Guardian-Journal 2007-01-18
School Board Seeks New
Superintendent
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
School Superintendent James
Scriber announced plans to step down at the end of his contract on June 30, 2006. “It has been an honor to serve as superintendent, more
than once,” he told members of the Claiborne Parish School Board at their
regular meeting on January 11. There was no particular reason he decided to
leave at this time. He said, “I feel like it is time for me to go.”
Tommy Davidson said, “If Mr.
Scriber wanted his contract renewed, it would be renewed.” This was his
decision not to renew the contract.
Scriber said he was pleased
with many things that have been accomplished over the last three years. One was
the budget, which has shown a $1 million deficit for the past two years, much
of that due to increases in health insurance and retirement.. It was not easy
to cut staff, he said. “Let’s face it. We were way over staffed.”
Another issue he did not
anticipate was inheriting the building projects. He believes the Homer Junior
High worked out as good as it could have.
Although he is never pleased
with test scores and always believes they should be better, Claiborne Parish is one of the few parishes
in this area that has no schools designated unacceptable. He said, “That speaks
well for us.”
He said 2007 was supposed to be
a reading adoption year, however, it has been delayed until 2008 due to
Hurricane Katrina. He said the Board needs to take a serious look at the entire
reading program. Direct Instruction, adopted several years ago, has some merit
and does some good, but it is certainly not a complete reading program. It is
expensive and not approved by the State. It does not do what we need for all
our students. Reading is more than calling words and provides little or
nothing for reading comprehension. Just look at the results in our IOWA and LEAP test scores.
Scriber met Friday with the
five people in the school system who hold certification for superintendent.
They are Haynesville Elementary principal Bob Bond, alternative school
principal Clifton Lewis, Homer High principal Dwight Mitchell, Title 1
supervisor Barbara Monzingo and instructional supervisor Janice Williams.
As of Tuesday, Bond was the
only one who definitely planned to submit his application. Lewis said he was
laboring over the decision, but did not know at this time. Mitchell said, “I am
certified, but am undecided at this point.”
Monzingo has applied for the
position in the past, but does not think she will apply at this time. She likes
her position as Title I supervisor and wants to work wherever she can be the
most benefit to the students. Williams
said she has given the idea some consideration, but has not finalized
her decision. She has plenty of years ahead of her but would like the
experience of the application process. This may be a position God could send her way one day.
Bond has been in the school
system for 14 years. Everyone knows what to expect of him. When asked what he
could bring to the position, he said he would be “firm, fair and
consistent.” Over the years, he has
learned to listen more to his staff and teachers.
One of the biggest problems he
sees in the school system is discipline. He wishes parents were not so
distrustful of the school system and would show support for teachers in front
of their children. He said, “That is a big problem.”
The School Board voted to begin
advertising immediately for the superintendent position. Applications will be
accepted through March 16.
During the regular meeting,
Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court Patrick Gladney administered the oath of office
to the Board, including two new board members Sherman Brown and Terry Willis,
who replaced A. D. Williams and Stewart Griffin.
The Board voted unanimously to
re-elect Will Maddox as president and Vera Meadors as vice-president.
Under personnel actions, the
Board voted to hire Jan V. Lewis as librarian at Homer High School, replacing Linda McKenzie and
Renae Colwick in special services as speech therapist.
Scriber reported the building
for the gym and library at Homer Junior High should be in the next couple of
weeks.
Scriber said he, Ronnie
McKenzie, and Dwight Mitchell met with architects to discuss renovations to Homer High School. Plans are being finalized to
begin advertising for the renovation plan which will include replacement of all
windows, lowering ceilings, electrical work, plumbing, new bathrooms,
waterproofing bricks outside, some cosmetic work and painting, new science lab,
computer work, intercom, and possibly a sprinkler system to meet fire marshal
requirements.
He hopes to see work begin in
May and be completed by mid-August, while school is out. He recommended
advertising separately for bids on a surveillance system, but have it installed
at the same time. He recommends keeping the price below $1.2 million.
Renovation will be paid with QZAB money, which is interest free money that must
be paid back with District 13 money. Since the tax runs out in 8 years, he
suggested not spending more than can be collected in that time period.
Attorney Jim Hatch has
contacted Barron Construction and Architectural Metals concerning the warranty
on the gym at Haynesville Junior High. The roof is still leaking in two places.
Two Homer Men Arrested For
Theft
Sheriff’s Office Investigating Car Theft
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Detective Duffy Gandy with the
Criminal Investigative Division of the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office
received a report Monday, January 8 regarding theft of oil and gas field valves
and connections taken from Par Minerals Office on Point Pleasant Road in South
Claiborne Parish. Items stolen were valued at approximately $8,632.
Following an investigation led
by Detective Gandy and Detective Randy Smith, two Homer men were arrested on
Wednesday, January 10. Carl J. Perry, 56, and Willie L. Ferrell, 38, were
charged with theft of oil and gas equipment over $500. Both were transported to
the Claiborne Parish Detention Center where they were booked with
bond set on each at $10,000.
On Wednesday, January 10, Daisy
Marie Shelton, 39, of Homer was stopped for speeding, 70mph in a 55 mph speed
zone, by Deputy Matt Harris. After approaching the vehicle to request driver’s
license, registration and insurance, Harris detected an odor commonly
associated with marijuana. A cigar like object containing a green vegetable
substance was found in Shelton’s possession. She was taken
into custody. After being advised of her Miranda rights, she was arrested for
speeding (70/55) and possession of marijuana. Shelton was booked in the Claiborne
Parish Women’s Jail with bond set at $500 on each charge.
The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s
Office participated in the recovery of a stolen vehicle on Thursday, January
11. A 2001 Pontiac Grand Am had been reported stolen in November 2006 to the
Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Detective Duffy Gandy received
information on January 10 of a vehicle that had been abandoned behind a vacant
house in the Cooper quarters on Old Athens Road. Detectives Gandy and Charles
Buford located the vehicle. The tires and rims, along with other parts of the
vehicle, had been removed. The investigation in ongoing by both Bienville
Parish and Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Offices.
Anyone with information on this crime or any other crime is asked to
please contact the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-927-2011.
.
Following a Candlelight March,
a Commemorative Program was held Monday at New Hope Baptist Church
to remember Dr. Martin Luther King on what would have been his 78th birthday.
This day also commemorated the opening of a new exhibit of many of Dr. King’s
papers on display for the first time at the Atlanta History Center
in Atlanta,
Georgia,
including an early draft of his famed “I Have A Dream” speech.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Remembered
BY SUSAN T. HERRING,
Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Homer Mayor David Newell led
the 3rd Annual Candlelight March to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 15.Following the march which was sponsored
by the Claiborne Parish Branch of the NAACP, Newell was greeted with enthusiasm
at the program held at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. 
Speaking about the decision
to go ahead with the march in spite of the cold, rainy weather, NAACP President
David Aubrey said, “What would Dr. King have done?”
State Representative Rick
Gallot said, “We are here this evening to honor one of the greatest men who
ever lived...one of the world’s best known advocates of non-violent social
change.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was only 39 years old when he was
assassinated, yet “he devoted his entire brief life to making things better for
us, not just in 1968, but in 2007 and beyond.”
Dr. King’s famous “I have a
dream speech” was delivered August 28, 1963 in Washington, D.C. Gallot asked, “Do we really
know what his dream was? How many of us know the entire message of the speech?”
The speech contained 7,155 characters, 1,592 words, 80 sentences and 30
paragraphs. It lasted only 16 minutes 20 seconds, yet the impact will live on
for generations to come.
Gallot said, “He lived and died
so that we could make this country a better place—a better place to raise our
kids...a better place to live and work together...a better place for
generations to come.”
In 2007, we must remember,
celebrate, and act to achieve racial quality, to serve humanity by serving one
another.
Dr. King once said we all have
to decide whether we “will walk in the light of creative altruism (unselfish
concern for the welfare of others) or the darkness of destructive selfishness.
Life's most persistent and nagging question, he said, was `what are you doing
for others?'" He would quote Mark 9:35, the scripture in which Jesus of
Nazareth tells James and John "...whosoever will be great among you shall
be your servant; and whosoever among you will be the first shall be the servant
of all."
When he talked about the end of
his mortal life, in one of his last sermons on February
4, 1968
in the pulpit of Ebenezer Baptist Church, he lifted up the value of
service as the hallmark of a full life. "I'd like somebody to mention on
that day Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to give his life serving others,"
he said. "I want you to say on that day, that I did try in my life...to
love and serve humanity.”
Gallot closed by posing these
questions, “What are we doing to serve humanity? What are we doing to end discrimination and
injustice in this world? What are we doing to ensure freedom and equality for
all people?”
Mike Thompson
shared the layout prepared for three potential lake sites in Washington Parish
with members of the Claiborne Parish Watershed District Commission last
Thursday. Commissioners approved hiring Thompson for one year as a consultant
for a fee of $80,000. He assured them they would have a permit in less than a
year.
Watershed Commission Hires
Consultant For $80,000
BY SUSAN T. HERRING,
Editor, The Guardian-Journal
The Claiborne Parish Watershed
District met in special session January 11 to consider entering into a contract
with Mike Thompson. Thompson is a governmental consultant with a long list of
credentials which include serving as mayor of Delhi, president of the Louisiana
Municipal Association, and executive assistant to Governor Buddy Roemer.. He
presently serves as consultant for several other parishes interested in
reservoir projects.
Thompson explained the
permitting process was complex, but he had the knowledge and experience needed
to develop a potable water reservoir and lake complex. He referred to his
success in getting $40 million in State funds to construct the Poverty Point
reservoir and marina, state park, cabins, and a PGA golf course, now part of
the Audubon Golf Trail. Once completed, the Poverty Point Reservoir Project was
turned over to the Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism under the
Lt. Governor's Office.
Presently, there are only three
funded projects in the State—1) Washington Parish in the Southern Hills
Aquifer, 2) Allen Parish Reservoir which is in the Chicot Aquifer, and 3) Bayou
DeChene in Columbia in the southern part of the Sparta, which has already
received their federal permit and has acquired 4,000 acres. Two other projects
fell out because they did not have the long term commitment.
Permitting procedures have been
established by the Corps of Engineers and criteria development for funding on
the State level to reduce arbitrary behavior by permitting agencies or
legislation.. He said, “This eliminates any local issues and any conflicts of
interest.”
Site identification is the
first step in the process. He suggested the Commission consider spending up to
$100,000 to go ahead and hire an engineering firm to begin preliminary
engineering for site selection. He recommended limiting the study to the best
three potential sites due to the cost of preparing the study.
Selection of the sites are done
scientifically. He said, “No projects have been
selected because of the Legislature, but because they meet the
criteria.” One criteria is that any potable water project must be located
within the boundaries of the three critical aquifers. Some projects are not
feasible due to costs, such as mitigation.
Thompson said it would take six
months to one year to get necessary permits. Once permitted, they would get
funding.
The Commission approved
entering into a one year contract for part-time consulting services with
Thompson for an annual fee of $80,000, with an option to renew.. Thompson will
assist in the design, planning, and coordination of construction of one new
potable water reservoir and amenities in Claiborne Parish. He will provide technical assistance for construction
of the project, coordinating oversight and selection of professionals, securing
permitting requirements of both federal and state agencies, coordination of
budget, and act as a liaison between legislature and state and federal
agencies. He will begin immediately seeking funds to pay for the planning and construction of the project.
The Board authorized President
Butch Fincher to sign documents and cooperative endeavor agreements on behalf
of the Watershed District to execute the contract with Thompson.
In other business, the
Commission voted to contribute $2,000 to Louisiana Films North in accordance
with all legal requirements.
Chic Hines reported the
Permanent Marker committee had met and were drawing up specifications with the
help of local contractor Kevin Greene. He expected to make a formal report on
January 18.
Fincher advised the Commission
that Regions Bank was merging with AmSouth and would be closing some branches.
If Regions closes the local branch, he suggested they consider transferring
their CD to another local bank.
Police Jury To Pursue At
LA VISTA
Site
BY SUSAN T. HERRING,
Editor, The Guardian-Journal
The first order of business at
the January 10 meeting of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury was to elect
officers. Roy Mardis and Jerry Adkins were unanimously re-elected to serve as
president and vice-president for another year. Jurors also approved the
appointment of Dwayne Woodard as secretary/treasurer for only one year rather
than two, since the term for police jurors will end in December 2007.
The Jury approved a
resolution of support the exploration
and possible creation of a Claiborne Parish site project through the Louisiana
AmeriCorps VISTA Program. Rebecca Tedford, who heads up the LA VISTA Program
through the Office of Community Development met with police jurors and other
parish leaders on Tuesday to discuss
what would be involved in developing a site project.
A LA VISTA site project in
Claiborne Parish would combine aspects of two current “best practice”
approaches: 1) Network weaving which is a concept to create sustainable
communities through improved connectivity, and 2) Economic gardening an
economic development approach which focuses on existing businesses and
providing support services to enable them to flourish and grow.
The Project would address three
areas previously identified in the 2004 Governor’s Summit on Solutions to Poverty:
1)enhancing education, 2) enhancing employment and economic development, and 3)
enhancing community assets.
Jury President Roy Mardis
instructed Secretary Dwayne Woodard to mail letters to all chairpersons of the
various committees, commissions and boards throughout Claiborne Parish to bring
the groups together in an effort to communicate their goals and come up with a
united strategic plan for the entire parish.
Connecting existing groups and
organizations will “facilitate approaching the overall goals of the parish in a
collaborative manner and help ensure groups within Claiborne Parish are not
competing with each other for available grant funding.” The economic gardening
approach will provide existing and emerging small businesses the support and
resources they need in order to succeed and grow.
Several letters of support were
submitted to the Jury. Dennis Butcher, president of the Claiborne Parish
Industrial Development Board, said, “The strategies of network weaving and
economic gardening are particularly appropriate to our area and have been
identified as “Best Practices” in numerous situations. I have studied the
proposal and endorse our pursuit of this plan.”
In a letter submitted by
Claiborne Chamber President J. T. Taylor, he said, “We do hereby support this
application effort by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury in the Louisiana
AmeriCorps Vista Program.”
In the initial phase, the
framework and infrastructure design will be established to serve as a liaison
between elected officials, appointed boards, and other groups.
LA VISTA will provide a person
to guide and assist the Jury through the process, who will train local people
and assist in finding grant money for potential projects. In the first year of
a 5-year contract, the Jury would be required to appoint a supervisor to
oversee this person, in addition to providing office space, office equipment,
and supplies.
Scott Davidson’s request for
$5,000 for Louisiana Films North was approved. Davidson, who serves on the LFN
Board, said funds would be used to establish a $60,000 budget for the film
office in Springhill. Some would be used for salaries, but most would be used
to promote this area to the film industry. He said they looked for Bienville Parish to join in the next few
days. They plan to contribute $20,000.
Davidson said Louisiana is presently ranked the number
one place to shoot films in the United States, due to the tax breaks being
offered by the State. Since Hurricane Katrina, more films have been shot in North Louisiana. The Shreveport-Bossier area
has been dubbed in the media as “Hollywood South.”
Several movies, four unnamed
projects, and four television series are presently considering this area for
filming. One has been looking at Homer’s courthouse and cemeteries
Bob McDaniel raised the
question as to how much money would actually be spent in Claiborne Parish since
they do not have the infrastructure to accommodate the film industry such as
hotels, restaurants, etc.
Davidson said, “I’m going to be
honest with you. I don’t know how much benefit we will get from this in the
long run, but we won’t get any if we don’t try.” If the organization is not
producing results in about three years, they will shut it down. …more
OEP Offers Tips For Winter
Weather
BY SUSAN T. HERRING,
Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Dennis Butcher, director of the
Claiborne Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) offered a few tips to
be prepared for winter storms. With the recent surge of cold air and freezing
rain into our area and news reports of recent tragedies, Butcher reminds local
citizens to be ready for possible winter storms over the next 6-8 weeks.
To prepare for driving in
winter weather, Butcher said there are a number of things to remember. First,
you should make sure your vehicle is ready to operate by checking to make sure
the following items are in proper working order—battery, thermostat,
anti-freeze, windshield wiper and fluid, lights, emergency flashing hazard
lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, and engine oil level.
During winter weather, a
suggested list of items to carry in your vehicle include a cell phone, flash light, extra
batteries, first aid kit with pocket knife, necessary medication to last at
least 3 days, blankets, sleeping bag, extra newspaper for insulation, plastic
bags, matches, extra set socks, cap, rain gear, extra clothing, small sack of
sand to put under wheel for traction, small shovel, booster cables, set chains
for wheels, items to occupy small children (cards, games or puzzles), brightly
colored clothing to be spotted from air, fruit, nuts, hand-operated can opener,
and bottled water.
Since these items are from a
national list, Butcher suggests
residents use their own discretion and common sense as to what items may
actually be needed in this region of the country. In north Louisiana, severe weather conditions are
usually short in duration. When weather conditions deteriorate and roads become
hazardous, however, he recommends driving only when it is essential. It is
better to stay off the roads until conditions improve, usually within 24-48
hours.
Motorists are also warned to be
cautious when driving following a heavy rain and never drive over a roadway
covered with water, since it is not possible to determine how deep the water is
or if there is damage to the roadway.
Since it takes only 8-10 inches of water to move your vehicle, it could end up
in a ditch. Flooded roads are perhaps the biggest risk to motorists in this
area following substantial rainfall.
Since Friday, the Hill Farm
Research Station has recorded 5.54 inches of rain according to lab technician
Nancy Boddie. This puts the monthly total at 6.47 inches, well above the
January average of 4.75 inches. On Monday at 2:30 PM, Lake Claiborne was 22 inches above pool
stage. With no further rain, the lake should crest Friday around 28-30 inches
above pool stage. Residents in low lying areas should be prepared, if
necessary, to relocate movable objects that are at risk of flooding and move
watercraft stored in boat houses..
In the event of the loss of
power due to a winter storm, Butcher offers these recommendations to be
prepared at home. Make sure emergency heating is ready, plenty of wood for the
fireplace, or a portable heater is readily available. You also need to make
sure the following items are on hand—flash light, battery-operated radio, extra batteries,
first aid kit, food to last at least 3-4 days, canned food, hand-operated can
opener, bottled water, essential medication for at least one week, extra
blankets, and an ABC/general purpose fire extinguisher in the event of problems
associated with portable heaters.
Butcher reminds residents to
check on neighbors, especially elderly neighbors who live alone, to make sure
they have all the necessary items. He said, “Everyone does better when we are
looking out for everyone else.” Also, he reminded homeowners not to forget
their pets. They may need to find shelter for pets who normally stay outside.
Clementine Hunter
Traveling Exhibit Coming To Homer
Charles Kuralt once described
Clementine Hunter as “the foremost folk artist of our time.” His statement is
not a simple superlative but a direct description of one of Louisiana’s most treasured artists. Each
one of Hunter’s pieces captures the
essence of rural life in North Louisiana. However, her paintings do
more than merely record and document a forgotten lifestyle; they are highly
sophisticated and complex despite Hunter’s lack of formal training.
The Art and Social-Commentary
of Clementine Hunter, a traveling exhibit by the Louisiana State Museum, focuses upon the importance
of Hunter’s work as a chronicle of rural life in North Louisiana as well as an exquisite
example of an innate artistic talent. This exhibition of the State Museum will be on view at the Ford Museum from February 15 to April 20.
A Primitive Art Workshop will
be taught by local artist Chris Broussard of Minden. The class will be held at the
Herbert S. Ford Museum on Monday, February 26. Space
is limited. Interested persons are urged to call 318-027-9190 to pre-register.
Looking Back—More
Highlights From 2006
Continued from last week....
APRIL
The Sheriff's Office
investigated a report of a barge stolen from the residence of Clayton Hays on
April 17.
The “Shorty Garcia” Memorial Ball Park was dedicated on Thursday, April 20, 2006.
The Louisiana Supreme Court
denied the appeal of former Haynesville Town Clerk Marilyn Bush on Monday,
April 24, who was charged with felony theft involving at least $432,250 missing
from funds in the Town of Haynesville between July 1991 and
September 2000. Bush was returned to jail to begin serving the remainder of the
ten year sentence imposed on her in April 2002 by District Judge Jenifer
Clason. …more
Governor Kathleen Blanco
To Speak At Chamber Banquet
Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco will be the guest speaker at the 42nd Annual Claiborne Chamber of Commerce Banquet to be held, Monday, January 22, 2007 at 6 PM at the Claiborne Parish Fair
Barn in Haynesville. In January, 2004,
Blanco became the first woman to serve as Governor of Louisiana. She has been a
pioneer for women, serving two terms as Lt. Governor, five years in the State
Legislature, and five years on the Public Service Commission, two as Commissioner.
Chamber President J. T. Taylor
said, “We are delighted Gov. Blanco was able to find time to come to Claiborne
Parish.” Reservations are $30 per person and must be paid in advance. Seating
is limited to 300 persons. For more information or to make reservations, call
the Chamber office at 927-3271.
