Bond reduced in Dunn stabbing case
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Bond
was reduced two weeks ago for the girlfriend accused of stabbing her boyfriend.
Patishi
S. Kirk, 21, of Homer, charged with second degree murder, was in court Tuesday,
August 3 for a bond reduction hearing, at which time court records show her
bond was reduced from $250,000 to $150,000 by Second Judicial District Judge
Jenifer Clason.
When
Clason agreed to reduce her bond, sources inside the courtroom that day said
the Dunn family became visibly upset regarding the ruling.
Kirk is
accused of the stabbing death of her boyfriend Vincent Dunn on Saturday, July
3. Police say Dunn was found inside a bedroom in the home and when officials
checked for a pulse and other vital signs, none were found.
At that
time, Kirk was transported to the Claiborne Parish Women’s Facility for her own
safety. Officers collected evidence at the scene – clothing and other items of
evidence believed to be used during the commission of the crime.
Dr.
D.K. Haynes, coroner, arrived at the scene and assisted officers in the initial
investigation where Dunn was pronounced dead at the scene.
According
to Captain Donald Malray, of the Homer Police Department, Kirk confessed to the
crime when questioned but offered no motive behind the brutal killing.
Police
records indicate officers have been called to the Hunter Street residence
several times in the past in reference to domestic issues. In the past, Dunn
also had a restraining order on Kirk, Malray said.
Police
are still questioning witnesses at this time and the case is still under
investigation.
Homer
Police Chief Russell Mills still declined comment on the case because of the
ongoing investigation.
Assistant
District Attorney Danny Newell will be prosecuting the case.
Arkansas man busted for drugs
The Guardian-Journal
An Arkansas man racked up several charges as a traffic stop turned into a bust.
Justin
Lee Thompson, 30, of Smackover, Ark., was arrested Friday, August 13, and charged
with possession of Schedule I CDS marijuana (second offense) with bond set at
$5,000, possession of Schedule III CDS Hydrocodone (second offense) with bond
set at $5,000, possession of Schedule IV CDS Xanax with bond set at $5,000,
resisting an officer with bond set at $1,000, speeding with bond set at $1,000,
driving under suspension with bond set at $1,000, no insurance with bond set at
$1,000 and no registration in vehicle with bond set at $1,000.
According
to a Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office news release, on the above date, Deputy Steve Harbour was patrolling on Hwy. 9 and observed a vehicle traveling at a high
rate of speed. Harbour initiated a traffic stop, at which time Thompson was not
able to produce a driver’s license.
When
initially asked for his name, Thompson gave a false name. Harbour began writing
traffic citations and noticed Justin was moving around in the vehicle a lot and
bending down toward the floor.
An
investigation into the matter was conducted and Harbour discovered a large bulge
inside Thompson’s boot. The deputy removed a yellow plastic bag containing
suspected marijuana from Thompson’s sock and placed him under arrest.
A
subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a Marlboro 100 cigarette pack from
the seam of the front passenger seat next to the center console. The Marlboro
pack was inside a plastic bag that contained Schedule IV Xanax bars and
Schedule III CDS Hydrocodone pills. Also located in the pack was what was
believed to be a marijuana cigarette.
Deputy Harbour collected
all of the recovered evidence and placed it into evidence bags.
Thompson
was charged with the above charges and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for booking.
FBC program to feature Scarborough
In
remembrance of September 11, 2001, First Baptist Church of Homer will hold its
annual remembrance service in honor of those lives lost that tragic day.
To be
held at 6:30 p.m., at the church, the service is in honor of all law
enforcement, firefighters and emergency responders. It is open to the entire
community; everyone is invited to attend this special time.
A fish
fry will be held before the program with keynote speaker Dr. Rick Scarborough,
founder of “Vision America.”
Scarborough holds a master of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist
Theological Seminary and a doctor of ministry degree from Louisiana Baptist
Theological Seminary. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Houston Baptist University, with a double major in political science and speech.
Scarborough and Tommye, his wife, have two grown children, Misty and
Richard, and one daughter in Heaven, Kathryn, who finished her assignment here
in 2004 at 25 years of age. Misty is married to Daniel Black; they have two
children, Micah and Alexis. Richard is married to Anny; they have twins,
Richard Wayne III and Kaylee Anne.
From
1990 to June 2002, Dr. Scarborough was the senior pastor of First Baptist
Church of Pearland, located on the southeast side of the Houston Metroplex.
During his 12 year ministry there, the church baptized more than 2,000 people
and relocated to a beautiful new 27-acre campus and facilities in March 2001;
featuring Eagle Heights Christian Academy with faculty and student population
of more than 300 and Trinity Oaks Retirement Center with housing for 85 independent
and assisted living units.
In
1992, Dr. Scarborough gained national recognition when he exposed the contents
of a disturbing assembly program at the local high school. Under the auspices
of an “AIDS Presentation,” a young lady, sponsored by the AIDS Foundation of
Houston, candidly discussed every sex act imaginable expressing the opinion
(presented as fact) that “safe sex” was attainable by using condoms. Scarborough recorded the assembly and then made transcripts available to his congregation
the following Sunday morning. The resulting furor that erupted caught the eye
of the national media.
He
mobilized his congregation during the following months to make significant
changes in Pearland. Members began running for public office, as well as
volunteering for various organizations beyond traditional “Christian ministry”
seeking to become “salt and light” in their community. National Public Radio
produced a two-part feature on Dr. Scarborough during which he was dubbed,” The
Rising Star of the Religious Right.”
In
1996, he published the widely acclaimed 252-page book appropriately titled,
“Enough is Enough: A Call to Christian Involvement.” Other published works
include, “In Defense of Mixing Church and State,” and “It All Depends on What
Is…Is.” In 2007, he published “Liberalism Kills Kids.”
In
1998, he founded “Vision America,” an organization whose mission is to “inform
and mobilize Pastors and their congregations to become salt and light, becoming
pro-active in restoring Judeo-Christian values in America.” The advisory board
of “Vision America,” includes notable Christian leaders such as Don Wildmon and
Dr. Tim LaHaye.
On May 9, 2005, the Washington Post carried a front page story in the Sunday edition on the
effective work that Dr. Scarborough and the Judeo-Christian Council is
accomplishing in their efforts to confront judicial tyranny and mobilize
pastors.
Dr.
Scarborough’s work has been featured in numerous articles and publications
around the nation. A partial listing includes the New York Times, Washington
Times, Kansas City Star, Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, Boston Globe
and the Congressional Quarterly.
He has
appeared on Larry King Live, Fox News, CBS Evening News and numerous other
television and radio programs. The work of “Vision America” has been featured
in several documentaries and specials such as CNN’s award winning special
“God’s Warriors,” and the HBO documentary, “Friends of God.”
Scarborough and “Vision America” have been featured on Focus on the
Family with Dr. James Dobson three times.
In
January 2008, he became the senior pastor of Harvest Pointe Church. He continues to work with “Vision America,” informing, encouraging and mobilizing
pastors and their congregations to be proactive in restoring Judeo-Christian
values to the moral and civic framework in their communities, states and
nation.
Dr.
Scarborough regularly speaks in churches, rallies and political conventions.
Driver falls asleep at wheel
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
Above, this Chevy pickup was turned on
its side as the driver attempted to overcorrect after falling asleep at the
wheel. Traffic was slowed for quite a while as emergency crews and law
enforcement worked to clean up the wreck and direct traffic around the accident
scene.
The Guardian-Journal
A wreck
on U.S. Hwy. 79 Wednesday morning had traffic snarled for a good long while.
According
to Louisiana State Troopers at the scene, at around 11:23 a.m., an extended cab pickup with a trailer was traveling from Arkansas when the driver,
identified as Tye Hughes of Texas, fell asleep. Headed southbound towards Minden, Hughes ran off the road into the ditch and overcorrected, turning the truck on its
side.
Troopers
said the vehicle was top heavy, carrying a four-wheeler as well as other
materials on the trailer, which caused it to flip on its passenger side.
Two
passengers with Hughes were Ryan Crow and one male juvenile. No injuries were
reported except for one passenger being treated for a laceration on his right
elbow.
Alcohol
was not considered to be a factor in this incident, and all three were wearing
their safety belts. Troop G Trooper Speir said had they not been wearing their
seatbelts, the wreck could have been much worse.
“Seatbelts
save lives,” he said. “If they hadn’t been wearing their seatbelts, someone
could have been ejected from the vehicle through a window or worse.”
The
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office as well as two units with Pafford Ambulance
arrived on scene to assist.
Hughes
was cited for careless operation.
Think safety first as school begins
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
It’s
that time of year again! Along with the sweltering heat of the end of summer
comes the start of school.
As
parents gather the last of their children’s school supply lists and get those
fresh clean uniforms on, local law enforcement are asking the caretakers of
these precious little ones to please use caution and watch out for traffic.
Claiborne
Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey wants parents to be safe this year, being ever
mindful of traffic, school zones and especially buses.
“Please
obey all traffic laws, including school speed zones,” Bailey said, “and
remember to watch out for the buses as they load and unload children on
highways and parish roads.”
Claiborne
Parish Schools Transportation Supervisor Ronnie McKenzie gave a few tips for
the kids on school bus safety this year.
• Make
sure their kids are at the bus stop on time. The bus is on a strict schedule,
and it cannot wait for you.
• Stay
in your seat as long as the bus is in motion.
• No
eating or drinking on the bus. Please help keep the bus clean.
• You
will have an assigned seat. DO NOT change seats.
• No
hitting, throwing things, cursing or name calling.
*
Breaking bus rules may result in loss of riding privileges.
Homer
Police Chief Russell Mills wanted to remind parents to watch for children in
the school zones, because as they head to school, they will be crossing the
streets.
“Please
pay attention to the school zone signs as they show your speed approaching a
school zone,” Mills said. “Parents and all motorists need to pay attention, be
observant and follow all traffic laws during school hours.”
In
conclusion, Bailey said, “Please be safe and have a wonderful school year.”
Homer Lions get Claiborne Parish ‘Super
Bowl’ preview
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
The three football coaches of Claiborne
Parish came to the Homer Lions Club to speak Thursday, August 12. Pictured
above are, from left: Haynesville Golden Tornado Head Coach David Franklin, Claiborne Academy Rebels Head Coach Tommy Reeder and Homer Pelicans Head Coach Glen Kyle.
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The two
head coaches of Claiborne Parish’s oldest rivalry were in the same place
without the gridiron between them.
On
Thursday, August 12, Homer Pelicans Coach Glen Kyle, Haynesville Golden Tornado
Coach David Franklin and Claiborne Academy Rebels Coach Tommy Reeder visited
the Homer Lions Club to give a preview of what they’re doing this season.
These
men are not just coaches. Lion Jim Hatch, who introduced them, said they are
teachers of impact.
“The
truth is, the coaches probably spend more time with the students than any other
teacher,” he said. “Over the years, I’ve seen the personal impact they’ve had
on any number of students, the leadership they provide, the moral compass they
give, and I think we have an excellent group of coaches.”
With a
little friendly ribbing between Franklin and Kyle, both complimented the
other’s teams. However, CA Head Coach Reeder said he’s optimistically excited
about what his boys have done this year.
Reeder
joined the CA team in 2007, saying private school football is much different
than what he’s used to.
“Private
school is about who has the best player,” he said. “I’m used to the
Homer/Haynesville games where it’s war for 48 minutes.”
After
seeing what he had to work with, he began the huge task of whipping his boys
into shape. And this year, he motivated the Rebels to exceed their
expectations.
“They
have three choices: get right, get tight or get gone,” he said. “Last year, I
took all my players and [told them] they were going to change the way they play
football – and they’re all still with me.”
He
worked them hard too. During summer workouts, all of his team members showed up
and dressed out, changing the tempo the last two days, he said. Conditioning
and workouts have been grueling because of the heat, but he’s running them at
“game tempo” to prepare them for what they will face on the field this year.
However,
he said, in order to match their opponents, they must be able to match their
speed. Without speed, the game is lost.
“They
have a chance this year,” Reeder said of his team. “They have to take what they
learned in practice and take it to the ball game.”
Now
back to the Claiborne Parish “Super Bowl.” It’s really a toss up as to who will
win this year. To be played in Haynesville, the game is sure to be a tough one.
With Franklin losing several of his players to graduation and Kyle just
starting his quarterback this year, the title of Claiborne Parish Super Bowl
Champion could go either way.
Kyle
said last year, his team had a little trouble moving the ball down the field
because he lost his quarterback to a broken ankle. That injury benched him the
rest of the season. According to Kyle, he has been released to play and he’s
optimistic about the team’s play this year.
“He’s a
game breaker, and he could help us out a lot,” he said.
Franklin said he has a good group of kids to work with this year,
and he’s optimistic as well.
“Last
year, we were blessed with a lot of good players, and things just kind of came
together at the right time, and ended up doing very well last year,” Franklin said. “Unfortunately a lot of those guys have moved on to other things, and we’re
kind of starting over.”
However,
this summer’s workouts were probably some of the best he’s had since he’s been
coaching at the Haynesville school. He went through a brief rundown of his
team, saying he’s got some who’ve returned, and others who are really just
starting out. The good thing is the Haynesville Golden Tornado has not lost its
anchor of good coaches. Franklin’s father, “Red,” is returning for another year
of coaching. The elder Franklin “still comes back out there and does what he
wants to.”
What
that means is he coaches the offensive guard, centers and defensive ends, so
his schedule is just as busy as the others. The younger Franklin coaches the
linebackers on defense and the backs. Coach Tracy coaches the defenses and
defensive and offensive tackles.
Coach
Chad Rook is the basketball coach, however, he coaches the split ends and
cornerbacks. Earl Griffin coaches the tight ends, wingbacks and the safeties. Kevin
Sehon, from Junction City, helps out wherever he’s needed.
Franklin put in a word about the Claiborne Parish “Super Bowl,”
saying that even when his kids won the state championship last season, the
Homer/Haynesville game is one they will remember just as much, if not more.
“No
matter what game you play, they’re going to remember that game against Homer as
much as they are any of them,” Franklin said, “because there’s so much that’s
put into that game through both towns. It’s a fun time and it’s fun for the
kids.”
“I can
assure you that Haynesville will be ready to play,” Glen said of the Golden
Tornado. “They are a quality team and well coached. Just like his kids, our
kids look forward to it every year, and we work from day one trying to be in
the ball game and hopefully beat Haynesville. That’s kind of our kids’ battle
cry every year.”
So,
let’s see where it leads and here’s looking forward to September 17.
The
Golden Tornado will not be participating in the Pineland Jamboree this year.
Instead, they have joined the Ruston league for the “Jam at the Joe,” to be
held at Joe Aillet Stadium at Louisiana Tech University on Saturday, August 28.
“Things
didn’t work out last year, but we’re trying something different this year,” Franklin said.
He put
in a good word about ticket sales, saying that if fans purchase their tickets
for the “Jam at the Joe” at participating schools in Claiborne Parish, the
school gets a portion of those ticket sales. However, if fans purchase tickets
at the gate, all that money goes to other groups and organizations and the
Claiborne Parish schools participating won’t see any of that money.
The
tickets are $7 in advance (i.e. if fans purchase them in advance at the
schools), and are $10 at the gate.
He also
warned fans to bring an umbrella and something cold to drink because it’s going
to be hot at the field. Haynesville will play around 4 or 5 p.m., the hottest part of the day. They will face off with Cedar Creek. Homer High will play at 2 p.m., facing off with Caldwell.
Kyle
also went through a brief rundown of what his team will expect this year,
saying his team needed to be well prepared. He praised several of the teams
they are playing, saying Homer had some tough games to play. The toughest game
they will play (besides against Haynesville) will be against Evangel Christian.
“They
were state champions,” he said. “That kind of hurt us last year. It’s hurts us
playing those two schools (Evangel and Calvary), and then we have playoffs. It
kind of took the wind out of our sails going into playoffs. Evangel is probably
one of the best teams I’ve ever seen last year. First five minutes, in the first
quarter, we were down 30 to nothing, and there’s only so many encouraging words
you can say. We have a real tough go ahead of us.”
He
tells them all the time that they can’t slack up, however, the kids are looking
forward to it, he said. Although it’s hot right now, his kids are showing up
and suiting up.
See
below for a full schedule of Haynesville, Homer and Claiborne Academy football this season.
2010 Football Schedule
Claiborne Parish “Super Bowl”
Homer Fighting Pelicans vs. Haynesville Golden Tornado
September 17
7:30 p.m.
Haynesville Golden Tornado Stadium
Homer
Pelicans
August
28 Caldwell @ Louisiana Tech University in Ruston
September
3 Red River at Pelican Stadium
September
10 Farmerville @ Pelican Stadium
September
24 @ Ouachita Christian
October
1 @ Holy Savior Menard
October
8 North Caddo @ Pelican Stadium
October
15 @ Springhill
October
22 @ Lakeside
October
29 Calvary Baptist @ Pelican Stadium
November
5 Evangel Christian @ Pelican Stadium
(Home
games begin at 7 p.m.)
Haynesville
Golden Tornado
August
28 Cedar Creek @ Louisiana Tech University in Ruston
September
3 @ Springhill
September
10 Magnolia @ Haynesville Stadium
September
24 @ Plain Dealing (District)
October
1 @ North DeSoto
October
8 Logansport @ Haynesville Stadium (District)
October
15 @ Ringgold (District)
October
22 Grambling @ Haynesville Stadium (District)
October
29 Sarepta @ Haynesville Stadium (District)
November
5 @ Arcadia (District)
(Home
games begin at 7:30 p.m.)
Claiborne Academy Rebels
August
20 Glenbrook @ CA Stadium
August
27 Baton Rouge Christian @ CA Stadium
September
3 Open
September
10 @ Riverfield
September
17 @ CENLA
September
24 Tallulah @ CA Stadium
October
1 Union Christian @ CA Stadium
October
8 @ Prairie View
October
15 Riverdale @ CA Stadium
October
22 Clinton Christian @ CA Stadium
October
29 @ River Oaks
(Home
games begin at 7 p.m.)
