Vandals trashed the old Homer Junior High building sometime between mid-February and February 21. Purple paint and black ink toner was poured on the floor in the main entrance and down the west wing hallway. The word “blood” was painted in purple on the front of lockers, apparently to indicate a gang was responsible.  Homer Police are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the individuals responsible for the vandalism. Call the Homer Police Department at 927-4000.

Homer Police Officers (left photo) gather evidence at the old Homer Junior High campus last Thursday, February 22. James Ridley, (middle) President of the Board of Directors at the Claiborne Boys & Girls holds up the glass knocked out of the door to the office. The plate glass window to the office was also shattered. Items in one storage closet (right) were pulled from the shelves and thrown on the floor.  Debris  was scattered throughout the building and in the gymnasium.

Homer Junior High Pearl Street Campus Vandalized

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

Members of the staff and board of directors at the Claiborne Boys and Girls Club had been working to clean the old Homer Junior High School building on Pearl Street in anticipation of moving operations to the new facility, when  Board President James Ridley discovered  the building had been vandalized sometime during the middle of February. Ridley had cleaned walls, floors, and replaced several windows in the west wing of the 7th and 8th grade building, only to discover last week, the place had been trashed.

Black ink toner had been poured down the east wing hallway. Paint was poured on the tile floor. Several windows were broken including ones Ridley had just replaced in the library. The window in the door to the office was broken out. The large plate glass window was cracked.

Papers and other items from the storage closet were strewn all over the floors, in the hallways, in every classroom, in storage closets, and in the gymnasium.

Homer Police Chief Russell Mills and officers Mario Thomas and Jim Faulkner collected evidence from the scene. A reward up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of individuals responsible for the damage. If you have information, please call the Homer Police Department at 318-927-4000.       

Former Haynesville Town Clerk Marilyn Bush Back In Court  

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

Former Haynesville Town Clerk Marilyn Bush will be up for parole in April, but was back in the Claiborne Parish courtroom last week, in an effort once again to get her conviction overturned.. New attorneys representing Mrs. Bush, Laurie A. White of New Orleans and Henry Walker of Shreveport filed an application in November for post-conviction relief. A hearing was set for Wednesday, February 21. This time, some of the normal roles were reversed. It was attorneys and the judge who were called to the stand, testifying under oath regarding the prosecution of the case that landed Bush behind bars with a 10 year sentence for stealing $432,000 between July 1991 and September 2000, while working as town clerk for the Town of Haynesville.

On the eve of her retirement in October 2000, Bush was placed on administrative leave by the Haynesville Town Council after town auditor Mike Rabinowitz discovered funds missing while conducting the annual audit. Bush was later arrested, on November 17, 2000, by Louisiana State Police, charged with theft and malfeasance in office. At their regular meeting in August 2001, the Council authorized town attorney Danny Newell to file a civil suit against Bush.

Bush, at the time represented by Attorney Paul Garner, would plead guilty on April 5, 2002 to theft over $500, admitting to taking approximately $72,000 between  March 1999 and September 2000 due to a gambling problem  She was sentenced to the maximum sentence of ten years in prison by 2nd Judicisl District Judge Jenifer Clason. No restitution was included in her sentence.

Bush’s new attorney, Eric Johnson, would file a motion to reconsider sentence in May 2002, contending the original sentence was excessive due to Bush’s age and heart condition and the fact she was a first time felony offender. A hearing was held January 30, 2004, at which time the Court took notice of the fact Assistant District Attorney Danny Newell was also representing the Town of Haynesville in the civil case. Newell would later withdraw from the civil case.

The District Court agreed to grant the motion to reconsider sentence with restitution of $100,000 paid to the Town. Resentencing was held February  19, 2004, at which time Bush was sentenced to ten years, suspended, and placed on four years supervised probation, with $100,000 resitution paid to the Town of Haynesville, provided District Attorney Walter May did not appeal the ruling.

On July 8, 2004, the Second Circuit Court of Appeal ruled that Bush could not seek review of her agreed upon sentence because it was “agreed upon”, and that the trial court erred in even considering the motion. Bush’s 10-year hard labor was reinstated.

Johnson filed a motion on January 11, 2005 to correct illegal sentence alleging the trial court failed to order resittution and that Bush’s plea was based on an illegal sentence and was thus null and void. The District Court vacated the guilty plea and restored Bush to pretrial status so she could determine whether to plead guilty or proceed to trial. The Second Circuit reversed that ruling, stating resitution was not mandatory. On April 28, 2006, the Louisiana Supreme Court denied Bush’s appeal and remanded her to jail.

New attorneys representing Bush, who is set to be released on parole in April 2007, are seeking post conviction relief alleging their client’s constitutiional rights have been violated. One reason, there was in impermissable conflict perpetuated by the district attorney’s office due to the fact May’s Assistanct District Attorney Danny Newell was also representing the Town of Haynesville in the civil case. Both Newell and May testified there was no discussion between them at any time regarding the criminal proceedings.  Bush’s attorneys noted a letter dated January 24, 2004 alleging the conflict to the Haynesville mayor. A letter dated February 2, 2004 from David Butterfield, attorney for the town’s auditors, also expressed “an appearance of impropriety and possibly a conflict of interest.” On Wednesday, May and Newell repeatedly testified there was a firewall between their offices, and no discussion between them of the criminal case.

Other errors noted by attorneys representing Bush included her being denied right to effective assistance of counsel, numerous incidents of ineffectiveness and counsels’ deficient performance, including trial counsel’s failure to negotiate a beneficial plea, failure to litigate her criminal exposure in bills of information, failure to recuse the DA’s office due to the conflict, waiver of Bush’s appellate rights, and post-trial counsel’s failure to file a correct motion to withdraw guilty plea, resulted in a manifest absence of counsel, and the trial court committed reversible error by participating in plea negotiations and failed to consider sentencing guidelines.

Court proceeedings continued on Friday, February 23. when District Judge Jenifer Clason, Attorney Paul Garner, and Attorney Eric Johnson were set to testify. Following several hours in negotiations behind closed doors, no agreement could be reached to settle the case. Due to the lack of time to hear testimony Friday, Judge Jimmy Teat reset the hearing for Monday, March 19.

Sheriff’s Office Makes Several Drug Arrests

Deputy Matt Harris of the Claiborne Parish Sheriff Office responded to a complaint at 106 James Street in Homer on Thursday, February 22. Deputy Harris was in the process of escorting Sean Ashley, 31, of 712 Wesson Street in El Dorado, Arkansas, from the residence when he discovered an object in Ashley’s right front pocket. Deputy Harris questioned Ashley about the object and Ashley produced a syringe containing an unknown residue. Ashley was advised of his rights and arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center with bond was set at $500.

While on patrol that same day, Deputy Matt Harris observed a vehicle traveling southbound on La. 9. The driver of the vehicle crossed the center line on two occasions. Harris also noticed the vehicle had a broken tail light. After pulling the vehicle over, the driver produced the proper vehicle paperwork. Deputy Harris questioned the passenger in the vehicle, Candy Lynn Thurmon, 39, of 106 James Street in Homer. Upon questioning Thurmon, Deputy Harris received permission to search her purse and discovered Methamphetamines in her wallet.

Thurmon was advised of her rights and arrested for possession of Schedule II CDS Methamphetamines. She was booked into the Claiborne Parish Women’s Jail. Her bond was set at $5,000.

On Sunday, February 25 about 4:40 PM, Deputy Paul Brazzel of the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office was patrolling on La. Alt. 2 when he discovered a white Ford Ranger pickup sitting at an oilfield location. The occupants of the vehicle were Dustin Ross Bailey of 134 Pierce Lane in Haynesville, Curtis Lee Moss of 3706 Hwy Alt. 2 in Haynesville, and a 16 year old male black juvenile.

Deputy Brazzel found a plastic bag containing a small amount of a green leafy substance that appeared to be marijuana lying on the ground on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. Bailey admitted that the marijuana was his and Deputy Brazzel wrote a citation to Bailey for possession of marijuana. Upon further search, Brazzel discovered several white rock-like substances in the driver’s seat. These items were collected and will be transported to the crime lab. Further charges may be filed pending results from the crime lab on these items. 

Haynesville Council Meeting Brief

The Haynesville Town Council met in regular session on Thursday, February 22. After adopting the minutes for January 18 and January 30, Assistant Town Clerk Sue Lonadier reported on magistrate court costs for January. Fines were $4,498, court costs were $960, for a total of $5,458.

Police Chief Anthony Smith asked the Council to table the only item on the agenda, to declare police car as surplus.

The Council then added to the agenda executive session for the purpose of discussing ongoing litigation in the Marilyn Bush case with. District Attorney Walter May. No decision was made after reconvening in open session.

Daylight Saving Time Extended

Daylight Saving Time (DST) will be one month longer in 2007 due to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 signed by President George Bush on August 8, 2005. This Act changed the dates for DST to begin on the second Sunday in March and end on the first Sunday in November. In the past, DST changed the first Sunday in April and the last Sunday in October.

This year, DST will begin on Sunday, March 11. In the spring of the year, clocks “spring forward” one hour. In the fall, they “fall back”. Although the time officially changes at 2 AM in the morning of Sunday, March 11, clocks should be set ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night.

This is also the time of year when fire departments encourage people to change the batteries in their smoke detectors.

Goodwill Workshops Help People Find And Keep Jobs!

All residents of North Louisiana looking to improve their lives through work can receive FREE job training and placement services through Goodwill Industries®.

Goodwill® Employment Solutions (GES), the Employment and Training Division of Goodwill Industries® of North Louisiana, helps people change their lives by helping them find and keep a job.  Through workshops held weekly in Shreveport and bi-weekly in outlying areas, Goodwill® provides basic training and job placement services for hundreds looking for a fresh start each year.  In 2006, Goodwill Industries® of North Louisiana has helped over 450 people find jobs in our communities.

Innovative Goodwill® workshops are designed to increase job readiness skills and help people become independent and active citizens through employment. Help is provided in:  Finding jobs, résumé writing, communications skills, interview skills, proper interview attire/appearance, conflict resolution, time management, negotiation skills, and more.  All participants will also be provided with placement assistance to help them find appropriate employment throughout the community.  Workshops are Free and Open To The Public! Hurricane evacuees welcome!

In March, Goodwill® Employment Solutions (GES) is hosting a Job Access Workshop in Homer, in addition to the workshops held every Tuesday at Goodwill Industries' facilities on West 70th Street in Shreveport.  The Homer workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Office Complex, located at 507 W. Main Street in Homer. Seating is limited to 20 individuals, so reserve your seat now!  Remember, these workshops and placement services are FREE!  To register or for more information on workshop topics and placement services, call (888) 263-4001 or (318) 868-4701.  Shreveport workshop schedules may change due to holidays.  Please call for the latest information and schedule.

The Outreach and Job Placement Programs of Goodwill® Employment Solutions (GES) are supported in part through the United Way of Northwest Louisiana, the Frost Foundation, and the Community Foundation of Shreveport-Bossier. For additional information on these community partnerships, contact Jessie Schmidt at (318) 869-2575.  

Day Tour Of Poverty Point Reservoir Set For March 5

A one-day public tour of Poverty Point Reservoir, a model new-lake, will leave from Claiborne Electric Co-op at 7 AM on Monday, March 5. Transportation and lunch will be provided. Guests may sign-up, with $10 deposit, through Friday, March 2 at the Police Jury Office, Capital One Bank, Regions Bank, First Guaranty Bank, or State Farm Insurance. The tour is being sponsored by the Claiborne Parish Watershed District Commission. For more information call 927-5266 or 927-9832.

Everyone Is Excited About The New Look
At The Sonic Drive-In In Homer!

Sonic Manager Sycrece Banks said work to give the front of the building a facelift began in the middle of January.  Improvements included a new menu housing, new sign, new patio area, and new canopy cover. No renovations were done to the inside the building at this time. Banks said the Sonic Drive-In is looking at possibly relocating further north on Hwy. 79 within the next two years.

Community Blood Drive Set March 8 At Homer Memorial 

Lifeshare Blood Centers will host its quarterly Community Blood Drive at Homer Memorial Hospital, 620 East College in Homer on Thursday, March 8, 2007 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the Hospital Conference Room.  Lifeshare Blood Centers is proud to be associated with Homer Memorial Hospital. The Homer community is encouraged to come out and donate to help replenish the blood supply. To donate blood, you should be feeling well, weigh at least 110 pounds and be a minimum of 17 years of age. You will receive your choice of a tee-shirt, baseball hat or cholesterol test. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Photo ID will be required at registration. 

NOTICE: Deadline For Advertisements

No Later Than 5 p.m. On Mondays

All display and legal advertisements for The Guardian-Journal must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Monday of the week in which it is to appear. Classified ads will be received until 12 p.m (noon) on Tuesday prior to the Thursday publication date. Thank you for your cooperation.