Authorities Seize $70,000 In Drugs

            A joint effort involving the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana State Police, Webster Parish Sheriff's Office, and the Minden Police Department on May 5, 2005, resulted in the arrest of Jarvis B. Warren. Warren was charged with possession with intent to district Schedule I marijuana, possession of over 400 grams of Schedule II crack cocaine, and possession of Schedule I MDMA (ecstasy).

            The Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office reports that "agents observed  a hand-to-hand transaction between a convicted drug felon and an unknown subject." When agents tried to talk with them, the unknown subject fled on foot with agents in pursuit.

            During the chase, the individual appeared to throw to the ground approximately 1/4 ounce of crack cocaine and a set of weighing scales. Agents eventually caught and detained both the unnamed subject and Jarvis B. Warren. Warrants obtained to search two residences on Pearl Street in Homer led to the seizure of over 18 pounds of marijuana, almost a pound of crack cocaine, and six tablets of ecstasy. Jarvis B. Warren has been charged and booked into Claiborne Parish Detention Center.

            As the investigation continued,  another search warrant was obtained allowing agents to search the residence of James Warren, an apartment in south Shreveport. This search resulted in the seizure of over $14,000 and some marijuana as well as other materials.

            Sheriff Bailey said, "This is the largest overall seizure in Claiborne Parish in recent years." He added that "to take $30,000 worth of marijuana and $40,000 worth of crack cocaine off the streets will make an impact." Bailey added that the seizure of about $18,000 in cash and a 1994 Cadillac will certainly have an adverse impact on the local drug trade.

            The investigation is still underway, and Sheriff Bailey asks for anyone's help with this case or any other criminal activity. Reports may be made by calling the Sheriff's Office at 927-2011 or 927-9800 or your local police department.

KFC Burglarized

BY JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer, The Guardian-Journal

            The KFC on West Main in Homer was burglarized, apparently between closing Friday May 6 and opening Saturday, May 7, 2005. According to police reports when employee Adredra Rhodes arrived at work Saturday  morning, she noticed ceiling tiles on the floor of the kitchen. When she was unable to open the manager's office, she  called authorities.

            Upon investigation by Officers Russell Mills and Vincent Smith, it appears entry into the office was gained by going through the kitchen ceiling, then dropping down into the office. A tally of register receipts from the day before indicated that over $800 was missing. No arrests have been made.

Board Advertises For Bids For Mayfield Jr. High

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

            The Board approved advertising for bids on the Mayfield Junior High project. Parker said they should begin soil boring sometime this week.

            Scriber informed the Board the Hollenshead property to the south of the Pearson property had now become available and he recommended they purchase that property as well. Parker said if the purchase is made in time, he would like to shift the Junior High building further to the south to help avoid having to move gas and telephone lines. The Board agreed to purchase the Hollenshead property for $50,000, less $9,000 owed on sales taxes.

Police Jury Accepts Housing Director Resignation

Jurors Approve Health Insurance Plan

BY JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer, The Guardian-Journal

            The Claiborne Parish Policy Jury met May 4 and May 5 in working and formal sessions. After approving minutes and paying bills, the jurors considered the resignation of Johnette Faulkner, HUD Section 8 Director effective June 15, 2005.

            John W. Bowman of The Human Resource Department, Inc., of Shreveport addressed the Jury and explained that they must finalize the job description. He can then make available application packets with all materials necessary for those applying for the job.

            Questions about the independent contractor nature of the job indicated that there is no health insurance, auto mileage reimbursement, or other fringe benefits. As an independent contractor, the person hired is responsible for complying with the employment contract. They will be paid a set amount per month. They are to meet all expenses out of that monthly amount. Expenses include federal and state taxes, automobile insurance, vehicle fuel, bonding if necessary, additional paid employees, etc. Basically, the independent contractor is a self-employed person.

            Discussion centered on the new director's reporting periodically to the Jury to ensure compliance with federal requirements. Further discussion brought out that the $3100 per month payments from HUD represent the total remuneration to the independent contractor and there are no payments by the Jury to the contractor.

            The Jury voted to accept Faulkner's resignation and approve the job description. Bowman will finalize the Application Packets, prepare the advertisement for the position, and otherwise handle arrangements for the Jury to fill the job. 

            Bowman presented considerable information about proposed changes in the health insurance plan for parish employees. The Police Jury pays 60% of the health insurance contract and enrolled employees pay the remaining 40%. Jurors were concerned at the higher costs and increased deductibles and copays.

            Bowman explained that the plan for 2002 with HealthPlus HMO was just over $180 thousand. For 2003 HealthPlus went up to over $256 thousand. Bowman's office shopped around and came up with a competitively similar Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan for $178 thousand. The Police Jury switched to that plan. To maintain the same coverage for another year, the plan will go up to $206 thousand, an almost $40,000 increase.

            Bowman's firm again shopped for a competitively priced plan. The proposed plan is also with Blue Cross/Blue Shield and will cost $186,744. It keeps coverage essentially the same as the old plan but requires raising the deductible from $500 to $750, the office visit copay from $25 to $40, and adds a prescription drug yearly deductible of $100.

            Jury members quizzed Bowman extensively about other plans. He said HealthPlus and United HealthCare were even more expensive and offered fewer medical providers.

            Juror Young noted that employees will have less take-home pay under the new plan. Bowman explained that health insurance costs are rising nationwide across the board. He illustrated that gasoline prices are going up. The only way to drive the same vehicle and pay less for gas is to use less gas. If you drive the same, then you pay more to get there. Similarly, the cost of health insurance is going up. You either don't buy it or pay the higher price to maintain it.

            The Jury voted to accept the new health insurance plan with Willie Young voting against.

Judges Announced For Claiborne Jubilee

        The Claiborne Parish Jubilee poetry contest is being judged by two outstanding professionals. Dr. Darrell Cluck teaches ninth grade English at Rayville High School and is sponsor of the school's poetry club. Poet's Ink. He comes on the recommendation of Shelby McDuff of the North Central Louisiana Arts Council. Dr. Cluck is joined by Carlos Colon who was recommended by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council.

            Associate professor of art at Southern Arkansas University, Greg Skaggs, will be joined by a student artist, Josh Bird. Professor Skaggs earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from the University of Oklahoma, his B.S. in Education and his BA in Graphic Design from the University of Central Oklahoma. Additional information on his work can be found  at his website, gregskaggs.com.

            Ms. Charlotte G. Jackson of Monroe will be judging the quilt show this year

Demetric Evans Re-Signs With Washington Redskins

Attends Classes At Harvard Business School

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

            Former high school football star, Demetric Untrell Evans, recently signed a contract with the Washington Redskins for the 2005 season. Last year, Evans played defensive end for the Washington Redskins. He earned a roster spot after training camp and emerged on the NFL's third-ranked defense after a series of injuries to starting defensive end Phillip Daniels. He  started in 12 games. He recorded 31 tackles (15 solo) and 2.5 sacks. Next season he is expected to compete for playing time and provide solid depth along the D-line.

            Evans began his football career in Haynesville, where he led the Golden Tornado to three consecutive state championships. With 75 tackles, 12 sacks, 28 tackles for a loss and 25 quarterback pressures, Evans was selected AA Defensive Player of the Year.

            Evans was one of 30 NFL players who attended an executive education program at Harvard Business School April 6-8. The program is part of an ongoing NFL-NFLPA initiative to assist players in preparing for their post-playing careers. Tuition was covered by the NFL's Tuition Reimbursement Program. Veteran players may be reimbursed up to $15,000 per league year for education expenses at an accredited institution of higher learning.

Claiborne Academy Graduation May 12

        Claiborne Academy will hold their Commencement Exercises  on Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. in the school gymnasium.

            Valedictorian is Heather Bays  and  Salutatorian is Erica Butler.

            Members of the Class of 2005 who will be graduating are William Abercrombit, Dustin Glen Bays, Heather Bays, Sylvia Michelle Brazzel, Erica Elaine Butler, Erin Elizabeth Butler, Thomas Christopher Cole, Dee Dee Lynette Dickerson, Rand Lewis Hovey, John Jenkins McCowan, Will Carlton Palmer, Quindarly Dusean Ridley, Toni Nicole Sims, Marilynn Jane Smith, Rosilynn Virginia Smith, and Lawson A. Wilder III.

Mt. Olive Commencement May 13

        Mt. Olive Christian School will hold Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 13, 2005 beginning at 7 PM in the school auditorium.

            Valedictorian is Elizabeth Anne Aycock and  Salutatorian is Charla Jean Barnard.

            Members of the Class of 2005 who will be graduating are Elizabeth Anne Aycock, Sarah Lorine Bare, Charla Jean Barnard, Mary Ann Fruge, Tashana Lee James, Donovan Jess Johnson, Joshua Steven Kidd, Jacob Ryan Moak, Joshua J. Moro, Amy Lynn Pickett, Jenny Lynn Stassen, Casey Michael Taylor, and Megan Ashley Williams.

Junction City Commencement May 13

        Commencement Exercises will be held at Junction City High School on Friday, May 13, 2005 at 7:00 PM in the football stadium.

            Valedictorian is Sheena Thompson and Salutatorian is Heather Wood.

            The 2005 candidates for graduation at Junction City High School are Jonathan Barron, Ezella Bittle, Jarod Black, Clarissa Boone, Landon Brantley, Hannah Cardin, Greg Carter, Melanie Davis, Adrienne Dredd, Heath Dunn, Sarah Dunn, Jeffrey Ekowa, Jonathan Gammill, Erik Grafton, Alanna Green, Joseph Hall, Kyle Hamaker, Christon Helms, Arnold Henry, Richard Hightower, Jessica Huskey, Blake Johnson, Dan Joyce, Lawrence Malone, Brittany McCuistion, Marquita Meeks, Ashley Neal, Micah Nelson, Dustin Pate, Allison Pepper, Annie Pitre, Michael Raines, Ashley Reddick, Jeremy Richards, Kaitlin Roberson, Joshua Rogers, Jessica Sheffield, Samanna Sherman, Jonathan Sims, Porsha Singleton, Jonathan Smith, Andrea Spooner, Jeremy Spooner, Andrea Summersill, Haley Taylor, Sean Thompson, Sheena Thompson, Caleb Thurlkill, Casandra Thurmon, Brittany Truman, Lakura Warren, Derick Watts, Charity Welch, Amy Whatley, Hannah Williams, Perry Williams, Carmen Wood, Heather Wood, and Calli Young.

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