HEADLINES - July 11, 2002

Sobriety Checkpoint Nabs Two DWIs In Homer On July 4

- New Task Force To Start Saturation Patrols In Claiborne This Week

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

During the 24-hour period from midnight July 3 to midnight July 4, the Louisiana State Police investigated four fatal crashes across the state resulting in five deaths. None of those killed were wearing a seat belt. Statistics relating to alcohol use in these crashes was not available at press time. None of the fatal crashes occurred in the seven parishes served by Troop G--Claiborne, Bienville, Webster, Bossier, Caddo, Red River, and DeSoto. During this same time period, State Police arrested 62 drunk drivers, issued 767 speeding citations, 385 seat belt citations, and 19 child restraint citations. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission provided a grant so extra troopers could patrol highways and conduct sobriety checkpoints.

School’s Out For Summer...Finally

- Students Who Failed LEAP Retested This Week

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

Although Claiborne Parish schools showed dramatic improvements on LEAP scores again this year, 69 fourth grade students and 74 eighth grade students in Claiborne Parish did not pass some portion of the LEAP test and were required to attend summer remediation classes. An average of 57 fourth grade students and most eight graders have spent their summer preparing for the LEAP re-test which began Monday, July 8 and ended Wednesday, July 10.

Drug Bust In Webster Parish Nets 15 Arrests So Far

- Alleged Ring Leader Is Haynesville Resident

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

Fifteen people have been arrested so far by the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO) following a three-year investigation into a drug ring by the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO). A Haynesville couple, along with 12 others from North Louisiana and

South Arkansas, have been arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamines. The alleged ring leader, Paul Andrew Rachal, 43, of Haynesville was arrested March 25 and placed on $500,000 bond. Rachal’s wife Malase, 44, of Haynesville and brother-in-law Dennis Wallace, 49, of Cotton Valley were arrested June 26 with assistance of Columbia County, AR deputies. The two along with Wallace’s wife had been hiding out in a camper in the woods just north of the Louisiana-Arkansas line. When confronted by authorities, they voluntarily crossed the state line to avoid extradition. Other suspects arrested between March and June were Jimmy Ross Timmons, 33, of Springhill, Milton Ray Bufford, 55, of Sarepta, Bill Carter Jr., 37, of Shongaloo, Robert Holloway, 42, of Cotton Valley, Freddie Hugh Hagen Jr., 39, of Benton, Raymond Spence, 47, of Springhill, Joe Garcia, 37, Shannon McDaniel, 30, of Magnolia AR, Jimmy Dan Burns, 39, of Benton, Danny Doster, 41, of Springhill, and Patrick Slade Lindsey, 19, of Sarepta. Charles “Chuck” Totty, 40, of Sarepta was arrested July 3. Three warrants remain outstanding.

Lake Commission Approves Drawdown Schedule, Hunting Regulations

- First Drawdown Will Be After Labor Day 2004

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

The Claiborne Parish Watershed District Commission (Lake Commission) met Thursday, June 20 in the Police Jury office complex to discuss lake regulations, artificial reefs, lake drawdown, July 4 fireworks, and watershed and water quality issues. Members present were Bobby Joslin, Roger Pemberton, Alice Stewart, Irvin Borne, and Maurice Wilson. Also present were Police Jury members Jerry Adkins and Gene Coleman. James Seales with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Jim Anderson for the Citizens Advisory Committee and Fred Lewis with Fourth of July Fireworks.

Chinese English Teacher Ends Up In Homer

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

Jia you Qin (ja yu ching) is a 55 year old English teacher from China. He recently found his way to Homer looking for employment and is presently working at the China Buffet restaurant on Hwy. 79. Before coming to the States, his wages or teaching fee for one period was 15 yuan, which is a little over $2. Since then, the rate for teaching one period has risen to about 60 yuan, or about $7.50.

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JULY 11, 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.

Harvey Rabbit To Perform At Parish Library Friday, July 12

There will be an extra-special storytime at 2:30 PM on Friday, July 12, at the Claiborne Parish Library in Homer. Harvey Rabbit and Friends, Laura and Tim Allured will in town for one performance only. This fun-filled program is for children of all ages and is free! So round up your neighbors and head on down to the Claiborne Parish Library Friday, July 12. Harvey will be there with all his friends with a brand-new program of fun and laughter.

Claiborne Boys & Girls Club National KidsDay Sat., Aug. 3

The Claiborne Boys & Club will host National KidsDay “Celebrating Kids Nationwide” on Saturday, August 3 from 8 AM - 5 PM in the First Guaranty (Woodlands) Bank and Piggly Wiggly area. Food, games, entertainment, and great family fun. Booths are available starting at $40 for 10x10 and $50 for 20x10. For more information, call Sabrina Smith at 927-2718 and Oubin Ramey at 927-6355.

Council On Aging Board, Advisory Council To Meet

The Advisory Council and Board of Directors will meet on July 16, 2002 at 2 PM at the Claiborne Senior Center.

Account Set Up At Regions Bank For Ronnie Perry

An account has been set up at Regions Bank for Ronnie Perry who was injured in an automobile accident on Saturday, June 22. Perry’s injuries are expected to keep him from returning to work at Ludlow for possibly one year. This means he will have no income.

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Caney Lake Will Close July 13 For Triathlon On Sun. July 14

The Caney Triathlon will take place at Caney Lakes Recreation Area on July 14. Starting time for the event is 7:30 AM until approximately 12 noon. The Caney Lakes Recreation Area will be closed to day use users all day Saturday, July 13 through Sunday until 1 PM July 14. This action is necessary to provide for safety as race officials prepare for the Triathlon. We are sorry for the inconvenience in normal activities during this even. Normal activities and access will resume at 1 PM on Sunday, July 14.

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.

CPSO, DWCC To Sponsor August Hunter Safety Courses

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office along with David Wade Correctional Center will sponsor two Hunter’s Safety Courses in August. The 3-day courses will be held at the Homer Fire Station. The 1st course will be held August 1-3 and the 2nd on August 8-10. Classes will be held 6:00-9:30 PM on Thursday and Friday

and from 8:00-11:00 AM on Saturday. Pre-registration is required. Classes are limited to 30 students. Call 927-2011 for more info or to sign up.

COA, AARP To Offer 55 Alive/Mature Driving Course

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

Government And Municipal Boards To Meet In July

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet Wednesday, July 10 at 10 AM for their work session and on Thursday, July 11 at 10 AM for their regular meeting.

The regular meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board will be 7 PM Thursday, July 11 following the work session at 6 PM

The Junction City, Louisiana Town Council will meet Thursday, July 11 at 6 PM.

The Haynesville Town Council will meet Thursday, July 18 at 6 PM in the Council Chambers.

Pineview High Multi-Class Reunion Set For Saturday, July 27

The Pineview High School Multi-Class Reunion will be held Saturday, July 27. Graduating classes from 1979-1985 are encouraged to attend and enjoy a day of fun and getting reacquainted. Family Activities will be held at the Lake Claiborne State Park from 10 AM-4 PM and Adult Activities with include a Saturday evening Banquet from 7:30 PM-12 midnight at the Lisbon Civic Center. For more information, call Jimmy Franklin, Jr. at 927-6810.

Homer High School Classes of 1974-1978 To Hold Reunion August

The Homer High Classes of 1974 through 1978 will hold their Class Reunion August 16-18. Their next monthly meeting will be Sunday, July 21 at 6 PM at Homer City Hall where they will compose all correspondence received from classmates. They ask all who attended Homer High with members of these classes to be present. The Committee wants everyone to be satisfied with the final locations and activities planned. Contact persons: Gary Jenkins 927-9379, Fred Young 927-2372, Ann Webb 927-2040, Patricia Kelly Jenkins 927-9537, Linda Dunn Hardaway 927-1189, or Rita Moore Mitchell 927-6892.

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.