Haynesville Police Chief Anthony Smith and Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey joined forces to make a substantial drug bust in Haynesville last week.

Haynesville Arrest Nets $1,000 Crack Cocaine

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

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey and Haynesville Police Chief Anthony Smith announced that several arrests were made last week following an investigation by local, state, and federal law enforcement into activities in the Cadenhead Federal Housing complex in Haynesville. Shortly after 8 AM on Thursday, April 27, a search warrant was served at 1939 Cadenhead Place which resulted in the seizure of two handguns, one rifle, digital weighing scales, and crack cocaine valued at $1,000. Four adults and one juvenile were arrested.

Arrested were Cornecia Thomas Crew, 37, Keonte Centez Frazier, 18, Deonte K. Frazier,  18, all of Haynesville, and Jeremy Brown, 19, of Dallas, Texas. All were charged with possession w/intent to distribute Schedule II CDS cocaine, possession Schedule I CDS marijuana, possession of a firearm while possessing a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Crew was also charged with improper supervision of a minor by parent or legal custodian. She was booked into the Claiborne Parish Jail  with bond set at $72,000. Both Fraziers and Brown were booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center with bond set at $67,000 each. A 16-year-old juvenile was also detained and transported to a facility in Rapides Parish.

Sheriff Bailey and Chief Smith said this investigation was an example of local law enforcement working together to achieve the same goal. Assisting in the investigation were Haynesville Patrol Officer Adrian Malone and CNET (Claiborne Narcotic Enforcement Team) personnel.

The public is encouraged to notify area law enforcement agencies of any suspicious or illegal activity in their neighborhood. Concerned citizens can call CNET at 927-9800, Louisiana State Police at 318-676-3200, Homer Police at 927-4000, Haynesville Police at 624-1355, or the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 927-2011. Any and all information is considered confidential and will be greatly appreciated.

Homer Woman Arrested For Attempted Murder

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

Charles Ray Morgan of Homer, walked into the Homer Police Station shortly after 1 AM on Tuesday, May 1, looking for help. He had been stabbed and was bleeding from cuts on his head, hands, and left side. 

Morgan told officers he had been at a residence in the Homer Housing Authority at 335 Oil Mill Street, where he said he had been stabbed by Beverly Harper. He managed to get out of the house and rode a bicycle to the police station. Homer Police officers notified Claiborne Ambulance, who then transported him to Homer Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released.

Officers Van McDaniel, Ken Wood, Roger Smith, and John Bailey investigated the incident.  They located Harper at the residence where they found her attempting to clean blood off the floor. She was arrested just before 3 AM and transported to the Claiborne Parish jail where she was booked and charged with attempted second degree murder and tampering with evidence. Bond is to be set.

In an unrelated case, Homer Police officers McDaniel, Smith, Wood, and Bailey made a drug arrest and confiscated more than four ounces of marijuana on Thursday, April 26, while  attempting to serve an outstanding warrant on Larry O’Neal Robinson for possession of a firearm or concealed weapon by a convicted felon.

Robinson, 28, of Homer was pulled over by Officer McDaniel on North Main next to Claiborne Place Apartments about 6:38 PM. After giving officers permission to search the vehicle, they discovered a bag filled with about 4 ounces of marijuana with a street value of about $500. Robinson was then charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana. His bond was set at $30,000. He is also being held with no bond on a probation/parole violation. Officers confiscated a cell phone and $552 in cash.

Also arrested was Daniel Champ, 17, of Homer, a passenger in the vehicle. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule I (marijuana), disturbing the peace in a public building by cursing and yelling, and resisting an officer by failure to co-operate. His bond was set at $17,000. Both subjects are currently being held at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.

Tempers Flare At Haynesville Council Meeting

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

Tempers flared at the  regular meeting of the Haynesville Town Council last Thursday, April 26 when Mayor H.U. “Mutt” Slaid opposed Councilwoman Joyce Major’s effort to get the Council to approve getting three quotes for health insurance for town employees.

Major felt employees were not being treated right. They had no dental, no vision, no cancer,no long-term or short-term disability. She said, “From what I can see, I don’t think we are giving our employees the benefits they should have.”

Slaid disagreed. He said, “Number one, you have one of the best policies for health insurance on the market and I know what I am talking about.” Town Clerk Penny Fields had  determined there were currently 19 employees eligible for dental coverage on the present plan, with the option of either the Town or the employee paying the premium. If the Town pays the premium, it would cost $302.10 per month. Employees would be responsible for dependents.

Major’s motion get three bids for medical insurance for town employees failed by a vote of 2-3, with Major and Rene’ Lincoln-Buggs voting for, and Herbert Taylor, Carla Smith, and Alvin Kendrick voting against.

Major was unsure of Kendrick’s vote and attempted to clarify her motion. Slaid hit his gavel several times, telling her to be quite. He said, “I don’t want you to open your mouth.” After putting his hand on her, she responded by saying, “Get your hands off me. You can’t tell me not to open my mouth.”

Slaid allowed her to continue explaining her motion. Kendrick stated he voted no.

Major’s son then confronted the mayor, telling him he was very rude and unprofessional. When he continued to raise his voice and walk toward the mayor, Major asked him to go outside. Several in the audience stood up and asked him to leave, prompting more words. It was several minutes before order could be restored.

Slaid apologized to Major, her son, and to the public for putting his hand on Major, but not for his opposition, he said. Major refused to accept his apology, then picked up her agenda and left the meeting. Buggs also left, only to return a few minutes later.

Fire Chief Mark Furlow addressed the Council regarding the decision at the last meeting to place a fire hydrant at the corner of Logan and Washington Drive. He had several questions for Major but asked the Council, “Does anyone know how far apart fire hydrants should be?” He said any residential house within 1,000 feet of a fireplug falls under the Class 4 rating which is the class rating given the town and  the district by the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana.

He presented maps of the area, showing three fireplugs within 1,000 feet of the Hatter house, one only 205 feet. He asked, “How much water do these plugs need to put out?” Pumper trucks carry 1,200 feet of supply line, enough to fight any fire effectively. He asked if the Council were going to put fireplugs at every location where there is a fire.

He said the fire department did there job, was on the scene within six minutes, had the fire out within two hours, and helped removed items from the house. The house was only allowed to burn at the request of the homeowner.

Furlow said putting a plug at this location would be a waste of money. He could see no benefit for the town or the fire department. In the future, he asked the Council to contact him when considering replacing or installing fireplugs, or any other fire protection issues. He asked if they thought it fair not to notify him before before they voted or put in the paper as if the fire department had not done their job.

Buggs said the Council had already approved the plug. She suggested Furlow and the fire department take the issue up with Major since it was in her district. When Carla Smith attempted to make a motion to rescind the previous vote, Buggs suggested, to be fair, she recuse herself and not comment, since she was a volunteer firefighter. She said, “I don’t vote on Housing Authority stuff.”

Smith said she considered Mark an expert and if he has  studied the issue and thinks it is not necessary. Taylor’s motion to rescind the previous vote for the fireplug was approved by a vote of 2-1. Taylor and Kendrick voting yes and Buggs voting no.

Smith then appealed to the Council to do away with the monthly work sessions. As she stated before, she could not attend at 5 PM due to her work schedule. In spite of those objections, the Council voted to start at 5 PM. At the February work session, the Council discussed the Marilyn Bush civil suit and Slaid reported the offer to accept payment of $100,000 was off the table. She said, “I feel the Town could have used the money offered.”

Sunshine Law states public meetings should be held at reasonable, convenient times. Smith did not think 5 PM was convenient to everyone on the council. She said, “I feel this is being very unfair to me....and to each person in District 5 that I represent.” If the Council wants to continue work session, they can start at a later time. Her motion to discontinue work sessions at 5 PM was approved by a vote of 3-1. Kendrick, Taylor and Smith voting yes and Buggs voting no.                         ….more

Claiborne Parish Firefighters were called to Homer’s North Industrial Park around midnight Tuesday after receiving a call that smoke was seen pouring from the windows at Louisiana Wood Moulding plant. Homer Fire Chief Dennis Butcher said 14 trucks were dispatched to the scene. More than 50  firefighters worked for through the night to contain the blaze in the northeast portion of the building. Lumber was burning outside the building, with some inside. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Former Jury President Weldon Kilpatrick Dies  

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

Former Claiborne Parish Police Jury President J. Weldon Kilpatrick died last Saturday, April 28, at the age of 86. He had served the citizens of Claiborne Parish for some 37 years on numerous parish, civic and church boards.

After retiring from the Police Jury in May 2006, Kilpatrick was honored last fall by members of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury when they declared November 8, 2006 as “Weldon Kilpatrick Day” in Claiborne Parish.

Kilpatrick worked as Chief Deputy Tax Assessor from January 1969 until December 31, 1980, then from January 1, 1981 until he retired on December 31, 1988 he served as Claiborne Parish Tax Assessor.

He was elected to the Claiborne Parish Police Jury in  District 3 in January 1996. In January 2001, he was elected vice-president of the Jury and served in that position until  the death of Police Jury President Terry “Buck” Tuggle on June 13, 2001. Kilpatrick stepped down as president in December 2004 for health reasons, then resigned his juror position in District 3 in May 2006.

The resolution adopted by the Police Jury last November in recognition of Kilpatrick’s many years of distinguished service, noting that he had “provided an outstanding example of leadership, personal integrity, and a devotion to personally serving the need of all the citizens of Claiborne Parish.”

Members Of The Claiborne Parish Recreation District Board (l.-r.) David Newell, Glen Kyle, Chad Reeder, Marcus Jackson, Gene Coleman, and Scott Greeson were sworn in last Wednesday, April 27 by Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court Patrick Gladney. The Jury is expected to appoint the remaining member at their next regular meeting on Wednesday, May 9.

Rec Board Meets, Begins Work On Master Plan

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

Members of the Claiborne Parish Recreation District Board recently appointed by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury held their first meeting last Wednesday, April 27. The six members appointed at a special called meeting of the Jury were David Newell, Glen Kyle, Chad Reeder, Marcus Jackson, Gene Coleman, and Scott Greeson. The Police Jury is expected to appoint the last member to the board at their next regular meeting on May 9.

The first order of business was to elect a chairman and vice-chairman. After administering the oath of office to the board, Clerk of Court Patrick Gladney served as acting moderator and opened nominations for chairman. The Board unanimously elected Gene Coleman to serve as chairman and Glen Kyle as vice-chairman.

The Board was told the  Board of Directors of the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce went on record at its April meeting to request the new Recreation District Board reflect the broad interests of the parish’s population. They requested that “race, age, and gender be considered and that its plans be balanced to serve the elderly, younger children, both male and female citizens and feature a range of activities which include the arts.”

Coleman suggested the Rec Board consider entering into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Claiborne Watershed District to eliminate any potential overlapping powers regarding water resource management. He asked Newell and Alice Stewart to research the issue to decide what wording would be appropriate and define the duties of the Rec Board.

Kyle was designated to contact DWCC Warden Venetia Michael to develop terms for a lease on the 80 acres near the prison. Coleman suggested they consider leasing the land to the Police Jury.

Every member was given an opportunity to make comments or suggest

Newell suggested they outline a plan as soon as possible and move ahead. He suggested checking with other parishes and conduct an inventory of what facilities might be available in Claiborne Parish, such as the property at Corney Lake, the old Homer Junior High building on Pearl Street, and the Harris Camp. Originally he was interested in recreation and increasing the quality of life. Now he realizes we have juvenile problems which shows the need for a strong managed recreational program.

Coleman suggested they might consider a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Claiborne Boys and Girls Club to develop the Pearl Street campus into a community center, and perhaps develop a south entrance off Hwy. 79.

Kyle said the success of the track team at Homer High this year highlights the need for a new track, which could also serve as a place to exercise for the community. The track in Minden is. They could form track clubs like in other communities which would help keep kids busy all year. Chad Reeder said this could be used by both young and old. Since the School Board has approved plans to build a track, it was suggested they partner with the School Board to get the track completed.

Marcus Jackson would like to see more basketball camps, but don’t have the facilities. This would help keep kids off the street and develop better athletes.

Kyle said a state-of-the-art baseball complex would help keep people in Claiborne Parish. We have lost kids to Minden because of their facilities. Reeder said he knows one Haynesville family who moved for that very reason.

Reeder said the master plan for a baseball facility would take up about 20 acres including the parking lot. That would leave about 60 acres. A driving range would be well used and inexpensive to operate and maintain. Hosting softball and baseball tournaments could generate a lot of money for the parish.

Greeson still need to get a consensus of what people in Claiborne Parish want. He said, “There is a lack of facilities here.” They need to compile a list of potential buildings that could be used to develop a wide range of activities such as weight center, aerobics, dominos, etc., look at what other parishes have don, then talk to the people to see what they want. He said, “If we include everybody, out task will be a lot easier.”

Other suggestions included an indoor swimming pool, trails for bikes and ATVs, walking trails, arts and crafts, archery, firing range, performing arts, transportation, classes for sewing and cooking, teaching vocational skills, and community center.

The Board discussed having town hall meetings all over the parish and perhaps conducting a survey. All agreed they need to act as swiftly as possible and start promoting some positives to bring people back to Claiborne Parish.

Each were given assignments to check on what is available in other areas and report back to the next meeting on Wednesday, May 9 at 5:30 PM. Once a specific plan is developed, go back to the public for additional input. They could also enlist help from university students.

Others attending the meeting were Alice Stewart, John Watson, Lauren Tichenor, and Gurvis Vines.

Mary Ellen Lewis, Tim Hanks, Jose Diaz, and Ophelia Carroll take a break in the bat exclusion project at the church.

Batman and Robin Come to Homer

BY JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer,, The Guardian-Journal

Batman and Robin are in Homer for a coupla days. Not from the movies. “Batman” is Tim Hanks, a “bat excluder.” “Robin” (Jose Diaz) is with him. After talking with Tim a few minutes, it’s clear he’s a lover and respecter of bats. Some might say a bat aficionado.

I talk with Tim at the First Methodist Church. He and Jose are not here on a religious mission. They are in Homer to exterminate bats—excuse me, exclude bats from the church.

Tim’s company, Commercial Bat Control, is located in San Antonio; however, they have traveled to 31 states to exclude bats from churches, parking garages, private homes—from wherever bats are not wanted.

In business for 20 years, Commercial Bat Control has traveled from Maine to Oregon, from Florida to Wisconsin and all over Louisiana.

Mary Ellen Lewis, member of the church, contacted Hanks after locating his company through the Bat Conservancy International website. Hanks’ company seemed well-qualified to ensure departure of the bats from the church, a process referred to as exclusion, not extermination.

To control bats Hanks’ company uses the “Hanks EX-100 Bat Extruder,” invented by Marshall Hanks, Tim’s father. For the Homer church, Tim and Jose are covering entry/exit points today with the Hanks EX-100. While the device allows bats to leave the building, it prevents reentry. Commercial Bat Control guarantees no reentry of the bats for 5 years. According to their website, Commercial Bat Control will come back at no cost to the customer if the bats return.

Tim says the bats at the church are the Mexican Free-Tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) Their wingspan averages about 8 inches. Each bat weighs about half an ounce, roughly equivalent to the total weight of a quarter and a nickel. Tim says they live 7-8 years. Although their colonies can number into the millions, he estimates there are only 1500, maybe 3500 in the top of the church.

Tim says that sometime from October to early December this type of bat migrates to caves in South America. They return in late February to the same roost as the year before.

According to the Internet, “[Bats] sleep in roosts during the daytime and emerge at dusk. If [the] colony of bats [live] in a building, they crawl to the edge and fly out. First they head for water and get a drink, skimming the surface on the wing. They then feast on flying insects, primarily moths and beetles. After a while they get full and head back to the roost in order to rest. They then fly back out to feed some more. They may make several trips per night.” In one night each bat consumes 1˝ times its weight in mosquitoes and other insect pests.

Tim says not all bats leave with the rest of the colony early in the evening, that some remain behind as sentries. Eventually, however, all will leave at some point during the night. The whole colony will return by dawn the following morning.

I ask where these bats will go when they return and cannot reneter the church. Tim replies that bat colonies always have 3-5 back-up roosts.

I inquire about bats getting into your hair. Tim answers, “Not true...that idea got started in the 1950s and early 1960s when bouffant hairdos with lots of hairspray were popular. The hairspray attracted gnats and other small flying critters—bat-food. Bats would swoop down toward the insects and inadvertently touch the hair, causing some entanglement, hence, the idea that bats go for hair.”

I quiz Tim as to the best and worst parts of his job. “The odor, definitely the odor is the worst part,” he replies. It is obvious that the best part is relocating these beneficial creatures from where they should not be to more suitable areas without harming them.

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“Bats frighten me.”—Bruce Wayne, (alias “Batman”) from movie Batman Begins.

Susanna Beth Watson Valedictorian	Michael Shayne Taunton Salutatorian

Claiborne Academy Graduate May 10

Prospective graduates for the 2006-2007 Claiborne Academy senior class are as follows: Kelsey Ann Allums, Brittney Nicole Baker,  Rhett Simonton Butler, Laura L. Chandler, Chase Chiasson, James Barrett Clark, Sarah Leanna Clements, Jeremy L. Goodwin, David Haynes, Brandon R. Jackson, Lindy Claire Lee, Reed C. Phillips, Andrea Ratliff, Leif Shively, Keegan Smeltzer, Hunter Saxon Spillers, Michael Shayne Taunton, Shelby Haven Walser, Susanna Beth Watson, Ashley Ann White, and John  Atwood Wilder III..  

Cortney Jackson Valedictorian	Dawnyetta Lashell Smith Salutatorian

Athens High Commencement May 6

Athens High School Commencement will be held Sunday, May 6, 2007, at 4 p.m. in the Athens High School Gymnasium. 

Valedictorian is Cortney Jackson and Salutatorian is Dawnyetta Lashell Smith. 

Prospective graduates for Athens High School for 2006-2007 are Tiesha Shevonte Cato, Dekayla Denise Ford, Cortney Jackson, Antoine Diante' Jones, Caterrious Lewis, Natasha Nicole Montgomery, Gregory Jerome Pickens, Jr., Mario Lanorris Ridley, Dawnyetta Lashell Smith, Janshayal Sheree Smith, Aisha Shawanda Weathers, Avery Kadeem Weathers, and Melba Renea Wright.     

HMH Ground Breaking Ceremony and Open House May 10

Homer Memorial Hospital cordially invites all citizens and friends of Claiborne Parish to the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the new Emergency Department, Thursday, May 10th at 2:00 pm. Stay for the Open House from 2 pm to 4 pm and visit the renovated patient rooms and see the new Nuclear Medicine Camera. Refreshments will be server in the cafeteria.

Claiborne Jubilee To Feature Art, Poetry, Apron Exhibits

The Claiborne Jubilee scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 11-12 in downtown Homer will feature hands on art activities for the whole family; art, poetry and apron exhibits; a quilt show; art competition; entertainment; and a spaghetti dinner.  For more information or for pickup, call Cynthia Steele 318-927-2566 or email .

Senior Expo Set For Saturday May 19 At Homer City Hall

The S.A.L.T. Council of the Claiborne Parish TRIAD invites all senior citizens to the annual Senior Expo to be held Saturday, May 19 at Homer City Hall. Registration begins at 8 AM and the Expo ends at noon with a free lunch. Local health and government agencies will provide booths for helpful information and health checks. Interesting speakers will also be on the program. Lots of door prizes will be donated by persons 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 information, call TRIAD of Claiborne at the Sheriff’s Office at 927-2011.

2007 National Day of Prayer Set For May 5 At Noon

The 56th Annual National Day of Prayer will be observed in Claiborne Parish at noon on Thursday, May 5 across from Homer City Hall on the east side of the Courthouse lawn. The theme for this year’s event which is being sponsored by the Homer Ministerial Alliance and the Trinity Bible Study and Prayer Group is “America, Unite In Prayer.” All are encouraged to take a few minutes from their lunch hour to join millions of Americans to pray for our nation and its leaders, local and state officials, law enforcement personnel, media and the family.

D.A.R.T. To Present “Bleeding Hearts” Art Exhibit

The Claiborne Parish Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) is planning a reception and exhibit for Friday, May 4. It will be held at the Police Jury Complex in Homer from 5:30-7:30 PM. The public is encouraged to attend.

The exhibit, “Bleeding Hearts,” is a series of stories of domestic abuse and was created by Terrie Queen Autry and Kate Hilburn, both of Ruston.

The exhibit has received national recognition. Both ladies are artists and active as volunteers with the DART program. Mrs. Autry is founder of DART.

An original oil painting by local artist Judy Buckner will also be on display and raffle tickets will be sold for $1 each at the event.

DART volunteers are currently selling tickets. A drawing for the painting will be held at the close of the reception. If you would like to purchase a raffle ticket, please contact Mary Ellen Gamble at 927-2818. The painting is on display at the Homer branch of Capitol One Bank this week and raffle tickets are available there for purchase also.

Mary Ellen Gamble, Advocate for DART in Claiborne Parish hopes that the reception and exhibit will garner support for DART and an understanding about domestic abuse in rural parishes.

“Too many people don’t realize how much domestic abuse impacts our lives. There are so many misconceptions about this crime and this reception will be a wonderful way to help citizens of our parish understand women who are victimized by domestic abuse,” Mrs. Gamble said. DART volunteers and employees will be available to meet people and answer questions. For additional information, contact Mary Ellen at the phone number listed above.

Comments Sought On Kisatchie Forest Proposal

Individuals interested in information on the Kisatchie National Forest Travel Management Project being proposed for the Kisatchie National Forest in Claiborne, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon, Webster, and Winn Parishes may want to attend one of four Open Houses being planned during the week of May 7, 2007.

Forest Supervisor Margrett Boley is requesting comments on the Kisatchie National Forest's Travel Management Environmental Assessment that proposes to eliminate motorized cross-country travel forestwide and amend the Forest Plan.  Six alternatives being evaluated propose actions that include various changes in road designations, additional dispersed camping corridors and big game retrieval corridors, elimination of night riding, and seasonal trail closures. 

Open houses are being held at Ranger District in Provencal, Winnfield, Alexandria, and Minden. An Open House will be held Thursday, May 10 at the  Minden Community House (Caney Ranger District) at the intersection of Bridwell and Gladney Streets (2 blocks behind Brookshires on Homer Road) in Minden

Stop by any time between the hours of 6-8 PM.  Forest Service personnel will be available to answer your questions about this Travel Management proposal and Environmental Assessment.

Only those who submit timely specific comments or other expressions of interest will have standing to appeal. Comments must be postmarked or received within 30 days beginning the day after publication of thr legal notice in the Alexandria Town Talk. Please address your written or oral comments to Margrett L. Boley, Forest Supervisor, Kisatchie National Forest, 2500 Shreveport Highway, Pineville, LA 71360. Oral or hand-delivered comments must be received within normal business hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

All written comments received, including those submitted electronically, will be placed in the project file and become part of the public record. If you have any questions about the proposal or how to comment, please contact Jackie Duncan at (318) 473-7128 or Jim Caldwell at (318) 473-7168.

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