Big rig fatality on Hwy. 79 snarls traffic for hours

The Guardian-Journal photos/Michelle Bates

Right, these rescue workers exhausted themselves trying to get into the cab of this 1991 Kenworth tractor rig to save the driver inside. Above is a better look at what rescure workers were up against when they arrived at the scene.

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

An 18-wheeler accident on Hwy. 79, in the area known as Smooch Bottom, created havoc for traffic Tuesday afternoon, November 20.

Traveling southbound delivering a load of plywood, the driver of the 1991 Kenworth truck veered off the road causing it to overturn, trapping 41-year-old Robert J. Bursey of El Dorado, Ark. When he veered off the road, he drove over a small private dirt driveway, and when he went to correct, the load shifted to the right, causing him to partially jack knife.

The momentum of his speed and the force of the trailer pushing the cab, he continued to flip over onto its roof sliding another 50 feet before finally coming to rest. 

Before emergency responders arrived, witnesses to the accident cleared the roadway as best they could and tried to get the driver to respond to no avail. Once emergency responders arrived at the scene, the Homer Fire Department worked tirelessly for more than 20 minutes to free Bursey.

Once they were able to crawl into the cab, Pafford paramedics went in to administer emergency medical care but determined he’d suffered a fatal injury.

Pafford Air One was called to the scene in the likelihood the driver would be airlifted to the hospital, but was not needed once the driver was declared deceased at the scene.

According to Louisiana State Police reports, speed nor impairment were believed to be factors in the accident. According to witnesses, it states, the big rig veered off the road for no apparent reason.

It is likely the driver either fell asleep at the wheel or suffered from an incapacitating medical condition.

Inmates from the Claiborne Parish Detention Center were brought in to help the recovery team clear the scene. Traffic was diverted to other major thoroughfares by Claiborne Sheriff’s deputies and the Homer Police Department for more than four hours that afternoon, re-opening the highway at approximately 5:30 p.m.

According to state police reports, the pending autopsy should provide toxicology results and reveal if the driver had an incapacitating medical condition that may have contributed to the accident.

Christmas Festival a success despite cold, wet weather

The Guardian-Journal photos/Michelle Bates

Above, State Champion Fiddler Vic Middleton shared his talent with vendors and festival-goers alike. Right, Linda Volentine checks out the merchandise of one vendor as she enjoys the warmth of the indoors. Please don’t forget that the Christmas Festival parade will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, the same day as the Christmas Tour of Homes.

The Guardian-Journal

This year’s Christmas Festival may have been cold and wet, but people still came to Homer from all over.

With good music, good food and lots of merchandise to begin Christmas shopping, the spirits of festival-goers would not be dampened.

There were 25 vendors represented at the festival.

There were also many winners in the Christmas Wreath Decorating Contest. They are as follows:

Patricia Jenkins won first place in the business division; second place went to Tanya McGaha, Advertising Unlimited; and third place went to Lynn May of Lynn’s Flower Shop.

Cindy Bolling won first place in the adult division; second place went to Pat Wallace of Haynesville and third place went to Carol Smith.

The Boys and Girls Club won first place in the children’s division with Caroline Williamson in second and Lauryn Thomas in third.

Hills of Homer Christmas Run

Approximately 30 people showed up in the wet and cold to participate in the Hills of Homer Christmas Run.

Beginning at 8 a.m. in the police jury complex parking lot, runners were timed and they placed according to their time.

The winners of the 5K run  are as follows.

Overall Female Open Winners: First place, Jenifer Martin of Lees Summit, Mo.; Second place, Jean Frye of Minden.

Female, ages 1-19: First Place, Sadie McGuire of Benton.

Female, ages 20-29: First place, Heather Bays of Homer; Second place, Lauren Tichenor; Third place, Rebecca Bower of Minden; Fourth Place, Marlee Tichenor; and Fifth place, Marisa Lee of Homer.

Female, ages 30-39: First place, Alice Simpson; Second place, Mary Ellen Anderson of Homer; Third place, Beth Thomas of Stonewall; Fourth place, Lori Gore of Benton; Fifth place, Barbara McGuire of Benton.

Female, ages 40-49: First place, Tara Allgood of Haughton and second place, Becky Bays of Homer.

Female, ages 50-59: First place, Leann Tichenor; Second Place Sarah Sanks of Homer.

Overall Male Open Winners: First place, Sterling Holmes of Little Rock, Ark.; Second place, Stephen Smith.

Male, ages 1-19: First place, David Westphal of Homer.

Male, ages 20-29: First place, Stuart Clason; Second Place, Rodney Williamson of Homer.

Male, ages 30-39: First place, Ryan Cross of Ruston and second place, Todd Chastain.

Male, ages 40-49: First place, Terry Tichenor.

Male, ages 50-59: First place, Danny Bays.

Male, ages 60 and over: First place, Richard Beeman of Vivian.

The winners of the 10K run are as follows.

The overall female open winner was Shelley Ryan of Shreveport. The overall male open winner was Marcus Eichhorn of Monroe.

Christmas Tour of Homes

Treats for the eye, ear and palate await you as Homer opens five of its most beautiful homes decorated for the holidays. And for the first time at Christmas, ticket holders will have a chance to see the interior decorations of the historic Claiborne Parish Courthouse with a tour guide ready to share the Civil War era landmark and its stories.

The Claiborne Jubilee and Christmas Festival  committees are joining forces to sponsor the 2007 Claiborne Christmas Tour of Homes on Saturday, December 15 from 6-9 pm and Sunday, December 16 from 1-4 pm. This will allow an evening opportunity to see the lights as well as a daytime tour for those who prefer not to travel by night..

The entire community will be decked out, but a special welcome awaits those who join the tour and visit the courthouse and the following homes: On North Main Street, the home of Michael and Mary Ellen Anderson at 706 and the home of Terry and Judy Willis across the street at 707; on Arlington Drive, the home of Jimmy and Patricia Bates at 148, the home of Chad and Melissa Watts at 252, and the home of Loy and Cathey Weaver at 400.

Meanwhile, back at the courthouse, caterer Judy Davis will present a bountiful array of goodies on the first floor, while in the courtroom on the second floor, Claiborne Parish historian Beverly Smith will be on hand to tell about this historic structure.

Tickets will be available at the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce, Fred Smith & Sons, Emerson Oil Company in Homer and at Killgore Pharmacy in Haynesville. The $10.00 ticket will allow admission both days to all venues. For more information call Cynthia Steele, 318-927-2566 or .

One Donell brother pleads guilty to several charges

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

Derron Donell of Homer, pleaded guilty Monday to charges on three different incidences in the last few years.

He pleaded guilty to illegal use of a weapon and was sentenced to six years at hard labor with the Department of Corrections. This charge was downgraded from the original charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated criminal damage to property and discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle on a public highway with the intent to injure, harm or frighten individuals.

The attempted murder charge and aggravated criminal damage to property charge were both dismissed.

This plea comes on the heels of his arrest, along with his brother, Ruben, on April 13, after an altercation involving a high-speed chase and shooting. The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report of shots fired in the area of Homer known as Buck Bottom.

George Shelton, also of Homer, and the Donell brothers were in an altercation. When Shelton tried to get away in his car, he was chased by Derron and Ruben in another vehicle. Shelton was struck in the back with one of three bullets during the chase. Law enforcement officers gave chase and finally cornered the Donell brothers when they slowed to pull into a driveway on White Oak Road.

The two were arrested without incident.

The charge of unauthorized entry to an inhabited dwelling was also dismissed. On September 6, 2006, Donell was arrested and charged with the unauthorized entry and two counts of simple battery after Homer Police received a call regarding a fight at a residence on North 4th Street.

Donell reportedly assaulted a woman and her mother after forcing his way into their residence.

Donell also pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon after an incident in 2005, when Donell reportedly pulled a gun on a victim to take his money.

The sentence on these charges will run concurrent, which means his sentence will run together. He received six years for both the illegal use of a weapon and aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon. If these charges were to run consecutive, Donell would have served 12 years in prison.

Ruben Donell was charged with accessory to attempted second-degree murder, aggravated flight from an officer, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instruments and possession of a firearm/concealed weapons by a convicted felon. He was also held on a probation violation for a prior felony charge with no bond.

It is not yet known whether Ruben Donell will enter into a plea agreement or go to trial.

Domestic disputes lead to area arrests

The Guardian-Journal

A domestic disturbance call led to the arrest of Loyd Henderson, of Homer, after the Homer Police Department received a 911 call Thursday, November 15.

The complainant stated Henderson hit her in the head with a bucket. Upon officers’ arrival, they observed the complainant bleeding from the head. When the complainant told officers what had transpired, Henderson was arrested and charged with domestic abuse battery and failure to pay fine.

Henderson has been arrested and charged on numerous occasions for the same offense.

Bond has yet to be set.

In an unrelated incident, Shelia Henderson, and Rishanne Daniels, both of Homer, were arrested Wednesday, November 14, for keeping a disorderly place and disturbing the peace. Daniels was also charged with issuing worthless checks.

According to the Louisiana Criminal Code, keeping a disorderly place means “the intentional maintaining of a place to be used habitually for any illegal purpose.”

The Homer Police Department was dispatched to the Henderson’s home three times. There was a verbal altercation between neighbors, Henderson and Daniels. Daniels said that Henderson came to her residence and started an argument. Henderson left, and when police arrived, Henderson and her daughter were both on their property. Officers advised them to leave the situation alone, but within the next hour, they were fighting again. They were then arrested.

Deal finalized for part of old Wal-Mart building

The Homer Town Council meeting will be held Monday, December 3, at 5 p.m. Due to scheduling conflicts, the time was moved from its regular time at 6 p.m. to 5 p.m. For questions or more information, please contact City Hall at 927-3555.

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The Homer town council voted in a special meeting to sign an offer for the purchase of the old Wal-Mart Building for $265,000 with another $10,000 to cover taxes and other expenses with the purchase.

This means that the town has entered into a contract with the building’s current owners, Gk Claiborne Investments LLC, to purchase the building for $265,000. The town is ready to finalize the deal with Delta Contract Interiors with last minute negotiations still going on.

“Delta Draperies is negotiating a contract right now to purchase basically half the building for $100,000,” said Homer Mayor David Newell. “They are providing 20 jobs right now, and that will increase to 30 jobs.”

The purchase will not be closed until the sales agreement is complete, according to town attorney Jim Colvin. Sales agreements and contracts are in the works to purchase the building, and Delta Contract Interiors, if the deal goes through, would turn their current building over to the Town of Homer.

If the deal does not go through with Delta Contract Interiors, Newell said, Pete Pearson, who is one of the key people negotiating the contract, said there are other companies looking at the old Wal-Mart building as well.

Councilman Toney Johnson, also a real estate agent, erred on the side of caution, stating there are drawbacks to this purchase in that the town is responsible for the maintenance of the building and that tax revenue would be lost. Another consideration is the cost of insurance on the building.

One aspect Johnson pointed out is the joint ownership of the building. That means whoever moves into the building would have to share the costs of the maintenance. There has to be maintenance agreements on split ownership like this, he said.

“As long as we have a good use for this building, then it’s a good deal,” Johnson said.

Pearson said the terms of the agreement have been met, and at their expense, Delta Contract Interiors would build a wall in the middle of the building. In the agreement, the company would acquire the restrooms and the second floor of the building. The Town of Homer would be responsible for the outside.

Homer native travels to Rwanda on college student mission trip

The Guardian-Journal

Homer native Bruce Morgan, Dean of Students at Bryan College in Dayton, TN, recently returned from a trip to Rwanda.

According to the website www.bryan.edu/rwanda, Bryan College arranged a trip to Rwanda from October 12-28 for a student mission group.

They visited the Rwandan cities of Butare and Kigali as well as the Murambi Memorial Center, the site where thousands of displaced Tutsis were massacred. Rwanda was torn apart by genocide in 1994 when almost a million Rwandan citizens were massacred.

The website describes the students’ time at the Memorial this way: “Visiting this very graphic memorial was quite difficult and affecting for our group. The images will never leave us, and perhaps we have left a part of ourselves forever in Murambi.”

Morgan, a 1975 Homer High alumnus, graduated from Bryan College, then went on to teach in English and physical education in Maryland and Florida for 17 years. He returned to Bryan College about 10 years ago as Dean of Students and has been there since.

The son of Effie Morgan and the late Alvin Morgan, Morgan married Jerri Beck of Dayton in 2002, and they have two children, Rose, 3, and Andrew, 1.

Effie looks forward to Bruce and his family’s visit during the end-of-year holidays.

Fender bender at Pak-A-Bag

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

An elderly couple in this van were very fortunate this accident wasn’t any worse. According to police, on Tuesday morning, November 20, this 18-wheeler flatbed truck ran over the corner of this mini-van at the Pak-A-Bag convenience store on U.S. Hwy. 79 in Homer. Pafford paramedics were called to the scene, but no injuries were reported. Before long, traffic was running smoothly again.

Haynesville Council voices concern about school zone warning lights

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The Haynesville Town Council has become very concerned about the lack of warning lights at the school zones.

In their regular monthly meeting, Mayor Pro-Tem Joyce Major said she is looking into the issue because the school zones currently have no caution lights that work. In fact, the ones that have been up for years are no longer there.

There were some questions as to whether the state or the federal government should provide the funds to have them put up because Hwy. 79 is a federal highway. There were questions regarding the role of the school board’s responsibility as well.

Major erred on the side of caution, stating that the council has certain things they have to do before making a decision on the issue, but she and the council are doing what they can to look into the issue.

Claiborne Parish Police Juror Bob McDaniel, who has been an advocate of the issue, said he would do whatever he could within his authority to help make sure the safety of Haynesville’s kids are a top priority.

“Even if the Town of Haynesville went into a partnership, 50/50, with the parish – if the town says, ‘Well, we really can’t afford it,’ and the school board says, ‘Well, we really can’t afford it,’ but maybe together we can,” McDaniel said. “Flashing lights mean all the difference in the world – at least they do to me.”

In the end, the council decided to bring representatives from the state, the school board and the parish together to the next meeting to discuss the issue and see if a resolution can be achieved.

In other news, the council discussed different proposals to cover the city park batting cage and fence around the little league field. Several quotes were given, but until the council’s attorney could look at them and fax the bid to the engineer, the issue was tabled until the next meeting.

Also, the Town of Haynesville was awarded a Louisiana Community Development Block Grant, and the council passed a motion to open a checking account especially for these funds as required by law.

Scott Hafer of Get Rid of It, Inc., spoke to the council about beginning a contract with them for residential waste disposal, instead of renewing their contract in April 2008 with their current company. The council told Hafer they would take the issue under advisement.

Last month, several youth approached the council about building a skate board park, and the youth were to return this month to find out if they would be allowed to do this project. The issue was tabled because there was no representative present.

The next council meeting will be held Thursday, December 20, at 6 p.m., at the Haynesville City Hall.

‘Wizard of Oz’

Submitted photo

The Homer High School Drama Club will present L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz” on Monday, December 3, at 6:30 p.m. on the high school auditorium stage. Seniors Rebecca Fowler (Auntie Em), David Morgan Jr. (The Scarecrow), Kelsey Powell (Dorothy) and Greg Turner (The Lion) are some of the many lead actors who will perform in this classic. Tickets are $2 for adults and $1 for students and can be purchased at the door or from Denice Owens, director.

Sparta one step closer to filling position

Person to promote education and conservation of aquifer

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The Sparta Commission met on November 8 to discuss several issues, one including hiring a full-time person to promote Sparta issues.

Through the meeting, discussion led to the main issue of how to pay a decent wage to someone to help them promote the importance of the region’s drinking water. Louisiana State Representative Rick Gallot stated that he planned to take it to the Louisiana Legislature to find a recurring flow of cash to partially fund this position and the other functions of the commission.

Gallot met with Governor-elect Bobby Jindal recently, and he said Jindal is committed to helping the Sparta Commission in any way he can.

“We’re going to hold him to his word,” Gallot said, “and try to find a sustainable funding source. My goal is to find that sustainable funding so that the Sparta Commission can go about the business of the Sparta.”

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury as well as the Town of Homer both have donated their annual contributions plus a little extra to help fund the commission to get a jump start on filling the position. The Louisiana State University AgCenter Extension Service has agreed to come up with half the funding for the position if the commission can come up with the other half.

Please note that Claiborne Parish and the municipalities and businesses making contributions are doing this in conjunction with the surrounding parishes represented by the Sparta Commission.

The commission passed a motion to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Extension Service to hire a full-time employee, with the Extension Service providing half the salary and the commission providing the other half, contingent upon whether commitments for funding can be made by the next meeting to be held in February.

Tony Duplantis with the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, in the groundwater program, spoke to the commission working to get a contract for the funding of real-time groundwater monitors on some wells in the Sparta Aquifer. By the end of the year, he hopes to get the monitors in place to keep up with the groundwater levels in the aquifer.

He also said there have been some changes in Baton Rouge in that the Office of Conservation no longer has a groundwater resources division. It has been replaced with the Environmental Division.

In a memo sent out by the Commissioner of Conservation, it states the new division has been restructured and will focus on oilfield site cleanup and closure, commercial disposal of environmental waste, and focus on groundwater and aquifer conservation.

In other news, the commission recognized the Union County Water Conservation Board from Arkansas, where members of the Sparta Commission actually toured Union County’s water system and how they are conserving water.

Also, Larry LaBorde, president of Continental Drilling and Services, Inc., in Shreveport, gave a presentation about the Sparta Aquifer and how it’s affected every day by the people who draw their drinking water from it.

He said people are using water from it faster than the aquifer can replenish it, which means that not only is the water running low, but salt water is slowly but surely replacing the fresh drinking water. The only way to combat that is through recycling and conservation.

The next meeting will be held in January. The date will be set later.

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.