From our family to yours...
Robinson wins tax assessor election
Police jury incumbents win re-election
The Guardian-Journal
The results are in. Claiborne Parish has chosen its next
tax assessor.
The unofficial results as listed by the Louisiana
Secretary of State, state that Bob Robinson brought in a total of 57 percent of
the vote with 1,810 votes to his credit. His opponent, Mae “Kitty” Williams,
came in with 1,343 votes.
In absentee voting, Robinson brought in 385 votes, while
Williams received 235 votes.
The following numbers will be listed with the precinct
number first, followed by the number of votes for Robinson and the number of
votes for Williams: Precinct 01, Robinson 74, Williams 57; Precinct 03:
Robinson 60, Williams 38; Precinct 05: Robinson 130, Williams 81; Precinct 07;
Robinson 200, Williams 42; Precinct 08: Robinson 39, Williams 65; Precinct 10:
Robinson 8, Williams 33; Precinct 11: Robinson 20, Williams 33; Precinct 21:
Robinson 9, Williams 6; Precinct 22: Robinson 41, Williams 55; Precinct 31:
Robinson 94, Williams 69; Precinct 34: Robinson 8, Williams 95; Precinct 35:
Robinson 14, Williams 26; Precinct 36: Robinson 37, Williams 81; Precinct 37:
Robinson 1, Williams 3; Precinct 41: Robinson 23, Williams 6; Precinct 42:
Robinson 97, Williams 20; Precinct 51: Robinson 62, Williams 32; Precinct 81:
Robinson 44, Williams 15; Precinct 82: Robinson 24, Williams 32; Precinct 84:
Robinson 62, Williams 40; Precinct 85: Robinson 33, Williams 27; Precinct 87:
Robinson 10, Williams 113; Precinct 88: Robinson 129, Williams 30; Precinct 91:
Robinson 15, Williams 2; Precinct 92: Robinson 123, Williams 17; Precinct 93:
Robinson 43, Williams 84; Precinct 94: Robinson 5, Williams 2; Precinct 96:
Robinson 20, Williams 4.
In the three police jury runoffs, Lavelle Penix was
re-elected to District 5 with 52 percent of the vote. His opponent, Bobby
Liles, received 48 percent of the vote.
In the absentee voting, Liles received 27 votes while
Penix received 29 votes.
The following numbers will be listed with the precinct
number first, followed by the number of votes for Liles and the number of votes
for Penix: Precinct 05: Liles 103, Penix 109; Precinct 42: Liles 47, Penix 71;
Precinct 51: Liles 58, Penix 38; Precinct 94: Liles 2, Penix 5.
In District 7, Roy Lewis will sit on the police jury for
another four years as he brought in 58 percent of the vote, with his opponent,
Joseph Merritt Jr. getting 42 percent. In the absentee voting, Lewis received
75 votes and Merritt received 46 votes.
The following numbers will be listed with the precinct
number first, followed by the number of votes for Lewis and the number of votes
for Merritt: Precinct 87: Lewis 24, Merritt 114; Precinct 88: Lewis 143,
Merritt 17.
Incumbent District 10 police juror Willie Young will also
sit another four years on the police jury, bringing in 59 percent of the vote.
Huey Dean received 41 percent. In the absentee voting, Dean received 33 votes
and Young received 45 votes.
The following numbers will be listed with the precinct
number first, followed by the number of votes for Dean and the number of votes
for Young: Precinct 85: Dean 31, Young, 28; Precinct 93: Dean 45, Young 84.
Buddy Caldwell will serve the State of Louisiana as the
next attorney general bringing in 63 percent of the vote. His opponent, Royal
Alexander, received 37 percent of the vote. In absentee voting, Alexander
received 240 votes while Caldwell brought in 360 votes.
The following numbers will be listed with the precinct
number first, followed by the number of votes for Alexander and the number of
votes for Caldwell: Precinct 01: Alexander 50, Caldwell 72; Precinct 03:
Alexander 31, Caldwell 63; Precinct 05: Alexander 77, Caldwell 122; Precinct 07:
Alexander 109, Caldwell 120; Precinct 08: Alexander 17, Caldwell 68; Precinct
10: Alexander 8, Caldwell 29; Precinct 11: Alexander 15, Caldwell 33; Precinct
21: Alexander 4, Caldwell 10; Precinct 22: Alexander 24, Caldwell 60; Precinct
31: Alexander 71, Caldwell 81; Precinct 34: Alexander 5, Caldwell 83; Precinct
35: Alexander 7, Caldwell 29; Precinct 36: Alexander 26, Caldwell 70; Precinct
37: Alexander 0, Caldwell 4; Precinct 41: Alexander 16, Caldwell 13; Precinct
42: Alexander 68, Caldwell 45; Precinct 51: Alexander 29, Caldwell 60; Precinct
81: Alexander 30, Caldwell 26; Precinct 82: Alexander 13, Caldwell 36; Precinct
84: Alexander 30, Caldwell 65; Precinct 85: Alexander 15, Caldwell 38; Precinct
87: Alexander 17, Caldwell 88; Precinct 88: Alexander 69, Caldwell 85; Precinct
91: Alexander 5, Caldwell 12; Precinct 92: Alexander 53, Caldwell 83; Precinct
93: Alexander 27, Caldwell 89; Precinct 94: Alexander 5, Caldwell 2; Precinct
96: Alexander 11, Caldwell 12.
These results are unofficial until Tuesday morning. By
the time this edition hits the streets, the official results will be counted.
Those can be found on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s web site under
“Election Results.” You may also call the Registrar of Voters Office at
927-3332 or the Clerk of Court’s Office at 927-9601.
A time for giving thanks
The origin of the Thanksgiving holiday
The Guardian-Journal
According to www.home schooling.com, “Almost every
culture in the world has held celebrations of thanks for a plentiful harvest.
The American Thanksgiving holiday began as a feast of thanksgiving in the early
days of the American colonies almost four hundred years ago.”
The site continues, “In 1620, a boat filled with more
than one hundred people sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to settle in the New World. This religious group had begun to question the beliefs of the Church of England
and they wanted to separate from it. The Pilgrims settled in what is now the
state of Massachusetts. Their first winter in the New World was difficult. They
had arrived too late to grow many crops, and without fresh food, half the
colony died from disease. The following spring the Iroquois Indians taught them
how to grow corn (maize), a new food for the colonists. They showed them other
crops to grow in the unfamiliar soil and how to hunt and fish.
“In the autumn of 1621, bountiful crops of corn, barley,
beans and pumpkins were harvested. The colonists had much to be thankful for,
so a feast was planned. They invited the local Indian chief and 90 Indians. The
Indians brought deer to roast with the turkeys and other wild game offered by
the colonists. The colonists had learned how to cook cranberries and different
kinds of corn and squash dishes from the Indians. To this first Thanksgiving,
the Indians had even brought popcorn.
“In following years, many of the original colonists
celebrated the autumn harvest with a feast of thanks. After the United States became an independent country, Congress recommended one yearly day of
thanksgiving for the whole nation to celebrate. George Washington suggested the
date November 26 as Thanksgiving Day. Then in 1863, at the end of a long and
bloody civil war, Abraham Lincoln asked all Americans to set aside the last
Thursday in November as a day of thanksgiving.”
The Guardian-Journal asked Claiborne Academy teacher Claire Acklin’s second graders to share “What Thanksgiving means to me...” The
childrens’ comments are recorded here exactly as they wrote them:
“What Thanksgiving means to me...”
“We get to eat a bunch of food.” - Ryan Acklin
“Fun with biong and get pizza and thanksgiving.” - Jordan
Elmore
“What Thanksgiving means to me is to give thanks to other
people.” - Jacob Lonon
“Thanksgiving means to me about giving thanks to the
people who watch over me.” - Garrett Dakota Wise
“Thanksgiving means to me that people eat turkey and they
give thanks to other people.” - Kylie Bass
“What Thanksgiving means to me is that we get to eat
turkey.” - Koby Suggs
“To give thanks for the food from God.” - Hayden Lewis
Fanning
“Thankgiveing means to me to celebrat and give thanks.” -
Alex Furlow
“Thanksgiving means people have a feast.” - Bhrett Farrar
“Thanksgiving means a hole lot of joy to me.” - Reid
Goodwin
“What Thanksgiving means to me is to give thanks for one
another and give thanks that you have a friend and a mom and a dad.” - Aidan
Roberts
“Thanksgiving means is to give thanks to the people who
gave us freedom and our contry freedom. And those who saved our lifes.” -
Montse Monte
“Thanksgiving means to me that I love when all of my family
comes to the house and I get to play with all my cousins.” - Williams Haynes
“I am glad that the pilgrims and Indians came friend so
we can have Thanksgive. It is fun see your family on thanksgive.” - Maegan
Parham
“Thanksgiving means to me to celebrate Thanksgiving.” -
Katlyn Mathews
Final arrest made in ‘riot’ incident
The Guardian-Journal
The final arrest has been made in the riot incident that
left law enforcement scrambling to keep the peace.
Andrew Critton, 32, of Homer, was arrested Sunday, November
18, by Homer Police, in connection with the riot that took place on Meadow Drive in Homer Sunday, November 4.
Critton was charged with aggravated second-degree battery
for his participation in the beating of Jerry Glenn Williams, aggravated criminal
damage to property for throwing an object through the window of a patrol car,
and inciting to riot.
Witnesses at the scene stated Critton threw the object
through the window of the patrol car, while one was already in the backseat of
the same patrol car after being arrested. Witnesses also stated Critton was
involved in the beating of Williams.
Bond was set at $15,000 each for the charges of
aggravated second-degree battery and aggravated criminal damage to property.
Bond was set at $5,000 for inciting to riot, totaling $35,000.
The incident was believed to have stemmed from an
altercation that took place the night before when a juvenile was allegedly
attacked by visitors in that particular neighborhood there to visit relatives.
The mother of the boy reportedly attacked saw one of the suspects and the two
entered into an altercation when he was confronted.
As the day progressed and the situation escalated,
Williams rode his 4-wheeler up and down the road, grazing Andre Anderson, one
of the suspects arrested. Williams was knocked off the 4-wheeler and Critton, Anderson and Kendrick Smith began beating Williams in the face and head, allegedly with
sticks and a gun, knocking him unconscious.
The day of the riot, Smith and Anderson were arrested for
disturbing the peace and resisting an officer. Also, Shameka L. Critton was
arrested for disturbing the peace and resisting an officer when she refused to
leave the scene, and cursed and yelled at officers, after police asked the
crowd to disperse.
Several items were confiscated at the scene, including a
knife, razorblade, and numerous weapons.
Weapon, money found in vehicle during
investigation
The Guardian-Journal
A Minden man was arrested on several charges last
Wednesday after a traffic stop.
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Harris was sitting
stationary on U.S. Hwy. 79, in Claiborne Parish and observed a vehicle
traveling at a high rate of speed. Harris made contact with the driver,
identified as Kevin B. Manning, 40, of Minden, and conducted a roadside investigation.
Louisiana State Trooper Mark Keough and Agent James
Spillers arrived on the scene to assist. A large amount of U.S. currency was discovered in the course of the investigation as well as a weapon.
Manning was then transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and booked for speeding (67 in a 55 mile per hour zone), operation of
a vehicle by a non-resident and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Bond was set at $500 on each of the misdemeanor charges and $5,000 on the
possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
In an unrelated incident, Deputy Roger Ellerbe was
conducting routine traffic patrol Thursday, November 15, when he observed a
vehicle traveling on La. 9 and the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. Ellerbe
made a traffic stop and requested the proper paperwork.
In the ensuing investigation, Ellerbe discovered the
driver of the vehicle to be Gabriel A. Island, 32, of El Dorado, Ark. When originally asked for his identity, Island gave a false name.
Lt. Randy Pugh arrived on the scene to assist. A search
of the passenger of the vehicle, Sameka Lashun Johnson, 27, of Louann, Ark., revealed a small clear plastic bag of marijuana as well as an approximately
2-inch blunt containing marijuana.
Johnson was placed under arrest and charged with
possession of marijuana. She was transported to the Claiborne Parish Jail and
bond was set at $500. Island was placed under arrest for no seatbelt, driving
under suspicion and resisting an officer by giving false information. He was
transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and his bond was set at
$500 on each charge, for a total of $1,500.
On the same date, on the same highway, Ellerbe observed a
vehicle being driven by Ricco Rainey, 32, of El Dorado, Ark. Ellerbe was aware
of an outstanding warrant on Rainey and initiated a traffic stop.
Rainey was placed under arrest for Warrant
#B14920-001-7353 for failure to appear in court. A search of Rainey’s person
pursuant to arrest was conducted and a large amount of currency was discovered.
Deputy Paul Brazzel arrived on scene and a search of the
vehicle was performed. Deputies discovered a blunt containing marijuana in the
ashtray on the front dash, one cigar holder with a white powder substance that
could possibly be powder cocaine, found on the driver’s seat and an opened,
partially-filled 22-ounce Bud Ice bottle on the back passenger’s floor. Brazzel
and Ellerbe also observed a large box of clear plastic bags (commonly used in
packaging marijuana).
The items confiscated were taken into evidence and Rainey
was transported to the detention center and booked on a failure to appear bench
warrant, open container and possession of marijuana. His bond is to be set at a
later date.
Hills of Homer Run, Christmas festival
this Saturday
The Guardian-Journal
Saturday carries a full schedule for holiday revelers
this Saturday.
Hope you didn’t eat too much turkey, ‘cause the Hills of
Homer Run is expected to be in full swing early Saturday morning at 8 a.m.
Entrants may choose from the “1-Mile Fun Run” or the 5K
or 10K runs. Participants meet behind the Police Jury Building at 8 a.m.
Festival organizers encourage everyone to participate in
as many activities as possible. Come on out and enjoy the food, the fun, and
the festival!
·
Here’s a schedule of what to expect:
·
8 a.m.: “Hills of Homer Christmas
Run” at parking lot behind the Police Jury Building
·
9 a.m.: Food and craft vendors set up
around the Square
·
1 p.m.: Parade from Homer High School
down to and around the Courthouse Square
·
3 p.m.: Bidding closes for silent
auction of contest wreaths
·
All Day:
o Children’s pictures with Santa Claus;
o Children’s pictures with “Oreo the Bull”;
o Coke booth by the stage will accept silent auction bids
for wreath contest entries which will be on display;
o Entertainment includes Carrie McQueen, the stiltwalker
from Georgia; Extreme Country from Farmerville; Chris Sherrill, featured
entertainer; Vic Middleton, Louisiana State Fiddle Champion; also other local
talent;
o Local youth (TJ Ponder) to demonstrate Spray Paint Art.
o National Guard will provide rock wall for climbing enthusiasts.
So don’t miss out on the fun! Hope to
see you there!
Local teacher appears in national
magazine
JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer
Debra Harmon, a local history teacher, submitted an item
of interest to Budget Travel magazine which appears in the current November,
2007, issue. As a Delegation Leader with People to People, Harmon travels each
year with students to foreign countries.
Many Claiborne Parish residents may not know that local
students and teachers may participate in the People to People program.
Created in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the
project’s mission is described at www.studentambassadors.com: “to provide
international educational opportunities for grade school, junior high school,
and high school students. Our journeys combine hands-on cultural experiences;
behind-the-scenes access to fascinating people and places; and amazing outdoor
adventures to create life-changing educational experiences.”
As for how she got hooked on traveling, Harmon says it
began when she was in junior high. “I traveled with my parents since I was
junior high age. I got to go to Colorado to go elk hunting! We camped out in a
wilderness area. Each day while my father hunted, my mom and I would take
trips to the small towns in the area. I was intrigued by the people and how
they were different from people in Louisiana.”
Harmon has been active with People to People since 2002.
She says, “The first trip I made was in 2003. I have made 5 trips so far and
traveled with approximately 200 students during that time.”
Presently at Homer Junior High, her current course load
includes teaching Louisiana History to 8th graders and “The Bible in History
and Literature” to 7th graders.
In addition to that, she is busy with People to People
meetings and events. For example, she explains, “I conduct People to People
meetings about 6 different Saturdays between January and leaving on the yearly
trip [each summer].”
It’s clear from talking with Harmon that she relishes
what she does. She says, “I love the interaction I have with the students and
their parents.”
When asked what there is about the People to People
program that most people may not know but would benefit from knowing, she
answers, “The main goal of the program is to change the perception other
countries have about American teenagers. Every [trip] that I have participated
in has left people in other countries with a positive opinion of American
teenagers—and that’s a good thing.”
As for other good things about People to People, Harmon
says, “I love getting to meet new people in other countries. I encourage all my
delegates to talk to as many people as possible in the countries we visit. This
helps them to make favorable impressions while they learn more about other
people and cultures.”
She continues, “The young people who participate in this
program change dramatically after participation in the program. The first year
I interviewed a young man [seeking to join the program] who was painfully shy.
The next fall at the information meeting he got up in front of 500 people to
tell about his experiences! Delegates keep in touch for years with other
delegates. My son traveled in 2003 and still regularly emails people he
traveled with.”
Harmon looks forward to many more trips with People to
People.
-0-0-0-
The world is a book, and those who do not travel read
only a page. — Aurelios Augustinus (St. Augustine)
Haynesville sixth grade finally receives
laptops
The Haynesville Junior High Sixth Grade
The Guardian-Journal
The sixth grade students at Haynesville Junior High School made history Tuesday, November 13 as they received their laptops.
The laptop initiative is part of a pilot research project
which will be conducted Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. It is part
of a state research and development program by the office of the governor as
well as the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Louisiana
Department of Education, Board of Regents and Louisiana Higher Education.
Apple Computers donated $80,000 worth of laptops to help
bring students’ education into the 21st century.
The program, Turn on to Learning, is entirely voluntary,
and Haynesville sixth grade was chosen by a number of criteria. Guidelines for
the program say that it has to be two sixth grade classes within the same
school and it had to be a school that presented low test scores. Claiborne
Parish Schools Superintendent Wayne King and the board looked at schools in
both Homer and Haynesville and decided that Haynesville better fit the program.
The program comes as part of a university study that will
determine whether it will help these children bring up their test scores.
These children will be able to take these computers home
with them at midterm and will be able to use them for homework and school
assignments in the areas of science and social studies.
“It’s going to be a learning experience for us and I’m
really looking forward to it,” King said. “I want to recognize Haynesville
Junior High, the principal and the two teachers that’s doing this and let’s see
what happens with the children in our schools.”
Dana Smith and Kristie Wortham are the two sixth grade
teachers that will go through an extensive training program to learn how to use
these computers and how to teach with them. Haynesville Jr. High Principal
William Kennedy and King will go through the training as well.
The 48 students who received laptops are as follows:
Nadia Beene, Ordecia Beene, Demetric Cornelius; Tyus Early; Zaria Henderson;
Macey Holly; Naeisha Jackson; Chesly Johnston; Jennifer Kirkpatrick; Sovandara
Ly; Alajoijuan Manning; James Matlock; Cutter Nelson; Danielle Punch; Dalton
Scruggs; Dantae Sturges; Quamyesha Walton; Cassidy Williams; Shelly Bishop;
Brianna Brown; Mikhall Cooper; Douglas French; Dalton Harrison; Justin
Harrison; Delandre Kingsby; Aquaria Lewis; Carrie Lewis; CaVontae Lewis;
Tytiana Manning; Serenity McGee; Roy Richardson; Thomas Ryan; Tyeshia Tell;
Natasha Thomas; MiKeydrau Walton; Zilethia Washington; Patrick Bailey; Heather
Bibby; Carnesha Brown; Olivia Fizer; Tyler Gilbert; Dakeisha Harris; Jerriona
Henderson; Diamond Hudson; Jamal Jackson; J’Nashia McGee; Jamelah Richardson;
Tamera Russ and Naquater Taylor.
Medicare Part D open enrollment now in
progress
JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer
Jean Reynolds advises that Sharon Womack from the Caddo
Council on Aging will be at the Office of Community Services in Homer on
December 11 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Womack will help anyone who wants to
enroll in Medicare Part D during the open enrollment season that runs from
November 15-December 31.
Womack can advise those who want to consider switching
from their current plan to another. She can also help anyone eligible for Part
D but who has not yet signed up.
In operation since January, 2006, Medicare Part D is a
voluntary prescription drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries. In general,
Medicare prescription drug plans provide insurance coverage for prescription
drugs. Monthly premiums range from $15 or to over $100, depending on the plan
chosen. Also individual prescription costs vary depending on the particular
drug plan in which one is enrolled.
Womack can answer questions and provide assistance
according to the inquirer’s situation. Reynolds asks that anyone wanting
Womack’s help should be sure to bring either their medications or a list of
their medications with them plus their Medicare card for identification. Call
Reynolds at 927-3557 or Womack at 800-793-1198 for more information.
Red Ribbon Week winners honored by
school board
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
These kids worked hard during Red Ribbon
Week to show they are drug free and proud. They were honored at November’s
school board meeting with certificates and many other gifts.
The excitement of Red Ribbon Week was better than ever in
the Claiborne Parish School system. Students, faculty and staff alike were
eagerly busy decorating doors, walls and windows.
In the case of Summerfield High School, every door was
decorated. Portable buildings, cars decorated in the parking lot and a big
banner in front of the school were also done honoring Red Ribbon Week.
Many of the essays written by some students would
literally bring tears to your eyes. Many of them wrote about the real life
experiences of their family members.
The week-long activities always leaves a lasting
impression on the students of Claiborne Parish Schools.
We are thankful once again this year to several area
merchants/businesses for their continued support.
They are: Kentucky Fried Chicken; Pizza Hut; Subway;
First Guaranty Bank; Capital One Bank; Gibsland Bank and Trust; Regions Bank;
Gray’s Jewelry and Sonic.
Congratulations to all of the contest winners and a
special “thank you” to all of the participants. All the winners received certificates
and special “goodies” for their efforts and participation in Red Ribbon Week.
Representing Summerfield High School, Principal D’Arcy
Stevens received a trophy for the best decorated school.
The winners of the Red Ribbon Contest were honored at
November’s school board meeting. They are as follows.
Best Decorated School:
Summerfield High School
Poster Contest
High School: First
place, Jeroderick Jones, Homer High School; second Place, Hayley Harman, Haynesville High School; and third place, Morgan Ledbetter, Summerfield High School.
Junior High: First
place, Ke’Yon Smith*, Pineview High School; second place, Michael Roberts,
Homer Junior High School; and third place, Seth Frick, Summerfield High School.
Fourth and Fifth Grades: First Place, Connor Chandler, Summerfield High School
Kindergarten through Third Grade: First Place, Treasure Evans, Pineview High School;
second place, Christian Foster, Summerfield High School; and third place,
Shavago Washington, Athens High School.
Essay Contest
High School: First
place, Holly Hollenshead, Haynesville High School; second place, Brittany
Martin, Summerfield High School; and third place, Kelsey Powell, Homer High School.
Junior High: First
place, Ke’Yon Smith*, Pineview High School; second place, Lauryn Thomas, Summerfield
High School; and third place, Daralyn Parker, Athens High School.
Fourth and Fifth Grades: First Place, Taylor Arabie, Summerfield High School;
second place, Aaron Parker, Athens High School; and third place, Kerra Howard,
Pineview High School.
Kindergarten through Third Grade: First place, Ja’Lantria Montgomery, Pineview High School; Second place, Tanyah Ford, Athens High School; and third place, Daryn
Scriber, Summerfield High School.
*This is the first time that one student has won first
place in both the poster and essay contest. Congratulations Ke’Yon Smith!
Exciting changes ahead as Homer Memorial Hospital joins LSUHSC coalition
JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer
Homer Memorial Hospital is one of seven rural hospitals in North Louisiana that will benefit from a $13 million state program providing electronic
medical records and telemedicine consultation with physicians at Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSU-HSC) in Shreveport. The other six
hospitals are Bunkie General Hospital, Bunkie; DeSoto Regional Hospital, Mansfield; Hardtner Medical Center, Olla; LaSalle General Hospital, Jena; Richland Parish Hospital, Delhi; and Union General Hospital, Farmerville.
The North Louisiana LSU-HSC/Rural Hospital Medical Home
Network is a pilot designed to help participating hospitals with electronic
medical records, financial systems, and clinical information systems.
The project will allow, for example, LSUHSC physicians
to view x-rays taken at Homer Memorial Hospital by means of remote telecommunications.
They can advise local health professionals in such areas as diagnosis,
treatment, and prognosis.
Several benefits accrue to participating hospitals and
local residents. Most important, patient care improves with the use of
electronic medical records instead of traditional paper records. Electronic
medical records improves the ability to track, trend, and access patient
records. It has improved patient care elsewhere and will be available to local
patients by next summer.
Another benefit is the availability of LSUHSC consultants
through telemedicine. The project could potentially relieve patients of long
trips to Shreveport. A round-trip from participating areas takes several hours
plus the cost of fuel, a major consideration now with gas prices increasing.
Many low-income folks don’t have reliable transportation for such trips not to
mention the physical strain on a sick person. Telemedicine is a growing
reality in rural areas, and this project will provide the technology necessary
to make it a reality at Homer Memorial Hospital.
The project can help rural hospitals save money on
patient care and prescription drugs. In addition, common access to imaging
studies, such as X-rays and CT scans, and to lab work will allow LSUHSC to
avoid duplicating medical tests and procedures already performed by Homer
Memorial.
During the first year of the five-year project, LSUHSC
will get just over $2 million to upgrade or add equipment for telemedicine.
“Telemedicine” uses audio, video, and other telecommunications and electronic
technologies to provide health services or assist health care personnel at
distant sites.
Dr. John McDonald, chancellor of LSUHSC, noted, “My
thought was if a patient came to their [rural] hospital, with, say, substantial
pneumonia or out-of control-diabetes, they could consult with someone here who
is an expert in that.” McDonald went on to point out that the local physician
and the LSUHSC consulting physician could decide with the patient’s own doctor
on the best treatment, and the patient could remain in his home community.
Specialists at LSUHSC could also continue monitoring cases by means of
telemedicine.
In rural communities like Claiborne Parish, doctors don’t
always have the option of consulting a specialist who can say whether the
patient can be treated at the rural hospital or needs to be sent to Shreveport. As a result, cases may be unnecessarily referred a substantial expense for the
patient, for the rural hospital, and for LSUHSC.
The new system will allow specialists at LSUHSC to see
the patient, review his medical file, and even use cameras to examine his
throat.
Doug Efferson of Homer Memorial Hospital said, “We can
move into the 21st century without financially strapping the hospital. Moving
from paper to digital records is expensive, and it would have been hard for us
to make the switch without help.” Efferson went on, “The new technology should
help improve efficiency and lower costs.”
He added that Homer Memorial is preparing to let bids for
the new systems that will provide the basis for telemedicine. Although the new
equipment will belong to Homer Memorial, the Louisiana Rural Hospital Coalition
is encouraging members to negotiate a group purchasing deal. The number of
technology providers for small hospitals is markedly less than for larger
facilities. There may be only five bidders in the small hospital market, hence,
the advantage of joining the coalition.
Within a year Homer Memorial will get a point-to-point T1
line to LSUHSC. Efferson said, “We will also get the latest
telemedicine/distance-learning system. It will include such technology as a
digital stethoscope and either a big projection screen or a 42-inch plasma
monitor for medical imaging.”
Initially, rural physicians will confer only with LSUHSC
specialists; however, in time all physicians within the network will be able to
consult with one another.
Chamber, KCB ask for your help with info
Find out how you can help!
Call Lauren Tichenor at 927-7129 or email
The Guardian-Journal
The Claiborne
Chamber of Commerce has offered to help fund an initiative to educate
Claiborne Parish citizens on where to safely dispose of several items listed
below.
The organization, Keep Claiborne Beautiful, was asked to
gather this information.
This information will be compiled and distributed to the
citizens of the parish when completed.
Anyone who has any information on ways to dispose of
these items is asked to call Lauren Tichenor at 927-7129.
Please provide the location and telephone number of
businesses or individuals that could help regarding waste management, reduction
or disposal within the parish. The items are listed as follows.
·
Used oil, other hydrocarbon fluids,
paint cans, and other liquid combustible wastes.
·
Tires, batteries, ruptured hoses,
broken fan belts, and other dry hydrocarbon wastes. White goods. (Used
appliances)
·
Plastic bags and sheets.
·
Plastic bottles and other plastic
containers.
·
Paper: News, White writing and
copying paper
·
Used corrugating, Cardboard
·
Metal: Ferrous, Non-ferrous, Cars,
and other worn out machinery
·
Biomass: chipped cuttings, chopped
grass and weeds
·
Other
Citizens meet to find ways to market
Claiborne Parish
Next meeting:
Monday, Nov. 26 at 2 p.m., Police Jury Complex
The Guardian-Journal
After
being inspired by the community development speakers from Canadian, Texas, citizens of Claiborne Parish met Monday, November 5, to brainstorm ways to
reinvigorate marketing the parish as a viable tourist attraction.
Several
ideas were thrown out on the table, including publishing a brochure that would
highlight many of the parish’s assets.
The
group created what’s called an asset map – a plan – in which they made a list
of what’s good about Claiborne Parish and what activities or resources the
parish can use to market itself.
In this
“map,” several ideas and activities came forth, including increasing the
marketing of music and entertainment; the annual Christmas festival, the
Mother’s Day program in Lisbon, different historical sites and the parish’s
natural resources.
“There
are many things the parish has to offer that are unique to this area,” Lauren
Tichenor, Americorps Vista member, said. “This plan is more about capitalizing
on what Claiborne Parish already has than about trying to create something
new.”
Other
ideas included a parish website that provides a virtual tour of the parish,
gathering community support and encouraging/building on education.
Other
ideas that were brought to the table included exploring ways to advertise and
get the word out.
Another
aspect of tourism is capitalizing on the parish’s natural resources and
implementing programs to nurture those resources, like beautification (Keep
Claiborne Beautiful), conservation of water and educational services.
Next,
the group developed a plan, including publishing the brochure and a CD that
would create a “driving” tour of all of the parish’s shops, eateries,
historical sites and other interests. Linda Volentine is the chair of the
committee for the tourist marketing strategy for the parish. For more
information on how to get involved or to have your business, local interest or
tourist ideas included, please call Volentine at the Ford Museum at 927-9190.
The
next meeting will be held Monday, November 26, in the events room at the
Claiborne Parish Police Jury complex in Homer. For more information or for
questions, please call Tichenor at 927-7129.
DWCC Holds Arts and Crafts Festival
On November 17 and 18 inmates at David Wade Correction Center put on their Fall Arts and Crafts Festival. Held each April and
November, the festival features handmade objects created by some of the
inmates.
According to Warden Goodwin, participation in the
festival is privilege available only to inmates with no disciplinary write-ups
or infractions.
Articles offered for sale start at around $3 and include
woodwork items, leather goods, paintings, and other craft. Purses, belts,
banks, Christmas decorations, birdhouses, clocks, candleholders, and
wallhangings are some of the goods that are available.
Goodwin added that the proceeds generated by the festival
go to each participant’s canteen fund and can be used to meet the costs of
toothpaste, deodorant, and other personal needs.
American Education Week Observed Locally
Junie B. Jones taught kindergarten at
Homer Elementary Friday, November 16. As a part of American Education Week,
many teachers and administrative staff dressed for the day as a character from
a book. Margaret McKenzie is shown here as “Junie B. Jones,” hair in curlers
and wearing pj’s, with Haidyn Herring, Jaquan Knowles, and Jamal Webb.
JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer
Homer Elementary School observed American Education Week and Children’s Book
Week from November 12-16 with a number of special activities. A nationwide
event, local schools joined millions of educators, parents, students, and
community leaders to raise awareness of the critical need to provide each child
with a quality education.
The first activity of the week was Homer Elementary’s
Scavenger Hunt which began Monday with five questions for each class about
education or children’s books. Answers were due Friday when names of
participating classes were entered in a drawing for a new book for the
classroom.
Wednesday’s class schedules were adjusted to allow
students in pre-K through fifth grade to enjoy guest readers who read various
book selections from 9-2:15. Wayne King, Claiborne Parish Superintendent,
kicked off the morning’s program by reading “Bow-Wow,” Says the Dog to pre-K
students.
Other readers included Donna Smith, Homer High teacher;
Pam Suggs, Director of Claiborne Parish Library; Tommy Wyant, local Veteran;
Charles Etta Johnson, Chief Civil Deputy with the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s
Office; Sherman Brown, School Board member; and Ken Bailey, Sheriff of
Claiborne Parish.
The week’s special activities concluded Friday when
several teachers and administrators dressed as book characters for the day.
American Education Week activities were designed to
reinforce the slogan, “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our
Responsibility.” Local educators ask that all citizens “support making public
schools great for every child so that they can grow and achieve in the 21st
century.”
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“I cannot teach anybody anything; I can only make them
think.”—Socrates
This Film by Michael Haynes Productions was created in conjunction with 
