HEADLINES - August 8, 2002

Recent Child Kidnappings, Murders Put Parents On Alert

-Two Girls Missing In Claiborne Parish Found Friday

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

A parent's worst nightmare is to receive a call their child is missing. Recent abductions in the news have heightened parents' concerns about the safety of their children. It has made them more aware of the actions taken by law enforcement officials following an abduction. The abduction and murder of Danielle Van Dam, Samantha Runnion and Cassandra Williamson have sensitized us to the danger. All three were abducted from the safety of their homes and murdered. Fourteen-year-old Elizabeth Smart was taken from her Utah home in June. Her abduction remains a mystery.

Homer Council Ups Water Rates

- Turns Over Operation Of Wastewater Treatment Plant

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

The Homer Town Council voted to raise water rates effective on the September 1 billing. The rate increase for water rates inside the city limits will go from $1.80 to $2.80 per 1,000 gallons. The rate outside the city limits will go from $2.90 to $4.00 per 1,000 gallons. Town CPA Carlos Martin calculated the rate increase will generate additional annual revenue of approximately $125,399, which will eliminate the need for the general fund to subsidize $35,000 in the utility fund. The additional funds will allow for pay raises discussed at the last meeting.

Agenda - August 5, 2002 Meeting

• Utility Rate Increase

• Contract Wastewater Treatment Plant

• Employee Pay Raises

• Noise, Loud Music Ordinance

• AG Opinion - Russell Mills' Retirement

• Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire

• Animal Control Ordinance

• LCDBG Resolution - Water Well

• Appointment To Replace Mayor On Hospital Board

School Starts Next Week For All Claiborne Parish Schools

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

Summer vacation is almost over. Most children in Claiborne Parish will be returning to school next week. The first day for all Claiborne Parish schools is Wednesday, August 14. The first day for Junction City schools is Monday, August 19. This is a time for parents to be reminded of the important role they play in the education of their children. Teachers cannot do it all. Parents need to do their part. They need to explain to their children the importance of getting a good education and should encourage their children to do their best, to complete their homework, and study for tests. Parents should take an active part in their child’s

education.

Homer Police Department Makes Five Arrests In Golf Course Burglaries

Officer of the Homer Police Department recently arrested five suspects in connection with the break-ins at the Homer Golf Course July 27 and 28. Homer Police Chief Rodney Hollenshead stated several golf carts were damaged. A golf cart belonging to Scott Jones was recovered in a wooded area near Lewis Street. On August 1, Jarvis Willis, 18, and four juveniles were arrested.

First Baptist Church Honors Parish Firefighters, Emergency Personnel

- Chaplain Durell Tuberville Was Guest Speaker

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

The First Baptist Church Men's Brotherhood Ministry, with the help of other members of the church, hosted a Firefighters Appreciation fish fry in the Family Life Center Monday, July 28. The event was held to honor all firefighters in Claiborne Parish, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and the Rolling Hills Ministry Disaster Relief Team. Ministry Chairman Gurvis Vines welcomed about 250 people from throughout the parish. Ministry Co-Chairman Michael Allen said, ""The citizens of Claiborne Parish are blessed to have such good leadership and dedicated service in their fire departments."

One Killed, One Critical Following Accident In Haynesville

- Two Bienville Teens Critical After Monday Wreck

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

Jeremy Bilberry, 13, of Haynesville died following a one-vehicle accident early Tuesday morning, August 6, around 8:00 AM. Brandon Troy Brownmiller, 14, of Haynesville had picked up Bilberry and another Haynesville boy, Tony Ellerbe, 13, in a 1996 Chevrolet pickup owned by the family. All were students at Haynesville High School and were headed to football practice. The three were headed north on La. 807, about one mile north of La. Alt. 2, when the unlicensed driver failed to negotiate a curve, lost control of the vehicle and traveled off the roadway. The pickup rolled several times, ejecting both passengers. Neither were wearing seatbelts.

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AUGUST 8, 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.

La. Tech Athletic Director Jim Oakes To Speak At Lions Club

Jim Oakes, Louisiana Tech University Athletic Director, will be the guest speaker at the Homer Lions Club on Thursday, August 8 at noon at the Linder Restaurant. Louisiana Tech was the Western Athletic Conference champions last season. Oakes will discuss the upcoming football season, player personnel, new athletic facilities and ticket information. Members are urged to bring guests.

Homer Memorial, Wal-Mart To Hold Blood Drives August 9

United Blood Services will hold blood drives in Homer on Friday, August 9, at Wal-Mart from 8:30-11:30 AM and at Homer Memorial Hospital from 1:30-4:30 PM. UBS provides blood for Homer Memorial and provided over 400 units last year, yet they drew only 4 units during blood drives. Please help your community and the hospital by donating blood Friday, August 9. For more info, call the hospital at 927-2024 or Sydney Westbrook at UBS at 1-800-264-5456.

Hayneville Fire Station Blood Drive Set For Monday, Aug. 12

A Blood Drive will be held on the Mobile Bus at the Haynesville Fire Station on Monday, August 12 from 2:00-6:00 PM. Donors must be 17 years of age and feeling well and healthy. They will receive their choice of a t-shirt, baseball cap or a free cholestorel screening.

Homer High School Band To Practice Friday, August 9

Homer High band director David Butler announced there would be only one band practice before school begins on August 14. Practice for band members in grades 8 to 12 will be held in the band room on Friday, August 9 from 9-11 AM.

Homer Childhood Learning Center To Hold Graduation

The Homer Childhood Learning Center will have it’s Annual School Closing Graduation Program on Thursday, August 8 at 6:30 PM at the Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church in Homer. The public is cordially invited. Please come and give your children your support.

Claiborne Academy Sets Dates First Football, Softball Games

First Claiborne Academy Varsity action will be at Glenbrook Friday, August 16. JV action will begin with Claiborne Jamboree Thursday, August 22. The first CA girls’ fast-pitch softball game will be at Claiborne Monday, August 19 at 4 PM against Glenbrook.

Homer High Cheerleaders, Flag Line--Last Chance Food 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.

Pinehill Water System To Hold Meeting Monday, August 19

The Pinehill Water Systemwill hold their monthly meeting at Claiborne Manor Nursing Home on Monday, August 19 at 6 PM.

Mt. Olive Christian School To Hold Back To School Bash

Mt. Olive Christian School will hold a “Back to School Bash” on Tuesday, August 13 from 7:30-8:30 PM. Bring school supplies. Meet the teachers and staff, the Eagles Varsity football team, tour the school and enjoy refreshments.

Donations Being Sought For School Supplies For Needy Children

Donations are being sought for school supplies for needy children in Claiborne Parish. Local churches and individuals who are interested can contact the school office to get a list of supplies needed. Schools know the children who are in need of financial assistance and will appropriately distribute the supplies to those children. For more information or to pick up a supply list, contact principals Pat Lee at Homer Elementary at 927-2393, Bob Bond at Haynesville Elementary at 624-1084, Gurtha Capers at Homer Junior High at 927-2826, or asst. principal Perry Anderson at Haynesville Junior High at 624-0152.

Dolls And Teddy Bears Begging For Donations Of Useful Items

The dolls and teddy bears are begging for more donations of useful items to keep them growing! Especially things like lace and ribbon. Anyone who wishes to join us in helping make the dolls, teddy bears, doll quilts, pillows and such, may join us the first Tuesday of every month at the Church of Christ Annex Building on West Main (by Gordon’s Service Station). Hope to see you there!