Out With The Old, In With The New
2007 Brings Hope, New Resolutions, & Challenges
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
January 1, 2007 marked the end of one administration and the beginning
of another for the Town of Homer. In spite of efforts by
outgoing Mayor Huey Dean and the Homer Town Council to pay off a portion of the
Town’s indebtedness, a special called meeting held Wednesday, December 27
failed to get approval of the proposed Ordinance to amend the budget.
A letter was sent by David
Newell to Mayor Dean and each selectman regarding the depletion of the general
fund prior to the meeting. As town attorney, Newell advised them of the law
dealing with the State Budget Act which requires any amendment to be in
writing, then published 10 days prior to the hearing
in the Town newspaper. Due to the questions raised about the legality of the
meeting, the Council adjourned without approving the Ordinance.
Newell, who assumed his new
position as mayor January 1, said he was not opposed to paying the debt, but
would prefer not to address the unresolved issue at his first regular meeting
next Monday night.
Homer Mayor David Newell says
he is not opposed to paying the debt, he does not want
to address the unresolved issue at the Council’s first regular meeting next
Monday. In spite of this and other
issues facing the new administration, Newell said, “I am excited about 2007.
Thank God for blessings that I’ve been given. I look forward to the challenges
and can’t wait to see us having good positive things happening in the town.”
His first day on the job was
not what he expected however. He arrived at City Hall promptly at 8:00
AM
Tuesday morning, January 2, to find the doors locked. Since he had not yet been given a key, he was
unable to get in. He said it was a significant shock to find no one at work.
Newell’s initial enthusiasm was
somewhat diminished after he returned at 8:30 and 9:00 AM to find the office still
closed. He had planned to meet with the office staff to go over a list of
specific tasks and review how certain duties were handled, among other things.
He walked next door to the Homer Police Station to find out if Tuesday was a
holiday. Homer Police Chief Russell Mills said according to the 2007 holiday
schedule approved by the Town Council, only Monday,
January 1, 2007 was approved as a holiday.
The next scheduled holiday is Martin Luther King Day on Monday, January
15.
Although Chief Mills doesn’t
necessarily believe in making New Year’s resolutions, he was looking forward to
the coming year with high expectations. He hopes this year will go forward with
less crime and a better outlook for the whole town, that the town will prosper
and see new economic development to replace the loss of Wal-Mart.
As it states in their mission
statement, Mills wants the Homer Police Department to be a catalyst for
positive change through persistent, personalized and cost effective use of
public safety resources. He remains committed to maintaining public trust and
hopes to run the department cost effectively. “I hope the negativity will
change through the year by the way we handle situations that arise,” Mills
said. By embracing the values of pride, professionalism and integrity, the
department remains committed to maintaining that public trust.
From the hospital room where he
welcomed in the New Year, Police Jury President Roy Mardis
was still upbeat about the upcoming year. One thing he would like to see in the
new year is more accountability. He said, “With me, as
an elected official, as a leader in the community, we need to be
accountable.” He would like to get the new year off to a good start by continuing his efforts to
work together with other elected bodies to move the parish forward.
To start the new
year, Mardis would like to invite all
chairpersons or other designated representative from all elected and appointed
committees throughout the parish to attend the next Police Jury meeting on
Wednesday, January 10 beginning at 9 AM. He would like to get a brief
update or report from each group on what their goals are for the upcoming year
and what plans they are presently working on.
Following the November Jury
meeting, Mardis and several police jurors along with
other local officials and businesses leaders met with Rebecca Tedford, Community Development Program Specialist for the
State Grants Management Section of the Office of Community Development. She
provided information on a new program initiated through her office, the
Louisiana AmeriCorps VISTA Project. The mission of La
VISTA is to provide Louisiana parishes, communities, and
residents with the resources needed to work together to improve Louisiana’s quality of life. It is
intended to help reduce the level of poverty found in many parishes.
Tedford will be back in Homer on
Tuesday, January 9 to meet with members of the Police Jury and others to begin
the process of deciding what direction the parish wants to go and to begin
working on a Site Project Work Plan.
As we look forward to plans for
the new year, we would also like to take time to
reflect on the events of past year. Below are highlights from events that
occurred in 2006:
JANUARY
George Ronald
"Ronnie" Stratton, 58, of Bossier City was tragically killed New
Years Eve at his farm off King Point Road in Claiborne Parish. Stratton,
a long-time resident of Claiborne Parish, was loading some portable cattle
panels on a trailer sometime in the evening of December 31, 2005, when the
panels fell and pinned him against the inside wall of the trailer, causing his
death. Ronnie and his wife, Mary, owned and operated Livestock Producer's
Cattle Auction on Sligo Road in Bossier City.
. …more
Shots Fired Leads To Drug Arrest
A call regarding shots fired on
Christmas Eve on La. 807 just north of La. Alt. 2 in Haynesville led to the
arrest of one person. Haynesville Police Officer Adrian Malone and Probation
and Parole Officer Frank Evans responded to the call received December 24, 2006, to assist the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.
While questioning Cameron D.
Cockrell, officers observed a small plastic ziplock
bag filled with a crystal-like substance consistent with methamphetamine on
roof of the car on the driver’s side. CPSO Deputy Matt Harris arrived on the
scene and further questioned Cockrell, who admitted the drugs were his.
Cockrell, 27, of Haynesville,
was placed under arrest and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. He was booked on possession
of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine). Bond was set
at $5,000.
.
Dixie
Mart Burglarized
BY SUSAN T. HERRING,
Editor, The
Guardian-Journal
Homer Police were called to
Dixie Mart #3 in Homer in the early morning hours of Christmas Day when an
alarm went off around 1:35 AM December 25. The burglar apparently
threw a large chunk of concrete through the right front door of the store,
shattering the glass, then entered the store through
the broken door.
Officer Jimmy Hamilton arrived
on the scene within minutes and observed the suspect leaving the store. The
suspect dropped the beer and cigars he had removed from the store and ran, with
Hamilton in pursuit. The Wade Chase
Team was dispatched and was able to pick up a scent and followed it as far as
they could.
Anyone with information on this
crime is asked to contact the Homer Police Department at 927-4000.
Several days before Christmas,
on Thursday, December 21, Homer officers received a call regarding a broken
window at the Claiborne Boys & Girls Club located in the old Homer Junior High School building on Pearl Street in Homer. As officers Ken Wood and Mike Rayburn arrived
at the scene, the observed someone run out a side door. Four subjects were
apprehended.
Marcus Williams, 17, of Homer
was arrested, along with two female juveniles, ages 15 and 16, and one
16-year-old male juvenile. Williams was charged with simple burglary,
contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, and flight from an officer. He
was transported to the Claiborne Detention Center where he was booked on $27,000
bond. The three juveniles were charged with simple burglary, then
released to their parents.
Homer Police Chief Russell
Mills said officers found no evidence that the four were responsible for
breaking the windows. Approximately 20 windows were broken; several were new
windows stored inside the building to replace broken windows
Woman Arrested For
Shooting Husband
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Dorothy Meadows, 36, of
Summerfield was arrested Wednesday, December 20 after making an emergency 911
call to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office to report she had shot her
husband following a domestic dispute. Deputies Matt Harris and Jeff Pugh
responded to the call. Claiborne Ambulance was dispatched to the scene and
transported Raymond Meadows to Homer Memorial Hospital.
Dorothy Meadows was transported
to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office where she was interviewed by Deputies
Harris and Randy Smith who had been called in to assist in the investigation.
She was later booked in the Claiborne Parish Jail and charged with aggravated
second degree battery. Her bond was set at $20,000.
Homer Memorial Hospital Board
honored outgoing members at their December meeting. Doug Efferson
(left), Administrator, and Thomas "Buddy" Pixley
(right), Board of Directors Chairman, present Lawson Wilder, C.C. Austin and
George Tigner with plaques honoring their service on Homer Memorial Hospital's
Board of Directors. Board members volunteer their time to attend monthly
meetings and provide valuable community support to everyday hospital
operations. Members are appointed by Town of Homer Selectmen
to five year terms, limited to two terms. The HMH Board also welcomed new
appointees, Wesley Emerson and Mac Rushing. Other board members are Charles
Etta Johnson, Alecia Levingston,
Dottie Palmer, Dr. Cliff Salmon and Chloe Ellen Watson. Newly Homer Mayor David
Newell or his designee will complete the 2007 Homer Memorial Hospital Board of
Directors.
Homer
Hospital
Plans Put On Hold
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Bids received on the emergency
addition and renovation to the existing building of Homer Memorial Hospital were presented to the Board of
Directors of Homer Memorial Hospital at their regular meeting December 19. Four
bids were received, all
four were about double the estimated budget. Hospital
Administrator Doug Efferson recommended the Board
allow him to continue to work with Space Planners Architects of Monroe to get
the project rebid. The Board voted to reject all bids
and authorize the architect rework specifications and rebid the project with essentially the same plan initially
proposed. Efferson said this will delay the project
about three months, but construction could still begin by summer.
Bids received as follows: Don
Leach Construction $2,667,000; Pro-Build Construction, Inc. - $2,636,264; Traxler Construction - $2,585,000; and Mann’s Construction
Company - $2,360,000.
Representatives from Space
Planners Architects who designed the renovation project were present to comment
on the bids and to answer questions. They recommended the Board continue with
the plan as presented with some minor changes to reduce the cost. Architects
were confident they could reduce the overall cost of the project by
approximately $700,000. One suggestion was to go to a hydraulic elevator.
Under other business, the Board
voted unanimously to set up a non-profit foundation named the Claiborne
Healthcare Foundation and to pay approximately $1,200 to file papers with the
state. The purpose of the foundation will be to accept contributions to be used
exclusively for making improvements to the hospital. The bylaws will determine
the number of members on the board and how money donated would be used.
George Tigner
encouraged the new board to listen to the doctors. He said, “They work here
everyday and they are the backbone of the hospital.”
Lawson Wilder said the hospital
is run solely to provide the best possible healthcare. He said, “It is not run
for the benefit of doctors. It is not run for the benefit of employees. It is
run for the benefit of patients.” To take care of the patients, you have to
have good doctors and it is true the doctors are an essential part of
healthcare. The hospital is very fortunate to have them, but that doesn’t mean
doctors are always the best business people.
Before adjourning, the Board
recognized the three members whose terms will end December 31. Plaques were
presented to George Tigner, Lawson Wilder, and C.C.
Austin. All three were thanked for their years of service.
Dr. M.H. “Butch” Procell of Homer
was the lucky winner of D.A.R.T.’s $500 Christmas
cash last month when local mail carrier John Buggs
pulled his name in the drawing December 21. Procell
immediately donated his winnings back to the local D.A.R.T. office. Witnessing
the drawing were Sheriff Ken Bailey, Mary Ellen Gamble (Rural Community
Organizer for Claiborne Parish D.A.R.T.), and Donna Faulk. Faulk and Bailey are
members of CCRT, D.A.R.T.’s Coordinated Community
Response Team organized three years ago to discuss ways to educate the
community about domestic violence and to plan fundraisers. Gamble said this
fundraiser was very successful, raising more than $1,000 for D.A.R.T.
Commission Looks At Permanent Markers On Lake
Claiborne
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
The Claiborne Parish Watershed
District Commission met December 14 for the purpose of adopting a budget,
electing officers, and begin making plans to install
permanent markers on Lake Claiborne. New officers elected
unanimously were Butch Fincher as chairman and treasurer, Chic Hines as
vice-chairman, and Alice Stewart as secretary.
Fincher introduced the proposed
2007 budget as follows: total revenues $206,000 and total expenses at $138,800.
Expenses include $30,000 for channel markers,$25,000 for landing improvements,
$6,000 for dam and lake maintenance, $1,000 for repairs to landings, $3,000 for
lake patrol, $4,000 for office
administration and rent, $3,000 for accountant, $1,500 for office expense and
postage, $1,800 for travel and meetings, $1,300 for promotion and community
relations, $2,200 for community education, $5,000 for office repairs and
maintenance, $3,000 for fairs and festivals, and $52,000 for lake development
programs. After it was clarified that approval of the budget
was not an approval of expenditures, commissioners voted unanimously to approve
the 2007 budget.
Hines reported on the permanent
marker project. Kevin Greene of Pro Build will contribute technical knowledge
and Assistant District Attorney Jim Hatch will provide legal advice in
preparing a bid package. Wildlife and Fisheries will need six month notice for
a 2-3 foot drawdown, possibly in September. A special meeting will be held
January 11 to present a report.
The Department of Transportation
and Development plans a dam inspection and Emergency Preparedness training in
January. State director of dam safety,
Mr. Musa estimates the cost for dam maintenance in
2007 approximately $28,000.
Wildlife and Fisheries
biologist Mr. McElroy will present information in 2007 on how to apply for a
grant to improve boating and fishing access and associated structures on Lake Claiborne.
Under the Economic Development
Committee report, Fincher noted that state law requires a $750,000 siting study before a lake could be built. The
Board plans to meet in January to consider a recommendation to contract seeking
funds for that study. Property owners are being sought who might be interested in selling
their land or making it available for investors to develop.
.
Claiborne Parish Deputy John L. Drew
issued three citations to the driver of this vehicle which was left abandoned
in the rain swollen ditch off Hwy. 9 just east of Homer Sunday morning. The
Sheriff’s Office received a call alerting them of a Ford Explorer partially
submerged in the ditch. Deputy Drew spoke with the owner of the vehicle, Denee Carter of Homer, who said she given the teen
permission to use her vehicle. The young
man, who told Deputy Drew he fell asleep and ran off the road, was cited for
having no driver’s license, failure to report an accident, and failure to
maintain control. The car was pulled out
of the ditch Monday, January 1 by Tommy Sanders with McKenzie Bros. Garage and
Towing
Speed Bump Controversy
Continues
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Speed bumps on Price Drive were again the main topic at
the December meeting of the Haynesville Town Council. A number of residents
from the Price Drive area attended the meeting to
voice their opposition to the speed bumps. Three petitions with 535 signatures
were presented asking that the speed bumps be removed.
Councilwoman Carla Smith
explained when first presented in October she thought the speed bumps might
slow down traffic on the street, but she had not given much thought to the
subject. Over the past 2 months, she has received numerous complaints from many
who live in the area or who travel Price Drive. Some of the reasons they
oppose the bumps is they hinder response time for emergency vehicles and cause
hardship on tires and front end alignment.
Smith has given the subject a
lost of thought and prayer and believes she was elected to represent the people
in her district to the best of her ability, and they want the speed bumps
removed. She said, At this time, I am respectfully
asking the mayor to have the city workers remove these speed bumps as soon as
possible.” She proposed having the Haynesville Police patrol the area more
closely to enforce the 30 mph speed limit and to place speed limit signs at
each end of Price Drive.
She also encouraged parents on Price Drive and in other areas of town to
take the responsibility to watch their children and teach them to stay out of
the street, for their own safety.
Councilwoman Rene’ Lincoln-Buggs said the only reason she asked for the speed bumps in
October was as a safety precaution and for no other reason. She had been
contacted by the McCoys about the speeding on the
street. After observing the traffic problem on Price Drive for a year, she recommended
the speed bumps and would not recommend their removal. “I am not in love with
speed bumps as I have been accused,” she said. “I can live with 500 people
signing a petition since they don’t have much to do with me anyway.”
Buggs said she respects the opinions
of those that disagree, but has lived long enough to know no one will ever
please everybody. She hoped they could move past this area of disagreement and
concentrate on I-69, a cleaner city, a safer living environment, more jobs, the various districts we represent and better
education for our children. She said, “I humbly ask everyone to work together
for a better Haynesville. If we work together unselfishly, we can do great
things for our town.”
Mayor H.U. “Mutt” Slaid gave persons who filled out public comment forms
three minutes to address the council on the issue. Person making comments were
James Youngblood, Ron Williams, Judy Carter, Marie Bailey, David Thompson, Tammy
Burley, Bonnie Burgess, Larry Burley, Floyd Harper, Jeff Waller, Jean Price,
and Mark Furlow.
Youngblood asked Mrs. Buggs to respect the wishes of the majority of the citizens
and remove the bumps. Burgess said the bumps were useless since there were no
kids on the street anymore. Waller agreed, adding his wife takes a longer route
to avoid the bumps. Bailey said she also takes a different route to work every
day.
Price said if your vehicle gets
out of line, there is no place to have your care
realigned in Haynesville. Carter asked Buggs if the
Town would be responsible for damage to vehicles caused by the bumps. Buggs responded, “In my personal opinion, no, the Town is
not responsible.” Carter said the Police Jury is responsible for damage to vehicles caused by parish
roads. Roderick Hampton said the signs warning about the
bumps releases the town of liability. Buggs
agreed to get an opinion from the town attorney.
David Thompson said he wanted
to go on record stating that speed bumps will not save lives, but could cost
lives. They may in an inconvenience, but he suggested the Town look at the
legal aspect and consider whether the Town could afford to pay out on lawsuits.
Haynesville Fire Chief and
Police Juror Mark Furlow said his concern was
emergency vehicles responding to situation. He asked what if a vehicle had a
blow out while responding to an emergency
Buggs said she had no earthly idea.
There could be a whole bunch of “what ifs”. She said, “It is something I
believe in.” She asked Furlow, “Have you ever
believed in anything?”
Furlow said, “I believe this is
wrong.”
Buggs said, “I believe in it. I’m
going to stand by it. That’s all I can say.” She added, “I’m not moving it. I’m
through talking about it”
Joyce Majors said she didn’t
think this was about speed bumps, but about Price Drive.
Councilman Alvin Kendrick said,
“This is America. If a
majority of the people want them up, this is a democracy—then take them
up.” They did the same thing in his district.
Buggs suggested leaving them for
four months and monitor the traffic to see what happens. If everyone still
agrees, she will agree to take them up. Majors’ motion to leave the speed bumps
until February 4 was approved by a vote of 3-2. Buggs,
Majors and Hampton voted for. Kendrick and Smith voted against.
In other business, the Council
approved hiring Timon Cox of Bernice as new police
officer as recommended by Police Chief Anthony Smith. Cox is certified to
administer the Toxilyzer test, to use the Taser M-26, and is trained as a K-9 handler. Chief Smith
said his officers would begin using time clocks January 1 except in
emergencies.
Hampton asked the Council to consider
changing Thomas Road from Camp Street to Hwy. 2 Alt. to a one-way
street. At the request of Carla Smith, the Council tabled the matter until all
options could be considered.
Hampton reported that several repairs
were found to be needed at the Fair Barn after he and Mayor Slaid
toured the facility. Slaid said he would report on
cost to repair one air conditioning units.
Hampton also requested speed limit
signs behind the high school to slow down traffic. If necessary, he suggested
placing speed bumps. .
…more
Claiborne
Academy
Names New Football Coach
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Claiborne Academy Headmaster
Chuck 
Herrington has announced that Tommy Reeder of Haynesville has been hired
as the new Head Football Coach. The hiring, which was approved by the school’s
board of directors, is for the 2007-2007 school year. “We were looking for a
head coach who could bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our
program,” stated Herrington. “The timing was perfect.”
Herrington added, Reeder must fulfill his obligations to his current school
through his school year.
Reeder is wrapping up 36 years
of coaching in the public school system. “I’m looking forward to a new route,”
he says, adding, “It’s going to be a totally new learning experience.”
Reeder has coached in Texas and served as head coach at Ruston High School for six years. The bulk of his
coaching career was spent with the Haynesville Golden Tornado. “Tommy’s years
at Haynesville speaks for itself,” Herrington says. “The tradition and success
of their program have been outstanding.”
As a former coach, Herrington
knows firsthand of Reeder’s abilities. “We coached against each other for
years,” he stated, “And we are excited to now have the chance to work
together.”
CA’s Athletic Director Phillip
Mayfield agrees. “He was my coach and he has been a great friend. I’m excited
to have him come out.”
Coach Reeder says he expects
hard work and discipline from the Rebels. “I want to let them know that’s
what’s about to happen,” he said. “I’m ready to get started and see where we
can take this.”
Governor Kathleen Blanco To Speak At Chamber Banquet
Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco will be the guest speaker at the 42nd
Annual Claiborne Chamber of Commerce Banquet to be held, Monday, January 22, 2007 at 6 PM at the Claiborne Parish Fair
Barn in Haynesville. In January, 2004,
Blanco became the first woman to serve as Governor of Louisiana. She has been a
pioneer for women, serving two terms as Lt. Governor, five years in the State
Legislature, and five years on the Public Service Commission, two as Commissioner.
Chamber President J. T. Taylor
said, “We are delighted Gov. Blanco was able to find time to come to Claiborne
Parish.” Reservations are $30 per person and must be paid in advance. Seating
is limited to 300 persons. For more information or to make reservations, call
the Chamber office at 927-3271.
Work On Parish
Bridge
Underway
Claiborne Parish Superintendent
Tommy Durrett announced that work on the bridge
replacement on Hubie Lewis Road in the northern part of the
parish near the Arkansas line began Tuesday, January 2, 2007. Construction work should last
about 30 days depending on the weather. A detour will be available beside the
construction site during construction. Durrett
advises motorists to please drive slow during this time..
Christmas Memory Tree
In
Memory Of—Given By
Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Rushing - Mary
Belle Rushing
J.E. Rushing, Jr. - Mary Belle Rushing
Harry & Sallie Mae McKenzie - Mary Blle Rushing
Hollie H. Rushing - Mary Belle Rushing
