Police seek 3 in drive-by shooting

 

The Guardian-Journal

Three individuals are still being sought in connection with a drive-by shooting in Homer that left one injured.

Still being sought are:

• Lydell Tell, 23, of Haynesville. Warrants for his arrest have been issued by the Homer Police Department on charges of conspiracy to commit the offense of aggravated second degree battery and conspiracy to commit illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentalities.

• Demontre D. Robinson, 24, of Haynesville. A warrant for his arrest has been issued by the Homer Police Department on conspiracy to commit aggravated second degree battery.

• Dedarian K. Robinson, 23, of Haynesville. A warrant for his arrest has been issued by the Homer Police Department on charges of aggravated second degree battery.

According to Captain Donald Malray, of the Homer Police Department, these individuals are three of seven individuals who were involved in a drive-by shooting in which a bullet struck Jamarcion Hardwell in the lower leg area. Around 7 p.m. on May 16, Malray said the incident occurred on South 3rd Street in which, he said, witnesses say an altercation took place in the 900 block of Hudd Drive between a group of Homer boys and a group of Haynesville boys. During the initial investigation, it was reported that the group of teens from Haynesville left and came back to Homer where they drove down West 3rd Street ending on South 3rd Street where Hardwell was shot.

Three arrests in the case have been made so far. Arrested were Dre’Deshun Logan, 18, of Haynesville, charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated second degree battery and conspiracy to commit illegal use of dangerous weapons or instrumentalities. Kaylan Jackson, 17, also of Haynesville, was charged with aggravated second degree battery and illegal use of dangerous weapons or instrumentalities. Also arrested was Demartez Jackson, 20, on the charge of conspiracy to commit aggravated second degree battery, with bond set at $30,000, Orlansarde Hunter, 24, and Richard Jones Jr., 21, all on the same charge of conspiracy to commit aggravated second degree battery.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of these three individuals, please call the Homer Police Department at 318-927-4000.

 

2011 Lake Claiborne Boat Parade and Fireworks Show

Show to go on despite dry conditions

 

The Guardian-Journal

The 2011 Lake Claiborne Boat Parade and Fireworks Show is this weekend (Sunday, July 3), and it’s sure to be full of fun for the whole family. However, officials want patrons to do so safely.

Even though the fireworks show will go on as planned, weather conditions are still ripe for fires. And while there is no ban on fireworks used by the general public, Homer Fire Chief Dennis Butcher is asking that all citizens use every precaution necessary to keep themselves safe and others around them.

“Enjoy the Fourth of July fireworks, but please use extreme caution,” Butcher said. “Conditions are still extremely dry at this time, and weather forecasts don’t predict any rain any time soon. A little common sense and a little preparation will go a long way.”

He offered the following tips:

• Never allow children to shoot fireworks without adult supervision.

• Always have a garden hose and a bucket of water handy to douse any smoldering fireworks after they’ve been shot. Shoot them in an area where you have access to water.

• Never hold lit fireworks in your hand.

• Never throw used fireworks into a brush pile.

• Watch the area. Do not shoot fireworks and then leave the area unattended. Please remain in the area for at least 30 minutes after shooting to make sure they are all extinguished.

• It is suggested not to use aerial fireworks, such as bottle rockets, however, if they are used, please use extreme caution.

According to weather forecasters, there is little to no rain expected for the next couple of weeks. Extremely dry conditions have caused an increase in grass and woods fires throughout the parish. As mentioned, officials are urging residents to use extreme caution at this time.

The entire State of Louisiana is currently under a burn ban, which means any outdoor burning is not allowed.

Even though temperatures are expected to hover near 100 degrees or above in the afternoon, the boat parade will start at a time when the day will start cooling off. At around 7 p.m., the boat parade will start at Pleasure Point Marina and make the usual path around Lake Claiborne as it has in the past. As revelers count their beads and children eat their candy, they can sit back and relax until the start of the fireworks show, which is set to begin around 9 p.m.

Throughout the day and during the boat parade and fireworks show, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office as well as Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Agents will be out on the water to ensure the safety of everyone.

Sheriff Ken Bailey is also asking those along the parade route to be cautious as the boats come around their docks. He is asking that no one be in the water at the time of the boat parade to prevent any accidents or injuries during the parade -- and above all be safe and have a great time!

The annual event is sponsored by Fireworks for Lake Claiborne Inc., the donations of others each year to put on a spectacular show. Any donations received are tax deductible, and for those who wish to make a donation, please mail to Fireworks for Lake Claiborne, Inc., P.O. Box 181, Homer, LA, 71040.

 

Bays murder suspect released on recognizance

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

One suspect charged with the murder of Brian G. “Butch” Bays was released on recognizance last Wednesday afternoon.

Hardy Taylor, 19, was released from the Claiborne Parish Detention Center with strict special conditions, Sheriff Ken Bailey said. He was released because of a special medical condition which requires injections twice per week in order for him to live. According to records, those injections were costing the Claiborne Parish Police Jury right at $90,000 per month, which adds up to roughly $1.08 million per year.

Bays was shot and killed on Thursday, December 16, 2010, at his country store in Summerfield, which left the small community in shock and greatly saddened.

Taylor and 19-year-old Donte Fielding are both charged with his murder.

Taylor received state assistance with his medical care which was stopped once he was incarcerated at the detention center. The police jury then took over the costs of his medical care.

Bailey said the only thing Taylor is allowed to do outside of his home is to go to his doctor’s appointments and receive his injections. He will be escorted to and from by armed guard each time. The only person allowed to visit him at his home is his attorney.

“We also have the right to enter his home without a warrant to make sure that he’s there, and if he’s not, his parents could be criminally charged,” Bailey said. “He will be wearing an ankle bracelet which will be monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week by our office.”

According to police jury records, in 2010, the police jury paid out approximately $24,000 just for medicines for the male prisoners. In 2009, it was just under $15,000. The year 2008 was about the same. Half way into the year 2011 (just for the last five weeks), the police jury has already paid out roughly $125,000. Records show that $120,000 of that was related directly to one prisoner.

According to their budget for this fiscal year, they had budgeted $20,000 just for medicines.

The budget will have to be amended, which means the money to cover the costs of these medicines will have to come from the police jury’s reserves.

The police jury issued a statement extending its thanks to the sheriff’s office, the district attorney’s office, Judge Jenifer Clason, Sen. Mike Walsworth’s office, Sen. Robert Adley’s office and Rep. Rick Gallot’s office for their efforts in helping to resolve a very difficult matter.

Jack Bays, Butch’s brother, said he wasn’t really angry about Taylor’s release because officials told him and his family that Taylor’s release could be coming because of the enormous cost to the police jury.

“I understand why they did it, so as long as he’s wearing a bracelet or a monitoring device, it’s okay with me,” Bays said. “I feel like he’s going to eventually suffer for what he did. I’m sure [these restrictions] aren’t going to be a picnic.”

And while this difficult development has come to pass, Bays says he still thinks about Butch and what happened.

“I still miss Butch,” he said.

Assistant District Attorney Danny Newell, who is handling the prosecution of the case, was not available for comment as he was out of town as of press time.

Fielding is still incarcerated at the detention center at this time. As of press time, there was no word as to when trial dates have been set for the two.

 

LDWF cracking down on DWIs

 

A Bernice man was arrested on Corney Lake in Claiborne Parish for DWI charges while racking up a host of others.

On Friday, June 24, Eric Bates Jr., 22, was arrested for DWI by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Agents (LDWF). Bond on that charge was set at $750. Other charges included littering prohibited with a bond of $500, simple possession of Schedule I CDS (marijuana), with bond set at $500, possession of drug paraphernalia with bond set at $500, and possession with intent to distribute Schedule I CDS (marijuana) with bond set at $15,000.

Others arrested by LDWF include Crystal Hurst, 36, of Dubach, for issuing worthless checks. Bond was set at $500. She was arrested on Monday, June 20.

Walter W. Selmon, 27, of El Dorado, Ark., was arrested by LDWF agents on Saturday, June 25 on the following charges: failure to comply with required class A tiller outboard with bond set at $500, improper running lights with bond set at $500, possession of drug paraphernalia with bond set at $500, angling without license, non-resident with bond set at $500, open container with bond set at $500, simple possession of schedule I CDS (marijuana) with bond set at $500, possession with intent to distribute schedule I CDS (marijuana) with bond set at $15,000 and operating a watercraft with a suspended license with bond set at $500.

In support of Operation Dry Water, LDWF agents arrested 10 boaters statewide for driving or operating a vessel while intoxicated (DWI).

“We take DWI enforcement on the water very serious since the leading cause of boating fatalities is alcohol,” said Lt. Col. Jeff Mayne, the state’s boating law administrator. “We want everybody on the water to have a good time, but to keep in mind that they need a designated driver just like on land.”

Alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. It can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some prescription medications.

Louisiana has had 32 fatalities from boating crash incidents in 2009. Alcohol was again the leading primary cause of those boating fatal incidents leading to 24 percent of the fatalities. Nationwide, statistics from 2009 reveal that 16 percent of all boat incident fatalities were a direct result of alcohol or drug use.

LDWF issued 216 DWI citations to boat operators in 2009. Anyone cited for a DWI on the water or on the road will lose his or her driver’s license and boating privileges for the specified time ordered by the judge in the case. Also, each offense of operating a vehicle or vessel while intoxicated counts toward the total number of DWI crimes whether they happened on the water or road.

In Louisiana, a DWI on the water carries the same penalties and fines as on the road and includes jail time, fines and loss of driving and boating operator privileges.

In Louisiana, a DWI can be issued to anyone operating a moving vessel or vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. First offense DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. Second offense DWI brings a $750 to $1,000 fine and between 30 days and six months in jail. Third offense DWI carries a fine of $5,000 and between one and five years in jail.

Operation Dry Water was started in 2009 and is a joint program involving LDWF, the National Association of State Boating Law Administration (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard. More information is available at www.operationdrywater.org.

 

Homer man arrested in Minden

 

A traffic stop by a Troop G State Trooper turned into a drug bust for Minden Police late last week.

Landon Lord, 18, of the 1800 block of Harmon Loop in Homer was arrested with possession of CDS Schedule I (marijuana) with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule IV (Xanax) with intent to distribute, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile (felony) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said the trooper had stopped Lord’s vehicle at the intersection of Highways 79 and 531, although there was no clear indication on reports as to whether a traffic citation was issued.

“The trooper asked for assistance, and Officers Ryan Barnette and Chris Hammontree went to the location,” Cropper said. “Once they got there, the trooper informed them there was a juvenile in the vehicle who was indicating there were illegal narcotics on board.”

Barnette reportedly removed Lord -- the driver -- from the vehicle and asked him if there was anything illegal in the vehicle.

“They ended up searching the vehicle, and inside they found approximately five small bags of marijuana, a grinding/cutting tool and a plastic bag containing Xanax bars,” Cropper said.

Officers reportedly talked to the juvenile who said he had been with Lord when he purchased the narcotics somewhere in Texas.

“Lord admitted he had purchased the narcotics and brought them back over here to try and sell them,” Cropper said. “There was a strong odor of marijuana in the vehicle, and the driver indicated he had been smoking it, but they had not used any of the Xanax.”

The chief said the juvenile was not charged and was released into the custody of a guardian.

 

This story was reprinted with permission from the Minden Press-Herald.

 

 

Claiborne Parish tourism initiative is underway

 

JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer

The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce has put together an assortment of materials to highlight where to go and what to do and see in Claiborne Parish. “Whether you’re a visitor or a local resident,Brochures and the Two Disc Driving CD available at several area locations - Click to Visit ClaiborneParishTourism.org Claiborne Parish has a driving tour CD set that you will find interesting,” says John Watson, Executive Director of the Chamber.

“The CD is one part of a major initiative aimed at helping others see and appreciate what is wonderful about Claiborne Parish,” Watson notes.

Asked what else is a part of the initiative, Watson explains that a colorful tourism brochure has been prepared. In addition,  there is a new website www.claiborneparishtourism.org.

Also, a cemetery brochure includes a map of the parish with the locations of 156 cemeteries in the parish or within a few miles of the parish line.

Finally, television ads have appeared describing Claiborne Parish as a desirable tourist destination.

Describing the tourism brochure, Watson says it highlights points of interest in Homer, Haynesville, Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield, and other areas of Claiborne Parish. It points out that 10 buildings in the parish are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The brochure includes pictures of the Claiborne Parish Courthouse, Herbert S. Ford Museum, Lisbon’s Killgore House, the mural on the west wall of Haynesville’s Killgore Pharmacy,  Homer’s Old Town Cemetery, the Hill Farm, Summerfield’s Alberry Wasson House, and Lake Claiborne.

The cover of the “Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, Cemetery Guide” notes that it is intended to be “A guide to finding the resting places of your ancestors.” A brief description gives directions for each of the 156 cemeteries There is also a map in the brochure marking the approximate location of each.

The new tourism website, www.claiborneparishtourism.org, describes Lake Claiborne State Park and lists local lodging such as Panther Creek Bed and Breakfast at Summerfield and Lake Claiborne Vacation Cottage on Harmon Loop.

The website describes “eateries” such as the Rebel Stop and Moon’s toward Summerfield, Port-au-Prince on Lake Claiborne, Sunrise Bakery and Restaurant and Homer Seafood and Pizza as well as Yesterday’s Grill in Haynesville.

Highlights related to Homer, Haynesville, Lisbon, Athens, Summerfield, and the parish’s historic cemeteries are all mentioned on the website.

Some parish events are plugged including the Butterfly Festival, the Claiborne Jubilee, the 4th of July Fireworks and Boat Parade, Lake Claiborne Antique Auto and Bike Show, and the Christmas Festival.

The set consists of two CDs with 41 tracks of information highlighting areas of interest around the parish. For only $3 visitors or local residents can learn things about Claiborne Parish that’s not in the history books, stories passed down from grandparents to grandchildren that has become the stuff of local legend and lore.

Of course, the internet website is free as is the tourism brochure. With the cemetery guide available for $1 and the driving CD sets for $3, the whole tourism package is available for $4, a token cost to cover expenses of production.

Many local citizens donated many hours to the brochures, the cemetery guide, the driving CDs, and the website.

Brochures and CD sets are available at the following locations:

* The Grapevine

* The Raven Bookstore

* Port-au-Prince Restaurant

* Killgore Pharmacy

* The Rebel Stop

* Claiborne Parish Library

* Delta Interiors

* The Chamber Office at Ford Museum

Brochures only are available at the following:

* Courtyard Florist

* Lake Claiborne State Park

* Haynesville City Hall

* The Guardian-Journal

 

NOTICE: Deadline For Advertisements

No Later Than 5 p.m. On Mondays

All display and legal advertisements for The Guardian-Journal must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Monday of the week in which it is to appear. Classified ads will be received until 12 p.m (noon) on Tuesday prior to the Thursday publication date. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

NOTICE TO READERS
THE GUARDIAN-JOURNAL HAS A NEW TOLL-FREE LINE AT
1-877-480-9918.

Archived Guardian Journal Headlines & News Briefs from November 1999
 

News Briefs

NAACP to meet July 5

The Claiborne Parish Chapter of the NAACP will meet at 6 p.m. at Lane Chapel CME Church, located at 290 Washington Street in Homer.

 

Police Jury to meet July 6

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet for its regular monthly meeting at 9 a.m. in the police jury room at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury complex. For more information or for questions, please call their office at 318-927-2222.

 

School Board to meet July 7

The Claiborne Parish School Board will meet at 6 p.m. for its regular monthly meeting in the board room at Central Office. For more information or for questions, please call their office at 318-927-3555.

 

Homer Town Council to meet July 11

The Homer Town Council will meet at 6 p.m. in council chambers at Homer City Hall for its regular monthly meeting. The meeting was moved to the following Monday as July 4 is a holiday. For more information or for questions, please call their office at 318-927-3555.

 

HYPE program to be presented July 14

Alton’s Vision will present HYPE (Help Young People Excel) at 7:30 p.m. at Homer City Hall. Lots of prizes to be given away! The program is free to the public. For more information, contact Alton at 318-225-2222 between 7:30 and 9 p.m. every day.

 

Hunter’s Ed course slated for July 20, 21, 23

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, along with the David Wade Correctional Center, will sponsor a hunter’s education course for 2011. On July 20 and 21, the course will be from 6 until 9 p.m., and on July 23, from 8 a.m. until noon. Anyone interested must pre-register with the sheriff’s office at 318-927-2011 or contact Col. Brad Rogers at 318-927-0400, extension 455.

 

Haynesville Town Council to meet July 21

The Haynesville Town Council will meet for its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. in council chambers located behind city hall. For more information or for questions, please call their office at 318-624-0911.

 

Athens Reunion slated for July 1-3

Former students, graduates, faculty, family and friends of Hillcrest-Athens High School are invited to renew acquaintances, reflect on memories, fellowship with others and highlight our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The cost for an individual is $50, with a couple at $100. A family of four with children under 21 is $110, and each additional child under 21 is $5. The deadline for the fee is May 30, however, 50 percent of it is due by March 15. Please make checks payable to Hillcrest-Athens Reunion with a personal check, money order or cashier’s check, and mail to Hillcrest-Athens Reunion, c/o Patsy Amos, 603 Weston Street, Minden, LA 71055.

 

Annual Boat Parade and Fireworks Show slated for July 3

The annual Lake Claiborne Boat Parade and Fireworks Show will be held, with the boat parade beginning at 7 p.m., leaving from Pleasure Point Marina. The Fireworks show will take place about dark, around 9 p.m. Don’t miss it!

 

Ford Museum Seeking Veterans' Photographs

The H.S. Ford Museum has received a grant from Entergy that will enable us to make its exhibits more interactive. Our first emphasis will focus on honoring our military veterans, especially those with a connection to North Central Louisiana. For this project, we are requesting the public's help in gathering photos, formal as well as candid photos that capture everyday life in the military. Artifacts and photos are needed from the Civil War era to the present. Items can be sent to the museum at or mailed to P.O. Box 157, Homer, LA 71040. The museum is opened Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 am to 4 pm for anyone wishing to deliver material in person.


J.T. Taylor RealtyJ.T. Taylor Realty/Dimex Sales - Now Online

J.T. Taylor Realty has provided Real Estate Sales and Buyer Representation in Homer, Haynesville and Claiborne Parish for Commercial, Residential and Timberland Properties since 1984.


For over 10 years, Dimex Sales has offered a full line of Portable Buildings for Home, Home/Office, Construction Sites, and Storage needs.

 

DNG ConsultingDNG Consulting - Now Online

Based in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, DNG Consulting, LLC provides a wide range of consulting services to meet the needs of a variety of client types. DNG Consulting assists clients in Mergers & Acquisitions, Management Organization Study & Re-structuring, Project Management, Critical Path Recovery Scheduling, Construction Claims Analysis, Business Development, Professional/Technical Recruitment Services and Fuel Services.

 

Don Grimes, President of DNG Consulting, and wife Bea are long time Claiborne Parish residents. The Grimes' have been involved in promoting Claiborne Parish for many years.



Claiborne One Site Now Features Area Image Archive

Archives Now Online include:


Money Available for New or Expanding Businesses in Homer

The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce now has monies to lend through the Revolving Loan Program. Anyone who is interested in starting a business or enlarging an existing business within Claiborne Parish may be eligible. These funds were received from the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program to assist small businesses and provide for jobs in Claiborne Parish. Loan preferences will be made on the basis of job creation. Further information may be obtained by contacting John Watson, Executive Director of the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce at (318) 927-3271. The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity provider. To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).


Smoke Detectors For The Elderly Offered through TRIAD

TRIAD of Claiborne wants all seniors age 65 and above, to have a smoke detector. You may also qualify if you're disabled. Having a smoke detector can mean the difference of life or death. Smoke detectors are available without charge. If you don't have a smoke detector, call 927-2011.

 

  
 
Top of Page

 

Community Services Directory - Educational Programs, Hotlines, Health/Medical, Social/Community, Clubs/Organizations, and Internet Resources


 
The Guardian-Journal
 
The Guardian-Journal
620 North Main  |  PO Box 119  |  Homer, La 71040
Phone 318-927-3541  |  Fax 318-927-3542

Co-Owners
Kathryn H. Hightower Hilda Spillers Estate

Geraldine H. Hightower
Publisher
Michelle Bates
Editor
Official Journal
  Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Town of Homer, Villages of Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield and Junction City, La.
Subscription Rates (payable in advance)
Pricing Subject to Change Without Notice
Claiborne, Bienville, Lincoln, Webster and Union Parishes $25.00 per year
Inside the State of Louisiana $30.00 per year
Outside Louisiana (within U.S.) $35.00 per year
(Payments for subscriptions may be made to the above address)
Submissions
  Deadline for Advertisements and News Copy is Monday at 5 PM. Weddings and Engagements must be turned in for publication on the Friday prior to the desired publication date. Photographs must be in the newspaper office by 4 p.m. Friday, a $10.00 charge is placed on all photographs.
All "Letters to the Editor" must be signed.
 
We reserve the right to edit all news copy!
 
  
Current News  |  Headlines  |  News Briefs  |  Subscriptions  |  Contact Us

Contact Us for Back Issues of the Guardian-Journal
Archived Headlines and News Briefs

Disclaimer, Privacy Policy and User Agreement

Online Since 11/11/99

www.kcwd.com





Click Here - Link Opens in Separate Window
 

 

Enter Movie Title

OR, Enter City/Zip

 





 
Enter City or US Zip




 
Click Here - Link Opens in Separate Window
 

 

Merriam Webster OnLine
Dictionary
Thesaurus