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March 28, 2002

 

$432,250 Missing From Town Funds Since 1991

Legislative Auditor Releases Report On Town Of Haynesville

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

The office of State Legislative Auditor Daniel Kyle recently released findings of an investigative audit report conducted on missing funds in the Town of Haynesville. The report, which was requested by District Attorney Walter May, stated at least $432,250 collected by the town over a nine year period had not been deposited into the Town’s bank accounts. From the period between July 1995 and June 2000, at least 7 percent of the Town’s total revenue had never been deposited.

Engineer Says No Problem With Homer Water

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

In a Special Called Meeting March 19, the Homer Town Council addressed a letter received from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals concerning violations in the town’s water supply on February 25, 2002. Engineer Lee Underwood said Balar Associates conducted several tests and could find no problems with the water. Public Works Director Calvin Wortham said they would continue to watch the chlorine more closely and make sure it was being adequately put into the system. He would also initiate regular flushing of the system.

Engineer Says No Problem With Homer Water

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

In a Special Called Meeting March 19, the Homer Town Council addressed a letter received from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals concerning violations in the town’s water supply on February 25, 2002. Engineer Lee Underwood said Balar Associates conducted several tests and could find no problems with the water. Public Works Director Calvin Wortham said they would continue to watch the chlorine more closely and make sure it was being adequately put into the system. He would also initiate regular flushing of the system.

Gallot Says Economy Will Be Focus Of Upcoming Session

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

State Representative Richard “Rick” D. Gallot, Jr. held a parishwide town meeting at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn on Tuesday, March 19, 2002. Gallot told the crowd the past year had been a real learning experience. Legislators had been pretty conservative with the $15.3 billion budget last year since they now showed a $352 million surplus. He said, “A lot of states are experiencing financial problems since September 11, 2001. Thank God we’re not one of them.”

Haynesville Audit Report Shows Marked Improvement

Council Approves Hiring Two Police Officers

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

Town auditor Michael Epperson presented the annual audit report for the period ending June 30, 2001 to the Haynesville Town Council at their regular meeting Thursday, March 21. Epperson said the Town has had cash problems in the past, but they made money during fiscal year ending June 30, 2001. The total combined balance in General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, and Debt Service Fund at the end of June was $103,883, compared to a loss of <$51,798> at the year ending June 30, 2000. Town Of Haynesville Agenda - March 21, 2002 Meeting Annual Audit Report Hiring Two Police Officers New Assistant Police Chief Psychological Tests For Officers Parking Lot By Byram Clinic Tax Renewal Streets & Sewer 2002 Street Overlay Program National League Of Cities Report Dog Problem Dilapidated Houses

Haynesville City Hall Burglarized

Sometime between the afternoon of Saturday, March 16 and Monday, March 18, the Haynesville City Hall was robbed. Investigating officer, Haynesville Captain David Mills, said the theft occurred sometime after one town employee, who had been working Saturday, went home. When the office staff arrived to work Monday morning, they discovered the back door had been broken into and several hundred dollars was missing from the petty cash fund. The investigation is continuing. Anyone with leads on this or any other crime are asked to call the Haynesville Police Department at (318) 624-1311.

Three Performances Of Musical Drama “The Passion Of Jesus” Set For March 29-31

Bethel Baptist Church will present an outddor musical drama on on the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus for the seventh consecutive year on March 29, 30, and 31 at 7 PM. “The Passion of Jesus” has become a major mission focus of the church and involves extensive set construction and production. Persons from all across the area--and even into Arkansas--are involved with the project. 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.

David Wade Correctional Center To Dedicate New Chapel April 15

The Louisiana Prison Chapel Foundation (LPCF) hosted its third official opening and interfaith blessing service for a new chapel at Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, Louisiana on Tuesday, March 19. Two additional interfaith chapels, at Avoyelles Correctional Center in Cottonport and Phelps Correctional Center in DeQuincy, have been completed and dedicated within the last three months. The fourth chapel, at David Wade Correctional Center in Homer, is scheduled for completion and dedication on April 15, and the fifth chapel, at Louisiana State Penitentiary Camp D in Angola, is scheduled for April 20.

March 28, 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.    Support, Information & Photo Contributions Needed for Claiborne One - A community effort is needed in collecting information for Claiborne One. For contribution ideas, see the open letter from Claiborne One's local site designer. In addition, business and organization sponsorship support is needed to insure continued growth of our site. Visit the Claiborne One Spnsorship Page for more information.    Public Meeting To Discuss Plans For Homer Schools Set April 9 - A public meeting will be held Tuesday, April 9 at 6 PM in the Homer High School auditorium to discuss campus consolidation plans for the Homer school district and the upcoming bond election. All interested persons are encouraged to attend.    Town Of Homer Offices Will Be Closed On Good Friday - The Mayor’s Office and Business Office of the Town of Homer will be closed Friday, March 29 in observance of Good Friday. Offices will reopen Monday, April 1 at 8 AM.    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.    Homer High FBLA To Hold Bake Sale Friday At Wal-Mart - The Homer High School FBLA will hold a bake sale on the parking lot at Wal-Mart on Good Friday, March 29, from 9:30 AM - 2 PM.    Mt. Olive Christian School To Hold Kindergarten RoundUp April 4 - 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.    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.    “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»    Haynesville Elementary Accepting Applications Pre-K, Kindergarten - Haynesville Elementary is now accepting applications for their Pre-K and Kindergarten programs. Children must be 4 years old before October 1, 2002 for Pre-K and 5 years old before October 1, 2002 for Kindergarten. Children in Pre-K now do not have to apply for Kindergarten. To be put on the list, interested parents should come by the school office and bring their child’s birth certificate, social security card and health record. The school will notify students of registration dates in August to complete the information folders. Parents of a child who is 3-4 years old with special needs should contact the Claiborne Parish Special Needs Department by calling 927-2496 to have them tested to see if they qualify.    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.    DRABO To Hold Bake Sale March 30, Town-Wide Garage Sale April 6 - Dubach Restoration and Beautification Organization (DRABO) is holding a bake sale Saturday, March 30 from 8AM-Noon at the Scott Hamilton Warehouse in downtown Dubach. Stop by and buy your Easter desserts. DRABO will also sponsor a town-wide garage sale Saturday, April 6 from 7AM until. Bring your items and join in this great sale. No charge for your space. Bring your own tables and chairs. For more info, call 318-777-3321 or 777-3306.    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.    Lake Claiborne State Park To Present Program On Owls - Lake Claiborne State Park To Present Program On Owls On March 30 at 7 PM, Lake Claiborne State Park will present Owl Prowl: Silent Wings. Visitors are invited to learn more about owl biology and behavior. Call 1-888-677-2524 toll free or 318-927-2976 locally, or visit the Office of State Parks website at www.lastateparks.com    Claiborne Academy Seniors Will Hold Chicken Spaghetti Dinner - The senior class of Claiborne Academy will sponsor a chicken spaghetti dinner Sunday, April 7. Plates are $5. Tickets may be purchased from any senior student. Call the school office at 927-2747 to make a reservation. Take-out plates can be picked up at the school cafeteria from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. CA seniors appreciate your support.    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.    Easter Cantata “His Last Days” Set For March 30 And 31 - The combined music and drama ministries of Calvary Baptist Church of Homer and Rocky Springs Baptist Church of Lisbon will present two performances of the Easter cantata “His Last Days” on Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31 at 6:30 PM at Calvary Baptist Church in Homer. The cantata was written more than 20 years ago by Dallas Holm but its message is just as powerful today. It tells the story of the last days of Christ on earth from His viewpoint.    Easter Drama “He Took My Place” Set For Weekend In Magnolia - The University Assembly of God in Magnolia, AR will host an Easter drama entitled, “He Took My Place” at 7 PM nightly March 29, 30 and 31. Have you ever wondered what would happen if God had waited until our present generation to send His son to earth? Would we welcome Him with open arms, or expose Him to the same torture they did 2000 years ago? “He Took My Place” is an original Easter drama that explores this question with modern setting, creative lighting and contemporary music. Admission is free. Nursery provided. Seating on first come, first serve basis. Call for reserved seating for groups (870) 234-3490.    Claiborne Parish Scholastic Banquet Set For Thursday, May 2 - The Claiborne Parish Scholastic Banquet will be held Thursday, May 2 at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn in Haynesville to honor junior and senior students throughout the parish who have performed academically over the past year. Guest speaker will be Charles L. Gandy. Tickets for the general public will go on sale April 10.    Franklin Parish To Hold 16th Annual Catfish Festival April 13 - Franklin Parish 16th Annual Catfish Festival will be held from 8 AM-5 PM Saturday, April 13 in Winnsboro. Activities include entertainment from native sons Fred Carter, Jr. and Jerry Cupit and others, arts, crafts, delicious fried catfish, a quilt show, and one of the largest classic car shows in the area. There will be recreational competition, “bungee run”, “obstacle course”, and “bouncy boxing” for the young and young-at-heart. Franklin Parish is the largest producer of farm-raised catfish in the state. For info call the Winnsboro Mainstreet office at 318-435-7607.    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.    D.A.R.T. To Hold First Support Group Meeting Wed. March 27 - The first weekly meeting of the newly organized Domestic Abuse Outreach Support Group “WAVE” (Women Against Violence Everywhere) will be held in Homer Wednesday, March 27, 5:30-6:00 PM. For more info call (318)513-9373 or (800) 281-7885.    Dubach’s 2002 Chicken Festival To Hold Poster, T-Shirt Contest - The 2002 Louisiana Chicken Festival in Dubach is seeking entries for poster and T-shirt design contests. Winner of each contest receives $250 cash. For information or rules and entry form, call Dubach Town Hall at 318-777-3321. Deadline for entries is May 31, 2002.    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.    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.    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.
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