Haynesville woman accused of stabbing
husband
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
A
Haynesville woman is behind bars charged with second degree murder after
allegedly stabbing her husband to death.
Betty
Reynolds, 36, was charged Tuesday, April 19, in the stabbing death of her
husband Kenneth Reynolds, 47, as well as attempted arson.
According
to Haynesville Police Chief Anthony Smith, his department received a call at
approximately 8 p.m. that evening to a disturbance on Gary Lane. After the
initial interview with Mrs. Reynolds, Smith said, she told police that her
husband had walked into a knife. The two were having a verbal altercation at
the time, and Mrs. Reynolds told her husband that she wanted a divorce. At that
time, Mr. Reynolds allegedly slapped her, and when he turned around, he walked
into the knife.
At some
point during the altercation, Mrs. Reynolds had also piled her husband’s
clothes in the middle of the floor and attempted to set them on fire.
“It’s
pretty much an open and shut case,” Smith said. “When
officers arrived, the house was in disarray, but there’s no evidence to support
that he walked into a knife.”
According
to Mrs. Reynolds, he said, she was cooking, but evidence doesn’t support that
theory either.
Mr.
Reynolds’ remains were sent to Little Rock, Ark., where an autopsy was
performed. Results showed that he was stabbed in the left chest area, where the
knife punctured his heart.
Smith
also said there is no past history with this couple, according to police
records.
As of
press time, Mrs. Reynolds is still incarcerated at the Claiborne Parish Women’s
Facility on a total of $150,000 bond. She is charged with second degree murder
and attempted arson.
Smith
also offered a few tips for those who have been or are involved in a domestic
abuse situation.
“Report
it,” he said. “Report it and don’t let it get out of hand. Domestic abuse is
one of the leading ways spouses die.”
That’s
why the first thing officers do when they approach a scene where domestic violence
has taken place is to separate the two people involved in the incident.
“We
arrest them and put them in jail,” he said, allowing both parties to have what
he called a “cool down” period.
However,
his department doesn’t receive many domestic violence calls becuase “they know
they’re going to jail.”
For
those involved in an abusive relationship or for those who know someone who is
in an abusive relationship, please report it.
Call
the Haynesville Police Department at 318-624-1311, the Claiborne Parish
Sheriff’s Office at 318-927-2011 or the Homer Police Department at
318-927-4000.
Wafer autopsy results still pending
You Can Help!
An account has been set up at Regions
Bank in memory of Devion Wafer -- the Devion Wafer Memorial Foundation. This
account is to help the family defray expenses incurred after the toddler’s
passing. Donations may be made at any Regions location.
The Guardian-Journal
Autopsy
results have still not been returned on Ruby Wafer, the 19-year-old mother who
was found deceased behind a vacant store on the corner of Hwys. 2 and 806.
However,
Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey said he hopes to have the full report this
week. And while investigators still follow leads, a family waits patiently.
Wafer’s
son, one-year-old Devion, was found in late March in a creek near Lisbon
Landing. According to his autopsy results, Devion drowned. According to Bailey,
the boy’s father called the sheriff’s office the previous Monday saying he was
afraid Ruby had threatened to hurt herself and he was worried. That Wednesday,
the boy was found in nothing but a t-shirt and diaper.
The
family says the day Ruby and Devion went missing, Devion’s diaper bag and other
essential items were still at the house. The last person they were seen with
was Devion’s father.
A
couple of weeks later, Ruby’s remains were found behind the store, but there
was no evidence to indicate that she died there. According to Bailey, she had
no purse, no cell phone or identification on her person or around the scene at
the time she was discovered.
Later
that week, deputies and investigators spent several hours combing Lisbon
Landing around the area the boy was found as well as the wooded areas to see if
they found anything at all that might help in their investigation. However,
they came up empty-handed.
Bailey
asked for patience as investigators continue their inquiry into the deaths of
these two young lives.
“We’re
still running down leads, and this is top priority for us right now,” he said.
“It’s just going to take some time.”
Bender lawsuit dismissed...mostly
The Guardian-Journal
A law
suit alleging the Homer Police Department violated the civil rights of a Homer
woman has been dismissed -- for the most part.
Vernicia
Bender filed a lawsuit against the Town of Homer, Police Chief Russell Mills
and four other police officers on several claims in September 2010. She alleged
that her civil rights were violated and other U.S. Constitutional Amendments
were violated when she was arrested for obstruction of justice and intentional
resistance of a police officer.
According
to police reports, her daughter was driving into the driveway of their home
when Bender came outside asking officers why she was being arrested. Reports
continue by saying the daughter had led Officer Mario Thomas in a car chase
because she refused to stop when Thomas turned on his patrol unit’s lights and
sirens signaling that she should pull over. When the two entered the driveway,
Thomas had requested back up and Officers Van McDaniel, Roger Smith and Scott
Glenn arrived on scene to assist.
Reports
go on to say that Bender was arrested after she went to the car, she says, to
turn the car off and retrieve the keys. She had already been asked by Thomas to
leave the area so they could complete the call. At that time, Bender’s daughter
was being placed under arrest on other charges.
When
Bender turned off the car, she allegedly laid the keys in the seat, at which
time the officers perceived as probable cause for arrest. However, when she did
not comply, she was tased by Officer Smith. There is a discrepancy on how many
times she was tased. Police video actually shows she was tased three times, but
the suit claims she was tased six times.
The
ruling, handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth Foote, states,
“Plaintiff has failed to respond to the Motion to Dismiss...Therefore, for the
reasons stated and to the extent explained further herein, the Court GRANTS in
part and DENIES in part Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss.”
The
ruling dismisses 1.) Bender’s conspiracy claim against the officers and the
Town, 2.) all claims against Chief Mills and Officer Scott Glenn, 3.)
Plaintiff’s claim for false arrest, 4.) all federal crimes against the town,
5.) plaintiff’s claim under the 5th, 6th, 9th and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution,
and 6.) Title VII (racial discrimination).
The
claims that remain include 1.) plaintiff’s claim for excessive force under the
4th amendment against Officers Smith, Thomas and McDaniel, 2.) plaintiff’s
claim against the town under state law -- Article I, Section 5 -- of the
Louisiana State Constitution and 3.) plaintiff’s state law claim under general
tort law.
So, in
light of this, let’s go back over these claims and explain why the suit was
only dismissed in part and granted in part.
In her
original claim, Bender states that the officers used unreasonable and excessive
use of force and false arrest withouth probable cause.
“The
Fourth Amendment protects individuals from arrests not based on probable
cause,” the ruling states. “Plaintiff alleges facts that make the probable
cause for her arrest readily apparent...Here, as stated in her complaint,
plaintiff was instructed by the police officers to get away from the area where
the officers were arresting Plaintiff’s daughter. Bender moved away, and then
later approached the scene to turn off the car and remove the keys. It was
reasonable for an officer to have perceived her act to return to the area as a
refusal to comply with a police order and to turn off the car as ‘movement’ of
evidence.”
In the
claim that police used excessive force, however, the judge agreed, based on
Rule 12(b)(6), which says the court must accept as true the allegations
contained in the complaint, because no discovery had taken place. Based on this
rule, Judge Foote said, “The facts stated in the Complaint certainly create a
plausible inference that excessive force was used. The allegations suggest that
the tasing of Bender was objectively unreasonable. Therefore, Bender has stated
a sufficient claim for excessive use of force.”
The
ruling goes on to say that the town cannot be held liable and because the claim
is “irrelevant,” then Bender has not stated a claim against the town. She also
failed to state a claim against the officers in their official capacity. The
claim against Mills was also not stated because he did not have any personal or
direct involvement with the alleged allegations. The claim against Officer
Glenn were also dismissed because there is no allegation that he was involved
with the use of force or arrest of Bender.
However,
again based on Rule 12(b)(6), the judge did state she had a case against
Officers McDaniel and Thomas for standby liability. The ruling states that
clearly she had “facts sufficient to create a plausible inference that the
three defendants are not immune from liability under the doctrine of qualified
immunity although such allegations may well be disproved by the Defendants at a
later state of these proceedings.”
Because
that claim is sufficient, the judge said, so is her claim under the Louisiana
Constitution for damages, which is her tort claim.
As the
suit moves through the legal system, the town will address the issues granted
in the order by the judge. Once the case begins to move forward, the town is
expected to move forward as well in hopes of getting the remainder of the
claims dismissed as well.
Council votes against Marshal’s pay
claim
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
It
looks like Homer Police Chief Russell Mills will not be getting back pay for
the marshal’s salary any time soon.
The
Homer Town Council met in a special called meeting Wednesday to discuss the
marshal’s pay, and they voted 3-2 not to go back 32 months and pay Mills what
he felt was owed as deemed by the town’s special legislative charter. He filed
a claim against the town a few weeks ago asking for back pay for at least 36
months for marshal’s pay, which was set in January of this year.
“The
charter is our constitution, and I didn’t come in this to be adversarial,”
Mills said following the meeting. “I’ve been asking for this money for five
years. I’ve talked to Mr. Newell (former Mayor David Newell) and (Town
Attorney) Jim Colvin, and it was just never brought before the council. I feel
deep down that I’m not being treated fairly.”
According
to Section 9 of the charter, it states, “The marshal shall be chief of police,
shall attend all meetings of the mayor and selectmen, shall arrest all parties
whom he may see violating the police regulations of the town, or who may be
charged with the same, and carry them before the mayor for trial...who shall
receive such compensation as may be allowed by the mayor and selectmen...”
District
4 Councilwoman Carlette Sanford expressed her frustration over the council’s
refusal to pay the chief’s back pay, saying that it would cost the town more to
fight it than it would just to pay the amount, which was not disclosed during
the meeting.
Mills’
attorney, Rob Moore, said the charter mandates the town do something -- and
that was begun in January.
In
January’s meeting, the council set marshal’s pay at $400 per month, which comes
from fines generated from municipal court.
“To us,
it’s just a matter of fairness,” Moore said.
As for
Mills fighting the council’s decision? That’s unknown at this time.
“At
this present time, I’m weighing my options,” he said. “I’m not trying to sue
the town, I just wanted to be treated more fairly.”
District
1 Councilwoman Linda Mozeke, one of the three who voted against the measure,
said she would not comment on the issue.
“Because
of the possibility of pending litigation in that matter, I really can’t comment
at this time,” Mozeke said.
Mills
and Mayor Alecia Smith, along with some council members have seemed to be at
odds since Smith took office. In the beginning, there were issues concerning
the police department’s budget, which the mayor says was being established and
set. Before, each year, the police department budget was always over and the
council agreed to find the money from other undedicated funds to fill the void.
In
2011’s budget, that didn’t happen. Since that time, Mills has had to make deep
slashes into his budget to make it all work. He let go three part-time officers
and chose not to fill two full-time positions in order to give the other
officers a decent raise.
In
November, the town passed a sales tax to help boost the police department’s
budget, which is now dedicated strictly for the police department to give the
officers raises, purchase equipment and fill other needs.
Also
passed in that same election was a sales tax dedicated to Homer’s recreation
department. Some of those funds are going towards repairing the Mayfield pool
and other activities for the summer.
Even
with these two sales taxes passing, the council voted in January to make the
mayor’s position a full-time position, going from a pay rate of roughly $24,000
per year to $48,000 per year.
Councilwomen
Patricia Jenkins, Mozeke and Councilman Michael Wade voted against Mills’
request, and Councilman Don McCalman and Sanford voted in favor.
In
other council news, council members discussed alcohol sales inside the
corporate limits, and according to Colvin, the council has the authority to
approve or deny alcohol permits for high alcohol content. A business in Homer
recently turned in an application to the town for approval for one of these
permits.
Every
year, the council makes their decisions on approving or denying alcohol permits
in January. All of those permits have been permits to sell beer and/or low
content alcohol.
The
decision is expected to be made during the regular monthly meeting in May.
The
next meeting of the Homer Town Council will be held at 6 p.m. in council
chambers, located inside City Hall, on Monday, May 2. For more information or
for questions, please call 318-927-3555.
‘Team Cade’ Fundraiser set for Saturday
Cystic Fibrosis event to be fun-filled
day
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
“Team Cade” Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser set for Saturday is sure to be a
success.
With
fun-filled activities throughout the day, there is sure to be something for
everyone. Beginning at 8 a.m., a poker run for all the bikers who wish to enjoy
a day on the open road will begin with registration, and the first bike out is
set for 9 a.m. Registration is $25 per bike.
As
bikers set out for the poker run, a firemen’s “boot drive” will be going on.
Several of Claiborne Parish’s volunteer firemen will be working the streets in
Homer around The Square with their “boots” asking for donations. Motorists are
asked to roll down their windows and open their wallets as they raise money for
such a worthy cause.
Also,
from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., a chicken plate sale will be going on with plates at
$5 each. The plates will include chicken, barbecue beans, potato chips and
dessert. These will be distributed on The Square.
Up for
grabs are two raffles, one a 270 Savage rifle, worth $400 being raffled off for
$5 per ticket and a double basket fish fryer for $2 per ticket.
The
rifle is on display at Michael’s Men’s Store on The Square.
The
face of this fundraiser is a 1-year-old little boy from Athens. Cade Liles was
born with cystic fibrosis, a deadly disease that effects the digestive system
and the lungs. In order for a person to be born with this disease, both parents
have to be carriers, which his parents, Casey and Holly, are.
Every
day, Cade must go through breathing treatments twice a day to open his airways
as well as what his parents call “beatings.” They forcefully pat Cade on his
chest back and sides in order to loosen up the thick, sticky mucus that builds
up throughout the day. That sticky mucus does not move in his body as it would
in a normal person.
He also
undergoes enzyme treatments every day as well, which help him absorb the
nutrients from the food he takes in. According to his doctors, Cade must have
at least 1,500 calories per day, but he might only absorbe 75 percent of that.
So, to make up for that, Cade eats high calorie foods and drinks supplement
shakes to increase his caloric intake as well as improve his chances of
increasing the amount he absorbs throughout the day.
He
seems to be a happy, well adjusted little boy. He never sits still and is into
everything a boy his age should be. He spends time around other kids his own
age, but does not attend daycare. His parents keep him out of a daycare setting
to decrease his exposure to many common childhood illnesses as well as the
common cold or flu.
It is
because of children like Cade, and adults, that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
was formed. Every dollar raised goes towards research for better treatments and
extending the cystic fibrosis patient’s life. The average age of someone with
CF has been increased to around 36 to 37 years of age, and it’s because of the
research done. As far back as the 1950s, CF patients were basically sent home
to die, according to the foundation.
There
were just no effective treatments at that time, so the average lifespan was
much shorter.
So
please come out on Saturday and help raise the funds necessary to help the
foundation help kids like Cade.
BACA returns to Claiborne Parish
Bikers
Against Child Abuse (BACA) will be in Claiborne Parish around the Courthouse
Square on Saturday, April 30.
BACA is
expected to complete a 100-mile ride from the Bossier Harley-Davidson to
Valhalla Campgrounds in Claiborne Parish. Their ride will carry them around the
Courthouse Square around 2:30 p.m. When they arrive at the campgrounds, there
will be live bands, food, a bike show, tattoo contest and plenty of camping
space.
No one
under the age of 21 will be allowed. All people not camping must also leave by
1 a.m.
BACA is
a group of bikers who make this ride every year to raise awareness of child
abuse. According to statistics, more than 900,000 children are victims of child
abuse and neglect in the United States each year. This results in about 1,500
deaths. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and this ride is done in hopes of
lowering these astonishing high numbers.
According
to the organization’s brochure, BACA “takes a firm stand against all forms of
child abuse, which includes physical, sexual, emotional and child porn.
The
mission of BACA says, “BACA exists with the intent to creat a safer environment
for abused children. We exist as a body of bikers to empower children to not
feel afraid of the world in which they live. We stand ready to lend support to
our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization.
We work in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place
to protect children. We desire to send a clear message to all involved with the
abused child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are
prepared to lend our physical and emotional support to them by affiliation, and
our physical presence. We stand at the ready to shield these children from
further abuse. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner,
however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a
child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle.”
BACA
was founded by John Paul “Chief” Lilly, who is a licensed clinical social
worker, registered play therapist/supervisor and part time faculty at Brigham
Young University. The majority of his career has been spent working with abused
children. Although the court system is in place to help protect children from
further abuse through protective orders and the removal of abusers, it still
isn’t enough.
“It is
physically impossible for law enforcement officials to provide protection for
these children 24-hours a day, indefinitely,” the brochure states. “Child
perpetrators are fully aware of this and continue to find ways to access and
further harm their victims. According to the brochure, many children that are
abused do not qualify for therapy funding. Some of those reasons vary, but the
most common include cases that did not meat the basic requirements of the rules
of evidence and are summarily closed or a child that has obviously been abused
and is too frightened to provide enough evidence for the case to be pursued.
Here’s
how BACA works. A child is “adopted” through a short ceremony. After the
initial visit, two BACA members are assigned as the child’s primary contact.
BACA supports each child based on their individual needs and the needs of the
family. Some services include physical presence at the home, visiting the child
at school, therapy needs and so on. BACA members are also available to
accompany a child to court and parole hearings as well. They also maintain a
“therapy” fund for children needing assistance.
Registration
for the 100-mile ride begins at 9 a.m. at the Bossier Harley-Davidson store,
located at 225 Autoplex Drive. At 10:15 a.m., a special video will be shown
with kickstands up at noon. The cost of registration is $15. Any donations are
accepted. BACA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. All proceeds will benefit
BACA River Cities Chapter in Shreveport. For more information, please go to
their website at www.bacaworld.org. Or call their hotline at 318-402-2636.
Also, email bacaevents@yahoo.com.
National Day of Prayer
Program set for noon on May 5
Pastors and clergy gathered together
Tuesday afternoon at Homer City Hall as Mayor Alecia Smith signed a
proclamation in honor of National Day of Prayer to be held on Thursday, May 5.
The program will be held at noon on the Courthouse Square in downtown Homer.
Pictured, from left, back row, the Rev. Russell Grigsby, the Rev. Ben Booth,
the Rev. John McClelland and Dr. Mark Lowery. Middle row includes Dr. Pat
Bates, left and Dr. Markley’s wife, Nancy. Seated is Homer Mayor Alecia N.
Smith.
The Guardian-Journal
This
year marks the 60th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer.
A
prayer service will be held at the Courthouse Square in Homer at noon on
Thursday, May 5, as local officials, pastors and citizens gather together in
observance for this special day.
Leading
the prayer for the nation will be the Rev. Russell Grigsby. For the state, Dr.
Jimmy Simeon will lead the prayer. The Rev. John McClelland will lead the
prayer for the parish, and the Rev. Barbara Martin will pray for the cities.
The law enforcement prayer will be led by the Rev. Ben Booth and the prayer for
firefighters will be led by Dr. John Markley. The judicial prayer will be led
by the Rev. R.B. Moore and emergency medical services prayer will be led by the
Rev. James Pixley. Prayer for the U.S. military will be led by the Rev. Robert
McGaha.
The
theme, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” is based on Psalm 91:2, which says, “I
will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
“At
this perilous and uncertain juncture in our country’s history, it is critical
that we remain in prayer,” said Shirley Dobson, National Day of Prayer Task
Force Chairman. “The American people continue to be plagued with challenges
that defy simple answers, and our hope lies in humbly seeking the Almighty’s
guidance, protection and blessing -- not only on the National Day of Prayer,
but throughout the year.”
This
year’s 2011 honorary chairman of the task force will be Joni Eareckson Tada.
She will give the keynote address at the national observance in Washington,
D.C., which will be held at the Cannon House Office Building.
According
to the task force’s website, www.nationaldayofprayer.org, “The National Day of
Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775,
when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming
a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including
President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of ‘humiliation, fasting, and prayer’
in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman,
declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and
signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday
of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all
Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the
governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.”
Architects to begin HMH ICU construction
drawings
The
dream is becoming a reality.
According
to Homer Memorial Hospital CEO, Scott Barrilleaux, Space Planners/Architects of
Monroe have been released to begin production of construction documents
necessary to build a new six-bed Intensive Care Unit.
Barrilleaux
made this announcement during Homer Memorial Hospital’s (HMH) Board of
Directors meeting held on April 19.
The
volunteers of the Claiborne Healthcare Foundation have worked very hard to make
this Foundation a success.
Thanks
to that hard work and the generosity of our donors, the Foundation has raised
more than $843,000 toward its goal of $1 million.
For
those who have not done so, please consider helping the Foundation reach that
goal.
Potential
donors may choose to honor someone through the Gifts of Tribute program for
events such as a birthday, wedding anniversaries, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day,
or other special occasions.
Memorials
may also be made for friends and loved ones who have passed awau. The
Foundation has levels of giving to fit any budget. Naming opportunities are
still available for the ICU Waiting Room, the Medical/Surgical Nursing Station
as well as the new Intensive Care Unit.
For
more information on how to become a part of this great Foundation, please
contact Lisa Ledbetter at 318-927-1400. The
Foundation may also be found on the hospital’s website at www.homerhospital.com.
Jubilee Chair Auction scheduled for May
28
Due to
the unforeseen postponement of the play “The Big Picture” to be presented by
the theater group Swamp Gravy, from Colquitt, Ga., the auction of the “We’re
Saving a Seat for You” chairs has been rescheduled to take place on the
Courthouse lawn during the Claiborne Jubilee Arts Festival on May 28.
As
disappointed as the planners are that the play has been delayed, they are
planning for it to take place probably in the fall, and fundraising will
continue through the summer months.
Numerous
parish residents have taken chairs to recreate as works of art, and they will
be on public display soon. Anyone still interested in participating should
contact Cynthia Steele at 318-927-2566 as soon as possible. Any type of chair,
bench or stool can be used, and some are still available for those who do not
have one already. Everyone who donates a chair to be decorated or who decorates
one will receive a free ticket to the performance.
More
than just another theater group, Swamp Gravy is an example of what can happen
when a community pulls together. Colquitt, Ga., is smaller than Homer, and it
is in a county much less populated than Claiborne Parish. Yet a handful of
determined people have persevered in collecting oral histories from that area
and have produced award-winning plays which have attracted thousands of
visitors to the county.
Numerous
businesses have grown up to respond to the crowds, and the arts group which
grew out of the theater folks’ efforts has also produced 17 murals, which bring
even more travelers to the region. Colquitt hosted the Global Mural Conference
in 2010, and each February, other communities throughout the country come to
their “Building Creative Communities” workshops.
After
the group’s founders spoke here in 2009, parish representatives attended such a
workshop and determined that bringing Swamp Gravy here would be an inspiration
to Claiborne story tellers. We have already begun gathering oral histories here
and would welcome any stories you would like to share.
911 Phase II complete
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Phase
II is now complete.
So what
does that mean? It means that the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office and
Claiborne 911 can easily pinpoint a cell phone caller when they call in an
emergency.
According
to Walter Johnson, Claiborne 911 director, this now allows dispatchers at the
sheriff’s office to quickly pinpoint a caller and allow them to send an
emergency response team faster. Here’s how it works.
“When
someone calls from a cell phone, it actually shows up as a cell phone on the
map,” Johnson said. “If the person moves, it re-triangulates their position and
gives the nearest address.”
When
someone calls 911, a name, address and contact information appear on one screen
and the caller’s location will appear on another. The mapping program, Orion
Map Star, will give the latitude and longitude and plot the location on the
mapping system. This program allows them to track the caller if they are on the
move.
The
whole system, Automatic Location Information (ALI), works together to allow
dispatchers to dispatch emergency response.
On the
old system, all that would come up would be the person’s name and contact
information. Then the dispatcher would have to coordinate with the caller and
emergency personnel to get an exact location. All 911 calls went to the
administrative lines at the sheriff’s office, and there was no way to track the
caller other than asking them over the phone.
The old
system used to be a “big phone” where dispatchers had to transfer calls.
According to Johnson, they still use this system, called a one button transfer,
that makes it into a three-way call. This system goes to a dedicated phone line
he said. Plus, the original equipment had no mapping system.
When
the process of getting Phase II up and running was in its infancy stages,
Johnson sent letters to all the cell phone and landline carriers letting them
know this is what Claiborne Parish was doing. In the letters, he said, he asked
them to send all of their 911 information to them and it would be uploaded onto
the mapping system. Most have done that, including Claiborne Parish’s biggest
cell phone carrier, Verizon.
Claiborne
Parish also has all information in the surrounding parishes that border
Claiborne. This allows them, if need be, to transfer a call to another parish.
With
the Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping work that is currently
underway, Claiborne 911 and the sheriff’s office will be able to use this
information as well to make the process even faster. Currently, Geographical
Computer Technologies, LLC, is working with Claiborne Parish Tax Assessor Bob
Robinson to get all the plats and satellite photographs of Claiborne Parish
aligned and enter all the information that goes with that. When that is
complete, Claiborne 911 will be able to use this information as well. GCT will
overlay their information with the 911 dispatch map.
Because
the work with the tax assessor’s office is still underway, it could be a while
before the overlay will be done. Until that time, though, Phase II just makes
it that much easier for dispatchers to do their jobs -- that of saving lives.
Haynesville progresses with ‘Pot’ Luck
fundraiser plans
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Improving
the restrooms at the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex is moving forward.
With
the anticipation of the “Pot” Luck @ the Fair fundraiser coming May 20, Martha
Trinko, spokesperson for Haynesville’s Citizen Advisory Committee, reported
that Keith Killgore has received one bid from a tile company and they are
waiting on a plumber and a company to do construction of the restroom stalls.
The
fundraiser is set for 6 p.m., Friday, May 20, at the Claiborne Parish Fair
Complex. With a potluck style supper, not only is the food expected to be
delectable, the entertainment is expected to be outstanding as well.
The
Monday Night Choir Boys, of Springhill, will provide the evening’s
entertainment, beginning at 7 p.m. The meal will be served at 6 p.m. Local
church committees are preparing the food. However, it was made clear during
Trinko’s report that those attending the fundraiser do not have to bring a
covered dish. All that is being asked is to buy a ticket. Claiborne Electric,
Claiborne Charity and some of the oilfield companies will be cooking the meats
to be served at the fundraiser.
Tickets
are available through committee members and several businesses for a $20
donation. Those who wish to buy a ticket better do so fast because there are
only 500 available. They can be picked up at the Haynesville News, The
Guardian-Journal, Killgore’s Pharmacy, Carla’s Cut ‘N Curl, Haynesville City
Hall.
Ray
Killgore will organize the gospel and patriotic music for the event and there
will also be a silent auction. Items are needed for the auction. To make a
donation for the auction, please contact Teresa McDaniel, Mollie Coleman or
Martha Trinko.
Will
Maddox will also make a presentation for the formal dedication of the Tom S.
Crocker Pavilion.
Also,
an account has been set up at Capital One Bank in Haynesville for the potluck
fundraiser. Checks for donations and for tickets can be made payable to
“Potluck at the Fair.”
While
on the topic of fundraisers, earlier that week on Saturday, May 14,
Haynesville’s Citywide Rummage Sale will be held. Donation drop offs will be
accepted on Thursday, May 12, and if need be, Trinko said she could make
arrangements for items to be picked up.
Shoppers
need to hurry, because the sale will only be held from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Proceeds from this rummage sale will go towards funding town projects as well
as the Christmas Decor fund as well as the town’s annual fireworks show. Also,
any proceeds left over after the restroom remodel at the fair complex will go
to these projects as well.
In
other news, a resolution was approved by the town council to support efforts to
keep the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which funds public
infrastructure, economic development and housing programs in small communities
like Haynesville. The resolution is petitioning U.S. Congress to “recognize the
outstanding work being done locally and nationally by the CDBG program, and of
its vital importance to the community and to the people who live in its lower
income neighborhoods.”
The
resolution also will be sent to elected and appointed officials to get
Haynesville’s name added to the roll of “those committed to the preservation
and full funding of the Community Development Block Grant Program and
maintenance of its essential features over the course of the next session of
Congress.”
The
issue is that there is only so much funding right now, and that money is
actually being split among several applicants. This means that projects in
small communities like Haynesville are not receiving the full amounts they are
applying for, Mayor Sherman Brown said.
After
the council approved this resolution, the first reading of a draft of the lease
agreement with Fire District #3 was done.
According
to the mayor, the process for this began last summer. Fire District #3 is in
desperate need of more room and they are asking for the lease agreement for the
property beside the fire station in Haynesville to be able to expand its
current facilities.
According
to the lease agreement, if agreed upon by both parties and approved by the town
council, then the fire district would lease the property for a total of 99
years. The Town of Haynesville will enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement
with the fire district in exchange for the fire protection offered to the
residents of the Town of Haynesville.
If
passed, then the town would be responsible for supplying water and installing,
replacing and maintaining fire hydrants and water lines within the corporate
limits. The fire district will be responsible for “and/or allowed to:” inspect
fire hydrants, pay all utilities on the property, maintain and improve
buildings without the consent of the Town of Haynesville, provide fire trucks,
equipment and personnel sufficient to provide fire protection to the residents
of the town and ensure employees/firefighters are covered by workman’s
compensation insurance.
Before
the next town council meeting on Thursday, May 19, a public hearing will be
held at 5:45 p.m., just a few minutes before the start of the regular monthly
meeting. It will be during the regular meeting that the ordinance will be
adopted or not.
Also,
the first reading of another ordinance was read for the sale of surplus
property on a lot on Camp Avenue in Haynesville. The property is an 80x100 lot
which a family has been maintaining for several years and they want to buy it.
According to Brown, the property had not been used by the town for many years,
but in order to sell it, it had to be declared surplus. Even though the family
intends to purchase the property, it would be done with the understanding that
the town keeps the mineral rights on the property.
A
public hearing will be held at the same time on the same date.
In
police personnel news, Police Chief Anthony Smith was approved to hire two
police officers, one to fill a graveyard shift and another to replace an
officer that is leaving.
Kevin
Campbell, who works for the district attorney’s office in Minden, will cover
the graveyard shift from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. He will still continue his work
with the district attorney’s office, Smith said.
Jeremy
Nehls, of Sarepta, was also hired. He will work the 2-10 p.m. shift. Officer
John Stephenson is going to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Nehls
will work with him before Stephenson’s last day on Saturday, April 30.
In FYI
news, the next CAC meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, May 9. Other news is
as follows:
• The
Louisiana Government Assistance Program (LGAP) grant has been partially
approved for $5,800. Originally requested was $35,000. Permission has been
granted to use the $5,800 for repairs to the AC unit with funding to replace it
next year.
• Keith
Killgore and the Haynesville Beautification Committee will be purchasing and
placing “Welcome to Haynesville” flags in the downtown area, and the old Depot
has been repainted in preparation of a mural.
• Sign
poles at Parker-Newell Point have been moved and painted.
• A
National Day of Prayer program is being coordinated by Ms. Marie Bailey. A
prayer service will be held at noon Thursday, May 5, at the Corner Park.
At the
beginning of the meeting, a moment of silence was held in memorium for those
lost since the last meeting. They are: Mary Hatter Clemons, JoAnn Randle
Pennington, Gustavia Manning, Mable Marcus Quarles, Ruby J. Rabb, Mildred Pace,
Jimmy R. Walker, Kenneth Reynolds, Lent Bursey Sr. and Leroy Cole.
The
next meeting of the Haynesville Town Council will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday,
May 19, in council chambers, located behind Haynesville City Hall. For more
information or for questions, please call 318-624-0911.
Becoming notary not that easy
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Being a
notary public has its privileges, and before the State of Louisiana took over
the testing, it as rather easy to obtain a notary commission.
However,
when Judge Harmon Drew and his wife Jean spoke to the Homer Lions Club
recently, getting the notary public commission is not as easy as it used to be.
So now, it seems, businesses are revolting by appointing someone within the
company as an “ex-officio” notary -- and Louisiana banks are attempting to
follow suit.
In this
year’s legislative session Rep. Robert A. Johnson (D-Marksville), presented
House Bill 257, which would create a “new and improved (by bank standards)
second-class ‘notary private’ for Louisiana banks,” they said.
According
to an issue of Louisiana Notary, a notary public publication, the intent of the
legislation is that banks “just want to be able to make notaries to notarize
in-house and bank-related documents for their customers.
“This
bill will ensure the banks are able to dispense with the need to involve
regularly commissioned notaries in just about all of their work or that of
their customers,” the publication continued. “Regularly commissioned notaries
now employed by banks who rely on their expertise can be replaced by
entry-level employees.”
These
notaries would have to meet all the requirements of a notary except they would
not have to take and pass the state exam. They would be required to take 15
hours of classroom or internet-based study.
According
to the Drews, who have taught notary courses for many years, many businesses or
entities that are exceptions are a long list. That’s mainly because the test
has become so difficult now, they said.
During
the last round of testing, Mrs. Drew said, out of 599 testers, only 13 percent
passed, and of that 13 percent, many of those were retests. This means, Judge
Drew said, that out of 599 participants only 10 passed the test with only two
passing the first time.
According
to the Drews, only two passed the exam on the first try, four passed the exam
on their second try, three passed the exam on their third try, and one passed
on their eighth try.
It can
be really discouraging, he said, because of the cost of taking the exam. Each
time a participant takes the test, it costs around $1,000 by the time the
participant pays for the cost of the exam, pays to file and takes a course or
purchases the study material to go with it.
To
become a notary, the citizen must be 18 years of age or older and be qualified
by the Louisiana Secretary of State. They must also take and pass the state
exam. There are other requirements as well, including completing an Application
to Qualify where the applicant must be of good moral character, integrity and
sober habits and be registered to vote in the parish in which the applicant
seeks commission.
The
duties of a licensed notary include two main duties -- attesting to signatures
on documents and administering oaths in depositions and other situations.
According
to www.answers.com, the duty of attesting to signatures on documents is
“important because it aids in minimizing fraud. Signature attestation must be
done with the notary and the signatory in a face-to-face setting. This
procedure helps ensure the authenticity of the signature.
For
more information about House Bill 257, go to the Louisiana Legislature’s
website at www.legis.state.la.us. Inquires may
also be made by phone to 1-225-922-0507.
