Homer Police Chief Russell Mills, Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey, and Officer John Bailey view the drugs and pills that were confiscated during a drug arrest last Friday on Buckner Street in Homer. The street value of the drugs is estimated around $4,000. Mills and Bailey both agree communication and cooperation is a must in their efforts to eradicate drugs from our communities.

Homer Police Bust Two For Drugs

Homer Police Chief Russell Mills along with Patrol Officers John Bailey and Keith Ferguson arrested Dever Andra Burns, 24, and Jarrod M. Green, 23, both of Homer, last Friday, September 22. The two were charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule I & II controlled dangerous substances (marijuana and cocaine). Around 4 PM Friday afternoon, officers were in the area of Buckner Street investigating the disappearance of a pit bull puppy. As they approached the house at 889 Buckner Street, Chief Mills observed Dever Burns move a plastic bag from the step below where he was sitting and place it under his legs and out of sight. Mills asked Burns to step over so he could speak to him. When Burns got up, Green quickly slid over and attempted to hide the bag again.

Mills then walked toward the steps and asked Green to get up. At this time Mills observed a large zip-lock bag that contained what appeared to be marijuana. Mills seized the bag and instructed Officer Bailey to detain Burns and Green. Mills secured the evidence, then walked back to the steps. There, located in plain view on the ground was a second large zip-lock bag containing more marijuana.

Due to the quantity and the need to identify several items in the bags, Chief Mills contacted Claiborne Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) Agent James Spillers for assistance. Spillers advised Mills go ahead and charge both subjects with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine and he would help identify and process the other items later. With that, Mills and his officers arrested and booked both subjects into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. Later that evening, Dever Burns made a request to speak to Mills and gave him a voluntary statement about ownership of the evidence seized.

Chief Mills met with Agent Spillers early Saturday morning, September 23. At this time three other controlled dangerous substances in the form of pharmaceutical drugs were identified among the evidence and a fourth item was tentatively identified as MDMA (Ecstasy).

Mills said they will wait for the crime lab analysis on these items before adding other charges. Additionally, Mills stated that CNET would also process all the evidence for any possible fingerprints and DNA.

After Burns admissions about drug evidence was received, Jarrod Green was released from custody on Monday, September 25. Mills stated once all lab results are returned, Green could still face charges and Burns would likely face additional charges as well.

Chief Mills said, “It is very comforting to know that through cooperative agreements with the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, we can both receive and give assistance in the fight against illegal drug trafficking in our area.”

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey stated, as he has in the past, “There is no greater satisfaction than to see cooperation between his department, CNET, and other law enforcement agencies. In this case, Chief Mills chose to look at the bigger picture and involve personnel that generally work on more long term investigations that cross many jurisdictional boundaries.”

CNET Agent Spillers and Louisiana State Police narcotic agents consider cases like this to be one of the most valuable tools in identifying and stopping distribution networks that are working within Claiborne Parish, the State of Louisiana, or anywhere else in the country.

Chief Mills and Sheriff Bailey both emphasized that cooperation and communication between law enforcement agencies is a must because drug problems in Homer, Haynesville, and Claiborne Parish do not belong to just those jurisdictions. Drug crimes know no boundaries. Mills urges anyone with information relative to drug violations or any other crime to call CNET at 318-927-9800, the Louisiana State Police at 318-676-3200, the Homer Police Department at 318-927-4000, the Haynesville Police Department at 318-624-1355, or the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-927-2011. Any and all information is considered confidential and will be greatly appreciated.

Homer Mayor Huey Dean met last week at the Homer Airport with David Nolte, Superintendent for Benton & Brown LLC of Minden, to discuss the $250,000 grant project that was awarded to Sunbelt Sealants of Jackson, Mississippi. Alliance Inc. of Shreveport provided the engineering services. Benton & Brown was subcontracted to do the patch work. When finished, Sunbelt will place a slurry seal over the entire runway, taxiway and apron. The runway will then be restriped.  Work is expected to be completed within the next 3 weeks.

Airport Runway Rehabilitation Underway

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

Construction work began Monday, September 25 on the pavement rehabilitation and slurry seal of the runway, taxiway, and apron at the Homer Municipal Airport. The project will cost approximately $250,000, paid entirely through federal and state funds according to Project Manager Eric Hudson with Alliance, Inc., the Shreveport engineering firm that is overseeing the work. There is no cost to the Town, however, they must agree to provide regular maintenance at the Airport to continue to be eligible for funding.

Sunbelt Sealants of Jackson, Mississippi was awarded the bid on the project. Benton and Brown LLC of Minden was subcontracted to patch areas on the runway, taxiway and apron. David Nolte, Superintendent for Benton, said the project will be completed within 30 calendar days. Benton finished up their portion of the job last week. Sunbelt will then seal the entire runway, then repaint the striping.

Over the past couple of years, the Town of Homer has received grants totaling $450,000 and $332,000 for safety improvements at the airport. Work included purchase of property, landscaping and dirtwork to widen shoulders along the 3200 foot runway and work to correct an erosion problem on the east end of the runway in an effort to bring the Airport into compliance with standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration.

As part of the U.S. Air Transportation System, the Homer Airport is eligible for $150,000 per year entitlements through the U.S. Department of Transportation to make improvements to the facility. Hudson said the next project which could take 2-3 years to accumulate enough funding, will be to improve and upgrade all the lighting along the runway. Presently the Airport is a visual only runway. Upgrading the lighting system will allow airplanes to land at night.

Hudson said there were a lot of opportunities at the Homer Airport. Possibilities include installing self-serve, automated fuel tanks which would allow area pilots to refuel. This was one of the visions Jon Adams had for the Airport when he was hired by the Homer Town Council in September 2001 to manage the Airport. Adams was tragically killed in April 2002 when the single-engine plane he was flying in with a fellow pilot crashed at the Minden Airport. Since that time, the Town has had no manager at the Airport.

Help For Victims Of Crime

There are times it seems as if the responsible, law-abiding citizen is the person who suffers the most. Citizens obey the laws, pay their taxes, carry their share of community service and are sometimes victims of violence. If you or a loved one is in this situation, please do not give up hope. Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey wants the citizens of our parish to know that beginning October 1, 2006, a program for crime victims in Claiborne Parish will be expanded.

The Sheriff’s Office currently has a crime victim’s program that has been implemented on a limited basis through the Crime Victim’s Reparation Board. Due to the availability of funds from the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, this program will be broadened.

As sub-grantee, The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office will be in a position to utilize federal funding to offer financial assistance for victims of violent crimes. These crimes include the use of force or threat of use of force. Acts such as these many times leave the victim with expenses for medical bills that insurance does not cover, loss of wages, child care expenses, the need for counseling, and, unfortunately, sometimes even funeral expenses. This program is designed to assist these victims.

According to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, in approximately sixty percent (60%) of these crimes according to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, the offender is unknown and never arrested. This program provides compensation to victims even without an arrest. There are emergency awards available that may be granted to help with undue hardship caused by the crime. The funds are available and are to help you—the citizens of Claiborne Parish.

If you have been victimized by a violent crime, contact Claims Investigator Deputy McCarty at 318-927-9800 to pursue the possibility of compensation. Appointment times are available Monday through Friday after 4 PM. Other times can be scheduled as necessary for your convenience.

As part of the human race, we have an obligation to “Lend a Helping Hand” to each other. The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office wants to do out part. Let us know if we can help you.

Arrests Made In Tatum Road Burglaries

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office received the first report of a burglary of an inhabited dwelling on Tatum Road on Friday, September 1. Tatum Road is located on Lake Claiborne the end of Arizona Road east of Homer. Detective Randy Smith responded to that call. Two weeks later, on September 19, Detective Matt Harris was called to another burglary on that same road. Detectives Randy Smith and Duffy Gandy were called to assist the investigation. At that time, detectives learned there had been at least one other burglary in the same area.

On September 10, Deputy Brian Pepper attempted to stop a pickup truck on La. 9 north while on routine patrol. At the time, he was unaware the vehicle might be connected to the burglaries. The 1995 Dodge pickup truck was being driven by an unknown white male and continued north on Hwy. 9 north of Summerfield. Pepper engaged his emergency lights and siren, but the driver refused to stop. He turned on Corney Lake Road with Pepper in pursuit.

At the Corney Lake boat launch, the male exited the vehicle and fled on foot into a wooded area. Two firearms, fishing gear and other items were found in the bed of the truck. The vehicle and all items were impounded.

With aid from the Louisiana State Police and CPSO Deputy Harris, the passenger in the vehicle, Heather Lynn Tonnang, 23, of Delhi, was apprehended and charged with resisting an officer by giving false information. She was booked into the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Jail, but was released on bond on September 11.

Later that morning, Deputy Pepper returned to the area with Detectives Gandy and Smith. The Chase Team from David Wade Correctional Center initiated a search. About the same time, W. T. Brooks notified Detective Gandy that his Chevrolet pickup truck and boat trailer had been taken from the launch without his permission. A boat trailer fitting the description had been seen abandoned on Corney Lake Road just off Hwy. 9 earlier that morning.

At this time, neither the 1974 Moody boat trailer nor the truck, a 1989 brown over tan Chevy pickup bearing Louisiana license #W255106, have been recovered. The truck had a toolbox across the bed with a headache rack extending above the bed and over the cab and an orange water cooler mounted on the left side. A truck fitting this description has, however, been seen in the El Dorado, Arkansas area. Anyone with information on this truck or trailer is asked to please contact their local authorities.

Articles found in the impounded Dodge pickup truck were discovered to have been taken from the lake house burglaries on Tatum Road. Further information discovered through the investigation led to issuing multiple warrants for the arrest of Tonnang and Rodney Allen Miller, 28, of Newellton, Louisiana. Both individuals were arrested in Union County, Arkansas outside El Dorado by FBI agents and Union County detectives on charges from other jurisdictions.

Some items at the site of the arrest were found to be items that had been taken from the lake house burglaries in Claiborne Parish. Arrest warrants were issued for Tonnang for two counts of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling and one count of theft for items taken from a residence north of Summerfield on Hwy. 9. She is currently being housed in the Claiborne Parish Jail, Women’s Facility.

Warrants were also issued for  Miller for two counts of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling and one count of theft. He is currently being housed at the Madison Parish Detention Center with a detainer placed on him by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Miller will be picked up once he is released by other jurisdictions.

This investigation is ongoing and other charges may be forthcoming

Parent Arrested At School

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

Homer Police officers responded to a disturbance at Homer Junior High School last Friday, September 22 shortly after school was dismissed. When Officer Mario Thomas arrived on the scene, he observed Katherine M. Rhodes, parent of one of the students, up in the face of Assistant Principal Twyla Pugh, screaming and cursing at her. Thomas asked Mrs. Rhodes to calm down twice. She did not comply. After the second request to calm down, Rhodes began screaming at Officer Thomas. At this time, Rhodes was arrested and transported to the Homer Police Department where she was charged with disturbing the peace and assault.

Pugh stated that Rhodes’ daughter had been disciplined at school earlier that day, along with several other girls. This was what prompted Rhodes to call the school. Since Principal Keith Beard had stepped out of the office for a few minutes,  Rhodes decided to come to the school. Upon her arrival at the school, Rhodes began screaming at Pugh, cursing her and threatening to physically hit her.

A court date of October 2 has been set in Magistrate Court to hear charges against Rhodes.

Sheriff’s Office Solves Copper Wire Thefts

Two reports of copper wire theft were received by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office in August 2006, one on Hwy. 521 and one on Hwy. 808 in Haynesville. Detectives Charlie Buford and Duffy Gandy began an investigation. On August 16, 2001, a call was received regarding a burglary of inhabited dwelling on Hwy. 521 north of La. Alt. 2 in Haynesville. Detective Randy Smith began an investigation.

Both investigations led Claiborne Parish detectives to combine efforts with other area agencies who had also received reports of burglaries of this nature. Items stolen in Webster and Claiborne Parish were located in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas, due to the joint effort of law enforcement personnel in Columbia County in Arkansas; Webster and Caddo Parish in Louisiana; the Texarkana Texas Police Department; and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Warrants were issued for the arrest of Joshua L. Huffman, 26, of Rosston, Arkansas; Janice Renee Jordan, 25, of Texarkana, Texas; and Dan F. Belt, 29, of Emerson, Arkansas. Huffman was arrested and is currently being housed at the Bayou Dorcheat Detention Center with a detainer on him by CPSO for two counts of criminal conspiracy/theft and one count of criminal conspiracy/simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling.

Jordan was arrested and is currently housed at the Webster Parish Jail. She has a detainer by CPSO for two counts of criminal conspiracy /theft and one count of criminal conspiracy/simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling.

Belt currently has three outstanding warrants in Claiborne Parish for his arrest. He is being charged with two counts of theft and one count of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling.

Sheriff Ken Bailey would like to express his appreciation for the hard work performed by all law enforcement involved. Bailey said, “Working together as a team makes all of our surrounding area a safer place to live.”  

Homer Police Chief Russell Mills and Juvenile Officer J. D. Faulkner arrested one 16-year-old male juvenile at Homer High last Wednesday, September 20 for possession of marijuana and possession of Lorotab tablets with intent to distribute. He is being held at the Ware Youth Detention Center in Coushatta.

Homer Police Makes Drug Arrest At School

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

Homer Police Chief Russell Mills and Juvenile Officer J. D. “Jim” Faulkner responded to a call from Homer High School last Wednesday, September 20 at approximately 9 AM. When they arrived at the school, they were advised that school officials had became suspicious when they observed three males hanging around the boys’ rest room.

Coach Glen Kyle and Principal Dwight Mitchell entered the rest room and discovered ashes in the urinal and a strong smell of marijuana and cologne. School officials searched the backpacks of two students who were implicated by other students to have been smoking marijuana in the bathroom. In one backpack, they found one smoked marijuana cigarette, a small amount of marijuana in a sandwich bag, and 25 tablets that appeared to be Lorotab 10 in another bag.

The 16-year-old was arrested and charged with possession of Schedule III CDS with intent to distribute and simple possession of Schedule I (marijuana). He was transported to the Ware Youth Detention Center in Coushatta where he is presently being housed.

CPSO Deputy David Morgan was visibly moved and could not help but show his emotion during the 9-11 Remembrance Service held at First Baptist September 14. Organizers (l.-r.) Gurvis Vines and Michael Allen presented Morgan with a certificate of appreciation and complimented him on his outstanding service and dedication to the citizens of Claiborne Parish. Morgan was injured while on duty on July 26 following a high speed chase. He will be off work for about one year for rehabilitation on his injured leg. Members of law enforcement who participated in the presentation to David and his wife, Stacy, were (l.-r.) Sheriff Ken Bailey, CPSO Warden Sophia Burns, Homer Police Chief Russell Mills, CPSO Deputies Randy Pugh, Stacey Morgan, Randy Pugh, Jeff Pugh, Roger Ellerbe, Phil Josting, and Eugene Kendrick.

Polls Open Saturday At 6 AM

Claiborne Parish voters will go to the polls on Saturday, September 30 to elect  Polls will open at 6 AM and close at 8 PM. Voters in Precincts 3, 21, 22, 31, 34, 35, 36, and 37 will vote at Haynesville High School, not the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn. Voters are reminded to bring a driver's license, a La. Special ID, or some other generally recognized picture ID. If you have questions, call Registrar of Voters Patricia Sanders at 927-3332. Information on Constitutional Amendments on the September 30 ballot and a Voter Checklist were published in The Guardian-Journal last week. PAR’s complete 24-page report, "Guide to the Proposed Constitutional Amendments", can be found at www.la-par.org. More information inside.

Proposed Revisions to the Preferred Alternatives for I-69 SIU 14 between US 82 near El Dorado, Arkansas and I-20 near Haughton, Louisiana are shown on the map above. The revisions include added frontage roads, added interchanges, alignment movements, and road closures. Public comments will be accepted through October 16, 2006. A public meeting will be held Tuesday, October 3, from 4-7 PM at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn in Haynesville.

Public Meetings Set For I-69

Two public meetings will be held next week to allow interested persons to preview the proposed revisions to the I-69 Preferred Alternative between I-20 at Haughton and US Hwy. 82 near El Dorado. The meetings will be held from 4-7 PM on Monday, October 2 at the Minden Civic Center and on Tuesday, October 3 at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn in Haynesville.. URS Project Team staff will be on hand to answer questions and accept comments. Proposed revisions currently being considered include locations of road overpasses, road closures, added interchanges and some frontage roads, and alignment modifications. Comments may be submitted by mail to Scott Hoffeld, Deputy PM, I-69 SIU 14 Project Team, URS Corporation, 3500 North Causeway Blvd. Ste 900, Metairie, LA 70002 or email at www.i69arkla.com. Deadline for comments is October 16, 2006.

The 2006 Homer High School Homecoming Court to be presented at halftime Friday, September 29 at the Homer-Red River game at Ronny G. Beard Memorial Stadium are (l.-r.) Sophomore Maid Nyeisha Warren, Junior Maid Amri Warren, Senior Maid Ashley Dean, Football Sweethearts Magan Martin and Passion Shelman, (center) Homecoming Queen Katherine Nguyen, Junior Maid Kelsey Powell, Senior Maid Jessica Smith, Sophomore Maid Brittney Boyett, and Freshmen Maids April Hartwell and Briana Hunter. The parade is at 5:30 PM Thursday, followed by a community pep rally. The Homecoming Tea will be held from 11 AM - 12 noon Friday. Pre-game festivities begin at 6:30 PM with kick-off at 7 PM. The Homecoming Dance will be held at Homer City Hall. Homecoming week sponsored by HHS Student Council is titled “Homer Pelican Friday Night Fever.”

Burns Announces Candidacy For Homer Police Chief

I, Willie L. Burns, am 45 years old. I graduated with the Class of 1979 from Haynesville High School. I am announcing my candidacy for the Chief of Police in the Town of Homer.

I am a member of Ward Chapel Baptist Church of Haynesville.  I am concerned about our Town of Homer. I have great love for people. There is too much crime in our Town. There is too much disagreement among our police officers. There are too many unsolved crimes. They only seem to get concerned when another crime has been committed.

If you want a Chief of Police who will not stop until a crime is solved, then vote #65 on September 30, 2006 for Willie L. Burns.

Homer needs a Chief of Police who is concerned about everyone, a Chief of Police who is on call everyday, a Chief of Police who will let family members know he is still working on the crime, a Chief of Police who will visit the community just to ask if there is anything he can do to make things better in their community, and not only when it is time to vote.

I am very well known in the Town of Homer. Remember, people come before politics, so let’s vote for #65 on Saturday, September 30.

McDaniel Announces Candidacy For Police Jury

In announcing his candidacy for Police Jury District 3, Robert McDaniel made the following statement:

'I, Robert McDaniel, respectfully request your vote on Sept. 30th for the position of Police Juryman District 3 to fill the remainder of the term for Mr. Weldon Kilpatrick.  I would consider it an honor to complete his term and to serve the people of this parish.  This parish is in a very crucial time and certainly needs a person who would represent the entire rural area of western Claiborne Parish with honesty, dignity and integrity.

“I was born in Haynesville, class of 1956, attended La. Tech in Ruston, La., Richland Junior College, Dallas, Tx., and Collin County Junior College in McKinney, Tx.  My professional background is in the oil industry, construction, civil engineering, telecommunications, and industrial design.  My wife, Teresa, and I have three children and six grandchildren.  We are members of the First Baptist Church in Haynesville and actively serve as teachers for 5th and 6th grade Sunday School.  We built our own retirement home here at 281 McDaniel Rd.  in District. 3 five years ago where my parents also lived their lifetime. Currently, I am serving on the Haynesville Hospital Board.

“'My campaign philosophy has been to visit with the registered voters in District 3 rather than place signs in front yards.  There are 941 registered voters (581 homes) in District. 3 comprised of 5 precincts.  By Sept. 30th I will have visited in the homes of over 80% of these voters.  I have listened to these voters and they are requesting better water systems and better roads, something they have been paying to receive for many years.

“As your representative, I would strive to accomplish five things in the short remainder of Mr. Weldon’s term, (1) Survey the entire parish rural water systems and possibly acquire grants that would provide backup generators to ensure a continued water supply due to unforeseen circumstances for all rural residents.  (2) Present to the Jury a plan that would provide for paving or repaving of every rural parish road in a 20 year rotation cycle,  (3) Continue to push for at least one quarterly night meeting to provide the opportunity for the working residents of the parish to attend and participate, (4) Provide a quarterly internet newsletter to the people of District. 3 summarizing the major decisions of the Jury for that quarter and how the Jury voted, and (5) Continue to encourage the younger population of Claiborne Parish to get involved in their parish.

“Please help me and your parish by voting FOR Robert McDaniel on September 30.  Ballot No. 51.

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