HEADLINES - May 30, 2002

Haynesville Town Council Reconsider Reapportionment Plan

- Joyce Majors Says Councilmen Need Pay Raise

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

The Haynesville Town Council met Thursday, May 16. Redistricting was back on the agenda. In February, the Council selected one of three proposals prepared by Gray Stothart with the Coordinating and Development Corporation. The plan was submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). In April, a letter from the DOJ was received by Stothart and Mayor Mickey Mayfield requesting additional detailed information they would need to determine if the proposed change would deny or abridge the right to vote due to race, color or membership in a language minority group.

Management Company Offers To Take Over Operation Of Wastewater Plant

- Council Agrees To Purchase Two Wooden Buildings On Square

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

Marios G. Papadopoulas, engineer and general manager of American Wastewater Management (AWM) of Ruston submitted a proposal to the Homer Town Council to enter into a public/private contract to turn over the operation and maintenance of the Waste Water Treatment Plant. He said the Town is out of compliance in two areas now. AWM proposes to take full responsibility for the operation, maintenance and management of the plant for $165,192.04, which is the amount the town has already budgeted for the upcoming year. AWM will guarantee environmental compliance and will pay any LDEQ fines incurred. This price will not include, however, expenses outside normal maintenance, such as increases in electrical costs.

High Stakes: Children, Testing And Failure In American Schools

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

Drs. Dale and Bonnie Johnson ‘s book, High Stakes: Children, Testing, and Failure in American Schools is a report of their experience while teaching third and fourth grade at Homer Elementary School during the 2000-2001 school year. The two professors took unpaid leave from Louisiana Tech University to reacquaint themselves with today’s classrooms, so they could gain knowledge and be better equipped to instruct university students planning to become teachers. It was only after they began teaching they realized their story needed to be told. Alan Farstrup, coeditor of “What Research Has to Say about Reading Instruction, 3rd Edition”, says High Stakes is a “must read for all concerned professionals, policy makers, and parents.” The book is available at the Claiborne Parish Library, or can be purchased by contacting the publisher, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. at 1-800-462-6420 or online at www.rowmanlittlefield.com.

Haynesville Women Killed In Accident

Karen Sue White, 40, of Haynesville was killed when she lost control of the 2002 Ford pickup she was driving Saturday morning, May 25 about 8:30 AM. According to State Police reports, White lost control in a curve on Harris Road .2 mile east of Hwy. 79and tried to overcorrect, causing the vehicle to flip three times. Both White and female passenger, Tina Wilkening, 20, also of Haynesville, were thrown from the vehicle. Wilkening was treated for minor injuries at Homer Memorial Hospital, then released.

On Wings Of Daring And Determination, Brothers Fly Mustangs To The Heavens

BY BOB BARRACLOUGH

During World War II, the James Burnett family of Homer, Louisiana lost their two youngest sons in crashes in Army Air Corps aircraft. Both men were pilots and, believe it or not, both were killed in P-51 "Mustang" fighters. 1st Lts. John Dempsey "Smiley" and Marion Emerald Burnett were brothers of the late Mrs. J.L. (Margie) Moss, Reba Robinson of Springhill, and Jimmie Ussery of Alexandria. They were the uncles of Dr. Eddie Moss of Homer and Jimmy Moss of Shreveport.

Coach Alton “Red” Franklin Retirement Reception

- Saturday, June 1 - 2PM - Claiborne Parish Fair Barn

The Haynesville Quarterback Club is sponsoring a retirement reception honoring Coach Alton “Red” Franklin to be held Saturday, June 1 beginning at 2 PM at the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex in Haynesville. Former and present players and coaches, faculty and administrators, students, and friends are cordially invited to attend. Under Franklin’s leadership the Golden Tornado won 11 state championships and was state runner-up four other years, and qualified for 31 of 35 high school playoffs. Franklin’s won-loss-tie record of 366-76-8 places him second for Louisiana’s all-time, all-class head coaching records.

MAY 30, 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.

Healthsouth To Conduct Stroke Screenings At Council On Aging

Healthsouth representatives will conduct stroke screenings for 9:30 AM-12:30 PM TODAY, Thursday, May 30 at the Claiborne Council on Aging at 608 East 4th Street in Homer.

Retirement Reception To Honor Coach Red Franklin Set June 1

The Haynesville Quarterback Club is sponsoring a retirement reception to honor Coach Alton “Red” Franklin on Saturday, June 1 at 2 PM in the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex. Former and present

players and coaches, faculty and administrators, students and friends are cordially invited.

Homer High Cheerleaders, Flag Line Selling Varsity Gold Cards

Homer High Cheerleaders and Homer High Flag Line are selling Varsity Gold cards, good for unlimited use for buy one, get one free food items at Pizza Hut, Sonic, and Subway. Cards are good through September 2003. Call Rhonda Porter at 927-6091 or Mary Canterbury at 927-2393.

Mosquito Abatement Program Set June 13 By LSU AgCenter

The LSU AgCenter will be offering an educational program focusing on mosquito abatement June 13, 2002, 6:30 PM in the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Office Complex (formerly Homer National Bank building). Dr. Mike Perrich, LSU AgCenter entomologist, will be guest speaker. The public is invited. For more info, contact Jason Holmes at 927-3110

Homer Municipal Pools Expected To Open Sat. June 1

Homer municipal pools, if all goes well this week, are tentatively expected to open Saturday, June 1. For more information, call Homer City Hall at 927-3555.

Homer Memorial To Sponsor Health Fair At City Hall June 22

Homer Memorial Hospital is sponsoring a Health Fair, Where Good Health & Community Meet, Saturday, June 22 from 8 AM-1PM at Homer City Hall. This family event has something to offer every age: vendor booths, brief lectures by local physicians, height, weight, and blood pressure checks, lab tests, moonwalk, various games, refreshments, etc. For more info, visit their website www.homerhospital.com and watch for additional ads and articles in your local newspaper.

“Kids Fun Day” Set Saturday At Lake Claiborne State Park

Wal-Mart Stores in Homer, Ruston, Minden, and Springhill, in conjunction with the Lake Claiborne State Park, are sponsoring a “Kids Fun Day” on Saturday, June 1 from 10 AM-3 PM at the State Park. Free activities include “Take a Kid Fishing”, Bike Safety, and Boat Safety. A small fee will be charged for carnival activities--dunking booths, ringtoss, basketball, horseshoes, clowns, face painting. All proceeds will go to “Make-A-Wish Foundation.” Bring your picnic lunch.

Summer Reading Program At Library June 10 - July 12

The Claiborne Parish Library will hold their Summer Reading Program, “Chilly Silly Summer At The Library” from June 10 to July 20. Children ages 3-12 may register beginning June 3. The program is free! For more details, call Nancy Smock at 927-3845.

Rural Development Introduces Loan Program To Public June

Rural Development, USDA is conducting a meeting to inform the public of their loan program. Rural Development offers subsidized loans to build, purchase or repair a home. Grant funds are also available to those who qualify. A meeting will be held June 3 at

6:30 PM at Homer City Hall. Individuals needing special accommodations can call 255-2826, etc. 4.

Forest Service Taking Applications For Senior Community Program

The U.S. Forest Service, Kisatchie National Forest, Caney Ranger District is now taking applications for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) for part-time workers. The location for these jobs will be Caney Lakes Recreation Area in Minden and Homer Work Center in Homer. Enrollee would be responsible for lawn upkeep, maintenance of bathroom and shower facilities and other assigned duties and would also nee a valid driver’s license. The average work is between 20 and 39 hours from March to November and as needed in winter months. There are limits on income to be eligible. If you are 55 or older, energetic and looking for a challenge, contact Icyphene Conwright at 927-2061 or come by the office at 3288 Hwy. 79 South in Homer.

1st Annual Lake Claiborne Classic Car Show Set For October 5

The 1st Annual Lake Claiborne Classic Car Show will be held Saturday, October 5 at the State Park. Entry fee will be $20 for first car and $10 for second car. Classes will be 1) Antique Original Class up to 1949, 2) Antique Original Class 1950 to 1977, 3) Street Rod Class, and 4) Truck Class. All proceeds will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in memory of Christian and Joseph Manzanares. For more information, call Rickey Bearden at (318) 927-9740 or Matt Manzanares at (318) 927-6275.