Two arrested on prescription drug
distribution
The Guardian-Journal
Two men
were arrested last week and charged with possession of prescription drug
distribution.
According
to a Claiborne Narcotic Enforcement Team (CNET) press release, on August 18,
members of CNET arrested Brian Lester Sims and Cary Todd Whitman for
distribution of Schedule IV controlled dangerous substances alprazolam and
carisoprodol.
Sims
and Whitman were arrested after CNET undercover operation during which Sims and
Whitman sold alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax and carisoprodol, commonly
known as Soma.
Sims
and Whitman were stopped off of La. 534, south of Haynesville, as they
attempted to leave the area where the sale had just taken place.
These
subjects were arrested without incident and booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. They were each charged with two counts of distribution of a
Schedule IV CDS and one count of criminal conspiracy to distribute a CDS, with
bond to be set by a judge.
On
Monday, August 23, Judge Glen Fallin set bond on Sims and Whitman at $150,000
each. Both remained in custody at CPDC at the time of this release.
Task
Force Agents James Spillers and Adrian Malone conducted this investigation and
stated that the illegal distribution of pharmaceutical drugs is one of the
fastest growing problems that law enforcement face today. So many people think
that because a doctor prescribes it that they will never have a problem with
it.
However,
way too many people are finding out the hard way that anyone can become
addicted to prescription medication just as easily as crack cocaine, meth
amphetamine or any of the other “street” drugs.
In
addition to the addiction problems associated with many prescription medications
comes the problem of illegal distribution. A large amount of what is being sold
on the streets today is illegally obtained by fraud that is committed against
our doctors and then by fraud committed against private insurance companies as
well as government assistance programs.
To
those citizens that think this is a problem that does not affect them, think
again.
This
affects everyone through higher insurance premiums or reduced government
assistance because of a lack of funding.
Additionally,
a prescription drug addict is no different than someone addicted to street
drugs. If they want or need it, they will do whatever they have to, to get it,
and that is where we see an increase in theft and burglaries.
In
closing, CNET would like to warn the public to be cautious about who they let
into their homes and how and where they store their medications, because we are
constantly notified that someone had their medication stolen.
Additionally,
remember that distribution of a controlled dangerous substance does not mean
that you have to sell it to someone. Your prescription was provided to you, and
only you, by your doctor and is not intended for anyone else.
Sheriff
Ken Bailey, Haynesville Police Chief Anthony Smith and Homer Police Chief
Russell Mills encourage the public to notify area law enforcement agencies of
any suspicious or illegal activity that is going on in their neighborhoods.
Concerned citizens can call CNET at 318-927-9800, the Homer Police Department
at 318-927-4000, the Haynesville Police Department at 318-624-1355 or the
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-927-2011.
Any and
all information is considered confidential and is greatly appreciated.
In
other sheriff’s news, on Saturday, August 14, Deputy Steve Harbour was on patrol on Hwy. 9 North and observed a vehicle cross the center line of the
roadway.
Harbour made contact with the
driver, Wilbert Dewayne Buggs, 31, of Bernice.
During
the ensuing investigation, Harbour discovered that Buggs was in possession of a
firearm and ammunition wrapped in a cloth bag. The deputy also found a plastic
baggie, located under the cup holder, which contained a black sticky substance
and one-half of an unidentified pill, which was later identified as Ecstasy.
Buggs
was transported to CPDC and charged with felon in possession of a firearm with
bond set at $12,500 and possession of Schedule II CDS (ecstasy) with bond set
at $5,000. He was also issued a citation for driving left of center.
In an
unrelated incident, on August 15, Deputy Roger Ellerbe was patrolling Hwy. 9
when he observed a vehicle traveling south at a high rate of speed.
Ellerbe discovered the driver to
be Demarcus Demario Kemp, 20, of Summerfield. Ellerbe advised Kemp that he did
not have a license plate light or MVI sticker.
Harbour
arrived on scene to assist.
Kemp was taken into custody and
transported to CPDC where he was booked and charged for speeding with a bond of
$500, no MVI sticker with bond set at $500, tail lamps required with bond set
at $500 and possession of Schedule I CDS (marijuana) with bond set at $500.
Summerfield
Fire Station
Fire District #6 celebrates new fire
station
The Guardian-Journal photos/Michelle
Bates
Many community members, elected
officials, law enforcement and firefighters came to the new Summerfield Fire
Station to help Fire District #6 celebrate its open house. Pictured above, the
ribbon cutting was held at 11:30 a.m., with a short ceremony that followed
afterwards. The volunteer firefighters of Fire District #6 proudly show off the
three bays that will house some of the district’s fire trucks. The fire station
touts three big bays, a huge classroom/common area, a state of the art kitchen,
workout room, office and restroom areas. At least two training classes and
exercises have already been held at the new station.
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Claiborne
Parish Fire District #6 got to show off its new fire station in Summerfield on
Saturday.
An open
house was held for the public to come see the state-of-the-art building which
has already helped the district since its completion.
Fire
Chief Larry Greer said he was excited about the possibilities the building
holds as well as some things that have been done since the building’s
completion.
“We’re
very excited,” Greer said. “This is one of the best things to happen to
District 6. We didn’t have the facilities to do trainings; it was at the Lisbon Civic Center or somewhere else. It’s going to improve our training and personnel.”
With
the location being more centralized in District 6, Greer said that by itself
will go a long way.
Trainings
and hands-on exercises have already been held at the fire station, with LSU
coming in twice already. The first training session held there was on new car
technology and the second one was hands-on extrication, Greer said. During
those sessions, the Haynesville and Homer Fire Departments participated as
well.
The new
fire station, located right across the street from Summerfield High School, touts a large meeting area/common room with a full-service kitchen as well as
restroom facilities, a work-out room, office space and three huge bays to house
the district’s trucks.
Contracted
and built by Garcia Construction of Homer, the building sits on land graciously
donated by the Bays brothers – William, Jack, Richard and Butch Bays.
Former
District #6 Fire Chief Scott Greeson, who recently moved to Texas, came back
last weekend for the open house. With enough excitement to spare, Greeson said
he was very impressed by the work that had been done.
“It’s
really nice,” he said. “When I left here, it was just a shell. None of the work
had been done when I left. It was a muddy mess.”
As he
took in the building’s interior, he said, “This place is beautiful.”
The
idea for a new fire station had been in discussion for several years, and it
took a diagram of a new building to give the Fire District #6 board members a
vision of what the new building could be. With several revisions, the final
drawing went to Engineer Brad Graff, who then came back with what’s standing
today.
The
board, the firefighters and the community were ecstatic about the idea and even
more so once the project was completed.
“They’re
(firefighters) really excited about all this, and it’s been inspiring,” Greeson
said. “It was a lot of work, there’s no doubt about that.”
After
the ribbon cutting, a short ceremony was held in honor of those who put in many
hours of hard work to make this project become a reality. President of the
Board Joe Richardson recognized the elected officials, media, fire chiefs from
other districts and many others for coming to the open house. He, along with
Chief Greer, especially thanked the taxpayers for whom this project could not
have been done without.
“We
appreciate each and every one of you,” Greer said. “Thank you to the citizens
and taxpayers for your support. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
Also,
for the hard work and dedication put into the project, Greeson was presented
with a plaque. A plaque was also given in dedication to the firefighters of
District #6, past and present, which will be hung at the new fire station.
Special
thanks go out to the cooks and all those who worked to put together the open
house.
‘Joy ride’ not so joyful
The Guardian-Journal
A Homer
man was arrested, racking up several charges, including two warrants.
Ashley
J. Staggs, 26, was arrested on Saturday, August 14, by the Homer Police
Department and charged with reckless operation of a vehicle, disturbing the
peace, hit and run driving and simple criminal damage to property, with a bond
on each charge set at $500. According to records, Staggs had two warrants for
his arrest from Webster Parish, which included simple criminal damage to
property with bond set at $500, and simple burglary with bond set at $10,000. Total
bond was $35,000.
According
to reports, Homer Police Officer Roger Smith was dispatched to Bolling Drive in reference to an erratic driver. Smith responded to the call and after
gaining a description of the vehicle, Smith spotted him on Edgewood Drive from North Main turning onto Bolling Drive. Staggs was then observed running the vehicle into a
residential yard, hitting the curb.
Smith
had his emergency lights activated at this time, but the suspect refused to
stop. Police say that he was traveling at such a high rate of speed that when
he stopped, he left skid marks on the roadway.
Staggs
was then observed, reports say, overcorrecting the stop hitting a culvert.
Officers
Mike Rimsky and Greg Schneider were called to the scene to assist. At the time
of Staggs’ arrest, Schneider handcuffed him and placed him in the back of his
patrol unit.
When
questioned, police say, Staggs admitted to striking another vehicle while
making a turn. He was then charged with the above charges and transported to
the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for booking.
In a
separate incident, another Homer man found himself arrested on charges of
domestic abuse battery.
Billy
W. Kelly, 54, was arrested on Monday, August 16, and charged with domestic
abuse battery with bond set at $5,000.
According
to reports, Officer Mario Thomas responded to the 1400 block of Pearl Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
Upon
arrival, Thomas was greeted at the front door by Kelly, and once the officer
made entry into the home, Kelly then attempted to hinder him from speaking to
his wife. Reports say she told police she’d locked herself in the bathroom of
the residence to get away from her husband, and when she heard Thomas in the
house, she came out to give her statement.
According
to reports, Mrs. Kelly stated the two were arguing about something on her cell
phone, and it was at that time the suspect allegedly began beating her in the
head area.
Thomas
also observed what appeared to be a whiskey bottle on the kitchen table, and
for the safety of both husband and wife, Mr. Kelly was placed under arrest and
transported to CPDC.
In
another incident, a Homer man got into more trouble than he bargained for when
Homer Police arrested him on several charges, including warrants from the
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office and one out of Houston, Texas.
John F.
Heard, 40, was arrested and charged with unauthorized entry into an inhabited
dwelling, resisting an officer by force and public intoxication by the Homer
Police Department. Bond on those charges are to be set. He had five outstanding
warrants through the sheriff’s office and 1 outstanding warrant from Harris County in Texas. Bond on the warrants were set at $2,000 each, with a hold placed on
him from Harris County.
According
to reports, Officer Mike Rimsky was approached by Paige Prince, stating someone
was attempting to rape her. Rimsky then went to the 400 block of North 7th Street in reference to her claim.
Upon
arrival, the officer noted the front door was opened, and while he was
requesting backup, the man in the front door closed it. Once backup was
requested, Rimsky then went around to the back of the house, where he found the
suspect, identified as Heard, attempting to leave the residence.
Officer
Rimsky began questioning Heard, and at that time, asked him to walk to the
front of his patrol unit.
Officer
Van McDaniel then arrived on scene.
Reports
say Heard appeared to be very intoxicated, because he was given several verbal
orders to sit on the curb and an alleged alcoholic beverage odor coming from
his person.
A
background check was conducted, revealing the six warrants. Rimsky then advised
Heard that he was under arrest. The officer then attempted to place him in
handcuffs at which time, the suspect began resisting and became argumentative
about the charges, police say.
While
still arguing about the charges, Heard then allegedly began physically
resisting the officer, but was shortly after subdued and taken into custody. A
search of his person was conducted with no weapons being found.
He was
then placed into the patrol unit and transported to CPDC.
In an
unrelated incident, a Haynesville man racked up several charges with high bonds
set in his case.
Haynesville
Police arrested Robert Livingston, 56, on Wednesday, August 18, charging him
with several charges. He was charged with aggravated flight from an officer
with a vehicle with bond set at $25,000, two counts of battery of a police
officer with bond set at $10,000 on each count, illegal possession of stolen
things with bond set at $10,000, disturbing the peace with bond set at $1,000,
six counts of disobey stop/yield signs with bond set at $1,000 on each count
and injuring or killing of a police dog with bond set at $20,000.
Bond
total was set at $82,000.
Haynesville death heat-related
The Guardian-Journal
The
death of a Haynesville man, who passed away a week ago Monday, has been ruled
as heat-related.
According
to published reports, an autopsy confirmed that Bobby Thomas, 64, had died from
heat-related causes. Reports say Thomas lived alone and had no air conditioning
in his home. He was found by a friend on Monday, August 16, to take him some
food. It was at that time his remains were discovered.
Funeral
services were held Saturday, August 21, at Dolly Chapel in Haynesville.
9/11 program to be held at FBC Homer
On September 11, a program in remembrance
of those lost on that tragic day and in honor of all firefighters, law
enforcement and emergency personnel will be held at First Baptist Church in Homer. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., a fish fry with all the trimmings will be served,
followed by a dynamic speaker, Dr. Rick Scarborough. There is no charge to
attend the event, and all are welcome to attend.
Website allows parents to access
students’ grades
Parents
of Claiborne Parish School Board students who are looking to find out just how
well their child is doing in school now have a 24-hour tool that will keep them
up to date on their child’s progress.
Not
everyone is a fan, however.
“One
parent told me how much her child hated this web site,” laughed Dr. Janice K.
Williams, Claiborne Parish School Superintendent. “The parent found out the
child’s grade before the child arrived home from school. No longer can the
students hide the grades from the parents.”
With
the school board’s Parent Command Center (PCC), along with the district’s new
electronic grade books, any parent or guardian of a Claiborne Parish public
school student can access their child’s performance records via the Internet 24
hours a day.
“Parents
can use a password to access their child’s attendance, discipline, high school
transcripts, state test scores, and grades in real time,” said Claiborne Parish
SIS/JPAMS Coordinator Mike Blackwelder. “You can log in from home, from work,
from a public library, from offshore – anywhere you can log on to the
Internet.”
Blackwelder
said the PCC pulls its information directly from the school system’s records,
and it allows parents to get the information when they need it and without
misinformation.
“If a
student takes a test, and the teacher gives them an 87, that grade is available
to parents as soon as the teacher enters it into the electronic grade book
grading system,” he said. “If dad is working offshore or is stationed in Iraq, he can get on the computer and check on his son’s or daughter’s work at school. He
doesn’t have to wait for the report card or for the grading period to end.”
Blackwelder
said that parents can even access attendance records back as far as the 2003-04
school year.
“It
doesn’t matter if you have one child at Homer High and another at Homer
Elementary and another at Athens High,” said Blackwelder. “You can pull up all
of your children at once without having to log out and in again for each one.”
All
parish public schools are now on the web program after the system piloted the PCC and electronic grade book last year. Further improvements are expected during the coming
year.
Parents
can register for the Parent Command Center by visiting the parish website
(www.Claibornepsb.org) and selecting the last item on the homepage, “Registration
Instructions for Checking Your Student’s Grades.” For security reasons, parents
will be required to know a “PSN number” (the last five digits of your child’s
social security number) and the exact spelling of the parent’s name as it
appears in the school board’s computer database.
Amendment #2 gaining support
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
passage of a revenue increase from the state has always been impressively
supported by Claiborne Parish, however, Amendment #2 is gaining support
statewide.
Since
the Claiborne Parish Police Jury has formed a committee to educate others about
the amendment, not only has other parish and local entities supported the
amendment, but the Louisiana Municipal Association has gone on record in
support as well.
According
to an email from Roland Dartez, executive director, the association voted to
support the amendment.
“Yesterday
(Saturday, August 7), the Louisiana Municipal Association and the Louisiana
Conference of Mayors concluded their annual convention,” the email states.
“During the convention, the respective boards met and voted to SUPPORT Proposed
Constitutional Amendment #2. The Police Jury association of Louisiana was there
to submit and discuss the issue. We are VERY THANKFUL to our counterparts in
their SUPPORT of Amendment #2.”
The
severance tax proposed constitutional amendment, already a Louisiana law where
oil and natural gas producing parishes pay a severance tax, was changed from
the last time it went before the voters last year.
The
biggest complaint voiced was people didn’t understand the language. So this
time around, the language on the proposal was changed. It’s also been reported
that several municipalities didn’t support it because they didn’t see any
revenue from their parish counterparts.
The
severance tax, which was signed into law in the early 1900s, is one levied on
oil and natural gas companies. They pay a tax on all natural resources they
take out of the parish. In turn, the law says the state is supposed to return
20 percent of those taxes to the parishes from which they came to go towards
road infrastructure and repairs to roads damaged by the companies.
However,
a cap is placed on how much the parish gets back from the state. Until last
year, the law stated the parishes get back 20 percent of the taxes they paid in
up to $750,000. Last year, that cap went up to $850,000 the state returns to
oil and natural gas producing parishes.
On the
November ballot in 2008, Rep. Rick Gallot, D-Ruston, authored a proposed
constitutional amendment to increase the cap to $2.85 million, which is around
20 percent of what the state gives back. If passed, the proposed amendment
would raise the current cap to $1.85 million, effective July 1, 2012 and would increase again in 2013 to $2.85 million with a consumer price index increase
per year as well.
For
example, in one year, Claiborne Parish paid approximately $15 million in
severance tax. They only received $750,000 of the $15 million they paid in,
which is a very small amount in comparison. If the proposed constitutional
amendment is passed by the voters, parishes like Claiborne would get 20 percent
back, in which using the example above, would mean Claiborne would get back
approximately $2.85 million (roughly 20 percent of $15 million).
Of that
$2.85 million, if passed, 50 percent of that must go towards road
infrastructure with the rest going to the parish to do with as they see fit.
Last
year, the amendment largely failed in the following parishes along major
interstates through Louisiana. Along the I-10 corridor, the amendment failed in
Calcasieu, Acadia, Iberville, West and East Baton Rouge, Livingston,
Tangipahoa and St. Tammany parishes. It passed in Jefferson Davis, Lafayette
and St. Martin parishes.
Along
the I-10 south corridor, it failed in all parishes except LaFourche Parish.
Along the I-20 corridor, it failed in Caddo, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Rapides and
St. Landry parishes. It passed in Evangeline and Lafayette parishes.
Haynesville
Mayor Sherman Brown has always jokingly said that if this proposed amendment
passes, that means his town would get a “bigger piece of the pie.” Although the
way he says it is humorous, he is serious about supporting the proposed
constitutional amendment.
The
police jury went on record in August’s meeting in support of Proposed
Constitutional Amendment #2. In a press release, the police jury voted to
support the proposed amendment. They have dubbed it the “Bring It Home,”
proposal.
“If
passed, it will NOT RAISE TAXES but may BRING HOME local dollars to build and
maintain roads and bridges in the parish,” it states. “It will also provide
funding for general parish services.
This
“fair share” amendment is being supported statewide by parish governments and
its state board.
“I echo
my fellow jurors in saying that we are pleased to support this measure,” said
Police Jury President Scott Davidson. “It keeps local dollars local for local
needs without raising one penny in taxes.”
Other
endorsements of the proposed amendment include Gov. Bobby Jindal, Louisiana
Wildlife and Fisheries and the Oil and Gas Commission. Also, Citizens for a
Better Louisiana, Louisiana Ducks Unlimited, the BASS Federation, Driving
Louisiana Forward, and the Louisiana Associated General Contractors have also
publicly stated their support.
The
proposed amendment is Act #541 which was passed by both the Louisiana House of
Representatives and the Louisiana Senate in 2009’s regular legislative session.
It will be proposed constitutional amendment #2 on November 2’s ballot.
Teacher fights for job -- and loses
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
A
Claiborne Parish teacher fought for what was a promising career in education –
and lost.
Jennifer
Deaton, a 6th grade social studies teacher at Homer Junior High School,
approached the school board at its regular monthly meeting to fight for her
job. During the summer, when teachers are hired, Deaton lost her job to a
certified teacher. Deaton was teaching under a TAT (Temporary Authority to
Teach), which means although she was completing her required educational hours
to keep the TAT certification, a certified teacher was moved into her position
by Principal Twyla Hilton.
According
to the Louisiana Board of Education, an employee teaching under the TAT
certification, that teacher must meet conditions and have the certificate
renewed each year for three years becoming fully certified to teach.
“Applicants
must hold a degree from a regionally accredited college or university, have
passing scores on the Praxis Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPSTs) Reading and
writing examinations and at least a 2.00 GPA, qualify under TAT hiring
conditions and fulfill renewal guidelines each year to be issued another
certificate for the subsequent school year,” the board of education’s
guidelines state.
According
to Claiborne Parish Schools Superintendent Dr. Janice Williams, she was
completing the necessary training hours to meet her certification requirements,
however, this year, she missed the deadline of June 30, 2010. Up until this year, Deaton had been completing her TAT requirements during the summer so as
not to interfere with her class schedules at Homer Junior High.
“They
have three years to get certified,” Williams said. “They have to take six hours
each year of those three years and if they have not completed the state
requirements in three years, then they are not hirable in any school system. We
are obligated to them for no more than a year.”
However,
Deaton was not able to complete the requirements by the deadline this time, but
would have met the requirements the Monday after the school board meeting,
which was Monday, August 9.
And
there were some serious concerns about losing what some called a very good
teacher.
District
6 School Board Member Tommy Davidson took issue with it, asking why she
couldn’t be allowed to finish her requirements since she was so close.
Deaton
described her job with the school, saying she’d worked hard to teach the
children.
“I
worked hard to make sure my kids passed the LEAP,” she said. “I care about
those kids. Even two special education kids passed my class.”
Williams
stuck to her guns during the meeting, saying she was within the law and her
authority to set the deadline.
Some of
the school board members began rethinking their decision to approve personnel
actions in a “blanket” motion, where school board members are given a handout
each month with the personnel actions on it. The handout gives the teachers’
names and what action was taken. For instance, this month, effective August 17,
Jennifer Gore at Homer Junior High School was hired as a teacher to replace
Jessica Richardson.
The
handout also lists those who have resigned or retired as well as non-certified
dismissals, and Deaton is one of those. On that list, there are six names, and
the reason given for each one is “certified teacher hired,” which confused some
board members. When they approved personnel actions, Davidson said he was under
the impression that a new certified teacher had been hired to replace Deaton.
However,
a certified teacher was not “hired” to replace Deaton. Rather, certified
teachers were moved around in-house, which pushed Deaton out of a job.
Hilton
told school board members that she didn’t move the teachers around to
intentionally push Deaton out of her job. Williams said under Louisiana law,
certified teachers must be given priority over those who are teaching under
TATs.
Davidson’s
response to that was, “Well, I won’t be voting to approve personnel actions
until I know what’s going on with each one.”
The
issue ended up going behind closed doors for executive session
In
other personnel news, a special meeting was held on Monday, August 16, in which
Homer High School Principal Sandra Boston tendered her resignation just days
before school began. Carrie Hathorne, assistant principal, will take care of
the principal’s duties until someone is hired.
The
school board also approved:
• A
memorandum of understanding with Webster Parish Head Start, in which Webster
Parish will provide services in Claiborne Parish per their annual agreement,
• The
contract with Junction City for the 2010-11 school year,
• The
2010-11 Student Handbook with a few changes to the attendance policy.
• Other
personnel actions, including approving payday schedules and medical sabbatical
for Kathryn Lee,
•
Transfer of funds to the lunch fund to cover a deficit.
The
next school board meeting will be held on Thursday, September 9, at 7 p.m. in the board meeting room at the Claiborne Parish School Board Central Office. For
questions or more information, please call 318-927-3502.
Fire District #3 wants to expand station
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Some
changes could soon be coming to the Haynesville Fire Station, if everything the
Fire District #3 Board is asking for.
Haynesville
Fire Chief Mark Furlow approached the Haynesville Town Council last Thursday
asking them and Mayor Sherman Brown if they would be willing to turn over the
property between the fire station and the police department – owned by the town
– to them to expand the fire station.
Brown,
with the agreement from the council, said he had no problem with donating the
property but would speak with Town Attorney Danny Newell and the town’s
auditors about the legalities and how to go about getting the fire district
what they’re asking for.
The
issue, Furlow said, is the fire department has basically outgrown the current
station. With the appropriation of this property, the fire department, using
District 3 funds, would be able to add two more bays and hopefully expand the
three current bays they have.
Today,
he said, fire trucks are built longer, bigger and taller than those in the
past. They currently cannot fit their ladder truck in one of the current bays.
The department also does not have enough storage area at the fire station. It
is renting space at M&M Storage for approximately $100 per month to house
one truck and other equipment.
They do
have enough meeting space, thanks to the purchase of a building across from the
fire station.
Estimates
to purchase the property are around $100,000, Furlow said.
Fire
District #3 was formed in 1990 with a tax revenue base of approximately
$110,000. Now, the district brings in about $195,000, and Furlow said he wanted
to get the department as up-to-date as possible while the funds are still
coming in.
“As the
gas and oil industry goes down, so will the District #3 funds,” Furlow said.
Chairman
of the Board Danny Mills voiced his support of the department saying the fire
department has done all it can do regarding obtaining the property. Furlow
added that the district has the funds for the additions, it just needs the
property.
The
district serves an area of approximately 5,500 people and has up to 33
volunteer firefighters.
NOTE: District 5 Councilwoman Carla Smith wanted it to be
known that as a volunteer firefighter with the Haynesville Fire Department, she
is allowed to vote on matters concerning the fire department because it is a
volunteer department.
In
other news, Mary Ellen Gamble, Claiborne Parish Rural Advocate for the Domestic
Abuse Resistance Team (DART), spoke to the council about the organization.
She
will be in Haynesville to help those in abusive situations. Beginning
Wednesday, September 1, she will be in Haynesville at council chambers from 8 a.m. until noon to offer the organization’s services.
The
DART organization mainly helps and supports women and children who are trying
to get out of abusive relationships, although more men are coming forward as
well.
DART
serves five parishes and has a safe house in an undisclosed location. Those who
use DART services receive training in several different areas including filling
out restraining orders. The organization also offers victims several options as
well as counseling services.
“Abuse
usually starts with emotional abuse and escalates to physical violence,” Gamble
said. “Louisiana is No. 1 in homicides with men killing their spouses. It’s a
huge problem nationally, statewide and parish wide.”
In
recreation news, the Town of Haynesville is proud of its recreation department.
Ronnie Fields updated the council on the last of baseball and softball season
for all age groups within the town’s leagues.
He said
the 7-8, 9-1 and 11-12 girls divisions all won championships, and gave the
council and update on the latest happenings of the recreation department. Fall
sports are coming soon (soccer and flag football) as well.
Also
mentioned is the recreation tax, which is up for renewal on the November 2
ballot. This is not a new tax, he said. It is a renewal of an existing tax, and
he is asking Haynesville citizens to support the renewal in order to continue
funding for the recreation department.
Some
good news has also come the town’s way. As of July 2010, the speed limits on
La. 534 have changed. According to the Louisiana DOTD’s Chief Engineer’s Order,
the speed limit between “a point of 0.70 of a mile south of its intersection
with Church Avenue and its intersection with Jessie Street in the Town of Haynesville,” has been changed to 45 miles per hour.
The
speed limit was lowered to 35 miles per hour between its intersection with Jessie Street and its intersection with Arnold Lane. It’s been lowered to 25 miles per hour
between its intersection with Arnold Lane and its intersection with La. 2
Alternate in Haynesville.
According
to Brown, during the FYI portion of the meeting, the dates for the city-wide
cleanup and rummage sale have been changed. Also:
• The
next Citizens Advisory Committee meeting will be held Monday, September 13.
•
Senator Mike Walsworth will be in attendance at September’s regular monthly
meeting.
• The
L&NW Santa Train is scheduled for Saturday, December 11. See future editions
for updates.
The
next town council meeting will be held on Thursday, September 16, at 6 p.m. in council chambers located behind city hall. For questions or more information,
please call 318-624-0911.
