Storm recovery efforts continue in Homer

The Guardian-Journal photos/Michelle Bates

Above, Entergy crews work to get power lines back up and running on Edgewood Drive on Wednesday, June 13. Because of the enormous amount of debris following Tuesday’s storm, the road was closed to allow crews to work. Below, while power was out, there were only a few gas stations open, like this one on Hwy. 79 North, causing long lines for gas as citizens fueled their vehicles and their generators.

Red Cross came into Homer and were staged at the Homer Fire Station on Wednesday, June 13, to provide snacks, water and cleanup kits which included mops and other tools to help citizens during the recovery following the storm on Tuesday, June 12. Red Cross volunteers stayed will into the afternoon.

Entergy crews from all over the state converged on the Town of Homer last week working diligently to restore power to thousands in the aftermath of a storm that hit Tuesday morning, June 12. Crews staged in the old Wal-Mart parking lot, where fred’s Store and Delta Interiors are located. The parking lot served as a mobile command center for linemen. They were also fed there and were able to rest as they worked in shifts to get power back on to residents and businesses.

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The hearts of hundreds opened up when they converged on Claiborne Parish to help with cleanup and recovery efforts that will likely continue for weeks.

On Tuesday morning, June 12, a massive storm converged on Claiborne Parish, right over Homer, causing destruction and a mass power outage. The storm uprooted several old stately trees as well as knocking trees into the streets and into homes taking power lines with them.

In the aftermath, emergency crews, electric crews and others came together in Claiborne Parish on Tuesday to start cleanup efforts and restore power.

Jim Pesnell, Entergy customer service manager for Northwest Louisiana, said at least 200 spans of line were down, causing power outages to 14,000 people over the Northwest Louisiana area, with 1,800 of those inside the Homer corporate limits.

“We still have some customers out today,” Pesnell said Thursday afternoon, “about 400 still without power.”

As Entergy staged in Homer, about 200 crewmen and 100 trucks came into Homer to restore power.

Many of the trucks that came to Homer were from South Louisiana, and while most were in Homer, he said there were several crews in Springhill and Minden as well in Webster Parish. Sarepta took a pretty hard hit too, he said, with downed trees.

Through the Claiborne Parish Office of Homeland Security, Entergy staged a resource center at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury building to help customers if need be.

As of this edition of The Guardian-Journal, if customers still do not have power or still have a need for service, Pesnell said to call 1-800-9-OUTAGE.

Joey White, manager of member relations with Claiborne Electric Cooperative, said as of Wednesday afternoon, they still had at least 931 still without power, but much of that was expected to be narrowed down by the end of the day Wednesday -- worst case by Thursday afternoon, June 14.

The hardest hit area for Claiborne Electric in Homer was the Homer Oilfield area, where the cooperative has a substation, and Airport Loop. Not only were there a lot of trees down, White said, but a good number of poles were broken, especially in these areas.

“Linemen began working immediately from the substations out,” White said. “Claiborne Electric crews were joined by 40 additional crewmen which were brought in from out of the area to assist in the restoration effort.”

Crews have worked diligently trying to get power back on for its customers.

By late Friday afternoon, less than 20 were still without power, due mostly to severe damage to structure at those locations, White said.

And not only were electric crews working hard, but tree service companies, highline companies and a little help from God came too.

Members of the North Louisiana Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Crew brought in their chain saw ministry members to help people get trees off their homes and out of their yards.

David Abernathy, regional coordinator for North Louisiana, said he had five teams working on Airport Loop Wednesday, and were moving towards Homer proper to continue cleanup efforts.

“We’ve mainly concentrated right here on Airport Loop,” Abernathy said, “but we’re moving to Bella Vista and moving west of town on Oilfield Road and tarp a house that’s got some roof damage.”

These teams are from as far away as Grant Parish, he said, Oak Grove, Blanchard, two teams from West Monroe, and others, with about 25 to 30 people working in the area.

Dr. Gibbie McMillan, director of men’s ministries of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, said the main purpose is to assist homeowners with tree damage, whether it’s on the house or in their yards.

“We prioritize the needs then we try to get the number one priorities,” McMillan said.

Not only do they provide labor to help homeowners remove debris from their homes, but they also offer chaplaincy services as well, to help homeowners deal with the loss and destruction of the storm.

Abernathy said their main focus last week was to work with the homeowners, the Claiborne Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness and Homeland Security.

“The way it operates is if a homeowner is interested in receiving the help, then they have to sign a release,” McMillan said, “which empowers the team to go in and work. We can’t do the work unless the homeowner signs off on it.

“We don’t charge them anything, and we try to encourage them,”he continued. “It’s devastating, especially for senior adults who can’t do for themselves.”

Abernathy and McMillan said their teams expected to be in the area at least through Friday (June 15).

While the chain saw ministry was throughout town and the outlying areas, the Town of Homer crews were busy as well clearing the streets and picking up debris. Homer Mayor Alecia Smith said she was grateful for all the support the town has gotten since the storm. She thanked several people, groups and others for their quick response to the town.

In fact, employees in city hall moved to the Homer Fire Station due to the power outage to field phone calls and direct citizens in what needed to be done.

“We have teams set up on every street corner cleaning up debris,” Smith said. “Any needs that we have, we have organizations here to help remove debris.”

One thing she emphasized is that Homer’s water system never failed, which means the town is not under a boil advisory. All the lift stations and the sewer plant have been continuously run.

“We (had) generators on our sewer system,” she said, “and our hospital was our main priority. We appreciate the efforts of everybody -- especially (Homer Fire Chief) Dennis Butcher -- our police officers, our volunteers who came out to help, the staff of Entergy, Representative Patrick Jefferson and Senator Mike Walsworth, who have been constantly calling and keeping in contact, and Jenny Reynolds from the Governor’s office.”

Butcher said as of Wednesday afternoon, the number of total outages would go down by the hour.

“Things are rapidly returning to normal,” Butcher said, “but cleanup will last for days.”

 

Where to Take Debris

In a special called meeting of the police jury Tuesday afternoon, a plan was set in place to quicken the pace of cleanup efforts because of the overwhelming nature of the cleanup. An Interstate Mutual Aid Compact (IMAC) was approved by the police jury that will allow mutual aid from other parishes to come in and help. According to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), the compact involves mutual aid from Caddo, Bossier and Webster Parishes. Bossier Parish has agreed to provide three dump trucks, a grapple truck and drivers and crew. Caddo Parish will provide two dump trucks, a grapple truck and drivers and crews, while Webster Parish will provide an EPA approved vegetation dump site for overflow if needed.

And in conjunction with the Town of Homer and the Town of Haynesville, this plan is for the hardest hit areas of the town and parish due to the storm on the morning of June 12. Some of the hardest hit areas included Homer Oilfield, Airport Loop, Bream Island, Bella Vista, some on Arizona Road, Featherston Road. In the city, the west side of town was hit really hard, including West Side Street, Bolling Drive, Edgewood, and East 5th Street area.

Butcher said that while these crews are coming in to help, it is important to be safe about it because trees and limbs are still falling and could still affect power lines. It is important to consider downed power lines as hot, whether they are or not. For those who have vegetative debris in their yards tangled up with power lines, stay away from it. Butcher also reminded citizens to be aware of your surroundings.

“We’re facing the monumental task of cleaning the vegetative debris up,” Butcher said, “It’s one of the worst (storms) I’ve seen in my lifetime. We were fortunate there was no loss of life or serious injuries. Both the city and the parish are overwhelmed and it’s going to require some assistance from somewhere.”

For those who are cleaning up debris in town and need to haul it off, it can be taken to the Oil Mill yard; however, an attendant must be present for debris to be dropped off. Also, there is an EPA approved vegetative dump site just north of Haynesville as well.

Butcher advised calling Homer City Hall to see when pickup will be available or when debris can be dropped off. Debris will be picked up curbside and must be a certain length. Anything less than 24 inches in diameter should be cut into 10 foot pieces and anything greater than 24 inches in diameter should be cut up into six to eight foot pieces due to weight issues. Do not stack debris on the road. Please stack it on the curb within 10 feet of the edge of the road.

Remember, that only vegetative debris (tree limbs, chunks of wood) will be picked up. Household garbage and construction debris will NOT be picked up. If it is mixed in with vegetative debris, it will NOT be picked up.

With the implementation of the IMAC plan, work will begin Monday morning on June 25. Butcher expected cleanup to last about four to five business days.

Police Jury Secretary Treasurer Dwayne Woodard thanked Butcher and several others for acting so quickly in the aftermath of the storm, including Road Superintendent Tommy Durrett and Sheriff Ken Bailey.

“I can’t thank Dennis, the sheriff, and Tommy enough for the actions that started Tuesday morning,” Woodard said. “It was really bad, and there are still people in the parish that don’t realize how bad it was. We did not get power here (at CPPJ office) until 3:30 Friday afternoon (June 15). That generator we got four years ago was worth every dime we have spent on it. This building was excellent for a center of operations.”

He also thanked police jury members for coming in after the storm lending their support where needed as well as Homer Mayor Alecia Smith and Public Works Supervisor Lee Wells for the excellent job their crews did.

For more information about pickup inside the city limits of Homer, please call City Hall at 318-927-3555. For more information or for further details in the parish, please contact the police jury office at 318-927-2222.

 

RIF policy implemented, transfers approved

 

The Guardian-Journal

The Reduction in Force (RIF) policy has now been implemented, and according to Claiborne Parish Schools Superintendent Dr. Janice Williams, all those affected have been notified.

A certified letter was sent to each of those on the list on June 15, and in May, every employee received a copy of the RIF policy. RIF has not changed, with a total of 19 employees, nine certified and 10 support staff being laid off. The support personnel include five paraprofessionals, two custodians, one secretary and two cafeteria technicians.

“These last two years have been the toughest,” School Board President Will Maddox said. “It’s not easy.”

And while the employees were notified, there were several transfers. The total number of transfers includes 24 certified personnel, eight paraprofessionals, one principal, one secretary, three custodians and four cafeteria technicians will be transferred.

Fortunately, she said, “every school has fallen within the parameters set forth by the Department of Justice. We have a total of 112 teachers, and the parish wide ratio is 29 black at 26 percent, 83 white at 74 percent. And the agreement with the Justice Department calls for us to be within plus or minus 10 percent in order to achieve racial balance [teachers and staff, not students].”

In personnel actions, three resigned with another leaving for other employment. According to the personnel actions hand out, Nora Howard, a bus driver for Homer Schools, left for other employment. Terese Sherman, a teacher at Haynesville Jr./Sr. High School resigned as did Laura Evans, a social worker with Homer Schools and Ted Waller, a counselor at Haynesville Jr./Sr. High School.

 

Junction City/CPSB Agreement

The agreement between Claiborne Parish Schools and Junction City, Arkansas Schools was approved by the school board for the 2012-13 school year, contingent upon a final decision from the school board’s legal advisors regarding Louisiana’s ACT 54’s value added implications for the evaluation of Louisiana teachers.

Claiborne Parish Schools Superintendent Dr. Janice Williams said she’d spoken with the assistant state superintendent and Joan Hunt, with the Department of Education, regarding the issue of a waiver for the agreement between CPSB and Junction City.

“They said the waiver is not applicable to this situation, as the law only applies to a natural disaster or extenuating circumstances,” Williams said. “They did not classify this (agreement) as an extenuating circumstance. I’m still waiting to hear from our attorneys with regard to this matter.”

The agreement between CPSB and Junction City was set up in the 1930s, according to the intergovernmental agreement, which allows Louisiana students in Claiborne Parish who live near Junction City, Ark., to attend Junction City schools so students could be closer to home.

“This arrangement has allowed parents to place their children in a local neighborhood school reducing the danger of long drives and distant schools,” the agreement states.

As in years past, the school board provides a set amount from Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) funds equal to the Louisiana allocation based on the per pupil amount. For this school year, however, the amount being sent to Junction City is less than in years past. For the 2011-12 school year, Claiborne Parish allocated approximately $581,000. This year’s agreement is less by 7.474 percent, reducing the allocation to approximately $537,000.

 

Challenging ACT 2

The school board also adopted a resolution that will allow the school board to enter into litigation in federal or state court, either individually or as a member of a group of other public school systems with similar purpose, challenging the constitutionality and/or legality of Act 2 of the 2012 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, which deals with the use of state funds to support students in a private or parochial schools.

The issue, essentially, is this: Does House Bill 976 (signed into law in the 2012 Regular Session) conflict with another law?

“Although no action has been taken at this time, this will permit Claiborne Parish Schools to be entered into any type of litigation going forth with the decision or to pursue whether Act 2 is both constitutional and legal,” she said.

The cost of the litigation will be “our fair share” depending on how many districts opt in should any litigation come forth.

“At this time, we received this resolution to see how many school districts would be in favor of going forth with contesting the legality and constitutionality of Act 2,” Williams said.

In other news, the personnel evaluation plan has been modified due to Bulletin 130 to be consistent with value-added evaluations.

“It was revised by BESE (Board of Elementary and Secondary Education) to be consistent with Act 54,” she said. “This plan includes guidelines for evaluation of both tested and non-tested grades in both subjects, observation requirements, what determines teacher effectiveness, the evaluation process, how a teacher is to go through intensive assistance and any due process procedures.”

 

Property Millage Changes

The school board also adopted a resolution to establish and levy property tax millage rates for 2012.

According to Claiborne Parish Schools Business Manager Fred Evans, the millage for 2012 is as follows:

In the general fund (parish wide) mills for the constitutional tax is 5.29 mills, an increase of .13 mills from 2011, due to a decrease in taxable property after reassessment. The special operational and maintenance tax is 5.15 mills, a .13 mills increase from 2011 for the same reason.

The maintenance tax (parish wide) is 5.15, also a .13 mills increase from 2011.

In the district maintenance taxes, these changes are as follows:

Athens School District No. 1 is 4.19 for 2012, a .13 mills increase due to decrease in taxable property after assessment. Haynesville School District No. 11 is 3.33 mills, a .17 mills increase due to a decrease in taxable property after assessment. Homer School District No. 13, is 11.88 mills, an .08 mills decrease due to increase in taxable property after assessment, and the Summerfield School District No. 26 saw no change at 9.25 mills.

In bonded debt, Haynesville District 11 debt service is still at 13 mills, with five years remaining on the payment schedule. Homer District No. 13 is still at 16.50 mills with 10 years remaining on the payment schedule.

Both Homer and Haynesville’s bonded debt were refinanced in 2010.

“When you hear reassessment,” Evans said, “[this means] it’s recalculated to bring in the same amount of money as the prior year. That’s what it’s based on.”

In other news, Paula Becker, nutrition supervisor for CPSB, named the lowest bids that were approved by the school board, which include Borden’s for milk, Flowers Baking for bread and Blue Bell for ice cream for the upcoming school year.

Also, on Thursday, July 12, at 5 p.m., a public hearing will be held in regards to the 2012-13 budget. The next regular monthly meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board will be held at 6 p.m., at Central Office on Thursday, July 12. The public hearing will be held one hour before the start of the regular meeting.

For more information, or for questions, please call their office at 318-927-3502, Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. During the summer, the office is closed on Fridays.

 

CPSO investigating attempted armed robbery

 

The Guardian-Journal

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the attempted armed robbery of Gibsland Bank and Trust in Athens.

According to Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey, two male subjects came to the front door of the bank around 8:30 or 8:45 the morning of June 14 and rattled the door. When they couldn’t get in, they took off around the back of the building. Sheriff’s deputies gave chase, calling in the David Wade Correctional Center (DWCC) Chase team, but to no avail.

During the chase, according to reports KTBS Channel 3, a six-year-old Golden Retriever, Tera, owned by Michaela McCowen of Athens, was shot by a deputy. Bailey said the deputy told him the dog was coming at him full speed, showing his teeth. The deputy feared the dog would bite him.

According to the report, Bailey expressed his sorrow for the death of the dog, and said the incident is still under investigation.

And while the shooting is still being investigated, detectives are still looking into the attempted armed robbery of the bank.

Lead Detective Ben Booth said one subject appears to be around six foot to six feet two inches tall, and the other appears to be around five feet eight inches tall to five feet 11 inches tall. The shorter subject was wearing full camouflage while the taller was wearing a blue shirt and blue pants.

Booth said weapons were visible on video surveillance.

“We’re running down leads and talking to people,”Bailey said. “This investigation is still ongoing, and we are looking for any information that will lead to the arrests of these individuals.”

If anyone has any information, please contact Booth at the Criminal Investigation Division at 318-927-9800 or call the sheriff’s office at 318-927-2011.

 

Chamber Cake and Casserole Auction set for June 27

 

The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Cake and Casserole Auction on Wednesday, June 27 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Homer City Hall. Beef brisket plates, catered by Upper Crust Catering will be available. Tickets are $6. For more information, please call the chamber office at 318-927-3271.

 

Claiborne 911 to move

 

Effective July 1, the Claiborne Parish E-911 Office will be moved from the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Office to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, located at 613 East Main Street. The move is to better serve the public. Walter Johnson, 911 director, said the phone number has not changed. For those who need assistance from the 911 office, please call 318-927-9400, or call the sheriff’s office at 318-927-2011.

 

Burham fundraiser rescheduled

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

A fish fry fundraiser has been rescheduled for July to help a fellow police jury coworker who was injured in a motorcycle accident.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to help defray medical costs for Bryon Burham, who was severely injured while riding his motorcycle on May 3.

“Unfortunately, his leg took the brunt of the crash,” Road Superintendent Tommy Durrett said in a letter to the police jury. “He has had six surgeries to this day and faces many more to keep his leg.”

According to Louisiana State Police, the accident occurred at approximately 7 a.m. on Dutchtown Road off the Hwy. 79 truck bypass, when the driver of a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am crossed the center line into the other lane of traffic, hitting Burham.

The driver of the Grand Am, Carolyn Allen, of Homer, was cited for driving left of center.

During the Claiborne Parish Police Jury monthly meeting, Durrett updated police jurors on Burham’s progress, saying that he got to come home before the next surgery. His spirits are good, Durrett said, and he was very excited to come home and spend time with his children and his wife.

Tickets for the fundraiser are available at the police jury office and through parish employees. For those who have already purchased a ticket, please hold on to them, as they will be good on the new date in July.

In other news, the police jury discussed a request from Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey about placing signs on the spillway gates and the Public Boat Launch off Hwy. 146 in regards to loitering and nuisance behavior.

According to Chic Hines, Watershed District Commission member, the state owns the property but “they don’t do much with it.

“We’re going to have a real problem if some of the deputies go up there and find people on the dam, and there’s no sign saying they can’t be there,” he said. “We (the Watershed Commission) would like to see, and work through the sheriff, where they can place the signs and word the signs where they can enforce it.”

“The reason we’re doing this,” Sheriff Ken Bailey said, “is that it seems like every time this time of year, we’ve got some individuals that want to see how much of a cannonball or a swan dive they can do off that bowl. And somebody’s going to get hurt -- it’s just a matter of time. Nine times out of 10, they have alcoholic beverages in their system.”

Once the signs are in place, the sheriff said his department would begin issuing citations for trespassing.

However, an issue they run into is what happens during special events, like the upcoming Lake Claiborne Boat Parade and Fireworks Show. Spectators gather on the dam every year for the event, and the sheriff said this would be an exception.

“It’s the kids that are going out there and walking through the gate and jumping off the bowl,” the sheriff said.

It was approved unanimously.

In other news, the police jury meeting date has been moved to Wednesday, July 11 due to the Fourth of July holiday the previous Wednesday.

Resolution 2012-2012 was approved, which establishes the cost of bonding a parish road at $100,000 per mile for oil/gas well projects under Section 82-37 of Ordinance No. 703 of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury. While the resolution was approved, it did not come without some debate and discussion.

According to Police Jury President Scott Davidson, Claiborne Parish is one of the last few that don’t require bonding before oil and gas companies start wells.

“Because of the moving in and out of drilling rigs and heavy equipment, our roads are taking some abuse,” he said. “Absolutely, we welcome any business opportunity that presents itself in this parish. That’s not what this is about. We are trying to protect the taxpayers of this parish. We realize that these companies bring in tax dollars and we appreciate that, but it’s an inordinate amount of damage when they are concentrated in one area.”

Section 82-37 provides for the issuance of “special permits” at a specific charge by the road superintendent in which a company may operate on parish roads or rights-of-way in a manner in violation with the Section. In March, the police jury established the cost of this “special permit” to be $500, which is payable at the time of the permit application process for the movement of oversized and overweight equipment to and from any new or existing oil and gas well locations within the parish. The $100,000 bonding is where the “operator” (oil and/or gas company) enters into an agreement with the parish.

“All they have to do is bring us proof of insurance, where this is bonded, and then we’ll issue the permit,” Davidson said.

He also said this is inexpensive, and “it’s fairly painless.”

District 10 Police Juror Willie Young said he’s against it, because businesses and industry need to be encouraged to bring their business to Claiborne Parish.

“Regulations are tearing us up,” Young said. “Every time you put in a new rule in or new tax in where they have to pay more money, it’s just penalties. I think this is an opportunity for Claiborne to shine, and I don’t think we ought to discourage businesses by putting a $100,000 bond on them. Right now, oil and gas is our pony. That’s our ride, and I don’t think we ought to send that message.”

Roy Mardis, District 8 police juror, disagreed, saying it is protection for all bodies.

“Bonds are a good idea because it protects all parties,” he said. “Bonds are in line with insurance. It doesn’t necessarily mean they will use that bond, but it’s better to have it than not.”

The resolution was adopted by a vote of 8-2, with Young and District 2 Police Juror Mark Furlow against it.

In other police jury news, the jury will consider an ordinance to set policies and procedures for districts and/or boards created by the police jury. In a special called meeting Tuesday afternoon, Ordinance 766 was introduced. Webster Parish implemented an ordinance and Claiborne Parish is discussing a similar ordinance as a safeguard to make sure the districts the police jury is responsible for are following the policies and procedures set forth by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office. If adopted in the August regular monthly meeting, the ordinance will require districts and boards under the police jury to submit a copy of their annual audit report, notify the police jury secretary treasurer of meetings conducted (regular, special called, committee) with a proposed agenda, public meetings shall be recorded, minutes to be typed and submitted to the police jury and all members of boards/districts will maintain residency records on an annual basis.

In other police jury news, jurors approved the following:

• A request from the Claiborne Jubilee requesting their budgeted 2012 amount for $500. This is included in the 2012 budget and is the same as was in 2011 and 2010.

• A request from the Town of Homer requesting two loads of cold mix out of their 2012 ad valorem tax set aside in the Road Fund.

• A request from the Village of Athens requesting assistance with the cutting of overhanging bushes within the corporate limits.

• A request from the Library Board of Control requesting permission to seek bids for the library expansion and renovation pending approval of the construction documents by the Fire Marshal’s office.

• The Legislative Auditors Compliance questionnaire for the police jury in regards to the 2011 audited financial statements. The police jury also approved Resolution 2012-2011, which authorizes the president and secretary treasurer to sign documents on behalf of the police jury concerning the transmittal of the 2011 audited financial statements. According to Dwayne Woodard, secretary treasurer, this just means it’s a statement saying the police jury followed the ethics code, bid laws, budgeting laws and that they did everything as required by the Legislative Auditor’s Office.

Because of the Fourth of July holiday, the regular monthly meeting of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 11 in the police jury meeting room. For more information, or for questions, please call their office at 318-927-2222.

 

Routine traffic stop nets drug arrests

 

The Guardian-Journal

A routine traffic stop revealed more than just a traffic violation.

According to a press release from the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, on Saturday, June 16, Deputy Aaron Christian observed a vehicle with an extremely loud exhaust. Christian conducted a routine traffic stop and discovered the driver to be Daniel A. Winters, 41, of Homer. Passengers in the vehicle were William R. Winters, 36, of Homer and Eva Dettenheim, 40, of Haynesville.

Deputies Shane Huffstetler, John Eric Stephenson and Lt. Roger Ellerbe arrived to assist.

Subsequent search of the interior of the vehicle revealed a small plastic bag containing a white powder substance in a compartment under the right rear seat. This substance field tested positive for cocaine.

A further search revealed a small plastic bag containing a green leafy substance between the right front door and seat. This substance field tested positive for marijuana.

None of the subjects in the vehicle claimed possession of the substances found and all were placed under arrest.

Daniel Winters and William Winters were transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for booking.

Daniel Winters was charged with modified exhaust with bond set at $500, possession of Schedule I CDS (marijuana) with bond set at $500, and possession of Schedule II CDS (cocaine) second offense with bond set at $5,000.

William Winters was charged with possession of marijuana with bond set at $500 and possession of Schedule II CDS (cocaine) with bond set at $5,000 originally. Upon booking him into the detention center, employees discovered a bag of marijuana in his boot. He had an additional charge of introduction of contraband into a penal facility added with a bond of $5,000.

Dettenheim was arrested and booked into the Claiborne Parish Women’s Jail on charges of possession of Schedule I CDS (marijuana) with bond set at $500 and possession of Schedule II CDS (cocaine) with bond set at $5,000.

 

Hilltop Campgrounds & RV Park announces opening of their website

 

HilltopCampgrounds.comHilltop Campgrounds & RV Park (Princeton/Haughton, LA) is proud to announce the opening of their website as of 06/10/2012, online at www.HilltopCampgrounds.com.

Hilltop Campgrounds and RV Park is a work-camper, family and pet friendly park located just minutes from I-20 and I-220. The park is always clean with on-site management and maintenance for a worry free stay. The rental prices include lot, electric, water, sewer and trash pickup.

The park is located less than five miles from Haughton and 3 minutes from I-20 (Haughton/Fillmore exit - Hwy 157 North), and just 10-15 minutes from all the Hottest Gaming Locations in Shreveport-Bossier.

The park is open to the public year round. Features include Fishing and Swimming in their 5 acre natural spring pond. hiking & biking nature trails and beautiful, peaceful & serene surroundings throughout the year.

The park owners stated that "We contracted a Claiborne Parish based website designer, Key-Comp Web Design, and are very pleased with the results and recommend their services to anyone needing a new website or a face-lift of an existing site . Key-Comp can be contacted via their website at www.KCWD.com."

 

Remember boating safety during Boat Parade, Fireworks Show

 

The Guardian-Journal

The annual Lake Claiborne Boat Parade and Fireworks Show is just a few short weeks away, and it’s expected to be better than ever!

Set for Saturday, June 30, the boat parade will begin at Pleasure Point Marina, with lineup at 7:15 p.m. The parade route will make its way around the lake to the state park. A commemorative hat is given to each boat parade captain while supplies last (one hat per boat only).

The fireworks show is expected to be even more spectacular than last year with 1,330 display effects. Shell sizes will be from 2.5-inches to 8-inch shells with all types of special effect shells ranging from cross rings to golden kamuros.

The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.

Handling the fireworks show again this year is Artisan Pyrotechnics out of Wiggins, Miss.

And while revelers and boaters celebrate that weekend for Independence Day, July 4, it is important to remember the laws and safety rules of boating. And the first rule to remember is that the rules of the road apply to the water as well. According to Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, that boat operators who are driving while intoxicated (DWI) with a blood alcohol content of .08 and higher face the same penalties as someone operating a vehicle on the highway. Penalties include the suspension or revocation of boating privileges and driver’s license. A designated sober operator is a must for both the roadway and waterway.

Also remember that all boats must have a personal floatation device (PFD), or life jacket, for the operator and each passenger on the boat. Children 16 or younger must wear a properly sized and fitted PFD when the boat is underway on all vessels less than 26 feet in length. Smaller children should have a PFD that has ample upper body floatation and a crotch strap, proper fitting is critical.

Please remember that boats build after November 1, 1972 must have the Hull Identification Number (HIN) permanently attached to the hull. It is important to remember that all information, including registration and insurance is up-to-date and on board at all times.

After sunset, there should be no personal watercraft (jet skis) on the lake. All other watercraft must display navigation lights: red and green lights should be on the bow and the stem should be all around white.

For more information on boating safety and what boaters need before getting on the water, please visit the LDWF’s website at www.wlf.louisiana.gov.

“We want everybody to have a safe and happy Fourth (of July), but we’re asking -- for safety reasons -- that no one be in the water during the parade,” Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey said. “Please be in a boat or on a dock.”

The sheriff’s office will have deputies on the water, along with Wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Agents on the day of and during the parade.

The Fireworks for Lake Claiborne Committee now has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/FourthOfJulyFireworksForLakeClaiborne.

The committee wishes to thank the individuals, local businesses and organizations who help make this event possible every year.

 

 

Claiborne Parish tourism initiative is underway

 

JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer

The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce has put together an assortment of materials to highlight where to go and what to do and see in Claiborne Parish. “Whether you’re a visitor or a local resident,Brochures and the Two Disc Driving CD available at several area locations - Click to Visit ClaiborneParishTourism.org Claiborne Parish has a driving tour CD set that you will find interesting,” says John Watson, Executive Director of the Chamber.

“The CD is one part of a major initiative aimed at helping others see and appreciate what is wonderful about Claiborne Parish,” Watson notes.

Asked what else is a part of the initiative, Watson explains that a colorful tourism brochure has been prepared. In addition,  there is a new website www.claiborneparishtourism.org.

Also, a cemetery brochure includes a map of the parish with the locations of 156 cemeteries in the parish or within a few miles of the parish line.

Finally, television ads have appeared describing Claiborne Parish as a desirable tourist destination.

Describing the tourism brochure, Watson says it highlights points of interest in Homer, Haynesville, Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield, and other areas of Claiborne Parish. It points out that 10 buildings in the parish are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The brochure includes pictures of the Claiborne Parish Courthouse, Herbert S. Ford Museum, Lisbon’s Killgore House, the mural on the west wall of Haynesville’s Killgore Pharmacy,  Homer’s Old Town Cemetery, the Hill Farm, Summerfield’s Alberry Wasson House, and Lake Claiborne.

The cover of the “Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, Cemetery Guide” notes that it is intended to be “A guide to finding the resting places of your ancestors.” A brief description gives directions for each of the 156 cemeteries There is also a map in the brochure marking the approximate location of each.

The new tourism website, www.claiborneparishtourism.org, describes Lake Claiborne State Park and lists local lodging such as Panther Creek Bed and Breakfast at Summerfield and Lake Claiborne Vacation Cottage on Harmon Loop.

The website describes “eateries” such as the Rebel Stop and Moon’s toward Summerfield, Port-au-Prince on Lake Claiborne, Sunrise Bakery and Restaurant and Homer Seafood and Pizza as well as Yesterday’s Grill in Haynesville.

Highlights related to Homer, Haynesville, Lisbon, Athens, Summerfield, and the parish’s historic cemeteries are all mentioned on the website.

Some parish events are plugged including the Butterfly Festival, the Claiborne Jubilee, the 4th of July Fireworks and Boat Parade, Lake Claiborne Antique Auto and Bike Show, and the Christmas Festival.

The set consists of two CDs with 41 tracks of information highlighting areas of interest around the parish. For only $3 visitors or local residents can learn things about Claiborne Parish that’s not in the history books, stories passed down from grandparents to grandchildren that has become the stuff of local legend and lore.

Of course, the internet website is free as is the tourism brochure. With the cemetery guide available for $1 and the driving CD sets for $3, the whole tourism package is available for $4, a token cost to cover expenses of production.

Many local citizens donated many hours to the brochures, the cemetery guide, the driving CDs, and the website.

Brochures and CD sets are available at the following locations:

* The Grapevine

* Port-au-Prince Restaurant

* Killgore Pharmacy

* The Rebel Stop

* Claiborne Parish Library

* Delta Interiors

* The Chamber Office at Ford Museum

Brochures only are available at the following:

* Courtyard Florist

* Lake Claiborne State Park

* Haynesville City Hall

* The Guardian-Journal

 

NOTICE: Deadline For Advertisements

No Later Than 5 p.m. On Mondays

All display and legal advertisements for The Guardian-Journal must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Monday of the week in which it is to appear. Classified ads will be received until 12 p.m (noon) on Tuesday prior to the Thursday publication date. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

NOTICE TO READERS
THE GUARDIAN-JOURNAL HAS A NEW TOLL-FREE LINE AT
1-877-480-9918.

Archived Guardian Journal Headlines & News Briefs from November 1999
 

News Briefs

Haynesville Town Council to meet June 21

The Haynesville Town Council will meet at 6 p.m. in council chambers, located behind city hall, for its regular monthly meeting. For more information, please call their office at 318-624-0911.

 

Watershed District to meet June 21

The Claiborne Parish Watershed District Commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the conference room at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury complex, located at 507 West Main Street in Homer. For more information, please call their office at 318-927-5161.

 

MOCS Auction June 22

Mt. Olive Christian School will be having a special auction at 6 p.m. to sell items that have come in since the 30th annual auction this past March. We have some really nice antiques as well as other furniture, televisions, guns and much more! The auction will be held at the middle school campus off Hwy. 518 east of Athens. Concessions will be available. Check out the school’s website for more details at www.mteagles.org

 

Bake Sale and Car Wash June 23

A bake sale and car wash for the 2012 NOLA All-Stars will be held from 9 a.m. until at Gibsland Bank and Trust in Homer. Please help support the 7-8 year-old and 11-12 year old division all-stars! Donations are greatly appreciated!

 

Carrying Concealed Handgun Permit Class June 23 in Homer

A Carrying Concealed Handgun Course, required for the Louisiana State Police Handgun Permit, will be conducted in Homer. Anyone wishing to register for this class may do so online at www.DefensiveTraining.us or by calling 318-268-5052 or 318-927-5026 and request a registration form. The cost of the class is $50 per attendee. Information on submitting course fee by mail is on the registration form and if registering by mail, money orders or cash only for registration fee, no checks accepted and registration fee is not refundable. The course is from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., with the classroom session in the morning and range session in afternoon. Location of the classroom is the Homer Fire Department and range portion will at DWCC. Pre-registration is required and registration forms along with fee must be in by Wednesday, June 20. Certificates will be issued after completion of class along with applications for Carrying Concealed Handgun to the LA State Police. Applications may also be obtained by going to the Louisiana State Police website and clicking on the Carry Concealed Handgun section. For further information or questions, call 318-268-5052 or 318-225-1366.

 

Food for Seniors June 25

To the seniors in Claiborne Parish, the food boxes will be distributed from 7:30 until 9 a.m. at the old Boys and Girls Club.

 

Homer Lions Club to meet June 28

The Homer Lions Club will meet at noon at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant. Joey White, member relations manager with Claiborne Electric, will be the guest speaker. All members are encouraged to attend and bring a guest!

 

HMH Cancer Screening June 28

Homer Memorial Hospital will be conducting free breast cancer screening mammograms. To qualify, you must be 40 years of age or older, no insurance or very high deductible and not had a mammogram within one year. Call Adrienne Willis at 318-927-1400 for an appointment. These services are paid for by a federal grant.

 

Senior Extravaganza set for June 28

The Community Coordinating Council, Inc., and State Representative Patrick Jefferson will sponsor the Senior Extravaganza at New Living Word Family Life Center, 1885 West Barnett Springs Avenue in Ruston, at 6:30 p.m. with a $10 donation. A delicious meal, door prizes, fun, recognitions and senior talent for all! For more information, please call Joe Etta Williams at 318-927-9444 in the Athens/Homer area, or Clora Hendricks at 318-624-2398 in Haynesville.

 

Hunter Smith Reunion June 28-July 1, 2012

The Hunter Smith family reunion will be held in Haynesville. For more information, please contact Maud Smith at 318-927-3422 or go to www.embracingfamilyreunion.com

 

Car Show set for July 1

The “Old School New School” Car Show will be held from 2 until 6 p.m. at the Haynesville Community Center. Classes include street rods, muscle cars, customs, classics, bikes and imports. Awards will be presented at 4 p.m. The event is sponsored by Embracing Family Reunion. For more information, please contact Curtis Hunter at 301-379-9642, Kenneth Smith at 240-535-4897, or .

 

MOCS will be closed July 2-6

Mt. Olive Christian School’s summer hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., but will be closed Monday, July 2 through Friday, July 6. Registration for the 2012-13 will be accepted during these summer hours. If you are in need of an appointment other than the hours listed above, please call the school office at 318-258-5661.

 

Senior Food Recertification July 9-13

All senior food applicants must reapply in order to pick up their food box in August. We will be taking applications July 9-13 only. We must have a picture ID or driver’s license, social security cards for everyone in the household and proof of income for everyone in the household. No exceptions.

 

Ford Museum Seeking Veterans' Photographs

The H.S. Ford Museum has received a grant from Entergy that will enable us to make its exhibits more interactive. Our first emphasis will focus on honoring our military veterans, especially those with a connection to North Central Louisiana. For this project, we are requesting the public's help in gathering photos, formal as well as candid photos that capture everyday life in the military. Artifacts and photos are needed from the Civil War era to the present. Items can be sent to the museum at or mailed to P.O. Box 157, Homer, LA 71040. The museum is opened Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 am to 4 pm for anyone wishing to deliver material in person.

 

 

Golden Eagle Training & Safety - New Website

Steve Risner (Homer, LA) and Butch Shaver (Shreveport, La) announce the opening of their new Golden Eagle Training & Safety website, now online at www.DefensiveTraining.us.

 

Golden Eagle Training & SafetyFor more than 18 years the founders of Golden Eagle Training & Saftey (GETS) have certified nearly a thousand Law Enforcement/Correctional Use of Force Instructors and certified over seven hundred civilians in Carry Concealed Handgun Classes for permits to carry concealed.

 

GETS offers Instructional/Certification courses for the General Public, Law Enforcement & Corrections, School Resource Officers & Staff, Churches, Organizations and Companies.

 

GETS training for the public includes: Carrying Concealed Handgun Permit Class, Personal Safety Course, Women’s Safety & Self-Defense Course, Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention (known as SHARP), Weapon Retention & Disarming (if you carry a firearm, you need to know how to effectively retain it or disarm someone who has one), Escape & Evasion, and Advanced Carrying Concealed Handgun Courses.

 

Certification courses available for Law Enforcement and Correctional Agencies include: Defensive Tactics (DT), Impact Weapon (IW), Weapon Retention and Disarming (WRD), Ground Avoidance/Ground Escape (GAGE), Spontaneous Knife Defense (SKD), Inmate Control, and Pressure Point Control Tactic (PPCT).

 

For the educational arena (School Resource Officers & Staff) they offer: Safe Schools Resource Officer (SRO) Training & Certifcation, Basic & Instructor Certification Classes in Human Factor Research School Safety ( Bullying) & Healthy Children and Disruptive Student Management (DSM).

 

They have also held "Surviving a Critical Incident Courses" for churches in Bossier City and will be glad to do the same with any church in your area.

 

Steve Risner said "We have contracted Joel Ponder, long time resident of Claiborne Parish, and designer/webmaster of many of our local area websites, to rebuild our website and we are very pleased with the fine job he is doing for a very affordable price. If any of you know someone who wants to start a website or has one that needs a facelift, we strongly recommend Mr. Ponder. You can contact Joel via his new website at: www.KCWD.com."


Local CPA Signs On as ClaiborneOne Sponsor

The accounting firm of Steven J. Koskie, CPA LLC has signed on as a sponsor of the ClaiborneOne website.


Steven J Koskie CPA LLCSteve Koskie, Managing Member of the firm said, "Back in the fall, we decided we were going to enhance our presence on the internet. So many people now use the internet as a key way to get news and information. By improving our website and overall web presence, we felt we could achieve two important goals. They are, first, to be of more service to our existing clients and, second, to more effectively reach out to new clients."


After reviewing the web traffic statistics for ClaiborneOne the decision to become a sponsor was made. "I was surprised by the amount of web traffic that goes through the ClaiborneOne web site. ClaiborneOne provides a great service as a 24 hour a day clearinghouse of parish news and information that reaches literally around the world."


Steven J. Koskie CPA LLC is located at 417 North Main Street in Homer. The firm focuses on preparing personal income tax returns, business income tax returns, and bookkeeping/accounting services for business. The firm also provides a variety of financial planning services for individuals and consulting services for business.


"Our experience covers a broad horizon. We have a lot of experience in oil & gas as regards income tax, lease negotiations, and royalty/working interest accounting. We also are very engaged in agricultural endeavors like poultry farming, timber farming and cattle operations. Through the years, I've helped manage some very significant investment portfolios of stocks, bonds, and limited partnerships. When it comes to helping businesses, having 10 years experience as a controller and CFO for significant private companies gives me a unique hands-on perspective of what business owners face in their daily lives. I know their problems and opportunities because I've lived with the very things they deal with everyday. Plus the fact that I've dealt with the day-to-day business decisions of my own firm for a decade."


"We look forward to serving the citizens and businesses of Claiborne Parish and the surrounding area for many years to come. We have a vested interest in the growth of the area and work hard to provide a high quality service. This means much more than delivering a tax return or a set of books to a client. We have the privilege of helping people live their lives and manage their resources. That responsibility to our clients is why we say our income tax, accounting and consulting services require we make a point to 'Provide more than numbers on a page'."


J.T. Taylor RealtyJ.T. Taylor Realty/Dimex Sales - Now Online

J.T. Taylor Realty has provided Real Estate Sales and Buyer Representation in Homer, Haynesville and Claiborne Parish for Commercial, Residential and Timberland Properties since 1984.


With over 56 years experience in the Commercial and Home Markets, J.T. Taylor offers a wealth of knowledge To Help You Avoid the Pitfalls of Buying, Selling or Remodeling a property!


For over 10 years, Dimex Sales has offered a full line of Portable Buildings for Home, Home/Office, Construction Sites, and Storage needs.

 

DNG ConsultingDNG Consulting - Now Online

Based in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, DNG Consulting, LLC provides a wide range of consulting services to meet the needs of a variety of client types. DNG Consulting assists clients in Mergers & Acquisitions, Management Organization Study & Re-structuring, Project Management, Critical Path Recovery Scheduling, Construction Claims Analysis, Business Development, Professional/Technical Recruitment Services and Fuel Services.

 

Don Grimes, President of DNG Consulting, and wife Bea are long time Claiborne Parish residents. The Grimes' have been involved in promoting Claiborne Parish for many years.


 

Key-Comp Web Design Announces the Opening of their Redesigned Website

Key-Comp Web Design was originally established in 1980 as Key-Comp Computer Services. Providing computer programming and support services in Monroe, LA, Ouachita Parish, re-locating to Claiborne Parish in September of 1987.


Key-Comp 2012Since 1996, Key-Comp has provided web site design, hosting and maintenance to a variety of businesses and organizations, including those in Homer, Haynesville, Tulsa, Monroe, Shreveport, El Dorado, and Gibsland.


Key-Comp's services also include Print/Web Ad design, Business Card design, Logo design, software training, system analysis/purchasing, custom database programming and Special Event & Family Reunion Photography. Visit Key-Comp's Portfolio to view their work.


Key-Comp is operated by, long time Claiborne Parish residents, Joel Ponder & Pam Thompson-Ponder (Pet Pampering Grooming & Boarding) with photography and graphics design assistance by their sons, Homer High grads, TJ & Tanner.


Key-Comp designed many of our local sites including ClaiborneOne.org (which includes Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Town of Homer & Town of Haynesville), ClaiborneSheriff.org, Claiborne Chamber of Commerce, J.T.Taylor Realty & Dimex Sales, Northeast Properties, Toney Johnson Real Estate, Advertising Unlimited, and DNG Consulting. Key-Comp's Portfolio presents legacy/retired designs that include Allison Law Firm (Shreveport), Homer Memorial Hospital, Hall Boat Lifts, Speech Language Pathology & Associates and Gibsland Bank & Trust.


Key-Comp's new sites are produced using the most current & popular Content Management Systems (CMS) that will allow their clients to easily add and/or delete content. Key-Comp has built this owner friendly functionality (password protected & secure) into their sites for years, however almost all of their clients have opted to depend upon Key-Comp for maintenance and updates - Key-Comp says "(Concentrate on Your Business - We'll Handle the Web)".


Redesign projects now underway include Golden Eagle Training & Safety and McMullan Realty (Springhill).


For more information on Key-Comp's services visit www.KCWD.com.

 

 


Claiborne One Site Now Features Area Image Archive

Archives Now Online include:


Money Available for New or Expanding Businesses in Homer

The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce now has monies to lend through the Revolving Loan Program. Anyone who is interested in starting a business or enlarging an existing business within Claiborne Parish may be eligible. These funds were received from the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program to assist small businesses and provide for jobs in Claiborne Parish. Loan preferences will be made on the basis of job creation. Further information may be obtained by contacting John Watson, Executive Director of the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce at (318) 927-3271. The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity provider. To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).


Smoke Detectors For The Elderly Offered through TRIAD

TRIAD of Claiborne wants all seniors age 65 and above, to have a smoke detector. You may also qualify if you're disabled. Having a smoke detector can mean the difference of life or death. Smoke detectors are available without charge. If you don't have a smoke detector, call 927-2011.

 

  
 
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The Guardian-Journal
 
The Guardian-Journal
620 North Main  |  PO Box 119  |  Homer, La 71040
Phone 318-927-3541  |  Fax 318-927-3542

Co-Owners
Kathryn H. Hightower Hilda Spillers Estate

Geraldine H. Hightower
Publisher
Michelle Bates
Editor
Official Journal
  Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Town of Homer, Villages of Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield and Junction City, La.
Subscription Rates (payable in advance)
Pricing Subject to Change Without Notice
Claiborne, Bienville, Lincoln, Webster and Union Parishes $28.00 per year
Inside the State of Louisiana, other than above $33.00 per year
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(Payments for subscriptions may be made to the above address)
Submissions
  Deadline for Advertisements and News Copy is Monday at 5 PM. Weddings and Engagements must be turned in for publication on the Friday prior to the desired publication date. Photographs must be in the newspaper office by 4 p.m. Friday, a $10.00 charge is placed on all photographs.
All "Letters to the Editor" must be signed.
 
We reserve the right to edit all news copy!
 
  
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