HEADLINES - November 7, 2002

Homer Council Approves Dangerous Dog Ordinance

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

Following a public hearing held Monday, November 4, the Homer Town Council voted 4 to 1 to introduce the Dangerous Dog Ordinance. Joe Merritt voted against the Ordinance, stating he was concerned about the requirement for liability insurance. The Ordinance requires the owner of a dangerous dog to procure liability insurance or a surety bond in the amount of not less than $100,000 to cover any damage or injury that may be caused by such dangerous dog.

HJH Art Students Create Patriotic “Freedom Quilt” In Memory Of 9/11

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

As the school year began this past August, art students in Rhonda Porter’s class at Homer Junior High were talking about the terrorist attack on 9-11 last year. It soon became apparent to Porter her students were still feeling a deep sadness and a close bond with the people who personally suffered that day. In response and to show support for those who suffered at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the students decided to create a quilt that would be symbolic of freedom, hope, or the United States. The result was a beautiful quilt that exhibits the love these students have for their country and the freedom for which it stands. For this reason, the students decided to call it a “Freedom Quilt.”

Fort Worth Paper Features Homer Native, NCIS Special Agent

- David (Ed) Watson Recently Named Special Agent Of The Year

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

Many people in Homer may better remember David Watson as Ed Watson, son of Horace and Hessie Watson and brother of Martha Salmon. Throughout high school he was known as Ed, but while attending Louisiana Tech he began using his first name, David, to avoid confusion with the other Ed Watson from Homer. David graduated with a BS in accounting, then attended Naval Officer Candidate School where he became an ensign in the supply corps. He was assigned to the Island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean where the United States was building a communication base and air field. It was during this time he learned about the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and decided to pursue it as a career. In an article published Sunday, September 29, 2002 in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram written by Tom Heinz, it states, “When Red Brigades terrorists kidnapped Brig. James Dozier in Italy in 1981, David Watson was asked to help U.S. and Italian investigators find him. When 10 sailors were killed in an explosion on a ship in Bahrain in 1990, Watson headed there to investigate. After Sept. 11 attacks, Watson’s Internet and computer expertise made him a natural choice to tract e-mail

correspondence, credit-card numbers, addresses or flight bookings of terrorist suspects. Watson helped solve the murder of a Marine on a ship off the coast of South Korea and uncovered fraud scams run by military contractors. His fraud investigations helped the government recoup millions of dollars. Last December, he received the Special Agent of the Year Award for his work on fraud cases.”

Jesse Ford, Billy Kirk Jenkins Fill Remaining Seats On Homer Council

Unofficial results show Jesse Ford and Billy Kirk Jenkins will fill the two remaining seats on the Homer Town Council following their wins in the runoff election held Tuesday, November 5. In District 5, Ford defeated incumbent Patricia Jenkins by a vote of 102 to 59. In the District 2 runoff, Billy “Kirk” Jenkins narrowly defeated Michael J. Wade by only 3 votes. Jenkins had 76 votes to Wade’s 73. At press time, statewide vote totals for Claiborne Parish were not complete for the U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress, and Public Service Commissioner races, or the Proposed Constitutional Amendments. See page 5 for Claiborne Parish totals

Man Injured In Wreck On US Hwy. 79

Russell J. Robertson, 30, of Westlake, LA was injured Saturday, November 2 when his 1996 Ford Mustang left the roadway on US Hwy. 79 about 2 miles east of the intersection of La. 9 at the North Louisiana Hill Farm. Robertson was southbound on Hwy. 79 when his vehicle crossed a double yellow line, entered the northbound ditch and hit two trees causing extensive damage to the vehicle. Robertson received moderate injuries and was transported to Homer Memorial Hospital by Claiborne Ambulance, then later transferred to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport. Robertson was charged with DWI-first offense, careless operation, and driving while under suspension. Upon release from the hospital, he will be booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.

CDC To Host Informational Meeting For Two New Programs November 13

The Coordinating and Development Corporation, the Homer-Claiborne Chamber of Commerce, Mayor David Aubrey and the Town of Homer will host an informational meeting from 12:00-1:30 PM on Wednesday, November 13 at Homer City Hall to cover the two new CDC Business Development Programs. Lunch will be provided courtesy of Mayor Aubrey, Town of Homer. Please RSVP to #318) 927-3271 by noon on Monday, November 11. The purpose of the meeting is to outline two new programs designed to help grow your Parish’s small businesses, including: 1) an Internet-based government procurement program made possible by a Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBDG) from the Rural Development Office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and 2) the Small and Emerging Business Development program sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development.

Veterans’ Day Observance Homer City Hall Monday, November 11, 2002 - 11 AM

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddles at Homer High School and Claiborne Academy will again host the annual Veterans’ Day observance this year on Veterans’ Day, Monday, November 11, at the Homer City Hall. The observance will begin promptly at 11 AM. All veterans and their spouses are invited to attend. They will be served lunch and recognized for their contributions to our great country by the FCA members. Please call Elaine Beard at 927-6243 or Ed Watson at 927-2747 if you can attend. Again, all veterans and their spouses are invited. The program should conclude by 12:30 PM.

“Christmas Open House And Fourth Annual Taste Of Homer” Saturday, November 9, 2002

Local merchants will kick off the holiday season with its “Christmas Open House” with “$250 Shopping Spree” on Saturday, November 9. Some will continue Sunday, November 10. The Town of Homer will present its “Fourth Annual Taste Of Homer-Claiborne” from 11AM to 1 PM at Homer City Hall. Eat in and enjoy entertainment provided by the “Melody Jammers”. Tickets are $10.00 and available at The Guardian-Journal, Northeast Properties, and Chamber office. Participating merchants are Delta Interiors, Michael’s Men’s Store & Sporting Goods, Claiborne Drug, Miss Lizzie’s, Merle Norman, Serendipity Coffee & Gift Shop, Spiller’s Appliance, Something Old Something New, Radio Shack, and Homer Flower Shop, For more information on the Taste of Homer, call Linda Futch at 927-6126 or Rebecca McDaniels at 927-3550. (Look for more details in this week’s Guardian-Journal!)

D.A.R.T Will Sponsor Candlelight Vigil November 7, 2002 At 6:30 PM

The Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (D.A.R.T.) of Claiborne Parish will sponsor a Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, November 7 in memory of the women and children in our area who lost their lives as a result of domestic violence. The Candlelight Vigil will be held at the Claiborne Parish Courthouse at 6:30 PM. The public is encouraged to attend. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there is help available. For more information. please call the area hotline at 1-888-411-1333 or Mary Ellen Gamble at 927-2818.

NOVEMBER 7, 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.

DON"T FORGET!!!

The Great American Smokeout Is Wednesday, November 20, 2002.

Notice To Readers

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

Scouts To Pick Up Food Bags For Saturday, November 9

Boy Scouts Troop 72 will pick up filled food bags as part of their annual food drive between 9-10 AM on Saturday, November 9. Anyone who did not receive a bag last weekend can pick one up at Brookshire’s or use any plastic shopping bag. If for any reason, Scouts do not pick up your bag, please call Boy Scout Troop 72 at 927-2961. Remember, all food stays here in Homer and is distributed to needy people through our area’s local food bank.

Flu Shots Now Available At Claiborne Parish Health Unit

Flu shots are now available at the Claiborne Parish Health Unit at 624 West Main in Homer. The last designated mass flu day is Thursday, November 7. Flu shots are available other days by appointment. Shots are available to anyone over age 50 or any high risk individuals. A fee of $10 will be charged for those not covered by medicare or medicaid. Please bring medicare or medicaid card with you. Call 927-6127 for information.

Public Hearing For Sparta Aquifer Critical Designation

A Memorial Softball Tournament will be held in memory of Kristy Nickerson on Saturday, November 9 at the Homer Armory Park. Entry is $125 per team.There will be an all day silent auction. Concession will be open with hamburger plates.. To sign up, call David Smith at 927-3010 or 548-0246, or Kevin Watts at 208-3651. All donations accepted.

Claiborne Academy Auction Set For Saturday, November 9

The annual Claiborne Academy Austion is being held Saturday, November 9. Everyone is encouraged to come early to view the array of items and enjoy a gumbo supper prepared by Upper Crust Catering at 5 PM. Bidding will begin promptly at 6 PM. There will also be a silent auction table and silent cake and casserole auctions. Come enjoy the excitement and support the school!

Homer High Cheerleaders Selling Play Station 2 Chances

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

American Legion Post #73 To Meet Thursday, November 7

The American Legion Homer Post #73 will meet Thursday, November 7 at 7 PM at the Claiborne Parish Library.

Christmas Lighting Contest Looking For Entrants

Businesses and homeowners are being encouraged to enter this year’s Christmas Lighting and Decorating Contest. Categories for businesses are 1) Best Window and 2) Best Over-all. Categories for the homes: 1) Large Homes and 2) Small Homes. Deadline for all entries is Friday, Dec. 6. Entries will be judged Monday

evening December 9. If you wish to enter please contact Miss Lizzies at 927-9009 or Delores Leggett at 927-3360.

First Baptist Women Ministry To Hold Fall Celebration

The Women Enrichment Ministry of First Baptist will hold “Harvest Time--A Fall Celebration” Mon., November 11 from 6-8 PM. Guest speaker will be Dr. Patsy Simeon. Door prizes. Child care. Tickets are $5 and available from Linda McHam, Patsy Simeon, Ann Burton, Rita Gantt, Mary Ellen Gamble, Beverly Taylor, or at the church office.

Haynesville Lions Club Hold Annual Smaked Ham Sale

Haynesville Lions Club will hold their annual Smoked Ham Sale Wednesday, November 27. Hams are $25. Contact Hugh Miller at 624-0259, or any Lion member.

Reserve Your Homer Elementary School Yearbook Now For $15

Reserve you Homer Elementary Yearbook now. Until February 1, 2002, the price is $15. After February 1, 2003, yearbooks will be $20. Cash payments only are accepted.

Homer Spirit Club To Meet November 14 At Homer Band Room

The Homer Spirit Club will meet Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 PM at the Homer High School Band Room All parents, guardians requested to attend to discuss Christmas Festival, Parade and playoff games.

Student Ambassador Group To Hold Chicken, Dressing Fundraiser

The Student Ambassador Group from Homer is taking orders for gallon size pans of chicken and dressing ready for holiday baking. Cost per pan is $20. To place orders through November 15, call Karen Lee at 927-6549, Virginia Furlow at 927-6679, Suzanne Newell at 927-3664, or Stephanie White at 258-4370. Orders will be delivered Nov. 23 or 24.

Homer Elementary To Host Scholastic Book Fair In November

Homer Elementary School will host a Scholastic Book Fair November 7, 8, 11, 12, and 13 from 10 AM - 2 PM each day. Admission is free. Purchases are cash only, no checks. Proceeds will generate important funds for school projects.

Christmas Festival Committee To Sell Lights On Memory Tree

The Claiborne Christmas Festival will sell lights on the Memory Tree “in memory” or “in honor” of an individual for $5. The tree will start with all "red" lights. As donations are made, lights will be changed to white "in memory" of someone and blue “in honor” of someone. To place an order call Dale Tully at 927-9009 or mail your check to Claiborne Christmas Festival, c/o Dale Tully at Miss Lizzie's, 200 West Third, Homer, LA 71040.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit #73 To Meet November At Library

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #73 will meet November 25 at the Claiborne Parish Library.

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.

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.

Homer High FBLA Search For Former Members

This year the Louisiana State FBLA Committee is organizing an Alumni Division for Louisiana FBLA, and each chapter is responsible for locating former members, family, or friends who would like to remain connected to FBLA. If you would like to become a member of the Louisiana FBLA Alumni Division and the National FBLA-PBL Professional Division, please contact any FBLA member or call Mrs. June McClure at the Homer High Business Lab, 927-5291.

North Louisiana Cancer Support Group To Meet Thurs. Nov. 21

The North Louisiana Cancer Support Group will meet Thursday, November 21 from 6:30-8:00 PM at Willis-Knighton Claiborne Regional Health Center Conference Room in Homer. The topic will be Cancer Research: Meeting the Challenge, Saving More Lives. All visitors and new members welcome. For more info, call Gaye Brunson at 927-2024 or Bonnie Keene at 927-1517 or the ACS at 1-800-ACS-2345.

American Legion, Legion Auxiliary Seeking Dues Not Paid

The American Legion and the Legion Auxiliary #73 are collecting dues for the 2003 year. If 2002 dues are not paid, you must pay both no later than Dec. 31, 2002. Please make sure information on notices is correct. Anyone who did not receive a notice should contact Carol Jones.

Willie Burns, Jr. To Sponsor Thanksgiving Dinner To Homer City Hall

Willie Burns Jr. will sponsor Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings for the more needy, less fortunate individuals who live in Claiborne Parish on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2002 from 11 AM - 2 PM at Homer City Hall.

November 8 Is Deadline For Nest ACT Test On Dec. 14

Registration deadline for next ACT Test on December 14 is Friday, November 8. Test fee is $25. For more info contact your high school counselor or go to the website at www.act.org.