Little Boy Lost
Boy left on school bus unharmed
The Guardian-Journal
A
four-year-old little boy is home safe and sound after he had quite a scare.
According
to Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey, at approximately 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, the sheriff’s office received a call regarding a small child who
was discovered walking on Hwy. 2 in the corporate limits of Lisbon. The child
was picked up by a concerned citizen and delivered to the Claiborne Parish
Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division by Pafford Ambulance.
He was
released into the custody of Detective Ben Booth. Further investigation into
the matter revealed that the child was a four-year-old black male. Once his
identity was discovered, he was returned to his mother unharmed.
This
was a transportation incident involving the Claiborne Parish School Board and
will be handled by them.
The
school board was contacted for comment on this story, and Superintendent Wayne
King confirmed the boy had been left on the school bus. When the boy got off
the bus, he began walking down Hwy. 2, and that’s when the concerned citizen
stopped and picked him up.
King
said the bus driver did check the bus at Summerfield before he left and did not
see the child.
“They
are supposed to check their buses, and he did check it,” King said.
According to Transportation
Supervisor Ronnie McKenzie, bus drivers are required to get up and walk to the
back of their buses before leaving the school. This is required by the state.
According
to the Louisiana State Board of Education’s School Transportation Handbook, bus
drivers are to “conduct pre-trip, en-route and post-trip checks on the vehicle
and its special equipment. Particular attention should be given to checking for
passengers who may have remained on board after each run or trip has been
completed.”
McKenzie
and King both said that their bus drivers are in-serviced every year, twice a
year. In other words, they receive continuous training for their jobs.
“This
is always talked about in our in-service meetings,” McKenzie said.
The bus
driver has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by
school board officials.
Chamber Banquet set for January 19
The
annual Claiborne Chamber Banquet will be held at Homer City Hall on Monday,
January 19.
The
speaker for the event is to be Louisiana Secretary of State Jay Dardenne.
Tickets
are $35 per person and must be purchased in advance. There is limited seating
and tickets are going fast, so reserve yours today. Reservations will not be
available at the door the night of the event. Business dress will be
appropriate for the evening.
To find
out more about sponsorship, or to reserve your spot, please call the Claiborne
Chamber of Commerce at 318-927-3271.
Tax assessor retires after 28 years
The Guardian-Journal photos/Michelle
Bates
Clyde Hightower, pictured far left, looks
on as he is presented with a portrait of the Claiborne Parish Courthouse.
Pictured holding the portrait is his son, Jack (left), and deputy assessor Mae
Williams. In the far background, behind Jack is Clyde’s daughter, Jill and
behind Mae is Patsy White. In the
next photo, Clyde
Hightower, Claiborne Parish Tax Assessor for the last 28 years, accepts a
certificiate of appreciation from the Louisiana Tax Commission. Presenting the
certificate is Charles Abels III, administrator.
The Guardian-Journal
Claiborne
Parish said farewell to its longtime tax assessor Clyde Hightower. A reception
was held in his honor at City Hall on December 29. He served 20 years as tax
assessor, following 8 years as chief deputy assessor.
It
wasn’t only those from his hometown parish that honored him. People from all
over the state came to wish him well, including the Louisiana Tax Assessors
Association. Charles Abels of the Louisiana Tax Commission, and Paul Hargrove,
Commissioner for District 5 – which includes Claiborne Parish – presented
Hightower with a certificate in honor of his many years of service.
Those
who worked with Hightower on a daily basis in the tax assessor’s office
presented him with a portrait of the Claiborne Parish Courthouse.
Claiborne
Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey as well as sheriffs from Caddo, Winn and Jackson
parishes came to wish him well.
Hightower’s
family, including his wife, children, grandchildren and others came to share in
this momentous occasion.
As
everyone spent time with Hightower and enjoyed a feast of treats, his son Jack
Hightower reviewed his father’s life.
Clyde
Hightower was born on July 18, 1934, to Frank T. and Blanche Dawson Hightower,
the youngest of 12 children. His parents and grandparents were all born and
raised in Claiborne Parish. He attended Summerfield School through the eighth
grade. In July 1948, the family moved to Homer and Clyde graduated from Homer High School in May 1952. He attended Louisiana Tech.
While
in high school, Hightower worked after school and weekends for Hightower’s
Service Station, Pixley’s Service Station and Julius Peterson’s Service
Station. From 1954 through 1956, he worked for L&NW Railroad and West Main
Motor Company, Inc. From January 1957 until January 1959, Hightower served in
the U.S. Army Signal Corp., stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, Fort Monmouth, New Jersey and Fort Gordon, Georgia. While stationed at Fort Gordon, Hightower was chosen to serve as honor guard to President Dwight Eisenhower on his
many trips to Augusta to play golf, attend the Masters Golf Tournaments and
other official functions.
On July 30, 1955, Clyde and Marilyn Gentry Hightower were married and blessed with two
children, Jack Darrel and Jill Marie Hightower. The two children blessed the
Hightowers with the “greatest” grandchildren.
From
January 1959 through December 1980, Hightower was a partner in the West Main
Motor Company.
From January 1, 1981 through December 31, 1988, Hightower served as chief deputy assessor with
Assessor J. Weldon Kilpatrick. After Kilpatrick elected to retire, Hightower
was fortunate to become assessor for Claiborne Parish from January 1, 1989 until December 31, 2008.
“It has
been an extremely great privilege to serve the great citizens of Claiborne
Parish in the assessor’s office for the past 28 years,” Hightower said. “First
I want to give thanks to God for protecting and giving me good health and to be
able to serve, and second, I want to give a very special thanks to the citizens
of Claiborne Parish for giving me the opportunity to serve. I want to thank my
office staff and wish the new assessor, Bob Robinson, the very best and my
support if I can be of assistance to him in the future.
“Last
but not least,” he continued, “I want to give my love and heartfelt thanks to
my loving wife of 53 plus years, Marilyn G. Hightower, my children, Jack and
Jill, and my grandchildren, Jackson and Jordan Smith and Jarod T. Hightower and
Heather.”
So what
will he do with his time now? The younger Hightower made a few suggestions,
including some rest and relaxation, fishing and spending time with his
grandchildren. Some of it he’ll do well with and others he won’t, Jack said.
But, whatever he does, he should enjoy himself.
As the
afternoon progressed, many hugs were exchanged, and Clyde said farewell and
thank you.
New tax assessor sworn in
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
Bob Robinson was sworn in as Claiborne
Parish’s new tax assessor on Monday morning, January 5. He replaces Clyde Hightower, who retired at the end of 2008. He served as tax assessor for 28 years.
NAACP to hold annual MLK observance
January 15.
The Claiborne Parish Chapter of the NAACP will hold its
5th annual commemorative march and remembrance program at approximately 7 p.m.
Lineup for the march will be at 6:30 p.m. at MLK and Hill Street. The march
will end at New Hope Baptist Church. The guest speakers will be David Aubrey
and Joe Shine. Everyone is invited to participate. This year’s theme is “Keep
the Dream Alive.”
Fun cut short at Mayfield Park
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
This photo taken Tuesday afternoon, shows
the damage done by the two boys arrested for doing donuts inside Mayfield Park. The two were arrested were charged with simple criminal damage to property.
The Guardian-Journal
Two
young men were arrested after having too much fun at Mayfield Park.
On Monday,
January 5, Theodore Willis III, 17, and Tyler Goodwin, 18, both of Homer, were
arrested by Homer Police and charged with simple criminal damage to property.
According to police reports, officers were dispatched to Mayfield Park in reference to someone doing donuts inside the park.
The
vehicle left multiple deep ruts in the grassy area of the parking lot when
entering the park. With the heavy rains on Monday, the ground was soft and
muddy, leaving the deep tracks.
Officer
Joseph Henry wants citizens to know that this type of destruction will not be
tolerated.
“If you
are caught, you will be arrested,” Henry said.
Officer
Mario Thomas assisted in the two boys’ arrest and investigation of the
incident. The vehicle was towed and the two were arrested and charged on the
above charge. Bond on each was set at $1,000.
Athens man caught in robbery attempt
The Guardian-Journal
A man
who intended to rob a convenience store got more than he bargained for.
According
to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, on January 4, Deputy Paul Brazzel was
dispatched to La. 9 in reference to a burglary in progress. It was reported
that a white male with long hair, wearing a green tank top and blue jeans, with
tattoos on his arms, was inside the building.
Louisiana
State Police Troopers Brandon Salmon and Chris Bastow responded to assist as
well as Deputy Sedrick Millage. Brazzel arrived on scene and Detective Ben
Booth was notified and responded to the scene.
The
suspect, William Shane Smock, 32, of Athens, fled on foot. An anonymous tip led
officers to the Dixie Mart in Athens. Smock fled from the front door of the
store and was given several verbal commands to stop. The K-9 was deployed and
Smock stopped, surrendering to officers.
He was
arrested and charged with unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, simple
assault and resisting by flight. It was discovered later that Smock had two
outstanding warrants, one for resisting an officer and one from the Homer
Police Department for failure to pay.
Smock
also has outstanding charges in Sebastian County, Ft. Smith, Arkansas.
In an
unrelated case, a man was arrested at a local bar for having a weapon. On
January 4, Deputy J.T. Williams received a dispatch to 205 Jones Loop, Kool Kats Lounge, in reference to a subject with a weapon.
The
subject was detained by security at Kool Kats Loungue until the arrival of
officers.
Millage
and Deputy Roger Ellerbe arrived to assist.
Williams
spoke with a witness who stated that he observed Daniel Champ, 18, of Homer,
with a weapon. After an initial investigation, Williams arrested Champ and
transported him to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.
Champ
was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon with bond set at
$12,500.
Council reappoints town positions
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
Homer Town Council held its first meeting of the new year on Monday, and
reappointed several key positions within the town’s administration.
B.J.
Lowe was reappointed as the town clerk by a vote of three to two – three in
favor of and two against. Those voting for were Council members Michael Wade,
Toney Johnson and Carlette Sanford. Voting against were J.C. Moore and Patricia
Jenkins.
Moore wanted to address some concerns regarding Lowe, but
Jenkins spoke up, saying the issues she had could be handled outside the forum
of a public meeting.
“I
really think this is an issue between me and Mrs. Lowe,” Jenkins said. “That’s
why I have not brought it up. As far as getting it aired out, I really think it
can be resolved without bringing it to the public.”
The
subject of the issue was never revealed.
Moore was voted in unanimously to be reappointed as the town’s
mayor pro tempore. Also, Shenovia West was reappointed as the town’s treasurer.
With no
further business on the agenda, the meeting was adjourned.
In
other news, the town council held a special meeting Tuesday evening, December
30, in order to pass 2009’s budget before the year’s end. This time it passed –
with stipulations.
Amendments
included budgeting in $50,000 for the town’s sewer plant, which was not in the
proposed budget. According to District 3 Councilman Toney Johnson, the sewer
plant has some technical design problems that need to be fixed. This expense
would go under extraordinary expenses.
District
2 Councilman Michael Wade brought the striping on Martin Luther King Drive to
the table. Allocated under street repair, $5,000 was budgeted for this project.
Other concerns he mentioned included a fan drive and disaster relief.
District
4 Councilwoman Carlette Sanford mentioned the bell tower, and although she has
no problem with getting it back into operation, she had concerns about whether
the town could afford it right now.
Homer
Mayor David Newell explained this is a project he has been looking into, and
says it really needs to be repaired. It’s a piece of Homer’s history and its
point of interest will help the tourism industry in Homer. This project was
also put under extraordinary expenses.
Of
concern for District 5 Councilwoman Patricia Jenkins was the park maintenance
fund. Only $5,000 had been allocated in the proposed budget, and she felt like
it needed to be more than that. In fact, Jim Colvin, who is very active in city
league sports in Homer, stepped before the council asking them to consider
putting more money into recreation. The town’s ballparks are in desperate need
of repair and renovations as this year’s all-star tournaments will be held in
Homer. He asked them to consider at least $50,000 for infrastructure
improvements. The Jaycees park, located beside the water tower on North Main Street, was also included. An inmate crew from David Wade Correctional Center would cut down on much of the labor costs for the improvements, saving the town
thousands of dollars.
The
budget for 2009 was finally passed with those amendments. Also passed was the
increase in ticket fines in order to reflect the increase in fees paid to the
state. The town will not receive more money from the fines; it just means the
town will not lose any money when it pays its portion into the state.
The
next town council meeting will be held February 2 at 6 p.m.
Haynesville passes Entergy franchise
ordinance
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
An
ordinance regarding a franchise to Entergy LLC in the Town of Haynesville
passed unanimously in Haynesville’s regular town council meeting in December.
The
ordinance, Ordinance #583, grants Entergy a franchise to supply electric
service to Haynesville for a 25-year term.
In
other news, additional appointments to the Citizen Advisory Committee were
made. The entire committee includes Mary Adams, Donald Perkins, Bob McDaniel,
John Cooper, Carolyn Hatter, Betty Richardson, Martha Trinko, Judge Paul Newell
and Keith Killgore. At large members include Linda Baremore, Linda Knox and
William Maddox. Ex-Officio is the mayor, Sherman Brown.
Judge Paul
Newell passed away recently, which now leaves his position open?
The
initial meeting for the committee will be held next week.
In
other news, Police Chief Anthony Smith, at the will of the council, has made
some changes to his staff.
Officer
Kevin Henry has been moved to a part-time position, which left two full-time
positions open.
Ricky
Goode was hired to fill one position. He is a certified officer and certified
with a taser and other tactics, which will be an asset to the police
department, Smith said. His employment began Friday, December 19.
More
good news comes as Officer Tim Cox returned to the department on Saturday,
December 27.
Also in
other news, the Louisiana Municipal Association is providing a website for the
Town of Haynesville at no cost to the town. That is expected to be up and
running soon.
January is National Stalking Awareness
Month
January
is National Stalking Awareness Month, and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office
would like to focus attention on this serious, and sometimes deadly, crime.
Stalking
is defined by the National Center for Victims of Crime as “a course of conduct
directed at a specific person that places a reasonable person in fear for her
or his safety.” The statistics provided by the Stalking Resource Center for Victims are truly alarming.
• One
in 12 women, and one in 45 men will be stalked during their lifetime.
•
Eighty-one (81) percent of women stalked by a current or former intimate
partner are also physically assaulted by that partner.
•
Thirty-one (31) percent of women stalked by a current or former intimate
partner are also sexually assaulted by that partner.
•
Seventy-seven (77) percent of female victims and 64 percent of male victims
know their stalkers.
• The
average duration of stalking is 1.8 years.
In our
technologically advanced era, stalking is made easier through cell phones,
computers and surveillance equipment. Stalking can occur at any time in a
relationship or in the absence of a relationship and can cause anxiety,
insomnia and severe depression among victims.
A
stalking victim spends a great deal of time feeling threatened and afraid.
There are also other ways this crime effects victims’ lives. Many lose time
from work, and some even lose their jobs. Please note the stalking myths and
realities listed.
Myth: Only celebrities are stalked.
Reality: 1.4 million people are stalked every year in the United States. We may hear more about celebrity stalking cases in the media, but the vast
majority of stalking victims are ordinary citizens.
Myth: If you ignore stalking, it will go away.
Reality: Stalkers seldom “just stop.” In fact, behaviors can turn
more and more violent as time goes on. Victims should seek help from advocates,
law enforcement and the courts to intervene to stop the stalking.
Myth: Stalking is creepy but not dangerous.
Reality: Stalking is creepy and dangerous. Three out of four
women who were murdered by an intimate partner had been previously stalked by
the killer.
Myth: Stalking is annoying but not illegal.
Reality: Stalking is a crime under the laws of all 50 states, the
District of Columbia and the federal government.
Myth: You can’t be stalked by someone you are dating.
Reality: If your current girlfriend or boyfriend tracks your
every move or follows you around in a way that causes you fear, that is
stalking.
Myth: Modern surveillance technology is too expensive and
confusing for most stalkers to use.
Reality: Stalkers can buy surveillance software and hardware for
as little as $30 and can easily track victims’ every move on a computer.
Myth: If you confront the stalker, he’ll go away.
Reality: Stalkers can be unreasonable and unpredictable.
Confronting or trying to reason with a stalker can be dangerous.
If you
or someone you know is being stalked, protect yourself by reporting this
behavior to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Homer Police or Haynesville
Police Departments. To learn more about how stalking and how to fight it, visit
www.ncvc.org/src.
Bailey: ‘Beware of scams’
The Guardian-Journal
Sheriff
Ken Bailey would like to caution Claiborne Parish citizens about internet,
mailing and phone scams.
These
predators are constantly searching for ways to con people out of money. The
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office has recently received a complaint regarding a
telephone scam from “The Winner’s Circle.”
This is
just one of many that can be noted. Anytime someone informs you that you have
won an amount of money but must pay them in order to collect that money – it is
a scam. Remember the old adage, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably
is.”
These
scams are classified as white collar crime and should be reported to the
sheriff’s office. Should you have any information regarding any type of scam,
please contact Detective Ben Booth of the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at
318-927-9800.
2008: A Year in Review
January
Engineer chosen for Homer airport grant
Alliance
Engineering was the chosen firm for an airport grant sought to make
improvements at Homer’s municipal airport. A motion to appoint Alliance was put before the council, but failed. Following the failed motion, another
motion was made to appoint Balar, Homer’s current engineering firm, and it
passed.
Case dismissed against Haynesville Police Chief
All
charges were dropped against Haynesville Police Chief Anthony Smith after he
paid full restitution in the amount of $13,656.08 to the victim, Karen Budwah.
A
police report had been filed through the State Police by Budwah stating that
Smith had forged Budwah’s signature and cashed one of two checks given to
Smith to be placed in his safe for safe keeping.
Haynesville’s Mayor dies at 85
H.U.
“Mutt” Slaid died at the age of 85 after serving Claiborne Parish for much of
his life. Slaid had served as mayor since July 2005, fire chief at one time,
town councilman and also served as the town clerk for many years. Sherman Brown
was appointed as interim mayor by the council.
February
Suspect racked up $70K in identity theft charges
Fontonio
Carter, 22, of Homer was suspected in an identity theft case which the police
said was one of the biggest identity theft cases their department had ever
seen.
Carter,
a correctional officer at CDC at the time, gained access to the victim’s
personal information when the victim, a 76 year-old-male, was booked into the
detention center on DWI charges in September of 2007.
It was
learned that Carter was the booking officer, which enabled him to gather
pertinent information on the victim and in turn, he took this information and
utilized it to gain entry to his accounts.
Haynesville elects new District 4 councilman
Candidate
Brian Bogle won February’s election with a whopping 64 percent of the vote.
Hospital moves into new ER
On Monday, February 18, 2008, the State Fire Marshall gave Homer Memorial Hospital a green light to move into the newly constructed emergency room. This momentous event
signaled the completion of the first phase of the ER/Visiting Physician
construction project.
MARCH
Former town clerk arrested
Former
Homer town clerk Rita Mitchell was arrested for felony theft over $500. Initial
investigations showed that funds were missing and billing stubs that indicated
cash payments were altered to checks received to balance transaction reports.
It’s snowing...in March?
Claiborne
Parish saw snow on Friday, March 7, and lots of it. Schools were turned out at noon to allow everyone to get home safely and enjoy the rare treat.
Home destroyed in fire
The
home of Latashia Kimbell and her infant son was engulfed in flames on Thursday,
March 20 and was deemed a total loss.
APRIL
Fugitive captured
Fontonio
Carter, wanted since February, was finally captured in Shreveport after Homer
Police received a tip on the suspect’s whereabouts. Carter was picked up by the
West Louisiana Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (FAST).
Summerfield honors fallen Marine
The
memory of Jon Eric Bowman, a 2004 graduate of Summerfield High School, will
live on at the baseball field after it was named the Bowman Field on Saturday,
March 29 in a ceremony held before the Summerfield-Junction City game.
Bowman
was a north Louisiana Marine killed in combat in late 2006.
HMH goes smoke-free April 14
As of
Monday, April 14, Homer Memorial Hospital will be smoke-free. That means no one
on the premises, including in the parking lot, will be able to smoke.
The
Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco Free Living (TFL) is funding a three-year effort
to establish smoke-free rural hospitals, clinics and federally qualified health
centers, according to a press release from the Louisiana Rural Health
Association.
Homer affected by DEQ investigation
A Ruston wastewater management owner was charged with 42 violation for numerous violations
that could have seriously affected the Town of Homer. Marios Papadopoulos was
arrested in relations to permit violations under the Louisiana Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System.
Papadopoulos
owns American Water and Wastewater Management and operated numerous wastewater
treatment plants in northern Louisiana, including Homer.
Since
that time, the DEQ has required the Town of Homer to come into compliance with
regulations. The Town complied and no false reports had been filed.
Escapee
captured in Claiborne Parish
After
nearly two years on the run, an Arkansas fugitive, Yul Antwan McGee was
arrested by the Haynesville Police Department, along with the help of Claiborne
Parish Sheriff’s Office and the DWCC entry team.
McGee
was arrested in the home of his girlfriend, Shanterri Woods, who was also
arrested along with his aunt Velardi McGee for accessory after the fact and
aiding a felon. More charges were pending on McGee and Woods.
MAY
Suspect pleads guilty to first degree murder in Lisbon slaying
Lovell
Wilson pleaded guilty to first degree murder in the slaying of 83 year-old Lisbon woman, Iva Parker.
According
to the judgment handed down by Judge Jenifer Clason, Wilson was sentenced to
“serve the rest of his natural life at hard labor with the Louisiana Department
of Public Safety and Corrections, which sentence is to be served without
benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.
Wilson
and his accomplice, Frenequa Jones of Homer, were charged with first degree
murder.
Boys and Girls Club closed doors for summer
The
Boys and Girls Clubs of Homer and Haynesville closed the doors for the summer.
The two units closed because the organization just did not have the funding to
run its summer programming this year. The funding shortage was due to the fact
that they did not receive a grant that is traditionally relieved, which put
their funds more than $40,000 short.
Claiborne Relay for Life
Hundreds
gathered at Claiborne Academy on Saturday, May 17 for the annual Relay for Life
event.
The
annual Relay for Life event raised more than $50,000 in its efforts to help the
American Cancer Society’s (ACS) fight to save lives.
The
Claiborne Relay for Life has been in existence for several years as a
fundraiser for the ACS. To find out how to help fight cancer, go to
www.acs.org.
JUNE
One charged in Homer shooting
A Homer
man charged with attempted second degree murder was freed on bond. Damian
Willis was arrested after admitting he shot the victim, Ronnie Shelton. Shelton was transported to Louisiana State University Health Center’s trauma unit in Shreveport where he was listed in fair condition.
Chemical spill leads to evacuation
Several
agencies melded together in the name of safety when a truck hauling chemical
waste was stopped when a leak was noticed.
After
Haynesville Fire Chief Mark Furlow was called to the scene and realized what
was being hauled in the truck, he called for a half-mile evacuation.
The
truck was carrying numerous amounts of hazardous material waste that was being
shipped from Texas to El Dorado to be incinerated. If any of the chemicals
being hauled had come into contact with each other, they could have ignited.
The
spill was cleaned up by a concentrated effort by many agencies, Louisiana State
Police Hazmat team, Haynesville Fire Department, Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s
Office, Office of Emergency Preparedness and the Department of Environmental
Quality.
Homer Heritage honors ‘Iron Men’
The
1957 Homer High School football team, dubbed “The Iron Men,” was honored at the
Homer Heritage Invitational on Friday, June 6, at the Homer Country Club. These
men have arguably been the most celebrated team in Homer High School history.
