Homer Police Captain Files Suit Against Town

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

Attorney Chris Bowman, on behalf of Homer Police Captain Donald Malray, filed suit July 20 in District Court against the Town of Homer in hopes of recovering  $29,021.66 he paid in legal fees during his trial on federal perjury charges last March.

Malray and Vincent McDaniel were both charged and acquitted of perjury charges in connection with the drug trial of J. C. Curry in September 2003. Both had been subpoenaed to testify and both were under the rule of sequestration and not allowed to discuss the case. Raymond Spoon, a special agent for the FBI, claimed he overheard the two discussing the case while in the witness room. He reported to DEA agent Keith Billiot who notified Judge Maurice Hicks who was presiding over the Curry trial. Both were called before the judge and questioned. Both were later charged with several counts of perjury and were found not guilty in jury trials in March of this year.

On April 20, Malray's attorney Chris Bowman of Jonesboro submitted a bill for his services to Homer Mayor Huey Dean, citing the Louisiana law which entitles Malray to be reimbursed for reasonable legal fees associated with his successful defense of the criminal charges arising out of his duties as a police officer for the Town of Homer.  A second letter was mailed on May 28 informing the Town of his intent to file suit if the matter was not resolved within ten days.

Louisiana Revised Statute 42:1442 states, "When a law enforcement officer, employed by the state or an agency thereof or by a political subdivision...has been subjected to an institution of prosecution for an alleged criminal act committed when the law enforcement officer is acting in good faith in the performance or in furtherance of the course and scope of his employment as defined by law and the policies and procedures of the law enforcement agency employing him, and he is acquitted of the charge, the prosecution has been dismissed by the district attorney, or the periods of time have expired in which he could be brought to trial and convicted, the officer shall be reimbursed for reasonable attorney's fees incurred by him on account of the institution of prosecution.... Reimbursement shall be from the governing authority by whom the officer was employed at the time of the alleged crime."

The Homer Town Council went into executive session during a special called meeting held Monday, July 26 to discuss the suit against the town by Officer Malray. After reconvening in open session, no motions or comments were made and the meeting adjourned.

 

Store Clerk Admits To "Sliding" Theft Over $14,000

Dollar General store clerk Brenda Morgan, 50, of Shongaloo  was arrested by the Haynesville Police Department on Wednesday, July 21 after she admitted stealing more than $14,000 from the Haynesville store. Acting on a tip, District Manager Donna Bucklin contacted Corporate Asset Protection Agent Trey Binendelli. Binendelli interviewed Morgan who furnished a voluntary statement admitting she had stolen numerous items, usually because she didn't have enough money.

Morgan also admitted to "sliding" merchandise for her friends and acquaintances. "Sliding" according to Bucklin is the practice of passing items through the store's register but not actually activating the cash register, which identifies the item and price of each article.

Morgan was arrested by warrant on a charge of theft over $500, which is a felony. She was incarcerated at the Claiborne Parish Jail in Homer on $10,000 bond. The charge of theft over $500 may be punishable by ten years with or without hard labor or $3,000 fine, or both. The investigation is continuing and additional arrests may be made.

 

Seventy-Three Windows Broken At Homer Junior High

Claiborne Parish School Board employees Pat Hightower and Gary Smith spent the last week replacing windows broken by vandals at the Homer Junior High last week. School officials discovered 73 broken windows when they arrived at school Wednesday, July 21. This is the second time windows have been broken this summer. Maintenance employees had just completed replacing 35 windows.  A $1,000 reward is being offered for anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in the vandalism of the school. Anyone with information is asked to call the Homer Police Department at 927-4000.

 

June Rainfall Sets Record At Hill Farm

June 2004, with 11.23 inches of rain, was the wettest June on record at the LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Station since the station began keeping records in 1950 according to Lab Technician Nancy Boddie. The previous record was in June 1961 with 10.31 inches.

The overall record for the most rainfall recorded at the Hill Farm is April 1991 when 26.79 inches fell in one month. The lowest rainfall on record was in October 1963 when no rain fell in the entire month. Since 1950, it is the only month with zero inches of rainfall.

July is close to the record for the least amount of rainfall, with only 1.2 inches recorded through Monday, July 26 and with no rain expected in the forecast for the rest of the month. The previous record for least amount of rainfall in July was only .18 inch recorded in 1983.

 

Town Council Takes Steps To Close Pearl Street

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

Claiborne Parish School Board member Blake Hemphill made a second request to the Homer Town Council at a special called meeting held Monday, July 26 to close the portion of Pearl Street where Homer Junior High School is located. Hemphill said last week someone broke out 72 windows on the campus and the  School Board wants to place gates at each end of the campus to close off the street when school is not in session. The gate on the east end would be kept open during school hours only while the gate on the west end would be open only to allow school buses in to drop off and pick up students. The gates would remain closed when school is out.

Police Chief Rodney Hollenshead said he had no problem closing the road. His officers patrol the area regularly. On the night of Tuesday, July 20, officers noticed a group of young people gathered at the intersection of Pearl Street and Martin Luther King Street. They stopped and told them to move on, reminding them it was near curfew. The next morning his office was notified about the broken windows. Hollenshead said there have been over 100 windows broken just this summer. He recalled only one accident involving a student in the past 16 years.

School Superintendent James Scriber said he didn't think closing the road would stop the vandalism but it would serve as a deterrent and it would provide a safety factor during the day at school. He told the Council he thought the entire campus was fenced but that some portions may be in need of repair.

The Council voted to allow town attorney David Newell to draw up an ordinance to be presented at the next meeting in August. Newell said the Council would have to advertise three times then hold a public meeting before adopting the ordinance to close the road, which would probably be at the September meeting.

The Council held a public hearing on the proposed budget for January 1 through December 31, 2004. There were no public comments concerning the budget, but Councilman Billy Kirk Jenkins questioned whether the budget in the police fund was sufficient. Chief Hollenshead said the $22,000 line item for the lease purchase of police cars in the police fund had deducted from his operating budget for supplies and expenses. He reminded the Council they had already voted to dedicate the magistrate court collections for the payment of the police cars. Magistrate court collections are placed in the general fund, which is where they normally budget capital expenses such as vehicles. He said he was not opposed to the Council adopting the budget as presented, but he did plan to come back at a future meeting and request the budget be amended.

 

Corney Lake Recreation Area To Be Closed Temporarily

The Caney Ranger District, Kisatchie National Forest would like to announce the temporary closure of the Corney Lake Recreational Area located north of Summerfield until further notice beginning August 1, 2004. The purpose for the closure is to repave and repair the entry road and parking lot of the recreational area. The north Corney Boat Launch off Forest Service Road 902 will remain open for boaters. For additional information, please contact the Caney Ranger Office at 318-927-2061.

 

J. R. "Bubba" McClung To Retire July 31

J. R. "Bubba" McClung, Senior Vice President of First Guaranty Bank, will retire on July 31, 2004 with 43 years of service. Mr. McClung is a native of Homer and a 1961 graduate of Louisiana Tech University. He began his career with the Homer National Bank in Homer in 1961 and has served continuously in the financial services industry since that time. He has held various positions with the Homer National Bank, Premier Bank, Bank One, First Woodlands Bank and First Guaranty Bank, including Cashier, Executive Vice President and Senior Vice President.

He is a previous member of the board of directors of Homer National Bank and has participated in numerous conferences and seminars to enhance his knowledge in the financial services industry. He has been very active in civic affairs in Claiborne Parish and served at both the local and state level as an officer in the Jaycees. He is a past board member of the Homer Memorial Hospital, the Homer Country Club, and the Claiborne Parish Fair Association and was a member of the Homer Town Council and Mayor Pro Tem.

Mr. McClung is a member of the Homer Church of Christ where he has served in many positions. He and his wife, Sylvia, are the parents of James McClung of Homer and Paul McClung of Atlanta, Georgia and the grandparents of Julie, Alyssa and Caleb McClung. Sylvia and "Bubba" plan to enjoy their children and grandchildren travel and spend time in Branson, Missouri.

 

Homer Native Authors Book On Dating, Marriage

"Marital Secrets: Dating, Lies, Communication and Sex"

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

Why do couples fall out of love? What are some of the key differences between men and women? How can we get past the myths surrounding dating and marriage? How can we avoid costly marriage mistakes?

These and many more questions are answered in the book "Marital Secrets: Dating, Lies, Communication, and Sex" written by Paris M. Finner-Williams and Robert D. Williams. Paris is a licensed psychologist and attorney, and a popular guest on radio and television discussing male-female relationships and motivational issues. Her husband, Robert, is a Homer native and a licensed marriage and family therapist, specializing in male-female relationships, child and adolescent concerns. He also has a masters degree in social work. Both serve as child custody and divorce mediators.

In the foreword of their book, Tim Clinton, President of the American Association of Christian Counselors, says the Williams "love each other, and every day they work feverishly to save and strengthen marriages....the Williamses pull no punches. They talk frankly and openly about marital secrets such as masks, anger, infidelity and sexual problems."

The Williams begin the book with their own marital mission. They say it does not matter whether you are single, engaged, or married, this self-help book can help resolve intense and serious issues and barriers between men and women in romantic and intimate relationships. They use lessons they have learned over the years from others and from their own personal experiences to provide solutions, techniques and approaches that are practical and have proven effective for enhancing romantic relationships among single and married individuals.

For more information on the book, call (888) 955-5055.

 

National Youth Day "Celebrating Kids Nationwide"

Saturday, July 31, 11 AM - 3 PM  Saturday, August 7

The Staff and Board of Directors of the Claiborne Boys & Girls Clubs would like to announce its National KidsDay event "A Picnic in the Park." This event will be held on Saturday, July 31 at the Homer Mayfield Park. Time is 11 AM until 3 PM. We plan to have food, games, some entertainment and sporting activities. This event will also mark the end of our Summer Program, so please bring your child along for a fun-filled day in the park.

 

Lake Claiborne State Park Youth Day Camp

Saturday, August 7

Lake Claiborne State Park will hold a Youth Day Camp on Saturday, August 7. This program is suitable for 4th grade and up. Participants, please bring a lunch, snack, and swimming gear. Drinks will be provided. Activities will include fishing clinic, hiking, animal identification, campfire preparation, soil conservation experiments, compass skills, and water quality experiments. Pre-registration by August 5 required. Lake Claiborne State Park is located about 12 miles southeast of Homer on Hwy. 146 (White Lightning Road). Day-use admission is $2 per vehicle for up to four persons and 50 cents for each additional person. Senior citizens, 62 or over, will be admitted free. For more information, call 1-888-677-2524 (toll free) or 927-2976. For more information on upcoming events at state parks, go to www.lastateparks.com.

 

 

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Archived Guardian Journal Headlines & News Briefs from November 1999

 

News Briefs

NO Trash Bash This Saturday Due To New EPA Rules

There will be no Trash Bash this Saturday due to new EPA rules on metal collections. Watch the newspaper for the dates on the next Trash Bash.

 

Claiborne Spurs Club To Host Annual Banquet Friday, Aug. 6

The Claiborne Spurs Club of the National Wild Turkey Federation will host their annual banquet Friday, August 6 at 6 PM at the Homer City Hall. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased from Mark Owens at 624-3299 or Joe Ellis Michael at 927-2929. Over $13,000 in door prizes, raffle, and auction of National Wild Turkey Federation items will be conducted during the event.

 

Homer High Football Season Tickets, Parking Passes On Sale

Homer High football season tickets, parking passes, and box seats for the 2004 football season are on sale. Previous holders will be given the opportunity to renew first. Those not renewed will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. General admission tickets will be $5, season tickets - $20 (5 games), box seats and sky boxes ($25), and parking passes ($15). Pre-sale admission tickets will be available for $4 at the school office until 3 PM weekdays of the game. For more information, call 927-2985 or stop by the Homer High School office.

 

Homer Council, Police Jury, School Board To Meet Next Week

The Homer Town Council will meet Monday, August 2 at 6 PM in the Council Chambers. The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet Wednesday, August 4 and Thursday, August 5 at 10 AM. The Claiborne Parish School Board will meet Thursday, August 5 at 7 PM immediately following their work session at 6 PM. All meetings are open to the public.

 

Claiborne Bass Busters To Hold July Tourney On Caney Lake

The Claiborne Bass Busters will hold their July Tournament at night on Caney Lake at Jonesboro on July 30 or July 31 at Brown's Landing from 7 PM to 7 AM. For more information, call Daryl Cheney at DCs Marine at 927-4943 or Donnie Westbrook at 927-5325.

 

CPSO And DWCC To Sponsor Two Hunter Education Courses

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office and David Wade Correctional Center will be sponsoring two Hunter Education Courses, the first to be held on July 29, 30, and 31. A second course will be offered August 26, 27, and 28. Classes will be held at the Homer Fire Station from 6-9 PM on Thursday and Friday, and from 8 AM-12 PM on Saturday. Participants must attend all 3 days. Pre-registration required through the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office. For info, call 927-2011.

 

2-Day Boating Safety Education Course Set For August 12-13

Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries will host a 2-day Boating Safety Education Course for anyone age 16 or over. All persons born after January 1, 1988 will be required to complete this 2-day course before they can legally operate any boat or water vehicle. Preregistration is required and there must be a minimum of ten people for the class to be held. There is no charge for the course which is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, August 12-13 from 5:30-9:00 PM in the Claiborne Police Jury Complex meeting room. Call 371-3049 to register or for more information.

 

CA's 35th Annual Back To School BBQ Set For August 9

Claiborne Academy will hold their 35th Annual Back to School BBQ on Monday, August 9 in the school gym. Take outs begin at 5 PM, dine in at 6 PM. Entertainment will begin at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $7 per plate. Please call the school office for tickets at 927-2747.

 

Pinehill Water System To Hold Monthly Meeting August 16

The Pinehill Water System will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, August 16 at 6 PM at the Claiborne Manor Nursing Home.

 

 Middlefork Water System To Hold Monthly Meeting August 9

The Middlefork Water System will hold their monthly board meeting on Monday, August 9 at 7:30 PM at the Lisbon Civic Center.

 

Prescription Help For Certain Diseases For Those Who Qualify

Do you need help paying for your monthly prescriptions? If you have any one of the following diseases: Diabetes, Hypertension or Heart disease age 21 or older, and meet certain income guidelines, you may be eligible for assistance. A family of one with an annual income of $13,965.00 or monthly income of $1,163.75 would be eligible. A family of four with annual income of $28,275 or family of eight with annual income of $47,355 would also be eligible. For more detailed information or if you think you meet the requirements for the program, call Claiborne Community Services at 318-927-3557 or 1-800-870-4166 and ask for Jean or Sharon.

 

Registrar Of Voters Asks Voters To Notify Office Of Address Change

Claiborne Parish Registrar of Voters Patricia Sanders is asking all voters to notify her office if they have changed their residence, if the residence address on file in the Registrar's office is incomplete or if their mailing address has changed. Anyone who has not voted in the last two federal elections or anyone with an incomplete or new address, may have been placed on the inactive list. For more information or to make a change, contact Sanders at 927-3332 or stop by the Registrar's office located in the Claiborne Police Jury Complex.

 

Fall Registration At Northwest Tech Set For Tuesday, August 17

The fall semester at Northwest Louisiana Technical College will begin on Monday, August 23. Registration will be held at the Homer campus on Tuesday, August 17 from 12:00-2:00 PM. Any student interested in attending Northwest Tech in the fall must take the entrance exam which is given every Wednesday at 8:00 AM at the Homer campus.  Financial aid is available.  Please call (318)927-2034 or (800)529-1387 for more information.

 

Mt. Olive Christian School To Host 22nd Annual Rodeo July 30-31

Mt. Olive Christian School will host its 22nd Annual Rodeo on July 30-31, 2004, 8:00 p.m. nightly at the Gantt Arena in Athens.  Country gospel singer and Male Horizon Award nominee Brad Mount will perform at 7:00 p.m. Rudy Burns is back as the man in the can.  Concessions will be available. Admission is $6.00 and children under 5 are free.  Advance tickets are $5.00.  Contact Len Gantt at 243-0674 for more information.

 

Christmas Festival 2004 Looking For Booths, Parade Applicants

The Claiborne Christmas Festival Committee is now accepting application for the 2004 Christmas Festival which will be held Saturday, November 27 on and around the Courthouse Square. Applications can be picked up at Miss Lizzies at 400 West 3rd Street in Homer or by calling 318-927-9009 during the day or 318-927-4837 after 5 PM. If no answer, leave a message. The Committee is wanting more local craft people to get involved this year. Booth spaces are $30. Get your application in early to get the space of your choice. If you would like to participate in the Christmas Festival Parade which will be held at 1 PM on November 27, you may call the phone numbers above for information or drop by Miss Lizzies to pick up an application form.

 

St. Jude Lake Claiborne Car & Bike Show Needs Donations

The St. Jude Lake Claiborne Car & Bike Show set for Saturday, October 2, 2004 at Lake Claiborne State Park is looking for donations, as well as items for the auction. They are also looking for cars, trucks, and bikes to enter in the show. Entry fee for cars and bikes is $20. There will be a silent auction, musical entertainment, lunch plates and games. All funds raised will go to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis, TN in memory of Christian and Joseph Manzanares. All donations can be mailed to Rickey Bearden, 223 Beardsley, Homer, LA 71040. For more information, call Bearden at 927-9740. Last year, they had 78 cars, 14 bikes, and raised $11,769.

 

School Board Pupil Progression Plan Available For Public View

The Claiborne Parish School Board will revise and adopt the Pupil Progression Plan at its regular meeting on August 5, 2004. This plan sets local policy for promotion, retention, graduation, and testing of students in the Parish Schools. A draft plan will be available for public view and comments in the Claiborne Parish School Board Office at 415 East Main in Homer during regular business hours.

 

Toe Tapping Good Time at Claiborne Country in Homer

Claiborne Country provides a toe-tapping good time Saturday Nights throughout the year. Hours are 7:00pm - 10:30pm. Features the Claiborne Country house band with Special Guest Singers. Free Dance Lessons are also offered, call 870-546-9534 for more information. No Alcohol and No Smoking.


Claiborne One Site Now Features Area Image Archive

Archives Now Online include:


Money Available for New or Expanding Businesses in Homer

The 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 an eight mile radius of Homer 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.


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.


The Claiborne One Website Is Seeking Area Support

The Claiborne One website at www.claiborneone.org, with hundreds of pages online, including the Claiborne Parish Police Jury, The Towns of Haynesville & Homer and are seeking sponsors to support continued growth. Sponsors are provided custom banners linking to the sponsor's website. Guardian-Journal Headlines and New Briefs, updated weekly, are available at Claiborne One, archived since November, 1999. A community effort is needed in collecting information for Claiborne One. For contribution ideas, see the open letter from Claiborne One's local web site designer. To contribute news and photos to Claiborne One contact Key-Comp Web Design, Joel Ponder at 927-9229 or use the online contact form. For more information on becoming a sponsor Visit the Claiborne One Sponsorship Page or contact the Allen Group, Al Lynn at 927-9674.

 

  
 
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