La. 146 bridge to close
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
bridge at La. Hwy. 146 in Homer will be closed this week due to structural
issues.
That’s
according to officials at the Louisiana Department of Transportation’s Weights
and Standards police. According to Officer Brierre Thomas, the bridge is
deteriorating.
“A lot
of vehicles are using that bridge that shouldn’t be,” Thomas said. “The bridge
will be closed sometime this week. We have officers posted there to keep any
vehicles over 10,000 pounds off of it.”
That
means the bridge now has a weight limit of five tons. Commercial trucks –
18-wheelers – will not be allowed to cross the bridge.
John
Sanders, district engineer administrator for the Louisiana DOTD, said the
bridge is just not safe.
“It’s
been repaired many times, and it’s reached the point that we don’t feel it’s
going to be safe for much longer,” Sanders said.
The
problem is, Sanders said, is that the top and bottom flanges as well as the web
of the girders have “lost section” due to rust. The girders carry the load of
the bridge from foundation to foundation (end to end), and the metal has just
deteriorated.
“The
existing structure was a good structure,” the engineer said. “It’s just gone
beyond its service life.”
State
officials will replace the existing bridge, built in 1954. Once it’s shut down,
it will be closed from that date until the completion of the new bridge.
Sanders said the bid letting will begin in August, and actual construction
would probably begin by late September.
A
detour route has already been set up on East 5th Street in Homer. For more
information, call Homer City Hall at 927-3555 or the local DOTD office at
318-549-8300.
Town investigation moves forward
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Homer
Town Attorney Jim Colvin is moving forward with his investigation to determine
how much longer two Homer police officers will remain on administrative leave
with pay.
In
Monday’s regular meeting of the Homer Town Council, a citizen asked Colvin for
an update on the matter the council instructed him to investigate last month.
The two
officers – Tim Cox and Joseph Henry – have been on paid administrative leave
since February 20, the day 73-year-old Bernard Monroe Sr. was shot and killed
after he allegedly engaged two officers with a loaded handgun. The incident has
spurred an uproar of outrage in the community, and with the Louisiana State
Police offering no answers, many community members are left to their own
speculations.
Colvin
said in Monday’s meeting that in his discussions with state police officials,
he’s been offered no real answers either.
“I have
been told by the state police that they are not going to be turning over a copy
of their report to the town upon the conclusion of their investigation,” the
attorney said. “It’s going to be turned over to the district attorney’s office,
at which point, we don’t know what’s going to happen. I have expressed, on
behalf of the town, our displeasure with that decision and have asked them to
reconsider – they have rejected that request.”
His
investigation, in part, will hinge on what’s in the report, because he does not
have access to ballistics or DNA evidence.
“Those
are just a couple of things that will be utilized in rendering our report,” he
said.
And so far,
the state police has not returned any phone calls made by The Guardian-Journal
in an effort to find out where things stand in regards to the investigation.
District
Attorney Jonathan Stewart has repeatedly said to the public that his office has
not yet received the report, but when he does, he and his office will carefully
consider the next step.
Two
community forums, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice, have been held
in an effort to heal the community after such a shocking tragedy as well as offer
answers on how the investigative process works. The Federal Bureau of
Investigations (FBI) has also been called in to investigate any civil rights
violations that might have taken place the day of the shooting.
The
Americans with Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has also been contacted in an
effort to determine if racial profiling played a part as well.
Boat parade, fireworks show a success
The Guardian-Journal photos/Michelle
Bates
Patrons from around the area enjoyed this
year’s boat parade and fireworks show at Lake Claiborne on July 4. In
celebration of our nation’s birth, people crowded the lake’s shores in hopes of
catching beads or other holiday trinkets. Pictured above, patrons line the
lakeshore at Pleasure Point Marina as the parade gets underway. Pictured left,
these revelers prepare to line up before the boat parade begins.
JENNI WILLIAMS, The Guardian-Journal
Lake Claiborne’s annual
4th of July Fireworks and Boat Parade was a rousing success, with approximately
105 boats participating, a record number.
Decked
out in the finest red, white and blue, spectators lined up all around to watch
the boats pass by on Saturday evening before heading closer to the spillway and
dam for the annual fireworks show.
People
come from far and near, year after year, to enjoy the many amenities Lake Claiborne offers. From the beach at the state park, the many camp and RV sites
to the fireworks and boat parade, everyone can find something to do, which is
why this year’s festivities were such a success.
Returning
year after year with wife and daughter, Gracie, Lance Middleton, of the Lisbon
community, said, “It was a good showing this year, lots of people, but not a
big issue with traffic trying to leave the dam area. It went pretty smooth.”
Even
with the high number of boats and jet skis on the lake this past weekend,
Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Agent Lieutenant Richie McCarthy was pleased
to report that, “despite the rough conditions, there were no real problems
anywhere on the lake other than being so busy with boat traffic.”
McCarthy
went on to say that even with such a large number of families out on the lake
for the weekend, violations were actually down from last year.
Wildlife
and Fisheries agents were out on three boats, along with Claiborne Parish
Sheriff’s Deputy Jeff Pugh on the Sheriff’s Office boat, to serve and protect
lake-goers.
The
agents, in conjunction with Pugh, wrote approximately six citations over the
course of the day, including two driving (boating) while intoxicated, one
careless operation on a personal watercraft and three citations for PFD
(personal floatation device) requirements.
Wildlife
and Fisheries Law Enforcement headquarters in Baton Rouge was also able to
report that there were no reported boating accidents or injuries in the entire
state.
Claiborne
Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey was also happy to report, “everyone seemed to have a
great weekend. Our men were out in full force and everyone stayed safe this
weekend.
“The
lake and park were at capacity and everyone had a good time. That’s just the
way we wanted it.”
$10,000 bond set for Homer man
The Guardian-Journal
A Homer
man was arrested on a warrant for illegal possession of stolen things last
week, after Homer Police discovered the item stolen had been pawned in Bossier City.
Thomas
Eddens, 27, was arrested for illegal possession of stolen things with bond set
at $10,000.
According
to reports, on January 8, a written statement was provided to police in
reference to a break-in in the 800 block of Curry Street. According to police,
the victim left his residence early that morning and upon his return, evidence
of a break in was visible. When the victim entered his home, reports say, a
television set was missing.
Officer
Norah Banks was the investigating officer at the time of the break-in.
In late
June, Officer Dale Sindle received information that the television stolen from
this particular residence had been pawned in Bossier City. Sindle, along with
Homer Police Chief Russell Mills questioned Eddens at that time.
Eddens
told police that someone else had sold him the television.
A
warrant was later issued for his arrest in the case, and on Wednesday, July 1,
Eddens was placed under arrest and charged with the above charges.
In
other news, Carlton Shelmon, 44, of Homer, racked up several charges after
police were dispatched to the 900 block of Fannin Street.
Shelmon
was charged with disturbing the peace, with a bond of $500; public
intimidation, with a bond set at $2,000; battery of a police officer, with bond
set at $2,000; and two counts of domestic abuse battery, with a bond of $2,000
each.
According
to reports, when Officer Mario Thomas arrived at the Fannin Street residence,
he observed an injured male.
Upon
interviewing the victims, it was discovered that Shelmon and the two victims
were involved in an altercation where the victims claimed Shelmon attacked one,
and attacked the other when she attempted to intervene.
According
to reports, when he allegedly attacked the second victim, the first attempted
to intervene, causing Shelmon’s injuries.
He was
transported to Homer Memorial Hospital for treatment, at which time, officers
met him there and placed him under arrest. Reports say Shelmon began verbally
attacking officers. Shelmon was restrained and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.
Upon
arrival at the detention center, Shelmon allegedly attacked Thomas. Thomas
subdued the suspect and added the additional charges.
In an
unrelated case, Jennifer D. Harper, 23, of Homer, was arrested on several
charges after she attempted to bite an officer.
Harper
was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) Schedule
III (Soma), with a bond set at $5,000; resisting an officer with force or
violence, with a bond set at $3,000; improper supervision of a minor by parent,
with a bond set at $500; and possession of CDS Schedule I (marijuana) with
intent to distribute, with bond set at $15,000.
According
to reports, on Friday, July 3, Officer Van McDaniel initiated a traffic stop
when he observed the passenger in the vehicle without a seat belt. Upon
contact, McDaniel detected an odor believed to be marijuana coming from the
vehicle. McDaniel asked all occupants to exit the vehicle, at which time, he
gained consent to search the vehicle and Harper’s purse. While the officer
searched her purse, reports say Harper attempted to conceal a baggie of a green
leafy substance believed to be marijuana. Reports say Harper attempted to reach
into her purse, and when McDaniel stopped her, she allegedly leaned over and
attempted to bite his arm while attempting to discard the baggie.
Harper
was subdued and taken into custody.
A
further investigation of the purse revealed a knife and two pills believed to
be Soma. A search of the vehicle revealed an alleged marijuana joint. Harper
also had her four-year-old child in the car.
In
another incident on Friday, July 3, Tony Mitchell, 34, was arrested and charged
with driving under suspension, disturbing the peace, open container,
threatening a public official and aggravated assault, with bond set at $500 on
each charge.
According
to reports, McDaniel initiated a traffic stop for a loud music violation. Upon
making contact with the driver, identified as Mitchell, McDaniel noticed an
alleged open bottle of alcoholic beverage inside the vehicle when he asked
Mitchell for proper paperwork.
The
officer also detected the odor of what was believed to be alcohol coming from
the driver’s person.
When
McDaniel initiated a background check through the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s
Office, it showed Mitchell had a suspended driver’s license. Mitchell was then
placed under arrest on the above charges as well as warrants through the Homer
Police Department.
Also on
July 3, Officer Steve Harbour arrested Moderique Miller, 21, of Homer, on
charges of simple battery, with a bond of $500.
According
to reports, Harbour was dispatched to Monroe Avenue in reference to a fight in
progress. Upon arrival, the officer observed a large crowd in the street, and
began an investigation.
He was
then approached by the victim who claimed Miller hit her and attempted to choke
her. Miller, who was placed into custody and transported to the police station,
admitted that he did, reports said. Reports also say he told police that he was
attempting to break up a fight when the victim allegedly attacked him.
He was
then advised of his rights and transported to CPDC for booking.
Also in
an unrelated incident, Latonya Champ, 26, of Homer, was arrested on Monday,
June 29, and charged with aggravated battery with a bond of $10,000.
According
to reports, Harbour spoke with the victim, who told him that she had been
involved in a physical altercation with Champ at Claiborne Place Apartments.
Harbour also took note of her injuries, reports said.
At that
time, McDaniel arrived on scene, and the two officers attempted to make contact
with the suspect. When police were given entry by an apartment manager, Champ
was then placed under arrest.
Haynesville, Fire District 3 lower fire
insurance rating
The Guardian-Journal
The
results are in – Claiborne Parish Fire District 3 and the Town of Haynesville are now under a Class 3 fire insurance rating.
Fire
Chief Mark Furlow got letters from Property Insurance Association of Louisiana
(PIAL) recently stating the good news.
Fire
District 3 and the Haynesville Fire Department recently underwent a station,
equipment and water shuttle evaluation on April 23, where they were evaluated
on their timing of transporting water from a hydrant to the scene of a fire as
well as other aspects of the fire departments.
“We’ve
been a Class 4 since 1999, and when I became fire chief, we were at a class 9,”
Furlow said. “I can’t even express how glad we are. It’s been 10 years in the
making, a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication. It’s just been a long time
coming, and we finally got it. This is the end result of all the training we do
on Monday nights.”
The two
fire departments meet every Monday night for training, and Furlow said they
have a good showing every week with approximately 25-30 participating. These
training sessions usually last three to four hours every week, he said.
Under
their previous rating of 4, the departments were able to pump 1,000 gallons of
water per minute for two hours without losing prime or pressure. Under the new
rating of 3, the departments proved they were able to pump 1,250 gallons of
water per minute continuously for two hours without any other trucks coming in.
According
to letters addressed to both fire protection districts from the PIAL, this
means, “the new classification may result in decreased fire insurance rates.”
“Even
though the economy is down right now, this is something that citizens will save
money on,” the fire chief said. The new rating will save homeowners
approximately 10 percent on their homeowners insurance.
The
letter also states the purpose for the evaluation.
“The
purpose of the survey was to gather information to determine the proper Public
Fire Protection Classification for the Town of Haynesville…Claiborne Parish
Fire District 3,” the letters said. “This classification will be used by member
companies of the P.I.A.L. to develop fire insurance premiums.”
However,
the letters continue, these surveys were not conducted for property loss
prevention or life safety purposes.
The new
rating will go into effect August 10.
“We
have to stay on top of our game – on top of our equipment and our paperwork,
because if we don’t we could lose the rating,” Furlow said. “We’re going to do
our part to keep it.”
Weyerhaeuser announces mill closure near
Taylor
Weyerhaeuser
announced Tuesday that it will permanently close its iLevel lumber mill near Taylor effective immediately.
The
announcement will affect approximately 39 employees at the site. The tree
improvement center and the Timberlands office will remain open and continue to
operate in Bienville Parish near the Taylor community.
Demand
for wood products continues to decline due to a slowdown in the housing market.
Because of these challenging market conditions the Taylor facility will close
permanently, as the company continues to balance supply with customer demand.
Weyerhaeuser will support affected employees through the closure and will
provide transition benefits.
“This
was a very difficult decision impacting employees who have performed well,” said
Tom Gideon, executive vice president of Forest Products. “Unfortunately, the
current extraordinarily weak market conditions require that we take decisive
action. We fully understand the major impact of this closure on our employees,
contractors, and the Taylor community, and we will work constructively in the
weeks and months ahead on the transition.
Weyerhaeuser
Company continues to employ approximately 924 employees in Louisiana at
manufacturing facilities in Arcadia, Dodson, Holden, Natchitoches and Zwolle; Tree Improvement Centers at Isabel and Taylor; Timberlands offices at Bogalusa, Dodson, Livingston, Natchitoches and Taylor; and WREDCO land development offices
in Mandeville and Ruston. Weyerhaeuser owns and sustain ably manages more than
1 million acres of timber in the state.
Weyerhaeuser
Company, one of the world’s largest forest product companies, was incorporated
in 1900. In 2008, sales were $8 billion. It has offices or operations in 10
countries with customers worldwide.
Weyerhaeuser
is principally engaged in the growing and harvesting of timber; the
manufacture, distribution and sale of forest products; and real estate
construction and development. Additional information about Weyerhaeuser’s
businesses, products and practices is available at http://www.weyerhaeuser.com.
Drowning at Lake Claiborne
According
to Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey, at approximately 8:05 p.m., Sunday, June 28, the sheriff’s office received a report of a possible drowning from Lake
Claiborne State Park Ranger’s Office.
The
ranger’s office reported the possible drowning took place in the swimming area
of the state park. Officers from Lake Claiborne State Park, Louisiana Wildlife
and Fisheries, Homer Fire and Rescue and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office
then conducted an extensive search for the victim with divers and boats until
approximately 12 a.m.
At that
time, the search was called off until daylight.
On
Monday, June 29, at approximately 6:30 a.m., officers from Wildlife and
Fisheries and the sheriff’s office returned to Lake Claiborne State Park and discovered the body of an Hispanic male that fit the description of the person
missing. The body was discovered around the swimming area in the park and was
recovered at approximately 6:48 a.m.
The
family was notified and the body was taken to Homer Memorial Hospital and turned over to the Claiborne Parish Coroner’s Office for investigation.
No foul
play is suspected and officers are treating this as an accidental drowning.
The
victim has been identified as Margarito Quintana, 33, of Athens.
Airport repairs top council agenda
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Repairs
to the Homer Municipal Airport are coming closer to reality, but the approval
of a contract was tabled pending further bids.
Repairs
are badly needed for the airport’s parking apron due to damages caused when
Stallion Heavy Haulers housed its business there. The company recently moved to
a bigger facility inside the parish, just north of Homer.
But
before the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will consider approval of a
grant for airport improvements, the small airport must meet FAA guidelines.
A
special meeting will be called later this month in order to approve a contract.
In
other council news, by a vote of 4 to 1, the council shot down a motion to
approve a rate increase for garbage pickup. According to a letter by Allied
Waste Services, the rate would have increased by 2.48 percent, roughly $2 per
month.
“This
is the second increase they’ve imposed on us in a year,” said Homer Town Clerk
B.J. Lowe. “As you can see, the rates they charge us for curbside and backdoor
allows no room for our administration fee.”
Mayor
David Newell advised the council that the town has been absorbing the cost of
this service for many years, and the town is going into the hole because of it.
“We’ve
gone deeper into the hole this year because of the rate increases that have not
been passed forward (to the customers),” Newell said. “We’re already $150,000
over for this year or will be by September. The town is selling every (service)
that we have below cost to the people of the town. We have to weigh that
against running the town as a business. Either we do it and pay our bills, or
we don’t.”
Another
factor Newell mentioned is that Homer’s population has decreased over the last
10 years or so, which means the town has even less money coming in.
James
Colvin Sr., financial consultant for the town, said the increase would help the
town’s finances.
According
to District 3 Councilman Toney Johnson, the company has them tied to the
Consumer Price Index, which the letter states has increased.
“If we
don’t do it, we’re going to be losing money,” Johnson said. “I don’t like doing
it but we have to do the right thing.”
District
4 Councilwoman Carlette Sanford said doesn’t want to add to the burden of
citizens, especially now.
“Right
now, it’s just hard on everybody, and even $2 more sounds bad to add to the
burden that people have right now,” she said.
When
the vote came to the floor, Johnson was the only one who voted in favor of it.
In
other news, the council:
•
Approved a motion to accept a bid from Delta Interiors to repair/replace the
floor at the Homer Police Department.
•
Approved a resolution adopting a citizen participation plan for the Community
Development Block Program, a resolution adopting procedures to be utilitized
for procurement with Louisiana Community Development Block Grant funds, a
resolution authorizing the mayor to request engineer’s qualifications
statements, and a contract for professional services for LCDBG.
•
Approved a motion to get quotes for security cameras at the pool and the back
of town hall to cover maintenance equipment.
•
Approved a motion to advertise properties in The Guardian-Journal that will be
served with notices to clean properties.
•
Approved a motion to transfer the remaining funds from the FAA to
Vicksburg/Tallulah Airport in Madison Parish.
•
Approved a motion to allow easement rights to use East Main Street for the new
Gibsland Bank and Trust branch coming to Homer.
The
next meeting for the Homer Town Council will be August 3, at 6 p.m. in council chambers located at the police department. For more information, please call town
hall at 927-3555.
