Prayers abound for Holloway toddler
Photo courtesy of the Holloways
Emilee Holloway sits up in a wheelchair
for the first time on Monday afternoon following a left hemispherectomy on
Wednesday, September 19. Her proud father, Brad Holloway, is pictured with her.
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
community came together as one in prayer for one special little girl.
Little
Emilee Holloway has now had her surgery and is well on her way in recovery.
Last Wednesday, September 19, Emilee had a left hemispherectomy where they
removed a portion of her brain and disconnected the rest in order to stop
debilitating seizures that would have eventually ended her life. Social media
Facebook came alive with people wearing their “I’m Praying for Emilee Holloway”
t-shirts and the family giving hourly updates as their little girl underwent
surgery.
On
Facebook, Jennifer and Brad Holloway, Emilee’s parents, gave thanks to everyone
who said a prayer and wore the t-shirts. Jennifer also thanked everyone for
their support and asked everyone to continue praying as the road ahead will be
a long one.
Facebook
posts from so many in Claiborne Parish and beyond were full of posts like
“Praying!”, “Still praying!”, “Praying for this little girl,” and so many more.
“All
the donations, wearing all the t-shirts and the prayers -- thank you! Without
all the prayers, I don’t think we would be as far as we are,” Jennifer said.
“We are so overwhelmed with all the people who’ve supported us and care about
what’s happening to her. Please keep praying for Emilee.”
As of
press time, Emilee will be seven days out of surgery, and as of Saturday,
September 22, she’s doing as well as can be expected. Doctors are saying the swelling
in her brain is down, Holloway said, and she’s moving her right leg.
On
Sunday, she was moved from the pediatric intensive care unit into another room,
where she will undergo intensive therapy for at least the next five weeks.
She
will also be receiving therapy for several years once she comes home, which
will includes occupational, speech and physical therapy.
April
Smith, Emilee’s aunt, posted on Facebook Saturday that Emilee is strong and is
doing well given the circumstances.
“She
just rolled over on her side, which is a very good sign of how strong she is!!”
Smith posted. “She has been through more pain and discomfort in the past 4
[sic] days than most of us will endure in our lifetime and she is handling (it)
better than I would! Stay strong Miss Emilee!!”
Another
positive sign is Emilee’s sensitivity levels have changed as well.
“She
used to not let you hold her hand, but now, she’ll grab my hand or Brad’s hand
and won’t let go,” Jennifer said.
Emilee
and her family are at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
Jennifer has begun a scrapbook chronicling Emilee’s journey as well as all the
cards and well wishes so that when she gets older she can see how much she is
loved and supported by her community.
For
those who wish to send cards or well wishes, please send them to Cook
Children’s Medical Center, Emilee Holloway Room 437, 801 7th Avenue, Ft. Worth,
TX 76104.
Missing
Authorities in Claiborne Parish are
asking for the public’s help in locating Maurice Gipson. They say a family
member reported Gipson missing on Monday, August 27. Gipson left his residence
on Glass Creek Road in Claiborne Parish walking to Haynesville, and no one has
heard from him since.
Gipson is a 41-year-old black male, weighing
about 160 pounds and is five feet 11 inches tall.
Anyone with any information concerning
the whereabouts of Maurice Gipson is asked to contact the Claiborne Parish
Sheriff’s Office at 318-927-2011.
Warrants lead to arrest
A
six-week investigation ended with the arrest of a Haynesville man on several
drug charges.
Lindsey
Joe French, 45, was arrested on Friday, September 21, and charged with three
counts of distribution of Schedule II CDS (cocaine), with bond set at $30,000
on each count, possession/carrying of a concealed weapon by a felon, with bond
to be set and possession with intent to distribute Schedule II CDS (cocaine),
with bond to be set.
According
to a press release from the Claiborne Narcotic Enforcement Team (CNET), Agent
James Spillers stated that in August, CNET personnel initiated the
investigation of French after receiving information that he was distributing
quantities of cocaine in the Haynesville area. This investigation resulted in
CNET obtaining three arrest warrants on the distribution charges for French.
Additionally, CNET obtained a search warrant for French’s residence, located at
1070 Marietta Drive in Haynesville.
On the
date of French’s arrest, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office’s (CPSO) Felony
Arrest and Search Team (FAST) executed the search warrant at his residence.
Upon initial entry into the residence, FAST encountered three subjects, which
were secured without incident.
One of
the subjects, French, was immediately placed under arrest. Once the residence
was safe and secure, CPSO K-9 Officer Aaron Christian and his partner, Rico,
conducted a search of the residence, outbuildings and vehicles.
The
results of this search led case agent Detective Adrian Malone and assisting
personnel to locate and seize a quantity of crack cocaine, Schedule III and IV
pharmaceutical drugs, weighing scales, currency and a firearm.
Upon
completion of the search, French was transported to the Claiborne Parish
Detention Center for booking on the above charges.
Upon
completion of this investigation, it is expected that French will be charged
for other violations related to the Schedule III and IV pharmaceutical drugs in
his possession at the time of his arrest.
Sheriff
Ken 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 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.
Abuse charges lead to arrests
The Guardian-Journal
A
domestic call to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office ended in the arrest of
two people on Saturday.
According
to a news release, Deputy J.T. Williams, assisted by Deputies David Morgan and
John Eric Stephenson, responded to a domestic violence call on Cypress Bottom
Road. Deputies discovered the altercation had taken place between Angel Evelyn
Summerfield, 46, and Gregory K. Bailey, 43, both of Haynesville.
Upon
assessing the situation, deputies arrested Summerfield and transported her to
the Claiborne Parish Women’s Jail. Summerfield is charged with domestic abuse
battery with bond to be set.
Deputies
also arrested Bailey and transported him to the Claiborne Parish Detention
Center (CPDC) on a charge of domestic abuse battery with bond to be set.
In a
separate incident, on Friday, September 14, Deputy Heath Tingle was conducting
routine traffic patrol and observed a vehicle make a right turn and cross over
the white fog line. Tingle initiated a traffic stop and observed a passenger in
the vehicle constantly moving around.
The
passenger was identified as Ashley J. Staggs, 28, of Homer.
A
search of the vehicle revealed what appeared to be several marijuana seeds and
stems and a cigar which is commonly used for smoking marijuana. Tingle also
found a small bag of marijuana lying on the ground beside the driver’s door.
Staggs
stated the marijuana belonged to him and that he threw it out of the driver’s
door as the driver exited the vehicle.
Staggs
was placed under arrest and transported to CPDC and charged with possession of
marijuana, third offense with a bond of $3,000.
In
another separate incident, on Friday, September 21, Tingle was called to assist
Louisiana State Police Trooper J.C. Kelly on a traffic stop on Hwy. 9 in
Claiborne Parish.
Upon
completion of the stop, Tingle placed Jimmy J. Norton, 39, of Homer, under
arrest for violation of headlamps on motor vehicles and possession of
marijuana. Norton was transported to CPDC where he was booked on these charges
and given a bond of $500 on each charge for a total bond of $1,000.
Claiborne Parish Fair October 14-20
The Guardian-Journal
The
Claiborne Parish Fair is just around the corner and it’s expected to be a
blast!
Officially
opening on Tuesday, October 16, at 5 p.m., following the Claiborne Parish Fair
Parade at 4 p.m., several specials will be going on, along with livestock
shows, arts and crafts, and the Claiborne Parish Fair Queen pageant. There is
sure to be fun for everyone!
A
schedule of events is as follows:
Sunday, October 14
1 until
4 p.m.: School and Club poster displays; set up in north end, General Exhibit
entries accepted. (No bakery items accepted, only canned foods.)
1 p.m.:
Livestock to begin arriving
4 p.m.:
Start weighing goats, lambs and swine
6 p.m.:
Deadline for goat, lamb, swine and commercial heifer weigh-in
Monday, October 15
9 a.m.
until 5 p.m.: General exhibit entries and fresh crops and vegetables accepted
(No bakery items accepted, only canned foods.) School and Poster Displays set
up (Exception -- Art and photography accepted only until noon.)
6 p.m.:
4-H Poultry and Egg Cookery Contest, all dairy and beef cattle must be in barn
(Exception: Dairy Cows in milk must arrive morning of dairy show.) All entries
must be in the barn.
Tuesday, October 16 (School students will only go to
school a half day)
9 until
10 a.m.: Bakery items accepted and fresh vegetables accepted
10
a.m.: Judging of all entries and poultry (except livestock), General Exhibit
judging
4 p.m.:
Claiborne Parish Fair Parade (2012 Grand Marshals will be Nurlie Foster and
J.C. Ruple)
4 p.m.
until closing: CARNIVAL OPENS!!!!
5 p.m.:
Judge goats and lambs, judge market and breeding swine
Wednesday, October 17
9 a.m.
until noon: School Group Day (Day care, Pre-k through fourth grades
2 until
4 p.m.: Bingo at the South End of the Fair Building
4 p.m.:
Claiborne Parish Rabbit Show (Livestock Barn)
6 p.m.:
CARNIVAL OPEN!!!!
6 p.m.:
Judge dairy and beef
Thursday, October 18
6 p.m.:
CARNIVAL OPENS!!!!
6 p.m.:
Buyers Supper for all Sales Supporters
7 p.m.:
Junior Livestock Sale
Friday, October 19
9 until
11 a.m.: Remove all exhibits and displays
6 p.m.:
CARNIVAL OPEN!!!!
Saturday, October 20
9 a.m.
until 3 p.m.: Antique and Vintage Tractor and Equipment Show
(Registration from 8 until 9 a.m.)
6 p.m.
until closing: CARNIVAL OPEN!!!!
5 p.m.:
Claiborne Parish Fair Queen Pageant (Rules and entry forms will be printed in
the local newspapers)
This
year’s Claiborne Parish Fair Association includes the 2012 Fair Directors T.N.
“Tip” Sherman, president, Wayne Kilpatrick, vice president, Clair Traylor,
secretary, Charles Garrett, treasurer. Board members include Janell Brown,
Sherline Carver, Tim Crittendon, Lillie Harper, Brandy Holt, J.R. Holt, Nan
Liles, Jimmy Monzingo, J.C. Ruple, Carla Smith, Herbert Taylor, Buddy Thomas
and Bill Traylor. Advisors to the board are Dr. P. Colyer, Teresa Raley and Lee
Faulk.
For
more information on contests and contest rules (excluding the Fair Queen
Pageant), please pick up a copy of the Claiborne Parish Fair Catalog at any of
the following locations: Homer and Haynesville City Halls, Curves, Ted’s
Pharmacy, Killgore’s Pharmacy, Fred Smith and Sons, All Homer Banks, Claiborne
Extension Office, Gibsland Bank and Trust in Athens and Carla’s Cut & Curl.
Flu shots now available
Seasonal
flu shots are now available at the Claiborne Parish Health Unit, 624 West Main
Street in Homer.
Groups
eligible to receive influenza vaccine through the health unit are as follows:
• All
children aged six months to 18 years
• All
persons aged 50 years and older
•
Adults and children who have certain medical conditions such as diabetes,
asthma, heart/lung disease, etc.
•
Persons who have immunosuppression
• Women
who are or plan to be pregnant during the influenza season
•
Children and adolescents who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
•
Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
•
American Indians/Alaska Natives
•
Persons who are morbidly obese
Clinics
will begin Thursday, September 27, and shots will be given on a daily basis,
except for the second and fourth Mondays of each month. They will be given
between 8 and 11 a.m., and between 1 and 3 p.m. each day.
People
are asked to bring their Medicaid cards for billing purposes. For those who are
not covered by these programs, there is a $10 administrative fee.
For
more information, please call the Claiborne Parish Health Unit at 318-927-6127.
A look at what’s on November’s ballot
School board term limits, amendments top
list
The Guardian-Journal
While
the presidential election will be the hottest topic on the November 6 ballot,
there are a few other things voters will be asked to vote on.
In
Claiborne Parish, voters will be asked to decide if school board members should
be term limited. According to Act 386, (House Bill 292), each school district
that doesn’t have a school board that is already term limited will have to vote
as to whether to term limit school board members or not.
Currently,
Claiborne Parish’s school board members are not term limited. If voters decide
their school board members should be term limited, then “each member of the
school board of that district who at the end of a term of office on the board
will have served as a member of the board for more than two and one-half terms
in three consecutive terms, such service being during terms that began on or
after January 1, 2014, shall not be elected to the board for the succeeding
term.”
If
voters decide against it, “no such term limitation shall apply in that
district.”
The
bill was authored by Representatives Steven E. Pugh, District 73, Simone B.
Champagne, District 49, Cameron Henry, District 82, Nick Larusso, District 94
and Kirk Talbot, District 78.
It was
signed into law by Gov. Bobby Jindal on May 31.
Also on
the ballot are several proposed constitutional amendments, of which one and two
will be discussed in this piece. Discussion of three through nine will follow
in the weeks leading up to the election on November 6.
Proposed
Constitutional Amendment No. 1
Act No.
873 Senate Bill No. 82, Regular Session 2012
Do you
support an amendment to prohibit monies in the Medicaid Trust Fund for the
Elderly from being used or appropriated for other purposes when adjustments are
made to eliminate a state deficit (Ads Article VII, Section 10(F)(4)(g))
According
to the Louisiana Constitution, currently the law authorizes the legislature to
establish a procedure to determine if there will be a projected deficit and an
adequate method for adjusting appropriations to eliminate the projected
deficit. It exempts the following funds: (a) The Bond Security and Redemption
Fund or any bonds secured thereby, or any other funds pledged as security for
bonds or other evidences of indebtedness; (b) Severance tax and royalty
allocations to parishes; (c) State and statewide retirement system
contributions; (d) The Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund; (e) The
Millennium Trust, except appropriations from the trust; and (f) Monies not
required to be deposited in the state treasury.
If this
proposed amendment passes and is signed into law, it keeps the current law but
also adds the Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly to those exemptions. In other
words, the legislature would not be able to touch these funds to eliminate the
state deficit.
This
bill was a joint resolution authored by Senator Sherri Smith Buffington,
District 38, and Representative Marcus L. Hunter, District 17.
Proposed
Amendment No. 2
Act No.
874 Senate Bill No. 303, Regular Session, 2012
Do you
support an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Louisiana to provide
that the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right and any restriction
of that right requires the highest standard of review by a court? (Amends
Article I, Section 11)
Right
now, the constitution provides that the right of each citizen to keep and bear
arms shall not be abridged and this provision shall not prevent the passage of
laws to prohibit carrying a concealed weapon.
The
proposal provides that the right of each citizen to keep and bear arms is
fundamental and shall not be infringed. It further provides that any
restriction on this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny. It also deletes
the provision relating to the passage of laws to prohibit carrying a concealed
weapon.
This
bill was authored by Senators Neil Riser, District 32, Robert Adley, District
36, Bret Allain, District 21, Jody Amedee, District 18, Sherri Smith
Buffington, District 38, Norby Chabert, District 20, A.G. Crowe, District 1,
Dale M. Erdey, District 13, Elbert L. Guillory, District #24, Ronnie Johns,
District 27, Bob Kostelka, District 35, Eric LaFleur, District 28, Dan Morrish,
District 25, Ben Nevers, District 12, Barrow Peacock, District 37, Jonathan
Perry, District 26, Gary Smith, District 19, John Smith, District 30, Francis
Thompson, District 34, Mike Walsworth, District 33, Rick Ward, District 17 and
Bodi White, District 6.
Also
authored by Representatives Bryan Adams, District 85, “Andy” Anders, District
21, James Armes, District 30, John Berthelot, District 88, Stuart Bishop,
District 43, Christopher Broadwater, District 86, Richard Burford, District 7,
Henry Burns, District 9, Thomas Carmody, District 6, Simone B. Champagne,
District 49, Charles Chaney, District 19, Raymond Garofalo, District 103, Jerry
Gisclair, District 54, Hunter Greene, District 66, Lance Harris, District 25,
Kenneth Havard, District 62, Cameron Henry, District 82, Bob Hensgens, District
47, Valarie Hodges, District 64, Frank Hoffmann, District 15, Paul Hollis,
District 104, Marcus Hunter, District 17, Eddie Lambert, District 59,
Christopher Leopold, District 105, Anthony Ligi, District 79, Nick Lorusso,
District 94, Sherman Mack, District 95, Gregory Miller, District 56, Jack
Montoucet, District 42, Jay Morris, District 14, James Morris, District 1,
Stephen Ortego, District 39, Erich Ponti, District 69, Steve Pylant, District
20, Gene Reynolds, District 10, Jerome Richard, District 55, Clay Schexnayder,
District 81, John Schroder, District 77, Alan Seabaugh, District 5, Scott
Simon, District 74, Kirk Talbot, District 78, Major Thibaut, District 18, Jeff
Thompson, District 8, and Lenar Whitney, District 53.
Goode formally arraigned
The Guardian-Journal
A
former Haynesville Police Officer has been arraigned on drug charges.
Ricky
Goode has pled not guilty to charges of prohibited person in possession of a
firearm and ammunition and a misdemeanor charge of possession of hydrocodone,
according to Jim Cowles, Assistant U.S. Attorney prosecuting the case.
A status
conference has been set for Thursday, October 11, at which time a trial date
will be set. The case is assigned to J. Hicks, the Shreveport Division, Cowles
said in an email to The Guardian-Journal.
Goode
is represented by Steve Hanson, of Monroe, and has been released on bond.
The
firearm possession charge is a felony, and if convicted, Goode could serve up
to 10 years in prison. If convicted on the misdemeanor charge of possession of
hydrocodone, he could serve up to one year in prison.
According
to a press release, in July, Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey received a
call in regards to Goode. At that time, an investigation by the Claiborne
Narcotic Enforcement Team (CNET) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
was launched, and through a coordinated effort between the two agencies, the
investigation resulted in the seizure of Schedule III CDS Hydrocodone and a .40
caliber Glock semi-automatic pistol.
According
to a CNET press release at the time of the investigation, the two agencies
conducted a sting operation during which Goode purchased a quantity of the
hydrocodone.
“Goode
made this purchase while on duty, in uniform and armed with his service
weapon,” the press release stated. “After making this purchase, Goode was
dispatched just south of Haynesville on U.S. 79, where he was detained without
incident.”
The
narcotics that were purchased illegally as well as Goode’s service weapon were
seized by the FBI. Goode was then transported to Shreveport for booking on
federal charges, but the U.S. Attorney’s Office requested that Goode be
released pending presentation of the facts to a federal grand jury.
Hill Farm Research Station Tour October
9
A tour
of the LSU AgCenter’s Hill Farm Research Station will be going on most of the
day at 11959 Hwy. 9 in Homer.
The
morning tour will provide a general tour of the station that includes forage
management for warm-season pastures, beef cattle research overview, heating
options for poultry houses and planting and thinning strategies for loblolly
pine trees.
Registration
and exhibits will be from 9 until 9:30 a.m., the general tour from 9:30 until
11 a.m., director’s updates from 11 until 11:30 a.m. with a free lunch
provided, beef or forestry tours from 1 until 3:30 p.m.
To
RSVP, or for more information, please call
318-927-2578. This event qualifies for continuing education credits for
veterinarians and certified foresters.
Homer Police receives grant
The Homer Police Department received a grant
from Claiborne Electric’s Operation Round Up to install a new phone system. The
grant, for $3,500, will upgrade the current phone system, which is very old and
outdated. The new phone system will have voicemail for all officers, add phone
lines as well as more phones in all the offices. It will be easier for the
public to communicate with any one individual officer at any given time.
Pictured from left are Homer Police Chief Russell Mills, Bob Bond, Operation
Round Up Board Member, and Lt. Roger Smith.
Haynesville Industrial Park sale begins
The Guardian-Journal
The
Haynesville Town Council gave Mayor Sherman Brown the authority to move forward
with the sale of the Haynesville Industrial Park.
In
Thursday’s council meeting, the council gave him permission to begin
negotiating with East Tech Crude on Plywood Road for the purchase of the
property. An appraisal, done by Realtor J.T. Taylor, was estimated at nearly
$74,000, which is higher than what the town paid for it, Brown said.
In
order for the sale to go through without putting it up for public bid, the
property must be used for economic or industrial purposes. Mineral rights will
remain with Marathon Oil.
The
property is fronted by U.S. 79, L&NW Railroad and Plywood Road.
The
sale of the property would create jobs, add an office and a truck terminal.
In the
Citizens Advisory Committee report, Bob McDaniel gave an update, but first said
a few words about Mr. and Mrs. Donald Perkins. Mr. Perkins recently passed away
resulting from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. His wife and
another passenger were declared deceased at the scene.
“Mr.
Perkins will be greatly missed,” McDaniel said. “He and his wife have been
there for many community projects.”
Some of
those projects include the Citywide Cleanup, the Citywide Rummage Sale, among
many others. The Perkins’ were also members of CAC.
Getting
to the business at hand, McDaniel said the new HVAC units for the Claiborne
Parish Fair Complex building are on order. Using funds raised from this year’s
Potluck fundraiser, four oscillating fans were installed, as well as three
ceiling fans over the stage area. Many thanks went to Kenneth Cooper who
installed the fans.
McDaniel
said also that Cooper would take care of the wiring for the new HVAC units.
Also
installed were new electrical outlets in the fair building, and the pavilion
now has outlets.
The
Haynesville Beautification Committee donated the money for the fans.
The
next Haynesville Citywide Cleanup will be Saturday, November 10, beginning at 8
a.m. at the Main Street front porch, at the intersection of U.S. 79 and Main
Street. The CAC and the Town of Haynesville will provide the materials for the
cleanup. Teachers in the local schools will encourage students to participate.
On a
sad note, McDaniel said he is resigning from the CAC, saying he has too many
irons in the fire at this moment. He said he would still be around to offer his
suggestions and expertise when needed. District 2 Councilman Herb Taylor will
present a replacement on the committee in next month’s meeting out of respect
for Mr. Perkins.
In
other news, Dawson Beene has been appointed as Superintendent of Streets
following the retirement of C.W. Williams.
Also, a
reminder: The October meeting of the Haynesville Town Council has been moved to
Monday, October 22 due to conflicting schedules with the clerk’s conference as
well as the Claiborne Parish Fair, which will both be going on during the
regularly scheduled date for the town council meeting.
Accident injures one
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
A rollover vehicle accident sent the
driver to the hospital Tuesday afternoon as she was headed home. According to
officials at the scene, she was headed northbound on Hwy. 9 South when she left
the roadway on the right side, overcorrected to the left and rolled her vehicle
where it came to rest on the shoulder of the road. Louisiana State Police Troop
G worked the scene as Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s deputies directed traffic. The
driver was transported to Homer Memorial Hospital with what officials said
appeared to be minor injuries. As of press time, the driver’s name had not been
released. Pictured above, Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Christian
assesses the scene.
