Members of the U.S. Marshal’s F.A.S.T. Team,
Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team, were in Claiborne
Parish Tuesday looking for Webster Parish fugitives. While in town, they assisted Homer Police
Chief Russell Mills and Officer J. D. Faulkner in making several arrests, one
outstanding Homer warrant regarding a September 2005 armed robbery and two
warrants from Webster Parish and the City of Minden.
Two Webster Fugitives
Nabbed In Claiborne Parish
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
U.S. Marshals from the Western
District of Louisiana in Shreveport, members of the national
Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team or F.A.S.T., out of Shreveport were in Claiborne Parish on
Tuesday as part of Operation Falcon looking for several fugitives from other
jurisdictions. An outstanding warrant from the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office
was served on Jermaine Moore, 26, of West 4th Street in Homer on a bank fraud
charge. Homer Police Chief Russell Mills and Officer J. D. Faulkner assisted in
the arrest and transported Moore, 26, of West 4th Street in Homer on a bank fraud charge. Homer Police Chief Russell Mills and Officer J. D. Faulkner assisted in the arrest and transported Moore to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center where he was booked under a $20,000 bond.
Also arrested was LaTonja
Monroe, 32, of Homer on a warrant from the Minden Police Department. She was
charged with theft by fraud, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and illegal possession of stolen things. She was
booked into the Claiborne Parish Jail-Women’s Facility with bond set at
$15,000.
As Chief Mills, Officer Faulkner,
and the U.S. Marshals were looking for a person of interest in an effort to
locate these two individuals and one other, they located Patrick Lee Terrell
Thomas, 22, of Homer, who was wanted for the September 30, 2005 armed robbery
of Jerry Green Jr. Thomas allegedly used a knife to steal approximately $300 cash from Green in
the 900 block of Martin Luther King Drive last year. Thomas was also charged
with possession of marijuana. His bond was set at $75,500.
Tanqulaya T. Thomas, 35, of South Main in Homer was at one of the
locations being searched. She was arrested and charged with possession of
marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $1,000.
According to Sgt. Richard McGee
with the U.S. Marshal Task Force, federal agents team up with local law
enforcement once each year to assist them in apprehending violent offenders,
gang members, violators of sex crimes, and persons with outstanding warrants.
Most of these law enforcement agencies do not have the resources to go outside
their jurisdiction to locate these fugitives. On Monday, the Strike Team spent
the day in Webster Parish, at Cullen and Springhill. When they left Homer on
Tuesday, they were headed to Haynesville.
CPSO Deputies Arrest Man On Outstanding Warrants
Claiborne Parish Sheriff Deputy Brian
Pepper received information on Saturday, October 7 regarding the location of a
subject who had an outstanding warrant issued by the Second Judicial District
Court for his arrest for failure to appear in court. Deputy Roger Ellerbe researched
the case and discovered vital information that the suspect was Jeffery Blair,
30, of Henderson, Texas, although the warrant had been
issued in another name, Jimmy D. Bradley—the name given by Blair when he was
originally arrested by Deputy Pepper on August 14, 2006.
At that time, Blair was charged
with DWI (first offense), no motorcycle helmet, and no registration papers. He
was booked in the Claiborne Parish Detention Center under the false name given to
Pepper. Bond was set at $1,750.
Blair failed to appear in court
as scheduled. Deputy Pepper located Blair and was able to identify him as the
man he arrested in August. While Pepper was speaking to Blair’s supervisor at
his place of employment, Blair managed to elude arrest.
On October
8, 2006,
the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report that Blair had returned
to work. Deputies Pepper, Ellerbe, and Matt Harris arrived at the location and,
once again, Blair attempted to run. This time deputies were able to apprehend
him. He was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center where he was charged with DWI,
no motorcycle helmet, failure to secure registration, misrepresentation during
booking, and resisting arrest.
Deputies discovered that Blair
also had five (5) outstanding warrants for his arrest in Rusk County, Texas which included failure to pay
child support, two warrants for possession of marijuana, a warrant for evading
arrest, and a felony warrant for aggravated sexual assault of a child.
Claiborne Parish bonds had not
been set at press time, but Rusk County has placed a “hold” on Blair.
School Performance Scores
Need More Work Needed
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Following the release on Monday
of individual School Performance Scores (SPS), School Superintendent James
Scriber called two meetings this week and met several hours on Monday and
Tuesday to discuss with principals what steps could be taken to offset the
decline in school scores and what could be done to improve individual test
scores. Scriber said, “Although most schools in Claiborne Parish failed to meet
their projected Growth Target this year, none of the schools are listed as
unacceptable and none are in school improvement.”
State education officials
cautioned against placing weight on this year’s results due to the significant
changes to the state’s Testing and Accountability Program as well as the impact
of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The School Accountability System in Louisiana calls for continuous
improvement in student achievement. Every year, schools receive numerical
scores known as School Performance Scores (SPS). For 2006, significant changes
have been made in how scores are calculated.
Every school that failed to
reach their growth target this year, was labeled a
“school in decline.” Only Summerfield High School reached and exceeded its 2006
growth target of 2.9 by showing growth of 7.8. It is the only school in
Claiborne Parish that will be eligible for a reward. Although Homer Junior High
showed no growth, they did maintain the same score as last year and was not
listed as a school in decline.
This year the state replaced
the Iowa Tests with the new iLEAP tests in grades 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9, which
changed the way school performance scores are calculated. It is a very
complicated process and made it difficult to compare this year’s scores to
those in 2005. The State also changed the way they calculate the drop out rate,
using a higher percentage which resulted in a larger penalty.
Louisiana received an overall Growth SPS
of 87.6, up 4.9 points from 82.7 in 2005. The state achieved Recognized
Academic Growth and continued to reduce its subgroup performance gaps.
Additionally, forty percent of the state’s 1,126 schools – or 450 – met or
exceeded their growth targets for 2006, and 58.4 percent showed some growth.
There are 85 schools in the
state that are listed as academically unacceptable. No Claiborne Parish schools was listed in that category, but Scriber said we
still need to be better. Summerfield High and Haynesville Elementary are the
the only Two Star Schools in the parish.. The other
six schools are One Star Schools. All in all, Scriber said, “I am still not
satisfied with where our scores are, and the principals all agree. Everyone
must do a better job.”
All the base lines for 2006
have changed. Every school will have a new base line for 2006 and a new growth
target for 2007. Athens base line is 63.6 with a
projected growth target of 6.4. Haynesville Elementary is 81.4 with a target of
4.4; Haynesville Jr./Sr. High is 76.3 with a target of
5.1; Homer Elementary is 73.8 with a target of 5.0; Homer High is 63.5 with a
target of 6.5; Homer Junior High is 68.3, with a target of 6.0; Pineview is
72.9 with a target of 5.5; and Summerfield is 92.6 with a target of 3.1.
Scriber said Claiborne Parish
teachers are dedicated and are working hard to improve test scores. Several
things were put in place at the beginning of this school year which he said
should help tests scores. Extra reading and math has been added in grades 1-9.
They are looking at implementing some new things at mid-term that will
supplement the state comprehensive curriculum in English, math, science, and
social studies, focusing mainly on English and math. To do this will be very
expensive, but they are looking at some possible funding sources in Title 1,
Special Ed and the Tobacco Fund.
Detailed district- and school-level
information can be found at www.louisianaschools.net. Click
on “School Accountability Results.”
Ethel Dansby, Homeless Liaison
for the Claiborne Parish School Board explains what the definition of homeless
is and shares information about what help is available for homeless children in
Claiborne Parish at the noon
meeting of D.A.R.T.’s local Coordinated Community Response Team (CCRT).
Homeless Liaison Speaks To
D.A.R.T. Committee
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Ethel Dansby, the homeless
liaison for the Claiborne parish School Board, was the guest speaker at last
Thursday’s noon meeting of D.A.R.T.’s Coordinated Community Response
Team (CCRT). Dansby shared information on the definition of homeless. She said, ”Homeless does not always mean a person who sleeps under a
bridge.”
Many parents in Claiborne
Parish may not be aware that they and their children might meet the Federal
definition of “homeless” as described at the Department of Housing and
Development (HUD) website located at www.hud.gov/homeless. A “homeless person”
is an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
A person may be considered homeless if they:
• reside in places not meant
for human habitation (cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings, streets)
• reside in an emergency
shelter
• live in transitional or
supportive housing for persons who had been on the street or in a shelter.
• live in any of the above
places but have been 30 consecutive days in a hospital or institution
• they
have evicted within the past week from a private dwelling with no place to go
and no resources to obtain housing.
• have been discharged within a
week after being a resident in an institution (mental health or substance abuse
treatment facility, or prison) for more than 30 consecutive days with no place
to go and no resources to obtain housing.
• are fleeing a domestic
violence situation with no place to go and no resources to obtain housing.
Dansby said families with
children who are living with relatives or friends because they cannot afford
their own housing may also be considered homeless, depending on the situation.
Every student receives a residency questionnaire form to complete, but many
times they prefer not to be contacted by a member of the School Board.
Mary Ellen Gamble, the Domestic
Abuse Advocate for D.A.R.T. in Claiborne Parish, is excited about the homeless
program. She said, “Housing is so hard to find here, especially emergency
housing. It is nice to know there is a local program that can help us with that.“ Gamble said although D.A.R.T. has an emergency shelter in
Lincoln Parish, it is difficult for women when their children are enrolled in
Claiborne Parish schools and when they have a job in Claiborne Parish to find
transportation.
Dansby’s office is located in
the School Board Annex on East Main Street in Homer. She can offer
assistance locating housing for homeless individuals, but not paying
the rent. Her office can, however, purchase clothing and school supplies for
children and can put these families in touch with programs that may offer other
types of assistance.
In conjunction with October
being Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, D.A.R.T. will place 23 red silhouettes on
the lawn of the Claiborne Parish courthouse as a reminder of the women and
children who have died since 1997 as a result of domestic violence in the
parishes served by D.A.R.T. (Claiborne, Lincoln, Bienville, Union, and Jackson). Two new names were added
last year—Stephanie Pepper Sims and Jacqueline Renee Beard. Although no community candlelight vigil will be
held this year, several area churches have planned activities this Sunday,
October 29 to remember those who died as part of Domestic Abuse Awareness Day.
Gamble informed members that
the DART Radiothon will be held November 14 from 6 AM - 6 PM and will broadcast over KPCH,
97.7 FM, from Super One Foods in Ruston. Last year Sheriff Ken Bailey
and Barbara Monzingo, both CCRT members, went online during the Radiothon
talking about the impact DART has had in this area in their efforts to stamp
out domestic violence. Every dollar raised through contributions from residents
of Claiborne Parish will stay in Claiborne Parish.
Another fundraiser being
planned is the annual DART Claiborne Christmas Raffle. For a $2 donation,
persons can purchase a chance to win $500 Christmas cash. The drawing will be
held at the CCRT meeting on December 21. Tickets can be purchased from any CCRT
member or from Gamble at the DART office.
Attending the meeting were
Barbara Monzingo and Mary Triplet (Title I and School Board), Judy Whitton
(Library), Georgia Norton and Toshia Williams (Health Unit), Jean Reynolds
(Office of Community Services), Cynthia King (volunteer) Claiborne Parish
Sheriff Ken Bailey, and Homer Police Chief Russell Mills.
For more information on the
homeless program, call Dansby at the School Board at 318-927-3502, the
Louisiana Department of Education Homeless Hotline at 1-800-259-8826, or go
online at the La. Department of Education website at www.doe.state.la.us.
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Facts About Homeless Children And Youth In Louisiana
More Than 21,000 children have been identified in Louisiana.
- An episode of homelessness for a child lasted an average of 14 months (30% experienced more than one episode)
- 27% repeated a grade
- 45% made school transfers each year (68% once, 19% twice, 13%, 3 or more times)
- 27% missed more than 2 weeks of school, 11% more than 4 weeks.
- 27% still experienced school enrollment problems statewide
- 16% were not enrolled in school on a regular basis statewide
- 12% experienced hunger
- 12% experienced a decline in health during homelessness
- 32% suffered from emotional problems caused by homelessness
- 34% used hospital emergency rooms for primary source of health care (23% walk-in clinics)
- 47% witnessed domestic violence and 26% acts of violence in their neighborhood
- 57% of a homeless family’s monthly income was spent on rent
- 29% of families experiencing welfare (TANF) reductions became homeless
- 49%-72% of family requests for shelter beds went unmet (this varies from city to city)
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Halloween To Be Observed Tuesday, October 31
The Homer Police Department is
asking the hours for “Trick-or-Treating” on Tuesday, October 31 be observed
from 5:30-8:00 PM sharp. Participants are urged to stop only at houses
that have their outside light on. Homer Police Chief Russell Mills said
officers will be distributing candy in front of the Homer Police Station
beginning at 6 PM. Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey said deputies will also
be giving out candy at the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office across from Piggly
Wiggly from 5:30-8:00 PM. Chief Mills and Sheriff Bailey ask parents to please
remember the following safety tips: 1) Always wear a reflective costume so you
can be seen easily in the dark, 2) Walk in groups of two or more, 3) Do not run
out into the streets, 4) Carry a flashlight to light your path, and 5) Let your
parents check your candy before you eat it.
Have
a Happy and Safe Halloween!
Mayor Dan Hollingsworth of Ruston
welcomed members to the meeting on October 18 of the newly formed
"Economic Alliance of North Central Louisiana" which serves the
parishes of Bienville, Claiborne, Jackson, Lincoln, Winn, and Union Parishes to
Ruston.
Economic Alliance
Of North Louisiana
Meets In Ruston
BY
DORA ANN HATCH, Community Rural Development Agent with the LSU AgCenter
Ruston Mayor Dan Hollingsworth
welcomed alliance members to the sixth in a series of networking meetings on October 18, 2006. As explained by
the mayor, the alliance's mission is to "create partnerships and
strategies to advance a sustainable economy in the parishes of Bienville,
Claiborne, Jackson, Lincoln, Winn, and Union."
Its membership is comprised of
mayors, police jurors, chambers, tourism groups, and others interested in
furthering economic development in the region.
First on the agenda was a
discussion of the assets of the six parish region. After listing the assets,
the group narrowed the list to 6 major areas of interest for the alliance to
pursue. Those areas included:
• Sparta Aquifer
• Economic Development
• Retirement and Quality of
Life Issues
• Tourism
• Lakes
• Arts
• Health Care
• Film Industry
• Transportation
During the discussion phase,
members voiced concerns that the depleting Sparta Aquifer has a direct economic
impact on the area, and therefore, it should be one of the primary concerns of
the group to work with the Sparta Aquifer Commission. They also acknowledged the need for more
surface water and suggested that members keep abreast of the new technology
being tested in West Monroe to alleviate the Sparta.
Economic development issues
centered around the need to reinstate the small business development center at
Louisiana Tech to provide assistance to entrepreneurs within the six parish
region and the need to list available properties in the six parish region for
potential businesses. Also mentioned was
the need to improve cell phone and internet services.
The alliance all agreed that
the region is a great retirement destination because of its amenities and
affordable quality of life. With three
lakes within the region; government owned lands; opportunities for rural and
nature based tourism; a developed arts community; and home to two universities
the area is attractive to baby boomers who might wish to retire or retire and
relocate their businesses.
Health care, another relocation
factor, for retirees and others is available within the region; and the
alliance felt that with an influx of retirees that more medical services would
follow to compliment the already existing services.
Louisiana is enjoying a great economic
boost from the film industry and as one Claiborne Parish resident pointed out
it's been good for the local economy.
The alliance would like to pursue this avenue of economic growth.
Transportation was also seen as
an asset in the region. The I-20 corridor, the expansion of 167 and the future
development of I-69 are major arteries connecting the area. Also seen as an asset are the scenic two lane
highways where bikers and motorcyclists can enjoy leisure rides.
B.R. Audirsch, Area
Representative with Louisiana Economic Development, encouraged the group to
continue to meet and have a visible presence.
"The
alliance is newly formed and is still growing and seeking new members,"
according to Dora Ann Hatch, Community Rural Development Agent with the LSU
AgCenter.
The alliance will meet again Wednesday, November 15 from 9-10:30
A.M.
in Ruston in the Peach Suite in the Ruston Civic Center.
Attending the meeting
were: Celeste Butler, Don Essmeier,
Eugene Smith, Annette Blake, Jacques Lasseigne, Alice Stewart, Jerry Adkins,
Chic Hines, Teresa McDaniel, Bob McDaniel, Dwayne R. Woodward, Joey White, Darrell K. Street, Margaret Rogers, Billie
Smith, Kyle Edmiston, and Scott Terry.
For more information on this
meeting or future meetings contact Dora Ann Hatch, Community Rural Development
Agent with the LSU AgCenter at (318) 927-9654 Ext. 229.
Absentee Or Early Voting
October 26-31, 2006
Claiborne Parish Registrar of
Voters Patricia Sanders would like to remind voters that early or absentee
voting for the upcoming election will begin Thursday, October 26 and will
continue through Tuesday, October 31, 2006, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Election day
will be Tuesday, November 7. Voters are reminded to bring a driver's license, a
La. Special ID, or some generally recognized picture ID. If you have questions,
stop by the Registrar’s office in the Police Jury Complex or call 927-3332. For a sample
ballot, go to the Secretary of State website http://sos.louisiana.gov/polllocator.
Look for information on the 8 proposed constitutional amendments in next week’s
issue.
Phantoms for “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, a classic ghost production
of Homer High include Senior Brittany Turner, Juniors Jeanette Powell and
Krystal Anderson, and Seniors Demonte Willis, Komecia Burns, and Bernard
Harris.
Legendary Sleepy Hollow
Horseman
Comes To Homer High
BY
DENICE OWENS, Homer High Drama Club Director, English and Theater
Teacher
The Homer High School Drama
Club will present Washington Irving’s classic ghost story “The Legend of Sleepy
Hollow” on Halloween eve, Monday, October 30 in the Homer High auditorium. with two school performances at 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM, and one evening performance
at 6:30 PM. In addition to the classic literature and cultural theater,
there will be plenty of costumes, special effects, and eerie music to set the
stage for an atmospheric Halloween to come.
Washington Irving was the first
American writer to achieve international recognition for his work which
included his famous The Sketch book. The Sketch Book contained the popular
stories of Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, tales of Dutch
communities in upper New York. Irving based his tales on European
legendary stories and characters. Many stage versions have been presented
throughout the years since Irving first wrote this
groundbreaking classic ghost story. As Treasure Island set the standard for pirate
stories to come, so The Legend of Sleepy Hollow became the ghost story to
emulate.
The action of the play takes
place in Sleepy Hollow, a Dutch farming community some 27 miles from New York in the early 1800s. Ichabod
Crane is the new schoolmaster assigned to Sleepy Hollow, a small town by the Hudson River. He sets his eyes on Katrina,
the eldest daughter of rich farmer Baltus Van Tassel, but Katrina is already
“claimed” by Brom Bones, the biggest bully in the town! As Ichabod charms all
the ladies in the town and woos the fair Katrina, Brom schemes to regain what he
considers his rightful place. He and his Sleepy Hollow boys plan to conjure up
the infamous Headless Horseman, the Hessian soldier whose legend is known by
all except Ichabod. Along with eccentric and not so eccentric inhabitants of
Sleepy Hollow, this classic tale of love, revenge and intrigue comes to life
from the pages of the beloved story to the stage.
Senior and four-year member of
the Homer High Drama Club, Christopher Mott will play the lead role of Ichabod
Crane, the stern schoolmaster. Katherine Nguyen and Jamarcus Hunter, also
senior members, will star as Katrina Van Tassel and Brom Bones. Other senior
theater class and drama members in lead roles include Aldedria Willis (Widow
Van Doorn), Kiara Evans (Mrs. Van Tassel), Magan Martin (Mrs. Trenkler), and
Matthew Fowler (Farmer Stuyvesant). Senior Demonte Willis will play the ghost
of Cotton Mather, along with senior Komecia Burns, the ghost pirate.
Seniors Raquel Layton will play
star pupil Wilda Van Twiller, while Brittany Turner, Mercedes Williams, Bernard
Harris, Candice Cripe and Haley Dubroc comprise the roles of pupils and
citizens of Sleepy Hollow. Senior student directors are Tenesha Bender and
Richard Smelser. Over fifty cast and crew members complete the “Hollow”
production.
The Homer High Drama Club invite all lovers of classic literature, ghost stories, and
the Halloween season to come celebrate Halloween eve with them. Bring a friend,
group, or child to join in this spooky tale. Tickets are $2 for adults and $1
for children and students K-12, and can be purchased from any Drama Club member
or at the door. Area schools have already reserved many weeks ago, but there
may be a few seats left.
