Lawsuit Filed Against Town of Homer, Sheriff’s Office

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

Family members of James Modisette filed a $5.5 million lawsuit last week against The Town of Homer, The Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office, and their respective liability insurance carriers in regard to the death of the 41-year-old Modisette on March 5, 2006.

Attorney Charles D. Jones of Monroe filed the suit in U. S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana on May 18, 2007 on behalf of Rev. Orlando Evans, Tatoya Modisette, Takako Modisette, Debra Modisette, and James Modisette’s minor children, Jasmine Jenkins and Fredericka Jenkins. Plaintiffs are asking a total of $4.5 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages.

Modisette was arrested by Homer Police officers after being dispatched to 229 North 4th Street regarding a disturbance shortly before 1 AM on Saturday, March 4, 2006. Upon arrival at the scene, Sgt. Jimmy Hamilton and Officer Keith Ferguson were informed by Fred Jenkins that Modisette had pushed his daughter down and was trying to choke her. He pulled him off, then went to get his gun for protection. Modisette followed him into the house, but left when he saw the gun.

Modisette was found a short time later at his residence. He then ran to the home of Harry Chatman on Bama Street, where he was apprehended. He refused to comply with officers, making it difficult for officers to get him in the patrol car. Officers took Modisette to Homer Memorial Hospital because he “was foaming at the mouth”. Hospital personnel were unable to examine him due to his “abusive, loud, and combative” behavior.

Officers transported him to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and charged him with 2 counts unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, simple battery (domestic violence), disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, and probation violation.

Sometime Sunday, March 5, Modisette was found lying on the floor of the CDC holding cell in a semi-conscious state. He was transported to the Homer Memorial Hospital, then airlifted to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport where he was later declared brain dead by hospital staff.

The suit alleges that officers on duty at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center failed to properly supervise Modisette and did not provide any medical assistance, claiming their inattention and supervision caused Modisette’s death. The suit alleges that both the Town of Homer and the Sheriff’s Office were grossly negligent in failing to properly ensure Modisette was properly supervised and provided proper medical attention by CPDC guards and Homer Police officers.

An autopsy conducted by Dr. Frank Peretti, Forensic Pathologist in Little Rock, Arkansas, determined that Modisette’s death was caused by a “stroke” brought on by cocaine intoxication, something no one could have predicted.

Following a lengthy and thorough investigation by Louisiana State Police North District Detectives in Shreveport, no charges were brought against any officers.  District Attorney Walter May reviewed the lengthy report and agreed there was no evidence to warrant any wrongdoing.

Homer Police Make Shooting Arrests

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

Homer Police officers responded to numerous calls over the past weekend, several involving gun shots being fired. On Friday, May 25, around 11 PM, Homer Police responded to a 911 call from the 1400 block of Pearl Street. Officers Donald Malray, Jimmy Hamilton, Mike Rayburn, and Mario Thomas arrived on the scene to find a large crowd in the street. Tony Mitchell reported to officers he had been shot at three times by Kevin Ford, but none of the bullets hit him. Officers located Ford walking on Lewis Street. He told officers his name was Otis Ford, although other witnesses identified him as Kevin Ford. They also stated he had a gun and had shot at Mitchell.

The Sheriff’s Office advised officers they had local warrants on Kevin Ford, 21, of Homer. Ford was then transported to the Homer Police Station, where he refused to sign his Miranda rights form or write a statement without an attorney present. Ford was taken to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center where he was booked and charged with illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities, aggravated assault with firearm, failure to appear, and disturbing the peace.

Shortly after midnight, on Sunday, May 27, Homer Police officers Malray, Hamilton, Rayburn, and Thomas were dispatched to Claiborne Place Apartments in reference to gun shots being fired. Upon arrival, officers interviewed several witnesses who stated they observed DeCharlos Patterson involved in an altercation with Steve Curry, Lonzo Butler, a 15-year-old male juvenile, and another unidentified black male. Witnesses reported that Patterson was armed with a gun and had discharged the weapon during the altercation, causing the crowd to run for safety.

Patterson, 19, of Homer was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with firearm and illegal use of weapons/dangerous instrumentalities. The investigation is ongoing and other arrests are pending.

Homer Police Chief Russell Mills said he fears the Town of Homer could be faced with a situation similar to recent ones in Shreveport and the tragedy this month in Ringgold, where an upswing in violence ended in the shooting death of a 20-year-old and an 18-year-old being charged with second degree murder. Rising violence there prompted local church members to meet and pray for their town. Concern by some citizens for their safety led to extra enforcement being provided by the Louisiana State Police and the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Chief Mills does not want to see that happen here. He would prefer to see our town take a pro-active role now, to prevent such a tragedy and would encourage local pastors and concerned citizens to work with the Homer Police Department to find ways to resolve the tensions that are causing these violent incidents and to prevent such a tragedy here.

Anyone interested is asked to call him at the Homer Police Department at 318-927-4000.

Drug Dealer Found Guilty, Another Arrested

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey announced this week that Troy V. Gilmore of the Pine Hill community was found guilty of distribution of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, cocaine.  Prospective jurors met in the Claiborne Parish courthouse on Monday, May 2 for jury selection, with Second Judicial Court Judge Jenifer Clason presiding and Assistant District Attorney Jim Hatch serving as prosecutor. Gilmore was represented by Attorney Pete King of Shreveport.

During the opening day, 12 jurors and 1 alternate were selected. Opening statements began at 9 AM on Tuesday, May 22. All witnesses had testified by late Tuesday and both the State and Defense rested. Closing arguments were heard Wednesday morning, followed by Judge Clason’s instructions to the jury. After approximately 30 minutes of deliberation, jurors came back with a unanimous verdict of guilty as charged.

Prior to this trial, the court advised Gilmore that if he pled guilty as charged, he would be sentenced to five years hard labor, three years suspended, and two years mandatory incarceration. The multiple offender status would be waived. Gilmore was arrested in 1997 in Shreveport by the Shreveport Police Department and Claiborne Parish authorities for possession with intent to distribute cocaine stemming from an investigation in Claiborne Parish. During this arrest, Gilmore was caught with a substantial quantity of cocaine after getting off a commercial bus from Houston, Texas.

 In August 1997, Gilmore s arrested in Haynesville and charged with possession of cocaine, and in October 1997, he pled guilty to possession of Schedule II cocaine. Gilmore was sentenced to three years hard labor, suspended, and placed on three years supervised probation. In November 1997, Gilmore pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute Schedule II cocaine and was sentenced to five years hard labor, suspended, and placed on two years supervised probation.

With his recent conviction, Gilmore is facing a 2-30 year sentence and a $50,000 fine before a multiple offender bill is filed against him. With a multiple offender ruling, he will face a sentence of 15-60 years.

In recent months in the 26th Judicial District (Bossier-Webster), there have been several individuals who chose to go to trial and face the possibility of multiple offender ruling. In October 2006, Queriza Lewis was sentenced to life in prison after a multiple offender ruling by Judge Parker Self. In March 2007, Monty Montgomery was found guilty during trial for multiple drug offenses and was recently sentenced to 28 years. Webster District Attorney Sherb Sentell intends to file a multiple offender bill against Montgomery, which will also result in a life sentence.

Sheriff Bailey thanked all the officers involved and the District Attorney’s office for their hard work, seeing this case through to the end. Sheriff Bailey thanked local citizens for their time and efforts during jury duty. He said, “Jury duty is an inconvenience, but a necessity for our judicial system to work.”

Bailey announced another arrest for drug distribution was made on May 24, 2007. Through a cooperative effort with Police Chief Anthony Smith and the Haynesville Police Department, Darryl W. Glass, 40, of Haynesville, was arrested for five counts of distribution of Schedule II CDS (cocaine). This was the result of a six month undercover operation between the Sheriff’s Office, Haynesville and Minden Police departments.

CNET (Claiborne Narcotic Enforcement Team) Agent James Spillers stated that Haynesville Patrol Officer Adrian Malone developed a source of information relative to Glass’ activities. He contacted Agent Spillers. Through the combined efforts of the three agencies, was able to make undercover purchases from Glass.

According to Spillers, on the morning of Glass’ arrest, agents conducted surveillance to monitor his location. At approximately 9:24 AM, Haynesville Officer Jason Branch made contact with Glass at 1302 McDonald Street in Haynesville, regarding an illegally parked vehicle in front of the residence. Once outside, narcotic agents approached Glass and arrested him without incidence. Glass was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and booked, with bond to be set.

On Saturday, May 26, Claiborne Parish Sheriff Deputy Matt Harris arrested Steven J. Williams, 41, of El Dorado, Arkansas following a traffic stop. Harris pulled Williams over on La. 9 for traveling at a high rate of speed.He requested Williams’ driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance,. After receiving consent to search the vehicle, Harris located a blue container under the driver’s seat. Inside was a clear plastic bag filled with a green vegetable substance associated with marijuana.

Williams was advised of his rights and arrested for speeding 68/55 and possession of Schedule I CDS (marijuana). He was transported to the CPDC. His bond was set at $1,000, $500 on each charge.

Sheriff Bailey urges anyone with information relative to drug activity or any other crime to call the CPSO Criminal Investigative Division at 927-9800, the Sheriff’s Office at 927-2011, Chief Anthony Smith at the Haynesville Police Dept. at 624-1311, or Chief Russell Mills at the Homer Police Dept. at 927-4000.

Marilyn Bush Awaits Judge’s Ruling

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

Marilyn Bush is just months away from completing the mandatory 40 months of her 10-year sentence, but is hoping to be released from jail sooner. That will depend on the decision by Second Judicial Court Judge Jimmy Teat regarding the application filed last November for post-conviction relief by Bush’s attorneys, Laurie A. White of New Orleans and Henry Walker of Shreveport. Representing the State in opposition was Clifford R. Strider III, Special Assistant District Attorney from Ruston.

Testimony was received during court hearings held February 21, March 19, and March 28.  Among the issues were legal ethics regarding Danny Newell serving as assistant district attorney and town attorney for the Town of Haynesville, ineffective assistance of counsel by defense attorneys Paul Garner and Eric Johnson, and the error by the trial court, Second Judicial District Court Judge Jenifer Clason, by participating in plea negotiations and failing to consider appropriate factors in sentencing. .

Among the witnesses called were District Attorney Walter May, Assistant DA Danny Newell,  Judge Jenifer Clason, Defense Attorney Paul Garner, former Haynesville Mayor Tom Crocker, former Asst. DA Charles Bradshaw, Asst. Town Clerk Sue Lonadier, and Rebecca Lowery, who works as court secretary for the DA’s office.

 Judge Teat received a memorandum from White and Walker on April 11 summarizing why they feel the Court should reverse Bush’s conviction, allow her to withdraw her plea and grant her a new trial. Strider submitted his written brief on Friday, May 25 opposing the application, stating the claim is without merit and should be denied.

Just over five years ago, Marilyn Bush stood before Judge Jenifer Clason in the Claiborne Parish courtroom and admitted to stealing approximately $70,000 from the Town of Haynesville while serving as town clerk. She was immediately sentenced to ten years hard labor for felony theft.

Bush’s attorney Eric Johnson filed a motion to reconsider sentence, which was granted in February, 2004. Bush was resentenced to ten years suspended, placed on four years supervised probation and ordered to pay $100,000 restitution to the Town of Haynesville. After serving 22 months, she was released from the Union Parish jail.

DA Walter May appealed that decision, which was later overturned by the Second Circuit Court of Appeal on July 8, 2004. Her appeal to the Louisiana Supreme Court was denied in January 2005. A motion to correct illegal sentence was filed January 11, 2005 and granted by the trial court, but once again vacated by the Second Circuit Court of Appeal. Her sentence was reinstated. The appeal was denied by the La. Supreme Court on April 28, 2006.

The petition for post-conviction relief filed November 9, 2006 states Judge Clason’s order to reconsider sentence “specifically addresses Danny Newell’s involvement and presence in both the criminal and civil matters, citing interplay between criminal and civil matters concerning sentencing and judgment.” White argues “trial counsel was ineffective for failing to request recusal of the district attorney’s office, in spite of the known and obvious conflict.”

White claims Bush’s rights to due process were violated due to an “impermissible conflict” perpetuated by the district attorney’s office and when the trial court committed  “reversible error by participating in plea negotiations, failing to consider sentencing guidelines. She also claims Bush was denied right to “effective assistance of counsel” noting several incidents of ineffectiveness and deficient performance which included counsel’s failure to negotiate a beneficial plea.

Trial counsel was ineffective for advising Bush to plead the maximum penalty, for failing to litigate the dates of alleged theft, and for waiving Bush’s right to seek review or file an appeal. Post-trial counsel filed an incorrect motion for relief, resulting in a reversal by Second Circuit and the reinstatement of 10-year sentence.

The trial court erred by participating in plea negotiations, by making it abundantly clear that unless Bush provided at least $100,000 in restitution, the court would not consider a lesser sentence than the maximum allowed by law which resulted in the “agreed upon” sentence.

Also influencing the decision to pose the maximum sentence was the fact that Joseph Jarzabek, US. Attorney in Shreveport, made it clear that if the district court failed to impose a sentence with some incarceration, his office would also prosecute Bush. This statement was verified during an omnibus hearing before Judge Clason.

In the State’s memorandum opposing post-conviction relief, Strider stated Bush admitted to stealing $70,000 of the $432,000 confirmed stolen between July 1, 1991 and September, 2000 by State Legislative Auditor Dan Kyle.

Former Haynesville Mayor Tom Crocker testified he had been called to Bush’s home around noon in September 2000. At the time, Michael Rabinowitz was conducting the annual audit for the Town and, by noon, had discovered about $70,000 missing from town funds. Crocker shared this information with Bush. She admitted taking the money and indicated she planned to contact an attorney. Crocker reminded her that Newell could not represent her since he was the town’s attorney.

White noted legal ethics was one issue before the court.  Asst. DA Newell, who also served as city attorney for the Town of Haynesville, filed a civil suit against Bush while being kept aware of plea and restitution discussions in criminal proceedings.

Testimony provided by Judge Clason indicated Newell was present at at least one omnibus hearing and in the courtroom on the day Bush was sentenced. Newell and District Attorney May both testified that Newell was never involved in the criminal case. Rebecca Lowery testified Newell was not present at the State’s table on April 5, 2002 when sentence was imposed. Defense Attorney Paul Garner testified Newell was present at the omnibus hearing held in March 2002.

Strider stated “There was no conflict of interest because Newell did not prosecute the case against the applicant. The prosecution was handled by Walter May.” Newell’s presence during omnibus hearings “does not prove, or indicate, that he was involved in the prosecution.” Testimony by Judge Clason that Newell was present at the State’s table during the plea was disputed by Newell, May, and Lowery. In the transcript of the February 19, 2004 hearing, Judge Clason stated for the record that "Mr. Newell never represented the State's position in this criminal procedure".

The claim that Judge Clason improperly participated in sentencing negotiations and that she did not consider appropriate factors in sentencing was also disputed by Strider. Clason testified that she was aware of Bush’s health, age, lack of criminal history, and family situation. Bush made it clear to the court she did not want to pay restitution because she did not want to burden her family with the financial obligation. Clason made it clear the sentence would depend on whether Bush was willing to pay a substantial amount, at least $100,000, toward restitution. At the time of the sentencing, Bush indicated she was only willing to pay $15,000.

In conclusion, Strider stated, based on the evidence, the applicant failed to prove the guilty plea was unconstitutional, that trial counsel was ineffective, or that Judge Clason coerced a guilty plea or improperly participated in plea negotiations to a level which rendered the guilty plea unconstitutional. Claims for post conviction relief are without merit, therefore should be denied.

Haynesville Police Chief Arraigned

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

Haynesville Police Chief Anthony Smith appeared in uniform for his arraignment in court on Tuesday, May 29. Smith was arrested February 15, 2007 following a lengthy investigation by the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigation, Smith was arrested and booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center, then released on $30,000 bond. He is charged with forgery, theft over $500 (2 counts), and money laundering.

In the Claiborne Parish courtroom on Tuesday was Smith’s attorney Chris Bowman, who entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of his client. He also  requested a trial by jury.

Representing the State was attorney Stanton Hardee III of Baton Rouge, assistant to Attorney General Charles Foti who is prosecuting the case. Hardee stated he had filed an amended bill of information.

Both attorneys entered an agreement for open file discovery. Bowman said he would reserve the right to file any additional motions until after he had an opportunity to review the file.

Second Judicial District Court Judge Jenifer Clason set the date for ruling on motions and the admission of evidence for Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 1:30 PM. She said this date was subject to change.

 Local Beekeeper Lavon Anglin dressed in protective clothing with hat and veil, sets out to capture a swarm of bees that attached themselves to a fire hydrant in front of the Pentecostal Church in Homer last week by introducing them to this box hive. Smoke is used to calm the bees, if needed.

Catching Fireplug Honeybees

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

Back in February, there were numerous reports of millions of honey bees disappearing at an alarming rate across the country. A problem that has the potential to affect one-third of the food eaten in the United States, about $14 billion in fruit, vegetable and nut crops. Researchers are scrambling to find answers, which some are calling “colony collapse disorder”. Others think cell phone use may be the problem.

That news seems remote for Claiborne Parish, where local honey bees do not seem to be affected. Two weeks ago, a swarm of bees was seen on Beardsley Avenue in Homer. Last week, thousands of honey bees attached themselves to a fire hydrant on Hwy. 79 in front of the Pentecostal Church in Homer, across from Sonic Drive-In. Local beekeeper, Lavon Anglin, one of the few remaining active beekeepers in Claiborne Parish came to the rescue.

It was an amazing sight to see Anglin use traditional beekeeper techniques to get the honey bees to march like ants into the box hive he provided. They seemed to have a mind of their own and were apparently determined not to cooperate. Finally, after almost an hour of brushing, then scooping them with gloved hands,, dropping them near the entrance to the box, the bees began “fanning.” Anglin said this was an indication the queen bee was in the hive.

Once the queen is inside the hive, bees begin fanning to signal the rest of the bees, who soon follow. Sure enough, tiny female worker bees lined up at the entrance of the box, lifted their tails and rapidly fanned their wings. At this point, Anglin knew his work was over. It was only a matter of time before the remaining bees would enter the box.

The dictionary defines beekeeping as the practice of intentional maintenance of honey bee colonies, commonly in hives, by humans. A beekeeper or apiarist may keep bees in order to collect honey and beeswax, or for the purpose of pollinating crops, or to produce bees for sale to other beekeepers.

Anglin began working with bees at a very young age. It was a way for him to enjoy the outdoors, since arthritis hindered him from fishing and hunting. Besides, he had heard bees were good for arthritis. “Now I definitely know it is true,” he said. He attributes bee stings for ridding him of his arthritis.

Donald Wall, former writer The Guardian-Journal was also once a beekeeper. One of his first articles, written in May 1985, was about “Bees”. He said he thought honey was one of the healthiest foods. For more than 10 years, he ate honey at least once a day and never had a cold during that time. He even gave some honey to his neighbor’s daughter, Meredith Anne Davis, and her allergy problems disappeared.

Locally, there have been a number of beekeepers over the past several decades. Besides Anglin and Wall, others were James Dean, S. E. Smith, Sidney Cox, Bob Glenn, L. E. Kirk, and Bob Tippett. Only a few still work at beekeeping today and Anglin says he understands why.  “It is hard work,” he said. And, for all the work, it is not a money-making business.

More about honey bees can be found on-line at http://en.wikipedia.org/.

Chamber President J. T. Taylor invited DOTD District Engineer John Sanders (right) to give an update to Haynesville Lions on state road projects in Claiborne Parish.

DOTD Engineer Gives Update On Road Projects   

 John Sanders, District 4 Engineer for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), was invited to speak at the regular meeting of the Haynesville Lions Club by Lion J. T. Taylor. Sanders, a long time resident of Claiborne Parish, is a 31-year veteran of DOTD. He was Project Engineer in Minden for 22 years and has served as District 4 Engineer for the last three years. District 4 is a seven parish region which includes Claiborne.

Sanders explained there was approximately 2,100 miles of roadway in District 4. In 2006-2007, DOTD overlaid 43.46 miles, which places District 4 on a 48-year overlay cycle. When you divide this by 7 parishes, Claiborne can expect to have about 1-6 miles overlaid each year.

Last year, the average age of each mile of roadway was 25.6 years, the time since it was last overlaid.

The allotted $14 million for District 4 includes state only funding and there is no room for cuts. Last year, the State spent $13,897,362. If allowed,  Sanders said, politics can really create a mess of the system. DOTD has fewer persons employed now that in recent history. There are 342 persons employed by DOTD in District 4, fewer now than in 1958.

The DOTD prioritization list evaluates roadways according to IRI (recorded over 32 year cycles), universal rutting measurements, dept. of existing surfacing (GPR), ADT, degree of oxidation (date of last overlay and performance index). Due to innovative maintenance techniques and use of the prioritization system, the mileage of roads with a poor rating has fallen for 8 years in a row. Claiborne Parish has only 7.43 miles presently measured at 250 IRI or above.

Projects of particular interest to Claiborne Parish that ranked high on the list for this year include: 1) La. Alt 2 (log mile .99 Haynesville to La. 161 or Haynesville to Gordon). This was of schedule for FY 2008-09 but the Legislature could pull forward to 2007; 2)  La. 2 (La. 3062 to La. 9) with letting date of October 2007; and 3) Center turn lanes on US 79 in Homer with letting date of August 2007 with construction expected to begin in September.

Funding for the Homer Bypass is still uncertain, even though Governor Blanco promised to get it done back in January 2007. It will depend heavily on where the $18 million falls in the budget. According to J. T. Taylor, he has been informed that the project was ranked as #5 on the list of State Project Priorities. As Chamber President, Taylor mailed a letter and emailed Governor Blanco seeking her help in getting this rating improved to a 1 or 2, which will improve chances for funding.

State Representative Rick Gallot and State Senators Robert Adley and Robert Barham are also working on the funding process. The short term fate of this project should be evident by the end of this Legislative Session.

Economic Alliance members attended the Breakthrough Solutions Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas to learn how use of broadband is changing rural economy were (front, l.-r.) Dora Ann Hatch Cynthia Steele, Lauren Tichnor, (back, l.-r.) Gurvis Vines, and Omar Valentine.

Broadband Can Boost Rural Economy

"Broadband is today what the highways were years and years ago.  You had to have highways to get anywhere," said James Winningham, chairman of the Arkansas Broadband Initiative.

Showing how broadband and other technologies are changing the way America does business were topics presented at this year's Breakthrough Solutions Conference on May 1, 2007 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Monica Babine, a Cooperative Extension Agent from Washington State University, gave examples of how broadband technologies were providing jobs in rural areas in her state.  Babine suggested that communities needed to get broadband capability and then train people in the use of broadband.

"People choose where they want to live today; not where they want to work," said Chancellor Charles Welch of the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, Arkansas. Welch believes that to stay competitive, communities need to continue to bolster their quality of life to attract people to their communities now that broadband makes work possible from almost any location in the world.  

"Information learned at this conference could change the way we look at economic development in our rural parishes," said Dora Ann Hatch, LSU AgCenter Community Rural Development Agent and facilitator of the Economic Alliance of North Central Louisiana.  Hatch and others who attended the conference plan to meet on May 7, 2007 and discuss how to take this information back to their communities.

Economic Alliance of North Central Louisiana members who attended were Lauren Tichnor, with Vista  in Claiborne Parish; Cynthia Steele and Gurvis Vines, Town of Homer; and Omar Valentine, Town of Arcadia.

“Innovation, Technology and Economic Development in North Central Louisiana” was the topic of last month's Economic Alliance meeting held April 25 in Ruston .  Dr. Les Guice, Vice-President of Research and Development at Louisiana Tech was the guest speaker. He reported in 2006, Louisiana Tech's Technology Business Development Center (TBDC) negotiated 6 new licenses for the university, received 31 reports of invention, filed 24 patent applications, had 5 patents issued, received 10 SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) awards for faculty research, and had 8 new technology start-up companies

According to Dr. Guice, “The Center facilitates the establishment, growth, and success of technology-based businesses along the Interstate-20 corridor.” In addition, “It provides information, counseling services, and educational opportunities for beginning entrepreneurs, emerging business ventures, and existing businesses that have a technology orientation,” added Dr. Guice.

“The assistance and support available through the Center is specifically tailored to meet the needs of entrepreneurs who are investigating and pursuing business enterprises based on useful new technologies or unique applications of technology that have the potential to create high quality employment opportunities for Louisiana, said Dr. Guice.”

TBDC is located in the old Lincoln Parish Library and its director, Kathy Wyatt, is available to assist entrepreneurs interested in growing their technology based business. The Center’s number is (318) 257-3537.

Following his presentation, the audience asked, “How do we plan to keep these emerging businesses  here in Louisiana?” Dr. Guice said that these new emerging businesses need angel investors. Dr. Guice, recognized John Buske in the audience for his diligence in helping the university carry that message into the community.  Dr. Guice said that an angel investor not only makes an investment in the business but also in the community in which the business operates. He also added that inventors had roots in the area and would prefer to stay in the Ruston area if angel investors could be found.

Dora Ann Hatch, LSU AgCenter Community Rural Development Agent, concluded the meeting by thanking Dr. Guice for sharing this information with the group and encouraged parish representatives to take this information back to their parishes and discuss ways this technology might impact their communities.

 Hatch announced that Ruston Mayor Dan Hollingworth arranged a special interest meeting concerning the Sparta on May 8. The meeting was to focus the feasibility of pumping fresh water into the Sparta to replenish it.

She reminded the group that the next Alliance meeting will be on Wednesday, May 30 in Ruston in the Peach Suite of the Ruston Civic Center from 9-10:30 A.M.  Guest Speakers, Margie Mixon and Charles Strong, from the Louisiana Technical College System, with discuss how technical colleges can assist rural areas in developing workforces. They will also highlight some of their programs. Also, Lynn Warnock-Dorsey from LA Films North will update the alliance on adding new parishes to the LFN group. 

The Alliance's mission is to "create partnerships and strategies to advance a sustainable economy in the parishes of Bienville, Claiborne, Jackson, Lincoln, Winn, and Union." Its membership is comprised of mayors, police jurors, chambers, tourism groups, and others interested in furthering economic development in the region.  The meetings are open to the public.

For more information on meetings, contact meeting facilitator, Dora Ann Hatch, LSU AgCenter Community Rural Development Agent, at 318-927-9654 Ext. 229.

Submitted by Dora Ann Hatch, LSU AgCenter Extension Agent Community Rural Development.

“Keep Claiborne Beautiful”

Meets Today, May 31, 6 PM

A public informational meeting will be held at 6 PM on Thursday, May 31 in the Police Jury Complex to discuss organizing a "Keep Claiborne Beautiful" committee and holding a parishwide clean up day on Saturday, June 23. Anyone interested in working to clean up and beautify Claiborne Parish, is asked to call Lauren Tichenor at 927-7129 to sign up.

KTBS Reporter Chrissi Coile Grand Marshal For 2007 Fireworks, Boat Show June 30 

KTBS 3 News Reporter Chrissi Coile will serve as Grand Marshal in the Claiborne Parish July 4th Fireworks and Boat Show to be held Saturday, June 30.  Donations are still needed. Please send your check to Claiborne Fireworks, Inc. P. O. Box 181, Homer, LA 71040. For more information on the fireworks, contact Fred Lewis at (318) 927-9180. For information on the Boat Show, contact Dick Dorrell at (318) 927-0039.

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.