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Homeschoolers Prepare for Excellence

Numerous studies have documented the successful performance on standardized testing, as well as college performance, by students who were taught at home by their parents.  A most interesting finding revealed in the latest study by Dr. Brian Ray, is that student performance was unaffected by the level of education that their parents had achieved.  Across the board in subject areas, home educated students on average scored at or above the 85th percentile on a variety of standardized tests.

Parents who have chosen to educate their children at home seek to support one another and share educational opportunities and insights.  Some parents have formed educational cooperatives to address specific needs that may be more difficult to teach one on one.  These cooperatives take many different forms, and serve many different purposes.  The resources available to homeschooling families today are vast, and are available through a multitude of vendors.

The decisions facing families who consider homeschooling their children can be daunting because of the many options available.  Publishers of curricula in every subject area are competing to make their product appear to be the best.  The reality is that there is no single resource that is best for all students.  It is this reason that many feel that homeschoolers are able to perform so much better than traditionally educated students; their parents hand pick the materials that best fit their learning style and their needs.

Through conferences together and networking with one another, homeschooling parents educate themselves to understand the many options, and which one may best fit their family.  One such conference is being held October 1, 2011 at Cook Baptist Church in Ruston from 9am to 2pm.  It is open to anyone interested in learning more about homeschooling or the homeschool community.  Speakers include Dr. and Mrs. Roger Smith, Dr. and Mrs. David McGehee, Lavon and Jessica Welch, Terra Taylor, Cheryl Floyd, and Charlotte Hansen.  Most of these speakers have more than 20 years homeschooling experience. Cost $10 per person.  For more information contact one of the following homeschool group leaders:  Charlotte Hansen (Shreveport) 688-4589, Robin Davis (Ruston) 768-4145 or Pam Charrier (Monroe) 376-1788.

 
More information on the study by Dr. Brian Ray is available at

http://www.hslda.org/docs/study/ray2009/2009_Ray_StudyFINAL.pdf

and  http://www.academicleadership.org/article/Academic_Achievement_and_Demographic_Traits_of_Homeschool_Students_A_Nationwide_Study.

Mississippi Man Killed I-20 Lincoln Parish

LOUISIANA           STATE              POLICE
COURTESY      LOYALTY       SERVICE


Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent

News Release

April 25, 2011

Lincoln Parish Fatal Crash

A Mississippi man has died after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 20 in Lincoln Parish.

Louisiana State Police Troop F Troopers responded to the crash last night at about 11:50 pm.  The investigation revealed that a 2003 Nissan Altima was traveling west on I-20, near milepost 94.5, when it rear-ended a 2010 Toyota Yaris.  The Toyota continued off the south side of the road before coming to rest.  The Altima stopped on the westbound shoulder of I-20.

For unknown reasons, the driver of the Altima, identified as 27-year-old Jacques Luckett from Cary, MS, exited his vehicle and lied down in the roadway.  Shortly afterwards, a 2010 Chevrolet Impala, that was not associated with the original crash, was traveling west on I-20.  The driver of that vehicle did not see Luckett lying in the roadway and struck him.  Jacques Luckett was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lincoln Parish Coroner’s Office.

The driver of the Toyota Yaris, from the original crash, was not injured.

The driver of the Impala, 36-year-old Rodney Roberts from Louisville, MS, was not injured in the crash.

Impairment is unknown and toxicology tests are pending.

In 2011, Louisiana State Police Troop F Troopers have investigated eight (9) fatal crashes resulting in nine (10) deaths.

Contact Information,
Trooper First Class Mark Dennis
Louisiana State Police
Troop F Public Affairs
Office: (318)345-2810

Bastrop Pedestrian Killed

LOUISIANA           STATE              POLICE
COURTESY      LOYALTY       SERVICE


Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent

News Release

April 20, 2011

Pedestrian Dies in Morehouse Parish Crash

A Bastrop man has died after being hit by a car in Morehouse Parish

Louisiana State Police Troop F Troopers responded to the crash last night at about 10:00 pm.  The investigation revealed that a pedestrian was attempting to cross US 165, at about milepost 202, when he was struck by a 2001 Ford truck that was traveling north on the inside lane of the highway.

The pedestrian, identified as 24-year-old Jermaine E. Whitfield from Bastrop, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Morehouse Parish Coroner’s Office.

The driver of the Ford truck, identified as 51-year-old Walter Bourg from Marrero, LA, was not injured in the crash.

Impairment is unknown and routine toxicology tests are pending.

In 2011, Louisiana State Police Troop F Troopers have investigated eight (8) fatal crashes resulting in nine (9) deaths.

Contact Information,
Trooper First Class Mark Dennis
Louisiana State Police
Troop F Public Affairs
Office: (318)345-2810

Elizabeth Jones: “Guilty Of What?”

Guilty Of What?  

On Tuesday April 12, 2011 Elizabeth Jones attended a pre-trial hearing at Lincoln Parish 3rd District Court where her new attorney Sam Jenkins met with the Assistant District Attorney Brown in a pre-trial conference. The attorneys agreed to continue the matter to another pre-trial conference set for May 10th.

This second pre-trial hearing had to be scheduled because Mr. Jenkins had just been provided the Discovery submitted by Miss Jones’ prior Attorney Ronald Cook.

According to Miss Jones, the District Attorney’s office originally gave Cook this Discovery information back in September 2010.  Cook was supposed to review this Discovery information with Miss Jones by her November 7th court date, but Cook never discussed it with her –not even by the February 15th or the February 28th continuance dates.

For some reason unbeknown to Miss Jones, according to the court transcripts Attorney Cook admitted to the judge on February 28th, 2011 that he had contacted the District Attorney the night prior to the February 15th court date, and told the DA that Miss Jones would be making a guilty plea in acceptance of the DA’s offer to reduce sentencing in exchange for certain information, even though Jones made no such agreement.

On her court date of February 28th, in response to a complaint letter filed to the District Attorney’s office and the judge, the judge asked Cook when did he give Miss Jones the stipulations of the DA’s offer. Cook then admitted he told Miss Jones on February 15th what those stipulations were after he had already made an agreement on her behalf with the DA the night before.

It was already posted and discussed in the media that Miss Jones wanted the entire matter to be heard in a jury trial. Therefore, Attorney Cook’s statements were completely inconsistent with Miss Jones’ wishes as well as what was already public knowledge in the media and court records.

Due to the apparent confusion that Attorney Cook caused in this regard, Miss Jones was asked to make her rejection of the DA’s offer official at her February 28th court date, and to restate her desire for this entire matter be heard in a jury trial which is now set for September 26th, 2011.

 

Former Junior Accountant & Assistant To Grambling Mayor, Elizabeth Jones

As a junior accountant and assistant to then Grambling Mayor Martha Andrus, Miss Jones was charged with two counts of felony theft in relation to Grambling City funds. According to State Trooper Scott Brown’s investigation report submitted to the District Attorney’s Office, those charges were originally brought by the Louisiana State Troopers Office out of Monroe, LA in June 2009 based on allegations and reports filed by Andrus and the Grambling City Accountant at that time, Willie Mabry.

Miss Jones says she is completely capable of proving her innocence in this matter.

(c) 2011 –The Fount Online News

All Rights Reserved

Ruston Man Dies In Single Vehicle Crash

LOUISIANA           STATE              POLICE
COURTESY      LOYALTY       SERVICE


Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent

News Release – February 23, 2011

Single Vehicle Crash Claims Life of Ruston Man

Claiborne Parish – On February 23, 2011, at 11:05 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a single vehicle crash on LA 154 just south of Athens in Claiborne Parish. A 52-year-old man from Ruston was killed in the crash.

According to investigating troopers, 52-year-old Jimmie Richardson was traveling north on LA 154 in a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado when the vehicle approached a hill and curve to the right. For unknown reasons, the vehicle continued straight in the curve and traveled off the left side of the roadway. Richardson was partially ejected after the vehicle struck a tree.

Richardson was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Claiborne Parish Coroner.

Although impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash, toxicology tests are pending.

The crash remains under investigation.

Troop G Troopers have investigated 4 fatal crashes for the year of 2011, which resulted in 4 fatalities.

Contact Information:
Tpr. Cordell Williams
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Unit
Office:  (318) 741-7411
cordell.williams@dps.la.gov
www.lsp.org

AgCenter Offers Healthy Snacking Tips

Healthy Snacking

Snacks are an important part of a child’s daily nutrient requirement. Most children cannot eat large portions of food at one time, so it is important for parents to have a regular snack time to complement meal time. Although children can regulate how much they eat, they may not automatically choose the healthiest snack options.

This is where parents can assure that their children are getting the right nutrients every day. Occasional treats may be okay, but parents should offer children healthy snacks for their children to choose. Find healthy options your child enjoys.

Using the MyPyramid for kids is a useful tool to see what types of foods and how much of those foods children should be eating every day. Some parents may think that their child only wants the cookies and chips. If this is the case try offering fruits and vegetables that are vibrant in color and attractive. If the snack does not look good the child may be hesitant to eat it. Also, remember that parents play an important role in modeling eating habits.

If a child sees you eating cookies or making faces at vegetables then they will likely do the same. Timing of snacks is also very important. Try to have a consistent meal and snack time every day. The snack should not be too close to meal time so that the child’s appetite is suppressed.

Make sure that snacks are something easy to prepare. A parent should not have to spend a lot of time preparing the snack. Some easy, healthy snacks to consider are low-fat cheese sticks, cut fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, and whole grain crackers.

Even using just a few options parents can make a variety of healthy, fun snacks. If parents still want to give their children a snack such as a cookie or cupcake, try to make them at home using a healthy recipe. Baking at home can give the parent the opportunity to sneak in different fruits and vegetables in the baked goods.

With the use of snacking a child can have a very healthy diet if done right. It is important to remember that snacking at a young age is not just mindless eating, but an important way to contribute to the child’s diet. By being a good role model and offering healthy choices a parent will be on the right track to having a healthy child and preventing overweight or obesity in the future.

Fruit and Cheese Kabobs

Ingredients

Variety of different fruits: Grapes, strawberries, blackberries, melon

Reduced fat cheese such as cheddar.

Directions

1. Cut the fruit into small pieces.

2. Cut the cheese into cubes.

3. Thread the fruit and cheese onto the skewers.

4. Chill until serving.

If the child is old enough, have him or her create his own kebob by offering a variety of different fruits and reduced fat cheese.

Heather Eppinette is the Parent Educator for the Lincoln Extension office of the LSU AgCenter. She serves Lincoln, Bienville, Jackson, and Claiborne parishes. She may be reached by calling 318-251-5134 or by visiting www.lsuagcenter.com/lincoln .

Lincoln Parish Healthy Foundation Grant

Lincoln Healthy Foundation Grant

Submitted by Cathy S. Judd, Family and Consumer Sciences, Extension Agent

January 25, 2011

The Lincoln Health Foundation has awarded the LSU AgCenter $23,000 to continue the Smart Bodies program and develop three school gardens.  The grant will also encourage youth and parents to start an exercise routine together.    Lincoln Parish School Board will manage the grant while the LSU AgCenter and volunteers will implement the submitted plan to the Lincoln Health Foundation.

Smart Bodies was implemented at Ruston Elementary and Cypress Springs last year.  Youth learned the four Organ Wise Guys rule: eat a low fat, high fiber diet, drink plenty of water, and exercise though fun characters, the Organ Wise Guys.  Teachers boosted their students’ cognitive skills by engaging them in 10 minutes of exercise with an academic application.  Students were challenged to eat fruits and vegetables at lunch.  Student walked through the Body Walk where they participated in hands- on experiences.  The Body Walk is a 35 x 45 foot exhibit. Students walk in stations: brain, mouth, esophagus, intestine, stomach, heart, bone, muscle, skin, and they travel out a cut in the body.

This year three new schools are executing the Smart Bodies program, Alma J. Brown, Hico and Simsboro.  The Lincoln Health Foundation has provided educational resources for teachers to implement the program.

With the help of the Lincoln Health Foundation school gardens will become a reality for Hico, Ruston Elementary, and Cypress Springs.  The LSU AgCenter is teaming up with the Master Gardeners to teach youth basic gardening skill and nutrition lessons.  Youth will learn about sources of food, agriculture, responsibilities in caring for living organisms, teamwork, healthy food alternatives and ties between the garden and literature, math, science, and art.  Students will learn the nutritional benefits of vegetables and will be getting physical activity working the garden.

The Lincoln Heath Foundation goal is to increase the health of Lincoln Parish residents.  The Hico walking program is a program that will do just that.  Teams will receive a pedometer to help keep up with their steps and help them become aware of the benefits of an exercise program.  The plan is to encourage students, family members, teachers and the community to participate in a walking program and to reduce their calorie intake by 100 calories a day.  All who sign up will receive information on nutrition through an e-newsletter.  There will be friendly competition between classrooms to encourage participants to complete the 30-week program. Each month participants will turn in their six-week tracking form; they will record their steps and reduction of calories.

The LSU AgCenter goal is synonymous with the Lincoln Health Foundation to reduce childhood obesity.  The LSU AgCenter is promoting good health and exercise by involving families and youth in hand-on programs.

Lincoln Parish AgCenter Seeks Youth Protege

Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program Begins Recruitment

The LSU AgCenter is recruiting youth for the Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program and it would be great to have a participant from Lincoln Parish.

The mentor-based experience introduces high school junior and senior students to the options available to them in the areas of food and fiber production and encourages them to become involved in production agriculture, said Brad Leger, program coordinator.

“This program provides knowledge and resources which will ultimately lead them to entering their choice of an agricultural production enterprise,” Leger said.

Candidates must demonstrate a sincere interest in entering the profession, agree to attend the summer institutes held in 2011 and 2012 and complete a project along with participating in 50 internship hours with a qualified mentor.

With the number of farmers declining and their average age going up, it is important that students consider agricultural careers to sustain a growing world population.

The 2011 Summer Institute will be held July 18-22 on the LSU-Baton Rouge campus. In addition to the AgCenter, major sponsors of the program include the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

Specialists from the LSU AgCenter conduct the classroom instruction and students visit agricultural facilities.
This program is entering its second year of existence, with the 14 members of the 2010-2011 group presently engaged in internships with their mentors.

The participants have a wide range of production interests that include beef, rice, forestry, sugar cane, cotton, horses and specialty crops.

In an evaluation of the program, the first group of students mentioned that they learned about loan opportunities for beginning producers, more knowledge about producing and economic opportunities available for value-added crops.

All participants are hopeful that their mentor will share with them their knowledge and expertise about producing and thus from this experiential learning experience they can begin to develop their plans to move forward in their agricultural careers.

They will also establish networks with peers to grow personally as well as professionally.

The LSU AgCenter looks forward to selecting the next class. A steering committee has worked very hard to develop the program. The deadline is Feb. 1.

Notices have been sent to Louisiana public and private schools, homeschoolers, science and agriculture teachers, charter school administrators and the Environmental Education Association.

A booth was also set up at the livestock show at the State Fair of Louisiana to inform students about the program. 4-H agents can also provide details.

Information on the application process can be obtained at www.lsuagcenter.com/layapp. An interview process will follow.

There is a $200 fee for class members to defray costs.

Mary Ann Van Osdell is assistant communications specialist for the LSU AgCenter. She writes news releases about AgCenter activities in the 22 parishes of North Louisiana, including Lincoln. She has a B.A. in Journalism from LSU in Baton Rouge.

2011 AgCenter Programs Underway

Cathy S. Judd

Family and Consumer Sciences, Extension Agent

LSU AgCenter

Date submitted: January 14, 2011

To make Life Better: Learn Life Skills through the LSU AgCenter

When people ask me what I do, it is never a simple short answer.   Working for the LSU AgCenter has been a great opportunity for me; I have acquired personal and professional growth.  I have gained knowledge and skills beyond my college instruction.  This is the mission of the LSU AgCenter for all citizens of Louisiana to have this same opportunity. The LSU AgCenter provides research base information for individuals, families, and youth to better their lives through education, hands-on training, programs, activities, and volunteerism.

I want you to know some of the programs you can attend, activities in which you can volunteer, ways to get involved, and educational programs that will help you make positive changes in your life.  By volunteering you can help change people’s lives.

Smart Portions just kicked off its’ first meeting, Thursday, January 13th. It is not too late to join this healthy eating program. The Smart Portions program will help you to become more mindful of what you’re eating, how emotions plays a role in over eating, how to modify recipes, benefits of exercise, what is considered a portion size and more. Smart Portions is being held at Trinity United Church every Thursday for the next seven weeks in room 205.  Participants weigh-in before the program at 12: 15 we begin the Smart Portions series.

Parenting Classes are in full swing at Even Start. Parents are learning about what to expect from their 1, 2, 3, and 4 year olds, what is age appropriate, how to handle bedtime hassles, parenting techniques that are kind but firm, how to have a positive bond with your child, what is your parenting style, and much , much more.  Classes are held every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.

Childcare Provider Training classes are scheduled to meet the required 12 hours for Class A, Class B, and Registered Family Care Centers.  A variety of classes will be offered to meet the required 12 hours mandatory training for Child Care Providers certification.   Each training session includes researched-based information which has been approved by the Department of Social Services Bureau of Licensing.

Training will be held at the Community Trust Bank, Community Room from 6:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m.  Participants must register one week in advance. You may pick up the registration forms at the LSU AgCenter, 201 North Vienna Street, Ruston, or by calling our office at 318-251-5134.  Registering a week in advance allows the trainer time to prepare adequately for each session.  At least 10 providers must be signed up for classes to be conducted.  Certificates will be awarded upon the completion of each session.  Classes offered include:

Cooking with Kids

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Character Critters

Monday, February 28, 2011

Children in the Garden

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Children and Stress

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Record Keeping and Observation

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Children in the Middle is scheduled for Wednesday, January 19th at the LSU AgCenter Office at 9:00 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. This class helps parent to recognize how they put their children in the middle of their divorce. This class identifies four reasons children feel they have been placed in the middle of their parents’ divorce 1) put down’s of the other parent, 2) acting as a spy, 3) money matters, and 4)carrying messages.   Children in the Middle helps parents realize what their children experience because of divorce.  The program is designed to help parents and their children going through divorce.

Smart Bodies is going on in five of the Lincoln Parish Schools.  Smart Bodies is an interactive educational program to help promote child wellness through integrating classroom activities that teach children in grades K-5 about healthy eating habits and physical activity.  Teachers engage students in 5 to 10 minutes bust of physical activities adding an academic component.

Students are learning about nutrition, physical activity, how their body works, through Wisercise, Organ Wise Guys, and the Body Walk.  The Body Walk is a “larger-than-life” educational exhibit where students magically turn into a food item. They travel throughout the body as a food such as broccoli or fish and participate in “hands-on” activities in each major organ to see how different foods and health behaviors affect every organ of the body. The Body Walk is a 35 x 45 walking in exhibit.  We need volunteers to teach in the Body Walk; if you’re interested contact the LSU AgCenter.

Schools Gardens: The LSU AgCenter received a $23, 174.00 grant through the Lincoln Health Foundation to conduct Smart Bodies and develop three school gardens.  Three schools will be cultivating gardens this spring with the help of the LSU AgCenter Master Gardeners.  Parents of these three schools (Cypress Springs, Ruston Elementary and Hico) are welcome to volunteer time to help with this project.  Students will learn where their food comes from, about agriculture, responsibility to care for living organisms, team work, social skills, and healthy food alternatives, ways to cook garden vegetables, nutritional benefits of vegetables, and more life skills.

If you would like to get involved or participate in any of these programs or have any questions about these programs please call the LSU AgCenter at 251-5134.

Winter Conditions Claim Lives In Webster & Lincoln Parishes

Troops F & G Issue Winter Advisories For Our Area Of North Central Louisiana

LOUISIANA           STATE              POLICE
COURTESY      LOYALTY       SERVICE

Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent

TROOP G REPORT

News Release – January 9, 2011

One Killed in Single Vehicle Crash in Webster Parish

Webster Parish – On January 9, 2011, at 4:19 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 20 at milepost 41 in Webster Parish. The crash claimed the life of a 30-year-old female from Monroe, LA.

According to investigating troopers, 31-year-old Randall D. Woodard and passenger, 30-year-old Kaneshia L. Logan, both from Monroe, LA were traveling west on Interstate 20 in a 2003 GMC Envoy when the driver lost control of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway, down a grassy embankment and impacted a large tree on its passenger side.

Logan was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Webster Parish Coroner.

Woodard was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and sustained serious injuries. He was transported to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport, LA.

Driver distraction and roadway conditions are suspected to be factors in this crash.

Routine toxicology test results are pending and the crash remains under investigation.

Troop G Troopers have investigated 3 fatal crashes for the year of 2011, which resulted in 3 fatalities.

Contact Information:
Tpr. Cordell Williams
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Unit
Office:  (318) 741-7411
cordell.williams@dps.la.gov
www.lsp.org

_______________________________________

TROOP F REPORT

News Release

January 10, 2011

Lincoln Parish Fatal Crash

A Farmerville woman has died in a one-vehicle crash in Lincoln Parish.

Louisiana State Police Troop F Troopers responded to the crash on January 9, 2011 at about 7:08 pm.  The investigation revealed that a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am was traveling south on LA 33 (milepost 9.1) when the driver lost control of the vehicle and ran off the east side of the roadway.  The car then struck a tree on its passenger side.

The driver, identified as Guadalupe Marroquin (59-years-old from Farmerville), was transported to Lincoln General Hospital in Ruston with minor injuries.

The passenger in the vehicle, identified as Hermelinda Marroquin (62-years-old from Farmerville), was transported to the hospital in Ruston, but died a short time later.

The driver and passenger were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.  Troopers reported some icing on the roads in the area of the crash.

Impairment is not suspected to be a factor, but routine toxicology tests are pending.

This is the first fatal crash investigated by Troop F Troopers this year.

Contact Information,
Trooper First Class Mark Dennis
Louisiana State Police
Troop F Public Affairs
Office: (318)345-2810