Haynesville Council To Purchase Police K-9 Dog

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

The Haynesville Town Council voted unanimously to approve a request by Police Chief Anthony Smith to purchase a K9 police dog at a cost of $5,800. Smith said Officer Tim Cox, who will be the sole handler for the dog, has had years of experience working with dogs, both in the military and for the Town of Bernice. The drug problem in Bernice went down tremendously. “It was a huge success deterring and fighting narcotics,” Cox said. “Haynesville Police Department wants to provide the best possible service to the community. K9 is a valuable asset fighting drugs and a huge deterrent in the war on drugs.” 

The cost for the dog includes a week of training with Cox in Oklahoma. Hotel costs would be additional. Smith said local veterinarians have agreed to provide  food, health checkups and medications at no charge, saving the town about $40 per month on food and $200 per year for health and medications. Risk Management no longer requires liability insurance as long as officer is within the scope of law and the dog is following instruction of the officer. Smith suggested they may want to purchase mortality insurance.

Rene’ Lincoln-Buggs said, “There is definitely a drug problem in Haynesville and it is affecting our community.”

“Drugs are going to consume us,” said Joyce Majors. She asked how long it would take to clean up the drug problem and urged Cox not to disappoint them. She said, “Don’t let us throw our money away.” Cox said they were already seeing a change.

The dog will be on the street the first of April. He will be certified in marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines and heroine. He will also be able to conduct building searches and track suspects. Smith said Cox would be the sole handler for the dog, and would be on duty with him every Friday and Saturday night. Each councilman was presented a written copy of the standard operating procedure for use of the dog.

During the work session, Mayor H. U. “Mutt” Slaid informed the Council about a change the attorney for Marilyn Bush wanted made in the Resolution unanimously approved at a special called meeting on Monday, March 5 to accept $100,000 from Bush. The Resolution was approved in an effort to resolve a portion of the civil lawsuits and recover a portion of the funds improperly diverted from the Town treasury, as noted in the finding of Legislative Auditor Daniel G. Kyle. Kyle’s finding  showed a total of $432,250 in cash collected but not deposited for utility services, occupational licenses and property taxes between July 1991 and September 2000.

The resolution was to become void if funds were not delivered to Attorney John Campbell by Friday, March 9 at 5 PM. Slaid said the attorney came in on the last day at 4 PM and showed him two checks for $50,000 each, but wanted to incorporate something other than what was passed in the resolution. Slaid said, “I told him if they wanted to adhere to resolution as the council had passed it, fine, but if they wanted to add anything to it, forget it.”

Joyce Major said she did not want to approve it anyway. She said, “I think we should withdraw the whole thing, take everything off the table. Let the law take its course.” Slaid said it was off the table and only the Council could  put it back on.

In the work session, Joyce Major explained how Carolyn Hatter lost everything she had when her house burned to the ground. She said, “The fire hydrant was too far from their house.” Major said they only have two fire hydrants in that area and she wanted another placed at the corner of Logan Drive and Washington Drive.

Roderick Hampton asked how often were hydrants checked by the fire department, because he knew the one on Hwy. 534 had never been checked. He said the water pressure was low when Hatter’s house was on fire. Slaid said he would have to ask Fire Chief Mark Furlow. He said he also

When asked during the regular meeting, Furlow said hydrants are checked every six months and there is a record. Regarding the additional hydrant at Logan and Washington, he wanted to know the reason. He asked, “What is going to help do?” Major answered, “Help put out fires.

Furlow explained the first truck on the scene never hooks to the fire hydrant. They carry 1,000 gallons of water. The second truck hooks to the plug and pumps 1,000 gallons per minute to the first truck.

Carla Smith asked if Hatter was unhappy with the fire department’s response. Major said, “That is my request, not hers. Do you have a problem with that?”

Furlow told the Council the fire department was on the scene in six minutes, with 18 firefighters. They were able to put the fire out completely except a small area in back of the house. They removed guns, dogs, all the personal belongings, and cleaned every closet.  The only reason it burned to the ground was because Mrs. Hatter requested they let it burn if it caught back up.

Smith asked the cost of a fire hydrant. Furlow said $1,500. Kendrick said Furlow should know whether they need a hydrant or not. He said it makes no sense to go to the expense of  putting another one if they can handle it.

Major, Lincoln-Buggs, and Hampton voted to approve Major’s request for a new fire hydrant. Smith voted against and Alvin Kendrick abstained.                   …more

Homer Police Officer Norah Banks and Clean City Committee member Don McCalman have been busy this past week, placing more than 20 notices on inoperable and unlicensed vehicles in the Town of Homer. Vehicle owners are given 15 days to comply with Town Ordinance 725 which states it is unlawful to store such vehicles if they are visible from the street or the neighbor’s house. If they fail to move the vehicle, owners could be fined up to $500.

Former Homer Councilman Joe Merritt cleaned this large pile of scrap metal and wire left several months along Martin Luther King Street in Homer. Merritt requested help at the last meeting of the Homer Town Council and was told other residents had also complained, but it was not the Town’s responsibility to dispose of the trash. Although he did not place the trash beside the street, Merritt decided to do his civic duty and clean the mess himself. Persons who violate the Town Ordinance regarding trash and debris can be fined.

Clean City Committee, Homer Police Working To Clean Up Homer

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

If you think litter is not a big problem in North Louisiana, then you better think twice. Earlier this month a major auto manufacturer chose to locate in Mississippi rather than Louisiana. One reason—the litter. It was reported in the Monroe News-Star last week, the site selector for the manufacturer told Sen. Robert Barham of Oak Ridge that litter was one of the main reasons they bypassed Franklin Farms  Industrial Megasite in Richland Parish. Although Barham did not name the manufacturer, Toyota Motor Corporation had announced in late February they would begin construction on a $1.3 billion plant about 18 miles northeast of Tupelo, Mississippi. The plant, which had been considering the Richland Parish site, will employ 2,000 people and will begin production on the Toyota Highlander sport utility vehicle in 2010.

Pete Pearson, Chairman of the Clean City Committee, said Claiborne Parish could face a similar situation if a major industry were to consider locating here. That is one reason he has worked so hard on the Clean City Committee to try to keep the Town of Homer clean. He said it was very disappointing to travel along Hwy. 79 and see so much litter thrown along side the road. Years ago, then Sheriff J. R. “Snap” Oakes worked to get inmates to clean parish roads. Signs were also placed along stretches of highway adopted for cleanup by individuals or organizations. Several ideas have been discussed to get parish residents more involved, such as a city-wide or parish-wide clean up campaign.

For the past week, the Clean City Committee (CCC) and the Homer Police Department have been  working together to enforce Town Ordinance #725 regarding the removal of vehicles that are inoperable or that do not have a  current license. Yellow notices have been placed on more than 20 vehicles, giving owners 15 days to remove the vehicle or risk being fined. Ordinance 725-A states it is unlawful for an abandoned or inoperable vehicle to remain on any property for more than 30 days unless it is screened from public view. Nor is it lawful to have a vehicle that has not had a current license or registration for a period longer than 60 days.

Homer Police Chief Russell Mills said these vehicles must not be visible from the street or from the neighbor’s house. He suggests owners place vehicles behind a privacy fence to block the view. Police officers will continue to place notices on vehicles in town. After 15 days, citations will be issued. If a vehicle is impounded, the owner will also be responsible for towing and storage fees. Chief Mills said, “If anyone has a vehicle they do not want and wants help getting it moved, call my office at 927-4000, and we will get it moved at no cost.” This is the best way to avoid paying a fine.

The Clean City Committee will be addressing other town ordinances in the future regarding abandoned houses and lots that need to be cleaned. As they have in the past, they plan to hold a Trash Bash in the next few weeks to assist local residents in disposing of items too large for their trash container. Once dates are set, the information will be published in The Guardian-Journal.

In recent months, the Committee engaged Roger Jones to pick up white goods (appliances) inside the city limits. Homer residents who would like to have an old appliance picked up can call Pearson’s office at 927-2342 or Roger Jones at 927-2958. The Claiborne Parish Police Jury has a similar program in place for all residents in Claiborne Parish outside Homer and Haynesville. Rural residents can schedule a pickup by calling the Jury office at 927-2222.

The Police Jury also provides a recycle bin for old newspapers at the parish road barn next to Covalence Coated Products (former Ludlow). Old tires are also accepted at this location. For more information, call the Jury office at 927-2222.

Pearson said disposing of old paint is still a problem. He is looking for a solution. Until then, paint cans must be empty before placing in the trash.

Traffic Stops Lead To More Drug Arrests

On Friday, March 16, Claiborne Parish Deputy Matt Harris observed a white Ford truck traveling northbound on Hwy. 79 north of Homer with no license plate light. After pulling the truck over and obtaining permission to search the vehicle, Deputy Harris found a glass tube commonly used to smoke crack filed with a white residue in the driver’s side door. Driver of the vehicle, Cary Todd Whitman, 38, of Homer was arrested and charged with no license plate lights, expired license plate and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and booked. Bond was set at $500 on each charge, for a total of $1,500.

While conducting routine traffic patrol on Hwy. 79 north of Homer on Friday, March 16, Deputy Brian Pepper of the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office observed a southbound vehicle traveling at a rate of speed higher than posted.  After stopping the vehicle, Deputy Pepper detected the odor of burnt marijuana from inside the vehicle. Driver of the vehicle, Estella Willis, 33, of Homer admitted she had been smoking marijuana.

Lt. Randy Pugh and Deputy Paul Brazzel arrived on the scene to assist Deputy Pepper. Two female passengers were asked to get out of the vehicle. After receiving verbal consent to search the CAR, deputies found a small blunt and a small plastic bag containing what was suspected to be marijuana on the rear passenger side floor board.

Lemeka Harris, 22, and Ginger Champ, 25, both of Homer, were issued summons to appear in court on the charge of simple possession of marijuana. Willis was cited and charged with speeding 78/55 and for simple possession of marijuana.

Man Killed Following High Speed Chase

A high speed chase from Union Parish to Claiborne Parish late Saturday night ended in a fatal accident. A Bernice Police officer attempted to pull over a 1990 Chevrolet Caprice for speeding and failure to yield. The driver of the vehicle refused to stop and continued down La. 2 at a high rate of speed, with the Bernice patrol unit in pursuit. After entering Claiborne Parish, the driver failed to negotiate a right hand curve west of La. 152. The vehicle entered the east bound ditch and overturned serveral times, coming to rest on its roof.

The driver, Steven M. Thompson, 25, of 281 Wilbur Road in Spearsville was partially ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.. According to the Louisiana State Police report, Thompson was not wearing a seatbelt.

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Claiborne Home Health ranked in top 25% in home health providers in the country according to the 2006 HomeCare Elite. Receiving congratulations for their work at Claiborne Home Health are Carolyn Jones, Receptionist; Kathy Dodson, RN, Nurse Manager; Betty Thomas, RN; Margie Williams, RN; Jackie Hardaway, CNA; Mabel Miller, Clerk; and Helen Cotton, Office Manager. Other staff includes Mary Evans, CNA, Sharon Dragland, RN and Mary Pearson, RN.

Claiborne Home Health Among Top Providers In Nation

Claiborne Home Health of Homer announced last week it had been named to the 2006 HomeCare Elite, the inaugural compilation of the most successful home care providers in the country. This review names the Medicare-certified agencies whose performance measures in quality, improvement and financial performance are among the top 25% of providers nationwide. Claiborne Home Health is proud to be named in the top 500 home healths in the nation.

“We applaud the success of all the providers named to the 2006 HomeCare Elite”, said Bill Bassett, Senior Director of Market Strategy at OCS, Inc. “Being noted as one of the top performers in the nation in this very competitive environment shows that Claiborne Home Health is dedicated to quality and performance.”

Claiborne Home Health nurse manager, Kathy Dodson, RN, credits the support of their owner, Homer Memorial Hospital, the area physicians, the dedication of the staff and the support of the surrounding community with the company’s ability to rank as one of the HomeCare Elite.

Artist June Tyler Honored With Art Prize

Dr. and Mrs. David Tyler of Minden once again are honoring Dr. Tyler’s mother, noted area artist June Tyler, by sponsoring the Best of Show in Art Prize for the 2007 Claiborne Jubilee. The prize will be presented at the culmination of Jubilee festivities on May 12. Other art categories and prizes are as follows:

Categories and prizes for adult art entries in drawing, painting, photography, and original craft are as follows:

Adults - age 18 and older

1st  Place - $60.00

2nd Place - $40.00

3rd Place - $20.00

Professional 

1st Place - $75.00

2nd Place - $50.00

3rd Place - $25.00

Best of Show Adults - $300.00

Winners will receive ribbons.    

Categories and prizes for children, juniors, and youth in drawing, painting, and miscellaneous in the following age categories are:

Children - age 8 and under       

Junior - age 9 -12                    

Youth - age 13 - 17                 

In each of these age groups there will be one Best of Show - $100 Savings Bond and Ribbon. First Prizes  will be $50.00 Savings Bond and ribbon. Second and Third Prizes will be awarded ribbons.

Other competitions in the Jubilee will be in quilts, poetry, and a new category to be announced soon. Visit the event page at www.ClaiborneOne.org/jubilee. For more information please call Cynthia Steele, 927-2566 or email .

Nine hummingbirds swarm two feeders hanging from the front eaves of LaVerne Blanchette’s home on James Street in Homer.  At times, as many as 30 hummingbirds can be seen darting around the two feeders that have to be refilled almost daily during the spring, summer, and early fall. Most Ruby-throat hummingbirds can be seen in this area between March and mid-October. So get your hummingbird feeders out and enjoy. For more information on how to attract hummingbirds, go to www.hummingbirds.net/  Birdwatching is fun, easy, inexpensive, healthful and satisfying. It is one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the country. For information on wild birds, go to www.wild-bird-watching.com/

Homer Third In State In Great Backyard Bird Count

This year Homer ranked third in the State of Louisiana for The Great Backyard Bird Count, a national bird survey sponsored by Cornell University. The Great Backyard Bird Count, which was held from February 16-19, is an annual volunteer project which seeks to record the number and species of birds found throughout the United States. Scientists and conservationists rely on the data from the  count to detect declining species as well as improving species. According to the GBBC website, the tenth annual count was a huge success. The count came in at an unprecedented rate, breaking records for most checklists submitted in one hour (1,944), and breaking the all-time GBBC record of 61,049!

Participants in the 2007 Great Backyard Bird Count made history, breaking records for number of birds reported, number of species, and number of checklists. As of March 5, participants had submitted 80,744 checklists documenting 11,066,350 birds of 629 species.

In 2006, participants reported a record-breaking 7.5 million birds of 623 species. They submitted 60,616 checklists, just 433 shy of an all-time record for total checklists

The Homer count, which covered the entire 71040 zip code area, was conducted by John Dillon and Mary Ellen Lewis of Homer and Linda Adrion of Shreveport. The three area birders documented 90 different species, breaking last year’s record of 71 species. Only New Orleans and Shreveport produced higher numbers with 96 and 91, respectively. Baton Rouge was tied with Homer. Interesting finds included two Bald Eagles, a Common Loon, two of the three Eared Grebes found in the state and the only Greater Roadrunner found in the state.

In addition to tying for third place in the count, Homer leads the Northern Interior Zone for the Louisiana Winter Bird Atlas, a three year project spearheaded by LSU and quadrants of 62.5 square miles and into three main zones. John Dillon is the data compiler for the Homer Quadrant which is in the Northern Interior Zone, stretching below Alexandria, and he is responsible for documenting 98 species between January 10 and February 20. Dr. Van Remsen of LSU’s Museum of Natural Sciences called the number “amazing”.

The most productive area within the Homer quad was the LSU Hill Farm, which produced 6 different species of duck, 6 different species of hawks or falcons, 7 different species of woodpecker and an incredible 15 different species of sparrow. In December’s Christmas Bird Count, the Hill Farm produced a flock of White-winged Crossbills, a species of finch whose winter range does not normally exceed south of the Great Lakes. The Airport Loop, Mayfield Park and several private residences were also helpful in locating other important wintering species.

For more information on how to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, go to www.birdsource.org/gbbc. You can also view other results from around the country.

Claiborne Electric To Give Away New ATV

One lucky member of Claiborne Electric Cooperative will leave the 2007 Annual Meeting the owner of a brand new Honda Rancher 350 4x4 ES ATV.

The four-wheeler is the grand prize at the co-op’s Annual Meeting, which will be held March 24 at the former Wal-Mart location on Highway 79 North in Homer. Members may arrive at 8:30 a.m. to register for the meeting, the ATV, and 50 other great door prizes.

Claiborne Electric is known for giving away great door prizes each year at its meetings, but this grand-prize four-wheeler is the biggest prize the co-op has ever given away.

“We appreciate our members, and we know that in rural areas like the ones we serve, most of them could use a new ATV,” said General Manager, Mark Brown. “This four-wheeler is just a way to thank our members for the opportunity to serve them.”

The winner of the four-wheeler is not required to be present at the time of the drawing. Members who have other plans during the day may come by the meeting site to register and vote, then be on their way.

Winners of the 50 other door prizes must be present at the time of the drawing to win. These prizes include a television, DVD players, a microwave oven, weed eaters, power blowers, coffee makers, toaster ovens, a stereo system and many more. Drawing for these prizes and the four-wheeler will take place during the membership meeting at noon.

Plans for the Annual Meeting include more than just big prizes. This year’s great Gospel entertainment includes two nationally known groups. The Jackson Southernaires will kick off the entertainment portion of the day at 9 a.m., and The Martins will begin performing at 10:30 a.m.

One of the most important parts of the day is registration and voting. Each member of Claiborne Electric Cooperative is a part-owner in the co-op, meaning each member has a voice in how the co-op is run. During registration and voting, members will have the opportunity to update bylaws that haven’t been revised since the 1960s. 

Claiborne Electric will also have some of the co-op’s best grillers on hand serving hamburgers and hotdogs with chips and cold drinks. There will also be plenty of children’s activities, so feel free to make it a day for the whole family. There will be something for everyone at this year’s meeting.

During the business meeting at noon, members will have the chance to learn more about the co-op, have questions answered, and see the drawing for two college scholarships. When business is finished, every member will surely be listening for their name to be called as the winner of a door prize or the grand prize. And when the meeting is over at 1 p.m., one lucky member will be able to ride away on a brand new Honda Rancher. Come to the Annual Meeting, and it could be you!.

Ford Museum To Present Primitive Art Show March 25

A primitive art show will be held at the H.S. Ford Memorial Museum on Sunday, March 25, beginning at 2 p.m. The paintings featured will include Claiborne Parish Students and participants of a workshop taught by Chris Broussard in the primitive art style. First and second places will be awarded in the elementary, junior high and high school levels with the students being awarded savings bonds donated by First Guaranty and Regions banks. This project is the result of a grant awarded by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. The public is invited to view the wonderful art works by area citizens and students. The traveling exhibit, "The Art and Social Commentary of Clementine Hunter," is currently being featured at the museum. Admission is free for this exhibition.

Chic Ceccarelli Benefit Bass Tournament Set For March 31

Fred Smith and Sons Farm Service and Supply will sponsor the Second Annual Benefit Bass Tournament for Don “Chic” Ceccarelli  to be held from safe daylight to 3 PM on Saturday, March 31 at Pleasure Point Marina on Lake Claiborne. First Place pays $500 with 100% pay back on Big Bass. Entry fee is $72 per boat which includes Big Bass and boat launch. More than $13,000 was raised last year. For more information or to make a donation, call Weyland Smith at 927-9416, Ken Heard at 927-3999 or Chris Bailey at 927-4734.   

David Wade Correctional To Hold Arts & Crafts Festival

David Wade Correctional Center will hold their Spring 2007 Arts & Crafts Festival featuring art work, wood crafts, and leather crafts on Saturday and Sunday, April 14-15 from 8 AM - 4 PM at the facility located at 670 Bell Hill Road. Come shop early before it is all gone. No checks! For more information, call 318-027-0631.

Relay For Life Golf Tournament Set For April 14   

The Relay for Life Committee decided to add a golf event to the fundraising schedule in 2007 and would like to invite everyone to participate in the First Annual Relay for Life Golf Tournament, a two person scramble, to be held at the Homer Golf Course on Saturday, April 14. Sponsors are needed. A minimum donation of $100 will provide sign recognition at the course on the day of the event. A donation of $250 will also provide a spot for a team to play in the tournament. All donations are appreciated and will help the American Cancer Society find a cure for cancer. Deadline for sponsorship is March 26, 2007. Entry fee is $150 per team, 27 holes. Cash prizes. All fees and donations are tax deductible. For team registration or golf information, call George Tigner at 927-2184 or  927-3000. For sponsor information call Elbie Dickens at 927-2360.

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