Curry appointed to District 1 seat
An
appointment to the District 1 Homer Town Council seat has been made.
Willie
Curry will fill the seat left vacant by the late J.C. Moore, who passed away in
March after suffering a stroke.
According
to a press release from Gov. Bobby Jindal’s office, Curry is expected to fill
the seat in the interim until a called election by the mayor can be held. That
date has been set for October 17.
Moore was to serve the full term, which would have ended December 31, 2010, according to the press release. According to Louisiana statutes, the
mayor must call an election if the term left vacant exceeds one year.
Curry
is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the current chair of the
Homer Housing Authority.
ATV joy ride goes wrong
The Guardian-Journal
A Homer
man racked up several charges after a joy ride on an ATV went all wrong.
Fredrick
D. Shelton, 43, was arrested by Homer police and charged with aggravated flight
from an officer, with bond set at $5,000; careless operation, bond set at
$1,000; simple criminal damage to property, bond set at $2,500; possession of
drug paraphernalia, bond set at $1,000; DWI, with bond set at $1,000; resisting
an officer with force or violence, bond set at $5,000; attempt to disarm a
peace officer, bond set at $5,000; and battery of a police officer; with bond
set at $5,000.
According
to reports, Officers Steve Harbour and Van McDaniel observed an ATV traveling
at a high rate of speed. The officers pursued the suspect, identified as Shelton, which ended at a residence when Shelton hit a parked vehicle. Upon impact, the
ATV overturned pinning Shelton.
Shelton fled from the scene of the accident on foot into the
nearby woods. While pursuing Shelton, the officers gave several verbal commands
to stop, but he did not. After a physical altercation with officers, Shelton was subdued and placed into custody. A search of Shelton’s person revealed a drug
pipe in his pocket. Reports also say officers detected an odor of alcohol on
his person and appeared to be intoxicated.
He was
then transported to Homer Memorial Hospital for injuries sustained during the
ATV accident.
Once
released from the hospital, Shelton was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for booking.
In
other crime news, James Mark Lee has been arrested again for domestic abuse
battery.
Bond
was set at $2,000.
On
Tuesday, May 5, Harbour was dispatched by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office
to Lee’s residence to someone possibly being hurt, reports say. McDaniel also
arrived on scene, and upon arrival, officers were given permission to enter the
home.
According
to reports, when officers entered the house, Lee and someone else, identified
as the victim, were lying on the floor. Both appeared to be extremely
intoxicated, reports say, and physical injuries were observed when the victim
got up.
Lee was
detained and the victim provided a verbal statement to officers. Lee was then
placed under arrest and transported to the Homer Police Station for booking.
Rash of burglaries targets certain areas
The Guardian-Journal
According
to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, there have been numerous burglaries
in the parish over the last several months.
These
burglaries have been reported all over the parish, but the epicenter seems to
be in the areas off La. 9 north and off La 2 east. Electronics, such as flat
screen televisions, DVD players, computers, game systems, etc., appear to be
the main focus of items stolen.
It
appears that some of these items are possibly being sold on the street. Sheriff
Ken Bailey would like to caution citizens about purchasing an item from someone
on the street. It is a criminal offense to knowingly purchase items that have
been stolen and you can be charged with illegal possession of stolen things.
Please
notify the Claiborne Parish Criminal Investigation Division if you have any
information on items purchased this way. You may contact one of the detectives
with the sheriff’s office: Detectives Charles Buford, Randy Smith or Ben Booth,
at 318-927-9800. After hours or on weekends, please call 318-927-2011.
In
other crime news, on Monday, May 4, Deputy Roger Ellerbe made a traffic stop,
assisted by Deputy Paul Brazzel.
The
driver, identified as Sharlston Jemario Ford, 24, of Homer, was stopped for a
switched license plate. Upon requesting the proper paperwork, Ellerbe
discovered that Ford had no proof of insurance on the vehicle and the
registration provided was in the previous owner’s name. Ford was also driving with
a suspended license.
Detective
Randy Smith arrived on scene and a search of the vehicle revealed suspected
marijuana.
Ford
was arrested and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for booking. He was charged with switched plates, failure to register a vehicle, no
insurance, driving under suspension and simple possession of marijuana. His
bond was set at $500 on each charge for a total of $2,500.
LDAF says pork is safe to eat
Agriculture
and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, DVM, said despite the concern about the
swine flu, Louisiana residents cannot contract the flu by eating domestic pork
or wild hogs.
“Pork
is absolutely safe to eat,” Strain said. “Just make sure you continue to
practice good food handling procedures and cook the pork meat to 160 degrees.”
Strain
said that the current influenza, A(H1N1), that has infected 331 people
worldwide has been called the swine flu in the media but it is a misnomer.
“In the
past, health officials noticed that outbreaks of the flu in a family was often
followed immediately by illness in their swine herds, thus it was called the
swine flu,” Strain said. “But it doesn’t matter if it’s called swine flue or
North American flu, our U.S. pork and pork products are safe to eat.”
Strain
said the LDAF is monitoring the situation and has a plan in place to test hogs,
if a human/animal disease link is identified.
HHS honors top students
Colton Crumpler, Aleah Henderson, & Sarah Hilton (Colton Crumpler is the salutatorian. The
others are co-valedictorians)
Seventy-two
Homer High School seniors received diplomas Tuesday night, May 12, 2009, during commencement exercises in the Homer High School Student Center. Following the
invocation by Clinton Crumpler, the salutatory address was given by Colton
Crumpler. Aleah Henderson, Sarah Hilton, Treasure Norton, Afton Owens, and
Nyeisha Warren then gave their valedictory addresses. Sarah Hilton was honored
as Most Dependable Senior. Alexandra Dean and Colton Crumpler received U. S.
Army Reserve Scholar/Athlete Awards. The American Legion Awards were presented
to Afton Owens and Colton Crumpler. Aleah Henderson and Jarrell Merritt were
recipients of the Scottish Rites Masons Americanism and Patriotism Awards.
Colton
Crumpler, Alexandra Dean, Annatraia Hay, Aleah Henderson, Emelie Hollenshead,
Patricia Howard, Sarah Hilton, Tearra Lewis, Jarrell Merritt, Treasure Norton,
Afton Owens, Nyeisha Warren, and David Westphal were recognized as recipients
of the Regents’ Scholar Certificate of Recognition, given by the Louisiana
Board of Regents. The Board of Regents recognizes those students who have a
minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 after seven semesters and completion of the
Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) curriculum. Emelie Hollenshead,
Afton Owens, Treasure Norton, and David Westphal received Presidential Awards
for Educational Excellence. Criteria for this award include a minimum grade
point average of 3.50 and achievement at the 85th percentile or better on a nationally
recognized standardized test
Recognized
as completing the minimum core academic and ACT requirements which must be met
in order to qualify for a TOPS award from the State of Louisiana were: Amberly
Banks, Clinton Crumpler, Alexandra Dean, Annatraia Hay, Aleah Henderson, Sarah
Hilton, Emelie Hollenshead, Emily Key, Jarrell Merritt, Treasure Norton, Afton
Owens, Jessica Roberts, Nyeisha Warren, and David Westphal. Dwight Mitchell,
principal of Homer High School, announced Aleah Henderson Sarah Hilton,
Treasure Norton, Afton Owens, Nyeisha Warren, Colton Crumpler, Alexandra Dean,
Emelie Hollenshead, Jarrell Merritt and Annatraia Hay “The Top Ten” of the 2009
Senior Class.
Mr.
Mitchell announced that over $715,000 in scholarships has been awarded to members
of the Homer High School Class of 2009. Aleah Henderson and Sarah Hilton were
named the co-recipients of the Koinonia Counsleing Services “Character Counts”
Scholarship. This is a cash award established by Mr. Bobby Kennedy to assist
worthy graduates of Homer High School who demonstrate academic accomplishments,
evidence of leadership and involvement in school and community activities. The
Community Foundation of Shreveport-Bossier named Jarrell Merritt and David
Westphal co-winner and Annatraia Hay runner-up of the Evelyn Holcomb Hightower
Memorial Scholarship. Nyeisha Warren was announced recipient of the W.B. and
Esther Tinsley and Richard Eugene “Dick” Tinsley Memorial Scholarship Fund.
These are cash awards established by the alumni of HHS and awarded to top
students in the graduating class of Homer High School that will be attending
state-supported universities. Mrs. La Faye C. Jackson Sr. named Jasmine
Hardaway, Tearra Lewis, Kandice Norton, Treasure Norton, Nyeisha Warren,
Jasmine Webb, and Jeremy Willis recipients of the Rogers C. Jackson Sr.
Memorial Scholarship.
Other
scholarships announced were: Amberly Banks: Southern University Dolores
Margaret Richard Spikes Honors College Scholarship; Clinton Crumpler: Louisiana
College TOPS Matching Funds Scholarship; Colton Crumpler: Louisiana College
TOPS Matching Funds Scholarship; Annatraia Hay: Dillard University Dean’s
Scholar Award; Arkansas Tech Incentive Scholarship: Aleah Henderson: Dillard
University Dean’s Scholar Award; Sarah Hilton: Southern Arkansas University
Valedictorian Scholarship; Emelie Hollenshead: Louisiana State University
Shreveport High School Senior Award; Emily Key: Louisiana Tech University
Outstanding Student Scholarship; Jarrell Merritt: Louisiana State University in
Shreveport Blue and Gold Scholarship, LSUS Housing Scholarship; Treasure
Norton: Grambling State University Academic Achievement Award, Boys & Girls
Club of America 2007 Youth of the Year Regional Finalist Scholarship, Readers
Digest Award, The Richard D. Clanton Memorial Scholarship Award. Afton Owens:
Northwestern State University Presidential Honors, NSU Valedictorian Award, NSU
Presidential Ambassador, NSU Opportunity Award, NSU Employment, NSU Alumni
Centennial Scholarship; Nyeisha Warren: Iota Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority, Inc., Dillard University Dean’s Scholar Award, Sam Walton
Community Scholarship, Minden Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc.; Jeremy Willis: Louisiana College Tuition Assistance &
Leadership Scholarships.
Afton
Owens, president of the senior class, presented the eighty-seventh cedar rope
to Haley Garrett, president of the junior class, in the traditional cedar rope
ceremony. Annatraia Hay offered the benediction to close the commencement
ceremonies.
The
following 2009 graduates received diplomas: Brittany Lashea Allen, Denzel Jamar
Allen, Chiquita Shunta Bailey, Amberly Cavera Marquette Banks, David Wayne
Beach, Morgan Brittney Bridges, Charles C Butler, Jessica Reashale Casey,
Darius K E Coleman, Ansonia Louvenia Crew, Clinton Taylor Crumpler, Colton Ray
Crumpler, Damarious Demonte Curry, Alexandra L Dean, Ethan Ellis, Ryan Parker
Fowler, Tyler Michael Goodwin, Bryan O’Neal Grant, James Green, Latisha Diona
Green, Jeffery Hamilton, Shanise R Hamilton, Cadero Bernard Hardaway, Jasmine
Cheyenne Hardaway, Andreanna S Hartwell, Annatraia Aleece Hay, Delondra Sharae
Hay, Krystal Shakuma Oshakka Oshay Heard, Aleah Henderson, Donna Jo Hicks,
Sarah Elizabeth Hilton, Emelie L Hollenshead, William Blake Hollaway, Patricia
Sue Howard, Anastacia Stevontae Jones, DeLario Darnell Jones, Jeroderick
Cortrell Jones, Antonio Jamar Kelly, Howard Kennedy, Quarmeshia Shantrice
Kennedy, Emily Rebekah Key, Christopher C Lewis, Demontae B Lewis, Tearra
La’Princess Lewis, Jarrell D Merritt, NaToya C’Ne’ Morgan, Kandice Aleece
Norton, Treasure R Norton, Afton Noel Owens, Bianca Roshay Ramey, Kristin
Brianne Riggs, Char’Vonne LaQuinte’ Roberson, James David Roberts, Jessica
Gayle Roberts, Tabatha Elizabeth Romano, Bestiny D.Shelmon, Christopher J
Shine, Benjamin Casey Torbet , Ckia Jongelecia Turner, Lee Kenneth Turner Jr.,
Tieckey Michelle Turner, Ebony Nicole Walker, Jakessa R Warren, Nyeisha S
Warren, Shamara KironWatson, Jasmine Shaunise Webb, Kalecia C West, David James
Westphal, Dennis Williams, LaTonya Lachelle Williams, Jeremy De’Lontrell
Willis, Theodore Willis III.
CPPJ denies DA request for increase in
funds
Discussion underway for ‘agreeable’
solution
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
Claiborne Parish Police Jury turned down a request from the District Attorney’s
office asking for a one time payment to help them make ends meet.
In
May’s regular monthly meeting, District Attorney Jonathan Stewart, of the
Second Judicial District, explained the dire financial situation his office is
in. In fact, he has spoken with both the Bienville and Jackson Parish police
juries to the same effect. In a letter sent to the police jury to be placed on
the agenda, he asked for $20,000 as a one time payment to help his office cover
operational expenses. He also asked for an increase in quarterly contributions
from roughly $19,000 to $25,000.
Dwayne
Woodard, Claiborne Parish Police Jury secretary/treasurer, said the jury
intends to meet with Stewart again and work out an agreement both sides can
live with.
“We all
have to work together to provide the services this parish needs,” he said. “We
value our relationship with everyone, and we’re going to work it out to where
it’s agreeable to everyone.”
Scott
Davidson, police jury president, said they are legally required by the state to
fund the DA’s offices, and they just want to make sure the contribution
increase requested is an equitable amount from all three parishes.
“Right
now, the funding is not divided equally among the three parishes,” he said. “We
have a good working relationship with the district attorney’s office, and we’re
going to work through this to come up with a solution that all parties can live
with. We just want to take a little time to make sure that the funding is
reasonable.”
Stewart
explained to jurors that his office currently receives a limited amount of
funding each year, and with the economy as it is now, expenses are building up.
According to a letter he submitted to each of the three police juries, he has
approximately $30,000 in “non-recurring billing” that his office cannot pay.
Recently, in fact, he said that half of their funds from their Hot Check
account had to be moved into the general fund just to cover payroll for one
month.
According
to a Profit and Loss statement for the criminal court funds – non-audited,
based on the accrual method of accounting – criminal court fines make up a
large chunk of the district attorney’s office’s income. According to those
financial statements, it appears that fines coming from Claiborne and Bienville
parishes are a much larger percentage than the fines coming from Jackson
Parish.
For
example, from January to December 2008, Bienville Parish contributed
$218,566.94 from court fines. Claiborne Parish, from January to December 2008,
contributed $222,487.93. Jackson Parish, in that same year, contributed
$27,641.79. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections contributed $1,325.
The fines collected from all three parishes in 2008 totaled $470,021.66.
Bill
Sims, Bienville Parish Police Jury president, said their jurors approved
Stewart’s request. Before the increase was approved, Bienville Parish was
contributing the same as the other two parishes, approximately $20,000 each
quarter. Also, according to Kenneth Pardue, secretary/treasurer for the Jackson
Parish Police Jury, their jurors approved the same request as well in March.
“We’re
going to work with the DA,” Sims said.
In
other police jury news, an item that was tabled in regards to a contract with
the Johnny Gray Jones Youth Shelter passed. In March, the youth shelter sent a
letter to the police jury requesting that they enter into a contractual
agreement with them to provide sheltering services for troubled youth. The
issue was tabled in April’s meeting, pending a review of the contract by Parish
Attorney Danny Newell. Newell approved the contract.
Now
that the contract has been passed, Claiborne Parish will pay a discounted rate
of $105 per day. The parish presently pays the Ware Youth Center in Coushatta,
its primary youth shelter, a rate of approximately $106 per day per youth
housed there.
Johnny
Gray Jones’ board of directors voted to discontinue services for youth from
parishes and municipalities that did not enter into a contractual agreement
with the shelter, according to their letter.
Other
items the police jury considered were:
•
Approved a motion to enter into a cooperative agreement with the United States
Forest Service to provide emergency tree removal on F.S. Road 911 (Colquitt)
and F.S. Road 902 (North Shore Drive);
•
Approved a request from Claiborne Parish Fire Protection District No. 4 to
appoint Danny N. Milam Sr. to serve out the remainder of deceased board member
L.E. Kirk’s term. The remaining term lasts until September 30, 2010.
•
Approved awarding of sealed bids for police jury office renovations for the
addition of two offices and renovation of the big meeting room. That bid went
to Pro-Build Construction of Homer for a bid of $38,000, at the recommendation
of Brad Graff;
•
Approved a request from the Claiborne Parish Fair Association requesting
financial support for the 2009 Claiborne Parish Fair and Livestock Show.
•
Approved a motion to authorize Secretary/Treasurer Dwayne Woodard to put out
for bids for the repair of HVAC unit at the Office of Community Services building.
The cost to repair it is approximately $2,500; the cost to replace it is
approximately $4,300. The lowest bid will be taken.
•
Approved a motion to post a job opening, advertise to the public, a position
for road foreman, due to the pending retirement of Foreman Jim Morgan. Morgan
is expected to retire the first week in June.
The
next regular monthly police jury meeting will be held Wednesday, June 10, at 9
a.m. in the police jury meeting room, located at the police jury complex in
Homer. For more information, please contact their office at 318-927-2222.
Jubilee boasts colorful art
Awards winners announced
The Guardian-Journal photo/K.H. Hightower
This year’s jubilee boasted colorful
artwork as several artists displayed their work Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May
9. Quilters displayed their colorful handiwork at the police jury building on
both days.
Those
fortunate enough to visit the Claiborne Jubilee on Friday and Saturday were
treated to the work of many gifted artists and craftspeople. Beginning on
Friday at the Police Jury Complex, the display of quilts was breathtaking with
patterns as varied as "Drunkards Path," "Sunshine Shadow,"
"Irish Chain," "Sampler,' "Pinwheel" and "Block
on Block." Of special interest were some antique quilts brought by Dr.
Alice Stewart.
The
real show stopper, however, was a cross-stitched quilt in a fan pattern which
the guest judge gave first place and those attending gave the coveted Viewers'
Choice award. Stitched entirely in green on a white field, the quilt top was
embroidered by Elaine Norred and quilted by Mrs. Nurlie Foster. Receiving
second place in hand quilting was a tan and gold "Drunkard's Path"
quilt pieced and quilted by Nurlie Foster.. Third place went to a lavender and
white "Irish Chain" quilt pieced by Nina Oliver and quilted by Nurlie
Foster, and Honorable Mention was presented to Mary Lynn Whitley for her
sampler quilt featuring many patterns which she pieced and quilted. The machine
quilted prizes went to another "Drunkard's Path" quilt, maroon and
gold, pieced by Mary Lynn Whitley and quilted by Virginia Hughes in first
place and for second place a pink and blue "Sunshine and Shadow"
quilt pieced by Nurlie Foster and quilted by Gayle Wallace.
Across
the Square at the Art Show in the Homer City Hall the Best of Show award was
won by Jeri Dettenheim whose students all took prizes for their work as well.
The Best of Show award was presented by Galen White of the Louisiana &
North West Railroad who sponsored it this year. Joining Mr. White were Evan
Singer of First Guaranty Bank and Tammy Sampson of Regions Bank who both
presented savings bonds to Best of Show and first place winners in the Youth,
Junior and Children's categories. Savings bonds were also donated by Capital One
Bank and Citizens Bank.
Adult
poetry winners were Maria Crenshaw, first; Darlene Norcross, second; and James
Norcross, third. Youth winners were Rebekah Frazier, first and second and Jay
Frazier, third.
All art
winners are as follows: Children through age 8, Emily Teutsch, first and third
places; Dustin Anters, second and Best of Show. Junior ages 9-12, painting -
Laura Frazier, first and Catherine Frazier, second; drawing - Jolie Allen,
first, Hutton Hays, second, and Mackenzie Surovik, third; miscellaneous -
Brianna Cotton, first, Catherine Frazier, second, and Hutton Hays, third. Best
of Show for this age group went to Mackenzie Surovik. Youth ages 13 - 18,
painting - Anna Farris, first; Rebekah Frazier, second, and Joseph Ryan Colvin,
third.; drawing - Jesse Roberson, first, Toni Trotty, second, and April
Hartwell, third; miscellaneous Laurabeth Dean, first, Bryce Brunson, second,
and Alex Dean, third Best of Show went to Bryce Brunson.
In the
adult professional competition, photography - James Olinde, first, Becky Lowe,
second, and James Olinde, third; drawing - Bonnie Ferguson, first, second and
third places; painting - Glenda Rogers, first and second, and James Gomilla,
third; Best of Show, Jeri Dettenheim.
In the
adult amateur competition, photography - Jennifer Gruner, first and second,
Bonnie Ferguson, third. drawing- Thomas Ponder, first; painting - Sandra
Russell, first, Pam Gruner, second, and Thomas Ponder, third; miscellaneous -
Kathy Pace first and third, Gerald Edwards, second.
Several
vendors added greatly to the day as they shared their wares with festival
goers. They included Miss Irene's Kitchen - German cooking; RayDar - jewelry;
Elizabeth Pruitt - painted china jewelry and plaques; Debi Liddell - mosaics;
Kathy Pace - gourds; Joanna Ballard - photography; and Alma Lennear -
paintings.
Many gather for National Day of Prayer
Mary Turner, Special to The Guardian-Journal
Many
gathered to observe the 58th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer at the
Claiborne Parish Courthouse, at noon last Thursday, May 7, to join with
citizens throughout the United States in asking the Lord to bless our nation.
The
theme for 2008 was “Prayer…America’s Hope” and the scripture chosen this year
was Psalm 33:22, “May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put
our hope in You.”
Thanks
to Wayne Hatfield and the Boy Scouts, the American flags were displayed around
the Square. The Trinity Bible Study Group had distributed posters and
promotional materials to the churches, schools and businesses in the area, and
the Homer Police Patrol Car circled the Square, sounding the siren to signal to
the crowd to gather for the noon prayer meeting.
Thanks
to the Homer Police Department, the traffic from large trucks that circle the
Square all day long were held back for the short prayer period and the prayers
could be heard. Following a welcome by the Rev. Ben Booth, Boy Scout Troop #72
Color Guard made a presentation of Flags, followed by ministers and laymen
offering prayers for the different needs of our country. This observance was
under the direction of Booth and the Homer Ministerial Alliance.
The
observance continued at 7 p.m., with a service of “Prayer and Praise,” held at
Trinity Southern Methodist Church, planned by the Trinity Bible Study and
Prayer Group with the help of the Homer Ministerial Alliance.
The
welcome was given by Mevelene Clark, who served as song leader. Prayers for our
nation’s needs were offered throughout the service by the Rev. John Markley,
the Rev. James Pixley, Dr. Pat Bates, the Rev. James Norcross, Barbara Martin,
Dr. Clyde Miles and Sharon Pixley.
Special
music on prayer and patriotism were offered by Tommy Gore, Brady Allen, Barbara
Martin, Alice Gandy, Vic Middleton, Zoe and Enoch Middleton, Ashlyn and McCall
Heckel, Lana Pugh, Mevelene Clark, David Fowler, Joey White, Earline
Richardson, Joe Richardson, Judy Fowler and the Wesley Chapel Singers who were
Renee’ Boyle, Earnestine Greene, Rebecca McDaniel, Christy Ratliff, Mevelene
Clark, Pat Bates, Henny Weiland, Buddy Pixley and Sadie Garrett.
Accompanists
were Sadie Garrett and Edna Wyant.
The
service closed with Mevelene leading everyone in singing “God Bless America,” and Sharon Pixley offered the closing prayer written by the 2009 Honorable
Chairman, Beth Moore. Everyone agreed the 2009 National Day of Prayer
observance was one of the best since its observance in Homer began in 1993, and
we are looking forward to the National Day of Prayer observance in 2010.
Mary
Turner is the local coordinator for the observance of the National Day of
Prayer in Homer.
Water conservation education paying off
The Guardian-Journal
Once
again, Claiborne Parish students got a day of fun at Lake Claiborne State Park while learning about water.
The
2009 Claiborne Parish Waterfest was held Thursday and Friday, May 7-8, with
sixth grade students from all schools in the parish attending the all-day event
– and the efforts to educate students on water conservation is paying off.
Robin
Bridges, coordinator, said this is the seventh year for the event.
“We are
starting to see improvement in reducing water usage by private citizens
resulting in the reduced draw on the Sparta (Aquifer),” he said. “It’s all
about water education, water conservation, water quality and environmental
stewardship.”
Dr.
Bill Branch, LSU AgCenter Water Resources Specialist, told students during one
of his sessions that water conservation is very important. He impressed upon
them how they could conserve water every day.
“Even
if you’re not thinking about water conservation, somebody is paying for that
water,” he said to the students. “You could actually reduce your water bill by
conserving water.”
He
talked about how to conserve water in the bathroom. For example, toilets use
five gallons of water every time it’s flushed. He also discussed the reason
people lose water temperature when someone flushes the toilet while the shower
is running.
“If
someone flushes while you’re in the shower, it draws cold water out of the
shower flow and comes back when the toilet stops running,” he said.
Interestingly,
washing dishes by hand actually conserves water, rather than using a
dishwasher. Another interesting fact Branch told the students is that a
top-loading washing machine uses 25 gallons of water per load.
When
washing a car, approximately 50 gallons of water is used. He said that a car
wash actually uses less water than washing a car at home, because a car wash
uses high pressure pumps. But, the flow rate is very low because the water is
coming through a small tube.
Those
were just some of the interesting facts kids learned about water, conservation
and where it comes from. Other activities throughout the day included a
microscopic look at water quality, led by Dr. Bill Owens, of the LSU AgCenter’s
Hill Farm Research Station. Joey Breaux, of the Louisiana Department of
Agriculture and Forestry talked about storm water, the maze of directions in an
urban setting and pollutants it carries.
Ben
McGee, with the United States Geological Survey, discussed where groundwater
comes from and the Sparta Aquifer. He talked about why groundwater is so
important. Todd Sewell, with the Natural Resources and Conservation Service,
Teresa Price, LSU AgCenter Associate Extension Agent of Claiborne Parish and
Natalie Hunsicker, with the American Wetlands Conservation Corps all had fun
with the kids in the “Long Haul,” where kids had to haul buckets of water on
the beach. The idea was to answer the question, “What would it be like to live
without electricity to move the water we use each day?”
Gary
Stockton, LSU AgCenter County Agent of Lincoln Parish and Marguerite Frentz,
Americorps volunteer talked about the “Sum of the Parts: What is your water
quality footprint?”
Sponsored
by the LSU AgCenter, the Claiborne Parish School Board and the Lake Claiborne
Water Commission, special thanks goes to the following: the Claiborne Parish
School Board, Mt. Olive Christian School, Claiborne Academy, the Claiborne
Parish Watershed District, Lake Claiborne State Park staff, Louisiana Department
of Parks and Recreation, Claiborne 4-H Foundation, Coca-Cola Bottling Company
and the LSU AgCenter.
