Attention SCWD
Customers:
South Claiborne under water ban
The South Claiborne Water System is officially under a water ban due to the loss of one of its
wells. This ban is for all customers. ALL CUSTOMERS will need to
stop watering yards, gardens, flower beds, swimming pools, washing vehicles and
using their sprinkler systems.
Please use the water for ONLY bathing, cooking,
washing clothes and drinking.
Poultry
growers, dairies and commercial users must use their private wells. The system
can no longer carry the usage needed to support the above named and serve
households, according to SCWS Manager Van Austin.
“We
want to thank you for your patients and understanding until this matter is
resolved,” he said.
For
more information, please call 318-258-4151.
Fireworks Show, Boat Parade slated for
July 3
The Guardian-Journal file photo
The Lake Claiborne Fireworks Show and
Boat Parade will be held Saturday, July 3, with the boat parade beginning at 7:30 p.m. and the fireworks show beginning at 9 p.m. The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s
Office, along with Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agents will be out in full
force helping to keep this family event safe for everyone. Pictured at right
are Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey and Deputy Jeff Pugh.
For more information, please call
927-9180.
Fans needed for elderly
More fans are needed as the temperatures
rise higher each day. Fans to circulate cooler air are needed since senior
citizens are more vulnerable to heat. Within four to six hours of temperatures
in excess of 90 degrees, many of them are going to be in trouble. So many
elderly citizens in Claiborne Parish are still in desperate need for fans and
cannot afford air-conditioning or fans. If you would like to make a donation,
call the Claiborne Council on Aging at 927-6922.
$2,000 reward offered toward arrest of
arsonist
The
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office is currently seeking information about a
number of arson fires that took place on Sunday, June 13 and Monday, June 14.
According
to Chief of Detectives Charles Buford, nearly two dozen fires were set over a
two-day period on Hwy. 9 between Summerfield and Homer, and on Hwy. 2 just west
of the interchange of Hwy. 2 and Hwy. 9.
“We have
interviewed a number of people and have developed some very credible
information,” Buford said. “Now we are asking for the public’s assistance in
helping to arrest the person responsible for these fires.”
With
the assistance of the Louisiana Forestry Association, there is a $2,000 reward
being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons
responsible for this rash of fires.
Individuals
with information should contact the Claiborne Parish Detectives Office at
318-927-9800. All information and its source will be kept confidential.
In
other crime news, a Bossier City man was arrested after a traffic stop lead to
the discovery of alleged drug paraphernalia.
Eli
Roland Bright, 29, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia with bond
set at $500, speeding with bond set at $500 and driving under suspension with
bond set at $500.
According
to a news release, on June 19, Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Deputy David Morgan
initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding. Upon coming in contact with
the driver, identified as Bright, Morgan discovered that his driver’s licenses
was suspended.
Morgan
also found a small green glass-type object under the steering wheel along with
some rolling paper. This object is commonly used to smoke marijuana.
Bright
was arrested and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center (CPDC)
for booking on the above charges.
In an
unrelated incident on the same day, a Homer man racked up a list of charges
after he was stopped by Claiborne deputies for speeding.
Jeroune
Rhodes, 60, was charged with speeding 66/45 with bond set at $500, stop lamps
and turn signals required with bond set at $500, no insurance on vehicle with
bond set at $500, and possession of drug paraphernalia with bond set at $500.
In a news
release, Claiborne Deputy Marc Herring was on routine traffic patrol and
observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Herring made contact with
the driver, identified as Rhodes, who could not produce all of the proper
paperwork for the vehicle.
Deputy
Aaron Christian and his K9 partner arrived on scene to assist. Christian
advised that the K9 alerted on the vehicle and a search was performed.
A pipe
commonly used to smoke crack cocaine was found. Herring was issuing Rhodes a citation for the traffic violation, but Rhodes refused to sign the citation. Upon
finally agreeing to sign, Rhodes simply placed an “x” on the signature line.
When asked again to sign, Rhodes signed the citation and threw the deputy’s pen
on the ground.
Rhodes was arrested on the above charges and booked at CPDC.
In
another incident on Friday, June 18, a Haynesville man was arrested with bond
set at $10,500 for allegedly having several pills in his vehicle and another
charge.
David
L. Watts, 54, was charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule IV
CDS xanax (alprazolam) with bond set at $10,000 and a failure to appear in
court charge with bond set at $500.
According
to a press release, Christian observed a vehicle with no license plate light.
Upon stopping the vehicle, Christian made contact with the driver, identified
as Watts. Watts was unable to produce a valid driver’s license.
Deputy Steve Harbour
arrived to assist and his K9 partner alerted on the driver and passenger doors
of the vehicle.
It was
discovered through CPSO dispatch that Watts had an outstanding warrant for
failure to appear in court. A search of the vehicle revealed a small pill
bottle under the driver’s side seat containing 25 blue oval pills identified as
Xanax., Schedule IV CDS.
Watts was placed under arrest and transported to CPDC where he
was booked on the above charges.
For John’s family...
Fundraiser for late officer’s family
slated for June 25
Pictured above is a fellowship meeting of
the Homer Masonic Lodge #152 held on Tuesday, June 15. After enjoying a fine
spaghetti dinner prepared by Junior Warden Nathan Thompson, the Lodge members
voted to co-sponsor a fundraiser for the family of the late John Bailey, who
was a Homer Police Officer and volunteer fireman. The fundraiser is in
conjunction with the Homer Police Department and the Homer Fire Department. To
be served from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Homer Fire Department will be
barbecue chicken plates, which will include a half chicken, potato salad, baked
beans and a slice of bread. It will be held Friday, June 25, and plates are $7
each.
Fire chief warns of burning, heat
Homer
Fire Chief Dennis Butcher is warning citizens of Claiborne Parish to use
caution at this time when burning. Due to the extremely dry conditions and
soaring temperatures, he is asking citizens to use caution when burning
outdoors.
However,
no burn ban is in effect at this time, but if conditions continue to
deteriorate, a ban will be placed into effect.
For
more information, please call your local fire department.
LEAP tests scores raise concerns
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The LEAP scores are in and a majority of eighth grade students at Homer Junior High School (HJH) did
not pass the test.
According
to information received by The Guardian-Journal, more than 60 percent of the
eighth grade class at HJH did not pass. In fact, this was brought up during
June’s regular school board meeting when Sadie Flucas, a member of the
Claiborne Chapter of the NAACP, approached board members.
According
to a press release, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Janice Williams said in spite
of efforts, the school scores fell short of the target.
At the
beginning of last school year (2009-10), hoping to ring some needed guidance to
the district, a consulting group was contracted to help some schools in the
parish identify weaknesses and deficiencies to help raise test scores, the
press release stated.
“The
focus by the consulting group and district administrators was to insure that
the Louisiana Comprehensive Curriculum was at the core of what was being taught
on a daily basis,” stated the press release. “Classroom observations, lesson
plan writing and modeling best teaching practices were the areas of focus.
Teachers and principals at these schools were held accountable to the highest
standards the State Department of Education demands.
“In
spite of these monumental efforts Homer Junior High faced challenges this
year,” the press release continued. “Last year, for the first time, the school
experienced significant growth by exceeding their state mandated target.”
Williams
said she believes individuality plays an important factor in what the test
scores show.
“While
the district can control what is being presented in the classroom, it is
difficult to predict individual learning styles within groups of students,” she
said. “It is believed that this is what accounts for fluctuations in test
scores on a year-to-year basis.”
Though
the schools will continue to teach the comprehensive curriculum, the focus for
the 2010-11 school year will also be able to identify and address individual
needs of students.
Flucas
told school board members that parents and the community would have to become
more involved in their children’s education. She suggested that working in
conjunction with the school board, to implement programs and partnerships with
schools, churches, civic organizations and parents to develop a community
action plan to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
However,
not all the news is bad: “The LEAP scores also revealed a number of successes.
An average of 79 percent of all 4th grade students passed the test
district-wide as opposed to 75 percent passing in the spring of 2009. This is a
positive growth increase of four percent over the previous year.
“Eighth
grade scores revealed a different result. An average of 57 percent of all
eighth grade students passed the test in 2010 as opposed to 60 percent in the
spring of 2009. This is a decrease of three percent from the previous year.
“Haynesville
Elementary experienced a particularly strong year, as 100 percent of all fourth
grade students passed the LEAP test. Haynesville Junior High and Summerfield
eighth grades also boasted increases in the percentage of students passing the LEAP. The majority of the remainder of the parish fourth and eighth grade classes maintained the
same success rate as the previous year.”
Are you a victim of emotional abuse?
The Guardian-Journal
Mary
Ellen Gamble, Rural Advocate for Claiborne Parish DART (Domestic Abuse
Resistance Team), recently commented on domestic violence and teen dating
violence by noting, “These criminal offenses—including physical abuse—are
increasingly getting the attention they deserve.
“What
many people overlook, however, is the role of emotional abuse in both domestic
violence and teen dating violence. Surprisingly, even those who are victims
often do not recognize the subtle but real damage that results from emotional
abuse.”
Asked
to explain just what emotional abuse is, Gamble answered, “It happens when
someone uses insults, humiliation, and ‘mind games’ to control another person.
Like physical abuse, emotional abuse is not limited to any particular income
bracket or race or educational level.”
Gamble
added, “While we cannot say that emotional abuse always leads to physical
violence, we can say that almost all physical violence begins with some form of
emotional and verbal abuse. Being abused emotionally always puts a person at
risk of physical abuse.”
Gamble
went on to explain that in these situations the abuser wants total control. In
addition to being very possessive, the abuser—male or female—feels the need to
make all decisions, win all arguments, and control all household funds. The
abuser controls by intimidation, put-downs, and embarrassment. They may
discount their partner’s opinions as “stupid” and blame the partner for the
abuser’s own anger.
Gamble
pointed out that the abuser will confuse their loved one by being tender one
minute, then angry the next. Victims often feel “off balance,” as if they must
constantly “walk on egg shells.”
It is
often hard for the victim to admit to a problem in the relationship. The victim
may excuse their partner’s abusive behavior and over time come to believe they
deserve the humiliation. They may even question their own perceptions and
feelings.
Asked
about damage from emotional abuse, Gamble said, “Experts tell us that emotional
abuse is deadly. The victim may not even realize what is happening—which makes
it harder to stop.
“The
insidious nature of emotional abuse saps the victim of self-esteem and
self-respect. Physical signs may appear in the form of headaches, fatigue,
eating disorders, and other manifestations. A victim may develop depression.
They may misuse alcohol and/or drugs.”
Gamble
said, “A person may give up school, a job, or other activities. That leads to
isolation, which furthers the abuser’s goal of total control.”
She
concluded, “If you are in an abusive situation, don’t blame yourself. You are
not ever to blame for someone else’s bad treatment of you. Get help. We at DART
can assist by helping you realize that you are not alone in this situation.
“Advocates
can help you put together a plan to leave safely, if that is what you want to
do. Temporary shelter is available for women and their children who are in
abusive homes. DART’s free services range from advocacy and help with temporary
restraining orders to arranging children’s services. We also provide counseling
and education about domestic abuse.”
All
services are confidential. For more information about emotional abuse or any
type of family violence, please contact Mary Ellen Gamble at 927-2818.
Tech Head Coach to visit Homer
Dykes to speak to Homer Lions Club July
22
Louisiana
Tech Head Coach Sonny Dykes will be speaking at the Homer Lions Club on
Thursday, July 22.
All
Lions Club members are encouraged to attend and bring a guest.
The
Homer Lions Club meets at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant in Homer at noon.
Dykes
was introduced as the 32nd head coach in Louisiana Tech history on January 20,
in front of an overflowing Jarrell Room filled with Bulldog fans at the Charles
Wyly Athletic Center.
Dykes,
son of Texas Tech coaching legend Spike Dykes, has coached in the PAC-10,
Southeastern Conference and Big 12 during his 16 years in the college football
profession while also serving under some very successful head coaches including
Mike Leach and Mike Stoops.
He won
the 2006 Mike Campbell Top Assistant Award, presented by the All-American
Football Foundation, and was a nominee for the 2009 Broyles Award, which goes
to the nation’s top assistant coach.
Dykes
comes to Louisiana Tech after completing his third season as the offensive
coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Arizona, leading the Wildcats to an 8-5
record and an appearance in the Holiday Bowl. That Holiday Bowl appearance
marked Dykes’ 10th bowl appearance as a coach with all 10 appearances coming
within the last 11 years.
A
spread-offense specialist, Dykes’ offensive attack set at least five
single-season records at Arizona while also racking up a pile of single-game
marks in the UA record book. Former Wildcat quarterback Willie Tuitama, a
disciple of Dykes, notched career numbers that are among Arizona’s best.
“We are
thrilled to have the opportunity to name coach Sonny Dykes as the next head
football coach at Louisiana Tech University,” said acting athletics director
Bruce Van De Velde. “Coach Dykes has demonstrated throughout his coaching
career all the leadership qualifications we are looking for in the next leader
for our football program. His coaching success has been achieved at the highest
level of competition, from the SEC to the Big 12 to the Pac-10.”
Rivals.com
cited Dykes as one of the countries brightest offensive minds and top 10
college recruiters in the country.
“I want
to start out by letting everyone know how honored I am to be named the head
football coach at Louisiana Tech,” said Dykes. “I have worked my entire life to
get to this point and I have had lots of great mentors that have worked with me
and taught me and brought me along. I am very fortunate to be here.”
Dykes’ Arizona team went 6-3 in the Pac-10 Conference during the 2009 campaign, finished tied for
second in the league with Oregon State and Stanford.
Fond of
the passing attack, Dykes Arizona offense in 2008 ranked 16th in scoring and
33rd in total offense while developing and outstanding run-pass balance.
Dykes
orchestrated an Arizona offense that was ranked 10th nationally in passing
yards per game in 2007 as he coached then-junior Tuitama to honorable mention
All-Pac-10 honors that year. That same season, he helped develop the offensive
scheme that pushed receiver Mike Thomas to first-team all-league status as a
junior and senior (‘08).
Prior
to his tenure at Arizona, Dykes was co-offensive coordinator working with
then-head coach Mike Leach and inside receivers coach Dana Holgorsen running
Texas Tech’s wide-open passing attack in 2005-06 after having been Texas Tech’s
wide receivers coach since 2000. The Red Raiders were among the national top
six in total offense and passing during the span.
Texas
Tech was No. 3 in passing and No. 6 in total offense in 2006 under his
co-direction, throwing for 370 yards and accumulating nearly 450 overall. He
directed an offense that scored 32 points per game in 2006 with two receivers
ranked top three in the nation and a third in the top 20 in receptions per
game.
While
in Lubbock, Dykes helped develop Joel Filani into a two-time first team All-Big
12 honoree and a sixth-round NFL draft selection by the Tennessee Titans in
2007. Receiver Jarrett Hicks also signed a free-agent deal with the San Diego
Chargers that year.
Dykes
also worked with quarterback Graham Harrell who completed 412 passes for 4,555
yards and 38 touchdowns in 2006, ranking Texas Tech third nationally in total
offense that season.
Prior
to his five seasons at Texas Tech, Dykes spent two non-consecutive seasons at
Kentucky, first coaching tight ends as a graduate assistant in 1997 and then
coaching special teams and wide receivers in 1999 under the “Air Raid” attack
of former UK coach Hal Mumme. Dykes coached Kentucky’s James Whalen to AP
All-America honors after his Division I-A record for receptions by a tight end.
Sandwiched
in between his two stints in Lexington, Dykes was the wide receivers coach at Northeast Louisiana where he helped receiver Marty Booker set school seas and career
records and earn Blue-Gray and Shrine Game spots before getting drafted in the
third round by the Chicago Bears in 1999.
A 1993
graduate of Texas Tech, Dykes lettered for three years as a baseball player for
the Red Raiders.
At age
40, Dykes becomes one of the nation’s youngest coaches in the Football Bowl
Subdivision joining Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley and Temple coach Al
Golden as the fourth-youngest coach in FBS.
Dykes
is married to the former Kate Golding and the two have a daughter, Alta
Caroline (Ally), who was born in 2008.
This
article was reprinted from the Louisiana Tech’s official athletic website
www.latechsports.com.
Fire destroys oil rig
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
On Thursday, June 17, an oil rig owned by
Neilco Oil Company, El Dorado, Ark., caught fire after a combustible intake
mixture in the engine caused the rig to explode. According to information
gathered at the scene, gas was coming out of the well as workers were pulling
up pipe. The Guy Oakes #3 well location off McClung Owens Road, west of Homer,
was a total loss. According to Fire Chief Dennis Butcher, everything was under control
within an hour to an hour and a half. No firefighters were injured and no
injuries to workers were reported at the work over rig.
Qualifying period for fall elections
July 7-9
For
those who are vying for several local seats and some state seats, it’s time to
get everything in order.
Qualifying
for the fall elections begins Wednesday, July 7 and ends Friday, July 9.
The
August 28th election will be a closed primary for U.S. Senator and U.S.
Representative. The books will be closed on July 28.
Early
voting for this election will be August 14-21.
On
October 2, several seats will be up for grabs. They include open primary
election and second party primary runoff, court of appeal judge, school board
members, Athens mayor and board of selectmen, Homer Mayor, Marshal (police
chief), and board of selectmen, Junction City mayor, chief of police and
aldermen. Also a runoff of party for U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative if
necessary. Books will close September 1.
Early
voting will be held September 18-25.
The
November election will be held Saturday, November 2. Those elections include:
general election for U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative and any runoff from
the October 2 election. Books will close on October 4.
Early
voting will be from October 19-26.
Early
voting hours will be from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. For more information, please
call the Claiborne Parish Registrar of Voters at 927-3332.
Coach declines town offer for basketball
uniforms
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Homer
High School Head Basketball Coach Eumarcus Hicks declined the offer of roughly
$2,000 approved to be donated to him by the Town of Homer.
He’d
planned to use the money to purchase 30 uniforms for the team this coming
season.
However,
due to budgetary laws, the town was not allowed to due this.
Assistant
District Attorney Jim Hatch spoke with officials at the Louisiana Legislative
Auditor’s Office, who did not give an official statement.
Under
normal circumstances, the town would not be able to give a donation like this
because it serves no purpose for the well-being of the town, Hatch said. It
goes against the state constitution to make donations with public funds.
In the
Louisiana State Constitution, Article VII, Section 14(A) generally prohibits
the state and its political subdivisions from donating public funds or
property. 938 So.2d 11.
“It
would be examined on a case by case basis,” he said. “They did not make a
definitive statement because they would have to examine the case on its own
facts.”
However,
Homer Interim Mayor Alecia Smith said the check was never issued.
“The
money was never issued to him,” said Smith, “and Coach Hicks called and
declined to accept the offer after the meeting the same day.”
At a
special called meeting of the Homer Town Council, Monday, June 14, Hicks approached
council members about purchasing new uniforms for the team. He told them the
uniforms were badly worn and needed to be replaced.
And
while it’s true the uniforms are well used, there is a protocol that must be
met before those uniforms can be purchased. Most athletic programs at schools
have a booster club, which is the fundraising arm of many athletics programs.
Parents, volunteers, community members and athletic team members all work in
the club to raise funds for equipment, uniforms and other needs of that
specific program.
Homer High School has a
Quarterback Club for its football team and the baseball team has one as well.
According
to Hicks, the basketball team had one, but for whatever reason, it dissolved.
He told council members that he intended to start the booster club again, which
was then called the “Six-Man Club.”
However,
during the meeting, Homer Police Chief Russell Mills challenged the council to
donate $300 from their own pockets to get the coach started. If each gave $300
a piece, then Hicks would have been able to purchase at least 15 uniforms for
his team. District 3 Councilman Toney Johnson also said he would donate $300,
but no other council members spoke up, except District 1 Councilman Scott “Doc”
Roberson, who said he thought the town should pay for the uniforms.
However,
in the end, Johnson voted in favor of donating the money. District 4
Councilwoman Carlette Sanford was the lone vote against.
