Hospital Board appoints interim
administrator
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
Homer Memorial Hospital Board of Directors appointed its interim administrator
Tuesday morning in a special called meeting.
Ginger
Smith will take over administrative duties until a new administrator can be
appointed. She takes the place of former administrator Doug Efferson, who
resigned on April 5.
Much
controversy has surrounded Efferson’s resignation, and many citizens took it to
the Homer Town Council during its regular monthly meeting on April 5. Citizens
expressed not only their disbelief but their opinions as well as grievances as
to how the mayor and town council have handled the situation. Efferson’s
resignation also came on the heels of Buddy Pixley being removed from the
hospital board the week before.
In a
letter dated March 25, three town councilmen – Scott “Doc” Roberson, District
1, Michael Wade, District 2 and Patricia Jenkins, District 3 – all signed a
letter saying they did not support Efferson as the hospital administrator and
they would do anything necessary to see him removed. The revelation of this
letter coming to light led some citizens to believe the three council members
met without public knowledge, which is a violation of open meetings laws.
The
hospital board also appointed a search committee to begin the process of
finding a new administrator. Appointed to the board are Alecia Smith, who will
serve as chair, George Tigner, Homer Mayor David Newell, Dottie Palmer and
Board Chairman Wesley Emerson.
It was
also suggested medical staff have a say in the appointment of the new
administrator as well.
New
officers were also elected, who include Emerson, who will serve as chairman and
George Tigner, who will serve as vice chair. The secretary is Chloe Ellen
Watson.
In
other hospital news, the discussion of tweaking the hospital’s employee
complaint system was brought up, because board members as well as the mayor
felt a need to come up with a way that employees can comfortably and discreetly
file any grievance or complaint they may have. The idea is to develop a program
where employees as well as patients or customers can make suggestions for
improvements and a way to allow employees to safely make complaints.
Tigner
explained, in his experiences with bank employees, there is a whistleblower
policy where employees could feel comfortable making a complaint in confidence
without backlash from the person or persons the complaint is against. He says
it works very well.
A suggestion
was raised to form a personnel complaint committee within the board as well as
establish a chain of command in which employees will have to follow. Ginger
Smith suggested having a point of contact for each employee they can go to in
order to file a complaint.
In
talking about the complaint system, Emerson said the topic just hadn’t been
addressed like it should have.
“It
hadn’t been addressed as well as it should be,” Emerson said. “We need some way
to weed out personal issues where they can work it out themselves.”
To
clarify, he said he wanted all employees to feel comfortable bringing
complaints or issues they have with one another or with the hospital, but he
wanted to make sure there is a way to file legitimate complaints without
getting into personal squabbles between employees.
“The
issue is with employees coming to board members,” Newell said. “They need to be
open and feel comfortable.”
The
issue was tabled until the next board meeting.
The
board also met in executive session to “discuss strategic long term planning,”
according to the agenda. No decisions were made and no actions were taken.
The
next board meeting will be held at noon, Tuesday, April 20, in the Billy W. Brown Conference Center of the hospital. The public is invited to attend.
Monroe case goes to court Monday
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
first court date in the Monroe wrongful death suit is coming up.
On
Monday, April 19, the judge will be asked to amend the wrongful death suit to
clarify what the suit is asking for.
Jim
Colvin, attorney for the Town of Homer, former Homer Police Officers Tim Cox
and Joseph Henry, filed two motions on March 16 in response to the suit,
alleging Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) Founder Morris Dees, who represents
the Monroe family, violated the Rule of Professional Conduct. Colvin also
alleges the suit is vague.
Colvin
filed an “exception of vagueness to plaintiff’s petition,” saying the
plaintiffs’ have claimed this is a “racial profiling case,” yet the petition
does not allege racial profiling, only negligence. In a motion to require
compliance with the rule of professional conduct under Louisiana law, the
defense is alleging that the SPLC is publicizing the case through their website
as well as attempting to solicit funds.
The
last document filed is one asking the plaintiffs to show cause why the previous
two motions should not be granted in regards to compelling the plaintiffs’
attorneys to amend their petition as well as follow the Louisiana Rule of
Professional Conduct.
The
plaintiffs in the suit are the family of Bernard Monroe Sr., including Louise
M. Monroe, his wife, Stephanie Bell, his daughter, Shaun Monroe, Bernard Monroe
Jr., and Gerald Monroe, all of his sons. Representing the family is Southern
Poverty Law Center’s Founder, Morris Dees. Colvin represents the defense, which
includes the former officers and the Town of Homer.
Monroe was shot and killed on Friday, February 20, 2009, after he allegedly engaged the former officers. According to police, the elder Monroe had a loaded handgun in his possession. According to family, friends, neighbors and
witnesses, he did not. Instead, they say he was holding a sports drink bottle.
The gun
alleged to be in Monroe’s possession at the time of the shooting was sent to
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) for DNA analysis. The gun was traced back
to its origin, but investigators, nor any attorneys are speaking on the matter.
Louisiana
State Police conducted a lengthy investigation into the shooting, at which
time, the case was handed to Second Judicial District Attorney Jonathan
Stewart. Stewart then turned the case over the Louisiana Attorney General, who
then put it in the hands of the Claiborne Parish Grand Jury.
On
February 4, nearly a year after Bernard Monroe’s death, the grand jury returned
a no true bill, which means there wasn’t enough evidence presented to indict
Cox, who shot and killed Bernard, or Henry. Five days later, Dees filed a
wrongful death suit on behalf of Monroe’s widow and his children.
The
suit alleges the two officers failed to exercise reasonable care in the
performance of their duties, thereby bringing about Monroe’s death. The suit is
petitioning the court for monetary damages, including funeral expenses, pain
and suffering and emotional distress.
The
Guardian-Journal has made repeated
attempts to gain access to the state police report, which has been denied by
the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. Kurt Wall, assistant attorney general,
told this newspaper the report could not be released to the public because of a
pending case regarding two news organizations attempting to get records in the
case of a doctor and two nurses in New Orleans. The doctor and two nurses were
never indicted on any criminal charges in the deaths of five people at the New Orleans Charity Hospital following in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The
issue is surrounding how public records laws are defined, and Wall stated the
report in Monroe’s case would not be released until this litigation is
resolved. However, that does not mean the report will be made public after
that; it depends on the outcome of the pending suit.
Again,
that court date has been set for 9:30 a.m., Monday, April 19.
Athens Boys Basketball Team honored by
CPPJ, CPSB
Class C State Champions!
The Athens High School Boys Basketball
team were honored by the Claiborne Parish School Board on Thursday, April 10,
with a resolution in their honor. The resolution became a permanent part of the
school board’s record as honoring the team for their team spirit and efforts on
the court.
In honor of the Athens High School Boys
Basketball team, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury honored them with a framed
resolution declaring April 7, 2010 as Athens High School Trojan Day in
Claiborne Parish. The boys beat the Pleasant Hill Eagles 51-48 in Lafayette at the Cajun Dome in the Top 28. Pictured are, from left, District 10 Police
Juror Willie Young, Athens Basketball Head Coach Marcus Jackson, and District 5
Police Juror Lavelle Penix.
Let the beating...banging begin!
For those who were close enough to hear
and see the work going on with the Hwy. 146 bridge, it could have caused quite
a headache. Right after lunch, construction crews were busy driving pilings
into the approach embankment. In this photo, crews were working to drive the
concrete pilings into the ground with only 9 inches above ground. The Louisiana
Department of Transportation is heading up the project with JB James
Construction working on the concrete pilings. At this time, a completion date
is unknown.
West 4th residents:
‘What’s
taking so long to fix the hole?’
JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer
Although
the Town of Homer has placed two signs warning that West 4th Street is closed
due to the washed-out hole at its north end, area motorists continue to try
accessing Edgewood from North Main via West 4th.
The
result is either a hazardous, seesawing turn-around using residential driveways
or unsafe, awkward backing up the block so as to turn around in the hospital
parking lot.
Talking
with West 4th residents, the prevailing question seems to be, “What’s taking so
long to fix the hole?”
One
resident jokingly said, “If the town doesn’t hurry up and fix that hole, we’ll
be throwing a birthday party because it will soon be one year old!”
Others
commented on the inconvenience of getting from anywhere southwest of North Main to the northwest side of town, in particular to Brookshire’s. “I have to drive
up to North Main, then go down to West 3rd to Edgewood, then go either to
Zimmerman or to West Main to get to Brookshire’s. There’s just no simple way to
get there with West 4th closed at that end,” stated one householder.
An
out-of-towner from Little Rock who frequently visits her mother on West 4th
said, “I thought it would be fixed by now. I keep forgetting as I get into
Homer that I can’t get to my mother’s by turning from West Main onto Edgewood, and then West 4th. I’ve got to remember to go down to the Square, then up North Main, then onto West 4th to get to Mother’s.”
Several
families on West 4th expressed concern about emergency ambulance trips from the
north part of the parish that ordinarily go from West Main onto Edgewood, then
up West 4th to the hospital emergency room. “Precious seconds that are lost
because they have to go on down to College Street in front of the old Legion Hut,
then up to the emergency room—those extra seconds could mean the difference
between life and death,” said one resident.
Another
said, “I’ve seen many people using that drive up between the hospital and the
hospital’s helicopter pad as a through street because you can’t go on down West
4th. That seems dangerous for pedestrians around the hospital and to hospital
personnel and to people visiting the hospital patients. That little drive is
not meant to be a through street.”
However,
one West 4th resident presented quite a different view: “Frankly, I kinda like
that the street’s closed at this end. It’s been nice not having so many people
through here. I wouldn’t care if the town closed off this end of the street for
good.”
IT’S TAX DAY!!!!
The Guardian-Journal
For
those who procrastinated until the very last minute, Thursday, April 15 is the
deadline to have federal tax forms postmarked and mailed.
According
to the United States Postal Service (USPS), taxes must be postmarked by April
15 by midnight to qualify for timely filing. However, for those who requested
an extension, the deadline is October 15. (State taxes in Louisiana are due by
May 15.)
“This
year, as long as your return is postmarked by April 15, the IRS considers your
return to be filed on time,” their website states.
The
post office offers three ways to mail tax returns: 1) express mail service, 2)
priority mail service or 3) first class mail service. Or filers may go online
and print a label to save time.
Here’s
a few tips to follow and make sure taxes are mailed off properly:
•
Before you seal that envelope, check your tax ID numbers. Incorrect or
illegible Social Security Numbers can delay or reduce a tax refund.
•
Review your math. Taxpayers filing paper returns should double check their
figures and make sure you have used the right figure from the tax table.
• Make
sure you sign and date your return. Both spouses must sign a joint return, even
if only one had income. Anyone paid to prepare a return must also sign it.
• Be
sure to use the proper postage – double check your envelope and if it feels
like it might weigh more than one ounce, as tax returns bearing insufficient
postage will be returned.
• To
avoid the rush at the post office, mail your return in a local collection box
receptacle. But make sure that the posted pickup time will occur before your
deadline.
For
those who wish to file an extension, it must be done by April 15. Remember, the
extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay.
For
more information on these tips or others, go to www.usps.com or the IRS
website, www.irs.gov, at any time of day or night. Filers will find forms,
publications and more helpful information on a variety of tax subjects.
To find
out when your post office will close on April 15, please call them. In
Claiborne Parish, they may be reached at:
•
Homer: 318-927-2428
• Lisbon: 318-353-1420
•
Haynesville: 318-624-2926
•
Summerfield: 318-927-1034
• Athens: 318-258-4516
Two arrested for harboring fugitive
The Guardian-Journal
A Homer
man and a Minden woman are now facing jail time for allegedly harboring a
fugitive.
Robert
Curry, 17, was arrested on Friday, April 9, by the Homer Police Department and
charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, with bond set at $500, and
accessory after the fact aiding a felon, with bond set at $5,000.
Heather
E. Cochran, 18, was arrested on the same date and charged with accessory after
the fact aiding a felon, with bond set at $5,000.
According
to Homer police reports, Homer officers were called in along with one
Haynesville officer to assist Probation and Parole Officer Franklin Evans in
apprehending a known fugitive – Antonio Turner. Involved were Homer Officers
Van McDaniel and John Bailey and Haynesville Officer Scott Glen.
Turner
was reported to be hiding at a residence in the 1300 block of Monroe Avenue, and upon arrival, officers secured the area before entry. Agent Evans, along
with McDaniel entered the home and went to the back area of the house.
McDaniel
reported that he detected the odor of possible burning marijuana upon entering
a back room. At that time, officers made contact with Curry who told police
Turner was not at the residence. As officers entered the room, another person,
later identified as Cochran, was seen in the room under some blankets and
clothes on the bed in the room.
As they
entered the room, police say Turner stepped out of a closet in the bedroom and
when ordered to stop, he attempted to run. At that time, McDaniel deployed his
taser, at which time, Turner fell on the bed. Once he recovered, officers
attempted to place him in handcuffs, but the suspect would not comply with
verbal commands. He was subdued and placed in handcuffs. At that time, McDaniel
observed Turner try to retrieve a metal object, which was identified as a
suspected drug pipe. Officer John Bailey picked up the pipe and placed it into
evidence.
At that
time, Cochran and Curry both were interviewed. Cochran claimed she was sleeping
and did not know Turner was in the house, police say. Evidence at the scene
suggested otherwise, and at that time, Cochran was placed under arrest for
harboring Turner. Curry claimed the suspected drug pipe taken into evidence was
his. Later, Curry gave a videoed statement to this effect.
Curry
was taken to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for booking, and Cochran was
transferred to the Claiborne Women’s Facility for booking.
In an
unrelated incident, two Homer women were arrested Friday in Minden after
allegedly shoplifting more than $300 worth of merchandise.
Angela
Burham, 23, of the 1200 block of Harmon Loop, and Cindy Burham, 29, of the 2300
block of Hwy. 534, were each charged with one count of felony theft of goods.
Minden
Police Chief T. C. Bloxom said Minden officers were dispatched to the Wal-Mart Super Center on Homer Road following a call from the store’s Loss Prevention Team.
“The
two women were found to be in possession of numerous pieces of merchandise that
had not been paid for,” said Bloxom. “These items included make-up, jewelry,
bath products, glucose blood testing strips and clothing.”
The two
women were booked and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center in Webster Parish.
In
other crime news, Germaine Kimble, 34, of Homer was arrested and charged with
possession of a CDS Schedule I (marijuana). A small bag of green vegetation
was recovered during a search of his clothing.
His
arrest came on the heels of a joint agency fugitive round-up in Webster Parish,
according to a press release from the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office. Webster
Parish Sheriff’s Community Action Directed Patrol deputies teamed up with
members of the United States Marshal’s Fugitive Apprehension Team recently in
the effort led by the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole.
While
the initial intention of the round-up was to locate and apprehend fugitives
wanted for outstanding charges and parole violations, several individuals
present during the search for fugitives at a Spruce Street residence in
Springhill were found to be in possession of narcotics, resulting in their
arrest. Kimble was one of those present at the Springhill residence. He along
with four other Webster Parish residents were booked at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.
The Minden Press-Herald contributed to this report.
Two arrested on drug charges
The Guardian-Journal
Two
Homer men were arrested on drug charges after traffic stops on both men
revealed suspected drugs on each.
Andre
Dion Anderson, 34, of Homer, was charged with speeding, flight from an officer
in a vehicle, resisting an officer on foot, open container, possession of
Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS), marijuana, illegal carrying of
weapons by a convicted felon and a probation and parole violation. Bond on each
charge is to be set.
Broderick
Ramey, 25, of Homer, was arrested and charged with simple possession of
marijuana. Bond was set at $500.
On
Saturday, April 10, Claiborne Parish Deputy Aaron Christian was patrolling in
the parish and observed a vehicle traveling 74/55 miles per hour. Upon
activating his emergency lights, Christian followed the vehicle because the
driver did not immediately comply.
The
driver, identified as Anderson, pulled into a residential driveway and exited
the vehicle. During the stop, Anderson tried to return to his car several times
and had to be called back by Christian.
Upon
the arrival of Louisiana State Police Trooper Brandon Salmon, Anderson fled
from the scene. Christian pursued and gave Anderson repeated verbal orders to
stop, but he continued running. Claiborne Parish Deputy Marc Herring arrived on
scene to assist and officers were forced to deploy their X26 tasers in order to
stop Anderson.
Anderson was placed under arrest, and a search of the vehicle
revealed a .22 caliber revolver in the door pocket of the driver’s side, a
large plastic bag containing a green leafy substance presumed to be marijuana
in the back seat of the vehicle, and an open can of beer on the driver’s side.
Anderson was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for booking.
In an
unrelated incident on that same date, Claiborne Parish Deputy Roger Ellerbe was
assisting Christian with a traffic stop. One of the passengers of the stopped
vehicle was identified as Ramey, who had suspected marijuana on his person.
A
search was conducted at the time of the stop and it was discovered that Ramey
had a clear plastic bag of suspected marijuana in his left pants pocket, which
was located at the knee.
Ramey
was placed under arrest and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for booking.
Celebrate, remember, fight back
Annual Claiborne Relay for Life event
April 23
Light up the night
Dedicate a luminaria in honor of someone
who has fought cancer, or in memory of someone you have lost to cancer.
The American Cancer Society’s Relay for
Life offers you the opportunity to celebrate the lives of those who are
surviving cancer today, remember the loved ones you have lost to cancer, and
fight back against the disease by helping the American Cancer Society in the
mission to find a cure for cancer.
Please contact Luminaria Chairperson Barbara
Lindsey for information to dedicate a luminaria in memory or honor of your
loved one. The address is 242 Bolling Drive, Homer.
The luminaria will be lit during a
special ceremony at 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 23 at the annual Relay for Life
Event which will begin at 6 p.m. and continue until 6 a.m. Saturday, April 24.
JENNI WILLIAMS, Staff Reporter
The
annual Claiborne Relay for Life will be held from 6 p.m. Friday, April 23 until 6 a.m. Saturday, April 24 at the Claiborne Academy Football Stadium.
The
event will be host to many different activities during the 12-hour walk. A
survivor’s walk, luminaria ceremony, a he-male pageant are just a few of the
planned events to keep the attendees entertained.
Luminarias
may still be purchased in memory or honor of a loved one by filling out the
form located in this week’s paper and mailing it to the address printed.
The
luminaries will be lit during a special ceremony at 9:30 p.m. April 23 during the event.
The
American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives
everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of
people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back
against the disease.
At
Relay, teams of people camp out for at a local high school, park, or fairground
and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to
have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because
cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.
Relay began
in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington, ran
and walked around a track for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer
Society.
Since
that time, Relay has grown from a single man’s passion to fight cancer into the
world’s largest movement to end the disease.
Each
year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 20 other countries, gather to take part
in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save
lives from cancer.
Thanks
to Relay participants, the American Cancer Society continues to save lives.
Although
each Relay for Life every is different, there are certain traditions at all
Relays, no matter where they are held. These traditions help participants
celebrate, remember, and fight back.
Each
Relay event starts with a Survivor’s Lap – a inspirational time when survivors
are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the
victories that have been achieved over cancer.
The
Survivor’s Lap is an emotional example of how Relay participants are ensuring
that more lives are saved each year – like those of each individual on the
track.
Caregivers
of cancer patients are also recognized at Relay for Life. These individuals
give their time, love, and support to friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers
who face cancer. At Relay, people understand the frustrations and joys of being
a caregiver, since the effects of cancer reach far beyond just the person diagnosed.
After
dark, people are honored who have been touched by cancer and remember loved
ones lost to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside
bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer,
and participants often walk a lap in silence.
As
people take time to remember, those who have walked alongside others battling
cancer can grieve and find healing. This is a time that truly highlights the
importance of defeating this disease.
Last,
there is a Fight Back Ceremony, where we make a personal commitment to save
lives by taking up the fight against cancer. That personal commitment may be to
do something as simple as getting a screening test, quitting smoking, or
talking to elected officials about cancer.
By
taking action, people are personally taking steps to save lives and fight back
against a disease that takes too much.
Celebrate,
remember, and fight back are themes that link all Relays events together.
The
American Cancer Society Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to
cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported,
and that one day cancer will be eliminated.
Relay for
Life is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a life-changing experience. At Relay,
every person in each community has a chance to celebrate, remember, and fight
back. And every person who participates joins others around the globe as part
of this worldwide movement to end cancer.
Each
individual’s reason to Relay is as unique as their own personal story.
At
Relay, healing, comfort, and support from others who have faced cancer or who
have lost a loved one to the disease can be found.
It is
a chance to meet people in the community who are equally as passionate about
finding an end to cancer in our lifetime. It can be a time to thank all the
people who have done so much to lend support during a personal cancer experience.
And it’s a time to gather together with friends, family, and colleagues to
laugh, cry, and create lasting memories.
Come
out and support the annual Claiborne Relay for Life event next weekend.
DART Radiothon Is April 22
JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer
The 9th
Annual DART (Domestic Abuse Resistance Team) Radiothon is scheduled for 6 am- pm Thursday, April 22. Bill Brown and Bob Day with Q 94.1 FM will broadcast the
program throughout the day from Super 1 in Ruston.
Parishes
other than Claiborne that will benefit from the pledges and donations include
Bienville, Lincoln, Jackson, and Union.
Mary
Ellen Gamble, Rural Community Organizer, will be taking donations and visiting
people throughout the Radiothon. Gamble’s CCRT Advisory Group meets regularly
in support of DART activities in Claiborne Parish. Krista Johnson, Child
Advocate, will be selling lollipops the day of the Radiothon. To make a
donation that benefits Claiborne Parish DART, you can contact Mary Ellen at
318-927-2818.
All
donations collected within the parish stay in the parish to help operate and
maintain the local DART office.
During
the Radiothon, DART-related topics will be discussed. Some examples are life in
the shelter, court procedures, protective orders, effects of domestic violence
on juveniles, counseling survivors of domestic violence, law enforcement in
rural areas, prosecuting abusers, counseling the family unit, a Biblical
perspective on domestic violence, volunteering with DART, surviving domestic
violence, new laws concerning domestic violence, young men as advocates of
DART, and more.
Mary
Ellen Gamble says, “Tune in and make a pledge.”
Bring awareness to National Crime
Victims’ Rights Week
Most of
us are somewhat familiar with the Miranda warning given to suspects that are
arrested.
“You
have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against
you in a court of law.”
Did you
know that crime victims have rights too? Victims have the right to be treated
with fairness, dignity and respect. The week of April 18-24 is National Crime
Victims’ Rights Week, and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to
encourage each of you to take a few minutes to really think about victims of
rime.
Most
people know someone who has been the victim of a crime, but many times, we do
not really consider what it is like to be the victim of a crime. You approach
your home one evening, three men rob you, beat you and leave you unconscious in
the street. You survive, but spend months in the hospital, lose your job and
can’t pay your medical bills.
Your
attackers are arrested but released on bail and you never get any information
about your case. This is the way victims were treated in the past – without
fairness, dignity or respect.
For the
past 25 years, a movement to combat unfairness to victims has grown. Yet much
work remains to be done. We must recognize the very human side of crime.
Remember, for every crime committed, there are victims of that crime. Violent
crimes not only affect the victim, they devastate entire families who may never
recover.
Research
has shown that the single area that probably causes the most tendencies in
children toward violent behavior is witnessing violence as a child. These
children experience violence as a way of life and without someone to reach out
to them, they are lost in a sea of pain.
Statistics
are alarming and until we see a crime not as a singular event but as a rippling
devastation with far-reaching consequences, we will not experience the progress
we need. Children are victimized on a daily basis.
In the
United States, 794,000 children were victims of abuse or neglect in 2007, 51
children were killed by their babysitter in 2008, 57 percent of children will
be victims of some form of physical assault during their lifetime, 90 percent
of child rape victims know their offender prior to the incident, 15 percent of
teens who have been in a relationship report having been hit, slapped or pushed
by their boyfriend/girlfriend, 18 percent of students in grades 9-12 reported
carrying a weapon to school in 2007 and 12 percent of students in grades 9-12
have been in a physical fight on school property.
Eight
hundred thousand (800,000) men, women and children are trafficked across
international borders each year as slaves.
These
crimes have far-reaching effects including millions of dollars paid to assist
the victims. In 2008, victims’ compensation programs distributed $461 million to
pay for expenses incurred by victims of violent crime. And these are the ones
that are reported.
Many
crime victims never report or disclose what has happened to them; they never
have their “day in court” nor do they experience any semblance of justice. All
victims of crime deserve to be treated fairly and respectfully and in a way
that preserves their dignity.
Our
nation’s victims’ rights laws have been in place in most jurisdictions to
protect victims for many years, but unfortunately, they have not been enforced
properly. Join with us as our nation sets aside a week to shine the spotlight
on victims of crime. Assist victims whenever you can and inform them of the
sheriff’s office crime victims program.
When we
treat people, particularly victims, the way we would like to be treated, we
help them begin the task of rebuilding their lives. We help all of us. Robert
G. Ingersoll once said, “Give to every human being every right that you claim
for yourself.”
If we
can accomplish this, we will see a difference in the outcome for victims of
violent crime.
For
more information, please call Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Donna Smith at
318-927-9800.
Courtesy of the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.
Information obtained from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice
Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics and FBI statistics.
Mark the Calendar:
DWCC Offender Art Expo at Ford Museum on April 25
The Guardian-Journal
Ford
Museum Director Linda Volentine reminds everyone, “The David Wade Correction Center
Offender Art Expo is quickly approaching!”
Scheduled
for Sunday, April 25 from 2 pm-4 pm at Ford Museum, the artwork will be on
display through the month of May. Admission is free, and items will be
available for purchase.
Regarding
the pieces to be shown, Volentine commented, “A real love of the process of
creating art is a common bond shared by each inmate artist. We are pleased to
be a venue for this cultural offering to the community.”
One of
the artists being featured is Paul Holland. The youngest of five children, Paul
began drawing as a child. His favorite subjects are song birds, waterfowl, and
portrait drawing. With nothing more than a pencil, he has created several very
detailed pictures for the expo.
Another
featured artist is Connor Woods. Connor, who also uses only a pencil, sees his
craft as a constructive way to pass his time while experiencing a sense of
purpose. Having learned much about drawing from fellow offenders, he began
drawing only three years ago. Connor’s favorite subject matter is wildlife.
Gregory
Fondren creates unique artwork by means of pyrography, i.e., applying a burning
process to surfaces. A lifelong interest for Gregory, art has enhanced his
appreciation for every aspect of life. On display at the Expo will be some of
his beautiful Bible covers with highly detailed images of various parish
churches.
Each of
the pieces featured at the DWCC Offender Art Expo is based on a photograph in
the book Images of America: Claiborne Parish.
Further,
each piece reflects an element of Claiborne Parish’s history. The artists use a
variety of modes of expression—oil and airbrush painting, acrylic painting,
leather crafting, pyrography, pencil, even a decorative coffee table.
Remember
to mark the calendar for the DWCC Offenders Art Expo at Ford Museum on April 25 at 2 pm. (contributed by Linda Volentine)
Fuller Center for Housing moves forward
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The
Fuller Center for Housing in Claiborne Parish is moving forward and is one step
closer to beginning the work of providing decent housing to those in need.
The
Rev. Russell Grigsby spoke to the Homer Lions Club last Thursday to spread the
news about the good things happening with the Fuller Center. The organization
is now a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and the Claiborne Parish board
consists of 18 people total, with at least six pastors, Grigsby said.
“It’s a
Christ-centered ministry,” the preacher said. “All donations are tax
deductible. The cost of an average house runs about $70,000 to $75,000.”
He got
started with it after he was approached by a church member. After some
discussion and much prayer, he contacted Charlie Park, executive director of
the Fuller Center for Housing in Webster Parish, formerly Habitat for Humanity.
He prayed some more, he said, and the people came.
One of
the biggest fundraisers for the organization is the can collections. Citizens
will notice in various locations there are green donation bins where aluminum
cans may be deposited. For years, Claiborne Parish citizens have been
supporting the Webster Parish organization, but because one has begun in
Claiborne Parish, the funds raised from these cans will now go to the Claiborne
Parish chapter.
He
talked about the volunteers that are on the board now, and extended an
invitation to Lions Club members to volunteer. Right now, Grigsby said, each
person involved in the ministry is volunteers.
As far
as projects are concerned, the board is now looking into projects to begin
with, even though they are not ready to distribute applications. A committee
has been formed to work toward producing an application and choosing its first
project.
“Already,
one citizen has donated two houses to refurbish,” Grigsby said, though those
who will receive housing will have to put in 350 hours of what they call “sweat
equity.”
This
means the person or family receiving a house must work 350 hours on another
project or build before construction or renovations begin on their own home.
According
to a brochure that tells all about the Claiborne Parish ministry, “all homeowners
work hand-in-hand with volunteers to build their own homes, which are then sold
to them on terms they can afford – based on no-profit, no interest loans. With
some smaller renovation projects, an innovative payment program, called ‘The
Greater Blessing Program’ is utilized, whereby recipients promise to repay the
loan amount without signing an actual mortgage agreement.
“They
decide the monthly amount they can afford to repay and the period of time that
it will take to repay the cost of the repairs,” the brochure continued. “There
is no legal obligation to repay these loans. It is a leap of faith in basic
goodness of humankind and is proving to be successful.”
For
more information on the Fuller Center for Housing of Claiborne Parish, or for
questions, please call 318-927-1794.
