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February 13, 2003

 

Council Sells Coke Plant, Buys 3 Police Cars

By Susan T. Herring, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

The Homer Town Council met in Special Session Monday, February 10 and voted to purchase three police cars, to sell the old Coca-Cola building, and to discuss the repair of the Freightliner dump truck. Police Chief Rodney Hollenshead presented the Council with figures that would allow the Town to purchase three 2001 Crown Victoria patrol cars at the State bid price of $19,848.00 each. After checking with Ford Motor Credit, the Town would still be able to purchase them through their lease purchase agreement. The total cost for the three vehicles would be $59,544.00. The Town would pay $1,802.00 per month for 36 months, then $1 for each unit to get the title. At 6 percent interest, the total cost for interest would be $5,343.00, or $1,781.00 per car. The three cars to be replaced: a 1999 Crown Vic, a 1996 Chevrolet Caprice, and a 1989 Dodge Ram would then be sold. Those funds would added to the $10,195.00 now available in the police fund.

Street Overlays Approved At February 3 Meeting

By Susan T. Herring, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

The Homer Town Council met in regular session February 3. Among the items on the agenda were repairs to trucks, overlay of West 4th and Cleveland Streets, renting the Coca-Cola plant, hiring the dog catcher full-time, changing fees at the airport, need for new police cars, speed bumps to slow speeding, and restricting use of town vehicles after hours. Public Works Director Calvin Wortham provided figures to repair the 1982 dump truck and the 1984 Freightliner. The Council approved allowing Wortham to go ahead with repairs and accepted the low bid of $4,889.34 to repair the 1984 Freightliner and voted to spend approximately half the estimate of $1,873.62 by McKenzie Bros., less $600 for tires and $360 for the seat on the 1982 truck. The Council voted to accept low bids from Lincoln Asphalt of $18,779.49 to overlay West 4th Street and $4,398.00 to overlay South 6th/Cleveland Street, using funds previously set aside. Johnette Faulkner suggested asking the Hospital to help with funding on West 4th.

December Report Shows $263,000 Deficit In Enterprise Fund

Town's Financial Advisory Committee Reviews Escalating Insurance Costs

Elmer Poss was elected chairman of the Financial Advisory Committee appointed by the Homer Town Council at their meeting January 30. Each member was given a packet of information and received further information from Auditor Carlos Martin, Mike Collins with Risk Management, and Marios Papadopoulos, P.E. and General Manager of America Wastewater Management (AWM), the company contracted last fall to manage the town's wastewater treatment plant. Information packets included a list of all town employees and their salary schedules, the contract with AWM; the detailed list of budget expenses for the wastewater treatment plant in 2001; employee health insurance rate increases effective February 1, 2003; a list of account balances at the end of December 2002; current water, sewer and garbage rates for the Town; and the proposed increase in contribution rates for the State's municipal, police and firefighters retirement system. Auditor Carlos Martin reviewed the financial statement for December 31, 2002 which showed a negative balance in the Enterprise Fund of ($263,721.06) and a negative balance of ($28,601.17) in the General Fund. The total cash in the master bank account at the end of December was $63,295.93. Besides the negative balances in the general and enterprise funds, the other fund balances included in the master bank account were as follows: $271,810.02 in industrial development, $39,730.20 in the street fund, $16,906.40 in the police fund, $17,328.07 in the fire fund, ($333.73) in the recreation fund, and $10,177.20 in the contingency fund. Martin said using dedicated funds, such as those in industrial development, to make up for deficits in other funds is a violation of the Town's sales tax ordinance.

Jury Discusses, Approves Sheriff's Request To Pay Utility Costs

January 2003 Driest Month Since 1950

Sheriff Kenneth Volentine attended the February 6 meeting of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury to inform jurors he had worked out an agreement with Claiborne Electric to move the office for seven employees who work in narcotics or as investigators to the back area of the old Claiborne Electric building on Hwy. 146. Volentine said the Sheriff's office would pay the $500 rent, but asked the Jury to pay utility costs estimated at $275 per month for electricity and $30 for water and garbage. Juror Willie Young said the Jury was doing a lot of spending and he thought they needed to look at the budget first. Sturges asked if the Sheriff would consider moving upstairs in the new complex to save money. Volentine said he previously asked for the old police jury office. It was not an ideal site but would be acceptable. The Jury decided to let the Clerk of Court use it for storage of records. Detective Chuck Talley said they would need a vault and the Claiborne Electric building has one. Volentine said it is the Jury's responsibility to provide the office space for the Sheriff and he felt it was a reasonable request since he is willing to pay the $500 rent and is only asking the Jury to pay the utility cost. They plan to move the first of March and they need an area that would provide ample office space and storage for files, that would be handicap accessible for many senior citizens and handicapped individuals they work with, and that would provide both security and privacy for the various needs of the department. Roy Mardis asked if this expense would stay in the Sheriff's budget or would it fall back on the Jury if a new sheriff was elected. Young's motion to refer the matter to Building and Grounds for study failed on a tie vote of 4-4, with one abstaining. Butch Bays' motion to pay the utility bills on the building as long as Volentine was sheriff was approved by vote 4 to 2, with 2 abstaining. Bays, Adkins, Jack Price, and Roy Lewis voted in favor of the motion. Young and Mardis voted against and Bobby Liles and Gene Coleman abstained.

Claiborne Jubilee To Include More Than Arts & Crafts

Homer Memorial To Hold Annual Health Fair At City Hall

The Claibone Parish Jubilee Committee met to discuss plans for the upcoming event to be held Saturday, May 10, 2003. Chairman Martha Peters said this will be the first Festival since the mid 1980s and she hopes it will revive a once traditional event. The Jubilee will coincide with the yearlong Louisiana Bicentennial Celebration held statewide to celebrate the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Peters said it would be a perfect opportunity to show off the talent in our area, not only drawing and painting, but music, drama, photography, and dance, as well as individuals who are talented in carving, turkey callers, or even cooking. It will also be an opportunity to educate our youth in the arts. The next meeting will be Monday, February 24 at 5 PM at Homer City Hall.

Haynesville Man Injured In Weekend Accident

Shongaloo Woman Fatally Injured In One-Car Accident

Donald R. Taylor, 58, of Haynesville was injured in a one-vehicle accident early Sunday morning, February 9 about 2 miles west of Haynesville on La. 615. Taylor was traveling west in his 1992 Isuzu pickup truck when he failed to properly negotiate a curve to the left, left the roadway and collided with a DOTD reflective sign, hit a culvert, and then several small trees. State trooper Michael Allen said there was extensive damage to the vehicle. Taylor was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the vehicle, and found lying in the ditch when help arrived. Taylor was transported to Homer Memorial Hospital by Claiborne Ambulance where he was treated for moderate injuries. Upon his release, he was arrested and booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. He was charged with DWI-first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, switched tags on a vehicle, and no seat belt. Lori Bolton, 20, of Shongaloo was traveling west on La. 157 about 1 AM Saturday, February 8 when she lost control of her 1999 Pontiac Grand Am in a right curve. She was about four miles east of Springhill. The vehicle left the roadway to the left, traveled down an embankment and hit a utility pole on the driver's side, breaking the pole and pulling it from the ground. After coming to a stop, the vehicle burst into flames. Troopers say speed contributed to the accident but the investigation is continuing.

North Claiborne Hospital Board Completes HVAC Improvements

The Board of Commissioners of the Claiborne Parish Hospital Service District No. 1 received welcomed news at their January meeting. Commissioners had toured the facility at their December meeting and found there was a problem getting heat to some patient rooms. Chairman H. U. "Mutt" Slaid introduced Ken Adley with Fitzgerald Contractors, Inc. at the January 9 meeting. Adley reported that after cleaning out the old pipes at the North Claiborne Hospital building, they now have heat in the upper part of the building, however the actuator motor would need to be replaced to control heat in the kitchen. Charlie Estep's motion to purchase and replace the actuator for a price of $600 installed was approved.

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HHS Drama Club To Present "Yearbook" Thurs. February 13 - The Homer High Drama Club will present "Yearbook", a 2-act salute to young people on Thursday, February 13 at 6:30 PM in the Homer High auditorium. Tickets are $2 ($1 for preschool) and can be purchased from Drama Club members or Director Denice Owens.A portion of the proceeds of this play go to the Columbine High Memorial Fund.    Support, Information & Photo Contributions Needed for Claiborne One - A community effort is needed in collecting information for Claiborne One. For contribution ideas, see the open letter from Claiborne One's local web site designer. In addition, business and organization sponsorship support is needed to insure continued growth of our site. Visit the Claiborne One Spnsorship Page for more information.    Summerfield High PTO To Meet February 3 At School - Summerfield High School PTO to meet February 3 at 6:30 PM at the school to begin making plans for their 3rd annual fundraiser and auction on May 3. Parents encouraged to attend.    Homer Memorial To Offer Free Childbirth Preparation Class - Homer Memorial Hospital will offer Childbirth Preparations Classes beginning Thursday, February 6. Classes are free and are open to anyone wishing to attend. To register, call the hospital at 927-2024 and ask for the OB nurse.    Claiborne One Site Now Features Area Image Archive - Archived images from the recent Homer Christmas Festival and Parade are now online. Upcoming image archives to include: Haynesville Butterfly Festival 2000, Homer Christmas Festival 1999, Claiborne Parish Scenery, Lake Claiborne State Park and more. To submit your images for inclusion in the Claiborne One Image Archive you may email them to webmaster@ClaiborneOne.org.    Absentee Voting Set For Feb. 15 Senate Runoff Election - Absentee voting for the February 15 runoff election for State Senate District 36 will be Monday, February 3 through Saturday, February 8. The Claiborne Parish Registrar of Voters office will be open 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Monday-Friday and from 8:30 AM till noon on Saturday. Be sure to visit our Claiborne Parish Registrar of Voters site page for information on Upcoming Elections and Results of past elections.    Stuffing Needed For Dolls And Teddy Bears-Can You Help? - Local ladies who meet the first Tuesday every month to make dolls and teddy bears as gifts for needy children and lap robes for the elderly, need more stuffing for the bears and dolls. The ladies meet at the Homer Church of Christ Annex building on West Main (Hwy. 79) between 9 AM and 2 PM. For more information, call Kay Lowery at 927-4705.    Town Offices To Close Monday - The Mayor's Office and Business Office of the Town of Homer will be closed Monday, February 17 in observance of Presidents' Day. Offices will reopen Tues., Feb. 18 at 8 AM.    Pinehill Water System To Hold Annual Meeting Feb. 17 - The Pinehill Water System annual meeting will be Febrauary 17 at 6 PM at Claiborne Manor.    Dollmaking Has Resumed At Church Annex Building - Local ladies began meeting again Tuesday, Jan. 7 to make 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 the first Tuesday every month 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.    New Cabins At Lake Claiborne State Park Are Open - Ten vacation cabins opened at Lake Claiborne State Park on January 9, 2001. Units rent for $65 with a 2-night minimum on weekends. and have everything but towels and soap. To reserve your cabin, call toll free (877) CAMP-N-LA (226-7652) from 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Image archive of Lake Claiborne State Park now online.    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 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.    Lake Claiborne State Park Events - For information on upcoming events - Call 1-888-677-2524 toll free or 318-927-2976.    Smoke Detectors For The Elderly Offered through TRIAD - TRIAD of Claiborne wants all seniors age 65 and above, to have a smoke detector. You may also qualify if you're disabled. Having a smoke detector can mean the difference of life or death. Smoke detectors are available without charge. If you don't have a smoke detector, call 927-2011.    Money Available for New or Expanding Businesses in Homer - The Homer Chamber of Commerce now has monies to lend through the Revolving Loan Program. Anyone who is interested in starting a business or enlarging an existing business within an eight mile radius of Homer may be eligible. These funds were received from the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program to assist small businesses and provide for jobs in Homer. Loan preferences will be made on the basis of job creation. Further information may be obtained by contacting Mac Brakefield, Executive Director of the Homer Chamber of Commerce at (318) 927-3271.				Pelican Quarterback Club To Hold Bass Tourney March 29 - The Homer High Pelican Quarterback Club will hold their annual Bass Tournament on Saturday, March 29 at Parden's Paradise. For more information or entry forms, call club president Bill Owens at 927-3939 or coach Glen Kyle at 927-5212 or 927-4658.    Homer High Football Banquet Set For Feb. 24 At City Hall - The Homer High School Football Banquet will be held Monday, February 24 at 7 PM at the Homer City Hall. The event will be catered by Rebecca McDaniel. Admission $10.    "Great Backyard Bird Count" Feb. 14-17 Needs Birdwatchers - The Sixth Annual Great Backyard Bird Count to be held February 14-17, 2003 is looking for birdwatchers. promises to add important new information to our understanding of birds' movement and overall health by focusing our common birds as well as on birds of special concern.    HHS Doubleplay Booster Club To Hold BBQ Chicken Dinner - The Homer High School Doubleplay Booster Club will hold a BBQ Chicken Dinner on Saturday, February 15 from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Homer High School cafeteria. Plates are $5 and include 1/2 chicken, baked beans, potato salad, bread, and tea. All proceeds go toward purchase of new baseball uniforms. Tickets available from any baseball player or booster club member.    Claiborne Parish Jubilee Committee To Meet Feb. 24 - The Claiborne Parish Jubilee Committee will meet Monday, February 24 at 5 PM at Homer City Hall. All interested persons are encouraged to attend. For more information, call Martha Peters at 927-9793 or Susan Herring at 927-3541.    School Board To Meet Thursday, February 13, 7 PM - Claiborne Parish School Board will meet Thursday, February 13 at 7 PM, following the work session at 6:15 PM.    Account Set Up At Regions Bank For Cancer Patient Alicia Lewis - An account has been set up at Regions Bank in Homer to help defray expenses for Alicia Lewis, who is presently undergoing chemotherapy and will soon face radiation treatments for breast cancer. Her present condition making her unable to return to work at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.    Black History Program Set At Athens High School Friday - Ron Anderson with the Lighthouse Program in Shreveport will be the guest speaker at a Black History program to be held at Athens High School on Friday, February 14 at 10 AM.    Channel 12 Newscaster Jeff Ferrell To Speak At Lions Club - Jeff Ferrell, Channel 12 newscaster, will be speaking at the Homer Lions Club meeting at noon on Thursday, February 13 at Linder Motor Lodge Restaurant according to Dick Dorrell. He will be speaking in regard to the space shuttle Columbia and the collection of debris following the accident on Sat. February 1. All members & perspective members invited.    ACS's 2003 "Relay For Life" Committee To Meet February 19 - The American Cancer Society's 2003 Relay For Life will be held April 5, 2003 at Ronny G. Beard Memorial Stadium. Rather than the normal overnight event, the Relay will begin at 2 PM and conclude at 2 AM on Sunday, April 6. The next planning meeting will be held at noon on Wednesday, February 19 in the meeting room at Linder Motor Lodge. For more information or to sign up a team, call Bonnie Keene at 927-1517.    Haynesville Town Hall Now Collecting Newspapers - The Town of Haynesville has joined with Trailblazer to assist in their newspaper recycling efforts according to Mayor Mickey Mayfield. A newspaper recycling bin was placed at Haynesville Town Hall on Friday, June 23. Mayfield encourages all Haynesville residents to bring newspapers to Town Hall. Homer City Hall and R & S Hardware in Athens also have recycling bins available for newspapers.    Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival Committee To Meet February 18 - The Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival committee will meet at Emerson Oil Company on Tuesday, February 18 at 5 PM. Anyone interested in helping with the 2003 Festival is invited to attend. They will be discussing upcoming events and fundraisers. For information, call Dale Tully at Miss Lizzies at 927-9009, or stop by the shop at 400 West 3rd.    Claiborne Council On Aging Events - Bingo is played every Friday after Lunch. Lunches are served daily Monday thru Friday. Exercise treadmills and rowing machines are available. Slip and molds are available for ceramics. Our Claiborne Council on Aging site page is now online...    “Firehouse Jammers” Have Moved To Claiborne Electric - The “Firehouse Jammers” have outgrown the Homer Fire Station. They are now meeting at Claiborne Electric on Hwy. 146 All are welcome to bring their instrument and join in “picking and singing,” or just sit back and enjoy the music, the coffee and refreshments, every Friday night from 7 PM till. For more info, call Jerry Brown at 927-3792. «More»    D.A.R.T.’s WAVE Group Meets Every Wednesday In Homer - D.A.R.T.'s newly organized Domestic Abuse Outreach Support Group "WAVE" (Women Against Violence Everywhere) meets every Wednesday in Homer from 5:30-6:00 PM. Family violence and domestic abuse is a concern in which all members of the community must become involved to ensure a safe and secure home for everyone. If you or someone you know is in a relationship that is violent or abusive, help is available. For more information, call (318) 513-9373 or (800) 281-7885.    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.    Are Drugs Affecting Your Family Or A Friend? - Narconon (the name means "No Drugs") was established in 1966 to help people get off drugs and they have been active in drug rehabilitation and eradication ever since. Narconon provides answers to drug addiction, free assessment, evaluation and referral services to internationally recognized alternative and traditional treatment facilities. Drug addiction can be overcome. Call 1-800-468-6933 or visit their website at www.stopaddiction.com.
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