Superintendent King says farewell
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
Outgoing Superintendent Wayne King
accepts a plaque of appreciation from Superintendent-elect Dr. Janice Williams.
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Claiborne
Parish Schools Superintendent Wayne King participated in his last official
school board meeting Thursday, June 11.
Saying
he wanted to “fade into the sunset,” King didn’t get away that easily.
Superintendent-elect Dr. Janice Williams, on behalf of herself and everyone
with the school system, presented him with a plaque of appreciation for his
hard work the last two years.
“We
appreciate you, and you took us through two years of mountains and valleys; you
had us trudging forward,” she said.
“I just
want to say that we appreciate the work you’ve put in,” School Board President
William Maddox said to King. “I think we’ve worked well together.”
King
replied by praising the school board in its entirety, saying they’ve worked
hard and made some fairly tough decisions throughout the last two years.
“There
are some very fine people here in Claiborne Parish, that are sincere and
wanting to do things in the right way,” King said. “You are good people, and I
do thank you for allowing me to come here for these two years. I’m going to
miss you guys.”
District
6 School Board Member Tommy Davidson expressed his feelings towards King,
saying that he considers King a friend.
In
other school board news, the board received two bids on 10 new school buses.
One came from Ross Bus Sales for $693,490. The other bid from Twin State Trucks
came in at $681,183.90. They approved the lowest bid from Twin State Trucks.
The money for the buses will be purchased from the board’s general fund.
The
school board also accepted the lowest bids on milk, bread and ice cream. Those
bids went to Borden for the milk, Cotton Wholesome for the bread and Blue Bell
Ice Cream for ice cream.
Section
J of the policy manual revisions was also approved by the school board.
The
board also approved Steve Craig to fill the passion of secondary supervisor
position, which has been held by Dr. Williams. The board was almost unanimous
in its vote, with District 10 School Board Member Terry Willis voting against
Craig.
The
board also approved a request for permission to advertise for the educational
diagnostician position. This position in special education has been vacant for
a while, King said. Sovella Thompson held this position before being appointed
as the supervisor for special education.
Until
now, Thompson has continued to carry the duties of both positions, according to
Mary McDaniel, personnel supervisor.
The
board also approved an increase in its property threshold from $1,000 to
$5,000. Current policy states that any equipment that is more than $1,000 must
be considered equipment and not supplies.
“We
would like to pursue that because of the federal guidelines that they
recommend,” King said, “that the threshold begin at $5,000 up. With your
approval of this, we’re still going to track everything we buy and tag it under
that $5,000.”
Business
Manager Ginger Woodall said that everything is tracked anyway, no matter what
the cost.
“If it
can be moved, it’s still tracked,” she said. “The benefit of this is that the
federal government has already changed, so if we purchase something between
$1,000 and $5,000, the feds would consider it supplies where we would consider
it equipment. We have to be in alignment with them.”
In
other school board news, a revised version of the GPA ranking and honor
graduate policy was put before board members to incorporate into the policy
handbook.
“It’s
how we can recognize valedictorians and salutatorians with certain criteria,”
King said. “It will have it spelled out in this document. The principals have
looked at it and it’s recommended with their support.”
This
policy will begin with the 2009-10 freshmen. This means that by the time they
become seniors, this criteria will apply to them as to how the valedictorians
and salutatorians will be selected.
Homer
High School Principal Dwight Mitchell will take medical leave the first
semester of the 2009-10 school year. At July’s meeting, Dr. Williams will make
a recommendation as to who will fill his position until his return.
During
the superintendent’s report, a special board meeting has been called for
Thursday, June 18, at 6 p.m., to review the 2008-09 budget, and deal with other
items.
Also,
on Wednesday, June 17, School Board Attorney Bob Hammonds will meet with the
school board members to discuss what it will take to declare the Claiborne
Parish School System as a unitary system. Currently, Claiborne Parish is under
a dual enrollment system, which means it is still considered a segregated
black/white school system.
Hammonds will meet with principals, school board members and
others at the Claiborne Electric meeting room, at 9:30 a.m.
Sherman
Brown’s portrait has now been completed and will be displayed in the school
board meeting room with the other portraits. Although he served in an interim
capacity, Brown was the first black superintendent of Claiborne Parish Schools.
A Portrait of History
Former superintendent honored with
portrait
Former Claiborne Parish Schools
Superintendent Sherman Brown is honored with a portrait, which will hang in the
central office school board meeting room. His portrait will be displayed as
part of the school system’s history as the first black superintendent of
Claiborne Parish Schools.
Jet ski collision injures one
The Guardian-Journal
One man
was airlifted to LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport after a jet-ski
collision on Lake Claiborne a couple of weeks ago.
On
Saturday, June 6, Derrick Ray Taylor, 26, of Olla, suffered a fractured left
leg after a jet ski collided with his, according to reports. He was airlifted
to the Shreveport hospital when paramedics suspected head trauma – luckily,
this was not the case.
Sgt.
Kenny Balkom, of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Law
Enforcement division, said two 18-year-olds – Cody Sullivan and Taylor Wyant,
both of Olla – on one jet-ski failed to yield the right of way, causing the
accident. All were thrown off their vehicles.
According
to Balkom, marks on the jet skis indicated that Taylor had the right of way
when the two collided.
“The
rules of the road apply to the water as well,” Balkom said. “The vehicle to
your right always has the right of way, and Cody didn’t yield to that right of
way.”
Everyone
was wearing a life jacket and alcohol was not believed to be a factor. Reports
say the accident was caused by operator inattention and inexperience.
Sullivan
was cited for reckless operation.
A new
law has also gone into effect, that states boats 16 feet long or smaller, the
driver and all passengers must wear a life jacket as well as the kill switch.
In the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 76, Part XI, section
2:111(C)(1)(2), says, “No person shall operate a Class A or Class One motorboat
with a hand tiller outboard motor in excess of 10 horsepower designed to have
or having an engine cut-off switch, while the engine is running and the
motorboat is underway, unless: 1. the engine cut-off switch is fully functional
and in operable condition; and 2. the engine cut-off switch link is attached to
the operator, the operator’s clothing, or if worn, the operator’s personal
flotation device.”
Also,
the code states, “All persons onboard a Class A motorboat which is being
propelled by a hand tiller outboard motor shall be required to wear a USCG
approved Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device while the motorboat is
underway.”
For
more information on water boat safety, please contact the Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries at 318-371-3049.
Summer basketball league growing
Athens offers ‘better competition’
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
The Jonesboro Warriors, left, and the
Simsboro Sun, tip off to see who will get the ball at the beginning of a
match-up during the Athens High School Summer Basketball League held June 1-11.
Teams from surrounding parishes, both boys and girls, came to Athens to
participate in the league.
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
sound of sneakers pounding across the court and spectators cheering their
favorite team could be heard all throughout Athens the last two weeks.
Basketball
players from various schools throughout the area converged on Athens High School for its annual summer league. With several teams from Claiborne, Lincoln,
Jackson and Webster Parish high schools, teams were given a chance to brush up
on some skills as well compete against each other.
Coach
Marcus Jackson, head coach for Athens High School, said the Athens High School
Summer League was just what his players needed.
“It
gives us all something to do and it keeps the kids off the street,” Jackson said. “It’s a season before the season. It shows the coaches what we need to work
on for the next season.”
Head
Coach Lance Waldron, of Simsboro High School, said this league gives his teams
better competition.
“The
guys get more out of it,” he said of his team. “I like the competition, the way
it’s set up and it’s two weeks long.”
Simsboro
High Senior Marcellus Anderson, 17, repeated his coach’s sentiments.
“We get
to play a lot of good teams, and it tests us to compete for a higher level,” Anderson said.
In its
third year, the summer league has seen much growth. In its first year, the
league was only able to support boys basketball teams, and the next year, added
the girls. This year, the league was able to put together nine teams each for
both boys and girls. Last year, only eight were assembled.
Jackson said with the help of Athens Principal Craig Roberson
and Coach Leroy Hamilton, the league was started in Claiborne Parish because
the kids just weren’t getting enough from the other league they participated
in. Not only that, but it was just too expensive to travel back and forth from
Claiborne Parish to Airline High School in Bossier City.
“We
were spending a lot of gas money just to go to those things,” Jackson said. “We
knew we needed games in the summer, but it was so expensive. So, we decided to
start our own league, and this is just what Claiborne Parish needed.”
The Athens league is a two-week program whereas the previous league was just two days.
Jackson, on behalf of all those participating, want to thank the
following for their support and donations: Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Von Wafer of
NBA’s Houston Rockets, Gibsland Bank and Trust and State Farm Insurance. These
companies also funded the t-shirts for the league.
The
boys’ teams this year included: the Haynesville Celtics, Homer Hornets,
Summerfield Rockets, Simsboro Sun, Glenbrook Storm, Minden Heat, Athens Hawks
and Jonesboro Warriors.
The girls’ teams this year
included: the Haynesville Sparks, Homer Monarchs, Summerfield Sky, Farmerville
Fever, Arcadia Storm, Minden Mystics, Jonesboro Shock and Athens Dream.
Although
Gibsland signed up for the league this year, they were not able to participate.
Three arrested on burglary charges
Three
Homer women and a 16-year-old female juvenile were arrested on theft and
burglary charges.
On
Saturday, June 6, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) received a call
of a residential burglary in which an undetermined amount of money was taken.
Deputy
Paul Brazzel responded to the initial call and started the investigation. The
case was turned over to Detective Randy Smith.
During
his investigation, Smith was able to make three arrests on this case as well as
another arrest on a separate burglary case, three arrests on two separate theft
cases and two arrests for outstanding warrants.
On
Wednesday, June 10, Angela Nicole Simmons, 21, of Homer, and Lillie Rebecca
Tacker, 22, of Homer were arrested and booked on charges of simple burglary of
an inhabited dwelling and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.
A
16-year-old white female was also arrested and charged with simple burglary of
an inhabited dwelling. These arrests came from the initial call on June 6.
Simmons
was also booked for theft and Yron Yrue Young, 20, of Homer, was arrested on
June 10, and booked for accessory after the fact/theft relating to a computer
that was reported stolen in May. Young was also booked on a failure to appear
warrant.
On
Friday, June 12, Tacker was arrested again and booked on additional charges for
simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling and theft relating to tools being
taken from an office building and a television being taken from a residence in
June.
On June
10, Kayla Renee Dison, 21, of Homer was arrested and booked on a failure to pay
warrant on unrelated charges.
In
other CPSO news, Jermaine Winzer, of Athens was charged with two counts of
domestic abuse battery with a bond of $2,000 on each count; resisting an
officer with a bond of $500; and possession of marijuana with a bond of $500.
Winzer was also charged with a parole violation.
On
Saturday, June 6, Deputy Darren Keel observed a vehicle that failed to stop at
a stop sign. Upon approaching the vehicle, Keel noted that the driver of the
truck, identified as Winzer, failed to use turn signals.
Winzer
came to a stop and exited his vehicle. Keel instructed Winzer to step back into
his vehicle and Deputy Roger Ellerbe arrived on scene to assist.
Winzer
did not comply with instructions and began to run from officers. Keel and
Ellerbe pursued Winzer and advised him several times to stop running. Winzer
was subdued and handcuffed.
Winzer
stated that he ran from officers because he knew he held two active warrants
through the sheriff’s office and that he had a joint of marijuana on his
person.
Winzer
was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center where he was booked on
the charges above.
In an
unrelated incident, Billy Gray Jr., 38, of Athens, was arrested for theft over
$500 and transported to CPDC where he was booked and jailed. His bond was set
at $10,000. A probation hold was placed on Gray without bond, and a hold was
placed by the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office. Gray was also arrested on a
failure to appear warrant from the Second Judicial District court with a bond
of $500.
On
April 23, a theft was reported to CPSO of two rings being stolen from a
residence in Claiborne Parish. Detective Randy Smith began an investigation.
During
the course of his investigation, he discovered that Gray pawned a ring fitting
the description of one of the rings stolen. Smith questioned Gray and he
admitted to taking the ring and pawning it at a pawn shop in Minden.
He was
then arrested on the above charges.
Homer Heritage honors citizens
Dowies named 2009 honorary captain
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
Carrell Dowies was honored as 2009’s
honorary captain for the Homer Heritage Club. Pictured with him are, from left,
Lawson Wilder, Andy Fisher, Dowies and Bob Haley.
The Guardian-Journal
Just
when it couldn’t have gotten any better, the Homer Heritage Club went above and
beyond again this year.
After
honoring Homer High School’s Iron Men football team last year, one club member
was honored with several plaques, awards and much appreciation.
Dr. Bob
Haley, an original member of the club that began in 1988, was honored as a
lifetime honorary captain, a great honor in the club. He was also named a
lifetime member of the Homer Golf Club.
An
honorary captain is named every year, but Haley was awarded with this unique
distinction because of his dedication to Homer.
The
purpose of Homer Heritage is twofold, he said, with its main purpose being to
pay tribute to the Town of Homer.
“This
day is special to us,” Haley said of the Homer Heritage Club, “to celebrate the
Town of Homer.”
The
Homer Heritage began in 1988, when a group of Homer natives invited some members
of the Homer Golf Club to the Shreveport Country Club to enjoy a round of golf
and to have lunch. Several years later, the event was moved to Southern Trace
Country Club.
The
event became so popular that it had to be moved to the Homer Country Club where
larger facilities were available.
The
emphasis of this unique celebration has been on how to pay tribute to our
hometown of Homer. The sponsors are deeply appreciative for the solid
foundation that we received from the good people of Homer. In a small way, it
is our intention to repay them for making Homer a special place.
The
current annual event consists of golfing, lunch, socializing and expressing our
appreciation to the Town of Homer. During the luncheon, an honorary captain
award is presented to honor people who have made a contribution to making Homer
the unique place that it is.
This
year’s honorary captain was Carrell Dowies.
“The
selection is based on integrity, citizenship and unselfish contributions to
their community,” Haley said.
Haley spoke
about the life Dowies has led and his many contributions to his hometown.
“For me
to receive this is a little bit extra special, and I do thank you,” Dowies
said.
After
Dowies was presented with this distinction, Dr. Pat Bates made an announcement
in honor of Haley. The Evelyn Holcomb Hightower award was established in 1996
which has enabled $30,000 in scholarships to be awarded over that time period
to Homer High School seniors. This year, a sophomore scholarship award was
established – the Haley Scholarship.
“This
also recognizes the entire Haley family for all they have contributed over the
years to education,” Bates said.
Shreveport woman gets DWI in Homer
The Guardian-Journal
A Shreveport woman has been arrested in Homer after a concerned citizen reported an erratic
driver.
Jennifer
E. Bryant, 36, was arrested for a DWI and impeding the flow of traffic. Bond on
the DWI charge was set at $750, and bond on the impeding the flow of traffic
charge was set at $500.
According
to reports, on Wednesday, June 10, a concerned citizen reported to police that
a white car was driving over the double yellow lines as well as fog lines. The
citizen also reported to police that the driver of the white car went the wrong
way on the Square into the flow of traffic.
While
taking the complaint, the vehicle drove by them, and Officers Mario Thomas and
John Bailey followed the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Upon making
contact with the driver, identified as Bryant, officers detected an odor
believed to be that of alcohol.
Bryant
exited the vehicle, at which time, Thomas performed a field sobriety test.
Bryant performed poorly and was placed under arrest and charged with the above
charges.
In an
unrelated case, Clayton Dale Futch, 26, of Homer, was arrested and charged with
possession with intent to distribute Schedule I CDS marijuana, with a bond set
at $30,000; possession of drug paraphernalia, with a bond set at $500;
possession of Schedule II CDS crack/cocaine, with a bond set at $5,000; and
possession of Schedule IV CDS Xanax, with bond set at $5,000.
According
to reports, on the evening of Saturday, June 6, Futch was stopped for running a
stop sign on Pearl Street. Officers gained consent to search Futch’s vehicle,
and Officers Roger Smith, Van McDaniel and Steve Harbour searched his vehicle
and discovered a silver container under the driver’s seat. Inside the container
was an undisclosed amount of a substance believed to be marijuana, a suspected
crack rock, one pill and a suspected crack pipe.
Futch
was then placed under arrest and transported to the Homer Police Department
where he was charged.
Hunter’s ed course slated for July
The
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO), along with David Wade Correctional
Center (DWCC), will be sponsoring the Hunter Education courses for 2009.
The
hunter education course will be conducted at the Homer Fire Station on West
Main Street on July 22, 23, and 25.
The
class schedule is as follows:
July
22: 6 until 9 p.m.
July
23: 6 until 9 p.m.
July
25: 8 a.m. until 12 noon
Anyone interested
in this hunter education class must pre-register with CPSO at 927-2011, or by
contacting Col. Brad Rogers at 927-0455.
In
1985, hunter education became mandatory in Louisiana. Anyone born on or after September 1, 1969 is required by law to complete the Louisiana Hunter Education course
before purchasing a hunting license. The minimum age for certification is 10.
Hunter
education programs have always taught young hunters the practice of firearm and
hunting safety. Today, hunter education programs are about more than safety.
They have been expanded to produce knowledge, responsible and involved hunters
– hunters who understand the importance of complying with hunting laws and
behaving ethically. These programs give beginners a good foundation, and they
provide a refresher for veteran hunters.
Ultimately,
the mission of hunter education programs is to ensure the continuation of the
hunting tradition.
Fireworks, boat parade coming soon!
The
Fourth of July and attendant boat parade and fireworks show are on Saturday in
approximately three weeks.
As has
become customary, the boat parade will leave Pleasure Point at 7:30 p.m. and the fireworks show will follow on top of the Lake Claiborne Dam at 9 p.m.
The
company with whom we contract for the fireworks show design and presentation
has recently won a competition held in Canada among other such organizations.
They have agreed, with their unique ability, to enlarge our show, so we expect
a particularly thrilling fireworks show this year – an even more spectacular
than ever event. Come out to Lake Claiborne and enjoy the patriotism and
thrills of this show.
Remember,
there is no charge for parking at the Lake Claiborne Dam and no charge for
viewing the fireworks. The boat parade makes its way along the shores of Lake Claiborne, and similarly, is free for viewing.
For
those who would like to contribute to this very American exhibition, donations
may be sent to the following: Claiborne Fireworks Inc., P.O. Box 181, Homer, LA
71040. Donations are tax deductible.
Questions,
comments or suggestions may be made by calling Fred Lewis for the fireworks at
927-9180 or Dick Dorrell for the boat parade at 927-0039, Homer Loan Insurance.
La. Tech goes ‘high tech’
The Guardian-Journal
Changes
are still coming for Louisiana Tech’s athletics club.
While
several changes have already been made and more coming, the Louisiana Tech
Athletic Club (LTAC) is “changing the face of Tech Athletics.”
Adam
McGuirt, director of LTAC, spoke to the Homer Lions Club last Thursday to
update Lions, many of whom are Tech alumni, on the good things that are
happening at their alma mater.
“Many
of you know that we finished the season with an Independence Bowl victory in
football last year, which marked the first bowl victory in 31 years,” McGuirt said.
“We also finished second in WAC (Western Athletic Conference), which is the
highest since 2001. That was a huge year for football.”
Speaking
of football, Tech’s Joe Aillet football stadium has received a facelift. The
bleachers at the football stadium have been cleaned and new seats – with cup
holders – are being installed. Several areas have also gotten a paint job as
well, all in blue, which makes things more consistent. In 2006, according to
Tech’s website, the field surface was redone with what is considered top of the
line artificial turf.
Tech
fans will also be treated to the new scoreboard being installed. The scoreboard
is no longer the traditional computerized board. Tech will now have a video
display board, which is huge. The entire board is 28 by 48 feet and towers over
the football field in the north end zone. That’s 1,485 square feet of video
display area, according to a Tech brochure, which makes it the largest in WAC.
“The
entire screen will be video display,” McGuirt said. “It’s also a High
Definition board, which will transform the experience of game day for our fans.
It’s huge, and I think it blows away anybody’s expectations of what we were
going to do. It’s impressive.”
With
this board, producers will be able to produce the games for the college, which
is all the stuff fans get to see at the big games.
The
board is expected to be completed and ready to go by July.
Other
things happening include new tennis courts, a new track and a new bowling
alley.
“It’s
just amazing the transformation that’s taken place in such a short period of
time,” he said. “We replaced the Thomas Assembly Center Court (basketball
court) through the donations of Karl Malone.”
They’ve
also gotten a new locker room as well as a weight room. The field house has been
redone as well. All these changes and more are due largely to the funds raised
through LTAC.
According
to Tech’s website, LTAC is the fundraising arm of the athletic club.
“Its
mission is to raise funds to support over 300 student-athletes and their pursuit
of academic and athletic excellence,” the website said.
LTAC’s
membership roster has doubled in the past year or so. Last year, the total
membership was approximately 600, and now it’s around 1,200.
There
are several ways one can help support athletics at Louisiana Tech. Giving
methods include cash, check and credit card donations; pledges, gifts-in-kind;
corporate matching gifts; gifts of stock and securities; wills and bequests,
planned gifts and insurance policies; and others. For more information on how
to contribute, go to www.latechsports.com.
To get
season tickets, the deadline is July 1. To order, call 318-257-3631 or
318-257-3632. For single game tickets, visit
www.ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000.
Claiborne Healthcare Foundation gains
police jury support
Submitted photo
Pictured is the Claiborne Parish Police
Jury. From left, going around the table, are: Lavelle Penix, District 5; Roy
Lewis, District 7; President Scott Davidson, District 6; Willie Young, District
10; Secretary/Treasurer Dwayne Woodard; Mark Furlow, District 2; Jerry Adkins,
District 9; and Joe Sturges, District 4. Not pictured are Police Jurors Brian Bays, District 1, Robert McDaniel, District 3; and Roy Mardis, District 8.
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
Claiborne Parish Police Jury has endorsed the Claiborne Parish Healthcare
Foundation through a resolution.
In its
regular monthly meeting Wednesday, the police jury praised the efforts of the
healthcare foundation and its goals.
The
foundation, with approximately $522,000 in pledges and donations so far, is at
the halfway mark to obtaining its goal of $1 million – the cost of renovating Homer Memorial Hospital’s intensive care unit.
Ronald
Day, chairman of the foundation’s board, thanked the police jury and community
leaders for its support of the foundation.
“We
think this is very positive for our parish and it’s something we can work
together for,” Day said. “We realize that even in this room here – whether it’s
individuals, family, loved ones or our friends – we’ll all be affected by the
hospital. I want to feel good about having such a good healthcare facility in
our community, and it’s very important for the future of our parish.”
Police
Jury President Scott Davidson said a few brief words in support of the
foundation and its coordinator.
“I want
to commend the efforts of Ms. (Alice) Gandy and how hard she’s worked,” he
said. “I have a feeling that this would not have been possible without her.”
Even
with the determination and efforts of Gandy, many throughout the community have
worked diligently to ensure the foundation reaches its goal within the
timeframe set. When the foundation came to fruition, its board set a goal of
raising $1 million in three years. It’s been about a year, and as mentioned,
it’s reached its halfway mark.
The
intensive care unit at Homer Memorial Hospital is outdated. The size of the
units are small and do not meet code requirements. It also does not offer restroom
facilities for each patient, according to the hospital’s website. With this
money, new, state-of-the-art ICU units will be put in as well as other
amenities the unit does not have now.
According
to the hospital’s website, “Claiborne Healthcare Foundation, Inc. is a 501
(c)(3) non-profit organization that exists to support specific capital projects
identified by the Foundation Board that compliment the mission of Homer
Memorial Hospital, offering compassionate, quality healthcare to every
citizen of our community regardless of their ability to pay.”
There
are several ways citizens can give to the foundation. They can give through
annual gifts, Hospital Family/Employee Giving Club, DANCE, business partners,
planned gifts, special gifts, signature gifts and gifts of tribute.
To find
out more about supporting the foundation, call Alice Gandy at 927-2024, or go
to the hospital’s website at www.homerhospital.com and click on “Claiborne
Healthcare Foundation.”
Haynesville Music Fest 2009
Music fest draws big crowd
The festival was a fundraiser to raise
money for Haynesville’s Christmas Decoration Fund. The Town of Haynesville is raising money to replace outdated, broken or worn decorations.
