Boat parade, fireworks show
this Saturday!
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Department
will be out in full force this holiday weekend on land and water. Deputies,
along with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, will be patrolling the
water to make sure boaters follow safety rules and regulations so that everyone
can have a good time safely. Pictured above are Sheriff Ken Bailey, left, and
Deputy Jeff Pugh.
The Guardian-Journal
The Lake Claiborne Boat Parade and Fireworks Show is
expected to be spectacular this year.
With boats lining up at 7 p.m. at Pleasure Point, the boat parade will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. Also to note, the first 50 boats
will receive a free 2008 Claiborne Parish Boat Parade and Fireworks Show hat.
These hats are on sale at Pleasure Point, Parden’s Paradise and Homer Loans for
$10 each.
Boats will leave Pleasure Point at 7:30 p.m., where the parade route will continue from Pleasure Point Marina to Port-Au-Prince,
Parden’s Paradise, the Coleman Creek Subdivision, Public Boat Launch off Hwy.
146 (White Lightning Road), Lake Claiborne State Park, and Sport Point. No jet
skis will be allowed.
Parade participants are asked to decorate boats in
patriotic themes with red, white, and blue. They are asked to follow in a
single line along the shoreline so all spectators will have a great view.
Again, no jet skis will be allowed in the parade.
Boating Safety
All boaters this year are asked to follow a few simple
rules so that everyone on the lake will remain safe and all can have a good
time.
Boat owners are cautioned to prepare their boats for the
event by checking to see that the running lights operate properly and that
sufficient life jackets are aboard. That means there should be enough life
jackets on the boat for each passenger aboard. Children 12 and under must wear
a properly secured life jacket at all times while on the water.
Once night falls, boats must have their white running
lights on even when the boat is not running and while they are watching the
fireworks display.
When the fireworks are over, boaters are asked to take
their time leaving and watch out for other boats. Lake Claiborne will be shut
down as the parade is in progress. The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office and
the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will be patrolling the lake
to make sure all boating safety laws are observed.
If boaters have any questions about laws on the water,
safety concerns about their boat, or general questions about boating safety,
please contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at 371-3049.
Fireworks Display
The Fireworks Display will begin at “dark,” approximately
9 p.m. Please take note that neither boats nor individuals will be allowed
within 420 feet of the firing area, because of the rules governing the safe
distance from the shooting site; however, there will be an area on the end of
the dam nearest the spillway where people be allowed to watch the show.
Other areas around the shores of the lake will also have
a good view. The best view will be from the boats and barges, where hundreds of
people watch each year.
Most of the fireworks have been paid for in advance, but
Claiborne Fireworks Inc. is asking for donations in order to make their first
payment in a timely fashion. To make a donation, please send contributions to
Claiborne Fireworks Inc., P.O. Box 181, Homer, LA 71040. For comments or
questions, please call Dick Dorrell at Homer Loans at 318-927-0039 regarding
the boat show. For comments or questions regarding the fireworks display,
please contact Fred Lewis at 318-927-9180.
Please remember that the boat parade and fireworks show
will be held on Saturday, July 5.
Mitchell to be in court Monday
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Former Homer Town Clerk Rita Mitchell is expected to be
in court on Monday, July 7, regarding an open meetings lawsuit that accuses the
town of violating open meetings laws.
In October 2007, the lawsuit was filed, accusing the town
of violating open meetings laws when the town council met in executive session
after being asked to hold the meeting open to the public. Mitchell is also
suing for damages.
This suit was dismissed on the grounds that the mayor and
town council members could not be sued in their official capacity, because the
offices of the mayor and council members are political subdivisions of the
town. In other words, they cannot be sued as representatives of the Town of Homer.
This does not mean that the entire suit was dismissed.
Town Attorney Jim Colvin is filing for a complete dismissal of the case, and in
response, has filed a countersuit for damages, return of money stolen, return
of overtime fraudulently taken, return of wages paid while the clerk prepared
tax returns for personal clients at work and other matters to be decided at
trial.
Mitchell was arrested in March and charged with felony
theft over $500. A court date for that charge is still pending, according to
District Attorney’s office records.
If Mitchell is convicted of felony theft over $500, she
could face up to 10 years in prison with or without hard labor, or may be fined
not more than $3,000 or both.
Homer man arrested for internet crimes
The Guardian-Journal
A Homer man was arrested on Monday, June 9, after an
investigation into internet crimes.
Christopher Powell, 26, of Homer, was arrested by the
Northwest Louisiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (NWLA ICAC). He
was charged with two counts of computer solicitation of a minor and two counts
of indecent behavior with a juvenile. He was booked into the Caddo Parish Jail.
The ICAC Task Force is headed by Bossier City Marshal
Johnny Wyatt and operates through his office. Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken
Bailey and Deputy Ben Booth are members of this task force.
Booth joins agents from parishes across northwest Louisiana in an effort to protect our children from internet predators. These predators go
online enticing children to participate in all types of sexual activity.
Powell had chatted online with two undercover NWLA ICAC
agents believing that he was chatting with two under aged girls.
Wyatt and Bailey invite everyone to visit the ICAC task
force website at http://www.marshalsforkids.com
to learn more information about online predators and how you can help stop this
abuse. Anyone with information regarding any criminal activity related to internet
crimes in Claiborne Parish is urged to contact Deputy Ben Booth of the Claiborne Parish
Sheriff’s Office at 318-927-2011 or the ICAC Task Force through the Bossier
City Marshal’s Office at 318-741-8888.
Parents, son arrested after scuffle with
police
The Guardian-Journal
A man and his parents were arrested last Thursday after
giving several law enforcement agencies a hard time over a traffic stop.
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Roger Ellerbe was
patrolling in Junction City, on the Louisiana side, and observed the driver of
a vehicle not wearing his seat belt. Ellerbe initiated a traffic stop and
Jonathan L. Williamson, 26, of Junction City, Ark., was stopped.
Ellerbe discovered Williamson also had two outstanding
warrants through the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.
While making the traffic stop, the parents of Williamson,
James L. and Virginia Williamson, both of Junction City, Ark., arrived on
scene. They exited their vehicle and Ellerbe advised them to get back into
their vehicle and leave. They refused to comply and Junction City Police
Officer Steven Harbour was asked to assist.
James and Virginia Williamson ignored numerous commands
issued by Ellerbe and Harbour. Jonathan Williamson was placed into Ellerbe’s
patrol unit and head-butted the back passenger window out of the patrol unit,
and attempted to exit the patrol car.
The parents continued to disobey commands issued by
officers during this time and James Williamson threatened Ellerbe.
Union County Sheriff’s Deputy Tim Matthews came on scene
to assist as well as Claiborne Parish Sheriff Deputy Matt Harris, Lt. Randy
Pugh and Haynesville Police Officer Aaron Christian.
Virginia Williamson was placed under arrest and charged
with resisting an officer, with bond set at $5,000; disturbing the peace, with
bond set at $500; and obstruction of justice, with bond set at $5,000. She was
transported to the Claiborne Parish Women’s Facility.
James Williamson was placed under arrest and charged with
resisting an officer, with bond set at $5,000; obstruction of justice, with
bond set at $15,000; threatening a public official, with bond set at $15,000;
and disturbing the pace, with bond set at $1,000. He was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.
A search of Jonathan Williamson’s vehicle pursuant to
arrest was conducted and two ceramic pipes, which are commonly used in smoking
illegal drugs, were discovered in the front center console.
Jonathan Williamson was arrested and charged with
resisting an officer, with bond set at $5,000; simple criminal damage to
property, with bond set at $5,000; possession of drug paraphernalia, with bond
set at $5,000; no seat belt, with bond set at $1,000; simple escape, with bond
set at $10,000; disturbing the peace, with bond set at $1,000 and was also
served with two active warrants for simple criminal damage to property, with
bond set at $5,000; and simple battery, with bond set at $1,000. He was also
transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.
Taking the Oath
Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court Patrick
Gladney swears in deputies in the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Department at the
Claiborne Parish Courthouse on Monday, June 30. They are: Deputies Saundra
Bailey, Jo Bellew, Ben Booth, Paul Brazzel, Annie Cotton, David Crump, Becky
Cullins, John Drew, Roger Ellerbe, Shannon Elmore, Magalene Ford, Duffy Gandy,
Matt Harris, Charlsetta Johnson, Walter Johnson, Darren Keel, Danny Lee, Donna
McCarty, Sedrick Millage, Jeff Pugh, Sherry Roach, Lashenda Smith, Margie
Smith, Mike Waller, J.T. Williams, Sonya Williamson, Gwen Willis, Carrie Wilson
and Kristi Young; Lts. Jimmy Brown and Randy Pugh; Detectives Charles Buford,
Randy Smith and Chuck Talley; Warden Sophia Burns and Agent James Spillers.
Also sworn in were reserve deputies Jimmy Marsalis, Perry Anderson, Jimmy
Monzingo, Sam Dowies, Keith Holloway and Scott Greeson.
Was it a real gun or just a toy?
The Guardian-Journal
Police officers put their lives on the line every day,
and when one is faced with what he feels is a life threatening situation, he
takes action to preserve life.
That’s what one Homer police officer did when he realized
he was a possible target.
According to police reports, on Tuesday, June 24, Officer
Van McDaniel took cover after realizing a laser mount was pointed at him.
McDaniel ordered Kelvin Walker, 32, of Homer, to drop the weapon and he
refused.
The report stated Walker refused several verbal commands
to turn the weapon over to police. It turns out that weapon was a plastic gun
with a laser mount, in which Walker claimed he told the officer that it was
just a toy.
Homer Police Chief Russell Mills said these toys are
dangerous in that they look like the real thing and someone could get hurt.
“People don’t realize the danger of a toy gun in our line
of work,” he said. “Parents need to explain to their children the seriousness
of toy guns, especially ones with lasers on them. This is a prime example of
the gravity of this type of situation. Somebody could get seriously hurt. The
toy guns parents are buying for their kids look very realistic, and in the
dark, they look all too real.”
Reports also say Walker was intoxicated and refused to
give his name and other information during booking.
Walker was arrested and
charged with resisting an officer, resisting an officer during booking,
unlawful use of a laser on a police officer and disturbing the peace by public
intoxication.
Bond on the unlawful use of a laser on a police officer
was set at $2,000, and the bond on the other three charges were set at $500
each.
In an unrelated case, a Homer man was arrested Monday,
June 30, after the Homer Police Department received a complaint of a theft.
Charles Kelly, 51, of Homer, was arrested and charged
with unauthorized use of an access card and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Homer police investigated a complaint that alleged Kelly
had gone to the home of a relative of the complainant on Monday, June 23, and
asked for payment of services that were never allegedly rendered.
The relative wrote Kelly a check for the amount he asked
for, and according to reports, Kelly cashed the check. Due to medical
conditions, the complainant stated she had power of attorney over the
relative’s finances.
The complainant had also stated that Kelly had been asked
on several occasions not to return to the relative’s home.
Officer Mario Thomas picked Kelly up on a warrant on the
date of the arrest. He transported the suspect to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center, and after booking, Thomas checked his back seat where he found what
appeared to be a crack pipe.
Bond was set at $1,000, but as of press time, Kelly
remained incarcerated.
On Friday, June 27, Christopher Knighton was arrested on
charges of theft, simple battery and disturbing the peace when officers were
dispatched to a local medical clinic.
According to reports, witnesses stated they saw Knighton
take a newspaper. It was also reported the suspect put his hands on an elderly
gentleman at the clinic, knocking him to the ground. He was also arrested for
using loud and profane language inside the clinic.
He was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center where bond was set on each charge at $500 each.
Be safe when shooting fireworks this
weekend
The Guardian-Journal
Independence Day is this Friday, and Claiborne Parish
officials are asking all citizens to be safe this year when shooting fireworks.
Homer Fire Chief Dennis Butcher said it is important that
children always have adult supervision when shooting fireworks.
“The best thing to do is to use common sense,” Butcher
said. “If you have doubts, don’t do it. Children should always have adult
supervision when shooting fireworks.”
He also warns that it is not safe to hold fireworks in
your hands and don’t put fireworks in glass containers.
In addition, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and
the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following safety tips:
Always read and follow label directions;
Have an adult present;
Buy from reliable sellers;
Use outdoors only;
Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket);
Never experiment or make your own fireworks;
Light only one firework at a time;
Never re-light a “dud” firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes
and then soak it in a bucket of water);
Never give fireworks to small children;
If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place;
Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water
and then disposing of them in your trashcan;
Never throw or point fireworks at other people;
Never carry fireworks in your pocket;
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers;
The shooter should always wear eye protection and never
have any part of the body over the firework; and
Stay away from illegal explosives.
Butcher and all Claiborne Parish officials wish all a
safe and happy Fourth of July.
Sheriff Bailey offers tips to curb
deadly car accidents during summer driving season
Aggressive driving, speeding, alcohol, and sleepiness
remain the primary causes behind automobile fatalities, according to newly
released information based upon research conducted by an array of federal
agencies and consumer groups, says Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey.
Statistics gathered by the National Highway
Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA), for example, showed that
43,443 people were killed in automobile accidents during 2005, the most recent
survey year. Despite a three percent decrease, the number nationally remains
unacceptably high and reveals the challenges faced by local and regional law
enforcement agencies.
“During the summer, when there are more cars on the road,
drivers forget the basic rule of driving, which is to always drive
defensively,” Bailey said. “This remains the single most important principle of
safe driving.”
Meanwhile, the NHTSA study found that more than 15,000
passenger vehicle occupants died in traffic crashes between the nighttime hours
of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Other disturbing findings revealed that an estimated 1,000
drivers are killed each month in high speed related crashes – 66 percent of
those incidents involving a single automobile.
“And let’s not forget to factor in the ever-present
problem of drinking and driving,” added Bailey.
In 2004, more than 16,600 people lost their lives as a
result of alcohol-impaired vehicle operators.
With this in mind, Bailey has some practice advice to
help keep you and your family safe on the roads this summer.
Drinking and driving don’t mix. According to the NHTSA,
three in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at
some point. It is best to have a designated driver or refrain from drinking
than to lose your life, or cause the loss of life of another.
Always travel with a first aid kit. It can offer a quick
bandage, tweezers or alcohol rubs.
Do not drive impaired, which means a drowsy driver or a
driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Children 12 years of age or younger should ride in the
back seat of the vehicle in age-appropriate restraints. In 2004, there were 495
passenger-vehicle occupant fatalities among children less than 5 years of age.
Of the 495 fatalities, more than 35 percent were totally unrestrained.
A cell phone can save your life, but it can also cause a
collision. It is best that you pull of the road when you need to dial a number
or 911.
Use the 3-second rule – the suggested time interval that
keeps you from tailgating another vehicle too closely and causing an accident.
A vehicle safety kit should be in the trunk. It should
include jumper cables, reflective triangles, a blanket, nonperishable food, a
flashlight, and other similar safety items. Even if you do not use many of the
items, it will provide a sense of well-being.
Don’t fall asleep at the wheel. According to the NHTSA,
most crashes happen when people are alone. In addition, more than 56,000
crashes occur annually in which a drowsy driver is to blame.
Bailey concluded, “Drive defensively every time you get
behind the wheel of your car. Make it your habit. Keep your summer safe.”
Trash Bash on Saturday!
With a holiday weekend upon us, people
will be busy with food, fun and fellowship, but don’t forget to clean up!
Before heading out to Lake Claiborne for the boat parade and fireworks show,
show up at Oil Mill Road in Homer. Clean up will be from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. People can bring all their debris or trash to the bins located on Old Mill Road. For more information or to participate, please call Pete Pearson with the Clean City Committee at 927-2342 or call Homer City Hall at 927-3555.
Charlie McDonald cleared of all charges
Information released this week clears former State
Representative Charlie McDonald of all allegations made against him in the
Senate 33 campaign.
“Allegations were made and used against me to mislead the
voters. We knew they were untrue and I welcome the news that they were fully
investigated and proven to be false,” said McDonald.
Those making the false and fabricated allegations called
for investigations and used the fact that McDonald was being investigated
against him in the news media as well as direct mail, newspapers ads, phone
calls and electronic media in the Senate 33 campaign.
One allegation that McDonald illegally and unethically
benefited from the sale of an office building in Bastrop was investigated by
the Ethics Division. That investigation found the charges to be unfounded and
the complaint has been dismissed.
“Based on the information obtained, the board
concluded…that no apparent violation of the Code of Governmental Ethics
occurred,” said Michael Dupree, for the board, in a letter to McDonald.
“Accordingly, the Board instructed the staff to close the file.”
There was also an allegation of vote buying in West
Carroll Parish and a complaint was filed with the Secretary of State’s office.
That complaint was dismissed as groundless following investigations by the
Secretary of State’s office and a review by the District Attorney.
“I know that one news release cannot offset the weeks of
negative assaults or undo the damage that has been done but I felt it is
important that the people of our area and throughout our state know the truth,”
McDonald stated.
False and misleading statements based on fabricated
investigations have been a problem in other campaigns across our state. In the
Special Ethics Session, senators discussed the reasons why action should be
taken to address this issue but decided to take it up in the Regular Session.
In the Regular 2008 Session an ethics reform bill was
filed to address the issue of requesting an investigation for political gain.
SB691 would have provided laws intended to deter
candidates and their supporters from filing false or frivolous complaints with
governmental entities that have investigative authority, and to deter using
such complaints or investigative information to gain an advantage against an
opponent by imposing criminal penalties.
The bill died in committee.
Town of Homer receives donation
The Guardian-Journal photo/Jenni Williams
Berry Plastics Corporation donated
approximately 1,500 garbage bags to the Town of Homer on Friday, June 27.
Pictured above are Berry Plant Manager George Puckett along with Hosea Monroe
and Lee Wells of the Homer Public Works Department. Berry Plastics, one of
Claiborne Parish’s largest employers, goes out of its was to utilize area
businesses for many of its needs. Berry has moved its outside warehousing into
the parish, become a corporate sponsor of Relay for Life and firmly believes in
recycling and reusing. The company has a project outreach program designed to
give back to the local community.
Channel markers still in the works
Jenni Williams, The Guardian-Journal
The
Claiborne Parish Watershed District Commission held its regular summer meeting
on Thursday, June 26 in the Police Jury building.
The
Commission is still currently working on the permanent channel markers. The
federal government has approved $341,000 which is between 50 and 75 percent of
the estimated costs. The current floating markers are unable to stay in their
positions due to the recent heavy wind and weather conditions Currently, any
markers on the lake are virtually nonexistant.
The
Commission had the lake drawn down to map out more than 200 GPS (global
positioning system) coordinates to expose the stumps. The permanent markers
can be placed without another draw-down.
The
Watershed District is in possession of the title to some property on the
downstream side of Lake Claiborne dam and it appears that the commission may be
in a position to develop the property for public parking and/or a picnic area.
The plan is to cut trees to develop an area in the vicinity of the road leading
from Highway 518 to the dam itself. The commission intends to use the three to
five acres north of the present open area, east of the dam, for the
parking/picnic area. Some trees would be left for shade.
The Commission is also in the
works to have a proposal presented to the police jury for consideration to
enact an ordinance that would require boaters making use of Lake Claiborne to wash their boats after they have been used in bodies of water other than Lake Claiborne.
A small
amount of giant salvinia was found near Lisbon Landing, by a biologist with the
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. A herbicide application was
made by a Wildlife crew and will be monitored for regrowth.
The
problem with this floating plant is that it can attach itself to boats that
have been used in other bodies of water infected with the giant salvinia. It
could then be transported on the boats, or trailers, to Lake Claiborne where it could then become a major issue.
It is
not an issue at the current time. Only a small amount has been found in Lake Claiborne and has been dealt with, but the Commission wants to pass this boat washing
ordinance to prevent the plant from becoming such an issue.
Giant
salvinia is a small free-floating plant that grows in clusters and develops
into dense, floating mats or colonies in quiet water, undisturbed by wave
action. The floating leaves are oblong, about one-half to one and a half inches
long, with a distinct midrib along which the leaf may fold forming a compressed
chain-like appearance.
Salvinias
have stiff leaf hairs on the upper surface of the leaf which give the hairs a
cage-like or egg-beater appearance. They have spores but are thought to
reproduce only by fragmentation. The giant salvinia, which is an aggressive
invader species, can double in size in four to 10 days.
If
colonies of giant salvinia cover the surface of the water, then oxygen
depletions and fish kills can occur. Underwater plants would not grow due to
lack of sunlight penetration. Salvinia have no known direct food value to
wildlife and are considered an exotic and highly undesirable species.
The
salvinia can be removed by raking or seining it from the body of water’s
surface but will reestablish itself from any remaining fragments. The current
course of action is using a broad spectrum systemic herbicide which is absorbed
and move within the plant to the site of action.
Unfortunately,
the herbicide comes with dangers of its own. Any chemical control method could
cause an oxygen depletion after treatment caused by the decomposition of the
dead plant, which is why the Watershed Commission is hoping to pass an
ordinance requiring all boater to thoroughly clean their boats and trailers
prior to launching in Lake Claiborne. The fragments of the salvinia could live
for up to two weeks on the boats or trailers even outside of water if the
conditions are right, especially on moist trailer carpeting.
In
order to protect parish waters, other local parishes have already adopted
ordinances similar to this proposed one.
In this
ordinance, it shall be unlawful for any watercraft to launch into any body of
water in Claiborne Parish if it, or the trailer transporting it, is not
completely free of all vegetation, including but not limited to hydrilla, water
hyacinth and giant salvinia.
All
watercraft and trailers shall be subject to inspection for compliance with the
ordinance or could be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500 for each and
every day that the craft is launched into any body of water in Claiborne
Parish. For this purpose, bodies of water include lakes, ponds, rivers, bayous
and any other place suitable for boating.
At the
moment Lisbon Landing is the only area in question. If any of the plant is
seen, the Watershed Commission asks citizens to contact Desi Goss at the police
jury office.
Of
course, practical enforcement is going to be quite difficult.
“Awareness
is going to be the key,” says Commissioner Chic Hines.
Any law
enforcement agency can enforce the new ordinance if it is passed.
If the ordinance passes, the
Watershed Commission would attempt to provide signs at the public boat ramps
warning boaters against ‘hitchhiking’ plants.
In
other business, Robin Bridges, with the LSU AgCenter, discussed the many
benefits of Waterfest 2008, which was held at Lake Claiborne State Park on May 1-2 for all 225 sixth grade students in the parish. The youth were taught
water conservation and stewardship at the six different stations set up on the
grounds. The Watershed Commission provided the funds to purchase Waterfest ‘08
t-shirts for the children and staff.
Did you
know, the average family of four uses two hundred gallons of water per day?
DWCC warden retires after 30 years
After 30 years of state service, Warden Venetia Michael
has announced her retirement effective as of July 1, 2008. Her service with the Department of Corrections has been one of great accomplishments. After
graduating from Louisiana Tech, Warden Michael began her career in state
service. Coming to David Wade Correctional Center in 1987 as a Classification
Specialist, she soon progressed through the ranks. Within a few years she was
promoted to Classification Supervisor then Director of Classification. She was
appointed the ACA Accreditation Manager for David Wade Correctional Center in 1991. With her hard work and diligence, David Wade Correctional Center became the
first state correctional institution in Louisiana to achieve ACA
accreditation.
During her corrections career some of her many
accomplishments include becoming an auditor for ACA in 1992 and throughout her
career she has served on numerous committees and task forces. She has served as
Second Vice President of the Louisiana Correctional Association, a member of
the ACA Women Working in Corrections Task Force, a member of the Performance
Based Standards for Juvenile Community Residential Programs Sub Committee and
served on the Standards and Accreditation Committee for ACA. She has served on
the Board of Directors of the Correctional Accreditations Managers Association
representing the Southwest Region. Warden Michael has also served as co-chair
of three CAMA conferences held in New Orleans.
Her work and devotion to DWCC and the Department of
Corrections as a whole led her to serve in numerous capacities including
Executive Officer, Assistant Warden, and Deputy Warden. She then became the
first female Warden of an Adult Male Correctional Facility in the state of Louisiana.
In addition to her ACA work, she has served as the
Chairman of the Department of Corrections Employee Awards Committee since 1995
and as Chairman of the Department ‘s ACA Accreditation Advisory Committee.
Warden Michael also served on many statewide committees including the
Secretary’s Policy Task Force, State Advisory Board for Women in the Criminal
Justice Systems, the Governor’s Prison Population, Sentencing Practices and
Alternative Sanctions Task Force and the Department’s Joint Policy Task Force
with the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association. Warden Michael is the recipient of
the Louisiana Cicil Service Leagues’ “Charles E. Dunbar, Jr. Career Service
Award”.
Warden Michael is looking forward to her retirement and
plans to spend time doing home improvements and gardening. The employees of David Wade Correctional Center, Dr. Martin L. Forcht, Jr. Clinical Treatment Unit and Steve Hoyle Rehabilitation Center will miss her, but wish her the best in her future
endeavors.
Ordinances, policies discussed at
Haynesville council meeting
JENNI WILLIAMS AND MICHELLE BATES, The
Guardian-Journal
The Haynesville Town Council tackled a full agenda,
discussing several issues dealing with the town’s employee policies as well as
a few ordinances.
In old business, District 3 Councilwoman Joyce Major,
along with Haynesville Police Chief Anthony Smith and Penny Fields, reviewed
the ordinance dealing with the town’s curfew. It was recommended that the
curfew be left as is, because it is working well as it is stated. The last
paragraph in the original ordinance states that children 17 years of age and
younger should not be out in public places between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.
Major brought a proposed revision to the council in May’s
meeting, changing the time during the school year to 10 p.m. during the week.
Because it raised questions, it was recommended that the
ordinance be reviewed.
The council approved the motion to let the original
curfew stand.
In other council news, a first reading of a proposed
revision of Ordinance #482 which deals with employee policies was discussed and
revisions were made as needed in the employee handbook. The council will come
back in July to hold a public hearing, second reading and possibly pass on the
motion.
Haynesville Mayor Sherman Brown said these changes are
necessary because the town’s employee handbook and policies and procedures have
not bee updated since the 1980s.
“This original ordinance was passed on the 7th day of
January, 1986,” Brown said. “So, 22 years later, this policy has held up good.
There were just a few things in there that I would ask [the council] to consider.”
In an unrelated matter, the policy for getting vacant
lots cut inside the city limits in which the town will handle the cutting or
clean-up of garbage was discussed and plans were made to have some revisions
made. Council members will review current policies and bring it to the table
next month.
The water policy revision/addition was approved so that
all water customers inside the city limits of the town of Haynesville are
required to pay the assessed sewer usage fee and approved garbage fee.
Also, the culverts were replaced on South Main and Park Drive by the Police Jury.
The Haynesville News was approved to stand as the
official journal of the Town of Haynesville for July 2008 to June 30, 2009.
Claiborne Charities donated a new GE refrigerator to be
used in the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex. The current one, still in working
condition, was declared surplus. Bids will be taken next month.
In town business, the council opened sealed bids on three
surplus bush hogs. The red five-foot cut bush hog was awarded to Ronnie
Modisette for $165, the yellow six-foot cut bush hog was awarded to Modisette
for $210 and the six-foot side cut hydraulic bush hog was also awarded to
Modisette for a bid of $515.
A Yanmar diesel tractor was also put up for bid that brought
in two bids in which Neil Shackleford was awarded the tractor with a bid of
$201. A sewer rodder received no bids. A wood chipper was awarded to Ronnie
Modisette with a bid of $220. The surplus Husqvarna riding lawnmower was
awarded to the highest of two received bids, in the amount of $200, by Roy
Richardson. The surplus 2000 Ford Crown Victoria and 10 sets of wooden benches
received no bids and will be re-bid next month.
In other business, the council:
- Discussed the sewer plant updates - the sludge
machine is broken.
- Discussed LMA District meeting to be held on
Wednesday, July 9 at 6:30 pm.
- Discussed the cold patch that has been delivered and
is almost gone again.
- Would like to invite all to see the Bi-Centennial Park and the job done by the Haynesville Beautification Committee. Much thanks
goes to the committee and Keith Killgore.
The council would like to thank all who responded to the
spill on June 3.
Jerusalem Marketplace to open Monday, July 7
The Guardian-Journal
“This year we are transforming City Hall into a bustling
Jerusalem Marketplace,” says Rev. Pat Bates. “Our Jerusalem Marketplace program
will provide fun, memorable Bible-learning activities for kids and adults of
all ages.”
Each day families will join other families to create a
small group that’s named after one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
These Family Tribes will come together for singing and
then explore traditional Bible-times family life. They might take part in Synagogue School, play authenic games, or sample Middle Eastern snacks.
Children and adults will even explore a Jerusalem
Marketplace, where they will become apprentices in the Carpentry Shop and make
clay creations in the Pottery Shop.
“Jerusalem Marketplace is an exciting way for families to
learn more about God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice,” says Rev. John McCelland of
First Presbyterian Church. “And the best part is that they learn by becoming
immersed in authenic Bible-times culture.
“Families will witness real-life dramas in the center of
town, chat with shopkeepers about this prophet Jesus, and even discover what
the tax collectors know about Jesus,” he continued. “We hope Jerusalem
Marketplace will make God’s Word very real to the people in our community.”
Jerusalem Marketplace begins on July 7 at 8:30 a.m. and continues through July 11.
Meet at City Hall each day from 8:30 until 11:45 a.m. For more information call 927-9467.
Coordinators and leaders include Rabbi Jona Wi Beverletti
of B’Nai Zion Synagogue in Shreveport. Local coordinating staff includes Rev.
Pat Bates, Rev. John McCelland, Bonnie Keene, and Peggy Champ.
This Film by Michael Haynes Productions was created in conjunction with 
