Claiborne Electric, Entergy Crews Head To Florida
According to spokesperson Joey White, a
14-man crew from Claiborne Electric Cooperative arrived in central Florida
during the weekend, ready to go to work helping restore electricity for areas
hard hit by Hurricane Charley. The crew carried plenty of equipment to get the
job done, ranging from bucket trucks to swamp buggies.
Entergy, in response to a request for
assistance, sent a group of about 230 Entergy lineman, 32 from North Louisiana,
and support personnel to Florida last Friday to help restore power expected to
be disrupted by Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane Charley.
Concerned Citizens Meet To Discuss
Homer School Project
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
A Public Meeting Will Be Held Monday, August 23 At 5:30 PM In
The Homer Council Chambers To Discuss The Homer School Bond Issue_The
Status Of Phase I Of The Project (Homer Elementary), Remaining Funds, Options
For Phase II (Homer Jr. High Construction, Renovation Of Homer High, And
Track), Plans To Close Pearl Street, And Possible Uses For The Junior High
Campus.
Several members of the Homer community
and the Homer School
Oversight Committee met Monday, August 16 to discuss the Homer
school construction project and what
could be done to ensure the proposition approved by a majority of Homer
citizens would be completed as promoted to the community. The promotional
pamphlet distributed to Homer students prior to the bond election on May 4,
2002 was reviewed. It explained in detail what the bond proposition would do
for the school district if it was approved by voters.
The pamphlet stated that Homer
Elementary would get two new wings to replace all the temporary buildings, a
new diningroom added to the cafeteria, a new faculty
parking lot, and all classrooms and auditorium in the existing building would
be upgraded. Fifth grade classrooms would be moved from the Junior High to the
Homer Elementary building.
The Homer Junior High campus would be
moved to the High School and Elementary campus where students would have access
to new science labs and computer labs. Junior High students would be allowed to
participate in programs such as band, vocal music, art, drama, vocational and
guidance counselor services, as well as athletic programs. They would also have
access to a large library and the auditorium.
The proposition would include the
complete modernization of the existing Homer High School building, offices and
auditorium with the
addition of new classrooms for expanded vocational programs, a
new all-weather regulation track and renovation of athletic facilities.
The pamphlet also explained the benefit
the bond proposal would have for the entire Homer community by providing safe, secure, modern
facilities for all students, at a cost the district could afford. It would help
attract qualified teachers and would provide additional facilities for
community meetings and activities. The community would have access to the
all-weather track for exercise and fitness activities. The new school facility would also provide
incentive for economic development and new business location.
Bill Owens said his wife Denice is the interim band director at Homer High. It is
hard to find band directors and there is no band director at the Junior High.
If the campuses were consolidated, that would give Homer Junior High students
the opportunity to participate in band, as well as other activities.
Rhonda Porter, who has been teaching art
at Homer Junior High for 13 years, agreed. She said she wants only the very
best for the Homer schools and consolidating the campuses will give students
the best opportunity for education. She said Homer Junior High is a great
school but she worries about the image being given the school by closing the
street and putting gates up at each end.
Everyone agreed they want to make sure
the project is completed as originally presented to the community and voted on
by the public. All were confident the School Board had access to funds that
would complete the project without going back to the voters for another bond
election.
Former School Board Member Jim Featherston, who also serves on the Oversight Committee,
worked with present Board Member and Vice-President Blake Hemphill and CPSB
Business Manager Ginger Woodall to identify available School Board funds that
could be used to complete the Homer School project. They came up with figures
totaling $1.2 million, in addition to the $2.9 million remaining bond monies,
which were presented to Superintendent James Scriber early in July.
Featherston said Homer District 13 Maintenance
Funds totaled $622,346. After payments for roofing, cafeteria equipment and a
gas line at Homer Jr. High, there was $430,000 remaining.
The balance in the Parishwide
Maintenance Fund was $548,084. Of the 2,727 students in Claiborne Parish school, 1,204, or 44%, attend Homer schools. Using that
percentage, the three came up with a figure of $241,157 that could be used for the
Homer project. Using a portion of the Homer District Maintenance Fund
collections that will be collected over the next three years and money owed
from the Haynesville Maintenance Fund, they identified another $533,000.
Featherston said this figure does not include
potential cost savings the Homer School will generate through the consolidation
of transportation, cafeteria, administration, maintenance services and utility
costs. He said, "We have identified the funding, so what are we waiting
on? Let's get on with it."
The group agreed the remaining bond
money could be used for the construction of the Junior High. Maintenance funds
and QZAB money could be used to renovate the High School and build the track.
Also discussed was the
future plans for the existing junior high building and the need to make
sure the building would not be left vacant. Initial plans for the Homer School
project included possibly converting the existing campus into a center that
could enhance the local community by providing educational and recreational
opportunities. This could be done by incorporating several programs such as the
Claiborne Boys and Girls Club and the Head Start program. Adult education
classes and a more comprehensive program for the Alternative School could be
provided, possibly sponsored in part by the Mayfield Alumni Association. Other
meaningful programs could be offered through Ron Wafer's organization, North
Louisiana Revival Resources, or a community-based recreational district.
Another public meeting will be held
Monday, August 23 in the Homer Council Chambers to discuss the status on Phase
I (Homer Elementary), the remaining bond monies, options for Phase II (Homer
Jr. High, Homer High, and track), plans to close Pearl Street, and possible
future uses for the junior high campus.
.
State Officials Attend Local Watershed Meeting
Sparta Aquifer, Lake Drawdown, Lisbon
Landing
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Tony Duplechin, Chief of Staff for the
State Groundwater Management Commission, attended the special called meeting of
the Claiborne Parish Watershed Commission on August 12 and shared information
on the recent draft order concerning the Sparta Groundwater Conservation
District Commission's application two years ago for Critical Ground Water Area
designation. He said last month the Office of Conservation issued a draft order
to declare a portion of the area as critical. Although the Commission asked for
most of the Sparta including Claiborne Parish to be included, only three areas
were selected to be declared critical areas.
Industrial Board Chairman Dennis Butcher presented a proposal to
the Commission, asking they contribute up to $6,000 to make improvements to the
Lisbon Landing, matching what the Industrial Board has already approved. Butch
Fincher expressed his concern that they would invest money in the project but
there would be no oversight for maintenance and vandalism. Butcher said David
Wade Correctional had agreed to maintain the sight but they could request more
patrols by the Sheriff's Office. Commissioners voted to contribute up to $6,000
with the condition that the Police Jury would provide the labor for the dirt
work and that other public bodies agree to help reduce the vandalism and
maintain the site.
Sheriff's Office Makes Several Drug
Arrests
According to Claiborne Parish Sheriff
Ken Bailey, Martha McKnight of 1004 Talley St. in Haynesville was arrested
August 10 after receiving a parcel package which contained ninety tablets of
diazepam. McKnight, 44, was charged with possession of Schedule IV CDS
(diazepam) with bond set at $2,500. This parcel package was the result of
internet activity that McKnight admitted she was involved in. U. S. Postal Inspectors intercepted the
package in San Diego, California. At the
same time, according to U.S. Postal inspectors, 71 other packages with illegal
content were seized from the same mailing facility.
Narcotic agents said the use of the
internet to order pharmaceutical drugs is one of the fastest growing problems
they face. Although there are some
legitimate companies,
there are hundreds of foreign companies shipping controlled
substances without legal prescriptions.
Sheriff Bailey stated this investigation
was the combined effort of Metro Narcotics Task Force, Louisiana State Police,
Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office, and U. S. Postal Inspectors.
On August 11, Metro Narcotics, the
Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office and Louisiana State Police personnel served a
search warrant at 664 Spring Lake Road which led to the seizure of Schedule 1
CDS (marijuana), and Schedule II CDS (cocaine).
LaQuathe McNeal, 29, of Homer was arrested for
distribution of marijuana and distribution of cocaine and booked into the
Claiborne Parish Detention. Bond has not been set.
Sheriff Deputy David Morgan arrested
Fred Davis at his residence at 701 South 3rd Street in Homer on August 13 on a
warrant for non-support. Morgan was advised by Metro Narcotics Task Force
(MNTF) agent James Spillers there was also a warrant for Davis for distribution
of Schedule I CDS (marijuana). Narcotic agents immediately went to Davis'
apartment to assist Morgan. A search by
agents uncovered a quantity of suspected marijuana and cocaine on Davis, who
was then transported and booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.
The investigation which led to the
distribution warrant against Davis was conducted by MNTF and the Louisiana
State Police. Sheriff Ken Bailey stated
more arrests are expected as a result of that investigation.
Bailey urges anyone with information or
a complaint about possible drug activity in their area to contact Metro Narcotics at the
Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division by calling
318-927-9800.
Woman Arrested For Slashing Tires
The Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office,
according to Sheriff Ken Bailey, received a report that a vehicle parked at the
rodeo in Athens had two tires that had been cut. Sheriff Deputy Sam Dowies responded to the initial call, which was followed by
an investigation led by CPSO Detective Duffy Gandy.
On August 12, Kim Michelle Ray, 23, of
Minden was arrested on the charge of simple criminal damage to property and
booked into the Claiborne Parish jail on $500 bond.
Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office
Website Now Online
ClaiborneOne.org, the official web
presence for all of Claiborne Parish, announces the addition of The Claiborne
Parish Sheriff's Office to the hundreds of pages already online at Claiborne
One. The CPSO website is now online at www.ClaiborneSheriff.org. The site
includes a welcome message from new Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey,
information on divisions and staff, detention center visitation procedures,
community programs, tips on how to protect yourself and your family, and
employment opportunities.
D.A.R.T. Honored By Governor Blanco
D.A.R.T. of Lincoln was one of four
community-based family violence programs honored by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco at a luncheon in Alexandria last week.
D.A.R.T. of Lincoln serves five parishes in North Louisiana including the
office in Claiborne Parish.
On Tuesday, August 10, Governor Blanco
expressed praise for the programs which are funded by the Governor's Office on
Women's Policy (OWP), then issued proclamations to D.A.R.T. of Lincoln, the Calsasieu Women's Shelter in Lake Charles, the Metropolitan
Battered Women's Program in Jefferson, and the YWCA of Northeast Louisiana in
Monroe.
Truck Hits Pole On
Square
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Homer Police Captain Donald Malray and Sheriff Deputy Jeff Pugh were called to the
scene of another accident on the Courthouse Square. About 5:15 PM on Tuesday,
August 17, an 18-wheel log truck attempted to make a right hand turn on the
northwest corner of the Square when driver Paul Mason of Haynesville hit the
metal pole holding the transformer for the traffic lights. According to
witnesses the truck owned by Mickey Thurmon Logging
of Junction City had to back up and make a wider turn, then continued north on
Hwy. 79.
Martin Tully, husband of Dale Tully,
owner of Miss Lizzie's, followed the truck to In-Mart, then
notified authorities. Malray said the accident blew
out the right rear tire on the 18-wheeler and bent the right rear rim. No
citations were issued.
Malray said this is the third incident at that
corner in a month. Just over a month ago, Tully's truck was parked in front of
Miss Lizzie's when the overhang of an oversized loaded log truck headed west on
North Main made a left hand turn heading south on Hwy. 79, hit Tully's truck,
knocking it onto the curb and breaking the rear light assembly. Another truck
turning north hit the pole and caught the overhang, damaging the awning.
Malray said they get numerous calls on the Square_if not for an accident, they are called to direct
traffic so oversize loads such as trailers and heavy equipment can be hauled
across the Square. Homer Police Chief Rodney Hollenshead
said this was especially difficult when school was in session due to the added
traffic with school buses around the Square.
In December 1999, another 18-wheel log
truck made a similar turn and knocked the pole holding the traffic lights down,
dragging them a block before stopping at Billy's Service Station. It took
several hours for DOTD to replace the traffic light.
In June 1997, a tanker truck carrying
8,600 gallons of gasoline overturned one block south of the downtown square,
spilling most of its load into the town's drainage system and forcing
businesses and homes around and near the Square to evacuate.
Hollenshead said this was an ongoing problem and
would not be solved until the Homer Bypass is completed.
J. T. Taylor, Claiborne Chamber of
Commerce President, said according to DOTD Secretary Johnny Bradberry,
there was no money to complete the Bypass this year and he did not know when it
would be funded. Rep. Rick Gallot is working to set
up a meeting with Governor Kathleen Blanco to see what can be done to get the
more than $8 million needed to complete the Bypass, which is 100% state funded.
Since the project has already begun, it is ineligible for matching federal
funds.
Taylor said, "Recently we also had
a good prospect with about 200 jobs which involved heavy truck traffic, too
many for the Square to handle. They backed off because there was no definite
answer on when the Bypass would be competed."
DWCC Awarded National Accreditation
David Thomas, Chairperson of the
Commission of Accreditation for Corrections (CAC), recently announced the
accreditation of the David Wade Correctional Center, Louisiana Department of
Public Safety and Corrections. The award was presented in conjunction with the
134th Congress of Correction in Chicago, Illinois, on August 2.
In presenting the award, David Thomas,
Chairperson of the CAC, and Charles Kehoe, President of the American
Correctional Association (ACA), complimented Warden Venetia Michael and her
staff on their professional level of operation and their success in completing
the accreditation process. The agency is
one of over 1,500 correctional organizations currently involved in
accreditation across the nation.
