Qualifying for candidates set to begin on Tuesday

The Guardian-Journal

Election season is in full swing now, and it is expected to get much busier as qualifying begins Tuesday morning, September 4.

Qualifying will go through Thursday September 6, each day beginning at 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., except Thursday. The clerk of court’s office will be open until 5 p.m. that day for those last minute qualifiers.

For those who wish to qualify for the various positions expected to be on the ballot October 20, there are a few requirements that must be met. Each candidate who wishes to qualify must have a voter registration printout. The clerk of court’s office can print one if there are no changes. If there are any changes whatsoever, those changes must be made at the Registrar of Voters Office.

The various offices that are up for election on October 20 include State Senator, Districts 33 and 36; State Representative, District 11; Sheriff; Clerk of Court; Assessor; Coroner and all 10 districts of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury.

In order to qualify for the office of State Senator or State Representative, the candidate must be 18 years of age by the date of qualification, resided in Louisiana for the preceding two years and been actually domiciled (living) for the preceding year in the legislative district from which the candidate seeks election.

To qualify for the office of sheriff, clerk of court or assessor, the candidate shall have resided in the state for the preceding two years and shall have been domiciled (living) in the parish from which he seeks election for the preceding year.

For the coroner’s office, the candidate must be a licensed physician, unless no licensed physician in the parish will accept the office. The coroner shall be a resident of the parish or a licensed physician who maintains a full-time medical practice at a principal medical office facility in the parish.

In order to qualify for the police juror office, the candidate, by the date of qualification, shall be 18 years of age, resided in Louisiana for the preceding two years, and been actually domiciled for the preceding year in the district from which he/she seeks election.

Ann Anderson, Deputy Clerk, said the fees for qualifying are different for independent or no party candidates and Democratic (D) or Republican (R) candidates.

The fee schedule is as follows. If qualifying as an independent or no party, the office of state senator will cost $300. For state representative, sheriff, clerk of court, assessor and coroner, it will cost $225. For the police jury offices, it will cost $115.

If qualifying as a Democrat or Republican, the state senator office will cost $600. The state representative, sheriff, clerk of court, assessor, and coroner costs $450. The police jury office will cost $230.

“We cannot accept your personal checks,” she said. “We are required by law to only accept cash, certified or cashier’s check (on a State or national bank or credit union) or (U.S. Postal) money order issued by or national bank or credit union. People are surprised when we tell them that, so that’s one thing we wanted the candidates who are coming to qualify to know.”

For more information on qualifying, call the Clerk of Court’s office at 318-927-9601 or the Registrar of Voters Office at 927-2232.

Arrests continue in theft investigation

The Guardian-Journal

A continued investigation by Detective Duffy Gandy of the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office regarding a stolen 4-wheeler, toolbox and miscellaneous tools resulted in the arrest of Brandon Lee Montgomery, 22, of Sarepta.

Montgomery was arrested by the Springhill Police Department Friday, August 24, and booked into jail. He was transferred to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center on Saturday, August 25, and charged with simple burglary and theft under $300. Bond on the burglary charge is set at $50,000, and on the theft charge at $500.

This arrest comes on the heels of the arrests of three others involved in the theft, Yrue Young and Richard F. Rockholt, both 18 and residents of Homer, arrested by sheriff’s deputies and Trent Gore, 24, of Bradley, Ark., arrested by the Homer Police Department. The three were arrested on August 16.

On July 30, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Department received a call from the 600 block of Hwy. 540 in Homer in reference to a stolen Honda 4-wheeler and the thief was traveling south towards Homer.

Later that morning, the sheriff’s office received a call stating that a truck was found in the ditch on Hwy. 540, north of Homer. Deputy Jeff Pugh checked it out and noticed a tool box and several other items in the bed of the truck that the previous caller had identified as his.

The Honda 4-wheeler as well as the toolbox and tools were recovered Thursday, August 16, and have been returned to the owners.

If convicted on the charge of illegal possession of stolen things over $500, Young and Rockholt face imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for not more than 10,years, or may be fined not more than $3,000, or both. Gore, charged with possession of stolen things under $300 and theft under $300, faces up to six months in jail or up to a $1,000 fine, or both.

Montgomery faces up to 12 years in prison, with or without hard labor, or a fine of $2,000, or both on the charge of simple burglary. On the charge of theft under $300, he faces up to six months in jail or up to $1,000, or both.

Fugitive arrested on 3 counts of cocaine

The Guardian-Journal

Sheriff Ken Bailey announced that on Tuesday, August 21, Jonathan Drake was arrested for three counts of distribution of Schedule II CDS (Controlled Dangerous Substance) cocaine.

Bailey stated that on the morning of August 21, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) dispatch received an anonymous phone call advising that Jonathan Drake, a.k.a. “Jon Jon,” was staying in an apartment on West 4th Street in Homer. CPSO dispatch immediately contacted CNET agent James Spillers with this information, and plans were developed to arrest Drake.

At approximately 9:15 that morning, CNET, CPSO, the Homer Police Department and Louisiana Probation and Parole personnel went to an apartment building in the 400 block of West 4th Street in Homer.

Upon arrival, La. Probation and Parole personnel attempted contact with probationer Tanitha Kimble, and while checking her residence for Drake, CPSO Detective Randy Smith observed Drake cross over from an upstairs apartment to another one across the hall. Officers then converged on Drake’s location, and after verbal instructions and a physical confrontation, which included the use of a Taser, Drake was arrested. He was then transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and booked with bond set at $150,000.

Bailey further advised that Drake had been on the run since June 22, when a search warrant and arrest warrants were served at 2607 Old Athens Road in Homer. Bailey stated that he wanted to thank the individual that anonymously reported Drake’s location, and that the cooperation and assistance from the public is one of the most valuable tools that law enforcement has.

Sheriff Bailey ended by reminding the public to notify area law enforcement agencies of any suspicious or illegal activity that is going on in their neighborhoods.

Concerned citizens can call CNET at 318-927-9800, the Louisiana State Police at 318-676-3200, the Homer Police Department at 318-927-4000, the Haynesville Police Department at 318-624-1355, or the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-927-2011. Any and all information is considered confidential and is greatly appreciated.

Tanker overturns spilling sulfuric acid

Photo courtesy of Dennis Butcher

This was the scene as emergency first responders worked for more than one and one-half hours to free the trapped driver.

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

A tanker truck carrying sulfuric acid overturned on Hwy. 520 east of Haynesville close to the Arkansas state line Monday night, closing the road both ways for a couple of days.

Perry Traylor, the driver of the Lion Oil Company tanker, lost control of his vehicle while trying to negotiate a curve and the tanker turned over on its side, spilling sulfuric acid into the ditch along the side of the road.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene, and when they found Traylor, he was still trapped in the cab of the truck. It took responders approximately one and one-half hours to extract the driver from the vehicle.

As bad as the accident was, some responders believed the driver had died at the scene. But because they were not sure, they treated the situation as a rescue instead of a recovery.

“Our guys (Haynesville Fire Department) were really pumped up when they found out he was alive,” said Dennis Butcher, director of the Claiborne Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness. “We really thought he was dead, but we’re going to go in and get them out anyway. We’re not going to leave anybody.”

Traylor was airlifted by Pafford Air One to LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport for serious injuries sustained in the accident. He was listed in fair condition as of Tuesday evening, according to his company’s representative.

Traffic control was handled by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The Haynesville Fire Department, Claiborne Parish Fire District 6, Louisiana State Troopers Hazmat Unit and the Claiborne Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness responded to the scene. Lion Oil Company also responded by sending their company Hazmat personnel.

The situation was serious not only in that Traylor sustained serious injuries, but the sulfuric acid spilled is very dangerous. The primary concern for first responders, said Butcher, is that it is a breathing hazard. Responders were required to wear self-contained breathing apparatuses, which included a breathing mask and oxygen tank.

One thing in their favor, Butcher said, is that it was dry Monday night.

“Sulfuric acid and water just don’t mix,” he said.

Also, if a person comes in physical contact with sulfuric acid, it will eat away at the contact point, and sometimes have a delayed reaction with that contact point.

 “The firefighters did a hell of a job under some real hazardous conditions,” Butcher said of all the firefighters who responded to the scene. “I’m really proud of the guys who did the extrication work on the scene. I was well pleased with the controlled and professional manner in which it was handled.”

After several hours of work in a volatile situation, Butcher sent some of his firefighters to Homer Memorial Hospital as a precaution.

“We sent a number of our firefighters to the hospital to be checked out just to make sure they were OK,” he said.

Clean up efforts, handled by the State Police Hazmat Unit and Lion Oil Hazmat personnel, were expected to continue for the next few days. The highway was expected to be opened back up by Tuesday evening.

Pineland Jamboree

Photo/ courtesy of the Minden Press-Herald

Pels/Jacks tie 13-13, Golden Tornado loses by 4 points

The Pineland Jamboree in Haynesville drew a large crowd as Claiborne Parish residents and opposing fans alike root for their favorite teams. Game details for both games -- The Homer Pelicans versus the Springhill Lumberjacks; The Haynesville Golden Tornado versus the Minden Crimson Tide -- are in this week’s The Guardian-Journal.

Local coaching legend honored at ULM

Photo courtesty of  www.hammerheaddigital.com

Legendary Haynesville coach Red Franklin was honored this past Friday for his many years as a coach.

The Guardian-Journal

Former Haynesville coach Alton “Red” Franklin was honored by his peers for his contributions to the young men of Haynesville during the half-time game of West Monroe/Neville game, Satur-day, August 25, at Malone Stadium at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

When the greatest coaches in the history of high school football are listed, the name Alton "Red" Franklin is atop most people's list.  For 35 seasons, Coach Franklin led his Golden Tornado from Haynesville like a summer storm across the state that decimated all that stood in their path.  It did not matter how big or how talented the competition was, Coach Franklin and Haynesville just won.

By the time he retired in January 2002, Haynesville High School had collected 11 state championships, four state runner-up finishes, 27 district championships and 33 consecutive winning seasons.  Coach Franklin is listed nationally as the number seven ranked coach of all-time with 366 wins at the same school.  His overall record of 366 wins, 76 losses and 8 ties ranks him number two in the state of Louisiana with a impressive winning percentage of 82.1 percent. From 1990 - 1996, Haynesville's won-loss record was a mind-boggling 96-4.  Among his wins in the 1990s were victories at national powerhouses Evangel and defending Class 5A state champion West Monroe in 1994.

The Golden Tornado reached the state playoffs in 31 of his 35 seasons and won 27 district crowns. He was district coach of the year 23 times, and state coach of the year six times. Twice (1985, 1993), Franklin was named the National High School Athletic Association's Region 5 coach of the year, making him a finalist for national prep coach of the year honors. The 2000 Golden Tornado posted 11 shutouts in 15 games. Franklin was inducted in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Louisiana High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1991.  Franklin was also inducted as a charter member of his Alma Mater the Louisiana College Sports Hall of Fame in February 1992.

More impressive than the wins and losses, is the positive influence Coach Franklin had on the students of Haynesville High School.   Much like Coach Herman Boone in the film "Remember the Titans," Coach Franklin led a team during a racially tense period of integration in the early 1970's. Coach Franklin challenged all Haynesville players, black and white, to stay together on the field and in life, with his motto "those who stay will be champions."  His words were quite prophetic, and led to countless champions graduating from Haynesville High School.

Labor Day signals end of summer for many

JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer

Many view Labor Day as the end of summer vacation. By Labor Day, all the kids are back in school. But just what is Labor Day all about?

Designated a federal holiday the first Monday in September, Labor Day began in 1882. The idea was a day off to honor the common working man.

Original plans included a parade to demonstrate “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations” and a day of recreation and amusement for workers and their families. Barbecues, fireworks, and water fun have all become a part of the festivities.

Many Labor Day observances include speeches by prominent individuals, especially politicians. Their speeches typically note the progress workers have made and may mention the 8-hour workday, annual paid vacations, and various safety initiatives.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association has been associated with Labor Day since 1966 when Jerry Lewis began hosting the telethon to raise money for research and patient support programs. The drive raises millions each year.

Car racing also marks Labor Day weekend with the annual running of the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina. Since 2004, NASCAR has been racing on Labor Day weekend at California Speedway in Fontana, CA.

However, one custom associated with the holiday seems to be fading: the prohibition on wearing white after Labor Day. Fashion mavens, however, are challenging the maxim and hail those who dare to break the rule as “adventurous, cutting edge, and original.”

So feel free to wear your white chinos or skorts and white Adidas for the parade, the backyard cookout, the car races, or wherever—enjoy Labor Day however you want.

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If all the cars in the United States were placed end to end, it would probably be Labor Day Weekend.—Doug Larson, Olympic gold medalist.

Bob Odom visits Homer last week

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

The Town of Homer honored Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Bob Odom with a meet and greet with the town’s citizens. He gave a short speech, and afterwards, mingled with Homer residents. Odom was born and reared for nearly a decade in the community of Colquitt.  The commissioner now has a farming operation near the family home place where he spent the early years of his life.

Lions Club donates fans

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

The Homer Lions Club donated 10 fans to the Claiborne Parish Office of Community Services. These fans are available for the elderly, age 60 and older, without air conditioning. For more information, call the Office of Community Services at 318-927-3557. Pictured above are, from left, Susan Herring, Patrick Gladney, Jean Reynolds, Terry Willis, Doug Efferson and Ed Frankie.

Noted organist to present program on September 2

Dr. Ann Labounsky of Pittsburgh, PA will present an organ recital at the First United Methodist Church in Homer on September 2, 2007, at four in the afternoon. Dr. Labounsky is chair of the Organ and Sacred Music Department at Duquesne University and is a Fellow of the American Guild of Organists.

She has an international reputation as a virtuoso performer and is especially noted for her recordings of the works of French organist and composer, Jean Langlais, whose centennial she is marking this summer with a performance at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. She studied with M. Langlais at the Schola Cantorum while a Fulbright Scholar and is the author of a biography, Jean Langlais: The Man and His Music published in 2000 by Amadeus Press.

Her performance in Homer is being given in honor of Margaret Ford Gladney in anticipation of Mrs. Gladney's 90th birthday early next year. The recital is to be held in the sanctuary where her father, Darden Ford, served as Choir Director for many years.

The program is open to the public and a reception will follow in the church parlor.

For more information on Dr. Labounsky and to hear selections of her performances, go to AnnLabounsky.com.

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