Attention SCWD
Customers:
South Claiborne under water ban
The South Claiborne Water System is officially under a water ban due to the loss of one of its
wells. This ban is for all customers. ALL CUSTOMERS will need to
stop watering yards, gardens, flower beds, swimming pools, washing vehicles and
using their sprinkler systems.
Please use the water for ONLY bathing, cooking,
washing clothes and drinking.
Poultry
growers, dairies and commercial users must use their private wells. The system
can no longer carry the usage needed to support the above named and serve
households, according to SCWS Manager Van Austin.
“We
want to thank you for your patients and understanding until this matter is
resolved,” he said.
For
more information, please call 318-258-4151.
Annual cake auction slated for July 29
The
Claiborne Chamber of Commerce’s annual cake auction is slated for Thursday,
July 29, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Homer City Hall. Beef brisket, catered by
Upper Crust Catering, will be available. Tickets are $6 each. For more
information, to donate a cake or purchase a ticket, please call 927-3271.
Payne acquitted
Minden man accused of Lake Claiborne beating exonerated of all charges
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
A Minden man charged with beating an Arkansas man has been acquitted.
Daniel
Joseph Payne, 24, opted for a bench trial instead of facing a jury, and after
two days of testimony from 15 witness (eight for the prosecution and seven for
the defense), Judge Jenifer Clason exonerated Payne, saying the state didn’t
carry its burden of proof.
“We
knew it was going to be tough going in,” Danny Newell, assistant district
attorney for Claiborne Parish, said.
In
short, Newell said the judge cited inconsistencies in testimony as one of the
reasons the state failed to carry its burden of proof. However, he praised the
investigators from both the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) and the
District Attorney’s office for their efforts.
“I
think (CPSO) Det. Randy Smith did an excellent job. I think DA’s investigator
David Watson did an excellent job, but apparently the state fell short of its
burden of proof,” he said.
He did
not go into much detail about what happened in court, saying there is a civil
suit pending. According to clerk of court records, the Dixon family has filed
suit against Payne.
Defense
Attorney Eric Johnson said he had a strong case proving his client’s innocence.
“What
won the case for us was the state’s witnesses were not credible,” said Johnson.
“And, we introduced a cell phone video of the drinking game that Robert Dixon
(the victim) and Wesley Branch were involved in, which I think was helpful to
us.
“I was
always confident of an acquittal based on the evidence and in particular the
fact that Mr. Payne took and passed with flying colors a polygraph concerning
the allegations against him,” Johnson continued. “The Payne family is happy to
have this whole matter behind them.”
Johnson
also wished to commend Newell on his prosecution of the case, saying, “He did a
fine job of prosecuting the case for the state, but I think his witnesses left
a lot to be desired, as did my witnesses, according to Judge Clason. She
basically said she didn’t believe any of the witnesses who testified.”
Payne
was arrested in July 2009 and charged with aggravated second degree battery
after he and two other men were reported to have beaten Robert Dixon to the
point of being hospitalized in the intensive care unit at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport.
According
to Claiborne authorities at the time, the altercation occurred during a
“drinking game” where large amounts of whiskey was consumed.
According
to published reports, one of the charged got upset when the victim reportedly
“out-drank” him. Afterwards, all three began to gang-hit him.
The
victim, of Waldo, Ark., was airlifted to the Shreveport hospital where he was
reportedly placed on life-support due to head injuries. He also received a
broken jaw from the incident. He has since been released from the hospital.
The two
others arrested were Wesley Michael Branch, 22, and Dane Alexander McFarland,
20, both of Minden. Branch, along with Payne were charged with aggravated
second degree battery, whereas McFarland was charged with second degree
battery.
Branch
and Payne are registered mixed martial arts fighters.
Minden Press-Herald Reporter Jana Ryan contributed to this
story.
Holyfield trial pending
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Editor’s
Note: This article is in response to
a reader’s voice The Guardian-Journal published in the July 22 edition.
The reader’s voice inquired about the case of Benny Holyfield who qualified for
the chief of police election in Homer.
A Homer
man is set to go to trial in Bienville Parish for the charge of impersonating a
police officer.
A trial
date is pending, according to Bienville Parish Clerk of Court records.
Benny
Holyfield was arrested on March 23, 2009, after a traffic stop that took place
on Friday, February 20, 2009. According to records with the Bienville Parish
Sheriff’s Office, Holyfield was pulled over on the eastbound side of Hwy. 80
just west of Gibsland for speeding.
When
Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Clint Smith asked Holyfield why he was
driving so fast, he told him there was a situation in Homer, referring to the
officer involved shooting death of Bernard Monroe Sr. Records indicate that
Holyfield then told the deputy that he was a reserve officer for the Claiborne
Parish Sheriff’s Office and that dispatch had called all available officers to
the scene.
Upon
advisement of Smith’s supervisor, the deputy let Holyfield go. An investigation
into the matter was then conducted.
Bienville
Parish Sheriff John Ballance, in an article of The Guardian-Journal published March 26, 2009, said the deputy confirmed with all law enforcement agencies in Claiborne
Parish that “he was not an officer of any type.”
Consequently,
two warrants were issued for his arrest: one for impersonating an officer and
one for speeding 94/55. Bond on each charge was set at $10,000, for a total of
$20,000.
Holyfield
qualified recently to run against incumbent Homer police chief, Russell Mills.
As of
press time, Chris Bowman, who represents Holyfield, could not be reached for
comment.
Homer Bypass nearing completion
The Guardian-Journal photos/Jenni
Williams
The Homer Bypass is approximately 33
percent complete, according to Louisiana Department of Transportation
officials. They say they have used about 19 percent of the scheduled time to
complete the project, which is well ahead of schedule. The entire bypass is
expected to be completed no later than January 2011. La. Hwy. 2, pictured
above, will be closed at least through the end of August, weather permitting,
officials said. This picture, taken at the intersection on Hwy. 79 across from
Hwy. 9 South, shows the progress that has been made since the project began.
The District 4 Engineer with LDOTD is asking motorists to refrain from driving
on the bypass at this time as it is not complete and is closed to all traffic.
In other construction news, Hwy. 708, from Hwy. 2 Alternate in Haynesville
going northeast, is now complete and will be turned over to the Claiborne
Parish Police Jury.
Tech Head Coach looks forward to great
season
Pictures: Sonny Dykes picture and Tech Logo
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Louisiana
Tech Head Coach Sonny Dykes has a vision for the university’s future in
football.
On
Thursday, July 22, he spoke to the Homer Lions Club about the football program,
its players and what he’s looking forward to this fall.
He
talked about a Homer High School graduate turned Tech Bulldog who has a bright
future in football – Richey Casey.
“Richey’s
one of those guys that’s probably three quarters speed,” he said. “In spring
football, that was good because we didn’t want him at full speed. We didn’t
want him injured. I’m expecting great things out of Richey. I think we’re going
to try to use him as a quarterback and do some unique things with him running
the football. I think he’s going to be great on kick off return, punt return,
things like that. I think he’s also going to do great as a slot receiver.”
According
to Dykes, Casey’s had some injuries in the past, but he’s trying to get him
through the fear of injury again.
Dykes
talked about a play that seems to mean less injuries.
“When
you run a spread offense, it seems like you have a lot less injuries,” he said.
“In traditional football, you get 22 people and wad ‘em up and they end up
falling all over each other. When you spread them out, you have a little bit
more space and as a result your injuries are really cut down.”
The
Bulldogs have three running backs the coaches feel are going to be pretty good.
He praised them saying they’re fast, jump high and can do some things. From a
skills standpoint, he said, they are a little behind, but they’re very
talented. They also need to be tougher mentally and physically, he said.
As far
as the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the big thing is scoring points.
Several teams were praised, but scoring points in this league is the key.
“That’s
just the way it’s got to be,” he said. “We’ll just have to see how we play and
see what happens.”
However,
there’s one game that will test the Bulldogs’ playing skills to the highest
level. The Navy game, slated to be played September 18, at 6 p.m. at the Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, will be a tough one.
“Those
guys are hard to play,” Dykes said. “They play a unique style of football. They
know what they’re doing, they’re very well coached.
When he
coached at Texas Tech University, he said he was impressed by the Navy team,
especially their quarterback, who’s coming back this season. He’s a really good
player, Dykes said. So much of football is how well the quarterback plays, and
Dykes said their quarterback plays well within the system.
“Those
guys are extremely disciplined,” Dykes said. “They’re a fun team to watch
because it’s precision football. It’s hard to get ready for and they’re hard to
play.
“What
we’ve got to do is get them off the field,” he continued. “We’ve got to do
things creatively and defensively to put some pressure on them to keep them
from operating at a high level. When you’re playing somebody that knows the
options as well as they do, they can hurt you for sure.”
The
Navy game as well as Boise State will be televised.
Even
though Dykes and his team are looking for some tough games this season, he’s
really enjoyed coming to Louisiana Tech – so much so that he hit the ground
running.
“I’m
honored to be the Louisiana Tech head coach,” he said. “It’s been fun being
here. It was crazy when I got hired.”
He was
hired at a time when “all things football” are gearing up and getting ready for
the fall. It all started when the Seattle Seahawks coach getting fired, he told
Lions Club members and guests – and that’s how he got hired at Louisiana Tech.
With some coach swapping through the NFL as well as college ball, he ended up
in Ruston from Arizona as their offensive coordinator. When Coach Dooley left
La. Tech, seven of his coaches stayed behind at the Ruston college.
“I had
a chance to be around those guys and see how they worked, see how they shared
their philosophies, and we had about 10 days to get the class signed up by
February 4,” he said. “We hit the road and started recruiting.”
And
believe it or not, football season is the most normal time of the year, he
said. Everyone is home more often and can spend time with their families.
Football is not just a fall sport either. There’s spring football, summer
workouts and recruiting time. All in all, Dykes said he and his team work about
350 days out of the year. The players only get two weeks off a year.
However,
during his recruiting time here, he ended up in New Orleans the night after the
NFC championship where revelers were still celebrating the Superbowl win of the
New Orleans Saints. And he learned something there, he said.
“It
showed me the passion Louisiana has for football,” he said. “I believe it’s a
passion, and I think it’s part of what makes it unique. I’m glad to be a part
of it.”
In his
recruiting, he’s also saved some scholarships for four or five more guys, and
he’s found some good players from all over the place, including a high school
offensive lineman from Los Angeles, Calif.
“It’s
been interesting, because we’ve been able to put together a good coaching
staff,” he said. “I ended up retaining four coaches from Coach Dooley and ended
up with five new coaches.”
And
hiring coaching staff is not easy. The way to do it though, he said, is to have
a little bit of everything – older, experienced coaches as well as fresh faces
to bring in new ideas.
“I was
able to put together a real diverse group of people from a lot of different
backgrounds, but what they all have in common is that they’ve all won
everywhere they’ve been,” he said. “That’s what you have to do. The dynamics of
the coaching staff is really strong. I’m real excited about who I’m working
with every day.”
Spring
football was a good season because the athletes he’s working with have done
really well, he said. Now that it’s the dog days of summer, that means
workouts, and turnout has been 100 percent.
“The
team is in the best shape it’s been and they are healthy with no major
injuries,” he said. “These guys are working out year round, and they are
working together year round.”
The
team will report on August 8 and workouts begin August 9. They are allowed 29
practices before their first game, and Dykes said every one of those practices
will be used.
The
first game of the season will be against Grambling State University and will be
played at Independence Stadium in Shreveport. Dykes said he’s excited about it
and looking forward to it.
And
it’s games like these that make fundraising so important. Dykes told Lions Club
members that getting the facilities they need will determine how well they do
in the conference.
“It’s
important to rally resources,” the coach said.
Many
Tech Alumni already donate generously to the fundraising arm of Louisiana Tech
Sports, but to keep the athletic program healthy, any donations are much
appreciated.
2010 Bulldog Football Schedule
September 4 vs. Grambling State University at Shreveport 6 p.m.
September 11 vs. Texas A&M at Texas A&M 6 p.m.
September 18 vs. Navy at Shreveport 6 p.m.
September 25 vs. Southern Miss at Louisiana Tech University at 6 p.m.
October 2 vs. Hawaii (WAC Game) at Hawaii 10:30 p.m.
October 9 vs. Utah State (WAC Game) at Louisiana Tech University at 3 p.m.
October 16 vs. Idaho (WAC Game, Homecoming Game) at 3 p.m.
October 26 vs. Boise State at Boise State 7 p.m.
November 6 vs. Fresno State (WAC Game) at Louisiana Tech University 3 p.m.
November 13 vs. New Mexico State (WAC Game) at New Mexico State 7 p.m.
November 27 vs. San Jose State (WAC Game) at San Jose State 7 p.m.
December 4 vs. Nevada (WAC Game) at Louisiana Tech University 2 p.m.
To
order a ticket online, visit www.latechsports.com or send money to LA Tech
Ticket Office, P.O. Box 3046, Ruston, LA 71272.
To
order season tickets, please call 318-257-3631 or 318-257-3632.
For
single game tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000.
Library expansion grant request underway
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
Claiborne Parish Library could be well on its way to expansion, thanks to a
proposal requesting a $5 million grant from the USDA Rural Development’s community
facilities loan and grant program.
A
notice of intent to apply to the USDA Rural Development was published in the
July 1 edition of The Guardian-Journal so the process of getting the grant
money could get started.
The
expansion will include a 19,500 square foot addition to the existing facility.
Danny
H. Magee, Sr., president of Magee Consultants, Inc. of Pineville, said the
application would be submitted to the USDA under its community facilities loan
and grant program. And as the former head of that program, he assured the
police jury the application process would go through efficiently.
“The
staff there in the state office will be efficient and process the request
timely,” he said. “I can’t estimate when they will make a determination on the
approval, but I can tell you that your proposed project is for an eligible
purpose and is considered one of the priorities with the USDA in improving
library services in the rural areas of Louisiana.”
The
estimated cost of the project could change, though.
“That
could change as he refines his preliminary designs and cost estimates,” he
said.
Pam
Suggs, the librarian for the Homer branch, said she is excited about the
prospect of an expansion, and they are just in the initial stages of applying
for the loan. It’s a lengthy process, and it could take about nine months to a
year to go through.
The
plans for the expansion had already been done about 10 years ago, Suggs said,
and they are just now getting around to applying for the loan. She said
different avenues for getting the money were looked at, but applying for this
loan was the best way.
“We
didn’t want to ask for an ad valorem increase,” she said. “We’ve had this big
push in the public libraries to apply for this money in the last year. They
(USDA) have this set aside specifically for rural libraries.”
And if
the application is approved, it could take at least another year to two years
to begin construction because of the processes that will still have to be done.
So what
is this expansion for? Suggs said the library is in desperate need of more room
because some areas are just not large enough.
“We
wanted to add a larger meeting area, computer lab and an expansion in the main
part of the library,” Suggs said. “We are in desperate need of a larger meeting
room. We have to turn people away because we just don’t have enough space. One
of the goals I have with the computer lab is to be able to teach people
computer skills. We haven’t been able to do it because it’s not conducive to a
classroom setting.”
In
other police jury news, the parish government’s audit report came back clean,
according to Melissa Eubanks, CPA with Hulsey Wood and Banks, LLC. Their report
came back unqualified, which is the best result the police jury can get.
The
police jury also approved:
• Recommendations
from Road Superintendent Tommy Durrett for merit raises for: Truck Driver Gregg
Buggs for an increase of 75 cents per hour and Operator II Larry Crew for an
increase of 50 cents per hour due to the fact both employees have completed
their six-month probationary period.
• A
request from Claiborne Parish Fire District #6 seeking assistance with the
cleanup of the northwest corner on the lot for the new Summerfield Fire
Station, and
• A
request from Secretary-Treasurer Dwayne Woodard to advertise for bids for the
purchase of road material (iron ore) for a one year period beginning August 5, 2010 to August 10, 2011.
The
next police jury meeting will be held Wednesday, August 4, at 9 a.m. in the meeting room at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex. For more information,
please call their office at 927-2222.
