By Matt Vines

Unlike a heartbreaking loss to Franklin Academy to start the 2023 season, Claiborne Academy didn’t need the dramatic flare in a 44-6 beatdown Friday.

Dylan Buckner returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown as the Rebels (1-0) were off to the races to win their season-opener.

Quarterback Kyler Monk ran for three touchdowns and threw for two more as Claiborne Academy built a 22-6 halftime lead and dominated the second half with 22 unanswered points.

“We played well Friday night, and it’s always good to get that first one,” said Claiborne Academy coach Jason Williams. “We played four quarters of football, and we handled adversity well.

“We played through cramps and minor injuries.”

Claiborne tasted a small bit of adversity from what Williams called an “adrenaline dump” in the second quarter, which led to a few defensive miscues and Franklin’s only score.

But the Rebels regained their composure in the second half and exercised complete control.

“Overall, I was really proud of how we limited miscues and how we executed on both sides of the ball,” Williams said.

Monk led the rushing attack with 107 yards on 14 carries while adding 48 passing yards on 4-of-7. He was also Claiborne’s leading tackler with 11 stops.

Maddox Gaston caught both of those touchdowns, hauling in passes of 16 and 10 yards.

Buckner was a true utility player with 45 rushing yards on six touches and two catches for 22 yards in addition to his kickoff return for a touchdown.

The defense, which was porous in last year’s 44-42 loss to Franklin, forced four turnovers. Buckner and Cade Smith each intercepted passes while Sutton Loe and Maddox Gaston forced fumbles that Claiborne recovered.

Many of the Rebels were underclassmen in Williams’ first season at the helm in 2023, and now this group of largely sophomores and juniors should build on the three-win season from a year ago.

Claiborne Academy will have a chance to improve to 2-0 at home with Hillcrest Christian (0-1) visiting Friday at 7 p.m.

The Rebels topped Hillcrest 54-20 this past season, but Williams said next week’s opponent appears to be improved with a first-year head coach.

“They are an extremely athletic team that’s improved vastly, so it will take our best effort,” Williams said. “But that’s our expectation from us every week.”

Haynesville, Homer prepping for jamborees

The LHSAA members of Claiborne Parish are one step closer to actual games as Haynesville and Homer will participate in Minden High’s Pineland Jamboree on Friday.

Haynesville faces Lakeside at 6 p.m. to start the event.

The Tors draw Minden in the third game while Homer takes the last two slots of the night against North Webster and Minden.

Haynesville reached the Division IV Non-Select title game, falling to Oak Grove this past season.

Homer reached the quarterfinals of the same bracket, losing to Kentwood.

Haynesville remains in District 1-1A this season while Homer bumps back up to District 1-2A, joining Calvary Baptist, D’Arbonne Woods Charter, Green Oaks, Magnolia School of Excellence, North Caddo and Union Parish.  

Baton Rouge, La. – Louisiana Main Street is excited to announce that Main Street Homer has been selected for the Brownfields Planning Activities program through the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality’s Brownfields Program. Homer will receive $50,000 of technical assistance for redevelopment planning of vacant historic buildings located downtown. This project will catalyze private investment, ultimately returning the buildings to productive use for the community. Louisiana Main Street provided application assistance to Main Street Homer.

Ten years ago, more than half of Homer’s downtown buildings were vacant. Thanks to the work of Main Street Homer, the Town of Homer, and building owners, multiple buildings have been rehabilitated and re-occupied­­—the vacancy rate is now 31%. This project will target the remaining vacant buildings, including several that have been vacant for decades.

“Main Street Homer prides itself on making a difference one project at a time. That’s exactly what they have been able to do for the past 10 years. They are revitalizing their downtown area through economic development to preserve their historic buildings and increase economic vitality in the area to help bring back visitors who are spending money,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “This grant will only help push their incredible work into the next ten years.”

This project will provide a vision and plan for reuse, with deliverables including market data, financial pro-formas, best tenant “fit” recommendations, implementation strategies, and more. The planning documents will be used to assist building owners and attract investors and financing to downtown Homer.

“By encouraging and utilizing input from our citizens, latest market and demographic trends, along with customized construction and operating pro-formas provided by an expert in the field, we have new hope in our ability to market our historic, vacant buildings and place them back into service in our community,” said Jimmy Hand, Main Street Homer board president. “Thank you to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality for providing the opportunity and funding for this downtown development project to help us continue to revitalize Homer through economic development, historic and cultural preservations, and advancement of the arts.”

This project continues a strong partnership between Louisiana Main Street and the LDEQ Brownfields Program. The Brownfields Planning Activities program is funded through a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information on the Louisiana’s Main Street program visit the Louisiana Main Street webpage.

Contact Information:

Barry Landry

Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism

225-342-7009

blandry@crt.la.gov

A joint meeting of the Personnel & Finance Committees has been called for the afternoon of August 28,
2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Police Jury Complex located at 507 West Main Street in Homer, LA.

The agenda is as follows –

1. Discussion concerning the existing wage structure of the CPPJ Hwy Department and possible
suggestions for amending such structure –

2. Any other personnel related issues.

3. Discussion of detailed analysis of the Sales Tax collections which funds the weekly curbside trash
pick-up in the areas of the parish outside the incorporated areas of Homer and Haynesville. The
existing 1% Sales Tax expires on December 31, 2026.

4. Any other finance related issues.

(Note) – In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please
contact Dwayne R. Woodard at (318)927-2222 describing the assistance that is necessary.

CLAIBORNE PARISH POLICE JURY

Dwayne R. Woodard
Secretary-Treasurer

By Wesley Harris

Claiborne Parish Library Historian

“Fashion design” conjures images of Paris, New York, and glamorous Hollywood types. The last place you might associate with the term is Haynesville, Louisiana.

In the 1930s, a young Haynesville boy known as “Sammy” to his friends was fascinated by clothing design. Local tradition holds that Sammy designed and made doll clothes as a child. In a 1988 interview, his mother told a journalist that when Sammy was eight, he walked to a Haynesville store, purchased some blue and orange floral fabric and a Simplicity pattern and asked his aunt Lucille, a talented seamstress, to sew some beach pajamas for him.

It was the first step in turning Sammy Bozeman into Geoffrey Beene, arguably the best fashion designer the world has ever seen.

Born Samuel Albert Bozeman Jr., on August 30, 1924, in Haynesville to Samuel and Lorine Bozeman, Sammy changed his name when he entered the world of fashion. He took the maiden name of his maternal grandmother, Lillie Beene Waller, the daughter of Elizabeth and Robert Beene who migrated to Dykesville in Claiborne Parish from Georgia in the early 1800s. Beene was born into a family of doctors—his maternal grandfather Leroy (Lee) Waller and great uncle Shadrack (Shack) Waller were longtime Haynesville physicians—and Beene was encouraged to follow in their footsteps. “In the South,” he once said, “if you’re not a doctor, lawyer, merchant or thief, everything else is a hobby.” Beene said his parents “pooh-poohed” his desire to study fashion.

“So, the family thought I ought to be a doctor,” he remembered, especially his mother Lorine. They sent him to Tulane to study medicine. “The first two years weren’t bad, because it was classroom work, but the third year we got into vivisection, cadavers, and all that horrendous stuff. And every disease we studied I got.” Beene dropped out in 1946 after three years of study and moved to Los Angeles where he worked in the display department of the I. Magnin retail store until 1947.

Later that year, he moved to New York City to attend the Traphagen School of Fashion and then on to Paris for more training. In 1949, he returned to New York where he became assistant designer at the Seventh Avenue house of Harmay. In 1958, he left Harmay to design with Teal Traina before starting his own design house, Geoffrey Beene, Inc. in New York City in 1963.

A year later, Beene received the Coty American Fashion Critics’ Award, the most prestigious award in fashion. His first collection was featured on the cover of Vogue magazine. During his career, he won the award seven more times.

Fashion icon Iris Apfel said of Beene, “…no question he’s the best designer in America and I think you could argue quite reasonably that he’s the best designer in the world.”

Beene’s clients included Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Nancy Reagan, Faye Dunaway and Glenn Close. His recognition as one of the greatest arose from his artistic and technical skills and for creating simple, comfortable, and dressy women’s wear. Known as both an innovator and a teacher, several of Beene’s former apprentices became successful fashion designers.

In honor of Beene’s fashion legacy, the Council of Fashion Designers of America created the annual Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement award in 1984. Among the recipients are Bill Blass, Oscar De La Renta, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, and Beene himself.

Beene’s sister Gloria was born in Haynesville in 1932, attended Louisiana Tech and worked as a schoolteacher, marrying Haynesville football coach M. D. Ray, Jr. Gloria died in 1965 and Sam Bozeman, Sr. in 1975. Beene’s mother remarried and moved to Bossier City, leaving little connection between Geoffrey and the town where he grew up.

Beene’s career in fashion design spanned over 40 years. He died on September 28, 2004, due to pneumonia complications from cancer at age 80. He is buried at the Old Haynesville Cemetery with his sister Gloria, mother Lorine Bozeman Pratt and stepfather Leroy Pratt.

Beene expressed the motivation for his work simply: “The whole point of design is to make people feel better about themselves.”

Maybe he became a doctor after all.

For more information on this year’s Louisiana Legend’s Fest, go to https://www.legendsfest.us/

Join us for an inspiring and impactful event designed to strengthen the bond between parents and their sons. This conference will provide valuable insights, practical advice, and engaging activities to help young men make positive life choices and reach their full potential.  

A new melody is rising in Ruston as Southern A’Chord, a women’s community a cappella chorus, announces its formation and invites area residents to a harmonious beginning.

The group will host a Welcome Night on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston, 212 N. Bonner.

Chorus leaders say Southern A’Chord’s purpose is to bring music to the community and to provide a place for women to enjoy and grow their musical skills.

All women who have a love for singing are encouraged to attend the recruitment event. It will provide a chance to meet the director and fellow singers, discover more about the chorus’s mission and upcoming activities, and experience the delight of singing in a group.

“The group is more than just a chorus,” said Lynette Murphy, of Choudrant, assistant director for musical expression. “It’s a celebration of the joys of singing and the uplifting power of music. Singing is a journey of the soul that connects us to the deepest parts of ourselves and to each other.

“There’s something truly magical about coming together to create harmony,” explained Murphy, who also serves as chorus president. “Singing not only lifts the spirit but also promotes a sense of unity.”

The chorus Music Staff is led by Director Candice Bassett, of Grayson, who believes in the transformative power of music. “When we sing, we create a space where every voice matters. It’s not just about the notes on the page. It’s about the stories we tell and the community we build – a community where women can support each other, learn together and perform for the joy of our audiences.”

With a repertoire that spans pop, patriotic, gospel and holiday, Southern A’Chord offers a sound that resonates with diverse audiences. As a new non-profit organization, the chorus has a roster of 14 members from multiple parishes.

“We’re committed to helping our members find their voice and use it confidently,” Bassett said. “Our rehearsals are a place of discovery, where the art of a cappella singing – especially barbershop – can be embraced. We’re excited to build this sisterhood and share our love of music with Ruston and beyond.”

Regular rehearsals are held Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the same location as the guest night. Visitors and singers from other groups are welcome any time.

Southern A’Chord is not yet affiliated with any other organizations but would like to partner with local arts and community groups to serve North Louisiana, its leaders say. One of the chorus goals is to do community service outreach.

Bassett has extensive a cappella chorus training and background, having earned a director’s certification and international medals with other singing groups. Murphy is the choir director and piano teacher for Ruston High School and serves as worship leader for First Baptist Church in Choudrant.

For more information concerning either membership or booking a performance, visit the website southernachordchorus.org or the Facebook page Southern A’Chord Chorus, or contact Murphy at 501-318-8701.

(BATON ROUGE, LA) – Louisiana is implementing wide-ranging solutions proposed by State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley to help eliminate classroom distractions for teachers. The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approved new policies today based on recommendations from Dr. Brumley’s Let Teachers Teach workgroup. Set to take effect before the end of the school year, the policies will significantly reduce the number of trainings teachers are required to repeat every year, tighten student discipline, and give effective educators more freedom over lesson planning.

“Louisiana is making a stand to take the teaching profession back for educators, students, and parents,” said Dr. Brumley. “I applaud BESE for helping us remove disruptions so teachers can actually teach and students can actually learn.”

Let Teachers Teach is a workgroup of over two dozen teachers from across the state. They developed a set of 18 recommendations PDF centered on reducing excessive training and paperwork, restoring the art of teaching, and removing classroom disruptions. Highlights of the policies approved by BESE during their August meeting include:

Decoupling student behavior and the school accountability system. Student suspension rates will no longer be used to identify schools needing intervention.

Ensuring teachers have the right to have a student removed from the classroom immediately when their behavior prevents the orderly instruction of other students or poses a threat. A new discipline policy impacts the Teacher Bill of Rights and changes how school leaders must respond to persistent disruptions during class.

Streamlining and reducing dozens of non-academic trainings and lessons teachers had been required by the state to repeat annually. Most will shift to a “one-and-done” approach where teachers complete the training one time, while others will be folded into other resources or support opportunities.

Increasing professional autonomy for effective educators. Teachers who consistently demonstrate success will be provided more freedom with teaching practices and lesson planning.

“Our unanimous decision today reflects an intentional approach to improve student outcomes,” said BESE President Ronnie Morris. “By eliminating redundant training and improving educator support, we are optimizing the environment for both teaching and learning, which are essential to academic success.”

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) collaborated with multiple stakeholders in the development of the policies. The LDOE and BESE have outlined actions around all 18 recommendations. These range from new state laws, policy changes, and guidance for local school systems.

At about 7:00 on the morning of August 21, 1911, Vincenzo arrived at work as usual.  Over his clothes he wore his white smock, the same as all other employees at the museum wore.  On the surface, there was nothing to signify that this day would be any different than any other, but Vincenzo had a plan.  While working at the museum, Vincenzo became obsessed with the idea of stealing one of the Italian paintings and returning it to Italy.  He realized that no one would suspect him because he had worked at the museum for over four years.  On that Monday morning, Vincenzo waited until the room was unoccupied, then put his plan into motion.  He took the painting off the wall and carried it to a nearby stairway where he removed it from its frame.  He hid the discarded frame among some student artworks which were sitting on the landing of the staircase.  Vincenzo was unable to roll the painting up because the artist had painted it on a piece of wood.  Vincenzo wrapped his white smock around the painting, tucked it under his arm, and walked out the same door that he had entered earlier that morning.  When other employees noticed the empty spot on the wall where the painting had been hung, they notified the police.  They ushered the visitors out with the ruse that a water pipe had burst.   

Police searched the building and found the painting’s discarded frame.  They questioned all of the museum’s permanent employees as well as temporary employees such as bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, and glaziers.  Police visited Vincenzo at his apartment and questioned him.  When questioning the museum’s employees revealed no leads, investigators figured they had missed something and repeated the process.  Once again, investigators visited Vincenzo’s apartment and questioned him, but they found no reason to suspect Vincenzo.  Vincenzo gave them permission to search his apartment, which disarmed suspicion.  Had investigators glanced inside a large trunk which sat just inches from them in the apartment, they would have found nothing incriminating.  However, if they had noticed that the trunk had a false bottom, they would have solved the crime. 

As per his plan to not raise suspicion, Vincenzo continued working at the museum for two more years.  In 1913, Vincenzo left his job at the museum.  He tried to sell the stolen painting to various dealers in London and Paris, and even offered it to a representative of American financier J.P. Morgan, none of which notified the authorities.  On November 28, 1913, Vincenzo wrote a letter to art dealer Alfred Geri, owner of the Galleria d’Arte Moderna in Florence and offered to sell him the stolen painting.  Alfred agreed to meet once Vincenzo was in Florence.  Vincenzo took the trunk with its hidden cargo to Florence.  On December 11, 1913, Alfred watched as Vincenzo removed the painting from the false bottom of the trunk.  After inspecting the painting, Alfred and Vincenzo purportedly came to some agreement on price and Alfred left the room.  Alfred immediately notified the police of the stolen painting and its hiding place.  Acting on Alfred’s tip, police arrested Vincenzo and slid the painting out from its hiding place.  The face in the painting seemed to almost smile as if happy to have been rescued. 

During questioning, Vincenzo claimed he had no accomplices and explained that accomplices were not necessary.  “I did not take the painting from a desire to gain from it,” he told authorities, “but wished to accomplish a good and holy work by returning to my country one of the many treasures stolen from it.”  Vincenzo said he thought he should receive adequate compensation for returning the painting to Italy.  He neglected to mention that he had tried to sell the painting to people in three other countries before offering it to a dealer in Italy.

 Thus ended what some people have described as the greatest art theft of the 20th century.  The painting that Vincenzo stole was certainly prominent in the art world, but the painting’s theft and eventual return took the painting to another level.  For two years, people all around the world saw pictures of the painting and followed the investigation in newspapers.  Before it was returned to France, the painting was exhibited in art galleries throughout Italy to jubilant crowds.  When it was returned to France, the celebrations were even larger.  Crowds viewed the painting in a sort of modern concert atmosphere with pushing and shoving and everyone vying for a better view.  Little has changed in the past century.  Throngs of people still visit that same museum, the Louvre, to see that same painting.  Because of Vincenzo Peruggia’s theft, we can instantly produce a mental image of what is arguably the most famous painting in the world, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. 

Sources:

1.     The Baltimore Sun, August 23, 1911, p.13.

2.     The Kansas City Star, August 22, 19011, p.4.

3.     The Tampa Tribune, December 14, 1913, p.81.

4.     St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 15, 1913, p.6.

5.     St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 26, 1913, p.15.

The Louisiana Black Bear Hunting Lottery will open to state hunters beginning Aug. 29 and run through Sept. 25, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced.

The bear hunt, administered by LDWF, will be confined to Bear Management Area 4, which includes Tensas, Madison, East Carroll and West Carroll parishes and portions of Richland, Franklin and Catahoula parishes. The season will begin Dec. 7, 2024 and run through Dec. 22, 2024.

Lottery applications are available only on the LDWF website at https://louisianaoutdoors.com/lottery-applications. Those interested in applying should update or create their customer details similar to purchasing a license and then submit an application. Possession of a valid black bear hunting license is required prior to applying for the WMA and the general Black Bear Lotteries. A $50 non-refundable application fee will be charged to each applicant. All applicants will be notified of their results via email as well as at https://louisianaoutdoors.com/lottery-applications.

A total of 10 permits will be issued for the 2024 lottery. Bear harvest permits will consist of three types: Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Private Landowner, and General. For instructions to apply go to Black Bear Hunting Lottery | Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Successful applicants will be required to attend an LDWF bear hunter training course on either Nov. 2 or Nov. 14 prior to hunting, with the department encouraging attendance on the Nov. 2 date if possible. Individuals not attending one of these courses may be disqualified and forfeit their bear hunting permit.

To purchase a Louisiana hunting license, go to https://louisianaoutdoors.com/.

All visitors to LDWF WMAs must have either a WMA Access Permit or a Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License. Go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/wmarefugeconservation-area-licenses-and-permits for more information.

For more information on the lottery application process, contact David Hayden at 318-487-5353 or dhayden@wlf.la.gov. For more information on the Louisiana black bear and this year’s hunt, contact John Hanks at 318-343-4044 or jhanks@wlf.la.gov.

“Athletics provide one of the best preparations for the darkness a human life can throw at you.”

Southern writer Pat Conroy in “My Losing Season.”

I agree with Conroy: losing teaches you how to deal with pain. (Hurts me to say that.)

We’re not talking exclusively about losing on the scoreboard. That hurts, and those types of hurts, a peculiar kind of Southern hurt, begin again this weekend with football. Those are as real as real gets, and sometimes they hurt bad, and they hurt for a long time.

But we’re talking beyond that. We’re talking everyday losses.

Like … a hang nail, the finger’s silent assassin.                                                              

Hot coffee spilled in the car on the inside of your thigh. Sweet.

Cutting your head on the corner of an open kitchen cabinet door. The dreaded kamikaze cabinet. 

Or the kingpin of them all: hitting your little toe on the steel leg of a bunk bed at church camp.

There’s always cussing at church camp because somebody always hits their toe.

But you learn, and limp on.

Tough break that we live and limp forward, but we learn backward.

There are all “kinds” of losing. Losing your keys. Losing a tooth. Losing your mind.

But you usually get another chance in those cases. Not always so in the competitive arena. Nothing hurts worse than losing The Big Game. You don’t get another chance, not at that one, not on that day.

Super Bowl Sunday’s a decent illustration. A big winner is celebrated and a big loser does what most all big losers do. They get really small and really forgotten really fast.

Ask pros who really care or competitive amateurs and they’ll tell you that the pain of losing is always greater, more motivating, than the thrill of winning. Winning teaches you how to uncork champagne and smile. Losing teaches you where to shore up your defenses, how to plan better, who you really are when things fall apart.

I’ve always found the more compelling stories are in the losing locker room, not the winning one. Losers are more real, emotion more acute.

In the academic world of leaky manifolds and underground sewerage systems and computer programming, I’m on the outside looking in. But when the subject is losing, well, that’s right in my wheelhouse. I have certificates, even official framed documents. Everything but a tattoo. 

You probably do too. You know about losing like a plow knows about dirt. Like a wing knows wind. We know about losing the way a bug knows about a windshield.

Some, like me, are slow learners. I’m coachable, just not very quick. But a bit of experience in losing will teach you that you can handle more than you thought, that the sun will come up if you can hang in there, and that whatever price you have to pay to win, it will be worth it to avoid the feeling of losing again. 

Fumbling won’t win you any trophies, but it can toughen you up. Good thing, because in everyday life, you face third-and-long a lot more often than third-and-short. Athletic disaster truly can help prepare you for losing someone close, for a pink slip, for foreclosure.

Regardless, you want to be in the arena, don’t you? Stay in the game. It’s small consolation and a wide chasm, but the next best thing to playing and winning is playing and losing. 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

We’ve all heard the expression he or she has God given talent. There are singers like George Strait and Celine Dion, golfers like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicholas, along with baseball players like Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds. So, what does it really mean and what exactly is talent? 

I am a firm believer that each of us has some form of talent but not everyone has established what that talent might be. It may take years before we realize we do possess a skill that we may deem as talent. Some people can dance and some can sing, and even though you might not physically see the talent, doesn’t mean you don’t have a talent. 

For me personally, I figured out early in my life that God blessed me with athletic talent, especially in baseball. I was born with skills that not everyone possessed, and I took advantage of those skills. But it was through this talent that it gave me the confidence I needed to compete on a baseball diamond at a high level. It allowed me to play in high school, college and later in professional baseball. But it gave me something much greater than being good at a sport, it gave the confidence and the foundation I needed to be successful in life. 

But let’s look at a bass fisherman and someone who is considered the greatest bass angler of all time….Kevin Van Dam (KVD). Now this is talent and is a great example of God given talent as there are legendary stories of Kevin’s abilities as a bass fisherman. KVD was born with instincts very few anglers have. 

For years KVD made decisions that baffled other anglers including his own family. His brother Randy gave me an example of KVD’s talent as they often fished together growing up. He told the story of how Kevin, Randy and their dad were all fishing together one day and struggling to catch fish. Then after a lengthy time of no bites, out of the blue Kevin decided to pick up a jerkbait for no apparent reason and started whacking them. 

When asked why he thought that was what they needed to be doing, KVD said “it just felt right”. That’s instincts or God given talent that very few anglers have. It’s knowing when to change baits or change locations, it’s a feel for doing the right thing at the right time. This talent is what separates the great anglers from the average anglers.

Now some talent can be enhanced and developed, whether it’s in a particular sport or a concept like singing. An athlete for example, can be made stronger, faster or quicker with proper training, but there needs to be some resemblance of talent from the Lord almighty to work with. You can’t turn a sloth into a tiger or if you take the stripes off a Zebra, that doesn’t make it a thoroughbred. 

Once again, we all have some form of talent. It just might take a awhile before we realize or recognize what that talent might be. God has blessed each of us in different ways and wants you to take advantage of whatever that talent might be. Talent comes in many different forms and what someone may deem as unsubstantial, may truly be a gift from God. But with proper guidance or coaching, an individual can figure out the best way to utilize that talent. 

Till next time, good luck, good fishing and if you want to become a better outdoorsman, tune into the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show every Wednesday live from 11:00 till 1:00 on AM 1130 The Tiger, our Facebook page or catch us on our YouTube channel. 

Steve Graf

Angler’s Perspective

Please send all non-profit calendar events to cpjnewsla@gmail.com

August 30 (4:30 – 6:30 p.m.)

Main Street Homer Mixer

September 7 (8 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Harvest Time Homer – Sweet Potato Fest in honor of Mr. James Ridley 

September 9 (6 p.m.)

What’s Up with Banking Technology Seminar, sponsored by Gibsland Bank and Trust, will be presented by Don Kimmel, Business Development Officer and Financial Wellness Coordinator

Claiborne Parish Library

This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. 

Amber Goodwin: 318 -927-7967, or email agoodwin@gbt.bank

September 21 (10 – 1 p.m.)

Boyz 2 Men Mentoring Program – Parents and Sons Conference

Homer City Hall 

For more information call 318- 523 – 1011

October 7 – 11 

Claiborne Parish Livestock Show 

October 12 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Car Show with Raffles, Prizes, Cake Auction and Food Trucks benefiting CASA

1952 N. Railroad Ave, Arcadia, La. 

October 12 (10 a.m.)

Claiborne Parish 4-H Pet Show

We will need to know what kind of animal you have.

Awards: Most Unique, Cutest, Furriest, Best Dressed, Best Overall

October 19 

Louisiana Legends Fest – Vendor Registration is now open 

http://www.LegendsFest.us

Notice of Death – August 27, 2024

John “Yankee” Alton

July 13, 1937 – August 26, 2024

Arcadia, La. 

Visitation: 10 – 11 a.m. Friday, August 30, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia, La. 

Graveside service to follow at New Bethel Baptist Church, Arcadia, La. 

Eric Mamon

June 17, 1949 – August 24, 2024

Grambling, La. 

Visitation: 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. Friday, August 30, 2024, Memorial Funeral Home, Arcadia, La. 

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Saturday, August 31, 2024, Holland Grove Baptist Church, Arcadia, La. 

James Dale Bates

August 1, 1930 – August 15, 2024

Homer, La.

Visitation: 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, Lake Claiborne, Homer, La.

Memorial service: 2 p.m., immediately following visitation.

Claiborne Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or cpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are no charge.)

On Monday, August 5, 2024, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) was notified about a burglary of the Claiborne Parish School Board Office located at 415 East Main Street Homer, Louisiana 71040.

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Sam Dowies and Deputies responded to the complaint and initiated an investigation.

Following the investigation at the Claiborne Parish School Board, it was discovered that the Homer Volunteer Fire Station located at 411 West Main Street Homer, Louisiana 71040 had also been burglarized. CPSO also initiated an investigation of the burglary of the Homer Fire Department.

During the investigations, CPSO investigators collected evidence and were able to identify suspects involved with the burglaries.

On August 8, 2024, CPSO executed two (2) search warrants of residences in Homer, Louisiana. As a result of the search warrants, stolen items from both the Claiborne Parish School Board Office and the Homer Fire Department were recovered by CPSO.

CPSO arrested:

DIORRE D. HAMILTON of 436 N. 6 th Street Homer, Louisiana. Hamilton was charged with one (1) count of burglary (School Board) and two (2) counts of burglary (Fire Station).

JERMAINE WINZER of 328 Mulnix Switch Road Homer, Louisiana. Winzer was charged with one (1) count of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things.

TRACY CRAWFORD of 207 Wilson Street Homer, Louisiana. Crawford was charged with one (1) count of burglary (School Board).

Some items taken from the Claiborne Parish School Board and the Homer Fire Department have yet to be recovered. Specifically, HP Chrome Books, Apple I-Pads and a generator.

Sheriff Dowies encourages anyone with information concerning the stolen items to contact the CPSO by calling (318) 927-2011. Sheriff Dowies ensures that all information will be considered confidential.

Sheriff Dowies asks Claiborne Parish citizens to consider that the items taken were intended to be utilized for the education of our children and for public safety purposes. Sheriff Dowies does not want crime to affect the safety and education opportunities of Claiborne Parish citizens. If you may have purchased or taken possession of any stolen items, you are encouraged to return the items to CPSO so they can be released to the School Board and the Fire Department and utilized for their intended purposes.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

By Paige Gurgainers

Pearls of Purpose, a club made up of local women, is preparing to stir their cauldrons and hop on their brooms once again for the second annual Witches Ride of Minden set for October 24, 2024.  

Participants will be able to purchase a ticket and dress up in their best witchy attire and stroll, ride or bike through downtown Minden.  

The inaugural event last year brought in 400 participants, 25 sponsorships and a spooktastic $10K raised and split between two local organizations – Miller Quarters Park and We’re Here Minden.  

“We are expecting an even larger crown this year than last year,” said Head Witch Sara Overall. 

They will be announcing the Grand Marshal and charities of choice in the coming months leading up to the event.  

According to Overall, it was said last year that it was the best parade with all the themes, costumes and  throws. Many described the evening as “being something out of a Hallmark movie” with families and children waving as the “witches” rode by.  

“We encourage the homes in the historic district and downtown businesses to get festive this year for the Halloween season with decor and a party the night of the ride,” said Overall.  

This group of ladies is currently working to secure sponsorships for this year’s ride. Information on that can be found on their social media channels: Witches Ride of Minden or their linktree link: linktr.ee/witchesrideminden . Tickets will go live on Sept. 1.

James Dale Bates was born August 1, 1930, in Homer, Louisiana, to Wade Bates and Gladys Dickens Bates. He entered into rest on August 15, 2024, at the age of 94. 

Jimmy Bates was a lifelong lover of sports. A high school standout in basketball, he graduated from Homer High School in 1949 and entered Louisiana Polytechnic Institute (now Louisiana Tech University) where he played basketball and tennis. Each summer, Jimmy played baseball for the Homer Oilers. He took his first teaching job in Pelican, LA, followed by several years in Athens, LA, where his basketball teams achieved state championships. As a teacher and coach, he encouraged many young people to be the best they could be as athletes and proponents of fair play. 

Jimmy received his bachelor’s degree from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute, his master’s degree from Northwestern State College and his doctorate from Louisiana State University. He was among the initial faculty of LSU in Shreveport, serving as the institution’s first Chairman of Health and Physical Education Department when LSU-S opened its doors in the fall of 1967.

During the Korean Conflict, Jimmy Bates served his country proudly as a member of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division, the “Screaming Eagles.” Following his retirement from teaching, he embarked on an entirely new endeavor…that of Petroleum Landman. As a Landman, he made new friends, visited new places and mastered a new set of skills.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, his Aunt Lucy and Uncle Brooksie Dickens, and his cousin, Charlie Dickens.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Patricia Teel Bates of Homer; daughter, Catherine Owen and husband Jim of Spotsylvania, VA; son, Scott Bates and wife Paula of Benton, LA; and grandchildren, Christopher Bates and wife Sarah Ellen, Matthew D’Reaux, Ansley D’Reaux and Clark D’Reaux. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Joe B. Bates and wife Paula of Tyler, TX; brother-in-law, A. Alex Teel and wife Susan of Hoschton, GA; very special first cousin Elbie Jean Dickens of Homer; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved very much.

Jimmy Bates was successful in many areas of life, but in none more than in his relationship with other people. His students were particular beneficiaries of the way he related to them. He leaves behind a family who will always love him and a host of friends who remember him with affection. 

A memorial service for Dr. Bates is planned for 2:00 pm, Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Wesley Chapel on Lake Claiborne, Homer, Louisiana, preceded by a visitation starting at 1 pm. For those wishing to make a gift in his memory, the family suggests donations to the charity of individual choice.

Governor Jeff Landry has moved at a dizzying legislative pace since being elected governor and one very significant change made to Louisiana law is what is referred to as “Truth in Sentencing.”   

What is Truth in Sentencing?

The long and short of it is that for years Judges, District Attorneys and Defense Attorneys have essentially had to estimate the actual amount of time a convicted individual would be incarcerated.  Louisiana was said to have a “high rate of indeterminacy” in sentencing and the stated purpose of the new law is to simplify time computation by the Louisiana Department of Corrections.

Currently, the rule of thumb was that a conviction or plea that did not involve a Crime of Violence under Louisiana law would have an inmate serve approximately 1/3rd of their given sentence.  So, for example, with a nonviolent crime like Simple Burglary, the accused could either plead to or be convicted of and sentenced to, hypothetically, 6 years in prison.  The individual would serve approximately 1/3rd of the 6 years, or two years.  On the other hand, if an individual pled to or was convicted of a crime of violence, they would serve approximately 2/3rds of the 6 year sentence, or 4 years. 

That has now all changed.

In the 2024 Special Session of the Louisiana Legislature, the relevant statute, LA. R.S. 15:571.3, was amended and re-enacted.  The relevant part of the statute is referred to as Diminution of Sentence for good time served.  The new law changed the amount of good time credit (i.e. reduction) that can be earned to a maximum of 15% for all offenses except when the individual is what is known as an Habitual Offender or the crime involves a sex offense. (which are not allowed to earn any good time).  Unlike before, the new law does not differentiate between violent and nonviolent offenses.  Again, the declared purpose of this change is to provide truth, or greater accuracy, in sentencing.

So, what is the crux of the new law?

Well, these changes only apply to offenses that were committed on or after August 1, 2024, and the Good Time Rates after that date will be 85% for all offenses except, again, sex offenses and habitual offenders who will not be eligible for any good time served.  Sex and habitual offenders will earn credit for any time served prior to their conviction but will not earn any additional good time credit.  One caveat is that offenders may earn up to 12 months of additional credit for the completion of treatment and rehabilitation programming as provided for in LA. R.S. 15:828.  Finally, the new law clarifies that when an offender has served 85% of their sentence they will be released on Unsupervised Parole for the remainder of their sentence.

Let me also share two other categories of offense that have been amended.  The first is Drug Court Screening and Eligibility, with Act 572 providing that a defendant who meets the eligibility and suitability criteria can be offered by the court an opportunity to participate in the program and undergo treatment.  Second, Act 648 provides that in a felony case, the court shall not/may not terminate probation early, or as “unsatisfactory,” and release the defendant if the conviction was for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, vehicular homicide, or First Degree vehicular negligent injuring.

One other issue I am asked about frequently.  Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.  The new law mandates that a consecutive (it’s usually concurrent) sentence be imposed if a person convicted was on probation or parole at the time of the new offense.

That’s quite a change!

I believe the goal of ensuring truth in sentencing is good public policy.  I think a defendant, as a matter of due process of law, must be informed of what time they will actually serve for their offense.  I also feel it is important, as a matter of both the legal process and judicial efficiency, that judges, DAs, and criminal defense attorneys know exactly what a sentence entails in order to know how to proceed in a case whether it be a plea or a trial. 

I will be curious to see how these changes impact crime and incarceration in Louisiana.  Whether additional statutory tweaks will be needed remains to be seen but the effort to increase both the constitutionally required ‘fair warning’ and notice of what is prohibited under law, resulting in what penalty, is laudable.

(Shreveport attorney, Royal Alexander, worked in D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 8 years for two different Members of Congress from Louisiana.  He has witnessed up close several Speaker races.)

While social media today is extremely popular, it can be unsteady and unpredictable. Readers may never know if they missed a breaking news event or an important upcoming event.

How do you make sure you are informed about today’s news, current events and breaking news in Claiborne Parish if you can’t rely on social media?

Subscribe to the Claiborne Parish Journal. It’s simple, easy and FREE. Visit http://www.claiborneparishjournal.com and click JOIN. You will begin receiving emails that lead you to our website and stories. You’ll never miss another story because of AI.