The Town Talk from Alexandria, Louisiana • Page 4

A-4 Friday, September 28, 1979 -nun liiiiMm i i II ii mi iji i.i hum i i ii. mi i iiliiiiiiii.i jwh.i i nimmiii mi iu. .1111,111 ,1 11,1,11 iiji ,11111 111,111111 1, 111 nj tiiiimi 1 11 awmmiliaaTfriitotiiiiiii.if MiiSSmmLmmmmJ Portable bleachers are moved to the parking lot of the Rapides Coliseum Prfnnrinn rOr Fnir 'B Preparation for the parish fair. The workmen are making room is the 1 1 tfsvi 11 ij 1 yi 1 uii livestock area where the bleachers are stored. The parish fair will be held Oct.

M4. (Town Talk Photo by Leandro Huebner) Loan Default Case Against Teen-Ager Dropped in Bunkie By Brace Schultz Town Talk Staff Writer MARKSVILLE -District Judge James X. Lee Thursday dismissed criminal charges filed by the Bunkie Bank and Trust Co. against a minor for allegedly defaulting on a $15,000 loan. The defendant, Mark Johnston of Bunkie, 18, who was 17 when the loan was made in April of 1978, was charged in a bill of information with theft, alleging he used fraud in obtaining the loan "with intent to deprive the owner of the money." Immediately after Lee's ruling, Jeanette Knoll, assistant district at-torney told the court writs will be sought with the state supreme court.

Johnston was defended by Bunkie attorneys Carol Aymond and David Townsend. Both attorneys were limited in their comments following the hearing. "We are very happy and pleased with his ruling," said Aymond. "We see no chance for further prosecution or litigation." Johnston's mother, who was seen crying ecstatically after the ruling, had to be led from the crowded courtroom. On Aug.

28, Lee ruled in Johnston's favor, dismissing a civil suit filed by the bank which requested payment for damages of $12,585 in connection with the loan and court costs. Lee's ruling Thursday came in a hearing to determine whether the bank's evidence was sufficient to bring the case to trial. Johnston waived his Fifth Amendment rights, taking the stand on his own behalf. He said bank officials had made a $4,000 loan and a $1,000 loan to him in 1977 and were aware he was under 18. Also called as defense witnesses were H.L.

Kelley, executive vice president of the Bunkie bank who made the loan to Johnston, and each of the bank's 12 directors, including Bunkie Mayor Warren Constance and attorney R.H. Luke, who had prepared the bank's case and instructed the preparation of the criminal affidavit. The bank officials were called as defense witnesses apparently to establish that they knew Johnston prior to making the loan. Another defense witness, Paul Moreau, said Johnston had gone to bank officials after notes for the loan became past due and attempted to establish an agreement for repayment. Moreau testified that the bank insisted either a lump sum be paid or guaranteed loan be made with Johnston's mother's house being used as collateral.

In his arguments to Lee for dismissing the charges, Aymond contended that Johnston lacked intent to deprive the bank of its money, as shown by Moreau's testimony and did not attempt to defraud. Aymond also brought out that he and Johnston had unsuccesfully offered a repayment proposal to the bank. Aymond argued that Johnston, as a minor, was protected from prosecution for his actions. He noted that bank officials could have determined Johnston's status as a minor by looking at his driver's license. "Anyone who deals with a minor, does so at his own peril," Aymond told the judge.

Succesful prosecution of those who fail to pay bills could serve to create a "debtors prison," Aymond argued. 266 Apply for Disaster Assistance 800-622-6656 may be called by anyone desiring information about assistance programs. A survey is being conducted now to determine the amount of public damage streets, highways, bridges, buildings, etc. Ms. Ficklen said applications for aid will be processed as quickly as possible, but people should not be in a hurry for answers to the requests.

"It takes time and that generally is weeks. It might be two or three weeks, and that might be longer in some instances," she said, adding this was merely an indication of the time needed to verify claims. Actual processing of approved loan or grant applications would require still more time, she said. Ms. Ficklen said also residents in parishes adjacent to the disaster areas who were victims of flooding may also be eligible for SBA loans.

She said, however, only the SBA loans, in accordance with the federal disaster declaration law, were made available to victims outside the actual disasters areas. The list of contiguous parishes includes: Xatchitoches. LaSalle, Grant. Avoyelles, Evangeline, Jerfferson Davis, Cameron and Beauregard. The matter of greatest interest to Thursday's applicants was low-interest loans, being offered by the Small Business Administration, for making repairs, said Ms.

Ficklen. She said there were 48 applications for temporary housing taken at the three centers, "but we've been told we can expect more." By Robert Morgan Town Talk Staff Writer Federal disaster centers accepted 266 applications for assistance Thursday, the first day of operation, from victims of last week's flooding. Applications were taken from 84 people in the Alexandria center, 83 people in the Oakdale center and 99 people in Lake Charles. Within its first hour of operation, Alexandria's disaster center had applications for assistance from 50 parish residents. The centers were established after Rapides, Allen and Calcasieu parishes were declared federal disaster areas in the wake of flush flooding last week.

Estimates of how many people were directly affected by the flooding remains indefinite, but a revised list shows about 500 homes in Rapides Parish were flooded, said Mary Ficklen, public information officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. An earlier survey indicated 1,200 homes in Rapides were damaged, but "apparently some of those were homes where the damages could be covered by the homeowners themselves," said Ms. Ficklen. The disaster centers are being operated 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

through Saturday and may remain open next week if necessary. Ms. Ficklen said a special center will be opened from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, the only center to be open that day, in Oberlin because "There are apparently pockets of residents who cannot get to the Oak-dale center. Additionally, she said a special "hot line" telephone number 1- Petition Filed to Close 'Unsafe' Vernon Jail "It is believed and specifically alleged that Deputy Willard Horton, the investigator for the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Department, intentionally sought to hide and otherwise coverup the details of the aforementioned acts" by Sturk and Thompson, the suit contends.

Crow, who is represented by DeRidder attorney C. Allen Bradley contends in the suit that his injury's cause resulted from violation of his constitutional rights against unreasonable search and seizure and the right to equal protection of the laws. The suit asks for $250,000 for past, present and future pain and suffering; $250,000 for past, present and future mental anguish; $200,000 for past, present and future loss of wages and lor past present and future medical expenses. A suit outlines the grievances of one party against another and does not present both sides of the issue in question. By Bruce Schultz Town Talk Staff Writer LEESVILLE The Vernon Parish Police Jury and Sheriff Frank Howard have been ordered to show cause on Oct.

15 why the parish jail should not be closed by the state fire marshal because of an alleged unsafe condition. The department of safety's petition for an injunction contends Howard and the jury failed to comply with an "order of correction dated July 12, 1979." The alleged violation of the state fire marshal's act involves failure to "provide and keep in operation while building is occupied, emergency illumination and directional signs." The state's suit, filed Monday in behalf of State Fire Marshal Daniel L. Kelly, requests that the jail be closed "until the orders of correction have been complied with." In an unrelated civil matter against Howard and three of his deputies, a Vernon Parish resident, Levi Crow, has filed a $900,000 damage suit, alleging that one of Howard's investigators "sought to hide up" details of an incident which involved the shooting of Crow. Crow's civil suit contends that on Sept. 22 he was followed by a car driven by deputies Ralph Thompson and Harold Stork.

"Thompson and Stork fired several shots into the air and making motions to Crow to pull his vehicle over to the side of the road," according to the suit. It further alleges that when Crow got out of his car, Thompson shot Crow ithout provocation and without probable injuring his leg severely." When Crow recuperated from the incident, the suit alleges, he attempted to discover why "deputies Stork and Thompson acted in the manner in which they acted." Briefs Eser Riding Club To Sponsor Show Esler Riding Club will sponsor an open jackpot show Saturday at the arena on the Hot Wells Road near England Air Force Base. Registration is at 1 p.m. and the show is at 2 p.m. There will be gate charge.

Events will be halter performance classes and timed events. For additional information, call 793-8345. Paper Queen Pageant ELIZABETH The second annual Paper Queen Pageant, originally scheduled Saturday in Elizabeth High School, has been rescheduled for Oct 13. Deadline for entries in the contest, open to daughters of company employees, has been set for Oct. 5.

Old Car Show The Cenla Old Car Club will hold its second annual show Saturday in Alexandria Mall. The cars will be on display during mall hours. Dick Johnson, club president, said about 20 old cars will be shown. Beginning Nov. 1, the club will meet in First Bank Pineville at 7 p.m.

Waterway Meeting NATCHITOCHES The Red River Waterway Commis. sion will hold its next meeting at 11 a.m. Oct. 11 in the Holiday Inn. Prior to the full commission meeting, the recreation committee will meet at 9 a.m.

This committee will hear reports from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' recreation planning team and comments from the RRWC staff. mi I HARDWARE STORES, ULCAKAHUE. Save 20-30-40 HARDWARE HOUSEHOLD 20 Off Household CUintrt Waxes and Polishes. 20' Off Wallpaper 20 OH G.E.

Light Bulbs 20-25 Off Pint 20 Off Sun Rafltctins Window Film 20 OK Barbecue Pits 40 Off Hitch Pint I Clevis 20 OH Fire Extinguithtr 30 Off 50 FL Nylon Rope and poly ropo 20 Off Ripping Hammers and 24" Levels. 20 OH Master Mechanic Tool Boxes 20 OH Mercury Lights Police Blotter Woman Arrested On 'Pot' Charges An Alexandria woman was arrested Thursday on charges of marijuana possession, marijuana cultivation and possession of controlled drugs. She was identified by police as Tammy J. Dezendorf, 19, of 625 Gene Ball Drive. Police went to her home about 1: 30 p.m.

after gunshots were reported there by neighbors, explained Cpl. Jimmy Chevalier, head of the joint city-parish narcotics team. Officers, including a narcotics agent who happened to be in the area, were busy trying to determine if anyone been shot (no one was) when they observed a growing marijuana plant at the house, Chevalier said. Further investigation resulted in the arrest of Ms. Dezendorf and the confiscation of a marijuana plant, a small amount of marijuana and a quantity of pills, police said.

Apparently the gunshots had been fired by someone in a pickup that; had been seen leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Chevalier noted. Burglary Suspect Jailed A burglary suspect was arrested inside Little Boy Blue Day Care Center at 2810 Harris St. Thursday night, police said. He was identified as Arthur R.

Weber, 26, of 1371 Huffman St. Police said he was arrested by Patrolmen Larry Coulee and Patricia Peters and that he was charged with simple burglary. Police are investigating four other burglaries reported Thursday. About $1,000 worth Of tools were taken from Alexandria Brake and Tune-up at 10th and Washington streets, police reported. Burglars also entered Pleasant Green Baptist Church at 3739 Milton Alley, St.

James Child Care Center at 1411 8th St. and Apartment 411 of Hickory Hill Apartments at 1305 Enterprise Rd. Nothing was taken in the church and St. James day care center break-ins, police said. About $1.50 was taken from the apartment.

Record Registration YULE PLATTE A new record has been set in the number of registered voters in Evangeline Parish, according to registrar of voters Herbert Fontenot Jr. Some 21,500 persons are now registered to vote in the' Oct. 27 primary, which Fontenot said is more than 96 percent of those persons eligible to register. Of that figure, 138 registered and 57 reported a change of address Wednesday the last day of registration. LAWN GARDEN AUTOMOTIVE Contriotor Wheelbarrow R.g.

$84.99 Now 49.99 Lawn Cart Reg. $24.99 Now 18.99 20 Off Ortho Product! 20 Off Scottt Fertilizer 1 Gal. Gat Can Ret 1.89 Now 99o 20 OH Jacobian Lawnchitl LawnMowm I Lb. Spimini Maul Re. 17.99 40 OH Auto Fan Belts Hoses 20 OH Spark Plugs 20 OH All Auto Accessorial (Excludes Oil) Plus Many Mori Instore Spacials! Candidate's Pullout Questioned BATON ROUGE (UPI) Commissioner of elections candidate Lynne Hair today said one of the candidates in the race removed his name from the ballot under questionable circumstances, and she asked the state attorney general to investigate the incident.

She said the removal was "certain" to benefit Jerry Fowler, an opponent and the son of incumbent Doug Fowler who is retiring at the end of his current term. Mrs. Hair said polls had shown 6 to 7 percent of the voters who wanted to vote for Jerry Fowler would have been confused by the name of the candidate who pulled out, Tom Fowler of Monroe. She said Tom Fowler filed his withdrawal papers In the home of Robert Hughes, a secretary of state official, after office hours of the last day to pull out In time to have his name removed from the ballot. Offer Good Thru October 15, 1979 VISA' The Man With Experience ELECT RYAN HARDWARE UROWARE STORES.

Robert (Bob) Stewart Clerk of Court No. 94 Crossword Fun The Town Talk's daily crossword puzzle is a fun thine for the entire family. UNUSUAL CABINET HARDWARE Open all day Satarday HILL, HARRIS mmmmmmmmtmam Open Mon. Frl. 8 AM 6i30 PM; Sat.

to PM 2208 MEMORIAL OR. PH. 442.0223 Across From The Mailt (Pol. Adv. Paid for by Pin Dyer, Jr.).