Former town clerk pleads guilty
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Former
Homer town clerk Rita Mitchell has pleaded guilty to theft over $500.
Details of Mitchell’s guilty
plea were not readily available as of press time, so please see next week’s
edition for more.
Mitchell
was arrested in March 2008 and charged with felony theft over $500 after
discrepancies in a citizen’s water bill came to light. Further investigation
revealed that town records had been altered to cover up money she had allegedly
taken from the town.
Following
the investigation, Mitchell was terminated in September 2007. In October of
that same year, she filed a lawsuit against the town for violation of open
meetings laws, stating the town violated the law when it met in executive
session after asking the meeting be held in public. She also sued for damages.
According
to Homer Town Attorney Jim Colvin, that suit was dismissed on the grounds that
the mayor and town council could not be sued in their official capacity. In
other words, they could not be sued as representatives of the Town of Homer.
However,
the entire suit was not dismissed. In response, the town countersued for
damages, return of the money stolen and other monies.
Colvin
said that all the claims against the town were dismissed as meritless. But, the
countersuit, which is seeking the money owed to the town by her, is still in
effect. The town’s civil suit is on hold until criminal proceedings are
complete.
If
convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison, with or without hard labor, or
may be fined not more than $3,000 or both.
Three sentenced in HYR death
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Three
men convicted of negligent homicide and cruelty to a juvenile were sentenced
Monday.
Anthony
Combs of Homer, Kelton Greenard of Minden and Arthur Henderson II of Cotton Valley were all sentenced to five years at hard labor on each count, all but three
years suspended in the death of 12-year-old Alex Harris, a resident of Hope
Youth Ranch. The sentences are to run concurrent.
The
three defendants were given credit for time served. Once released from prison,
they will be under active supervised probation for two years and each will pay
a $1,500 fine plus court costs. These must be paid within their first year of
probation.
Judge
Parker Self also assigned 400 hours each of community service.
“I’ve
heard no remorse and I’m going to make you put someone else above yourself,”
said the judge, who handed down a guilty verdict in a trial by judge in October
2008.
All
three stood before the judge with heads bowed.
On September 13, 2005, Harris was placed in in-school suspension, where he and a group of
boys were taken on a disciplinary run and various work assignments. According
to testimony at the trial, Harris began to lag behind the other boys and he
fell to the ground. He was carried by some of the other boys, also residents at
the ranch, until he vomited. A series of events followed which led to his death
as a result of hyperthermia, otherwise known as heatstroke.
State
Prosecutor Jack Montgomery said he felt the family was satisfied with the
outcome.
“The
family, I believe that they were satisfied with the sentence,” Montgomery said. “The grandfather made a victim’s statement and then he stayed because he
wanted to see the three taken out of the courtroom.”
Before
the sentence was handed down, the victim’s family was given an opportunity to
make a statement. Charles Allen, grandfather of the victim, stood before the
judge and spoke for his family – his wife Judy, and mother of the victim, Amber
Harris.
“It’s
impossible to put into words how this has affected my family,” he said. r would
not wish this on anyone. Alex was far from perfect, otherwise he would not have
been at Hope Youth Ranch, but he certainly didn’t deserve to be treated as he
was. These children were in your care and you dropped the ball. You took so
much from Alex – a chance to grow up and have a family of his own.”
After
hearing a motion from the defense stating that the evidence presented in the
pre-sentencing investigation were the same for both charges – negligent
homicide and cruelty to a juvenile – Self weighed their defense. The defense
alleged that these charges were double jeopardy.
Montgomery said he didn’t feel there was anything new, so the state
stands by its case.
“If the
sentence runs concurrent, then that will take away any motion of double
jeopardy,” Montgomery said.
The
judge agreed and the motion was denied.
The
three defendants were given an opportunity to speak before sentencing, but all
three declined.
Self
said he’d spent a long time weighing the facts of the case, taking emotion and
empathy out of the scenario. He said he may not make the victim’s family happy
or the prosecutors happy, but he had to look at everything.
“The
court takes very seriously its role in this matter. I had to look at the
totality of the circumstances,” Self said. “We’re not just looking at acts, but
omissions. I can’t change the events of that day, and I can’t bring Alex back.”
It was
said in open court that each defendant would appeal the sentencing, and they
each requested and received a $100,000 bond on each count until their appellate
delays have run. According to Montgomery, the defendants are entitled to the
bond after conviction at the court’s discretion. As of press time, all three
defendants were incarcerated at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center in Minden.
Once
the sentence was handed down, Combs fainted in the courtroom. An ambulance was
called, but it was not clear whether he was taken to a hospital.
Canadian sex offender to be arraigned
Feb. 3
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Arraignment
for a thief who turned out to be a sex offender from another country will be
held on Tuesday, February 3.
On this
date, Shawn Thomas Fries will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty to charges
of simple burglary of a religious building and possession of stolen things.
Fries
was arrested in December 2008 after employees at First Baptist Church in Homer discovered a safe had been removed and an undisclosed amount of cash was taken.
Homer Police tracked the man, believed to be Christopher Weinbender at the
time, to a local hotel in Homer.
After a
search of Fries room, several items consistent with a burglary were found.
According to police, Fries admitted to his involvement in the burglary, at
which time, he was placed under arrest and taken to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for booking.
The
next day, on a hunch, Homer police discovered that Fries lied about who he was
and that he’d stolen Weinbender’s truck with much of the man’s identification
inside.
As it
turned out, Fries turned out to be a wanted sex offender in Toronto, Canada for a probation violation. According to Canadian authorities, Fries is a dangerous individual
and is considered a predator of small boys.
If
convicted of these charges, Fries will spend a mandatory two years in prison
before his extradition back to Canada, where he is expected to serve a 22 month
prison sentence for the probation violation.
Valentine’s Day coming soon
JENNI WILLIAMS, The Guardian-Journal
Each
year as our local stores are busy stocking the shelves with pink and red, take
a few moments to really remember why the St. Valentine’s Day holiday is
celebrated.
Is it
used as a way to reconnect? Is it a relationship renewal? Or, is it simply a
way to remind that special someone how much they are loved and adored?
No
matter the reason, everyone is sure to find the perfect way to express its
meaning with purchases from Claiborne Parish vendors. Area flower shops,
including Lynn’s Flowers and Homer Flower Shop, have already begun the hearts
and flowers preparations.
But who
is this mysterious saint and why is this holiday celebrated? The history of
Valentine's Day - and its patron saint - is shrouded in mystery. But what is
known is that February has long been a month of romance.
St.
Valentine's Day, as it’s known today, contains vestiges of both Christian and
ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become
associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at
least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were
martyred.
According
to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself.
While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -
who may have been his jailor's daughter - who visited him during his
confinement.
Before
his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your
Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.
Although
the truth behind the Valentine legend is murky, the stories certainly emphasize
his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure.
It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular
saints in England and France.
While
some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to
commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial - which may have
occurred around 270 A.D - others claim that the Christian church may have
decided to celebrate Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an
effort to “Christianize” celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia fertility
festival.
Cupid,
another symbol of Valentines Day, became associated with it, because he was the
son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty. Cupid often appears on
Valentine cards holding a bow and arrows, because he is believed to use magical
arrows to inspire feelings of love.
In the
Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines
would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. The
expression, “To wear your heart on your sleeve,” now means that it is easy for
other people to know how someone is feeling.
Here’s
a few facts. Seventy-three (73) percent of people who buy flowers for
Valentine's Day are men, while only 27 percent are women.
About 1
billion Valentine's Day cards are exchanged each year. That's the largest
seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, next to Christmas.
About
three (3) percent of pet owners will give Valentine's Day gifts to their pets.
Alexander
Graham Bell applied for his patent on the telephone, an "Improvement in
Telegraphy," on Valentine's Day in 1876.
California produces 60 percent of American roses, but the vast
number sold on Valentine's Day in the United States are imported, mostly from South America. Approximately 110 million roses, the majority red, will be sold and
delivered within a three-day time period.
One of
the newest and easiest Valentine gifts are e-cards, sent right to that intended
“sweetie” through email. Visit www.holidays.lovingyou.com/valentine for many
cards to choose from, but don’t forget, shop Claiborne first.
Law enforcement gets a helping hand
The Guardian-Journal
Law
enforcement got a helping hand through a legislative bill that became law in
2008.
Act No.
491 (House Bill 478, authored by District 9 Rep. Henry Burns) now makes it
safer for law enforcement, closing the gap between resisting an officer and
battery on a police officer.
Bossier
Parish Sheriff Larry Deen, and two of his deputies who played an integral role
in getting it all started, were honored this week by Burns.
“I want
to thank Sheriff Deen, Deputy (Roff) Clary and Lt. (Rick) Cowan,” said Burns.
“They, along with numerous other members of the law enforcement community, made
this law possible. Our hope is that it will make any potential offender think
twice before they resist a police officer with force or violence. If they do
resist, the penalties are in place.”
Claiborne
Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey agreed.
“I
believe this is a positive step for all law enforcement,” Bailey said. “Our
primary goal is to protect our citizens, and in the process, take care of our
officers. If a suspect resists arrest with force or violence, anyone in the
vicinity can be placed in danger. This is an added measure to ensure everyone’s
safety.”
The
act, which places penalties on suspects who resist arrest with force or
violence, went into effect on July 1, 2008. It states that “whoever commits the
crime of resisting an officer with force or violence shall be fined not more
than $2,000 or imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than one year
nor more than three years, or both.”
The
driving force behind the bill came from Bossier Deputy Roff Clary, who
realized, based on his experience in the field, that there needed to be a law
that would fill in the gap between resisting an officer and battery on a police
officer.
Clary,
who suffered a shoulder injury during an arrest, was frustrated to find out there
were no additional charges that could be filed against his assailant. Clary
voiced his concern to Burns, who in turn, with the help of testimony from
Bossier Sheriff’s Deputy Lt. Rick Cowan, authored the bill and a law against
resisting a police officer with force or violence.
Burns
said that what he thought was so neat about the bill, to him, was that a
citizen of Bossier City, who is also a sheriff’s deputy, walked into his office
with an idea and all of the resources of the Bossier Sheriff’s Department got
behind him. Now, because of the actions taken in Bossier Parish, the entire
state, with its incredible number of law enforcement officers, has a new law
that will assist them in doing their job.
“The
law enforcement community owes a debt of gratitude to Rep. Burns,” Deen said.
“He has given us another weapon that can be used against those who would resist
officers of the law when they are trying to do their duty. Henry Burns is truly
a friend of law enforcement.”
Information
in this story was reprinted with permission from the Bossier Press-Tribune.
Traffic stop leads to arrest
The Guardian-Journal
A
traffic stop resulted in the arrest of a Homer man on more than just traffic
violations.
On
Wednesday, January 21, Don T. Burford, 42, of Taylor, Ark., was arrested and
charged with simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia,
failure to register vehicle, brake light out, tail lamps required and no proof
of insurance in vehicle. Each charge carries a bond of $500.
On the
above date, Homer Police Officer Van McDaniel stopped a vehicle on the corner
of Edgewood and College Streets for having a brake light and license plate
light out. Upon contact with Burford, McDaniel smelled a strong odor of what
was suspected to be marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. McDaniel called
for assistance, and when Officer Steven Harbour arrived on scene and was
advised of the situation, they asked for Burford’s consent to search the
vehicle.
Given
consent to search, several items were revealed including suspected marijuana
and a baggie containing suspected marijuana inside the car. Paraphernalia
associated with smoking marijuana was also found in the vehicle.
Burford
was arrested on the above charges and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.
In an
unrelated incident, Nicholas J. Waller, 20, of Homer, was arrested on a warrant
after he was stopped by Homer Police for a traffic violation. Homer Police
Officer John Bailey initiated the traffic stop for no plates on his vehicle,
and when asked for proper paperwork, Waller could not produce a driver’s
license. When officers requested a background check, it was discovered the
suspect had an active warrant in Haynesville for illegal possession of a
firearm with obliterated serial numbers.
Waller was
taken into custody and transported to the Homer Police Station, at which time,
Haynesville Police Officer Aaron Christian traveled to the Homer station to
identify Waller as the suspect in question on the warrant. Once the proper
booking paperwork was completed, he was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for the charge. A $10,000 bond was set.
Farmerville man charged with felony
theft
The Guardian-Journal
A
Farmerville man has been arrested by Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
investigators for felony theft charges for allegedly selling 63 loads of timber
he did not own and pocketing the money, Commissioner Mike Strain said.
Larry
Don Slaughter, 64, was contracted to cut a timber stand owned by Claiborne
Parish landowner Darrell McAdams in 2007.
LDAF
Forestry Enforcement Manager Jim Baldwin said investigations showed that
Slaughter cut 83 timber loads but McAdams had only been paid for 20.
Baldwin said Slaughter allegedly sold the timber loads to mills
in Louisiana and Arkansas.
Slaughter
was charged with “failure to remit prompt payment of timber,” Baldwin said.
The
loads were valued at $72,868. Slaughter was arrested at the Union County Detention Center in El Dorado, Ark., Strain said.
The
commissioner praised the LDAF investigators for their work.
“It was
a six month investigation, Strain said. “Our investigators are highly trained
and take timber theft very seriously and will take as long as necessary to make
a case.”
Vandalism disrupts food program
JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer
Jean
Reynolds, Director of Claiborne Community Services, advised that food
distribution for local households was delayed on January 20 because the
distribution center at the old Boys and Girls Club building on Lyons Hill in
Homer was vandalized.
Reynolds
said that they do not know exactly when the breakin and destruction of property
occurred. What they know for certain is that the vandalism happened since the
last food distribution in mid-December.
The
Homer Christian Coalition, an alliance involving Claiborne Community Services
and area churches, help with the nutritional needs for area households by
administering the food distribution program.
It has
been carried out monthly at the old Boys and Girls Club, a building known by
many as the old National Guard Armory. It appears that vandals, probably
juveniles, threw rocks breaking out most of the windows. After smashing the
windows, the perpetrators appear to have entered the building and destroyed
what was left including all the tables.
When
asked why this happened, Reynolds responded, “Who knows? The building is used
only for the food distribution program which helps needy households. Whoever
did this harmed the most defenseless and needy in our community. If juveniles
did it, they may have hurt people in their own family by disrupting such a
helpful program.
“We
hope that anyone noticing suspicious activity in the area of the old Boys and
Girls Club will immediately call local law enforcement. Of course, that goes
for suspicious activity anywhere in the neighborhood. Everyone suffers when any
part of our community is hit by such mindless vandalism.”
Claiborne Jubilee to present 'STEAL
AWAY'
The
Claiborne Jubilee will present the Mahogany Ensemble Theatre's production
"STEAL AWAY" by Ramona King on Saturday, February 28, 2009, 2:00 pm at the Homer City Hall. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for senior
citizens and students. Afternoon refreshments will be served and church attire
is appropriate. The group attending with the most members wearing hats will
receive a prize.
This
comedy, set in Chicago during the Great Depression of the 1930s, is about five
upstanding church ladies who raise funds by holding bake sales, selling church
suppers, and the like in order to send young black women to college. Faced
with tighter money as the Depression deepened they pursued a new avenue which
brought forth skills they had never dreamed they possess. Come and see how
desperate and ingenious church ladies pull off their daring scheme.
Director
Angelique Feaster has brought together a wonderful ensemble cast featuring
Neverlyn Townsel, Mary Thompson, Dorothea Townsel, Lorie Pennywell, Sharon
Penson, and Angelique Feaster. Those who attended the 2006 presentation of
"Crowns" will remember this theater company well. Plan now to come
and see the women turn their talents to comedy in this entertaining Depression
Era play.
This
production is made possible through a grant from the Decentralized Arts Funding
of the Louisiana State Arts Council through the Louisiana Division of the Arts,
Office of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, the National Endowment for the Arts
and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. For more information on the
performance, contact Cynthia Steele at 927-2566.
Traffic stop leads to string of charges
The Guardian-Journal
A
traffic stop on Hwy. 9 left two men in handcuffs and a string of charges
On
Sunday, January 25, Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Deputies Darren Keel and Marc
Herring were on routine patrol on Hwy. 9 in Claiborne Parish.
Keel
stopped a vehicle being driven by Kendrick Robinson, 30, of Minden. Upon asking
for the proper paperwork, Keel discovered that Robinson could not provide the
paperwork and that Robinson’s license was suspended.
Herring,
assisting with the traffic stop, made contact with the passenger Avery D.
Durham, 23, of Gibsland. Deputies noted that Durham was moving around in the
vehicle in a suspicious manner and slightly opened the front passenger side
door of the vehicle. Herring noticed a clear baggy containing suspected marijuana
in close proximity to Durham, and Durham advised that the marijuana was his.
A
search of the vehicle revealed a small plastic baggy underneath the driver’s
side seat of the vehicle containing suspected marijuana and a cigarette with
suspected burnt marijuana in it. This was located in the driver’s side door arm
rest.
Robinson
stated to deputies that the remaining marijuana belonged to him. Robinson was
handcuffed and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center, where he
was booked on charges of simple possession of marijuana, bond set at $500;
failure to use turn signals, bond set at $500; stop lamps and turn signals
required, bond set at $500; and driving under suspension, bond set at $500. Durham was arrested and booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and charged with
possession of marijuana, second offense, with bond to be set.
Newspaper readership on the rise
JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer
With
the steady growth of electronic communications such as the internet, some have
predicted the demise of print media, especially newspapers.
However,
results of a recent statewide survey indicate that newspaper readership is on
the rise. More than 80 percent of adults regularly read a local newspaper, up
from 74 percent four years ago.
Commissioned
by the LPA (Louisiana Press Association), the telephone survey also reveals
that Louisiana newspapers reach an average of more than 1.3 million Louisiana households each week with each individual copy being read by more than 1 person.
Although
the survey confirmed that all age groups read newspapers, the highest
readership occurs among older persons, i.e., those 55 and over, of whom almost
85 percent read local newspapers.
Surprisingly,
however, a high percentage (more than 75 percent) of those aged 18-34 read
local papers.
It
turns out that local and community news is the most-frequently read part of the
newspaper for all age groups.
There
may be a perception that older folks do not use the internet as much as the
youth. However, the survey shows that those visiting newspaper web sites most
frequently each month are 55 and over.
The
typical Louisiana newspaper reader is a female between 55 and 74 with some
college in a household with annual income of more than $50,000.
With
regard to advertising the survey indicated that almost 95 percent of
Louisianians “usually” read newspaper advertising inserts.
The
survey further notes that local newspapers are a major source for information
about new products, politics, finances, and leisure activities.
For
more information readers may go to www.lapressads.com.
Gallot to speak to Haynesville Lions
Club
The Guardian-Journal
State
Representative Rick Gallot will be the guest speaker for the Haynesville Lions
Club on Tuesday, February 3.
He is
expected to address the Lions club about his most recent business trip to Washington DC. Gallot was in Washington to conduct pertinent official business for the
State of Louisiana during the same time as newly elected President Barak Obama’s
inauguration.
Lions
Club members are eagerly waiting to hear Gallot’s impressions and remarks
regarding this important historical national event.
Anyone
wishing to see and hear Gallot is invited to attend and participate at the
Lion’s luncheon. All Lions Club meetings commence at noon at the Haynesville Country Club, located at 2727 Country Club Drive in Haynesville. Please
arrive at the country club around 11:30 a.m. Reservations are not mandatory,
however, for those who wish to attend, please contact one of the following club
members: Lions J.T. Taylor at 318-927-6333 or 318-624-0626; Jim Garner at
318-624-8010 or 318-433-0239; or Anthony Smith at 318-624-1311.
Please
express your intention to attend by Thursday evening, January 29.
The
lunch shall be prepared by one of Haynesville’s outstanding cooks, Linda
Bailey. The cost is a modest $7 per person. Attendance will be monitored at the
door. For those who only want to see and hear Gallot, no one has to purchase a
lunch; however, if anyone fails to purchase a lunch meal, they will miss one of
the best meals an individual will ever experience!
Methodist center more than just a home
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
Homer Lions Club learned a little more about a place in Ruston that has taken
in children for more than 100 years.
The
Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services, Inc., better known as
the Methodist Children’s Home, has seen many changes and much growth throughout
its existence. Beginning as an orphanage in the early 1900s, it has expanded
into a family service center that focuses on taking broken families and
reuniting them through the love of Jesus Christ.
In
fact, its mission statement is just that, to bring children and families home,
said Terrel DeVille, director.
“We try
to reunite families,” he told club members. “Sometimes we can’t do that, and if
we can’t, we try to at least reconcile.”
The
children who come to this home are from a variety of backgrounds, the home’s
website stated. “They are placed in our care because of situations that make it
impossible for them to live in their own homes,” it stated.
The
home now encompasses caring for the entire family, and it offers a variety of
programs which are there to meet as many needs as possible including
consultations, assessments, referrals, family, individual and group counseling,
seminars and workshops and program development. It’s called the Family Plus
program. The program offers these options on a variety of topics including
anger management, grief and loss and parenting, among many others.
The
home has the largest concentration of special-needs kids in the country,
DeVille said. It offers 12 beds for emergency shelter and a variety of
educational programs, counseling, family counseling and a variety of other
programs designed to meet the needs of the whole family.
The
home is a nonprofit corporation which receives its funding through three major
sources including payment for services from state agencies and private families
who contract with the home; direct contributions from churches and individuals
and interest on invested funds that are in a permanent endowment.
Although
the home’s finances are taking a slight hit from the recent economic downturn,
DeVille said the numbers are decent.
“We’ve
had some stressful times, but we’ve always come through it,” said DeVille, who
has been with the home for 41 years. “But the numbers are extremely good right
now.”
His
tenure with the home began in 1968, but he became the president and CEO in
1973. A native of Ville Platte, DeVille now resides on Lake Claiborne in Claiborne Parish. He has been a member of or associated with several organizations
pertaining to his life’s work throughout his career.
To find
out more about the children’s home or to learn how to donate, please go to
their website at www.lmch.org, or call 1-888-255-5830.
Police jury elects new president
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
Claiborne Parish Police Jury has elected a new president for the year 2009.
District
6 Police Juror Scott Davidson was elected as the jury’s new president at its
regular monthly meeting last Wednesday. By a vote of 6 to 0, Davidson was
elected.
District
1 Police Juror Butch Bays nominated Davidson for the position, and District 10
Police Juror Willie Young nominated sitting President Roy Mardis. Nominations
were closed and the vote was made.
District
2 Police Juror Mark Furlow nominated District 9 Police Juror Jerry Atkins for
the vice president, and once nomination were made, District 4 Police Juror Joe
Sturges motioned to close the nominations and seconded by District 5 Police
Juror Lavelle Penix. Once nominations were closed, Atkins was voted in by
acclamation. He will continue to serve as the jury’s vice president.
“Thank
you for your vote of confidence,” Davidson said. “I hope I can measure up to
your expectations.”
During
the public comment portion of the meeting, all the jurors thanked outgoing
president Mardis for his years of service and guidance. He carried the jury
through some rough times, they all said. With the closure of Wal-Mart and the
economic downturn, Mardis was instrumental in guiding the jury in the right
direction. In fact, they said, it was because of his direction that the jury is
in the shape it’s in now – which is very good.
In
other news, a revised permit application has now been put into place with
several changes. The permit is more detailed, which will mean they are less
likely to have any problems. It also has a place for signatures of both the
company and the police jury – more specifically the Claiborne Parish Highway Department.
There is also a “NOTE” on the application which clarifies that the permit can
only be issued by the approval of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Road
Superintendent or a road foreman of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Highway
Department.
The jury
had only recently run into an issue with the road permits when a company buried
a line in a place they were told not to. The permit had been approved, but a
breakdown in communications led to the issue to begin with. Once it was brought
to light, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury went back to the drawing board,
revising and updating the access permit to clarify and fix those issues.
In
other police jury news, the regular monthly meeting dates were set and passed.
Those dates are as follows in 2009: February 4; March 4; April 8; May 6; June
10; July 8; August 5; September 9; October 7; November 4 and December 9. The
meeting date for January 2010 is January 13. This is assuming that the police
jury offices will be closed from noon on December 23 until Monday January 4, 2010 – based on holiday schedules.
Also,
the 2009 budget was adopted as presented in Ordinance 757.
The
sealed bids for the hot mix and colay (cold mix) were rejected and the purchase
of those materials will go through a “faxed quote method.”
Dwayne
Woodard, secretary/treasurer, said the bids put out in December came back
almost double what they paid for these materials the previous year. They re-bid
those items in December until January, and no new bids were received.
At the
suggestion of the jury’s auditors, the police jury voted to use this “faxed
quote method.”
“Since
we were faced with double the price, we were given permission to purchase the
cold mix and hot mix on a ‘per delivery’ basis by using this method,” Woodard
said.
This
method was suggested by the auditors to ensure the police jury stayed in
compliance with the purchasing requirements and bid laws within the state of Louisiana. For purchases exceeding $20,000, the police jury has to open bids to the public
and advertise them. They must then accept the lowest qualified bid.
This
method will not be used on a permanent basis, but will be used for this fiscal
year only. They will return to the public bid method next fiscal year, if the
market for those items stabilize.
On that
note, the garage committee recommended purchasing a gravel machine which will
save time and money on road overlays. If this machine is purchased, it will
save 15 percent per mile, Penix said. The machine will cost approximately
$200,000. A motion was approved to advertise for sealed bids.
Also,
rate increases were approved on equipment. Rental rates on various pieces of
equipment, such as the side cutters, trucks, backhoes, etc., only went up
approximately $5. Some went up by as much as $20. Others were left at their
current rates.
The
police jury also approved the following during the January meeting:
• A
motion was passed to update the Code of Ordinances, which have not been updated
in approximately 10 years, for Claiborne Parish. The cost is approximately
$2,500.
• Buddy
Thomas was reappointed to the Evergreen Fire District for a two-year term to
end December 31, 2010.
The
next police jury meeting will be held Wednesday, February 4, in the police jury
room, located at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury complex. For more
information, please call their office at 318-927-2222.
