18-Wheeler Crushes Truck,
Kills Driver
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
A 2005 International
tractor-trailer rig driven by William J. Rathje Sr., 63, of Bentley, Michigan was northbound on La. 9 at
approximately 11:30 AM on Thursday, June 29 when he failed to stop at the
intersection of U.S. Hwy. 79. Miles T. Bridges, 40, of Marshall, Texas was traveling south on U.S. 79
in a 2005 model Ford pickup about the same time. In an attempt to avoid contact with the
18-wheeler owned by Bay Transport Corporation in Saginaw, Michigan, Bridges turned to the right
toward the southbound ditch. Rathje attempted to steer left through the “T”
intersection, causing the rig to overturn on top of the Ford pickup.
Bridges was pronounced dead at
the scene. Rathje was transported to the Homer Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. Both men
were wearing seatbelts.
Rathje was cited for failure to
obey the stop sign. No other citations are expected.
CLAIBORNE PARISH EMERGENCY PERSONNEL
responded to this deadly accident on Hwy. 79 at the intersection of La. 9 south
of Homer about 11:30 AM
on Thursday, June 29. An 18-wheeler failed to stop at the stop sign in spite of
a warning sign, hit and rolled over the top of a Ford pickup, killing the
driver.
Watershed Commission
Discusses Plans For Tax
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
At their regular meeting held
last Thursday, members of the Claiborne Parish Watershed Commission discussed
plans for the use of the sales tax revenue that would be generated if the tax
proposition is approved on September 30. Chairman Phillip “Butch” Fincher said
the Police Jury had approved the intergovernmental agreement which basically
dedicates funds to the Watershed District and for no other purpose. He said,
“If we are going to do anything to develop our water resources and maintain the
lake we have, it is absolutely essential we get this funding.”
If approved by the voters, the
first act of the Watershed Commission would be to install permanent channel
markers on Lake Claiborne similar to the ones on Lake D’Arbonne. These would replace the
floating buoy system. The 1/8 percent sales tax is estimated to generate between $100,000-$120,000 for a period of seven years, based on
figures estimated prior to the closing of Wal-Mart.
Commissioner Chic Hines spoke
with a local contractor whose business is marine pile driving. The estimated
cost for labor and materials to install 163 poles, the same number of buoys
originally placed on Lake Claiborne, would be approximately
$167,000. Since tax revenue would not
begin to accrue until January 2007 and there would not be enough funds the
first year, the Commission could possibly borrow money to go ahead with the project.
Fincher said if the tax is
approved, he will appoint Commissioners Roger Pemberton, Butch Lee, and Hines
to a committee to begin making plans to lower the lake to install the poles.
Based on prior experience, Pemberton said the lake would only need to be
lowered two feet to expose the tops of the stumps.
Pemberton said, although he
voted for it, he did not think it was a good idea to remove the buoys now. His
request for permission to seek volunteers to help put out the remaining 18
stump buoys and 8 “no ski” markers which were already paid for,
was approved. A suggestion to hire an outside contractor was discarded after
Pemberton informed them the cost for liability insurance required by a contractor years ago was $7,000.
Fincher said he believed the only
solution is permanent channel markers. If they cannot get the tax passed,
commissioners need to get out of the buoy business, for their own welfare and
the welfare of the volunteers.
At a meeting earlier this year
with Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Michael Olivier, Fincher
expressed his concern with economic development in Claiborne Parish. Following
the original study, the parish decided to focus on development around water
resources, only to have people going in ten different ways, promoting different
lakes. Olivier suggested they pick one project, focus time and attention to
that before moving to another.
Chamber President J.T. Taylor
asked Travis Tinsley to meet with the Commission. At a presentation to the
Chamber, Tinsley mentioned a group of private investors he knew who might be
interested in developing a lake. Fincher said the proper approach would be to
present all potential lakes to see which one potential developers
might be interested in. Fincher said, “How feasible that is going to be, I
can’t tell you.” Three lakes mentioned in the original study were Lake Claiborne, Middlefork Lake, and extending Lake Claiborne. Others include ones presented
by Travis Tinsley and Dr. James Robert Michael.
Fincher suggested the
Commission endorse a deep water lake with a lot of surface area and the
potential for development around homes and other tourist attractions such as
the state park, walking trails, golf course, camp grounds, etc., one with the
most potential for economic development. Hines said this type development would
appeal to many affluent people who are moving away from the coast, moving
inland away from the hurricanes. Ben McGee told Fincher any lake would be
beneficial to the Sparta because it would relieve
pressure on the aquifer.
Development of the parish’s
water resources would be one of the main goals. Although Fincher thought they
should continue to concentrate on concerns with the aquifer and work with other
bodies to address that situation, he felt with the economic situation in the
parish right now, they should separate those issues. Fincher said, “I hope
people in this parish are beginning to wake up and understand that we’ve got a
real problem here in Claiborne and if it is not addressed, we will reach a
point we cannot support your basic services.”
Alice Stewart, Almeter Willis,
and Butch Lee were appointed to a committee to work on promotion of the tax
election and to inform the public of what funds would be used for if the tax
passes.
The Commission approved payment
of $1,500 toward the cost of this year’s July 4th Fireworks display. They
received $1,000 from the Police Jury for reimbursement of expenses, $500 for
2005 and $500 for 2006.
Fincher said the Fireworks have
a potential of attracting many visitors to the parish, if promoted right and
with a better place to view the fireworks. He suggested they get more involved
with promotion, possibly advertising in Webster, Bienville, and Lincoln parishes.
Hines suggested inviting the
ski team to hold a ski competition on July 4th as well. Alice Stewart reported
the ski ramp had sank and members of the team had to
remove it. Commissioners agreed to invite the ski team to meet with them later
this year to discuss the possibility further.
SEVERAL HOMER JUNIOR HIGH STAFF MEMBERS
gathered around the sign in front of the new Homer Junior High School
with Principal Keith Beard and Asst. Principal Twyla Pugh. The message on the
sign expresses their appreciation to taxpayers for supporting education of
children in the Homer school district. “Thank You Homer Taxpayers for a new
Homer Jr. High.” Pictures are (standing, l.-r.) Shirley Ford, Debbie Watson,
Stephanie Gray, Debbie Harmon, Rhonda Porter, Amanda Marcel, Donald Bellew,
Amanda Gray, Rhonda Grigsby, Regina Manning, (kneeling) Twyla Pugh, Keith
Beard, and Michael McDaniel. Not pictured are Ellen Conner, John Carodine,
Jared Thompson, Jessica Richardson, Henry Mejia, Maz Bursey, Lisa Jones, Mike
Hammock, Donna Hudson, Shrocke Beene, Bobby Morgan, and Joseph Johnson.
CDC Dedicates $10,000 To Homer
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Mayors, legislators, elected
officials, local leaders and others from across North Louisiana and South Arkansas traveled to Homer June 22 to
attend the summer meeting of the Coordinating & Development Corporation
Board held at Claiborne Electric. In a show of support for Claiborne Parish and
the Town of Homer, the Board voted unanimously to transfer $10,000 from the CDC
budget once the appropriations bill is signed by the Governor to be used
exclusively for economic development in the Homer area to offset the loss of
revenue caused by the closing of Wal-Mart and to assist in the remarketing of
the building. Funds will be allocated through either the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce or Claiborne Parish Police Jury.
The highlight of the event was
a report from Skip Smart on the
initiative, “Comprehensive Strategy for Community Development in
Louisiana” and a report from one local perspective on “Best Practices—How To Do
It Right” by Randy LaCaze and Courtney Hornsby on the success of economic
development in the City of Natchitoches.
Smart is the Director of
Community Development for the Department of Louisiana Economic Development
(LED). LaCaze is the Director for the Department of Community Development for Natchitoches and Hornsby is the Director of
the Natchitoches Events Center and Main Street Program.
Smart said, “I think the key
component of community development is to have leaders who are
enthusiastic about the opportunities in the community, who recognize diversity,
who come together with honest discussion about community issues, put a plan
together, and then execute that plan.”
A statewide working group of
sixty individuals was convened in Alexandria in June 1-2 to identify
programs and activities currently in place, to see if they are effective, to
identify resources available and impediments to community development.
A survey will be conducted from
approximately 400 community leaders in the state to identify actual initiatives
in their communities. This will be followed by 3-4 regional focus group
meetings. A second meeting of 60-member working group will be held to view the
results and look at the Best Practices in the state, country, and world. With
the help of the consulting firm of Lockwood Greene, the State hopes to have a
list of initiatives ready by mid-September for communities to choose from to
help increase their capacity to attract and retain wealth, not the wealthy, but
investments from the private sector. Smart said, “This initiative is going to
be the best practice, not only for the State of Louisiana, but for the United States of America.”
He congratulated Natchitoches for being designated only one
of four communities in the nation to be awarded the Great American Main Street
Award, one of only 55 who have received the award since it was initiated nine
years ago. He remarked, “What a outstanding
achievement.”
Before introducing Hornsby,
LaCaze shared from an LMA award application won by Natchitoches, “When does community
development actually economic development? When it happens in
Natchitoches.”
Natchitoches is a perfect example of how
focus on cultural, recreation, and tourism can result in economic development.
LaCaze said, “Everyone can do what we are doing.” Hopefully, the State can
assist in making it happen in other areas of the state.
Hornsby gave a power point
presentation of “best practices” used in Natchitoches. The Natchitoches meat pie and Christmas
Festival have been great successes, but were only seasonal, leaving local
merchants to struggle the rest of the year. She shared some examples of some
local initiatives have been developed to attract visitors, create a vibrant
community for residents, and bring in money year round.
Recreational opportunities
included hosting at least six large scale fishing tournaments every year, using
mainly the Red
River,
but also Sibley Lake and Cane River Lake which are both located inside
the city limits. It takes a small financial commitment but brings fishermen to
your area for 1-2 weeks to use local natural resources and spend thousands of
dollars. You do not find these beautiful hills and waterways in South Louisiana. Waterways can also be used for boat tours, skiing,
paddleboats, dinner cruises, and water taxes.
Since Hurricane Katrina, the
film industry has taken notice in North Louisiana. The State offers wonderful tax credits and financial
incentives. The movie “Steel Magnolias” filmed in 1988 still brings visitors to
Natchitoches asking for the Steel Magnolia
tour.
The Main Street Program is a
nationwide program administered by the National Trust for Historic
Preservation. There are 28 Main Street communities in the state,
several in this area: Ruston, Minden, Springhill, Winnfield, and
Winnsboro. Besides being designated as Great American Main Street community, Natchitoches was named a Preserve America
Community in 2004 and Dozen Distinctive Destination in 2005.
Natchitoches holds one large-scale festival
every month and year-round events for the entire family, always promoting local
musicians.
Now a wedding and honeymoon
destination, Natchitoches will host their first Bridal
Extravaganza on Saturday, July 22. Natchitoches has over 40 bed and
breakfasts. Mayor McCullen wants to build a chapel on riverbank and charge for
its use. In the past, they have allowed use for weddings on the riverbank for
free.
The Natchitoches Triathlon,
“Meat Pie Tri”, is held the fourth week in September on Cane River. Hundreds of athletes come to the area. The
run swim, bike, and spend lots of money
Natchitoches recently opened a new 40,000
sq. foot Natchitoches Events Center with a 15,000 sq. ft. exhibit
hall. It has three 1,200 sf meeting rooms and a full-size catering kitchen,
wireless internet and a state-of-the-art sound system. For more information, go
to www.NatchitochesEventsCenter.com
M/Sgt. Scott Cottrell at David Wade Correctional Center
(center) was named Louisiana Correctional Officer of The Year for 2005 at an
Employee Awards Ceremony held last month. He is shown here with Department of
Corrections Secretary Richard L. Stalder (left) and DWCC Warden Venetia
Michael.
Wade Correctional Honors
Employees
M/Sgt. Scott Cottrell Named Louisiana Correctional Officer Of Year
David Wade Correctional Center recognized several employees
during the Department’s annual Employee Memorial Service and Awards Ceremony
held Thursday, May 18. Department of Public Safety and Corrections Secretary
Richard L. Stalder served as host to 300 employees and some family
members. Many employees were recognized
for their outstanding contributions to the Department and to overall public
safety during the Employee Awards Ceremony. Master Sergeant Scott Cottrell, was chosen as the Correctional Officer for 2005 in
Louisiana due to his dedication and
commitment to DWCC and the Department of Corrections.
Corrections Master Sergeant Dan
Rhinehart was awarded the honor of Correctional Officer for the Month of April
2006. M/Sgt. Rhinehart is very
dependable and performs all tasks with professionalism. He is a 19-year veteran of the Dept. of
Corrections that exemplifies the meaning of an outstanding officer. The
attentiveness of M/Sgt. Rhinehart keeps contraband from being introduced into
the institution. His talents and
abilities greatly enhance DWCC and the Department. He is truly an asset to our institution.
Corrections Master Sergeant Dorothy Ramey was recognized as Correctional Officer for March 2006. M/Sgt.
Ramey has proven to be a dedicated and trustworthy officer. She is an 18 year veteran of the Department
of Corrections that arrives at work each day an hour early to prepare for the
day ahead. She was the first female to
work on the South compound and continually goes beyond the call of duty. She is considered an asset in assisting DWCC
in accomplishing our stated mission.
Timothy M. Williams was the
recipient of Correctional Officer of the Month for February, 2006. Master Sergeant Williams was selected based
on his job performance and service to DWCC and the Department of Corrections.
He strives diligently to keep the environment at DWCC safe and secure for
inmates as well as staff. His talents
and abilities greatly enhance DWCC and the Department and aide us in
accomplishing our stated mission. He is
considered an asset to our institution and the Department.
DWCC recognized Jessie Jimmerson as Support
Employee for the First Quarter 2006. He
was chosen based on his job performance to DWCC and the Department. He is a dedicated and trustworthy employee
that is very conscientious of his job performance. Jimmerson. is extremely dependable and always willing to assist others
with their workload. His attention to detail in all aspects of the DWCC
accounting department has truly made him an asset to the institution and the
Department.
Kisatchie Users Speak
Against Proposal
Special
To The Guardian-Journal
BY
KRISTI RICHIE, Minden Press-Herald
“Ludicrous!”
That was just one word two
people used to describe a proposal which would restrict off-highway vehicles
during a public meeting held by the United States Forest Service Thursday
night.
The majority of the crowd was against the proposal and
conveyed its opinions to Forest Service officials. The nation-wide rule would
locally affect Kisatchie National Forest.
All vehicles would be
restricted to designated forest system roads and trails. Highway-legal
vehicles, including cars, trucks and motorcycles, would be restricted to roads.
Recreational vehicles, including four-wheelers and dirt
bikes, less than 50 inches wide would be restricted to trails.
Riding off the designated roads
and trails would be prohibited throughout the entire national forest.
“I was born and raised on
Kisatchie. There ain’t nobody in this room that loves the forest more than I
do, and there ain’t nobody in this room that loves
freedom as much as I do. This proposal is going to strip away our freedom,”
59-year-old Lee Wise of Saline said. “You’re going against the will of the
public, and you’re not going to win. We’re not going to let you win.”
The proposal stems from
increased use within National Forests over the years. The main purpose of the
proposal is to prevent resource damage as unmanaged vehicles can affect
wetlands and wildlife habitat, disturb or directly impact wildlife, erode
soils, cause sedimentation, damage cultural resources and spread invasive
species.
“Thirty years ago, trail riding
didn’t have much effect, but it has grown so much,” Forest Service Public
Affairs Director Jim Caldwell said. “I believe most people on four wheelers and
in four wheel drives do little damage, but there are some who do cause damage.”
Game retrieval is also an
issue, as all cross-country riding would be prohibited – as in four-wheelers
and ATVs could not be used off the designated trails, even to carry a 300-pound
deer out of the woods.
Since the proposal is still in
the planning process, Forest Service officials said exceptions may be made for
game retrieval.
Officials had no answers for
several questions from the public, including the amount of property with
Kisatchie that had been damaged by ATVs.
Most ATV damage is located near
Crow Cemetery at Flat Lick bottom in the
swampiest part of the forest, but that damage is not new, ATV riders said.
“Those trails have been there
20 years. My parents used to ride those trails,” ATV recreational rider Brad
Plunkett said. “Our tax money goes to this for public use, and now you’re
telling us we can’t use it. This is just a start to keeping us off.”
Local hunter Todd Buffington
asked if the same people who enforce the “no dumping” law will be the same ones
enforcing the new laws, as there are problems with dumping trash in the forest.
“We’re enforcing the rules to
our capability,” Patrol Captain Gail Jones said. “We could have an agent behind
every Pine tree in the forest, and we still wouldn’t catch all the bad guys. We
need your help in policing.”
Caldwell encouraged those in attendance
to fill out public comment forms made available at the meeting as no decision
has been made.
“We don’t want anyone not to
have access or not to be able to hunt on the national forest,” he said.
“When you work for the people
and wear the uniform, you should be told what the people think. That doesn’t
bother me at all.”
Caldwell also encouraged Kisatchie
users to share their knowledge of trails and roads with the Forest Service so
that those trails may be used if the proposal is implemented.
If the proposal is approved,
maps will be printed annually showing what for and when which roads and trails
are designated for. It is unknown if roads and trails will be marked.
Current laws prohibit vehicles
on closed roads and operating any vehicle more than 50 inches wide on
designated OHV trails.
All Louisiana traffic laws also apply to the
roads within the forest.
Also illegal in the forest is
operation of vehicles without a spark arresting device properly installed and
in working order and operating a vehicle that emits a noise in excess of 99
decibels at 20 inches from the exhaust outlet.
The proposal began with a
scoping period in February and had a deadline of March 10 for scoping comments.
In August, the Forest Service will render its decision on the proposal. A final
motor vehicle use map could be unveiled in December with implementation in
January 2007.
For more information, contact
OHV Coordinator Jackie Duncan at 318-473-7128 or
visit the National Forest web site at www.fs.fed.us/r8/kisatchie.
Summer Reading Program At Library To End July 15
The 2006 Summer Reading Program
at the Claiborne Parish Library will end Saturday, July 15. Children who are
participating are reminded to turn in their reading time cards. Children must
read at least 9 hours to enjoy a pizza party. Robin Bridges with the LSU
AgCenter Extension Service will be the guest speaker for the last program which
will be held on
Wednesday, July 12 at 10 AM in Haynesville and on
Thursday, July 13 at 2 PM in Homer. There will be no
morning program on July 13. For more information, call 927-3845 in Homer or
624-0364 in Haynesville.
