HMH administrator resigns
Mayor, council take beating from
citizens
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
It’s
official – as of Monday, April 5, Homer Memorial Hospital (HMH) Administrator
Doug Efferson has resigned.
Following
the shocking removal of Buddy Pixley from the hospital board, Efferson’s
resignation follows on the heels of an agreement between the town council and
the hospital board.
A
special called meeting of the hospital board was held at noon in the hospital conference room where the board met in executive session. After coming out of
executive session, Efferson signed all the paperwork necessary to make his
resignation official.
Amy
Legendre, CFO of HMH for the last nine years, was named as interim administrator.
Efferson
declined comment on the issue, instead referring any comments to Hospital Board
Chairman Wesley Emerson.
And in
the wake of Efferson’s resignation, Homer Mayor David Newell said he is ready
to move forward.
“The
problem is behind us,” he said in an interview after the meeting. “It does no
good to point fingers. We sat down and resolved a lot of issues. We have a lot
of things to do, and I’m working on those as we speak. This will be my top
priority for the next few weeks.”
In
those next few weeks, he said, he listed several things he’d like to get done
including finding out the immediate issues that need to be tended to, meet with
Legendre and Emerson and come up with a plan to find a new administrator; and
talk to past board members and others with knowledge of the hospital for their
input.
After
that, “we’ll go from there,” he said.
But the
story doesn’t end there. At Monday night’s regular town council meeting,
several members of the community showed up in force and blasted the council and
mayor for “forcing Mr. Efferson to resign,” one citizen said. Things got so
heated that District 2 Councilman Michael Wade left the room for a moment.
Citizens
also asked the mayor some tough questions, even accusing the council of meeting
without public knowledge. There is a letter to the mayor, dated Thursday, March
25, signed by three of the council members – District 1 Councilman Scott “Doc”
Roberson, Wade and District 5 Councilwoman Patricia Jenkins – stating they no
longer supported Efferson. This left some to believe that those three
councilmen met without public knowledge. District 3 Councilman Toney Johnson
and District 4 Councilwoman Carlette Sanford both stated they had yet to see
this letter and they didn’t get a copy of it.
It is
against open meetings laws for more than two council members to meet without
public knowledge. In other words, if more than two meet, they must follow all
open meetings laws regarding public posting of the meeting.
However,
a copy of this letter – marked “confidential” – has been obtained by The
Guardian-Journal. Allegedly, this letter was signed by all three council
members at a local pastor’s home.
Although
other accusations followed, the one person who showed the most discontent was
the wife of Pixley, former Hospital Board Chairman. With emotions running high,
Virginia Pixley stood face to face with Newell and told him how angry she
really is.
“You
have broken my heart and embarrassed my husband,” she told the mayor.
Others
followed, raising concerns about the direction of hospital, even voicing fears
of closing the hospital.
“If Homer Hospital continues on its path, it will close within a year,” Homer resident Don
McCalman said. “Doug (Efferson) took care of Homer Hospital and was an active
member of the community. We need to reconsider what we’re doing here –
reconsider everything.”
Ben
Moore, who works in maintenance at the hospital, said he was fearful of what
would happen next.
“Where
is our hospital going?” he asked. “The man (Efferson) left the hospital about
to cry. What has he done that was so bad? What’s happening to our hospital?”
Johnson,
however, took up for the mayor, saying Newell tried to broker a peaceful
solution to the issue. He blamed Roberson, Wade and Jenkins for the upheaval.
Homer
resident Ronnie Anderson accused the council of having a hidden agenda.
“This
thing smells like a rat,” he told the council. “I hate to see this go behind
closed doors and it’s illegal.”
Newell,
in the interview after the hospital board meeting, wanted to make it clear that
nothing at the hospital is changing and there are no hidden agendas – at least
on his part. He also said the council has no interest or intention of running
the hospital.
“I
believe them (the council), because they have been good stewards of the town’s
money,” Newell said. “It’s been 100 percent town business – period. I have zero
reason to believe they will do otherwise.”
Johnson
pointed out that the hospital is a great example of unity and success in
Claiborne Parish.
“The
hospital is a shining example of success in this town,” he said.
Claiborne
Healthcare Foundation Chairman Ronald Day agreed, saying Pixley and Efferson
were moving the hospital forward through their leadership.
“The
Foundation gave the parish a goal – something to pull them together,” he told
the council. “The importance of this hospital is critical. We can only work
with what we’re given.”
Efferson,
who has been administrator since the spring of 2005, walked away with what
equals 12 months of pay, roughly $128,000. The settlement and release agreement
states the reason for Efferson’s resignation as deterioration of the
relationship between him and the Town of Homer “to the point that all parties
hereto realize and acknowledge that his employment as the administrator of the
Hospital cannot continue…”
Although
it has been reported that no written formal complaints have been filed against
Efferson, the “confidential” letter states otherwise, saying the council
members had received both formal and informal complaints against him.
So
where does this leave everything now? The hospital board will now have to
appoint a search committee to find a replacement for Efferson. However, not
just anyone can apply for the job. According to LAC Title 48:1, Chapter 93,
Subchapter B, the administrator has to have at least one of the following
qualifications:
• A
master’s degree and at least three years of full time experience in
progressively responsible management positions in healthcare;
• A
baccalaureate degree and at least five years of full-time experience in
progressively responsible management positions in healthcare; or
• At
least 10 years of full-time experience in hospital administration.
Efferson
also waived all claims against the hospital and the town and signed a
confidentiality clause that will not allow him to speak on the issue.
No work, no pay
Minden man jailed for selling stolen equipment
The Guardian-Journal
A Minden man has been arrested by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) after he sold
some equipment without doing the work.
Now
he’s behind bars having to pay his way out of jail. According to a press
release, on Saturday, April 3, Nathan Smart, 52, was arrested by CPSO Detective
Ben Booth. He was charged with two counts of fraud over $500, simple criminal
damage to property and theft over $500. Each charge has a bond of $10,000, for
a total of $40,000.
According
to the press release, Smart was arrested after investigators discovered that he
received a tractor and front end loader from a Homer resident and was paid to
do some work for the victim. Investigators discovered that Smart did not
complete any of the work on the tractor and then attempted to sell the tractor.
Smart
did sell the front end loader and it was recovered by investigators in Delhi. The suspect was booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.
In an
unrelated incident on the same date, Michael Wayne Moffett, 26, of Minden, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug
paraphernalia and container. A check through Webster Parish for warrants
revealed that Moffett also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for
illegal use of weapons.
According
to a CPSO press release, Detective Randy Smith responded to a complaint of a
disturbance on Harris Road. There was a vehicle parked on a logging road off of
Harris Road with three individuals in it.
The
driver, identified as Moffett, was questioned by Smith. Moffett said there was
no disturbance. Smith noted a strong odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from
Moffett’s person. A clear plastic bag containing suspected marijuana was seized
after it fell from Moffett’s right pants leg.
Moffett
was placed under arrest for possession of marijuana and a subsequent search of
the vehicle revealed drug paraphernalia in the storage compartment of the
driver’s door that appeared to have suspected marijuana in it as well as a
suspected marijuana cigarette on the driver’s seat. There was also an open bottle
of beer leaned against the console in the front seat. Moffett also stated the
beer belonged to him.
He was
transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for booking.
Also,
in an unrelated incident, Bradley J. Swint, of Arcadia, was arrested by sheriff’s
deputies on Thursday, April 1. He was charged with 21 counts of cyber stalking,
with a bond of $210,000, 40 counts of telephone harassment, with bond set at
$40,000, and a failure to appear charge, with bond set at $4,500.
Building permit fee schedule set
JENNI WILLIAMS, Staff Reporter
The
main topic of business at last week’s regular monthly meeting of the Town of Haynesville was an ordinance pertaining to the fee schedule of building permits.
The
resolution was approved with a motion by Torrance, a second by Webb and is
written as follows:
A
resolution adopting the fee schedule for the issuance of the building permits
within the Town of Haynesville, Ordinance No. 577 was brought before the board
to set a permit and fee schedule for the construction of new and the renovation
of existing buildings, not therefore be it resolved that the Town of
Haynesville hereby establish the amount of these fees and permits listed below
in the amount as designated. New construction - $0.04 per square foot, minimum
of $60; additional renovations to existing structures - $0.05 per square foot,
minimum of $50; accessory buildings - $0.05 per square foot, minimum of $50;
manufacture, modular homes - $75; other - including pools, re-roofing,
temporary poles other that those used in new construction, other HVAC, plumbing
or electrical changes will be a minimum of $50.
In
other new business, the council discussed a clean city plan presented by
Killgore.
Killgore
proposes that the council use an empty lot located downtown on Camp Street for residents to bring used appliances (white goods) and mattresses and the like
to be delivered on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. These items would be stored
in bins until pickup can be arranged.
Killgore
also proposes that someone be employed to manage the site on delivery day and
the site to be fenced and kept locked.
This
would curtail the ongoing problem of the regular garbage pickup not picking up
these large items and eliminate the current container located on the
fairgrounds.
The
council has agreed to consider the problem, do some research and discuss the
issue at the April regular meeting.
A
motion was brought before the board to rename the Claiborne Parish Fair complex
pavilion to the Tom Sale Crocker Pavilion. A resolution will be prepared and
brought before the board at the April meeting.
Jackie
Lindsey with the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana discussed a presentation of
the importance of its mission to serve as the primary resource for fighting
hunger in Northwest Louisiana.
The Foodbank
of Northwest Louisiana is the largest distributor of donated food for a seven
parish area, including Claiborne Parish. The Foodbank sorts, warehouses and
distributes food to more than 100 partner agencies which then give it out to
people in need. Some of those people in need include the elderly, many of whom
are home-bound or chronically ill.
Some of
the Foodbank’s programs include food distribution, emergency food boxes,
disaster relief, summer food service program which provides food for hungry
children with no access to free food in the summer months, Kids cafe which
provides free food in after school programs, Backpack program which sends food
home in backpacks for the weekend and holidays, Senior Lagniappe Program which
provides a monthly box of staples to the elderly in need, a mobile pantry and
KIDS - a program for kids in distressed situations that provides toys and
clothing.
Boys
and Girls Club and Center Springs are two of these agencies in Claiborne Parish
that provide these programs.
For anyone
wishing to volunteer with any of these programs, please contact (318) 675-2400
extension 111 or 113.
The
board was notified that its recent application for a $25,000 grant through the
Delta Regional Authority was approved and also carries a $2,000 match from the
town. The resolution was unanimously approved by the council.
Danny
Mills with Fire District No. 3 informed the board of the acceptance of a recent
bid for the purchase of the old heating and air building to house the fire
station’s meeting room with a minimum of alterations.
The
fire board is satisfied with the arrangements as is the town council.
The
council then discussed the Mayor’s FYI:
-
Jackson Drive project is complete
- the
Town’s new website address is www.haynesvillela.org and is up and running,
including an FYI, Guest registry and revised Calendar of Events
- the
railroad crossing on Church Avenue has been replaced.
- the
CAC will be doing taxes again , short form only, for appointment call 927-3557
-
census forms should have been received, CAC will assist anyone needing help
with forms, call City Hall for an appointment.
The
Haynesville Town Council will hold its regular meeting on April 15 at 6p.m. For more information or to ask questions, contact City Hall at 624-0911.
Claiborne Electric to give away Kawasaki
Mule
One of
Claiborne Electric’s members will leave the 2010 Annual Membership Meeting as
the owner of a new Kawasaki Mule 610 4x4 utility vehicle.
The
Kawasaki Mule will be featured as the grand prize at the Co-op’s Annual Membership
Meeting, which will take place Saturday, April 17, at the Thomas Assembly Center on the campus of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La.
The
Mule 610 4x4 was designed to carry 400 pounds in its tilting cargo bed with
tailgate latches. With an optional towing hitch, the utility vehicle can tow up
to 1,100 pounds. The Mule can be driven up to 25 miles per hour and features
off-road capability. It also fits conveniently in the back of a full-size
pickup truck.
The
grand prize will be awarded in a drawing of Claiborne Electric members in
attendance at the 2010 Annual Meeting. The winner must be present to win.
For a
chance to win the Kawasaki Mule and many other door prizes, members may
register at the Thomas Assembly Center beginning at 10:00 a.m. on April 17. During registration, members will also vote on a proposed amendment to the
Co-op’s Bylaws. Each member will receive a gift during registration, which ends
when the business meeting begins at 12:30 p.m.
Each
registered member will also have the opportunity to fill out a short survey
about how they learned about the Annual Meeting. Survey participants will be
entered into a drawing for a new 26-inch LCD high-definition television.
Drawings for all prizes will take place during the business meeting.
Other
activities throughout the day include a performance by nationally acclaimed
Gospel trio The Martins at 11 a.m. The Co-op will also provide a catered meal
for everyone in attendance and a play area for kids featuring several jump
houses. As always, the Annual Meeting is an event for Claiborne Electric
members only.
Members
with questions may call the Co-op at 318.927.3504 or visit www.our.coop.
DART’s 9th Annual Radiothon slated for
April 22
The Guardian-Journal
Mark
April 22 on your calendar. That’s the date for DART’s major yearly fundraiser,
the DART Radiothon. Broadcasting from Super One Foods in Ruston, this year’s
event airs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 94.1 FM, “The Q.”
Mary
Ellen Gamble, Claiborne DART Advocate, notes that the latest statistics once
again show Louisiana as #1 in the nation for homicides committed by men against
women. Gamble indicates that the majority of these homicides occur in domestic
abuse situations.
DART
(Domestic Abuse Resistance Team) provides a range of services with regard to
domestic abuse, one of which is to educate the community about domestic
violence and promote awareness of this crime.
Although
some of DART’s funding comes from the state, most is derived from grants and
donations. State funding for nonprofit organizations such as DART will be
drastically cut this year.
Gamble
says, “Once again we need your help. Our community has always been generous,
and we are grateful for the support. However, we must keep that financial support
coming to maintain our office here in Claiborne Parish and provide services to
local victims of domestic abuse.”
Gamble
continues, “There are two ways you can donate to the Radiothon. You can send
your donation to Claiborne Parish DART at 300 Murrell St.; Homer, LA; 71040;
before April 22. Your donation will be acknowledged on air the day of the
Radiothon.
“Another
way is to listen to 94.1 FM on April 22 and call in a pledge. The telephone
number will be given on air that day for you to pledge your support. Be sure to
tell them that your donation is for Claiborne DART. All donations taken in our
parish are designated for the work we do here in Claiborne.”
For
questions or more information, call Mary Ellen Gamble at 927-2818.
If you
are in need of assistance, you may also call this number.
Calls
are confidential, and services are free.
Mark
the Calendar:
DWCC Offender Art Expo at Ford Museum on April 25
The Guardian-Journal
The Ford Museum is hosting the David Wade Correctional Center Offender Art Expo on Sunday,
April 25 from 2-4 pm. Capt. Reggie Jackson, project coordinator the project, is
using Images of America: Claiborne Parish as the inspiration for of-fenders
involved with the project.
An
accomplished artist himself in the field of professional custom motorcycle
designs, Capt. Jackson redesigned a 2000 Harley-Davidson Softail that he named
“Sprung on Phat.” Jackson went on to claim first place in the Street Custom
Judged Class and the magazine Easyriders “Best Motorcycle Display” in 2009. Such
a prestigious win certifies Jackson’s bike as one of the best custom creations
and recognizes his potential for becoming one of the world’s top custom bike
designers.
Each
piece featured in the Art Expo reflects an element of Claiborne Parish’s
history. Offenders have chosen a variety of modes of expression—oil and
airbrush painting, acrylic painting, leather crafting, wood burning, pencil,
even a decorative coffee table.
Alan
Gaskin, an accomplished wood burner, has several pieces in the expo. One depicts
a stained glass window in the Haynesville United Methodist Church. Gaskin uses his art as a spiritual outlet. Able to draw at an early age, Gaskin began
wood burning about 20 years ago. His first picture was of the Last Supper that
he did for his mother.
Kevin
Burford never painted or drew anything until arriving at DWCC. A self-taught
artist, Burford uses art as a way to turn the negative aspects of prison life
into a positive. His mother, now deceased, always stressed that Kevin could do
anything if he applied himself. Burford says that art has definitely changed
his life. One of his acrylic paintings depicts the 1905 white wood-framed First Baptist Church in Homer.
Mark
your calendars to attend the DWCC Offenders Art Expo at Ford Museum on April 25 at 2 pm. (contributed by Linda Volentine, Museum Director)
