HEADLINES ‑ January 10, 2001

Coach Alton “Red” Franklin To Retire This Year

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian‑Journal

Alton “Red” Franklin was hired as assistant coach at Haynesville High School in 1966 by then Principal J. R. Sherman and head coach M.D. Ray. No one knew at the time he would be sitting on top of a football dynasty some 35 years later. Today, Coach Franklin has the second best record in state of Louisiana with 366 wins, 78 losses, and 8 tie games‑‑second only to J. T. Curtis at John Curtis High School. He recently announced this plans to retire at the end of the current school year. Homer head coach Glen Kyle said, “Red Franklin will surely be missed in Louisiana high school football. His love for kids and the game of football is enormous.”

As 2001 Ended, The World United In War To Fight Terrorism (Continued From Last Week)

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian‑Journal

As the year 2001 drew to a close, Americans had a better understanding of the fear of terrorism, a new appreciation for freedom, and a new respect for the American flag. Bible sales were up. Prayer returned to public events and religious tolerance took center stage. The United States joined forces with countries around the globe to fight the first war of the 21st century‑‑a war not against a country or a religion, but a war against extremists in every nation who wage war through cowardice acts of terrorism

Sheriff’s Office Seeking Information On Two Cases Aggravated Arson

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office is looking for information on two unsolved cases of aggravated arson. The first fire was deliberately set in February 1999, totally destroying a home in the Holyfield Community about four miles northwest of Summerfield. The lady who owned the home decided to rebuild in the Mt. Sinai Community, about 4 miles west of Summerfield just north of La. Alt. 2. Sometime in early 2001, the lady began receiving various forms of harassment from an anonymous source. Then on December 29, 2001 another attempt was made to burn down her new home. The Sheriff’s office received a E‑911 call at 11:40 PM from neighbors who reported the house on fire. An eye witness saw a dark colored vehicle speeding away from the scene. The home was damaged but not destroyed. Chief Detective Chuck Talley asks anyone with information on the person who set these fires to please contact him or detective Ben Booth at 927‑2011.

Homer‑Claiborne Chamber Of Commerce Makes Plan For Banquet

The Homer‑Claiborne Chamber of Commerce has announced plans for their forthcoming 37th annual membership banquet. The banquet will be held at Homer City Hall on January 28 and will feature the “funniest man alive,” Dave Bazer, as guest entertainer. This year’s theme ”Our Local Paradise” will be somewhat different since the chamber has branched out and become the Homer‑Claiborne Chamber of Commerce. It was the felt there was a need to bring more emphasis on our best kept secret, “Our Local Paradise.” Mark the date on your calendar. For more information, contact Mac Brakefield at 927‑3271, Linda Futch at 927‑6126, or any member of the banquet committee‑‑Rebecca McDaniel, Nancy Mason, Scott Lowery, and Tricia McMullan.

JANUARY 10, 2002 NEWS BRIEFS

Claiborne One Website Features The Guardian‑Journal Briefs

The Claiborne One website at www.claiborneone.org features news from Homer, Haynesville, Junction City, and all of Claiborne Parish, To contribute news or to purchase an advertising banner, call Joel Ponder at 927‑9787 or Al Lynn at 927‑6197.

Homer Elementary To Hold Family Activity Night Jan. 10

Homer Elementary School will host its third Family Activity Night on Thursday, January 10, from 5:30‑6:30 PM. THe night is for Kindergarten through 4th grade students and their parents. Language and Math activities will be featured. Please plan to attend and join us in some fun, fellowship, and learning. For more information, call 927‑2363.

Valhalla Motorcycle Camp Holding Annual Used Coat Drive

Valhalla Motorcycle Camp is holding their annual used coat drive for needy children and/or adults in our community. Used coats, jackets and sweaters are being collected. Valhalla will clean and mend the coats. If you have a coat to donate, please call 927‑4118 or 927‑2454 for pickup.

Absentee Voting For January 19 Election Ends Saturday

Absentee voting will end Saturday, January 12 for the January 19 election for the school maintenance tax renewals in District 26 (Summerfield), District 1 (Athens), and District 13 (Homer) and for changing the term limits for the Homer Town Council. Office hours at 518 East Main are 8:30 AM‑4:30 PM Monday‑Friday and from 8:30 AM‑noon on Saturday, According to Registrar of Voters Patricia Sanders, canvas cards were recently mailed to all registered voters in the parish indicating any change in their precinct or voting locations due to the recently approved reapportionment plans. For more information, call Sanders at 927‑3332.

Dollmaking Starts Back Tuesday, February 5 At Activity Center

Dollmaking activities will start back on Tuesday, February 5 at 9 AM at Homer Church of Christ Activity Center on West Main in Homer. All ladies are welcome to join on the first Tuesday of every month. For more information or if you have questions, please call Kay Lowery at 927‑4705.

The South Claiborne Water System To Meet January 21

The South Claiborne Water System will hold it’s annual meeting on Monday, January 21 at 6:30 PM. It will be held in the Cross Roads Community in Athens, Louisiana. All members are invited to attend.

NOTICE!! January Town Of Homer Water Bills Include State Safe Drinking Water Fee

The Town of Homer water bills received the end of December, which are payable in January will reflect the annual State of Louisiana Safe Drinking Water Fee of $3.20. This fee is assessed one time annually for the purpose of performing inspections and tests on public water supplies. The fee was enacted by Act. No. 125 of the First Extraordinary Session of 2000 by the Louisiana State Legislature. For more information, call the Business Office 927‑3555.

Government And Municipal Boards To Meet In January

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet Wednesday, January 9 at 10 AM for their work session and on Thursday, January 10 at 10 AM for their regular meeting.

The Claiborne Parish School Board will hold their regular meeting at 7 PM Thursday, January 10 following the work session at 6 PM

The Haynesville Town Council will meet Tuesday, January 15 at 6 PM in the Council Chambers.