HEADLINES - August 22, 2002

Parish, Town Officials Meet To Address Mosquito Problem

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

Headlines in the Farmerville Gazette last week confirmed a bird found in Union Parish August 5 was carrying the West Nile virus. As of August 19, there have been 147 total human cases infected with the West Nile virus in Louisiana, 251 nationwide. Of those eight people have died in Louisiana, one in Illinois, and two in Mississippi. Experts expect to see as many as 1,000 cases nationwide this year with about 100 of those expected to die. This has has heightened the awareness of Claiborne Parish officials to the urgency of establishing a mosquito abatement plan.

Homer Bypass Project Delayed Again

-Bids To Open In October On First Phase

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

Claiborne Parish residents have been patiently waiting for the construction of a Homer Bypass, some for as long as more than twenty years. Last April, the Guardian-Journal reported bids for the first phase of the Homer Bypass project--the clearing and grubbing of the four mile path would be opened June 26. Bids on the construction phase were set for January 2003 with actual construction to begin about April. At the September 10, 2001 meeting of the Homer Town Council, Mayor David Aubrey said the Governor’s Office had promised to fund the $8.2 million project within the fiscal year, one of the only such projects to be built 100 percent with state gasoline tax funds according to John Basilica, Undersecretary for the Louisiana Department of Transportation.

Police Jury Looks For State Funding For Mosquito Abatement Program

-Tables Vote On Landowner Resolution

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

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury approved a Resolution requesting the Claiborne Parish legislative delegation support a provision for state funding assistance to all parish governments for the implementation and/or continued operation of mosquito control programs due to the serious health risks involved.

Claiborne Parish Police Jury August 8, 2002 Meeting

• Resolution - State Funding Mosquito Control Plan

• Landowner’s Resolution

• Bids - Motor Grader, Backhoe

• Request Christmas Festival Committee

• Booklets - Claiborne Economic Development Board

• Advertise For Chipper

• Resolution-Pledge of Allegiance

• B & J Equipment Proposal

• Request Trailblazer Recycling Program

• Set Date - Board of Review

• Library Building-Haynesville

• Request Constable, Justice of Peace

School Board Hires New Principals, More Certified Teachers

- Certified Teachers To Get Pay Raise In September

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

The Claiborne Parish School Board approved the appointment of Sandra Boston as new principal at Athens High School. Bill Bailey was unable to serve as acting principal due to a slight medical problem. An assistant principal will be named later. Twyla Hilton was named assistant principal at Homer Junior High and Perry Anderson as assistant principal at Haynesville High/Junior High.

Claiborne Parish School Board August 8, 2002 Meeting

• New Principals

• Extra Check Support Personnel

• Pay Raises Certified Teachers

• Contract DI Consultants

• Approval New Teachers

• Personnel Actions

• Approval Fuel Bids

• Resolution-Tobacco Fund Litigation

• Thank You - Demetrius Bell

• Walter May

Haynesville Councils Sells Surplus Vehicles, Discusses Travel Policy

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

Mayor Mickey Mayfield opened up bids on eleven surplus vehicles at the regular meeting of the Haynesville Town Council on Thursday, August 15. Low bids were received as follows: $351 by Cole Motor Company for a 1990 Ford XLT Ranger; $501 by Cole Motor for 1987 Chevrolet Suburban; $150 by Rodney Nellams of Dallas,Texas for 1990 Ford Crown Victoria; $487.32 by H&H Auto Parts for 1978 Chevy C60; $175 by Mike McCray for 1980 Ford F250; $687.32 by H&H Auto for 1967 Chevy C50; ;$700 by Rodney Nellams for 1992 Chevrolet Caprice; $396.87 by H&H Auto for 1984 Ford service truck; $55 by Mike McCray for John Deere lawn tractor; and $301 by Cole Motor for tandem gooseneck trailer. Two bids of $50 were received on the Ford lawn tractor, from Donald Taylor and Mike McCray. The motion by H.U. "Mutt" Slaid to award the high bidders on all items except the Ford lawn tractor was approved.

Town Of Haynesville August 15, 2002 Meeting

• Bids On Surplus Vehicles

• Travel Policy

• First Reading Reapportionment Ordinance

• Veterans' Administration Office Expense

• Intercom System

• Bid On Property By Byram Clinic

• Right Of Redemption Enron Property

• Speeding Stadium Drive

• Ordinance Vocational Tax

• Approve 9.82 Mill Property Tax

For General Fund

• Approve Levy 5 Mill Tax For Streets, Sewer System Maintenance

• Police Car Savings Fund

• Police Personnel

• Junk Cars

Qualifying For Parish Offices Ends Friday, August 23, 5 PM

Qualifying for the October 5 election ends Friday, August 23 at 5 PM for all Claiborne Parish school board members, Homer mayor and selectmen in Districts 1-5; Second Judicial District Judge; District Attorney; Justice of the Peace and Constable in JP Court 1, 2, 3; Junction City mayor and three at-large aldermen; Athens mayor and three at-large aldermen; and Public Service Commissioner. Individuals interested in qualifying for any of the above offices can do so at the Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court, 512 East Main in Homer on Wednesday, August 21 and Thursday, August 22 from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM and on Friday, August 23 from 8:30 AM - 5 PM. Qualifying fees vary depending on the office and whether an individual is registered Independent, Republican, or Democrat. No personal checks. Payment must be made either in cash, certified check or money order. For more information on qualifying fees, contact the Clerk’s office at 927-9601. September 4, 2002 is the last day to register to vote for the October 5, 2002 election or to make changes in your present registration. For more information, call Registrar of Voters Patricia Sanders at 927-3332.

AUGUST 22, 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.

Pineview High To Hold Open House Thursday, August 22

Pineview High School will hold an Open House on Thursday, August 22 beginning with a general session in the cafeteria at 6 PM. The signing of compacts will be with homeroom teacher and individual teachers for classroom visits.

Learn About Stranger Danger And AMBER Alert August 29

The LSU AgCenter and local law enforcement agencies will present an informative meeting at the Police Jury Office Complex at 5:30 PM on Thursday, August 29. Parents can learn what they can do to protect their children from strangers and/or sexual predators. Sheriff deputy Ken Bailey and Homer Police Chief Rodney Hollenshead will share information on the programs they teach to children. Chief investigator Chuck Talley will speak on the AMBER Alert plan and LSU AgCenter will have handouts.

Haynesville Tornado QB Club Plans Hamburger Supper

The Haynesville Golden Tornado Quarterback Club will hold their Annual Membership Hamburger Supper on Thursday, August 29 at 7 PM at the Haynesville High cafeteria. Membership is $20 family and $15 for individuals.

Homer High “Meet The Pels” Set For Thursday, August 29

The Homer Pelican Quarterback Club invites everyone to come out and “Meet the Pels” and join the Quarterback Club on Thursday, August 29 at 7 PM. Purchase your family membership for $20 and receive 2 free hamburger plates. Individual memberships are $15 for 1 free plate.

Sign Up For Pee Wee Football League In Haynesville Aug. 24

A new Pee Wee Football League will be held in Haynesville Sept. 21-Oct. 26 for grades 3-6. Fee is $35 per players and cheerleaders, age 4-grade 6. Each player will receive a jersey at season end. Registration forms available at the school or from Rex Williams at 624-1293. Sign up is 10 AM Saturday, August 24 at the youth baseball field.

1st Annual Lake Claiborne Classic Car Show Set October 5

First Annual Lake Claiborne Classic Car Show and Silent Auction will be held Saturday, October 5 from 8 AM-2 PM at Lake Claiborne State Park. Entry fee is $20 for first car and $10 for second. BBQ chicken plates and cokes will be sold. Moon Walk and Smokey the Bear for the kids. All proceeds will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Christian and Joseph Manzanares. For more info, call Rickey Bearden at 927-9740 or Matt Manzanares at 927-6275.

Celebration Of Butterflies Set For Sept. 14, 15 In Haynesville

The Annual Celebration of Butterflies will be held at the Claiborne Parish Fairgrounds in Haynesville on September 14 & 15. Admission is $2 adults, $1 for age 6-18, and free under 6. Activities include a Bird Field Trip with Charles Lyon and Sterling Lacy, a parade including a children’s pet parade with Grand Marshal Barbara Damrosch, a Bird Slide Program, Lepidopterist Dr. Gary Noel Ross, food and craft booths and much more, as well as lots of creative fun and activities for children. For more information, call Loice Kendrick at 624-1929, (870) 234-4910, or e-mail lklacy@magnolia-net.com

Ribbon Cutting Thursday At Angel Healthcare Sitter Service

There will be a ribbon cutting on Thursday, August 22 at 10:30 AM for Angel Healthcare Sitter Service located at 911 West Main Suite C, in the Regions Bank building, next to McInnis Insurance. Please mark your calendars now and plan to attend.

Last Day To Register Or To Make Changes September 4

The last day to register to vote in the October 5, 2002 election or for registered voters to make changes to their voter registration is Wed., September 4, 2002.

Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office To Hold “Dinner With Friends”

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office sill hold their annual Sportsman’s Banquet on Thursday, September 19 at 6:30 PM at the Homer High School cafeteria. The meal will be provided by Upper Crust Catering. David Moreland will be the keynote speaker. He is the deer study leader for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. District Attorney Walter May will share information on any new trespassing laws and requirements for posting land. District Ranger Alvin Womack will speak on regulations of the Kisatchie National Forest. Door prizes will be drawn. An auction for a shotgun will be held to raise funds for “Operation Game Thief”, to provide rewards for anyone calling in to report any illegal hunting. To attend the Banquet, a person must have a valid hunting license which is available at the Sheriff’s Office in Homer and Haynesville, in Homer at Michael’s Men’s Store an Wal-Mart, and at the Rebel Stop in Summerfield (formerly Butch Bays Store).