Don’t forget to vote Saturday!
The Guardian-Journal
This
week, we will take one last look at Saturday’s ballot. Although the ballot is
full with several elections and proposed constitutional amendments, voters need
to be informed on what they are casting their ballot for.
In the
last several weeks, The Guardian-Journal has given in depth coverage of the
proposed constitutional amendments. This week, we will take a look at Proposed
Constitutional Amendment No. 5 as well as the tax renewal for the Claiborne
Parish Library.
Also,
we will give readers one last look at who’s on the ballot for several statewide
races as well as local races.
Claiborne
Parish Library
The
Claiborne Parish Library is a vital part of the parish through the services it
offers its patrons. The library is currently funded through a 10-year 6.10
mills property tax for constructing, maintaining and operating public libraries
in Claiborne Parish. While the tax itself is up for renewal, the library system
is asking voters to pass a 20-year renewal.
The tax
itself will remain the same, but instead of renewing it for 10 years, if
passed, it will be renewed for 20 years.
The
library is looking to not only expand its current building, but to be able to
offer more services as well. According to a brochure from the library, “the
main library, completed in 1988, has served our parish well in the last 23
years. As with any building, there are improvements that need to take place.”
In
2003, the library board, library board director and the Claiborne Parish Police
Jury began planning for expansion of the main library. At that time, they began
to put money back to go towards the project. Enough has accumulated to start
the project, but the library will need to borrow money to finance the entire
project. And to guarantee the approval of a low interest bank loan, the library
board is asking for a 20-year renewal instead of the normal 10-year renewal.
Proposed
Amendment No. 5
Act No.
43 -- House Bill No. 30, First Extraordinary Session, 2011
To
amend provisions relative to tax sales in order to maintain an existing
exemption from the minimum bid requirements for tax sales in the city of New
Orleans due to changes in populations according to the 2010 census. (Amends
Article VII, Section 25(A)(2))
In
state law, the City of New Orleans is referred to by its population instead of
its name. According to the Public Affairs Research Council, New Orleans is
referred to as a “municipality with a population of more than 450,000 persons
as of the most recent decennial census.” Since the occurrence of Hurricane
Katrina, the population in New Orleans has dropped to about 343,000, which
makes New Orleans’ reference in state law outdated.
“During
the 2011 special session for redistricting, the Legislature updated those
sections of Louisiana law that identified parishes and cities by outdated
population figures,” the PAR states. “The statutory references were cleaned up
with new legislation.”
If
passed, the amendment would identify the City of New Orleans by its name and
remove the Constitution’s indirect reference to a municipality with a
population of more than 450,000. It would not impact New Orleans’ tax sale law.
Proponents say the amendment is a standard updating of the law that simply
reflects changes in the decennial census.
If it
doesn’t pass, “then New Orleans would no longer be identified under this
Constitutional provision, which was intended to give the city an exemption from
the minimum bid requirement for tax sales if a property fails to sell the first
time around. The population reference in the current Constitution does not
apply to any Louisiana city under the 2010 Census. Opponents say New Orleans
should not be entitled to an exemption from the minimum bid requirements and
that the Constitutional language should not be updated to apply to the city.
Here’s
what else is on the ballot for October 22:
Proposed
Amendment No. 1
Act No.
423 -- Senate Bill No. 53, Regular Session, 2011
To
dedicate funds for the TOPS program relative to the portion of the monies
deposited in and credited to the Millennium Trust each year from the Tobacco
Master Settlement, to provide that once the balance in the Millennium Trust
reaches a total of one billion three hundred eighty million dollars, one
hundred percent of the annual Settlement Proceeds shall be allocated to the
TOPS Fund to support state programs of financial assistance for students
attending Louisiana postsecondary education institutions; to provide relative
to the rate of tax on certain tobacco products and beginning July 1, 2012, to
dedicate such tobacco revenues to the Health Excellence Fund to be used for the
purposes of appropriate health care and providing health care initiatives
through innovation in advanced health care sciences; to provide for the
deposit, transfer or credit of certain monies in the Millennium Trust to the
Health Excellence Fund, the Education Excellence Fund, and the TOPS Fund.
(Amends Article VII, Section 10.8(A)(1)(c), (A)(2), (3), and (4) and (C)(1) and
adds Article VII, Section 4.1)
Proposed
Amendment No. 2
Act No.
422 -- House Bill No. 384, Regular Session, 2011
To
require in Fiscal Years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 that five percent of money
designated in the official forecast as nonrecurring be applied toward the
balance of the unfunded accrued liability which existed as of June 30, 1988,
for the Louisiana State Employees’ Retirement System and the Teachers
Retirement System of Louisiana. To further require that in Fiscal Year
2015-2016 and every fiscal year thereafter that ten percent of such
nonrecurring revenue be applied to such purposes. (Amends Article VII, Section
10(D)(2)(b))
Proposed
Amendment No. 3
Act No.
421 -- House Bill No. 341, Regular Session, 2011
To
authorize the legislature to establish a private custodial fund, designated as
the Patient’s Compensation Fund, for the use, benefit, and protection of
medical malpractice claimants and private health care provider members; to
provide that assets of the fund shall not be state property. (Adds Article XII,
Section 16)
Proposed
Amendment No. 4
Act No.
424 -- Senate Bill No. 147, Regular Session 2011
To
provide that if at any time mineral revenues exceed the base provided by law
and monies are withdrawn from the Budget Stabilization Fund, no deposit of
mineral revenues shall be made to the Budget Stabilization Fund in the same or
ensuing fiscal year in which monies in the fund are appropriated or
incorporated into the official forecast, except by specific legislative
appropriation, and thereafter deposits of mineral revenues into the fund shall
resume except in an annual amount not to exceed one-third of the most recent
amount appropriated or incorporated into the official forecast. (Adds Article
VII, Section 10.3 (C)(5))
They
are:
State
Senator, District #33, Mike Walsworth, Republican (Unopposed), State Senator,
District #36, Robert Adley, Republican (Unopposed).
State
Representative, District #11, Rory L. Bedford, Democrat and Patrick O.
Jefferson, Democrat. Current Rep. Rick Gallot has termed out.
Running
for Sheriff includes Incumbent Ken Bailey, Democrat and Anthony Smith, No
Party.
Clerk
of Court is Pat Gladney, who is running unopposed.
The
Claiborne Parish Tax Assessor includes Incumbent Bob Robinson, Republican and
Mae “Kitty” Williams, No Party.
Dr.
D.K. Haynes is running for coroner unopposed.
In the
police jury’s race, D’Arcy Stevens (District #1), No Party, Mark Furlow
(District #2), No Party, Scott Davidson (District #6), No Party and Willie
Young (District #10), Democrat are all running unopposed.
In
Police Jury District #3, Incumbent Bob McDaniel has two running against him:
Ron Edmonds, No Party, and Kevin Gray, Republican.
In
District #4, Incumbent Joe Sturges, Democrat, has an opponent for his seat.
Janell Brown, No Party, is running.
In
District #5, Incumbent Lavelle Penix, Democrat, is challenged by Gary Lewis, No
Party.
In
District #7, Incumbent Roy Lewis, Democrat, is challenged by Joseph Merritt
Jr., also a Democrat.
In
District #8, Incumbent Roy Mardis, Democrat, has two challengers, Keith Lee and
Tommy Sanders, both No Party.
In
District #9, Incumbent Jerry Adkins is being challenged by Roger Zachary, both
no party.
In a
special election for Claiborne Parish School Board District #5, Dr. Robert
Haynes will run unopposed. Haynes was appointed to the seat following the
retirement of longtime member Stanley Edwards.
In the
statewide races, several are vying for the coveted top state job. Running for
governor against Incumbent Bobby Jindal, Republican, is Claiborne Parish’s own Tara
Hollis, Democrat. Also running is David Blanchard of Brusly, No Party, Leonard
“Lenny” Bollingham of Baton Rouge, No Party, Ron Ceasar of Opelousas, No Party,
Cary J. Deaton of Metairie, Democrat, William Robert “Bob” Lang Jr. of
Natchitoches, No Party, Scott Lewis of Baton Rouge, Libertarian, “Niki Bird”
Papazoglakis of Baton Rouge, Democrat and Ivo “Trey” Roberts of Gretna,
Democrat.
In the
lieutenant governor’s race Billy Nungesser of Belle Chasse is challenging
appointed incumbent Jay Dardenne, both Republican.
In the
Secretary of State’s race, Appointed Incumbent Tom Schedler of Mandeville is
challenged by Jim Tucker of New Orleans, both Republicans.
Attorney
General Buddy Caldwell, of Tallulah, is facing challenger Joseph Cao, of New
Orelans, both Republicans.
Treasurer
John Kennedy, of Baton Rouge, Republican, is running unopposed.
Commissioner
of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain, of Covington, Republican, has two
challengers, Belinda “B” Alexandrenko of Lafayette, Reform Party and Jamie
LaBranche, of LaPlace, Democrat.
For
Commissioner of Insurance, Incumbent Jim Donelon of Metairie, Republican, has a
challenger. Donald C. Hodge of Baton Rouge, Democrat, is running.
Also
BESE Board District #5 Keith Guice of Monroe, Democrat, has a challenger. Jay
Guillot of Ruston, Republican, is his challenger.
Please
don’t forget to vote this Saturday! These are very important elections, locally
and statewide. For more information, please call the Registrar of Voters office
at 318-927-3332.
Holloway fundraiser set for Saturday
The Guardian-Journal
A
fundraiser for little Emilee Holloway is set for this Saturday, and is expected
to be full of fun.
Set for
10 a.m., Saturday, October 22, the fundraiser will take place at Mt. Olive
Christian School. The benefit will feature a concert, bake sale and silent
auction. Also, barbecue plates will be available for $5 per plate, and raffle
tickets are being sold for several large items.
Raffle
prizes include an AK -47 Gun/2000 ammo, a men’s Seiko watch, donated by Gray’s
Jewelry, and a fish cooker, donated by Stallion Oilfield Services and Cajun
Express Smoker, donated by Robert Myers of RV Works.
Raffle
tickets are $2 for the watch, the fish cooker is $5, and the cajun cooker and
the rifle are $10. The silent auction will include anything from paintings, air
pellet gun, multiple gift certificates, antique stores that have donated
furniture, a gun cabinet from Wade, Golf Legend David Toms memorabilia.
Face
painting will be available for $1, games for the kids (free).
Donations
for the bake sale are still being taken. Lots of sweets for the sweet tooth. If
you would like to donate, please call April Smith at 318-245-0080 or Melissa
Smith at 318-927-2046, extension 208.
The
silent auction will include several items, including some big ones. Items
include a $200 Gift Certificate for Michael's Men’s Store, donated by Emerson
Oil Company, Girl Basket, donated by Wendy Herring, Scentsy Basket, donated by
Jan Smith, Mary Kay Basket and Artwork on Tins LSU & Saints, donated by Aleida
Schut, Stainless Steel Meat Smoker, donated by Fred Smith and Sons, Troy Landry
Autographed Hat, donated by Angel Richard, Baskets, donated by Steel Magnolia
and Sheer Xcellence, $1,800 gift certificate for tires and rims, donated by SPC
Oilfield Rentals, two socket sets, donated by Big A in Haynesville, Travel Bag,
donated by Personal Touch, snack arrangement, donated by Silks by Stacey, $50
gift certificate, donated by Pattons Western Wear, Scentsy Plug-in Basket with
three scents, donated by Lynn Ruple, Scentsy Mid-Size warmer with three scents,
donated by Karen Ruple, 10-pound box of sausage, donated by the Hightowers,
David Toms Foundation hat, golf shirt,signed picture, and signed flag that came
from a tournament that he won, donated by the David Toms Foundation, original,
one of a kind, framed wildlife print, donated by Ron Atwood, Fire Pit, Gamo NEW
IN THE BOX pellet rifle with scope, donated by Terry Dobbins, two blankets
(1LSU and 1 LA TECH (fleece)), donated by Star Sherrill, crochet baby blanket,
donated by Virginia Watson, Jewelry, donated by Lora Dalton, Pink Leather US
Polo Purse & Bamboo/Giraffe Tote, donated by South Beach Tanning, Iron
Roosters, donated by TG’s Garden and Nursery, Gift Certificate, donated by
Terry’s Rings & Things, Necklace, donated by Gingerbread House, Vera Wang
Diaper Bag, donated by Friends from Shreveport, Handbags, donated by Mom’s to
Be, $25 Gift Certificate, donated by Murphy Brothers, Breakfast and Lunch Gift
Certificates, donated by Sharon’s Cafe, Reflector Vest, donated by Arcadia
Lumber, Fall Platter with stand, donated by Becky Holtzclaw, Glass Top Table,
donated by Antique Store, red candy dish, donated by 1st Street Antiques, Vera
Bradley bag, donated by Delta Interiors, Avon Basket, donated by Janice Southern,
Hammered Aluminum Lazy Susan, donated by Wisteria Antiques, Tool set, donated
by Bumper to Bumper in Arcadia, two-hour photo session with 50 edited prints on
CD with full copy release, donated by Brandi Jo’s Photography, Framed LSU
print, donated by Karen Lee, Gun Cabinet, donated by David Wade Correctional
Center, tv/dvr Combo, donated by Pafford Ambulance, Dinner 4 Two Gift
Certificate, donated by Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant, HandBraided Horse Hair
Bracelet, donated by Melissa Gros, two dozen fried pies gift certificate,
donated by Country Cottage, two cases coffee/ case hot chocolate, donated by
Ken’s Coffee, Faceless Children Quilt, donated by Lori Ellis, wine accessory
kit in Wooden Case, donated by Super Discount Liquor, three gift certificates,
donated by Southern Hills Animal Clinic in Shreveport, Girly Basket, Vera
Bradley Purse/Cosmetic Bag, donated by Chris McLendon and Deborah Lee, Forget
Me Not Gift Certificates, Hair Products, MP3 Player, donated by Chris
McLendon and Deborah Lee, Baby Blanket, Quilt, made by Nurley Foster, donated
by a family member, Candle/Insulated Mug, donated by City Floral in
Haynesville, baby items, donated by The Gift Box in Minden, and Black/White
dessert plate sets, donated by Killgore’s Pharmacy in Haynesville.
Also,
the handmade quilts will run from $10 to $40.
Any
donations would be greatly appreciated.
Entertainment
will be provided throughout the day, featuring Hard Times, the Glory Gals
(singing throughout the day) and Cydni’s School of Dance, which will perform
before lunch and much more lined up.
Raffle
tickets are $2 for the watch, the fish cooker is $5, and the cajun cooker and
the rifle are $10. The silent auction will include anything from paintings, air
pellet gun, multiple gift certificates, antique stores that have donated
furniture, a gun cabinet from Wade, Golf Legend David Toms memorabilia.
Face
painting will be available for $1, games for the kids (free).
Also,
donated by Harper Motors is a cargo van where people will have the chance for
$1 for a “van bash.” The van will have the name of the illness and side effects
from the treatments written on the van. Chances will be sold to “beat the
illness and side effects” with a big hammer.
Donations
for the bake sale are still being taken. Lots of sweets for the sweet tooth. If
you would like to donate, please call April Smith at 318-245-0080 or Melissa
Smith at 318-927-2046, extension 208.
Little
11-month-old Emilee is the daughter of Brad “Teddy Bear” and Jennifer Holloway.
She has suffered from epileptic seizures, or infantile spasms. According to the
family, Emilee has undergone treatment with oral medications, but it did not
work. So, following those treatments, she was given an injectable medication
(ACTH), which is very expensive.
Emilee
has finished three weeks of treatment and, thankfully, the seizures have
stopped, her mom said. However, the medicine that she was given costs $25,000
per vial, with one vial lasting only five days. Her parents still aren’t sure
that their health insurance will cover the injections. Even if it does, their
out-of-pocket expense is still a large amount of money.
During
the course of her treatment, Emilee had to travel to her pediatrician in
Shreveport every other day to check her vital signs, undergo a weekly blood test
and travel to a neurologist in Monroe once per week.
At the
completion of her treatment, Emilee will undergo another EEG, a chromosome test
and will be seeing three different therapists: speech, physical and
occupational.
Because
his daughter’s condition is so serious, “Teddy Bear” took a medical leave of
absence with no income to help his wife with Emilee. He has since gone back to
work, but the Holloways are still struggling to make ends meet as well as cover
the expenses of travel and mounting medical bills for their baby girl’s
treatment.
The
good news is the side effects from the injectable treatments she’s received are
subsiding. Jennifer said she’d gained quite a bit of weight during treatment,
but she has since lost it with the completion of the ACTH injections.
“The
side effects are not nearly as bad,” she said. “She’s developmentally delayed,
and she’s gone from just laying there to sitting and rocking on her knees, but
she is not crawling yet. When all this started, she kept her right hand in a
fist all the time. She can now use her hand and picks up her toys. She’s happy
again.”
Doctors
are hopeful that Emilee will outgrow this condition, but until the tests are
completed, they won’t know, Jennifer said.
The
family is asking for the community’s support on Saturday, so come on out and
have some fun and food! For more information, please call April Smith at
318-245-0080 or Melissa Smith at 318-927-2046, extension 208.
This year’s fair a success
The Guardian-Journal photos/Jenni
Williams
The Claiborne Parish Fair was a huge
success this year, kicking off with the annual fair parade. Pictured, military
veterans from Claiborne Parish served as grand marshals for the parade. There
was much going on as 4-H kids showed off their livestock, kids and parents
alike rode the many rides, and had a great time.
Taste of Homer set for November 5
The annual Taste of Homer, sponsored by the Claiborne
Chamber of Commerce, will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., on Saturday,
November 5 at Homer City Hall. Tickets are $10 each. Lots of eats and treats
from some of the best cooks in Claiborne Parish will be up for bid. For those
who would like to prepare a dish or bake a treat, please do so and call
Executive Director John Watson at the Chamber at 318-927-3271.
Bridge project progresses
The Guardian-Journal photos/K.H.
Hightower
The bridge project on La. 2 is
progressing. According to officials, the bridge replacement should be complete
within a few weeks. In the meantime, motorists should use caution as they
travel the detour around the bridgework.
Mills: ‘Be safe’ this Halloween
The Guardian-Journal
It’s
that time of year again! As all the little ghosts and goblins get ready to
trick or treat this Halloween, Homer Police Chief Russell Mills is reminding
everyone to not only enjoy the holiday but to be safe.
He
offered a few tips for parents as their children race from one house to another
picking up some sweet treats.
• It’s
very important that kids and their parents walk in groups -- safety in numbers.
•
Parents need to stay with small children. Watch for traffic and make sure kids
know the rules of crossing streets safely.
•
Parents need to make sure their little trick or treaters are wearing some type
of reflective material so that cars passing by will see them.
• Check
out your child’s candy before allowing them to eat it. Make sure the candy they
receive is pre-packaged and not opened.
• The
chief also asks that no homemade treats, such as popcorn balls or caramel
apples, be given out.
Halloween
will be celebrated on Monday, October 31, from 5 until 9 p.m. The Homer Police
Department will be handing out candy to trick or treaters at this time. The
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office will also be distributing candy and treats at
their office, located in downtown Homer, as well.
“Enjoy
your Halloween and be safe,” Mills said.
Also,
Mills reminds homeowners that if they are going to distribute treats, please
make sure your porch lights are on. For those who will not be distributing
treats, please make sure your porch lights are off. For more information,
please call the police department at 318-927-4000 or the sheriff’s office at
318-927-2011.
Homer High celebrates Homecoming Week
Homer
High School will celebrate its 111th Homecoming Week during October 17-21.
The
week’s festivities begin with “Spirit Days” and class competitions. On
Thursday, students will host “Purple and Gold Spirit Day” and will participate
in the annual Homecoming Parade at 5:30 p.m. The 37-entry parade will begin at
Homer High School and go around the Courthouse Square and return to the school
for the annual community pep rally, where the 2011 Club Sweethearts and
Homecoming Court members will be introduced.
The
2011 court members are: Freshman maids JaCandice Crew and Dominique Williams,
Sophomore maids Ariel Webb and Kiera Buggs, Junior maids Ciaira Washington and
Ashley Mitchell and Senior Maids Stephanie Horner, Shanice Shelton and Lianne
Ellis. Football Sweethearts are Khadejah Willis and Jasmine Dupree, and Queen
India Adams-Pickens.
Following
the pep rally, the football team will be treated to a homecoming meal sponsored
by the Quarterback Club, and the student council will complete a night of
decorating. On Friday, the annual “Pelican Dress-Up Day” for all students and
the Homecoming Court, Club Sweethearts and Senior Pelican Football players and
senior student council members will be honored at the annual Homecoming Tea to
be held at the Home Economics Cottage from 11:15 a.m. until 12:15 p.m.
All
honorees’ families, faculty and staff and alumni are invited to attend. The
pre-game will begin with the introduction of Club Sweethearts followed by the
singing of the National Anthem by the Homer High Honors Choir. Game time is 7
p.m., when the Pelicans will face the Warriors of Lakeside in a district
match-up.
Several
classes are also hosting class reunions and the home game Pelican Tailgate
burgers will be grilling! Half-time activities include the presentation of the
court and the crowning of the queen. Former cheerleaders and Pelican Doll Dance
Line members are welcome to return home to cheer on the Pels.
Homer
High students will end the historic week with the Annual Homecoming Dance. This
year’s theme is “Pelican Mardi Gras Party”, where the elected Homecoming Dance
Court will be announced.
Sheriff’s investigators building gets
makeover
Claiborne
Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey reports that repairs and improvements for the
Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID) began Tuesday, October
4, 2011. The CID building is located at 300 Hwy. 146 and is the property
formerly owned and occupied by the Claiborne Electric Cooperative.
The CID
has operated out of this facility since 2003 when the Sheriff’s Office leased
the building from Claiborne Electric. In 2009 the Claiborne Parish Police Jury
purchased the property from Claiborne Electric and made it the permanent home
for the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division.
The
current repair and improvement project is phase II of a project that began
earlier this year when the building’s roof was resurfaced. This project
utilized the same process that is used for the roof of the Louisiana Superdome
and carries a 30-year warranty.
Currently
contractors are removing windows from the building and replacing them with
smaller sections of glass and sealing up the other area with brick.
Sheriff
Bailey said the old windows would not open, they leaked and more importantly
created a security risk.
The
next phase will be aimed at making the front lobby accessible to provide
convenience and privacy to visitors and suspects during interviews.
These
renovations are made possible by funding secured from a Louisiana Govern-mental
Assistance Program (LGAP) Grant obtained by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury.
Sheriff
Bailey would like to take this opportunity to express his appreciation to the
Claiborne Parish Police Jury and Secretary/Treasurer Dwayne Woodard for their efforts
in securing this grant.
Bailey
said, “It is an immense benefit to the people of Claiborne Parish to have
organizations within the parish that strive to work together and provide our
citizens the very best we can.”
The
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division improvement
project began October 4, 2011.
DART vigil on Oct. 26
On
October 26th Claiborne Parish will observe “Domestic Abuse Awareness Month” by
holding a vigil to remember the victims of domestic abuse in North Louisiana.
While these ceremonies are often emotional events, there are several good
reasons why it is important to conduct them.
First
of all, vigils bring awareness to the community about domestic abuse. The same
week that we hold the vigil, the life sized silhouettes of the victims are
displayed on our Courthouse Square. This is a stark reminder that domestic
abuse is a reality in our area.
Second,
vigils offer a time of healing and comfort for family and friends of the
victims of this crime. These family members and friends know that their loved
one will never be forgotten because every year there will be a ceremony to
celebrate their lives and remember their name. Likewise, families and friends
gain strength from knowing that their community cares.
Vigils
help in recognizing the warning signs of domestic abuse and ways the community
can work together to stop this terrible crime.
Last,
but very importantly, vigils offer hope. For someone who may be experiencing
domestic abuse, by attending a vigil, they realize that they find the strength
to leave that relationship safely and that there is help for them.
This
year, please consider attending the Claiborne Parish Vigil for victims of
domestic abuse. The vigil will be held on October 26 at noon in the Claiborne Parish
Police Jury Meeting room in Homer. For more information, please call Mary Ellen
Gamble at 927-2818.
