Multiparish drug bust nets 5 from
Claiborne
Claiborne
Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey announced that on November 3, the Claiborne Narcotic
Enforcement Team (CNET), in conjunction with the Louisiana State Police (LSP),
Lincoln Parish Narcotic Enforcement Team (LPNET), Bienville Parish Narcotics
(BPN) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (USDEA) culminated an
investigation that dated back to September 2007.
Sheriff
Bailey provided the following statement. In September 2007, CNET agents and LSP
narcotic agents developed information relative to the suspected drug
distribution activities of Derwin Jamal Lewis of Athens. This information
indicated that Derwin Lewis was supplying large quantities of crack cocaine in
Claiborne, Bienville and Lincoln Parishes.
Agents
made every attempt to further this investigation but were unsuccessful at that
time. In July 2008, CNET and LSP Narcotics developed new information which led
them to Trent Ivory of Homer, and Malcolm Gillis, previously from Homer and
living in Magnolia, Ark., at the time. CNET and LSP knew early on that this
investigation had the potential to reach across many jurisdictions within this
state, as well as, into other states, and in order to make an impact across
north Louisiana, these violators needed to be prosecuted in a system where
there are minimum mandatory sentences that would result in the removal of these
violators from the drug trade in our area.
As this
investigation continued, agents contacted the USDEA and requested their
assistance. In order for a case to be prosecuted in federal court, it must
first be adopted by a federal agency.
During
the next 11 months, agents concentrated all of their efforts on this case in
order to identify and gather evidence against as many people involved in this
distribution network as possible. Through their efforts, they were able to
identify and make cases against 28 suspects.
These
suspects were located in Claiborne, Bienville, Lincoln and Ouachita Parishes as
well as Houston, Texas, and Mexico. In April 2009, agents were able to
intercept a shipment of 4.5 kilos of cocaine headed for north Louisiana. In May
2009, several individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury and numerous
arrests and search warrants were issued. Since that time, a federal grand jury
has handed down indictments relative to this case on two other occasions.
On
November 3, agents and officers from numerous law enforcement agencies
conducted a roundup of individuals wanted in connection with this case. This
was the third such roundup that has occurred since May of this year. On
November 3, agents arrested eight suspects in Ruston and one suspect in Houston. At this time, approximately 28 people have been indicted and arrested. Of this
28, five have a direct link to Claiborne Parish. All subjects that have been
arrested in this case face a minimum of 10 years to life in federal prison. The
majority of people arrested in this case face 20 years to life in federal
prison. The five suspects from Claiborne Parish are Derwin J. Lewis, Malcolm
Gillis, Trent Ivory, Julius Walker and Marcus Sneed. At this time, most of
these suspects have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
CNET
Agent James Spillers stated that this was the most mentally and physically
challenging case that he has ever been involved in, and it is also one of the
most satisfying. Spillers stated that this is a perfect example of how narcotic
investigations are suppose to work, because they started on a street level and
worked all the way to the source of supply at the border. This was possible
because local, state and federal law enforcement were able to work together and
not worry about who gets credit for this or that, but worry about how many drug
dealers can be stopped from poisoning our community. Spillers stated that he
wanted to use this media to personally thank Chief Russell Mills of Homer and
Chief Anthony Smith of Haynesville for their cooperation.
“These
two men do not realize the assistance that they provide on a daily basis,”
Spillers said. “I am constantly calling them and requesting information or they
are calling me and providing information. A well deserved thank you to Agent Adrian
Malone of the Haynesville Police Department for all of your hard work and
dedication to this case.
“In
closing,” he continued, “I sincerely thank the Louisiana State Police, DEA and
the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of La. We started something
locally and you were able to expand it. You didn’t have to do this, but I truly
believe that you saw the potential to make a true impact in rural north Louisiana, and you have and for that I thank you.”
Bailey
ended by saying that most of the major violators in this case have been
arrested, but agents are continuing to gather information and evidence and more
arrests are expected.
Bailey
encourages the public to notify area law enforcement agencies of any suspicious
or illegal activities that are going on in their neighborhoods. Concerned
citizens can call CNET at 318-927-9800, the Louisiana State Police at
318-676-3200, the Homer Police Department at 318-927-4000, the Haynesville
Police Department at 318-624-1355, or the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at
318-927-2011.
Any and
all information is considered confidential and is greatly appreciated.
Officer airlifted following wreck
The Guardian-Journal photo/K.H. Hightower
This accident happened Sunday night, at
approximately 9 p.m., according to state police reports. Homer Police Officer
John Bailey was airlifted to LSU Health Sciences Center for treatment of
non-life threatening injuries. According to reports, the driver of the vehicle,
Alexandra White, suffered no injuries. Pictured are from left, Claiborne Parish
Sheriff’s Deputy Roger Ellerbe, Captain Donald Malray, of the Homer Police
Department, and District 2 Homer Town Councilman Michael Wade.
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
A Homer
Police Officer was airlifted to LSU Health Sciences Center Sunday night
following a two vehicle accident on The Square.
According
to information gathered at the scene, Officer John Bailey had been called to
assist Captain Donald Malray on a call. At approximately 9 p.m., Bailey was
crossing U.S. Hwy. 79 on North Main heading towards Homer High School when a
large SUV came onto The Square, heading south on U.S. Hwy. 79. The two
collided.
According
to reports at the scene, the SUV collided with Bailey in his passenger side
rear door, spinning both vehicles around in the intersection. There were
conflicts by witnesses as to who had the green light. But, it was reported that
Bailey had his emergency lights on at the time of impact.
Bailey
was airlifted by Pafford Air One to LSU Health Sciences Center for treatment.
Homer Police Chief Russell Mills, Bailey suffered a few lacerations to the
head. He was released from the hospital on Monday afternoon. A passenger in the
vehicle was also treated for light head injuries at the scene. Fortunately, the
airbags in the SUV deployed.
“He’s
very fortunate,” Mills said. “It was very fortunate that nobody was seriously
hurt in this incident.”
Louisiana
State Police Public Information Officer Doug Pierrelee said no violations have
been identified at this time.
“It doesn’t
mean that there aren’t any, and it doesn’t mean there will be any,” he said.
The
investigation, at this time, is still ongoing.
Show Me the Money robbed
Show Me
the Money store, located at 814 West Main Street was robbed on Thursday,
November 5, according to police reports.
The
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office received a panic alarm from an alarm company
at 5:55 p.m. Homer Police Officers, along with sheriff’s deputies arrived and
found that the business had been robbed.
Homer
Police Chief Russell Mills advised that upon canvassing the store for any
physical evidence, officers observed a quantity of change on the floor area
near the safe. The store clerk had to be transported to Homer Memorial Hospital due to the serious nature of the event she encountered. She was sent for
observation as a precaution.
During
the investigation, officers discovered that an undetermined amount of money had
been taken from the safe area. Chief Mills advised that the David Wade Correctional Center chase team was called to the scene in an attempt to assist in
the investigation. Chief Mills advised that as of press time, his officer was
working with management and staff to establish a reward for the robbery.
Chief
Mills advised if anyone has any information to contact the Homer Police
Department at 318-927-4000 or the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at
318-927-2011.
Armed robber arrested
The Guardian-Journal
A Homer
man is behind bars on $200,000 bond after allegedly robbing a man at gunpoint.
Toney
Kimble, 23, of Lisbon, was arrested on warrants Monday, November 9, on charges
of armed robbery and armed robbery with use of a firearm. Bond was set at
$100,000 on each charge.
According
to reports, Officer Van McDaniel was dispatched to the 300 block of West 3rd Street on October 16. Upon arrival, the victim told the officer that he’d been
robbed at gunpoint. The suspect, later identified as Kimble, allegedly took an
undisclosed amount of money from the victim.
Reports
say the victim pointed Kimble out of a photo lineup, and warrants were issued
for his arrest. He was arrested without incident on November 9 by Homer Police
Chief Russell Mills and Officer Dale Sindle.
Appellate court reverses convictions in
HYR death
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal has reversed the convictions of
negligent homicide on three former Hope Youth Ranch employees in the death of a
12-year-old boy.
The
convictions against Kelton Greenard, Arthur G. Henderson III and Anthony L.
Combs have been reversed, but each count of cruelty to a juvenile was affirmed,
according to the court’s opinion rendered Thursday, November 12. Originally,
each defendant was sentenced to five years at hard labor to run concurrent,
with three years suspended and two years of supervised probation after release,
together with probationary conditions.
In
2005, Alex Harris, 12, died from heat related problems after he was denied
water during a punitive run while in in-school suspension at Hope Youth Ranch,
a home for troubled young boys.
The
opinion, mostly written by Judge Harmon Drew, found the evidence for criminal
negligent homicide wasn’t sufficient.
“We
find the evidence in this record insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable
doubt that the criminal negligence of these defendants caused the death of the
child in question,” the opinion states. “Therefore the negligent homicide
convictions are reversed…We affirm each of the cruelty to juveniles conviction
and remand the matters for individualized sentencing.”
This
means that Judge A. Parker Self, the original judge in the trial, will have to
re-sentence each defendant in accordance with the charge.
Judge
J. Caraway, who also wrote an opinion in the case, agreed that others, along
with the three defendants, played a part in the events leading up to Harris’
death, but because their review was restricted to the three defendants, this is
what was written:
As of
press time, Bossier/Webster District Attorney Schuyler Marvin could not be
reached by telephone for comment.
The
opinion found several areas of inconsistency in the case, but also found areas
of culpability by others that weren’t addressed because charges against at
least five of those originally arrested were dismissed.
“No one
involved at HYR acquitted himself well in this tragedy,” the opinion stated.
“Possibly a dozen people could have made a difference, but no one did so. This
is a story of institutional dysfunction, and it is not pretty. Exhibited that
day was a systemic and callous indifference to the well-being of the residents
at HYR, in particular the perceived troublemaker, Alex Harris.”
For
instance, testimony given by a witness – Corey Zito – who was a resident of
Hope Youth Ranch at the time of Harris’ death, was inconsistent and unclear.
The opinion stated, “Much of Zito’s testimony was halting, unclear, evasive and
self-serving. He responded with ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I don’t remember’ or ‘I’m
not sure’ two dozen times.”
Inconsistencies
were found in the testimonies of Dr. Frank Peretti, forensic pathologist from
the Arkansas State Crime Lab in Little Rock, who initially said in Harris’
autopsy report that “there is no evidence to suggest that his death was due to
hyperthermia. Vitreous chemistries do not show a dehydration pattern.”
The
opinion continues, “Seven months later, after consulting with LSP (Louisiana
State Police) Detective (Michael) Allen, the doctor changed the cause of death
from ‘undetermined’ to ‘environmental hyperthermia with blunt force head
trauma.’” Testimony in the trial clearly stated that Harris had suffered every
stage of heat stroke.
Judge
Drew stated in the opinion that just because one conviction had been reversed
didn’t mean they weren’t guilty of something.
“The
fact that we perceive others also to be grievously at fault does not excuse the
actions or inactions of these defendants,” the opinion stated. “Our review is
limited to the culpability of these three men who were actually prosecuted.”
The
opinion is basically stating that others involved that day also played a part
in the events leading up to Harris’ death, but because only Greenard, Henderson and Combs were charged, they could only make an opinion based on the evidence
and testimony before them.
The
opinion went on to say that the state did prove criminal negligence, but not
negligent homicide. The judge listed the seriousness of responsibility by each
defendant, but found that all three were guilty of cruelty to juveniles.
“There
is not a good way to die, but Alex suffered unnecessarily during his final
moments, and for that, these three defendants are criminally responsible,” the
opinion continued. “Greenard, Combs and Henderson were criminally negligent in
their treatment of the juvenile on September 13, 2005, causing Alex to withstand additional pain and suffering.
“Thoroughly
reviewing this record,” the opinion continued, “we cannot say that the trial
court was clearly wrong in its factual and legal conclusions in finding these
men guilty of cruelty to juveniles. Accordingly, we remand each case for
individualized re-sentencing on the one charge.”
J.
Caraway’s written opinion stated much the same.
“With
the present two charges, I believe that our concept of criminal negligence does
allow for distinction regarding the ‘disregard’ of the risk of harm to Alex,
which these defendants’ actions and inactions exhibited,” Caraway wrote. “The
circumstances indicate that the defendants should have realized the unjustified
pain and suffering which Alex suffered from the heat and actions of the other
children.
“Since
we have held that the crime of cruelty to a juvenile is a general intent crime,
the defendants’ inactions could even amount to intentional neglect,” Caraway
continued. “The circumstances surrounding their inaction indicate that they
must have adverted to Alex’s pain and suffering as reasonably certain to have
been occurring. But if not, there is no reasonable doubt that they witnessed
and could understand his distress so that their disregard of his condition
amounted to a gross deviation below the standard of care expected of them.”
Caraway
went on to agree with Drew in his assessment in that there wasn’t sufficient
evidence “demonstrating their awareness of the risk of death and allowing for a
finding of their reckless disregard for his life.”
When
the three are re-sentenced, they face up to 10 years in prison. Negligent
homicide carries a maximum of five years in prison.
Vets honored in Claiborne Parish
Photos and stories by Michelle Bates and
Jenni Williams
Claiborne Academy honors vets
Claiborne Academy presented a
moving Veteran’s Day program, Wednesday, November 11, in the school’s
gymnasium.
An
invocation was offered by Miller Claire Killgore to begin the program. Daryn
Clark, Claiborne Academy Foundation chairman, welcomed the veterans and
visitors to the day’s festivities.
“I
walk away each year with a warm smile after attending one these programs,” Clark added before turning the microphone over to Allen Knight with the Boys Scouts of
America Troop 72 who led the Pledge of Allegiance after the Posting of the
Colors.
Dinner
was served at this point, by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
Co-captian Jason Tuggle, of the FCA, spoke of Veteran’s Day and what it means
to each of those attending, followed by Jesse Beard, captain of the FCA, who
gave the history of Veteran’s Day.
Following
the young men’s speeches, Gold Star mothers were honored. Gold Star mothers are
moms that lost a child in battle.
A short
video was then shown of the story behind the writing of The National Anthem by
Francis Scott Key. Headmaster Bill Herrington addressed and welcomed the
attendees saying, “I believe in days like today, and I get inspirational when I
see that flag flying.” He continued, “God Bless America, that’s what I’m
talking about!”
A slide
show was then presented of each of the attending Veterans and the branch of
service each was a member . Recognizing these men and women was Ed Watson.
A
moment of silence was then observed, along with the playing of Taps by Sergeant
Mike Legendre and the singing of The National Anthem by fourth-grade Claiborne Academy student Jolie Allen.
Senior
Jessica Tinsley closed the program with a prayer and the retrieval of the
colors by the Boy Scout Troop of Homer.
Haynesville Elementary honors vets
Haynesville
Elementary has outdone itself again in this year’s celebration of Veteran’s
Day.
The
students of the school sang songs in honor of local veterans as well as the
soldiers who fight oversees to protect our freedoms.
After
an opening prayer by Mary Presley, all veterans attending were recognized for
their service to our country. Each grade sang moving renditions of several
patriotic songs.
Pre-K
and Kindergarten sang “God Bless America,” while the first grade sang “This is
My Country.”
As
pictures of soldiers oversees were shown on a projector screen, the second
grade gave a moving performance of “American Tears.” While the mood remained
somber and heartfelt, a video in remembrance of September 11, 2001 was shown.
When
the lights came back up, the third grade sang “American’s We” while the fourth
grade performed “One Nation” and “American Everyday.”
Spirit of Christmas food drive begins
now
The
28th annual Spirit of Christmas Food Drive, sponsored by Brookshire Grocery Co.
and the Homer Lions Club, begins on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
The
food drive provides food for needy families in the Homer area at Christmas.
“We
have always had tremendous community response to the food drive,” said Sam
Anderson, BGC’s director of consumer and community relations. “This has grown
into one of the largest privately sponsored charitable efforts in the region.”
Area
residents may make donations by placing non-perishable food items in designated
bins located in participating Brookshire’s or Super 1 Foods stores.
People are
asked not to donate homemade goods or items in glass jars. Bulk items, such as
flour, sugar and corn meal, should be donated in smaller sizes to allow for
more variety in the boxes given to the recipients.
In
addition to the public food donations, each family will receive at least one
roasting hen from Brookshire Grocery Co. Members of the participating service
organization will sort, package and distribute the food to the families before
Christmas.
All
food collected in the area will be distributed in the Homer area. Families
assisted by the Spirit of Christmas Food Drive are selected by local relief
organizations or government agencies according to need.
The
Spirit of Christmas Food Drive began in 1982, when 92 families in Tyler, Texas, received assistance.
Toys for Tots Jamboree Dec. 10
Homer City Hall will be
hosting the Music Jamboree Toys for Tots program Thursday, December 10, at 7 p.m.
There
will be traditional Christmas music, along with bluegrass, country and gospel
music by local and surrounding area performers.
There
is no charge for admission. The only admission (per person) will be a wrapped
toy for a child, ages 0-10 years old, and we ask that it be labeled by gender
(boy or girl) and age. There is no limit on how many toys you want to bring.
Requirements
to be eligible for the toys: they must have a letter from the elementary
schools in Claiborne Parish on their letterhead and signed by the principal,
and they must bring the letter to City Hall to be able to get the toy.
We
invite everyone to come out to help make some children’s dreams come true!
Refreshments
will be served. For more information, please call Edna Wyant at 927-0092 or
B.J. Lowe at 927-3555 (city hall).
Christmas parade slated for Nov. 28
The
annual Christmas parade will be held Saturday, November 28, at 5 p.m. Lineup will be at Homer High School at 4 p.m., and we really want folks to light up
their floats!
The
Square will be lit up the night before the parade.
There’s
still time to enter a float for any group who has not. Just return the form in
this week’s edition of The Guardian-Journal to P.O. Box 367, Homer, LA 71040.
All groups are welcome. Whatever form of transportation you wish to use is your
choice, but it must be safe.
Unfortunately,
there will be no Christmas festival this year. Due to the unpredictability of
the weather, the Christmas Festival Committee made the decision to not have the
festival. However, Santa will not only be rolling in at the Christmas parade,
but he will come by train.
The
L&NW Santa Train, Santa’s favorite way to travel when he visits the good
boys and girls in Louisiana and Arkansas, will be making a scheduled stop in
the area on December 12, 2009.
Santa
and Mrs. Claus will be making an early Christmas arrival this year along the
L&NW rail route between Gibsland, Louisiana and McNeil, Arkansas.
His
arrival will give area children one last opportunity before Christmas to get
their wish lists given to Santa, and it will give parents the opportunity to
take some great holiday photographs and have one made with Santa, with the
proceeds being donated to DART.
Mark
December 12 on the calendar to make sure the kids get to visit with Santa
during his stop in area towns.
The
2009 L&NW Santa Train is making its debut this year across North Louisiana and Southern Arkansas, carrying Santa to four towns in Louisiana and three
towns in Arkansas.
The
train will be making stops in Gibsland, Athens, Homer and Haynesville in Louisiana and Emerson, McNeil and Magnolia in Arkansas.
The
Santa train is expected to arrive in Athens at 10:45. It will then travel on to Homer and make its stop at Delta Interiors at approximately 11:30.
Santa
and Mrs. Claus will be escorted to the front of the Delta Interiors building,
where a special place will be set up for them.
All children
will have a chance to win a Lionel electric train that is being donated by the
L&NW Railroad. Santa will be bringing gifts from his workshop for each good
little boy and girl.
Children
must be accompanied by an adult.
“We are
so thrilled to have such an excellent event for the Town and are enthused about
the L&NW and their involvement in the community,” Homer Mayor David Newell
said about the event. “I am in 100 percent support of the event.”
The
Claiborne Parish DART (Domestic Abuse Resistance Team) will also have a booth
in the parking lot to sell lollipops for one dollar.
After
leaving Homer, the train will make its next stop in Haynesville around 12:40 and that location will be announced at a later date, also.
Santa
and his elves are busy getting ready for Christmas. Help them out by e-mailing
Santa a letter this year by visiting the L&NW Santa Train website at the
site listed below.
Also,
after writing Santa a list, check out Santa’s blog to see some of the letters
he has already received this year. Your letter might be published next.
Area
businesses that are helping to sponsor this exciting event are L&NW
Railroad, the Town of Homer, Insurance Consultants, Claiborne Electric,
Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden, Homer Lions Club, Frito Lay, Claiborne
Parish Sheriff’s Department, DART and Delta Interiors.
Please
come out and enjoy the day as many more exciting things will be happening, too.
For
more information or to enter a float for the parade, call Melissa Smith at
927-2046, ext. 208, or Vanessa Efferson at 927-9555.
Proposition 16 fails
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
Claiborne Parish School System has lost some funding due to the failure of
Proposition 16, which would have continued the 10 year, 5 mills tax that used
to fund maintenance for Pineview High School.
Claiborne
Parish Schools Superintendent Dr. Janice Williams is disappointed in the
outcome of November 14th’s election, but she hasn’t given up yet.
“It was
disheartening,” she said. “It was rather disappointing, because overall, we
wanted that money to continue to assist in the education of our students. That
was the purpose of the tax renewal. The funds were going to follow the
children.”
They
are going to try it again next year, she said, but if it doesn’t pass at that
time, a demographer will be brought in to re-draw the district lines.
Results
on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website show that the proposition failed
by approximately 73 percent, with only approximately 27 percent voting in favor
of it. Only 38 votes were in favor of the proposition, while 105 were against
it.
Results
broken down by precinct are as follows:
Absentee:
8 in favor and 11 against
Precinct
08: 14 in favor and 12 against
Precinct
10: 1 in favor and 28 against
Precinct
11: 1 in favor and 27 against
Precinct
21: no votes either way
Precinct
22: no votes either way
Precinct
81: 10 in favor and 24 against
Precinct
92: 4 in favor and 3 against
The tax
renewal was a 10 year, 5 mills property tax that funded the “cost of acquiring,
constructing, improving, operating and maintaining public school buildings,
facilities and equipment, and supporting the education of students who reside
in the District…”
It
would have raised approximately $100,000 per year to those students from
Pineview who were distributed between Homer and Summerfield schools. Pineview
closed last year, and when it closed the funds from the tax collected in that
district were frozen.
Later,
the Louisiana attorney general returned an opinion stating the school board
could use the funds for those students from Pineview that transferred to the
Homer and Summerfield schools.
Fugitives captured in Homer
According
to Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey, two people were arrested after warrants
were issued for them three months ago.
Detective
Ben Booth obtained warrants against Anthony Dawson, 36, of Homer and Rebecca F.
Colvin, 28, of Homer, in August of this year for the charge of felony
contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.
The
couple had been on the run since that time.
During
the first week of November, Booth received information that the couple was
staying back at their 123 Howard Road address. On Friday, November 13, a team
of deputies, led by Agent James Spillers and Detective Randy Smith, went to 123 Howard Road located in the Sharon Community. Lt. Randy Pugh, Lt. Jimmy Brown, Deputies
Roger Ellerbe, J.T. Williams, Darren Keel and Det. Booth were the members of
the team.
Both
Dawson and Colvin were arrested at that time. They were charged with felony
contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Bond was set at $10,000 each and
Dawson was booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. Colvin was
booked into the Claiborne Parish Women’s Facility.
Local Fuller Center Housing Inches Closer to Reality
JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer
Local
citizens concerned with substandard housing in Claiborne Parish met again, this
time the evening of November 5 at Tall Timbers Lodge. Russell Grigsby, pastor
of Believers Worship Center, chaired the meeting and reported that much
progress has been made since October’s meeting.
Grigsby
had explained at the October meeting that the Fuller Center Ministry (FCM) is
similar to Habitat for Humanity, i.e., the goal is to provide simple, decent,
affordable housing.
He
noted that 17 have volunteered their “time, talent, and treasury” to serve on
the board of what will likely be known as the Fuller Center Ministry of
Claiborne Parish. Asked how many members the board will have, Grigsby answered
that the number has not yet been determined, but it will not exceed 20.
Replying
to an audience question as to what qualifications are necessary to be a board
member, Grigsby said most important is a “passion to help.” He noted that the
“passion to help” goes far in accomplishing FCM’s mission.
Grigsby
added that the board’s final composition has almost been determined and board
members’ names will be announced later this month.
Asked
where FCM of Claiborne Parish now stands with regard to kicking off, he said,
“we’re almost there now” and explained that the next meeting will be held at Believers Worship Center on November 19 at 6 pm and is open to board members only.
Some
Questions and Answers About Fuller Center Ministry
Here
are answers to some questions raised at the last two planning meetings of the
Fuller Center Ministry group:
Q. Do
we have an attorney on retainer?
A. No,
but one has been recommended, and we are in the process of approaching him. We
also need an accountant.
Q. Can
a husband and wife both be on the board?
A. Yes.
Q. How
do we go about choosing board members?
A. First,
they must have a passion for helping others. They must be able to give not only
their time but their money as well to the ministry plus be able to work in any
area that is required.
Q. Will
the ministry be able to acquire run-down or boarded-up properties?
A. Yes,
they will. The board will vote on the property, then file required paperwork
with the parish.
Q. How
is insurance acquired on a new home?
A. The
board will acquire insurance on the property, but the person to receive the
home will be required to make a down payment, the amount of which will be
determined by the amount of insurance placed on the home.
Q. What
is required of one chosen to receive a new home?
A.
After the person is chosen to receive this new home, they must have donated
their 500 “sweat equity hours” plus they might be required to make a good faith
payment at the beginning of the venture.
Q. What
if someone cannot personally carry out 500 sweat equity hours?
A.
Another person (or persons) can work in their place, donating the sweat equity
hours.
Q. Who
handles the home closing?
A. A
title agency. At closing the homeowner will be required to sign a promissory
note, to ensure repayment of the cost of building the home.
Q. How
can people donate to this ministry?
A.
Several ways: (1) donate cans; (2) donate cars, whether running or not; and (3)
used appliances donated to the ministry can go toward the donor’s sweat equity.
Q. What
is required of someone chosen to receive a new home or to have one refurbished?
A. The
homeowner is required to be onsite at the time that volunteers are going to
start work on the project. If they cannot be there, they must call or have
someone onsite to represent them.
Q. Can
this ministry acquire help from the prison system?
A. Yes.
The appropriate papers must be filed with the State to accomplish this. If
prison labor is made available, the homeowner must provide water and lunch for
them.
Q. What
is a “covenant partnership,” and will that be available locally?
A. This
occurs when a church agrees to sponsor building a home for a qualified person
who may or may not be able to pay for the new home.
Homer Elementary School leaps into the future
The Guardian-Journal photo/Jenni Williams
Homer Elementary School made great use of recent grant money to purchase the
latest in the future of teaching. Pictured above, fifth grade students in Mrs.
Grimm’s class enjoy their teacher’s use of an ELMO which can project an image
on just about any surface.
JENNI WILLIAMS, The Guardian-Journal
Homer Elementary School is
making great strides into the future of learning.
Through
two recent grants received from Claiborne Electric Cooperative in 2008 and 2009
and Title 1 money, the school has been able to purchase the latest in teaching
tools.
Each
grade from kindergarten to fifth grade have received at least one of the new
purchases, while most grades have all of the newest equipment.
One of
these revolutionary tools is the Interwrite Pad by Interwrite Learning. A tool
designed with the teacher in mind, this Bluetooth wireless pad comes with
Interwrite software and gives each teacher the ability to teach interactive
lessons from anywhere in the classroom.
The
Interwrite Pad works in conjunction with the Interwrite Board, which is mounted
on a wall in the classroom, just like a chalkboard. The Interwrite Pad can
also project computer images on any surface to create an interactive
whiteboard.
Homer
Elementary teachers can pass the Interwrite Pad to any student who can then
contribute from their own desk.
The
Interwrite Pad utilizes patented electromagnetic digitizing technology which
delivers a high resolution. Each pad comes with a easy to use education
software package that anyone can use. Teachers can even email lessons and notes
to students who are not in class at the time.
Each
pad also comes with an interactive pen that provides capabilities just like a
computer mouse. It can also be used on the Interwrite Boards.
Most of
the classes also received ELMOs, which are similar to the basic overhead
projector but with a giant leap into the future of projecting images. ELMOs are
classroom document cameras that project images in real time, and come with
everything from a 180 degree rotating arm and SD card slot to LED lighting and
USB ports.
Images
can be projected from the ELMO system without the use of those old, scratched
up plastic overhead transparency sheets. Any regular sheet of paper, page of a
book or just about anything can be projected from this machine and it
automatically adjusts each image to the amount of light in the classroom for
optimal viewing by the students.
Each
grade has also received laptop computers, with most grades having at least
three in each classroom. The students have complete access, with teacher’s
permission, of course.
The
school is also home to two computer labs with 20 computers each. When it comes
time for that first school report on the computer, these students will not have
the slightest fear about sitting in front of that computer monitor.
Much
more information can be found about these products by going to
www.interwritelearning.com and www.protechprojection.com
While
touring the school with fourth grade teacher, Melanie Holloway, it was amazing
to see how these students are spending their day. What happened to the days of
lugging that huge math book out of the desk and grabbing a pencil and notebook?
In this day and age of technology, Homer Elementary students are staying right
up there with the times.
