HEADLINES ‑ January 31, 2002

RC To Provide Tax Incentives For Local Businesses

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

“This is great news for Northern Louisiana. I am pleased that the Department of Housing and Urban Development recognizes this need in Northern Louisiana and has chosen our area as one of the 21 “Renewal Community” designees,” said Louisiana’s 4th District Congressman Jim McCrery. “Louisiana has the highest poverty rate in the United States. This poverty has been persistent and has adversely impacted large portions of our state for many years. This federal funding, in partnership with the State and the private sector, will give Northern Louisiana an additional weapon to use in the war on poverty.”

Homer Man Killed In 2‑Vehicle Crash

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

A 23‑year‑old Homer man was killed in a 2‑vehicle accident about 8 AM Thursday, January 24, 2002 northeast of Homer near Moon’s Store. Jeffery L. Buggs, formerly of Summerfield, was traveling south on La. 9 in a rain storm when he lost control of his 1991 Honda. As he was coming out of a curve his vehicle slid into the path of a northbound 1995 Freightliner tractor‑trailer rig driven by Greg Jackson, 44, of Arlington, Texas. According to spokesman Chris Johnson with Troop G of the Louisiana State Police, troopers investigating the scene believe the speed of the car, the weather conditions, and the worn tires on the car contributed to the crash. Buggs was pronounced dead at the scene by the Claiborne Parish Coroner. Jackson was transported by ambulance to Homer Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

A Message From D.A.R.T....

In An Abusive Relationship‑‑D.A.R.T. Can Help

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States. Domestic violence causes more injuries than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Half of all women in this country will experience some form of violence in their intimate relationships, and far more than one‑third of these women, the battering will be regular and ongoing. In approximately 95 percent of reported domestic violence cases, the crimes are committed by men against women. For this reason the batterer is referred to as “he.”

Junction City School Board Discusses Building New Junior High And Gym

The Junction City School District #75 appointed twenty‑five people to serve on a Facilities Committee following the December 11, 2001 meeting to begin studying the possibility of building a new junior high building and a new gym and to study a millage increase to fund the construction. Board members were asked to study what amount a 2.5, 4.25, and 5.75 millage rate increase would raise. Committee members will meet with the school board at the meeting to be held Tuesday, February 12.

New Sewer Treatment Plant Goes Online In Junction City (La.)

Mayor Preston Rogers; Aldermen Arnold Jones, Ronnie Daniels, Mike Griffith; and Water Superintendent Terry Smith recently commemorated the opening of the new Sewer Treatment Plant in Junction City (LA). At the November 8, 2001 meeting, the Council authorized the mayor to sign a certificate of substantial completion on the plant.

“Remember My George...”

A Week In The “Red Zone” At Ground Zero

BY DAVID ABERNATHY

"Remember My George. . ." may strike you as a rather different title to a story about a trip to Ground Zero. But after reading this story, it will probably be a phrase that you will always remember. I could never have imagined the impact my second trip to Ground Zero would have on my life. When I returned home from my first trip, I had a strong desire to return to New York City. Little did I realize that my prayer to return would be quickly answered. The call for our unit's activation came this time from the Salvation Army. Rolling Hills Ministries, in cooperation with the Louisiana Baptist Convention and the North American Mission Board was asked to assemble a team to travel to New York City on Christmas Day. This team would assist the Salvation Army in preparing meals at their facility at Ground Zero.

Village Of Lisbon Receives $10,000 Grant For Water System

State Representative Rick Gallot was in Lisbon Wednesday, January 16 to present the Village of Lisbon a check for $10,000 for a water system improvement grant. Receiving the check was Lisbon Mayor Wayne Tanner and Councilmembers Sonny Greeson, Jerry Clements, and Marilyn Myers.

JANUARY 31, 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.

Claiborne Academy Yearbooks On Sale At School Office

Claiborne Academy yearbooks are on sale now. Cost is $30 through February 6, and $35 through Feb. 13. Books may be purchased from a yearbook staff member or at the school office.

Ladies Book Review Club To Hold Organizational Meeting

Ladies who enjoy reading different kinds of books are invited to join a book review club for women. An organizational meeting will be held at the Claiborne Parish Library on Tuesday, February 5 at 6:15 PM. There is no cost to join. For more info, call 927‑3845 or 927‑6253.

Free Hearing Tests At Claiborne Council Of Aging February 6

Tru Tone will be at the Claiborne Council on Aging at 608 East 4th Street in Homer on Wednesday, February 6 from 9:30 AM till noon. They will be conducting free hearing tests. Anyone who would like to have their hearing tested are invited to come by. For more information, call 927‑6922.

LSTP Drug Committee To Meet Thursday, January 31 At 5 PM

The Louisiana Small Town Program Drug Committee will hold a meeting Thursday, January 31 at Homer City Hall. The Committee was formed in 2001 as a spinoff of the LSTP, who spent time in Homer in 2000 identifying the town’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Anyone interested in working to develop a community‑wide strategy to reduce the use of illegal drugs in our community is welcome to attend. Several programs were held last year in an effort to educate the community and to discourage drug use.

Athens High School To Hold Book Fair February 5‑12

A Scholastic Book Fair will come to Athens High School on February 5‑12 from 12:30‑3:00 PM each day. Family Night will be held Thursday, February 7 at 6 PM in the gymnasium. Parents and students will also have an opportunity to browse or make purchases at the Book Fair that evening. Call 258‑3241 for more information.

Mt. Olive Christian School To Hold Math‑A‑Thon For St. Jude

Mt. Olive Christian School will hold a Math‑A‑Thon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital from Jan. 28‑Feb/ 11. Any person or business that would like to make a donation may call the school at 258‑5661.

Homer Mayfield Alumni To Meet Tuesday, February 5

The Homer‑Mayfield Alumni School Reunion Committee will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 5 at 906 South 4th Street at 6:00 PM All alumni and interested persons are asked to please in attendance. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and participation.

Homer High Football Banquet Will Be Held February 4

The Homer High School Football Banquet will be held Monday, February 4 at Homer City Hall beginning at 7 PM. Tickets are $5. Call Bill Owens at 927‑9654 for info or tickets.

American Legion Post 73 To Meet Thursday, January 31

American Legion Post 73 will meet Thursday, January 31 at 7 PM at the Claiborne Parish Library.

Homer Community Blood Drive Set For Thurs. Jan. 31

The Homer Community Blood Drive will be held on Thursday, January 31 from 10AM‑2PM at the Church of Christ Annex Building on West Main. The goal is 20. Every donor will receive refreshments and a free t‑shirt OR cholesterol check

Government And Municipal Boards To Meet In February

The Homer Town Council will meet Monday, February 4 at 6 PM.

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet Wed,, Feb. 6 at 10 AM for their work session and Thurs., Feb. 7 at 10 AM for their regular meeting.

The regular meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board will be 7 PM Thursday, February 7 following the work session at 6 PM

The Junction City (La.) Town Council will meet Feb. 7 at 6 PM.

The Junction City School Board will meet Tuesday, February 12 at 7 PM at the Junction City Elementary School library.

The Haynesville Town Council will meet Tues., February 12 at 6 PM

Sheriff’s Office Distributing Free Safety Kits And Gun Locks

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office in Homer and substation in Haynesville are distributing free safety kits with gun locks as part of the nationwide program “Project HomeSafe”. There is a limit of two per family. For more info, call the Sheriff’s office at 927‑2011.

Valhalla Motorcycle Camp Holds 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, call 927‑4118 or 927‑2454 for pickup.

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 to make dolls, lap robes, doll quilts, pillows, etc., using items donated such as fabrics, lace, tape, ribbon, thread, sweat pants, sweat shirts, etc.. For more information or if you have questions, please call Kay Lowery at 927‑4705.

Angels Of Mercy Seeking Sponsors, Donations For Easter Project

The Angels of Mercy Ministry is seeking Sponsors and Donations to provide Easter baskets and New clothing for the children of Louisiana Death Row Inmates. These kids are the innocent but forgotten victims of crime. They too are punished when we ignore or forget their needs. For more information on sponsoring a child call Dot Brown at (318) 325‑1253 or mail your donation to Angels of Mercy, P.O. Box 762, Monroe, LA 71210‑0762. Make checks payable to LCADP/AOM. Donations are welcome at any time, but we respectfully request that you respond by March 10 so kids will receive gifts in time for Easter.