Claiborne under burn ban
A burn
ban has been issued for the entire parish of Claiborne.
Homer
Fire Chief Dennis Butcher said extremely dry and windy conditions right now are
ideal for fires to start.
“Residents
may want to consider cleaning up vegetation back around the home or structure
to create a buffer zone between you and the fire,” Butcher said.
Haynesville
Fire Chief Mark Furlow just recently issued a burn ban for the Town of Haynesville and Fire District #3. Butcher also said a burn ban was issued for Fire
Districts #4, 5 and 6 as well.
The
burn ban is effective immediately and will be in place until further notice.
For more information, please call the Claiborne Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness
at 318-927-9118.
Here’s one last look at your October 2
ballot
The Guardian-Journal
Here’s
one last look at what will be on the ballot before the big day, Saturday,
October 2.
Voters
in Claiborne Parish will decide who stays in office and who does not in several
races. But, there are a few other things on the ballot voters need to know
about before pulling that lever or pushing that button Saturday.
Here’s
a brief highlight of what’s next:
Proposed Constitutional Amendments
Proposed
Amendment No. 1
Act No.
537 Senate Bill No. 5, Regular Session 2009
To move
the convening of the legislature in annual regular session in even-numbered
years to the second Monday in March and in odd-numbered years to the second
Monday in April and to change the effective date of legislation enacted at such
sessions to August first (Amends Article III, Sections 2(A)(3)(a) and (4)(a)
and 19).
Proposed
Amendment No. 2
Act No.
538 Senate Bill No. 209, Regular Session 2009
To
provide that the director, deputy director and all employees of the Governor’s
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness shall be in the
unclassified service of the state civil service (Amends Article X, Sections
2(B)(11) and (12); adds Article X, Section 2(B)(13)).
Tax Propositions
Town of Homer
Proposition (Sales Tax)
SUMMARY:
ONE-QUARTER OF ONE PERCENT (.25%) SALES AND USE TAX WITH ALL THE PROCEEDS TO BE DEDICATED AND USED FOR TRAINING, SALARIES, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES,
MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATION OF THE HOMER POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Shall
the Town of Homer, State of Louisiana (the “Town”), under the provisions of
Article VI, Section 29 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974,
Louisiana Revised Statute 33:2711, and other constitutional and statutory
authority, be authorized to levy and collect a tax of one-quarter of one
percent (.25%) (the “Tax”), upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or
rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption of tangible
personal property and on sales of service in the Town, all as currently defined
in Louisiana Revised Statute 47:301 through 47:317 and in the manner provided
by State law, with the proceeds of the Tax (after paying the reasonable and
necessary expenses of collecting and administering the Tax) (the estimated
amount reasonably expected to be collected from the levy of the Tax for one
entire year being $109,000), to be dedicated and used for constructing,
acquiring, extending, improving, operating and/or maintaining police department
for said Town, including but not limited, for salaries and benefits; education
and training courses, equipment, and materials; uniforms and accessories;
officer supplies, equipment and accessories; vehicles and accessories; fuel,
oil, and other similar supplies; communication equipment; computers, software,
accessories and supplies; office supplies; buildings; and all other items
reasonably needed and used by police officers and police personnel in the
operations of the Homer Police Department?
Proposition (Sales Tax)
SUMMARY:
ONE-EIGHTH OF ONE PERCENT (.125%) SALES AND USE TAX WITH ALL OF THE PROCEEDS TO BE DEDICATED AND USED FOR PUBLIC PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES?
Shall
the Town of Homer, State of Louisiana (the “Town”), under the provisions of
Article VI, Section 29 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974,
Louisiana Revised Statute 33:2711, and other constitutional and statutory
authority, be authorized to levy and collect a tax of one-eighth of one percent
(.125%) (the “Tax”), upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the
consumption, and the storage for use or consumption of tangible personal
property and on sales of services in the Town, all ass currently defined in
Louisiana Revised Statue 47:301 through 47:317 and in the manner provided by
State law, with the proceeds of the Tax (after paying the reasonable and
necessary expenses of collecting and administering the Tax) (the estimated
amount reasonably expected to be collected from the levy of the Tax for one
entire year being (54,500), to be dedicated and used for constructing,
acquiring, extending, improving, operating and/or maintaining public parks and
recreational facilities for said Town, including but not limited, for
recreational equipment, materials, supplies and accessories; recreational buildings
and facilities, including public pools and parks; equipment, supplies and
accessories for public pools, parks, and recreational facilities; salaries and
benefits of employees and/or independent contractors for recreational purposes,
including lifeguards, grounds keepers, maintenance employees, and others;
sports facilities, equipment, supplies and accessories; and other recreational
purposes for the benefit of the Town?
Lieutenant Governor
Democrats
Kenneth
“Ken” Burkhalter of Slidell, James “Jim” Crowley of Shreveport, Caroline Fayard
of New Orleans and “Butch” Gautreaux of Morgan City
Republicans
“Jay”
Dardenne of Baton Rouge, Kevin Davis of Abita Springs, “Sammy” Kershaw of Lafayette, Melanie J. McKnight of Baton Rouge and Roger Villere of Metairie.
Judge, Court of Appeal 2nd Circuit
Henry
Brown of Bossier City, Democrat
Claiborne Parish School Board
District
1
Danny
“Doc” Lee of Bernice (Unopposed)
District
2
William
H. Maddox of Haynesville (Unopposed)
District
3
Linda
Knox of Haynesville (Unopposed)
District
4
Yolanda
L. Coleman and Betty Richardson, both of Haynesville
District
5
Betty
Fomby Andrews of Homer and Stanley O. Edwards of Athens
District
6
Thomas
E. Davidson of Athens (Unopposed)
District
7
Vera R.
Walker Meadors and Georgia Marie Norton, both of Homer
District
8
Almeter
H. Willis of Homer (Unopposed)
District
9
Mary F.
Randle and “Joey” White, both of Homer
District
10
B.
Stewart Griffin, “Billy” Kirk and Terry R. Willis, all of Homer
Mayor,
Village of Athens
Hubie
D. James of Athens (Unopposed)
Mayor,
Town of Homer
Huey
Dean and Alecia Nychole Smith, both of Homer
Mayor,
Village of Junction City
Preston Rogers of Junction City (Unopposed)
Chief
of Police, Village of Athens
“Jack”
Spurlock of Athens (Unopposed)
Marshal,
Town of Homer
Bennie
W. Holyfield and Russell Mills, both of Homer
Chief
of Police, Village of Junction City
Mark A.
McLelland of Junction City (Unopposed)
Aldermen,
Village of Athens
Melver
Stassen of Athens, Prentis Washington of Homer and Ardis Willhite of Homer, all
unopposed
District
1, Town of Homer
Sedric
Bates, Willie “Hoghead” Curry, Linda Ferrell Mozeke and “Doc” Roberson, all of
Homer
District
2, Town of Homer
Ray D.
Jiles and Michael J. Wade, both of Homer
District
3, Town of Homer
“Don”
McCalman of Homer (Unopposed)
District
4, Town of Homer
Carlette
Sanford and Maxine F. Wilson, both of Homer
District
5, Town of Homer
Patricia
K. Jenkins of Homer (Unopposed)
Aldermen,
Village of Junction City
Barbara
B. Daniels, William “Terry” Enis and Arnold Jones, all of Junction City, all
unopposed
Homer man killed during altercation
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The shooting death of a Homer man
has left people of the small neighborhood on Pearl Street distraught – and
police are still looking for a person of interest.
Derek Mitchell, of Homer, is a
“very strong” person of interest in the incident that took the young life of
Jeremy Willis. Willis, 21, a resident in the 1400 block of Pearl Street, was
shot and killed by what police say appeared to be a pistol on Sunday morning,
around 4 a.m.
According to Captain Donald Malray,
of the Homer Police Department, Willis was involved in an altercation where he
was shot in the middle of the street. Willis was shot in the upper chest area.
He then ran to another residence
about 25 feet away where he collapsed. Pafford Ambulance was called to the
scene where they attempted to stabilize him and then transported him to Homer Memorial Hospital.
He was pronounced dead by Claiborne
Parish Coroner Dr. Scott Haynes. Willis’ remains have been sent to Dr. Frank
Peretti, forensic pathologist with the Arkansas State Crime Lab.
On the scene that night were Homer
Police Chief Russell Mills, Officers Van McDaniel, Greg Schneider, Thomas
Davis, and Roger Smith. Louisiana State Police Trooper Brandon Salmon, along
with Deputies Steve Harbour and Aaron Christian from the Claiborne Parish
Sheriff’s Office were also on scene. Investigating officers include Malray,
Mills, McDaniel and Officer Roger Smith. Probation and Parole are assisting
Homer Police in their efforts to locate Mitchell, who is a parolee, Malray
said. Investigator David Watson with the Second Judicial District Attorney’s
Office is assisting as well as the Louisiana State Police.
Another suspect in the case has
been arrested. Haywood Harris, 36, of Homer, was arrested on September 26 and
charged with second degree murder. Bond is to be set.
A juvenile witness advised police
that she saw Harris shooting a weapon in the area that morning towards the
victim, police say.
At this point, police are still
investigating who shot the gun that took Willis’ life. Police say that
according to statements the motive may have been gang related. The department
has received many calls in reference to fights in that area over the last several
months, and these altercations are usually between the same families, Malray
said. Statements given to police also say these altercations may involve
territorial issues.
Although it is unknown if this
alleged gang activity is affiliated with gangs outside the area, Malray did say
there has been increase of ladies’ fights in the area, indicating that these
fights may be some type of initiation.
When officers attempt to get
written statements, however, no one wants to talk, Malray said.
“Each time we’re called to that
area, everybody disperses and goes inside their homes,” he said. “No one wants
to come down to the office and give a written statement. People call, but they
don’t want to identify themselves.
“We’re still in the beginning
stages of this investigation,” Malray said. “It’s hard to get anyone to come in
and give written statements because a lot of people are still shaken up about
the incident.”
“One loss of life is too much,”
Mills said. “During this investigation, every person involved or mentioned in
this case will be interviewed and when we get to the bottom of this, those
involved from the fight to the shooting, if warranted, will be arrested.”
If anyone has any information on
the whereabouts of Mitchell or on the case, please call the Homer Police
Department at 318-927-4000, Captain Donald Malray at 318-957-2660, or Probation
and Parole at 318-371-3020.
HPD trains to hone skills
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
Officers with the Homer Police Department trained
Saturday night, September 25, for situations the United States is seeing more
of. School shootings are a very real threat, and officers trained in an “active
shooter” scenario, where these officers, pictured above, practice using the
“Slow and Methodical” method, which is time consuming. Officers use this method
if they do not know the exact location of a “shooter.” In front, Officer Mike
Rimsky, is the point man, who is responsible for entry and security in front.
The two middle men, Officers Mario Thomas and Van McDaniel, serve as backup for
the point man. Officer Shane Huffstetler, rear security, is responsible for
making sure that once an area has been “cleared,” no one else comes behind them
to pose as a threat to the team. Thomas, McDaniel and Huffstetler hold their
weapons in a “soule” position, which gives them the ability to provide officer
safety as well as the ability to engage an adversary when posed with a threat.
Holyfield addresses voters
Candidate defends criminal record
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
A slogan of change was the motto
for the evening as Homer Chief of Police Candidate Bennie Holyfield IV
addressed voters during a community meeting September 16.
Holyfield is running against
incumbent Russell Mills, who is seeking a second term as police chief.
According to Holyfield, his whole
campaign is about beginning a healing process for the citizens of Homer.
“I’m going to stand up for what is
right, even if it’s my own family,” he told attendees.
He said there were several things
he wanted to do if he was elected on October 2. Those include:
• Hire two female police officers,
• Start a “Pastors on Patrol” program where a chaplain will
be available at all times for any situations that might arise on a call,
• Return the police department shifts from 12 hour shifts to
eight hour shifts,
• Reorganize the police department and utilize monies to get
officers pay raises,
• Go back to a full uniform so that officers are more
recognizable and more easily identified as officers, and
• Meet with the council on a regular basis to make sure
quality of life is improved.
Holyfield said he also intends to bring back former officers
who “told me they would come back (to the department) if I was elected.”
“We’re going to have a lot of experienced
officers, not some of these officers that just went through the academy or
hadn’t made it to the academy,” he said.
The candidate talked about the
Homer Police Department, saying there was “nothing wrong with the department or
its officers — it just needs leadership and guidance.”
“We need a change, we don’t need
intimidation,” he said.
He said this election wasn’t about
him or incumbent Chief Russell Mills. He said instead it’s about bringing
change to the Town of Homer.
In reference to Mills, Holyfield
brought up a recent citation received by the chief, in which he, as the owner
of Pleasure Point Marina, was cited for selling alcohol without a permit.
According to public records, Mills had no permit to sell alcohol with a high
content, but did have a beer permit. He was acting on direction he received by
state officials.
Mills has since paid the $100
administrative fine for the citation and obtained an alcohol permit by both the
parish and the State of Louisiana.
During a question and answer period,
an audience member raised the issue of Holyfield’s criminal record.
The police chief candidate claimed
not to have a criminal record, except for an arrest that occurred after a
traffic stop on February 23, 2009.
Calls to both the Homer Police
Department and Bienville Sheriff’s Office where the two incidents occurred
revealed the following:
According to police reports from
the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office, on February 20, 2009, a deputy initiated a traffic stop when he observed Holyfield speeding eastbound on Hwy. 80
just west of Gibsland. When Deputy Clint Smith asked Holyfield why he was
driving at such an excessive speed, Holyfield reportedly told Smith that he was
a reserve deputy for the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office and that dispatch
had called all available officers to respond to a situation in Homer.
At the time of the traffic stop,
Holyfield received a citation for speeding. Further investigation by the
Bienville Parish deputy revealed that Holyfield was not a reserve deputy at the
time of the traffic stop and a warrant was issued for Holyfield’s arrest on a
charge of impersonating an officer. The warrant was served March 23, 2009 and trial has been set for November 29, in Bienville Parish before District Court
Judge Glenn Fallin.
“The officer said he didn’t
recognize me because I was in my oilfield clothes,” Holyfield said in
explanation to the charge, again indicating his innocence.
Holyfield said when he contacted
Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance in reference to the incident, the sheriff
told him the case was still under investigation.
However, he also discussed another
arrest experience in which he was charged with resisting an officer by
interference.
In regards to his April 12, 2009 arrest by the Homer Police Department, Holyfield told voters that he was
arrested on that date without a warrant. However, Homer Police Department
records show officers were armed with a warrant when they took Holyfield into
custody for resisting an officer by interference.
“While on a traffic stop, Mr.
Holyfield drove by the traffic stop and then contacted the mother of one of the
subjects detained and told her that several Homer Police officers had her son
on the ground with our knee in his back,” the affidavit for arrest stated.
“This statement was untrue. The mother then responded to the scene in fear that
her son was being harmed.”
Due to Holyfield’s actions, a
warrant was obtained for his arrest on the above charge. Following his arrest,
bond was set at $2,000.
“If people look into my past,
they’ll find that I’m honest and trustworthy,” said Holyfield in defense of his
record. “I have no criminal record except for February 23, 2009.”
Additional items addressed by
voters included that of Steve Boyett, a bus driver for the Claiborne Parish
School System, who voiced his concern regarding speeders in schools zones and
through bus stops.
“I would enforce the rules and
regulations all over this town,” Holyfield answered. “There’s a statute that
enforces that law. So, if someone [speeds] at a bus stop while kids are loading
and unloading, then I would go to that book and we would cite them.”
The book he refers to is the
Louisiana Criminal Code and Procedure.
Holyfield indicated that as chief, he would personally
patrol the city,
“Basically, why you have that
problem is because officers are not present,” he said.
Boyett countered Holyfield’s
statement asking him, “How can I believe that you’re going to uphold the law,
respect the law and obey those traffic laws when I know you break them
yourself?”
Holyfield told Boyett that he is a
law abiding citizen and that he had to be given an opportunity to be the police
chief.
“Mr. Holyfield, you have passed by
my home numerous times in your personal vehicle, in a Claiborne Parish vehicle,
way above the speed limit,” said Boyett. “You cannot state that fact about
yourself. How do I know you’re going to enforce it?”
“By allowing me to become your next
chief of police,” Holyfield answered.
Don McCalman, who is running unopposed for Homer Town
Council seat District #3, asked Holyfield why he didn’t complete the police
academy.
Holyfield said he didn’t complete
the police academy due to various reasons, but he has more than eight years
combined law enforcement experience. He said he has received his corrections
certificate, which covers “everything besides being on patrol.”
“I have my certification as far as
firearms, hostage situations, survival skills and people skills,” he said. “I
have not gone through the complete course of POST certification, but I do have
some certification that will allow me to uphold the position, which I’m running
for.”
According to state law, all
certifications Holyfield received as a corrections officer were job specific.
The certifications were part of required training for his employment as a corrections
officer and are not transferrable to a patrol/law enforcement officer position.
Holyfield attended the academy
while serving as a Cullen Police officer. Cullen Police Chief Mary Hoof
confirmed Holyfield did not complete the police academy, but did not indicate
whether Holyfield withdrew from the academy or failed the course.
“He was having difficulty with some
of the courses they were offering,” said Hoof. “When he left Cullen, it was in
good enough standing that I wanted to rehire him.”
Polls will open on Saturday,
October 2, from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Voters are reminded to take a picture ID to
the polls when they go to vote.
Drug possession leads to jail
Claiborne Parish Deputy Aaron
Christian was patrolling on September 24, 2010 and observed a vehicle run off
the shoulder of the road. Further observation revealed the vehicle cross the
fog line onto the shoulder several more times. Upon coming into contact with
the driver, Tina Sue Bailey, DOB: 06/10/63 of Haynesville, LA Deputy Christian noticed signs of impairment. The passenger in the vehicle was determined to
be Michael Rudd, DOB: 08/29/79 of Haynesville, LA. Deputy Christian deployed
his K9 partner and the K9 alerted on the passenger side door seam front and
rear as to the presence of illegal narcotics. A search of the vehicle revealed
a cell phone case on the floorboard in the middle containing a glass pipe with
burned residue and a fuse holder with two plastic bags containing a clear rock
crystal-like substance. On the rear seat in the middle, a brown purse was
discovered and the side pocket contained three more plastic bags containing a
crystal like residue. Both subjects were placed under arrest. Bailey was
transferred to the Claiborne Parish Women’s Jail and charged with possession of
Schedule II CDS Meth-bond $5,000.00; possession of drug paraphernalia-bond $500
and improper lane usage-bond$500.00. Rudd was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and charged with possession of Schedule II CDS Meth-bond
$5,000.00 and possession of drug paraphernalia-bond $1,000.00.
On September 21, 2010 Deputy JT Williams and Deputy Steve Harbour of the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office were
patrolling and observed a vehicle with no license plate light. The driver,
Garrett Logan Taylor, DOB 09/13/89 of Smackover, AR provided deputies with the
proper paperwork. Subsequent search of Taylor and the vehicle produced a
package in the driver’s door pocket that was identified as a Camel cigarette
package containing tablets known to be hydrocodone. The package was found in
the driver’s door pocket. Taylor was arrested and transported to Claiborne Parish Detention Center and booked on the charges of tail lamps required-bond set
at $500.00 and possession of Schedule III CDS hydrocodone-Bond set at $5,000.00.
On Sunday, September 26, 2010, Deputy Steve Harbour of the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office was patrolling in
Claiborne Parish and observed a vehicle with no license plate light. Deputy Harbour also noted the vehicle to swerve across the center line and fog line of the
roadway several times. Contact was made with the driver, Charles Cortez Butler,
DOB 09/23/1990 of Homer, LA and he admitted to Deputy Harbour that he had
smoked a blunt earlier. A search of Butler’s person revealed a plastic baggie
containing marijuana which was found in his pocket. Deputy Aaron Christian was
on the scene to assist. Deputy Harbour transported Butler to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and charged him with improper lane usage-Bond $1,000.00
and simple possession of marijuana-Bond$1,000.00.
Newell recommended for suspension
The Guardian-Journal
The Office of Disciplinary Council
of the Louisiana Attorney Discipline Board has recommended that former Homer
Mayor David Newell be suspended from law practice.
“The evidence in this matter
clearly and convincingly demonstrates that Respondent (Newell) engaged in
conduct that violated multiple provisions of the Rules of Professional
Conduct,” according to the recommendation to the Louisiana Supreme Court.
“Based upon the cases cited herein, the ABA Standards, and the facts of this
matter, the Board recommends that Respondent be suspended for
one-year-and-one-day. The Board further recommends that Respondent make
appropriate restitution to Emily Jones (Count I), Merry Wallace (Count VI), and
Wilma Holcomb (Count VII). Finally, the Board recommends that Respondent be
cast with all expenses and costs associated with this disciplinary hearing.”
Over the last several years, some
of Newell’s clients had filed grievances (or complaints) against the attorney
for violations of professional conduct. According to the complaints, he took
money from clients but allegedly did not perform the work. Or if he did perform
the work, it was not done in a timely manner. The Office of Disciplinary Council
also alleged that Newell “improperly co-mingled personal, client and third
party funds.”
Newell has denied engaging in any
misconduct, the recommendation stated.
In all, there were seven charges,
and the council is recommending reprimand for at least three of those counts
for violation of several rules.
The 77-page report lists all counts
against Newell, and in its conclusion stated, “In accordance with instructions
received from the court, when an attorney is suspended for a period in excess
of one year, any conditions on reinstatement should be addressed when, and if,
the attorney applies for reinstatement.”
The case will now go before the
Supreme Court for its ruling.
CA presents homecoming court
Members of Claiborne Academy’s Homecoming Court are,
from left, Sophomore Maid Kameron Simpson, Junior Maid Alexandra White,
Football Sweetheart Miller Claire Killgore, Homecoming Queen Chaise Simpson,
Spirit Sweetheart Abigail Bass, Senior Maid Lana Goodwin and Freshman Maid
Hannah Aycock. The court will be presented during an 11:30 a.m. assembly on Friday, October 1 in the school gym. A pre-game car parade will be at 6:15 prior to the 7 p.m. kickoff, when the Rebels face the UCA Lions. The court will be
presented again at halftime of the game. Alumni are invited to tailgate “under
the pines” at 4 p.m. A pep rally is also scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday, October 1.
Accident claims life of Haynesville woman
The Guardian-Journal
A Haynesville woman was found dead
after she had been reported missing earlier that day.
Marsha Hunter’s husband reported
her missing, and Louisiana State Police say the 57-year-old’s SUV ran off the
road on La. 521, just north of Hwy. 2 Alternate.
“The vehicle overturned twice and
came to rest upright within the tree line,” Louisiana State Police Public
Information Officer Cordell Williams said. “She was unrestrained at the time of
the crash. We believe the crash occurred at 8 p.m. September 26.”
The vehicle came to rest in the
woods in an area hard to see from the road.
According to their preliminary
investigation, Hunter actually left her home on Sunday, September 26, and
wasn’t discovered until the next day.
Williams said she was discovered at
approximately 1:15 p.m. Monday, September 27, by a Webster Parish Sheriff’s
Detective.
The detective had gone to her home
to speak to Hunter’s husband to get as many details as possible to locate the
woman, and that’s when he began backtracking, subsequently discovering the
accident scene.
She was pronounced dead at the
scene by the Claiborne Parish Coroner. Both Claiborne and Webster authorities
were at the scene.
State police say she was headed to
the store at the time of accident. Alcohol was not considered to be a factor in
the accident; however, it is still under investigation.
“We do not know the cause of the
crash yet,” Williams said.
Hunter was the only occupant in the
vehicle.
Kirk indicted for second degree murder
The Guardian-Journal
The woman accused of killing a
Homer man has been indicted by a grand jury for second degree murder.
Patishi Kirk, 21, of Homer, was
indicted in late August on this charge after allegedly admitting to stabbing
and killing her boyfriend, Vincent Dunn.
The incident happened on Saturday
morning, July 3, when police say several family members at Dunn’s residence
advised that a young man had been stabbed. Officers found Dunn in a bedroom of
the home, and when officers checked for vital signs, there was no indication of
any.
At that time, Kirk was secured for
her own safety and transported to the Claiborne Parish Women’s Facility.
Officers at the scene then collected evidence believed to be used during the
commission of the crime.
Police say she confessed to the
crime, but gave no indication as to a motive for her actions. Police records
show that officers have been called to the residence several times in reference
to domestic issues. Also, in the past, Dunn had a restraining order on Kirk.
Kirk is now out of jail on bond
after Second Judicial District Judge Jenifer Clason reduced her bond from
$250,000 to $150,000. The Dunn family became visibly upset when Clason laid
down her ruling on the bond reduction.
No trial date has been set.
Hwy. 146 bridge now open
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
The bridge at Hwy. 146 is now open. A ribbon-cutting
was held Wednesday, September 22, at the bridge, where local, parish and state
officials joined in celebration of the state-of-the-art bridge. The quad-beam
bridge was finished a few days ahead of schedule, according to state officials.
Contractor for the job was JB James Contractors. After the ribbon-cutting,
Homer Mayor Alecia Smith and the Town of Homer offered refreshments at Homer City Hall for a job well done.
