Toddler found deceased, mother still
missing
An account has been set up
at Regions Bank in memory of Devion Wafer -- the Devion Wafer Memorial
Foundation. This account is to help the family defray expenses incurred after
the toddler’s passing. Donations may be made at any Regions location.
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
body of a one-year-old little boy was found in a creek near Lisbon Landing
Wednesday after his father called the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office out of
concern.
Claiborne
Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey said the toddler’s father called their office on
Monday night, March 21, after he reported that the mother, Ruby Feona Wafer,
19, had sent messages that she might hurt herself. After the phone call, sheriff’s
deputies began the search for the boy and his mother.
On
Wednesday evening, March 23, a sheriff’s deputy discovered the boy’s remains in
the creek. Ruby Wafer is still missing. Bailey said she is a person of interest
in the case, but emphasized she is not a suspect.
“We
just want to talk to her and find out what happened,” he said. “We need to find
her, and that’s why we’re asking for the public’s help.”
A
person of interest, Bailey said, just means they want to talk to her about the
incident.
The
little boy, identified as Devion Wafer, was found in nothing but a t-shirt and
a diaper, the sheriff’s said in published reports.
His
remains have been sent to Little Rock, Ark., for an autopsy. As of press time,
no word had come as to the boy’s time of death and they have not received a
report yet. Bailey also pointed out that there were no marks on his body to
indicate foul play or trauma.
Ruby
Wafer is 19-years-old, and is a black female, approximately 5 ft 1 inch tall.
She weighs about 124 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes.
Funeral
services for Devion were to be held Wednesday morning, March 30, at 10 a.m. at
Forest Grove CME Church with interment to follow at Forest Grove Cemetery. A
memorial fund has also been set up at Regions Bank in Devion’s memory to help
with expenses incurred following the toddler’s passing. If anyone would like to
donate, please donate at any Regions Bank location to the Devion Wafer Memorial
Foundation.
Bailey
said his office is “running down” leads all the time, but none have panned out
yet. If anyone has any information leading to Ruby Wafer’s whereabouts, please
contact the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-927-2011 or the Criminal
Investigation Division at 318-927-9800.
Pharmacist faces 39 counts of fraud
The Guardian-Journal
A
former local pharmacist is facing 39 counts of obtaining a legend drug by
misrepresentation or fraud.
Michael
James Adkins was arrested by the Claiborne Narcotic Enforcement Team (CNET),
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Louisiana State Police
Narcotics Task Force (LSP) on Thursday, March 17. These charges stemmed from an
investigation that was initiated in June 2010 after Fred’s Pharmacy reported
the theft or loss of controlled substances.
During
the course of this investigation, agents uncovered information that showed
Pharmacist Michael James Adkins had obtained the legend drug Viagra under
another person’s name with a fraudulent prescription. These violations occurred
while Adkins was employed by Fred’s Pharmacy in Homer and Haynesville and went
back to 2008.
Adkins
was arrested at CVS Pharmacy. located on Barksdale Boulevard in Bossier City,
his current place of employment. Upon his arrest, Adkins was transported to the
Bossier Parish Detention Center in Plain Dealing and booked as a fugitive from
Claiborne Parish. Later that same day, Adkins was transferred to the Claiborne
Parish Detention Center (CPDC) and booked on the 39 counts of obtaining a
legend drug by misrepresentation or fraud.
Second
Judicial District Judge Jenifer Clason set bond on these charges at $5,000 per
count, for a total bond of $195,000. Adkins remained in CPDC until he posted
bond on Thursday, March 24, and was released.
Claiborne
Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey ended by stating that this case is another example of
the strong working relationship that the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office
(CPSO), the Haynesville Police Department and the Homer Police Department(HPD)
have through CNET and CNET’s relationship with LSP and DEA.
“Without
these relationships, our ability to succeed would be greatly reduced,” Bailey
said.
Bailey,
Haynesville Police Chief Anthony Smith and Homer Police Chief Russell Mills
encourage the public to notify area law enforcement agencies of any suspicious
or illegal activity that is going on in their neighborhoods.
Concerned
citizens can call CNET at 318-927-9800, the DEA/LSP at 318-676-4080, the Homer
Police Department at 318-927-4000, the Haynesville Police Department at
318-624-1355 or CPSO at 318-927-2011.
Any and
all information is considered confidential and is greatly appreciated.
In
other crime news, on Friday, March 25, Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Deputy David
Morgan was patrolling Hwy. 79 South and observed a vehicle with an expired
motor vehicle inspection sticker.
Morgan
made contact with the driver and found him to be Foster Clay Tillman III, 30 of
Shreveport. The deputy detected an odor suspected to be marijuana and a
subsequent search of Tillman revealed a small amount of what appeared to be
marijuana in the vehicle behind the back seat in a duffle bag. Morgan also
discovered a glass jar with what appeared to be marijuana inside it as well as
a glass pipe about three-inches long. There appeared to be marijuana in the
pipe.
There
was also a cigarette package that allegedly contained four burned marijuana
cigarettes.
Tillman
was placed under arrest and charged with expired driver’s license with bond set
at $500, no motor vehicle inspection with bond set at $500, possession of drug
paraphernalia (second offense), with bond set at $1,000 and possession of
marijuana (second offense), with bond set at $5,000.
Tillman
was taken to CPDC and booked.
In a
separate incident two days later, Morgan stopped a vehicle for no motor vehicle
inspection sticker.
Morgan
made contact with the driver, who was identified as Clayton Dale Futch, 29, of
Homer.
Morgan
could smell what he suspected was smoke from marijuana. At that point, Morgan
asked for assistance on the stop and Deputy J.T. Williams arrived on scene.
A
subsequent search revealed a small amount of alleged marijuana on the driver’s
side seat. Upon further search of Futch’s person, deputies discovered a small
clear plastic bag that had a green vegetable-type substance in it that appeared
to be marijuana. There was also a small burned cigar with a green
vegetable-type substance in it.
Futch
was arrested and booked into CPDC on charges of possession of marijuana (second
offense), with bond set at $5,000, and no MVI sticker with bond set at $500.
On the
same day, Sunday, March 27, Deputy Roger Ellerby initiated a traffic stop on
Hwy. 79 on a vehicle for not having a functioning license plate light.
Upon
making the traffic stop, Ellerbe noted an odor of what he suspected to be
marijuana coming from the vehicle. The front seat passenger was found to be
Arthur R. Taylor, 22, of Shreveport.
A
search of the vehicle was conducted, which resulted in the discovery of an
approximately 2-inch cigar containing alleged marijuana on the floor board
between the driver and passenger seat. Also, a small “white” piece of paper
containing alleged marijuana was discovered in the front passenger door pocket.
Taylor
claimed ownership of the suspected marijuana and was placed under arrest. He
was charged with possession of marijuana with bond set at $500.
The
driver was issued a citation for no license plate and driver’s license not in
immediate possession.
In
another separate incident, on Wednesday, March 23, Deputies Aaron Christian and
Shane Huffstetler were patrolling on Hwy. 161 and observed a vehicle make a left
turn and cross the fog line and the center line.
Christian
observed an object being thrown out of the passenger side window. The driver
was found to be James Edward Hanson III, 32, of Dubach.
A
subsequent search of his person revealed what appeared to be a used syringe and
a plastic cigarette wrapper containing three white capsules identified as
vitamins and a plastic bag containing a clear crystal rock-like substance
presumed to be methamphetamine.
Hanson
identified the substance in the syringe as meth and the substance in the bag as
meth. Hanson was placed under arrest and transported to CPDC.
He was
charged with possession of Schedule II CDS (Controlled Dangerous Substance)
with bond set at $5,000, and possession of drug paraphernalia with bond set at
$500.
The
passenger in the vehicle was discovered to be Phillip Shane Warrick, 18, also
of Dubach. Warrick had a bag of suspected marijuana hidden in his pants and
admitted that a set of digital scales found were his.
Warrick
was also placed under arrest and transported to CPDC. He was charged with
simple possession of marijuana with bond set at $500, and possession of drug
paraphernalia with bond set at $500.
DWCC Self-Help Groups recognize Crime
Victim’s Awareness Week
The
Lifer’s Association at David Wade Correctional Center (DWCC) sponsors their
annual Victim Awareness Program on April 14, at 1 p.m. at DWCC.
The
seven self-help organizations utilize this program to honor their commitment in
giving back to communities and recognizing the impact that crime has on victims
and their communities.
This
year, the self-help groups consisting of Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics
Anonymous, The Helper Group, Human Relations Club, Kisatchie Jaycees, The
Lifer’s Association, Toastmaster Gavel Club and Vets Incarcerated II will have
donations accepted by Grace Camp, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, March of
Dimes, Providence House, St. Jude, The Light House and The Maria Lorick Heart
of Hope Foundation.
A
Declaration and wreath is also placed at the Courthouse in Homer commemorating
Victim’s Awareness Rights week. The program will close with refreshments
following a candlelight vigil and a moment of silence.
Voters: Tax renewals on April 30 ballot
The Guardian-Journal
The
deadline to register to vote for the April 30 election is Wednesday, March 30.
There
are several things on the ballot that voters should be aware of. One of those
includes the tax continuation for the Law Enforcement District of Claiborne
Parish. This tax renewal is 6.30 mills, 10 year tax continuation for providing
additional funds for the district. This item on the ballot is parish-wide.
It
reads as follows:
“Shall
the Law Enforcement District of the Parish of Claiborne, State of Louisiana
(the “District”), continue to levy a tax of six and thirty hundredths (6.30)
mills tax on all the property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated
$755,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the
tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the
year 2011 and ending with the year 2020, for the purpose of providing
additional funds for the District?”
The
next item on the ballot is a 1 percent sales tax renewal for the Claiborne
Parish School Board. This item is also parishwide.
It
reads as follows:
“Summary:
10 year, 1% sales tax renewal to be used as follows: (i) 50% to provide a
source of funding for the payment of salaries and benefits for the employees of
the Parish School Board, and (ii) 50% for the general fund of the Parish School
Board.
“Shall
the Parish School Board of the Parish of Claiborne, State of Louisiana, under
the provisions of Article VI, Section 29 of the Constitution of the State of
Louisiana of 1974, and other constitutional and statutory authority, be
authorized to continue to levy and collect a tax of one percent (1%) (the
“Tax”) (an estimated $1,350,000 reasonably expected at this time to be
collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) upon the sale at retail,
the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or
consumption, of tangible personal property and on sales of services in the
Parish of Claiborne, all as defined by law, for an additional period of ten
(10) years, commencing January 1, 2012, with the proceeds of the Tax (after
paying the reasonable and necessary expenses of collecting and administering
the Tax), to be dedicated and used as follows: (i) 50% to provide a source of
funding for the payment of salaries and benefits for the employees of said
Parish School Board, and (ii) 50% for the general fund of said Parish School
Board?”
There
are also three tax renewals on the ballot for School Districts #13, #26 and #1.
They are as follows:
“CONSOLIDATED
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1 PROPOSITION (TAX RENEWAL)
“Summary:
10 year, 4.06 mills property tax renewal to support, operate, maintain, repair
and renovate public school buildings and facilities in Consolidated School
District No. 1.
“Shall
Consolidated School District No. 1, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana (the
“District”), continue to levy a special tax of four and six hundredths (4.06)
mills on all the property subject to taxation in said District (an estimated
$59,600 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the
tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the
year 2013 and ending with the year 2022, to support, operate, maintain, repair
and renovate public school buildings and the facilities in the District?”
The
next tax renewal proposition is for the Homer School District No. 13. It reads
as follows:
“HOMER
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 13 PROPOSITION (TAX RENEWAL)
“Summary:
10 year, 11.96 mills property tax renewal for acquiring, constructing,
improving, maintaining, operating and supporting public school facilities in
Homer School District No. 13, including equipment therefor.
“Shall
Homer School District No. 13, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana (the “District”),
continue to levy an eleven and ninety-six hundredths (11.96) mills tax on all
the property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $396,900 reasonably
expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire
year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2013 and ending
with the year 2022, for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving,
maintaining, operating and supporting public school facilities in the District,
including equipment therefor?”
This
tax renewal proposition is for School District No. 26, the Summerfield area. It
reads as follows:
“SCHOOL
DISTRICT NO. 26 PROPOSITION (TAX RENEWAL)
“Summary:
10 year, 9.25 mills property tax renewal of School District No. 26 for
supporting, acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining and operating
public schools and school facilities.
“Shall
School District No. 26 of the Parish of Claiborne, State of Louisiana (the
“District”), continue to levy a special tax of nine and twenty-five hundredths
(9.25) mills on all property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated
$55,900 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the
tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years beginning with the year
2012 and ending with the year 2021, for the purpose of supporting, acquiring,
constructing, improving, maintaining and operating public schools and school
facilities?”
On
election day (Saturday, April 30), polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 8
p.m. For more information, please contact the Claiborne Parish Registrar of
Voters Office at 318-927-3332.
In her own words: A story of survival
Editor’s
Note: This is the story of Beverly Volentine, a cancer survivor of nine years.
Below is her story in her own words. Check out “Of Interest” on page 4 for more
details on the Relay.
“November,
2001, was a VERY eventful month for me. My birthday occurred one day after
Thanksgiving; my first great-grandson was born three days after my birthday,
and modified radical mastectomy breast cancer surgery was performed on me one
day after that fateful 61st birthday.
“Had I
not overlooked a lump that I felt SIX months prior to the surgery, perhaps I
would not have had to have such a radical surgery which included the removal of
13 lymph nodes which, THANK GOD, contained no cancer. Don't stick your head in
the sand like me; please follow up IMMEDIATELY on any signs of breast cancer
and have REGULAR mammograms.
“The
surgery itself was not painful since most of the nerves were removed or
severed, but the surgery was SCARY, and I give GOD AND MY FAMILY credit for
helping me have protection and strength. I remained in the hospital only 2
nights and came home feeling only slightly groggy and with no pain.
“My
husband was my nurse (emptying and unclogging drainage tubes), my maid,
chauffeur and part-time cook. THANK GOODNESS for my fellow church members and
family for all the good meals which had me up and about in 2 weeks. I even
felt so good that I conceived the format, printed, and mailed approximately
100 invitations to my father-in-law's eightieth birthday party.
“The
WORST was yet to come in the form of chemotherapy. My body was surgically
prepared for chemo by my surgeon implanting a chemo-port-catheter into a vein
in my upper right chest area just below the skin. This procedure is to protect
one's veins from being punctured each time chemo is administered. The
chemo-port did not really bother me except for the fact that it had to be
cleansed weekly, and I was scheduled to receive the DREADED chemotherapy once
every three weeks for four treatments which would take approximately 3 ½
months.
“My
mind was not prepared for chemo since I had read so much about the chemicals
which would be pumped into my body. However, after my oncologist informed me
of the chance of survival/and or recurrence with or without chemo, my mind
readied itself for the dreaded chemo. When I received my first treatment in a
private cubicle with a tv and magazines, I was so terrified that I could
concentrate on nothing - not watching tv, reading, or even praying. Finally,
I wrote my prayers, and THAT WORKED. For each treatment thereafter, I wrote my
prayers and feelings. It really helped me through the 1½ to 2 hours that it
took for the chemicals to enter my body to fight any remaining cancer cells and
also to cause several adverse effects on my body.
“The
loss of ALL my body hair occurred about 2 weeks after my first treatment and
was a shock, but not extremely so. I wore turbans, scarves, hats, caps, and a
wig. I wanted to participate in a program called ‘Look Better, Feel Better’,
but it was not going on at the time of my chemo treatments as it had been when
a friend from Homer had breast cancer the year before me. She was even
featured in a brochure about this program which offers appearance and makeup
advice, etc. Even free makeup is given by many cosmetic companies.
“I was
nauseated about six to eight hours after each treatment; this nausea continued
for about three days each time. My oncologist gave me a prescription drug
which I alternated with dramamine. So, for me, the nausea was somewhat
bearable. However, the chemo adversely affected BOTH my white and red blood cells,
but I was given an injection weekly to build my red cells. I even took
prenatal vitamins. To rebuild my white cells, I was given an injection daily
for a week to two weeks following each chemo treatment (can't remember exactly;
my CHEMO brain is still controlling my memory).
“The
worst thing about the lessening of white cells was that my oncologist
recommended that I stay away from crowds AND MY NEW GREAT-GRANDSON. I was
unable to see him for about six weeks. In this period, a special time that I remember
was on Valentine's Day, not long after receiving my second treatment. MY
15-YEAR-OLD GRANDSON brought me a beautiful red rose to my bedside and gave me
his SPECIAL HUG.
“When I
completed my chemo treatments and recovered some strength with the return of
nearly normal white and red blood cells, I started radiation for a period of 7
weeks - five days a week for a total of 35 treatments. Radiation was not
really so bad, not even the 50+ miles from Athens to Shreveport. ANYTHING
OTHER THAN CHEMO WAS BEARABLE.
“The 35
trips to Shreveport and the Willis Knighton Cancer Center were even enjoyable
in some respects. My grandchildren drove me at least twice a week, and we ate
lunch in Shreveport. GUESS WHAT - MY GREAT-GRANDSON GOT TO GO ALONG. My husband
and friends drove me the rest of the time, and I made some good friends while
awaiting radiation treatments.
“All of
the nurses BOTH IN THE CHEMO AND RADIATION UNITS were so kind. I don't envy
them their jobs, but they made me and other patients as comfortable as
possible. When I go for my checkup every four months, I go by the chemo lab to
see my favorite nurse, Laura. I try not to look too closely at the
patients. THANK GOD THAT THERE WERE NO CHILDREN BEING TREATED AT THE WK
CANCER CENTER. I don't think I could have stood that.
“After
the completion of the radiation treatments, the HEALING BEGAN. The first
milestone was to have my chemo-port-catheter removed. My hair began to grow
back in curls; I REJOICED IN THAT SINCE I HAVE ALWAYS HAD STRAIGHT, FINE THIN
HAIR. But, the curls and body went away and my same baby fine hair returned.
BUT WHO CARES, I HAVE MY LIFE AND A CANCERFREE BODY.
“To
help keep cancer away from my other breast, I have to take daily an aromatase
inhibitor called Arimidex since my estrogen receptors are positive. I have to
take these drugs for a period of five years. I have 2 more years to go before
I can stop taking Arimidex. I can't complain about it too much since I have
few of the known side effects. One woman that I know had to stop taking it
since she was having extreme muscle/joint pain. Now, 2 years after I first
wrote this for my daughter, I am off that medication.
“So, I
haven't too much to complain about except for bouts of weakness which I
attribute to chemotherapy. But it could be MUCH WORSE.
“Rather
than opt for breast reconstruction, I wear a prosthesis since I felt that I had
had enough surgery. My friend and I got a good laugh when I wore my first
cotton breast pad right after surgery, it wouldn't stay in place even with
velcro. I looked down and it was about 3 inches higher than my real breast.
The prosthesis that I now wear is made from silicone. My insurance company
(now Medicare is my primary insurance & original ins co is supplemental)
buys one a year and pays for three mastectomy bras yearly. I really like to
purchase these products in "Just Like You" store in West Monroe.
“As I
reflect back over all this, I question why I had cancer. I don't fit all of the
profile; my mother lived until the age of 97; however, my father did have
prostate cancer. I did take birth control pills for 5 years, and hormone
replacement therapy for 10 years. Also, when I was pregnant with my first
child, I started bleeding and was put in the hospital where I was given some
sort of drug to prevent me losing her.
“Also,
I wonder if I had gone to the doctor sooner or had a more regular mammogram,
would I have had to suffer less surgical trauma and maybe no horrible chemo?
So, I encourage each and every woman to take care of her breast health
regularly. I also LOVE fried foods and dessert and have been told that a low
fat diet may decrease a woman's chances of having breast cancer.
“Regardless
of why and how I perhaps could have prevented this horrible disease, I know I
was able to make it through the whole ordeal and can face the future without
fear only through the support of my family, church family, friends, and most
importantly - MY LORD. There is a patchwork quilt at the WK Cancer with a
flowered square that I chose to have the following embroidered upon: "GOD
IS MY STRENGTH"! signed BEVERLY VOLENTINE."
“To
date, I am a cancer survivor of 9 years with no recurrences.MY GOD GIVES ME THE
STRENGTH TO FACE THE FUTURE WITHOUT FEAR. A favorite Bible verse which I have
paraphrased is, ‘FAITH AS SMALL AS A MUSTARD SEED CAN MOVE A MOUNTAIN.’”
Because they’re worth it...
Adam Graves Fundraiser April 1
A
drawing will be held in the lobby of Citizens Bank & Trust at noon for a
new Honday ATV being sold by all Claiborne Electric Cooperative Employees. The
winner will receive a brand new 2011 Honda Recon ATV. Raffle tickets are $10
each and are available from any Claiborne Electric employee or at the co-op’s
front office on Hwy. 9. Cash or checks made payable to the Adam Graves Fund
will be accepted.
Blood Drive April 4 and 7
LifeShare
Blood Center will host a blood drive on Monday, April 4 and Thursday, April 7
in Homer. On April 4, the blood drive will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
in the auditorium at Homer High School. On April 7, the blood drive will be
held from noon until 5 p.m. at Homer Memorial Hospital in the hospital
conference room.
Relay for Life April 16
The
annual Claiborne Parish Relay for Life will be held from noon until midnight on
Saturday, April 16, at the Ronnie G. Beard Memorial Stadium at Homer High
School. In case of bad weather, the event will be held at the Homer High School
gymnasium. To get involved, or for more information, please contact Nancy Mason
at 318-927-2517 or Elbie Dickens at 318-927-2360.
Team Cade Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser
April 30
A
fundraiser in honor of 17 month old Cade Liles will be held from 11 a.m. until
1 p.m. at the Courthouse Square in Homer. A poker run will begin at 9 a.m. with
registration beginning at 8 a.m. Chicken plates will be for sale for $5 each,
and a “boot” drive will also be going on. Also, a fish fryer and a 270 Savage
Rifle will be raffled off with tickets at $2 and $5, respectively. For more
information, please call Tommy Sanders at 318-927-6165 or Holly and Casey Liles
at 318-258-3073. For more information about the Poker Run, please call Rickey
Bearden at 318-927-9740 or 318-245-4726.
Some answers about Claiborne Parish and
alcohol sales
The Guardian-Journal
During
the last several weeks, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office has received
phone calls and anonymous letters about alcohol sales in Claiborne Parish.
Because
of these inquiries, the sheriff’s office is providing the following information
so that the citizens of Claiborne Parish will know and understand that their
sheriff’s office will always uphold the law as directed by our government and
judicial system.
In July
2010, CPSO Agent James Spillers was tasked with gathering information about the
local liquor options voted on by the public in the 1970s and why Louisiana
Alcohol Tobacco Control (ATC) was granting licenses for the sale of high
alcohol content liquor in areas that had voted against this. During this
investigation, ATC verbally stated that there had been lawsuits filed in the State
of Louisiana that challenged the validity of local liquor option votes because
the voting district/boundaries had changed since the options were voted on and
that the results are not accurate for the current districts.
As this
investigation continued, our research found that the abolishment of local
option elections for alcohol sales were the result of the lawsuit, Sabine
Manufacturing vs. Sabine Parish Police Jury and Sabine Parish Sheriff Guffy
Pattison in 2003.
This
suit was a result of Sabine Manufacturing applying for and receiving alcohol
sales permits from the State Alcohol Commission but being denied by the Sabine
Parish Police Jury. The argument behind all of this was that Sabine
Manufacturing was located in what was once known as Ward 3 in Sabine Parish and
currently Election District 6.
Sabine
Parish Ward 3 had previously voted itself dry and Election District 6 had not
had a vote of any kind in reference to local option for alcohol. Because of
this change in voting lines and the creation of election districts, the State
Alcohol Commission relied on a 1997 legislative action in issuing the alcohol
permits to Sabine Manufacturing. This 1997 legislative action basically said
that if the district lines changed and there have been no local option elections
on alcohol then anything goes.
The
District Court ruled in favor of Sabine Manufacturing on this issue at which
time the Sabine Parish Police Jury appealed and also filed suit against the
Louisiana Alcohol Commission.
The end
result of all of this is that on April 12, 2005, the Supreme Court of Louisiana
affirmed the decision of the District Court that unless a new election had
occurred since the formation of Election Districts, there are no local laws in
effect pertaining to alcohol sales and state law pertains until or if a local
option election occurs.
Should
anyone want to read this information, they can search it on the internet by
putting in the following information: SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA 898 So. 2d
1244; 2005.
