Boat Parade, Fireworks Show this Saturday!

Butcher: Fireworks safety a must

The Guardian-Journal - 2012-06-28

The annual Lake Claiborne Boat Parade and Fireworks Show is this Saturday, so for those who haven’t marked their calendars yet, make plans to be there!

The boat parade begins at 7 p.m. with line up at Pleasure Point Marina. The route will make its way around the lake to Lake Claiborne State Park. A commemorative hat is given to each boat parade captain while supplies last, with one hat per boat only.

This year’s show is expected to be better than ever, with more fireworks this year than any other time! Beginning at 9 p.m., the fireworks show will be a spectacular event with 1,330 display effects. Handling the fireworks show again this year is Artisan Pyrotechnics of Wiggins, Miss.

While spectators will enjoy a great fireworks show this Saturday, Homer Fire Chief Dennis Butcher is reminding revelers to play it safe while shooting fireworks on the Fourth of July.

“Just use common sense,” Butcher said. “Conditions are extremely dry right now, and a little common sense and some preparation will go a long way. Please use extreme caution while shooting fireworks this year.”

While Claiborne Parish is not under a burn ban, it is still extremely important to be safe while shooting fireworks as it can cause serious burn and eye injuries, and can even be fatal.

Butcher offered the following tips to help prevent injury and keep the kids safe while celebrating the nation’s Day of Independence.

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper, because this is often a sign that fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.

• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees -- hot enough to melt some metals.

• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting a fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Summer is just getting started and the temperatures are heating up into triple digits quickly. Butcher urges everyone to stay safe this Fourth of July and make sure to drink plenty of clear fluids and wear, light-colored, loose clothing.

For more information on fireworks safety, please go to the U.S. Product Safety Commission’s website at www.cpsc.gov or the U.S. Fire Administration’s website at www.usfa.fema.gov.

CPSO seeks public’s help in locating suspects

The Guardian-Journal

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) is asking for the public’s help in apprehending a suspect wanted for armed robbery, armed robbery with the use of a firearm and aggravated assault.

Jakendrick Winzer, 26, of Homer, is wanted by the sheriff’s office on warrants of armed robbery, armed robbery with the use of a firearm and aggravated assault.

According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, on Monday, June 18, Deputy Randy Pugh responded to Homer Memorial Hospital regarding an injured victim. Upon arrival at the hospital, Pugh discovered a man who had been hit multiple times with a pistol.

Pugh contacted Detective Adrian Malone to continue an investigation. Malone’s investigation revealed that the victim was in a vehicle with Eric Knowles, 21, of Homer, Winzer and a female passenger. The victim stated that Knowles and Winzer pointed a gun at him and Winzer repeatedly beat him about the head and face with the gun. He suffered lacerations on his head.

The suspects then stole $1,010 in cash from the victim.

Malone obtained warrants on Knowles and Winzer on Wednesday, June 20 for the robbery and assault. Malone, assisted by the CPSO FAST Team and Probation and Parole, arrested Knowles on Friday, June 22 and charged him with armed robbery with bond set at $100,000, armed robbery with the use of a firearm with bond set at $100,000 and a probation violation with no bond.

Winzer currently has outstanding warrants with the sheriff’s office for armed robbery, armed robbery with a firearm and aggravated assault.

If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact the sheriff’s office at 318-927-2011 or the Criminal Investigations Division at 318-927-9800.

Your identity will remain anonymous.

In a separate incident, a traffic stop turned into a drug bust as Claiborne deputies discovered what they believed to be illegal narcotics inside the vehicle stopped.

According to a press release, on Sunday, June 24, Deputy Shane Huffstetler conducted a traffic stop on Bailey Town Road. Upon coming into contact with the driver, Huffstetler found him to be Tommy Lee Banks, 42, of Junction City, Ark.

Huffstetler contacted Deputy Aaron Christian and his K-9 partner to check the vehicle.

The K-9 alerted on the vehicle as to the presence of illegal narcotics. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed several small bags of suspected marijuana and a search of Banks’ person revealed more bags of suspected marijuana.

Banks was arrested and charged with blocking private driveways, no seat belt, modification of exhaust and possession with intent to distribute Schedule I CDS (marijuana). His bonds are to be set.

Banks was booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center on the above charges.

Claiborne joins LAE education reform lawsuit

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The Claiborne Parish Association of Educators (CAE) joined the Louisiana Association of Educators (LAE) in filing suit against the Department of Education and others on Friday alleging that Act 2 of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s sweeping education reform is unconstitutional.

“As an educator and president of the Claiborne Association of Educators, I fully support the LAE’s decision to file a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Act 2 and SCR 99 of the 2012 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature,” said Linda Mozeke. “Act 2 and SCR 99 violate several sectors of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974. I applaud the LAE for filing this lawsuit and I pray that their efforts will produce some positive outcomes for public education.”

In addition, the Claiborne Parish School Board joined at least 37 other school boards in supporting these suits by adopting resolutions which allow them to enter into litigation in federal or state court, either individually or as a member of a group of other public school systems with similar purpose, challenging the constitutionality and/or legality of Act 2 as well.

Claiborne Schools Superintendent Dr. Janice Williams said she joins her fellow school superintendents in support of these suits against Jindal’s education reform.

“I feel this is a worthwhile venture and demonstrates unity among educators,” Dr. Williams said. “If Act 2 is proven to be both unconstitutional and illegal, it will be a small victory as we continue to engage in battle to preserve public education.”

According to the suit, filed in the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish, Act 2, known as the voucher bill (intended to allow parents and children of low income school choice), and Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 99 are unconstitutional based on the grounds both violate the Louisiana Constitution by diverting public funding to non-public schools.

“In addition, the laws divert the local portions of the per-pupil amount allocated under the MFP (Minimum Foundation Program) for purposes not approved by voters,” a press release from the LAE states.

LAE Attorney Brian Blackwell, of Blackwell and Associates, says this not only violates the Louisiana Constitution, but it also goes against local property and sales tax referendums and ordinances.

“Voters approved taxing themselves to better the public schools in their home parishes. No voter was ever asked to approve public funding of non-public schools,” Blackwell said in the LAE press release. “The use of local funds for non-public schools violates the specific directions of the electorate.”

In addition, the press release states, “the legislature’s passage of SCR 99 was unconstitutional because it didn’t receive the two-thirds vote required to pass.”

SCR 99, a resolution adopted in the 2012 Regular Legislative Session, was a “matter intended to have the effect of law.” The resolution is one in which the legislature must approve a formula for MFP every year for public school allocations. The issue is not the resolution itself, but rather the fact that it was introduced after the 23rd calendar day of the 2012 regular session, on May 7, which is the 57th calendar day of the legislative session.

The information bulletin from the legislative website, www.legis.state.la.us, states that the deadline for the third reading and final passage of any piece of legislation should be held no later than 6 p.m. of the 57th legislative day or the 82nd calendar day (June 1), whichever occurs first, “Thereafter, if authorized by two-thirds vote of both houses,” the bulletin reads.

According to the history of the resolution’s movement through the course of the session, the conference committee report was adopted on Monday, June 4 and then sent to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of the Senate on Tuesday, June 12, and it did not receive two-thirds vote in favor. According to the House vote, it barely passed by a vote of 51 to 49. The Senate vote was 26 to 10 with three absent.

The Louisiana Constitution of 1974, Article III, $2(A)(3)(a), states, “No new matter intended to have the effect of law shall be introduced or received by either house after 6 o’clock in the evening of the twenty-third calendar day.”

Earlier in June, the Louisiana Federation of Teachers (LFT) also filed two suits asking the courts to declare Act 2 and Act 1 (which deals with teacher tenure) unconstitutional, similar to the suits filed by the LAE.

“In the haste to steamroll these bills through the legislature, the Constitution was often treated like little more than a list of inconvenient suggestions,” Federation President Steve Monaghan said. “The passage of these laws has elevated legal challenges to acts of civic responsibility.

“By cramming so many objectives into just two bills, public comment and debate were stifled,” he continued. “Legislators were given little information about the bills, and appeared intimidated into passing them without adequate debate and oversight.”

Also at issue in all three suits is the fact that law says a bill introduced in session must have a single objective. However, Act 2, LFT and LAE claim, several objectives were bundled into one package for passage.

Both State Superintendent John White and Gov. Bobby Jindal released statements following the filing of the LFT suits, saying these suits were just a way to hinder the progress of offering a better education for Louisiana’s children.

"The LFT is preventing parents from doing what they think is best for their children,” White said Thursday, June 7 in a statement released on the Department of Education’s website. “It’s time to return our focus to teaching and classrooms, but the LFT keeps dragging us back to politics and courtrooms.”

Jindal also responded on the suits.

“Forty-four percent of our public schools are failing, 225,000 students are below grade level, and our state is spending a billion dollars a year on failing schools,” the governor said on his official website. “That's unacceptable. The people of Louisiana demand and deserve better. The coalition of the status quo have fought reform every step of the way, so it is no surprise they are making this last ditch effort to convince the courts to overrule the vote of the people and the Legislature. Holding up these reforms in court will only deny parents and students the opportunity to escape failing schools. Our kids do not get a second chance to grow up.”

CAE is one of 47 named plaintiffs in the suit filed last Friday by the LAE. Defendants named in the suit are the State of Louisiana, the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and the State of Louisiana through the Department of Education.

The defendant listed in the suit challenging Act 2 filed by the LFT is the State of Louisiana. The defendant listed in the suit challenging Act 1 is BESE. Plaintiffs for both LFT suits include the LFT, the East Baton Rouge Federation of Teachers, the Jefferson Federation of Teachers and four individual Louisiana school teachers.

For more information on these suits, go to the Louisiana Federation of Teachers website at www.la.aft.org and the Louisiana Association of Educators website at www.lae.org. To see Act 1, Act 2 and SCR 99, go to the Louisiana Legislature’s website at www.legis.state.la.us.

Help has arrived!

Caddo, Bossier Parishes assist in cleanup efforts

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

The Caddo Parish Police Jury sent two dump trucks and one grapple truck to help in the cleanup efforts after a storm converged over Homer on Tuesday, June 12. Pictured left, the operator of this grapple truck puts tree limbs in the back of this dump truck, which then transported the debris to a dump site just north of Haynesville. Caddo Parish crews spent the better part of Monday morning on Airport Loop, one of the hardest hit areas around Lake Claiborne.

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

Bossier Parish crews work alongside a highline company on West Side Street in Homer as they work to clean up debris on the street so devastated by the storm that blew through Homer on Tuesday June 12. Pictured left, Claiborne Parish OEP Director Dennis Butcher, left, and Homer Maintenance Supervisor Lee Wells, right, discuss the plans for the day as this dump truck from Bossier Parish prepares to take on another load of vegetative debris.

South Claiborne, Central Water Systems’ boil advisories lifted

The boil advisory for the South Claiborne and Central Water Systems have been lifted.

Due to the recent storms earlier in June, the water system had issued a boil advisory until the water could be tested and declared safe.

Trash Bash this Saturday!

The Homer Clean City Committee’s Trash Bash will be held this Saturday, June 30, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., beginning at Oil Mill Road, between the old cotton warehouses and housing apartments.

This is available to Homer citizens only, and please be prepared to show ID.

Metal and white goods (refrigerators and washing machines, etc.) and regular trash accepted. No limbs accepted unless bundled in 6 foot long pieces.

For more information, please call 318-927-3271 or 318-927-2342.

Sparta Update...

Legislation results concerning water

Bennie R. Lowery, Sparta Commissioner

As most everyone knows, the Louisiana Legislature completed its 2012 session in early June and passed several water-related bills.  Four of them passed both chambers of the Legislature and went on to be signed by Governor Jindal.  It might also be interesting to note that at least three water-related bills failed to pass both chambers for a variety of reasons, but since they won’t become law I won’t bore you with them.  The first piece of legislation that I’ll discuss is HB 532 (now Act 261).  According to the House Legislative Services, HB 532 extends the sunset date of Act 955 which currently authorizes entering into cooperative agreements for the withdrawal of surface water.  The old law requires approval by the secretary of the Department of Natural Resources for any such agreement and limits the terms of the agreement to two years, but the two-year periods can be renewed until December 31, 2020.  The new legislation (HB 532) allows these two-year terms to renew through December 31, 2022.  But interestingly, the law further provides that a cooperative agreement may be renewed beyond 2022 if requested by the secretary of Economic Development (DED) as part of an “incentive contract” with DED…to my thinking, the State appears to now consider water a valuable asset economically which is definitely a step in the right direction.

The second bill is HB 896 (now Act 601) which changes the responsibilities of the Department of Transportation (DOTD) and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA).  Essentially, it moves a series of responsibilities from DOTD to CPRA.  A provision of special interest to the Sparta Commission is that presently the “Assistant Secretary of Public Works” at DOTD participates in the Sparta Commission whereas the new law changes that responsibility to the “Assistant Secretary for the Office of Conservation” at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) which clearly makes more sense.

The third piece of legislation is SB 495 (now Act 471) which changes the name of the Ground Water Resources Commission to the Water Resources Commission (WRC).  It may not seem so at first glance, but the name change is very significant!  You may recall that many of us have been arguing that “Water” is a single valuable resource (whether it is above or below the surface should not matter legally)…thus, the formerly “ground water” commission is now the “Water” commission.  You should know that this Commission is “the” primary advisory group to the Department of Natural Resources vis-à-vis water.  The old law contains a requirement for the WRC “to develop a ground water resource management program that shall include the evaluation of current and future demands for ground water, develop a conservation program, study alternatives to ground water use, and use alternative technologies and to hold public hearings and consult with local governmental entities in the development of such programs.”  Which, by the way, was a good idea to start with!  But the new law (SB 495) adds a requirement to the old law that “requires the commission to evaluate the state’s surface water resources including current and projected demands; inventory the state’s surface water supplies; identify technical research and previously developed information on surface water; study alternatives to surface water use including treatment and transmission systems; and reclamation; investigate incentives for conservation and the use of alternative technologies, including public education and conservation programs.  Further, the law provides that the evaluation should stress fostering efficient and productive use of the total water supply of the state in a sustainable manner in the satisfaction of economic, environmental, and other social goals.”  To borrow from the comedian Larry the Cable-Guy, “I don’t care who you are, that there is important!”

Finally, SB 502 (now Act 790) requires annual reports from certain special districts regarding its groundwater resources.   Essentially, this law “requires that, on or before January first annually, each water conservation district, fresh water district, and groundwater conservation district created by law submit a written report of the district’s groundwater resources to the commissioner of conservation (and other Commissions and task-forces as well).  Requires that the report include but not be limited to, the amount of water used for residential, commercial or industrial, or agricultural purposes, respectively; actual and projected saltwater intrusion or encroachment; and any current or projected sale of water for use outside of the state, including the amount of water so sold and the price paid by each out of state user.”  Again, this too is important even though you can hear the cries of “bureaucratic over-reach” floating on the wind.  But, the truth is that the state simply does not know how much water it uses! And, in order to develop realistic strategies that maximize economic and social goals for the long-haul, the state must have the data.  Now, let me put my own “cry” into the wind…the Legislature through DNR must provide the funds to accomplish this data collection and annual report.  Many Commissions, like the Sparta, have no revenue source to underwrite the new task (as vital as it is); thus, let me call for DNR to create a grant or other funding mechanism to enable commissions, like the Sparta, to gather and report on this extremely important state asset – Water.

Hilltop Campgrounds & RV Park announces opening of their website

Hilltop Campgrounds & RV Park (Princeton/Haughton, LA) is proud to announce the opening of their website as of 06/10/2012, online at www.HilltopCampgrounds.com.

Hilltop Campgrounds and RV Park is a work-camper, family and pet friendly park located just minutes from I-20 and I-220. The park is always clean with on-site management and maintenance for a worry free stay. The rental prices include lot, electric, water, sewer and trash pickup.

The park is located less than five miles from Haughton and 3 minutes from I-20 (Haughton/Fillmore exit - Hwy 157 North), and just 10-15 minutes from all the Hottest Gaming Locations in Shreveport-Bossier.

The park is open to the public year round. Features include Fishing and Swimming in their 5 acre natural spring pond. hiking & biking nature trails and beautiful, peaceful & serene surroundings throughout the year.

The park owners stated that "We contracted a Claiborne Parish based website designer, Key-Comp Web Design, and are very pleased with the results and recommend their services to anyone needing a new website or a face-lift of an existing site . Key-Comp can be contacted via their website at www.KCWD.com."

Claiborne Parish tourism initiative is underway

JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer

The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce has put together an assortment of materials to highlight where to go and what to do and see in Claiborne Parish. “Whether you’re a visitor or a local resident, Claiborne Parish has a driving tour CD set that you will find interesting,” says John Watson, Executive Director of the Chamber.

“The CD is one part of a major initiative aimed at helping others see and appreciate what is wonderful about Claiborne Parish,” Watson notes.

Asked what else is a part of the initiative, Watson explains that a colorful tourism brochure has been prepared. In addition,  there is a new website www.claiborneparishtourism.org.

Also, a cemetery brochure includes a map of the parish with the locations of 156 cemeteries in the parish or within a few miles of the parish line.

Finally, television ads have appeared describing Claiborne Parish as a desirable tourist destination.

Describing the tourism brochure, Watson says it highlights points of interest in Homer, Haynesville, Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield, and other areas of Claiborne Parish. It points out that 10 buildings in the parish are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The brochure includes pictures of the Claiborne Parish Courthouse, Herbert S. Ford Museum, Lisbon’s Killgore House, the mural on the west wall of Haynesville’s Killgore Pharmacy,  Homer’s Old Town Cemetery, the Hill Farm, Summerfield’s Alberry Wasson House, and Lake Claiborne.

The cover of the “Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, Cemetery Guide” notes that it is intended to be “A guide to finding the resting places of your ancestors.” A brief description gives directions for each of the 156 cemeteries There is also a map in the brochure marking the approximate location of each.

The new tourism website, www.claiborneparishtourism.org, describes Lake Claiborne State Park and lists local lodging such as Panther Creek Bed and Breakfast at Summerfield and Lake Claiborne Vacation Cottage on Harmon Loop.

The website describes “eateries” such as the Rebel Stop and Moon’s toward Summerfield, Port-au-Prince on Lake Claiborne, Sunrise Bakery and Restaurant and Homer Seafood and Pizza as well as Yesterday’s Grill in Haynesville.

Highlights related to Homer, Haynesville, Lisbon, Athens, Summerfield, and the parish’s historic cemeteries are all mentioned on the website.

Some parish events are plugged including the Butterfly Festival, the Claiborne Jubilee, the 4th of July Fireworks and Boat Parade, Lake Claiborne Antique Auto and Bike Show, and the Christmas Festival.

The set consists of two CDs with 41 tracks of information highlighting areas of interest around the parish. For only $3 visitors or local residents can learn things about Claiborne Parish that’s not in the history books, stories passed down from grandparents to grandchildren that has become the stuff of local legend and lore.

Of course, the internet website is free as is the tourism brochure. With the cemetery guide available for $1 and the driving CD sets for $3, the whole tourism package is available for $4, a token cost to cover expenses of production.

Many local citizens donated many hours to the brochures, the cemetery guide, the driving CDs, and the website.

Brochures and CD sets are available at the following locations:

* The Grapevine

* Port-au-Prince Restaurant

* Killgore Pharmacy

* The Rebel Stop

* Claiborne Parish Library

* Delta Interiors

* The Chamber Office at Ford Museum

Brochures only are available at the following:

* Courtyard Florist

* Lake Claiborne State Park

* Haynesville City Hall

* The Guardian-Journal

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