Homer gets $454K grant
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
The Town of Homer just got the good news
Monday afternoon that it will be receiving $454,000 from a Community Development
Block Grant to help improve the town’s infrastructure. Pictured above are, from
left, District 11 Representative Rick Gallot, D-Ruston, Homer Interim Mayor
Alecia Smith and District 5 Councilwoman Patricia Jenkins.
The Guardian-Journal
The
Town of Homer is receiving a grant for $454,000, thanks to the hard work and
efforts of several people.
On
Monday, August 9, District 11 Rep. Rick Gallot, D-Ruston, presented Homer’s
Interim Mayor Alecia Smith with the good news. According to a press release, Gallot
announced the town will receive the money in a Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG).
The
grant will fund infrastructure improvement projects in Homer, such as the
town’s potable water system. This project will construct a new 500 gpm water
well to increase the town’s water supply and renovate an existing building to
serve as a chemical feed building for treating the water.
“These
grants will help the Town of Homer get to work on a variety of projects that
will make a real difference in people’s lives and make our local communities
stronger in the long run,” Gallot said.
The
primary federal objective of the CDBG Program is the development of viable
urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment
and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and
moderate income.
“The
popularity and importance of the Community Development Block Grant program
cannot be overstated,” Mayor Smith said. “Cities and towns in Louisiana depend
on this assistance each year for economic development, infrastructure
improvement and improved housing. As mayor, I know firsthand how this program
can dramatically change the quality of life for the residents of the Homer
community.”
“These
grants will be a relief for communities during these tight fiscal times by
allowing them to take vital neighborhood improvement projects off the drawing
board and make them a reality,” Gallot said.
Other
grants the town has either been approved for or are in the process of applying
for include:
• The
execution of the FAA grant that is to be used for lighting improvements at Homer Municipal Airport,
• The
Community Water Enrichment Fund (CWEF) grant for $35,000 from the Delta
Regional Authority to go towards infrastructure improvements on the sewer
system, and
• An
LGAP grant worth $35,000 to go towards the purchase of a new backhoe for the
town.
Breakdown leads to arrests
The Guardian-Journal
The
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office has been busy this last week as several drug
arrests have been made, including arrests at the scene of a vehicle breakdown.
According
to sheriff’s office press release, on Saturday, August 7, a citizen called the
sheriff’s office and advised dispatch that a van was broken down on John Pixley Road blocking the roadway.
Claiborne
Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Harbour responded to the call and observed a
large passenger van sitting in the roadway with a wheelchair ramp on the ground
on the passenger’s side of the van.
Billy
Buckley, 30, of Jonesboro, Jeremy Watkins, 29, of Athens, and Daniel A.
Winters, 40, of Homer were on the scene. Winters and Watkins were unconscious
lying in the ditch. Deputy Aaron Christian arrived on scene to assist and
Pafford Ambulance was called for Winters and Watkins.
Following
an initial investigation, Buckley was placed under arrest and charged with
illegal possession of xanax, lamps on parked vehicle required, no registration
in vehicle, no insurance and unattended motor vehicle.
Winters
was also placed under arrest and charged with illegal possession of xanax,
lamps on parked vehicle required, no registration in vehicle, no insurance and
unattended motor vehicle.
Watkins
was transported to Homer Memorial Hospital for treatment.
An
investigation into the area around the scene revealed several xanax bars in the
van and on the ground around the van. There was also a plastic baggy found with
a burnt end containing xanax bars.
Buckley
and Winters were transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center with bonds to be set. This matter is still under investigation.
In a
separate incident, cash and several grams of meth were found at the scene of a
traffic stop on Friday, August 6.
According
to a press release from the sheriff’s office, Deputy Marc Herring was
patrolling on Hwy. 79 and observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.
The
driver was identified as Terrance Glenn Williams, 30, of El Dorado, Ark.
Deputy
Herring detected the odor of unburned marijuana coming from Williams’ person.
Deputy Aaron Christian and his K-9 partner were called to assist as well as
Deputy Roger Ellerbe and Louisiana State Trooper Brandon Salmon.
The K-9
alerted on the vehicle and Christian discovered a large amount of cash and 15
grams of Meth (ice) on Williams’ person. Harbour and Christian conducted a
field interview with a passenger in the vehicle, identified as Kevin A.
Stephens, 40, also of El Dorado, Ark.
As
Stephens reached into his pocket, a small plastic baggy containing suspected
marijuana fell to the ground. Stephens also had loose marijuana in his mouth
and teeth where he had consumed part of the bag of marijuana. Christian and
Harbour also found a large amount of cash in Stephens’ pocket.
A
search of the vehicle revealed a set of digital scales in the driver’s side
door pocket.
Both
Williams and Stephens were transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center where they were booked. Williams was charged with speeding with bond set at
$500, no registration in vehicle with bond set at $500, and possession with
intent to distribute Schedule II CDS (methamphetamines) with bond set at
$15,000.
Stephens
was charged with possession of Schedule I CDS (marijuana) with bond set at
$500, and obstruction of justice with bond set at $2,000.
In
another incident on that same date, a Texas woman was arrested after the driver
of the vehicle was pulled over for speeding, but she got more than she
bargained for.
Deputy Harbour was
patrolling Hwy. 9 North when he observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of
speed. The driver was unable to produce a valid driver’s license.
The
passenger in the vehicle, Shamekia Oliver, 27, of Houston, Texas, was asked to
exit the vehicle, and Deputy Harbour located a plastic sack containing
marijuana and tobacco in the passenger front door pocket.
Deputies
Aaron Christian and Roger Ellerbe arrived on scene to assist.
The
search continued and rolling papers were found in Oliver’s purse. Oliver was
placed under arrest for possession of marijuana second offense with bond set at
$5,000, and possession of drug paraphernalia with bond set at $500.
The
driver was cited for speeding, a broken tail lamp, no proof of registration and
no driver’s license.
In
another incident, on Monday, August 2, Deputy J.T. Williams observed a vehicle
with no license plate lights. Williams made contact with the driver, Erskine H.
Wardlaw, 50, of Homer.
Deputy
Marc Herring arrived to assist.
Williams
observed an open can of beer that was half empty by the emergency brake and an
open Maverick cigarette package on the passenger seat containing two marijuana
cigarettes and three regular cigarettes.
Wardlaw
was arrested, advised of his rights and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for booking.
He was
charged with no license plate light with bond set at $500, open container with
bond set at $500, and possession of marijuana with bond set at $500, for a
total bond of $1,500.
Minden woman arrested for cyberstalking
The Guardian-Journal
A Minden woman was arrested in Homer last week for allegedly harassing her boyfriend’s
ex-wife.
Hailey
E. Parks, 23, was arrested Friday, August 6, by Homer Police Officer Shane
Huffstetler on one count of cyberstalking with bond set at $2,000, and three
counts of simple criminal damage to property with bond set at $1,000 on each
count.
According
to police reports, Parks’ boyfriend’s ex-wife gave a voluntary statement saying
she was being harassed by Parks. Reports say the suspect allegedly sent
threatening text messages to the victim’s phone as well as threatening messages
on the social network Facebook.
She was
arrested without incident and booked at the Claiborne Parish Women’s Facility.
A court
date has been scheduled for September 7.
In
another incident, a Homer man was arrested for cyberstalking, among other
charges, on Saturday, August 7.
Brandon
A. Dunn, 25, was arrested by Homer Police Officer Mario Thomas and charged with
simple assault with bond set at $500, cyberstalking with bond set at $5,000,
aggravated assault with a firearm with bond set at $10,000 and a failure to
appear warrant, with no bond.
According
to reports, in July, Michael Turner reported that Dunn had assaulted him and
left threatening text messages on his phone. Dunn reportedly worked for Turner
in the past, but was laid off. Since that time, police say Turner said Dunn had
threatened him many times.
A
warrant was issued for his arrest, however, last Friday, August 6, Turner
returned to the police department with a witness, telling officers that Dunn
had pointed a gun out of the car and shot at them while driving behind them.
In a
separate incident, on Thursday, August 5, Homer officers were dispatched by the
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office to Homer Memorial Hospital in reference to a
domestic dispute.
Jeroderick
C. Allen, 21, was charged with second degree battery with bond set at $5,000,
and domestic abuse battery with bond set at $2,000.
On the
night in question, Officer Mike Rimsky made contact with the victim at the
hospital. Reports say he noted severe swelling to the left side of the victim’s
face and other injuries to that area.
According
to reports, the victim stated she was sitting in her car near her residence on
the 700 block of South 3rd Street when Allen allegedly approached her vehicle
and punched her through the window.
While
Rimsky continued his initial interview with the victim, Officers Willie Fred
Knowles and Greg Schneider advised him they had Allen in custody and was headed
to the police station.
Rimsky
completed his interview with the victim and returned to the police station
where Allen was being held. At that time, Allen was advised of his rights and
placed under arrest and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for further booking.
Local DART Representatives Attend
Training:
“Collaboration Is the Key”
Some from Claiborne Parish who attended
the “Collaboration Is the Key” training (left to right): Jimmy Monzingo, Krista
Johnson, Barbara Monzingo, Judy Whitton, Donna Smith, Mary Ellen Gamble.
JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer
“Practical.”
“Eye-opening.” “Riveting.”
Such
terms well describe the “Collaboration Is the Key” training attended by several
members of the Claiborne Parish DART (Domestic Abuse Resistance Team) at the Ruston Civic Center on Thursday, August 5.
Presented
by internationally-recognized authority on domestic violence Lt. Mark Wynn, the
Claiborne Parish attendees joined more than 120 others for the all day program.
Designed
for anyone who interfaces with those affected by domestic violence, the
audience included advocates for victims of domestic violence, law enforcement
officers, attorneys, therapists, counselors, court personnel, protective
services staff, and related disciplines.
Coupled
with his natural wit, Wynn’s straightforward delivery held the audience’s
attention as he addressed such issues as threat assessment, “ownership” of the
victim, stalking, hostage-taking, religiosity, and power and control.
Wynn
deftly blended actual 911 tapes, police radio calls, and video footage that
lent a “you-are-there” feel to the training. Many found it chilling to hear
tearful sobs coupled with images portraying the savageness of domestic terror:
patches of scalp once covered by hair, blackened eyes, broken jaws, bloodied
noses, split lips, and twisted necks of brutalized victims. Some survived; many
did not.
Wynn
communicated well enough that most trainees often shifted uneasily in their
seats.
Outlining
progress in addressing domestic violence, Wynn commended two recent
initiatives, Montana’s Hope Card and St. Paul’s Blueprint for Safety.
The
Hope Card, a wallet-sized card, can be carried by someone granted a permanent
order of protection, i.e., a restraining order. It identifies the person
restrained under the order including their photograph, name, date of birth, and
other identifying data as well as information about those protected, including
children.
The St.
Paul Blueprint for Safety is a guide for the criminal justice system’s response
to domestic violence that extends from 911 to final case disposition.
Another
element of the Collaboration-Key training was the “Beating Hearts” exhibit.
According to the website beatinghearts.net, “Beating Hearts” is “a body of work
that retells in visual and verbal terms the actual stories and experiences of
women” who have experienced the terror that is domestic violence.
During
the lunch break Kate Sartor Hilburn and Terrie Queen Autrey, creators of the
“Beating Hearts” exhibit, described how the artistic tableau came about.
Concluding the day’s program,
Lt. Wynn explained that this subject is personal for him because he grew up in
a household afflicted by domestic brutality and related “behind closed doors”
incidents that abusers want to keep secret.
Wynn
pointed out that early in his law enforcement career, he encountered
institutional resistance as he sought to deal effectively with incidents involving
domestic violence. He related how he faced ridicule from fellow officers as
well as a minimizing of the problem by higher ups.
Despite
inherent resistance to change that continues in many jurisdictions, Wynn’s
efforts over the years have contributed to significant progress in handling
calls involving domestic terrorism.
As a
recognized authority in the field, Wynn has testified repeatedly before
Congress, qualified as an expert witness in state and federal courts, and
served as adjunct instructor to various universities.
He
continues to serve on many boards seeking to improve societal response to
issues of domestic violence.
Following
the day’s activities, Mary Ellen Gamble, DART Advocate for Claiborne Parish, said,
“Sadly, Louisiana is number one in the nation with regard to the rate of
domestic violence, so Lt. Wynn’s training is encouraging. We see that
improvement is possible in dealing with this blight on society.”
Gamble
asks anyone seeking information about domestic abuse to call Claiborne Parish
DART at 927-2818. All calls are free and confidential.
A Message from Your Watershed Commission
The Claiborne Parish Watershed Commission
wants to remind all who reside on or use Lake Claiborne that no lights, signs,
lines or any other attachments will be allowed on the new channel/passage
pilings on the lake.
A formal parish ordinance pertaining to
attachments will be forthcoming with fines and penalties for unauthorized use.
Please feel free to attend CPWC meetings
to express your concerns and be informed about issues pertaining to Lake Claiborne. CPWC meetings are advertised in our local papers.
Thank you,
CPWC
Homer ‘Iron Man’ inducted into sports
museum
The Guardian-Journal
A Homer
“Iron Man” was inducted into the Ark-La-Tex Sports Museum of Champions last
Saturday.
With
many Homerites showing up to the Shreveport Convention Center, Fred David
Miller accepted the induction with a full heart.
Some
football fans might remember Miller as an “Iron Man” or a “Chinese Bandit,” but
most likely remember him as a great defensive tackle.
A
member of Homer High’s legendary “Iron Men” of 1957 and an All-American on
LSU’s famed defensive unit the “Chinese Bandits,” and as a dominant tackle with
the great Baltimore Colts teams of the late 1960s, Miller would add the
moniker All-Pro to the list of names. But in the pine cone hills of North Louisiana, Miller is remembered as an All-State tackle for the “Iron Man.”
Earning
a degree in forestry, Miller didn’t seriously consider pro football until the
Baltimore Colts made him a seventh round future pick following his junior
season. Playing for the Colts, with Johnny Unitas at quarterback and Gino
Marchetti playing alongside him in the defensive line, Miller quickly made a
name for himself on the Colts’ defensive front.
A Pro
Bowl selection three years in a row – 1967 through 1969, Miller experienced
both the thrill of victory and agony of defeat in Super Bowls – but not in that
order. In his first Super Bowl, Joe Namath guaranteed a victory for the New
York Jets (18-point underdogs) and proceeded to lead the Jets to a 16-7
victory. In Super Bowl V, the Colts beat the Cowboys 16-13 on Jim O’Brien’s
field goal in the final seconds. Miller was the captain of that time.
“Not
too many people remember we beat the Cowboys, but everybody seems to remember
Namath predicting the Jets’ win,” miller recalled after his 11-year pro career.
The
“Iron Man” credited football for his success in life.
“Football
is the reason I got an education,” Miller said. “It’s the reason I met many, many
people. I’ve had lunch at the White House. I’ve met a lot of folks in politics,
and movies and everything else. It’s been a good life. We’ve got four wonderful
boys and seven wonderful grandchildren. My wife Charlene and I were married 40
years on February 2, 2003.”
Miller
began his football career in the eighth grade, and since Homer schools didn’t
have a junior high, the school district placed eighth grade in high school. He
lettered as a freshman, and started at center and tackle his last three years.
According
to an article written in 2003 by Jim Sargent, a local sportswriter coined the
term “Iron Men” after Homer, playing 11 starters and two subs out of 18 dressed
for the game, outplayed a supposedly superior Bossier team. The game ended in a
6-6 tie, but only after Homer’s winning touchdown was called back on a penalty.
Sargent
said the team consistently drubbed larger schools by surprising scores.
Miller
went on to Louisiana State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in
agriculture in 1963.
Others
inducted last Saturday included William Bundrick, Tom Hinton, Scotty Robertson,
Richard Nallin and Hoss Garrett.
According
to a Shreveport Times article, dated Friday, August 7, Dr. George Bakowski,
board of director’s president, praised the inductees.
“They
are all qualified candidates who excelled in their field of sports,” he said.
The
Ark-La-Tex Sports Museum of Champions now has more than 100 inductees who are
chosen every two years.
Here’s a look at October 2’s tax
proposals
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Along
with several political seats to be vied for, there are two tax propositions the
Town of Homer and the Homer Police Department are asking voters to approve.
On the
October 2 ballot, the police department is asking the citizens of Homer to approve
a quarter cent sales tax increase to help the officers get better equipment,
better training, education as well as raises.
Homer
Police Chief Russell Mills is asking the citizens to pass this increase, not
for himself, but his officers. He says his officers are well deserving of a
raise and this increase would generate enough income to do that, but also
provide them with better equipment to better serve the public.
Officers
have also faithfully written letters to the editor each week asking the citizens
for their support. They’ve also gone door to door as well as talking with
citizens, explaining the purpose of the increase.
“This
is a benefit for the community and the police department,” Mills said. “If we
don’t get it passed, we’re not moving forward. It is of the utmost importance
to get this passed.”
It will
enable his officers to get better equipment, continuing education, modernize
the police department and pay raises.
“The
biggest thing right now is to update our equipment,” he said.
This
tax increase, if passed, is strictly dedicated to the Homer Police Department.
The tax
is broken down like this. Currently, the sales and use tax collected inside the
corporate limits of Homer are at 4.125 percent. If passed, the proposed tax
increase would increase by a quarter of one percent. One quarter of one percent
is pennies on the dollar.
To be
clear, this is not 25 cents on the dollar. It is one fourth of one percent. It
really is just pennies on the dollar.
For
instance, when a customer goes to a store and buys groceries for the week at a
cost of $100, they would pay a total of $4.13. If passed, those groceries would
cost just a tiny bit more. With the increase, the tax would be $4.38. This
would be an increase of only 25 cents.
Another
example is if a customer goes to a furniture store and buys a new refrigerator
at the cost of $1,000. Currently, the sales tax on the refrigerator would be
$41.25. With the quarter cent addition, the sales tax would be $43.75. This is
only increased by $2.50.
The
current taxes paid inside the corporate limits of Homer include a two percent
parish tax for the Claiborne Parish School Board, effective in 1978. It also
includes a two percent sales and use tax which goes directly to the Town of Homer. There is also a one eighth of one percent tax for the Claiborne Parish Watershed
District, which will expire in 2014.
Only
those voters in Precincts 85, 8, 84, 87, 88, 93 and 96 will be allowed to vote
on this proposition.
The
other tax proposal to be on the October 2 ballot is the one-eighth of one
percent sales tax to be dedicated to public parks and recreational facilities.
If passed this proposal would raise about $54,000 per year to go towards
maintaining and improving the town’s public parks and recreational facilities.
The town
has been plagued with repair issues in the town’s parks and pools in recent
years. One good example is the Mayfield Pool. The town has dealt with such
issues as broken concrete, meeting standard code requirements, repainting the
bottom of the pool, safety issues and the like. Each year, council members have
voted to repair the pool.
However,
the pool is old enough that it really does cost more to keep repairing it. The
pool actually needs to be replaced, however, the town’s budget does not have
enough in its coffers to afford having it replaced.
Another
reason is the town has spent thousands having maintenance and repair issues
taken care of at Armory and Mayfield Parks. Electrical issues (like exposed
wiring) have been an issue over the last year at the two parks. Also, money has
been spent on the refurbishment of several key buildings at Armory Park before
holding a little league baseball/softball tournament there this past spring.
Only
those voters in 85, 8, 84, 87, 88, 93 and 96 will be eligible to vote for this
proposition.
For
more information or to inquire about them, please call town hall at 927-3555,
Homer Police Chief Russell Mills at 927-4000 or talk to any council member for
the Town of Homer.
