Pineview may soon close its doors

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

If approved, Pineview School may be closing its doors at the end of this school year.

The Claiborne Parish School Board, by a vote of 8 to 1, has authorized its attorney, Bob Hammonds, to submit what’s called Plan A to seek approval to close Pineview and redistribute its students in the district.

If approved, this means that Pineview will close at the end of this school year, but if the federal judge does not approve this plan, then things will stay as they are.

“It’s not a done deal until the judge makes a decision,” Hammonds said.

Even though it’s not a “done deal,” Hammonds did say that he’d had discussions with the Justice Department, and it had no objections to the recommended plan.

The motion in its entirety as moved by District 6 Board Member Thomas E. Davidson is as follows: “I move that we adopt the changes in the Pineview Attendance Zone contained in Plan A, as recommended by Superintendent King and our attorney Bob Hammonds, and as approved by the Justice Department, and that we authorize our legal counsel to file pleadings with the court seeking approval of such changes in student attendance zones.”

This motion was seconded by District 9 Board Member E. Blake Hemphill, who represents the Pineview school district.

Plan A would close the school and send the students to the closest schools to their residences. In other words, the students who live closer to Homer would attend Homer schools. Those who live closer to Summerfield, would attend Summerfield School, and so on.

Also under this plan, no staff members or teachers would lose their positions. They will be allowed to transfer, and Hammonds made it clear that in more cases than not, faculty and staff are transferred to the schools of their choosing.

The school board was expected to meet with Pineview teachers and staff Wednesday afternoon to notify them of the decision and what it would mean for them.

“I hope you don’t think we’re taking this lightly,” School Board President William Maddox said to those in attendance. “There has been a lot of discussion going on and a lot of thought went into this.”

During public discussions after the board came out of executive session, several comments were made regarding any decision the board might make. Roy Mardis, Pineview PTA member, pleaded with the board to allow them to seek the advice of an attorney before any decisions were made. A motion was made by District 8 board member Almeter Willis to that effect, but it died on the table. No second was made.

Hammonds gave reasons for choosing this plan, because it impacts more than just closing the school. What it would mean for the school board is that transportation costs would be minimized, because the bus routes would remain the same, with the same bus drivers. The “bi-grade” class would be eliminated as well. In other words, Pre-K and kindergarten would not be in the same class, nor would the first and second graders, and so on through the 12th grade.

Cost was another factor, he said – not the most important factor, but still a factor. The school system would save $400,000 per year, which means $400,000 more dollars could be put towards raising the education standards in Claiborne Parish.

Some raised concerns about the impact of the other schools taking on more students, and it was not foreseen to be a problem in that Pineview students would integrate with all class levels. Hammonds said it was not like an entire grade class moving from one grade to the next. Students would be integrated over the broad spectrum of 14 grades from Pre-K to 12th grade.

This decision comes after years of debate and high emotions. Mardis brought a point home when he informed the board that Claiborne Parish would be losing one of its last historically black schools.

In late 2007, the Justice Department made it clear that the school board had to make a decision by fall of 2008 or one would be made for them on an issue that has been going on for almost 40 years.

A public hearing was held in October 2007 to hear concerns from the community on what they wanted. Five different scenarios were presented, including Plan A.

Woman arrested for simple arson

The Guardian-Journal

A Homer woman was arrested for simple arson after her boyfriend called emergency services reporting a fire.

The Homer Police Department and Homer Fire Department were called to a residence in the 1400 block of Monroe Avenue at approximately 5 a.m. Saturday, March 22, in reference to occupants inside. Upon arrival, police and the fire department were able to extinguish the fire.

Kathy Dawson, 44, is said to have set fire to her bed in the house while her boyfriend and their children were still inside. Witnesses at the scene gave officers statements that she set the fire.

She was arrested and charged with simple arson. Bond was set at $500. If convicted of this charge, she faces fines of no more than $15,000 and imprisoned at hard labor for not less than two years nor more than 15 years if the damage done amounts to $500 or more. If the damage is less than $500, Dawson could be fined not more than $2,500 or imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than five years or both.

In other news, Jonathan George, of Homer, has been charged with theft over $500, theft under $300 and simple possession of marijuana.

He was arrested on warrants obtained by Homer Police after officers viewed him on video at Dixie Mart on Hwy. 79. Officers viewed him on surveillance video as the store clerk went into the restroom to go behind the counter to steal money. Homer Police Chief Russell Mills said George was viewed on surveillance video on two different occasions.

He was arrested on the above charges, with bond set at $25,000 for theft over $500, and $500 each on the other two charges. While being arrested for the warrants, he was also found to be in possession of marijuana.

If he is convicted of theft over $500, George faces imprisonment with or without hard labor for no more than 10 years or may be fined no more than $3,000 or both. If convicted of theft under $300, he could face imprisonment for no more than six months or may be fined no more than $1,000, or both. On the charges of simple possession of marijuana, if convicted, he could be fined no more than $500 or imprisoned in the parish jail for no more than six months or both.

Dispute in Haynesville leads to arrest

5 year old removed from home

The Guardian-Journal

A Haynesville man was arrested on Sunday, March 9, after police were dispatched in reference to a disturbance call.

Haynesville Police Chief Anthony Smith went to the residence of Quincy J. Turner, 25, of Haynesville, after receiving reports that the suspect was choking a five-year-old child, attempting to choke his mother with a large stick and throwing things in the yard.

According to Assistant Chief Jason Branch, Turner was not taking necessary medication, which could have attributed to the disturbance.

“He was off his medication, so he’d probably been drinking,” Branch said. “That didn’t help the situation any.”

When Smith arrived at the scene, he witnessed Turner swinging a large stick, at which time the chief ordered him to drop it. Turner reportedly came towards Smith, and Smith took him to the ground, cuffing him and placing him under arrest.

According to reports, the suspect was acting very violently and his mother had the child removed from the residence.

Before Turner was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center, Pafford Ambulance was called to the scene to check him for injuries. Smith later stated he’d been using “weed” and drinking alcohol.

He was charged with disturbing the peace, disturbing the peace (simple drunk), simple criminal damage to property and aggravated assault.

Bond was set at $500 each on the disturbing the peace charges, and $1,000 each for simple criminal damage to property and the aggravated assault charge.

If convicted of these crimes, Turner faces up to a $1,000 fine or imprisonment for no more than six months or both. If convicted of simple criminal damage to property, if less than $500, he faces a fine of no more than $1,000 or no more than six months’ imprisonment or both. If convicted of the disturbing the peace charges, Turner faces a fine of not more than $100 or imprisonment of 90 days or both on each count.

In other news, a Summerfield man was arrested by Haynesville police on several charges. Charles Pitts, 23, was arrested after police conducted an investigative traffic stop on Hwy. Alternate 2 in Haynesville. Pitts was found to be in possession of a large quantity of marijuana and a loaded handgun, according to reports.

Pitts is currently on probation for possession with intent to distribute and simple burglary.

In this arrest, the suspect was charged with possession/carrying of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal carrying of a weapon with a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute Schedule I marijuana. Bond is to be set on each of these charges.

If convicted of the illegal carrying of a weapon with a controlled dangerous substance, Pitts could face up to a $10,000 and imprisoned at hard labor for not less than 5 nor more than 10 years without the benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence. If convicted of possession/carrying of a firearm by a convicted felon, Pitts could be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than 10 nor more than 15 years without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence and be fined not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000.

Two killed in Easter accident

JOSH BEAVERS, Special to the Guardian-Journal

Tragedy struck this Easter weekend as a car crash resulted in the deaths of two Minden women.

The two-vehicle wreck occurred Friday night, right after 8 p.m.

Tameka M. Hampton, 26, of Minden, was killed when her northbound 2006 Ford Taurus collided with a southbound 2002 Ford F-150 pickup truck.

Both vehicles crossed the center line of U.S. Highway 79 and Highway 518 in Webster Parish.

A passenger in Hampton’s vehicle, LeKeisha Shyne, 19, of Minden was also killed in the accident, according to state police reports.

The report said that both Hampton and Shyne were wearing seat belts.

In addition to the tragic deaths, two children in Hampton’s car were injured.

Latiteeana Shella Shyne, 3, suffered severe injuries, while Ranzaya Larnro Shyne, 6 months, suffered minor to moderate injuries, the report said. They were transported to LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport (LSUHSC).

It is unclear whether the children were properly restrained, the report said.

Richard Riley, the driver of the F-150, was also injured.

The 21-year-old Minden resident suffered serious injuries and was taken to LSUHSC in Shreveport.

Troopers are still investigating what caused the drivers to veer into the opposite lanes. Any citations are contingent upon investigation results.

Alcohol consumption is not suspected by either driver, the report said.

Relay for Life to hold meeting April 3

A meeting will be held for Relay for Life at 6 p.m. at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant in Homer. Contact Nancy Mason, event chair, at 318-927-2517 or Christina Griffin at 318-648-7178 for more information. The registration deadline to get your team signed up is Friday, April 4, 2008. The Relay for Life will be held at the Claiborne Academy football stadium from noon until midnight, Saturday, May 17. You can also register your team, learn more about the event, or donate online at http://events.cancer.org/RFLClaiborneLA.

DWCC prepare Easter gifts

for nursing home residents at Claiborne Manor

The Guardian-Journal

The Education Center at David Wade Correction Center (DWCC) was a hub of activity the Thursday before Good Friday. Why?

The Kisatchie Jaycees at DWCC were preparing Easter-themed gift baskets for residents of Claiborne Manor. Containing an Easter greeting, Easter grass, toothpaste, hand santizer, shampoo, a chocolate bunny and other sweets, a decorative ribbon topped off each basket.

More than a dozen inmates prepared baskets and boxed them for transport to Claiborne Manor. Laughter filled the room as they worked on the project. Charles Boyd, president of the Kisatchie chapter, said they are involved in several other charitable projects. “We have contributed to the American Cancer Society, DART, and the Boys and Girls Clubs and also help with the Gingerbread House project,”  commented Boyd.

Karen Lee, DWCC Educator and supporter of the local chapter says, “The Kisatchie Jaycees continue to implement innovative programming which provides services to the community as well as assists in the rehabilitation of offenders.”

Becky Moss, Classification Specialist and Kisatchie Jaycees sponsor adds, “This chapter is a constructive action organization of young incarcerated persons who devote a portion of their time to community service in order to develop young persons as leaders of their community.”

Boyd states, “We have a special place in our hearts for the elderly and realize how lonely living in an institution can be. As a prisoner myself, I realize that the only way to create positive change in those incarcerated is by changing a prisoners’ heart and the way he feels about himself and others.”

After completing 61 gift baskets, Kisatchie Jaycee President Boyd surprised Karen Lee with the chapter’s “Outstanding American Award.” Introducing the award, Boyd stated, “Mrs. Lee is proud of the Jaycees and it thrills her to see the guys give to the community in such a manner. She appreciates that it is kind acts like these that create a positive atmosphere that supports change.”

Lee responded, “I am extremely honored that the Kisatchie Jaycees invited me to be a part of such an awesome project.”

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The only thing I can do is try to give back. If it works, it works.—Tiger Woods

Homer still may get airport grant

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The grant for the Homer Municipal Airport may not be a lost cause after all.

The Town of Homer received a response from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding a letter sent to them asking for guidance on receiving a grant to improve the airfield’s lighting system.

Homer Mayor David Newell said they will get the grant provided they meet certain criteria assuring the FAA steps are being taken to get Stallion Heavy Haulers moved into their new place of business and out of the airport. One of those criteria is giving the trucking company a time limit in which to get its affairs in order and move into its new facilities.

“Stallion will be moving out of the airport facility sometime in the near future,” Newell said, “and we are going to move on with the grants and put the lights out there and get the airport up to standards.”

The trucking company bought property late last year just past Claiborne Manor to build its new facilities.

Although the letter seemed understanding of the situation, it did say that the “town must restore the airport to aviation use and bring the pavement back to as good as condition as it was prior to the non-aviation use.”

That means the town will have to pay for improvements made to the runway and tarmac to bring the airport back into compliance with FAA regulations, which has been a source of complaints, Newell said.

The issue of Stallion Heavy Haulers being housed at the airport has been a source of major concern since it opened for business a few years ago. The town is in violation of FAA regulations, and there has been a great deal of fear the grant could be lost if Stallion is not moved out of the airport.

Donna Smith, Stallion’s communications director at its Houston corporate headquarters, said the company is hoping to be moved out of the airport in April.

Another point of contention was the engineering firm chosen to attach to the grant. The council voted 3-2 in December 2007’s meeting to use its current engineering firm, Balar and Associates, instead of Alliance Engineering, whom the appointed committee recommended to the council.

Town Attorney Jim Colvin then issued a written opinion stating that the town must proceed with the committee’s recommendations or show just cause for choosing Balar. In the end, the council voted to use Alliance, settling the matter.

Students inspired to take pride in community, country

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

Homer Elementary was treated to a special presentation last week that seemingly inspired students to take pride in their school, community and country.

The fourth and fifth grade students assembled at the school’s gym for a motivational presentation given by two local people who are considered true inspirations.

David Watson, a Homer native and retired Naval Intelligence agent, spoke to the kids about what it means to truly excel in their lives. Jonathan Harris, son of school librarian Maggie Harris, also spoke about his current job, what it means to him and how what he learned in school carried over into his every day life.

“Don’t ever let people tell you that just because you’re from Homer, you can’t do something interesting, because you can,” Watson told the students.

He said that as long as they worked hard in school and became involved in their school, community and country, they could do anything they set their minds to.

Watson is a retired special agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and he talked to the students about his job, the different countries he’d been to and the different things he’d done around the world.

While he’s been to many countries, including Italy, Mexico and the Netherlands, he specifically talked about his detail in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He related his experiences in the Middle Eastern country, showing how different it is over there compared to every day life in the United States.

When he discussed his time in Iraq, he focused on Al Basra, the second largest city in Iraq, just 20 miles from the Iranian border. The region where this city is located is very poor, he said, because former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein did not approve of their religion. This meant that southern Iraq received very little governmental financial support.

The kids asked several questions, including what his job entailed after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Watson played a key role helping authorities find out how the attacks came to be in the first place.

“My job was to search records, travel agencies that do business on the internet and try to find how the terrorists purchased their tickets for those airplanes; who they were, what credit cards they used, what email addresses they used, and trace it back to them,” Watson said. “After that month, someone else came in and took over, and I went back to my regular job.”

Even though Watson spent time in Iraq before his retirement, Harris still works in the war-torn country. He is a master electronics technician for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, a large, heavily armored vehicle that protects soldiers from IEDs, or improvised explosive devices. These explosives are better known as roadside bombs.

He is a Department of Defense civilian working on these vehicles in Iraq.

In his current job, he uses a lot of math and science skills as well as spelling, English and history, he said, but the job means so much more than just a three figure salary.

“I believe that what I do matters,” he said. “I believe what I do makes a difference. Everything I do and everything I touch will save a soldier’s life (in reference to the MRAP).”

Harris spoke about his job and what it took for him to get there. He talked about how important standardized testing is, and what the iLEAP and LEAP scores mean when the kids get older and begin thinking about college. In fact, when he joined the Navy, he had to take an aptitude test (also a standardized test) to find out where he fit best in the military role.

After the presentations, the students were allowed to look at several items displayed in the gym, including foreign currency from several countries that Watson brought home from around the world. Other items on display included medals, awards and memorabilia brought by both Harris and Watson.

Ford Museum to host ‘crazy’ quilt workshop

The Ford Museum continues its workshops that are part of a Louisiana Decentralized Arts Funding Program grant, Containers as Folk Art: Useful and Beautiful.  This workshop will allow participants to imitate the skill used by our ancestors in making a special kind of quilt, the crazy quilt.  Participants will construct crazy quilt totes.  Instruction will be demonstrated in embellishing the quilt with a variety of embroidery stitches.  The instructor, Mrs. Marylyn Wiginton, is an active member of the American Needlepoint Guild and the Embroiders’ Guild of America. The fourth and final workshop will be presented at the Ford Museum on Monday, April 14 from 9 am - 4 pm.  There is no charge for the workshop.  All materials will be provided.  Participants are asked to bring a sack lunch.  Space is limited.  Call Linda Volentine, 318-927-9190, for registration.

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