Local Fugitive Apprehended
In Georgia
BY SUSAN T. HERRING,
Editor, The
Guardian-Journal
Lonzo M. Nash, the 34-year-old
Bienville Parish inmate who escaped on July 11 while being transported to the E.A. Conway Medical Center in Monroe is back at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. 
Nash was apprehended on
Friday, November 17 in Marietta, Georgia. After waiving extradition,
Nash was transported back to Louisiana on Monday, November 27 by
Claiborne Parish deputies.
Before booking him back at the
CDC, Nash was taken to the Bienville Parish jail about 10
PM
Monday where he was charged with simple escape according to Bienville Parish
Sheriff John Balance.
Nash was being held at the CDC
awaiting trial on Bienville Parish charges of aggravated burglary and
possession of a firearm by a prior convicted felon.
He escaped while being
transported back to the CDC from the E. A. Conway Medical Center in Monroe. According to Corrections
Officer Antonio Banks who was driving the van when it allegedly ran out of gas
about one-half mile east of the Dubberly exit on I-20. Nash managed to escape
from the van, jump a fence and run into the woods.
Five days later, Banks was
terminated for violating company policy by using a CDC cell phone to make
personal phone calls. The decision to fire Banks had nothing to do with the
inmate’s escape according to Claiborne Parish Sheriff Bailey. It was
discovered, however, that at least one phone call had been made to Nash’s
girlfriend.
Sheriff Bailey said he expects
more charges to be forthcoming in the next few days.
Arrests Made For Drive-By
Shooting, Drugs
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s
Office made several arrests over the Thanksgiving week holidays according to
Sheriff Ken Bailey—two for drug possession and one for a drive-by shooting.
On Tuesday, November 21, Deputy
Randy Pugh was responding to a domestic dispute at 3827 Hwy. 79 in Homer when
he discovered a quantity of crack cocaine and a metal pipe on the suspect.
Joshia Deron George, 22, of Homer had apparently forced his way into the Hwy.
79 residence and committed two counts of battery on individuals there.
Pugh advised George he was under
arrest. When he attempted to place him in handcuffs, George resisted and tried
to run. With assistance by Homer Police Officer Roger Smith, Pugh was able to
restrain George. Upon further search of his person, Pugh discovered a quantity
of crack cocaine and a metal pipe.
George was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center where he was booked and
charged with unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, possession of
Schedule II (cocaine), two counts of battery, possession of drug paraphernalia,
and one count of resisting an officer. His total bond was set at $13,000.
A call was received by the
Sheriff’s Office on Friday, November 25 regarding a gunshot fired from a
vehicle while leaving J&B Express Convenience Store in Haynesville. Sheriff
Deputy Brian Pepper responded to the call. A short time later he observed a
vehicle fitting the description reported driving south on US 79. The vehicle
was veering erratically.
Pepper activated the lights on
his patrol car and stopped the vehicle. Gregory O. Voner, 21, of Athens, the only occupant in the
vehicle, was informed by Deputy Pepper that he was being detained for
questioning in the reported drive-by shooting.
After obtaining permission to
search the vehicle, Pepper located a spent shell casing on the driver’s side
floorboard and a 9mm semi-automatic handgun hidden inside a package of diapers
in the front passenger seat.
Voner was advised of his
Miranda rights, than charged with possession or carrying of a firearm by a
convicted felon and aggravated assault (drive-by shooting). He was booked into
the Claiborne Detention Center and is awaiting bond to be
set.
On Sunday, November 26, Deputy
Matt Harris arrested Shenekia Yvette Abbott, 22, and Dion L. Brooks, 34, both
of Homer.
During a routine traffic stop
on US 79 at Langford Road, Deputy Harris approached the
two occupants of the vehicle. At that time, he noticed a strong odor commonly
associated with marijuana. Further investigation revealed a blount-like cigar
filled with a green vegetable substance which appeared to be marijuana.
Abbott, the driver of the
vehicle, was charged with possession of Schedule I CDS (controlled dangerous
substance) marijuana, no license plate lights, failure to appear on a warrant
for the Town of Homer, and failure to appear on
warrant from the Sheriff’s Office. She was booked into the Claiborne Parish
Jail with bond set at $500 each charge, a total bond of $2,000.
Brooks was booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and charged with possession of
marijuana. His bond was set at $500.
Dr. Thomas M. Deas was Grand Marshal
(top photo) in the 2006 Claiborne Christmas Festival Parade held last Saturday.
The “Grinch” set atop the David Wade Correctional Center
float welcoming everyone to Wade-ville and wishing all a Merry Grinch-mas from David Wade Correctional Center.
State Police Releases
Report On Inmate’s Death
BY SUSAN T. HERRING,
Editor, The
Guardian-Journal
The Louisiana State Police
concluded their investigation into the death of James Earl Modisette, the
41-year-old inmate who died after being held a short time at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center in March 2006. Following an
autopsy by Dr. Frank Peretti, Forensic Pathologist in Little Rock, Arkansas, Modisette’s death was
determined to have been caused by a “stroke” brought on by cocaine
intoxication, something he said no one could have predicted.
The laceration on Modisette’s
head was found by Dr. Peretti to be superficial, consistent with a fall, and
non-life threatening; and there was no blunt trauma. In Peretti’s opinion,
Modisette had a “stroke” then fell on the metal edge of the bunk bed. He said
it was not uncommon for someone to have massive bleeding when coupled with an
accelerated heart rate. This would account for the blood found on the floor,
bed, and metal bed railing. Peretti said he found no evidence to suggest
Modisette had been either abused or beaten.
Modisette had been arrested
about 1 AM on Saturday, March 4 following a domestic disturbance.
Homer Police Sgt. Jimmy Hamilton and Officer Keith Ferguson charged him with 2
counts unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, simple battery (domestic
violence), disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, and probation violation.
Modisette was uncooperative and
resisted arrest. Officers decided to take him to Homer Memorial Hospital to have him examined because
he was “foaming” at the mouth and appeared to be under the influence of drugs.
At the hospital, Modisette refused treatment. Dr. Mark Haynes was able to check
his heart rate and lungs which he found to be normal, but due to his combative,
abusive state, he was unable to record any vital signs.
Due to his behavior, officers
were unable to book him when they arrived at the Detention Center and placed him in one of the
two holding cells. Throughout the night
and the following day, he was observed by corrections officers on numerous
occasions sleeping, rolling on the floor, and with his head in the toilet. He
did not eat any breakfast, but did eat most of his lunch tray. He was sleeping
when officers delivered his evening meal around 4:45 PM.
At 5:20 PM, Modisette spoke to Master
Control Deputy Debra Dancy over the voice monitor about a phone call. Twenty
minutes later, two correctional deputies found Modisette lying on the floor in
a semiconscious state with a bleeding head injury. They called 911 and
transported him by Claiborne Ambulance to Homer Memorial Hospital. From there he was airlifted
to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport where he was treated. The
following day, about 1 PM, the Caddo Parish coroner
pronounced him brain dead. The Claiborne Parish coroner immediately ordered an
autopsy.
State Police Detectives
conducted numerous interviews with staff at Homer Memorial Hospital; corrections officers,
supervisors, and inmates at the Claiborne Detention Center. Statements were consistent
that Modisette’s behavior was erratic and combative when he was arrested.
Several heard him shout repeatedly that “demons” were on him.
Inmates in the adjacent holding
cell were interviewed. They stated they heard moaning on one occasion, but
heard no activity in Modisette’s cell after lunch. Two said they never heard
Modisette’s cell door open or close, except when the ambulance arrived.
Chuck Talley, Chief
Investigator for the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Criminal Investigative
Division, contacted the Louisiana State Police North District Detectives in Shreveport and requested they investigate
the death. Following a lengthy and thorough investigation, no charges were
brought against any officers.
According to Asst. District
Attorney Jim Hatch, District Attorney Walter May reviewed the lengthy report
and agreed there was no evidence to warrant any wrongdoing.
Haynesville Council
Debates Speed Bumps
On Price
Drive
BY SUSAN T. HERRING,
Editor, The
Guardian-Journal
Rev. Tim Kelley addressed the
Haynesville Town Council at their regular meeting on November 16 regarding
concerns about speed bumps recently placed on Price Drive and asked the Council to
remove the bumps. He said, as a volunteer fireman, the speed bumps have become
a problem when called out on a fire. The bumps can also cause problems with
vehicles, with front end alignment. Councilman Carla Smith said she had
received a lot of complaints. The speed bumps create a problem for
firefighters, rescue vehicles, and ambulances when responding to an emergency.
Rene’ Lincoln Buggs said she
was the one who asked for the bumps. She had watched the traffic at different
times of the day on Price Drive and wanted to do something to
slow down the trucks and cars. She heard comments at City Hall suggesting speed
bumps be placed in her district. She said, “I do have speed bumps in the area
where I live.”
Although Buggs said she
respects everyone’s opinion, the bumps were put there for safety reasons and
she did not see how they would be a big problem even in an emergency. Her dad once told her if she didn’t stand for
something, she would fall for anything. She was committed to stand by her
decision and would not favor removing the bumps. She would not object, however,
to removing one speed bump if it were found to be in Carla Smith’s
district.
Kelley said he appreciated her
dad’s insight but he would venture to say her dad was talking about something
more relevant to life than speed bumps on a road. Buggs said Kelley had no idea
what her father was talking about. Kelley said, “That is an absolutely
ridiculous thing to stand for—speed bumps.”
Kelley suggested sending the
police department to solve the speeding problem, rather than putting an entire
community at odds with one Councilperson. He said, “Speed bumps are not in the
best interest of the community as I can see.”
Alvin Kendrick reminded the
Council speed bumps were put on Carter Drive about ten years ago. The
people got together and voted to have them removed. This is a democratic
society and if the majority of people don’t want them... Joyce Majors said,
“The majority is not here.” She suggested they prepare a petition and bring to
the Council. Her motion to allow people who use Price Drive to form a petition failed by a
vote -of 3-2. Carla Smith and Majors voted for. Buggs, Kendrick, and Roderick
Hampton voted against.
James Youngblood and another
resident in the Price Drive area also voiced opposition to
the speed bumps. The lady said about the speed bumps, “We don’t want any. We
don’t need any.” Youngblood said people who live in that area
were aware of the truck traffic when they built their homes. Buggs said,
“I am not opposed to the petition, but we can’t say for people who use Price Drive. We all go through Price Drive one way or another.”
Town Attorney Danny Newell told
the Council, “I just want to make sure everybody is clear. You don’t have to
have a motion to allow citizens to sign a petition asking the town council to
do something. The fact that you voted against that motion doesn’t mean citizens
cannot sign a petition asking you to do anything they want to. Citizens can do
what they want to do.”
April Neal and Elizabeth Carter
gave a presentation on a program being offered in Mansfield since 2002, which provides
home care to assist the elderly and disabled with baths, light housekeeping,
and every aspect of daily living. Persons can receive up to a maximum of 56
hours per week depending on the need. The State assesses the need, then prepares a plan. Carter said, “This program was
designed to keep them out of a nursing home.” Persons on Medicaid and Medicare
qualify. The can have Home Health and this program, just cannot be in the house
at the same time. Buggs said, “It is cheaper for the state to take care of at
home than in a nursing home.” The Council agreed to set up a public meeting on
Monday, December 18 at 10 AM in the Fair Building to allow the ladies to come
back and present the information to interested persons in the community.
Mayor H. U. “Mutt” Slaid said
the Council was mandated to adopt the Uniform Statewide Building Code by January 1, 2007. He suggested the Council wait to introduce the
ordinance. The Police Jury has offered their assistance, to help keep expenses
down and meet requirements of the law. He said, “Our legislature has to be
mindful of the fact that when they pass a law that we have to adhere to, send a
check with it, and not give us a mandate with no check.”
Homer Council Approves
Building Code Ordinance
BY SUSAN T. HERRING,
Editor, The
Guardian-Journal
The Homer Town Council met in
special session on Tuesday, November 14 to approve the introduction of the
state-mandated Uniform Statewide Building Code ordinance which must be ready to
enforce its provisions by January 1, 2007. A model ordinance is
available on the LMA website at www.lamunis.org.
Jesse Ford served as mayor pro
tem in the absence of mayor Huey Dean. The vote was 4-0, with J. C. Moore,
Billy Kirk Jenkins, Toney Johnson, and Carlette Sanford all voting in favor of
the motion.
A public hearing will be held
at 6 PM on Monday, December 4 to allow public comments on the building
code ordinance and on the budget proposed for 2007. The regular meeting of the
Homer Council will be held immediately following the public hearing.
Two Injured In Sunday Morning
Wreck
Two persons were injured in an
accident about one mile north of Athens on Hwy. 9 around 7:15
AM
Sunday morning, November 26. According to Louisiana State Police reports, when
Troopers arrived on the scene, they found a 2006 Ford pickup truck off the
roadway. Driver Christopher Clay Smith, 34, of Simsboro was transported to the Homer Memorial Hospital by Claiborne Ambulance with
moderate injuries. Troopers cited him with operating a vehicle while
intoxicated, first offense, and careless operation.
Danny Dale Heckendorn, 59, of
Sarepta, the driver of a 2006 Chevy pickup also involved in the accident, was
also taken by Claiborne Ambulance to Homer Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. No
charges were issued against Heckendorn. No other details of the accident were
given in the initial report.
Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey
and Homer Police Chief Russell Mills present $3,000 to Deputy David Morgan, the
proceeds raised at the Benefit Fish Fry held at First Baptist Church
in Homer last Saturday. Sponsors of the Fish Fry were the Claiborne Sheriff’s
Office, Homer Police Department, Jerry Andrews and Pak-A-Bag, First Baptist
Men’s Brotherhood, Fowler Transportation, and Sims Trucking.
“Hills Of
Homer” Christmas 10K Run Draws 44 Participants
Last Saturday morning, the sun
was out; so were the runners for the first annual Hills of Homer Christmas Run.
The Run had 44 participants this year, in addition to their fans—all
anticipating the sound of the gun.
At 8:00 AM Wayne Hatfield led the opening
ceremonies with a prayer and then sounded the start of the 1 mile Walk / Run.
As soon as walkers were far enough ahead, he started the runners on what would
be a grand run. The weather was just right.
Stationed along the route were
amateur (ham) radio operators that kept up with the runners, as well as Ricky
Bearden on his Harley Davidson. There were 3 different races going on at the
same time. As runners passed the checkpoints, ham operators would radio in the
results.
About 21 minutes after the
races started, Toney Summers crossed the finish line in the 5K run (around 3 miles), posting a pace
of 6.42 min for each mile he ran. Homer’s own Danny Newell was not far behind
with a pace setting of 6.55 a mile. The female 5K runner to cross the finish
line first was Jennifer Martin with a run of 8.27 per mile. Jean Frye was
second with a pace of 8.31 per mile.
In the 10K Run (6 miles), Tara
Allgood crossed first with a 9.29 pace per mile. Then Tyra Brown, 12 years old,
came in second for the 10K mile in the female division. Matt McVicar was first in the male division
of the 10K run at 7.05 pace per mile with Patrick
Larkin in second place with a 7.38 pace per mile.
In the 1 mile walk run James
Colvin, Barbara Lindsey, and Joyce Colvin placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
Chairman Wayne Hatfield said,
“Congratulations to all who came out to run, as well as those who helped out.
This event could not have happened without them.”
A great time was had by all.
Many of the participants expressed they would love to come back next year and
improve on their time. When asked what was the hardest part of the course, most
said College Hill pretty much knocked the wind out of them, while others said
the hill on Beverly Drive got to them.
There were runners from as far
away as New Jersey, Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana, as well as many local
favorites from Claiborne Parish. The ages of the participants ranged from 6
years to 67 years.
The Hills of Homer Race
Committee is looking forward to putting on another great race next year, on November 24, 2007, and they will be looking for YOU.
Below are the results of the
2006 “Hill of Homer” Christmas Run as reported by Sportsspectrum Race
Management for each race in the various age groups:
5K Run/Walk
Overall Female Open Winners:
First - Jennifer Martin, 38, of Lees Summit
MO, with time of 26:11 minute; Second - Jean Frye, 50, of Minden with
time of 26:24; Female 1 to 19: Heather Bays, 19, of Homer, time 30:33; Female
20 to 29: First - Cydni Hightower, 21, time 45:48; Marisa Sanks, 23, of Homer, time 45:49;
Female 30 to 39: 1st - Julie Sentell, 34, time 26:55; 2nd - Mary Ellen
Anderson, 36, of Homer, 36:52; 3rd - Christy Chandler, 36, 40:53, 4th - Meg
Sanks, 30, of Homer, 45:48; Female 40 to 49: 1st -Mary Louise McLaughlin, 47,
of West Monroe, 27:35; 2nd -Denise
Moseley, 48, of Taylor AR, 36:35, 3rd -
Laurie Biggs, 41, 40:52, 4th - Janice Watt, 46, of Haughton, 42:09, 5th - Alisa
Greene, 44, of Ruston; 42:57; 6th - Joy Frye, 48, of Minden, 45:18; 7th - Becky
Bays, 48, of Homer, 46:27; 8th - Penny Brown, 42, 48:01; Female 50 to 59: 1st -
Juanita Bleecker, 54, 30:43; 2nd - Sarah Sanks, 55, of Homer, 45:51; Female 60
and over: 1st - Carolyn Smith, 62, of Springhill, 41:22; Overall Male Open Winners: 1st - Tony Summers,
59, 20:46; 2nd - Danny Newell, 43, of Homer, 21:25; Male 1 to 19: 1st - Nathanael Senn, 16, of Spearsville,
22:34; 2nd - Trent Newell, 18, of
Homer, 23:01; 3rd - Kyle Parden, 13, 26:09; 4th - Robert Steven Brown, 6,
48:00; Male 20 to 29: 1st - Mark Bays, 28, of Homer, 22:20; 2nd - Michael
Sanks, 27, of Homer, 45:49; 3rd - Dustyn Lee, 26, of Homer, 45:50; Male 30 to
39: 1st - Michael Allen, 35, of Homer, 23:36; 2nd - Donnie Bell, 31, of Ruston;
23:52; 3rd - Matt Martin, 38, of Lees Summit
MO, 28:41; Male 40 to 49: 1st - Brian Willis, 48, 22:17; 2nd -Sherb
Sentell, 40, 25:36; 3rd - Jeff Atkins, 40, of Homer, 30:34; 4th - Michael
Anderson, 44, of Homer; 36:52; Male 50 to 59: 1st - Dave Woodard, 50,
26:27; Male 60 and over: 1st - James
Hatch, 60, of Athens, 26:38
10K Run
Overall Female Open
Winners: 1st - Tara Allgood, 45, of
Haughton, 58:47; 2nd - Tyra Brown, 12, 1:00:43; Overall Male Open Winners: 1st
- Matthew McVicar, 43, of Bossier City , 43:52; 2nd - Patrick Larkin, 19, of
Bossier City, 47:17; Male 30 to 39 1st - Jeff Caskey, 36, of Homer, 1:04:40;
Male 40 to 49 1st - Malcolm McVicar, 44, 50:56; 2nd - Steve Brown, 40, 1:00:43;
Male 50 to 59 1st - Timothy Larkin, 56, of Bossier City, 49:51; Male 60 and
over: 1st - Richard Bleecker, 67, 1:05:06
1 Mile Fun Run
Overall Female Open Winners:
1st - Barbara Lindsey, 49; 2nd - Joyce Colvin, 57, of Homer; Overall Male Open
Winners: 1st - James Colvin, 59, of Homer.
Public Service
Commissioner Campbell In Homer Dec. 7
BY SUSAN T. HERRING,
Editor, The
Guardian-Journal
Louisiana Public Service
Commissioner Foster Campbell will visit Claiborne, Union, and Lincoln Parishes on
Thursday, December 7th to answer questions from local residents about their
utilities. “I invite all citizens to
attend and discuss any concerns they may have about their electricity, natural
gas, and other services,” Campbell said. The schedule of public
meetings is as follows: 10:00 a.m. at the Claiborne Parish Police
Jury Main Office, 507 W. Main St., in Homer;.
1:30 p.m.at Union Parish Courthouse Annex, 303 E. Water St. in Farmerville; and
4:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Parish Library, 910 N. Trenton St. in Ruston. Campbell said he would ask
representatives of local public utilities to attend and address questions that
arise. For more information contact Commissioner Campbell’s office at 800-256-2412.
Christmas Memory Tree
In
Memory Of—Given By
Sam Tyler - Bea
& Don Grimes
William (Bill)
Grimes - Bea
& Don Grimes
Vernice Tyler - Bea & Don Grimes
James Owens - Connie, Wife
Elmer Neal Hardy,Jr. - Eva Hardy, Mother
Billy Martin -
Sherry M.,Skipper,Terry Martin
Jason Ware -
Connie Gray, Mother
Ronnie Richard -
Forrest & Karen Richard
Joie Teague -
Forrest & Karen Richard
Justin Yellot -
Forrest & Karen Richard
Lawrence White - Mrs. Elvie White
Kevin White -
Mrs. Elvie White
Doodle Widmer -
Lori Bailey & Family
Felix Faulk -
Stephen & Kayla Faulk
Tim Smith -
Stephen & Kayla Faulk
Joie Teague -
Stephen & Kayla Faulk
Mark Bailey -
Stephen & Kayla Faulk
Rodney Hollenshead
- Caitlyn, Brantlie, Logan, Chloe’ & Shelby
Rodney
Hollenshead - Hazel, Dana, & Ginni
Mabel DeHaney -
Ken & Kathy Staggs
Anita Johnson -
Ken & Kathy Staggs
Tommy Gilmore -
Ken & Kathy Staggs
Stephen L.
Holland - Elizabeth Holland
Vada Mae D. Gates
- Patti Dawson
Tim Samuel -
Patti Dawson
O.L. (Fate)
Dawson - Patti Dawson
Mae G. Dawson-
Patti Dawson
Thomas L.Guice,Sr. - Wanda & Lawson Guice
Evelyn H. Guice -
Wanda & Lawson Guice
Robinson Family -
Carol Robinson
Lucas Harmon -
Debbie Harmon
Sonny Hicks - Pat
Hicks & Family
Jeremy Bilberry -
Ernie & Beth LaBuff & Family
In Honor
Of—Given By
Ed McKnight - Bea &
Don Grimes
Mary Ruth
McKnight - Bea & Don Grimes
Marcus Harmon -
Debbie Harmon
To
purchase light for Memory Tree, send $5 for each name (“memory” or “honor”) to
Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival. 400
West 3rd St., Homer, LA 71040 or take
to Miss Lizzies. For information, call 927-9009
