Current News  |  Headlines  |  News Briefs  |  Subscriptions  |  Email

Junction City Headlines & News Briefs
Search Headlines and News Briefs
Baseball/Softball Schedules
Contact Us for Back Issues of the Guardian-Journal
Archived Headlines and News Briefs

August 16, 2001

 

School Bells To Ring Again Next Week

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

The first day for all students in Claiborne Parish Public Schools, at Mt. Olive Christian School and Junction City Schools is Monday, August 20, 2001. Students at Claiborne Academy will begin their 2001-2002 school year on Tuesday, August 21. While students have been out for the summer, many administrators, teachers, and school employees have been busy through the summer--renovating school buildings, conducting summer remediation classes for students who did not pass the LEAP test, setting up new innovative programs and preparing the curriculum for the upcoming year.

New Principals Take Over Schools At Homer, Haynesville

- Haynesville School Project Underway, Homer School Plan Gets Support Of Business Community

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

Bob Bond will be returning to the same building he served as principal from 1992 to 1996 when school opens next week, but this time it will be as principal of Haynesville Elementary rather than Haynesville Junior High. Patrice “Pat” Lee is the new principal at Homer Elementary School, replacing Pam Prince who resigned in June to take a position in Arkansas. Gurtha Capers will return to Homer Junior High this year, back where she began her teaching career 25 years ago, but this time it will be as principal. Joanne Hood will be the new Assistant Principal at Homer Junior High and Debra Winzer will be the new Administrative Assistant at Homer Elementary. The first phase of the $8.1 million Haynesville school project is complete, with $109,893 spent renovating the new Haynesville Elementary (formerly Haynesville Junior High). In January, construction will begin on two new wings of the middle building on the high school campus--one for junior high and one for senior high students. Plans for consolidating Homer public schools were discussed at a meeting with the local business community on July 26. Those who attended showed overwhelming support for the concept of moving junior high classrooms on the same campus with the elementary and high school.

New "ClaiborneSchools.com" Website Goes On-Line

- LEAP Test Scores Show Dramatic Improvement

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

Superintendent Gary Jones told members of the Claiborne Parish School Board at their regular meeting Thursday, August 9 that LEAP Test scores improved dramatically this year, especially at Homer and Athens elementary schools. After more than ten months of work, students, teachers and administrators in Claiborne Parish now have a new, innovative online resource--the first of its kind in Louisiana and one of the few sites of this magnitude in the country.. "ClaiborneSchools.com" is leading the way as a central interactive website designed specifically for the Claiborne Parish School System.

Homer Chamber Of Commerce 1st Annual Bar-B-Que, Gospel Sing

The Homer Chamber of Commerce will hold their First Annual Bar-B-Que and Gospel/Praise Sing Fundraiser on Saturday, August 18 beginning with the meal from 5:30-6:30 PM in the Historic Homer Town Hall. The program will follow at 6:30 PM. Meal includes chicken, steak, sausage, baked beans, potato salad, and hot rolls at a cost of $10 per plate. Call 927-3271 for tickets or more information.

Claiborne Schools Now Have Most Comprehensive Curriculum In State

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

Toni Bennett with EdVision in San Diego, California recently met with Barbara Monzingo, Supervisor of Elementary Education, curriculum team leaders--Kim Baker (science), Lynn Marquardt (math), Ann McKean (language), and Cynthia Haynes (social studies). Speaking of the Curriculum Designer being used by Claiborne Parish and neighboring parishes, she said, “There is not another curriculum in the state that is based on standards, IOWA and LEAP21 test objectives, and this is the only one that goes from K-8 grades.”

August 16, 2001

“Exotics: Friend Or Foe?” At Lake Claiborne State Park August 18 - The Lake Claiborne State Park will present a program entitled Exotics: Friend or Foe? on Saturday, August 18 at 7 PM. This program will discuss the exotic animals and plants found in Louisiana, including the positives and negatives they bring to the environment.    “Meet The Pels” August 23, Scrimmage This Friday At 5 PM - The Pelican Quarterback Club will hold their annual “Meet the Pels” Thursday, August 23 at 7 PM in Ronny G. Beard Stadium, followed by a hamburger supper in the school cafeteria. Purchase a family membership for $15 and receive 2 free hamburger plates. An individual membership of $10 receives 1 free plate. Additional plates-$2.50. Varsity and JV Pels will scrimmage Montgomery Friday, August 17 at 5 PM in Homer. Admission $1.    Mt. Olive Christian School To Hold Open House August 19 - Open House will be held at Mt. Olive Christian School at 3 PM on August 19 at 3 PM. All enrolled and interested students and their parents are welcome to attend, enjoy refreshments, view the school grounds, and meet teachers for the upcoming year. School starts August 20. We are excited about the new school year. School is open from 8:00-5:00 daily. Most teachers will be at school everyday. Anyone who wants to help them are welcome.    "First Praise" Christian Music Set For Friday, September 7 - The "First Praise" is held the first Friday night of every month at the Claiborne Country building located on Hwy. 9 just northeast of Homer. The next "First Praise" will be held Friday, September 7 at 7 PM. Free admission. Everyone is invited to come enjoy Christian music and fellowship.    Corney Creek Pageant Set For Saturday, September 29 - The 2001 Corney Creek Pageant will be held at the Bernice High School Auditorium on September 29 beginning at 6 PM. Age divisions are as follows: "Baby Miss" (6-11 Months), "Toddler Miss" (1 & 2 Years), "Tiny Miss" (3 & 4 Years), "Little Miss" (5 & 6 Years), "Petite Miss" (7-9 Years), "Jr. Miss" (10-12 Years), “Teen Miss” (13-15 Years) and “Miss Corney Creek” (16-18 Years). Girls who live within a 50-mile radius of Bernice and who do not hold a current Union Parish title are encouraged to sign up. Entry fee is $40 and deadline is September 7. Candidates should mail entry form to Corney Creek Pageant, P.O. Box 186, Bernice, LA 71222. Entry forms are available in Homer at Lynn's Flowers, Claiborne Insurance, and The Guardian-Journal. For more information, call Danielle Harkins at 285-9743.    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.    Summerfield Afghans Are In - Summerfield afghans are in and may be purchased at Summerfield High School for $50 each according to Karla Aycock. For more info, call 927-3621.    Only Parents Of Kindergarteners Needed At Homer Elementary On Monday - Only the parents of kindergarten students enrolled at Homer Elementary School should come to school on Monday, August 20 to meet with their child’s teacher and set a date to bring their child in for testing.    The Haynesville Celebration of Butterflies - Set For September 15 & 16 - It's that time again! Your invitation to attend the Butterfly Festival on Saturday, September 15, 2001, beginning at 11 AM for the Children's Pageant and the quest for a new QUEEN MONARCH. The pageant is staged in conjunction with the second annual festival in "Celebration of Butterflies" in the Fair Barn of the Claiborne Parish Fair complex in Haynesville.    Claiborne Parish Fair Comes To Haynesville September 23 - This year's fair will include school and club booths, art displays, general exhibits, poultry entries, livestock and don't forget the Carnival. Come enjoy the fun!    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.    Homer Memorial Hospital now offers MRI's - Homer Memorial Hospital is proud to announce the availability of MRI procedures two days a week in Homer.    Last Claiborne Academy Work Day Scheduled For August 18 - The last Claiborne Academy work day for repairing, painting, cleaning, and yard work will be Saturday, August 18, beginning at 8 AM.    American Legion And Auxiliary Unit Collecting Annual Dues - American Legion Post #73 and American Legion Unit #73 in Homer are accepting applications for new members, as well as members of the Sons of the American Legion. Current members should turn in dues as soon as possible. Those who did not paid last year must pay for both years. Any member of another post or unit who wishes to transfer to this post or unit can contact Carol Jones at 927-3549.    Minden's KASO Radio Opens New Christian Radio Station - KASO Radio Station in Minden opened a new FM station last week. KBEF can be found on your dial at FM 104.5. It will feature Today's Christian Music with artists like Amy Grant and DC Talk, seven days a week and 24 hours a day. The only breaks will be local weather & news updates.    Lake Claiborne State Park Events - For information on upcoming events - Call 1-888-677-2524 toll free or 318-927-2976. Sept 8 - The Use of White Tailed Deer by Native Americans - Visitors are invited to a presentation on the many uses Native Americans found for deer hunted and harvested for subsistence. Their bones, tendons, antlers and hide, as well as venison for food, were all used. Sept 15 - Woodpecker Wonders, 7 pm - This special nature program will present facts about the woodpeckers found in Louisiana. Learn about their food preferences and how to attract them. Sept 22 - The Big Cheese, 7 pm - Visitors are invited to a presentation about the myths, folklore and facts about the moon. Sept 28 - A Trees Life, 9:30 am - Join the park naturalist for a nature hike to examine the different tree species found in the park. A discussion of the germination process, growth and life cycle of trees will follow.     Haynesville Town Council To Meet Tuesday, August 21 - The Haynesville Town Council will meet Tuesday, August 21 at 6 PM in the Council Chambers.    Winzer Family Reunion Set For August 17-20 At Lake Bistineau - The 2001 Dan Winzer Family Reunion will be held at Lake Bistineau State Park in Doyline from Friday, August 17 to Monday, August 20. For more information on registration, call Yvonne or Auteria Winzer at 258-3055, Charles Winzer at 377-2060, Theron Winzer at 377-0102, or Elvie Miller 263-9317.				CA “Back To School BBQ” and “Bake Sale” Set For August 20 - The Claiborne Academy Annual “Back to School BBQ” will be held Monday, August 20 in the CA cafeteria beginning at 5 PM. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased from any Booster Club member. Carry-outs available. The “Little Red School House” PreK-3 to K-4 parents will hold a Bake Sale at 5 PM to purchase new classroom supplies.    Haynesville Quarterback Club To Hold Hamburger Supper - The Haynesville Golden Tornado Quarterback Club will have its annual hamburger supper/membership drive on Thursday, August 23 at 6:30 PM in the Haynesville High School cafeteria. Tornado merchandise will be on sale. Memberships are $20 for families and $15 for individuals.    Miss Arkla Fest Pageant Sat. August 25 In Junction City - The Annual Miss Arkla Fest Pageant will be held Saturday, August 25 at 6 PM in the old gym at Junction City High School. There will be 8 age divisions for ages 0-18 years. Entry fee is $40 and photogenic competition is $5 per photo. Applications may be picked up at the Junction City Pharmacy, Junction City Florist or First Bank in Junction City; at Harkins Furniture & Appliance in Bernice; or at Mr. Tuxedo in El Dorado. If you have any questions, call Katie McGoogan at (870) 862-7452.    Homer High Class Of 1991 To Hold Reunion Meeting Tuesday - Homer High 1991 graduates are encouraged to attend a class reunion meeting on Tuesday, August 21 at Homer City Hall at 5:30 PM. We will be discussing plans for the upcoming reunion set for October 26-27, 2001. For more information, call Kim Herring Pumphrey at (870) 924-5779 or David Aubrey at (318) 927-1312.    Pelican Football Season Tickets On Sale Now - Homer Pelican Football Season Tickets are on sale now. Previous ticket holders of season tickets, parking passes, or box seats will be given the opportunity to renew, then those not renewed will be offered on a first come, first serve basis. Ticket prices are as follows: $5 - general admission, $20 - season tickets, $25 - lower box seats, $25 - sky boxes, and $15 - parking passes. For more info, call Homer High School at 927-2985.    Ford Museum Needs Photos From WWII Home Front - The Herbert S. Ford Museum is searching for photos taken on the Home Front during World War II of the activities that occurred in Claiborne Parish--scrap metal drives, war bond sales, Red Cross gatherings, etc. Photos of our WWII veterans are also needed for display for the upcoming Produce for Victory: Posters on the American Home Front, 1941-1945 exhibit from the LEH and Smithsonian Institute. For more information, call Linda Volentine at 927-9190.    Haynesville Jr. High, High School Students To Meet August 20 - Haynesville Junior High students will meet in the high school auditorium August 20 at 7:55 AM. Haynesville High School students will meet in the auditorium at 8:30 PM. If you have any questions concerning the school uniform policy call the school.    Legal Assistance Will Be Available At Council On Aging August 16 - Northwest Legal will be in Homer on Thursday, August 16. If you have a will you need a lawyer to look at, call (318) 927-6922 or (800) 308-8951. If you have any legal documents you need a lawyer to look over, please call or come by the Claiborne Council on Aging at 608 East 4th in Homer.    Pinehill Water System To Meet Monday, August 20 At 6 PM - The Pinehill Water System will hold its monthly meeting at 6 PM on Monday, August 20 at the Claiborne Manor Nursing Home.    Deaf Action To Be At Claiborne Council On Aging On September 5 - If you have a hearing problem or know someone who has a problem hearing, please call 318-927-6922 or 1-800-308-8951 and make an appointment to come by the Claiborne Council on Aging in Homer on Wednesday, September 5 between 10:30 AM and noon. Deaf Action will be at the COA with phones that can help you hear when on the phone.    Homer Masonic Lodge To Hold Charity Bass Tournament - The First Annual Masonic Charity Bass Tournament will be held on Lake Claiborne on Saturday, October 20. Homer Lodge No. 152 and Athens Lodge No. 136 F&AM, are sponsoring the open team tournament. Proceeds will go to the respective lodge's charity programs. First Place will pay $350, with $300 for the Big Bass. There will be a prize of $100 for the Kids Under 12 Big Bass and $100 for the Lady Angler Big Bass. This is based on 50 teams entering. Also featured will be a free gumbo dinner for entrants, live music and fun for the entire family. For additional information, contact Tom Brewton at 927-6619 or Dick Dorrell at 927-9200.    BPCC To Hold Auditions For Musical Sci-Fi Thriller Fri-Sat - Bossier Parish Community College and Cavalier Players will hold auditions Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24-25 at 2719 Airline Drive in Bossier City for the sci-fi thriller, “Little Shop of Horrors.” For more information call Darla at 318-741-3672.    Louisiana Chicken Festival Beauty Pageant Set For September 22 - The Third Annual Louisiana Chicken Festival Beauty Pageant will be held at 7 PM September 22 in Dubach. There will be 6 age divisions from 3 years to 18 years. Deadline to enter is September 6, 2001. Entry fee will be $35. For more information, call Mona Wilson at 777-9005 or email her at mwilson@bayou.com.    Claiborne Council On Aging 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.    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.    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.    “The Use Of White Tailed Deer By Native Americans: Set For Sept. 8 - Lake Claiborne State Park will present a program entitled “The Use Of White Tailed Deer By Native Americans” on Saturday, September 8 beginning at 7 PM. Visitors are invited to hear a presentation on the many uses Native Americans found for deer hunted and harvested for subsistence. Their bones, tendons, antlers and hide, as well as venison for food, were all used. Call 1-888-577-2524 toll free or 318-027-2976.
Baseball Homer Haynesville Summerfield Pine View Athens Junction City Claiborne Acdmy Mount Olive Softball Homer Haynesville Summerfield Pine View Athens Junction City Claiborne Acdmy Mount Olive    Enter a City or US Zip: