HEADLINES - November 28, 2002

Two Die Monday In Early Morning Plane Crash

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

A small, single engine airplane went down around 8 AM Monday, November 25 just after taking off from the Homer Airport, killing the two passengers on board, a 46-year-old man and his 15-year-old son from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. It appears the two had flown to Claiborne Parish to go deer hunting. At 7 AM, the man called his wife to advise her they were headed home. About an hour later, at 8:10 AM, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call from two duck hunters, one a resident of Airport Loop, reporting they had heard an airplane crash shortly after take off. Sheriff Kenneth Volentine and several deputies responded to the call. With assistance, they were able to locate the downed plane with its nose buried 3 to 4 feet in a small marshy island out in the Lake northwest of the airport. When the hunters failed to arrive in Breaux Bridge as expected, a friend called the Claiborne Sheriff’s Office. CPSO chief investigator Chuck Talley informed the person they were investigating a report of a downed plane. Once they retrieved the identification numbers from the plane, they were able to confirm the identity of the pilot and owner of the wrecked plane. Deputy Danny Lee coordinated efforts of the Sheriff’s Office, Homer Fire Department Rescue Team, Claiborne Parish Police Jury road crew, and La. Wildlife and Fisheries. The bodies were retrieved from the wreckage of the plane and transported to the Bossier forensic pathologist who will perform autopsies ordered by assistant coroner Dr. Mark Haynes. At press time, the names of the two victims had not been released. The FAA was notified and a representative was expected to arrive on the scene late Monday. Once the site had been inspected by the FAA, equipment will be brought in to remove the plane.

Work On Homer Bypass Could Begin Early Next Year

- Overlay Of Hwy. 79 From La. 9 To Webster Parish Underway Now

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

The opening of bids for the clearing and grubbing of the $11 million Homer Bypass project has been delayed again, this time until December 18. According to Debbie Guest, project manager for the Bypass project, actual clearing could begin within three months after the bid is awarded if everything goes as planned. The clearing and grubbing will take approximately six months to complete. Bids for the actual construction phase of the project that extends from Hwy. 79 South at the La. 9 intersection to La. 2 near the intersection of La. 540 (Ruple Road) are presently scheduled for May 2003. With no unforeseen delays, construction could begin the latter part of 2003. The Bypass will have 12 foot lanes and 10 foot paved shoulders and will include an 8-span bridge over Beaver Creek, similar to La. 9 between Athens and Homer. Purchase of right-of-way included a minimum 270 feet width to allow for expansion to a 4-lane highway at some point in the

future. Elmer T. Jones, DOTD Superintendent in Claiborne Parish said Madden Contractors of Minden is presently working to overlay the portion of Hwy. 79 South from La. 9 at the Hill Farm Research Station to the Webster Parish Line. The total cost of the project is $2,710,527. Of that, $2,168,422 is federal funds. John Sanders, DOTD District Maintenance Engineer said Madden would also be replacing the gravel shoulders with 8 foot paved shoulders on the 2-lane sections of the road, like on Hwy. 79 north of Homer. This is one of the last areas on Hwy. 79 that still has the gravel shoulders. Other projects being considered in Claiborne Parish by the La. Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) include:

The Town Of Homer Presents The Annual Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival & Parade

- Saturday, November 30, 9 AM to 6 PM

The 2002 Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival and Parade will be held from 9 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, November 30 in downtown Homer. The Festival Committee is excited to have such a tremendous response with over 65 Craft and Vender Booths have signed up. Activities include pictures made with Oreo the 2,000 lb. Bull and Santa Claus; Silent Auction in City Hall (9AM-4PM); Cookie Contest judging (12 PM); Christmas Parade (4 PM); Courthouse Lighting Ceremony and announcement of parade winners (5 PM); and all day entertainment and children’s games 9:45 AM-4 PM. Festival posters and short sleeve T-shirts will be on sale for $10 and $12 for long sleeve. Entertainment will “Holiday Music” on the Square from 9:45 AM - 4:15 PM with Bonnie Ferguson, First Baptist Church-Homer, Claiborne Academy Cheerleaders, Rev. Lord U.M.C. Dubach, Melvin Timms, Lil Sanders, Lexie Lee, Joanna Lay School of Voice, Renn Ardouin, Dr. Wayne Stanley, and Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church. “You don’t want to miss this great day of food, fun, and festivities!!”

Classic Car Show Raises $8,270 For St. Jude

Rickey and Sharon Bearden presented $8,270.00 to Courtney Robinson, Regional Development Officer for the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital’s Southwest Regional Office in Dallas. Courtney thanked Rickey for his hard work and dedication. She said, “It is because of people like you that St. Jude is able to keep its doors open and continue their life saving research and treatment. You are making a difference in the lives of so many children and their families.”

If I Had To Cook The Turkey For Thanksgiving I Would....Cookbook

- Compiled By Summerfield Pre-K Students

First I would put salt and pepper on it them put it in the oven for 6 hours. Then you put it on the table and eat it. I would eat the back. - Ashlyn Turner

Cook it in the oven for 2 hours. Then eat it. - Elizabeth Baker

Hibernia Bank Donates 2,700 Children's Books To Libraries

Hibernia National Bank has joined with the State Library of Louisiana to purchase children's books for every public library in Louisiana. Approximately 2,700 children's books, the titles listed on the Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award 2003 ballot, have been distributed to all 65 public library systems in the state.

Qualifying Set For State Senate Seat

Louisiana Senate President John Hainkel issued a proclamation calling a special election to fill the District 36 Senate seat to be vacated by long-time State Senator Foster Campbell. Campbell has resigned effective December 31, 2002 to assume responsibilities as the newly elected District 5 representative on the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Qualifying for the Senate seat begins at 8 AM Wednesday, December 4 and continues until 5 PM Friday, December 6, 2002. The primary election is set for Saturday, January 18, 2003 with the general elections scheduled for Saturday, February 15, 2003.

David Wade Correctional Center Fall Arts & Crafts Festival

- Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2002

David Wade Correctional Center will hold their 2002 Fall Arts & Crafts Festival featuring wood crafts, art work and leather crafts on Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1 from 8 AM - 4 PM both days. DWCC is located at 670 Bell Hill Road, off Hwy. 79 South northeast of Homer. For more info, call 927-9631.

NOVEMBER 28, 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.

Tickets To See President Bush In Shreveport December 3

President George W. Bush will be coming to Shreveport on Tuesday, December 3 for a public rally at the Hirsch Coliseum. Tickets are required. They may be obtained from Judy Davis at 927-2996 or 927-5260 after 5 PM Wednesday, November 27.

Chamber Selling Tickets For $500 Christmas Cash Giveaway

Homer-Claiborne Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring their annual drawing for $500 Christmas cash giveaway. Tickets are $1 donation and available at the Chamber office or from any Chamber member. Drawing will be held December 20, 2002. For more info, call Mac Brakefield at 927-3271.

Christmas Festival To Sponsor Cookie Contest Ages 5-15

The Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival Committee is sponsoring a Christmas Cookie Contest for ages 5 to 15. Cookies will be judged on presentation, originality and taste. Children should bring their cookies to Info Booth on the Courthouse Square at 10 AM Saturday, November 30. There is no charge to enter.

Homer Lions Are Selling Bergeron Pecans $6 Bag

The Homer Lions Club Annual Pecan Sale has begun. A 12 oz. bag of fresh Bergeron pecans is $6. See any Lions Club member or call Police Chief Rodney Hollenshead at 927-4000 to place your order.

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.

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.

Willie Burns, Jr. To Sponsor Thanksgiving Dinner 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.

Reserve Chartered Bus Seats Now To 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 are NOT included!!

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.

Homer Town Council To Meet Monday, December 9, 6 PM

The Mayor and Board of Selectmen of the Town of Homer will postpone their regular monthly meeting to Monday, December 9 at 6 PM in the Council Chambers.

Retired Teachers Sponsor Trip Marshall Christmas Lights

Claiborne Parish Retired Teachers’ Unit sponsoring a trip to Marshall, Texas December 5 to tour the Christmas lights. Cost is $10. If interested call Marie Gray 927-6705 or Lenora Birch 927-3218.

Haynesville Elementary Taking Orders For Dressing, Rolls

Haynesville Elementary is taking orders for fresh Christmas dressing, ready to pick up on December 19, just in time for Christmas. The price is $12 gallon and $6 half gallon. Rolls are also available for $2.50 dozen. You may place your order by calling Haynesville Elementary at 624-1084 or contact any Haynesville Elementary teacher. Deadline Dec. 12.

RetiredTeachers To Sponsor TripTo See Marshall Christmas Lights

The Claiborne Parish Retired Teachers’ Unit is sponsoring a trip to Marshall, Texas on December 5 to tour the Christmas lights. The cost is $10. If you are interested call Marie Gray 927-6705, Lenora Birch 927-3218, Merdis Holyfield 927-6157, or Geraldine Coleman 624-1847.

Festival Committee Selling Lights On Memory Tree And Wreaths

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. Persons or individuals may also purchase one of the Christmas wreaths to honor or memorialize someone. The price is $175 and includes a small plaque to be placed on the light pole under the wreath.

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.

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.

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.