Christmas food drive seeking donations
The Guardian-Journal
Brookshire’s
Grocery Company and the Homer Lions Club are partnering once again to collect
and distribute food to needing families in Claiborne Parish.
With
the downturn in the national economy, Claiborne Parish residents are beginning
to feel the effect. According to the Claiborne Parish Office of Family
Services, there has been an increase in the number of applicants (or cases)
over the past several weeks.
This
year, a larger number of families in need are expected and everyone is
encouraged to be a little more generous with their canned food donations. Area
residents can make donations by placing non-perishable food items in the
designated bins at Brookshire’s in Homer. Food items are also being collected
through the Claiborne Parish 4-H Club and participating schools. Items can also
be dropped off at First Presbyterian Church in Homer—if they first call in
advance to Pastor John McClelland at 927-3887 or 927-4804.
Families
with the most need and those who have no transportation will be given first
consideration. Applications forms are available at Homer City Hall, Haynesville City Hall, Athens Town Hall, and the Claiborne Parish Office of Family
Services at 622 East 2nd Street in Homer. The deadline to submit forms is
Wednesday, December 17.
“The
Lions Club has worked closely with Brookshire’s to provide this each year, and
we look forward to this year being the best yet,” Homer Lions Club President
Doug Efferson said. “With over 100 food boxes being prepared, we think it will
make a big impact this holiday season. We encourage those in need to call so
that we can get it to them.”
The
Spirit of Christmas Food Drive began in 1982, when 92 families in Tyler, Texas, received assistance. All food collected in the Homer area will be distributed
in Claiborne Parish. Last year, approximately 160 boxes were delivered to
families in Claiborne Parish.
People
are asked to please “not” donate homemade goods or items in glass jars. Bulk
items, such as flour, sugar, and corn meal, should be donated in smaller sizes
to allow for more variety in the boxes given to the recipients.
In
addition to the public food donations, each family will receive at least one
roasting hen from Brookshire’s Grocery Co. As in the past, 4-H Junior Leaders
will sort and package the food boxes for shipping prior to delivery on Friday,
December 19.
Homer
Lions Club members will deliver boxes between noon and 5 p.m. on December 19 with assistance from Sheriff Ken Bailey and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Police Chief Russell Mills and the Homer Police Department,
and the Haynesville City Hall. It is very important, persons who will be
receiving boxes must be at home between noon and 5 p.m to receive their food box.
For
more information or if you know a family who needs to be added to the list,
please call Susan Herring at 927-4352 or 268-0611.
Homer Police collecting for Toys for
Tots
The
Homer Police Department is now collecting new and gently used toys, clothes and
coats for children this year.
These
items will be delivered by police officers to local families in need. Items can
be dropped off at the police station from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Donations will be taken through Friday, December 19.
Clothes,
coats and toys should either be new or gently used. Toys, if not new, should be
in good, working condition. Clothes and coats will be taken in all sizes for
both boys and girls.
Anyone
interested in making a donation may contact Officer Norah Banks or Patsy Bailey
at the Homer Police Department at 927-4001. For those who wish to keep their
donations anonymous, please let them know. If anyone has any information on a
family in need, please contact Banks or Bailey.
Fleming wins election, opponent calls
for recount
The Guardian-Journal
Results
from Saturday’s election say that Dr. John Fleming will take Jim McCrery’s
place as the next congressman for the 4th Congressional District.
But
opponent Paul Carmouche, who lost by just a little more than 300 votes, is
calling for a recount.
“It’s
not over until it is over,” said Carmouche. “There are provisional ballots that
need to be counted, and there will be a recount in this election.”
Carmouche
said that he was not making this statement because he believed that there had
been any impropriety, but because there had just been too much hard work put
into the election to just give up. Despite what the polls indicate, Carmouche
said that he was not through with this election yet.
“We
will fight,” he said. “I have always been a fighter, and I am not going to give
up until I am knocked down.”
However,
he did remain realistic about the final outcome.
“If it
is a lose, then this is the retirement party that I was supposed to have, and
this is my retirement announcement,” he said.
If the
results turn out the same, then he said he plans to retire to a private law
practice with his cousin, Don Carmouche. He thanked his family and said that
the hard work of his staff had been an inspiration.
“If
this stands, we are going to be just fine,” Carmouche said. “I will call Dr.
Fleming and congratulate him.”
As of
press time Tuesday evening, reports indicated that he will concede if the
certification process shows the ballots at about the same number.
Despite
Carmouche’s call for a recount, Dr. Fleming did win by a narrow margin. In
fact, he carried Claiborne Parish with 1,372 votes compared to Carmouche’s
1,127 votes. Fleming won nearly 53 percent of Claiborne Parish while Carmouche
received 43 percent.
In the
4th Congressional District, Fleming carried 44,497 votes and Carmouche got
44,141 votes. The other two candidates – Gerard Bowen Jr. and Chester “Catfish”
Kelley carried the other four percent of the vote.
Fleming
recognized that the race was a tough one – a very close one.
“This
was a close, tight race, but we did come to victory,” Fleming said in his
victory speech. “It was a hard fought race, and we’re not surprised it was a
tight race until the very end.
“To my
opponent Paul Carmouche, certainly a worthy opponent,” he continued, “He fought
a tough campaign, has given years of service to the community and I look
forward to working with him in the future.”
Carmouche
said that he hopes Fleming would do the kind of job the citizens of the 4th
Congressional District would want him to do. Fleming said he would work to keep
the confidence of voters who cast their ballot for him and said he would work
to gain the trust of those that did not.
His top
priority, he told supporters is the economy. He said he will go to Washington
to cut taxes, rebuild the economy, fight abortion, preserve Second Amendment
rights, support active military members, promote economic and energy
development in the area, defend borders and immigration, commit to constituent
service and help all the residents of the fourth district.
“I will
bring conservative Louisiana values to Washington and not drink the ‘Washington
Kool Aid’ and I will keep my word,” Fleming said.
The 4th
Congressional District is composed of several parishes, including Caddo,
Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Bienville, Red River, Desoto, Sabine,
Natchitoches, Grant, Vernon, Beauregard and Allen parishes.
Information
in this story was reprinted with permission from The Bossier Press-Tribune.
Contributing Press-Tribune writers were Sean Green and Sonya Reed.
Christmas in Claiborne
Claiborne Parish is alive with Christmas
cheer as citizens throughout the parish decorate for their favorite holiday
season.
Pictured above, the traditional Manger
scene seen on the Courthouse Square reminds us all why we celebrate Christmas.
Others show their Christmas spirit just a
little unconventionally like this home in Haynesville. Santa
Claus shed the sleigh this year in favor of a motorcycle and some sunshades.
Homer man unwittingly makes the news
The Guardian-Journal
The
good news is nothing happened at The Guardian-Journal Tuesday morning. The bad
news is that the man pulled over in front of the newspaper office got his car towed.
Charles
E. Casey, 44, of Homer, was pulled over Tuesday morning for a traffic
violation. When Homer Police Officer Joseph Henry requested a background check,
it revealed that Casey’s driver’s license and license plate had expired as well
as having no insurance.
Casey
was cited for these violations and his car was towed.
In
other crime news, a Homer man was arrested after he caused quite a scene. On
Thursday, December 4, Homer police were dispatched to the 1100 block of Norton Street in reference to a disturbance. Officer John Bailey and Captain Donald Malray
responded to the call, and upon their arrival, they observed S.M. Williams, 74,
of Homer, to be in an intoxicated state.
According
to police reports, the officers asked Williams to leave the residence to
de-escalate the situation, but he refused. The suspect became combative,
striking one officer in the face and kicking the other. With the help of others
at the residence, Williams was subdued, handcuffed and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. He was charged with resisting an officer, disturbing the
peace and battery of a police officer. Bond is to be set.
In an
unrelated incident, a Jonesboro woman was arrested Thursday, December 4 and
taken to jail after she was nearly hit by a vehicle.
Henry
was going north on Hwy.79 towards The Square when he heard the screeching of
brakes. As he looked ahead, he saw Katina Davis, 35, running into traffic. He
ran to her and grabbed her to prevent her from getting hit. He detected the
odor of alcohol on her, and asked her to empty her pockets. She complied and
revealed drug paraphernalia on her person. She was arrested and taken to the
police station for booking.
Davis was charged with disturbing the peace by public drunk
and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $1,000.
CPSO receives grants for various
programs
The Guardian-Journal
The
Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement awarded more than $11 million —
$11,400,000 to be exact – in grant funds to state and local law enforcement
agencies.
Judy
Dupuy, executive director of the commission, credited both the Department of
Justice and revenue from the state tobacco tax, which is set aside for state
DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Grants) programs in helping to fund these programs
and projects.
In
Claiborne Parish, several thousands of dollars was disbursed to various
programs. The Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force received $17,478; the Victim’s
Assistance Program received $17,934; and the DARE program received $20, 638.
Statewide,
a breakdown of the LCLE grant awards shows that in the drug control and violent
crime area, there were 67 grants totaling $1,407,607; in juvenile justice
programs, a total of 70 grants were awarded totaling more than $971,000. In the
victim services and violence against women area, a total of 170 grants were
awarded totaling nearly $5 million.
In the
DARE area, a total of 84 grants were awarded totaling more than $3,174,000.
State and local law enforcement agencies, crime labs, nonprofit victim and
women service agencies were the recipients of these grants. The remaining
grants covered criminal history record improvements, residential substance
abuse treatment and forensic labs.
The
chairman of the commission, Sheriff Jeff Wiley of Ascension Parish, proclaimed
this “a great day to assist the efforts of law enforcement and criminal
justice.”
Further
information on the grants awarded is available on the commission’s website at www.lcle.la.gov.
Homer PD to hire 2 officers
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
At the
regular meeting of the Homer Town Council, council members voted to allow
Police Chief Russell Mills to hire two police officers.
With
the pending resignations of two officers, Mills explained to the council that
he needs to replace them by the end of the year. After the first of the year,
he has two more officers that will go to the police academy for their
certification.
“I need
to fill these positions now,” Mills said.
Mills
was not asking to fill two new slots, but simply replace two officers who are
leaving.
In
other news, the council also approved a motion to reimburse a local resident
after she forked out several hundred dollars to fix a sewer backup problem.
According to paperwork by the town, Maintenance Supervisor Lee Wells said the
problem has been ongoing. This is the third time the town has had to reimburse
this same resident for the same problem.
Wells
and his men took appropriate action to clean out the sewer main, including
pulling solid items out of the line – but that wasn’t what was causing the
blockage.
“After
breaking the blockage,” Wells said in his statement, “and washing out the line,
we removed about five gallons of grease from the sewer main.”
The
council asked if there was any way to stop the recurring problem, to which
Wells said he could run a de-greaser through the system to help keep the lines
from clogging up. But, he also said that citizens need to take measures to help
alleviate the problem as well.
“If
they’d quit putting grease in the line, it’d be alright,” Wells said.
The
problem wasn’t necessarily with this particular residence, he said, but the
blockage came down the line from another residence. This has been an ongoing
problem in the area, with the council stating that this is the third time the
town has had to make reimbursements for this issue.
At the
request of the council, citizens are asked not to pour grease down the drain.
Grease blockage has been an ongoing issue for the town’s sewer system.
A
public hearing was held in regards to the 2009 budget, and Mayor David Newell
expects to call a special called meeting in order to vote on the budget.
Also of
importance, the council passed the payment schedule for water bills. The
payment system is the same as last year’s and payments should be made by the
due dates given. Please refer to the chart provided.
District
4 Councilwoman Carlette Sanford expressed her sincere gratitude for the
support, thoughts and prayers she’s received since the passing of her husband.
This
was the last town council meeting of the year. The next town council meeting
will be held January 5, at 6 p.m.
Rig loses entire load
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
This 18-wheeler, headed southbound, lost
an entire load of particle board, when he lost control and turned it on its
side. Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s deputies say according to the driver, for
unknown reasons, the trailer went off the road. There was also a passenger in
the rig as well. Both were transported to Homer Memorial Hospital by Pafford
Ambulance Services for non life-threatening injuries. The accident occurred on
Hwy. 520, near David Wade Correctional Center. The call came in at
approximately 8 a.m. Tuesday, December 9. Inmates were expected to help with
the cleanup.
DWCC observes World AIDS Day
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
HIV/AIDS
is still as prevalent as it ever was, but people are living longer and fuller
lives.
That’s
according to the director of Shreveport’s Philadelphia Center, Brett Malone,
who was the keynote speaker for the World Aids Day observance held at David
Wade Correctional Center (DWCC) on Friday, December 5.
What’s
more important is that a group formed inside, the HELPER Group, works
diligently to provide education and information about HIV/AIDS and testing to
inmates.
HELPER
is an acronym that stands for HIV Education Lessens Potential Exposure Risk.
“You’re
setting an example for the rest of the state,” Malone said of the HELPER Group,
formed by inmates at DWCC. “It’s not being done in other prisons in the state –
definitely not to this level. You really should be patting yourselves on the
back.”
The day
was also in honor of one of the Philadelphia Center’s most hard-working
advocates – Mary Lou Robinson Isaac, who passed away earlier this year from
cancer. She was also HIV positive.
Isaac
also spent time working at the Mercy Center in Shreveport, where people living
with HIV/AIDS have a place to call home.
“She
was an advocate; she was an educator and she was a counselor,” Sylvia McIntyre,
director of prevention at the Philadelphia Center, said.
In
honor of her efforts to educate others, the HELPER Group presented the Philadelphia Center with a portrait of the late Isaac. McIntyre and others representing
the Center wept as the portrait was unveiled. She was well loved by the staff
and those she helped.
McIntyre
was also honored for her service to DWCC. She administers the tests, which are
quick oral swab tests, and works with DWCC in its efforts to educate the prison
population about the disease.
Inmates
are not required to be tested for the disease, but about 40 percent of the
general population requests the test. According to Linda Tucker, a nurse at the
prison, approximately 99 percent of those who are in the re-entry program are tested
before they are released.
Warden
Jerry Goodwin commended McIntyre for her efforts to educate inmates and the
services she and the center provide.
“I want
to recognize Sylvia and the Philadelphia Center, because we appreciate
everything you do for us,” Goodwin said. “It’s a blessing to us, because you do
more for us than we can ever repay you for. This is probably one of the most
valuable services provided to us.”
The key
to living a longer life is education, and if you have the virus, medical
treatment, Malone said.
“People
live long lives when they are treated,” he said. “Knowledge is power.”
HIV
(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome).
According
to the Center for Disease Control, just this year, 56,000 new cases of HIV were
diagnosed this year in the United States, and that number is expected to grow.
As of September 2008, approximately 15,000 people in Louisiana are living with
HIV/AIDS.
According
to the Philadelphia Center’s website, there are 78 people in Claiborne Parish
living with HIV/AIDS. In the surrounding parishes, there are approximately 100
or more living with the disease.
All are invited to visit Bethlehem village and stable
This
Friday, December 12, from 4 until 8 p.m., “Bethlehem” will be at Homer City Hall. The Rev. Pat Bates, of Wesley Chapel, and director of Homer’s annual
Backyard Bible Club, invites all of our children to bring their friends and
families for an exciting visit.
“Bethlehem” will continue on Saturday, December 13, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., with the addition of a small stable and manger. Set up behind Homer City Hall, the
program will feature live animals, “Mary,” and “Joseph,” who are expecting
their firstborn son, to be named Jesus.
Memorable
Bible-learning activities for everyone in the family will include visiting a
Jewish synagogue, where the local rabbi will tell visitors about the coming
birth of the Son of God. Village carpenters will teach the children to make
their own Christmas take-home gifts. Nearby, they will play games, and everyone
will sample tasty baked goods. Bethlehem’s shopkeepers will remind children and
their families of God’s amazing love for them.
A
display of memorabilia and genuine artifacts from Israel will add interest for
youth and adults. “Bethlehem” is free and open to all. It is dedicated to the
memory of Dr. James F. Gladney, who devoted his life to the education and
wellbeing of children and families in Claiborne Parish.
This
weekend’s “Bethlehem” program is being coordinated by Bates, with assistance
from the Rev. John McClelland, Mrs. Peggy Champ, Mrs. Bwinichi Winzer, and Mrs.
Bonnie Keene. Anyone wanting to help in any way may call Wesley Chapel,
927-9467.
Longtime supervisor retires
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
Diane Dyer, pictured right, was honored
with a retirement party Monday, December 8, by the staff of Title I Services as
well as the entire family at the Claiborne Parish School Board. She stands with
Superintendent Wayne King, who presented her a copy of her teaching
certificate. Dyer’s last day will be Friday, December 19.
The Guardian-Journal
After
nearly 33 years with Claiborne Parish Schools, Special Services Supervisor
Diane Dyer is retiring.
With
her last day slated to be Friday, December 19, Special Services staff held a
special retirement party for her Monday afternoon. Many who worked with her
past and present came to wish her well.
In
fact, former Schools Superintendent James Scriber gave her a little retirement
advice – stay busy.
Sovella
Thompson, who has been selected to fill Dyer’s shoes, wished her well.
“We are
here to congratulate her on her years of service,” Thompson said. “We wish you
well on your life’s journey to retirement.”
Superintendent
Wayne King said this retirement was one to remember. “This is a very special
occasion,” he said, “and it means a lot to me.”
He said
Dyer brought much to the school system when she came to work there in 1975.
Those attributes include her dedication, dependability, reliability and she’s
easy to get along with – among many others.
A copy
of her teaching certificate was presented to her as a reminder of the “road not
taken,” derived from a poem King read aloud. Dyer said a few words to the
career family she is about to say goodbye to.
“It is
a rewarding experience,” she said. “I’m going to miss the kids the most, but I
cannot say enough about the Claiborne Parish Special Services staff,” she said,
as she looked around the room. “I can’t think of anyone better to end my career
with. Thank you – thank you all so very much.”
She had
several gifts to open from various educators and staff she has worked with over
the years.
Dyer is
a graduate of Mayfield High School and attended Southern University, Grambling
and Louisiana Tech. She began her career in 1975 as a teacher before beginning
her work with Special Services. Her entire working career has been with the
Claiborne Parish School System.
