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March 21, 2002

 

Master Plan For Parish Could Include Another Lake

Claiborne Economic Development Board Report Expected In April

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

The Claiborne Economic Development Board (CEDB) is in the process of developing a parish-wide master plan for Claiborne Parish. In November 2000, a meeting was held at the LSU Hill Farm Research Station to discuss problems with the Sparta Aquifer and the possibility of using water from Lake Claiborne as an alternate water resource. More than 50 persons from throughout the parish attended and addressed the following question, "What does Claiborne Parish need to do to enhance the economic well-being of its citizens, while ensuring good stewardship of the many natural resources in the parish?"

Renewal Community Incentives Explained To Police Jury

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

Buck Trussell with Coordinating and Development Corporation gave jurors a quick overview of the Renewal Community Initiative. "It's an opportunity, a real windfall Louisiana has got to take advantage of," according to Trussell. "The bottom line for the Renewal Communities program is there is no upfront money, no cash, no grant---this is all tax credits and tax deductions the Federal government has earmarked to try to entice businesses. This new program has a major impact on rural areas." Mickey Mayfield informed the Haynesville TowBuck Trussell with Coordinating and Development Corporation gave jurors a quick overview of the Renewal Community Initiative. "It's an opportunity, a real windfall Louisiana has got to take advantage of," according to Trussell. "The bottom line for the Renewal Communities program is there is no upfront money, no cash, no grant???this is all tax credits and tax deductions the Federal government has earmarked to try to entice businesses. This new program has a major impact on rural areas." March 7, 2002 Police Jury Agenda Renewal Community Initiative Pafford Ambulance Proposal Trinity Bible Study Health Unit Roof Litter On Liberty Hill Road Change Telephone System Change Order?HNB Bank Bldg Pine Hill Water System Request Trailblazer?Nature Tourism Sites Village of Athens Request Lewis Way Road Annual Trash Collection DA Candidate David Newell

Professors' Book On High Stakes Testing To Be Out May

Drs. Dale & Bonnie Johnson Taught Last Year At Homer Elementary

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

Last year, Homer Elementary School had the privilege of having two college professors teach third and fourth grade. Dr. Dale Johnson and wife, Dr. Bonnie Johnson, took unpaid leave of absence from Louisiana Tech University to get back in the classroom. It was the first time they had done so in several decades and they found things had changed quite a bit. Teachers are burdened with state mandates to raise test scores and encumbered with an enormous amount of paperwork, while teacher salaries. They have documented their experiences in a soon-to-be published book entitled, "High Stakes: Children, Testing and Failure in American Schools."

Homer Man Charged With Forcible Rape

Homer Police Department officers arrested a 38-year-old man and charged him with carrying a concealed weapon and forcible rape on Wednesday, March 13, following a complaint filed by his wife. Andrew Evans is currently being held in the Webster Parish jail on a $152,000 bond. The investigation is continuing with the Department of Social Services and the Homer Police Department.

Mini-Grant Program Aimed At Attracting Retirees

Homer Mayor David Aubrey was recently notified by Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco of a new "mini-grant" program to help local communities develop and market their area for retirees through economic development projects. The demographic change in America today makes the trade, business, commerce, spending and on-demand services, and housing of the mature or retiree-aged population (55 years of age and older) a golden opportunity. Making Louisiana an ideal place to retire makes our state a better place to live, work, play, visit, and do business for everyone. Revitalizing and building communities improves the economic climate.

Easter "Tour of Churches" To Benefit Rolling Hills Disaster Relief Fund

An Easter "Tour of Churches" will be held on Sunday, March 24 as a benefit for the Rolling Hills Ministry Disaster Relief Fund. Four churches will be decorated and open for tour, complete with church history. The tour starts at 2 PM at the Calvary Baptist Church (Hwy. 3062 West (Homer Oilfield Road), 2 miles from Homer Square). Directions will be available there to the other locations. The tour route will be marked with signs and lavender colored bows.

Schools Get Extra Day For Spring Break

School Superintendent Gary Jones announced Tuesday, that Spring Break for all Claiborne Parish public schools will be extended one day. Teachers and students will be off Monday, March 25 through Tuesday, April 2. Jones said they were given the extra day off Monday, April 1 since they did not have to use their weather day this year and because teachers and students did such a good job getting ready for the LEAP tests given this past week.

Homer Water Cited In February, March Retests Okay

Public Works Director Calvin Wortham asks Homer residents to be aware that the Town of Homer was found to have high levels of coliform bacteria in their drinking water on February 25. Glen Shelton with the Office of Public Health in Shreveport said of the eight samples taken February 25, five were good and three came back positive for coliforms. On March 6, the local sanitarian took three repeat samples at each site. All nine tests came back good, showing no sign of the coliform bacteria. Coliform bacteria is not harmful but can indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. Possible symptoms of disease could include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and associated headaches and fatigue. Mayor David Aubrey said, "Until we feel comfortable that this is an isolated incident, we are going to continue to retest weekly. Additionally we are going to step up flushing the lines."

March 21, 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»    Mayfield High School Classes 1960-1963 To Meet March 26 - A meeting is scheduled for March 26 at 7 PM at Cynthia's Tire and Spoon, 4219 Hwy. 79 in Homer. All Mayfield High School classes of 1960, 61, 62, and 63 are asked to please try to attend. For more info, call 927-2191, 927-4495, or 927-2883.    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.    Summerfield High School PTO To Meet Tuesday, April 9 - The next scheduled meeting of the Summerfield High School PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) will be held Tuesday, April 9 at 6 PM. Plans for the Annual Fish Fry and Auction will be discussed. Please mark your calendars.    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.    Summerfield School Annual Fish Fry & Auction Set For May 5 - The Summerfield High School PTO will hold their Annual Fish Fry Dinner & Auction on Saturday, May 4 at 5:30 PM in the school gym. Tickets are $7.50 per person in advance or $8.50 at the door and are available from Summerfield teachers and PTO members. For more information, call 927-3621.    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.    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    Claiborne Retired Teachers' Unit To Meet Monday, March 25 - The Claiborne Retired Teachers' Unit will meet at 1 PM Monday, March 25 at Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church at 290 Washington in Homer according to President Marie Gray.    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.    American Legion Auxiliary Unit 73 To Meet Monday, March 25 - The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 73 will have their meeting Monday, March 25 at 5:30 PM at the Claiborne Parish Library. If anyone would like to contribute toward Girls and Boys State, please mail your check to Carol Jones, 607 East Main, Homer, or Judge Jenifer Clason at Claiborne Parish Courthouse, Homer, LA 71040.    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.    Mt. Olive Christian School To Hold Kindergarten Round Up - Mt. Olive Christian School would like to announce they will be holding their kindergarten round up on April 4, 2002 at 9 AM. Anyone interested in their kindergarten program or any other classes are encouraged to come and meet the teachers and tour the school. Enrollment is now open for all students for the school year 2002-2003. For more info, contact the school at 258-5661.    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.    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.    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.    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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