Inmate Death At DWCC Appears To Be Suicide

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

A 24-year-old inmate at David Wade Correctional Center was found strangled in his cell early  Monday morning, October 23. Monie Roser, a white male from Jefferson Parish, had only been at Wade about two weeks and was not under any type watch. Since his arrest in October 2005, he had  been held at a number of parish detention centers due to the impact in South Louisiana caused by Hurricane Katrina, but had spent the four weeks prior to coming to Wade at Forcht Wade in Caddo Parish where he was being processed.

According to Warden Venetia Michael, the corrections officer on duty was making rounds around 4:30 AM on October 23 when he discovered the man with a bed sheet tied around his neck and around the cell bars. He had apparently leaned forward and strangled himself. Warden Michael said the Criminal Investigative Division of the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office had been called in to conduct an investigation.

Roser had been arrested in October 2005 on a charge of possession with intent to distribute Schedule I CDS (controlled dangerous substance) and was serving a five year sentence. He had been released from jail in October 2002 on a purse snatching charge, then was re-arrested on the drug charge in October 2005. He was scheduled to be discharged on September 24, 2008. Michael said Roser left no note.

CPSO Search Results In Drug Arrests

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey and Haynesville Police Chief Anthony Smith announced this week that officers with CNET  (Claiborne Narcotics Enforcement Team), the Louisiana State Police, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Haynesville Police Department served a search warrant at 1414 Hollan Street in Haynesville last Thursday, October 26. This search resulted in the seizure of cocaine, marijuana, one pistol, one shotgun, and over $1,800 in currency.

Sheriff Bailey stated that over the past several months, CNET and the Louisiana State Police have received information about increased activity at the Hollan Street address and were able to make undercover drug buys at that location. As the investigation continued, agents identified one of the residents at this address as Dean F. Williams.

As a result of the search, Williams, 23, and Heather Gore, 18, both of Haynesville, were arrested and charged with possession of Schedule I CDS (marijuana), possession of Schedule II CDS (cocaine),  possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal possession of a firearm during the commission of a drug felony. Both subjects were booked at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. Williams bond was set at $22,000. Bond had not been set for Gore at press time.

Sheriff Bailey and Chief Smith agree it is very positive and satisfying to see this many law enforcement officers come together for the good of local citizens. Both would like to encourage the public to continue to notify area law enforcement agencies of any suspicious or illegal activity they may see in their neighborhood.

Concerned citizens can call CNET at 927-9800, the Louisiana State Police at 318-676-3200, the Homer Police Department at 927-4000, the Haynesville Police Department at 624-1355, or the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 927-2011. Any and all information is considered confidential and will be greatly appreciated.

Bossier Fugitive Arrested During Traffic Stop

Claiborne Parish Deputy Randy Pugh stopped a 1987 Chevrolet for speeding on Thursday, October 26. The driver of the vehicle gave Deputy Pugh false information regarding his identity. Further investigation revealed the subject’s name and birthdate were incorrect, probably due to the fact it was later discovered the man was wanted by Bossier City authorities on a probation warrant.

As Deputy Pugh attempted to arrest the subject, he ran into the woods. Deputies for the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office and members of the David Wade Correctional Center Chase Team were called in to assist.

The man, who was later identified as Jerry D. Green, 26, of Homer, was captured and booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and charged with speeding (68/55), driving without a license, resisting an officer by giving false information, and resisting an officer by flight. His bond was set at $500 on each count.

Homer Memorial Hospital continues to focus on improving patient care in its Emergency Department by purchasing state-of-the-art equipment and training employees. The only device of its kind, the ZOLL AutoPulse is a revolutionary non-invasive cardiac support pump that moves more blood and oxygen, more consistently than is possible with human hands. Easy to use and battery operated, its load-distributing LifeBand squeezes the entire chest. As a result, victims receive consistent, high-quality compressions and ultimately improves chances of survival. All hospital CPR class participants are being trained to use the new AutoPulse machine. Jason Batten, Instructor and HMH Nurse Manager, Kay Watson of Claiborne Ambulance and other Homer Memorial Hospital employees, Renae Merritt, Melissa Gibson, Pinkie Tell, Helen Brown and Joe Scott, are shown in a recent CPR class as the AutoPulse is demonstrated on a manikin.

Homer Elementary School Burglarized

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

The Homer Police Department is investigating a burglary at Homer Elementary School last week. Officer Keith Ferguson arrived at the school just after 8 AM and discovered several items and a small amount of cash had been stolen from four classrooms and the teacher’s lounge. All the rooms had been left unlocked. Items were apparently taken sometime after school dismissed on Tuesday, October 24 and before teachers arrived at school on Wednesday.

Items stolen included five Toshiba laptop computers ranging in value from $1,100-$1,300 each; a Sony digital camera valued at $350, a Mimio interactive white board valued at $1,200 which was the personal property of one  teacher, miscellaneous jewelry, and a small amount of cash.

Chief Russell Mills said the investigation is ongoing. A reward is being offered for information on this crime and/or the whereabouts of the stolen items. Persons who provide information will remain anonymous. Call the Homer Police Department at 927-4000 or Chief Mills at 245-2149.

Following an investigation into a separate incident two weeks ago, Chief Mills and Officer Ferguson served an arrest warrant for aggravated burglary on Wallace Ridley, 40, of Homer around 8 AM on Monday, October 30. The warrant was obtained following an investigation into a complaint received on Friday, October 13 at an apartment on Armory Drive. Homer officers received a call that Ridley was at inside an apartment with a gun. After arriving at the scene, officers confiscated a loaded .357 Magnum Colt Python revolver.

On Monday, Ridley was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center where he was booked with bond set at $100,000. A hold was also placed on him for a probation violation.

Claiborne Christmas Open House

November 6-11, 2006

Featuring “8^th Annual Taste Of Homer”

Several area merchants will kick off the holiday season in Claiborne Parish next week with their Annual “Christmas Open House”. Each time you make a purchase at any participating merchant during the week of November 6-11, you can register to win a $250 shopping spree. Haynesville merchants include City Floral, Courtyard Florist, Killgore’s Pharmacy, Foster Home and Farm, and All About Candles. In Homer, participating merchants include Miss Lizzies, Miss Lizzies Too, Merle Norman, Homer Flower Shop, Delta Interiors, Elite’s Gift Shop, Spillers Furniture, Michael’s Men’s Store and Sporting Goods, Claiborne Drug, Mary’s Boutique, Gray’s Jewelry, and Something Old Something New. On Saturday, November 11, the Claiborne Christmas Festival Committee and the Town of Homer will sponsor the 8th Annual “Taste Of Homer” at Homer City Hall from 11AM to 1 PM. Everyone is encouraged to come out and “Shop Claiborne Parish!” next week, then enjoy a “taste” of many of our local residents’ “favorite” dishes. Tickets are $10.00. All proceeds go toward the purchase of Christmas lights. For more information, call Ann Burton at 927-2046 or Dale Tully at 927-9009.

Don’t Forget

Emerson Oil Company Celebrates 50 Years

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

Emerson Oil Company celebrated its 50th Anniversary this year. Since the Emerson family first opened the petroleum distributorship in Homer in 1956, the company has continued to be successful, and for the past six years has been named to the Top 100 Northwest Louisiana Privately Owned Businesses.

“We thank each of our loyal customers for making Emerson Oil’s fifty years in business profitable and enjoyable,” CEO Wesley Emerson said. “Our organization is like a family, just like it was formed as a family tradition. We take pride in servicing and supplying our customers with top of the market products. As we continue to grow, we pledge to put our customers first in what ever we do.”

Emerson Oil opened on April 1, 1956 as Emerson Motor Oil Company. It was a father and sons partnership, with Harvey Hugh Emerson Sr. and sons, Harvey Hugh Emerson Jr. and George W. Emerson, who was responsible for managing the company. Several years later, on January 2, 1960, the partnership was incorporated as Emerson Oil Company, Inc. with stockholders, Harvey Hugh Jr., George W., and Ermine Emerson.

In 1975, following his graduation from Louisiana Tech, George’s son, Wesley, came to work for the company. After the death of his father in October 2000, Wesley  inherited and purchased the remaining shares of stock. Today, he is the sole owner of Emerson Oil Company where he serves as chief executive officer (CEO) for the full service petroleum distributor.

Although located in Northwest Louisiana, the company services over ten parishes in Louisiana, four counties in Arkansas and three counties in Texas. They also handle motor fuels, tires and tubes, batteries, belts and bulk and package motor oils.

For the past 50 years, Emerson  has maintained a productive and profitable relationship with its fuel suppliers—Phillips Petroleum Company from April 1956 through 2002, Exxon USA since December 1991, and Citgo since March 1995. They employ 24 people and presently have three transports and one bobtail truck.

Since 1999, Emerson has been listed as one of the Top 100 Privately Owned Businesses in Northwest Louisiana. In 1999, they were ranked 79. This year they moved up to 29.

According to Wesley, celebrating their 50th Anniversary would not have been possible without their faithful customers and dedicated employees. Emerson Oil has continued to prosper and grow. In the future, the company plans to maintain a diversified product mixture and expand its marketing area while they maintain a strong commitment to environmental quality, corporate integrity, and customer satisfaction.

Three Local Businesses Named To “Top 100”

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

Three Claiborne Parish businesses were recently named as one of the “Top 100” privately owned businesses in Northwest Louisiana. This honor is not new for two Homer businesses—Emerson Oil Company, Inc. and Louisiana Wood Moulding Co., Inc.—who have consistently ranked in the Top 100 since the list was first compiled in 1999. This year Crump Oil Company of Haynesville was added to the list for the first time. They came in at number 83.

Emerson Oil, who was ranked 79 in 1999, moved to 83 in 2001, then to 58 last year. This year they jumped to 29. Louisiana Wood Moulding came in at 51 this year, lower than their 39 ranking last year, but higher than their rankings in the first five years, ranging from 73-93. Rankings are based on gross sales or revenues which are provided by the companies.

The survey is conducted by the LSUS Center for Business and Economic Research in Shreveport. Information is compiled from a variety of sources including the Northwest Louisiana Manufacturers Directory, the Shreveport-Bossier MSA Major Employer Directory and Dunn & Bradstreet’s Million Dollar Directory. Most of the companies listed are from the Shreveport-Bossier area. Companies must be privately owned and cannot be a public or non-profit corporation, or a financial institution.

When the list was first compiled in 1999 and published in 2000, the geographic area included some 20,000 businesses from three counties in East Texas (Panola, Harrison, and Marion) and six parishes in Northwest Louisiana (Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Red River, DeSoto and Claiborne). The list this year was compiled from figures in 2005. The three Texas counties have been removed and four Louisiana parishes have been added—Bienville, Lincoln, Natchitoches, and Sabine.

Emerson Oil Company has been in business in Homer for the past 50 years and presently employs 24 people. The full service petroleum distributor also handles motor fuels, tires and tubes, batteries, belts and bulk and package motor oils. Wesley Emerson is sole owner and CEO.

Louisiana Wood Moulding is a division of Thunderbird Forest Products in California. They manufacturer wood moulding and have employed between 60-80 employees in the past. Five years ago, in March 2001, David Nutt replaced Bill Comer as president and still serves in that position today.

Crump Oil Company made the list for the first time this year. The business was started in 1962 by Thomas and Margaret Crump. Although their two sons, Tommy and Jerry, had worked at the company all their adult life, they took over the business about four years ago when their parents retired. Today they employ seven people including themselves. Crump Oil services convenience stores, the logging industry and the oilfield in Northwest Louisiana and South Arkansas. Tommy said, “We are real fortunate to have the business we have and are grateful for everyone who has done business with is in the past.” Both Tommy and Jerry hope their customers will continue to patronize them in the future

Haynesville Council Receives $100,000

For Sewer System

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

Haynesville Mayor H.U. “Mutt” Slaid introduced Roderick Hampton, the newest member of  the Haynesville Town Council, at their regular meeting held Thursday, October 19. Hampton was appointed at a special called meeting held October 5 to serve in the seat vacated by Alvin Moss, who resigned September 24. Carla Smith  made a motion to appoint Herbert Taylor to the seat, but it failed for lack of a second. Major’s motion to appoint Hampton was approved by a vote of 3-1, with Councilmen RenJ Lincoln-Buggs, Joyce Major and Alvin Kendrick voting in favor and Smith voting against.

The Council then approved a resolution calling for a special election to be held in conjunction with the primary election set for March 31, 2007 to select a person to serve the remainder of Moss’s term which will expire on June 30, 2009. Qualifying for candidates will be held February 7-9, 2007. 

Slaid recognized State Representative Richard “Rick” Gallot who worked with Senators Robert Adley and Robert Barham to secure a $100,000 grant this year and $615,000 next year to revamp the Town’s sewer system and wastewater treatment plant. There is a lot of infiltration of rain water that does not need to be treated. Slaid said, “We are very fortunate that our sewer plant is as old as it is, but it still meets the requirements of EPA.”

Amendment 2 Will Give Extra $100,000 To Parish

Amendment No. 2 on the November 7 ballot will increase the cap on severance tax on oil and gas received by parishes in Louisiana from $750,000 to $850,000. Since 1921 or before, the Louisiana Constitution has required the state to share 20 percent of the severance tax collected from each parish on natural resources with that parish. For example, severance taxes collected last year in Madison Parish was only $1,949. Of that amount,  Madison Parish received the full 20 percent, or $390, as did 32 other parishes.

In 2005, the State of Louisiana collected over $666 million in severance taxes in varying amounts from parishes across the state. If every parish were to receive the full 20 percent, that would have been more than $133 million, however with the $750,000 cap, the State only distributed $29 million—a difference of $104 million. Thirty-one parishes, including Claiborne, received only the maximum amount allowed, $750,000.

Plaquemines Parish, with the largest severance tax at $120,891,431, also received only $750,000. If there were no cap, Plaquemines would have received $24,178,286. With just under $11 million in severance taxes collected last year in Claiborne Parish, the 20 percent portion would have been more than $2 million.

Amendment 2 will raise the cap for the first time since 1998, when it was raised from $500,000 to $750,000.

If Amendment 2 passes on November 7, the cap will increase to $850,000 in 2008. This will mean an additional $100,000 for Claiborne Parish. Each year after that, the cap would be adjusted upward for inflation, which has not been done in the past.

The 2006 Mt. Olive Christian School Homecoming Court (l.-r.) includes sophomore maid, Laney Ellis, daughter of Tommy and Lori Ellis of Athens; junior maid, Ranelle Stovall, daughter of Marion and Peggy Stovall of Athens; junior maid, Jessica Forrester, daughter of Geff and Sherrie Forrester of Arcadia; Football Sweetheart, Natali Easterling, daughter of R.J. and Dawn Easterling of Homer; Homecoming Queen, Hannah Barnette, daughter of Paul Barnette of Shongaloo and Rainalda Barnette of Homer; senior maid, Amanda Adkins of Ruston and Debra Pyle of Minden, sophomore maid, Brittney Bridges, daughter of Mark Bridges of Athens and Shelly Moore of McNeil, AR; and freshman maid, Samantha Brown, daughter of Denny and Janet Brown of Athens.  (Not pictured is freshman maid, Kalyn Jordan, daughter of Angie Jordan of Arcadia.)

Operation Christmas Child Underway Locally

“Operation Christmas Child” is what Christmas is about. It is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization headed by Franklin Graham. It is a wonderful way to share the love of Jesus Christ with millions of children around the world suffering from war, poverty, famine, and natural disaster. Last year, more than 7.6 million shoe boxes packed with presents were delivered to children in 95 countries. Area churches are preparing boxes to be collected the week of November 13-20. For information on how to pack a shoe box or the location of the nearest collection center, call 1-800-353-5949 or go on-line at www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC. Shoe box labels also available at The Guardian-Journal.

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