PARISH WIDE BURN BAN until further notice
Claiborne Parish OEP Director Dennis Butcher and the respective fire chiefs of the Claiborne Parish Fire Protection Districts have issued a PARISH WIDE BURN BAN until further notice. There will be no tolerance given in the enforcement of this parish wide burn ban.
Lisbon post office up for possible
closure
The Guardian-Journal
Lisbon
residents may be traveling farther than their local post office to pick up
their mail or send a package.
The
U.S. Postal Service is considering closing thousands of post offices throughout
the country, and the Lisbon Post Office is on that list of possible closures.
According
to published reports, the U.S. Postal Service is looking at possibly closing
about 3,700 post offices across the country within the next year. Falling
revenues are to blame, reports said, with the postal service facing a $8.3
billion budget deficit this year.
Earl
Artis Jr., manager of corporate communications of the southwest area, said
there are 51 postal offices in Louisiana that are being considered.
“We’ve
only announced a study to determine if we should close them,” he said. “The
list is to be studied to see if they should be closed, not necessarily that
they will be closed.”
The
idea is to study each office individually to determine whether it should be
closed and if they can still provide effective services to the people in those
areas.
The
criteria includes the impact on the community, on the employees and the
proximity of other post offices close to that area. Postmaster General Pat
Donahoe also added that they will be reviewed on how much money they bring in
and how many hours of work are performed there each day.
“Some
of these offices are very, very small,” Artis Jr. said. “Some of these offices
(3,000 post offices) take in less than $15,000 annuallly, 9,000 take in less
than $40,000. You have to explore all the options in ways to save money.”
Community
meetings will also be held in each area that may be affected, and that will
also count towards whether that particular post office will close.
However,
closing post offices is only one proposal on the table. Another is to stop
deliveries on Saturdays, which could save them approximately $3 billion each
year.
“We are
losing revenue as we speak, said Donahoe. “We do not want taxpayer money. we
want to be self-sufficient. So like any other business, you have to make
choices.”
Contributing
to the decrease in revenue, Artis Jr. said, is the bulk of mail is lower. There
are fewer letters in the mail stream.
“We’ve
lost 4.3 billion pieces within the past five years,” he said. “Nationwide,
retail transactions are down $2 billion in the past five years. All this to
say, we’ve got to do something differently.”
According
to national reports, the postal service is looking into setting up village post
offices within grocery stores, gas stations, libraries and town halls. These
village post offices would not provide the full range of services, however, it
would sell stamps and ship packages. By doing it this way and not using postal
employees, it would save the U.S. Postal Service substantially on labor costs.
If
warranted, the list of possible closures could begin as early as this fall.
Some reports say they could begin within another four to six months.
High speed chase endangers many
The Guardian-Journal photo/Jenni Williams
This Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s cruiser
was one of several involved in a high speed chase Saturday, in which a
16-year-old juvenile endangered the lives of several people.
The Guardian-Journal
A
16-year-old male was the cause of quite a scene on Saturday, July 30, as a high
speed chase ended in Claiborne Parish.
According
to a news release, the chase ended when the stolen vehicle, driven by the
juvenile, completely left the roadway to the left near the intersection of U.S.
Hwy. 79 and Clear Creek Road.
The
chase began in the city limits of Magnolia, Ark. The incident entailed the
combined forces of the Magnolia Police Department, the Columbia County
Sheriff’s Office, the Haynesville Police Department and the Homer Police
Department.
The
juvenile failed to respond to any law enforcement officers and endangered
multiple people as a result.
According
to Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey, a detailed report will follow at a later
date.
In
other news, the Homer Police Department arrested Nicholas Dunn, 20, of Homer,
on several charges.
He was
arrested on Sunday, July 31, and charged with threatening a public official,
disturbing the peace (simple drunk) and resisting an officer. Bond is to be
set.
According
to police, Officers Scott Glen and Thomas Davis were dispatched to the 1400
block of Pearl Street regarding a man walking up and down the street trying to
start a fight.
When
officers arrived on scene, reports say Dunn fled to Monroe Avenue, turned back
to Pearl Street where he was stopped by Davis. When Dunn was stopped, he
reportedly refused to comply with verbal commands given by Davis, and later
complied when he was confronted by the officer.
Davis
then began to interview Dunn, at which time, the officer reported the smell
associated with an alcoholic beverage coming from his person, as well as
observed blood coming from his lower lip and around the head.
Sgt.
Van McDaniel, with the Homer Police Department, arrived on scene. At that time,
Pafford Ambulance Service was called and transported Dunn to Homer Memorial
Hospital to be treated for his injuries.
Reportedly,
Dunn refused to talk to the officers while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
Dunn
was arrested and charged with the above charges and transported to the police
station for paperwork. While at the station, Dunn apparently threatened
McDaniel, which brought the charge of threatening a public official.
Once
paperwork was complete, he was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention
Center.
In
another separate incident, Kevin D. Boyd, 34, of Homer, was arrested on the
same date and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia (second offense)
with bond set at $5,000, theft with bond set at $5,000 and resisting an officer
with bond set at $1,000.
According
to reports, while patrolling within the city limits of Homer, Sgt. McDaniel was
observed walking down Martin Luther King Jr. Drive near Pearl Street.
Police
say Boyd had active warrants, so McDaniel attempted to make contact with the
subject, at which point he fled. After attempting to stop Boyd, he requested
the assistance of Lt. Roger Smith. Upon arrival, both officers began searching
the area, and after a short pursuit, Boyd was stopped at the old junior high school.
When
McDaniel arrived at the old junior high school, he allegedly observed Boyd
attempting to get something out of his front right pants pocket. He was then
ordered to stop, and during a search, later discovered the object was a silver
and black knife.
A
further search of Boyd’s person revealed a pipe associated with smoking crack.
He was
then arrested and charged on the above charges and transported to CPDC.
The
warrant stems from an alleged theft that took place at Fred’s Store in Homer.
Fair board prepares for 2011 Fair
Pictured from left with the new pens:
Fair Board President Tip Sherman, Board Member J.R. Holt, 4-H Livestock Club
Reporter Jesse Clements, Board Members J.C. Ruple and Gary Holt.
Lee Faulk, Assistant Extension Agent
The Claiborne Parish Fair Board has made a big investment in preparation for the
Claiborne Parish Fair with the purchase of 50 new small animal livestock pens.
These
pens will be used to contain pigs, goats, and sheep during the annual Claiborne
Parish Fair Junior Livestock Show. The Junior Livestock Show is an opportunity
for Claiborne Parish 4-H youth to show their livestock projects which they have
worked on for many months.
Showing
livestock allows youth to gain responsibility, independence, and a greater
knowledge of how agriculture affects our daily lives.
The
Claiborne Parish Fair gives all residents, youth and adult, an opportunity to
showcase a variety of things that they raise or make including: canned goods,
quilts, clothing, vegetables, photography, wood work, art, and so much more.
Be on
the lookout for the annual Fair Catalog which will come out in mid to late
August for more information on entry categories.
This
year, the fair will be October 9-15, 2011. If you need more information on the
Claiborne Parish 4-H Livestock Program or the Fair please call Lee Faulk at the
Claiborne Parish Extension Office in Homer at 927-3110.
Lee Faulk is the assistant extension agent for 4-H,
Agriculture and Natural Resources for Claiborne Parish.
Haynesville recognizes town employees
Picture: Haynesville Town Council picture
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
Employees from the Town of Haynesville
were recognized for their years of service to the town at July’s regular
monthly meeting. Combined, these employees have given 82 years of service to
the town in which they live. Pictured above are, from left, Michael “Too Tall”
McDaniel with five years of service, Penny Fields with 20 years of service, Sue
Lonadier with 25 years of service, Kathy Harris with five years of service and
Gary Grigsby with 17 years of service. Also recognized (not pictured) was
Dawson Beene with 10 years of service.
Public Hearing
A public hearing for Proposed Ordinances #530 and #531
(amended), and Proposed Ordinance #592, will be held at 5:45 p.m. Thursday,
August 18, just before the regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. For more
information, please call 624-0911.
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
Haynesville Town Council recognized and honored its employees for their years
of service and dedication to the town.
Recognized
were:
• Kathy
Harris with five years of service,
•
Michael “Too Tall” McDaniel with five years of service,
•
Dawson Beene with 10 years of service,
• Gary
Grigsby with 17 years of service,
• Sue
Lonadier with 25 years of service, and
• Penny
Fields with 20 years of service.
Haynesville
Mayor Sherman Brown said that with all six employees, there were 82 years
combined of service to the town.
“We
don’t have many employees,” he said, “and the ones we have are dedicated.”
In
other news, the town had several ordinances to deal with. Ordinance #552, which
deals with abandoned mobile homes was adopted with the amendments.
They
also held the first readings of proposed amendments to Ordinance #530, which
deals with noxious growths, and amendments to Ordinance #531, which deals with
abandoned buildings.
The
town council also heard the first reading of Proposed Ordinance #592, which
deals with concealed weapons and regulations of firearms within the city
limits. Currently, it is unlawful to have concealed weapons inside the city
limits, but those who have permits must still get written permission from the
chief of police.
A
public hearing on these proposed amendments will be held at 5:45 p.m.,
Thursday, August 18, just before the regularly scheduled monthly meeting. After
the public hearing, these proposals will be up for adoption.
The
town also took care of some issues regarding the Louisiana Community
Development Block Grant (LCDBG) program for the 2012-13 application cycle. The
council adopted a resolution for procedures to be utilized for procurement
with the LCDBG grant program. They adopted a resolution authorizing the mayor
to request engineer’s qualifications statements as well as a request for
administrative consultant’s proposal for services.
These
are federal funds that are filtered through the Office of Community
Development, the mayor said.
Also,
the council adopted a LGAP application resolution.
In
other news, the council also adopted the millage rates for 2011. They are:
mills for sewerage at 4.800 mills and the general fund is at 9.43 mills.
The
next meeting of the Haynesville Town Council will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday,
August 18, in council chambers, located behind city hall. For more information
or for questions, please call their office at 318-624-0911.
Combating the extreme heat
The Guardian-Journal
With
the temperatures soaring into the triple digits and the heat index between
110-117 this week, the dangers of extreme heat exposure cannot be stressed
enough.
Local
news media as well as national beating the drums on the extreme heat across the
nation, and according to Homer Fire Chief Dennis Butcher, it cannot be
emphasized enough that this heat is extremely dangerous. And while he gives
tips on what to do in extreme heat, he stressed the importance of checking on
neighbors.
“I
encourage you to check on your neighbors,” he said. “Check and make sure they
have fans, and now might be the time to invite them over so they can stay
cool.”
The
following tips, he said, will help people stay cooler and prevent the dangerous
consequences of being out in the heat.
• Stay
hydrated. Drink plenty of water and Gatorade or other sports drinks that will
replace salts and electrolytes lost during sweating.
• Wear appropriate
clothing. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
•
Schedule work activities. Schedule all work activities for the morning hours
before the heat really begins to set in for the day.
• Use
the buddy system. If you have to be outdoors, make sure someone is with you,
and make sure to monitor each other.
• Limit
sun exposure during the middle of the day.
•
Monitor those at high risk -- infants, children and the elderly.
• Make
sure your pets have plenty of water. Make sure they have plenty of shade to try
to stay cool.
•
NEVER, EVER leave children or pets in a parked car, even if the window is down
or cracked.
“A good
reminder that you have a child buckled in the car is to keep a stuffed animal
in the front seat,” Butcher said. “You’d be surprised at the number of people
who forget they have children in the car. In this heat, it’s deadly; it’s a
fatal mistake.”
• When
leaving your car, check and make sure everyone is out of the car, and make sure
there isn’t a small child left sleeping in the car.
• Use
common sense. Avoid heavy meals and hot food. That will add heat to your body,
Butcher said.
• Do
not take salt tablets unless it’s under the supervision of a doctor.
A heat
stroke is only one of many consequences of being out in extreme heat too long.
Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature cannot be regulated. The body
temperature rises rapidly, and when the sweating mechanism fails, the body is
unable to cool down.
If the
body is unable to cool down, body temperatures could rise to 106 degrees within
10-15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disabilities if
emergency treatment is not provided quickly.
If you
suspect heat stroke, call 911 immediately, and if emergency personnel cannot
get there right away, call the hospital emergency room for further
instructions. Whatever you do, do not give the victim fluids to drink because
it could make them sick.
However,
if you see the signs (red, hot and dry skin, no sweating, rapid, strong pulse,
throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion or even unconsciousness), here
are a few tips to follow:
• Get
the victim to a shaded area.
• Cool
the victim rapidly by whatever method is readily available. You can do this by immersing
the victim in a tub of cool water or under a cool shower, a garden hose running
cool water or sponging the person with cool water.
•
Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body
temperature comes down.
• Get
medical assistance as soon as possible.
“Be
cautious of this extremely dangerous heat,” Butcher said. “Use some common
sense, and please check on those who are vulnerable.”
‘Shake and bake’ lab shut down
The Guardian-Journal
Two
Homer subjects found themselves behind bars after the execution of a warrant
for an Arcadia residence.
According
to published reports, Katie Mixon, 18, and Billy Joe Camp, 32, both of Homer,
were two of three arrests made on Saturday, July 30, after Bienville Parish
Sheriff’s deputies discovered a “shake and bake” methamphetamine lab.
A
“shake and bake” drug lab is one that produces small quantities of finished
products, according to Bienville reports.
The two
were charged with creation of a clandestine lab, possession of drug
paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II CDS (methamphetamine), possession of a
Schedule V Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) (stanoxol 50) and possession of
a firearm during a drug felony. Both remain in custody with no bond.
Camp
was transported to the Bienville Parish Jail.
According
to Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance, the meth lab was discovered during a
warrant execution at a home on James Street in Arcadia. Deputies reportedly
seized a small amount of meth, a syringe loaded and ready for injection (50 cc
of liquid), anabolic steroids, paraphernalia and a .410-gauge shotgun.
The
owner of the residence, Dawn Fontenot, 37, of Arcadia, was arrested and charged
with creation of a clandestine lab, possession of drug paraphernalia,
possession of Schedule II (methamphetamine), possession of a Schedule V CDS
(stanoxol 50) and possession of a firearm during a drug felony. She is being
held without bond.
Fontenot
and Mixon were both arrested and transported to the Claiborne Parish Women’s
Facility.
Town to get electronic water meters
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
Town of Homer will soon have new water meters that will not only bring the town
into the 21st Century, but will cut down on a lot of issues it deals with.
At
Monday’s regular monthly meeting, Grant Chairman Gene Coleman and Jim Hagan,
with Balar and Associates, spoke to the council regarding the town entering
into a bond lease to obtain digital water meters. However, instead of going
through the Bond Commission, the town will enter into a lease agreement
directly with a company to lease the equipment necessary.
The
idea is, after the installation of these meters, the meters will be read by
radio frequency which will then send the data directly to a computer at town
hall. The computer software will then take that data, bill the addresses the
data came from and will give a more accurate reading and charges. With this new
system, the town will also be able to install meters on places that are
currently unmetered, which will also increase the revenue of the water
department.
According
to Coleman, the last numbers he saw indicated that only $66,000 was collected
for water use. And according to Hagan, this is a win-win situation for everyone
in that water department employees would be able to spend their working hours
on issues throughout town instead of spending three weeks reading meters. It
also takes a load off office personnel, who are essentially having to keep
track of everything.
When
the new system is installed, it will do all that for them, Hagan said.
“I
think when the citizens now that revenue is being gained from all meters, people
would know whether they have a leak instead of getting hit with these big
bills,” Coleman said. “The sooner we get it in place, the sooner the town can
get some of that additional revenue.”
Coleman
and Hagan spoke briefly about how the system works. Radio antennas will be set
up throughout town, which will send out signals to at least a five block
radius. The meters will then take that signal and send its data back to the
antenna, which then sends it directly to town hall. Not only does the system
read meters, it also keeps track of whether a resident or business is using too
much water or not enough. In that instance, the town employees would call that
resident or business to obtain an explanation to make sure there isn’t a leak
in a water line somewhere.
Once
the system is installed and the meters replaced, the old meters would be bid
out for sale.
The
council adopted a resolution authorizing Hagan to solicit bids for lease with
the mayor acting on behalf of the town.
In
other news, Ordinance 11-906 was adopted, which now means that alcohol
consumption will not be allowed in public places, except for those holding
charity fundraisers or a function of some sort.
This
also includes the Homer Golf Course. Although the golf commission does not sell
alcohol, consumption of alcohol on the premises has been allowed for years. Now
that will not be the case. The only time alcohol will be allowed on the
premises is if they are holding a function, fundraiser or charity event.
The
proposed ordinance was introduced in July’s regular meeting, and it now
prohibits the consumption of alcohol in a public place, with the exception of
fundraisers or charitable events “on behalf of a political organization or
candidate for office, nonprofit organization, civic organization or any other
type of bona fide charity,” with the exception of school grounds.
The
ordinance prohibits the consumption of alcohol on “any public street, sidewalk,
park, recreation area, building, including any public school building, school
grounds, football stadium, gymnasium, or any place of amusement holding a
retail occupation license from the town including skating rinks, bowling
alleys, theaters, pool halls, dance halls and amusement centers.”
This
would apply directly to a place in Homer that has been the center of debate for
council members as well as community members. In July, Rob’s Place came up
during the introduction of the proposed ordinance, due to complaints from
community members saying there were minors in a place where alcohol was being
consumed. Now Rob’s Pool Hall and Arcade will not be allowed to have alcohol
for consumption on the premises or sell alcohol without a license to do so.
However,
this ordinance does not apply to restaurants or stores who have legal licenses
and permits to sell alcohol.
In
other news, Terry Willis, president of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), was appointed by the council to the
police hiring committee, which reviews applications of potential new hires for
the Homer Police Department.
Also,
the town adopted Resolution 11-8018 for the LGAP 2012-13 funding cycle.
In the
mayor’s report, Homer Mayor Alecia Smith noted that July’s water collection was
$94,433.75, and sales tax collection for the Town of Homer was at $100,425.86.
The
next meeting of the Homer Town Council will be held at 6 p.m., Monday,
September 5, in council chambers, inside city hall. For more information or for
questions, please call their office at 318-927-3555.
Accident injures two
The Guardian-Journal
A one-vehicle
accident sent two to the hospital with serious by not life-threatening injuries
Thusday, July 28.
According
to Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey, the accident occurred at 5:19 a.m. on
U.S. Hwy. 79 North at Standpipe Road. He said the vehicle was headed
southbound, towards Homer, when the driver of the vehicle swerved to miss a
deer and hit a tree.
Pafford
Life Air was called, but the flight team could not get to the accident site due
to weather conditions. Instead, two units from Pafford Ambulance were sent to
the scene, and transported both Terry Cheatham and Nell Kirkpatrick to the
hospital with serious injuries.
One was
sent directly to Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) and
the other was later transported by ambulance.
Claiborne
Parish sheriff’s deputies worked the accident.
Blood drive slated for August 11
A high
school student needs the community’s help.
Brittney
Green, a student at Bastrop High School, was diagnosed with leukemia less than
six months until she graduates. Vibrant and active, Green played basketball,
participated in track, and worked after school.
She
needs healthy stem cells in order to save her life.
On
Thursday, August 11, from noon until 5 p.m., Lifeshare Blood Center, along with
Homer Memorial Hospital, will host a blood drive. And along with the blood
drive, applications and mouth swabs will be available for all generally healthy
donors between the ages of 18-60. These swabs will be tested to see if any are
a match to Green.
“Thousands
of patients depend on the “Be The Match” registry to find a donor who can give
them a second chance at life,” states the website BeTheMatch.org. “You have the
power to heal, the power to save a life. Take the first step. Join the
registry.”
According
to their website, the National Marrow Donor Program and the Be The Match
Foundation are nonprofit organizations dedicated to creating an opportunity for
all patients to receive the bone marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant they
need when they need it.
For
more information on the marrow registry, please call Marguerite Allen, marrow
coordinator, at 318-673-7534, or at or Gaye
Brunson at Homer Memorial Hospital at 318-927-2024.
Please
join the hospital in connecting with the Be The Match Foundation as they embark
on the mission of saving lives. To join, a donor only needs to be between the
ages of 18-60, be willing to donate to any patient in need and meet the health
guidelines.
Hill Farm Field Day set for September 15
Mary Ann Van
Osdell, LSU
AgCenter
The LSU
AgCenter’s Hill Farm Research Station has scheduled a field day for Thursday,
Sept. 15.
Registration
is at 11 a.m. followed by lunch at noon and events beginning at 1 p.m.Station
tours will be conducted with research presentations given on forage management
options for warm-season grass pastures, the future of beef cattle research at
the Hill Farm, poultry demonstration houses and biofuel options for forest
landowners in north Louisiana.
Continuing
education credits will be available for veterinarians (3.5 CEU) and for
certified crop advisors.
More
information is available by calling 318-927-9654. The research station is
located south of Homer at the junction of U.S. 79 and La. Highway 9.
Hunters Ed slated for August 24-27
The
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, along with David Wade Correctional Center,
will be sponsoring the Hunter Education courses for 2011.
The
Hunter Education course will be conducted at the Homer Fire Station, located at
411 West Main Street, on August 24, 25, and 27.
Class
schedule is as follows:
August 24, from 6 until 9 p.m.
August 25, from 6 until 9 p.m.
August 27, from 8 a.m. until noon.
Anyone
interested in this Hunter Education class must pre-register with the Claiborne
Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-927-2011 or by contacting Colonel Brad Rogers at
318-927-0400, extension 455.
In
1985, hunter education became mandatory in Louisiana. Anyone born on or after
September 1, 1969, is required by law to complete the Louisiana Hunter
Education course before purchasing a hunting license. The minimum age for
certification is 10.
Older
hunters who plan to hunt outside the state should check the state regulations
where they plan to hunt. All 50 states now require some form of mandatory
hunter education certification prior to issuing a license.
Hunter
education programs have always taught young hunters the practice of firearm and
hunting safety. Today, hunter education programs are about more than safety.
They have been expanded to produce knowledgeable, responsible and and involved
hunters -- hunters who understand the importance of complying with hunting laws
and behaving ethically. These programs give beginners a good foundation, and
they provide a refresher for veteran hunters.
Ultimately,
the mission of hunter education programs is to ensure the continuation of the
hunting tradition.
