HEADLINES - November 14, 2002

First Bird In Claiborne Tests Positive For West Nile

- LSU AgCenter Says Cool Weather Does Not Mean Mosquitoes Are Gone

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

Claiborne Parish received word Friday, November 8 that a dead bluejay collected in the 800 block of North Main in Homer on September 19 had tested positive for the West Nile Virus. This is the first bird in the parish to test positive for the virus. According to Charlie Anderson, Arbovirus Surveillance Coordinator with the Louisiana Office of Public Health, the bluejay was tested October 23 and the report was received in his office November 8. The report also listed the first birds with West Nile were found in Desoto Parish on October 10 and Red River Parish on October 15.

Claiborne Schools Show Most Growth In State

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

Superintendent Gary Jones told board members at their meeting on November 7 that Claiborne Parish schools showed more improvement toward their target growth than any other parish in the State. Last year, every elementary school in Claiborne Parish was in Corrective Action. They were below the state average in every category. The new Louisiana accountability system requires every school that fell below the state average to be given a target to grow within a two year period with the ultimate goal for all schools in the State to be at 100 by the year 2011.

Two Parish Nightclubs Raided, Shut Down

Sheriff Kenneth Volentine announced last week the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, and the Louisiana Alcohol Tobacco Control had conducted an investigation into the illegal sale of alcohol in Claiborne Parish. The investigation resulted in raids on two parish nightclubs during the first week of November.Deputies found the old VIP nightclub on Hwy. 79 would be open and selling beverages of low and high alcohol content. At the time, owners of the club did not have a permit to open either as a bottle club or a bar. Officers entered the Club and arrested Cathy Casey Banks and Richard Banks. Both were charged with selling high and low content alcohol without a permit. They were also arrested on outstanding warrants for issuing worthless checks. Cathy Banks was also arrested on a bench warrant for traffic violations. The Club was shut down. The Banks were transported and booked in the Claiborne Parish Jail. Later the same evening, investigators entered the Tree Club located just off La. Hwy. 9 north of Homer and found the Club which is permitted by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury to operate only as a “bottle club” was also selling alcohol without a permit. Owner David Fuller was arrested and charged for allowing the sale of alcohol without a permit. Sheriff Volentine said all subjects were cited by the Louisiana Alcohol Tobacco Control Region III as well as the CPSO. On Wednesday, November 6, Sheriff

Volentine and Metro Narcotics Task Force Agent James Spillers James Spillers attended the regular meeting of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury and asked the Jury to revoke the license for Tree Club and to deny the permit for the VIP Club. They asked the Jury to also consider establishing a policy that would require a background check on owners who apply for bottle club permits. The Jury tabled taking any action until they could study the matter further and have their attorney bring back a recommendation Sheriff Volentine asks that anyone with complaints of illegal alcohol sales or alcohol sales to underage customers to please call the Sheriff’s Office at 318-927-2011 or the Louisiana Alcohol Tobacco Control at 318-676-5917 or 225-925-4041.

Vigil Remembers Victims Of Domestic Abuse

Mary Ellen Gamble introduced those who participated in the Candlelight Vigil held Thursday, November 7 in the Claiborne Parish Courthouse. The Vigil was sponsored by the local office of D.A.R.T., the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team serving the parishes of Lincoln, Claiborne, Union, Bienville, and Jackson and was held in memory of the victims of domestic abuse in this area since 1991.

Homer Woman Arrested For Access Device Fraud

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Detective Ben Booth received a possible fraud complaint on Friday, November 1. After investigating the complaint, Booth discovered Wakita Buford of 325 Sycamore Street in Homer had ordered items over the internet using another person’s credit card number. Officers searched Buford’s residence and found the items that had been ordered via the internet. Buford was arrested and charged with Access Device Fraud. If convicted, she could receive up to two years in jail. This is the second computer related crime investigated by the CPSO in the past month. Sheriff Kenneth Volentine would like to remind all Claiborne Parish citizens to keep a close watch on their personal information. If someone suspects their identity has been stolen or that a person has used their credit cards without permission, please call their local law enforcement agency or the Sheriff’s Office at 927-2011.

Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office--Operation “American Buckles Up Children”

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office announces that they have contracted with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC) to participate in the 2002/2003 LHSC Safe and Sober Campaign. They will be working up to one hundred (100) hours of overtime during November 2002 and May 2003 for the following waves: 1) National Buckle-Up (BUA) Week in November, 2) National Buckle-Up Week in May 2003. The primary focus of the campaign is to increase safety belt usage. CPSO participates in these crackdowns because they work. Since the Mobilization began three years ago, national belt use is at an all time high of 75 percent. That is why the CPSO is participating in the Operation ABC (America Buckles Up Children)

Mobilization. From November 25 through December 1, more than 12,000 civilian and military law enforcement agencies nationwide will sharply intensify enforcement of seat belt and child passenger safety laws. During this enforcement blitz, they will conduct saturation patrols and ticket drivers who violate these traffic safety laws.

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Homer Man On Cocaine Distribution

- More Arrests Expected In Homer Area

A Federal Grand Jury in Shreveport indicted James Calvin Curry of Homer on nine counts of cocaine distribution on Thursday October 24 according to Metro Narcotics Task Force Agent James Spillers. Metro agents along with Louisiana State Police (LSP); U.S. Drug Enforcement (DEA); and U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms agents arrested Curry Tuesday, October 29 without incident. This was one of several arrests resulting from an investigation of Derrick Parker of Minden. Parker was believed to be the main supplier of cocaine in the Claiborne Parish area. In 1999, Metro Narcotics, Minden Police, LSP, and DEA initiated an investigation which resulted in the arrest of Parker and seizure of over one pound of cocaine in 2001. Parker pled guilty in Federal Court and is now serving a 17-year sentence. Agent Spillers said more arrests are expected in the Homer area as a result of this investigation. Spillers asks anyone with information or complaints of suspected drug activity to call Metro Narcotics at 927-3854, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 927-2011, the Homer Police Dept. at 927-4000, the Haynesville Police Dept. at 624-1355, or the Louisiana State Police Region III Narcotics at 318-676-3200. All information received will remain confidential.

Mary Landrieu, Suzanne Terrell In Runoff For U.S. Senate

Official statewide results from the November 5, 2002 election put U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu in a runoff with Republican challenger Suzanne Haik Terrell. Foster L. Campbell Jr. narrowly unseated Public Service Commissioner Don Owen and Congressman Jim McCrery easily won re-election. Official results for Homer Town Council remained unchanged. Jesse Ford defeated incumbent Patricia Jenkins by a vote of 102 to 59 in District 5 and in District 2, Billy “Kirk” Jenkins narrowly defeated Michael J. Wade by a vote of 76 to 73. The Evergreen Fire District proposal, a 16.89 mill tax over ten years, passed by a vote of 21 to 1. Of the 12 constitutional amendments on the November 5 ballot, Louisiana voters approved Amendments 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7. Amendments 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 were not approved. See box on page 5 for vote totals. Description of amendments are as follows:

• Passed - No. 1 - Act 1231 of the 2001 regular session, changing the order of the legislative sessions and changing rules for filing bills in advance of session start.

• Passed - No. 2 - Act 88 of the 2002 regular session, called "Stelly Plan" which changes state income taxes to generate more revenue from higher-earning people while permanently eliminating sales taxes on food and utilities bought for residential

purposes.

• Passed - No. 3 - Act 1236 of the 2001 regular session, allowing budget reductions across all departments, including small cuts in education, to balance the budget when there is a threatened deficit.

• Passed - No. 4- Act 66 of the 2002 First Extraordinary Session, providing the terminations of public employees upon conviction of a felony during employment.

• Failed - No. 5- Act 89 of the 2002 regular session, allowing for ad valorem tax exemptions for developers of retirement communities, with state and local agreement

• Passed - No. 6- Act 1234 of the 2001 regular session, providing for constitutional protection of supplemental pay for local law enforcement and fire personnel.

• Passed - No. 7- Act 87 of the 2002 regular session, deleting the requirement for persons 65 and older to qualify for homestead exemption annually.

• Failed - No. 8- Act 1235 of the 2001 regular session, permitting colleges or their management boards to invest up to 50 percent of certain funds in the stock market.

• Failed - No. 9- Act 1232 of the 2001 regular session, permitting investment in the stock market of up to 35 percent of the Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly

• Failed - No. 10-Act 1233 of the 2001 regular session, regarding programs to assist farmers for the development and enhancement of surface water resources and creates the Drought Protection Trust Fund

• Failed - No. 11- Act 86 of the 2002 regular session, exempting drilling rigs in Louisiana intended for use in Outer Continental Shelf waters from ad valorem taxes

• Failed - No. 12- Act 1230 of the 2001 regular session, regarding qualifications to the office of coroner of Livingston Parish.

Local Veterans Honored November 11

Area veterans were honored on Monday, November 11 by members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddles at Homer High School and Claiborne Academy. Over sixty veterans were recognized for their contributions to this country during the past century at Homer City Hall. Widows and spouses attended the event and enjoyed the noon lunch and short program.

NOVEMBER 14, 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.

Homer Flower And Garden Club To Meet November 15

The Homer Flower and Garden Club will meet Friday, November 15 at 10:30 AM in the home of Mrs. Mark Haynes. Club members and guests are asked to meet at the Trinity Southern Methodist Church where they will travel as a group to the Haynes’ home.

Cattleman’s Association To Hold Annual Steak Dinner

Claiborne Parish Cattleman’s Association will host it’s annual steak dinner at the Parish Fair Barn in Haynesville on Thursday, November 14 at 6 PM. The meal is sponsored by Rocking Rooster Veterinary Services, Meriel, and Purina Chows. Topics on herd health will be discussed. Speakers are Dr. Brady Clements, Rocking Rooster Veterinary Services and Gene Moore, Meriel. 4-H livestock members supported by the Association will be recognized.

Haynesville Travels To Jonesville For Playoff Game

The Haynesville Tors (#17) will travel to Jonesville to play Block (#16) Friday, Nov. 15. The 173 mile trip will take about 4 hours and take you through Winnsboro, Winnfield, and Jena. Kickoff 7 PM. Go Tors!

Homer Pels To Host Pickering In First Round Of Playoffs

The Homer Pelicans (#10) will host Pickering (#23) in the first round of the playoffs Friday, November 15. Parking passes, box seats will be honored, but season tickets will not. Tickets are $5 pregame and at gate. Kickoff is 7 PM. Go Pels!

Public Hearing For Sparta Aquifer Critical Designation

The “Initial Public Hearing” pertaining to the application regarding Sparta Aquifer beingiven critical groundwater designation is set for Tuesday, November 19 at 6 PM in the Ruston High School auditorium.

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.

Christmas Lighting Contest Looking For Entrants

Businesses and homeowners are being encouraged to enter Christmas Lighting and Decorating Contest. Categories for businesses are 1) Best Window and 2) Best Over-all. Categories for homes: 1) Large Homes and 2) Small Homes. Deadline for all entries is Friday, Dec. 6. Entries will be judged Monday evening December 9. Call Miss Lizzies at 927-9009 or Delores Leggett at

927-3360.

Absentee Voting Set For The December 7, 2002 Election

Absentee voting for the December 7, 2002 Election will be held Monday-Wednesday, November 25-27 and Saturday, November 30 from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. The Registrar of Voters will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 28 & 29.

Haynesville Lions Club Hold Annual Smaked Ham Sale

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

American Legion Auxiliary Unit #73 To Meet At Library

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

Homer Memorial To Hold Lifeshare Blood Drive Nov. 20

LifeShare Blood Center announces their association with Homer Memorial Hospital. They will hold their first blood drive on Wednesday, November 20, 11AM-4PM. The community asks anyoe over age 17, at least 110 lbs and in good health to help replenish the blood supply and receive a free T-shirt, baseball hat or cholesterol test

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.

Reserve Seats Now For Chartered Bus To The Bayou Classic

Willie L. Burns will be providing a bus ride to the Bayou Classic for a fee of $35 to and from New Orleans. Bus seating is limited to 47 seats, so hurry and reserve your seat to the game. The bus will leave from the old A&P Shopping Center (Dollar Store parking lot) in Homer on November 30 promptly at 5 AM. For more details call 927-9707. Tickets for the Bayou Classic is NOT included!!

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 by appointment. Shots are available to anyone over age 50 or to 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.

Christmas Festival Committee Selling 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.

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.