HEADLINES - May 20, 2004

Jubilee Recognizes Families Of Service Members

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

The 2004 Claiborne Parish Jubilee recognized the families of service men and women presently on active duty by presenting them with star-shaped plaques designed by Homer Junior High Student Aleah Henderson. Henderson was the overall winner of the parishwide contest to come up with a design that represents "What Home Means To Me". During the Jubilee held May 15, Henderson was presented a $50 savings bond by Cynthia Steele. Other winners in the plaque contest also received savings bonds. They were Catherine Slaton of Haynesville Elementary (elementary division), Jessica Tinsley of Homer Jr. High (junior high division) and Courtney Goodwin of Haynesville High (high school division.)

The Best of Show for the Quilt Contest was Helen Pinkston of Red River Quilters organization.

Art Show winners were as follows:

Children - 8 and under

Watercolor

First - Dacoda Skinner, Claiborne Academy

Second - Alex Ruple, Claiborne Academy

Third - Chelse Swint, Claiborne Academy

Drawing

First - Demarcus Jackson, Haynesville Elementary

Second - Dalton Daniel, Haynesville Elementary

Third - Austin McCurry, Haynesville Elementary

Miscellaneous

First - Alayna Dickey

Best of Show

Mary Clark - Claiborne Academy

Junior - 9-12 Years

Watercolor

First - Heather Cochran, Claiborne Academy

Second - Courtney Baker, Claiborne Academy

Third - Jessica Tinsley - Homer Junior High

Drawing

First - Shea Reeder, Claiborne Academy

Second - Samantha Newell

Third - Samantha Newell

Acrylic

First - Landon Childress, Haynesville Jr. High

Second - Jessica Roberts of Homer

Third - Spencer Heard, Haynesville Jr. High

Miscellaneous

First - Courtney Mott, Homer Jr. High

Second - Jerrell Merritt, Homer Jr. High

Third - Devin Durham, Haynesville Jr. High

Best Of Show

Alexandra White, Claiborne Academy

Youth -13-17 Years

Watercolor

First - Jessica Lee, Haynesville Jr. High

Second - Emelie Hollenshead, Homer Jr. High

Third - Segedric Wade, Homer Jr. High

Drawing

First - Lauren Brooke Wadlington, Homer High

Second - Devin Owens, Homer High

Third - Devin Owens, Homer High

Acrylic

First - Devin Owens, Homer High

Second - Britney Winn, Haynesville Jr./Sr. High

Third - Kelsey Powell - Homer High

Oil

First - Kimberly Danforth, Homer High

Second - Kimberly Danforth, Homer High

Miscellaneous

First - Anna Hay, Homer High

Second - James McCoy, Haynesville Jr./Sr. High

Third - Amber Byrd - Homer High

Best of Show

James McCoy, Haynesville Jr./Sr. High

Adults

Watercolor

First - Keith Killgore of Haynesville

Acrylic

First - Meg McCowen of Athens

Second - Meg McCowen

Third - Meg McCowen

Drawing

First - Rhonda Porter of Homer

Second - Rhonda Porter

Third - Rhonda Porter

Photography

First - Rusty Gilbert of Lisbon

Second - Kathryn Hightower of Homer

Third - Rusty Gilbert

Miscellaneous

First - Donna Faulk of Athens

Second - Christine Hiser of Derby, Kansas

Professional

Sculpture

First - Larry Milford of Minden

Watercolor

First - Glenda Rogers of Bossier City

Second - Marlene Waters of Ruston

Third - Genie Marsalis of Athens

Photography

First - Melba Miller of Benton

Second - Melba Miller

Miscellaneous

First - Bonnie Woodard of Arcadia

Second - Bonnie Woodard

Third - Genie Marsalis of Athens

Acrylic

First - E. Sue Abbott of Bernice

Second - E. Sue Abbott

Third - Barbara Rushing of Shreveport

Drawing

First - Barbara Rushing of Shreveport

Second - Edward Heintz of Stonewall

Third - Melba Miller of Benton

Oil

First -Barbara Rushing of Shreveport

Second - LeNora DeLude of Keithville

Third - Faye Rockett of Lillie

Best of Show

Glenda Rogers

Quilt Show

Best of Show

Helen Pinkston

Antique

First - Genie Marsalis

HM Appliqué

First - Jeannine James

Third - Jackie Pierce

HM - Wall Hanging

First - Helen Pinkston

Second - Jackie Pierce

Fourth - Wynona Adcock

Pieced Hand Quilted

First - Nurlie Foster

Second - Nurlie Foster

Third - Helen Pinkston

Appliquéd

First - Ethel Kilgore

Second - Ethel Kilgore

Third - Mary Lynn Whitley

Wearable Art

First - Jackie Pierce

"End Of School Bash" Is Bust For Oasis Nightclub

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office, the Louisiana Alcohol-Tobacco Control and the Louisiana State Police were surprise guests at the "End of School Bash" held May 14 at the Oasis Nightclub in Haynesville. Officers were there to conduct a bar check on the club which culminated a month long investigation by the three agencies. During that time, undercover vice officers from the Shreveport Police Department escorted underage persons into the club and witnessed these individuals purchase alcoholic beverages on numerous occasions.

These illegal sales of alcohol to persons under 21 years of age resulted in the arrests of Michael D. Sneed, 21, of Emerson, Arkansas (11 counts), Kelli M. Dyer (8 counts), Alicia A. Simpson (1 count, and Mable M. Miller (6 counts). During the bar check on May 14, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office arrested owner, Roy M. Rogers, for keeping a disorderly place and possession of marijuana.

The Louisiana ATC additionally issued citations for 2 counts of allowing improper conduct; 2 arrests for contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile; 17 summons for possession of alcohol by persons under 21 years of age; 2 arrests for trespassing; 1 summons for 8 counts of purchase of alcohol on a minor; 1 summons for possession of tobacco by person under the age of 18; 1 arrest for illegal use of an ID to obtain entrance into the club; 1 arrest for resisting an officer and 1 arrest for purchase of alcohol on behalf of a minor.

All subjects arrested by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office were booked into jail and bonds were set at $500 per offense. All administrative citations issued by the Louisiana ATC have a court date of July 21 in Baton Rouge with the Commissioner for the Louisiana ATC.

Sheriff Kenneth Volentine stated that underage drinking in Claiborne Parish is an ever-growing problem and the Sheriff's Office intends to do everything possible to curb the use. Anyone with information regarding this type of offense is encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Office at 318-927-2011 or 318-927-9800.

Parental Involvement, No. 1 Challenge Facing Schools

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

"Parental involvement is the number one challenge facing the school system today," according to Homer High Principal Jeff Holmes. Holmes was the guest speaker at the Homer Lions Club last week. He gave Lions an overview of the five challenges facing educators today: 1) parental involvement, 2) student apathy, 3) students from broken homes, 4) shortfall in funding, and 5) high stakes testing. These are not just challenges facing schools in Claiborne Parish, but throughout the nation.

Holmes said, "Education is not an exact science and there is no silver bullet." The public, education experts and the government have pushed for new ways and means to meet all the needs of a diverse, multi-cultural school system. Many times a push in one area means creating predicaments in another.

A number of polls show the lack of parental control, guidance, or discipline for students at home is the number one challenge facing teachers. Students arrive daily at school unprepared to learn or be taught. Research shows that parents who depend on external guidance can expect their child to perform poorly. Holmes said, "Lack of parental control is the essence of the issue."

Holmes said he believes discipline begins and ends at home. Discipline should be a major part of a child's life before they reach school. Educators should only be responsible for maintaining discipline while students are at school..

Jesse Hammett Joined Navy At 15,

An Underage Veteran

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

No doubt the heat of a north Louisiana summer sun beating down upon his neck had the young sharecropper's son imagining the adventures of 5 older brothers already traveling and making careers in military service. And, his father's advancing age, with visual and hearing impairment, wasn't making a difficult life any easier. Jesse Hammett needed more than red clay fields to fill his restless youth.

Born the youngest of seven on August 28, 1927 in the small farming community of Cotton Valley, Louisiana, Jesse lost his mother at 14 months of age to pneumonia. He had started school in Webster Parish at about 8 years old and was finishing with 7th grade when he asked his dad about "joining up." However, Henry Hammett, staunch deacon of Red River Baptist Church told Jesse that he would not lie to allow his enlistment, but that he would not stop him if he found a way.

Find a way Jesse did. With a buddy, Giles Savell, a plan was concocted and set in motion. The two boys went to the local draft board and gave false birth dates when they registered. The same day, they went elsewhere and volunteered, giving the draft board as reference. No questions were asked about their ages since the draft board listed their birthdates. It was 1943 and they were 15.

May 20, 2004 NEWS BRIEFS

"Pig Out" With Chamber And Dessert At Cake Auction

Members of the Homer-Claiborne Chamber of Commerce are selling $3 tickets for a Pork Po-Boy Sandwich, Chips and Drink for a fundraiser set for Friday, June 4 from 11 AM - 1 PM at Homer City Hall. A Cake Auction will also be held during this time.

Bass Busters To Hold May Tourney On Red River

The Claiborne Bass Busters will hold their next Bass Tournament Saturday or Sunday, May 22 or 23 from daylight until 3 PM out of Clark's Marina on Red River. For information, call DCs Marine at 927-4943 or Donnie Westbrook at 927-5325.

Haynesville Town Council To Meet Thursday, May 20, 6 PM

The Haynesville Town Council will meet Thursday, May 20 at 6 PM in the Council Chambers.

Dr. Alice Stewart To Speak At Lions Club Thursday, May 27

Dr. Alice Stewart will be the guest speaker at the noon luncheon of the Homer Lions Club on Thursday, May 27 at Linder Motor Lodge. She will present a power point presentation concerning the economic development in Claiborne Parish subject to the location of I-69 through Claiborne and Webster parish.

Driver's Education Classes To Start Monday, June 7

The 2004 Driver's Education Class at Homer High School will begin Monday, June 7 at 8 AM. Students may register at the Claiborne Parish School Board office. Class size is limited. The registration fee is $200 payable by money order or cashier's check to the Claiborne Parish School Board. All students must be 15 years of age on or before June 26, 2004 and must bring birth certificates for proof of age.

Senior Extravaganza May 28, 6 PM At Ruston Civic Center

The Community Coordinating Council and State Rep. Richard Gallot will sponsor a "Senior Extravaganza", a Triple "E" Program (Enriching, Educational, Experiences) with arts and crafts, exhibits, talent display and fashion show on May 28 at 6 PM at the Ruston Civic Center in Ruston. For more info, call Jo Etta Williams at 927-9444, Renee Lincoln-Buggs at 624-2552, or Tonya Jackson at 255-3632.

S.A.Y.Y.E.A. Seminars Set For May 22-June 19, Ages 13-17

Five Saturday seminars focusing on abstinence for ages 13-17, May 22 through June 19. S.A.Y.Y.E.A (Sexually Abstinent Youth and Youth Encouraging Abstinence) is sponsored by Community Coordinating Council and State Rep. Richard Gallot. For application info and schedule of seminars, contact Tonya Jackson at 255-3632 or Valena Lane at 247-6676. Deadline is May 21. The program will accommodate the first four eligible persons from Arcadia, Athens, Gibsland, Grambling, Haynesville, Homer, Lillie, Lisbon, Ruston, and Simsboro. Transportation not provided.

May Is National Alcohol & Birth Defects Awareness Month

From generation to generation drug and alcohol addiction affects mothers and children every day. Narconon reminds you May is National Alcohol and Birth Defects Awareness Month. Narconon offers free addiction counseling, assessments and referrals to rehabilitation centers nationwide by calling 1-800-468-6933 or logging onto www.stopaddiction.com..com.

Corinth Cemetery Meeting, Services, Lunch Set For Sat., May 22

The Corinth Cemetery will hold its annual Memorial Day business meeting on Saturday, May 22 at 10:30 AM. Services will follow at 11 AM and dinner will be served after the Memorial services. Donations or memorials may be made at the meeting or mailed to Corinth Cemetery, c/o Leon Stewart, 901 Stewart Road, Homer, LA 71040.

Scottish Rite Masons To Present Play At Homer Masonic Lodge

The Scottish Rite Masons of Shreveport will present the play "Rose on the Altar" on June 18 at 6:30 PM at the Homer Masonic Lodge. The public is invited to attend. The Lodge is located on the square in downtown Homer. For further information, contact Thomas P. Wyant at 927-0092.

Competitive Trail Ride Set For Saturday, June 26 At Bayou Bodcau

A Competitive Trail Ride will be held at Bayou Bodcau Wildlife Area on Saturday, June 26. Entry forms and further information is available by contacting Ride Chairman/Secretary Pat McNeel (903) 938-9688. The one day ride is sanctioned by the North American Trail Ride Conference. This is a one day ride with a 60 rider limit.

Summer Classes Begin May 25 At Northwest La. Technical College

Business classes for the Summer Semester at NW Louisiana Technical College-Homer begin May 24. Two 5-week sessions will be offered this summer. The first session is May 24-June 25, second session is July 12-August 13. Registration for new students will be held at Minden campus Tuesday, May 18 starting at 8:30 AM, and at Homer campus Wednesday, May 19 at 12:00 noon. Before registration, new students must take the entrance exam given at Homer campus every Wednesday at 8 AM Racing forms, schedules, and other information available at the school or by calling 927-2034. Come see what NW Tech has to offer!

Homer Elementary Pre-K And Kindergarten Sign-Up Through May

Homer Elementary will be signing up students for their 2004-2005 Pre-School and Kindergarten classes through May. By signing up now, your child will be assured a place on our class lists in the fall. You will need a copy of the child's birth certificate, social security card and an updated shot record from your doctor or the Claiborne Parish Health Unit. All Pre-K students must be 4 years old before October 1 of this year and K-5 students must be 5 years old before October 1 of this year. Children's names will not be put on the lists until ALL of the required documentation is presented to the schools. Registration and school fees for all students not currently enrolled at Homer Elementary School, grades Pre-K through 4 will be Wednesday, August 4 (12 PM through 5 PM) and Thursday, August 5 (8AM-1PM). Registration fees are $10 and will be collected at the time of registration. The first day of school for the 2004-2005 school session will be Thursday, August 12.

Pinkie Wilkerson Center, Delta Sigma Theta To Award $4,000 Scholarship

The Pinkie C. Wilkerson Life Development Center and Grambling Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will be awarding a $4,000 Scholarship ($500 per semester for four years) to an eligible 2004 high school graduate. The criteria to qualify is they must attend Grambling State University in the Fall 2004 Semester and must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and ACT score of 20. For more info, and scholarship application, contact Theresa Jacobs at 318-247-8437. Application must be postmarked by June 30, 2004.

State Park Needs Craftsmen For "Living History Celebration" July 10

Lake Claiborne State Park is looking for craftsmen and others who would be interested in setting up a demonstration at the "Living History Celebration" set for Saturday, July 10 from 10 AM - 2 PM. Interpretive Ranger Elizabeth Entrekin is looking for anyone in the area parishes who can demonstrate ways people in the area used to live, such as bow and arrow, wood carving, basket weaving, quilting, cotton carding, and even possibly sketch artists_anything that occurred in the early days settling this area. The event is being provided courtesy of the area parishes and hopes to give a taste of the kinds of things we did in the past to survive. For more information, call 927-2976 or 1-888-667-2524.

D.A.R.T. Offers Confidential Assistance To Domestic Abuse Victims

Everyone knows a victim of domestic violence. They are our neighbors, co-workers, friends, and relatives. Although we may not be aware of the domestic violence around us, this crime occurs in every community regardless of age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation/identity, mental or physical ability, and religious background. Domestic Violence is not a problem only for married people. Domestic violence occurs in many other partnerships, in dating relationships, in cohabitation relationships, in same-sex relationships, and past relationships. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, help and/or information is available at D.A.R.T. (Domestic Abuse Resistance Team). All information is strictly confidential. Call 927-2818 or 1-888-411-1333 after hours and weekends.

Forty Students To Be Sponsored For 2004 GSU Mini-College, Dist. 11

CCC Inc. and Rep. Richard Gallot will sponsor Registration Fees ONLY for the 2004 GSU Mini-College for four students from each of the following municipalities in District 11: Arcadia, Athens, Gibsland, Grambling, Haynesville, Homer, Lillie, Ruston, Simsboro, and Summerfield. One week-long session of fun and learning for ages 5-15, 8 AM - 5:30 PM. Session I- July 19-23; Session II - July 26-30; Session III - Aug. 2-6. Sponsors will be responsible for registration fee ONLY. No transportation will be provided. Call Tonya Jackson at 255-3632 or Valena Lane at 247-6676. Deadline June 18, 2004. First come, first serve.