HEADLINES ‑ December 5, 2002

Claiborne Electric Reports Theft From Night Deposit Box

Officials at Claiborne Electric Cooperative are reporting that someone broke into the curb‑side night deposit box in front of the co‑op’s Homer office during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and stole most of the contents. The theft is believed to have occurred sometime in the late hours of Sunday night or early hours of Monday morning. Only the curb‑side depository was affected. The walk‑up depository next to the office’s front door was not disturbed. Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 927‑2011.

Helmet Saves Life Of Claiborne Parish Native During World War II

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

It was the helmet of T/Sergeant Malvin Richard Pike, E/2/8 Infantry, that helped save his life on January 5, 1945 when he was hit by a German sniper in the Hurtgen Forest as he was briefing some of his squad leaders. Pike, who was 25 years old at the time, heard the shot and turned his head as the bullet hit, knocking him to the ground. This was not the first time he had been wounded since his arrival on Utah Beach in June 1944, but the fourth.

Junction City School Board Considers New Tax Election

Superintendent Alvin Kelly asked the Junction City School Board at their October 8 meeting to consider a proposal by Raney & Beardsley to call another election in March 2003, this time for a one mill tax to construct a new junior high building. On September 17 of this year, voters in the Junction City School District defeated a 4‑mill increase to construct a new junior high and a new gymnasium. The Board was undecided whether March was too early to call an election. They made no decision at the meeting but were aware they would need to do something about the building in the next year.

Winners Announced For Christmas Festival Parade And Cookie Contest

Winners in the Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival Parade were announced by the Christmas Festival Committee. HealthSouth won the business division and the Claiborne Parish Library was the winner in the non‑profit division. Cookie contest winners were: First place ‑ Christopher Burch, Second place ‑ Andrea Ratliff, Kalie Alberti, Karie & Kyle Parden; and Third place ‑ Sarah Clements. The Christmas Festival Committee wants to remind businesses and homeowners that Friday, December 6 is the last day to enter the Christmas Lighting and Decorating Contest. Categories for businesses are 1) Best Window and 2) Best Over‑all. Categories for homes are: 1) Large Homes and 2) Small Homes. Entries will be judged Monday evening December 9. If you would like to enter, please call Dale Tully at Miss Lizzies at 927‑9009 or Delores Leggett at 927‑3360. The Committee is continuing to sell lights on the Christmas Memory Tree. You can place a light “in memory” or “in honor” of an individual for $5. Lights were changed from “red” to “white” when placed in memory of someone and from “red” to “blue” if placed in honor of an individual. To order your light, 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. Be sure to indicate who the light is for and whether “in memory” or “in honor.” 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.

Chamber of Commerce $500 Christmas Cash Giveaway

The Homer‑Claiborne Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring their annual drawing for “$500 Christmas Cash” giveaway. Tickets are available at the Chamber office or from any Chamber member for a $1 donation. The drawing will be held Friday, December 20, 2002. For more information, call Mac Brakefield at 927‑3271.

DECEMBER 5, 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.

Local D.A.R.T. Selling $1 Chances On DVD Player

The Claiborne Parish office of D.A.R.T (Domestic Abuse Resistance Team) is accepting $1 donations on a chance to win a Mintek portable DVD player with accessory pack. Drawing will be held December 12, 2002. Call Mary Ellen Gamble at 927‑2818 for information