MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - A Monroe business, KMS uniforms, is closed after owing hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes to the city. Now school leaders and parents who relied on the store are speaking out about their concerns.
This Fall, parent Jennifer Haneline is sending her youngest daughter to school for the first time. Excited, she bought the required uniforms earlier than most. "I was really glad that I got them back in May and got them lined up and ready to go." said Haneline. The purchases she made give her one less thing to worry about after the only uniform store that sells the required colors and patterns closed down. A judge ordered the store to shut down after the business refused to pay over 300 thousand dollars in back taxes and fines. "The city is going to tell me or tell y'all that they have done everything possible to keep me in business and that is actually no way possible the truth." said former store owner Krista Morgan.
The city's tax director says the city gave her plenty of chances and a paper trail of evidence proves it. "I understand that times get hard and things get difficult, but it's not our objective to shut down a business unless it's the last resort." said Monroe Tax Director Tim Lewis. For schools, the trouble has one leader coming up with different options. "Within the first day of hearing about the problems at KMS, we immediately contacted other local businesses in terms of can we get through this situation together." said Dr. Beth Ricks, the head of the Grace Episcopal School.
The school leader says the school will hold a uniform swap, where parents can swap different sizes of old uniforms. She also said she'd be flexible with the colors and patterns. "What we don't want you worried about is your uniform, the whole purpose of the uniform is to destress that part of your day." said Dr. Ricks. And without that worry, parent Jennifer is focused on seeing her little girl go to school for the first time.
As of late Tuesday, "School Time' Company Owner Jeff Daquanno purchased the store. Daquanno told KNOE he is currently doing inventory and hopes to open the store by the new school year.
Friday, May 17 2013 12:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 16:09:18 GMT
FARMERVILLE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The family of a Farmerville teen who died at football practice last week says it is overwhelmed by the community's gratitude.
FARMERVILLE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The family of a Farmerville teen who died at football practice last week says it is overwhelmed by the community's gratitude.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 7:51 PM EDT2013-05-07 23:51:36 GMT
BASTROP, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Walking the stage to get your diploma signals the end of a journey. Our Nolan Crane shows us one high school senior whose walking is just the beginning.
BASTROP, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Walking the stage to get your diploma signals the end of a journey. Our Nolan Crane shows us one high school senior whose walking is just the beginning.
