Homer Bypass construction to begin
Parish makes history with groundbreaking
ceremony
Submitted photo
Several officials gathered Friday,
October 17, for the formal groundbreaking ceremony of the Homer Bypass.
Pictured from left are Scott Carter, project manager with Eutaw Construction
Co.; Sherri LeBas of the Louisiana Department of Transportation; Lisbon Mayor
Wayne Tanner; Athens Mayor Hubie James; District 11 Representative Rick Gallot;
Claiborne Chamber of Commerce Vice President Steve Koskie; Claiborne Parish
Police Jury President Roy Mardis; Junction City Mayor Preston Rogers; Claiborne
Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey; District 7 Police Juror Roy Lewis; David Aubrey; and
John Sanders of the Louisiana Department of Transportation.
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
Gov. Bobby Jindal, center, takes a minute
to pose with Rep. Rick Gallot, left, and Chamber Vice President J.T. Taylor,
two people who have worked with a long line of others in making sure the Homer
Bypass would be built.
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Claiborne
Parish made history Friday, October 17, when the formal groundbreaking ceremony
was held for the long-awaited Homer Bypass.
The
Bypass, technically known now as La. 3244, is a project that will help
alleviate congestion and improve safety on The Square.
Gov.
Bobby Jindal, along with several others, joined in the celebration of the
beginning of the project.
“This
$5.8 million investment in the Homer bypass project that we are breaking ground
on today is a great step forward toward relieving traffic congestion and
increasing safety in the Homer area, where thousands of large trucks currently
navigate around small downtown streets each year,” Jindal said in a press
release. “This investment represents the biggest push toward the completion of
the Homer bypass since the project was first proposed in the early 1980s.”
During
the ceremony, Jindal said that he understands the importance of this project.
Chamber of Commerce Vice President J.T. Taylor spoke with the governor on
several occasions regarding the bypass. Jindal was also in Homer recently to
personally thank emergency officials for their hard work and open arms during
Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. When he arrived, officials parked the vehicles in
front of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex – on The Square. In his other
trips to Homer, Taylor pressed him on the issue.
“At
first I didn’t get it,” Jindal said. “But when we backed up, he (Taylor) said,
‘You see, we need a bypass.’ We’re going to start this project; we’re not going
to wait anymore. We’re thrilled to support it, and we would not be here if it
wasn’t for their persistence. There will be no interruption in this project.
The money will be there. I’m thrilled that we’re going to stop talking and
start digging.”
Chamber
President Steve Koskie said this day was long in coming.
“This
is a big day in the history of Claiborne Parish,” he said. “Literally, decades
of planning is finally coming to fruition.”
Taylor reiterated Koskie’s sentiments.
“A long
awaited day arrived for the citizens of Claiborne Parish,” Taylor said. “We
were excited to join with Gov. Jindal, Representative Rick Gallot, friends and
neighbors on this monumental day in the economic future of Claiborne Parish.
Our thanks go out to Gov. Jindal, Rep. Gallot and others that stood by our side
and represented us so well on this truck by-pass project.”
According
to the press release, the 3.9 mile La. 3244 bypass will run from West Main Street (U.S. Hwy. 79) south of Homer to La. 2, west of Homer, which will allow
trucks and other vehicles to move goods faster while improving the safety for
both drivers and the people of Homer by bypassing the downtown area. The $5.8
million commitment by the state the governor highlighted will fund the
development of embankment and drainage structures that are essential to the
construction and ultimate completion of the bypass.
Four
roads currently converge on The Square including Hwy. 79, La. 2, La. 9 and La.
146, which creates safety hazards due to a high volume of 18-wheelers
transporting logs, fuels, chemicals, heavy equipment and oversize loads through
small streets.
The
latest traffic counts, according to Louisiana Department of Transportation
records, show that West Main Street (U.S. 79) carries about 8,500 vehicles per
day, many of which are tractor-trailer rigs (18-wheelers). DOTD estimates an
additional 30-50 rigs with oversized and overweight permits pass the downtown
square every day.
The
embankment and drainage project was awarded to Eutaw Construction Co., of Jackson, Miss., with Scott Carter, project manager, and is expected to be completed by the
spring of 2009. This phase of the project is costing $5,792,683.20. They expect
the project to be 380 working days, weather permitting, with 600,000 yards of
dirt to be moved. DOTD will begin accepting bids for the paving of this portion
of the bypass once the embankment work is completed.
According
to a press release from the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce, the planning for the
Homer truck bypass project began in the 1980s. The land and acquisition for the
route was conducted in 1999 and 2000. The clearing and grubbing work was
conducted in 2002. The original construction cost was estimated at $4.75
million. Estimates two years ago had risen to $18 million.
Three found guilty of negligent homicide
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
A Homer
man and two others were found guilty of negligent homicide and cruelty to a
juvenile Wednesday afternoon in the death of 12-year-old Alex Harris.
Judge
Parker Self, who presided over the trial of the three former employees of Hope
Youth Ranch, handed down the guilty verdict as Harris’ mother and grandparents
wept.
Anthony
Combs of Homer, Kelton Greenard of Minden and Arthur Henderson II of Cotton Valley face up to a five-year sentence on the charge of negligent homicide and up to
a 10-year sentence on the charge of cruelty to a juvenile. A pre-sentencing
investigation has been ordered and the hearing is set for December 15, at 9:30 a.m.
Before
handing down the sentence, Self said that as emotional as the case was, as a
bench judge, he had to make his decision based on the facts of the case.
On September 13, 2005, Harris was placed in in-school suspension, where he and a group of
boys were taken on a disciplinary run and various work assignments. According
to testimony given at the trial, the pipeline was not an area authorized for
running. Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigator Michael Allen’s testimony
outlined the distance of where the boys ran that day. According to his
interviews with the three defendants, Harris began to lag behind the other boys
and he fell to the ground. Allen said Greenard indicated that he’d attempted to
help Harris by lifting him up under his arms. Harris was not able to stand.
“At
that point, the students began to carry him on each side,” Allen said. “Each
one had him under the arms.”
In
testimony given by two of the boys that were residents at the Ranch the day of
incident, Harris was not treated kindly while they carried him, admitting they
let the boy’s back drag on the ground.
One of
the older boys in the group picked him up and carried him until Harris vomited
on him. The older boy then dropped him on the ground.
According
to Allen’s interview with Combs, Combs indicated that he stopped the vehicle
when Harris began to vomit. When the group arrived at the top of the hill,
Harris was taken out of the vehicle and placed on the ground.
Allen
said Henderson indicated that Harris was placed on the asphalt parking lot out
in the sun.
Hope
Youth Ranch Facility Nurse Kelly Cash testified Tuesday that Harris was laying
in the parking unconscious and did not respond to ammonia inhalants. According
to her testimony, the boy was moved to a shed where it was cooler. He then made
a deep, rasping noise, vomited and stopped breathing. Cash began CPR, but to no
avail. He was declared dead at Minden Medical Center.
The
defense countered Alex was placed under a shade tree.
As Self
related the events of that tragic day, he said he was “convinced Alex was laid
in the sun.”
According
to testimony by Hope Youth Ranch owner Roy Martinez, Harris had a history of
slacking off, not wanting to work. Testimony throughout the trial also revealed
he played tricks and “faked” illnesses. That wasn’t enough to convince the
judge the three on trial did enough to save the boy’s life.
Martinez’s testimony revealed that it was supposed to be a
coordinated effort among staff to make sure the kids are safe and taken care
of. If a child is in some sort of distress, the direct care staff is to notify
the shift supervisor or the nurse. He did say later in his testimony that if it
is a life or death situation, the direct care staff is to refer to someone, and
if they don’t take any action, that duty falls back on the direct care staff.
“I am
of the mind – you cry wolf – it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Self said
before handing down the sentence.
Chief
Assistant District Attorney Sherb Sentell was present for the reading of the
verdict.
“I have
spoken with Schuyler (Marvin, Webster Parish District Attorney) and he is very
pleased with the outcome,” said Chief Sentell. “This has been a team effort.
Jack Montgomery (chief prosecutor in the trial) worked closely with the
Louisiana State Police and we’re glad to get justice and closure for this
family.”
Harris’
grandparents, Charles and Judy Allen and his mother, Amber Harris, respectfully
declined comment due to ongoing civil suits. However, all expressed their
appreciation to the Webster Parish District Attorney’s Office, Prosecuting
Attorney Jack Montgomery and the Louisiana State Police.
“We
wish to thank the Webster Parish District Attorney’s Office and the Louisiana
State Police for all of their hard work — especially Jack Montgomery, who has
gone above and beyond the call of duty,” said Charles Allen.
Defense
attorneys Larry English, representing Greenard and Henderson, and Patrick
Jefferson, representing Combs, both said they were not happy with the verdict.
“We
have to live with the ruling,” English said after the trial ended. “We intend
to appeal the ruling. We will deal with the sentencing and get the fairest
sentence possible.”
Jefferson added, “We are disappointed, but we are continuing to
seek justice, and we will take it through the appropriate means. Given what was
presented – testimony and witness statements – it was woefully unfair and
unjust. I respect the process and we will continue with the process.”
Charges
were dropped against two of the eight originally indicted in the case – Troy
Hamilton of Homer and Jeremy Blanks of Springhill. Before the beginning of the
trial, charges were dismissed against three others in exchange for their
testimony at the trail – Marcus D. Jones of Castor, Tasha G. Jackson of
Haynesville and Willis Doyle, also of Castor.
Early Voting through Tuesday, Oct. 28
Early voting for the November 4 election will be Tuesday,
October 21, through Tuesday, October 28. Office hours will be 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day. The office will be closed on Sunday, October 26.
On the Ballot:
• U.S. President
• U.S. Senator
• Runoff for U.S. Representative for the 4th Congressional
District --Democratic and Republican Party (Second Party Primary)
• Runoff for the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office
• 7 proposed Constitutional Amendments
Proposed Constitutional Amendments 3 and
5
The Guardian-Journal
In our
continuing series of articles on the upcoming constitutional amendment
proposals, the next to be discussed are three and five.
Last
week, The Guardian-Journal took a look at one and two. Proposed constitutional
amendment no. 1 will set term limits on members of certain state boards and
commissions. The second proposed constitutional amendment will require the call
for a special session at least 7 calendar days before the start of a session.
Constitutional Amendment No. 3
This
week, Proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 would allow a legislator in the
military to temporarily name a successor to his seat for the duration of
his/her absence if that legislator is called to duty.
This is
what voters will see when they go to the polls on November 4.
“ACT
NO. 931 – House Bill No. 183, Regular Session, 2008
To
require the legislature to provide by law for the prompt and temporary
succession to the powers and duties of a legislator if the legislator is
unavailable to perform his functions or duties due to being ordered to active
duty in the armed services of the United States. (Adds Article III, Section
4(F))”
The
Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana’s guide to the amendments suggests
that this change might be a good thing.
“As the
military increasingly relies on reserve and guard units for active deployment,
it is conceivable that this could occur more frequently,” the guide states.
Proponents
argue that the district wouldn’t have a lack of representation in the
legislature.
Rep.
Rick Gallot, D-Ruston, says the proposed amendment is unnecessary.
“Currently,
there is no provision for the legislature to have appointed members,” Gallot
said. “One of the members, LaRuseau from New Orleans is a member of the
National Guard and he wanted this bill Orleans is a member of the National
Guard and he wanted this bill put in so that if he or other members of the
Legislature were called up to active duty that someone would be appointed to
replace them while they are deployed on active duty.”
Current
law says that if a member of the military is deployed, the employer of that
military member must hold their job until their return. It was put in so that
if he or other members of the Legislature were called up to active duty that
someone would be appointed to replace them while they are deployed on active
duty.”
Current
law says that if a member of the military is deployed, the employer of that
military member must hold their job until their return. If the representative
is deployed, a senator is still in the district to handle any legislative
business, and vice versa.
“It’s
not like they (district) are going with representation,” he continued. “I think
it creates a violation of the citizens’ rights to elect the person they want to
represent them. If that person is deployed and you have somebody who has not
been approved by the voters, then they have no say so in it.”
Gallot
also said there were many that didn’t want to vote against it because it’s the
military. But, he said, the institution of the legislature have survived in the
past when members have been deployed and it worked just fine.
Constitutional Amendment No. 5
Proposed
Constitutional Amendment No. 5, if passed, would allow homeowners to transfer
any special property tax assessment level to their new homes when their
property is sold to or expropriated by the state, federal or local government,
according to the PAR guide.
This is
how it will look on the ballot.
“Proposed
Amendment No. 5
ACT
NO. 933 – House Bill No. 461, Regular Session, 2008
To
authorize the transfer of the special assessment level on property when the
property for which the special assessment level applies has been sold to or
expropriated by the federal government, state government, or a local governing
authority or political subdivision. (Adds Article VII, Section 18(G)(6))”
Currently,
the state constitution gives a special property tax break to homeowners who are
seniors (age 65 or older), permanently and totally disabled, and certain
members of the military and their surviving spouses (with certain age
restrictions depending on the purpose for which the special assessment level
was granted).
The
guide continues, saying “the property tax assessment is frozen at a ‘special
assessment level,’ which is the assessed value of the property when it first
qualified for the freeze.”
This
amendment would maintain their property tax breaks in the event they sell or
forfeit their homes due to expropriation by state, federal or local
authorities. Those for the amendment say it is needed to protect certain
homeowners from large tax increases if the government forces them to move.
Those who usually get this break are generally those who live on a fixed or
declining income. Those against the amendment say that the special assessment
levels render property tax assessment rolls inaccurate.
“If you
are 65 or older and the tax assessor comes out and does an assessment on your
house – once you reach the age of 65, then it’s frozen,” Gallot said. “The
assessor cannot increase the value of your home for tax purposes. In situations
where someone has obtained this freeze on their assessment, and their property
is taken by expropriation, they are able to transfer that value to the new
home.”
If a
homeowner obtains the freeze and the government decides to build a highway
through that neighborhood. If a homeowner obtains the freeze and the government
decides to build a highway through that neighborhood and take the home, the
homeowner would be allowed to carry that freeze over to the new home.
Next
week, The Guardian-Journal will cover proposed amendments 6 and 7.
What you need to know before you vote
The Guardian-Journal
Early
voting for the November 4 election is taking place this week and will go
through Tuesday, October 28.
On
November 4, all voters will vote statewide for president, U.S. Senate and
constitutional amendments. On December 6, voters will vote for Congressional
Districts 2 and 4. The registration deadline for that election is Wednesday,
November 5. The week of November 18-25 will be early voting, except for Sunday,
November 23. Hours of early voting are 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Eligible
voters in the second and fourth Congressional Districts will also vote on the
second party primary as follows.
Registered
Democrats and unaffiliated voters are eligible to vote in the Democratic Second
Primary. Only registered Republicans are eligible to vote in the Republican
Second Primary.
There
will also be runoffs for local races throughout the state, and all eligible
voters may vote on all local races and issues, regardless of party affiliation.
On
election day, the hours of voting will be from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Anyone in line at 8 p.m. is given the opportunity to vote. All voters must produce photo
identification or sign an identification affidavit before voting. The types of
photo ID that can be used by the voter include drivers license, special
Louisiana ID card or other form of photo ID containing the name, address and
signature of the voter.
Voters
must vote in the correct parish and precinct for their residential address in
order for a ballot to be counted.
Voters
may request an application to vote absentee if they meet any of the following
criteria:
•
Absent from state/parish during early voting period and on Election Day
•
Military personnel and their dependants
•
Institution outside registration parish, not interdicted nor judicially
declared incompetent
•
Expect hospitalization on Election Day or during early voting
• Religious
clergy/leader
•
Overseas citizens
•
Incarcerated but not under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony
•
Students, instructors, professors
•
Offshore employment
• Moved
to another parish (more than 100 miles away) after registration closed
•
Confined involuntarily to mental institution
The
following reasons allow you to request an absentee ballot to be mailed for all
elections indefinitely or until a ballot is returned to the registrar from the
U.S. Postal Service as undeliverable:
• 65
years of age or older
•
Mobility impaired cardholder issued by OMV (include a copy with application),
letter of disability eligibility from the Social Security Administration,
Veterans, paratransit services, benefits from office of citizens with developmental
disabilities or Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, or letter from a physician.
For
more information, voters may contact the Secretary of State at 1-800-883-2805
or go to www.GeauxVote.com. To report election fraud or suspected
electioneering to the Elections Compliance Unit at 1-800-722-5305.
Offender fails to register
The Guardian-Journal
On October 15, 2008, Charles Melvin Gillis Jr., 27, of Homer, was arrested for failure to
register as a sex offender.
Gillis
has failed to register annually with the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office
since his conviction of carnal knowledge of a juvenile in 2001. Gillis faces a
minimum of two years, without the benefit of probation, pardon, parole or
suspension of sentence if convicted of failure to register.
Sex offender
registration and notification is an important priority of the Claiborne Parish
Sheriff’s Office in order to keep the citizen better informed of sex offenders
living in the parish. Everyone is encouraged to visit our website,
www.claibornesheriff.org, and click on the Community Awareness Program to
search for offenders in their neighborhood.
Citizens
can also register for email alerts if an offender moves into their area. Also
included are safety tips for children and adults to practice concerning the
upcoming Halloween activities.
A message from your victim’s rights
advocate
Periodically,
it is important for us to take stock of our lives.
In this
time of severe financial upheaval, many times “taking stock” involves
readjusting expenditures and searching for additional means of income. Taking
stock also involves evaluating who we are and what we believe.
The
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to assure you that we “take stock”
of our parish and the services we offer our citizens many times a year. We
strive to improve existing programs and consistently create new avenues of
service.
In the
past year, Sheriff Ken Bailey has implemented the Sexual Assault Response Team
(SART) in Claiborne Parish. This is a vital tool utilized to assist victims of
rape.
The
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office will do everything in its power to obtain
favorable results for a victim following this type of violence.
The
sheriff’s office works in conjunction with the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners
(SANE) of Shreveport, Homer Memorial Hospital and the physicians and other
staff there to assist victims of any type of sexual assault.
Unfortunately,
we have seen a rise in sexual assaults as well as other violent crimes.
Domestic violence has increased and victims are in need of assistance. Innocent
victims are everyone’s responsibility.
We must
always gauge our response to victims by asking ourselves, “What if this was a
member of my family?” Our perspective changes when we make a concerted effort
to understand how victims feel. They depend on us for help and we are there.
The
Crime Victim’s Program of the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office has been in
operation for many years, but in recent years, has been expanded tremendously.
This has been made possible by funding through the Louisiana Commission on Law
Enforcement.
The
Crime Victim’s Assistance Program has a variety of services to offer victims of
crime. Many of our citizens do not have information regarding this program, and
we want to “take stock” now by making sure you have the information you need.
If you
or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, please contact Deputy Donna
McCarty, claims investigator for the sheriff’s office at 318-927-9800. We
believe one person can make a difference; two people can make profound
progress; and standing together, we can change things.
Drug dealer repeats history
The Guardian-Journal
Sheriff
Ken Bailey announced that history has repeated itself rather quickly for
Anthony R. “Shaq” Daniels.
According
to arrest records, Daniels was arrested on October 11, 2008, by the Homer Police Department (HPD) and charged with illegal use of a weapon and possession
with intent to distribute marijuana. This arrest was the result of a quick
response and thorough investigation by HPD officers after receiving a complaint
of gun shots in the area of Washington Street.
Daniels
was booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and bond was later set at
$100,000. Booking records show that Daniels posted bond on Monday, October 13,
and was released from jail at approximately 8:45 p.m.
On
Thursday, October 16, at approximately 1 p.m., Claiborne Narcotic Enforcement
Team (CNET), the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO), HPD, the Haynesville
Police Department and Louisiana State Police personnel served a search warrant
at 291 Anna Street in Homer.
Sheriff
Bailey stated that this is the residence of Anthony R. “Shaq” Daniels. Bailey
advised that between the time Daniels bonded out of jail on Monday and Thursday
morning, CNET was able to verify that Daniels was still in the business.
With
this information, agents obtained a search warrant, which was served Thursday
afternoon at 1 p.m. The results of this operation resulted in the seizure of
more than one pound of marijuana and $1,779 in U.S. currency.
Daniels
was arrested for possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled
dangerous substance, marijuana. If convicted of this crime, Daniels faces a
term of imprisonment at hard labor for not less than five nor more than 30
years, and pay a fine of not more than $50,000.
Bailey
stated that he and his department are committed to aggressive drug enforcement
and that there is a zero tolerance policy for any type of drug violation. If
you are caught for any violation of Title 40 (controlled dangerous substance
laws), you will be arrested and booked into jail.
All
citizens of Claiborne Parish are encouraged to notify area law enforcement
agencies of any suspicious or illegal activity that is going on in their
neighborhoods. Concerned citizens can call CNET at 318-927-9800; the Louisiana
State Police at 318-862-9961; Homer Police at 318-927-4000; Haynesville Police
at 318-624-1355 or the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-927-2011.
Any and
all information is considered confidential and is greatly appreciated.
Man arrested for child endangerment
The Guardian-Journal
A Homer
man was arrested after he allegedly endangered the life of a six-year-old
child.
Terry
Mitchell, 24, of Homer, was charged with domestic violence battery with child
endangerment. Bond was set at $20,000.
According
to Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey, Deputies J.T. Williams and Roger
Ellerbe made the arrest.
Williams
was approached by a female who reported that Mitchell had hit her in the lip
and was jerking the steering wheel of the vehicle she was driving.
There
was a six-year-old child in the vehicle at the time.
After
an investigation into the matter was conducted, deputies arrested Mitchell on
the above charge and transported him to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.
Claiborne Parish CERT to hold training
courses
CERT is
offering emergency preparedness courses to train Claiborne Parish citizens in
disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical 1 and 2, light search and
rescue, CERT organization, disaster psychology and terrorism and CERT. On the
last day of training, there will be a review and disaster simulation drill that
morning.
DATES
Monday, October 27
Monday, November 3
Monday, November 10
Monday, November 17
Saturday, November 22
This
course is approximately 20 hours and will prepare volunteers to help their
families, then branch out and help their neighbors when police or emergency
personnel cannot get to them because of the enormity of the disaster.
This
course is free and open to the first 20 people who sign up. To sign up, please
call Sheila Washington at the police jury office at 927-2222.
Sheriff Bailey: ‘Take precautions for a
safe Halloween’
Although
fall officially begins in mid-September, many people don’t begin to appreciate
the changing colors and cooler weather until the “unofficial” beginning of the
season on Halloween night.
Halloween’s
popularity seems to be ever-increasing as more adults and children venture
outside for fun-filled festivities. In fact, according to a 2008 National
Retail Federation survey, more consumers plan to celebrate the holiday this
year than last year.
“Sadly,
Halloween’s heightened popularity can sometimes mean a greater possibility for
a variety of dangers and mishaps,” Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey warned.
“Many
times when parents think of Halloween safety, the first thing they do is remind
their kids not to eat unwrapped treats,” Bailey continued. “And that’s good,
but there is so much more to Halloween safety.”
Unfortunately,
all too often, a small number of people focus on the “trick” part of Halloween
instead of the “treats.” Halloween is THE night for pranks. Toilet papering
houses and other forms of vandalism often fall into that category. Bailey says
to let your children know that you want them to enjoy themselves, but that some
tricks have the potential to hurt others or vandalize property. Tell your
children that you not only disapprove of vandalism, but that it is against the
law.
Another
unfortunate reality is that child predators do exist right within our own
neighborhoods. Because children are going from door to door during Halloween,
Bailey said, “Parents should be vigilant and take the time to plan and review
with your children the route which is acceptable to you.”
In
whatever way you and your children choose to celebrate Halloween, 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
offers 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
and review with your children the route which is acceptable to you. Be sure to
remind them if any homes are unsafe and should not be visited.
• Teach
children how to call 911 (or their local emergency number) if they have an
emergency or become lost
• 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
ahead to use only battery powered lanterns and glow sticks in place of candles
in decorations and costumes.
• This
is also a great time to buy fresh batteries for your home smoke alarm.
•
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.
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 the 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 immediately 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,” concluded Bailey, “or one spoiled by an avoidable
incident. Keep safe and have a great Halloween.”
Masonic Lodge celebrates 150 years
The Homer Masonic Lodge #152 will
celebrate 150 years in existence. On Sunday, October 26, from 2 until 4 p.m., the public is invited to join Homer Masons in celebrating. The keynote speaker for
the event will be Donnie Broughton, a native of Homer and 1970 graduate of Homer High School.
Taser certifications complete
The Guardian-Journal photos/Michelle
Bates
Above, Homer Police Officer Mario Thomas
experiences the pain of being tased. On Monday, the rest of the Homer Police
Department received their certification in the use of tasers. Captain Donald
Malray, pictured right, said it was the worst pain he’d ever felt. “You can’t
do anything,” he said. “That’s the most painful thing I’ve ever felt in my
life.”
Claiborne Parish celebrates National
School Bus Safety Week
The Guardian-Journal
Claiborne
Parish Schools are celebrating National School Bus Safety Week this week in
celebration of the parish’s school bus drivers.
National School Bus Safety
Week is a public education program designed to promote school bus safety. It is
also a time to express appreciation to bus drivers for the safety and timely
transport of our children. The faculty, staff and students of Claiborne Parish
schools are proud of our bus drivers. We appreciate them very much.
Here
are some safety guidelines for bus riders and their parents/guardians to
review.
Students
riding a bus should always:
•
Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early
• Stand
at least 5 giant steps (10 feet) away from the road
• Wait
until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay before
stepping onto the bus
• Be
careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps or dangling
objects do not get caught in the handrail or door when exiting the bus.
• Check
both ways for cars before stepping off the buss.
Crossing
students should:
• Walk
in front of the bus, never walk behind the bus
• Walk
on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least 10 giant
steps ahead of the bus
• Be
sure the bus driver can see them and they can see the bus driver.
• Wait
for the driver’s signal to cross.
Things kids
should know about school bus safety:
• The
bus driver and others cannot see you if you are standing closer than 10 feet to
the bus. Stay out of the danger zone.
• If
something falls under or near the bus, tell the driver. Never try to pick it up
yourself.
• While
waiting for the bus, stay in a safe place away from the street.
• When
you get on or off the bus, look for the bus safety lights and make sure they
are flashing.
• Be
alert to traffic. When you get on or off the bus, look left, right, left before
you enter or cross the street.
• When
the driver says it is safe to cross the street, remember to CROSS IN FRONT of
the bus.
• Stay
in your seat and sit quietly so that the driver is not distracted.
• Some
school buses now have seatbelts. If you have seatbelts on your school bus, be
sure to learn to use the seatbelt correctly.
Things
parents/guardians should know about school bus safety:
•
School buses are the safest form of highway transportation
• The
most dangerous part of the school bus ride is getting on and off the bus.
•
Pedestrian fatalities (while loading and unloading school buses) account for
approximately three times as many school bus-related fatalities, when compared
to school bus occupant fatalities.
• The
“Danger Zone” is the area on all sides of the bus where children are in the
most danger of not being seen by the driver (10 feet in front of the bus where
the driver may be too high to see a child, 10 feet on either side of the bus
where a child may be in the driver’s blind spot, and the area behind the bus).
• Half
of the pedestrian fatalities in school bus-related crashes are children between
the ages of 5-7 years old.
• Young
children are most likely to be struck because they hurry to get on and off the
bus; act before they think and have little experience with traffic; assume
motorists will see them and will wait for them to cross the street; don’t
always stay within the bus driver’s sight.
Claiborne Health Unit Program Highlights
Red Cross Disaster Services and Child Health Issues
JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer
It was
standing room only as Reid Brau and Georgia Norton spoke at the Claiborne
Parish Health Unit in Homer on Wednesday, October 16.
The
assembled crowd listened intently as Brau, Executive Director of the Northwest
Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross (ARC), described that agency’s
disaster preparedness and shelter operations.
Brau
discussed how the ARC has developed more effective disaster response procedures
since Katrina and Rita which has helped improve their operations. “Katrina,” he
noted, “was a history-making disaster that brought about sweeping changes in
the field of disaster preparedness.”
He went
on to explain that disaster evacuation when a hurricane is threatening may now
be initiated as early as fifty hours before anticipated landfall even though
such storms may change course and go in a different direction during that
fifty-hour timeframe.
Brau
said that the Northwest Louisiana Chapter of the ARC coordinated 5500
volunteers who responded to Katrina and oversaw the expenditure of $22 million
in hurricane relief donations. He added that the ARC receives “absolutely no
tax monies, not at the federal, state, or local level. Our services are funded
one hundred percent by voluntary donations.”
After
showing a video that documented some of the Northwest Louisiana Chapter’s
Katrina-related relief services, Brau answered several questions from the
audience.
Georgia
Norton, advocate with the Healthy Start Program of the Northwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center, rounded out the afternoon’s program with a brief
presentation about the Healthy Care Program. As a Healthy Care Advocate, she
focuses primarily on expectant mothers, especially those of tender years.
Norton discussed how young teenage mothers often do not know what to expect as
the birth of their baby approaches. They do not know the importance of prenatal
care and proper childcare and parenting.
Norton
informs and educates young expectant mothers with the goal of reducing rates of
low birth weight and infant mortality. “We provide a lot of educational
materials,” she noted.
Norton
reminds expectant mothers of scheduled doctor visits and goes by to offer
encouragement, and support as the expectant mother’s pregnancy progresses.
Jaycees host educational expo at DWCC
JENNI WILLIAMS, The Guardian-Journal
The
2008 Educational Opportunity Expo, sponsored by the DWCC Jaycee Chapter, was
an all-day educational expo at David Wade Correctional Center (DWCC) in
Claiborne Parish on Tuesday, October 21.
The
expo showcased the positive resources that are offered to the offenders at
DWCC. DWCC self-help groups, along with the education department, got a chance
to share their knowledge with other offenders who have not taken advantage of
the many educational programs offered to the inmates for the length of their
incarceration.
Most of
the programs are geared toward educating inmates and preparing them for their
re-entry into society. “Education is a privilege here,” said Michele Dauzat,
Assistant Warden of Treatment. “It is not a right to these individuals, but a
way to ease back into normal life.”
Some of
the programs include Hope Chapel, where all of the religious activities take
place; the Gavel Club, where inmates are taught how to speak publicly; and
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), where inmates facilitate
their own meetings. AA and NA are the largest programs offered.
The
DWCC Library, offered to all inmates; Mental Health division, to aid in anger
or stress management, parenting and substance abuse; a yearly sports banquet;
and the Youth Offender Group, geared toward inmates 25 years of age and under,
are a few more of the programs offered.
Those
in the youth group must be within five years of release and possess a high
school diploma or a GED. Those inmates can then be trained in carpentry,
welding, greenhouse and construction. They are given a yearly project to
complete as a group. This year’s project was a covered sidewalk connecting two
of the buildings on the grounds of the correctional center.
The
inmates involved in the carpentry program have hand-carved a hope chest to be
donated to the Maria Lorick - Heart of Hope Cancer Foundation. The chest, on
display throughout the expo, is to be entered into a silent auction to help
benefit cancer research.
Some of
the other programs include horticulture; a helpers group, which is health and
safety instruction in the areas of HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis, to all of the
general population; a law library; air conditioning and refrigeration training;
automotive technology, which allows inmates to be trained in mechanics and
become certified; a Human Relations Club, which participates in the Governor’s
Award of Excellence Banquet each year; a Vets Incarcerated program, a self-help
group of prior service military men intent on the betterment and life of each
individual; a Medical Education group that provides general medical information
and instruction on proper hygiene; and a Lifer’s Organization that includes any
inmate with a life sentence that is very involved in donations.
Over
the last three years, 103 offenders have received their GED and 82 students are
presently enrolled in academic school.
A total
of 135 inmates have received vocational certification during the last three
years in one of the following vocational areas: air conditioning/refrigeration,
horticulture, automotive, welding and carpentry. 76 students are participating
in vocational programs now.
At the
present time, 56 offenders are in vocational classes and correspondence courses
offered through the Youth Offender Grant and the Workforce Investment Board.
In
2002, the Louisiana Department of Corrections organized and standardized
programs and services to better prepare offenders for successful re-entry into
society.
The
2008 Educational Opportunity Expo provided the opportunity for educational,
vocational, faith-based and therapeutic organizations at DWCC to share their
success stories with other offenders at the institution.
Thanks
to the David Wade Correctional Center Jaycee Chapter for sponsoring such a
successful program.
This Film by Michael Haynes Productions was created in conjunction with 
