HEADLINES - January 16, 2003

Fox TV Looking For Simple Life In Homer

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

Field producer Glen Taylor, or "G.T." as he prefers to be called, spent three days in Homer getting acquainted with residents, interviewing potential host families and business owners, and doing a little filming. He is one of four field producers scouting 25 towns in Texas, Arkansas, Florida, and Louisiana, looking for the setting for an upcoming reality television series entitled "The Simple Life."

Homer Council Sets Policy For Public Comments

- Elects Mayor Pro tem, Appoints Financial Advisory Committee

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

The Homer Town Council met in a Special Called Meeting Monday, January 13. The first item on the agenda was to adopt a policy on public comments. The council voted unanimously to set aside a time immediately prior to adjournment to allow for public comments. The policy allows anyone who wishes to address the Council to fill out a form listing their name, address, phone number and brief description of the subject they wish to comment on. Comments will be limited to 3 minutes per person and 15 minutes per topic. When appropriate, the mayor may allow input on a particular agenda item, as long as proper conduct or decorum of the meeting is insured.

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School Board Approves Playground Equipment

- Discusses Policy To Replace Outdated Textbooks

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

New members of the Claiborne Parish School Board were given the oath of office by Asst. District Attorney Jim Hatch at the regular meeting Thursday, January 9. Joe Lee was unanimously elected president and Tommy Davidson was elected vice-president by a vote of 7 to 3. Three votes went to A D. Williams. Mike Blackwelder presented figures on bids received on playground equipment at Homer, Athens, Pineview, and Summerfield. Superintendent Gary Jones said the Board had allotted $30,000 for each school. Homer Elementary had originally wanted two playground structures since the school has more students than the rest of the schools combined. Jones recommended approving at least one structure even though it really wouldn’t be enough, because the price for one was $34,414.00.

Police Jury Remembers Sec.-Treas. Neal Hardy

- Jurors Postpone Action On Road Name Changes Till March

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

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury remembered Secretary Treasurer Neal Hardy with a moment of silence before their regular meeting Wednesday, January 8. They unanimously adopted a "Resolution of Appreciation and Gratitude" posthumously to Hardy and his family. The Resolution recognized how Hardy had devoted almost thirty years, serving the Jury with honor and distinction, going above and beyond the actual duties of his position. The Resolution states Neal "leaves a legacy that will be remembered for years to come by those who know and loved him because of his devotion and undying commitment to it." Former Sheriff and U.S. Marshal J.R. "Snap" Oakes said, "Neal was a special friend of mine, like he was to everyone around this table." He remembered when Neal replaced Howard Barber as secretary-treasurer, taking over the awesome responsibility as keeper of the parish funds. Each year the Jury is audited by the State Legislative Auditor and Neal always got a favorable report. He said, "A lot of parishes come under scrutiny of wrongdoing, but not Neal Hardy. That wasn't his bag."

Humorist Extraordinaire “Clyde Ray” To Speak At Chamber Banquet

“Let the land rejoice, for you have bought Louisiana for a song.” - words spoken by General Horatio Gates to President Thomas Jefferson on July 18, 1803. This year the State of Louisiana celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase, one reason the Homer-Claiborne Chamber of Commerce selected as the theme for their 38th annual membership banquet, “The Louisiana Purchase 1803-2003 Bicentennial.” Clyde Ray Webber will be the guest speaker at the banquet to be held at Homer City Hall Monday, January 27 at 7 PM. Webber, who is known as “Clyde Ray” to his friends has been the Clerk of Court in Concordia Parish for over 35 years, having been re-elected nine times. He said the Clerk’s office was one way to get inside politics and work in an air conditioned office.

Ford Museum Closed For Renovations

The Ford Museum have received a construction grant from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development for the purpose of reconstruction and renovations. During the next several months the museum will undergo a partial facelift. The crumbling plaster on the west wall will be repaired, and the second floor windows will be reglazed and metal flashing will be added to prevent any future leaking problems. While this is exciting for museum enthusiasts, the museum will be closed to the public until the completion of the work. For more information, please call 318-927-9190 or 318-927-6855.

JANUARY 16, 2003 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.

A “Pride/Respect Rally” Set For Thursday At Athens High

A "Pride/Respect Rally" will be held at the Athens High School gymnasium on Thursday, January 16 at 10 AM. The Rally is being sponsored by Athens High School, the Athens High School PTA, Louisiana Tech University, Gibsland Bank & Trust and Coca-Cola.

Claiborne Bass Busters To Meet Thursday, January 30, 7 PM

The Claiborne Bass Busters will meet Thursday, January 30 at 7 PM at the Homer Fire Station. New members are welcome. For more info, call Daryl Cheney at 927-4943.

“Pride/Respect Rally” Set January 16 At Athens High

A "Pride/Respect Rally" will be held at the Athens High School gymnasium on January 16 at 10 AM. The Rally is being sponsored by Athens High School, the Athens High School PTA, Louisiana Tech University, Gibsland Bank & Trust and Coca-Cola.

“Relay For Life” Meeting Set For Thursday Noon At Linder

The kickoff meeting of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life will be held Thursday, January 16 at noon at Linder Motor Lodge Restaurant. Everyone is encouraged to be part of this rewarding experience. The 2003 Relay is set for April 5. It is the ACS’s goal to improve quality of life for all involvement and awareness are keys to eliminating cancer. For more info, call Bonnie Keene at 927-1517, Gaye Brunson 927-2024 or ACS 1-800-ACS-2345.

Haynesville Council Meet Thursday, Public Hearing On Dog Ordinance On Monday

The Haynesville Town Council will meet Thursday, January 16 at 6 PM. A public hearing will be held at 4 PM Monday, January 21 concerning the adoption of an ordinance to regulate dogs running at large. A copy of the Ordinance is available for inspection at City Hall.

Pinehill Water System To Hold Meeting January 20

The Pinehill Water System will meet Monday,, January 20 at 6 PM at Claiborne Manor Nursing Home.

St. Jude Radiothon Set For February 10-11 On KXKZ

The KRUS KXKZ-Zeta Rho 2003 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Radiothon will be February 10-11 from 7 AM to 9 PM daily. For more information on how to make pledges, listen to KXKZ at 107.5 fm.

Shelley McKean To Speak To Cancer Support Group Jan. 16

Shelley McKean will be guest speaker at the January Cancer Support Group meeting Thursday, January 16 from 6:30-8 PM at the WK Regional Health Center Conference Room. Call Gaye Brunson at 927-2024 or Bonnie Keene at 927-1527 for information.

School Board To Hold Called Meeting Thursday, January 16

A Special Called Meeting will be held at the Claiborne Parish School Board, Thursday, January 16 at 6 PM to name standing committees and discuss personnel matters.

Town Of Homer Offices To Close Monday, January 20

The Mayor’s Office and Business Office for the Town of Homer will be closed Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.

South Claiborne Water System To Hold Annual Meeting 1-20

The South Claiborne Water System will hold its annual meeting Monday, January 20 at 6:30 PM in the Cross Roads Community Center in Athens. All members are invited to attend.

Council On Aging Board, Advisory Council To Meet

The Advisory Council and Board of Directors for the Claiborne Council on Aging will meet January 21 at 2 PM at the Claiborne Senior Center.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit #73 To Meet Monday, Jan. 27

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #73 hold a short meeting on Monday, January 27 at 5 PM at the Claiborne Parish Library.

American Legion Post #73 To Meet Tuesday, January 28

The American Legion Post #73 will meet at 7 PM Tuesday, January 28 at the Claiborne Parish Library according to Post Commander Benjamin Wright. For more info, call 927-6927.

State Rep. Rick Gallot To Be In Homer Office Wednesday, January 29

State Rep. "Rick" Gallot will see constituents in his Homer office located inside the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex on Wednesday, January 29 from 9 AM-12 PM.

Homer High Drama Club To Present “Yearbook” Thurs. February 13

The Homer High School Drama Club will present “Yearbook”, a two-act salute to young people on Thursday, February 13 at 6:30 PM on the Homer High auditorium stage. Tickets are $2 and $1 for preschool, and can be purchased from Drama Club members or from Director Denice Owens. If your school teachers, fellow students, and memories of yearbooks are important to you, you will not want to miss this event. Come and support the youth of your community. A portion of the proceeds of this play go to the Columbine High Memorial Fund.

Stewardess Of Lane Chapel C.M.E. To Sponsor Prayer Breakfast

The Stewardess of Lane Chapel C.M.E. is sponsoring a Prayer Breakfast on February 1 at 9 AM at the Childhood Learning Center. See any of the Stewardesses to purchase a ticket. Guest speaker will be State Representative Rick Gallot.

Dollmaking Resumed Tuesday At Church Annex Building

Local ladies began meeting again Tuesday, Jan. 7 to resume making dolls and teddy bears to be donated to local authorities for use as gifts for needy children in the area and throughout the state. Ladies will also be making lap robes for the elderly. Meetings are held every Tuesday from 9 AM - 2 PM at the Homer Church of Christ Annex Building on West Main. (Hwy. 79). For more information, call Kay Lowery at 927-4705. Donations for materials are welcome.

Claiborne Parish School Board, Police Jury To Meet This Week

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will hold their work session on Wednesday, January 8 and their regular meeting Thursday, January 9 at 10 AM. The Claiborne Parish School Board will meet Thursday, January 9 at 7 PM, following their work session at 6:15 PM.

Town Of Homer Property Taxes Delinquent After 12-31

Town Clerk Lana Pugh would like to remind town residents that the Town of Homer property taxes will be delinquent after December 31, 2002. Second notices will be mailed soon. Any property with delinquent taxes is subject to be sold at a tax sale for the collection of these taxes.

Stress Management Workshop Set Thursday, January 16

A Stress Management Workshop will be held 6-6:45 PM Thursday, January 16 at East 80 Counseling Services in Haughton. For more information, call (318) 949-9109.

Christmas Festival Committee Needs Recipes For Cookbook

The Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival 2003 are collecting favorite recipes from people in the community to be published in a beautiful spiral bound cookbook. Each recipe that is selected will show the name of the contributor. Please send 3 or 4 of your favorite recipes as soon as possible to Miss Lizzie’s, 400 West 3rd St. 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.

Reserve Your Homer Elementary School Yearbook Now For $15

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