Former Homer resident arrested for drug possession

Vehicle search nets Schedule IV narcotics

The Guardian-Journal

A joint investigation between the Homer Police Department and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Department resulted in the arrest of a former Homer resident on Friday, July 20.

Rhonda Ridley, 35, was arrested Friday evening after the Homer Police Department received an anonymous tip that illegal narcotics were about to be moved through the Claiborne Parish area.

Homer Police Chief Russell Mills said he’d received several phone calls that morning about Ridley, but he was unable to locate the vehicle. The investigation was transferred to the evening shift, where Captain Donald Malray and Officer Mike Rayburn took up the lead.

They later located the suspected vehicle near the intersection of West 4th and MaCasland Street. When the officers approached the vehicle, they told Ridley they had received several complaints.

She gave consent for Malray and Rayburn to search her vehicle. Upon consent, the two officers found several unidentified pills. They found several pills that were unlabeled, and several of the prescription bottles did not have the correct labeling.

She was then arrested and taken to the Homer Police Department, where she was charged with possession of Schedule IV narcotics. Bond is to be set at a later date.

The pills have been sent to the North Louisiana crime lab for identification.

Mills said he wanted to thank all the citizens throughout the Homer area and Claiborne Parish for their tips on any illegal activity.

“I encourage citizens to get involved,” Mills said. “Without citizen involvement, it makes our job harder and it makes the lives of citizens who want good, clean neighborhoods miserable.”

He also encourages the residents of Homer to please continue calling in tips. He emphasized that ALL calls will remain anonymous.

“If you suspect drug activity in your neighborhood – or anywhere – call the Homer Police Department,” he said. “All tips and phone calls are confidential.”

Suspect arrested in Subway burglary

The Guardian-Journal

A 19-year-old woman was arrested last week on charges of simple burglary.

On July 18, the Homer Police Department received information from someone at Subway, located in Homer, that Charitece Smith entered the Subway at approximately 2:46 a.m. on July 6, and taken $200 in cash, simply walking out of the store.

Later, Smith was contacted and brought into the Homer Police Department by her mother. She admitted her involvement in the burglary, at which time Police Chief Russell Mills and Officer Ken Wood placed her under arrest, charging her with simple burglary. She was then transported to the Claiborne Parish Female Facility with bond set at $12,000.

In another incident, David R. Wyrick was arrested the same day on charges of simple battery (domestic violence) and cruelty to juveniles. After receiving a call in reference to a disturbance at 311 E. 5th Street in Homer, Officer Van McDaniel was informed that Wyrick had struck a nine-year-old child in the face. He was given a description of what the suspect was wearing and information as to his possible destination.

McDaniel notified other Homer police officers, and Officers Roger Smith and John Bailey arrived on scene, arresting Wyrick.

He was transported to the Homer Police Department, booked and transferred to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. Total bond was set at $20,000.

Lyons Hill bridge collapses

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

Tommy Durrett, Claiborne Parish Road Superintendent, digs out the large concrete slab that was used under the surface of the pavement to keep a smooth approach to the actual bridge.

Heavy rains cause of sinkhole at embankment

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

Lyons Hill Road reopened Tuesday evening after the embankment on the south side of the bridge collapsed leaving the residents south of Lyons Hill nearly stranded late last week and early this week.

Monday morning, crews from the Town of Homer and the Claiborne Parish Public Works Department worked diligently to tear out the road over the sinkhole leading into the creek below. The nearly collapsed road, caused by the heavy rains Homer received in the last several weeks, left a hole several feet deep and four to six feet wide underneath the pavement.

Claiborne Parish Road Superintendent Tommy Durrett said dirt washed out from under the headwall (the wall in place to protect the embankment), which caused the concrete on the top surface to fall down into the hole. The concrete was poured several years ago to keep the surface road a smooth approach to the bridge.

When the water level rose to flood stage levels after the large amounts of rain, it was trapped behind the headwall holding back the packed dirt underneath the pavement and washed the dirt out from under the road.

“The bridge still has problems and no heavy trucks should be coming through, but we fixed the primary problem, said Homer Mayor David Newell. “It's much safer than it was a week ago, but it's an old bridge and it still needs some work. I was told we need to put a 3-ton limit sign at the bridge.”

Work will progress over approximately a one month to ensure that the approach to the bridge is solid. Crews will let the dirt settle and asphalt the road section when the dirt has been packed enough to repave.

Durrett said the steel sheet bridge rail pilings (sheet metal that will hold the embankment in place) were driven behind the headwall to keep the erosion down. The old headwall was approximately nine feet tall, and the water, blocked by debris under the bridge, washed the dirt out from under the headwall.

The new pilings are approximately 15 feet tall and go deeper into the embankment to counteract the flushing from under the headwall.

“We hope to make this temporary fix a little more permanent,” Newell said.

Upon further investigation of the site, a large amount of debris was found under the bridge pushing against the pilings. Huge tree branches, rocks and other debris were found under the bridge, essentially blocking the flow of water through the creek.

The wooden pilings under the bridge are also rotting, which could cause more problems.

“The pilings were actually decayed,” Durrett said. “The wood is rotten around them. The debris was causing some blockage, but the damage is more decayed pilings than anything. There was decay found on at least four pilings under the bridge that were really bad.”

The design of the bridge placed a piling in the center of the creek, Durrett said, which caused the debris to catch under the bridge.

The Town of Homer Public Works Department in conjunction with the Claiborne Parish Highway Department and Elmer T. Jones of the Louisiana State Highway Department collaborated on several ideas to fix the bridge quickly and efficiently.

“This will last for a long time,” the road superintendent said, “but this is also a good way to fix it temporarily until the town figures out what they want to do.”

Homer Fire Chief Dennis Butcher said that over the weekend, as a precaution, a fire truck was posted on the south end of Lyons Hill Road to cut down on response time if a fire occurred over the weekend.

“Tommy and his group did an awesome job,” Newell said, “and Dennis Butcher was out there helping make sure things were done and I was very impressed with everything.”

CPSO hosts luncheon for law enforcement agencies

The Guardian-Journal

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey hosted a luncheon for investigators from surrounding parishes and counties with 37 representatives in attendance.

Representatives from the Union and Columbia County Arkansas sheriff’s departments were in attendance as well as the Arkansas and Louisiana State Police, Bienville, Webster, Lincoln and Union Parishes.

The purpose of the luncheon was to provide investigators an opportunity to meet each other and discuss cases that might be of mutual interest, which may help law enforcement crack a recent theft case.

“We discussed a theft case in our parish,” said Bailey. “Columbia County had a similar theft with the same type of vehicle description.”

After some discussion, the Sheriff’s Department in Columbia County as well as the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Department concluded that the two cases may be related.

“It’s a possibility that it was the same person or persons involved in this case,” Bailey said. “It was a very good deal. If we don’t talk and have communication, we’re not going to solve anything.”

According to a press release, this luncheon was an excellent opportunity for law enforcement agencies to utilize all knowledge available in an effort to solve crimes. Bailey stated that he hopes to see more meetings like this in the future.

In fact, another one, to be hosted by the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Department, will be held within the next 90 days or so.

FBC pastor celebrates 20 years with church

The Guardian-Journal

Photo courtesy of FBC Homer

Dr. Jimmy Simeon and his wife Patsy at his 20th anniversary luncheon held at First Baptist Church in Homer.

More than 250 celebrants at First Baptist Church of Homer honored Dr. Jimmy Simeon Sunday, July 15, for his 20 years with the church by presenting him with a new golf cart.

Dr. Simeon, who is usually in charge of Sunday morning services, was surprised as Keith Beard welcomed the congregation along with many visitors to a program that included favorite musical selections, a luncheon in the church’s Family Life Center, gifts, and the best wishes of all in attendance.

James Edgar Mateel Simeon, a native of Baton Rouge and one-time truck driver, received his doctorate in theology from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Now in his 40th year of preaching, he first served at Antioch Baptist in Tickfaw (Livingston Parish) from 1967-1972. That was followed by Killian Baptist in Killian (also Livingston Parish) from 1972-1973 and Centreville Baptist in Centreville, MS (about 60 miles north of Baton Rouge), from 1973-1987. He has been at First Baptist of Homer since 1987.

He married his wife, the former Patsy Benton, in 1968, and they are the parents of Sheri, Randee Jo, and Jamie.

A man of varied interests, Dr. Simeon has contributed articles to such publications as Student magazine and Bible Dictionary while also exhibiting a passion for sports, especially baseball, football, and basketball. He is known for his motto: “Don’t worry about the details—and it’s all details!”

Faxes and emails of congratulations from former church members and associates contributed to the joy shared by all in attendance. Michael Allen presented a plaque of appreciation to Dr. Simeon on behalf of the church body. Everywhere could be heard expressions of appreciation for “Brother Jimmy’s kind and gentle spirit.”

Keith Beard thanked Dr. Simeon for supporting the Music Ministry.

To the delight of many, Dr. Bill Owens observed, “In this day and age it is unusual for a person to stay at one job for 20 years—that is doubly true for a Southern Baptist preacher.”

Patsy Simeon’s contribution was recognized by Tony Gantt, who said, “Mrs. Patsy is the most loving and big-hearted person you will ever meet.” Gantt also shared some heartwarming stories of Dr. and Mrs. Simeon’s being there for Tony and his family whenever needed.

On behalf of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Gurvis Vines presented a plaque honoring Dr. and Mrs. Simeon’s 20 years of service to First Baptist Church of Homer.  Vines also noted Dr. Simeon’s contributions to the advancement of Baptist work through First Baptist Church of Homer and the Louisiana and Southern Baptist Conventions.

The “WHO’s Class” (the women’s Sunday School class) presented the honoree Dr. Simeon with an apron and made him an honorary member of their class.

Freddy Franks, retired Minister of Music and Dr. Simeon’s golfing buddy, was the guest speaker for the anniversary service.

Chris Mott, Randee Jo Herrera, Christina Sebastian, Ernest Graham, Lana Pugh, Joey White, and everyone else present contributed to the enjoyment of the many in attendance.

Louisiana employees get much needed pay raises
across the board

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

State, municipal and parish employees got a raise this year. During the Louisiana Legislature’s regular session, House Bill Number Four (HB4) passed with flying colors, giving the employees of Louisiana a much needed raise.

Correctional guards at David Wade Correctional Center (DWCC) benefited from HB4 as well, giving them a $1,500 per year raise. As an added bonus, correctional guards, as well as probation and parole agents were given an extra supplemental pay raise of $4,500 per year. The average starting salary of a correctional guard at DWCC is $18,366. In six months, it will go up to $20,009.

According to the legislature, this is the first cost of living raise in 16 years.

“The effect on recruitment and retention will be immediate and long-lasting,” said Richard Stalder, Secretary of the Department of Corrections. “Our responsibility now is to translate the investment in our staff into continued positive outcomes relative to the safe, stable and production operation of our institutional and community programs.” 

This is the most significant pay raise for these classes in the history of the Department of Corrections.

“Hopefully, this will help keep guards,” said House Representative Rick Gallot, “and because of the salaries, the turnover tended to be a little high.”

He wasn’t just speaking of DWCC, but all state prisons.

Employees also included in the pay raise are firefighters, policemen – including parish sheriff’s departments – and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Gallot said that these pay raises for EMTs are for the public EMT services.

“The deputies got pay raises, and it went from $300 to $425 per month,” said Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey. “I think it’s great that the legislature did give the deputies a pay raise. I’m thankful for that. They are very happy with it.”

Through House Bill Number 1, teachers are also getting much-needed raises, bringing their salaries up to the southern average. The average teacher will be getting a $2,375 per year increase.

These raises didn’t just go to the teachers in the education system. Support personnel, including cafeteria workers, school secretaries, maintenance workers and custodians, also got a pay increase of $1,000 per year.

Claiborne Parish School Superintendent Wayne King said certified teachers in this parish are getting $3,020 per year, with support personnel getting $1,050 per year as set by the Louisiana Legislature for Claiborne Parish.

Clean City Committee informs Lions Club
of clean-up progress

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

O.P. Pearson, “Pete,” spoke at the Lions Club on Thursday, July 12, about the work that has been done over the last several years by the Clean City Committee.

“I tell you what, when I got involved in the Clean City Committee, I had no idea what I’d be getting myself into,” Pearson said.

Since his involvement with the Clean City Committee, more than 50 old dilapidated homes have been torn down, and he has made it a mission to pick up trash and keep the town looking clean.

At the meeting, he passed out several pictures of when this committee first got to work on cleaning up the town. Several rundown houses that were not fit to live in were torn down and the lots were cleaned up. The problem with getting these homes torn down, Pearson said, is that many of these homes have not necessarily been abandoned, but they are heir properties that have not been kept up or they actually have been abandoned. But no one can really do anything about them because they are owned by someone. They have to  contact the owners of the homes to get their permission to do something with it.

“This is the biggest problem we have,” he said. “Many homes are heir properties. Currently, there are four or five houses that need to be torn down.”

He also said that the people of Homer could pitch in and do their part by keeping their yards clean and mown and making sure that trash is picked up.

Ordinances are in place to help ensure that the Town of Homer stays clean. Ordinance #802 states that the homeowner must remove and clean up any and all debris, and regarding uninhabitable residences, Ordinance #793 states the owner must either tear down the home and remove all materials or renovate the home to bring it into compliance with local, state and federal residential building codes.

The notice states that the owner has 15 days of the date of the notice to comply with these ordinances to avoid paying a fine.

The committee has also branched out to making sure that old cars that just sit are towed or taken care of. In fact, there are town ordinances in place for just such a thing. Thus far, 32 notices have been issued for ordinance violations.

Homer Police Chief Russell Mills said citizens will be cited for inoperable cars if the following conditions are not met.

“As long as they are licensed vehicles and insured, they are legal,” Mills said. “If the vehicle is not licensed and insured and is inoperable, then we issue citations.”

Ordinance #725 of the Town of Homer states, “It is unlawful to store an inoperable vehicle or a vehicle that does not have a current license on any property in the town.”

Violation of this ordinance is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.

Usually, if a vehicle is found in violation of Ordinance #725, a yellow notice will be placed on the vehicle and the owner has 15 days from the date of the notice to bring the vehicle into compliance with the ordinance.

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