Teachers speak out against school reform legislation

Claiborne teachers join thousands in protest

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

Many Claiborne teachers joined thousands in Baton Rouge last week in protest of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s education reform package.

In fact, Claiborne Schools Superintendent Dr. Janice Williams said that 87 of more than 100 certified employees took personal days to travel to Baton Rouge, which pretty much meant schools all over Claiborne Parish were shut down for the day.

And as teachers from across the state went to Baton Rouge to have their say, Claiborne Parish School Board Member Linda Knox said the demonstration was very peaceful.

“It was a very peaceful demonstration,” Knox said. “I thought they (teachers) did a good job stating the reasons they’re against it. The thing we didn’t understand is why the big rush when it [reform package] hasn’t been proven. We’re also disappointed in our legislators because they voted yes for the reform package.”

According to published reports from The Shreveport Times, the Louisiana House Education Committee “approved a major portion of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s proposed education overhaul, voting 12-6 to expand a voucher program that could let students from low- to moderate-income families attend private schools at taxpayer expense.”

Bob Bond, elementary/middle school supervisor for Claiborne Parish, said the atmosphere started out exciting, but tense. However, as time wore on, he said, it went downhill.

“It was very tense but it was a good atmosphere,” he said. “People were excited about getting a chance to be heard, but it ended up poorly because they were treated badly, disrespected and ignored, especially from the Senate. The House was somewhat the same, but the Senate had an air about them that said ‘we don’t want to listen to it.’ The senators and legislators disappointed many of us.”

Linda Mozeke, a teacher at Homer High School, said she too felt disrespected and disappointed.

“As an educator, I was very disappointed to find out that two of the legislators from our area did not listen to the many concerns that educators throughout their districts have about Gov. Jindal’s education package,” she said. “I am outraged that the members of the House Education Committee and the Senate Education Committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of the governor’s education package.”

However, Bond did say that while the House Education Committee ultimately voted in favor of the education reform measures, he was impressed by the fact that House Education Committee spent so much time discussing the bills before voting to move it to the House floor.

“There were some from the House Education Committee that asked us some very good questions and stuck with us,” Bond said.

Both legislators defended their positions saying that it’s not about tenure, it’s ultimately about giving Louisiana’s children opportunities for the best possible education.

“At the end of the day it’s not about anger, it’s about our children,” District 11 House Rep. Patrick Jefferson, D-Arcadia, said.

He also clarified one thing that might be taken as a misconception. What the House and Senate Education Committees voted to do was not to send it to Gov. Jindal’s desk this week, but to move them out of committee to the House and Senate floors for debate and discussion.

“I did not vote for the bill,” Jefferson said, “but I voted that the bills be moved out of committee to the floor for discussion and debate. The bills have not passed yet. The process has not been completed.”

District 33 Senator Mike Walsworth, R-West Monroe, conceded that the content of the bills could have been explained better, saying that if everyone fully understood what’s in the package, then maybe there wouldn’t be so much anger.

“Teachers are our partners,”he said. “It’s frustrating because I am so pro-teacher, it’s unbelievable. Maybe we’ve done a poor job of making them understand what’s in the bill.”

However, he said, there are parts of the bills that he does not agree with, and that’s what will be discussed when Senate Bill 603 hits the floor for discussion. He talked about teacher pay and tenure as well, saying that teachers have nothing to be worried about when it comes to their pay. He said he’s not sure that teachers know everything that’s in the bill.

“The teachers are guaranteed the same pay next year as they are getting this year,” Walsworth said. “Most of the teachers I talked to said they aren’t worried about tenure. I haven’t found many that are.”

The minimum pay is $26,000 for a beginning teacher, he said.

“Teachers have nothing to worry about in this bill,” Walsworth continued. “However, I do have some problems with other parts of the bill, like if teachers want a raise, then that means they have to go to central office. Why should they have to do that? Why not give it to them right there while they’re in the classroom?”

Other concerns include the teacher evaluation system -- and many an educator has voiced their opinions about the voucher system.

“Educators stand to lose due process rights if they receive just one ‘ineffective’ rating,”Mozeke said.

As explained in last week’s edition of The Guardian-Journal, value added evaluation is where teachers must be evaluated, and these teachers must meet certain criteria, Dr. Williams said. If they don’t meet these criteria after three years of not being rated effective, they will be dismissed. They are given a three year probationary period to be deemed effective, and if they are not, they are dismissed.

For example, a teacher is evaluated during the first school year and is rated ineffective. They have three years, and if at the end of year three, they are deemed ineffective, they are terminated.

This does away with tenure, in which after three years, a teacher has a better chance of holding on to their jobs.

However, that does not mean that a teacher can’t be terminated for just cause.

Also of concern, Mozeke said in a statement to The Guardian-Journal, “this legislation will exempt private, parochial and charter schools from the same accountability measures that other schools receiving ‘public’ dollars must follow.

“Where is the justice in that?” Mozeke asked. “If these bills pass in the full house and senate, Gov. Jindal and all of the legislators who support his education package will leave behind a legacy of ‘destroying public education in the state of Louisiana.’ What a legacy!”

Walsworth said there was some major concern from those he’d spoken with about accountability, but there is accountability in the legislation.

 “I just want to make sure that every kid in this state has a chance to succeed,” Walsworth said. “I want to do everything I can to make Claiborne Parish schools a better school system. The education reform is truly about our children.”

And Jefferson tried to set minds at ease, saying this reform package wouldn’t affect Claiborne Parish all that much just for the simple fact it is still under a desegregation court order.

“These bills will have a minimal effect on Claiborne Parish because they are still under a court order,” Jefferson said. However, at the end of the day, it’s about choice, and parents already have choices, he said.

“The question that the stakeholders should be asking is what effects will this have on Claiborne Parish?” he asked. “How many are exercising choice because they aren’t going to Homer or Haynesville? Parents should have that choice.”

And while he does not agree with everything in the bills, he does agree that parents need choice.

And when it comes to private schools, tuition costs may not be that much different than a public school. Public schools get the majority of their funds from the Minimum Foundation Program, which is allocated to school systems based on the number of students they have. How much each student gets is calculated based on education needs, physical needs or otherwise. For instance, a child under the 504 classification (Americans with Disabilities Act), would receive more than a student who is not under 504.

Glenbrook School Headmaster Darden Gladney said tuition for one student is around $4,640 per year with a  $300 enrollment and testing fee for the first year, and each year for re-enrollment it’s $250.

Asked if they would accept students from the voucher system, Gladney said they would have to know more about it.

“We would consider it after the final guidelines are published,” he said.

As of press time, The Guardian-Journal was not able to speak with Claiborne Academy Headmistress Jane Brown. She returned our phone call, and we returned hers again, but we were not able to speak with her at the time of deadline.

The Times Picayune of New Orleans gave a rundown of how House Education Committee members voted. They are as follows: FOR: Steve Carter, R-Baton Rouge; Patrick Jefferson (vice chairman) D-Homer; Chris Broadwater, R-Hammond, Henry Burns, R-Haughton; Thomas Carmody, R-Shreveport; Simone Champagne, R-Jeanerette; Cameron Henry, R-Metairie; Paul Hollis, R-Covington; Nancy Landry, R-Lafayette; John Schroder, R-Covington; Robert Shadoin, R-Ruston and Jeff Thompson, R-Bossier City.

The no votes on both bills came from Democrats: Wesley Bishop, D-New Orleans; John Bel Edwards, D-Amite; Ed Price, D-Gonzales; Patricia Smith, D-Baton Rouge and Alfred Williams, D-Baton Rouge.

And according to reports from The Shreveport Times, the Senate Education Committee voted in favor as well. Their votes are as follows.

FOR SB603: Chairman Conrad Appel, R-Metairie; Dan Claitor, R-Baton Rouge; Jack Donahue, R-Metairie; Elbert Guillory, D-Opelousas; Mike Walsworth, R-West Monroe; and Sen. Bodi White, R-Central.

AGAINST: Eric LaFleur, D-Ville Platte.

The Education Committee voted 5-1 to send SB597, which deals with school choice, to the full Senate for consideration after several hours of debate. Sen. Eric LaFleur, D-Ville Platte, cast the only dissenting vote.

FOR SB597: Conrad Appel, R-Metairie; Jack Donahue, R-Mandeville; Dan Claitor, R-Baton Rouge; Mike Walsworth, R-West Monroe; and Bodi White, R-Central

AGAINST: Eric LaFleur, D-Ville Platte

ABSENT: Elbert Guillory, D-Opelousas

 

Mark Your Calendars!

 

Lots of activities for annual Relay for Life

 

Another way money is being raised for the American Cancer Society is through a drawing for several prizes. A six-gallon cajun fryer from R&V Works will be raffled off for $5 per donation per ticket. A four-gallon cajun fryer, also by R&V Works will be raffled off for a $2 donation per ticket. For a $5 donation per ticket, a smokin’ cajun grill, by R&V Works will be raffled off.

The drawing will be held at the Relay, but winners do not have to be present to win. Tickets are available at Homer Memorial Hospital. For more information on the raffle, please call 318-927-1400 or email . the Relay for Life will be held from noon until midnight on Saturday, April 14, at the Ronny G. Beard Memorial Stadium at Homer High School. Luminarias are available for $10 each; just see this week’s edition of The Guardian-Journal to get a form. Please send your completed form and contribution to your team member or mail to Luminaria Chair, Ann Burton, P.O. Box 240, Homer, LA 71040.

 

Don’t forget to vote Saturday!

 

Don’t forget to vote this Saturday!

Republicans and Democrats will be making their choices on who should be the next United States President.

Please remember that only Democrats can vote on a Democratic candidate and Republicans can only vote on Republican candidates.

Also on the ballot is the one percent sales tax renewal for the Village of Athens to go towards the village’s general fund.

For more information, please contact the Claiborne Registrar of Voters Office at 318-927-3332.

 

Haynesville man charged with second degree attempted murder

 

The Guardian-Journal

Two Haynesville men were arrested after a car accident led to charges stemming from an altercation.

Jeffery T. Meadors, 34, was arrested on Sunday, March 18, and charged with attempted second degree murder with bond set at $50,000, driving under suspension with bond set at $500, reckless operation with bond set at $500 and no insurance with bond set at $500.

Melvin Tate, 49, was arrested on the same date and charged with aggravated battery with bond set at $10,000 and aggravated criminal damage to property with bond set at $20,000.

According to reports, Haynesville Police Officers Trent Crook and Danny Mills were dispatched to the 200 block of Zion Drive in reference to a car accident and disturbance.

When the two officers arrived on scene, they learned that Tate and Meadors had been involved in an altercation. The two officers conducted a preliminary investigation which revealed that Tate had hit Meadors with a shovel, causing injury to his hand. Reports say Tate also hit Meadors’ car and damaged it. It was also reported that Tate was hit by Meadors’ car.

Tate was taken to Homer Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released from their care. The two were then arrested and booked at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center on the above charges.

 

Haynesville man turns himself in

 

On Thursday, March 15, the Claiborne Narcotic Enforcement Team (CNET) attempted to serve five arrest warrants in Haynesville, according to a statement released by Task Force Coordinator James Spillers.

These arrest warrants were the result of a six-month undercover operation during which purchases of the Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) cocaine were made from Andre D. Anderson.

Around 6 a.m. that day, CNET and Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office personnel initiated surveillance of Anderson’s residence, located at 2063 Gary Street in Haynesville. Shortly before 8 a.m., an individual exited the residence and left in Anderson’s 2005 Dodge truck. Contact was made with this subject several blocks away from the residence in an attempt to determine if Anderson was at the residence.

This subject advised that Anderson had not been at the residence for the past two nights and his location was unknown. Agent Spillers and Deputy Randy Pugh escorted this subject back to the Gary Street address and conducted a consensual search for Anderson. Unable to locate Anderson here, law enforcement broadened their search within the neighborhood and started receiving additional information from anonymous sources. Having no success after following up on all information, the operation was terminated for the day.

CNET then contacted the U.S. Marshal’s Service Fugitive Task Force in Shreveport for assistance. On Monday, March 19, a five-man team arrived in Claiborne Parish to assist CNET in locating Anderson. After the Marshal’s task force officers and CNET personnel made contact with several individuals in Haynesville, Anderson contacted the Haynesville Police Department by phone and advised that he was in Shreveport. He said he would be turning himself in, because he did not want any of his family getting in trouble because of him.

Later in the evening on March 19, Andre D. Anderson turned himself in at the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office in Homer. Anderson was placed under arrest by Deputy J.T. Williams on five counts of distribution of Schedule II CDS cocaine and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and booked. Anderson’s bond was set at $50,000 per count for a total of $250,000.

“Everyone should understand that if someone is wanted and you knowingly assist them in avoiding arrest by providing false information to authorities, that is a federal violation of which the U.S.Marshal’s Service can and will arrest someone,”Agent Spillers stated. “Additionally, this could lead to charges of obstruction of justice on a state level.”

In this particular case, the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force will continue its investigation of subjects in the Haynesville area that assisted Anderson in avoiding arrest and expect to make arrests in the future.

“You can run and you can hide, but eventually, you will get caught,” Agent Spillers said.

To report suspicious or illegal activity, concerned citizens may call CNET at 318-927-9800, the Louisiana State Police/Drug Enforcement Agency at 318-676-4080, 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.

 

Summerfield raises $5,000 for St. Jude

Submitted photo

These Summerfield students participated in the annual Math-A-Thon to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. They raised approximately $5,000. Congratulations!

 

SUMMERFIELD – Students at Summerfield High School recently participated in the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® Math-A-Thon program and raised $5,610 to help kids battling cancer and other deadly diseases.

“We are so proud of our students for embracing Math-A-Thon and raising critical funds for St. Jude,” said Monica Morrow, coordinator of the event. “Every dollar raised with help support the St. Jude mission of finding cures and saving children in communities worldwide.”

Since its inception more than 30 years ago, Math-A-Thon has become one of America’s largest education-based fundraisers. More than 10,000 schools across the country participate in the program every year. Math-A-Thon is also one of the most successful fundraising campaigns for St. Jude, having raised nearly $400 million since its inception.

Math-A-Thon allows students to build and practice essential math skills while they raise funds for kids battling cancer at St. Jude. The program works in the following way: Teachers serve as volunteer coordinators for Math-A-Thon at their school. Participating students solve math problems in a printed or online Funbook. Students ask family and friends for donations in support of their participation in the Math-A-Thon. All donations are sent to St. Jude, where no child is ever turned away because of the family’s inability to pay.

St. Jude has teamed up with Scholastic Inc. to make Math-A-Thon a more valuable resource for teachers as they prepare students for standardized testing. The print and online versions of Math-A-Thon Funbooks contain colorful activities developed by Scholastic. The activities support National Standards and are aligned to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) focal points for each grade level from K–8. The online version of the Funbook allows students to complete grade-specific activities like those offered in the print version but in an engaging game format that tracks points for the student. 

For more information on how to host your own Math-A-Thon event, call 1-800-FUNBOOK (386-2665) or visit www.mathathon.org.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information, go to www.stjude.org.

 

Bell teaches kids football basics


The Guardian-Journal photos/Michelle Bates

Buffalo Bills Player Demetrius Bell worked with children during a spring football camp held at Mayfield Park on Saturday. Pictured top, Bell teaches this possible up and coming football player the fundamentals of footwork, agility and balance. Above, while coaches from around the area and Bell work with the boys, the girls got to learn some cheers for the Buffalo Bills team. As they worked with the girls, they learned a few cheers and some moves to help them motivate the fans.

 

 

Claiborne Parish tourism initiative is underway

 

JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer

The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce has put together an assortment of materials to highlight where to go and what to do and see in Claiborne Parish. “Whether you’re a visitor or a local resident,Brochures and the Two Disc Driving CD available at several area locations - Click to Visit ClaiborneParishTourism.org Claiborne Parish has a driving tour CD set that you will find interesting,” says John Watson, Executive Director of the Chamber.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brochures and CD sets are available at the following locations:

* The Grapevine

* Port-au-Prince Restaurant

* Killgore Pharmacy

* The Rebel Stop

* Claiborne Parish Library

* Delta Interiors

* The Chamber Office at Ford Museum

Brochures only are available at the following:

* Courtyard Florist

* Lake Claiborne State Park

* Haynesville City Hall

* The Guardian-Journal

 

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Archived Guardian Journal Headlines & News Briefs from November 1999
 

News Briefs

Homer Lions Club to meet March 22

The Homer Lions Club will meet at noon at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant. The guest speakers will be Stacy Brown and Evelyn Cassell from the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. All members are encouraged to attend and bring a guest!

 

Free Cancer Screening at HMH March 22

Homer Memorial Hospital will be conducting free breast cancer screening mammograms on this day. To qualify, you must be 40 years of age or older, no insurance or very high deductible and not had a mammogram within one year. Call Adrienne Willis at 318-927-1400 to schedule an appointment. These services are paid for by a federal grant.

 

Watershed District to meet March 22

The Claiborne Parish Watershed District will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex in the meeting room. For more information, please call their office at 318-927-5161.

 

NAACP meeting slated for March 22

The Claiborne Parish Chapter of the NAACP will be holding its regular monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Lane Chapel CME Church. We are asking all members and prospective members to be present.

 

Bass Tournament slated for March 24

The Ruston Jr. High Football Team will be sponsoring a bass tournament at Lake Claiborne’s Pleasure Point Marina. Entry forms may be picked up at Keith’s Food Mart or entries can be made the morning of the tournament before 6 a.m. For more information, please call Coach Glen Kyle at 318-548-3274.

 

Claiborne ACT-SO meeting set for March 26

The Claiborne Parish ACT-SO participants will meet at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Refreshing Springs COGIC. All participants and interested participants are encouraged to attend the meeting at 6 p.m. in conjunction with the Youth Council. At 7 p.m., we will hold our events preparatory meeting with all students and parents/guardians. We are asking all participants to come prepared to make their partial or final report before the April 14th competition.

 

Claiborne Youth Council to meet March 26

The Claiborne Parish Youth Council will hold its organizational meeting at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Refreshing Springs COGIC on Monroe Avenue in Homer. All students who have joined the organization and prospective members are asked to be present. If there are any questions, you can contact Ms. Mary Randle at 318-927-6727 or Ms. Sadie Flucas at 318-927-6411.

 

Wise Family Reunion slated for April 26-28

The Wise Family Reunion will be held at the Minden Community House for the descendants of James and Jesse Wise from South Carolina in the 1830s. For more information, please call Monte Wise at 830-896-8792, email , home 305 Ridge Road, Kerrville, TX 78028.

 

Senior Citizen Day set for April 26

The Town of Homer, Homer Memorial Hospital and CCC are sponsoring a Senior Citizen Day with blood pressure checks and diabetes testing from 10 until 11 a.m. at Homer CityHall. From 11:15 a.m. until 2 p.m., there will be arts/crafts, walking competition, wheelchair competition, lunch and awards all at Mayfield Park. Nursing and emergency medical personnel will be on site. All suggestions, questions and requests should be directed to Ms. Shaquaila Lewis at 318-927-3555.

 

‘Potluck at the Fair” fundraiser set for May 18

The second annual “Potluck at the Fair” fundraiser will be held at the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex in Haynesville. The Monday Night Choir Boys from Springhill will be featured again for the entertainment. For more information, please call Keith or Beverlee Killgore at 318-624-1122 or email .

 

Hunter Smith Reunion June 28-July 1, 2012

The Hunter Smith family reunion will be held in Haynesville. For more information, please contact Maud Smith at 318-927-3422 or go to www.embracingfamilyreunion.com

 

Ford Museum Seeking Veterans' Photographs

The H.S. Ford Museum has received a grant from Entergy that will enable us to make its exhibits more interactive. Our first emphasis will focus on honoring our military veterans, especially those with a connection to North Central Louisiana. For this project, we are requesting the public's help in gathering photos, formal as well as candid photos that capture everyday life in the military. Artifacts and photos are needed from the Civil War era to the present. Items can be sent to the museum at or mailed to P.O. Box 157, Homer, LA 71040. The museum is opened Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 am to 4 pm for anyone wishing to deliver material in person.


Local CPA Signs On as ClaiborneOne Sponsor

The accounting firm of Steven J. Koskie, CPA LLC has signed on as a sponsor of the ClaiborneOne website.


Steven J Koskie CPA LLCSteve Koskie, Managing Member of the firm said, "Back in the fall, we decided we were going to enhance our presence on the internet. So many people now use the internet as a key way to get news and information. By improving our website and overall web presence, we felt we could achieve two important goals. They are, first, to be of more service to our existing clients and, second, to more effectively reach out to new clients."


After reviewing the web traffic statistics for ClaiborneOne the decision to become a sponsor was made. "I was surprised by the amount of web traffic that goes through the ClaiborneOne web site. ClaiborneOne provides a great service as a 24 hour a day clearinghouse of parish news and information that reaches literally around the world."


Steven J. Koskie CPA LLC is located at 417 North Main Street in Homer. The firm focuses on preparing personal income tax returns, business income tax returns, and bookkeeping/accounting services for business. The firm also provides a variety of financial planning services for individuals and consulting services for business.


"Our experience covers a broad horizon. We have a lot of experience in oil & gas as regards income tax, lease negotiations, and royalty/working interest accounting. We also are very engaged in agricultural endeavors like poultry farming, timber farming and cattle operations. Through the years, I've helped manage some very significant investment portfolios of stocks, bonds, and limited partnerships. When it comes to helping businesses, having 10 years experience as a controller and CFO for significant private companies gives me a unique hands-on perspective of what business owners face in their daily lives. I know their problems and opportunities because I've lived with the very things they deal with everyday. Plus the fact that I've dealt with the day-to-day business decisions of my own firm for a decade."


"We look forward to serving the citizens and businesses of Claiborne Parish and the surrounding area for many years to come. We have a vested interest in the growth of the area and work hard to provide a high quality service. This means much more than delivering a tax return or a set of books to a client. We have the privilege of helping people live their lives and manage their resources. That responsibility to our clients is why we say our income tax, accounting and consulting services require we make a point to 'Provide more than numbers on a page'."


J.T. Taylor RealtyJ.T. Taylor Realty/Dimex Sales - Now Online

J.T. Taylor Realty has provided Real Estate Sales and Buyer Representation in Homer, Haynesville and Claiborne Parish for Commercial, Residential and Timberland Properties since 1984.


With over 56 years experience in the Commercial and Home Markets, J.T. Taylor offers a wealth of knowledge To Help You Avoid the Pitfalls of Buying, Selling or Remodeling a property!


For over 10 years, Dimex Sales has offered a full line of Portable Buildings for Home, Home/Office, Construction Sites, and Storage needs.

 

DNG ConsultingDNG Consulting - Now Online

Based in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, DNG Consulting, LLC provides a wide range of consulting services to meet the needs of a variety of client types. DNG Consulting assists clients in Mergers & Acquisitions, Management Organization Study & Re-structuring, Project Management, Critical Path Recovery Scheduling, Construction Claims Analysis, Business Development, Professional/Technical Recruitment Services and Fuel Services.

 

Don Grimes, President of DNG Consulting, and wife Bea are long time Claiborne Parish residents. The Grimes' have been involved in promoting Claiborne Parish for many years.



Claiborne One Site Now Features Area Image Archive

Archives Now Online include:


Money Available for New or Expanding Businesses in Homer

The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce now has monies to lend through the Revolving Loan Program. Anyone who is interested in starting a business or enlarging an existing business within Claiborne Parish may be eligible. These funds were received from the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program to assist small businesses and provide for jobs in Claiborne Parish. Loan preferences will be made on the basis of job creation. Further information may be obtained by contacting John Watson, Executive Director of the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce at (318) 927-3271. The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity provider. To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).


Smoke Detectors For The Elderly Offered through TRIAD

TRIAD of Claiborne wants all seniors age 65 and above, to have a smoke detector. You may also qualify if you're disabled. Having a smoke detector can mean the difference of life or death. Smoke detectors are available without charge. If you don't have a smoke detector, call 927-2011.

 

  
 
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Online Since 11/11/99

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