Mayor Files Petition To
Stop Recall
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Minden Attorney Jim Johnson plans to
file a petition on behalf of Homer Mayor Huey Dean with the Second Judicial
District Court on Wednesday morning, August 11, asking that he be granted a
temporary restraining order to stop Governor Kathleen Blanco from issuing a
proclamation to call for an election on the recall. Governor Blanco has until
Thursday, August 12 to issue a proclamation. Her office is presently waiting
for the Attorney General to render an opinion on the Recall Petition. As of
Tuesday afternoon, August 10, no AG Opinion had been issued.
Dean's petition states that Lurry Crew was not a registered voter in the Town of Homer
during the time he was collecting names on the recall petition, making him
ineligible to serve as chairman of the recall. Johnson said Dean was also
asking for relief for the fact that Lurry Crew or
Co-Chairman Maxine Wilson never furnished him a copy of the names on the recall
petition in a timely manner.
Louisiana State Law states that
"upon the signature of the first elector, the recall petition, including
the name, address, and signature of each elector who has signed thereon, shall
be a public record. The chairman, or the vice-chairman when acting as the
chairman, shall be the custodian thereof."
State Law further requires the custodian
to produce the public record within 72 hours of receipt of a request. Dean
mailed requests by certified mail on March 7, March 13, April 23, and June 2 in
2003. He received one copy with six names on March 11, 2003, but did not
receive the complete copy until August 4, 2003. A suit filed in Second Judicial
District Court on August 7, 2003 stated that Crew's failure to comply with the
public records request damaged Dean's ability to examine and verify the
signatures.
If the court finds that custodian Lurry Crew arbitrarily or capriciously withheld the
requested record, or unreasonably or arbitrarily failed to respond to the
request as required, it may award Dean damages,
reasonable attorney's fees and other costs of litigation. The court could also
award Dean civil penalties not to exceed one hundred dollars per day, exclusive
of Saturdays, Sundays or legal public holidays for each day that Crew failed to
provide him with a copy of the petition.
Flat Lick Lake Project Discussed
At Meeting In
Ruston
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Dr. James Robert Michael, Dr. Alice
Stewart and Herb Byars recently met with Supervisory
Hydrologist Ben McGee for the Water Resources Division of the US Geological
Survey (USGS) in Ruston and Bill Branch, Professor (Water Resources) for the
LSU AgCenter in Ruston. They were working to finalize
plans on the location of the dam and elevation of the proposed Flat Lick Lake.
This is the first of ten lakes being proposed in several North Louisiana parishes.
Besides the economic development benefit
the lakes will generate, all but three of the proposed lakes will help recharge
the Sparta Aquifer, the only source of groundwater for 16 North Central
Louisiana parishes. A study conducted by the US Geological Survey (USGS) and
the La. Department of Transportation shows that drought and the increase of
withdrawals over the last few decades are using water in the Aquifer faster
than it is being recharged. McGee said there were a lot of places around the
country that have created recharge ponds to help recharge their groundwater
resources, and the USGS has been encouraging taking measures such as these to
protect the Sparta.
McGee said, "The biggest benefit of
these lakes is they are certainly going to help recharge the Sparta
(Aquifer)," said McGee. "But there is an even bigger benefit than
that. You've now captured a resource." Developers can reserve the right
and define the conditions on selling the top one foot of water on the proposed
eight square mile lake.
Michael said water conservation is the
basis for ten of the proposed lakes but only seven lend themselves to economic
development. Once the layout is complete on Flat Lick Lake, the Lake Project
Committee wants to start considering other lakes in the area. A lake at
Jonesboro could help recharge the Sparta by saving 90 million gallons a day.
Other lakes being considered are Crow Creek, Bear Creek and Leatherman
Creek in Bienville and Claiborne
parishes; Lower Lake Claiborne in Claiborne; three lakes on Bayou Dorcheat in Webster; Dugdemona in
Jackson and Bienville; and Driskoll Mountain in
Bienville. All but the three lakes on Dorcheat have
potential for economic development.
Branch said when he thinks of economic
development, he thinks of the miles of shoreline. McGee said we are fortunate that the natural
shape of the land in this area lends itself to a lot of lakeshore area, which
would not be the case if it were perfectly round.
Michael explained how landowners of lake bottom and lake shoreline would form a developmental
corporation on a per acre basis. They have already figured the financial
benefit for landowners, showing how they can double their return over pine
trees while retaining the mineral rights on their land. Eight shoreline miles
will be reserved on each lake for mini-villages which would include one mile of
shoreline as community property where they would build their own golf course. A
list of landowners is being prepared and they have a lawyer ready to begin
forming the corporation as soon as they get approval from Governor Blanco.
According to Michael, plans to finance
the lake projects are strictly through State revenue bonds. The State of
Louisiana would get over one billion dollars in new taxes in return and the two
parishes would get about $200-300 million. The State could also have the option
of paying back landowners and developers based on the number of retirees from
out of state who move into the area. Stewart has found a way to track this
information through the Census Bureau.
Branch and McGee agreed to determine the
dam site based on a 250 foot elevation and work to prepare a map of the
expected shoreline for Flat Lick Lake.
.
Recall Committee Asks Police Jury
To Pay Legal Fees
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Members of Citizens for Human Rights who have been working to
recall Homer Mayor Huey Dean attended the August 5 meeting of the Claiborne
Parish Police Jury to request the Jury to reimburse their organization with
legal fees accumulated during the recall process. They also asked the Jury to
have Registrar of Voters Patricia Sanders publicly show some remorse for her
actions and that they reprimand her for the inappropriate decisions made
regarding her duties and responsibilities.
The written request stated they had mailed a certified letter to the
Jury on April 12, 2004 but had received no response and that they had been
advised by their legal counsel to send another letter before taking legal
action.
Jurors voted to go into executive actions to discuss agenda
items presented by Citizens for Human Rights or either Registrar of Voters.
After more than one hour, Jurors reconvened in open session and stated they
would take no action. Jury President Weldon Kilpatrick stated Sanders would,
however, publish a statement in the newspaper explaining her position, what her
duties are, and changes that are expected to be made.
The Jury did approve the request by Citizens for Human Rights
for use of the Courthouse lawn for a get out the vote rally on Saturday, August
21. The request stated that numerous speakers from the area have been invited
to come and help encourage voter registration and participation.
Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office Web
Site Now Online
ClaiborneOne.org (the official web
presence for all of Claiborne Parish) announces the addition of The Claiborne
Parish Sheriff's Office to the hundreds of pages already online at Claiborne
One. The CPSO site is now online at
www.ClaiborneSheriff.org. The site includes: a welcome message from new
Claiborne Parish Sheriff, Ken Bailey, information on divisions and staff,
detention center visitation procedures, community programs, tips on how to
protect yourself and your family, and employment opportunities.
Woman Arrested For Theft Over $100,000
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Sheriff Ken Bailey reported that the
Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office arrested Rebecca Lynn Montgomery, 35, of Shongaloo on August 3 and charged her with felony theft
from her employer, B&N Contractors, Inc., an oilfield subcontracting firm
located in Haynesville. Chief Detective Chuck Talley headed the investigation
which discovered more than $100,000 had been stolen from the company.
The theft was discovered when a co-owner
of the company questioned discrepancies in employee W-2 forms. Owners expressed
concern over the amount of money the investigation revealed had been stolen as
far back as 2000. The investigation is ongoing.
Two Arrested For Bicycle Thefts In Athens
Sheriff Ken Bailey stated that deputies
with the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office have made two arrests in connection
with numerous bicycle thefts in the Athens area. Spring Lake Road residents
were the first to report thefts of bicycles in the area. One witness to the
theft of a rod and reel reported the suspects were riding bicycles.
Detective Duffy Gandy led an
investigation which resulted in two juveniles being charged with 11 bicycle
thefts. Two younger children, whose ages were not available, were also being
accused of participating in the thefts.
Sheriff Bailey reported that all the
bicycles had been recovered and the majority of them returned to their rightful
owners.
Lisbon Officials Unopposed In Upcoming
Election
Village of Lisbon Mayor Wayne Tanner and
Aldermen Jerry W. Clements, "Sonny" Greeson,
and Marilyn Myers were the only persons to qualify for the upcoming election
last week. All four are incumbents and will retain their seats on the Board to
serve another four year term. Jimmy L. McDonald was the only person to qualify
for Chief of Police in Lisbon and will assume office January 1, 2005.
School Board Approves Truancy Agreement With DA
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
The Claiborne Parish School Board, at
their regular meeting Thursday, August 5, approved entering into an agreement
with District Attorney Walter May to set up a Truancy Assessment and Service
Center at his Homer office beginning this fall, giving Claiborne Parish Public
Schools additional assistance in reducing problems with truancy. According to
School Board Supervisor Mike Blackwelder, there are
four levels of intervention by the DA's office and himself.
Students who accumulate three unexcused
absences will be reported to the Truancy Center, who will then start a file on
that child and contact the parent or guardian. When a student accumulates five
unexcused absences, a parent/child conference will be scheduled by the Center.
Upon reaching eight unexcused absences and all subsequent absences will be
placed on the docket for juvenile court. The parent and child will be served
judicial notice to appear and the district judge will determine punishment.
Blackwelder stated, "This will be a great tool
in curtailing excessive absences in our schools. It actually puts some teeth
into existing compulsory school attendance laws and puts pressure on parents to
do the right thing. It's especially needed with today's accountability
standards that our schools are facing. Fewer student absences will be a
definite step in improving student test scores as well as our school
performance scores."
Sheriff Issues School Bus Safety Rules
Each school year is an exciting time for
children to make new friends, learn new things, and, for some, ride the school
bus. Every day approximately 24 million students use school buses as
transportation to and from school. Although school buses represent the safest
form of highway transportation, there are a number of safety factors both
students and drivers should be aware of. With the new school year now underway
and hoping to ensure that it remains safe and happy, Sheriff Bailey encourages
caution whenever school buses are present.
Safety measures for students:
- Always arrive at the
bus stop early.
- Prior to boarding,
wait until the bus has come to a complete stop, the door opens, and the
bus driver says that is okay to board.
- Always walk on the
sidewalk when preparing to cross the street near a bus. Make eye contact
with the driver so that you are sure he or she sees you.
- Never walk behind the
bus.
- If you are walking
beside the bus, walk at least three giant steps away.
- Take extra precautions
to make sure that clothing with drawstrings and book bags do not get
caught in the hand rail or door.
- Never stop to pick
something up that you have dropped when a bus is stopped. Wait until the
bus has driven off to avoid not being seen by the driver.
Safety measures for motorists:
- Remember that children
are unpredictable in their actions. Take extreme caution when traveling in
a school zone.
- If there are no
sidewalks, drive cautiously. Be more alert to the possibility of children
walking in the road.
- Be more aware of
children playing near school bus stops.
- Slow down and prepare
to stop whenever you see yellow school bus lights flashing.
- Never pass a bus when
there are flashing red lights. This is a sign that children are getting
off the bus.
- Learn and obey the
school bus laws in your state.
Sheriff Bailey concluded. "Let's
make this school year especially safe. Practice these school bus safety
measures for your protection and safety, and make this school year as enjoyable
as possible."
Applications Being Taken For "Food For Seniors"
Applications are presently being
accepted at Claiborne Community Services for a new program "Food for Seniors". Individuals who are at least 60 years old and
meet the financial criteria are eligible to receive a box of food once a month.
Elderly couples will be eligible for a box for each person as long as they both
qualify. Individuals who live alone must
have an income less than $1,009 per month or $12,103 annually. The maximum
income for a family of two, both over 60 years, would be $16,237 or $1,354 per
month.
The first delivery of food boxes will be
Tuesday, August 31. Boxes contain 3 cans juice, 4 cans vegetables, 2 cans
fruit, 1 can meat, 2 lb. box cheese, some type of cereal, 2 cans evaporated
milk or dry milk, peanut butter or dried beans, and one other item. Boxes can
be picked up at the Council on Aging located at 621 South Main Street, behind
Hatch and Smith attorney office. If not raining, persons will be able to drive
through the CCS parking lot, sign a form and pick up the food box directly off
the truck.
If you qualify, individuals are asked to
stop by the Community Services office in Homer during regular business hours
8:00 AM - 4:45 PM Monday-Friday to fill out an application, closed for lunch.
Persons in Haynesville can sign up in the Council Chambers at Haynesville City
Hall on Tuesday, August 17 from 9:00-11:30 AM. Everyone must be signed up no
later than Tuesday, August 24. To apply, you must provide proof of income,
proof of age, and your social security number. Seniors involved in the food
program at Claiborne Council on Aging may sign up there.
Boxes will be distributed at the Office
of Community Services in Homer, at City Hall in Haynesville and at the
Claiborne Council on Aging in Homer. For more information, call Claiborne
Community Services at 927-3557.
Vendors Sought For Haynesville Butterfly
Festival
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Food and craft vendors are being sought
for the Haynesville Celebration of Butterflies to be held Saturday, September
11 at the Claiborne Parish fairgrounds in Haynesville. The charge for vendors
is $25 for a 10' x 10' booth in the air-conditioned building and $15 for a 12'
x 12' booth under a covered pavilion. Tables can be rented for $5 each.
Festival hours are 9 AM - 9 PM. Festival highlights include a parade, butterfly
conservatory, butterfly and gardening programs, butterfly and wildflower walks,
demonstrations on quilting and basket weaving, community art and photography
exhibits, an insect exhibit, children's train ride, and musical entertainment.
For a vendor application, contact LeBois Sincox at 318-624-0661 or Pat Bourn at 318-624-1216.
