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May 31, 2001

 

Minor Traffic Accident Leads To Major Drug Seizure

-Homer Police Officers Fine Seventy-Nine Pounds Of Marijuana

Homer Police Department officers, responding to a minor traffic accident at approximately 5 PM on Thursday, May 24, 2001, discovered more than they bargained for. Officers Jim Faulkner and Keith Ferguson arrested driver Alvin J. Taylor of Jackson, Mississippi, and charged him with driving under suspension (no driver's license) and having no insurance on the vehicle. After towing the extended cab pick-up truck to Gordon's Service Center, Gordon Simmons and Faulkner uncovered seventy-nine pounds of marijuana on the back seat, with a street value of approximately $125,000. Taylor was charged with possession of over 60 pounds of marijuana, with the manufacture, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drugs. Taylor is being held in the Claiborne Detention Center under $100,000 bond.

"Direct Instruction" Is Proven To Help At-Risk Children

-Haynesville Elementary Principal Betty Waldron To Retire July 1

By Susan T. Herring, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

“Many students that would have fallen through the cracks, have made tremendous progress. They may not be on grade level at this time, but they are on their way. DI is the reason." - Haynesville Elementary teacher

Betty Waldron, principal at Haynesville Elementary since 1988, will retire on July 1. “Education in the Haynesville Schools has been an important part of my life for the past 31 years,” Waldron said, “For 13 years, I have served as the principal of Haynesville Elementary, a job which is a constant challenge as you seek ways to improve the educational system for all our students.” She worked hard to bring the Direct Instruction curriculum to the school this year and is well pleased with the results.

Talton Francis Rises From Poverty To Make Homer Proud

By Susan T. Herring, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

Class reunions are a wonderful time to see old classmates and friends, to reminisce over stories of former school days, and to learn of each other's accomplishments. Homer High School's "Any Class" Reunion held last Saturday, May 26, was no different. One of those attending, Talton Loe Francis, Class of 1943, has his own story of success. He was recently touted as "Living the American Dream" in The Marlow Review in Marlow, Oklahoma and in the Beauregard Daily News in DeRidder, Louisiana. His life is a testimony to how a child can overcome poverty to become successful, especially when a community reaches out, with love and support, to help provide motivation needed.

Athens High School Graduates Eleven

Athens High School held its graduation ceremony on May 20 at 4:00 PM. Principal Craig Roberson awarded diplomas to the following seniors: Alma Thomas Burns, Nikeya Letrinette Chatman, Tony Bernard Gipson, Shelia Marie Hampton, Takesha Mechelle Ivory, La Keshia Marie Johnson, Harriet Naomi Jones, Jennifer Ruth Jones, Kristopher Lloyd Manuel, Derrick Devon Voner, and Gregory Donnell Walker.

Save Our Sparta Kits Available

The critical water conserving season is here! Water demands are high in summer with all the deeply watered lawns and those long relaxing showers after working hard in the garden. Do you part to conserve Sparta water by signing a Trailblazer Homeowner's pledge and receive an "Save Our Sparta" Water Savings Kit. Kits will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. Times and places are: 1) Bays Grocery in Summerfield, May 31 from 10 AM-1 PM, 2) Homer City Hall, June 4 from 9 AM - 12 PM, 3) Haynesville City Hall, June 4 from 1 PM - 4 PM, 4) Athens City Hall, June 5 from 9 AM - 12 PM, and 5) Lisbon City Hall, June 5 from 1 PM - 4 PM. For more information, call Neal Hardy at 927-2222.

Ministers Pray On Lawn Of Courthouse

The sound of a ram's horn on the lawn of the Claiborne Parish Courthouse on Wednesday, May 23 got the attention of Carroll Holmes and Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court Patrick Gladney. The horn was blown by ordained minister Larry Brown of Oklahoma City. Jerry Kittredge of Ruston poured “milk and honey” on the lawn, as both prayed over the town and the parish. They prayed for the blessings to be restored to Louisiana, to break the curse of poverty, and for God to restore the state spiritually, physically, and financially. Kittredge is a United Methodist minister who attended the same church as Brown in Oklahoma City for 12 years. In 1992, Brown drove 36,000 miles in less than one year and prayed at the state capitol in all fifty states, flying only to Hawaii and Alaska. He traveled the state of Oklahoma three times, praying at the courthouse in all 77 counties. Brown has also prayed on every continent except Antarctica.

May 31, 2001

Memorial Day Service Set For Wednesday, May 30 At Homer Memorial Hospital - A Memorial Day Service will be held at the Homer Memorial Hospital at 2 PM on Wednesday, May 30. Glen Bays will be one of the guest speakers. He will share the history of the Homer Memorial Hospital and its dedication to the World War II veterans. All local veterans are invited. Refreshments will be served.    The Guardian-Journal To Offer New Column In June - Beginning in June, The Guardian-Journal will offer a new column for its readers, similar to “To Tell The Times.” Comments or questions on issues concerning our reading area can be submitted by calling (318) 927-3541, by mailing to The Guardian-Journal, P.O. Box 119, Homer, LA 71040, or by email to     American Legion Auxiliary To Meet June 25 At Library - The next meeting of the American Legion Auxiliary will be Monday, June 25 at the Claiborne Parish Library at 5:30 PM.    Are Drugs Affecting Your Family Or A Friend? - Narconon (the name means "No Drugs") was established in 1966 to help people get off drugs and they have been active in drug rehabilitation and eradication ever since. Narconon provides answers to drug addiction, free assessment, evaluation and referral services to internationally recognized alternative and traditional treatment facilities. Drug addiction can be overcome. Call 1-800-468-6933 or visit their website at www.stopaddiction.com.    Are You Being Hurt By Someone You Love? - Are you being hurt by someone you love? D.A.R.T. can help! D.A.R.T., the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team, serves the parishes of Claiborne, Lincoln, Union, Bienville, and Jackson, and is committed to ending domestic violence by providing shelter, legal assistance and counseling. Representatives are in Homer every Thursday from 9 AM to 12 PM. For more info call (800) 281-7885 or the 24-Hour Crisis Line at (318) 251-2255.    Newspaper Recycling Now Available In Haynesville - Newspapers in paper bags can now be dropped off at Haynesville Town Hall in the large blue plastic receptacle for recycling. Other drop-off sites are Homer Town Hall, Homer Jr. High, and R&S Hardware in Athens. No plastic bags. Newspapers ONLY. Please do not place colored ad slicks or magazines in bins. For more info, call Jim Marsalis at 927-2826, Buck Tuggle at 927-2222, or Mayor David Aubrey at 927-3555. To schedule a recycling presentation for your civic group or club, contact Istana Thumser, Recycling Coordinator for Trailblazer in Ruston at (318) 255-3554.    Claiborne Council On Aging March Calendar Of Events - Bingo is played every Friday after Lunch. Lunches are served daily Monday thru Friday. Exercise treadmills and rowing machines are available. Slip and molds are available for ceramics.    New Cabins At Lake Claiborne State Park Are Open - Ten new vacation cabins opened at Lake Claiborne State Park on January 9. Units rent for $65 with a 2-night minimum on weekends. and have everything but towels and soap. To reserve your cabin, call toll free (877) CAMP-N-LA (226-7652) from 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Image archive of Lake Claiborne State Park now online.    Grief Support Group Meets 1st And 3rd Mondays - The Grief Support Group meets every 1st and 3rd Monday at 6 PM at the Homer Memorial Hospital Conference Room. The Group is open to anyone experiencing grief over a recent or past loss. For more info, call Toni Camp at 371-1140.				Summerfield High School Selling School Afghans - Summerfield High School afghans are now on sale at the school. They are red and white, 100% percent cotton, machine washable, and measure 48” by 67”. The afghans are selling for $50. To place your order, call Karla Aycock at 927-3621 or 285-9760.    La. Beef-Forage Short Course Set For June 1-2 In Alexandria - The second Louisiana Beef-FOrage Short Course will be held June 1-2 on the LSU campus and at nearby LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research Station in Alexandria. Seminars will cover topics as cull animal management, the evolution of the beef industry, rotational grazing technology, and cull animal evaluation and marketing. Registration fee is $60 and includes meals. For more info, call the LSU AgCenter Extension office at 927-3110.    Annual Bailey Family Reunion To Be Held Sunday, June 3 - The Annual Bailey Family Reunion will be held on Sunday, June 3 at 10 AM at the Homer City Hall. Call Glenda at 927-9400 or 624-1702 if you have any questions.    Summer Driver’s Education Classes Begin June 11 - Driver’s Education Classes will begin Monday, June 11, 8 AM at Homer High School. Students may register at the School Board office. Class size is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Registration fee is $180, payable by money order or cashier’s check to the Claiborne Parish School Board. Bring proof of age at time of registration. Driver’s education students must be 15 years of age on or before June 11, 2001.    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.    Country, Bluegrass, Gospel Music Every Friday In Homer - Every Friday night in downtown Homer, amateur musicians from all over the Ark-La-Tex meet at the Homer Fire Station to enjoy a little country, bluegrass, gospel, and fellowship. Anyone is welcome to join in, or just sit back and enjoy. For more information, call Ed Dettenheim at 927-5253 or Jerry Brown at 927-3792. «Full Story»    Claiborne One Site Now Features Area Image Archive - Archived images from the recent Homer Christmas Festival and Parade are now online. Upcoming image archives to include: Haynesville Butterfly Festival 2000, Homer Christmas Festival 1999, Claiborne Parish Scenery, Lake Claiborne State Park and more. To submit your images for inclusion in the Claiborne One Image Archive you may email them to webmaster@ClaiborneOne.org.    HMH offers MRI's - Homer Memorial Hospital is proud to announce the availability of MRI procedures two days a week in Homer.
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