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March 14, 2002

 

Summerfield School Recognized For Academic Growth

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

Summerfield High School was recognized as one of “Louisiana’s Schools of Exemplary And Recognized Academic Growth in Region VII” by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and the Louisiana Department of Education at a Rewards Reception held Tuesday, March 5 at the Sheraton Shreveport Hotel in Shreveport. The school was presented a check for $4,953.25.

State Legislators Explain Need To Pass Sales Tax For The Sparta Aquifer

-Junction City School Board Accepts Bids On Roof, Bus

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

State Senator Jodie Mahoney and State Representative Mark Smith were present at the February 12 meeting of the Junction City School Board to discuss the county’s problem with the Sparta Aquifer and the need to pass the one cent sales tax on the February 19 ballot. The Sparta Aquifer is the principal groundwater supply for Union County. Water levels in the Sparta have dropped in come places over 180 feet in 40 years. The sales tax proposed would be collected for only seven years or until funding for the two-phase construction project was met. The plan was developed by an engineer enlisted by the Union County Water Conservation Board. It will help alleviate stress on the aquifer by substituting river water for industrial use.

Haynesville Council Approves City Hall Roof Repair

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

Mayor Mickey Mayfield informed the Haynesville Town Council at their meeting on February 5 the Beene building presently occupied by Tin Alley Restaurant and the old City Hall building were leaking every time it rained. The Mayor received a bid of $22,000 to repair the old City Hall roof, but was told by one contractor that the roof could probably be repaired for about $4,000. Alvin Kendrick said he would like an estimate on a metal roof, but since Mayfield wanted to go ahead with repairs, he made a motion to allow Mayfield to spend around $4,000 to repair the roof, which was unanimously approved by Kendrick, Joyce Major, and Kenny Killgore. H.U. Slaid and Otto Black were absent. The Council decided to get bids on repairing the roof on the Beene building.

Main Street Coordinator Details Homer’s Historic Preservation Ordinance

• Homer’s historic resources are finite and cannot be replaced. Homer’s historic built environment defines Homer and is a part of local, as well as national, history.

Enhancement of Homer’s small-town charm can serve as a great asset to the community. Josh H. Lasserre, Design/CLG Coordinator for the Louisiana Main Street Program, was the guest speaker at a public meeting sponsored by the Homer Historic District Advisory Commission on March 5. Lassere discussed the provisions of the proposed Preservation Ordinance which would apply to the Homer Historic District, a district comprised of designated properties within the bounds of North Second Street, East Second Street, South Second Street and West Second Street, known as Homer’s historic downtown business district.

Marion Police Officer Killed, Three Arrested

A young police officer from Marion in neighboring Union Parish was shot and killed Tuesday, March 5 after he chased three young men who allegedly tried to cash a forged check at the First United Bank in Marion. Officer Hector “Chino” Gomez was shot after he caught up with the three suspects when their pickup wrecked in a ditch. Officers from neighboring parishes joined Union Parish Sheriff’s officers in the manhunt. Jesse Aaron Swartz, 16, of Farmerville, Corbin D. James, 23, and David Adam Horn, 22, both of Ruston, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder and aggravated flight following a high speed chase and shootout that ended the five-hour manhunt.

Gibsland Couple Murdered, Son Arrested

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

Gibsland Couple Murdered, Son Arrested Robert L. Johnson, 40, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder after the bodies of his parents, David and Ruby Johnson of Gibsland, both 76, were found in the back bedroom of their home on state Hwy. 154 north of Gibsland late Saturday, March 9. The bodies were discovered when their daughter stopped by around 5 PM to visit.

State Rep. Rick Gallot To Hold Town Meeting March 19

State Rep. Rick Gallot will hold a Parishwide Town Meeting on Tuesday, March 19 at 6:30 PM at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn in Haynesville for all residents in District 11 and other concerned citizens. Besides Rep. Gallot, other presenters will be State Senator Foster Campbell and Drew Smith, District Representative for Congressman Jim McCrery. Topics will include redistricting and the upcoming legislative sessions.

Musical Drama “The Passion Of Jesus” March 29-31

Three performances of the musical drama “The Passion of Jesus” will be presented by Bethel Baptist Church in Lillie Fri-Sun., March 29-31, at 7PM with a cast of 120 dressed in authentic costumes. The church is located 2.3 miles west of Hwy 167 on Bethel Church Road (1.8 m. south of Junction City or 5.3 m. north of Lillie). Admission is free. Bring a lawn chair.

March 14, 2002

Duck Blinds On Corney Lake Will Be Impounded After April 15 - Duck blinds should have been removed from Corney Lake 30 days after official closing of duck season in accordance with Forest Supervisor’s Order. Any blinds that remain on the lake after April 15, 2002 will be impounded per the Kisatchie National Forest Caney Ranger District.    “Firehouse Jammers” Have Moved To Claiborne Electric - The “Firehouse Jammers” have outgrown the Homer Fire Station. They are now meeting at Claiborne Electric on Hwy. 146 All are welcome to bring their instrument and join in “picking and singing,” or just sit back and enjoy the music, the coffee and refreshments, every Friday night from 7 PM till. For more info, call Jerry Brown at 927-3792. «More»    State Representative Rick Gallot To Hold Forum In Haynesville - State Rep. Rick Gallot will hold a Legislative Forum on Tuesday, March 19 at 6:30 PM at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn in Haynesville for residents of District 11 and other concerned citizens. Presenters will be Gallot, Sen. Foster Campbell and Drew Smith, District Representative for Congressman Jim McCrery. Topics include redistricting, and upcoming legislative sessions.    Plans For Annual Homer High Class Reunion For 1974-1978 - Plans are underway for the 2nd Annual Homer High Class Reunion for the years 1974-1978 scheduled for this August. One representative for each class is asked to attend the meetings. For more information or to pick up your T-Shirts from last year’s reunion call Fred Young at 927-2372 or Gary Jenkins at 927-9379.    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.    Town Of Homer To Hold Last Mandatory Recreational Workshop - The Town of Homer will hold one more mandatory Recreational Workshops for ball organizations who plan to use Town facilities this year at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, March 19 at Homer City Hall. Mayor David Aubrey and Recreation Director Fred Young will be on hand to answer questions on schedules for mowing fields, purchase orders, key controls, and security concerns. Each organization must submit proposed schedules of games and practices and sign an agreement adhering to the Town’s use and clean-up policies. Requests concerning fields should be made now.    Plans For Annual Homer High Class Reunion For 1974-1978 - Plans are underway for the 2nd Annual Homer High Class Reunion for the years 1974-1978 scheduled for this August. One representative for each class is asked to attend the meetings. For more information or to pick up your T-Shirts from last year’s reunion call Fred Young at 927-2372 or Gary Jenkins at 927-9379.    Pine Hill Water System To Meet Monday, March 18 - The Pine Hill Water System will hold their monthly meeting on Monday, March 18 at 6 PM at the Claiborne Manor Nursing Homer.    Deaf Action To Be At Council On Aging Monday, March 18 - Deaf Action will be at the Claiborne Council on Aging on Monday, March 18 from 10:30 AM - 12:00 Noon. Anyone who has a hard time hearing can come in and get a phone. For more info, call the COA at 927-6922.    Claiborne Parish Health Unit Now Offering Pneumonia Shots - The Claiborne Parish Health Unit has the PPV-23 pneumonia vaccine for high risk individuals, age 65 years and older. Shots are administered on Fridays from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, but will be by appointment only sometime in the future. For info, call the health unit at 927-6127.    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.    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.    Museum To Display Haynesville Students’ Artwork March 18-22 - The artwork of several students of Haynesville Elementary and Haynesville High School will be on display at the Ford Museum from March 18-22.    Haynesville Fire Dept. To Hold Blood Drive Monday, March 25 - Haynesville Fire Dept. will hold a blood drive on Monday, March 25, 2-6 PM on the Mobile Bus. Donors will receive choice of t-shirt, baseball hat, or free cholesterol test. Goal is 25.    Lake Claiborne State Park Events - For information on upcoming events - Call 1-888-677-2524 toll free or 318-927-2976.    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.    Trailblazers, Inc. Collecting Newspapers For Recycling - Trailblazers, Inc. of Ruston is collecting newspapers for recycling and is picking up newspapers at the following locations--Homer City Hall, Haynesville City Hall, and Athens City Hall. Papers can be bound with string or placed in paper bags. No plastic bags. Newspapers ONLY. Please do not place colored ad slicks or magazines in bins.    Pineview High FBLA To Host Annual Talent Show - FBLA Club will host their Annual Talent Show April 5 at 7 PM in the Pineview School gymnasium. Admission is $4. If you would like to sing, play an instrument, be a comedian, dance, perform dramatic readings, or any other talent, this is your chance. Trophies will be given to the winners in each category and a cash award to the overall winner. Contact Mrs. Watson at 927-6157 after 4 PM or Pineview High School at 353-6334 between 9-10 AM Mon. - Fri.				Pelican Quarterback Club To Hold Annual Bass Tourney March 30 - Tourney March 30 The Homer High School Pelican Quarterback Club will hold their Annual Bass Tournament on Saturday, March 30 at Parden’s Paradise (formerly Benson’s Bay) just off Hwy. 146 (White Lightning Road), from 6 AM to 3 PM. The entry fee is $20 per person and $10 Big Bass per boat. As in the past, there will be plenty of prizes for everyone. For more information, call President Bill Owens at 927-9654 or 927    Homer High Drama Club To Present “The Games People Play” - The Homer High School Dram Club will present “The Games People Play,” a sports extravanganza on Friday, March 15 at 6:30 PM in the Homer High School auditorium. Tickets are $2 for adults and $1 for students, and can be purchased from any drama club member, Director Denice Owens, or at the door.    Easter “Tour Of Churches” Set For Sunday, March 4, 2-4 PM - An Easter “Tour of Churches” will be held on Sunday, March 24, from 2-4 PM. This will be a benefit for the Rolling Hills Ministry Disaster Relief Fund. Four churches will be open to the tour--Holly Springs Baptist, Calvary Baptist, Bethlehem Methodist, and Ruple Baptist. Tickets for the event will not be sold but donations will be gratefully accepted.    N. La. Cancer Support Group To Meet Thursday, March 21 - Sandra Frith with Homer Senior Care will be guest speaker at the North Louisiana Cancer Support Group’s meeting Thurs. March 21 at the Claiborne Regional Health Center at 104 Morris Circle from 6:30-8:00 PM. Meetings are held third Thursdays of every odd month. The Group provides support, encouragement, fellowship and education in all aspects of cancer to patients, survivors, family, and friends and encourages men and women of all ages to attend. For more info, call Bonnie Keene 927-1517 or Gaye Brunson at 927-2024.    Money Available for New or Expanding Businesses in Homer - The Homer Chamber of Commerce now has monies to lend through the Revolving Loan Program. Anyone who is interested in starting a business or enlarging an existing business within an eight mile radius of Homer may be eligible. These funds were received from the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program to assist small businesses and provide for jobs in Homer. Loan preferences will be made on the basis of job creation. Further information may be obtained by contacting Mac Brakefield, Executive Director of the Homer Chamber of Commerce at (318) 927-3271.    Musical Drama “The Passion Of Jesus” Set For March 29-31 - Three performances of the musical drama “The Passion of Jesus” will be presented by Bethel Baptist Church in Lillie Fri-Sun., March 29-31, at 7PM with a cast of 120 dressed in authentic costumes. The church is located 2.3 miles west of Hwy 167 on Bethel Church Road (1.8 m. south of Junction City or 5.3 m. north of Lillie). Free admission. Bring a lawn chair.    Attention: It’s Time Again To Do Another Birthday Calendar - Claiborne Academy is collecting names for another birthday calendar. All friends, family and loyal alumni of Claiborne Academy are asked to contact any CA student, Ginger Woodall at 927-3702 or Tracie Wilder at 927-5295 to submit names or anniversaries at $1 each, or to order calendars at $10 each.    Weatherization Assistance Program Underway In Claiborne Parish - The Bossier Office of Community Services’ WAP Program is taking applications for 2002-2003 for Claiborne Parish. The WAP Program is designed to help low-income families, with priority given to the eligible elderly, children, and handicapped persons. WAP services reduce energy cost through conservation, such as caulking and sealing cracks, weather stripping, insulating attics, installing carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. To qualify, both client and dwelling must meet requirements. Eligibility is based on household income. All clients must provide documentation of proof of income. Federal regulations prevent discrimination of any kind. For more info, call Jack Hearst, at (318) 747-1045 or (800) 624-9692.    Memorial Funeral Home To Hold Board Meeting March 30 - Memorial Funeral Home will hold a Board of Directors meeting on Saturday, March 30 at 6 PM at 3729 Hwy. 79 in Homer. All board members are encouraged to attend.    Drama Club To Present “The Games People Play” March 15 - The Homer High School Dram Club will present “The Games People Play,” a sports extravaganza on Friday, March 15 at 6:30 PM in the Homer High School auditorium. Tickets are $2 for adults and $1 for students, and can be purchased from any drama club member, Director Denice Owens, or at the door.    Haynesville, Junction City Councils To Meet In March - The Junction City, Louisiana Town Council will meet Thursday, March 14 at 6 PM. The Haynesville Town Council has delayed their regular March meeting until Thursday, March 21 at 6 PM. The meeting was postponed since Mayor Mickey Mayfield will be in Baton Rouge and three councilmen will be in Washington, D.C. during the week of March 12.    Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Available At Homer City Hall - The Louisiana Department of Revenue will be providing Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) to Claiborne Parish residents in Room 144 at Homer City Hall on the first and third Tuesdays in March from 8:30-11:00AM. Richard Jefferson, Regional Director for the Shreveport Office of the Dept. of Revenue, said VITA will help taxpayers complete Federal 1040EZ and 1040A forms as well as State Form 540, then file the forms electronically for faster processing.    Girl Scouts To Sell Cookies At Wal-Mart Saturday, March 16 - Girl Scouts from Troop 344 will have a booth set up to sell Girl Scout cookies at Wal-Mart on Saturday, March 16.    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.    Claiborne Bass Busters To Hold Tournament March 23-24 - Claiborne Bass Busters will be holding a Club Tournament on Lake Bistineau March 23-24. New members are welcome. Contact Daryl Cheney at 927-4943.    Boys & Girls Club Hold Drawing For Easter Basket March 28 - The Claiborne Boys and Girls Club will hold their annual Easter Basket fundraiser. Donations of $2 may be made at the Club at 763 Lyons Hill Road. For more info, call 927-2718. Drawing will be held March 28 at 3:30 PM at Homer City Hall.    Baseball-Softball Draft To Be Held Saturday, March 26 - A Baseball-Softball Draft will be held at the Dixie Youth Baseball Field in Haynesville on Saturday, March 26 at 10 AM. Teams will be selected at that time. The fees for this year will be $20 for the first child and $10 for each additional child in one family. Forms can be picked up at town hall and are available at Haynesville schools and Claiborne Academy. Forms need to be turned in prior to the day of the Draft.    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.    Mt. Olive Christian School To Hold Annual Auction April 4-6 - Mt. Olive Christian School will hold its 20th Annual Auction April 4-6. The auction will begin at 6 PM on Thursday and Friday. The outside sale will begin at 10 AM Saturday. Consignments are welcome, and donations are appreciated. For more information, contact Len Gantt at 243-0674 or 258-5483.    Trailblazer Invites Schools To Backyard Composting Program - Trailblazer Rural Development Institute invites area schools to apply for participation in a backyard composting demonstration program. This program provides an excellent teaching tool for students to learn the benefits of composting. Composting shows students, almost before their eyes, how food and plant waste transforms into rich, reusable dirt that nourishes the earth and its growing plants. The schools that are chosen will set up their own composting demonstration. They will receive a free composting workshop for all teachers interested in composting. To request an application form or for additional information contact the Trailblazer Offive at (318) 255-3554.
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