THESE SOUTH LOUISIANA EVACUEES from the Larose-Cutoff-Galliano area were seen chillin' Monday morning at Linder Motor Lodge as Hurricane Katrina battered the South Louisiana coast.

Claiborne Welcomes South Louisiana Evacuees

BY JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer, The Guardian-Journal

            If you heard unfamiliar accents the past few days, you can thank Hurricane Katrina. Linder Motor Lodge, Smith's Bed and Breakfast in Haynesville, Parden's Paradise on Lake Claiborne, and several other Claiborne Parish hostelries took in South Louisiana residents fleeing Katrina.

            Wanda Tucker, desk clerk at Linder's, said South Louisiana residents started coming in Saturday night. "The phones have been ringing almost nonstop with people asking about rooms," she says this Monday morning as Katrina bears down on Louisiana's Gulf Coast.

The Gonzales', Ross and his wife Peggy, are here from Arabie, a suburb of  New Orleans. Ross is a CPA with an office a couple of blocks from their home. He says their house is under 9 feet of water, "probably the office, too." Ross and Peggy have brought with them his 90-year-old grandmother, his 85-year-old uncle, and his 70-year-old father.

            Dean and Tynette Esponge have with them their son Gary, 14, and their dog Sydney, a boxer. Their live in Cutoff, LA, in Lafourche Parish. Asked why all the way up to Claiborne Parish, Dean Esponge says, "Linder's let us bring Sydney. We couldn't go off and leave him. He's part of the family." Tynette adds, "Everyone up here has been so nice. We have been made to feel welcome, and we appreciate that." It was the first time here for Esponge's parents, Robinson and Brenda Esponge.

            Louis and Alice Fay Cheramie came to Linder's from Galliano, LA, also in Lafourche Parish. Their son has been to Claiborne Parish several times hunting with Mark Foster. The Cheramie's got to Homer Sunday about 1 a.m. They left their home before the mandated evacuation, so they were ahead of the heavy traffic.

            Monday morning Donald and Mae Perkins from New Orleans were settled in at Smith's Bed and Breakfast. Joining Donald and Mae are their son Keith, Keith's wife Peggy, and their sons Keith Jr., 12, and Michael, 2. And there is with them another son David and his wife Justine, their son David Jr., 25, Justine's nephew Kendrick Anderson, 25, and Mrs. Dora Wilson, Justine's mother. Donald and Mae also brought Marcella George, Mae's cousin, who will be 89 in a few days.

            The Perkins left New Orleans Saturday night about 7 p.m. "We must have stopped at 30 motels above Baton Rouge, but everything was full," says Perkins.  They decided to try Natchitoches where their granddaughter Erma Edmonds is a sophomore at Northwestern. Unfortunately, there were no motel rooms in the Natchitoches area either, so they stayed the rest of the night with Erma.

            Too little room and too little sleep that night led to Perkins' calling his friend Dump Hatter in Haynesville. He and Hatter had attended Southern University in Baton Rouge together and served together in the Army  in Korea. Hatter told them to come on to Haynes-ville, that  accommodations could be found somewhere. They found room at the Bed and Break-fast in Haynesville.

            Son David and daughter-in-law Justine left New Orleans, too, but evacuation procedures sent them north via I-55 to Jackson, MS, then by I-20 west to Claiborne Parish. They were so tired Sunday night that they stopped in Monroe to rest. Where? David says, "We stayed the rest of the night in a Wal-Mart parking lot. But we were not the only ones. There were 20-30 cars and 20 or so RVs there, too. Those who weren't sleeping in their cars had lawn chairs on the lot and were sleeping outside on.them."

            The Perkins' have other family who left the hurricane area. All are accounted for and safe.

THE PERKINS FAMILY AND FRIENDS take refuge in Haynesville to escape Hurricane Katrina. Pictured are (front from left) Keith Perkins, Jr., Keith Perkins (Sr.), David Perkins (Sr.), and Kendrick Anderson (Justine's nephew), Unsure; (back from left) Michael Perkins held by Peggy Perkins, David Perkins, Jr., Justine Perkins, Dora Wilson (Justine's mother), Mae Perkins, Donald Perkins.

SOME OF THE HURRICANE KATRINA evacuees staying at Linder Lodge Monday morning included (left to right) Dean and Tynette Esponge, his parents Brenda and Robinson Esponge,  and their friend Kevin Dufrene.

AS THESE CARS SHOW, Linders has no vacancies this Monday morning as Katrina drives out South Louisiana residents.

Shelter Opens At Camp Harris

Contributions Sought To Pay For Food, Other Supplies

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

            Hurricane Katerina plowed through South Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama leaving a catastrophic path of death and destruction on a Biblical scale. A. J. Holloway, mayor of Biloxi, Mississippi said, "This is our tsunami."

            "This is a tragedy of great proportions, greater than any we've see in our lifetimes," Governor Kathleen Blanco said. "It's just heartbreaking." She asked residents to spend Wednesday in prayer. The governor said it was "impossible to even begin to estimate" how long it will take to restore power and drinking water in New Orleans. Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour called Katrina a monster storm on scale of Camille. Camille was the worst that ever hit America, but places have flooded now that did not flood then.

            Sen. Mary Landrieu motioned the sign of the cross over her head and chest as she looked over roofs peaking from water in St. Bernard Parish. She said, "The whole parish is gone."

            Insurance companies estimated damage from the hurricane could top $9 billion, which could  make it one of the costliest on record.

            The category 5 hurricane ripped across the Gulf shore Monday morning with winds topping 140 mph, dropping water on communities in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, knocking out power and flooding thousands of homes. Roofs were torn from buildings, bricks and mortar fell from buildings crushing automobiles in the streets below, windows were blown out, vehicles and houses were flooded, people were trapped in homes with rising water forcing them to rooftops, and many lives were lost.

            Early Tuesday evening, the official death toll was 70 but expected to rise significantly. So far, 2 deaths were reported in Alabama, 2 in Louisiana, 11 in Florida and approximately 55 in Mississippi.  The Red Cross estimated 43,000 people were in shelters in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, and over 1,400 in Florida. A total of 2.3 million were without power across the South: 532,000 in Alabama, 190,000 in Florida, 855,000 in Mississippi, and at least 790,000 in Louisiana.

            A local shelter for people displaced from their homes opened Tuesday afternoon in Claiborne Parish at the Harris Baptist Assembly. Also known as Camp Harris, the facility is located about 9 miles south of Homer on the Harris Road.

            Camp Harris has 30 rooms with two double beds in each room and enough bunk beds in dorm rooms to sleep 250. Rooms are air conditioned, but there are no televisions and no linens for bunk beds, since campers normally provide their own linens, blankets or sleeping bags. Mike Latham, camp manager, said he was setting up a television in one of the meeting rooms for guests, but since there is no access to cable, only local channels will be available.

            Dennis Butcher, director of the Claiborne Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP), said around 100 people moved in shortly after opening Tuesday afternoon, most from St. Bernard Parish. Cathy Greeson, assistant OEP director, and Glenda Greer, 911 administrator, assisted in registering individuals.

            Gurvis Vines has been designated to oversee food preparation and food donations. He will also coordinate volunteer kitchen help to prepare the meals. Anyone interested in making a donation or volunteering to help, can contact him at 773-6222.

            Butcher said OEP is soliciting donations to help provide three meals per day to victims and expects the number of persons at the shelter to rise quickly. Checks  made payable to the Claiborne Parish OEP and earmarked for Hurricane Relief can be dropped off at the Police Jury office.

            In addition to food, the OEP is soliciting contributions for other items such as toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, deodorant, bathroom tissue, etc.), paper goods (plates, cups, napkins), twin bed sheets, and blankets. Other items needed include  disposable diapers, non-perishable sealed snack items, children's toys and books, playing cards, dominoes, puzzles and other games. Items can also be dropped off at the Police Jury Complex located on the west side of the Courthouse Square.

            Butcher said there are no plans at this time to open other shelters, but if the need arises and if funds are available, they could open a second shelter possibly at Homer City Hall.

            Several families staying at campsites at Lake Claiborne State Park are in need of propane gas, bottled water, ice, bandaids, and fans. One lady was even needing heart worm medicine for her dog. A number of individuals were in need of medication and several were treated at Homer Memorial Hospital.

            The OEP office will only be handling food and housing. People with healthcare needs will have to go elsewhere. Several families contacted the local Office of Family Support Tuesday, looking for food and medicine. One lady even wanted to know where she could get a job.

            The David Raines Community Health Care Center in Haynesville provides many medical services at no charge. They can be contacted by calling 624-1995.  Persons can also contact the Claiborne Parish Office of Family Services at 927-3518 to see what help may be available from the State. The Office of Community Services which provides free transportation, can be contacted by calling 927-3557. If you know of a family looking for shelter or food, call the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office at 927-2011. Parish residents who are willing to house families in their homes are asked to contact OEP at 927-9118.

            Most South Louisiana families were expecting to be out of their homes only a few days. They are now beginning to realize they may not be able to return home for weeks, perhaps months—and some may find they do not even have a home to return home to. Until then, it is up to folks in Claiborne Parish to make their stay as comfortable as possible by making a contribution today or volunteering to help.

Donations Needed For Victims

            The Office of Emergency Preparedness is collecting monetary donations and other items for victims of Hurricane Katrina. For those who would like to contribute to help provide meals and housing for individuals seeking refuge in Claiborne Parish, make your checks payable to the Claiborne Parish O.E.P. and deliver to the Police Jury Complex. Other items being collected at the Police Jury Complex include such items as paper goods, linens, toiletries, and disposable diapers.

Arrests Made In Burglaries

            A call received Saturday, August 27 around 1:30 AM by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office led to the arrest of three individuals, charged with simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling according to Sheriff Ken Bailey. The alarm had been activated at the residence located at 1093 Maddox Road. Within minutes, deputies David Morgan, Randy Smith, and Matt Harris who were responding to the call, had a vehicle stopped on Maddox Road. Upon further investigation, deputies discovered entry was gained into the home by breaking a window at the rear of the house.

            After determining one suspect was still in the vicinity of the house, CID Detectives Charlie Buford and Duffy Gandy, Haynesville Police Detective James Bolton, and the David Wade Correctional Center tracking team were called in to assist.

            Evidence discovered approximately one-quarter mile from the residence led to the arrest of Jimmy N. Bishop, 38, of Haynesville; David Wayne Easter, 39, of Haynesville; and Carol L. Hardin, 42, of Springhill. Bailey said, "Due to the timely response of patrol deputies involved in this call, the case was solved in an expedient manner."

            Another burglary reported July 24 by the owner of the Lisbon General Store has also been solved. The store, located at 20023 Hwy. 2 in Lisbon was broken into sometime during the night of July 23 or early morning hours of July 24. In addition to stealing cigarettes and soft drinks, the burglar damaged doors and a window.

            Following an investigation initiated August 17, an arrest was made. Charged with simple burglary was Jarvis W. Cooksey, 38, of 274 Trudy Road in Lisbon.

            Cooksey was booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center on $10,000 bond. Due to the fact that Cooksey was out on parole at the time of the offense, a hold has been placed on him by Louisiana Probation and Parole.

CLAIBORNE ELECTRIC LINEMEN preparing to leave for south Louisiana to rebuild electric lines in the wake of Hurricane Katrina are (l.-r., front) Robert Gibson, Mike Lunsford, Danny Frazier, Donald Mullins, Jason Birdsong, (back) Milton Hamilton, Johnny Buckley, Josh Dupree, Josh McLeod, Stephen Faulk, Thomas Ruple, Jeremy Hobbs, Jonathan Dison and Wayne Boyett. 

Claiborne Electric Crews Respond To Katrina’s Wrath

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

            Line crews from Claiborne Electric Cooperative left Monday to join the effort in south Louisiana to restore power following the severe damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.

            Four electric cooperatives in south Louisiana were hit hard by the storm. Claiborne Electric crews were dispatched to assist with the restoration efforts at Pointe Coupee Electric Cooperative, headquartered at New Roads. The other cooperatives which felt the storm's wrath were Dixie Electric (Baton Rouge), Washington-St. Tammany Electric (Franklinton) and South Louisiana Electric Co-op (Houma).

            Early estimates were that Pointe Coupee may not have been damaged as severely as the other three co-ops. If the restoration goes quickly at Pointe Coupee, Claiborne's crews will likely be moved to Dixie Electric, which reported more than 80,000 member-customers without electricity following the hurricane.

            Claiborne sent 14 men to help restore power. The men carried various equipment with them, including bucket trucks, a pole-digger truck and ATV's for getting into swampy areas.

            Veteran supervisors Johnny Buckley, from Bernice, and Danny Frazier, from Farmerville, are leading the Claiborne crews. Line workers from the Homer office include Thomas Ruple, Wayne Boyett, Jonathan Dison, Milton Hamilton, Stephen Faulk and Jason Birdsong. The crew from the Farmerville office includes Donald Mullins, Jeremy Hobbs, Josh McLeod, Robert Gibson, Josh Dupree and Mike Lunsford.

            The crews are expected to be work seven to 10 days, at which time they may rotate home and be replaced by other Claiborne Electric workers, if necessary. Early estimates stated it may take several weeks to completely restore power.

Watershed Commission Backs Lakes

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

            Claiborne Parish Watershed Commission met last Thursday to get an update on the multi-parish lakes project from Dr. James Robert Michael. Commission Chairman Dr. Alice Stewart announced the purpose of the meeting was to consider the role the Watershed District might play in the Sparta Area Aquifer Recharge and Economic Development project proposed by Michael and endorsed by both Webster and Claiborne Parish Police Juries.

            Stewart pointed out development of natural resources is among the purposes of the watershed district. Following a brief overview on the status of the project, Michael asked commissioners what they would be willing to contribute toward the project. He said the estimated $210 million needed to construct nine lakes would also include funds for the maintenance of existing lakes such as Claiborne and Bistineau. These funds could be used for patrols, buoys, or to remove silt.

            Michael said citizens of Claiborne Parish are at a crossroad in regard to the Sparta Aquifer and the future of the area's economy.  He said, "We have a chance to correct this. It may be our only chance." The parish did not get where it is today by making intelligent decisions and we need to realize we are not going to get a steel mill or GM plant to locate here. Unless something is done, the population will dwindle to around 12,000 over the next two decades and the economy will continue to fall apart.

LOUISIANA STATE LAW prohibits disposing of white goods except in an approved collection or recycling facility. There is absolutely no reason for any residents in Claiborne Parish to illegally dispose of appliances or other large items as shown above in an area near Lake Claiborne off Arizona Road.

State Law Prohibits Illegal Dumping

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

            All residents of Claiborne Parish with the exception of those living inside the city limits of Haynesville and Homer pay no monthly charge for household waste pickup. Garbage pickup for rural residents is paid by a one cent sales tax collected by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury through sales collected outside Homer and Haynesville.

            In an effort to reduce illegal dumping in the parish and to reduce the number of appliances and other large furniture items left along rural roadways in the parish, the Police Jury voted in March 2001 to hire Willie Drew Ferguson to pick up and dispose of white goods at a cost of $10 per item, to be paid from the sales tax fund. This fund also pays for inmates to pick up trash on rural roads.

            White goods include discarded domestic and commercial appliances such as refrigerators, ranges, washers, and water heaters. Since 1990, State Law prohibits persons from knowingly or intentionally disposing of white goods except in a collection or recycling facility.

            There are restrictions on disposing of old tires, lead acid batteries, and other hazardous waste. Parish residents can drop old tires off at the parish road barn next to Ludlow. Citizens in Homer and Haynesville can drop off white goods, tires and other large items at designated places at certain times throughout the year. Persons may dispose of bricks or cement on their property, but general construction material should be taken to a construction landfill such as the one in Webster Parish.

            Solid waste should be disposed of by persons certified for the job. Anyone who has buried solid waste on their property must disclose this when selling the property. Promiscuous dumping or dumping on someone else's property is not allowed. Even small amounts can encourage others to dump.

            Anyone with questions about how to dispose of certain items should call the Police Jury office at 927-2222. The DEQ Citizen Information and Hotlines may be found at www.deq.state.la.us/citizens.htm. The hotline to call about any environmental issue or complaint is 225-342-1234. The DEQ regional office in Shreveport is 318-676-7476. Some specific numbers include 1-888-LITRBUG for litter, 1-800-305-6621 for used oil, 1-800-8-BATTERY  for NiCad Battery Recycling, and 1-800-305-6621 for the Reduce/Reuse/Recycle Program.

ADMINISTRATOR Doug Efferson holds up the July 14, 1949 issue of The Guardian-Journal on display during last week's Open House which announced the grand opening of Homer Memorial Hospital.

Inspectors Give HMH Clean Bill Of Health

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

            Homer Memorial Hospital celebrated the completion of several months of cleaning, repairing, and painting with an Open House held Friday, August 26. The celebration was a little sweeter when hospital administrator Doug Efferson received good news on the inspection by the Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH).

            State surveyors gave the hospital the cleanest bill of health it has received in over 25 years according to Efferson. For the first time in memory, the hospital was given a deficiency-free survey, meaning the surveyors could not find a single area in which the hospital required improvement or follow-up actions. Efferson said, "This is almost unheard of in the state inspection process and is a high honor for Homer Memorial Hospital."

            Homer Memorial Hospital, Home Health and Senior Care currently employ 250, some who are part-time. There are 50 beds in 39 rooms at Homer Memorial. The Board recently purchased new beds, side tables, and over bed tables in half the rooms. There are five beds in the intensive care unit which are now equipped with new monitoring equipment which allows nurses in ICU to view all five patients on one screen.

            State surveyors were in the parish four days last week to conduct their annual physical inspection of the Hospital, the Senior Care Center in Haynesville and Home Health, to make sure buildings met all health and safety requirements. They also observed nurses and other healthcare providers as they cared for inpatents, emergency room patients, and intensive care unit patients.

            Unlike previous inspections, no follow-up action was required. State surveyors were very impressed with recent improvements, including the air conditioning upgrades, the cleanliness of the facility and the performance improvement efforts currently in place. Efferson said they could feel the excitement in the hospital staff and could see positive attitudes and compassionate care everywhere. They received rave reviews from patients and visitors.

            Efferson said thanks to the hard work and leadership of the physicians, the hospital managers, and the hospital staff, our community hospital continues to provide excellent patient care to the residents of Homer, Claiborne Parish, and the surrounding area.

Senior Expo Set For September 24

            The S.A.L.T. Council of the Claiborne Parish TRIAD and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff Office would like to invite all senior citizens to attend the annual "Senior Expo" to be held Saturday, September 24, from 8 AM - 12 PM at the Homer City Hall. Registration will begin at 8:00 AM. Free lunch will be provided following the Expo. Local health service providers and government agencies will set up booths with lots of helpful information and health checks. Informative speakers will also be on the program. Drawings for door prizes donated by individuals and businesses in Claiborne Parish. Entertainment will be provided by "The First Praise Singers." All seniors are encouraged to come and enjoy the fellowship, as well as receive helpful information. For more information please contact TRIAD at the  Sheriff's Office at 318-927-2011.

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