Athens bank almost hit again

 

The Guardian-Journal

Gibsland Bank and Trust in Athens was almost hit again.

Early Monday morning, Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey said the bank had almost been robbed yet again, when two males tried to enter the bank.

The two armed males were dressed in camouflage pants, dark clothing, ski masks and gloves.

Bailey said at approximately 11:45 a.m., the two ran to the front door of the bank, attempted to enter, and when they found the doors locked, they ran. Preliminary investigation shows the two came in from the north end and left the same way. The David Wade Chase Team was called in for assistance, and the dogs found a “good” track from behind the bank, Bailey said.

“We believe they were picked up by another vehicle, but we don’t know the direction of travel right now,” Bailey said.

This is the third time within a year the small town bank has been hit or at least an attempted hit. The investigation into the last robbery is still ongoing, said CPSO Detective Ben Booth.

The sheriff said the investigation into Monday’s attempt is still ongoing as they are still interviewing witnesses.

Gibsland Bank and Trust has also taken a few safety measures in an effort to ensure it doesn’t get robbed again and that its employees remain safe. One such example is that they are now keeping the front doors locked at all times. Bank employees push a button from inside to allow customers to enter the bank.

“That was a good safety measure,” Bailey said, “because they didn’t get in the bank.”

If anyone has any information that could lead to the arrest of the two who attempted to rob the bank, please call the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-927-2011, or the Criminal Investigative Division at 318-927-9800. Remember, all callers will remain anonymous. Authorities just want information, no names.

In other crime news, a Bakersfield man was arrested in Claiborne Parish on several charges during a traffic stop.

On Thursday, April 15, David Wayne Wilburn, 33, was arrested and charged with speeding, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) marijuana. Bond was set at $500 on each charge for a bond total of $1,500.

According to CPSO press release, Deputy Roger Ellerbe was on routine traffic patrol and observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Ellerbe initiated a traffic stop and found the driver to be Wilburn.

When Ellerbe requested the proper paperwork, Wilburn was unable to provide registration and proof of insurance. Deputy J.T. Williams arrived on scene to assist.

Further investigation revealed a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle and deputies discovered a small wooden and metal pipe approximately two inches in length used for smoking marijuana in Wilburn’s left front blue jeans pocket. A search of the vehicle revealed a wooden box containing marijuana and a small metal pipe used for smoking marijuana (approximately three inches in length) in the front seat center console.

The vehicle registration and proof of insurance were provided and Wilburn was arrested on the above charges. He was booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.

 

Homer officer critically injured

 

The Guardian-Journal

A Homer police officer was critically injured last Saturday while helping family members move.

According to Police Chief Russell Mills, Officer John Bailey is at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) with critical head injuries.

According to information Mills received, Bailey was in Springhill in the back of a pickup truck holding on to a piece of furniture. The truck was backing up when it made a sudden stop causing Bailey to lose his balance and fall out of the back, hitting his head on the concrete as he landed.

He was rushed to Springhill Medical Center where he was then airlifted to the trauma center at LSUHSC. Mills said Bailey sustained a skull fracture on the left side, and he is being kept sedated.

“It was just a freak accident,” Mills said.

Officer Roger Smith, who has been to visit Bailey’s family at the hospital, said his condition is listed as serious. According to information he’s received, doctors say Bailey is still hemorrhaging from the brain. A CT scan showed no improvement, Smith said, and Bailey is in a coma.

Currently, doctors are concentrating on keeping the swelling down.

“It’s still kind of a big scare, but there’s no­ change and it’s no better,” Smith said.

Bailey’s chances of survival are high, but it’s still unknown as to whether he will recover 100 percent, Smith said.

The Guardian-Journal will follow with more updates as more information becomes available.

 

Motions withdrawn

Plaintiffs clarify wrongful death suit as negligence case

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The plaintiffs in the wrongful death suit filed against the Town of Homer have clarified the allegations they are making in the death of Bernard Monroe Sr., calling it a case of negligence – not a case of racial discrimination or profiling.

On Monday, April 19, at approximately 10 a.m., the Monroe case came before 2nd Judicial District Judge Jenifer Clason. A morning recess was taken in which attorneys on both sides met in the judge’s chambers for a chamber conference. They returned to open court about an hour later with an agreement.

Southern Poverty Law Center Founder and Attorney Morris Dees announced in open court at that time, the case was not a racial discrimination suit nor was the suit making a racial profiling claim. Dees said they are not alleging the officer-involved shooting was racially motivated, when it is in fact, a negligence claim.

“In exchange for that stipulation, we withdraw our two motions,” Town Attorney Jim Colvin stated in court.

On February 10, Dees filed a wrongful death suit against the Town of Homer and former Homer Police Officers Tim Cox and Joseph Henry, claiming the officers failed to exercise reasonable care in the performance of their duties, thereby bringing about Monroe’s death.

Monroe Sr., 73, was shot and killed in his front yard on Friday, February 20, 2009, after Cox and Henry pursued his son, Shaun, to the elder Monroe’s residence. Allegedly, Monroe engaged the two officers with a loaded handgun in his possession. Family, friends and witnesses dispute the fact Monroe had a gun in his possession at the time of shooting, instead saying he was holding a sports drink bottle.

The gun collected at the scene was sent to the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) for DNA and fingerprint analysis. According to Louisiana State Police, the gun was traced back to its origin but did not release who the gun belonged to or if it was actually found to be in Monroe’s physical possession at the time of the shooting.

State police conducted a thorough and lengthy investigation into Monroe’s death, while the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted its own investigation into the incident. While state police investigated the physical aspect of the shooting, the FBI focused on any alleged civil rights violations Monroe may have experienced. According to FBI Public Information Officer Sheila Thorne on Monday afternoon, that investigation is still ongoing. She did not indicate if the inquiry is coming to a close.

On February 4, nearly one year after Monroe’s death, a Claiborne Parish Grand Jury returned a no true bill in the criminal aspect of the case – which means the grand jury did not find enough evidence to indict Cox or Henry.

Upon hearing the news, Dees, on behalf of the Monroe family, filed the wrongful death suit on February 10.

Shortly thereafter, Colvin filed two motions in the case, saying the petition filed on February 10 was vague and asking the court to limit the attorneys’ comments to the media regarding this case. He attached several documents  in which Dees used articles released on the Southern Poverty Law Center’s website, as well as the suit, solicitation letters for donations using this case and national newspaper articles written about the case as evidence of the vagueness of the petition, which appeared to be a negligence only claim, as opposed to claims of racial discrimination.

According to Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court records, on March 19, Dees also filed an amended petition to remove the children of Monroe as plaintiffs in this case, leaving Louise Monroe as the sole plaintiff.

At this point, it’s anyone’s guess where the case will go from here. In earlier interviews, Dees indicated that the case could go to civil trial as late as a year from now. According to previous interviews with both attorneys, they are jointly seeking to obtain the state police investigative report at the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office.

Please keep looking for updates in future editions of The Guardian-Journal.

 

Arrest made in theft case

 

The Guardian-Journal

A Homer woman has confessed to theft, police say, in a case that is still ongoing.

Anita Tabor, 54, was arrested on April 1, and charged with theft over $500. Bond was set at $10,000.

According to Homer Police Chief Russell Mills, he was contacted by the district manager of a local check cashing company, stating a theft had occurred. Upon her arrest, Mills said she gave a full confession to police.

“She was opening old accounts and paying the fees on them,” he said. “Finally, it just got so big that she couldn’t pay it.”

Mills said the higher ups in the company noticed some discrepancies and came to Homer to check it out.

Here’s how it works. At the local store, a person goes in for a payday loan, and when the person comes back to pay off the loan, a fee is assessed to the loan. The person pays off the loan plus the fee and business is done.

What Tabor was doing, Mills said, is opening old accounts, getting payday loans, and when a payment on the loan came due, she paid the fees. She admitted to police that she just couldn’t pay the fees on the loans she had taken out and it just caught up with her.

According to the police chief, she could not be charged with forgery because the victim is the company and not an individual person.

At this time, it is still unknown just exactly how much money she took from the company.

In other crime news, a Homer man racked up several charges after he allegedly decided not to cooperate with police.

On Tuesday, April 6, O’Brian Shelmon, 21, was arrested and charged with resisting an officer with force or violence, resisting an officer, disturbing the peace, simple escape, and possession of Schedule I CDS marijuana, all with bonds of $1,000 on each charge. He was also charged with battery of a police officer and obscenity, with $5,000 bond on each charge.

According to reports, on the above date, officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Fannin Street in reference to a disturbance allegedly involving Shelmon. Officer Van McDaniel located Shelmon in the area when he arrived, notifying other officers of his location.

Police say Shelmon appeared intoxicated and fled on foot as other units arrived in the area. Officers gave chase, apprehending Shelmon on the property of a local convenience store. Captain Donald Malray, and Officers John Bailey and Willie Fred Knowles had Shelmon detained, reports say.

Shelmon’s uncle arrived on scene and attempted to calm him down. Shelmon allegedly attempted to bite him. The suspect was restrained by Knowles and McDaniel. Other attempts to calm him down were made, but Shelmon continued to act belligerently, reports said.

Pafford Ambulance was dispatched to the scene, because, according to reports, Shelmon may have had a “serious” reaction to what police believe was drug use. However, paramedics refused to transport Shelmon because he was being physically combative. Malray transported Shelmon to Homer Memorial Hospital for treatment. McDaniel was also treated for injuries and released.

In other news, a 23-year-old Homer woman was arrested on Monday, April 12, on a charge of simple battery.

Jessica Sampson was arrested and charged, with bond set at $500.

According to reports, police were dispatched to Claiborne Place Apartments in reference to a fight. Officers Bailey and Knowles responded to the call, and the victim stated Sampson attacked her from behind when she attempted to walk away from an argument the two were having.

The officers located Sampson in her apartment, arrested her and transported her to the Homer Police Station for booking. She was then transported to the Claiborne Women’s Facility.

An Athens man and a Homer man both were charged with DWIs in unrelated incidents.

Kenjuan D. Miller, 38, of Athens, was arrested on Tuesday, April 13, and charged with headlamps on a motor vehicle, with a bond of $500, driving under suspension, with bond set at $500, and DWI third offense, with bond set at $5,000.

Reports say that Officer Mario Thomas was on another traffic stop when he observed a vehicle pass by with a headlight out.

He left the initial traffic stop and stopped the vehicle which passed him on the square. When Thomas made contact with Miller, he detected what is believed to be the odor of alcohol coming from his person. He was advised of his rights, given a field sobriety test, to which he performed poorly, and arrested. He was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for booking.

Gerald Tims, 48, of Homer, was arrested on Friday, April 16, and charged with DWI first offense, with a bond of $750, and possession of marijuana, with a bond of $500.

According to reports, while searching for another suspect in the area of Lodge Street, Officer Darren Norton observed a male, later identified as Tims, passed out behind the steering wheel of the vehicle. Officers Thomas Davis and Mario Thomas were called to the scene to assist. According to police, several attempts to wake him up were unsuccessful. Thomas and McDaniel were able to get him to come to, and asked the man to exit the vehicle. Three portions of a field sobriety test were attempted to be given, but reports say Tims refused two of the three stages of tests.

A search of the suspect’s person revealed a box cutter and a suspected baggie of marijuana.

After given an intoxilizer test, he was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for booking on the above charges.

 

Claiborne Relay for Life

Cancer fundraiser slated for this Friday!

 

JENNI WILLIAMS, Staff Reporter

The annual Claiborne Relay for Life will be held from 6 p.m. Friday, April 23 until 6 a.m. Saturday, April 24 at the Claiborne Academy Football Stadium.

The event will be host to many different activities during the 12-hour walk. A survivor’s walk, luminaria ceremony, and the Mr. Relay “Beauty” pageant are just a few of the planned events to keep the many attendees entertained.

The evening will kick off with an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. followed by a Survivor’s Walk for any cancer survivors attending the event.

Immediately after the Survivor’s Walk, Dick’s Hat Band will take the stage and fill the air with music. Following the performance will be the Mr. Relay “Beauty” pageant at approximately 8 p.m.

Shortly after the pageant, The Glory Gals featuring Melissa Moss Smith, Pat Corbin and Lori Simmons Ellis will take the stage to entertain the crowd with their amazing gospel singing.

The luminaries will be lit during a special ceremony at 9:30 p.m.

A scavenger hunt is scheduled after the luminaria ceremony, along with many other surprise activities to keep the relay teams going.

Door prizes will be given out throughout the entire event for the attending cancer survivors. Also, a silent auction will be held during the late evening.

There will be lots of entertainment, food, games, raffles and fun for everyone that will be occurring on a continuous basis throughout the evening’s event. People of all ages will be able to find something that appeals.

Cancer survivors are asked to come out to the event at 5:30 p.m. to register and enjoy a round of refreshments provided before the opening ceremony.

Come out and support the annual Claiborne Relay for Life event this weekend as area residents do their part in the fight against cancer.

 

Homer Memorial Hospital

Gandy: What’s God’s plan for this?

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

“What is God’s plan for this?”

That was a question asked by Claiborne Healthcare Foundation Coordinator Alice Gandy as she gave her foundation report at Tuesday’s Homer Memorial Hospital Board meeting. With the recent events over the past month, the community has reeled with many emotions where their local hospital is concerned. Gandy not only set the record straight on the foundation, she also put the hospital board on the spot about some of the decisions made in the last four weeks.

In late March, former hospital board chairman Buddy Pixley was removed, followed by the resignation of former hospital administrator Doug Efferson on April 5.

Although reports of donors pulling their cash and pledges from the healthcare foundation are not true, Gandy said, citizens are vowing that they won’t “give another penny until this is settled.” The good news, she said, is that not one employee who participates in employee giving has pulled out.

The foundation currently has approximately $620,000 in cash and $100,000 in pledges.

People want to know that their money is safe, she said – and it is. The funds raised for the foundation project are separate from Homer Memorial Hospital’s accounts. However, the hospital does provide the monies to cover operating expenses and maintain office space for the foundation and the position of foundation coordinator.

Foundation Board President Ronald Day thanked the hospital board for their past support, and said the foundation has not lost its goal of renovating the current intensive care unit, cafeteria and nurses station. However, he asked the hospital board to go on record through the form of a motion to support the foundation both financially and for clarification purposes.

“We need to clarify where we stand in light of everything that’s happened,” he said.

Some board members seemed confused, but Board Member Dottie Palmer said support of the foundation hadn’t changed. Emerson asked why they would make a motion when they already supported the foundation and its efforts. However Homer Mayor David Newell made the motion, and with a second, it was approved.

The possibility of moving the hospital under the umbrella of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury was also mentioned. If the board chooses to turn over the ownership of the hospital from the town to the police jury, then the $1 million would be there immediately, Gandy said.

On Friday, April 23, at 10 a.m., a special called meeting of the police jury will be held in the police jury room, where a proposed resolution is on the agenda which essentially lets the town know it is ready, willing and able to assist the hospital if need be. The public is strongly urged to attend to gain input from citizens on where they’d like to see the hospital go.

In other hospital news, Alecia Smith, on the executive/personnel committee said during their committee meeting a public relations position was discussed. No recommendations were made at that time.

Hospital Attorney Jim Colvin also said there are changes being made to the hospital’s complaint policy. The committee will be making and reviewing those changes where it will then go before the board at the May meeting. Also discussed was a job description for the new administrator that will be publicized when the advertisement in all the correct journals begin. His suggestion was to open advertisements for 60 days and take another 30 days to review applications before making a choice for a new administrator – essentially choosing a new administrator within a 90-day time frame.

In the meantime, an interim director of nursing was named. Wendy Burnham will take on those responsibilities while the need is there. Jackie Moore was also named the interim med-surg nurse manager, and both employees, along with Interim Administrator Ginger Smith, will receive a temporary 15 percent salary increase.

 

Ford Museum Open House to feature artworks by DWCC inmates on Sunday afternoon

Among the works of art to be featured during the Ford Museum’s open house on Sunday, April 25, are a leather Bible covers depicting the Summerfield Methodist Church by Terrance Luke, the Catholic Church by Kevin Guillory, and the Athens Methodist Church by Richard Greenwell and a painting of the St. Luke Church by Charles Alexander.

 

If you have ever wished to own a piece of Claiborne Parish history, the best time to fulfill this desire will be Sunday afternoon, April 25 from 2 pm - 4 pm at the Ford Museum.  The Board of Directors will be hosting a showing of artwork created by the inmates at DWCC.  The Offenders Art Program is another success story from DWCC.

Not only does it allow a positive aspect to the lives of the incarcerated inmates, the art program contributes in numerous ways to the life of Claiborne Parish.  Inmates are continually donating works to area charitable causes.  Many donate to public causes also.

Kevin Guillory, a Louisiana Cajun, comes from a family with a variety of artistic talents. The three paintings Guillory has in the expo are evidence of the interests he has had in art since he was a child.  For Guillory, art has kept him open minded and given him an avenue to take his mind off things.

From a working and Christian family, Terrance Luke, began to develop his artistic talents in high school wood working shop classes.  He began to work with leather in the 90s.  Luke enjoys the pleasure his works give people. 

Richard Greenwell began working with leather crafts about two years ago and enjoys creating objects with his hands.  Through art, Greenwell has learned that he can do anything if he tries hard enough.

Charles Alexander, the oldest of 14 children, was raised in Houston, Texas.  Alexander feels that his talent is something he was born with but admits he has learned much from others.  Working in the creative field allows him to enjoy the simple things that we normally take for granted.

The public is invited to attend the DWCC Art Expo.  Each of the artists’ works will be for purchase.  For more information call 927-9190.

 

Proclaiming:

The National Day of Prayer

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

On Wednesday, April 14, members of the clergy and townspeople gathered at Homer City Hall as Homer District 3 Councilman Toney Johnson, representing Homer Mayor David Newell, signed a proclamation making Thursday, May 6 National Day of Prayer in Homer, in which the mayor asked his fellow citizens to join him in prayer to “meet the challenges that lie before us with courage, wisdom and justice.” Pictured above are: Johnson, center, and now from left, back row, the Rev. John McClelland, the Rev. John Markley, Ed Frankie, the Rev. Jimmy Simeon, the Rev. Russell Grigsby, and the Rev. Ben Booth. Front row, from left, are: Mary Turner, Claire Brown (to the right of Johnson), and Glenda Prince.

 

Lions Chicken Charbroil set for May 7

The Homer Lions Club will hold its annual chicken charbroil in the parking lot at Regions Bank on Friday, May 7. From 11 a.m. until sold out, Homer Lions will be selling plates of good home cooked chicken, beans, potato salad, with a slice of bread for $7 per plate. Thanks goes to the House of Raeford in Arcadia for the chicken donations. For more information, or to purchase a ticket, please contact any Homer Lion.

 

NAACP annual banquet slated for April 24

 

The Claiborne Parish NAACP will hold its annual banquet on April, 24, 2010 @ 7 p.m. at the Haynesville Fair Complex.  The theme for this year’s banquet is “Now Is the Time.”  The speaker for the event will be the Rev. Aaron Dobynes, pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church in Shreveport.  Tickets can be purchased from any Claiborne NAACP member for a donation of $20.

 

Cross-burning sentencing postponed

 

The Guardian-Journal

The sentencing for a man convicted of burning a cross in the yard of an interracial couple in Athens has been postponed.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Daniel Earl Danforth’s sentencing has been postponed until Thursday, May 27, at 10 a.m.

He was convicted in January of a civil rights conspiracy, use of fire in the commission of a federal felony and obstruction of justice in connection with the cross burning.

At trial, evidence revealed that on October 23 or 24, 2008, Danforth agreed with his two cousins, to build, erect and burn a cross near the homes of a cousin and her African-American boyfriend (now husband), and other relatives who approved of their interracial relationship. Danforth and his co-conspirators built the cross using two pine trees, wire or cable, and a large nail. One of Danforth’s cousins then went to get diesel fuel to use to burn the cross. Meanwhile, Danforth and his other cousin transported the cross to an area adjacent to the victims’ homes where, using chainsaw gas, they set the cross on fire in order to intimidate the victims. On October 26, 2008, Danforth telephoned a relative who was living with the victims and directed her to the location of the burned cross.

The evidence also showed that several days later, after the defendant and his co-conspirators learned that the FBI was investigating this crime as a potential civil rights violation, Danforth, his cousin who helped transport and burn the cross, and the cousin’s girlfriend formed a plan to get rid of the burned cross to prevent the FBI from discovering it and using it as evidence.

Danforth’s cousin then drove Danforth to the woods behind the victims’ homes, where Danforth removed the cross, disassembled it and hid it in the woods in an effort to thwart the FBI investigation.

 

Fundraiser for former officer to be held Saturday

 

The Guardian-Journal

A fundraiser for former Homer Police Officer Mike Rayburn will be held this Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Piggly Wiggly in Homer.

Hamburger plates will be on sale for $5 and hot dogs for $1. There will also be a bake sale with cakes, pies, cookies, cupcakes and more. Anyone wishing to donate a baked item for this sale, please call Piggly Wiggly at 927-2353.

There will be a bouncy house for the kids and live music all day. There will be prizes drawn throughout the day. Tickets for the prizes are $1 each.

A local news channel will be covering this event.

Rayburn has had serious medical issues since an incident that changed his life and the lives of his family forever. In May 2009, according to police, Rayburn barricaded himself in his home in Haynesville and fired his weapon, causing a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was airlifted to Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center where he was treated for the life-threatening injury.

According to reports, Rayburn had been having personal issues which culminated in the tragic events of that day.

Since then, medical expenses for Rayburn’s care have multiplied, and his family has struggled to pay those expenses. According to Rayburn’s mother, Pat Rayburn, medical expenses have been astronomical – but she’s never given up on her son.

“I’ve been with him 326 days and I’ve never left his side,” she said.

His physical condition has deteriorated tremendously, and Mrs. Rayburn doesn’t expect her son to live much longer.

“He could go any day now,” she said. “We’re to that point.”

But that doesn’t mean the medical bills have gone away, and that’s why the public’s help is needed. The fundraiser will be held in the parking lot of Piggly Wiggly, Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For questions, or for those who wish to donate, please call Piggly Wiggly at 927-2353.

 

Hwy. 518 closed

Bridge falls through causing accidents

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

A bridge on Hwy. 518 in Claiborne Parish is temporarily closed until the Louisiana Department of Transportation can fix it.

On Wednesday afternoon, April 14, two 18-wheelers were traveling on the state highway and crossed the bridge, which according to Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey, caused the bridge to give way. The two big rigs, from Longview Construction in Longview, Texas, were carrying asphalt.

The bridge caved in approximately 5 to 6 feet, Bailey said.

According to Bailey, there were three vehicles involved in two separate accidents. Two vehicles actually went into the hole in the bridge before it was shut down. Louisiana State Police worked the scene and closed off Hwy. 518. The Louisiana Department of Transportation has placed barricades on Hwy. 518 at Fincher Creek and on Hwy 518 at Raymond Smith Road. The entrance to Hwy. 518 from U.S. Hwy. 79 in Webster Parish is open until motorists reach Fincher Road.

“It will cause an inconvenience for a while for those coming from Athens,” Bailey said.

According to DOTD officials, it will probably take a couple of months to repair the collapsed portion of the bridge.

In the meantime, motorists will have to detour around the affected area until the bridge can be repaired. For more information or for questions, please call the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 927-2011.

 

Let your voice be heard!

CPPJ calls special meeting to discuss hospital issue

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury has called a special meeting to allow the public to give their input on what direction they want to see Homer Memorial Hospital take.

On Friday, April 23, at 10 a.m., the police jury will propose a resolution to let the public know, as well as the Town of Homer and the Homer Memorial Hospital Board, that they are ready and willing to assist in any way possible through the parish wide hospital district created in 1995.

If the proposed resolution passes, that means the police jury is ready to help the town with the hospital by bringing it into the parish’s hospital district #3, effectively meaning the board appointed by the police jury would run the hospital. If the town agrees, it would be transferred from the town to the police jury.

Claiborne Parish Hospital Service District #3, according to the proposed resolution, is managed and administered by a board of nine members, two at large members from Claiborne Parish, two physicians practicing within Claiborne Parish and five additional members from each police jury district within the parish.

Police Jury President Scott Davidson expressed his concern with the issues that have occurred over the past few weeks and said the purpose for the meeting was to listen to the people of the parish.

“I want to be able to listen to everybody, pro and con on the issue,” he said. “My hope is that the Town of Homer thinks this is the best option for them, the people of Homer and for the hospital. With all this new healthcare stuff going on, if the hospital gets in trouble again, there’s not enough tax base in the town to save the hospital. If it came down to it, the only way it could be saved is through a parish tax.”

According to police jury records, by Legislative Act, the Claiborne Parish Hospital Service District #3 was created in 1995. However, in 1989, doctors from Homer Memorial Hospital approached the police jury asking for its help when the hospital got into some financial trouble. Consequently a 10 mill property tax was passed and over the next nine years, a total of approximately $3 million was generated for the hospital. The tax lapsed in 1998.

Since the removal of former hospital board chairman Buddy Pixley and the resignation of hospital administrator Doug Efferson earlier this month, the public has been in an uproar. While some members of the public and the town council have expressed their disapproval of Efferson, others have staunchly defended him and the hospital.

And while many have attempted to buffer the situation with positive statements about moving forward, many more have fears about what’s going to happen to the hospital, including Davidson. He said it would be a sad day if the hospital were to close, because although the building itself is nothing but bricks and mortar, the employees and doctors at Homer Memorial are the true assets to the parish.

“If you don’t have the doctors that we have – these people are here because they have roots and ties to Claiborne Parish,” Davidson said. “If we didn’t have them, we wouldn’t have a hospital. That building is nothing but bricks and mortar.”

So, to get the public’s opinion on what direction they’d like to see the hospital take, the meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m., Friday, April 23, in the police jury meeting room. The public is strongly urged to attend.

Davidson is also encouraging anyone with questions or further discussion, please call him at home at 318-263-2544.

 

“Cock your hat—angles are attitudes.”

—Frank Sinatra

 

 

JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer

I’m attempting a transition from “Not a Hat-Guy” to a “Hat-Guy.” My opinion has been that either you’re a hat-person or you’re not. If you’re not, it’s hard to become one.

Well into my 60s now, I’ve decided to become a hat-guy because last summer my balding head sunburned more than once.

Not sure what type of hat to get, the internet had lots of information about types and styles of men’s hats.

For instance, the website artofmanliness.com describes appropriate hats for different types of faces. The “short, full face,”  the “long, thin face,” the “top-heavy face” as well as the “square face”—there are pictures and advice for many types.

The website also addresses how a guy should choose a hat considering such facial features as a long nose, a prominent jaw, a receding chin, and protruding ears.

Choice of the hat’s color may be affected by one’s complexion, color of hair, or absence of hair.

One major part of a hat is the crown, the part rising above the brim. A crown may be flat on top or creased. It may or may not taper as it rises upward.

Another major hat part is the brim, the flat’ish part around the base of the crown. The brim may be narrow or wide or in-between. It may curve up at its rim or curve down or not curve at all—or it may accomplish some aspect of all three.

Then there’s the band, often a ribbon, around the base of the crown. The band may be of silk, cotton, leather, linen, shells, etc.

The crown may be tall as in a top hat or short as in a porkpie or it may be in-between. A wide ribbon with a tall crown or a narrow ribbon with a short crown or some other variation all produce differing effects.

Considering colors and materials, no wonder there are so many types and styles of hats to choose from.

Hardly knowing the difference in a beanie and a beret, I looked up some hat types. As you can see from the pictures, the fedora has a relatively high crown, relatively broad brim, and usually sports a medium band. It also has a crease in the top and dents on either side of the crown.

The derby, called a bowler in Britain, has a tall, rounded crown with a narrow brim that is turned up on the sides.

The boater has a medium brim, wide’ish band of ribbon, and relatively narrow brim. The crown is flat at the top with no taper. One reference explains the name (‘boater”) relates to its origin. It’s the type of hat once worn by seamen.

A variation of the straw Panama is the gambler, a hat that was popularized by riverboat gamblers in the mid- to late-1800s.

 

Pineview School could be revitalized

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The Pineview School could be revitalized if a community organization gets what it’s asking for.

Members of the Pineview Community Development and Educational Corporation (PCDEC) approached the Claiborne Parish School Board Thursday night seeking its approval to lease the recently closed school building for community revitalization.

Pineview closed at the end of the 2008 school year, prompting outrage among the Pineview community and the school’s alumni. Due to financial concerns, the school closed because the expenses were far outweighing the amount of money the school received.

PCDEC President Willie Sims Lewis said she understood the numbers and why Pineview closed. But, it didn’t stop the pain it caused her, she said.

“When Pineview closed, it was like a stab in the heart,” she told the school board, “but yet, I understand school closures. I’ve seen several closings and I understand it’s about the numbers.”

Pineview Alumni Roy Mardis approached the board, saying the organization was looking forward to providing several types of services to the region, which would include drawing from areas in Lincoln Parish as well as the other side of the parish, including the Lisbon area.

The idea, he said, is to be able to offer the children in the community a place to go after school, summer programs and job training for older teens which can’t or won’t go to college.

“We want to get them ready to go from high school to work,” Mardis said.

Its mission statement says “encompassing the promotion of employment and training in the areas of construction, environment, energy, farming cooperative and alternative educational services for dropouts.”

The organization wants to lease the school building for the long term, with a reduced lease amount of $1 per year.

Lewis, Pineview Alumni, Class of 1961, said the organization would serve as a partnership between the public and private enterprise.

“I love Pineview High School,” she said. “For whatever I am today, it is because of Pineview. We were given the wherewithal to go forward into the world and make something of ourselves. What we wish to do is to revive a community, revive a site – not to be a school again, but to bring different business entities into that school.”

According to the proposal, the preliminary phase of getting things started include:

• Secure an approved set of the construction plans to review the site to allow for an analysis of services and enterprises to be delivered.

• Develop a business plan to address short and long term goals.

• Establish a directory of grantors such as Louisiana USDA-Rural Development, Farmers Home Loan (federal), Housing and Urban Development for funding pre-apprenticeship programs, private enterprise such as Bill Gates Foundation and so many others.

The list goes on to include other programs with a focus on the following areas: workforce development, childcare, school age childcare (after school), senior day care, sports and fitness, cultural arts and life skills training.

But one of the biggest things the proposal emphasizes is giving something back to the community.

“We, the alumni, wish to give something back,” the proposal states. “We have a wide variation of professional and corporate experience among our graduates. We also care deeply about the growth of our community. We can and are willing to plan and work to revitalize the Pineview community.”

The school board asked the group to give them some time to get a legal opinion on the matter and see where they stand. In fact, members of the school board seemed receptive to the idea. District 6 School Board Member Tommy Davidson said the parish needs something like this.

“We need something like this done by the community and not by the government,” he said.

In other news, the school board seemed nearly evenly divided on a topic that was a sore spot for some. The school board voted twice on which law firm they would go with to handle the board’s bond issue. According to Claiborne Parish Schools Superintendent Dr. Janice Williams, Foley and Judell Law Firm has handled the school board’s bond issues for the last 34 years, but in a surprising turn of events, the Colvin Law Firm with Wes Shafto, with Breithaupt, Dunn, DuBos, Shafto and Wolleson, a law firm in Monroe, won out with a vote of 5-4. District 5 School Board Member Stanley Edwards was absent.

The school board also approved:

• A resolution honoring the Athens High School Boys Basketball team for winning the Class C State Championship. The boys got a standing ovation from school board members and those in attendance at the meeting.

• A request from FBLA for support to attend the National Convention in Memphis, Tenn. Six from Homer High School will attend the national convention as well as two students from Haynesville High School, for a total of $6,000. Sponsors from both schools include David Robinson from Homer High School and Lynn McCoy from Haynesville High School.

• Adopting a resolution for the refunding of the Callable Maturities of the School District #11’s Outstanding General Obligation Bonds – Series 2001.

• To advertise for legals.

• To approve summer school to teach driver’s education, with the cost set at $200 per student.

• A recommendation for Title I Supervisor, which went to Haynesville Elementary School Principal Bob Bond.

• A recommendation for principal at Summerfield High School, which went to James Scriber for one year.

• Personnel actions which included the resignation of Andre Hampton, a special education teacher at Haynesville Junior High School. His resignation will be effective as of May 21.

The next school board meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 6, in the school board meeting room at central office. For more information or for questions, please call the Claiborne Parish School Board Office at 318-927-3502.

 

 

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,Brochures and the Two Disc Driving CD available at several area locations - Click to Visit ClaiborneParishTourism.org 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

 

NOTICE: Deadline For Advertisements

No Later Than 5 p.m. On Mondays

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Archived Guardian Journal Headlines & News Briefs from November 1999
 

News Briefs

Homer Lions Club to meet April 22

The Homer Lions Club will meet at noon at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant. Leon Waylan Smith will be the featured speaker to talk about Earth Day. All members are encouraged to attend and bring a guest.

 

Relay for Life slated for April 23

The annual ACS Relay for Life will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, April 23 at the Claiborne Academy Stadium. It will end on Saturday morning at 6 a.m. A survivor’s walk, luminaria ceremony, a he-male pageant are just a few of the planned events to keep the attendees entertained.

 

National Infant Immunization Week April 24-May 2

National Infant Immunization Week is an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants and children from vaccine-preventable diseases and to celebrate the achievements of immunization programs in promoting healthy communities. Immunizations are one of the most important ways parents can protect their children against serious diseases. Your local health unit will be offering vaccines Tuesday, April 27 through Friday, May 30 from 8a .m. until 3:30 p.m. There will be a $10 administrative fee unless your child has Medicaid. Free Sonic or Subway coupons will be given to the children who are vaccinated. For more information, contact the Claiborne Parish Health Unit at 927-6127.

 

Peterson Cemetery Memorial slated for April 24

If you have a family member buried at Peterson Cemetery, please attend. Your contributions are needed for the upkeep of the cemetery. Bring a covered dish and lawn chair. Contributions may be payable to Peterson Cemetery Fund, c/o Odessa Roberts, 134 Willow Street in Homer. Families include, among others, Bridwell, Williams, Peterson, Pixley, Carter, Drivers, Hammontree and Steed. Come and remember your families.

 

Claiborne Retired Teachers to meet April 26

The Claiborne Parish Retired Teachers will meet at 10 a.m. at Lane Chapel CME Church.

 

Food for Seniors slated for April 26

Food for Seniors will be distributed from 8 until 9 a.m. at the Old Boys and Girls Club on Lyons Hill Road.

 

Athens registration slated for April 26-30

Pre-K and Kindergarten registration will be held April 26-30, at Athens High School. You must have a copy of the child’s birth certificate, social security card, an updated health record, and a copy of a utility bill with your 911 address. Pre-K students must be 4 years of age by October 1, 2010, and kindergarten students must be 5 years of age by October 1, 2010, to enter the program.

 

Athens Talent Show/Dance slated for April 30

The Athens Talent Show/Dance will be held from 7 until 11 p.m. at the Athens High School Gymnasium. Admission is $7 in advance or $10 at the door. For those participating in the show, do not pay admission. Prizes include $150 for first place, $100 for second place and $75 for third place. For more information or for those interested in participating, please call Athens High School at 318-258-3241 before Friday, April 23. Please have the name of the individual or group, name or names of all the participants, and the name of music needed when you call to enter.

 

Benefit Gospel singing for Kathryn Lee  April 23

A Gospel singing will be held April 23  in honor of Kathryn Lee. The event will be held at the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex. Hamburgers plates will be for sale during the event. A silent auction will be held at 5 p.m. and the singing will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $2 or the cost of a hamburger plate for $6. Tickets may be purchased at Killgore’s Pharmacy, Capital One Bank, Citizens Bank and Trust and First Guaranty Bank. They may also be purchased at the Claiborne Parish School Board Office from Wanda Clements. Tickets may also be purchased from Cydni Jackson, Judy Holly, Suzy Allen, Dianne Allen or Lynne McCoy.

 

Adkins Graveyard Working, Fellowship Day slated for April 24

The annual Adkins Graveyard Working and Fellowship Day will be held at 9 a.m., with lunch at noon. Things to bring include a covered dish, lawn chair, old photos to share (the older the better) and a musical instrument. For those who are unable to attend and would like to make a donation for the maintenance of the cemetery, please send it to Patsy Peterson, 744 Bella Vista Road, Homer, LA 71040. Please make checks payable to Adkins Cemetery Fund. Donations are not required to attend the event.

 

D’Arbonne SWCD to hold supervisor’s election

The nominating period for the supervisor election will open on Thursday, April 1 and will close on Friday, April 30. for individuals interested in serving, nominating petitions can be obtained at 604 East Water Street, Farmerville, LA 71241, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information, call (318) 368-8021. The election will be held Saturday, June 12.

 

DWCC Arts and Crafts Festival slated for May 1-2

DWCC’s Spring Arts and Crafts Festival will be held from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day. There will be plants, wood crafts, artwork, leather crafts and much more. Come out early and check out the good values. No checks! For more information, please call 318-927-0400.

 

Haynesville Citywide Rummage/Crafts Sale slated for May 8

The Town of Haynesville will host a rummage/crafts sale under the fairgrounds pavilion on Saturday, May 8. The town will rent spaces for $25 for private sellers and vendors. Donations will be accepted for new or slightly used items to sell in the Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) area. Handmade gifts, suitable for Mother’s Day will also be on sale by the CAC. Proceeds from the CAC space will go to the Haynesville Beautification Committee, Christmas Lighting Committee, Fireworks Fund and town special projects. Items for sale will be accepted on the afternoons of May 5-7. Gates will be open all day from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday, May 7 for set up with the one-day sale on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Payment for rental space set up may be paid at the city hall. For additional information, please call the Haynesville City Hall at 624-0911.

 

Senior Expo slated for June 5

The SALT Council of the Claiborne Parish TRIAD invites all senior citizens to the annual Senior Expo to be held Saturday, June 5, at City Hall in Homer. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with refreshments being served and continues until 9 a.m., when the program begins. The expo ends at noon with a free lunch. Local health and government agencies will provide booths for helpful information and health checks. Lots of door prizes will be donated by persons and businesses in Claiborne Parish. Local entertainment will perform. All seniors are encouraged to attend and enjoy the fellowship as well as receive helpful information.

 


J.T. Taylor RealtyJ.T. Taylor Realty/Dimex Sales - Now Online

J.T. Taylor Realty has provided Real Estate Sales and Buyer Representation in Homer, Haynesville and Claiborne Parish for Commercial, Residential and Timberland Properties since 1984.


For over 10 years, Dimex Sales has offered a full line of Portable Buildings for Home, Home/Office, Construction Sites, and Storage needs.

 

Team Ag Real Estate - New Claiborne One Sponsor

TeamAgRealEstate.comTeam Ag Real Estate is proud to be a new sponsor of the information source for All of Claiborne Parish - Claiborne One. Based in El Dorado, Arkansas with an associate in North West Arkansas (Lincoln - Home of the Arkansas Apple Festival), Team Ag Real Estate specializes in agricultural farm (including Poultry/chicken farm) sales and appraisals. Team Ag is licensed in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma & Missouri for farm buying, selling and appraisals. Team Ag supports their clients with years of hands on experience in the poultry business, formal education degrees in Business-Agriculture, SBA agricultural lending, and an impressive network of agriculture industry contacts.



Claiborne One Site Now Features Area Image Archive

Archives Now Online include:


Money Available for New or Expanding Businesses in Homer

The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce now has monies to lend through the Revolving Loan Program. Anyone who is interested in starting a business or enlarging an existing business within Claiborne Parish may be eligible. These funds were received from the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program to assist small businesses and provide for jobs in Claiborne Parish. Loan preferences will be made on the basis of job creation. Further information may be obtained by contacting John Watson, Executive Director of the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce at (318) 927-3271. The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity provider. To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).


Smoke Detectors For The Elderly Offered through TRIAD

TRIAD of Claiborne wants all seniors age 65 and above, to have a smoke detector. You may also qualify if you're disabled. Having a smoke detector can mean the difference of life or death. Smoke detectors are available without charge. If you don't have a smoke detector, call 927-2011.

 

  
 
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The Guardian-Journal
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  Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Town of Homer, Villages of Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield and Junction City, La.
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