Jailer arrested for
alleged incest
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
A
David Wade Correctional Officer was arrested Thursday on charges of alleged
incest with an 11-year-old girl.
Cordney
Travez Emerson, 29, of Homer, was arrested on charges of aggravated incest.
Bond was set at $100,000 and as of press time, he is incarcerated at the
Claiborne Parish Detention Center.
According
to Homer Police Chief Russell Mills, his department received information
regarding the allegations and after some investigation, there was sufficient
information to establish probable cause.
“Once
we got the information, we conducted more interviews,” Mills said. “After that
interview, we obtained a warrant for his arrest.”
Police
aren’t saying much about how the case, citing the case involves a juvenile.
However, according to records, Emerson has no criminal history.
According
to DWCC Warden Jerry Goodwin, Emerson was a probationary correctional cadet and
was still working under the test period. He began his employment with the
prison in October, and his termination was effective as of Friday, January 21.
Circumstances
would have been much different if he’d been what Goodwin called a permanent
status employee. According to the Civil Service Commission’s website, the
situation would have been more complex than what it is. Had he received
permanent employee status, he’d have been afforded certain rights under the
commission.
Goodwin
said because he was still a probationary employee, the civil service rules did
not apply.
According
to criminal statutes, R.S. 14:78.1, aggravated incest is defined as “the
engaging in any prohibited act enumerated in Subsection B with a person who is
under eighteen years of age and who is known to the offender to be related to
the offender as any of the following biological, step, or adoptive relatives:
child, grandchild of any degree, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister,
uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece.”
If
convicted, Emerson faces at least 25 years in prison without the possibility of
probation, parole or suspension of sentence. The statute says, “Whoever commits
the crime of aggravated incest on a victim under the age of thirteen years when
the offender is seventeen years of age or older shall be punished by
imprisonment at hard labor for not less than twenty-five years not more than
life imprisonment. At least twenty-five years of the sentence imposed shall be
served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.”
As
of press time, no court date had been set for his arraignment.
Warrant, drugs lead
to arrest
The Guardian-Journal
A
Haynesville man was arrested after a traffic stop revealed an outstanding
warrant as well as alleged drugs.
On
Wednesday, January 19, Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Harbour was
patrolling north on Hwy. 161 and observed a truck traveling south with no
visible license plate lamp.
Deputy
Harbour initiated a traffic stop and found the driver to be Tony Ray Barker, 51.
During
a records check pursuant to the stop, Harbour discovered Barker had an
outstanding warrant with the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office for failure to
appear in court on a traffic charge. When asked if there were any illegal
substances on his person or in his vehicle, Barker retrieved a plastic baggie
containing marijuana from his jacket pocket.
Harbour
transported Barker to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and charged him
with possession of marijuana with bond set at $500 and failure to pay fine at
$209. Barker was issued a citation for the violation of no license plate lamp.
‘Claiborne Made’
46th annual Chamber
Banquet best yet
The Guardian-Journal
The
46th annual Claiborne Chamber of Commerce Banquet was one of its best yet as
banquet attendees enjoyed a light-hearted presentation from KTBS Reporter Rick
Rowe.
Showing
some of his previous stories, some from Claiborne Parish, he told some of his
more heartwarming stories as well as some humorous ones. So, where does he get
his stories, he asked.
“I
get them from you, the public,” he told the audience.
From
tales of Norton’s Corner to crowds welcoming our soldiers home in Dallas/Fort
Worth, Texas, he showcases the human spirit within each. He even told some
stories that turned out to be a hoax, gaining the laughter of the audience at
the expense of one of Haynesville’s greatest community leaders, Keith Killgore.
After
his presentation, he was given a gift basket full of goodies made right here in
Claiborne Parish.
Chamber
Executive Director John Watson reviewed the year 2010 and some of the chamber’s
most important accomplishments. Running through the list of those
accomplishments, he said, “They all indicate that your chamber is fulfilling
its mission statement.”
At
the conclusion of the program, a combination Cajun fryer and grill was raffled
off, courtesy of R&V Works, LLC. The lucky winner was Jess Robertson from
the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden.
New
members for 2010 include Banks Janitorial, Curves, Fred’s Super Dollar,
Proservice Tire, LLC, the Side Store, Bob Robinson, Tru-Tone Hearing Aid Center
and Claiborne Resources Management, LLC.
Incoming
officers for 2011 are Nicole Sanders Ware, president, Chic Hines, vice
president, Lisa Ledbetter, secretary, and J.T. Taylor, treasurer. Directors
also include Steven J. Koskie, Wade Holloway, Galen White, Dan Ware, Dwayne
Woodard, Janell Brown, O.P. “Pete” Pearson, Mary Ellen Gamble and Cynthia
Steele.
Outgoing
officers for 2010 include Nicole Sanders Ware, president, Chic Hines, vice
president, Janell Brown, secretary, J.T. Taylor, treasurer. Outgoing directors
include Beverlee Killgore, Dwayne Woodard, Wesley Emerson, O.P. “Pete” Pearson,
Cynthia Steele, Galen White, Lisa Ledbetter and Dan Ware.
A
special thanks goes to all the sponsors who helped make this year’s banquet a
success. They are as follows:
Diamond
Sponsors
Capital
One Bank, First Guaranty Bank, Gibsland Bank and Trust, Claiborne Electric
Cooperative Inv., Town of Homer, R&V Works LLC and Citizens Bank &
Trust
Platinum
Sponsors
Killgore’s
Pharmacy, Homer Memorial Hospital, Berry Plastics and Emerson Oil
Gold
Sponsors
Ted’s
Pharmacy, Insurance Consultants Inc., and Entergy
Silver
Sponsors
Bailey
Mortuary, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Minden, Homer Industrial Foundation, Dave
Acklin, Inc. Trucking and Welding, Louisiana & North West Railroad and
David Raines Community Health Center
Bronze
Sponsors
Dwayne
Woodard, J.T. Taylor Realty, Newell & Newell, O’Nealgas, Inc., Family
Medical Clinic Inc., Homer, Bob Robinson and Barnette & Benefield, Inc.
Also,
a special thanks goes to David Wade Correctional Center for providing the
backdrop, Haynesville Mayor Sherman Brown and the Town of Haynesville for their
assistance in preparing the Chamber Banquet and Haynesville Police Chief
Anthony Smith and his officers for providing security.
Thanks
goes to the Chamber Banquet Committee as well, which includes Beverlee
Killgore, chairperson, Nicole Sanders Ware and John Watson.
Dinner
was catered by Rand & Nancy Killgore of The Upper Crust Catering and served
courtesy of the Haynesville High School FBLA.
Hill Farm outlook
brighter despite looming cuts
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station in Homer is doing better than expected
despite looming budget cuts.
As
a part of the institution of higher learning, the AgCenter underwent budget
cuts just like the rest of the state’s education system. Dr. Patrick Colyer,
regional director of the Northwest Region, said the AgCenter was going to have
to revamp portions of the AgCenter.
“We
may have to look at our programs and make some changes,” he said. “We want to
make sure we do the right thing.”
In
other words, they may have to cut some programs, but the good news for
Claiborne Parish is the 4-H program will not be cut because it is such a huge
part of the AgCenter in Claiborne Parish.
“We
wish we could do a lot more with 4-H,” Colyer said.
He
praised Lee Faulk, the new 4-H director, saying he’s done a great job with the
program for the kids. Colyer is a huge proponent of service projects connected
with 4-H because he wants to see the kids do something to help people and give
back to the community.
However,
he said, when he took the job, which at the time covered eight regions, he said
he wasn’t experienced with animals and livestock. The Hill Farm has chicken
houses, beef cattle and other animals. If you asked him about agriculture, he
could talk all day long, he said. He’s worked with several crops including
cotton, soybeans, tomatoes and other greenhouse vegetables.
“I’m
really excited about getting involved with the Hill Farm,” Colyer said. “I’m
not an animal scientist, but I’m still learning a lot.
With
Dr. Mike Blazier, the Hill Farm does well with forestry. In fact, Colyer said,
Blazier just got a $2 million grant for research into feed to use as biofuels
by using “junk trees” and switch grass. Innovative approaches to grasses aren’t
used much, but there is more research on forage for livestock feed.
In
other areas, he also named other scientists who are conducting research into
several different areas of animal and livestock.
Dr.
Ryan Walker, a beef cattle scientist, came from Minnesota. But because he’s
originally from Texas, Colyer said he understands raising cattle in the south.
Currently, Walker has submitted several grant applications, which if granted,
will focus on the efficiency of cattle production.
He
also spoke about Bill Owens, and praised him for the great job he’s doing.
Owens is the station coordinator.
Another
area Colyer said the Hill Farm is looking into is sweet potato production.
Currently, sweet potato production from the Delhi plant is only getting 50
percent of their product from Louisiana. The rest comes from Arkansas.
“We’re
looking into growing sweet potatoes and getting more production,” he said. “The
company is looking at raising production to 150 percent.”
According
to Colyer, this plant also does much of the sweet potato fries sold in the
area.
Cold weather
preparation: It’s not too late!
The Guardian-Journal
Cold
weather has set in, and it’s never too late to get ready for it.
Homer
Fire Chief Dennis Butcher said there are a few things citizens can do to
prepare for the frigid temperatures -- however, with the cold weather comes a
spike in fire alarms.
“People
will do whatever is necessary to stay warm in this type of weather,” he said.
“It’s imperative that people stay safe while trying to stay warm.”
And
having a working smoke detector is one of the most important, he said. Make
sure all smoke detectors have fresh batteries in them so they will function
properly. For those who need them, the Homer Fire Department has them available
at Homer City Hall.
According
to www.weathereye.kgan.com, there are several tips that could help citizens
have a safe winter this year.
Dressing
for cold weather:
•
Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing.
•
Wear mittens instead of gloves. Wear a hat.
•
Remember that entrapped, insulating air, warmed by body heat is the best
protection from the cold.
Winterize
your vehicle early:
•
Be prepared against the first blast of winter. Avoid automobile gas line freeze
ups by keeping your tank greater than half full at all times.
•
Make sure your car has adequate antifreeze.
•
Make sure your tires have good traction and are inflated to the right pressure.
•
Make sure that your heater and defroster work properly.
•
Make sure that your battery is not more than three years old and that it can
carry a full charge.
•
Make sure that you have a good ice scraper.
Carry
a winter-survival safety kit in your vehicle:
•
Bring along blankets and a bright piece of cloth to tie to your antenna if you
become stranded.
•
Flashlight with spare batteries.
•
Extra change of clothing to keep dry.
•
Non-perishable foods such as candy bars, canned goods or high calorie food like
power bars.
•
A can and waterproof matches (used to melt snow for drinking water).
•
A compass, shovel and sand, tow rope and jumper cables.
Before
traveling:
•
Check the latest forecast from your local television station.
•
Check the latest road conditions before you head out into winter weather. You
may contact the Louisiana State Police at 318-741-7411 or visit their website
at www.lsp.org. You can also call the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at
318-927-2011.
•
Be sure to carry a working cell phone with you.
•
Let someone know where you are going and when you think you will reach your
destination.
If
you become stranded in your vehicle during a winter storm:
•
Stay in your car, truck or minivan.
•
Run the engine at 10 minute intervals for heat.
•
Maintain proper ventilation by making sure the exhaust pipe is not plugged.
•
Leave the windows open slightly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
•
Make yourself visible to rescuers. Tie a bright cloth to your antenna and door
handle.
•
Turn on the dome light at night, but only when running the engine.
At
home, do the following:
•
Have your furnace checked before you need to use it.
•
Seal any windows that you suspect allow cold air into the house with caulking
or plastic.
•
Include a home safety kit that includes extra non-perishable food, medicine,
and a battery operated radio.
•
Keep a flashlight and keep extra batteries handy.
•
Use extreme caution if you keep candles and matches handy for extended periods
of electrical loss.
If
you lose heat in your home:
•
Seal off any unused rooms by stuffing towels or rags in the cracks under the
door.
•
Cover the windows with blankets or sheets at night if you have some extras
available.
•
Use only devices that are designed for heating indoors during as emergency heat
source and handle all safety precautions.
“Stay
safe and check on your neighbors,” Butcher said. “We can all survive this cold
weather if we keep an eye on each other. Also, don’t forget to check on your
outdoor pets. Make sure they have a dry, warm place to stay out of the cold
weather.”
CP Fire District #3
lease agreement moving forward
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
paperwork is being drawn up for Claiborne Parish Fire District #3 to lease the
property next to the Haynesville Fire Station.
At
Thursday’s Haynesville Town Council meeting, Mayor Sherman Brown said Town
Attorney Danny Newell was in the process of drawing up the contract for the
agreement between the fire district and the town, and would hopefully be
finalized and ready for approval by February’s meeting.
Realtor
J.T. Taylor appraised the property, he said, and was appraised at less than
$100,000, which clears up “all the red tape.”
In
December 2010, the fire district and the town reached an agreement for a
99-year lease on donating the property between the fire and police departments.
In August 2010, Fire Chief Mark Furlow and District #3 Board President Danny
Mills approached the town council for consideration of the property because the
fire department is desperately in need of more space. They also wished to make
improvements to the building to accommodate the new equipment that has been
purchased.
According
to Furlow, the newest, bigger trucks will not fit inside the current station
because the trucks are longer and taller than its predecessors. Also, the fire
station must meet the most recent National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)
standards. However, the board doesn’t want to make improvements to property it
doesn’t own, hence the askance for the agreement.
It
has also been more difficult for the fire district to obtain grants because
they don’t own the property.
In
other news, Brown gave his sincerest thanks and appreciation for the cards,
thoughts and prayers as he underwent a procedure on his shoulder. He praised
the staff at City Hall for stepping up and doing such a good job while he has
been out. He returned to work the week of January 17-21, and has been driving
himself around town some, he said.
The
new sign has been installed and is up and running, Brown said. There have been
some community events advertised with the sign, and the town has gotten
favorable comments on it.
In
financial news, the town has applied for its LGAP grant, requesting $35,000,
which will go to replace the HVAC units in the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex.
Also, they have applied for the Community Water Enrichment Fund (CWEF) grant in
the amount of $25,000 or $35,000, in which the bulk will go towards replacing
older water meters throughout the town.
Brown
also indicated there was concerning news about the sales taxes generated last
year. The good news is that sales tax collections were up in 2010, but are
still lower than what they drew in the year before.
“We
are still concerned, but not to the point we are stressed,” Brown said. “I’m
still very hopeful that we’ll have a good year, but we’ll have to wait and
see.”
In
FYI, Brown announced the following:
•
The next CAC meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, January 31, in council
chambers.
•
The town’s website has generated approximately 1,880 visitors. For all the
latest information and community events in Haynesville, please visit their
website at www.haynesvillela.org.
•
The Mid-winter Louisiana Municipal Association Conference will be held February
22-24, in Baton Rouge.
The
next town council meeting will be held at 6 p.m., in council chambers, located
behind city hall, on February 17. For more information, please call city hall
at 318-624-0911.
