Hospital board considers name change
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Will
changing the name of Homer Memorial Hospital really help change the image of
the hospital?
Hospital
board members say they think so, according to Loy Weaver, hospital board
chairman. In Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, a proposal to change the
name of the hospital as part of a marketing strategy was put before the
council, although with decidedly different reactions.
Weaver
said the board has engaged a public relations/marketing firm to help the
hospital develop a new marketing plan, which includes changing the name of the
hospital to something more generic. The idea, he said, is to take away the
image of a “hospital” and extend it to a broader regional area to show what
other services it offers.
“The
hospital board has taken under consideration a new marketing strategy which
would include a change of the name of the hospital itself,” Weaver said.
He said
in the recent legislative session, the general appropriations bill that was
just passed, passed the House with some significant cuts to healthcare.
Luckily, those cuts were restored in the state Senate -- but with nonrecurring
funds.
“This
means at some point, it’s very likely that we’ll face some financial crisis,”
he said. “Had those cuts been implemented, Mr. (Scott) Barrilleaux (hospital
administrator) projects that the hospital will lose to the tune of some
$700,000, beginning in July, the next fiscal year. We would have lost all cash
flow and we’d have had to dip into reserves.”
There
are two things a business or public entity faces during a budget crisis and
there are only two ways to fix it, Weaver continued, increase revenue and
curtail your expenses.
“They
are helping us to develop a very strong marketing plan which will entail a
presentation that the hospital is more than just a hospital,” he said.
It has
been endorsed by the Claiborne Healthcare Foundation, Weaver said, as well as
the staff and doctors at the hospital.
He
noted that much of legislation deals with hospitals and hospital service
districts alone, and in order for publically owned hospitals to continue to
compete with privately or corporately owned hospitals, marketing strategies
play a large part in their viability and success.
While
no one has offered any choices for a new name for the hospital, District 4
Councilwoman Carlette Sanford said she was against it, saying instead to raise
the level of care. When the hospital was originally named, there was a reason
it was named “Homer Memorial” Hospital.
“It was
named Homer Memorial Hospital because during the war, there were many people
from here that were killed,” she said. “I know that this is a parish, I
understand that. We went through this about 10 years ago, and the name wasn’t
changed.”
She
also believes that it should be taken to the voters in the town before any
decisions are made.
Weaver
responded saying that the doctors are “on board” with changing the name and see
that it’s a good thing for the ongoing operations of the hospital.
Sanford
responded again saying the best thing that could be done is to improve the care
at the hospital. While she agreed that the hospital is cleaner and improvements
have been made, the level of care still needs more improvement, she said.
Barrilleaux
interjected, saying the hospital gives excellent care to its patients.
Young,
who is also a hospital board member, suggested not taking “Homer Memorial” out
of the name, but rather removing “Hospital” and replacing it with “Medical
Center,” thereby naming it “Homer Memorial Medical Center.”
“It’s
not taking Homer Memorial out of it, but when you say ‘hospital’ you do limit
what is perceived in the services we provide,” he said.
“I have
no problem with ‘hospital’, but I do have (a problem) with (taking out) Homer
Memorial,” Sanford said.
District
1 Councilwoman Linda Mozeke also said she would be against taking “Homer
Memorial” out of the name of the hospital.
“I
would say, for the record, I would not be in favor of anything that takes the word
Homer out of the equation,” she said.
District
2 Councilman Michael Wade also went on record saying he would be against a name
change.
Weaver
assured council members that if the name is changed, it does not change the
ownership or governance of the hospital in any way.
Another
point Weaver raised is that even if a tax was passed to help support the
hospital, would it be just from the citizens of Homer or would it be
parish-wide?
Homer
Mayor Alecia Smith said that if it is a good thing for the hospital and would
help move it forward, then she is for the change.
“I sit
on the board, and I know about the changes that are coming,” she said. “If
changing the name would keep the hospital open and available to the citizens of
this community, if it would help in any way, I’m for changing it. This is my
opinion, and I would hate for that facility not to be there if we have an
emergency and the first place we have to go is Minden.”
In
other news, the council approved funding from the recreation fund to help cover
the cost of a new pitching machine for the Dixie Youth Baseball League at a
cost of $2,500 to be paid to Minden Athletic, where the pitching machine was
purchased. Jim Colvin, with the league, said they had a fantastic season. Fred
Young, recreation director and with the Mayfield Sports Association, commended
Colvin and the recreation program, saying this is what the recreation funds are
used for.
Also
approved was $3,000 to help defray the cost of basketball uniforms for the
summer AAU basketball team. The $3,000 would also help cover travel expenses to
games and tournaments for the summer. Both checks will be made out to the
recreation organizations, with the Dixie League using the money to pay for the
pitching machine.
In
other recreation news, the golf course clinics for youth have been completed,
and at the recommendation of the country club board, it was decided to hold a
Youth Day every Wednesday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. until school starts again.
All interested kids and youth are invited to attend at a cost of $2 per day or
$20 for the entire summer. This will give kids an opportunity to continue to
learn about the game of golf and play some too!
In
police news, Homer Police Captain Donald Malray was recognized by the Grambling
Police Department for his role in aiding Grambling to bring Daniel Champ, who
was convicted of attempted murder, to justice. Lieutenant Andrea Livingston, on
behalf of Grambling Police Chief Tommy Clark Jr., presented Malray with a
certificate of appreciation.
Champ
was convicted in an incident that occurred in 2011 in Grambling where Champ was
accused of beating a man in a parking lot. Livingston said the victim has since
made a full recovery and was present in court during Champ’s sentencing. He was
sentenced to 30 years in prison.
In town
news, several policies and procedures were adopted at the recommendation of the
Legislative Auditors Office. Those polices include:
Also,
some good news for all the swimmers out there! The Mayfield Pool is expected to
officially open on Friday, June 8, if everything is signed off by the plumber.
Repairs have been completed, and as of Monday evening, they were waiting for
everything to be signed off on. A fee of $3 will be charged for the kids to
swim.
In the
mayor’s report, Smith said they are very grateful for the USDA working with
them to get things approved for a grant for seven new police cruisers. This
grant application process has been a couple of years in the making, Smith said.
She
made clear that the grant has not been officially approved, but they are
working towards that end.
Also,
she reported that Pro-Build Construction continues its work at the wastewater
treatment plant for phase II of the project. Completion is scheduled to be done
soon.
In
regards to House Bill 2, requests for renovations to town hall is included. The
town is asking for $250,000.
“There
is a large hole in the ceiling upstairs,” she said. “The funds that we received
last year went to the roof that covers the auditorium, but not the clay tiles
that you see. Our request is for $250,000, and as of right now, we have
$100,000 if it’s approved.”
She
said the original plan, also is to move council chambers to the garage area of
what used to be the old fire station, so that where meetings are held now can
be returned to its original purposes, a kitchen area. As for renovations for
the Homer Police Station, the mayor said she would just have to wait and see
what could be done.
In her
other reports, Jessica Richardson, coordinator with the Division of Historic
Preservation, met with town officials in May and members of the historical
committee have opportunities for training in which to maintain Homer’s
historical sites and buildings.
She
also discussed the idea of forming a mayor’s youth council in Homer that would
be comprised of qualified high school juniors and seniors, where they will
elect a “mayor” and “town council” members and hold mock council meetings. The
idea, she said, is to give them an idea of what goes on in municipal
government.
She
also congratulated Shaquaila Lewis, Lisa Foster in her absence when they
received a certificate for Homer for the award for cleanest city. She also
thanked Cynthia Steele for the flowers and thanks also goes to Ms. June McClure
for her hard work as well. She extended thanks to District 5 Councilwoman
Patricia Jenkins as well for her hard work. Also impressive, she said, were the
cleanup crew with the Public Works Department.
The
next meeting of the Homer Town Council will be Monday, July 2, at 6 p.m. in
council chambers located inside city hall. For more information or for
questions, please call their office at 318-927-3555.
Fire destroys home
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
This home on 607 East Third Street is
nothing more than a shell of its former glory. Fire Chief Dennis Butcher said
the initial call came in as a car fire, but it quickly spread to the home. Both
the car and the home are a total loss.
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
This Homer firefighter attempts to fight
the blaze in the attic of the home of Mary Randle. The home burned down on
Friday, June 1.
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
While these Homer firemen attempt to get
water to the flames, they are also planning their next step in controlling the
blaze. Pictured under the garage is the 1995 Chevy Blazer, which is believed to
be the cause of the fire.
The Guardian-Journal
The
home of Mary Randle was a complete loss after a fire began in a vehicle in the
garage.
On
Friday, June 1, at approximately 2:46 p.m., the Homer Fire Department was
dispatched to 607 East Third Street in reference to a car on fire. Homer Fire
Chief Dennis Butcher said an electrical fire did start in a 1995 Chevy Blazer
in a garage connected to the house.
Randle’s
grandson, Kenton J. Blunt, 26, of Homer, and his wife, Kelandra, 19, were
inside the home when the fire started. Butcher said the two were able to get
out of the house and no injuries were reported.
Upon
arrival, the house was engulfed in flames, which resulted in a total loss of
both the home and the vehicle. Because of the direction of wind that day, there
were a few areas of concern, including the old Coca-Cola building located
directly across the street from the home. Also, as of Monday evening, the
street was still blocked off around the home due to a tree that was expected to
fall after the fire. Luckily, there was no damage to any other structures.
Butcher said firemen were strategically placed around the home to contain the
blaze.
Because
of the serious nature of the blaze, traffic was rerouted around the area and
Hwy. 9 was blocked off entirely just after First Guaranty Bank. Helping direct
traffic were officers from the Homer Police Department and the Claiborne Parish
Sheriff’s Office. Also, paramedics from Pafford Ambulance Service were on scene
to treat any possible injuries.
Firemen
and emergency personnel finally were able to leave the scene around 8:35 p.m.
Friday evening.
Scuffle leads to arrest
The Guardian-Journal
A Homer
man found himself in handcuffs when he allegedly resisted officers after they
found what they believed to be drugs on his person.
Fredrick
C. Davis, 36, was arrested on charges of possession of Schedule IV CDS (Xanax 1
mg) with bond set at $5,000, possession of marijuana with bond set at $1,000,
resisting an officer with bond set at $500, open container with bond set at
$500, possession of Schedule IV CDS (Xanax 2 mg) with bond set at $5,000 and a
parole violation with no bond.
He was
also arrested on a warrant for failure to pay child support, with bond set at
$5,000.
According
to police, on Tuesday, May 29, Homer Police Officer Scott Glenn was assisting
Officer Franklin Evans on a traffic stop. When Glenn made contact with the
driver, identified to be Davis, reports say the officer observed Davis throw an
open beer bottle out of the passenger side of the vehicle and that Davis
appeared to be acting nervously.
At that
time, Davis was asked to step out of his vehicle and he was searched for
officer’s safety. During the pat down of his person, Officer Glenn removed a
knife from Davis’ right pocket, and as the search continued, a plastic bag
containing a green, leafy substance was found in his right sock.
Glenn
then attempted to place handcuffs on Davis, and it was at that time he
allegedly began resisting both Glenn and Evans. Both officers were able to
subdue Davis, and it was at that time Glenn removed the plastic bag from Davis’
sock. While removing the plastic bag, Officer Glenn also discovered another
plastic bag containing white and blue pills, later identified as Xanax, reports
say.
Davis
was placed into handcuffs and placed under arrest. He was transported to the
Homer Police Station to complete paperwork and then transported to the
Claiborne Parish Detention Center for further booking.
Mayfield Pool to open Friday!!!
Mayor
Alecia N. Smith is happy to say the Mayfield Pool will open on Friday, June 8,
2012 at 4 p.m.
The
Town of Homer will have five certified lifeguards on staff to insure safety.
This
has been an ongoing project, and we are happy the pool is finally completed for
the children to enjoy during the summer.
Smith
would like to give a special thanks to the Recreation Committee, Public Works,
and Mr. Jerry Shirey with Louisiana Lift Stations for making this possible.
Boat Parade, Fireworks Show slated for
June 30
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Summer
is almost here, and that means it’s almost time for the annual Lake Claiborne
Boat Parade and Fireworks Show!
Set for
Saturday, June 30, this year is expected to be better than ever. The boat
parade will begin at Pleasure Point Marina, with lineup at 7:15 p.m.
The
parade route will make its way around the lake to the state park.
A
commemorative hat is given to each boat parade captain while supplies last (one
hat per boat only).
And the
fireworks show is expected to be even more spectacular than last year with
1,330 display effects. Shell sizes will be from 2.5 inches to 8 inch shells
with all types of special effect shells ranging from cross rings to golden
kamuros.
Handling
the fireworks show again this year is Artisan Pyrotechnics out of Wiggins,
Miss.
Each
year, hundreds of people from all over the area come to Lake Claiborne to
celebrate the Fourth of July.
July 4
is Independence Day for the United States of America, a day set aside as a
national holiday to celebrate the birth of the United States and the adoption
of the Declaration of Independence.
The
Fireworks for Lake Claiborne Committee now has a Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/#!/FourthOfJulyFireworksForLakeClaiborne.
The
committee wishes to thank the individuals, local businesses and organizations
who help make this event possible every year.
Gospel Fest inspiring for Fuller Center
The Guardian-Journal photos/Michelle
Bates
Above, the Claiborne Parish Detention
Center Choir performs during the Fuller Center for Housing of Claiborne
Parish’s first Gospel Fest. Left, 4 His Glory performs at the Gospel Fest. The
Fuller Center for Housing has received seven qualified applicants for home
repair and three homes have been donated. While the Gospel Fest raised some
money, more is needed to complete these projects and to move these three homes.
The Guardian-Journal
The
Fuller Center for Housing of Claiborne Parish held its first Gospel Fest and it
was a great success!
Entertaining
guests and inspiring meaningful worship, the following groups attended and
sang: Christ’s People Deliverance Center, 4 His Glory, Faithful Eight, Mt.
Superior Baptist Church Choir, Moses Johnson, the Rev. Green, Tarez Walker,
Vanita Caldwell and the Claiborne Parish Detention Center Choir.
On
behalf of the Fuller Center for Housing of Claiborne Parish, the Rev. Russell
Grigsby and the Fuller Center Board wish to thank all the people and groups
that ministered and made the Gospel Fest a great success.
In a
statement from the board, “We wish to thank all those who attended and gave
donations to the Fuller Center projects. Thank you very much.”
At the
Gospel Fest, Dr. John Markley talked about the Fuller Center, the board members
and the homes they’ve been able to repair.
He made
it clear that the board is strictly volunteer, and ALL proceeds go towards the
homes repaired.
Grigsby
said he was thankful for the board members and the work that has been
accomplished so far.
“We’re
not where Webster is, but we’re getting there,” he told audience members.
He said
this year, they’ve received seven qualified applicants and hope to get to all
seven projects. Three houses have also been donated, but they still need the
money to be able to move them and get them to the people who most desperately
need them.
Interested
persons can continue to give donations to the Fuller Center, P.O. Box 548,
Homer, LA 71040. For those interested in having a speaker at a meeting or
church, please contact Grigsby at 318-927-9797 or Markley at 318-927-9132.
The
Fuller Center is also accepting donations of furniture and other items for a
rummage sale fundraiser coming soon. See future editions of The
Guardian-Journal for more details as they become available. Items can be
dropped off at Believer’s Worship Center, 10161 Hwy. 9 in Homer.
The
Fuller Center Board thanks the community and looks forward to many projects of
“Greater Blessings.”
