Sheriff’s Office Arrests
Most Wanted
IWC Offender
Ashanta T. Guerra, 28, of Arcadia was arrested on Tuesday,
November 14 by Claiborne Parish Sheriff Deputy Jeff Pugh. Guerra has been on
the “10 Most Wanted List” for issuing worthless checks since Claiborne Parish
Sheriff Ken Bailey and District Attorney Walter May teamed up last January to crack down on the number of worthless
checks written in Claiborne Parish.
According to the District
Attorney’s office, the program has been very successful thus far. Since
January, fifty-three (53) individuals have been featured in the “Most Wanted
List” in the newspaper each week. Of those, 25 have been arrested and 16 have
paid their checks prior to arrest. The publicity has also prompted hundreds of
others who had written worthless checks in Claiborne Parish to come forward and
settle their debts, to avoid having their pictures published in the newspaper.
Last year, Sheriff Bailey said
the main objective of the campaign was to get the money back for the merchants
and to stop the problem from reoccurring. According To District Attorney May,
“Without the support of the sheriff’s office, this program would not be
possible.” Bailey and May plan to continue working to reduce
the number of “hot checks” written in Claiborne Parish.
For more information on how to
handle a worthless check or if you think your name could be on the worthless
check list, contact District Attorney Walter May’s office in Homer at 927-4862.
Robert E. “Bob” McDaniel
(left) was sworn in Monday,
October 16, 2006 as Claiborne Parish Police Juror in
District 3 by Clerk of Court Patrick Gladney. McDaniel narrowly defeated “Bud”
Ruple in a special election held
September 30 and will serve the remainder of former Jury President Weldon
Kilpatrick’s term. Kilpatrick, who resigned last April due to ongoing health
issues, was honored by the Jury when they declared November 8 as “Weldon
Kilpatrick Day” in Claiborne Parish.
Police Jury Declares
November 8
As Weldon Kilpatrick Day
$300,000 Blacktopping
Program Placed In 2007 Budget
Jurors Apply For $15 Million To
Complete Homer Bypass
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Former Jury President Weldon
Kilpatrick was honored by members of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury during
their regular meeting when they passed a resolution declaring November 8 as
“Weldon Kilpatrick Day” in Claiborne Parish. The resolution recognized
Kilpatrick for his 37 years of public service, as Chief Deputy Tax Assessor
from 1969-1980, then as Claiborne Parish Tax Assessor from 1981-1988. In 1996,
he was elected to the Police Jury representing District 3 where he served until
his resignation in May 2006. During that time, he served as Vice-President from
January-June 2001, then as President from June 2001 until December 20004. He
also served on numerous parish, civic and church boards and committees.
The resolution noted that
Kilpatrick had “provided an outstanding example of leadership, personal
integrity, and a devotion to personally serving the need of all the citizens of
Claiborne Parish.” A copy of the resolution and a plaque of appreciation was presented to Kilpatrick during a ceremony held later
that day at the Claiborne Manor Nursing Home.
The Police Jury voted to amend
the 2007 budget to include $300,000 to begin the blacktop program. Scott
Davidson said this is a parishwide program and should address where the need is
greatest.
Secretary-Treasurer Dwayne
Woodard informed the Jury an application for Capital Outlay for 2007-2008 had
been submitted with assistance by CDC for $15 million over the next five years
to be used to construct the Homer Bypass. The Jury would pay matching cost of
$500,000, or $100,000 per year over the next five years. Woodard said an
application had been made through the La. Local Road Safety Grant program for
$141,000 to upgrade and rehabilitate all road signs throughout the parish..
….more
Local Fugitive Arrested In
Las Vegas
A 32-year-old man wanted on
four outstanding warrants with the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office was
arrested Saturday, November 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The warrants on Marcus A.
Murray included aggravated flight from an officer, passing in a no passing
zone, reckless operation, speeding, no driver’s license, and open container.
When Murray failed to appear in court, Sheriff Ken Bailey had the
warrants entered in the N.C.I.C. (National Crime Information Center).
Murray was located in Las Vegas, then
transported back to Claiborne Parish to answer the charges. He was booked into
the Claiborne Parish Detention Center on four counts of failure to
appear with bond set at $130,500.
In a separate incident, Deputy
Randy Pugh was on routine patrol on Wednesday, November 15. He stopped a 2007
Chevrolet with temporary license tags for improper lane usage. After pulling the driver over, Pugh could
smell what appeared to be marijuana coming from the vehicle. Upon further
investigation, Pugh discovered Jaclyne C. Jones, 24, of Haynesville was in
possession of marijuana and rolling papers. There was also a 12 ounce open
bottle of Bud Light beer on the front seat.
Jones was placed under arrest
and verbally advised of her miranda rights. She was
transported to the Claiborne jail where she was booked on possession of
marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, open container, and improper lane
usage. Bond was set at $2,000.
Homer High Student
Arrested
On Drug Possession
Homer Police Officers arrested
a 14-year-old female juvenile at Homer High School on Thursday, November 9 and
charged her with possession of marijuana. Officers had received a call from
school officials regarding a student in possession of contraband.
The teen was transported to the
Homer Police Department where she was formally charged with possession, then
transported to the Ware Juvenile Detention Center in Coushatta.
“Butch” Lee, new plant manager
at Covalence Coated Products (formerly Ludlow) and adminstrative assistant Betty Williams.
New Plant Manager At Covalence Coated Products
BY SUSAN T. HERRING,
Editor, The
Guardian-Journal
For the second time in history,
Covalence Coated Products (formerly Ludlow) has a plant manager who is
from Claiborne Parish. Walter “Butch” Lee of Homer was appointed to the
position September 1, 2006, replacing Brenda Thompson,
who was appointed Vice President of Operations. The first local plant manager
was James T. Lowe, also the third plant manager hired after the company, then
McLaurin-Jones, opened in 1952.
Lee was born at Homer Memorial
Hospital 50 years ago and has been a Claiborne Parish resident most of his
life. He joined Ludlow Coated Products over 20 years ago, on August 18, 1986. At that time, he had few aspirations of moving to the
top. As years went by, he came to realize it was an attainable goal, in spite
of the fact it is highly unusual for an employee to move up through the ranks
and assume such a position.
Lee has held numerous positions
with the company over the years, Manufacturing Quality Control Manager and most
recently, Division Six Sigma Black Belt (Operations Excellence Project Manager)
and Production Manager, a position he has held since July 2005. Presently, Lee
is serving as plant manager, while juggling his former duties as Production
Manager, until a replacement is hired.
The first thing Lee will tell
you about his new job is he is not the “boss”. His administrative assistant
Betty Williams agrees. She said her supervisor does not like to be referred to as
“boss”. Lee said, “I just have a different position with the same team.”
Lee said he brings a different
attitude than many past executives. Because he is a local resident, he brings to the job
more insight into the local needs and concerns of the community, and with that,
he believes more hope by having a plant manager who actually resides inside the
Claiborne Parish tax base.
Covalence already participates
in some community events. For the past several years, the company has
participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life held each spring, thanks to the many
volunteers who work at Covalence. Last year, when evacuees from South Louisiana were forced to move
temporarily to Claiborne Parish looking for shelter, Covalence employees voted
to give up their annual picnic and donate $10,000 to help feed and shelter the
evacuees.
Lee presently serves on the
Claiborne Parish Watershed Commission and the Board of Directors at Claiborne Academy. He is a past member of the
Claiborne Chamber of Commerce and wants to become more involved in the future.
He also wants to attend more local meetings of the various governmental bodies
and more local events, such as the Claiborne Parish Fair..
As plant manager, Lee wants to
widen the culture of process improvement. In other words, one of his goals is
to make the plant more cost competitive. He also wants to make sure the plant
meets qualifications required by their customers.,
which will help secure the present
customer base and allow for more expansion.
Covalence owns four plants
besides the one in Homer. The Meridian, Mississippi plant was acquired in the
1980s. Three other plants were acquired when Tyco was the corporate head. They
are located in Columbus, Georgia; Doswell, Virginia; and Constantine, Michigan.
The Homer plant has the largest
employee base, the most machines, and more gross sales than the other four
plants. It is considered the flagship facility, partly because it was division
headquarters for many years. Although headquarters were moved to Shreveport, the Homer plant still has a
number of upper level staff who work here.
“We have a great workforce with
a lot of years experience, many who have had careers
of 30 years or more,” Lee said. Regarding his future goals, “I just want to
keep this plant running and help the community.”
Lee lives in Homer with his
wife Karen and their two daughters, Jenna and Lindy.
"Running Bear," "Dancing Curls,"
"Wynon Kuzih," "Howling Wolf," "Gentle
Spirit," "Lil Talking Bass," "Screeching Owl,"
"Pretty Spirit," "Friend of Animals," "Goat
Catcher," "Full Moon," "Quiet Chief," "Water
Lillie," "White Cloud," "Princess Mouth Run Like A Never
Ending River," "Lil Pocahontas," "Princess Quiet
Mouse," "Morning Flower," and "Dora"— Indians of the
Summerfield Pre-Kindergarten “tribe” (class) had a Thanksgiving feast Friday,
November 17, with the Kindergarten class, who were dressed as Pilgrims. The
above Indian names were chosen by the children and their families when they
designed and decorated Indian necklaces as a family project. They enjoyed
venison jerky, homemade butter, popcorn and many other foods at their party,
foods that might have been at the first Thanksgiving feast. Parents were
encouraged to come. Everyone had a wonderful time..
“Spirit of Christmas” Food
Drive Underway
BY SUSAN T. HERRING,
Editor, The
Guardian-Journal
The 25th Annual “Spirit of
Christmas” Food Drive sponsored by Brookshire's
Grocery Company and the Homer Lions Club began Monday, November 20. This local
food drive provides food for needy families in the Claiborne Parish area at
Christmas. Area residents may make donations by placing non-perishable food
items in designated bins at Brookshire's in Homer.
The Spirit of Christmas Food Drive
began in 1982, when 92 families in Tyler, Texas, received assistance. All food
collected in the Homer area will be distributed in Claiborne Parish. Families
assisted by the Spirit of Christmas Food Drive are selected by local relief
organizations or government agencies according to need. Last year, 160 boxes
were delivered to families in Claiborne Parish.
People are asked not to donate
homemade goods or items in glass jars. Bulk items, such as flour, sugar, and
corn meal, should be donated in smaller sizes to allow for more variety in the
boxes given to the recipients.
In addition to the public food
donations, each family will receive at least one roasting hen from Brookshire's
Grocery Co. As in the past, 4-H Junior Leaders will sort and package the food
boxes for shipping prior to delivery on Friday, December 15.
Homer Lions Club members will
deliver boxes between 11 AM and 5 PM on December 15 with assistance
from Sheriff Ken Bailey and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Police Chief
Russell Mills and the Homer Police Department, and Police Chief Anthony Smith
and the Haynesville Police Department.
Persons may also drop food
items at the First Presbyterian Church in Homer, if they call Pastor John
McClellan at 927-4804 or 927-3887 in advance. For more information or if you
know a family who needs to be added to the list, please call Susan Herring at
927-4352 or 268-0611. Families with the most need will be given first
consideration.
Claiborne Parish Sheriff Deputy David Morgan
was presented a check for $4,084 raised during the Benefit Bass Tournament held
November 11 on Lake
Claiborne.
Chris Bailey and Jeremy Starkey represented the check on behalf of the
Claiborne Bass Busters, Homer Police Chief Russell Mills, and Pleasure Point Marina.
Bass Tournament Raises
$4,084 For Injured Deputy
The Claiborne Bass Busters and Pleasure Point Marina raised more than $4,700 and
after paying out prized, presented $4,084 to Claiborne Parish Deputy David
Morgan following the Benefit Bass Tournament held on Lake Claiborne on Saturday, November 11.
Morgan was seriously injured in a near fatal car crash while on duty July 26, 2006 and will be off work for at least one year.
Winners of the Tournament and
$500 cash were Greg Terzia and Matt Willis with 12.30 pounds. Terzia and Willis
also took Big Bass with 3.60 pounds, winning the $120 pot. Second place went to
Ken Bailey and Jeff Pugh with 8.32 pounds. Chris Bailey and Jeremy Starkey took
third place with 8.09 pounds. Make Mahan and Blaine Sims came in fourth place
with 6.84. Bob
Chris Bailey and Jeremy Starkey
with Claiborne Bass Busters and Homer Police Chief Russell Mills were glad to
see the tremendous support from local businesses. Cash donations were
received from B&N Contractors, Andrews Pak-A-Bag, KRC Custom Manufacturing,
Mike Mahan, BTP Contractors, Ken Collins, Fluid Disposal, Broughton
Construction, Pleasure Point Marina, Gene Coleman State Farm Insurance, Harmon
Wood, Linda Featherston, M&M Hardware, Rickey Bearden, Homer Timber, Duck’s
Kar Wash, First Guaranty Bank, Cara Heard, Emerson Oil Company, Ron Hathorn,
Thomas Auto Care, and David Parker.
Door prizes were provided by
Schooner Petroleum Services, Homer Humphreys, Wood Group Pressure Control, Travis Boating Center, Terzia’s Rental, Michael’s
Men’s Store and Sporting Goods, and Gordon’s Service Center.
Claiborne Christmas
Festival &
“Hills Of
Homer” Walk/Run
Saturday,
November 25, 2006
Festivities for the 2006
Claiborne Christmas Festival will kickoff at 8 AM with the First Annual “Hills
of Homer” Christmas 10K, 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk/Run. Participants are asked to
bring an unwrapped Christmas gift valued between $10-$15 for
needy area children for the 2006 Toy
Drive being conducted by the Homer
Police Department. Lots of activities and entertainment
throughout the day (9AM-5PM) including
the Christmas Parade at 1 PM with Grand
Marshal Dr. T. M. Deas. For information on the
Festival or Parade, call Ann Burton at 927-2046 or Dale Tully at
927-9009. For information on the “Hills of Homer” Walk/Run, call Wayne Hatfield
at 927-2961. More details on page 3.
Flu Shots Available Now At
Health Unit
Sunday, November 19, 6 PM
The Claiborne Parish Health
Unit began offering flu vaccine on Monday, November 20. The Office of Public Health
recommends immunization of the elderly and those individuals who are at high
risk of serious illness or death from influenza. CDC has classified high-risk
groups on the basis of priority, based upon epidemiologic studies and
observations of morbidity and mortality due to influenza. Groups eligible to
receive vaccine through the health unit are as follows: 1) all children aged
6-23 months, 2) persons age 50 or older; 3) residents of nursing homes; d)
adults and children with chronic disorders of cardiovascular or pulmonary
systems that are severe enough to have required regular medical follow-up or
hospitalization during the preceding years including diabetes mellitus, renal
dysfunction, hemoglobinopathics, immunosuppressive diseases, or immunosuppression
caused my medications; 3) children and teens (6 months -18 years) receiving
long term aspiring therapy who may be at risk for Reye’s syndrome. Flu shots
will be offered daily 8 AM-3:30 PM at the Claiborne Parish Health
Unit, 624 West Main, Homer. Bring you medicaid/medicare
cards for billing purposes. Those not covered will be charged a $10
administrative fee. For more information, call 927-6127.
Happy Thanksgiving From All Of Us!!
