Pyro’s Night Club Raided In Haynesville

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO), Haynesville Police Department, Claiborne Narcotic Enforcement Team (CNET), and the Louisiana Alcohol Tobacco Control Board joined the patrons of Pyro’s Night Club for a memorable Halloween party. According to Sheriff Ken Bailey, the night’s festivities began when an undercover agent and a cooperating individual with the Louisiana ATC entered Pyro’s Night Club to observe and verify the sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 21.

ATC agents utilized a cooperating underage individual during this undercover operation to purchase alcoholic beverages from all three bartenders. According to the ATC agents, Pyro’s bartenders blatantly disregarded an armband system used to identify persons 21 years and older and were selling to anyone who approached the bar and requested alcohol.

At approximately 11:15 PM on Tuesday, October 31, CPSO, CNET and the ATC agents raided the club located at 9720 Hwy. 79  in Haynesville. Agents checked identification and tallied the number of people in the bar, as well as counting the registers for the total amount of sales.

Pyro’s has a maximum occupancy rate of 280 persons set by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. ATC agents counted 439 people inside the building at the time of the raid. At the same time, customers were still being allowed to pay to enter the Club. Of the 439 persons in the Club, 175 were 21 years or older and 226 were under the age of 21. The ATC will use this data to determine the rate of illegal sales to underage patrons.

Currently the bar owner, Robert Taylor, faces administrative action in Baton Rouge for illegal sale of alcohol to persons under 21.  As the investigation continues, Taylor will face other charges through the ATC. In addition, he will also face other violations through the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Bartenders Kristen Marie Simpson and Ash R. Richie, both of Magnolia, Arkansas; and Christopher M. Willis of Emerson, Arkansas, were arrested by CPSO deputies and transported to the Sheriff’s Office where they were also charged with the illegal sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 21.

The public is encouraged to notify area law enforcement agencies of any suspicious or illegal activity in their neighborhoods. Concerned citizens can call CNET at 318-927-9800, the Louisiana State Police at 318-676-3200, the Homer Police Department at 318-927-4000, the Haynesville Police Department at 318-624-1355 or the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-927-2011. Any and all information is considered confidential and will be greatly appreciated.

Haynesville Elementary School was awarded Best Decorated School during Red Ribbon Week. Clifton Lewis presented the trophy to Principal Bob Bond and teachers Melissa McEachern and Judy Holly.

Red Ribbon Week First Place Poster Winners shown with Alternative Principal and Red Ribbon Week Coordinator Clifton Lewis are (front, l.-r.) Forrest Paranuk, Braley Smith, and Jeremy Watts.

Test Scores, Accountability, Too Much Homework  

 Red Ribbon Week Winners Recognized

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

Test scores, state accountability requirements, and how much homework students should be given were among the topics discussed by the members of the Claiborne Parish School Board when they met last week.

Superintendent James Scriber said according to the DOE press release on School Performance Scores, no schools in Claiborne Parish were rated unacceptable, however, 85 schools in Louisiana were rated unacceptable. All Claiborne Parish schools had adequate yearly progress and all met subgroup component requirements. Summerfield School growth level was exemplary, Homer Junior High showed no growth but was not designated a school in decline. All other schools failed to meet their growth target and were considered schools in decline and were placed in academic assistance category, which is the first of six levels. Other levels would require you to offer school choice. Once you reach level 6, you would be forced to close the school. He said the State recently took over most Orleans Parish schools and are having a difficult time.

La. Schools Accountability System calls for continuous improvement in student achievement. Due to the change from the IOWA to iLEAP tests, it is difficult to properly compare 2005 and 2006 test scores.  State scores went up because 226 schools were not included, eliminating scores from some of the worst areas of state. The State eliminated all national norm scores, even though Scriber said, “National norm tests are a better indicator than criterion based tests, such as iLEAP.”  In spite of all this, he said, “We still need to do more than we are doing.”

The following strategies have been implemented to improve test scores: 1) increasing time and emphasis in math and English in grades K-10, 2) Junior High and High Schools will have 7 periods per day adding extra math and English classes to help students who are behind, 3) elementary students below grade level can spend more or entire day in math and English; 4) offering voluntary after school tutoring for most students;

Principals were invited to attend the meeting to answer questions. Stewart Griffin asked if students could be mandated to receive tutoring. He said the primary duty of principal is to supervise instruction and visit classroom regularly.” Scriber said principals were doing that and reporting weekly. Joe Lee said, “Principles cannot take the place of a parent.”

Tommy Davidson asked principals, “Are we failing in the basics?” Bob Bond responded, “Yes we are.” Scriber agreed. Keith Beard said, “Part of our problem, number one, is reading. We have a reading problem.” If kids cannot read and comprehend what they are reading, they cannot pass the math or science.He said, “To me, that is the key—reading.” 

Bond said they were missing the basics trying to keep up with the GLE requirements by the State. It requires so much to keep up, we are leaving facts behind. He said, “That is the sickening part of this whole accountability program...we are so caught up in what the state is requiring, we can’t teach.” Vera Meadors agreed. They have to focus on GLEs, and constantly have to go back and review, adding some information is not even in the textbooks.

Scriber said all the latest articles say we should be teaching the facts in math for last 30 years. As he has said before, “Education is a circle. That’s is all it is. If you get a good spot on that circle and you know you are successful, stay on that spot.”  The world will go all around you, but will come back to what works.

D’Arcy Stevens has been in education for 30 years and agrees kids are getting excellent instruction. The curriculum is advanced to point children are going home and parents literally cannot help them. That is not the parent’s fault.  He and others have stated they are not sure if they could graduate from high school anymore. He said, “Homework is necessary but can overwhelm students and parents.”

Meadors said students should not get more than 20-30 minutes total for homework each night. She said, “Homework is strictly for reinforcement.”  Some parents are up with students until 11 PM. Beard said kids who need reinforcement get frustrated with too much homework. In Webster Parish, Meadors said teachers rotate days they give homework and none on Wednesday.

Sherman Brown said this is not new. In the 1980s as principal of Haynesville Elementary, he had to dictate amount of time teachers could assign homework. Principals can take care of this. Scriber said 20-30 minutes total for elementary students, although you may go to 1 or 1.5 hours for high school students. If you go past that, you have reached a point of diminishing returns. Scriber said, “If you improve learning, test scores will go up.” The Board voted to accept the report on school performance scores.

Superintendent Bauldree in Iberia Parish has requested the Claiborne Parish School Board and other school boards join them in adopting a resolution asking the State Board of Education to suspend or drop programs that are interfering with the teachers ability to teach. Scriber said, “If we would leave the teachers alone and let them teach, we wouldn’t have to be going through all this.” Scriber said he would have a resolution ready by the next meeting.      

Red Ribbon Week first place winners were recognized by the Claiborne Parish School Board last Thursday.  Best Decorated School was awarded to Haynesville Elementary. Winners of the Essay Writing Contest were as follows:

K-3: 1st - Kelly Ann Rodgers, Haynesville Elementary; 2nd - Raley McEachern, Haynesville Elem.; 3rd - KeBroderick Walker, Athens; 4th-5th Grade: 1st - Alexis Aneko Watson, Homer; 2nd - Jacob Harvey, Summerfield; 3rd -Kiedeja Jackson, Athens; 6th-8th Grade: 1st - Raley Aycock; Summerfield; 2nd - Candace Lee, Haynesville; 3rd - Keyon Smith, Pineview; and 9th-12th Grade: 1st - DeMontre (A.J.) Robinson, Haynesville; 2nd - Brittany Martin, Summerfield; 3rd - Gary D. Aubrey, Homer.

Poster Contest Winners were: Elementary: 1st - Bradley Smith, Haynesville; 2nd - Callie Smith, Homer; 3rd - Shanya Cowser, Haynesville; Junior High: 1st - Forrest Paranuk, Homer; 2nd - Kelvon Burns, Homer; 3rd - Luke Moring - Summerfield; High School: 1st - Jeremy Watts, Homer; 2nd - Tamilla West - Homer, and 3rd - Kimberly Danforth, Homer.

Claiborne Parish Alternative School Principal Clifton Lewis thanked merchants who provided savings bonds for winners: KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway, First Guaranty, Capitol One Bank, Gibsland Bank & Trust, Regions Bank, and Gray’s Jewelry.                                                                                        ….more

Permanent Markers On Lake

First Priority For Commission

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

The first order of business for the Claiborne Parish Watershed Commission, following the approval of the recent sales tax election, will be installing permanent markers on Lake Claiborne. Chic Hines, who chairs that committee, hopes to have bids in by early next year and construction underway by late summer or fall. In the meantime, Commissioner Roger Pemberton will oversee replacing the remaining buoys on the lake and “No Ski” buoys in the center of each boat row. Work is scheduled to begin Monday, November 27.

“The way I view this thing, people have committed to us a trust to get some things done in this parish that have not been done, and a lot of it revolves around economic development, along with other things like improvement of the lake,” said Commission Chairman Butch Fincher.  We have an obligation as commission to take seriously and to push forward as best we can, and to try to keep the parish united behind what we are doing in the area of economic development.” The two main things the public expects to see are permanent markers and economic development.

Latest sales tax figures show the projected revenue should be about $200,000 per year, which is more than was expected. Attorney Jim Hatch researched steps that would need to be taken to borrow money by issuing certificates of indebtedness to allow the Commission to proceed with work.

To get started Chairman Butch Fincher suggested appointing several committees, which was approved by the Commission. He asked the committees to meet as soon as possible to begin setting some goals and objectives. He said, “I want us to do everything we can to pursue development around water resources.

Committees were appointed as follows:

·        Permanent Markers Chairman Chic Hines, Roger Pemberton, Butch Lee

·        Budget: Chairman Butch Fincher, Alice Stewart, Butch Lee

·        Citizens Advisory:  Chairman Pemberton, Wilson, Almeter Willis

·        Economic Development: Chairman Butch Fincher, Hines, Willis

·        Lake Maintenance & Improvements: Chairman Stewart, Pemberton, Hines

Pemberton said Zachary  Hooker with CenterPoint Energy Pipeline Services is requesting written permission to place permanent markers in Lake Claiborne to warn boaters of the 10" natural gas pipeline that crossed the Lake near the east end of dam.

The pipe line is above ground where it enters the lake and anchored with river weights. In shallow areas. They recently had to spend money repairing damage when it was hit by a boat. Ronald Day was contacted to see what the requirements would be. The Commission voted to approve the request with the understanding that markers would not interfere with boating.

Jeff Sibley, biologist with Wildlife and Fisheries said they would be willing to consider a summer or early fall drawdown for the permanent channel marker project and suggested at least four feet for benefit of property owners.  He said they are glad to see plans to make improvements on Lake Claiborne and would like to see a public boat pier. Pemberton said a drawdown of only about two feet would be needed to install markers.

Sibley reported that giant salvina which was first reported on Toledo Bend in 1992, has now been seen on other area lakes. So far, none has been reported on Lake Claiborne, but any sightings should be reported immediately to his office.

Pemberton and Hines were appointed to oversee setting up a fish fry for volunteers who have helped with installing buoys over the years. Stewart agreed to help.

C.M.E. Renaissance Project Seeks New Life

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

The Project Renaissance was first introduced to the community in August 2005 and was expected to get underway later that year, about the time Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast. The Louisiana Region “Project Renaissance” or LRPR as it is referred to, was the vision of   Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt Jr..

Hoyt was in Homer Tuesday to meet with other pastors, local leaders, and elected officials to discuss reviving the project. Recently appointed Bishop of Seventh Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME) which oversees 13 states along the east coast, Hoyt will be moving to Washington, D.C. where he hopes to help facilitate funding for the project. He said “my heart is in the project” but he will only role will be to serve on the Board of Directors. Bishop Thomas L. Brown Sr., who is now over the Fourth District will oversee the project, but was unable to attend the meeting.

Project Director David Robinson shared information on the project which he said would eventually involve 80 acres on Lyons Hill Road owned by the C.M.E. Church which was once the site of the former CME College established in 1879. The college was an outstanding educational facility and attracted many noted professors and lecturers, such as George Washington Carver.

The first phase of the project would include a Power Academy which will provide counseling and education for up to 450 at-risk boys, age 12-17, who are referred to the Academy by the court system. The program will also include counseling for parents on a weekly basis. This is an accredited education program which will allow youth to graduate as well as learn various job skills.

Also included in the first phase of the project will be a brick manufacturing plant, a 2,500 seat convention center that can be used for music concerts or evangelical events. It will include a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system and will be named for former State Representative Pinkie C. Wilkerson.

The overall $100 million project will eventually include elderly housing, other manufacturing facilities, a hotel, RV park, village market, day rent cabins, prayer chapel and a theme park focused on the history of the area including the participation of the underground railroad.

Robinson said they would know more about funding by the end of the year and could begin construction next spring.

James Robert Michael met with Sparta Commission members Gene Coleman and Alice Stewart, LSU AgCenter Professor Bill Branch (lower right), Webster Juror Herb Byars (seated, lower right) who serves on the Lake Project Committee with Michael, and newly-elected Claiborne Juror Bob McDaniel. Michael points out watersheds on the map that lie atop the recharge area of the Sparta Aquifer. He said saving the Sparta and attracting retirees were main reasons for developing new lakes in the region.

Sparta Hills Lakes Project Updated

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

Joint plans for the lakes project being developed for Claiborne Parish and Webster Parish are almost complete. According to Dr. James Robert Michael, the next step is to develop the charter for what is presently being called the “Sparta Hills Groundwater Authority.” Once complete and ample public meetings have been held, Representatives Jean Doerge and Rick Gallot will submit the charter to the State Legislature for approval.

According to Michael’s figures, the Sparta Area Aquifer Recharge and Economic Development Initiative would provide a cumulative total of more than 28,000 jobs in the first 15 years. Presently, of the 16,800 persons living in Claiborne Parish, 1,200 are incarcerated and 7,400 rely on welfare payments.

Michael said the main issue people in Claiborne Parish need to realize is the seriousness of the economic situation with the closing of Wal-Mart and the steady loss of population. The objectives for the Sparta Aquifer Recharge and Economic Development Program is 1) to develop a program for stabilizing and improving the area’s economy, 2) to develop a program for saving the Sparta Aquifer, and 3) to offer a plan for coordinating the two efforts.

Based on figures released the Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce (BFA) over the past 20 years (1980, 1990, 2000), the inflation-adjusted personal income in our area increased by only 21 percent while the nation’s income increased by 78 percent. During that same period, the population in Claiborne Parish declined by 4 percent while the nation’s population increased by 24 percent.

According to Michael, at least two developers have expressed interest in investing in the project. One will be coming to Claiborne Parish to view the project first hand and meet with Dr. Michael.

Bill Branch, professor with the LSU AgCenter Extension Service, who has been working on the project with Dr. Michael and Herb Byars, recently met with them in Homer, along with Sparta Aquifer Commissioners Gene Coleman and Alice Stewart, and newly elected Police Juror Bob McDaniel. Some of the specifics were discussed as to where dams and levees would be placed in the area of Flat Lick, what size dam would be needed, and how construction of the dam would be funded. Placement of smaller levees along the tributaries would prevent collection of silt in the new lake. A conference call was held with one of the potential developers.

Michael said eventually plans are to build a series of lakes in the Sparta recharge area. Branch said wherever you build the lakes, economic development should be the priority. Coleman and Stewart both agreed a deeper lake would improve water quality. Michael said the main purpose for the initiative was to help the Sparta Aquifer, but the project will also include a beautification and reforestation project along with the sell of lots and further economic improvements around the lake, which will add millions to the local economy.

More Than 300 Summerfield High students dressed in red, white and blue shirts provided the perfect setting for the Veterans Day program held last Friday to honor the memory of fallen soldier and 2004 Summerfield graduate Jon Eric Bowman. Several local veterans were recognized and members of a local unit of the U.S. Marines attended and raised the American flag. A large sign placed on  front of the school depicted a white cross over an American flag with the words, “Lance Cpl. Jon Eric Bowman, Senior 2004, We Will Miss You.” A bench and metal sculpture were also provided in memory of the former student.

Summerfield High Honors Fallen Soldier

Jon Eric Bowman

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

A sea of red, white, and blue shirts provided the backdrop for the dedication service held at Summerfield High School last Friday to honor local veterans and to remember U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Jon Eric Bowman. Bowman and two fellow Marines were killed October 9, 2006 about one month into his second tour of duty to Iraq, when their Humvee was hit by two IEDs (improvised explosive devices). Bowman was only 21 years old.

Summerfield Principal D’Arcy Stevens welcomed everyone to the dedication ceremony and recognized veterans who attended along with members of Jon Eric Bowman’s family. He said Bowman had signed up with the Marines the night he graduated from Summerfield High School in 2004.

A resolution adopted by the Claiborne Parish School Board expressed heartfelt appreciation for Bowman’s patriotic devotion to this country and deepest sympathy to his family.  Bowman made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the United States of American remains free with all the privileges of this republic.

The school dedication service included the raising of the American flag by members of the U. S. Marines followed by a brief history of the Marines on the anniversary of their founding of the Marines.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by fifth grader McKenzie Scriber and fourth grader Khamren Williams. Williams’ mother is presently serving in the armed services and will soon be deployed to Turkey. She has already served one tour of duty in Iraq. Ariel Davis sang “America”.

A bench and metal sculpture depicting the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima were dedicated to Bowman’s memory. The words on the sign placed at the front of the school which depicted a white cross over the American flag said it all, “Lance Cpl. Jon Eric Bowman, Senior 2004, We Will Miss You.”

Crowns To Include Hat Exhibit, Style Show

Ladies and Gentlemen, get out your hats! Saturday, November 18 will see a parade of Claiborne Parish residents as well as visitors from as far away as Seattle all decked out and ready for an afternoon's entertainment at the Homer City Hall. Come at 2 p.m. for a style show by Homer merchants, a play by the Mahogany Ensemble, and refreshments graciously served by the parish's young people in the 4-H Junior Leaders program.

All over Claiborne Parish hat boxes are being dusted off and bring to mind the days of shopping at Hearne's, Selber Bros., and Rubenstein's in Shreveport as well as at White's, Mrs. C.N.Wilkins, Fine's, and Maritzky's in Homer. In Haynesville the stores were W.E. Browning & Sons, Miller's, Talbert's and Garrett's. Historic and contemporary hats will be exhibited at the City Hall after being documented by LA Tech folklorist, Dr. Susan Roach, for inclusion on the Folklore website.

After the style show with fashions from Mary's Boutique, Merle Norman, Delta Interiors and Miss Lizzie's, the guests will be treated to a performance of the play Crowns by Regina Taylor. The Mahogany Ensemble Theatre Group under the direction of Angelique Feaster has presented this story of faith, family, and fashion to audiences in Shreveport and Minden earlier this year to rave reviews. The Claiborne Jubilee is bringing the company to the parish with the assistance of a grant from the Louisiana State Arts Council through the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, also by a grant from the Louisiana State Arts Council through the Louisiana Division of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Jubilee is also supported by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury and by private donations and fund raising.

Tickets are available from Killgore's Pharmacy in Haynes-ville and from Mary's Boutique, Merle Norman, Delta Interiors, Miss Lizzie's two locations and from the Claiborne Parish Library in Homer. Prices are $7.00, $5.00 for those under 12 or over 65. They will be $10 at the door. Although attendees are not required to wear a hat to be admitted, an award will be presented to the group with the most folks wearing hats.

Community Thanksgiving Service

Sunday, November 19, 6 PM

The Annual Community Thanksgiving Service will be held Sunday, November 19 at 6 PM in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church in Homer. The event is hosted by the Homer Ministerial Alliance and will involve ministers from several local churches. Anyone who would like to sing in the community choir is invited to attend rehearsal at 5:30 PM before the service. An offering will be collected with proceeds going to the Homer Ministerial Alliance Transient Fund. This fund enables churches of Homer and Claiborne Parish to aid travelers who come through our community and who may need assistance with one night’s stay in a local motel, a warm meal and fuel. Rev. John Markley, pastor of Grace Bible Church, will be bringing the evening message. Everyone is invited to attend.

Claiborne Christmas Festival

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Festivities for the 2006 Claiborne Christmas Festival will kickoff at 8 AM with the First Annual “Hills of Homer” Christmas 10K, 5K Run which also will include a 1 Mile Fun Walk/Run. Participants who sign up by Saturday, November 18 pay $15 and are guaranteed a Christmas Run T-shirt. Late fee is $20. Participants are also asked to bring an unwrapped Christmas gift valued between $10-$15 for needy area children for the 2006 Toy Drive being conducted by the Homer Police Department. For information, call Wayne Hatfield at 927-2961. The Christmas Parade will be held at 1 PM with Dr. T. M. Deas serving as Grand Marshal. Other activities throughout the day, from 9 AM-5 PM, include Stiltwalker and Juggler Carrie McQueen, Rock Wall Climb and Giant Slide, CeCe the Clown of Shreveport, and entertainers Sara Beth, Extreme Country of Monroe and Kyla Rose Bolton of Leesville. For more information, call Ann Burton at 927-2046 or Dale Tully at 927-9009.

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