Arrest Made In Assault Of 6-Year-Old Girl

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

Homer Police arrested a 12-year-old male juvenile on Monday, June 11 following an investigation into the sexual assault of a  6-year-old girl last month. Officers were called to Homer Memorial Hospital Thursday, May 10 around 8 PM in reference to the possible rape of a young girl. The girl was later transported from Homer Memorial to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport for treatment of internal injuries. Following the incident, social services was contacted and the other children were removed from the residence and placed in foster care.

Homer Police initiated an investigation. Chief Russell Mills said his department worked with several other agencies to investigate the case due to the nature of the crime and the age of the victim.

The juvenile was transported to the Ware Youth Center in Coushatta where he is currently being held pending a continuance stay hearing scheduled later this week

Punishment for sexual battery on a victim under the age of thirteen by an offender who is seventeen  years of age or older carries a minimum sentence of  25 years without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence. The sentence would be different for a juvenile offender.

Parents Cited For Improper Supervision

Homer Police responded to a disturbance last week which resulted in two parents being charged with improper supervision of their minor children.

Officer Ken Wood was called to a residence on Monroe Street around 4 PM on Thursday, June 7 regarding a possible break-in. Upon arrival at the scene, Officer Ken Wood observed several youth by the house, one who had been sought by police for several weeks. He had allegedly thrown a .380 handgun into the home. As Wood approached, the youth scattered.

Witnesses told Wood that some of the youth were beating on the side of the house with sticks. Some claimed others had knives, however no knives or sticks were confiscated, only the one handgun. One juvenile was struck by sticks on the arm and back and was treated at Homer Memorial Hospital.

Two parents were cited and released on their own recognizance for improper supervision of a minor.

Police Chief Russell Mills continues to express his concern that this type violence will continue to escalate and eventually lead to someone being seriously hurt or killed, without some type intervention. He hopes that does not happen and wants to work with local citizens to take a pro-active role before it is too late.

Chief Mills is asking local pastors and citizens concerned about this problem to call him at 927-4000. He said, “Let us work together to find a way to resolve these problems before a tragedy occurs.”

Two New Principals were appointed by the School Board last Thursday for the upcoming school year. Grady Smith of Minden (left) is new principal at Homer Junior High and Charles David Bryan is new assistant principal at Haynesville Jr./Sr. High.

School Board Names New Principals

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

Superintendent James Scriber presided over his last regular meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board on Thursday, June 14. This will be the second time Scriber has resigned as Superintendent of Claiborne Parish Schools, the first time was in 1994, after serving in that position from 1987-1994.

Scriber is a lifelong resident of Claiborne Parish. He graduated from Lisbon High School in 1960. After earning his bachelor degree from Northwestern State University and his master’s from Louisiana Tech University, he taught at Mid-City Baptist High School in New Orleans from 1964-1967. In 1967, Scriber returned home to Claiborne Parish and began teaching at Summerfield High School. In 1971, he was appointed principal at Summerfield and served until 1987 when he was selected Superintendent. He stepped down in 1994 and assumed the job of principal once again, then returned to the classroom in 2001. In 2004 he was once again appointed Superintendent.

Vice-President Vera Meadors said, “I have certainly enjoyed working with you in the decision making and being a team player on this board with you.”

Sherman Brown expressed his appreciation to Scriber for bringing him to the central office in 1987, allowing him the opportunities he did.

Scriber said they had made some difficult decisions in the last 3 years. He expressed his thanks to the good folks of Claiborne Parish for tolerating him these many years.

Tommy Davidson said he hoped they would have as good a working relationship with Mr King. One thing he knew, Scriber always had the best interest of Claiborne Parish schools at heart, whether you agreed with him or not. He said, “When you trust somebody, and I trust Mr. Scriber, you will go along with him.”

King assured the Board they would have his best efforts.

As Scriber prepares to turn over his Superintendent duties to Wayne King at the end of the month, two new principals will assume their positions—Grady Smith at Homer Junior High and Charles David Bryan as assistant principal at Haynesville Jr./Sr. High.

Smith has served as assistant principal at Springhill Jr./Sr. High School since January 2007. Prior to that he served as band director, social studies and English teacher at Minden High School from 2003-2007, and at Lakeside Jr./Sr. from 2000-2003.

Bryan served as interim asst. principal at Haynesville last year. In past years, he has served as principal at an alternative school in Iberville Parish and at a middle school in Iberville and Union Parish.

Board member Sherman Brown remembered Smith’s father, who taught him band at Woodson Jr. High. He remembered the paddle he had, known as the “Bucking Moon.” Laughingly, he said that was the reason he left band for choral music.

Scriber informed the Board the Attorney General’s office was in the process of preparing an opinion regarding the request on the legality of the salary adjustments made last April.

The Board accepted bids on fuel for buses, milk, juice, bread, and ice cream. The only bid received on fuel was approved from Crump Oil for $.0595 above OPIS.

Paula Becker said Cotton’s Holsum Bread had the only bid on bread and other bread products, up 3 cents from last year, at $0.95. Borden was the low bid on milk at $0.3093, up 4 cents per carton from last year. The other bid was from Foremost at $0.3230. Blue Bell was the only bid on ice cream products, the same as last year.

Bids on security cameras at Homer Elementary, Homer High, and Summerfield were tabled until funds could be found. Scriber said the cost of renovations at Homer High were going to take all the available QZAB money, in part due to the increased costs of $21,723 to correct certain areas designated by the State Fire Marshal.

Also, they were expecting Homer High renovations, which got underway on Monday, to cost around $1.2 million, but the bid came in at $1.7 million. Ronnie McKenzie said most of the demolition work has been completed and they expect to begin work plastering walls, electrical, and plumbing next week. They expect to complete the majority of work by the time classes start in August. Waterproofing brick, windows in the old gym and work in the auditorium may wait until after school starts. The substantial completion date is December 26, 2007.

Scriber said work on the Homer Junior High gym and library is expected to be completed in July and they have had no leaks in the gym roof at Haynesville Jr. High.

Scriber presented a report on Spring 2007 LEAP, iLEAP, and GEE scores, comparing them to scores over the past 6-8 years. He said Claiborne Parish students had been showing steady improvement, but the best way to find out if a class is showing progress to to track the same class from year to year. The State, however, chooses to compare this year’s fourth grade class to last year’s fourth grade class.

He saw an article which stated the NAACP in Hammond was going to challenge BESE on the legality of using only the LEAP test to determine whether a student passes or fails. Tommy Davidson asked how do you know how a student is doing if you don’t have some kind of test. Danny Lee said he did not agree with just one test. Scriber agreed, saying, “I have always been in disagreement with one test determining the outcome for a student.” 

“I am not against testing. I am not against accountability. None of us oppose accountability,” Scriber said. “We need to look at what we do in our state, and maybe  modify some of the things that have made it more difficult for us, compared to what other states have done, to meet no child left behind requirements.”                             ….more

Editor of The Guardian-Journal Takes New Position

BY JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer, The Guardian-Journal

Susan Tabor Herring, editor of The Guardian-Journal since January 1999, announced that she has accepted a position with Delta Contract Interiors.

When asked what leads to this change in career direction, Susan answers, “Opportunity and challenge. Although I’ve loved being editor of The Guardian-Journal, I also love challenges. My new job will present new opportunities.”

“Serving as editor of the local paper has been one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever done, because it has given me the opportunity to stretch and grow in new ways, and to be involved in my community on a very personal level.”

I ask, “When you became editor of the paper back in 1999, you promised ‘to put forth [your] best effort to [provide] interesting and informative articles.’ Do you feel you accomplished that goal?” She answers, “Judging from the comments of our readers, I think that is true. Hardly a week goes by that I don’t get positive feedback from someone about the paper.”

I ask, “What do you see ahead?” She answers, “More time for myself and for my family, especially my ‘soon-to-be four’ grandchildren.”

“Another thing,” she mentions, “I will be able to devote more time to my church. I’ve missed that. As new education director, I can give more time to educating our youth in spiritual matters.”

 Susan continues, “Of course, my love for our town and parish isn’t diminished. I will remain interested in local affairs. As you know, my children live here and my grandchildren attend school here, so I am definitely interested in the future of our school system.”

“Despite my love for the paper, anyone who knows me also knows that I don’t put limits on accomplishing what I set out to do. I’ve wanted The Guardian-Journal to be a quality news source for the parish. I hope most of our readers will agree that it has been.”

“I admit to being an unabashed advocate for our town and our parish. I don’t apologize for that. “she said. “I hope I have been a positive force for change and for unity in the parish. I plan to continue to support worthwhile projects. For example, I think the Keep Claiborne Beautiful campaign can be a real plus for the parish.”

She adds, “And just because I will no longer be reporting on local government does not mean I won’t be interested, nor does it mean that I will discontinue doing what I can to make our parish the best it can be.”

Susan continues, “In my limited capacity as editor of The Guardian-Journal, I have given my best to provide a newspaper that was interesting, informative, accurate, and truthful. I have strived to report the news in an unbiased manner and to report public meetings as thoroughly and accurately as possible.”

When I ask what else she looks forward to, she immediately replies, “Ballgames. I’ve missed some games because of deadlines and other conflicts.”

When I ask what guided her as editor of The Guardian-Journal, she says, “I am for fairness and openness in how government operates at all levels. I want everything to be legal and above-board.”

I inquire as to what changes she’s seen in the paper since 1999, she says, “Technology has changed things. We used to wax each article and ad to build the pages of the paper, then take all that to the printers for printing. Now we forward it via the Internet and pick up the finished papers within an hour or so.” She added, “Another major change was the untimely death of co-owner Hilda H. Spillers in 2001 and the departure of her husband, Wesley, the following year.”

Asked for a closing comment, Susan says, “I want to thank everyone for their support over the years. I have seen some positive changes in our parish since 1999. Not that there isn’t some room for improvement (laughs), but I’m confident we’ll continue on a positive path. And I look forward to doing my part.”

Susan’s last day at The Guardian-Journal will be Wednesday, June 20.

Police Jury Discusses Parishwide Trash Problem

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

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury met Wednesday, June 6. Jurors approved a request by Lauren Tichenor on behalf of individuals initiating a Keep Claiborne Beautiful campaign to pay $1,000 toward the certification fee to become a Keep Louisiana Beautiful/Keep America Beautiful affiliate and to pay $100 toward the annual renewal fee.

The initial fee includes a one-day certification workshop for members and elected officials. KLB/KAB offers a sustainable organizational and framework structure to keep this effort going as well as an opportunity for grants.  In the past five years, Keep Morehouse Beautiful has been awarded $45,000 in grants.

The Jury also agreed to allow use of the parish dumpster during the parishwide clean-up day planned for Saturday, June 23  Tichenor invited jurors to participate. Mardis offered trash bags, and suggested contacting emergency vehicles.

Mark Furlow suggested the Jury place trash bins at designated areas around the parish to keep residents from illegally dumping items in the parish. Haynesville just completed a clean up and filled 3 large bins with mattresses, appliances, and other large items. Furlow said, “Those items would have been on someone’s property had those bins not been there.”

Scott Davidson said the problem is, it will create an eyesore, but there are already eyesores being created in the parish.   The biggest problem is deer guts. Furlow said he would rather see them in a dumpster than on his land. Scott said it may be better to have those local eyesores that they can control. Lavelle Penix said one of the reasons they cut it out before was because of the expense.

President Roy Mardis suggested getting Jury committees to check on the possibility of setting up bins and get with David Greene with BFI/Allied Waste.They also need to coordinate efforts with the towns in the parish. Davidson suggested advertising.

Secretary-Treasurer Dwayne Woodard reported that State Rep. Rick Gallot had announced that $18 million had been approved for the Homer Bypass project, with $5 million in House Bill 2, Priority 2. This will basically do the dirt work and culverts. Woodard said, “If they do this, we will get the money to finish the job.

Woodard received quotes from all three groups who write health insurance in Louisiana—Blue Cross, Health Plus and Humana. Of the 3 options, the Personnel Committee recommended changing from the present policy of the Jury paying 60 percent and employees 40 percent to a 65/35 ratio. Adkins said he would prefer to leave the 60/40 ratio and absorb the additional cost.

In 2002, Woodard said health costs were $180,000. Last year, they were $170,000. There were 35 employees in 2003, compared to 27 on the health plan today.

After much discussion, the Jury voted to leave the rates the same and raise the deductible and out of pocket expense, with the Jury absorbing the additional costs through the end of December 2007. Employee benefits will remain the same, with some premiums going down slightly. Compared to past years, the estimated cost to the Jury will be $4,000-$5,000, with the maximum cost as much as $30,000, compared to a definite increase of $23,000 if the Jury were to choose to leave the deductible the same and absorb the increase. The Jury will meet with insurance providers and employees after the first of the year and look at it again.

Jurors approved adding to the agenda an executive session to discuss personnel issues regarding Woodard and Sheila Washington. After reconvening in open session, jurors voted to give a merit raise in salary to Woodard based on his performance from $45,000 to $50,000 and to raise Washington’s pay from $12.21 to $12.71 per hour, effective immediately.

The Jury sat as a Board of Review to receive any protests from taxpayers on the 2000-2004 values of certain pipeline properties pertaining to the order of the 19th Judicial District Court.

Auditor Melissa Eubanks with Hulsey, Harwood and Co. was unable to attend the June 6 meeting of the Police Jury, so jurors tabled her presentation of the audit report until Thursday, June 21 at 5:30 PM. 

Jurors also approved holding a special work session June 21 to discuss the amended Ordinance 703 regarding heavy haulers and to examine procedures for issuing qualified alcohol permits under the Jury’s existing ordinance.

The Jury voted to hire Steve Hoof as Operator II for the parish highway department at the starting pay of $11 per hour. After 90 days, he will be given an evaluation to determine whether or not to raise his pay.

Jurors approved a request from the Center Springs Community Reunion to allow them to tour the Claiborne Parish Courthouse on Saturday morning, June 30.

A request by the Claiborne Parish Fair Board for the annual contribution of $4,000 for the 2007 Fair was approved.

The Board appointed Roy Lewis and Willie Young to serve as liaisons to the Claiborne Parish Recreation District Board. Four individuals were nominated to fill the remaining position on the Recreation Board—Brad Rogers, James Camp, Allen Fanning, and Susan Herring. After receiving a slim majority of votes, jurors voted unanimously to appoint Herring to the Board.                                          ….more

Watershed District Votes To Borrow $571,000

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

The Claiborne Parish Watershed District Commission voted to submit an application to the State Bonding Commission to borrow $571,000 based on the  maximum amount that would be available in the budget prepared by the Finance Committee using anticipated tax revenues.

Chairman Philip “Butch” Fincher reported that they should know within the next two weeks if the State Legislature will approve funding for a lake siting study in Claiborne Parish.

Chic Hines reported there were no major developments on the funding request for permanent markers. La. Wildlife and Fisheries biologist Mark McElroy had hoped a decision would be made by the end of May, but their office is shorthanded. They have 10 fresh water projects under consideration and about half have been scored.

Hines said he received calls from some duck hunters requesting the Commission delay a drawdown of Lake Claiborne until after September 15. Commissioners were not opposed to the delay, stating the drawdown would be no more than 3 feet and would last only a few days, depending on the level of the lake at the time.

A local surveyor has volunteered to mark the positions for the permanent markers using GPS, global positioning system. The project, approved earlier this year, will include installing 196 new treated pilings in strategic locations and retrofitting 29 existing pilings. Buoy markers will be state-of-the-art, marking entrances to creeks, danger and no wake zones, and will meet all Coast Guard specifications.

Alice Stewart, Chairman of the Lake Maintenance Committee, reported that LWF had stocked the lake with 69,984 Florida Largemouth Bass fingerlings on May 4, 2007 and 68,608 Hybrid Striped Bass fingerlings on Thursday, May 17. They plan to stock Channel Catfish this fall.

Following an inspection of the dam by DOTD Engineer Harvey Christian in early May, he reported that the dam would be mowed before July 4, the guard rails between the parking lot and outflow channel would be extended, and they would look into painting of the spillway ramp and other fencing needs. A dam inspection is planned sometime in October or November.

The Police Jury approved spending $300 for materials to build a display rack for brochures and other informational literature.

Congressman Jim McCrery’s office has renewed the District’s request for $100,000 line item in the Federal Budget for a U.S. Corps of Engineers Reconnaissance Study to determine ways to minimize flooding around Lake Claiborne. Potential solutions suggested in the past by DOTD were too costly. DOTD advises the Commission to continue to inform lake residents about the flood potential so they will build appropriately on their property. According to Police Jury Secretary-Treasure Dwayne Woodard, all new construction requires a certificate from his office regarding the flood potential.

Commissioners voted to contribute $1,000 toward the July 4th Fireworks and Boat Parade and $300 in support of the Keep Claiborne Beautiful initiative to be used for the initial certification fee to become an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. Alice Stewart invited commissioners to participate in a clean up day on Lake Claiborne in conjunction with the parishwide clean up planned for Saturday, June 23. She also asked for assistance with a boat tour of the lake to assess the needs.

The Commission voted to submit the draft cooperative endeavor agreement presented by Stewart to the Recreation District for their consideration. The agreement will clarify the responsibilities of the Recreation District in regard to any possible overlapping authority regarding control of the parish’s water resources.

The Commission voted to table until the September meeting a request by Midcontinental Express Pipeline LLC for a Letter of No Objection regarding a proposed interstate pipeline that will traverse the middle of Claiborne Parish from east to west.

Roger Pemberton reported on the fish fry being planned for volunteers who have helped maintain buoys for the past number of years. He has a list of 52 people, some who live out of town. He suggested catering the meal with Rebecca McDaniel at a cost of $12.50 per plate. The Commission gave Pemberton the authority to set up a date, preferably a Saturday in late June or July. Stewart offered to help contact the volunteers to get a head count.

Commissioners present at the meeting were Butch Fincher, Alice Stewart, Chic Hines, Maurice Wilson, Roger Pemberton, Butch Lee, and Almeter Willis.

Mike Thompson Indicted By Federal Grand Jury 

 Mike Thompson, who was hired by the Claiborne Parish Watershed District Commission to assist in securing state funding for a site selection study for a new lake and necessary state and federal permits, was indicted Tuesday, June 12 by a federal grand jury in U. S. District Court in Monroe. According to a report on the Monroe News-Star website, Thompson  is charged with obtaining money he was not entitled to from the Poverty Point Reservoir District while serving as executive director between September 1997 and June 2002. He will be arraigned at 10 AM on June 29 in U.S. District Court in Monroe. If convicted of the charges, he could face up to 20 years in prison or a $250,000 fine, or both.

The Watershed District Commission signed a one-year contract with Thompson last January for a fee of $80,000. Alice Stewart, a member of the Watershed Commission, learned of the news Tuesday evening.. Although she admits an indictment is not a finding of guilt and these charges are unrelated to the contract they have with Thompson, she said, “I hope the case will be brought to a speedy conclusion, because it is not helpful to have a cloud hanging over our efforts."

The 2007 Claiborne Charity Classic will include entertainment by Stormy the Band of Baton Rouge, the hottest and most versatile band in the South. Their extensive song list includes dance music from 1940-1990s, Top 40 to country, rock, soul, funk, and R&B.

Dick’s Hatband will perform at Claiborne Charity Classic’s annual fundraiser on Saturday, June 23 at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn in Haynesville.

Claiborne Charity Classic To Feature Stormy

The Ninth Annual Claiborne Charity Classic Golf Tournament and associated events will be held next weekend—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 22-24. Claiborne Charity, Inc. is the largest charitable organization in Claiborne Parish. Since it was organized in 1999, Claiborne Charity has raised more than $186,000 to help local people in need, and this year, they have a total of 73 sponsors.

Each year, Claiborne Charity also donates to the David Wade Correctional Center Toy Project, a very worthwhile endeavor. In return, staff and inmates at David Wade provide invaluable assistance during the annual fundraiser. In 2004, Claiborne Charity provided held for victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Beginning this year, the committee decided to change the date for the annual event to the last full weekend in June.

The schedule of events for the weekend include a Mexican Fiesta  prepared by Upper Crust Catering at the Homer Country Club on Friday, June 22 at 6 PM. Other Friday night activities include an Open Bar, Golf Ball Rattle with cash prizes, and Silent Auction. Entertainment will be provided by David Simon’s One Man Band.

Pairings and tee times for the Golf Tournament to be held Saturday, June 23 at both Homer and Haynesville Golf Courses will be posted at the Country Club Friday night. If you cannot attend, call 318-927-9502 between 6-7 PM on Friday to get Saturday’s tee time and golf course.

On Saturday, June 23, the Claiborne Charity Classic Dinner and Dance, “the Annual Grand Gala”, will be held at the Claiborne Parish Fair Building in Haynesville from 6:30-11:30 PM. The meal will be catered by Claiborne Catering. Dress is casual. A silent auction will be held from 6-9 PM. Entertainment will be provided outside by Dick’s Hat Band of Homer and at the dance by Stormy of Baton Rouge.

Members of Dick’s Hat Band are Dick Dorrell, Patrick Gladney, and Johnny Zeitz. Dick and Pat have been playing together for more than 17 years, Johnny Z joined the group four years ago. They have entertained at a variety of festivals across North Louisiana, charitable and political events, and even private birthday parties. For more information, contact Dorrell at 927-0039.

The Dance will be held from 8:30-11:30 PM to the sounds from Stormy, described as the hottest, most versatile band in the South. The band has an extensive song list from the 1940s to 1990s, from Top 40 to Rhythm and Blues, The band has performed all over Louisiana and across the south, from Texas to Florida. More on Stormy can be found at www.stormyband.com

The cost to attend the Dinner and Dance is $50 per person. Tickets are available at First Guaranty Bank in Homer and Haynesville.

Claiborne Charity, Inc. is a non-profit tax exempt 501 (c)(3) organization. Every penny donated is tax deductible. Anyone wishing to make a contribution can mail their check to Claiborne Charity, Inc., 2213 Hwy. 519, Athens, LA 71003.

Remember “Charity Begins At Home.”

“Keep Claiborne Beautiful”

Meets Today, June 14, 5:30 PM  

Anyone interested in working with Keep Claiborne Beautiful is encouraged to attend an organizational meeting on Thursday, June 14, at 5:30 PM in the Police Jury Complex. The Parishwide Cleanup Day set for Saturday, June 23 in Claiborne Parish  will also be discussed. Citizens are urged to volunteer to pick up trash  in their communities from 9 AM - 12 PM. To volunteer, contact the community coordinator in your area. In Haynesville, call Keith Killgore at 624-1122; in Homer, Patrick Gladney at 927-9601; in Athens, Dora Ann Hatch at 258-3505 or 927-9654 or Linda Jacob at 258-3630; in Lisbon, Scott Greeson at 927-9400; and in Summerfield, call Butch Bays at 927-9883. To set up a clean up in your area or neighborhood, call Lauren Tichenor at 927-7129. Any residents who live around Lake Claiborne who would like to organize a neighborhood clean up or volunteer to help can call the Claiborne Watershed District at 927-5161 or Lake Committee Chairman Alice Stewart at 927-9832.

Don’t Forget Parishwide Cleanup Day

Saturday, June 23, 9 AM-12 PM

Donations Needed For July 4th Fireworks, Boat Show

Remember, the Fourth of July Fireworks and Boat Show will be held on Saturday, June 30 this year, just a little over 3 weeks from now. KTBS 3 News Reporter Chrissi Coile will serve as Grand Marshal in the Boat Parade. Donations are still needed.   If you have not made your plans and sent this year’s donation, it is time. Donations are tax deductible. Please send your check to our new address at Claiborne Fireworks, Inc. P. O. Box 181, Homer, LA 71040. For more information on the fireworks, contact Fred Lewis at (318) 927-9180. For information on the Boat Show, contact Dick Dorrell at (318) 927-0039 or 927-0090.

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