The people have spoken: Jindal

takes the governor’s seat outright

Sheriff wins another term by landslide

The Guardian-Journal

Louisiana has officially elected its first non-white governor since the Reconstruction. Governor-elect Bobby Jindal came away from the election with more than 50 percent of the vote – 45 percent in Claiborne Parish.

Jindal is now on a “thank you” tour throughout the state, and has spent a lot of time in Claiborne Parish. It is not yet known if he will make his way through here again, but he has hit the ground running and is expected to begin implementing the things he wants to do to make Louisiana a better place to live when he takes office in January.

Locally, many incumbents were re-elected to their respective seats and some will enter a runoff on November 17.

In the State Senate District 33 race, Mike Walsworth won the election by 52 percent of the vote, district-wide, but it was Charlie McDonald who carried Claiborne Parish, coming in with 55 percent of the vote. In District 36, Robert Adley carried the parish by 72 percent of the vote, but carried the district by 73 percent.

In the State representative’s race, Rick Gallot was re-elected outright with 66 percent of the vote, according poll results, and carried the parish by 71 percent.

Incumbent Sheriff Ken Bailey will head the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office for another term as he brought in 92 percent of the vote.

The tax assessor’s office is still up for grabs as Kitty Williams and Bob Robinson will face each other November 17 in a runoff. Robinson brought in 33 percent of the vote and Williams brought in 35 percent of the vote.

In the police jury’s race, District 2 Police Juror Mark Furlow will represent his constituents for another term, winning 58 percent of the vote.

In District 3, Chic Hines lost out to incumbent Bob McDaniel, who carried 60 percent of the votes, while Hines brought in 40 percent.

Joe A. Sturges will also represent Police Jury District 4 for another term, with 72 percent of the vote, but there will be a runoff for Police Jury District 5, as incumbent Lavelle Penix will face Bobby Liles. Penix brought in 41 percent, while Liles brought in 45 percent of the vote.

In District 7, Joseph Merritt and Roy Lewis will face a runoff, with Lewis carrying 46 percent and Merritt carrying 40 percent of the votes cast.

In District 8, Roy Mardis will serve another term as police juror, gaining 54 percent of the votes cast.

In District 10, Willie Young and Huey Dean will face each other in a runoff election, with Young bringing in 48 percent and Dean bringing in 35 percent of the votes cast.

The two propositions on the ballot for Claiborne Parish both passed: Proposition One passed with 67 percent of the vote and Proposition Two passed with 66 percent of the vote.

Three of the four constitutional amendments passed, save the fourth one on the jewelry tax. It was voted down with 56 percent of the vote statewide.

Statewide, in the lieutenant governor’s race, Mitch Landrieu came away with 57 percent of the vote across Louisiana, carrying 2,341 votes from Claiborne Parish.

Jay Dardenne will go back into the office of Secretary of State, winning by 55 percent in Claiborne Parish, 63 percent overall.

Incumbent Attorney General Charles Foti is in trouble as the election results obtained by the official Secretary of State’s website shows that Foti only drew 32 percent of the votes statewide. In the parish, Foti received 35 percent of the vote. Alexander brought in 33 percent in the parish and 32 percent statewide. Even though percentages show Foti and Alexander tied, Alexander actually received more votes statewide at 395,800, while Foti’s statewide count is at 389,755.

Bob Odom faces a challenge as well against Mike Strain, but Odom carried Claiborne Parish with 52 percent of the vote. Statewide, Odom brought in 4 percent of the vote while Strain brought in 40 percent.

Jim Donelon won 51 percent of the vote statewide in the Louisiana Insurance Commissioner’s race, which means he will not face a runoff against the other three opponents who ran against him.

For more election results or to get election results by precinct, either go to the Clerk of Court’s office or call 327-9601.

Homer High’s Homecoming Court

Submitted photo

Court members are (l to r) back row: Junior Maids, Emily Key, Treasure Norton and Andreanna Hartwell; Senior Maids, Rebecca Fowler and Brittany Goodwin; Football Sweethearts, Jarmisha Willis and Amri Warren. Front row (l to r) Sophomore Maids, Deonnica Rhodes and Haley Garrett; Freshman Maids, Shantel Shelton and Theodonnys Willis; Oueen, Samantha Baker, senior.

Road closures to begin on Monday, October 29

The eastbound lane of North Main/La. 2 will be closed on Monday, October 29 to replace a faulty water valve.

The following street water mains will be turned off between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.: East 4th, East 3rd, North Main, North 3rd and Gill Street.

For questions, please contact the Water Department at (318) 927-3555.

Texas man arrested for selling alcohol,

tobacco to a minor

The Guardian-Journal

A Texas man has been arrested in Homer for the unlawful sale of alcohol to a minor.

Homer police officers learned that Temesghen A. Belay, 43, of Dallas, Texas, had been involved with selling alcohol and tobacco to persons under the legal age.

The legal age for a person to purchase alcohol is 21, and the legal age for a person to purchase tobacco is 18.

Captain Donald Malray of the Homer Police Department, accompanied by Sgt. Jimmy Hamilton and Officer Mike Rayburn, conducted an investigation into Belay’s involvement. Officers were able to witness Belay make an unlawful sale of alcohol and tobacco to a person under the legal age on October 13, at which time Belay was immediately arrested at his place of employment, Handi-Pack store inside the city limits, located south of Homer on Hwy. 79.

According history on Belay, he has been charged in the State of Texas on the same violations. The Homer Police Department has charged with Belay with the unlawful sale of tobacco to/purchased by a minor and unlawful sales to persons under 21. Bond on each of those charges was set at $500 each.

Homer Police Chief Russell Mills has contacted the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) to conduct a further investigation in this case.

In an unrelated incident, with minors in possession, Russell Harris, 30, of Homer, was arrested by Officer Rayburn and charged with supplying alcoholic beverages on the behalf of a person under the age of 21.

Officer John Bailey, while conducting a traffic stop, arrested Jacob Shawn Lawler, 19, of Taylor, Ark. He was arrested for the unlawful possession of an alcoholic beverage under the age of 21, and open container. Bond was set at $500 each for these two charges.

Stolen vehicle leads to drug possession charges

The Guardian-Journal

A Homer man was arrested on drug charges after reporting his vehicle stolen.

Donald E. Irby reported that two black males drove up in front of his house in a blue Cadillac, got out, stole his vehicle and headed towards La. Hwy. 146. Shortly thereafter, Irby called the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Department and reported that he had found his vehicle wrecked on Hwy. 146.

Deputy Matt Harris received notification from dispatch regarding the stolen vehicle. Upon conducting an investigation, Harris, assisted by Deputy Roger Ellerbe, received permission to search Irby’s person and his room at his residence.

Deputies discovered a marijuana pipe and a plastic bag filled with a substance associated with that of marijuana in Irby’s sock drawer. Irby stated that the items were his, and when questioned about other illegal narcotics, he retrieved another plastic bag filled with a substance associated with marijuana from his closet.

Irby was then advised of his rights and arrested for possession of Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance (marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center, booked on the above charges with bond set at $1,000.

Buggs appointed to vacant seat on Haynesville council

The Guardian-Journal

Alfred Buggs, the husband of the late Rene Lincoln-Buggs, was appointed to fill the District 4 seat on the town council in Haynesville. He was appointed by the governor on Monday, Oct. 22, and his length of term will last until the special election to be held on February 9.

The late Lincoln-Buggs passed away suddenly September 27.

Qualifying for the special election will be held from December 12, ending Friday, December 14. The special election will be held February 9, 2008, with a general election March 8, 2008.

The qualifications for any candidate running for the District 4 seat, according to Louisiana Revised Statute 18:463, are that “the candidate shall be an elector of the municipality who at the time of qualification shall have been domiciled and actually resided for at least the immediately preceding year in the municipality. In addition, those elected from wards must be residents of their respective wards at the time of qualification.”

This action comes at the behest of the governor, because a vote taken on October 8 by the Haynesville Town Council, resulted in a tie between Rene’s husband, Alford Buggs and Brian Bogle. When there is no one to break the tie, the issue is sent to the Louisiana Secretary of State for a decision.

Sheriff cautions children,

parents to be safe on Halloween

The Guardian-Journal

Trick or treat! Halloween is just around the corner, and all the little ghosts and goblins will be out and about knocking on doors gathering their favorite treats.

In a press release by the Louisiana Sheriff’s Educational Foundation, Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey said the possibility of dangers and mishaps is increased due to the popularity of Halloween.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 94 percent of all children between the ages of 4 and 12 will participate in Halloween activities each year, and that’s why the safety of all children is so important.

“Many times when parents think of Halloween safety, the first thing they do is remind their kids not to eat unwrapped treats. And that’s good, but there’s so much more to Halloween safety,” Bailey said.

 “Child safety is important year round, but Halloween allows us a chance to encourage adults and children to pay attention to their surroundings and not let their guard down,” said Nancy McBride, the safety director for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. “It gives us the opportunity to reinforce some basic safety precautions to help ensure that Halloween is both fun and safe.”

According to Bailey, Halloween is “THE night for pranks.” Toilet papering houses and the like fall into that category. Bailey said to let the children know to enjoy themselves, but some tricks have the potential to hurt others or vandalize property.

“Tell your children that you not only disapprove of vandalism, but that it’s against the law,” Bailey said. “Most important, for safety’s sake, know your children’s plans before they go out with friends.”

In whatever ways families decide to celebrate Halloween with their children, there are ways in which some common sense precautions can ensure safety and reduce the possibility of becoming a victim of crime or an unfortunate accident. Although it is not possible to anticipate all possibilities, risks and dangers, Bailey offered some straightforward tips for parents and children to help create a happy Halloween experience before, during and after the ghosts and goblins have faded into the night.

Before Halloween:

·        Plan costumes and accessories that are bright, reflective, fit well and are flame resistant.

·        For greater visibility, add reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags.

·        Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.

·        Consider non-toxic makeup as an alternative to masks that can block eyesight.

·        Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If they are used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.

·        Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which are acceptable to you.

·        Plan ahead to use only battery-powered lanterns or chemical light sticks in place of candles in decorations and costumes.

·        This is also a great time to buy fresh batteries for your home smoke alarms.

·        Teach children how to call 911 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 911 can be dialed free at any payphone.

·        Review with children the principle of “Stop-Drop-Roll,” should their clothes catch fire.

·        Clear pathways on your porch and walkway to avoid trips and falls.

·        Consider safe party guidelines when hosting an adult or office party.

During Trick-or-Treating

A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.

Also, teach children if they are ever grabbed to make a scene. They should loudly yell, “This person is not my father/mother/guardian,” and make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting, said a press release from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

·        Remind Trick-or-Treaters

·        By using a flashlight, one can see and be seen by others.

·        Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.

·        Only go to homes with a porch light on.

·        Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.

·        If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.

·        Never cut across yards or use alleys.

·        Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.

·        Obey all traffic and pedestrian rules.

·        Always walk across a street – never run.

·        Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks.

·        Remove any mask that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.

·        Do not assume right-of-way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters.

·        Never consume food items or drinks that may be offered.

·        No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.

·        Law enforcement authorities should be notified of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

After trick-or-treating

·        Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. A responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.

·        Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.

·        Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.

“Remember, a few simple safety precautions can mean all the difference between a fun and memorable celebration, or one spoiled by an avoidable accident,” Bailey said. “Keep safe and have a great Halloween.”

School board to hold public hearing next

Tuesday at 6 p.m.

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The Claiborne Parish School Board held a special meeting Tuesday, October 16, and met in executive session to discuss a desegregation suit that has been going on for more than 40 years.

At that meeting, the school board directed Superintendent Wayne King to study the future of Pineview School in Lisbon and hold a public hearing. The hearing will be conducted by King with school board attorney Jim Hatch and Bob Hammonds, who specializes in school board litigations, present. The purpose of the hearing, set for October 30 at 6 p.m., will be to present the facts of the case and ideas and concerns to be heard regarding the attendance zone.

The federal case, Yvornia DeCarol Banks and the United States versus the Claiborne Parish School Board, is a desegregation case that began in August 1965 regarding Pineview School in Lisbon, which is considered to be an “all black” school.

The suit was filed for desegregation of schools, in which the school board was issued a permanent injunction restraining the school board from operating its school system under the dual school system (white system and black system). The school board was also ordered to submit a desegregation plan, which was amended and adopted as the “freedom of choice” plan in October 1965.

This plan deleted the school board’s power to deny the transfer of a student known to be a “problem” or if his school work is unsatisfactory. The school board was then ordered to abolish the dual school system, and in the fall of 1967, all schools in Claiborne Parish were desegregated.

The Guardian-Journal contacted King for comment, but because the case is still in litigation, he said he could not comment at this time.

DART erects silhouettes for

Domestic Abuse Awareness

JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer

The local DART (Domestic Abuse Resistance Team) office erected 25 life-sized silhouettes this week on the Claiborne Parish Courthouse lawn in memory of 21 women and 4 children killed by loved ones.

With October as “Domestic Abuse Awareness Month” the  goal is to call attention to the tragic loss of life that occurs when domestic violence erupts in the home.

Mary Ellen Gamble with the Claiborne Parish office says, “The home should be the one place a family can feel safe and secure. Sadly, over 200 files have been opened in the five years since this office was established. Those files represent homes where brutality and rage have taken up residence. We want to inform and educate the community about the anguish of abuse. Spouses and children should not have to live in fear.”

When asked how DART can help, Gamble says, “The first step is to call us. We do not tell victims what to do, but we can discuss with them what options are available. We can direct them to places where they can get help. At times, a listening ear is what’s needed for the moment. At other times, stronger measures may be necessary such as restraining orders. We can describe options.”

Gamble goes on to explain that domestic abuse happens when one person in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate and control the other. “But the abuser doesn’t ‘play fair’,” Gamble explains, “and will use fear, guilt, shame, whatever it takes to wear you down. The goal is complete power over the victim. There may be threats and intimidation, not only toward the spouse but also children or other loved ones. The abuser may threaten you, hurt you, or hurt those around you. Domestic abuse that includes physical violence is called domestic violence.”

Gamble relates that domestic violence crosses all lines. “It happens within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and financial levels. The abuse may occur during a relationship, while the couple is breaking up, or after the relationship has ended,” she says.

Despite what many believe, domestic violence does not result from an abuser’s loss of control. In fact, the violence is a deliberate choice by the abuser in order to control the partner.

Most batterers deny responsibility (“You caused me to do it...you know how to push me over the edge...it’s your fault for not having dinner on the table,” etc.) However, the abuse is selective as to how and when and whom. The aggressor does not abuse the gas station attendant who spills gas down the side of the car. Instead an abuser waits until there are no witnesses, then batters the one whom the batterer claims to love.

Gamble says that if you ask a victim, “Can your partner stop when the phone rings or the police come to the door?” the answer is yes. When the police show up, the abuser generally looks calm while the victim is the one in hysterics. The fact that an abuser can demonstrate self-control when necessary proves that domestic violence is a choice and not a matter of “losing one’s head.”

Gamble also explains that abuse often starts out with milder manifestations such as pushing and shoving. It progresses in seriousness to hitting in places where the bruises and marks will not show. This is further evidence that it’s not a matter of lack of self-control. If the abuser were “out of control,” he or she would not be able to direct or limit where kicks and  punches land.

Those wanting more information or help may call Gamble at 927-2818 or 888-411-1333.

DART is a confidential agency that strictly protects the privacy of all callers.

Summerfield 4-Her’s give demonstrations on projects

Submitted photos

Above, Catherine Ellis presents her project report on goats with assistance from her sister, Sarah. Right, Jacob and Christopher Ellis demonstrate how to make a bird feeder out of a plastic bottle with assistance from his brother, Chris.

Tyler Anderson, 4-H Reporter

The Summerfield Elementary 4-H Club met on Tuesday, October 2, 2007.  The meeting was called to order by club president, Mackenzie Scriber.  Austin Herring led the American pledge and Chet Andrews led the 4-H pledge.  Mallory Aycock called roll and read the minutes of the last meeting.  There were 49 members in attendance.  In committee reports, Mrs. Karla Aycock informed the members that their 4-H Fair poster won second place.  She also told about purchasing Halloween safety bags to be passed out to Pre-K through 3rd grade classes.   Next, Seth Frick read the treasurer’s report and Tyler Anderson read last month’s newspaper article.  In old business, members who participated in the Claiborne Parish Fair recognized and congratulated on their efforts.  The meeting was turned over to vice president, Jacob Harvey, who called on Catherine Ellis to give this month’s project report on goats.  She told about feeding, doctoring, and showing her goats.  Catherine was assisted by her sister, Sarah.  Next, Jacob and Christopher Ellis gave a demonstration on how to make a bird feeder using a plastic soft drink bottle.  They stressed the three R’s of conservation; Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.  The meeting was turned over to Ms. Teresa Price who handed out the Claiborne Clover and 4-H Project Books.  She gave an informative talk on how eating too much sugar is unhealthy for the human body.  Then the meeting was adjourned.

4-H volunteer leaders provide officer training for members in Claiborne Parish

Submitted photo

These were the members present for the 4-H officer training.

Robin Bridges, County Agent

Claiborne Parish 4-H volunteer leaders Renea Burch, Denise Baugh and Amy Bays with assistance from Perry Anderson and Karla Aycock supervised the training of 50 4-H members at the 4-H Officer Training Workshop conducted on Saturday, October 20, at the Claiborne 4-H Office.

Claiborne Parish 4-H Junior Leader officers Weldon Nipper, Bonnie Slaton, Ryan Willis, Tiera Harris, Christopher Burch and Cordarius Winzer conducted the training for each office.

Well informed and trained officers lead to successful 4-h clubs. This should be a great eyar. Those trained on the day included: 

Presidents – KaiAndrea Mitchell, Uniqua Stevenson, Jacob Harrison, Chesly Johnston, Tearra Lewis, Franeka Taylor, Fredericka Jenkins, and Mackenzie Scriber.

Vice-Presidents – Vickie Fong, Michael Woodham, Alyssa Ingram, Demarious Combs, and Donnie Allen.

Secretaries – Mallary Aycock, Madison Butler, Taylor Jones, Joshua Evans, and Lakota Smith.

Treasurers – Seth Frick, Kadeazsha Ferguson, Gary Aubrey, J’Macia Thompson, Lakerion Winzer, Dustin Hallmark, Charli Pate, Ekambi Shelton, Raley Aycock, and Donovan Turner.

Reporters – Daini DeLeon, Allison Legendre, Domonique Montgomery, Fontella Allen, Michaellah Shelton, and Raley McEachern.

Parliamentarians – Marissa Lewis, X’Zavia Meadows, Jordan Clements, Jake Smith, Emily Holloway, and Jon Antee.

Committee Chairmen – Brittany White, Jarnell Harris, Jakeyah Henderson, and Raven Sanford.

“It is the policy of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability.”

   The LSU AgCenter has a branch office in every parish that provides research-based information on agriculture and forestry, community leadership, economic development, environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development and natural resources. For more information, call your local LSU AgCenter office at (318) 927-3110 or visit our website at www.lsuagcenter.com, or call for a catalog of our free publications.

Flu shots now available at health unit

The Guardian-Journal

The flu vaccine is now available at the Claiborne Parish Health Unit. Groups eligible to receive influenza vaccines through the health unit are as follows:

·        All children from six (6) months up to eight (8) years of age

·        Anyone six (6) months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment

·        Anyone 50 years of age or older

·        Anyone with long-term health problems including: heart disease; lung disease; asthma; kidney disease; diabetes; anemia and other blood disorders; muscle or nerve disorders; and weakened immune system

Flu shots will be offered on a daily basis from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Health Unit, 624 West Main Street, Homer. People are asked to bring their Medicaid/Medicare cards for billing purposes. For those who are not covered by these programs, there is a $10 administrative fee.

For more information, please call the local health unit at 927-6127.

Raffle tickets on sale now!!!

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

The beautiful pine tree quilt pictured here with its creator, Mrs. Nurlie Foster of Haynesville, will be raffled off at the 2007 Christmas Festival. It is presently on display at Capital One Bank in Homer where tickets can be purchased for $1.00. They are also available at The Raven Bookstore and the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce in Homer and Killgore Pharmacy in Haynesville. Purchase your tickets now and help promote art in Claiborne Parish!

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