Wafer toddler remembered
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
Happy Birthday Devion! Family and friends
of Devion Wafer, a toddler who was found in Beaver Creek in March, held a
birthday party for him and released balloons at the site where his remains were
found. His mother’s remains, Ruby, were found a few weeks later. Happy birthday
to Devion from Uncle Courtny, Aunt Shirley, and the Wafer family!
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
A
prayer circle in honor and memory of a little boy who lost his life in March
was held at Lisbon Landing Saturday.
On his
birthday (July 9), little Devion Wafer was remembered as family and friends
gathered together for not just a birthday party, but a fundraiser to help the
family purchase headstones for his grave as well as that of his mother, Ruby
Wafer.
Devion, son of D’untric Walton,
would have been two-years-old.
On
March 21, Devion’s remains were found in Beaver Creek near Lisbon Landing. He
was found face down in the creek in nothing but a diaper and a t-shirt. A few
weeks later, his mother’s remains were found at a vacant store on the corner of
La. 2 and Hwy. 806. Reportedly, there was no purse, no cell phone or anything
to give authorities any clues as to how she died.
According
to Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey, autopsy reports show the cause of death
for the little one as drowning, however, both deaths are being treated as
homicides. Toxicology reports on Ruby Wafer came back clean, putting
investigators back at square one.
Monica
Wafer, Ruby’s mother and Devion’s grandmother, said not only was the gathering
to help raise money for the headstones, but she wanted to keep their names in
the forefront because she wants justice for them.
“It’s
been hard,” she said of coping with such a terrible tragedy. “I had to give up
my life for this. Every day -- it’s been a struggle for me.”
Ruby’s
grandmother, Feonia Wafer, agreed with her daughter.
“It’s
hard,” she said. “We miss them so bad, day and night. We just hope they find
the person who did this.”
The
family, Monica Wafer said, have theories as to what happened to mother and son,
but they also have many questions. However, investigators are actively pursuing
the case. Bailey reiterated that they work on the case every day, but “it’s
just going to take time.”
The
prayer circle was led by the Rev. Elmer T. Jones, pastor of Forest Grove CME Church. After the prayer, refreshments were served for
donations. They stayed all afternoon Saturday, followed later on by a fish fry
at the home of Evelyn Winzer, who has supported the Wafer family throughout the
ordeal. Monica thanked her for her support as well as her church family from
Forest Grove. Also, she said, her aunt, Brenda Harris, has been there for her,
and a special thanks goes to her.
Special
thanks also goes to M&M Hardware, Fred Smith and Sons, Memorial Funeral
Home, Duck’s Car Wash, Sheriff Bailey, The Guardian-Journal and numerous
friends in the community who have graciously contributed and supported them.
“We
cannot name everyone, but we want you to know you are appreciated,” Winzer said
of those who made donations.
The
fundraiser brought in about $265, Monica Wafer said. The headstones were
completed by Tuesday afternoon.
Later
that afternoon, the family released balloons at the creek, approximately where
Devion’s remains were found. The balloons were released in his honor.
The
family is asking if anyone has any information in regards to the death of Ruby
and Devion to please contact authorities. Monica reiterated that they struggle
to make sense of what happened to them, and like authorities, they want
answers.
“I
would like someone to come forward if they have any information,” Monica Wafer
said.
If
anyone has any information in regards to this case, please contact the
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-927-2011 or the Criminal Investigation
Division at 318-927-9800.
CA gets new headmistress, Jane Brown
Mrs.
Jane Clair Stevens Brown of Summerfield has recently been named the new
Headmistress of Claiborne Academy, an accredited college-preparatory school.
Mrs. Brown is a graduate of Summerfield High School and Louisiana Tech University,
where she obtained her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in education. She has
over thirty years of educational experience, not only in the classroom, but on
the administrative level as well.
Last
summer, Mrs. Brown and her husband Skipper returned to their hometown of
Summerfield after 25 years. "We are excited to be able to return home to
Claiborne Parish," she says, adding, "I consider it an honor to be a
part of Claiborne Academy."
Mrs.
Brown feels Claiborne Academy provides the students of Claiborne Parish with
academic excellence in a nurturing Christian environment. She believes that as
school, family, and the community work together, they can be successful in
building tomorrow's leaders.
After
graduating from Louisiana Tech University with her Bachelors Degree, Mrs. Brown
began her educational career serving as a special education teacher at Homer
Junior High under the direction of Joe Richardson. In 1980, Mrs. Brown began
teaching at Summerfield High School under the direction of James Edward
Scriber. While at Summerfield, Mrs. Brown organized the school's first special
education classes, as well as their first gifted/talented class. During her
time at Summerfield, she was appointed to the Claiborne Parish Special
Education Advisory Council, and served as a member of the Claiborne Parish
Professional Improvement Committee. It was at this time that Mrs. Brown was
active with the Council of Exceptional Children and was a speaker and presenter
at their convention in Baton Rouge.
In
1986, due to her husband's work, Mrs. Brown and her family moved to
Mississippi, where she continued her education career at Glade Elementary and
Magee Junior High and High School. While working in the Simpson County School
District, Mrs. Brown researched and wrote a program for the special education
students entitled the PREP Program (Pupils Reaching Every Potential). She also
coordinated the development of an objective manual to assist all special
education teachers in the district with objective writing.
In
1996, Mr. Brown's work resulted in the family moving to Texarkana, Texas. In
Texarkana, Mrs. Brown was employed with the Pleasant Grove Independent School
District. While at Pleasant Grove, Mrs. Brown recognized a need for a program
to assist students needing academic and behavior modification. She established
a successful behavior remediation program while also serving as a student and
teacher mentor. Mrs. Brown was also instrumental in restructuring and
supervising the Content Mastery Program at Pleasant Grove High School which was
a tutorial program designed for high school students.
In
2006, Mrs. Brown was recruited by the Texas Independent School District of
Texarkana to assist them in the restructuring of the Therapeutic Intervention
Learning Center. This center was established to assist students with special
academic and emotional needs. After the redesign, restructure and
implementation of the program, Mrs. Brown served as the Curriculum Director and
Master Teacher supervising all staff. She trained and supervised all behavior
specialists, and also assisted in the restructure of the elementary
disciplinary program. The TILC Program became a model program for other Texas
school districts.
After
the success of the TILC Program with Texarkana ISD, Mrs. Brown was appointed as
the Curriculum Coordinator for Special Education for the Texarkana Independent
School District. She was responsible for all curriculum needs, as well as
annual yearly progress associated with all special education students district
wide. Mrs. Brown reviewed all special education student record folders for
compliance and prepared reports including budgets, technology inventories, and
state performance plans. She was responsible for the READ 180 program at the
junior high and high school levels and supervised all textbook and educational
material purchase and distribution. She served as a principal and teacher
mentor, advising them on any matters involving special needs of students.
Upon
her return to Claiborne Parish last summer, Mrs. Brown returned to the
classroom, spending an enjoyable year teaching fourth grade social studies at
Homer Elementary.
In her
spare time, Mrs. Brown enjoys gardening, fishing, reading, decorating, camping
and spending time with her four grandsons. She is a member of Summerfield First
Baptist Church, and she and Skipper have two daughters. She is the
daughter-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Malcom Brown, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
D'Arcy Richard Stevens Sr. Her brother is D'Arcy R. Stevens of Summerfield.
School board budget woes continue
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
Claiborne Parish School Board is continuing to feel the crunch as its student
population continues to decrease.
In the
school board’s regular monthly meeting, the board adopted the 2011-12 budget,
but the numbers were disheartening. According to a memo sent to board members
by Business Manager Fred Evans, the student population is expected to continue
to decrease over the next few fiscal years. And that means state funds will
continue to decrease as well.
“We estimate
a student count of 1,953 next year at October 1,” Evans said in his memo. “This
will be a reduction of 56 students resulting in an estimated loss of $462,456
to the general fund MFP (Minimum Foundation Program). The actual number will
not be known until March 2012, which is normally when the mid-year adjustments
to the MFP are sent out.”
In
laymen’s terms, this could mean more teacher layoffs if they cannot find more
ways to cut costs.
“Our
revenues are nose-diving,” he said. There has been a loss in sales taxes, loss
in MFP monies and losses in other areas as well.
More
bad news is that employer contributions to the board’s retirement systems have
also increased. Teachers’ retirement increased from 20.2 percent to 23.7
percent and the Louisiana School Employees Retirement system increased from
24.3 percent to 28.6 percent. Hospitalization premiums also increased by
approximately $152,000.
“The
current financial status of the Claiborne Parish School Board is best described
as only adequate,” Evans said. “Significant reductions in student enrollments,
declining revenues, increased cost for employer contributions to retirement
programs, increases in hospitalization premiums, fuel cost increases and state
mandates has resulted in the need for the board to implement the Reduction in
Force Policy (which took place this year) in order to achieve a balanced
budget. The short term outlook doesn’t look any more promising.”
He said
projections show student population decreases at least through the school year
of 2016. The following figures were prepared by the State Department of
Education: in 2011-12, 1,980 students, 2012-13, 1,920 students, 2013-14, 1,850
students, 2014-15, 1,810 students and in 2015-16, 1,780 students.
The
good news is that he doesn’t expect the rates currently in force for retirement
systems to stay this high.
“As the
economy improves and our retirement system investment earnings improve, these
rates should decrease as well,” he said.
One
thing he reminded board members and the public is that the budget is just that
-- a projection of expenditures and revenues for the coming fiscal year.
“The
budget is not set in stone,” he said during the school board meeting. “It’s a
financial plan. It’s fluid and it changes.”
In the
end, the board adopted the budget unanimously, but Evans said he would keep the
board updated on any changes that come throughout the year.
In
other news, the school board approved staff transfers in accordance with the
court order that says Claiborne Parish must become a unified school system,
referring to the black/white ratio of students and teachers in the parish.
Claiborne Parish Superintendent of Schools Dr. Janice Williams says some were
moved around to satisfy the court order. According to her statistics for
teacher ratios only, Athens is 68 percent white and 32 percent black.
Haynesville Elementary is 79 percent white and 21 percent black. Haynesville
Jr./Sr. High School, which still has one vacancy, is 83 percent white and 17
percent black. Homer Elementary, with one vacancy, is 72 percent white and 28
percent black. Homer High School, with three vacancies, is 45 percent black and
55 percent white. Homer Junior High, with two vacancies, is 23 percent black
and 77 percent white. Summerfield is 76 percent white and 24 percent black.
The
overall district percentage of teachers is 73 percent white and 27 percent
black with a plus or minus 10 percent variance. The court order says the
teacher ratio at the schools must be within the plus or minus 10 percent
variance of the district population.
These
numbers are preliminary until all the vacancies are filled and transfers are
complete, Dr. Williams said.
The
school board also approved:
• the
auditor’s Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire, which is required to be adopted
for the auditors.
• the
updated personnel evaluation plan
• the
pupil progression plan
•
personnel actions which include the hiring of Garron Green to Haynesville
Jr./Sr. High School as a special education teacher. He is replacing Marty
Johnson. Also hired was Holly Vinson to Haynesville Elementary as a special
education teacher to replace Miranda Dennis.
In
other personnel actions, Jane Brown, a teacher at Homer Elementary, resigned
for other employment.
The
school board also accepted the retirement letter of Pat Lee, Homer Elementary
principal. In her stead, Debra Winzer was appointed as the interim principal
with Andre Washington taking over as administrative assistant.
At
Haynesville Elementary, Darnell Denise Williams was appointed to a one-year
position as secretary.
Also,
Vershetta Solomon, a paraprofessional, was dismissed as the funding for her
position expired.
Two
social workers were also hired as well. Dr. Williams heralded the two
recommendations, saying they are highly qualified individuals. Laura Evans and
Alexis Mills Slaughter were approved.
Tim
Connelly, a physical education teacher at Homer Elementary, requested military
leave in May, but that has now been rescinded because he will be able to return
to the school at the beginning of the school year.
In
other news, the Reduction In Force Recall List has been modified as several on
the list were recalled to return to work. However, Dr. Williams said, seven
positions remain to be filled.
The
next school board meeting will be Thursday, August 11, at 6 p.m. in the school
board meeting room at Central Office. For more information or for questions,
please call their office at 318-927-3502.
2011-12 Teachers of the Year
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
The Claiborne Parish School Board honored
its teachers of the year for the 2011-12 school year. Elementary Teacher
Michelle Martin was given a plaque. She has 30 years of teaching experience.
She serves as a third grade representative for SBLC, promotes student/parent
involvement and is the third grade iLEAP test coordinator. She is a member of
several professional organizations. She serves her community in numerous ways
by giving herself leadership roles. Teachers young and old can benefit from her
examples in the classroom. Homer High School Drama Teacher Denice Owens has 21
years of teaching experience. She has served as Teacher of the Year before, is
very active in many phases of school activities by sponsoring quite a few. She
has proven her abilities and worthiness time and time again. Everyone knows of
Mrs. Owens’ productions and have enjoyed them. Again, teachers of all ages can
benefit from her example. Pictured above are Claiborne Parish Superintendent of
Schools Dr. Janice Williams, Martin, Owens and Claiborne Parish School Board
President Will Maddox.
3 drive-by suspects turn themselves in
The Guardian-Journal
Three
men sought in the case of a drive-by shooting have turned themselves in.
According
to officials from the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshal’s
Office arrested the three after they turned themselves in at the Criminal
Investigative Division Tuesday afternoon. Sheriff’s deputies then transported
them to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center where they were booked on the
Homer Police Department warrants.
Lydell
Tell, 23, Demontre Robinson, 24, and Dedarian Robinson 23, all of Haynesville,
were wanted in connection to a drive-by shooting that stemmed from what police
say was an incident that occurred between a group of Homer boys and a group of
Haynesville boys. Captain Donald Malray said these three individuals are three
of seven that were involved in the drive-by shooting where a bullet struck
Jamarcion Hardwell in the lower leg area.
During
the initial investigation, Malray said it was reported that the group of teens
from Haynesville left Homer and came back where they drove down West 3rd Street
ending on South 3rd Street, where Hardwell was shot.
Also
arrested were:
•
Dre’Deshun Logan, 18, of Haynesville, charged with conspiracy to commit
aggravated second degree battery and conspiracy to commit illegal use of
dangerous weapons or instrumentalities.
•
Kaylan Jackson, 17, also of Haynesville, was charged with aggravated second
degree battery and illegal use of dangerous weapons or instrumentalities.
•
Demartez Jackson, 20, on the charge of conspiracy to commit aggravated second
degree battery, with bond set at $30,000
•
Orlansarde Hunter, 24, on the charge of conspiracy to commit aggravated second
degree battery, and
• Richard
Jones Jr., 21, on the charge of conspiracy to commit aggravated second degree
battery.
In
other crime news, a Homer man gave police quite a chase after a traffic stop.
Donald
Grider Jr., 23, of Homer, turned himself in to police on Tuesday morning and
was charged with aggravated battery and a probation violation hold.Bond is to
be set.
According
to police, Officer Willie Knowles requested back up at Mayfield Park on Friday,
July 8 because Grider, who had warrants for his arrest, was in the area.
Officers Van McDaniel and Mario Thomas went to Mayfield Park and when they
arrived were told Grider had already left the area traveling on Hill Street.
Reports
say McDaniel observed Grider commit two traffic violations, driving left of
center and speeding 30/20 mph zone. He initiated the traffic stop and informed
the suspect the reason of the stop and asked him for proper paperwork.
Reports
say he was not able to provide proof of insurance, and as the officer was
talking to Grider, he could smell the odor of alcoholic beverages coming from
inside the vehicle. McDaniel asked Grider if any open containers of alcohol
were present inside the vehicle, and when he did not respond, three passengers
in the vehicle admitted there was alcohol present.
Grider
was then asked to exit the vehicle and was placed under arrest for a warrant
for aggravated battery. Upon consent, McDaniel searched the vehicle. As he
began his search, Grider reportedly took off. McDaniel gave several verbal
commands for him to stop, but he refused. Reports say McDaniel was almost hit
by a car as he attempted to give chase. Once the vehicle passed, McDaniel
notified the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office of the situation and requested
assistance from a K-9 unit. Because a canine officer was not available at the
time, Officer Thomas Davis responded with his K-9 as well as the David Wade
Chase Team.
Upon
arrival, Grider was tracked, however, he had already left the area.
Additional
charges in this case are pending.
2 arrested for burglary
The Guardian-Journal
A
multi-agency investigation led to the arrest of two men after an Athens store
was broken into.
According
to a news release from the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, in the early
morning hours of May 16, they received a call that someone had broken out the
front door glass of Dixie Mart #4, located on Hwy. 9 in Athens.
Deputies
responded to the call and found that the store had been burglarized and a large
amount of money was taken. Detectives, along with the Louisiana State Police,
initiated an investigation into the burglary. As a result of this
investigation, two arrests have been made thus far.
On June
3, Kenneth Ray Richards Jr., of 146 Drake Road in Dubach, was arrested on one
count of principal/simple burglary, one count of simple criminal damage to
property, and one count of criminal conspiracy to commit burglary. Total bond
was set at $24,500.
On June
6, Curtis C. Richardson, of 2254 Texas Street in Arcadia, was arrested on one
count of principal/simple burglary, one count of simple criminal damage to
property, and one count of criminal conspiracy to commit burglary. Total bond
was set at $24,500.
This
investigation is still ongoing with further arrests pending.
DA office renovations could begin soon
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Renovations
on the old Claiborne Drug building could begin as early as this fall.
During
the police jury’s regular monthly meeting, Buildings and Grounds Chair Bob
McDaniel, Police Jury District 3, said now that the building is officially
their property, a change order would go in to redo the roof on the building.
The
building was purchased in order to give the District Attorney’s Office more
room and a better work environment. The current building they occupy is smaller
and has several issues. The Claiborne Drug building was purchased for about
$60,000 and details are still in the works between the DA’s office and the
engineers. Police Jury Secretary Treasurer Dwayne Woodard said the building
will be completely “gutted”, as well as tying access to the police jury complex
for use of various areas of the building. The renovation project will be done
by Pace Construction of Springhill.
In
other buildings and grounds news, the Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court’s Office
annex sustained heavy water damage recently, and the police jury approved a
motion to submit a change order to redo the roof on the building. Also approved
was the replacement of an H/VAC unit at the cost of approximately $5,900. The
buildings and grounds committee discussed fixing the current unit, but it was
more feasible to replace the unit.
The
police jury also approved a contract with Anti-Pest and Veitch for treatment of
termites at a cost of $1,164 with an annual contract renewal of $159.
Also
approved was $4,645 for more repairs related to the sewer back up incident at
the Claiborne Parish Health Unit. According to Woodard, it was more feasible
for the police jury to pay it out of pocket than to claim on their insurance.
In
other news, the police jury approved a resolution from the Board of Directors
of the Central Claiborne Water System for an emergency application for a new
well to supplement their water system. According to the resolution, the
customers in the Arizona area are experiencing water shortages because of “the
waning supply from the Arizona well, which is the only source of water for this
area of the system.” The resolution also states that the customers cannot
afford a rate increase sufficient to cover the costs.
The
cost of a new well would be approximately $150,000.
The
funds would come from the Louisiana Office of Administration’s Community Water
Enrichment Fund (CWEF), which, if approved, could release up to $35,000 for the
project. Woodard said the state’s program sets aside a certain amount each year
for emergency situations such as these.
On
another note, the police jury got some good news from its auditors. Melissa E.
Bosch, of Hulsey, Harwood and Sheridan LLC, gave a report that she called
“short and sweet.” According to their 2010 audit, there were no findings, which
is extremely good news for the police jury. Each year, during an audit, certain
programs within the governmental entity will be “tested,” which means the
auditors look to make sure everything is on the up and up. They “tested” the
Section 8 Housing program and their Homeland Security Office records and had no
findings.
The
police jury accepted the auditor’s report.
Another
item approved is the request for the use of the courthouse lawn to hold a
monthly event called “Square Deal on the Square.” The purpose of this event,
according to a letter submitted to the police jury, is to “stimulate commerce
in Claiborne Parish.” The committee’s idea is to have live music or a DJ all
day and have vendors from Claiborne as well as outside. They also wish to have
several food vendors.
The
committee members include Cynthia Steele, Don McCalman, O.P. “Pete” Pearson,
Willie “Hoghead” Curry, Carroll Dowies and Ed Frankie.
Judge
Jenifer Clason has already approved the use of the courthouse lawn, however,
the police jury approved it subject to be revisited.
Also, a
proposed ordinance, Ordinance #763, was introduced. The proposed ordinance is a
declaration of the Armory Building as surplus property and the parish’s intent
to lease said property at below market rent, which would be set at $5 per year.
The
Armory Building has been a source of contention with the police jury and the
Office of Community Services (OCS) because of the repeated vandalism of the
building.The police jury owns the building but is used by the OCS for food
distribution each month. The Friendship Missionary and Education Association is
looking to rent the building.
Another
item approved was the request from Beverly Volentine in regards to the
Russellville Historical Marker. According to Volentine, there has finally been
enough money pledged to order the marker. In 2008, the police jury agreed to
contribute to the cost of the marker up to $1,000. The marker will cost
approximately $1,650, and Gibsland Bank and Trust (Athens Branch) has agreed to
share in the cost. Other contributors include Marilyn Hightower, Mary Ellen
Lewis and Volentine.
According
to a letter from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Jay Dardenne, the
marker can be purchased through his office and if approved, the marker will be
shipped to the district headquarters of the Louisiana Department of
Transportation and Development at which time someone from the highway office
will actually install the marker.
The
police jury also approved:
• The
appointment of Mark Furlow to the E-911 board to replace Wayne Tanner. Furlow
did not participate in the vote, but it was unanimously approved by all the
other jurors.
• A
hardship application filed for a Summerfield resident whose driveway needs
repairs. Trees and bushes around the driveway will also be cut.
• Merit
raises for the following employees: Todd Brown, Greg Buggs, Eric Kennedy, Bryon
Burham, Chad Verdin, Travis Kimp, Brant Cupp and Jimmy White.
• The
hiring of Reagan Hardaway to Operator II opening. Hardaway is already an
employee of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury, so he was moved from one position
to another.
• The
Procurement Policy for the Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG)
program for the fiscal year 2012-13. Woodard said this is a standard resolution
approved every other year in order to receive grants from this program.
• The
authorization of Police Jury President Scott Davidson to sign the road project
agreement on Weldon Road for the Secure Rural Schools Title II Project --
Claiborne Parish Road Improvement. The agreement is between the police jury and
the USDA Forest Service, Kisatchie National Forest, which allows for the
parties to “cooperate in the planning, survey, design, construction,
reconstruction, improvement and maintenance of certain forest roads.”
The
project, according to the agreement, will include “hot-mix asphalt patching and
the placement of a single course asphalt surface treatment and a two course
asphalt surface treatment on sections of Weldon Road.” The project length is
approximately five miles. The total estimated cost for the project is $93,734
with work set to begin August 1 and end by September 30, 2012.
The
police jury will provide labor, equipment and materials necessary to complete
the project, while the Forest Service will provide the reimbursement for the
cost of the project.
The
police jury also approved $500 to go to the Claiborne Jubilee at the
recommendation of the police jury’s finance committee. Each year, the police
jury sets aside $500 for the Jubilee, the Claiborne Fireworks and the Christmas
lighting around the square.
Tabled
again from last month was a request from the Veterans Association to consider
holding a local election to provide qualifying veterans with a
service-connected disability rating of 100 percent an additional exemption of
$75,000 on ad valorem taxes. According to the agenda, this is known as the
Louisiana Property Tax Exemption for Veterans, Amendment 3, also known as Act
1049.
The
next meeting of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury will be held at 9 a.m., August
10, in the police jury room at the police jury complex. For more information or
for questions, please call their office at 318-927-2222.
Drowning in Lake Claiborne
Claiborne
Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey confirmed that a little boy drowned at Lake Claiborne
Saturday afternoon, on July 9. Authorities are still investigating the matter
at this time. Please see next week’s edition (July 21) of The Guardian-Journal
for the full story.
