Knowles indicted on drug possession
charges
The Guardian-Journal
A Homer
man arrested on several drug charges has been indicted.
Ramundro
Knowles, of Homer, was indicted by the Claiborne Parish Grand Jury on one count
of possession with intent to distribute Schedule I CDS (marijuana), possession
with intent to distribute Schedule II CDS (cocaine) and one count of possession
with intent to distribute Schedule III CDS (Lortab).
On
Tuesday, January 17, Knowles and another Homer man were arrested after police
conducted a search of Knowles’ home where they discovered drugs, cash and drug
paraphernalia.
According
to police, Homer Police Chief Russell Mills and Sgt. Van McDaniel searched the
home with Knowles’ consent when Mills found what was believed to be a marijuana
stem on the floor in the living room area of the home in the 200 block of
Lisbon Street. As Mills and McDaniel continued their search, a duffel bag was
found in the backyard of the home with what appeared to be a substantial amount
of marijuana. As McDaniel searched the kitchen area, he found a spoon and razor
blade with what appeared to be cocaine residue on them. When questioned about
the discovery, police say Knowles admitted to having drugs in the home and led
them to the back of the home where he allegedly pulled out several baggies of
suspected marijuana and suspected cocaine. Also found in the house were pills
that were reported to be Lortab.
Knowles
was taken into custody and charged with the above charges with bond set at
nearly $300,000.
Also
indicted that day were Johnny D. Waler on one count of attempted theft over
$1,500 and Michael S. Desadier was indicted on charges of extortion and
cyberstalking.
Relay for Life set for April 14
Submitted photo
The annual Relay for Life will be held on
Saturday, April 14, from noon until midnight at Homer High School’s Ronnie G.
Beard Stadium. Sponsor Chairman for Relay for Life Elbie Dickens accepts a
check from Toni Camp, administrator of Regional Hospice Care Group of Northwest
Louisiana, for $1,000. They will be a sponsor for the Relay for Life. Pictured,
from left, are Arnethia Pickens, Janice Culpepper, Cliff Wynn, Camp, Andrew
Abshire and Dickens.
Celebrating Black History Month
February 25
You are invited to a Black History Parade at 3 p.m. in
downtown Homer! Bring the kids and come celebrate with us! For more
information, please call 318-927-9214 or 318-805-7218.
Haynesville seeks to change election
dates
The Guardian-Journal
The
Town of Haynesville is looking into moving its election cycle so that all
elected offices within the town would be at the same time.
Haynesville
Mayor Sherman Brown said this move would save the town at least $3,000 to
$4,000 at a minimum. If the election dates are moved, however, that extends the
mayor’s time in office, those on the town council as well as the Haynesville
Police Chief. The dates would coincide with gubernatorial or congressional
elections. This saves money because if the council members or the mayor’s
election were to be the lone item on a ballot, the entire cost falls to the
town, Brown said.
In a
memo from Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler, which outlines the
procedures for moving the election dates, the U.S. Department of Justice must
give “pre-clearance” before it can go any further. And, the town would have to
“adopt a plan for holding their municipal elections at the congressional
elections set forth in R.S. 18:402(B).”
It goes
on to say that the plan “shall be filed with the secretary of state not less
than one year prior to the opening of the qualifying period for the
congressional primary election. The plan should be filed prior to the
termination of the terms of office of the current municipal officers on June
30, 2013, if the municipal elections are to be held in the fall of 2014.
“If the
Town Council submits the plan to the secretary of state to move the elections
to the fall of 2014, the current municipal officers would hold over in office
until December 31, 2014, and the municipal officers elected in 2014 at the
congressional elections would take office on January 1, 2015, and hold their
offices for four years.”
With
that said, the mayor gave some sad news, saying he would not continue after his
term is up, which means he would not be a part of the extension if this goes
through. But, he said he would stay through some of the extension, but
definitely not all.
Citing
health issues, he made it clear that he loved his town and did not want to
leave the position, but he has to. He said he’s enjoyed his time as mayor and
not only has he learned a great deal, but he feels much has been accomplished
during his term.
And
speaking of accomplishments, Citizens Advisory Committee Member Bob “Mr.
Martha” McDaniel gave the monthly report, discussing some ongoing issues as
well as some new ideas. One of those included the old schoolhouse. With the
many repairs that are needed to bring the schoolhouse back up to par, it’s
going to cost approximately $60,000 to do so. The idea was to use funds raised
from the now annual potluck fundraiser to put toward the project, but McDaniel
said based on what was raised in 2011, it would take three years to save enough
money to pay for it.
An idea
he mentioned was to build a structure in place of the schoolhouse, which he
said could possibly be cheaper, and the structures built by ArkLaTex Builders
are built to last for many years. That idea, so far, is just that -- an idea in
discussion, he said.
However,
Mayor Brown said the town has already submitted a grant application for House
Bill 1 funding for $60,000 to make repairs to the schoolhouse. Repairs would
include flooring, plumbing, windows and interior and exterior painting.
Instead,
it was recommended to use the money from this year’s potluck fundraiser (set
for May 18) for an air conditioning unit for the south building of the
Claiborne Parish Fair Complex, purchase additional chairs and tables, update
the stage and some kitchen work.
McDaniel
also said the walls inside are losing insulation, which is blown insulation.
CAC Member Keith Killgore is expected to conduct more research into the costs.
This was tabled until the next CAC meeting, which is to be held Monday, March
5, at 6 p.m. in the council meeting room.
Tickets
for the potluck fundraiser will go on sale in mid-March. A silent auction will
be held and the Monday Night Choir Boys have agreed to return this year to
provide entertainment.
Also
discussed was the annual citywide rummage sale held on Saturday, February 4.
McDaniel reported that it raised about the same amount of money as it did last
year, about $1,100. Sales brought in $568.51, the bake sale brought in $459.50
and vendors brought in $75.
The
money was disbursed between the fireworks fund and the special projects fund,
which was split at $800 and $303.01 respectively.
McDaniel
also discussed the old City Hall, where the Haynesville Police Department is
now. The windows upstairs are literally falling out because the wood holding
the actual glass is rotting. McDaniel said something needs to be done now to
keep the upstairs floors from being destroyed.
Brown
said the old City Hall renovations would be a good capital outlay project, but
suggested not sending an application for this fall. He suggested waiting until
they could get some “good construction numbers” and a drawing for the
renovations. The mayor also suggested contacting a School of Architecture
Professor at Louisiana Tech University and get him to assign some of his
students to develop a drawing. The drawing would include the windows, exterior
elevator and interior work on both downstairs and upstairs.
The
council agreed to pay the expenses for the students to travel from Ruston to
Haynesville and feed them for the day.
The
next town council meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 15, in
council chambers, located behind City Hall. For more information, or for
questions, please call their office at 318-624-0911.
More drugs off the street
More
drugs are off the street thanks to the result of an undercover operation.
On
February 13, the Claiborne Narcotic Enforcement Team (CNET) executed a search
warrant at the 1000 block of Ferguson Street in Homer, according to a statement
released by Task Force Coordinator James Spillers.
This
search warrant was the result of an ongoing undercover operation during which
purchases of Schedule II CDS (cocaine) were made from Gary G. Daniels.
Around
2 p.m. on February 13, tactical personnel from the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s
Office and the Homer Police Department joined forces to enter and secure the
residence. Upon entry, tactical personnel located five people within the
residence. Within 30 seconds, tactical personnel had all subjects and the
residence secured without incident.
The
search of the residence led to the seizure of more than two pounds of
marijuana, approximately 15 grams of cocaine, 17 firearms, weight scales and
packaging materials. Approximately $701 was seized from Daniels upon his arrest
on three warrants for distribution of Schedule II cocaine.
CNET
personnel completed their search of the residence at 4:34 p.m., at which time,
all subjects within the residence were transported to the Claiborne Parish
Women’s Jail and the CPSO Criminal Investigation Division Office. Upon further
investigation, two women and two men who were present at the 1000 block of
Ferguson Street at the time this search warrant was served, were released
without charges.
Daniels
was held, and in addition to three counts of distribution of Schedule II
cocaine, he was also charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule
I marijuana, possession with intent to distribute Schedule II cocaine and
possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony drug offense. Daniels
was booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center on all charges. Since his
arrest, Daniels’ bond has been set at a total of $260,000.
Agent
Spillers stated that this is another great example of how all of the law
enforcement agencies within Claiborne Parish work together.
“It is
a wonderful thing to experience and I want to thank all of the tactical
personnel from the sheriff’s office and the Homer Police Department for the
professional manner in which they conducted themselves and represent their
agencies,” Spillers said. “I would also like to thank all of the citizens in
Homer, Haynesville and Claiborne Parish that call CNET with information. You
know who you are and I hope that you continue to call.
“At
times, you may not see any results from your assistance, but you can be assured
that we take any and all information seriously,” he continued.
Narcotics
investigations are frustrating, and sadly, can take a long time to complete
with a result that will be prosecuted in court. However frustrating it can be,
CNET, CPSO, Homer Police Department and the Haynesville Police Department are
dedicated to fighting the drug problem throughout our communities.
To
report suspicious or illegal activity, concerned citizens may call CNET at
318-927-9800, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)/Louisiana State Police at
318-676-4080, the Homer Police Department at 318-927-4000, the Haynesville
Police Department at 318-624-1355 or the sheriff’s office at 318-927-2011.
Any and
all information is considered confidential and is greatly appreciated.
School board agrees to training course
The Guardian-Journal
Claiborne
Parish School Board members were highly upset when the learned that Iris
Goldschmidt, with the U.S. Department of Justice, suggested they take a
training course.
This
Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA) course was suggested
because Goldschmidt felt there were two instances in Claiborne Parish schools
that were disparaging, one being that black children were being suspended more
than white children. She felt this was enough to warrant the training.
According
to their website, www.idra.org, IDRA is “an independent, private non-profit
organization dedicated to strengthening public schools to work for all
children.” The focus is to strengthen the public school systems as well as give
a voice to children who are minority, poor or non-English speaking students.
According to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Janice Williams, the course may
prove beneficial.
However,
District 6 School Board Member Tommy Davidson said he was offended because he
feels the disciplinary committee is doing a great job of being fair.
“If we
accept this, we’re saying we do this,” Davidson said.
District
9 School Board Member Joey White agreed.
“It’s a
slap in the face to our principals,” he said.
While
they all had similar feelings, they did acknowledge that it needed to be done
because as of June 30, a ruling could be made in the desegregation lawsuit
which has deemed Claiborne Parish Schools as segregated.
However,
School Board Attorney Jim Hatch spoke up saying that the course could be
beneficial, at least in some small way.
“You’re
not investing a lot of time and I’ve never been to a seminar where I didn’t
learn something,” Hatch said.
Attendance
and Child Welfare Supervisor Mike Blackwelder said board members needed to go
through the training, because it would be beneficial.
In the
end, school board members agreed to take the training and a date is to be set.
In
other news, Williams said in the near future she wants to set up a meeting with
the public to see what they think about Gov. Bobby Jindal’s sweeping education
reform package. She wants not only the public, but legislators, parents and
school staff to attend. During this meeting, a synopsis of the proposed plan
will be given. A date for the meeting is being finalized, she said.
In
personnel news, Blackwelder and Steve Craig have turned in their retirement
letters, and with heavy hearts, the school board unanimously accepted them.
Other retirements include Bus Driver Noble Pugh, Karen Smith, a special
education teacher at Summerfield and Nancy Dodson, a teacher at Junction City.
Resignations include Tara Hollis, a special education teacher from Haynesville
Junior High School, and Hope Fife, technology coordinator at Central Office,
both citing other employment as their reason.
Hiring
included Amanda Crane to Homer Elementary, a first grade teacher replacing
Kimberly Baker, Jared Mancil to Homer Junior High, an ELA teacher, replacing
Brenda Holdman, Kristen Sutton, a science teacher at Homer High School,
replacing Michelle Hogan, John Ramstad to Haynesville Junior High School, a
special education teacher replacing Tara Hollis and Arris Doss to Haynesville
Junior High School, a science teacher filling a vacant position. For all these
new hires, their employment ends on May 18 of this year.
Tiffany
Crane, secretary for Homer Elementary, is replacing Amanda Crane and Rudolph
Lincoln in Athens, a bus driver replacing Ketric Drake.
The
next school board meeting will be held at 6 p.m., in the board meeting room at
Central Office on Thursday, March 8. For more information, or for questions,
please call their office at 318-927-3502.
Altercation leads to injuries
The Guardian-Journal
A Homer
man has been arrested following an altercation with an 80-year-old man.
Hugh
Lee Henderson, 41, of Homer, was arrested on Wednesday, February 15, and
charged with unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, with bond set at
$15,000, simple battery with bond set at $1,000 and disturbing the peace
(simple drunk) with bond set at $1,000.
According
to reports, Homer Police Officers Thomas Davis and Frank Evans were dispatched
to the 400 block of Meadowview Drive in reference to an altercation. Upon
arrival, officers were told by the victim, Harvey Henderson, that Hugh Lee
Henderson had entered his residence without his permission, saying that Hugh
Lee appeared to be drunk.
The
subject was told to leave the residence several times, reports said, but
instead, Hugh Lee grabbed Harvey Henderson and pushed him to the floor.
According to police, the elder Henderson told officers he struck Hugh Lee
Henderson with a golf club.
Reports
say Hugh Lee Henderson had a gash on his head and was transported to Homer
Memorial Hospital for treatment. He was later placed under arrest and charged
with the above offenses.
He was
transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for further booking.
We’re saving a seat for you!
The
Claiborne Jubilee is planning a repeat of its successful art chair auction from
last spring’s art festival on the courthouse lawn. Anyone interested in either
creating an artistic interpretation on a chair, bench or stool or anyone with
such an item to donate should contact Cynthia Steele, 927-2566. The Claiborne Jubilee
will be held on May 26. The proceeds from last year’s auction helped to fund
the Swamp Gravy Building Creative, Thriving Communities conference last
October. The storytelling through drama team that has come from that conference
is planning future productions and needs volunteers to help gather stories and
to join the Jubilee Players. This group meets Monday evenings at 7 pm at the
First Presbyterian Church in Homer, and welcomes all.
