Claiborne grand jury to convene Wednesday

The Guardian-Journal

The Claiborne Parish grand jury was to convene on Wednesday, January 6, but it will not hear testimony on the Homer shooting.

According to published reports, although the jury is to convene, Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell is expected to meet with them in order to educate them on the law.

Published reports also indicate that Caldwell’s office is not prepared to present the case to the panel, stating that the case is still being reviewed.

“We’re are hopeful we will have the case ready to present to this group before their term expries but that is uncertain right now,” said Tammi Arender Herring, communications director.

Bernard Monroe Sr. was shot and killed Friday, February 20, 2009, after he allegedly engaged two police officers with a loaded handgun.

The Louisiana State Police conducted an investigation and turned it over to Claiborne District Attorney Jonathan Stewart. In December, Stewart turned the case over to Caldwell, citing conflicts of interest in handling the case. Officers Tim Cox and Joseph Henry were placed on paid administrative leave following the shooting. They have since resigned.

Proposed police chief charter amendment spurs debate

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

Citizens spoke out against the proposed ordinance that would change the marshal/police chief position to an appointed one rather than an elected one.

During the public comment portion of the Homer Town Council meeting Monday night, Richard Nixon, a 13-year resident of Homer, said he felt like the council was trying to take away his right to vote.

“I’m against it, and I think I have a right to vote,” he said. “I served my country for 20 years, and I think what they (town council) are doing is wrong.”

District 2 Councilman Michael Wade spoke up saying that no one was trying to take away his right to vote.

“You can still vote in Claiborne Parish,” Wade said. “You can still vote for the mayor, and it hasn’t been decided whether you’re going to have the right to vote for chief (of police). This is an issue that’s up for discussion.”

Homer citizen Ronald Wafer says the issue has nothing to do with someone’s right to vote. He says the real issue is about oversight.

“The issue is that the town council says they don’t have any oversight over the police chief,” Wafer said. “He has to answer to somebody. We voted for the chief of police, but there’s no oversight. We voted for him, but we (citizens) don’t have any say-so.”

Willie Curry, who filled the District 1 seat after the passing of the late J.C. Moore, said, he too has served his country and is against the proposed ordinance.

“I don’t need the town council thinking they’re going to arbitrarily take away my right (to vote),” he said.

He spoke about war veterans who have fought for the freedoms this country benefits from today – the right to choose our officials.

“What you’re saying in effect is…if they got enough sense to go over there and fight a war, they don’t need this town council or any other town council deciding arbitrarily that they know what’s best for them,” Curry said. “I’ll be darned if I’m going to sit by and let ya’ll decide what’s best for me.”

Wade countered – based on a conversation he and Curry were said to have had – that during Curry’s time as a councilman, he was in favor of amending the charter, but now has changed his mind.

“One minute you were for it, and the next you were against it,” Wade told Curry. “You’re undecided.”

While the debate got heated, the proposed ordinance was introduced into record later in the meeting.

Since the shooting death of Homer resident Bernard Monroe Sr. by a Homer police officer in February 2009, the town has been in upheaval. As Monroe’s family members and others in the community call for justice and resolution to the investigation into the incident, the Homer Police Department has taken a beating ever since.

On Friday, February 20, 2009, Monroe was shot and killed by former officer Tim Cox when Monroe allegedly engaged the officer with a loaded handgun. Police say he had a gun, some community members and many witnesses say he did not.

The incident occurred when Cox and his partner, former officer Joseph Henry, were pursuing Monroe’s son, Sean. The foot pursuit ended in Monroe Sr.’s front yard, ultimately leading to his death.

Since that day, the Town of Homer has been under close scrutiny from every aspect including the police department and its chief of police, Russell Mills.

Mills and his department have come under fire at every turn regarding what some say is poor policing.

At the meeting, a motion to approve Mills’ recommendation to hire another police officer prompted a discussion that led the council to approve a motion to assemble a review committee to study applicants’ resumes.

The idea is to appoint a 5 member panel that would review applicants’ resumes recommended by the chief of police. Accordingly, the council then would take or reject the panel’s recommendations as required by policy. Term limits were set for two years.

As it stands now, in order for the police chief to hire an officer, he must first make a recommendation to the council and the council then accepts or rejects it.

During the discussion, some questioned why the department can’t keep qualified officers. The Rev. Willie Young suggested the issue lies in poor hiring practices, but Mills says it’s about money. The issue, Mills says, is that for whatever reason, the town doesn’t pay its officers enough.

“In light of losing six officers in the last 12 months, wouldn’t you think you would want to look at some applications?” Young asked, referring to the council. “You’ve got to consider a pattern here – something is wrong.”

Mills explained where those six officers have gone.

“I can’t give them what they want,” he said. “I can’t give them more money and positions. We’ve got people here that work for (less than $12 per hour) and have been here for 20 years. It’s about money. Every one of them, except two, left for something better in law enforcement.”

He said if officers were paid more, more would stay, but until that happens, he feels like this is the way it’s always going to be. Case in point, he said, is that in the last 17 years, at least 20 officers have left the department.

Young said he wasn’t questioning pay, but he was questioning qualifications. Many of the officers that are hired are not certified police officers – at the same time, many who are hired are certified.

“We have a real big problem, and we need to consider the people that we hire,” Young said, “and there ought to be a system where (the chief) is not the only one looking at the applications. I’m here to say, give (the council) an opportunity to look at the applications.”

Steve Risner was hired as a full-time officer and he will begin at the end of January.

In other council news, Wade has been appointed as the mayor pro tempore for 2010.

The council also tabled the approval of electrical work in the town’s portion of the old Wal-Mart building.

An amended and supplemental ordinance was adopted to go along with the bond ordinance adopted in December’s meeting.

A proposed ordinance regarding the zoning for Lot #3 of Lisbon Street from R-1 to R-2 was also introduced. A public hearing was set for 5:15 p.m. Monday, February 1, before the regular monthly council meeting. A public hearing was also set for 5:30 p.m. that same day regarding the proposed ordinance to amend the charter.

The next regular monthly meeting of the Homer Town Council will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, February 1, in council chambers, located at the Homer Police Station. For more information, please call town hall at 927-3555.

Marker project making progress

The Guardian-Journal photo/Jenni Williams

For those of you who spend each day passing Lisbon Landing and wonder what the large monstrosity parked in the waters of Lake Claiborne is, here’s your answer.  It is a Blue Water Pole Driver and will be used to drive poles deep into the bottom of the lake for use as the new permanent channel markers. In the coming weeks, the more than 200 poles stacked in piles along the edge of the landing’s parking lot will dwindle in size as Pro-Build Construction places the marker poles in their permanent position.

January is Stalking Awareness Month

The Guardian-Journal

January is National Stalking Awareness Month, and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to focus attention on this serious – and sometimes deadly – crime.

Did you know that 3.4 million people are stalked in the United States each year? This is extremely surprising to most people.

There are many myths that circulate regarding stalking that must be addressed to help deter this crime. The most serious of these is the myth that “if you ignore stalking, it will go away.” This myth can cost a person their life.

Other myths include: “If you confront the stalker, he or she will go away,” “Technology is too expensive and confusing for most stalkers to use,” “You can’t be stalked by someone you are dating,” and “Stalking is annoying but not illegal.”

The truth is, stalkers seldom “just stop.” Victims should seek help from law enforcement to stop the stalker. Confronting a stalker or trying to reason with them can be dangerous. Stalkers can buy easy-to-use surveillance equipment for as little as $30. If your “friend” tracks your every move in a way that causes you fear, that is stalking. Stalking is illegal in all 50 states in the United States.

The main problem we have with stalking is that most victims don’t report it to law enforcement. They choose to minimize the seriousness of it. They don’t understand the behavior, or they think the police would not take it seriously.

Some interesting statistics include that 75 percent of victims know their stalker and 30 percent are being stalked by a current or former intimate partner.

Know the signs and protect yourself. If someone follows you, calls frequently, monitors your computer, confronts you about where you were or what you were wearing and knows details, or questions you about who you have talked to, you could be dealing with a stalker.

Victims of stalking experience fear and anxiety on a daily basis. Many lose time from work, and some even lose their jobs.

If you or someone you know is being stalked, protect yourself by reporting this behavior to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (318-927-9800 or 318-927-2011), the Homer Police Department (318-927-4000) or the Haynesville Police Department (318-624-1311). To learn more about stalking and how to fight it, visit www.stalkingawarenessmonth.org.

Information in this article obtained from the U.S. Department of Justice and Bureau of Justice Statistics. Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Donna Smith is the crime victim’s advocate.

Parish braces for arctic weather

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

With temperatures plummeting into the teens this week, the weather could get not only nasty, but dangerous.

According to the National Weather Service’s (NWS) website, lows are expected to drop into the 20’s or below every night this week. On Wednesday night, a 50 percent chance of light rain and/or snow was predicted through Thursday morning with highs in the mid-30s. On Friday, the highs are only expected to creep to the mid-20s, with lows dropping into the teens.

Forecast

“A strong arctic cold front will quickly plunge [the] southeast into the four state region Wednesday night and Thursday morning, ushering in the coldest temperatures that this region has seen in at least 14 years,” states a press release from the National Weather Service. “Temperatures are expected to fall to near or below freezing Thursday morning with strong northerly winds not allowing for much of a warm up during the day. Thus temperatures will struggle to reach the freezing mark across much of the region before quickly falling Thursday night.

“When coupled with these bitterly cold temperatures, northerly winds of 10 to 15 miles per hour Thursday night and Friday morning will produce dangerously cold wind chills in the single digits across much of the area,” the press release continued.

Schools

With a snow and possibly rain mixture plus temperatures not rising above freezing for at least one day, there are a few things to consider while preparing for the bitter cold. Officials throughout the parish are also preparing for this week.

Claiborne Parish Superintendent of Schools Dr. Janice Williams said schools will remain open this week, provided the weather doesn’t get worse. It’s a wait and see situation, she said.

“If the roads become impassable, there’s a strong possibility that the schools will be closing,” she said.

In the event schools do close, the local television news stations will be notified, and there is also a strong possibility that a Louisiana First Call will be issued to notify parents.

Roads

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey said his deputies will be out checking the roads for ice during the latter part of this week.

“We’re going to get some of the coldest weather around here that we’ve seen in years,” Bailey said. “The National Weather Service will notify us [of any advisories] and we’ll keep everybody informed.”

Also, check the antifreeze levels in vehicles to help prevent problems.

“If people use good common sense, everything will be okay,” Bailey said.

Plants, Pipes and Pets

The NWS also gives the following tips on dealing with this harsh weather.

“Given the long duration of subfreezing temperatures expected later this week and into the weekend, preparations should begin now for these bitterly cold temperatures,” the NWS stated. “Be sure to wrap exposed water pipes and bring in or cover sensitive vegetation to protect them from the upcoming hard freeze. Residents are urged to use extreme caution when using space heaters and ensure that clothing and other flammable objects are kept well away to prevent them from catching fire.

“Be sure to frequently check on the elderly and ensure that they are warm,” NWS continued. “If possible, bring in outdoor pets or provide adequate protection if they remain outdoors. If you have to go outside, dress in layers and wear gloves and a hat.”

Fire Safety

Homer Fire Chief Dennis Butcher offers some tips to help keep citizens safe from fires during these extremely cold temperatures.

“Fire calls tend to increase in really cold weather,” he said. “Space heaters can be a big problem, because people tend to misuse them. Some tend to use them to dry clothes or turn them too high near combustibles.”

Butcher said it is imperative to keep furniture, clothing and other combustible items away from space heaters.

Cooking ranges (stoves) also present a set of problems all by itself, he said. Gas cook ranges, many times, are used by people to either add a boost of extra warmth or use them for heaters. It is never a good idea to use them for heat.

“You should never use an appliance for something it’s not designed to do,” he said.

Many use their ovens to heat and leave the door open, which could melt the control knobs, creating a hazard. Open flames on a gas range is also a no-no, because there are no safety devices on it or around it. It’s just an open flame, he said.

Also, Butcher cautioned citizens to check on their elderly family members and neighbors to make sure they are provided with adequate heat and clothing.

“Make sure they are dressed warmly and their heaters are working properly,” he said. “You have the same issues in extremely hot weather as you do with extremely cold weather. Hyperthermia or hypothermia could set in very quickly.”

For more information or to keep up with the weather forecast, please watch the television news. Citizens may also go to the National Weather Service’s website at www.srh.noaa.gov/shv/ to keep up with the forecast. Also, for emergencies, please call 911.

Thanks goes to food drive volunteers, BGC

The Spirit of Christmas Food Drive brought in enough food to assist approximately 16,000 families in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Through the project, some 185 boxes of food were collected for families in the Homer and Haynesville area, along with Brookshire Grocery Company-donated coupons for a free hen that recipients could redeem through January 4.

“We appreciate everyone who gave so generously to help less fortunate families during the holidays,” said Sam Anderson, director of consumer and community relations for BGC. “Many volunteers worked hard to make sure people had food for Christmas.”

Non-perishable items were donated at participating Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods stores. Service organizations such as the Homer Lions Club, the Haynesville Lions Club, and the Claiborne Parish 4-H Club Junior Leaders collected, sorted, boxed, and distributed the food.

Each family received at least one box of food, which contained items such as canned meats and vegetables, peanut butter, soups, pasta, dried beans, rice, flour and sugar.

Homer Lion Susan Herring said, “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Robin Bridges and the 4-H Junior leaders for all their hard work, collecting, delivering and sorting the food. Without their help, it would be impossible to complete such a valuable program for our community.”

Herring added, “I would also like to thank every Homer Lion and every Haynesville Lion who helped deliver the food boxes, Homer Lions Pat Gladney and Dick Dorrell for cooking brunch for the 4-H leaders; and Rev. John McClelland and the First Presbyterian Church for graciously offering their facility to stage and sort the food. We hope these efforts made Christmas a little brighter for those families who received the food boxes.”

CPSB participates in H1N1 campaign

Claiborne Parish Schools will participate in a voluntary H1N1 vaccine campaign on Wednesday, January 13.  School nurses, Angela McCurry and Laura Waddle, in coordination with the Louisiana Office of Public Health Strike Team, will provide the vaccinations. On November 30, 2009, consent packets were sent home and returned on December 2, 2009. 

Only students with returned, signed consent forms will be vaccinated.  The vaccinations are at no cost to the students.  Additionally, faculty members may receive the vaccine at this time, free of charge.

For any concerns, please call Angela McCurry at 927-2496 or Dr. Janice Williams at 927-3502.

Chamber gears up for annual banquet

The Guardian-Journal

The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce will be presenting its 45th annual banquet on Monday, January 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex in Haynesville. The theme for the evening will be “Making the Most of the Pieces,” and the featured speaker and honored guest will be Teddy Allen.

For many years, Teddy Allen worked for the Shreveport Times as a well-known columnist and reporter. Growing up, Teddy spent several years in Homer while his father was preaching at First Baptist Church. Teddy’s perspective of growing up in Claiborne Parish and living in North Louisiana will be interesting and entertaining.

Banquet reservations are available for $35 per person. All reservations must be paid in advance to confirm seating. Reservations will NOT be available at the door the night of the event. Seating is limited to 400 people, so you need to return your reservation card as soon as possible. Business dress shall be appropriate for the evening.

As in prior years, sponsorship opportunities are available. All sponsors will be recognized at the banquet and will be listed in the event program. The various sponsorship levels and benefits are as follows:

• Diamond Sponsor: $1,000 receives special recognition, 12 tickets and reserved tables.

• Platinum Sponsor: $700 receives 8 tickets and a reserved table.

• Gold Sponsor: $400 receives 4 tickets and a reserved table.

• Silver Sponsor: $200 receives 4 tickets and reserved seating.

• Bronze Sponsor: $100 receives 2 tickets and reserved seating.

On your reservation card, please list the names of the people who will be attending the banquet. Please check the designated box on the card for those who are interested in being a banquet sponsor, or contact the chamber office at 318-927-3271.

2009: A Year in Review

Editor’s Note: In going back over the top stories of 2009, this edition will cover the first six months of 2009, while next week’s edition, January 14, will cover the latter half of the year. Following are the top stories of January-June.

January

On January 1, about 3 a.m., Troop G Trooper Brandon Salmon rescued two fishermen from the waters of Lake Claiborne in Homer. The two men had been in the water for more than an hour sharing a life jacket 400 yards from shore in near freezing water at the time Salmon made recovery. Both fishermen were transported to Homer Memorial Hospital where they were treated for exposure. It was later determined that the fishermen’s boat had taken on water and sunk at about 2 a.m. Salmon was later honored for his efforts with a commendation in March.

On January 6, a little boy was left on a school bus that morning and was seen walking down Highway 2 later that day. According to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, a concerned citizen picked up the little boy and took him to the sheriff’s office, where he was later returned to the custody of his mother unharmed.

Three men convicted of negligent homicide and cruelty to a juvenile were sentenced Monday, January 26. 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. They were to be under active supervised probation for two years and each pay a $1,500 fine plus court costs. Judge Parker Self also assigned 400 hours each of community service.

Their convictions of negligent homicide were overturned later in the year. Judge Self will now have to go back and re-sentence them in 2010 for cruelty to a juvenile, which can carry a sentence of up to 10 years.

February

On February 12, the school speed zone lights were finally installed at the Homer and Haynesville schools. The LED display units’ purchase and installation came from the Safe Routes to School grant, which is a federal initiative to encourage kids to walk or bike to school. The grant was for a total of $24,800.

On February 20, 73-year-old Bernard Monroe Sr., of Homer, was shot and killed in his front yard after he allegedly engaged two Homer Police Officers with a loaded handgun. State Police Public Information Officer Doug Pierrelee confirmed that a handgun was found at the scene, and it had been traced back to its origin. The case has not only spurred outrage in the community, but it has brought about a long wait as state police have completed their report, who then turned it over the district attorney’s office. DA Jonathan Stewart announced in December that the investigation reports and materials have been turned over the Louisiana Attorney General, who is expected to hand it to the Claiborne Parish Grand Jury.

March

The gun allegedly in the possession of the late Bernard Monroe Sr., 73, of Homer, was sent off for DNA and fingerprint analysis. A “reenactment” of the events of that day was also conducted, according to State Police Spokesman Doug Pierrelee. The Justice Department was called in, also, to help keep the peace in the community while investigators continued their inquiry into Monroe’s death.

On Sunday, March 15, Homer’s District 1 Councilman J.C. Moore, 67, passed away after suffering a stroke. Moore, who served as mayor pro tempore for many years, was the only elected official in town to serve as many years on the council. An Army veteran, Moore received a Purple Heart after sustaining injuries while serving in Vietnam from 1966-67. As a member of Mt. Dillard CME Church, he served and supported its varied programs, projects and ministries. He was also a member of Succoth Lodge #88 where he served as Worshipful Master. He was the office manager at King’s Funeral Home in Homer.

April

On April 10, a rally and march, in memory of the late Bernard Monroe Sr., was held with the Rev. Al Sharpton delivering a speech at Mayfield Park. During his speech, he said he would stand with the Monroe family as they go through the investigative process, but has not returned to Homer since. Those who attended the march and rally expressed their resolve to seek justice for Monroe, who was shot and killed by Homer Police in February. The case is now in the hands of the Louisiana Attorney General.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) launched an investigation into racial profiling in Homer and Claiborne Parish. According to their report, they did find instances of racial profiling based on information they received from the Homer Police Department and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The decision of choosing an interim replacement for the late J.C. Moore was sent to Gov. Bobby Jindal’s office. After two meetings earlier in the month, the council could not come to an agreement on who should replace the late councilman. At both meetings, Scott “Doc” Roberson’s name was submitted by Homer Mayor David Newell, and the council was deadlocked with a 2-2 vote. Newell refused to break the tie.

After the retirement of former Claiborne Parish Schools Superintendent Wayne King, someone was selected to fill the position. Dr. Janice Williams, former instructional supervisor for the school board, was chosen.

May

Willie Curry was the chosen appointment to fill the vacancy left in Homer’s District 1 following the death of J.C. Moore. Several community members expressed their disappointment in Curry’s appointment, and others expressed concerns over his less than perfect past. According to past issues of The Guardian-Journal, Curry was convicted of arson as well as other crimes in the 70s. According to state officials, despite his criminal record, he met the qualifications needed to qualify for the appointment.

On May 19, former Homer Police Officer Mike Rayburn allegedly attempted suicide after barricading himself in his home in Haynesville. Published reports indicate that he and Homer Police Chief Russell Mills exchanged words earlier in the day, but the tragic event was due to personal family issues, not his status as a police officer. He was airlifted to Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in critical condition. No reports have been given since he was released from the hospital into his family’s care. However, it has been reported that Rayburn is now in a skilled nursing care center.

Sergeant Aubie Lee Atkins Junior, 22, was finally brought home and laid to rest in Athens on May 16. Atkins died defending his country as a radioman in the air forces on December 5, 1942 in the Southwest Pacific area. Atkins was born and raised in the Athens area where he graduated from Athens High School and later attended Louisiana Tech University before joining the army. On that fateful day in 1942, Atkins along with a pilot and other members of his crew were on a mission to attack Lae when it was lost. Australians found the crash site in the Owen Stanley Mountains in February of 1943. The aircraft was thought to be shot down, as the bombs were still on board. A large crater indicated that the aircraft must have exploded in the trees and come to rest in a large, water-filled crater. The crew was officially declared dead on December 5, 1942 and all have been memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery in Manila, Philippines. Atkins was a member of the 405th Bomber Squadron, 38th Bomber Group, Medium and was awarded a Purple Heart and Air Medals.

June

The Claiborne Parish School Board began cracking down on its student transfer policies. In the wake of the closing of Pineview High School, the school board is still dealing with issues which stem from a 40-year-old lawsuit which says that Claiborne Parish is still a dual (black/white) school system. In order to be compliant with the court order, which states the school board must follow certain criteria. At the beginning of the 2009-10 school year, every student had to fill out paperwork and prove their residency in order to attend school this year.

Efforts to recall Homer Police Chief Russell Mills began in this month, following the incident involving former Homer officer Mike Rayburn. Wayne Rayburn, Mike’s brother, encouraged citizens in Homer to sign the petition, because he wanted the truth about the events of that day to come out. He said he felt there was a need for a fair and impartial chief of police. As of Tuesday, December 29, that recall effort has officially failed.

Homer man accused of unauthorized entry

The Guardian-Journal

One Homer family’s Christmas festivities were disrupted when a man allegedly trashed his girlfriend’s apartment.

On Christmas Day, Broderick LaCharles Ramey, 25, of Homer, was charged with one count of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, with bond set at $6,000.

According to reports, Officers J.D. Faulkner and Darren Norton were dispatched to the 600 block of South Fourth Street in reference to the unauthorized entry. Upon arrival, officers found the apartment in a mess.

Furniture, clothing and other items were strewn across the floor and water had been poured all over the floor, reports say. Police say evidence indicated the suspect entered the apartment through a bedroom window, and the victim named Ramey as the perpetrator.

The victim told police Ramey attempted to enter her apartment earlier in the evening. When she would not let him in, she told police, he came back and broke the window and came in without her permission.

When officers went to Ramey’s residence, officers observed blood on his right hand. When Ramey was interviewed, he admitted to being in the apartment. He was placed under arrest and transported to Homer Memorial Hospital for treatment of his hand and later booked at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center on the above charge.

In other news, two Homer men were arrested on possession charges on New Year’s Eve after their vehicle was stopped for running a traffic signal.

Sean Sims, 30, and Dedearian K. Robinson, 21, both of Haynesville, were arrested. Sims was charged with simple possession of marijuana, with bond set at $500, possession of drug paraphernalia, with bond set at $500, and failure to stop at a stop sign, with bond set at $500.

Robinson was charged with possession of marijuana second offense, with bond set at $5,000, and possession of drug paraphernalia, with bond set at $500.

Officer Van McDaniel initiated a traffic stop, and when he made contact with Sims, Robinson and another passenger, reports say he detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. He then asked Sims to exit the vehicle because of a reasonable suspicion there were illegal drugs inside.

Police say Sims refused to allow the officer to search the vehicle, at which time Officer John Bailey contacted Haynesville Police Officer Aaron Christian and his K-9 partner, Eddie, for assistance. Upon arrival, the dog was walked around the vehicle. Christian indicated Eddie alerted on several areas of the vehicle.

When officers conducted their search, several items of suspected drug paraphernalia as well as suspected marijuana were found in the vehicle. All three were arrested at the scene, but Sims and Robinson told police the third party had nothing to do with what was found in the vehicle. Based on that information, the third passenger was released and no charges were filed.

In other crime news, Damien Fisher, 24, of Homer, was arrested and charged with disturbing the peace, with bond set at $1,000, and domestic abuse battery, with bond set at $5,000.

According to reports, on December 21, 2009, Officer Scott Glenn was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in reference to a disturbance.

When Glenn arrived on scene, he made contact with the victim Carolyn White, who advised him that her son was causing the disturbance. Glenn then spoke with Fisher’s brother, who told police Fisher and White’s granddaughter had gotten into an argument which escalated into a physical altercation. According to reports, Fisher’s brother witnessed the event.

Fisher denied hitting the girl, but later acknowledged he’d pushed her down. He was taken into custody and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.

Recall efforts on police chief, tax assessor fail

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

Recall efforts against Claiborne Parish Tax Assessor Bob Robinson and Homer Police Chief Russell Mills have officially failed.

According to Patricia Sanders, of the Claiborne Parish Registrar of Voters, her records show that no petitions in either case were submitted to her for certification.

The last day to submit petitions for Robinson was December 1, 2009, and the last day for petitions against Mills was Monday, December 28.

Recall efforts against Robinson began in May 2009 after he let go the only black employee at the tax assessor’s office. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People spearheaded the petition, because they felt the employee’s civil rights were violated, that Robinson was insensitive to cultural diversity. According to law, if the petition fails, at least another 18 months must pass before another recall petition can begin.

As of press time, Robinson could not be reached for comment on this article. Also, the chairman and vice chairman were also not available for comment as of press time.

However, Mills said he is glad it’s over, and he’s ready to move forward.

“I’m glad it’s over,” he said. “I’m really not surprised that they didn’t get enough signatures, because I feel as though there are enough people in Homer that approve of fair law enforcement – and that’s what we’ve been trying to administer in this police department.”

He said he understands there are citizens who don’t approve of the job he’s doing, but the law requirements were not met.

The recall came in the wake of an attempted suicide by a Homer officer. In May 2009, according to reports, former officer Mike Rayburn shot himself after he barricaded himself at his Haynesville residence.

His brother, Wayne Rayburn, encouraged the citizens of Homer to sign the petition because he felt there was more to the story than he was being told and he felt like the people of Homer needed a chief that’s fair and impartial.

Area Student Recognized for Poetry

The Guardian-Journal

“$100? I won $100?” That was her reaction when Mackenzie Johnson, an area 7th-grader, won 3rd place in a statewide poetry competition for Louisiana students sponsored by America’s Wetland.

According to America’s Wetland’s internet website, www.wetland.org, the US has “one of the largest and most productive expanses of coastal wetlands in North America.” It continues, “This valuable landscape extending along Louisiana's coast is disappearing at a rate of 25 square miles per year.”

The site invited Louisiana’s 780,000-plus students to submit art, pictures, and poetry highlighting “the importance of Louisiana’s wetlands.”

So it was that Mackenzie’s poem achieved 3rd-place in this statewide competition. She said that she didn’t enter the contest for the money.

“Actually, I needed some extra points for an A in social studies, and my teacher said I could get the extra points by writing a poem for the contest. So I did, but I never expected to win.”

Asked what she does other than writing poetry, brown-eyed Mackenzie answered, “I like riding horses, photography, swimming, and painting. My horse’s name is Blondie, and I play with my dog Big Daddy.”

As for what else she enjoys, the ginger-haired beauty said, “I like going to Homer to visit my grandparents.”

Homer residents Jimmy and Kaye Dean are Mackenzie’s grandparents.

Save the Wonderful Wetlands

By Mackenzie Johnson

Louisiana's wetlands are really worth saving,

And I will tell you why.

Each day they're slowly waving—

Waving to us goodbye.

Louisiana's wetlands are beautiful.

They are a sight to see.

Our efforts will be dutiful.

Won't you please help me?

How sad it would be if we just sat,

And let this take place

To their precious habitat.

So, please, help me finish this race.

The pelican also concerns me,

Because it is our state bird.

So listen to my plea,

And help me spread the word!

The wetlands are a gift from God to Louisiana,

Something we should treasure.

And so I will say:

Please do your part without measure.

So join me in the fight.

Please do not delay.

We must save the wetlands,

Don't wait until tomorrow—start today!

Don Brown to speak to Homer Lions January 14

Lion Don joined Lionism in May of 1980 in his hometown of Oak Grove, Louisiana.  In 1986, his employment transferred him to Natchitoches, Louisiana and the Natchitoches Lions Club.  He served on the board of both clubs in many different capacities and as President of both clubs; in Oak Grove in 1985 and in Natchitoches in 1998.  Don received the Melvin Jones Fellowship in 2001 from the Natchitoches Lions.

In 2005, he was appointed as an advisor to the Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation and was elected as trustee from 2006-2009.  He served as fund raising chairman for the foundation in 2007.  

He began his year as Governor, attending the Lions Club International Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota (along with 7000 other delegates) and will complete his year at the convention in Sydney, Australia.  He is working hard on increasing membership and the District 8-L Lions are having a great year in membership growth. 

Claiborne Parish tourism initiative is underway

JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer

The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce has put together an assortment of materials to highlight where to go and what to do and see in Claiborne Parish. “Whether you’re a visitor or a local resident, Claiborne Parish has a driving tour CD set that you will find interesting,” says John Watson, Executive Director of the Chamber.

“The CD is one part of a major initiative aimed at helping others see and appreciate what is wonderful about Claiborne Parish,” Watson notes.

Asked what else is a part of the initiative, Watson explains that a colorful tourism brochure has been prepared. In addition,  there is a new website www.claiborneparishtourism.org.

Also, a cemetery brochure includes a map of the parish with the locations of 156 cemeteries in the parish or within a few miles of the parish line.

Finally, television ads have appeared describing Claiborne Parish as a desirable tourist destination.

Describing the tourism brochure, Watson says it highlights points of interest in Homer, Haynesville, Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield, and other areas of Claiborne Parish. It points out that 10 buildings in the parish are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The brochure includes pictures of the Claiborne Parish Courthouse, Herbert S. Ford Museum, Lisbon’s Killgore House, the mural on the west wall of Haynesville’s Killgore Pharmacy,  Homer’s Old Town Cemetery, the Hill Farm, Summerfield’s Alberry Wasson House, and Lake Claiborne.

The cover of the “Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, Cemetery Guide” notes that it is intended to be “A guide to finding the resting places of your ancestors.” A brief description gives directions for each of the 156 cemeteries There is also a map in the brochure marking the approximate location of each.

The new tourism website, www.claiborneparishtourism.org, describes Lake Claiborne State Park and lists local lodging such as Panther Creek Bed and Breakfast at Summerfield and Lake Claiborne Vacation Cottage on Harmon Loop.

The website describes “eateries” such as the Rebel Stop and Moon’s toward Summerfield, Port-au-Prince on Lake Claiborne, Sunrise Bakery and Restaurant and Homer Seafood and Pizza as well as Yesterday’s Grill in Haynesville.

Highlights related to Homer, Haynesville, Lisbon, Athens, Summerfield, and the parish’s historic cemeteries are all mentioned on the website.

Some parish events are plugged including the Butterfly Festival, the Claiborne Jubilee, the 4th of July Fireworks and Boat Parade, Lake Claiborne Antique Auto and Bike Show, and the Christmas Festival.

The set consists of two CDs with 41 tracks of information highlighting areas of interest around the parish. For only $3 visitors or local residents can learn things about Claiborne Parish that’s not in the history books, stories passed down from grandparents to grandchildren that has become the stuff of local legend and lore.

Of course, the internet website is free as is the tourism brochure. With the cemetery guide available for $1 and the driving CD sets for $3, the whole tourism package is available for $4, a token cost to cover expenses of production.

Many local citizens donated many hours to the brochures, the cemetery guide, the driving CDs, and the website.

Brochures and CD sets are available at the following locations:

* The Grapevine

* The Raven Bookstore

* Port-au-Prince Restaurant

* Killgore Pharmacy

* The Rebel Stop

* Claiborne Parish Library

* Delta Interiors

* The Chamber Office at Ford Museum

Brochures only are available at the following:

* Courtyard Florist

* Lake Claiborne State Park

* Haynesville City Hall

* The Guardian-Journal

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