to cool the body, unless the water is removed by evaporation, and high relative humidity retards evaporation. The evaporation process itself works this way: the heat energy required to evaporate the sweat is extracted from the body, thereby cooling it. Under conditions of high temperature (above 90 degrees) and high relative humidity, the body is doing everything it can to maintain 98.6 degrees inside. The heart is pumping a torrent of blood through dilated circulatory vessels; the sweat glands are pouring liquid-including essential dissolved chemicals, like sodium and chloride onto the surface of the skin.

Below are several tips to prepare for extreme heat:

• Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.

• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.

• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.

• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.

• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)

• Keep storm windows up all year.

The following are guidelines for what you should do if the weather is extremely hot:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.

• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.

• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

• Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.

• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.

• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.

•Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.

Know the following Heat Disorder Symptoms:

Sunburn: Redness and pain. In severe cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches. First Aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.

Heat Cramps: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.

Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. First Aid: Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

Heat Stroke (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106° F. or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First Aid: Heat Stroke is a severe medical emergency. Summon emergency medical assistance or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal.  Move the victim to a cooler environment Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.

Homer Swimming Pools Are Open

The Homer Natatorium and Mayfield Pool are now open Monday-Friday from 1-6 PM and on Saturday from 12-5 PM. Admission is $1.50. Pool Manager Maz Bursey said swimming lessons will be held  June 26-July 6, Monday-Friday from 5-7 PM for ages 5 and up. Cost is $15 per child. For more information, call Bursey at 927-4859 (Mayfield Pool) or 927-2484 (Homer Natatorium).

Reading Program To Have

Special Guest Next Week

Mrs. Tonya Tinsley from Claiborne Animal Clinic will be the special guest speaker for the Summer Reading Program “Paws  to Read!”on June 27 and 28. She will be sharing with the children her many ways of training special animals and will also share hints that the children can use in the care of their  own pets . She may even bring along some of her unusual pets to show during the program.

Mrs. Tinsley will be at the Claiborne Parish Library at 909 Edgewood Dr. in Homer on Tuesday, June 27. All ages are invited to this program.

Children of all ages are invited  to the Library’s Haynesville branch on Wednesday, June 28 at 10 AM for a program featuring Mrs. Tinsley.

Be sure to turn in your reading time cards. We are getting close to our “Pizza Party” and we need everyone who registered for this year’s summer reading program to read and turn in their 9 hours.

For more information, call 927-3845 or 624-0364 or come by either branch of the Claiborne Parish Library. Homer hours  are 8 AM-6 PM weekdays and 9 AM-1 PM on Saturdays. Haynesville hours are 8AM-12PM and 1AM to 4:45 PM weekdays and 9 AM-1 PM on Saturdays.

There will be no programs on Thursday, June 29.

NOTICE: Deadline For Advertisements

No Later Than 5 p.m. On Mondays

All display and legal advertisements for The Guardian-Journal must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Monday of the week in which it is to appear. Classified ads will be received until 12 p.m (noon) on Tuesday prior to the Thursday publication date. Thank you for your cooperation.