Police Jury Calls Parishwide Recreation Tax Election

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

Local attorney Jim Colvin and Homer Mayor David Newell addressed the Claiborne Parish Police Jury at their March meeting, asking them to create a parishwide recreation district and call a special election May 5 for a 1/4 percent sales tax to fund the district.

Colvin explained a significant increase in participation in the summer baseball and softball programs have created a problem with the present field capacity. Several years ago, David Wade Correctional Center agreed to donate 80 acres across from Hwy. 520 for the construction of a ballfield complex. That agreement is still valid, however, Secretary Richard Stalder plans to retire this year and there are no assurances the offer would still be available.

Presently, Claiborne Parish does not have facilities that meet requirements to host all-star tournaments, such as they have in Minden, Shongaloo, Doyline and Arcadia. The estimated cost to construct eight fields in a baseball and softball complex using the wheel design is $1.2 million. DWCC would provide maintenance on the fields for cost of the guard.

The outline of recreation district operation and annual funding suggestions presented to the Jury is as follows: construction of 8 ballparks $1,300,000 with annual repayment of bonds at $150,000; maintenance and utilities $35,000, parishwide recreation manager - $33,000, Haynesville swimming pool - $10,000, Homer swimming pools - $10,000; Homer Gold Course - $15,000; Haynesville Golf Course - $15,000; park and playground restoration and improvement and upgrade of existing facilities and creation of new parks in Athens, Lisbon, and Summerfield - $40,000; and upgrade of existing baseball and softball fields in Homer and Haynesville - $30,000.

Newell said, “We have got to do something.” With the dwindling population and loss of jobs, the parish needs to take a significant change in direction. He added, “This might be the most important change in direction we can take.”

Bob McDaniel said, “If you never try it, you’ll never know. Number one, we need to provide everything for the children in this parish we can conceivably think of.”

Willie Young said, “If you don’t give kids something positive, they will do something negative.” The other option is helping Sheriff Bailey build a new juvenile detention center.

Scott Davidson said, “I’m not against this, but I have pros and cons both ways.”

Roy Mardis shared his concern on the $14,000 additional cost to call a special election. Colvin assured the Jury they had the financing to pay for the election, even if it failed.

The Jury voted unanimously to to create a parishwide recreation district but deferred appointing commissioners until the April meeting. The Jury then voted 7-2 to call a special election on Saturday, May 5 for a 1/4 percent sales tax for the parishwide recreation district for a 15 year period.  Voting against were Jerry Adkins and Lavelle Penix.                                                                                               …more

Jimmie Bailey Sr. of Homer was one of only 12 “tough” men selected to test drive the new 2008 F-Series Super Duty Ford pickup truck for one year, as part of Ford truck’s “Team Tough” marketing program. For more on the campaign, go to http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/2008superduty/teamtough.

Jimmie Bailey tries out the new fold out tailgate step, (top photo) an industry first, on the new 2008 F-250 Super Duty Lariat 4-Door Crew Cab he will be test driving this year as part of Ford truck’s “Team Tough” marketing program. The luxury truck is equipped with a new 6.4 liter power stroke diesel engine with automatic transmission and clean diesel technology, and comes with rear seat entertainment system, adjustable pedals, and a computerized navigation system

One Tough Guy, One Tough Truck

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

Many people might wonder just how tough Jimmie Bailey Sr. really is, or what made him tough enough to be chosen as one of only twelve men across the country to be selected to test drive the new 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty truck. If you ask his son, Jimmie Jr., he would tell you his 66-year-old dad works twice as hard and longer than men much younger. “Don’t let his age fool you,” he said. “He can make most young men give up.”

That was just what Ford was looking for, twelve men who could test the durability of their new Super Duty truck. Bailey was selected from several hundred candidates recruited through focus groups, regional Ford offices and dealers, media and alliance partners. Of the 12 men selected, only nine were driving Ford Super Duty trucks at the time. Although he had driven Ford trucks in the past, Bailey was driving a 1987 GMC truck which he called “Little Red.”

Ford picked 12 tough guys with 12 tough jobs—from Butler, New Jersey to Colton, California; from Homer Louisiana to North Hugo, Minnesota—guys who know that the difference between “make or break” rests on the durability of their workhorse. For the rest of this year, their workhorse will be the New Ford Super Duty.

Bailey grew up in Shongaloo, but today lives on a farm on Featherston Road in Homer with his wife, Carol. He works six days a week, from sun-up until sundown. In the off season he builds and repairs fences, and dabbles in a variety of odd jobs, such as leatherwork and cabinetry. He also loads hay and wood, and tackles any other job you can throw at him. In his spare time, he enjoys western movies and old country music.

Last month, Bailey picked up the new 2008 F-250 Super Duty Lariat 4-Door Crew Cab. According to Wes Sherwood, Ford Truck Communications Manager, this truck is the luxury version with a new 6.4 liter power stroke diesel engine with automatic transmission and clean diesel technology. It come with single rear 20” wheels, a trailer tow package,  heavy duty alternator and tow command integrated trailer brake control system with 15,000 pound tow capacity. A larger model, the F-450, is for extreme towing and has a 24,500 pound capacity.

The luxury truck comes with rear seat entertainment system, adjustable pedals, new computerized navigation system, and a flexgate stowable bed extender to provide room for longer loads or folds for smaller loads. It also folds out of the way when not being used. The new fold out tailgate step is an industry first. Another feature is the new power telescoping, trailer tow mirrors which allow the driver to extend the mirrors to see around without getting out of the truck.

The “12 Tough Men, 12 Tough Trucks” marketing program hopes to get feedback on how they can improve their trucks even more. For more on the 12 Tough Men campaign, go to http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/2008superduty/teamtough. The website features information and pictures, and a short video on all 12 men. Each has an individual website where they will post information through the year on how their trucks hold up when pushed to the limit.

At the end of the year, each man will have to return the trucks which are engineering prototypes and cannot be sold.

DA Responds To Complaint Against Councilwoman

The Office of District Attorney Walter May received a written complaint from a citizen of the Town of Haynesville regarding Haynesville Town Councilwoman Joyce Majors about her moving her domicile from the district from which she was elected.

In accordance with La. Revised Statute 18:673, the district attorney is required to investigate this complaint and publish a response in the legal journal of the parish.

There is no evidence sufficient to conclude that the council person in question has changed her legal domicile or that a petition making such an allegation is justified.

Action of the district attorney is not the exclusive remedy in a matter of this nature. Any citizen may file a civil suit to remove an elected official not domiciled within his or her elected district.

Traffic Stops Net Drug Arrests

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Deputy Paul Brazzel was patrolling on La. 2 on Sunday, March 11 when he observed a vehicle speeding. He stopped the truck driven by Derick L. Young, 33, of Arcadia. When Deputy Brazzel came in contact with Young, he detected a strong odor commonly associated with an alcoholic beverage. As he was looking for the proper paperwork for Young and the vehicle, he found a clear plastic bag containing what appeared to be marijuana. Young was placed under arrest and advised of his Miranda rights.

Detective Randy Smith was called to assist. A continued search of the truck revealed a purple Crown Royal bag containing five (5) individually wrapped plastic bags of a green vegetable material believed to be marijuana, as well as an empty 12 oz. beer bottle.

Young was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and booked. He was charged with possession of Schedule I marijuana with intent to distribute with bond set at $15,000; no license plate with bond set at $500; no driver’s license with bond set at $500; open container with bond set at $500; no vehicle registration with bond set at $500, DWI first offense with bond set at $750; and speeding 83/55 with bond set at $500.

On Monday, March 5, Deputy Randy Pugh was on routine patrol and stopped a vehicle for making a left hand turn without using a turn signal. Driver of the vehicle, Derrick D. Voner, 25, of Homer was found to be in possession of what appeared to be marijuana.  Upon further investigation, Deputy Pugh, assisted by Deputy Paul Brazzel, found an open container of beer in the vehicle. They also discovered that Voner was driving under suspension.

Voner was arrested and booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center, charged with failure to signal, driving under suspension, open container, and possession of marijuana. His bond was set at $500 on each charge, for a total bond of $2,000.

Fake Gun or Real Gun....you be the judge!

Homer Police receive calls on a regular basis reporting juveniles with handguns. On Monday, one concerned citizen observed an adult pick up what he thought was a real handgun between the Sonic Drive-In and Dixie Mart #3. Officer Ken Wood responded to the scene and located the subject within minutes at the intersection of East 4th and Sangar. No charges were filed, but Police Chief Russell Mills said, “This gun looks all too real.” The tip of the P99 Tai Jia toy gun had been altered to make it appear more real. Depending on the situation, Mills said, a toy that looks like a real gun could lead to a very serious situation. Mills warns parents to protect their children by making sure they understand the danger playing with guns that appear real.

School Board Raises Pay To $600 Month

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

By a vote of 6-4, members of the Claiborne Parish School Board approved a motion by Stanley Edwards to raise the pay of school board members from $200 to $600.

Several board members voiced opposition. Blake Hemphill said the Board just lowered the pay from $400 to $200 last year. He said, “I feel people should serve on the school board. not for the money, but for service to the school system.” He suggested they pay $200, with a per diem of $50 per meeting. His motion to amend Edward’s motion failed for lack of a second.

President Will Maddox said the Board voted unanimously to decrease the salary in good faith to the people. He said, ”I can’t vote to increase it, when we just voted to decrease it. Personally, it looks like politics as usual.”

Sherman Brown said $200 is the lowest in the state. He said, “What we do is no less than what anybody else in the state does. I don’t like being last.”

Voting for the motion were Sherman Brown, Stanley Edwards, Vera Meadors, Tommy Davidson, Almeter Willis, and Terry Willis. Voting against the raise were Danny Lee, Joe Lee, Will Maddox, and Blake Hemphill. Maddox noted this was the first time he remembered a split vote.

The Board approved the recommendation of the Finance Committee to set the total salary for the new superintendent at $86,643 which includes a base salary of $72,000 plus sales tax check, 13th and 14th checks, and $6,000 car allowance. Applications will be accepted until Friday, March 16. Interviews will be conducted at 6 PM March 26, and March 27 if needed. A decision will be made at a special called meeting or the next regular meeting on April 12.

Scriber said the new MFP formula expected to be presented by the BESE Board to the Legislature this month will mean $16,600,000 for Claiborne Parish next year, a substantial increase of $1,662,000. This year’s funding was $14,964,777. If approved, certified teachers and employees would receive a $3,097 raise, If the $2,400 raise proposed by the Governor is approved, teachers in Claiborne Parish could receive a total raise of $5,500.

Based on the October 2006 student count of 2,503, Claiborne Parish would receive $5,979 per student under the new MFP formula, the third highest amount in the state.

The Board voted to advertise renovation plans at Homer High School They plan to open bids in April and hope for work to start  May 1.

The Board voted to advertise three separate bids for security cameras at Homer High, Homer Elementary, and Summerfield High, to be paid from school maintenance funds. .                                                                                           …more

Gerald Allen of Homer was the lucky winner of the $100,000 grand prize in Capitol One’s Online Bill Pay Sweepstakes. Presenting the check to Gerald and his wife, Ann, were Sherry Whitman (left), Manager for the Homer and Minden banks, and Malcolm Maddox, Regional Chairman for the Northeast Central Region.

Members of Gerald Allen’s family who came to Homer to witness the presentation and join in the celebration were (l.-r.) brother David Allen of Delhi, daughter Dannita Allen of Bossier, (Gerald and wife Ann), daughter Terrie Springer of Shreveport, Mary and Gerald Jr. of Blanchard, and mother Pauline Allen of Delhi. His mom said, “I don’t know of anyone more deserving. He has always worked hard.”

Homer Man Wins Capitol One’s $100,000 Grand Prize

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

It may not be a $370-million dollar jackpot, but Capital One Bank made one Homer resident especially happy when they drew his name. Gerald Allen of Homer won the $100,000 grand prize in Capital One’s Online Bill Pay Sweepstakes. Allen’s fantastic luck and $100,000 in prize winnings was celebrated Tuesday, March 13  at the Homer Capital One Bank branch with a check presentation, refreshments and photo session. 

“We are thrilled that a Homer resident won the $100,000,” said Sherry Whitman, branch manager at Capital One’s Homer branch. “Homer is a close-knit community.  When something good happens to one our residents, the whole town gets to share in the excitement.  We hope Gerald enjoys his winnings.”

Allen said he could not believe it was real when he was first contacted about his winning the Grand Prize. He had only started online banking in December, but every time he used it, he was automatically registered in the drawing.

Allen moved to Homer last May and has worked in security in the parts room for maintenance at Covalence Coated Products (formerly Ludlow) for the past 18 months. In addition, he owns and operates his own business, Allen Tax Service. Allen plans to pay off all his debt with the amount he will have left after taxes, approximately $66,000. He also plans to share   his small fortune with his children and other family members.

Capital One’s Online Bill Pay Sweepstakes was open to residents in Louisiana and Texas. Capital One customers who paid five or more bills online between December 1, 2006, and January 31, 2007, using Capital One’s online bill pay system were automatically entered in the $100,000 grand prize drawing. Eight additional cash prizes of $2,500 each were awarded weekly during the sweepstakes.

State Representative Rick Gallot (left) was guest speaker at the Community Prayer Breakfast held at First Baptist Church last Sunday. The event was well attended by community leaders and area pastors (l.-r.) Frank Taylor, Gurvis Vines, Fred Young, Sheriff Ken Bailey, Bro. Jimmy Simeon, Michael Allen, John David Watson, Rev. Norah Banks, Michael Wade, Rev. David Heard, Rev. Russell Grigsby, and Rev. Willie Young.

Rep. Rick Gallot Speaks At First Baptist Prayer Breakfast

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

State Representative Rick Gallot was the guest speaker at the Community Prayer Breakfast held at First Baptist Church in Homer this past Sunday, March 11.The event was sponsored by the FBC Men’s Brotherhood. Many community leaders and area pastors attended the event.

The theme of Gallot’s comments were centered around “Unity and Strengthening Our Communities and Churches.” He quoted from Psalms 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Webster defines Unity as One-ness and a condition of harmony, noting the unofficial motto for the City of Monroe as “One City...One Future.”

Gallot said in Matthew 12:25 it states: "…Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand". Mark 3:25 says, "And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand"

He shared several things he learned while listening to motivational tapes by Stephen Covey. Habits, he said, are patterns of behavior that can become second nature. Habits are learned....not inherited. It takes dedication and commitment to achieve them. The habit of love is not passed on through our genetic make up. It is learned from the moment we take our first breath....until we take our last.

There are seven habits Gallot suggested everyone should consider working to achieve: 1) Be pro-active, which means taking responsibility for your attitudes and action; 2) Begin with the end in mind, develop a plan with a clear objective before beginning; 3) Put first things first, organize activities according to priorities you establish in Habit 2; 4) Think win-win, the habit of interpersonal leadership rather than thinking our success must be achieved only by someone else failing or that someone else’s success will somehow lead to our failure; 5) Seek first to understand, then be understood,  the habit of communication which is the most important skill in life, listening in order to better understand others point of view; 6) Synergize, the habit of creative cooperation or teamwork produces better results than you can alone; and 7) Sharpen the saw, the habit of self-renewal, personal and family, in four areas of life: physical, social/emotional, spiritual and mental.

Entertainment during the Prayer Breakfast was provided by Rev. Norah Banks who sang, accompanied by Frank Taylor. A quartet consisting of several members of First Baptist Church—Keith Beard, Judy Whitton, Joey White, and Lana Pugh also performed, accompanied by Sandra Langley.

Gail Reeder, computer facilitator for Claiborne Academy, accepts the award from the regional manager of Best Buy.

Claiborne Academy Receives $2,500 Best Buy Teach Award

Claiborne Academy recently announced that Best Buy has awarded a $2,500 Teach Award to the school for integrating technology into the curriculum. The funds will be used to enhance the computer labs, yearbook staff, and the school’s web site.

The program submitted concerned the compiling of media in order to publish a school birthday calendar. The calendar created a community effort as a fundraiser to buy supplies and equipment for the computer lab.

The program was submitted by Gail Reeder, the computer facilitator for Claiborne Academy. “I am very excited to have been selected to receive this grant from Best Buy.”

Best Buy started the Teach Award Program in October 2003 to reward schools that creatively integrate interactive technology into their curricula.

All accredited, public and private nonprofit elementary, middle, and secondary schools located within 50 miles of a Best Buy store were eligible to apply. Awards of $2,500 were given to 1,300 schools to sustain or enhance existing educational programs. Twenty-five were awarded in Louisiana with two of those being in North Louisiana.

The Best Buy Teach Award Program gives $4 million to schools nationwide for integrating interactive technology into the curricula.

Relay For Life Golf Tournament Set For April 14

The Relay for Life Committee decided to add a golf event to the fundraising schedule in 2007 and would like to invite everyone to participate in the First Annual Relay for Life Golf Tournament, a two person scramble, to be held at the Homer Golf Course on Saturday, April 14. Sponsors are needed. A minimum donation of $100 will provide sign recognition at the course on the day of the event. A donation of $250 will also provide a spot for a team to play in the tournament. All donations are appreciated and will help the American Cancer Society find a cure for cancer. Deadline for sponsorship is March 26, 2007. Entry fee is $150 per team, 27 holes. Cash prizes. All fees and donations are tax deductible. For team registration or golf information, call George Tigner at 927-2184 or  927-3000. For sponsor information call Elbie Dickens at 927-2360.

Sheriff Offers Tips To Protect Teens From Cyberbullies 

Bullying used to be very straighforward, simple....some big kid picks on a smaller, weaker one. Sheriff Bailey says, “In this day of computers and sophisticated technology, bullying has taken a turn from the playground to cyberspace. Instant messaging, cell phones, and the Internet have drastically changed things. The problem is called cyberbullying.”

Cyberbullying is the use of the Internet, cell phones, or other technology to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person.

Sheriff Bailey says, “For the cyberbully, it is easy. There’s no fear of being found out, and even if he identifies himself, he doesn’t actually see the person’s reaction. He doesn’t see the hurt and pain he causes. But for the victim, it’s a different story. It causes shame, anger, embarrassment and fear. And some victims even may want to seek revenge.”

It has been determined that more than four in ten teens reported being victims of cyberbullying in the past year. And only 10 percent of those victimized in the “virtual world” ever tell their parents about it.

In a recent study conducted by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), teens admitted that their parents often think they know what they do online, but really don’t. Casual supervision can lead teens to misuse online technology.

According to wiredsafety.org. the incidence if cyberbullying is far more commonplace than most of us think. Here are the organization’s latest statistics on the growing problem.

• 90% of middle school students have had their feelings hurt online.

• 75% have visited a Web site bashing another student,

• 40% have had their password(s) stolen and changed by a bully who then locked them out of their own account or sent communications posing as them.

• Only 15% of parents polled knew what cyberbullying was.     

To deal with this new threat to teens and preteens, Sheriff Bailey joins the NCPC to help parents. Below are a few tips developed by the NCPC. For further information, go to www.ncpc.org.     

• Set guidelines: Set rules for Internet use and monitor your teens use of technology (Internet, cell phones, and other devices). As teens get older, they believe their parents should be more concerned with what they see and hear online. 

• Select a central location: Place your home computer in a central place in your home, such as your kitchen or living room. It is easier to monitor your teen’s Internet use this way. 

• Discuss the issue: Set expectations for online behavior and discourage your teen from posting others’ personal information contributing to slam sites. 

• Encourage positive behavior: Make sure your teen is not sending or posting text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person. 

• Block cyberbullying messages: Learn how you and your teen can ask to block cyberbullying messages through the Internet service provider (ISP), social network site, or chat room moderator. Seventy-one percent (71%) of teens believe this is the most effective way to prevent cyberbullying.

Sheriff Bailey encourages teens to “Delete cyberbullying. Don’t write it. Don’t forward it.” 

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