Charges continue to mount

Carter facing more identity theft charges

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

A suspect arrested in March for identity theft totaling more than $70,000 was arrested last week on additional charges.

Fontonio Carter, 23, of Homer, was arrested Friday, May 3, at Claiborne Place Apartments in Homer on several other charges relating to the identity theft of Jonas Tims of Homer, according to Homer Police Chief Russell Mills. Carter was arrested by Officer Ken Wood on four warrants obtained during the course of their investigation into the identity theft.

He was charged with seven counts of forgery, unauthorized use of access card as theft, computer fraud and bank fraud. Each charge carries a bond of $50,000 each, totaling $200,000. His records also indicate that he has outstanding warrants against him in Lincoln and Union Parishes for issuing worthless checks.

As of press time, Carter remained behind bars at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center (CDC).

Because Carter was a booking officer at CDC when and where the theft occurred, concerns were raised about Carter being housed at that same correctional facility. Lt. Minnie Drew, booking supervisor at CDC, set those concerns to rest. She said Carter is being held in a cell by himself until he can be transferred to another correctional facility.

“He will be moved when we find a place to put him,” Drew said. “We can’t keep him here.”

Carter appeared in the Second Judicial District court Tuesday morning, May 6, for arraignment and pleaded not guilty to charges of identity theft. If any motions are filed in his case, a hearing will be set for July 8, and trial will be set by written motion, which means that the district attorney’s office will file a written motion to set trial.

He is expected to appear in court in Caddo Parish Friday, May 9 on a charge there on one count of forgery.

Carter was arrested in late March during an investigation that began in January on claims of fraud and identity theft. A local bank alerted police to possible fraud because of suspicious account activity.

That investigation revealed that Carter had purchased a vehicle at Holmes Honda, which later contacted the victim’s bank regarding the purchase. The following day, Carter was arrested by the Caddo-Shreveport Financial Crimes Task Force, and charged with one count of forgery, stemming from a $20,000 forged check deposited at a bank in Caddo Parish.

Several credit card applications in the victim’s name as well as different accounts opened were discovered at the time of an executed search warrant of his residence.

Carter had made payments on a couple of open accounts he’d acquired through the victim’s name, and once he stopped making payments, the bills that were sent to Carter’s address began going to the victim’s address, leading to the complaint.

Police believe Carter gained access to the victim’s personal information when the victim was booked in the detention center on DWI charges in September 2007.

When Carter was arrested in March, he was arrested in Shreveport at an Avis Car Rental business, where he worked, near the Shreveport Regional Airport.

The investigation into the identity theft continues to grow due to Tims still receiving mail from credit card companies that he claims he has no knowledge of.

High School seniors earn top honors

Claiborne Academy

The Guardian-Journal

Claiborne Academy will hold its commencement exercises at 8 p.m., Thursday, May 8, at the school gymnasium.

The special guest speaker for the momentous occasion is State Sen. Gerald Long, newly elected District 31 senator. Long was elected to fill the District 31 seat vacated by the long time Senator Mike Smith of Winnfield. He is a lifelong resident of Louisiana. He grew up in Winn Parish and graduated from Winnfield High School in 1962. He attended Northwestern State University and graduated in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree.

Long was a teacher at Houma Junior High School and Leesville High School before starting a career in the insurance business. He retired from State Farm Insurance in 1999.

He and his wife, Rose, then began serving the community as an area representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving 10 parishes, more than 80 high schools and two universities for more than eight years.

Long was elected as state senator, District 31 in November 2007. He represents Natchitoches, Winn, Grant, Sabine, Rapides and parts of Red River parishes.

He and his wife have three children and eight grandchildren.

He is a member and past president of the Natchitoches Kiwanis Club, member of the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce and a member of the NSU Athletic Board of Directors. He is also a member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Natchitoches and was elected Man of the Year by the Professional Business Women of Natchitoches in 2005.

Those graduating this year are: Rebecca Lynn Aycock, Hailey Elise Bass,  Christopher Adam Brazzel, Landon Tyler Childress, Katie Lace Ann Dickerson, Clayton Daniel Estep, Lainey Alyse Heckel, William Kyle Holloway, Morgan Leigh Lafitte, Allison LeAnne Lewis, Randall Ryan Linder, Casey Ray Martin, Carli Danielle Newell, Chelsea Marie Newell, Sarah Ashley Silmon, Morgan Dianne Simpson, Nicolas Bond Singleton, Bonnie Laura Wilder and Jared Todd Wilson.

Homer High School

Forty-nine Homer High School (HHS) seniors received diplomas Tuesday night, May 6,  during commencement exercises in the Homer High School gym.

Following the invocation by J Keila Curry, the salutatory address was given by Johntavious Hampton. Rebecca Fowler, Lebruce Heard and Donald Mitchell then gave their valedictory addresses. Kelvin Young was honored as The Most Dependable Senior. Donald Mitchell was presented the John Phillip Sousa Award. Shakendra Moore and Richie Casey received U. S. Army Reserve Scholar/ Athlete Awards. The American Legion Awards were presented to Rebecca Fowler and Donald Mitchell.  Samantha Baker and Richie Casey were recipients of the Scottish Rites Masons Americanism and Patriotism Awards.

 Krystal Anderson, Samantha Baker, Jeffery Carter, J Keila Curry, Rebecca Fowler, Johntavious Hampton, Lebruce Heard, Jeanette Powell Hicks, Donald Mitchell, and Amri Warren were recognized as recipients of the Regents' Scholar Certificate of Recognition, given by the Louisiana Board of Regents. The Board of Regents recognizes those students who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 after seven semesters and completion of the Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) curriculum.

Krystal Anderson received Presidential Awards for Educational Excellence. Criteria for this award include a minimum grade point average of 3.50 and achievement at the 85th percentile or better on a nationally recognized standardized test

Recognized as completing the minimum core academic and ACT requirements which must be met in order to qualify for a TOPS award from the State of Louisiana were: Krystal Anderson, Samantha Baker, Jeffery Carter, J Keila Curry, Rebecca Fowler, Johntavious Hampton, Lebruce Heard, Jeanette Hicks, Bernard Malone, Donald Mitchell, Kelsey Powell, Kevin Terral, and Amri Warren.

Dwight Mitchell, principal of HHS, announced Donald Mitchell, Lebruce Heard, Rebecca Fowler, Johntavious Hampton, Krystal Anderson, J Keila Curry, Samantha Baker, Jeffery Carter, Jeanette Powell Hicks, and Amri Warren "The Top Ten" of the 2008 senior class.

Mitchell announced that more than $285,000 in scholarships has been awarded to members of the HHS Class of 2008.

Kelvin Young was named the first recipient of the Koinonia Counseling Services "Character Counts" Scholarship. This is a cash award established by Mr. Bobby Kennedy to assist a worthy graduate of HHS who demonstrates academic accomplishments, evidence of leadership and involvement in school and community activities.

The Community Foundation of Shreveport-Bossier named Donald Mitchell winner and Rebecca Fowler and Krystal Anderson runner-ups of the Evelyn Holcomb Hightower Memorial Scholarship.

LeBruce Heard was announced recipient and Jeanette Hicks runner-up of the W.B. and Esther Tinsley and Richard Eugene "Dick" Tinsley Memorial Scholarship Fund. These are cash awards established by the alumni of HHS and awarded to top students in the graduating class of Homer High School that will be attending state-supported universities. Mrs. La Faye C. Jackson Sr. presented Lebruce Heard as winner and J Keila Curry and Jarmisha Willis runner-ups of the Rogers C. Jackson Sr. Memorial Scholarship. Mrs. Vera Meadors named J Keila Curry and Johntavious Hampton co-winners of the Mrs. Earlene Walker Scholarship.

Other scholarships announced were: Samantha Baker: Northwestern State University  Outstanding Student Award, NSU Presidential Honors Award, NSU Award; Jeffery Carter: Northwestern State University Presidential Honors Award; Richie Casey: Louisiana Tech University Athletic Scholarship; Rebecca Fowler: Louisiana Tech University Outstanding Student, LTU McCann Valedictorian Scholarship; Johntavious Hampton: Louisiana Tech University Foundation Scholarship - Lane Family Endowed, University of Louisiana Monroe Outstanding Scholars; Shakendra Moore: Grambling State University Athletic Scholarship; Donald Mitchell: Grambling State University Executive Merit Scholarship; Kelsey Powell: Northwestern State University Opportunity Award; Amri Warren: University of Louisiana Monroe Academic Achievement; Jarmisha Willis: Iota Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Scholarship.

Rebecca Fowler, president of the senior class, presented the 86th cedar rope to Afton Owens, president of the junior class, in the traditional cedar rope ceremony. Krystal Anderson offered the benediction to close the commencement ceremonies.

The following 2008 graduates received diplomas: Krystal Diana Anderson, Larry Aubrey, Joseph Bailey, Samantha Ann Baker, Tequisha Rochelle Ball, Bradley Bridges, Cortez Burns, Jeffrey Scott Carter II, Richie Charles Casey, Georgerick J Coleman, J Keila Cherelle Curry, Jasmine Jacolby Curry, Destin Garrick Daniels, Mylekia Tinesha Daniels, Judy Rebecca Fowler, Brittany Nicole Goodwin, Johntavious D Hampton, Shanice Wynnette Hampton, Charlye Sheree Harris, Keandrea Chantal Heard, Lebruce Heard, Jarasky D Henderson, Jeanette Denise Hicks, Clinton Matthews Jones, Marcus Latez Kelly, Bernard Jawaski Malone, Dexter Fontorious Malone, Donald Raphael Mitchell, Shakendra Moore, Bobby Ray Morgan Jr., David Jerrell Morgan Jr., Thomas J Ponder, Kelsey Michelle Powell, Latoya Evette Rhodes, Tarvianca Lanessio Shelman, Charlecia S Shyne, Brent Michael Smith, Jeremy Keith Smith, Kevin Ray Terral, Gregory C Turner, Jerry Wayne Turner, Roderick James Wade, Segedric Budday Wade, Amri A Warren, Cardarren Bernard Webb, Hawatha Wells, Vincent J Williams, Jarmisha A Willis, Kelvin Antwon Young.

Summerfiled High School

Summerfield High School commencement exercises were held Monday, May 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Summerfield High School gymnasium. Speakers were the valedictorian, Alyssa Nicole Williams, and the co-salutatorians, Dana Claire Helms and Whitney Christine Jones. Music was provided by Mrs. Karen Smith and Mr. Dump Hatter.

Principal D’Arcy Stevens presented the American Legion awards to Alyssa Williams and Alvin Fielding, and the Scottish Right Americanism/Patriotism awards to Hannah Lowrey and Alvin Fielding. Sgt. Wesley Broussard presented the Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete awards to Alyssa Williams and Alvin Fielding. Ashley Upshaw, who joined the Louisiana National Guard in September 2007, was presented an award by Sgt. Jordan Holmes.

Dr. Brian Harris presented one of the Dr. W.C. Reeves Memorial Scholarships to Alyssa Williams. Alvin Fielding received the Don E. Bryant Scholarship, and Alisha Kennedy and Alvin Fielding each received a Rogers C. Jackson, Sr. Memorial Scholarship. Alyssa Williams received the National Wild Turkey Federation Scholarship at the local level and also received second place in the state. Claire Helms was presented the Joyce Nutt Memorial Scholarship, and Alisha Kennedy received both the Karl Malone Scholarship and the New Hopewell Baptist Church Calloway-Thomas Scholarship. Twelve of the 17 seniors met the academic requirements for the Louisiana Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), and six students received additional scholarships.

Students recognized for receiving Regents Scholar Certificate of Recognition from the State of Louisiana Board of Regents were Alvin Fielding, Claire Helms, Jamie Honeycutt, Witney Johnes, Hannah Lowrey, Ashley Upshaw, and Alyssa Williams. Claire Helms, Hannah Lowrey and Alyssa Williams met the requirements for an academic diploma endorsement.

Graduates included Alvin Charles Fielding, Dezmon Demar Fuller, Desiree Starr Goss, Mandy Lynn Hanson, Dana Claire Helms, Jareck Austin Hollenshead, Seahon Dewayne Holyfield, Jamie Nichole Honeycutt, Whitney Christine Jones, Alisha Michelle Kennedy, Hannah Kaitlyn Lowrey, Garion Joseph Pequeno, Erika Meghan Shoebrook, Torenza Lee Taylor, Ashley Nichole Upshaw, Logun Randale Watkins and Alyssa Nicole Williams.

Mt. Olive Christian School

Mt. Olive Christian School ’s commencement exercises will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, at the school auditorium.

This year’s valedictorian is Jessica Forrester, and salutatorian is Natali Easterling.

Graduates include:Ashley Brooke Curtis; Kimberly Nicole Danforth; Natali Corrine Easterling; Jessica Leigh Forrester; Austin Lance Frye; Nicholas Kyle Johnson; Adam Nicolas Jordan; Laura Elizabeth Stewart and Ranelle Dawn Stovall.

Domestic dispute leads to shooting

The Guardian-Journal

An innocent by-stander was shot Sunday, April 27, during a domestic dispute that led to two arrests and multiple charges.

At approximately 5:12 p.m., that day, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office received several 911 calls in reference to a disturbance with subjects shooting at one another at 170 Hoof Road in Lillie. One call also advised that a person had been shot.

Hoof Road is located just west of Junction City.

CPSO deputies Roger Ellerbe and J.T. Williams were dispatched to the scene. Upon their arrival, they discovered that the person shot was an innocent bystander and had already been transported by private vehicle to Homer Memorial Hospital.

One of the persons involved in the shooting incident was identified as Robert Earl Singleton, 31, of Lillie. Another person involved in the shooting was Demetris Ramon Malone, 24, also of Lillie.

Malone had left the scene before deputies arrived, but returned to the scene again a short time later. CPSO Detectives Charles Buford and Randy Smith arrived on scene, and upon conducting an investigation, found that several shots had been fired in the front yard of the residence, located at 170 Hoof Road.

It was discovered that Singleton and Malone were the two persons firing and were firing at each other. The gun fire was the result of a domestic dispute that had occurred earlier. As a result of the gunfire, an innocent bystander was shot as well as property damage done to several locations in the vicinity.

The bystander shot was treated for injuries and later released.

Singleton and Malone were arrested and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and charged as follows.

Singleton

·        1 count domestic abuse battery, bond $2,000;

·        3 counts aggravated assault, bond $6,000;

·        2 counts aggravated battery, bond $20,000;

·        1 count aggravated assault with a firearm, bond $10,000;

·        1 count illegal use of a weapon, bond $10,000;

·        2 counts criminal damage to property/under $500, bond $20,000

Malone

·        1 count criminal damage to property/over $500, bond $10,000

·        1 count illegal use of a weapon, bond $10,000

·        1 count aggravated assault with a firearm, bond $10,000.

Haynesville PD makes drug bust

The Guardian-Journal

A loud exhaust led to the discovery of drugs by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) after a Haynesville man was stopped last Friday.

Deputy Roger Ellerbe was sitting stationary on Hwy. 79 in Haynesville when he observed a red Mercury with loud exhaust. A traffic stop was initiated and Ellerbe asked for the proper paperwork.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Dedarian Robinson of Haynesville. While speaking to Robinson, Ellerbe detected a strong odor of marijuana and asked him if there was anything illegal in the vehicle. Ellerbe requested assistance from Haynesville Police Officers Adrian Malone, Quincy Williams and Haynesville K-9 Officer Tim Cox.

Cox advised that his narcotic K-9 gave three signs that narcotics were in the red Mercury. A search of the vehicle was performed and marijuana was found on the floorboards in the vehicle. Robinson was advised of his Miranda rights, placed under arrest and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for booking.

Robinson was charged with possession of Schedule 1 CDS marijuana, no seatbelt and modified exhaust. Bond was set at $500 on each charge.

HMH shows off new additions

Above, Claiborne Healthcare Foundation administrator Alice Gandy, poses with one of the original founders of Homer Memorial Hospital, Dr. Thomas Deas.

Above, Jeff Atkins, RN at Homer Memorial Hospital’s emergency room (pictured at left), shows Travis Tinsley one of the state-of-the-art trauma rooms in the newly constructed emergency room.

Relay for Life raffle tickets on sale

Several teams with Relay for Life will be selling raffle tickets on the square on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at the Jubilee. To be given away are a framed LSU National Championship print, an LSU table lamp, an LSU chip and dip dish, Prints of Louisiana Tech and Northwestern , $100.00 gift certificates from Monjunis and Copelands and much more. Please come out and support Relay for Life.

The Relay for Life will be held Saturday, May 17, beginning at 1 p.m. at Claiborne Academy’s stadium. All funds raised for this event will go to the American Cancer Society.

Also, the first annual Relay for Life Bass Tournament will be held at Lake Claiborne from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Pleasure Point Marina. The cost is $50 per boat. Prize for first place is $700; second place, $500 and third place, $200 (based on 50 boats entry). $100 biggest trash fish; $10 big bass, 100 percent payout.

All entries must be paid by 6 a.m. the morning of the tournament. Mail entry to: Magnolia Home Health Care, 1285 Pine Street, Suite 100, Arcadia, LA 71001. For more information, call Magnolia Home Health at 318-263-2100 before 4 p.m., or after 4 p.m., Mike Lewis at 318-927-4737. All proceeds are donated to the American Cancer Society.

For more information about the Relay for Life, call Nancy Mason at 927-2517, or to find out more about the American Cancer Society, go to www.acs.org.

Blood drive to be May 15

The Guardian-Journal

It’s that time again! LifeShare Blood Centers is sponsoring a community blood drive to be held at Homer Memorial Hospital in the conference room on Thursday, May 15.

The blood drive will from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Please come out and give. Encourage everyone you know to donate as there is a severe blood shortage in our area.

LifeShare Blood Centers is proud to be associated with Homer Memorial Hospital.

To donate blood, you should be feeling well, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be a minimum of 17 years of age. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

A photo ID will be required at registration.

In conjunction with the blood drive, the hospital will be conducting a bake sale to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The bake sale will be held in the hospital lobby from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

For more information, call Kristie Kennedy or Gaye Brunson at the hospital at 318-927-2024.

Waterfest 2008 a huge success

The Guardian-Journal

Overcast skies and cool weather didn’t stop the kids from getting their feet wet and sandy at this year’s Waterfest.

Students from around Claiborne Parish converged on Lake Claiborne State Park to learn about the different aspects of water and what it means to humans. Set up at different “stations” located throughout the recreation area, kids got to see firsthand what it was like in the “old” days to physically haul water from a well to their home.

Todd Sewell, of NRCS, D’Arbonne District, said this activity teaches kids how to conserve water.

“Before the days of electricity, people had to physically haul water from a well,” he said.

Today, the average family of four uses approximately 200 gallons of water per day. The kids played a game where they were broken up into teams and they hauled buckets of water from the lake shore and filled up large containers with water.

If they spilled water from the bucket on their way to the container, it was that much more they had to haul. By the time they were halfway through the game, many of them tended to be more cautious with their precious bucket.

At another “station,” Dr. Bill Owens, from the LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station, taught the kids about water quality. He talked about the bacteria in water and how people control the contaminates in the water.

“Our water in the U.S. is safe to drink,” he said, “but it’s not like that everywhere. Our water is good because we test it and make sure it’s safe.”

Other activities, taught by Robin Bridges that day, included the Sum of All Parts, where kids were asked to “develop” 10 acres of land. They learned how each thing built on that land adds to pollution and how each thing pollutes the land. The idea was for kids to learn how to reverse years of pollution and how to pay for the cleanup.

Students also learned about water rights and who gets the water, the importance of groundwater, and water conservation.

Special thanks goes to the Claiborne Parish School Board, Mt. Olive Christian School, Claiborne Academy, Claiborne Parish Watershed District, Lake Claiborne State Park and staff, Louisiana Department of Parks and Recreation, Claiborne 4-H Foundation, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LSU AgCenter, First Guaranty Bank and Regions Bank.

Many gather for National Day of Prayer

The Guardian-Journal

A brief, but powerful, prayer meeting was held on the courthouse lawn in observance of the National Day of Prayer last Thursday.

Many from the community gathered together and joined with citizens throughout the United States in asking the Lord to bless our nation. The theme for 2008 was “Prayer! America’s Strength & Shield.” The scripture chosen for this year was Psalm 28:7, “The Lord is my strength and shield: my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.”

Thanks to Wayne Hatfield and the Boy Scouts, American flags were displayed around The Square. The Trinity Bible Study Group distributed posters and promotional materials to the churches, schools and businesses in the area and the Homer Police circled The Square, sounding the siren to signal to citizens to gather for the noon prayer meeting.

Thanks to the Homer Police, traffic from large trucks that circle The Square all day were held back for the short prayer period and the prayers could be heard.

Following a welcome by Dr. Pat Bates, Boy Scout Troop #72 Color Guard, under the leadership of Assistant Scoutmaster Christopher Knight, made a presentation of flags (Christian, State and American), followed by ministers and laymen offering prayers for church, education, family, government, media and military.

Dr. Jimmy Simeon led the prayer for government; the Rev. Jim Norcross led the prayer for business; Chaplain Ray Anderson led the prayer for restorative justice; Pastor Ben Booth led the prayer for military; Associate Pastor Barbara Martin led the prayer for the church; Dr. John Markley led the prayer for education; Ed Watson led the prayer for family and Buddy Pixley led the prayer for the media. The closing prayer was led by the Rev. Willie Young.

This observance was under the direction of Dr. Bates and the Homer Ministerial Alliance.

The observance continued at 7 p.m., with a service of prayer and praise held at Trinity Southern Methodist Church, planned by the Trinity Bible Study and Prayer Group, with the help of the Homer Ministerial Alliance. The welcome was given by Sandra Langley, who served as song leader.

Prayers for our nation’s needs were offered throughout the service by the Rev. Terry Willis, Pastor Ben Booth, Robin Bridges, the Rev. James Norcross, the Rev. James Pixley and the Rev. John Markley. Special music on prayer and patriotism was offered by Theresa Booth, Chris Mott, Tommy Gore, Judy Willis, Chloe Ellen Watson, Vic Middleton, Johnny McDaniel and the Wesley Chapel Singers. They included Renee Boyle, Earnestine Greene, Sheryl Blackwood, Rebecca McDaniel, Henny Weiland, Buddy Pixley, Sadie Garrett and Johnny McDaniel, director, and Dick David.

Accompanists were Sadie Garrett and Dick David.

The service closed with Langley leading everyone in singing “God Bless America,” and offering the closing prayer written by the 2008 Honorable Chairman, the Rev. Ravi Zacharuas.

It was agreed that the 2008 National Day of Prayer was one of the best since the citizens of Homer began observing it in 1993.

High school senior expo a success

On Friday, May 2, at Homer City Hall, Mayor David Newell hosted a breakfast for more than 200 graduating seniors, representing Athens, Haynesville, Homer, Junction City, Mt. Olive Christian School, Pineview and Summerfield High Schools.

At 9 a.m., Newell and representatives from area colleges, universities, and community colleges presented the graduating seniors with an opportunity to explore their options after high school.

Represented were Louisiana Tech, the Louisiana National Guard, Bossier Parish Community College, Louisiana Technical College,  and Southern University and Agricultureal and Mechanical College in Baton Rouge.

First Guaranty Bank was also on hand.

In a press release, Newell said he believes that these young people deserve this recognition for what they have achieved so far.

Ranelle Stovall, Mt. Olive Christian School senior, said she is still not sure what she wants to do, but intends to take courses in general studies until she figures it out. She plans to attend Louisiana Tech in Ruston in the fall.

Several influential people spoke to the seniors, including Claiborne Parish Schools Superintendent Wayne King.

“I encourage you to do the best you can,” he said. “Congratulations on completing your schooling here in Claiborne Parish, and congratulations to the Town of Homer for this great undertaking.”

Sheriff Ken Bailey also offered some encouragement.

“Whatever your future plans are, do them right here,” he said. “You’ve passed that first hurdle and you can do anything you want to if you put your mind to it.”

Following the speakers, students spent time talking to the different representatives and eating a well-balanced breakfast.

Special thanks to the following sponsors: Regions Bank, CMA Cablevision of Homer, Baylor Engineering, American Waste Management, First Guaranty Bank and Coca-Cola of Minden.

Native speaks to Homer Lions Club

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The Homer Lions Club had a very special guest April 24, at their regular bi-monthly meeting.

Captain Jody Richardson, U.S. Navy, spoke to the Lions Club about his experiences while in Iraq and his nearly 30 year military career.

He just recently completed a six-month tour in Iraq, on General David Patreaus’ staff in Baghdad. He served as the liaison officer for the Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain at the Multi-National Force-Iraq headquarters.

He was taken out of the “seaman” environment and put into a soldier’s reality. During his time there, he put on the fatigues and heavy gear which protect foot soldiers every day, and he learned from it.

“I thought it was very educational for me personally, and it gave me a lot of appreciation for what the soldier and Marine do out there every day,” Richardson said. “I wasn’t walking the streets every day like they were, but the fact of the matter is, it’s a tough lifestyle.”

He said all branches of the armed services are working together in Iraq, and every person’s job over there counts.

Roadside bombs and indirect fire remain the biggest threats to soldiers in most parts of Iraq, including where Richardson was stationed.

The son of Lion Joe Richardson, Jody graduated from Homer High School in 1975, and since then has led a life of service to the United States.

He is currently on the faculty of the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he is director and teaches a course called NOPC (pronounced ‘nop-see’). NOPC stands for Naval Operational Planner Course, which has been in existence since 1999. Not only is he director of NOPC at the war college, but he graduated from there with a Master of Arts degree in NationalSsecurity and Strategic Studies.

He, like his father before him, is a naval aviator. He has done seven tours in Navy jet squadrons. He flew A-4 Skyhawks out of Hawaii and attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School, more commonly known as TOPGUN, at Miramar, California. He also trained to fly the F-14 Tomcat.

Richardson’s exemplary military career has carried him all over the world, and allowed him to see and do many things. His aviation career has earned him top honors including F-14 Instructor Pilot of the Year after rejoining Miramar as an instructor pilot between 1989 and 1991.

He also worked at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations as requirements officer for TOPGUN.

Currently, there are 330,000 Navy personnel on active duty and 5,500 on reserves. Richardson said that 11,500 of those were deployed on the ground in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terror.

Flag, flagpole dedicated at Old Athens Cemetery

The Guardian-Journal

Family and friends gathered at the Old Athens Cemetery on Saturday, May 3, to dedicate a flagpole in memory of Murray Franklin Sherill.

Brother Eddie Balance led the opening prayer with Chris Sherrill singing “God Bless the USA.” Speaker for the event was Sheree Stovall. Afterwards, the National Anthem was played and the United States Flag raised. Karen Sherrill led the closing prayer.

Sherrill served on the board of the Old Athens Cemetery Committee and was also caretaker of the cemetery for more than 30 years. He also served on the board of the Leatherman Creek Water System.

Sherrill was born January 3, 1933 in Athens to Curtis and Audrey Sherrill. He loved his family deeply and loved helping people, and above all, he loved Christ.

He served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean Conflict and was retired from Equifax. He passed away July 14, 2007.

It was his dream that a flag would one day fly in the cemetery. Thanks to his family for donating the flagpole. His dream is now a reality.

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