Craig Roberson Athens High	Bob Bond Haynesville Elem.	Bill Kennedy Haynesville Jr.-Sr.
Patrice Lee Homer Elementary	Keith Beard Homer Junior High	Sandra Boston Pineview High

SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT JAMES SCRIBER and School Board President Will Maddox recognized principals at six schools last Thursday for their Academic Growth and presented them with flags for their school. Each school also received a monetary award for their accomplishment.

Schools Recognized For Academic Growth

School Board Approves Elective Course

"The Bible As Literature & History"

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

            Six schools were recognized for academic growth by the Claiborne Parish School Board at their regular meeting March 9. Athens High School, Haynesville Elementary, Haynesville Jr.-Sr. High, Homer Elementary, and Pineview High were recognized for Exemplary Academic Growth. Homer Junior High was honored for Recognized Academic Growth, their first time to be recognized.

            Superintendent James Scriber presented principals Craig Roberson, Bob Bond, Bill Kennedy, Pat Lee, Keith Beard and Sandra Boston a flag to display at their schools. In addition, schools will receive checks for a combined total of $32,471.25.

            Homer Elementary has an enrollment of 481 students and will receive a check for $7,257.06. Haynesville Jr.-Sr. High has 425 students enrolled and will received $6,412.16. Athens High with 242 students, Haynesville Elementary with 281 students and Pineview High with 178 students, will each receive checks for $5,000. Homer Junior High has 378 students enrolled and will receive a check for $3,802.04.

            Schools that make their Growth Target, that has all subgroups growing at lest two points, and is not in School Improvement are designated Exemplary Academic Growth. Recognized Academic Growth is one step down, or a school that makes its Growth Target.

            According to Accountability Results for 2004-2005, Haynesville Elementary is a Three Star School (SPS 100.0-119.9) with a baseline SPS (school performance score) of 102.8.

            Pineview and Summerfield are both Two Star Schools (SPS 80.0-99.9). Pineview has a score of 80.9 and Summerfield is at 91.9. Homer Elementary has SPS of 73.0, Homer Junior High is 67.2, Athens High is 78.1, Haynesville Jr.-Sr. is 74.9, and Homer High is 76.5. All these are One Star Schools (SPS 60.0-79.9). The statewide average School Performance Score is 86.2, or Two Stars.

            The School Board approved a request by the Alliance Defense Fund to teach "The Bible as Literature and History" as an elective in junior high and high school. They will furnish curriculum guides which will meet all regulations required for separation of church and state. It has already been approved in several Louisiana parishes. The textbook is the Bible. It is not an interpretation of the Bible, nor teaching religion or doctrine.

SToP Coalition Members attending the "Solutions To Poverty" meeting last Thursday, March 9,  focused on two key points: 1) sharing information and 2) more visibility. Among those present were (l.-r) Diane Dyer, Bill Bailey, Tilda Revelett, Sarah Harmon, Mary Ellen Gamble, and Barbara Monzingo.

SToP Looking For Solutions To Poverty

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

            Those attending the "Solutions To Poverty" meeting held last Thursday, March 9 focused on two areas: 1) sharing information on services provided by various agencies and organizations, and 2) bringing more visibility to the community on services available locally. The goal is to make sure whenever "SToP" (Solutions To Poverty) is mentioned in Claiborne Parish, all citizens will know what SToP is, and what they are doing to assist those living in poverty. One reason for sharing information is to avoid duplication of services and make everyone aware of what services are available in Claiborne Parish.

            One of the first steps is to get the faith-based community involved. Churches are the link to a large number of those living in poverty, especially those living in the outlying areas of the parish.

            SToP needs to produce changes in the community for those living in poverty. One way to show the results is to keep records of when referrals are made to another provider, then report back to the next meeting.

            Those who shared information on services available were Deborah Chambers with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, Anne Wilks with Coordinating and Development Corporation (WIA or Workforce Investment Act), Sarah Harmon with Office of Family Services, Diane Dyer with Claiborne Parish School Board Title 1, Jean Reynolds with Office of Community Services, Tilda Revelett with DSS, Community Mobilization and Outreach Services, and Joy Hays, WIA Youth Program Director.

            Harmon said not everyone is on welfare. In Claiborne Parish, there are only 30-40 families receiving cash assistance (FITAP) at this time. She said welfare reform has worked. OFS assists recipients for 60 months to become self-sufficient by providing child care and transportation, educational services, job training, work experience, transitional assistance, food stamps, and intensive care management.

            Reynolds said OCS offers multiple services. LaHEEP provides assistance for utilities for those financially eligible. Food for Seniors provides a 40 pound box of food monthly to eligible applicants. Transportation services are provided five days a week to Shreveport, Ruston and Minden, as well as parishwide providing medical transportation and transportation to school, work, or to dialysis treatment. Other services include help with prescription costs, Medicare Part D assistance, and Section 8 Housing.

            Hays works to assist out-of-school youth, age 17-21, interested in getting their GED with GED preparation and job training.

            Chambers works with mentally and physically disabled high school seniors and adults to assist in obtaining or maintaining employment.

            Dyer told the group every elementary school in Claiborne Parish has a Pre-K4 class in addition to services available at Head Start.

            Wilks assists with employment and helping small businesses get started.

            It was suggested each service provider be featured on a regular basis in the local newspaper

Personnel Issues Top Police Jury Agenda

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

            Personnel changes, selection process for Secretary-Treasurer, and applications for foreman were some of the topics discussed at the regular meeting of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury on Wednesday, March 8. Scott Davidson asked the Jury if they wanted the Personnel Committee to use their evaluation system to review applicants for the Secretary-Treasurer position and  select the best candidates for interviews, then present the top three candidates at the April meeting.

            After voting to add to the agenda, Jurors approved abolishing the position of Highway Department Secretary currently held by Sheila Washington, voted to create the new position of Payroll Clerk/Receptionist, then approved moving duties of payroll and personnel files from Administrative Secretary job description to the Payroll Clerk/Receptionist position. Sheila Washington will assume the new position and will move her office to the Police Jury Complex.

            The Jury voted to advertise internally March 8-15 for the foreman position previously held by Tommy Durrett, and to conduct interviews March 20. A special session would be called no later than March 24 for the Personnel Committee to make a recommendation to the Jury.. The person selected would be an acting foreman with no pay increase until Dean Busby retires and Durrett assumes his position.

            Juror Lavelle Penix asked jurors to consider blacktopping Spigener Road, which is a dirt road. He noted the school bus accident on the road several weeks ago. Dean told him it would cost $70,000 for asphalt, the iron ore would be donated, and they already have the rock. Furlow said the road was flat, causing water to stand in several places, and needed to be built up.

            Willie Young asked if the Jury was going to restore the blacktopping program and suggested it go through the Road Committee. Mardis said there were some roads already designated for overlay when they discontinued the road program.

            Penix's motion failed by a vote of 3 in favor and 9 opposed. Voting for the motion were Mark Furlow, Scott Davidson, and Penix. Voting against were Roy Mardis, Butch Bays, Willie Young Sr., Weldon Kilpatrick, Jerry Adkins, and Joe Sturges.

            A resolution to call a special election on July 15, 2006 for the purpose of renewing the 1% sales and use tax used for garbage pickup in the entire Parish of Claiborne except for those portions within the boundaries of Homer and Haynesville. The tax will expire September 30 this year. Any excess tax collected can be used to purchase road materials.

Man Arrested For Battery, Threatening Officer

Homer Police Serve Several Outstanding Warrants

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

            Homer Police Chief Russell Mills said his office received a call about 9:30 PM Saturday night from a residence on Oil Mill Street in regard to a young man waiving a gun at a girl. Chief Mills, along with officers Ken Wood and Thomas Davis, responded to the call. Once they arrived at the scene, the subject fled on foot and could not be located.

            A second call came in sometime later, between 10:30-10:45 PM. Officers returned to Oil Mill Street, but were again unable to locate the subject. A third call came in early Sunday morning, March 12, around 2:30 AM. This time officers were successful in apprehending Jarvis Willis, 21, of Homer. Willis resisted arrest and threatened to put a bullet in Officer Davis' head.

            Willis was charged with simple battery (domestic violence), aggravated assault, resisting an officer, two counts flight from an officer, disturbing the peace, and threatening a public official. His bond was set at $3,500. Willis was also arrested on a probation/parole violation, with no bond.

            Throughout the week, Homer officers worked vigorously to serve several outstanding arrest warrants. Felicia Ann Daniels was arrested, paid a fine of $63.50 and was released. Jonathan Lee George was arrested by officers Jimmy Hamilton and Keith Ferguson on a bench warrant and jailed on $300 bond. They also arrested Jeffery Green on March 13 on a warrant for cruelty to a juvenile. He was released on $5,000 bond.

            Robert Randle was arrested March 5 for disturbing the peace and two counts resisting arrest by officers Jim Faulkner and Roger Smith, and placed under $1,500 bond. Shirmane Wright was arrested March 8 by Faulkner and Smith for burglary of an inhabited dwelling on $12,000 bond, in addition to Claiborne Sheriff's Office warrants, with no bond.

            Chief Mills arrested Larry Kimble March 12 for simple battery. He was released on $500 bond. The same day, he arrested Latasha Warren Jenkins for failure to appear. She was released on $1,000 bond. Mills also arrested Angela Williams, Bryan Webb, Russell Mosley, Harry Chatman,  and Jerry Casey, all for failure to pay fines. Williams paid $200 fine, Webb paid $420 fine, Mosley paid $200 fine, Chatman paid $69, and Casey paid $320.

Claiborne Electric Hires General Manager

            Mark A. Brown took over as the new general manager for  Claiborne Electric Cooperative on Monday, March 13, 2006. A veteran electric cooperative manager, Brown comes to Claiborne Electric from Herndon, Virginia, where he served as senior vice-president of member business support and vice-president of business development for the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) since June, 2001. Prior to his positions at NRTC, Brown served as general manager of Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative in Vinita, Oklahoma. Previously he served as general manager of Sumner-Cowley Electric Cooperative in Wellington, Kansas.

            A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Brown holds a bachelor of  science degree in electrical power from Oklahoma State University. He and his wife, Becki, have two grown children. Becki is a school teacher with a master's degree in elementary education.

Brown says after living in a suburb of Washington, D.C., the past five years, he and his wife are looking forward to settling in Claiborne Parish and getting back to the rural way of life.

            "I have enjoyed my job at NRTC, but Becki and I both thoroughly look forward to returning to rural America," said Brown. "We are thankful for the opportunity that the job with Claiborne Electric Cooperative is affording us."

            Brown assumed duties for Dennis Drummond and Robbie Lawson, who have served as interim managers at Homer and Farmerville offices, respectively, since last July.

Parish Seniors Learn About

Medicare and Community Services

BY JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer, The Guardian-Journal

            The Homer Golden Raiders, a senior citizens group sponsored by the Community Coordinating Council, enjoyed a program presented Saturday, March 11 by Jean Reynolds of Claiborne Community Services and Jimmy Dean, retired Social Security Representative. They shared information about Medicare Part D for prescription drugs and about services provided by the Office of Community Services.

            Dean opened the session by explaining how the new Part D prescription drug program came into existence. Reviewing the history of the Medicare program, he discussed how Congress debated for many years a program to assist seniors with medical expenses and the intense opposition to such a program. Although original proponents of Medicare wanted to include prescription drug coverage in 1966, it was felt that only proposals without prescription drug coverage had a chance of passage. Almost 40 years after Medicare's birth, Congress added prescription drug coverage with Part D effective January 1, 2006.

            Part D in Louisiana includes  40 Part D prescription drug plans for the state's Medicare beneficiaries. Coverage is available for as little as $17.06 per month. Deciding which plan to choose is complicated because each plan differs in monthly premium, annual deductible, prescription copay, drug formulary, etc.

            Following Dean's presentation, Reynolds discussed how to qualify for Part D's Extra Help, a provision to pay part or all of the premiums, copays, etc. She also reviewed programs administered by the Office of Community Services. A few include local emergency assistance, food and clothing for fire victims, transportation for medical and personal business, help in paying utilities via LiHEAP (Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program), rental assistance through Section 8 housing, Food for Seniors who are age 60, and help in getting medications at little or no cost.

            Reynolds informed everyone  that Triad of Claiborne Parish, sponsored by the Sheriff's Office, will be offering the 2006 Senior Citizen Expo on Saturday, May 6 from 8:00 to noon at Homer City Hall. Senior Expo includes free health checks; entertainment; information on safety, scams that target seniors, Medicare, and Medicaid. All who attend will be treated to lunch.

            Anyone needing help in deciding whether to enroll in a Part D drug plan should contact the Claiborne Community Services Office. Reynolds and Dean are offering personal assistance Fridays between 1:00 and 3:00 until May 15. Those wanting help must call for an appointment and bring with them their Medicare card and a list of their prescription drugs.

            Reynolds also encouraged anyone wanting information about programs handled by her office to call 927-3557. For more information about the 2006 Senior Citizen Expo set for Saturday, May 6, call 927-2011.

Social Security Disability Misconceptions Explained

BY JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer, The Guardian-Journal

            Jimmy Dean, adjunct instructor with Bossier Parish Community College, met with Triad of Claiborne Wednesday afternoon, March 8 and discussed 7 common misconceptions about Social Security Disability.

            Dean said, "Many people think there is a `Social Security Doctor.' That is incorrect. If someone is sent to a doctor at Social Security's expense, that doctor is one of many who has agreed to do consultative examinations for the agency. Social Security's medical decision team determines whether someone medically qualifies for disability. From time to time, that team sends a disability applicant to a doctor for a test to resolve some question about the person's alleged disability. The doctor who sees the applicant is not `a Social Security Doctor' but simply a doctor in the area who has agreed to perform such examinations."

            "Another wrong idea," Dean went on, "has to do with the extent of the examination. Some applicants say, `The doctor did not give me a complete physical. As a matter of fact, the doctor hardly saw me. Social Security wasted money for that.'" Dean explained, "The Social Security Administration is required to `prudently manage taxpayer money.' That means the agency will not spend $1000 for a comprehensive physical when the unresolved question can be settled with a $30 test."

            "Another misconception," according to Dean, "has to do with the promptness of a decision on a claim. When I was with Social Security, I was occasionally told, `I filed my claim last week and was denied this week. They didn't even send me to a doctor.' First, remember what I said about thrifty management of taxpayer monies. So not everyone is sent for a medical examination. An applicant whose medical records are sufficient for a decision won't be sent for a consultative examination. As to the quickness of some decisions, that has to do with the basis for the decision. There are two very general requirements to qualify for disability: medical and nonmedical. When a claim is filed, the Social Security interviewer first determines whether the applicant has sufficient work to qualify. If not, usually a prompt denial letter goes out, often within 5-7 days. That can give the impression the claim was not fairly evaluated. A case of that type does not even get a medical review because payment cannot be approved when there isn't sufficient work covered by Social Security."

            Dean addressed another wrong idea. Someone may say, "My denial letter said something about `allegations of pain not substantiated by the evidence.' I don't understand because I am in constant, excruciating pain." Dean described how all disability claims are based on "Objective Medical Evidence," e.g., x-rays, MRIs, blood tests, thyroid tests, etc. "Objective Medical Evidence" must substantiate allegations of pain. An underlying condition causing the alleged pain must be documented. Until Objective Medical Evidence is reviewed by the medical team proving the existence of a condition with which constant, excruciating pain is associated, allegations of pain cannot be accepted."

            The fifth misconception Dean discussed was, "Everyone gets turned down the first time. So I'll file, get turned down, then file an appeal and get my money." Dean said that not everyone is denied when they first file. He said, "As a matter of fact, some impairments are immediately approved_but they are the sort of things anyone, even people who aren't doctors, would agree are obviously disabling. Examples are traumatic loss of both legs or  both arms. Statutory blindness after all efforts to correct the vision is another example. So is total deafness. ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease, is another fast approval. Other than those," Dean said, "the claim may require appeal to secure approval."

            The sixth misconception has to do with attorneys. Dean said that some people have told him, "Everyone says I have to get a lawyer to get my money." Dean says that an attorney is not needed to deal with Social Security. He said claims and appeals can generally be handled by the applicant. "Social Security's questions are simple, having to do with your name, address, phone number, where you've worked, when and where you married, the names of your children_the kinds of questions most people can answer on the spot; hence, a lawyer isn't necessary for that." He went on, "Even so, some people are just nervous about dealing with the government and prefer someone with legal training to handle their claim. That's fine. Social Security works daily with attorneys and will do everything to help someone pursue their claim, whether they have an attorney or not."

            The last wrong idea Dean discussed was, "My neighbor filed and got her disability within a few weeks. I applied 3 months ago and still haven't heard anything. Why is my claim taking so long?" Dean explained that everyone's case is different. People have different disabilities, different doctors, different medical treatments, different work histories, etc. "We all wear different shoes. Social Security closely evaluates each person's case and renders the correct decision for that applicant rather than just `cramming every foot into the same shoe' regardless of what makes that person's situation unique."

Cowboy Poet To Perform At Jubilee

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

            Homer native, Peggy Deas Godfrey, daughter of Dr. Tom Deas and the late Kay Deas, will honor her home parish on April 29 when she will appear at the 2006 Claiborne Jubilee. Peggy will not only perform her own works, but will also present the winners of the  second annual Claiborne Jubilee Poetry Contest at 10 AM on the Courthouse lawn.

            Godfrey has published five collections of her poems and stories: "Write 'Em Cowboy," "Write 'Em Roughshod," "Write Tough," "Extra 'n' Ordinary," and "Stretch Marks." She also has produced a CD from a live performance, featuring poetry from "Write 'Em Cowboy" with stories introducing most poems.

            In recent years, Godfrey has performed at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, gatherings in several western states and for audiences as diverse as the National Association of Soil Conservation Districts, VUMS--a national association of veterans of underage military service (WWII and Korea), Colorado Rural Health Conference, Women Writing the West (a national association of writers), Crestone Music Festival, and for agriculture-related organizations. She has also led retreats and workshops for both Methodist and Episcopal clergy and lay leadership and performed her poetry and storytelling for church groups.

            Ms. Godfrey is looking forward to meeting other writers from Claiborne Parish and is especially anxious to meet students and teachers from area schools. Poets of all ages are encouraged to submit a maximum of three works each prior to April 10. Prizes will be awarded by age: Children-8 and under; Junior-9-12; Youth 13-17 and Adults age 18 and up.

            Entries should be emailed to (preferably) or mailed to 309 North Main, Homer, LA 71040 and must be legible to be judged.

            Winners will be contacted prior to April 29 and will have the opportunity to read their works during the awards ceremony on the Courthouse Lawn. Savings bonds will be awarded to those winners age 17 and under and adults will receive cash prizes. All entries will be on display at the Jubilee, Saturday, April 29, 2006.

            Once again the poetry entries will be judged by noted poet and author, Carlos Colon of Shreveport.  He is the author of nine chapbooks including Mountain Climbing and Clocking Out, two collections of haiku and concrete poetry. He has had more than 1,000 poems published in various periodicals including Modern Haiku, Frogpond, Writer's Digest, Louisiana Literature, and Louisiana English Journal. His poetry is included in the "Let the Good Times Roll" mural in Shreveport's Festival Plaza and is part of a poetry display outside of a temple on Sado Island in Japan. His poem, "Autumn on the Bayou," was nominated for the 1994 Pushcart Prize anthology.

            Colon is a member of Poets & Writers, The Academy of American Poets, the Tanka Society of America, and the Haiku Society of America. He is also Chair of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council Literary Panel, editor of Shreve Memorial Library's Electronic Poetry Network, and editor of Sunday at Four, a local literary magazine published by The Trapped Truth Society.

American Cancer Society's Relay For Life

Set April 21

            The American Cancer Society's 2006 Relay For Life (www.RelayForLifeClaiborne.org) event will be held Saturday, April 21 at Homer High School. Opening ceremonies begin at 7 PM. Anyone interested in forming a Relay Team, making a contribution, or purchasing a luminaria in honor or memory of someone can contact Co-Chairmen Nancy Mason or Sandra Griggs at Regions Bank at 927-9625. Luminaria can also be purchased by filling out the form on page 10 in today's newspaper and mailing with your check for $10 to Relay for Life Luminaria Ceremony, 309 Beardsley Ave., Homer, Louisiana 71040. A Team Captain meeting will be held March 23 at 6 PM at Regions Bank. March 31 is the deadline to turn in all sponsorship forms and money  For more info, go to www.RelayForLifeClaiborne.org

Sen. David Vitter To Host Town Hall Meeting March 22

            U.S. Senator David Vitter will host a town hall meeting in Claiborne Parish on Wednesday, March 22, from 9:30-10:30 AM at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex across from the Courthouse in downtown Homer.  This meeting is open to the public and offers citizens the opportunity to share their views on current issues with Vitter. The senator will discuss improving health care, growing good jobs in Louisiana, protecting Social Security, lowering prescription drug costs and other crucial issues impacting families in Louisiana. 

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