Hattiesburg American from Hattiesburg, Mississippi • 14

14A Saturday, March 27, 1999 Hattiesburg AMERICAN PINE BELT 'Natural Born Killers' producer must testify Byers was shot and paralyzed by The Associated Press RURAL REVIVAL: Robert Jackson, head of the Quitman County Development Organization, discusses efforts to generate support for the more than 60 community development organizations in rural areas of the state during a news conference Friday at the Capitol in Jackson. The event was to promote the "Stand Up for Rural Mississippi" project. Program urges support for rural aid program Couple convicted of fraud get to vote JACKSON (AP) The Mississippi House voted Friday to restore the right to vote to former Walthall County Sheriff Warren Slater and his wife, Janie, who were convicted of state fraud charges stemming from the use of county money to pay for repairs to a private vehicle. Slater, who had been elected sheriff in 1995, was convicted on two counts of fraud and two lesser offenses of unauthorized appropriations in August 1997. He was removed from office.

Janie Slater, a volunteer in the sheriff's office, was found guilty of wire fraud and a lesser offense of unauthorized appropriation. The two were given suspended sentences and placed on probation for five years. Slater sent his 1985 Chevrolet Caprice to Taylor Automotive in Franklinton, on June 17, 1996, and had repairs charged to the county. The indictment claimed that Slater reported the work was done on a county-owned car. The suffrage bill for Janie Slater passed the House without opposition, but the bill for the ex-sheriff ran afoul of lawmakers concerned of allegations that Slater had violated the civil rights of a prisoner in his custody.

The bill passed 93-18. In March 1998, Slater was found innocent of federal charges he violated a prisoner's civil rights. He had been accused of hitting Lester Pittman in the head with a flashlight during an arrest in Pike County on Aug. 23, 1996. Rep.

David Myers, D-McComb, who brought up the civil rights case, said lawmakers deserved all the facts about Slater before voting to restore his right to vote. Myers said he believes a civil case is pending in the Pike County incident. Rep. Clint Rotenberry, R-Mendenhall, said nothing about a possible civil rights violation was brought to the attention of the Judiciary Committee. Promoter gets escort to court MUSKOGEE, Okla.

(AP) U.S. marshals will escort a Wagoner racetrack promoter to a federal court in Mississippi following his decision to waive a court appearance here. On Friday, U.S. Magistrate James Payne ordered Charles Kel-ley, 63, the chief executive officer of the World Racing Association of Wagoner, to be returned to Jackson. Kelley faces a federal hearing on whether his supervised release should be revoked.

He missed a scheduled court appearance in Jackson last week and was later arrested at a state park near Wagoner. Kelley has four state and federal felony convictions. I MdlAlsfeMdlfe I II 1 Hattiesburg City Limits Sj Petal City Limits tmmmmm vctai 1 s) PalrnerVs. Suit says movie led to shooting AMITE, La. (AP) Moviemaker Oliver Stone has been ordered to give a deposition in Louisiana in a lawsuit claiming that his film "Natural Born Killers" was responsible for the shooting of a convenience store clerk.

Stone is set to give sworn testimony to attorneys on April 14 in Amite, said Joe Simpson, one of the attorneys for Patsy Byers, who was paralyzed in a robbery-shooting involving two teenagers. A hearing on the suit is set in state district court for April 19. Stone's attorneys have asked State District Judge Bob Morrison to throw out the case. But Simpson said he plans to ask Morrison to postpone the hearing. Simpson also said he expects Stone's attorneys to attempt to delay his deposition.

The Byers family, including Patsy Byers' husband, Lonnie, and their three children filed stoit against Stone and Time Warner, which was involved in the movie's production and release to theaters and home video. They are asking for unspecified damages after Patsy 582-STOP The following is a roundup of crimes reported to area agencies within the previous 24 hours. Hattiesburg Area B02 Radar detector stolen from a 1991 Toyota, Scottish Inn, reported by Emett Rob-son Currency stolen, 714 N. 29th Malibu Apartments, reported by Ron Holtz, value $1,200 Area B03 A .357 magnum, a cell phone, a gym bag and $39 in cash stolen from 1996 Silverado, PoBoy Express, reported by George Underwood Area B04 Video game, Sony PlayStation, three CDs stolen, 1002 Charles reported by Andre Nelson, value $280 Area D05 Three bank bags with currency and checks stolen, 1600 East Hardy reported by Angela Brealand, value $1,500 Area E08 Checkbook, sweatpants and CD player stolen, 801 N. 28th Pepper Tree Apartments, reported by Daniel Anderson, value $20 Forrest County Tonya T.

Price, 25, Columbia, jailed Friday on charge of aggravated assault; released on bond Friday Phyllis M. Hughes, 34, 300 block of Vernon Damher Drive, jailed Friday on charge of shoplifting Jessie J. Bradley, 22, 1200 I H'i FfW Hattiesburg EMERGENCY 91 1 fj (PO) E07 CRIME STOPPERS 1 a Coast, like we've taken care of Tupelo and DeSoto County, then we can go forward in the new millennium and be one Mississippi, a progressive united Mississippi," she said. Sen. Willie Simmons, D-Cleve-land, said some homes in Mississippi have no running water and families have not felt the impact of the strong national economy.

"It is moving toward death unless you that are concerned do get involved and policymakers take a look at rural Mississippi and do something," he said. Mississippi community development organizations serve more than 13,000 people with programs involving child care, health care, homeowner counseling, transportation services, youth services, voter education, small business assistance, senior services, emergency food assistance and shelter assistance. Jackson said the organizations need more funding. Bruce Crain, who heads Fannie Mae in Mississippi, said his government-chartered organization has helped teachers in the Delta get homes. "Mississippi is only as strong as its weakest and smallest communities.

That's why we have to bring along all of our communities in order for all Mississippi to move forward," he said. ay Sarah Edmondson in 1995. Patsy Byers, 38, died of cancer in 1997. Edmondson, daughter of a district judge in Oklahoma and niece of the Oklahoma attorney general, and her then-boyfriend Benjamin Darras went on a gruesome crime spree in 1995 after repeatedly watching the movie, "Natural Born Killers," authorities have said. Byers was shot during an armed robbery at a Ponchatoula convenience store and a Mississippi man was murdered at his cotton gin.

Edmondson pleaded guilty to shooting Byers, and Darras pleaded guilty to shooting and killing Bill Savage of Hernando, Miss. Byers' attorneys maintain the movie played a role in the violence and that Stone and Time Warner bear some responsibility for the product they produced. Stone's attorneys, including Hammond attorney Alton Lewis, claimed the suit threatens First Amendment rights to free speech. But the U.S. Supreme Court disagreed with their argument and sent the case back to the state court.

Lewis was out of the office Friday and could not comment, his office said. block of Deason Avenue, jailed Friday on charge of sale of a controlled substance Shirley Ann Lewis, 25, 100 block of East Eighth Street, jailed Friday on charge of embezzlement Calvin D. Johnson, 19, 1200 block of Deason Street, jailed Friday on charge of sale of a controlled substance Deborah Marcello, 40, 200 block of Sandy Run Road, jailed Friday on charge of probation violation Numbers to know Hattiesburg Police: 544-7900 Forrest Co. Sheriff: 544-7800 Petal Police: 544-5331 Lamar Co. Sheriff: 544-2412 Purvis Police: 794-6512 Sumrall Police: 758-3531 Jones Co.

Sheriff: 425-3147 Laurel Police: 425-4711 Perry Co. Sheriff: 964-8461 FBI: 582-8202 Highway Patrol: 582-3529 Never put a contact lens in your mouth. This may cause infection. Sunglasses are not only useful for ultraviolet protection, but also for reducing wind that may dehydrate your eyes. Alzheimer's: 800-621-0379 Al-Anon: 800-627-1402 American Cancer Society: 800-ACS-2345 Sudden Infant Death: 800-232-7437 Child Find: 800-292-9688 Child Abuse: 800-422-4453 Compulsive Gambling: 800-522-4700 Juvenile Diabetes Foundation 800-223-1138 Vietnam Veterans of America: 800-775-8387 Runaway Switchboard Hotline: 800-621-4000 JACKSON (AP) Indianola secretary Deborah Randle used to live in rat- and roach-infested, rundown apartment because she was turned down repeatedly by banks for a home loan.

The mother of one now owns a new three-bedroom house, and she shared her story Friday as part of a program to promote the challenges facing rural Missis-sippians. "Stand Up for Rural Mississippi" is designed to generate support for the more than 60 community development organizations in rural areas of the state. Randle, 42, said she had been turned down for home loans by banks and mortgage companies because of her salary. "Everywhere I went the door was closed to me. Then the Lord led me to Delta Housing (Development Corp).

I didn't think I was going to get it because everybody else had turned me down," she said. Delta Housing teamed Randle up with other families and she helped in the construction of her house three years ago. "My self-esteem went high. It made me feel special, like a dream come true. It was exhilarating," she said.

Robert Jackson, head of the Quitman County Development Organization, said rural Missis-sippians face serious economic and housing problems. William S. McCart ELLISVILLE Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. today at Mack Brown Cemetery for William S. McCart, 81, of Ellisville, who died March 25, 1999 at South Central Regional Medical Center.

Mr. McCart was retired from the Nehi Bottling Plant and was a member of the Baptist faith. Survivors include one son, Marvin Strickland of Wiggins; two daughters, Paid Announcement ARNNIE E. REID Services were scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday March 25 at White Funeral Home for Arnnie E.

Reid, 64, of Lumberton, who died March 23, 1999 at Forrest General Hospital. Burial was in Slade Cemetery in Lumberton. Mr. Reid was a musician and member of Slade Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Iona M.

Reid of Lumberton; five sons, Mark L. Reid, Jimmy E. Reid and Jeromy H. Reid, all of Lumberton, Steven W. Reid of Jacksonville, N.C.

and Eric S. Reid of Pensacola, two daughters, Rhonda Eisert of Saucier and Pamela Rhoad-es of Starkville; two sisters, Patsy Bracewell and Florence Bullock, both of Lumberton; eight brothers, Roger D. Reid, Rayford Reid, Lonnie Reid, Bobby Reid, Billy Reid, all of Lumberton, and Carl Reid of Tylertown; Edmond Bond, Henry Earl Bond of Lumberton; 17 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. White Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. JACKSON (AP) Rural community organizations in Mississippi are responsible for: Developing 1 ,389 homes Repairing 791 homes Assisting 449 small businesses Creating 2,018 jobs Source: Urban Institute "We're trying to make our plight known to the powers that be.

Otherwise we'd be forgotten," Jackson said after a Friday rally at the Capitol. George Washington of Indianola, who grew up on a farm, said many city residents "have no idea how hard it is to get a house, you're living in an old shack, trying to make it" in the country. Washington, 44, a meter reader, has a new four-bedroom home in Randle's neighborhood. He said his three children each have their own bedroom, unlike his childhood in a dilapidated farm with a leaky roof. Sen.

Barbara Blackmon, D-Canton, said the state has not done enough for rural areas. "When the Mississippi Legislature takes care of the Delta like we've taken care of the Gulf Gladys Patterson and Pauline Daughtry, both of Ellisville; two brothers, Shelby McCart of Florida and Elby McCart of Texas; sue grandchildren; and 12 greatgrandchildren. Jones Funeral Home of Ellisville is in charge of arrangements. Emma L. Holder Services are scheduled for 2 p.m.

Sunday at Jones Funeral Chapel for Emma Lou H. Holder, 58, of State Line, who died March 25, 1999 at Forrest General Hospital. Burial will be in Henderson Cemetery. Mrs. Holder was a homemaker and a member of County Line Church of God in State Line.

Survivors include her husband, William R. Holder of State Line; one son, ggmOORE FUflERDL SERVICE 805 Hardy Street 544-2141 Michael Dalton Myers Infant son of Michael and Fara Myers Petal Graveside services 11:30 a.m. today Runnels Cemetery Mr. Gene A. Martel Gulfport Services 10:30 a.m.

today Bethel No. 1 Baptist Church Interment Old Bethel Cemetery Arley, Ala. OBITUARIES RICHTON Mrs. Emma Lou Hollinghead Holder Visitation 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.

today Service 2 p.m. Sunday Jones Chapel Henderson Cemetery Greene County Hulett Winslead cHomc, a tuncxa, nc, 582-1571 205 Boy Slraat Mr. William B. "Bill" Clinton Oloh Community Services 10 a.m. today Oloh First Baptist Church Interment Oloh First Baptist Church Cemetery Mrs.

Lola Mae Brown Hattiesburg Services 11:30 a.m. today Hulett-Winstead Chapel Interment Highland Cemetery MEMBER IT INVITATION OSEL Ken Hollinghead of Ovett; two sisters, Christine White of Waynesboro and Earnestine Watts of Semmes, and one grandchild. Visitation will be 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. today at Jones Funeral Home of Richton.

Homer D. Ervin LONG BEACH Services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday at Riemann Long Beach Chapel in Gulfport for Homer David Ervin, 67, of Long Beach, who died March 25, 1999 in Gulfport. Burial will be in Gulf Pines Memorial Gardens. Mr.

Ervin was a telecommunications instructor and installer at Keesler Air Force Base and was a member of Sharon Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Helen Jane Battles Ervin of Long Beach; three sons, David M. Ervin of Wiggins, and Douglas W. Ervin and Richard E. Ervin both of Long Beach; one brother, Carl R.

Ervin of Hattiesburg; and two sisters, Annie R. Yarbrough of Oakdale, and Sue Frye of Hattiesburg. Visitation will be 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday at Riemann Long Beach Chapel.

OBITUARY POLICY The American publishes obituaries free of charge. To have an obituary published, provide the following information: Name and age of deceased Date and place of death Time, day and place of funeral service and interment Survivors (spouse, children, siblings, parents and grandparents by name) Visitation information Memorial requests In cases when there are few or no immediate family members or companions may be listed by name. You may include a photograph. Obituary information must be provided by the attending funeral home. No obituary will be taken from private individuals.

PUBLIC RECORDS 1:13 p.m., Friday, 5001 Hardy Wesley Medical Center, fire alarm, false alarm 2:36 p.m., Friday, 3009 Pearl fire call, extinguished grass fire 4:17 p.m., Friday, 40 Sharmont fire call, extinguished grass fire Cocaine information: 800-262-2463 AIDS Hotline: 800-342-2437.