Junction
City Officers Arrested
For Theft, Malfeasance
Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., and Union Parish Sheriff Bob Buckley announced last week that two arrests have been made in an investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s Criminal Investigation
Division.
The Attorney General’s Office received information of
possible malfeasance and possible allegations of pay roll fraud involving
officers working for the Junction
City, Louisiana Police Department. As a result of this investigation,
two Union Parish Sheriff deputies have been arrested.
Michael B. Nolan, 30, of West Port Union Road in
Farmerville and Kevin Knight, 42, of Holder Road in Farmerville were charged as
fugitives from justice in Union Parish and transported to Claiborne Parish
where they were arrested June 6 by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office due to
the fact the Junction City, Louisiana town office is located in Claiborne
Parish. Both deputies were charged with felony theft and malfeasance in office,
and were immediately terminated upon their arrests.
According to Sheriff Buckley, Nolan had been with the
UPSO for almost three years and Knight for two. Under an agreement with the the
Town of Junction City, Louisiana, Union Parish Sheriff deputies were allowed to
work under contract labor to patrol for Junction City with two stipulations.
They must be sworn in as Junction
City officers and
could not wear a Union Parish deputy uniform while working for the town.
Apparently, both officers had turned in hours worked on their time sheet to the
parish, which they had not worked.
The charge of felony theft carries a possible sentence of
imprisonment of not more than ten years or fined not more than $3,000 or both.
The charge of malfeasance in office carries a possible sentence of imprisonment
of not more than five years with or without hard labor or fined not more than
$5,000 or both.
Attorney General Foti and Sheriff Buckley stressed that
wrong doing by anyone will not be tolerated and these men, both police
officers, were not above the law they were sworn to enforce.
“I also want to remind everyone that although the above
individuals have been charged, they should be considered innocent until proven
guilty,” General Foti added.
Dixie
Mart Manager Arrested
A joint investigation by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Homer Police Department led to the arrest last Wednesday, June
7, of Anetra Shonta Fields, 31, of Arcadia. Sheriff Ken Bailey and Police Chief Russell Mills
charged Fields with felony theft for stealing more than $4,000 from Dixie Mart
#3 where she had been employed as manager since January 19 of this year.
Chuck Talley, Chief Investigator with the CPSO Criminal
Investigation Division, said his office received a complaint of the missing
funds on June 6. Information obtained by CID led to Fields’ arrest. She was
booked into the Claiborne Parish Jail with bond set at $10,000.
THE BACK WINDOW OF
THIS Homer Police Unit driven by Sgt.
Jimmy Hamilton was broken last weekend in the area of East 4th and North 4th
where a large crowd of juveniles had gathered. A window was also broken in
Emerson Wafer’s vehicle.
Juveniles Damage Police
Vehicles
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Chunks of asphalt, pieces of cinder block, and rocks were
hurled 
over rooftops in the area of East 4th and North 4th Street just after midnight
Saturday night. Windows were broken out in two vehicles, one belonging to
Emerson Wafer and the other a Homer Police unit. Homer Police officers
responded to a number of complaints involving juveniles over the weekend.
Several calls came in regarding fights on Pearl Street, Martin Luther King St., Dutchtown Road and Hill Street.
Shortly after midnight,
at approximately 12:15
AM Sunday morning, Homer
officers were called to the 800 block of East 4th Street. A large group of juveniles had gathered near the intersection of Wilson Street. Upon arrival at the scene, officer
Roger Smith and reserve officer John Bailey called for backup, then began
trying to disperse the crowd. Officer Mario Thomas arrived a short time later
and stayed in the area to help control the crowd. Local resident Emerson Wafer
approached the officers to report someone had thrown an object at his vehicle
and busted out his windshield.
As officers were writing the report, someone behind the
houses on East 4th began throwing rocks, chunks of asphalt, and pieces of
cinder blocks in the direction of the officers. Just before 1 AM, officers were called to the Martin Luther King area in
regard to shots being fired. Officers found no one with a gun in the area and
no residents filed a complaint.
Around 1:25 AM,
Sgt. Jimmy Hamilton was patrolling in 800 block of East 4th Street, when his vehicle was struck by an object, shattering
the back glass. Statements by witnesses in the area led to the arrest of one
16-year-old juvenile. He was charged with aggravated criminal damage. A person
who commits the crime of aggravated criminal damage to property shall be fined
not more than ten thousand dollars, imprisoned with or without hard labor for
not less than one nor more than fifteen years, or both.
School Board Revised
Budget Better Than Expected
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
The proposed revised budget for the 2006-2007 school year is better than expected according to Superintendent
James Scriber. Scriber shared figures with members of the Claiborne Parish
School Board during their regular meeting last Thursday. The projected deficit
was expected to be just over $1 million. Due to frugal management and hard work
by the staff, Scriber said revised figures lowered the projected deficit in the
general fund to ($743,000).
Scriber noted that future sales tax collections would be
unstable due to the closing of Wal-Mart on July 1,
however, the largest contribution to sales and use tax recently has been due to
the increase in oil and gas activity. He
said, “Wal-Mart leaving will affect the school system. It will affect all
public bodies.”
The total estimated losses from all
sources when Wal-Mart closes is $1.5 million. The loss for the School
Board is estimated about $231,000, which is 13%-14% of total sales tax
collected. Scriber noted that 75% of sales tax collections go to employee
salaries. He said the amount collected through bond issue approved in Homer
School District 13 to construct and improve school buildings would not
be affected. That money is guaranteed. The loss is not a great amount, but
other businesses will have to make up the difference.
The Revised Budget for 2006-2007 was approved by the Board.
Scriber said he attended two meetings earlier Thursday—1)
a workshop with Coordinating and Development Corporation and 2) a conference
call with representatives of Louisiana Economic Development. Both meetings were
to address the decision by Wal-Mart to close and to develop a plan in response
to that decision.
Scriber met with Junction City Superintendent Gary Waymon
about the financial situation. The Claiborne Parish contribution for the past year for the 109 students
enrolled at Junction
City was $724,840.
This year Claiborne Parish received $13,533,732 in MFP funds for 2,620 students
for an average of $5,166 per student.
Scriber recommended paying Junction City the same rate for the 129 students enrolled this year.
The Board approved renewing the contract with Junction City Schools and agreed
to continue to allow students in District 9 to attend Junction City School and to pay $666,414 for the 2006-2007 school year based
on the 2005-2006 per pupil rate of $5,166.
Local Leaders Working To
Keep Wal-Mart Open
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
While most in this community feel the effect Wal-Mart
closing July 1 will have on the local economy will be devastating, others see
opportunity. No doubt, there will be a substantial reduction in tax revenues
for public bodies. Claiborne Chamber President J. T. Taylor said the total
estimated loss of tax receipts and other income when Wal-Mart closes will be
$1.5 million. Of that, the Town of Homer stands to lose almost $220,000 in sales, inventory, and
property tax, occupational license and utilities, plus an additional $6,200 in
Entergy franchise taxes. Estimated losses in inventory and property tax for the
Police Jury is $28,946, while the School Board expects to lose more than
$230,000 in sales tax, inventory and property tax. The estimated loss of income
by employees is $1 million and charitable donations made to the community by
Wal-Mart is
approximately $30,000.
Taylor called for a meeting between local leaders and elected
officials with representatives from the Coordinating & Development Corporation (CDC) last Thursday, June 8. The purpose of the workshop was to
discuss the socio-economic and other impacts caused by the closing of Wal-Mart
on July 1. Members of the CDC Staff as well as representatives from the offices
of Senators David Vitter and Mary Landrieu, and Congressman Jim McCrery were
present to offer assistance and advice.
Among those who attended were J.T. Taylor, Bob Robinson,
Dennis Butcher, Roy Mardis, Ken Bailey, Cynthia Steele, James Scriber, John
David Watson, Ken Bailey, David Aubrey, J. C. Moore, Carlette Sanford, Melissa
Watts, Joey White, Mark Brown, John David Watson, Buddy Pixley, Joyce Majors,
James Ridley, Barbara Monzingo, Lavelle Penix, Bud Ruple, Clyde Hightower,
Buddy Pixley, and Doug Efferson.
CDC President and CEO Max Lecomte said, “A lot of
positive opportunities can come out of something that is, at this time, a
little bit distasteful.” CDC has been down this road dozens of times, such as
when the paper mill closed in Springhill, when the Louisiana Ammunition Plant
shut down near Doyline, the Sunbeam plant in Coushatta, and Nabors Trailers
Corp. in Mansfield.
While Wal-Mart officials have indicated they would be
more than willing to meet and discuss the situation with the local community,
they have yet to commit to a date. Maggie Sans, public affairs director with
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. said it was highly unlikely they would change their
decision to close the store. She said they looked at every possible option, however, they never contacted any local officials or
community leaders to warn them of an impending closure. Sans said although low
sales and shrinkage (theft) did play a part in their decision, closing the
store was not tied to any one thing.
LeComte said he hopes to gather all relevant information
concerning the store closure, its economic and social impacts, as well as other
information. Later in the day, some of the same group joined in a conference
call with Chip Hines and Pat Whitty with Louisiana Economic Development. They
agreed to help put together a presentation showing the effect the store closing
will have locally.
Members of the committee appointed by the Homer Town Council met at 5
PM. After much discussion, they
decided to 1) do everything they could to convince Wal-Mart to keep the store
open, 2) to request that Wal-Mart provide a grant that would pay taxes and
other sources of revenue through the end of 2007, and 3) to urge local
residents, their family and friends, to sign a pledge form committing to
purchase from local merchants when possible and to avoid purchasing from
Wal-Mart or Sam’s.
Roy Mardis, president of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury, suggested
taking school buses filled with children and the elderly to Bentonville to
petition Wal-Mart to keep the store open.
It was decided to ask representatives of Senator Mary Landrieu
and Senator David Vitter to urge their bosses to do what they could politically to
sway Wal-Mart’s decision. Taylor said Congressman McCrery’s office is trying to convince
the Congressional liaison for Wal-Mart to go ahead and pay the taxes through
the end of 2007 to allow the community time to adjust and other businesses to
expand.
With the help of state agencies and CDC, a presentation
is being developed with the hope of going to Bentonville soon. In the meantime,
residents are encouraged to call 1-800-WAL-MART.
LeComte said, “Though the short-term horizon may appear
bleak, through Claiborne’s leadership, this situation can not only be met, but
may turn into a number of opportunities, as we have seen happen in other areas
faced with plant closures.”
Citizens Urged To Call
1-800-Wal-Mart
Claiborne Parish residents and friends are being urged by
local officials to call 1-800-WAL-MART and let them know how you feel about the
announcement they will close the “only” Wal-Mart store in Claiborne Parish on
July 1, 2006. Local officials and civic leaders are working to set up a meeting
with Wal-Mart officials to see what, if anything, can
be done to keep the Homer store open. Citizens are being asked to fill out
Pledge Forms available by Clicking Here or at the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce and the Claiborne
Parish Police Jury Complex, pledging to shop with local merchants whenever
possible and to boycott Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club if the store closes, and to
encourage family and friends to do the same. Citizens can also submit comments
on-line by going to www.walmartstores.com or by calling 1-800-WAL-MART
(1-800-925-6278). Comments can be mailed to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Bentonville,
Arkansas 72716-8611. The Guardian-Journal
wants you to share your comments with us as well. Please send comments to The Guardian-Journal, P.O. Box
119, Homer, LA 71040 or email them to
.
Place “Wal-Mart” in the subject
line.
LARRY JORDAN
was administrator at Homer
Memorial
Hospital
when the Senior
Care
Center
opened in Haynesville June
9, 1996. Jordan
(left) attended the 10-year anniversary celebration held last Friday and is
shown with present HMH administrator Doug Efferson.
HMH
Senior
Care
Center
Celebrates
10th Anniversary
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Homer Memorial Hospital’s 10-bed Senior Care Center celebrated its ten year anniversary last Friday, June 9
with an Open House. At the time the center opened on June 9, 1996 Larry Jordan was administrator of HMH. He attended the Open House, along with
present administrator Doug Efferson.
Dr.
Sam Abshire is the Director of Medical Care and Dr. B. R. Kaza is the Director
of Psychiatric Care. Other staff members include Program Director Karen Budwah,
Social Worker Kay Spring; registered nurses LaNelle Blackmon, JoAnne Shipman,
Rodney Cooper, Debbie Williams, Dee Boler, Lavinia Kelley; mental health
technicians Sharnycia Ford, Anne McKnight, Inez Copeland, Carol Beene, Eunice
Hines, Julie Easter, Doris Green, Dorothy Grant; and activity director Arthur
Reed.
Senior Care, housed in the former North
Claiborne Hospital in Haynesville, is a mental health treatment program
which provides inpatient diagnostic and treatment service for patients 55 years
and older. The main focus is on patients with severe depression, manic
depressive or bipolar illness, dementia and Alzheimer’s with behavioral
changes, thought disorders, and extreme anxiety. Senior Care addresses specialty
problems in the geriatric community through medication, social work groups,
activity therapy and music therapy.
In addition, Budwah and Spring set up educational programs to
help the community understand problems of aging, such as the one held May 18 at
Homer Memorial in Homer. Dr. Kaza gave information on dementia, the symptoms
associated with the different forms of dementia,and
the difficulty persons affected describe what they are experiencing. He said
dementia has been growing since the 1830s and the incidence of dementia-related
disease doubles every 5 years after the age of 65.
Many symptoms are common to several types of dementia.
For example, it is common to more than one type of illness or disorder when a
person asks the same questions or tells the same story over and over. The same
is true of a person who neglects to bathe or wears the same clothes. Dr. Kaza
recommends seeing a doctor as soon as symptoms appear because early diagnosis
helps determine the proper course of treatment which in turn ensures the best
possible treatment outcome. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s and most other
forms of dementia, however, proper treatment can delay
the progress of the disease.
Senior Care offers “free” assessments 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. Just give them a call at 318-624-3665. If
needed they will send someone to pick up the family member, then will set up a
family conference to address the issues.
STAFF
MEMBERS at the Homer Memorial Hospital Senior Care Center in Haynesville are (l.-r.) Kay Spring, HMH Board President Buddy Pixley,
LaNelle Blackmon, JoAnne Shipman, Rodney Cooper, Karen Budwah, and Dr. Sam
Abshire, Director of Medical Care. Not pictured is Dr. B. R. Kaza, a Springhill
psychiatrist, who
serves as Director of Psychiatric Care.
Annual Boat Show And Fireworks
Set For July 4
The 2006 Annual Claiborne Parish Boat Show and Fourth of
July Fireworks will be held Tuesday evening, July 4. The Boat Show will shove
off from Pleasure Point Marina at 7:30 PM. Fireworks will follow from the Lake
Claiborne dame about 9:00 PM or
when it is dark. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate our independence.
Donations are needed to help with the cost of the fireworks show. Please make
checks payable to: Claiborne Fireworks, Inc., 180 Post Oak Road, Homer, LA 71040. For
information about Fireworks, call Fred Lewis at 927-9180. Boat Show questions
should be directed to Dick Dorrell at 927-0039.
