HEADLINES - October 17, 2002

Haynesville Council Accepts Police Officer’s Resignation

- Fire Chief Mark Furlow Asks For More Funding

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

The Haynesville Town Council accepted the resignation of Haynesville Police Officer James Johnson at their regular meeting Thursday, October 10. The Council did not state whether Johnson had anything to do with the investigation being conducted by the Louisiana State Police into an accidental shooting involving several Haynesville police officers at the Heritage Manor Nursing Home on September 25. LSP was called in by Haynesville Police Chief Jim Garner to conduct the investigation.

Haynesville Council Meeting October 10, 2002

• Resignation Police Officer James Johnson

• Request Fire Chief Mark Furlow

• Meter Reading System

• Request Terry Willis-Lease Airport For Race Track

Two Arrested For 1999 Haynesville Murder

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

A Grand Jury convened in Claiborne Parish on Tuesday, October 8 and handed down indictments on two Haynesville residents for the murder of Bobby Lee Baker, a 53-year old Haynesville resident was killed in a shooting inside a Haynesville laundromat on December 14, 1999. Detective Charles Buford with the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the shooting. Jeffrey D. Hunter, 20, of 2995 Mitchner Street in Haynesville was indicted on the charge of Second Degree Murder. Also indicted was Shamarcus T. Lewis, 21, of 2120 Baucum Lane in Haynesville on the charge of Accessory to Second Degree Murder. Both Hunter and Lewis were arrested on October 10 and booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. Bond was set on each at $250,000.

October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

* Candlelight Vigil Set November 7 In Claiborne Parish *

October has been set aside as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence has been defined as any attempt to control, manipulate, humiliate, or demean an intimate partner using physical, emotional or sexual tactics. Domestic violence crosses all ethnic, social and economic lines. Because of the nature of this crime, it is often misunderstood and too many times the victim is too humiliated or frightened to remove herself from the situation. The Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) has recently opened an outreach office in Claiborne Parish with the express goal of bringing public awareness of this crime to the area as well as being available to be an advocate for any victim of domestic violence. Please contact Mary Ellen Gamble at 927-2818 for more information. Claiborne Parish will sponsor a candlelight vigil on November 7 in memory of the women and children in our

area who lost their lives as a result of domestic violence. Sadly, each year that number grows. If you or someone you know is a victim of this crime, there is help available. You may call 1-888-411-1333, the area hotline or locally, 927-2818.

Louisiana Has More Ancient Indian Mound Sites Than Other States

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

The Ford Museum sponsored a program Sunday, September 29 on the Ancient Indian Mounds & Heritage Trail as part of Louisiana Archaeology Week September 29-October 5, 2002. Guest speaker Reca Jones presented a slide program outlining several of the more than 700 archaeological sites with mounds found throughout the State of Louisiana. Northeast Louisiana may have been where mound building by native Americans began. Watson Brake, the most securely dated early mound site, located in Southwest Ouachita Parish, has been dated back 5,400 years, which means these mounds were built about 500 years before the pyramids.

95th Claiborne Parish Super Bowl Played Before Packed House

- Pels Defeat Tors, Win “Super Bowl”

THE 95th ANNUAL CLAIBORNE PARISH SUPER BOWL was played before a packed house in Haynesville’s Memorial Stadium on Friday, October 11. The parish rivalry which dates back to 1907 is the “oldest football rivalry in the State of Louisiana” and is the highlight of the season for both the Haynesville “Golden” Tornado and the Homer “Fighting” Pelicans. It was a typical Homer-Haynesville game--a nail biter until the end. As usual, fans on both sides of the field could not sit down and stood throughout the game. At the end, for the first time since 1997, Homer was the victor--winning 21-14. --Photo by John Stephenson

BY DWIGHT BEAVERS

The “Claiborne Parish Super Bowl” was played Friday night and as fans from Homer and Haynesville began to fill Memorial Stadium, you could tell that this game was going to be special. The parking lots were full 45 minutes before kickoff, the pregame music was blaring, Channel 3’s Cliff Cotton was on hand to catch the action, and an unmistakable atmosphere in the air could mean only one thing.

School Board Members Tour Several Parish Schools

- Newly Elected Board Members Attend Meeting

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

Claiborne Parish School Board members traveled by bus to Athens, Pineview, and Summerfield schools to view new improvements prior to their regular meeting Thursday, October 10. School board members Danny Lee, Stanley Edwards, Donald Tucker, A. D. Williams, Almeter Willis, Willadean Bless, Stewart Griffin, and A.L. “Poly” Guinn, along with Superintendent Gary Jones, Secretary Sandra Bays and Ronnie McKenzie left at 5 PM. They held their work session while traveling to the schools. Jim Featherston missed the tour but was present at the 7 PM meeting. Kent Toney was absent.

Junction City (La) Council Discusses Electrical Problems At Sewer Plant

The Junction City (LA) Town Council met Thursday, October 10. Mayor Preston Rogers said Water Superintendent Terry Smith informed him they were still having electrical problems at the new sewer treatment plant, which is causing the electricity to shut off and shutting down the pump. The plant was completed within the past year and is presently still under warranty.

DOTD Projects Underway In Parish

Elmer T. Jones, Superintendent of the DOTD (Department of Transportation & Development) Office in Claiborne Parish said three road projects were scheduled for this year. Low bidder Madden Contractors of Minden is presently overlaying about five miles on La. Alt. 2, from Hwy. 161 to Hwy 520. Over the next few weeks, Madden will begin overlaying a portion of Hwy. 79 South, from the Junction of La. 9 at the Hill Farm Research Station all the way to the Webster Parish Line. Recently completed was about four miles on Hwy. 146 (White Lightning Road) from Hwy. 518 near the public boat launch to the Lincoln Parish Line. According to Jones once more funding is allocated, one of the next projects will be the completion of Alternate 2 to Summerfield.

OCTOBER 17, 2002 NEWS BRIEFS

Claiborne One Is Presently Soliciting New Sponsors

The Claiborne One website at www.claiborneone.org features news from Homer, Haynesville, Junction City, and all of Claiborne Parish. They are presently soliciting new and added sponsors. To contribute news or purchase advertising banner, call Joel Ponder at 927-9787 or Al Lynn at 927-9674.

Notice To Readers

The Guardian-Journal Has A New Toll-Free Line At 1-877-480-9918.

Town To Hold Benefit BBQ For Homer Clean City Committee

The Town of Homer will sponsor a Benefit Bar-B-Que for the Clean City Committee on Thursday, October 17 from 12 noon till 2 PM at Homer City Hall. Donations are $10. You can eat in or take out. Tickets are available at the Chamber Office. Call 927-3271 or 927-2342.

Christmas Committee To Sell Lights On Memory Tree

The Christmas Festival Committee will sell lights on the Memory Tree In Memory Of Or In Honor Of A Person For A $5 Fee. To Place A Red, White Or Blue Light On The Large Cedar Tree On The Courthouse Lawn, Call Dale Tully At 927-9009.

Athens Author Florence Moyer To Speak At Library

Florence Moyer, nationally published local author from Athens will speak about her writing and her books on Thursday, October 17 at 7 PM at the Claiborne Parish Library in Homer.

Haynesville Tornado Frolics Set For Saturday, October 19

The Haynesville Golden Tornado QB Club will hold its annual fundraiser “The Tornado Frolics” on Saturday, October 19 at the Fair Barn. Games and cake walks start at 5 PM, followed at 5:30 PM by a “Goblin” contest for children and Football Player Beauty Contest at 6 PM. Also,a hayride pulled by Belgian horses and annual auction with auctioneer Jim Towns of Minden. Call Keith Killgore 624-1122 for info.

Homer High Drama Club To Present “Ghostchasers” Oct. 29

The Homer High School Drama Club will present comic thriller “Ghostchasers!” Tues., October 29 at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $2 and $1 for pre-school. They can be purchased from any drama club member or Director Denice Owens. This production is a Halloween week treat for the entire family! Come and support the arts at Homer High School.

Athens High School PTA Will Meet Thursday, October 17

Athens High School PTA meeting will be held Thursday, October 17 at 6 PM in the high school gymnasium according to Principal Sandra M. Boston.

Homer Elementary To Honor Essie Turner On Retirement

Homer Elementary faculty members would like to invite everyone to a Retirement Celebration for Essie Turner on Friday, October 22 from 4:00-5:30 PM in the Homer Elementary gym.

Claiborne Parish Branch Of NAACP To Meet October 22

The Claiborne Parish branch of the NAACP will hold Fall Round-up membership meeting Tues., October 22. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 PM at the Ebenezer Baptist Church at the corner of Washington & South 4th. All current members and interested citizens should attend. More info, call 927-2439.

Homer High Cheerleaders To Hold Camp Sat. October 19

Homer High Cheerleaders will hold a Cheerleading Camp Saturday, October 19 for K-6th grade students. Cost $20. Each child will receive T-shirt and pom-poms and will perform at Homer-Loyola game Oct. 25. To register, call Rhonda Porter at 927-6091 by Friday, Oct. 18.

MOCS To Hold Homecoming Parade Thursday, October 17

Mt. Olive Christian School will hold a Homecoming Parade in Athens Thursday, October 17 at 6 PM. Immediately following the parade, there will be a bonfire at the school.

Absentee Voting Begins Oct. 24

Absentee voting for the Nov. 5 Election will begin Tuesday, October 24 and continue through Tuesday, October 29. The Registrar Of Voter’s Office will be open all day Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday, And Tuesday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

ACS “Relay For Life 2003” Committee To Meet Oct. 22 At Linder’s

There will be a meeting at the Linder Motor Lodge Tuesday, October 22 at noon to discuss plans for the 2003 Relay for Life. The date for Claiborne Parish's 7th Annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life has been set for Saturday, April 5, 2003 beginning at 2 PM. This is very important battle to North Louisiana residents where we have an alarming incidence of cancer. Your comments and suggestions will be a welcome addition to the planning of next year's event. It should be the best yet. For more info, call Bonnie Keene at 927-1517, Gaye Brunson at 927-2024, or email Becky Collins at mcollins2@bayou.com.

First Baptist Women Enrichment Ministry Hold Fall Celebration

The Women Enrichment Ministry of First Baptist Church in Homer will hold “Harvest Time--A Fall Celebration” on Monday, November 11 from 6-8 PM. Guest speaker will be Dr. Patsy Simeon. Door prizes. Child care will be provided (need name & age of child).Tickets are $5. Tickets are available from Linda McHam, Patsy Simeon, Ann Burton, Rita Gantt, Mary Ellen Gamble, Beverly Taylor, or at the church office.

Pinehill Water System To Hold Monthly Meeting October 21

Pinehill Water System will hold their monthly meeting Mon., October 21 at 6 PM at the Claiborne Manor Nursing Home.

Adult Evening Classes To Begin Monday, October 21

Adult Continuing Education Program of Claiborne Parish School Board will begin the 2002-03 evening classes on Monday, October 21 with instructors Rose Kirkindoff at Haynesville Jr. High and Gladys Harris at Homer Jr. High, both from 5-7 PM. Already in progress is the day program at the Claiborne Technical College Campus from 8AM-2:30PM Monday thru Friday with instructor Sue Frye and para-professional Valinda Webb. For info on the day program, call 927-5302, or call CPSB Adult Ed Supervisor Sherman Brown at 927-3503.

American Cancer Society Soup & Sandwich Luncheon October 30

The 11th Annual Soup and Sandwich Luncheon for the American Cancer Society will be held Thursday, October 30 from 11 AM- 1 PM at the First United Methodist Church. Cost is $6. Take outs are available. See Snap Oakes, Willadean Bless or Harriet Dowies for tickets.

Homer Memorial Discounts Mammograms Thru October

In conjunction with October being Breast Health Awareness Month, Homer Memorial Hospital is offering a discount for screening mammograms during October. The charge is $45 but does not include the radiologist’s interpretation. Appointments should be made through your local physician. Call HMH Radiology Dept. at 927-2024.

Costume Contest Set For Annual Tornado Frolics

A costume contest for 3 age groups will be held at 5:30 PM at the annual Tornado Frolics Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Fair Barn. Cash prizes will be awarded. Interested persons need to register at the front of the stage by 5:15 PM. For more info, call Keith

Killgore at 624-1122.

Homer High Cheerleaders Selling Chances On Play Station 2

Homer High Cheerleaders are selling chances to win a Play Station 2. Chances are $1. Drawing will be held during the Homecoming game on Friday, November 8 during the Homer-Lakeside game. To purchase a chance see any HHS Cheerleader or call Rhonda Porter at 927-6091.

November 8 Is Deadline To Register For Next ACT Test

Registration deadline for the next ACT Test scheduled for December 14 is Friday, November 8 for all college-bound high school students. The test fee is $25. For more information on the ACT Assessment, registration forms, test locations, etc. contact your high school counselor or go to the ACT website at www.act.org.

Police Jury Collecting Old Tires Without Rims

The Police Jury is now collecting old tires without rims at their barn location at 4070 Hwy. 79 South, next to Ludlow. The site has been approved by the La. Department of Environmental Quality for a collection sit for old tires. The Police Jury will not accept tires unless the rim has been removed. Tires with rims will be rejected. Residents can drop off their waste tires during regular working hours Monday-Friday. For more information, call the Police Jury office at 927.2222.

Haynesville High Junior Class Selling Knives

Haynesville High Junior Class is selling knives for a fundraiser. Contact any Junior Class member to place an order or call 624-0905.

Haynesville Elementary Collecting Empty Ink Cartridges

Haynesville Elementary is collecting empty ink cartridges from computer, fax machines and copying machines, as well as old cell phones. By simply saving these items and donating them to Haynesville Elementary, we help protect the environment and teach students a valuable lesson on recycling. Businesses and individuals are asked to please drop these items at the school office. Call 624-1084 with questions.

Arcadia Chamber To Hold Antique And Heritage Festival Nov. 8-9

The Chamber of Commerce in Arcadia is sponsoring an Antique and Heritage Festival on November 8 and 9. Antique dealers and food vendors from the Sportsman’s Paradise are invited to display. $20 per space with electricity. Music, talent, art show and vintage car show will be featured. Call (318) 263-9897 for more information.

State Rep Rick Gallot Will Be In Homer Several Days In October

State Representative Richard "Rick" Gallot will see constituents in his Homer office located inside the Police Jury Office Complex from 9AM to 12 PM on the following days: Friday, October 18; Friday, October 25, and Tuesday, October 29. The dates for each

month will be published for your convenience. For an appointment please contact Lari Talbert at 800-676-2111 or call the Homer office at 318-927-2519.

Homer Pelican Dolls Selling Homeropoly & Pelican Plates

Pelican Dolls have a few Homeropoly games and Pelican license plates left for sale. Call 927-5291 to place an order.

Ruston Civic Symphony Society Presents Fall Concert October 24

The Ruston Civic Symphony Society presents the Fall Classical String Quartet Concert by the Shreveport Symphony’s Premier Quartet on Thursday, October 24 at 7 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church Burkhalter Chapel. Tickets will be sold at the door - $15 adults, $5 students, and free for 12 and under. Call Dixie Center for info at 255-1450.

D.A.R.T.’s WAVE Group Meets Every Wednesday In Homer

D.A.R.T.'s newly organized Domestic Abuse Outreach Support Group "WAVE" (Women Against Violence Everywhere) meets every Wednesday in Homer from 5:30-6:00 PM. Family violence and domestic abuse is a concern in which all members of the community must become involved to ensure a safe and secure home for everyone. If you or someone you know is in a relationship that is violent or abusive, help is available. For more information, call (318) 513-9373 or (800) 281-7885.