HEADLINES ‑ April 18, 2002

Board Accepts Low Bid On Haynesville School Project

‑ Groundbreaking Set For April 25

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

School Board member Jim Featherston made the motion to accept the low bid of $7,701,100 by Don Barron Contractors, Inc. of Farmerville for the Haynesville School construction project. His motion was approved unanimously by the Claiborne Parish School Board at the regular meeting April 11. Don Barron’s bid was $7,652,000 with an add alternate of $49,000 to upgrade the science lab to the Cadillac state‑of‑the‑art system. The base bid had included a somewhat lesser option for the science lab. Other total bid packages received were $8,470,063 from Pro‑Build in Homer and $7,875,000 from Lincoln Builders, Inc. in Ruston.

Agenda April 11, 2002 Meeting

• Bid Haynesville Bond Issue

• Homer Bond Issue

• Kanethia Daniels ‑ State Science Fair Winner

• Request Assistance Students

• Standing Committees 2002

• Principal Of The Year

• School Improvement Team Mbrs

• Driver’s Education Course

• New Kindergarten Building At Summerfield

• Advertise For Legals

• Personnel Actions

Homer School Plan Given Go Ahead At Public Meeting

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

A public meeting held Tuesday, April 9 to discuss plans for the Homer school bond issue was well attended. This was the fourth in a series of meetings held to discuss the potential benefit to the community, the advantage for students, the cost of the project, and the plans for existing junior high buildings. The first meeting held May 17, 2001 at Homer High addressed what options were available. Steps were then taken to formulate a plan. On July 26, 2001 a preliminary draft of the plan was presented to the business community at a luncheon at the Homer High cafeteria. More recently, Superintendent Gary Jones explained the proposed plan to the faculty of all Homer schools.

Child With Rare Blood Disease To Celebrate 1st Birthday

‑ Blood Drives Held Throughout Month For Coleson Shaw

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

Coleson Shaw will celebrate his first birthday on Sunday, April 21. For most children, this is a normal happy event, however, for Coleson it is a miracle. Coleson is the son of Alan and Yvette Shaw of Minden. He was born with a rare blood disease called Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA). It took doctors two months to diagnose the disease even though he was rushed to Schumpert for a transfusion shortly after his birth. At the time, they thought the lack of blood in his body was due to complications at birth. It was at his 2 month checkup when his blood level was critically low, at the point of cardiac arrest, doctors realized something was wrong.

Replenishment Blood Drives will be held at the following locations:

Minden High School

Friday, April 19, 8:30 AM‑2:30 PM

Wal‑Mart in Minden

Saturday, April 20, 10 AM‑2 PM

Antioch Baptist Church, Minden

Sunday, April 21, 9 AM‑12:30 PM

Springhill Baptist, Ringgold

Sunday, April 21, 12‑3 PM

Lakeside High band room, Sibley

Monday, April 29, 8 AM‑1:30 PM

First Baptist, Minden

Saturday, May 4, 10 AM ‑ 2 PM

Ludlow Coated Products, Homer

Thursday, May 9, 2‑5 PM

Home Destroyed By Early Morning Fire

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

The Homer Fire Department and Fire District No. 4 responded to an early morning house fire at 526 Hwy. 520 North, the home of James L. and Syrece Banks, on Saturday, March 23, 2001. The E‑911 call came in at 5:50 AM. According to Town Inspector Travis Beebe, sixteen firefighters responded and began arriving at the scene at 6:10 AM. They found the single family dwelling engulfed in flames and were unable to save the house or the two vehicles parked next to the house‑‑a loss estimated at $100,000. The initial cause of the fire is undetermined. The Banks not only lost their home, but all their personal belongings. An account has been set up at Regions Bank for James L. or Sycrece Banks. Donations of cash or clothing are being accepted at the Homer Branch on Hwy. 79 North. Sizes needed in men’s clothing are 38 x 30 pants, 34 x 32 pants, sixes 9 and 10 in shoes. Sizes in women’s clothing are 16 or 18, 5 or 6, and sizes 7‑1/2 and 10 in shoes.

APRIL 18, 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.

Fine Arts Appreciation Night Set May 7 For Parish Students

A Fine Arts Appreciation Night will be held in the auditorium of Homer High School on Tuesday, May 7 at 6 PM. This event will feature art, instrumental, and vocal music from Haynesville, Homer, Athens, Pineview, and Summerfield school students. Everyone is invited to come and attend this night to celebrate the artistic talent of the youth of Claiborne Parish.

Claiborne Parish Scholastic Banquet Set For Thurs. May 2

Charles L. Gandy will be the guest speaker at the Claiborne Parish Scholastic Banquet set for Thursday, May 2 at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn in Haynesville. Junior and senior students who meet the scholastic criteria will be honored. Tickets for the general public went on sale April 10.

American Legion Auxiliary To Select Girls & Boys Staters

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 73 will meet at Tall Timbers Lodge Sunday, April 21 at 3 PM for the purpose of selecting Boys and Girls Staters for 2002. All members are encouraged to attend this meeting.

Homer Memorial Hospital To Hold Childbirth Classes

Homer Memorial Hospital will be offering Prepared Childbirth classes beginning, Monday, April 22. Classes are free to anyone wishing to attend. To register, call the hospital at 927‑2024 and ask for the OB Nurse on duty.

Kisatchie Jaycees To Hold Annual MDA Walk‑A‑Thon

The Kisatchie Jaycees will hold their annual Cop/Con Walk‑A‑Thon for MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) beginning at 8 AM May 4 on the grounds of the David Wade Correctional Center. Anyone interested in participating or making a donation to this worthy cause, call Kisatchie Sponsor Debbie Gilmore at (318) 927‑0440, Ext. 442.

Homer High/Homer Junior High Yearbooks On Sale Till April 20

Homer High School announces the 2002 Yearbooks which include Homer Junior High will be on sale in the school office until April 20. Cost is $35.

Memorial Veterans Program Set May 28 At Homer Hospital

The 2nd Annual Memorial Day Veteran’s Program will be held in the lobby of the Homer Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, May 28 at 2 PM. All parish veterans and/or their families are invited. Any veteran who did not receive an invitation last year is asked to please call Gaye Brunson at the Hospital at 927‑2024 so she can include them on the mailing list.

Pineview PTSA To Discuss School Uniforms April 29, 6 PM

The Pineview High School PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association) will hold a meeting on Monday, April 29 at 6 PM in the cafeteria. The main focus will be concerns for school uniforms. This is a very important meeting. All parents are encouraged to attend.

Absentee Voting For May 4 Homer Bond Issue April 22‑27

Absentee voting for the May 4 election for Homer School District 13 bond proposition will begin April 22 through April 27, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and 8:30‑noon on Saturday in the Registrar of Voters office, which is now located in the old Homer National Bank building.

Donations Sought For Family Who Lost Belongings In House Fire

An account has been opened at Regions Bank for James L. or Sycrece Banks who recently lost everything including both vehicles in a fire. Donations of cash or clothing are being accepted at the Homer Branch. Sizes needed in men’s clothing are 38 x 30 pants, 34 x 32 pants, sixes 9 and 10 in shoes. Sizes in women’s clothing are 16 or 18, 5 or 6, and sizes 7 1/2 and 10 in shoes.

Spearsville To Honor Former Resident, New Mayor Pontiac, Mich.

On Saturday, April 20 at 6:30 PM, at the Spearsville High School gymnasium, the Town of Spearsville, along with Union Parish, will honor Mayor Willie W. Payne, newly elected mayor of Pontiac, Michigan. Mayor Payne is a Spearsville native and a published author Residents of Spearsville and Union Parish are very proud to honor him for his accomplishments. Neighboring parishes and towns are invited.

American Cancer Society Relay For Life Still Accepting Donations

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life was held April 5 at the Homer High School football stadium. Relay For Life Chairman Bonnie Keene said, “We are still about $6,000 under this year’s goal.” Anyone who has not contributed can still do so. Please mail your tax deductible donation to Bonnie Keene, 110 Lakeshore Lane, Homer, LA 71040. Make checks payable to the American Cancer Society. The ACS is very active in Claiborne Parish. For more information, individuals can call 1‑800‑ACS‑2345.

Claiborne Parish School Board 2002 Driver’s Education Class

Final plans are being made for the 2002 Driver’s Education Class at Homer High School. Classes will begin Monday, June 10, 2002 at 8 AM. Students may register at the Claiborne Parish School Board office beginning May 1, 2002. Class size is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Registration fee is $175, payable by money order or cashier’s check to the Claiborne Parish School Board. Classroom instruction will be Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 14, 2002. Driving time will be determined by student and instructor. All driver’s education students must be 15 years of age on or before June 10, 2002 and must bring birth certificates for proof of age.

Homer Elementary Preschool Registration Set For April 29‑30

Homer Elementary Preschool Registration will be Monday and Tuesday, April 29 and 30 from 8:30 AM until 2 PM. Children must be 4 years old by October 1, 2002. Bring your child’s birth certificate, social security card, and health record. At the time of registration, you will be given a test time for the week of May 20 through 24. All students registering must be tested for enrollment. We have a limited number for each class.

Peterson Cemetery Memorial To Be Held Saturday, April 27

The annual Peterson Cemetery Memorial will be held at noon Saturday, April 27 at the Peterson Cemetery located just off Hwy. 146 (White Lightning Road) on the road to Pleasure Point. Family members are encouraged to attend and bring a covered dish and a lawn chair. All interested persons are invited to join us as we remember our loved ones on this day. To contribute to the Cemetery Fund, make checks payable to Peterson Cemetery Fund c/o Odessa Roberts, 134 Willow St., Homer, LA 71040.

Pre‑Registration Set For Pineview’s Pre‑School

Pre‑registration for the 2002‑2003 Pre‑school program session has been set for the week of May 6‑10, during normal school hours. Please bring the following items with you when you come to register your child: 1) Birth Certificate (must have State Seal), 2) Updated Health Record (white or yellow health card), and 3) Social Security Card. Your child must be 4 years of age on or before September 30, 2002 to enter this program.

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.

Summerfield School Annual Fish Fry & Auction Set For May 4

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.

Summerfield Pre‑K, Kindergarten Registration Set For May 3

Summerfield Pre‑K (4 year old) and Kindergarten (5 year old) registration will be May 3. Children must be 4 or 5 by September 30, 2002. They will need a birth certificate, social security card, and shot record.

Athens High To Hold Pre‑K, Kindergarten Registration April 23‑26

Pre‑K and Kindergarten Round‑Up will be held Tuesday‑Thursday April 23‑26 at Athens High School. Parents may register 4 and 5 year olds in the school library from 9 AM‑12 PM each day.. Children must be 4 years old on or before October 1, 2002 to register for Pre‑K and 5 years old for Kindergarten. Requirements for registration are the child’s birth certificate, social security card, and health record. Children in Pre‑K now do not have to apply for Kindergarten.

D.A.R.T. Support Group Meets Every Wednesday In Homer

Weekly meetings of the newly organized Domestic Abuse Outreach Support Group “WAVE” (Women Against Violence Everywhere) will be held in Homer from 5:30‑6:00 PM. For more info call (318)513‑9373 or (800) 281‑7885.