HEADLINES - June 20, 2002

State Troopers Converge On Claiborne Parish

- Investigate Accident On Hwy. 520 Early Monday Morning

• On Monday morning, June 17 at approximately 4 AM, a 1997 Kenworth tractor trailer belonging to BMR Transport, Inc. of Sulphur Springs, Texas wrecked about 1.9 miles north of La. Alternate 2 on Hwy. 520. The rig was driven by Michael Lee Johnson, 32, of Nacogdoches, Texas and was carrying non-hazardous liquid asphalt, which was leaking. Johnson was transported to Homer Memorial Hospital by Claiborne Ambulance with minor injuries. He was issued a citation for careless operation of a vehicle.

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

Last Tuesday, June 11, Louisiana State Police Troop G began conducting saturated patrols in Claiborne Parish. Troopers were targeting hazardous violations such as speeding and driving while intoxicated. Special emphasis was also placed on seatbelt and child restraint compliance. Between Tuesday, June 11 and Monday, June 17, State Troopers issued 58 citations for seat belt violations, 4 for child restraint violations, and 7 speeding tickets.

Sheriff’s Office, FBI Investigate Threat Against Homer Wal-Mart

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

Chuck Talley, chief investigator for the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, said their office was contacted on May 19 by Wal-Mart investigators concerning an anonymous letter they had received at the main office in Bentonville, Arkansas. The letter, which appeared to have been written by an employee, specifically made a threat directed at the Wal-Mart store in Homer, demanding the company make some personnel changes.

School Board Votes To Combine Haynesville High And Junior High

• Report On LEAP Scores Nest Week

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

Superintendent Gary Jones asked the Claiborne Parish School Board at their June 6 meeting to consider combining Haynesville High and Haynesville Junior High under one principal Kenny Henderson since they will be occupying one building and transferring junior high principal Mary Triplet to the central office. Jones said he had already talked to Haynesville board members about the move.

Homer Memorial To Host Health Fair Saturday, June 22, 8 AM - 1 PM - Homer City Hall

Homer Memorial Hospital will host their Health Fair 2002 on Saturday, June 22 at Homer City Hall with “free” glucose/cholesterol testing. Activities include fingerprinting of children and information on car seat, bicycle and gun safety. State Troopers will conduct a “roll-over simulation” and “DWI goggles”. United Blood Services will hold a blood drive from 9AM-12 noon. All eligible donors are encouraged to participate

since UBS is the blood supplier for Homer Memorial Hospital. Lots of give-aways for expectant mothers, babies, and children. Young children will enjoy the moonwalk and face painting. So bring the kids and join the fun at the HMH Health Fair 2002.."Where good health and community come together."

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Former Claiborne Resident Sentenced For Child Molestation In Union Parish

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

Russell Carter Smith, 78, of Spearsville was sentenced in May to four years house arrest for molestation of two girls in Union Parish. Smith voluntarily confessed in court to previous accusations made in Claiborne Parish. Sometime before 1997, there were several accusations of fondling over a period of years and one allegation of oral/sexual battery in 1989. The case was presented to a Claiborne Parish Grand Jury in 1997. The Jury did not indict, concluding there was insufficient evidence to bring charges. Sometime later, Smith moved to Spearsville.

Annual Juneteenth Celebration Friday And Saturday, June 21-22

Juneteenth Celebration activities begin Friday, June 21 at 5:30 PM with a Gospel Extravaganza at Homer Junior High School. Mayor David Aubrey will be Master of Ceremonies. The Gospel Extravaganza will feature an adult community mass choir, youth praise dancing, dramatic readings and drill teams. All area church choir members are invited to join the mass choir. Festivities will continue all day Saturday, June 22 beginning at 10:30 AM at Mayfield Park, with 3-on-3 basketball, go-cart rides, domino tournaments, horse rides, pool party with DJ "M", baseball, as well as food and craft booths. At 7 PM Saturday evening, the Annual Juneteenth Pageant will be held at Homer City Hall. Featured entertainment will be "The Palmers."

Mosquitoes Will Bite The Hand That Breeds Them, Says Dr. Perich

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

“It is true--mosquitoes will bite the hand that breeds them,” according to Dr. Mike Perich, medical entomologist with the LSU AgCenter. He told those who attended the meeting at the Police Jury Office Complex last Thursday, June 13, there was no “silver bullet” to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Of the 5,000 and 10,000 species of mosquitoes around the world, there are over 60 species in Louisiana. Perich said you would never be able to eradicate all mosquitoes nor eradicate all the diseases they carry, but you can suppress them. He said the best way is through prevention.

Homer Mayor Appointed To Civil Rights Commission

Homer Mayor David J. Aubrey was one of fifteen persons appointed to the Louisiana Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The Louisiana Advisory Committee assists the Federal Commission in its factfinding and investigative functions

in the State. Roberta Madden of Baton Rouge, who also serves as program administrator for racial justice programs for the YWCA of Baton Rouge, was reappointed Chairperson. Other members to serve without compensation are Michael R.D. Adams, John S. Baker, Clark Gradney, Glenda Parkes and Rupert Richardson of Baton Rouge; Lorna Bourg of New Iberia; Lucy Chun of Metairie; Dr. Barbara Duchardt of Natchitoches; Ann Knapp of Lake Charles; Salvador Longoria, William Quigley and Dr. Beverly Wright of New Orleans.

JUNE 20, 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.

Claiborne Parish Watershed District Commission To Meet

The Claiborne Parish Watershed District Commission will meet Thursday, June 20 at 5:30 PM in the parish office complex. The agenda will include Lake Regulations, Artificial Reefs, Lake Drawdown, July 4 Fireworks Display, Watershed and Water Quality Issues.

HMH Health Fair To Offer Many Pediatric Activities

Homer Memorial Hospital's Health Fair 2002 to be held Saturday, June 22 at Homer City Hall will offer many activities for children of all ages. Children can be "fingerprinted". You can register with the Louisiana Children's Health Insurance Program and obtain important information on car seat safety, bicycle safety and gun safety. Young children will enjoy the moonwalk and face painting. While adolescents and adults can participate in a "roll-over simulation" and "DWI goggles". There will be lots of give-aways for expectant mothers, babies, and children. So bring the kids and join the fun at HMH Health Fair .."Where good health and community come together."

Dedication,Open House Set For New Parish Office Complex

A Ddication Ceremony followed by an Open House will be held by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury on Monday, July 1 from 5:30 PM. The public is invited to come by for refreshments and to tour the new Claiborne Parish Police Jury Office Complex, which houses the houses the offices of the Police Jury, the LSU AgCenter, Registrar of Voters, Emergency 911, and Representative RIck Gallot. .

Cancer Memorials For American Cancer Society

Please send all Cancer Memorials to the American Cancer Society, c/o Julia Lentz, 910 Edgewood Drive, Homer, Louisiana 71040. For more information, call 927-9868.

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. Registration for children ages 3-12 is now open. The program is free! For more details, call Nancy Smock at 927-3845.

Both Homer Municipal Pools Open Monday-Saturday

The Mayfield Pool hours are Monday - Thursday, 2 PM - 7 PM and Friday and Saturday from 12 noon - 3 PM. A swim camp will be conducted in July. Specific dates will be posted later. Persons should contact the pool at 927-4859 for price information or pool rentals. The Homer Natatorium is open Monday-Saturday from 12:30-5:30 PM. Admission is $1.50. For more info, call Connie Cochran at 927-2857 or 927-6007.

Haynesville Town Council To Meet Thurs., June 20 At 6 PM

The Haynesville Town Council will meet Thursday, June 20 at 6 PM in the Council Chambers.

LSU AgCenter--Surface Water Management Options On July 2

The LSU AgCenter will present a program on Surface Water Management Options on Tuesday, July 2 at 1 PM in the Police Jury Office Complex. Paul S. Eagles with the U.S. Corps of Engineers will discuss optiong to decrease the use of the Sparta Aquifer. For more information, call Dora Ann Hatch at 927-3110.

Summer Arts Camp For Kids Will Be In Homer July 22-26

North Central Louisiana Arts Council to hold Summer Arts Camp for Kids at Homer City Hall July 22-26. The weeklong arts program exposes children to the arts and nurtures creativity in a supportive, pressure-free environment. Students in 1st to 7th grade may sign up to attend daily classes from 8:30 AM-12:30 PM at a cost of $40. For more info or to register a child call 255-1450.

Health Fair To Offer “Free” Glucose/Cholesterol Testing

Free glucose/cholesterol testing will be offered at the Homer Memorial Hospital “Health Fair” Saturday, June 22. Persons can call the HMH lab at 927-2024 to schedule a time between 8 AM - 1PM for testing. Appointments may be made up until the day before the “Health Fair.” Scheduling will help the process go more smoothly and will keep participants from waiting in line for testing. For more info, call Gay Brunson in the HMH lab.

Pupil Progression Plan Available For Public View At School Board

The Claiborne Parish School Board will revise and adopt the Pupil Progression Plan at its regular meeting July 11, 2002. This plan sets local policy for promotion, retention, and testing of students in the Parish Schools. A draft plan will be available for public view and comments in the Claiborne Parish School Board Office at 415 East Main in Homer during regular business hours.

Gibsland Farmer’s Market To Hold Grand Opening Sat., June 22

The Gibsland Farmer’s Market, a collaborative effort of the LSU AgCenter and the Gibsland Revival 2000 Committee, will hold their official grand opening Saturday, June 22. Vendors will market Louisiana produce only. The market is located near the gazebo

downtown until funding can be secured for a multi-purpose building.

Council On Aging, AARP To Offer 55 Alive/Mature Driving Course

The Claiborne Council on Aging has joined with AARP to offer a “55 Alive/Mature Driving Course” to be held the latter part of July at the Claiborne Senior Center at 608 East 4th in Homer. The 2-day course will be taught from 12:30-4:30 each day. The fee is $10. Some insurance companies may offer discounts to graduates of the course. Registration will end July 5. For more info, call Barbara McCullough at 927-6922..

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.

Copies Of Report “Vision For A Better Tomorrow” Now Available

Copies of the report “Vision for a Better Tomorrow” prepared by the Planning Committee for the Claiborne Economic Development Board have been printed and are now available at the First Guaranty Bank, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury, and Homer and Haynesville City Halls.