HEADLINES - April 25, 2002

DOTD To Open Bids On Homer Bypass In June

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

Bids on the first phase of the Homer Bypass project will be opened June 26, 2002. This phase includes the clearing and grubbing of the four mile path between Hwy. 79 and La. 2. Barring any unforeseen problems, bids will be let in January 2003 for the construction phase of the Bypass. If everything goes as planned, actual construction should begin around April 2003. Project Engineer Ron Watts of Minden will oversee the construction phase which is expected to take about two years.

Police Jury Names New Office Complex

- Dates Set In May For Annual Trash Cleanup

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

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury held their regular meeting in the upstairs board room over the Clerk of Court office for perhaps the last time Thursday, April 11. By the May meeting, jurors hope to be moved to the new board room in the “Claiborne Parish Police Jury Office Complex.” After some discussion, jurors decided on the new name for the old Homer National Bank building. President Weldon Kilpatrick said renovations are almost complete. The Registrar of Voters and LSU AgCenter Extension Office have already moved. Besides a sign for the building their will be a directory at both entrances with a listing of the offices inside.

Agenda April 11, 2002 Meeting

• Name For HNB Building

• Annual Trash Collection

• Parish Flag

• Resolution - Marshal J.R. Oakes

• Pafford Ambulance

• Insurance Proposal

• Prayer In Public Schools

• Parish Litter Court

• Benjamin Winn

• Request - Village Of Athens

• Request - Village Of Lisbon

• 4-Way Stop Sign Sugar Creek & Spurlock Road

• Computer Program-New Offices

• Severance Tax Resolution

• Resolution- Remove Long Distance Phone Charges In Parish

• Parish Road Foreman

• Painting Health Unit

• Heat, A/C New Office Complex

• Floor Wax Stripper Parish Jail

• Sell House In Haynesville

• Request Claiborne Detention Ctr

• Rent Rubber Tire Packer

• Lewis Way Road

Lake Claiborne State Park To Host 5K Run, Health Walk Saturday, May 18

- Register By April 26 To Guarantee Correct T-Shirt Size

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

Lake Claiborne State Park will host their first “Spring 5K Run and Health Walk” on Saturday, May 18. The event, sponsored by Louisiana Culture, Recreation & Tourism and Red River Road Runners, will cover a 3.1 mile scenic course over the LCSP trail system and park roads. Approximately half will be within the rolling hills and beautiful springtime woods, while the remainder will follow the park’s facilities. Many of the woodland paths offer a challenge through ravines and gently rolling acres of forestland. All turns and mile points will be marked and water stops will be provided.

Charles L. Gandy To Speak At Parishwide Scholastic Banquet

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. Gandy, who was born in Homer in 1931 has a Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering from Louisiana Tech and Top Secret SI security clearance from the US Senate, NSA and the US Air Force. His entire career has been devoted to Quick Reaction Capability efforts in the fields of intelligence, counterintelligence, security, and related areas. His expertise is in remote control collections systems both airborne and fixed site, and development of tactical SIGINT systems. Current areas of involvement include information warfare, communications security, and electronic warfare. He currently works as a private consultant.

National Day Of Prayer To Be Observed Thursday, May 2

The citizens of Homer will join millions of Americans to observe the 51st National Day of Prayer as they come together on the grounds of the Claiborne Parish Courthouse at noon for a time of prayer on Thursday, May 2, 2002. The Homer Ministerial Alliance and the Trinity Bible Study and Prayer Group join together to sponsor a prayer meeting to pray for our nation, its leaders, local and state officials, law enforcement personnel and the family. The Call to Prayers at the Courthouse will be given shortly before noon by the sound of the siren of a Homer police car circling the Courthouse Square. Plans are for the meeting to be brief enough to enable the participants to attend and have time for lunch before returning to work.

Memorial Fly-In At Homer Airport - Memory of Jon Adams

Saturday, April 27, Beginning At Noon

Mark Perot is sponsoring a Memorial Fly-In on Saturday, April 27 at the Homer Municipal Airport in memory of Jon Adams, Homer Airport manager who was tragically killed in a plane crash Saturday, April 6 in Minden. Jon’s dream was to renovate the Homer Airport and turn it into an avenue for local tourism. The Memorial Fly-In will begin at 12 PM. Hamburgers, drinks, and snacks will be provided. Jon’s family will be flying in from Vancouver, Washington to attend the memorial event.

Bikers Converge On Parish For Valhalla Motorcycle Rally

If you noticed lots of motorcycles on the roads around Homer this past weekend, you weren’t mistaken. There were big bikes, little bikes, and even some trikes (3-wheel motorcycles) most with VW-powered engines. There were Harley-Davidsons, Moto-Guzzies, Aprillias, Nortons, Hondos, Yamahas, BMWs, Suzukis, Kawasakis, and even one Indian. All were in town to attend the Annual Motorcycle Rally, “Spring Thang 2002,” held this past weekend at the Valhalla Motorcycle Campground located about half a mile east of Homer on the Dutchtown Road. Among those who attended were Haynesville Mayor Mickey Mayfield and Camden, Arkansas Mayor Chris Clayboaker.

Local Dates Set For Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial Celebration In 2003

A group of local citizens, officials, and merchants met Monday, April 22 to discuss ways the local community could join other cities and towns around the State to help celebrate the Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial Celebration set for 2003. The group decided to revive the Claiborne Parish Jubilee complete with Arts and Crafts Show and set the date for May 10, 2003. The Christmas Open House and Taste of Homer will be held on two days, Saturday and Sunday, November 8-9, 2003. Local folks and merchants will once again have an opportunity to dress in period clothing and showcase the Ford Museum, the pre-Civil War Courthouse and the historical Town Square.

APRIL 25, 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.

Homer Elementary To Host Last Family Activity Night May 2

Homer Elementary will host the final Family Activity for the 2001/2002 school year on Thursday, May 2. The activities will begin at 5:30 PM. Please come and join us for some fun, food, fellowship, and learning.

Summerfield School 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 info, call 927-3621.

NW Vo-Tech, Homer To Give TABE Tests Wed. Afternoons

The Homer campus of Northwest Louisiana Technical College will give the TABE test on Wednesday afternoons at 1 PM during April and May. The TABE test is required for entry to the college. For more info, call 927-2034.

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.

The New Ramah Cemetery Association To Meet May 18

Annual meeting of the New Ramah Cemetery Association will be May 18, 2002 at 9 AM at the New Ramah Baptist Church.

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 encouraged to attend.

Juneteenth Pageant Set For Friday, June 21 At City Hall

Juneteenth Pageant will be held in the Homer City Hall on Friday, June 21 at 6:30 PM. Pageant entrants must attend 4 of 5 training/practice sessions (1st Session May 11). The four categories are “Wee Miss” (ages 4-7), “Little Miss (ages 8-12), “Junior Miss” (ages 13-15), and “Miss” (ages 16-20). Please contact Annette Young at (318) 927-2372 for more info.

Absentee Voting For May 4 Election Ends April 27

Absentee voting for the May 4 election for Homer School District 13 bond proposition ends April 27. The Registrar of Voters is now in the Homer National Bank building.. Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and 8:30 AM-noon on Saturday.

“Why Surface Water Development?” Meeting Set For April 30

“Why Surface Water Development?” will be the topic at an LSU AgCenter program set for noon, April 30 at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Office Complex. Guest speakers will be Dr. Bill Branch, Specialist with the LSU AgCenter, and Gary Stockton, LSU AgCenter Watershed Agent. For details call Dora Ann Hatch at 927-3110.

Claiborne Parish School Board 2002 Driver’s Education Class

The 2002 Driver’s Education Class at Homer High School will begin Monday, June 10 at 8 AM with classroom instruction. Students may register at the School Board office beginning May 1. Class size is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Registration fee is $180, payable by money order or cashier’s check to the Claiborne Parish School Board. 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 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.