HEADLINES - February 20, 2003
School Board Votes To Bid Phase I Homer School Project
- Sherman Brown Named Assistant School Superintendent
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Architect Rice Gregory reviewed plans for the first phase of the Homer School Project at the February 13 meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board. Phase I will include the addition of two wings to the Elementary School with ten classrooms each and with their own separate restrooms. The existing small multipurpose building will be converted to a new library. The existing school building will be reroofed and refurbished throughout, with new walls, new floors, and new mechanical and electrical systems. Also included is a new drive area at the rear of the building which will link to a new covered walkway.
Channel 12's Jeff Ferrell Tells Lions All Politics, News Stories Are Local
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Jeff Ferrell, newscaster for KSLA-TV in Shreveport, told the Homer Lions Club at their noon luncheon on Thursday, February 13, "This is a perfect example of a great community in the Ark-La-Tex." He admitted it was his first trip to Claiborne Parish and it was a little further than he thought, but he thoroughly enjoyed the drive from Minden. He opened his remarks with several quotes, the first being "Keep it simple, stupid." From his collection of quotes, he offered another by Will Rogers who once said only a few can be heroes, or there would be no one left on the curb to clap. He described the seven astronauts who died when the space shuttle Columbia broke apart over East Texas as heroes. He said it is sometimes difficult to report news when it includes such gruesome details as finding body parts or the remains of those astronauts. Sometimes it is necessary to change the wording to better reflect the sensitivity of the viewers.
Haynesville Police Officer Keeps Job
The Haynesville Town Council met in Special Session Thursday, January 30 to discuss police personnel matters. After a motion to go into executive session was approved, Haynesville Police Officer Marcus Frazier asked the discussion be held in open meeting. After reconvening in open session, Police Chief Jim Garner discussed the document presented to each council member that listed police department rules and policies. Garner said he did not feel Officer Frazier had properly followed those rules and policies. After Mayor Mickey Mayfield and council members questioned Frazier and several witnesses, the Council voted again to go into executive session. Following executive session, the Council voted 4-0 to allow Frazier to retain his position on the Haynesville Police Department with the understanding he is under Police Chief Garner. Kenny Killgore voted no.
Haynesville Council Approves Lease Purchase Water Meter Reading System
The Haynesville Town Council met in a Special Meeting on February 7 and voted to approve a resolution regarding a lease purchase agreement with Government Capital Corporation for the purpose of procuring water meters and a water meter reading system and authorized Mayor Mickey Mayfield to sign the agreement. The cost of the system according to bids received in December were $352,397.50 from Louisiana Utilities for the cost of materials and $66,797.00 from Milco for the labor to install the system.
Robert Adley Wins State Senate Race
Robert Adley, 55, of Benton defeated his opponent Jerry Lott, 65, of Sibley in last Saturday's runoff election to fill State Senate Seat District 36 vacated last year by former Sen. Foster Campbell. District 36 is made up of most of Bossier Parish, all of Webster and Bienville, and half of Claiborne Parish. Campbell defeated incumbent Don Owen and took office as Public Service Commissioner January 1. Adley got 8,172 of the 12,075 votes cast, or 68 percent, according to unofficial returns, while Lott received 3,903 votes, or 32 percent. Only 18 percent of approximately 67,000 registered voters in the district went to the polls. In the special election held January 18, Adley received 6,564 of 14,567 votes cast, while Lott received 2,595. In Claiborne Parish, Adley received 391 of the 733 votes cast, or 53 percent. Lott received 342 votes, or 47 percent.
Highway Summit Set March 3 In Junction City
- Large Turnout Needed To Push 4-Laning Hwy. 167 From Junction City To I-20 At Ruston
U.S. Rep. Mike Ross of Arkansas' 4th District and U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander from Louisiana's 5th District will hold a Highway Summit on Monday, March 3 at 1 PM at the Senior Citizen Center in Junction City, Louisiana. The purpose of the meeting is to raise awareness and discuss further plans for funding the project to four-lane Hwy. 167 from Junction City to I-20 at Ruston. John Lowery, vice chair of governmental matters for the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, said, "Historically, the regions that have received the most support have been the ones with high turnouts at events like this. We need a good turnout--I would say at least 100 or more--to really send the message we want this."
Junction City Fire Department Gets New Fire Truck And New Fire Chief
Last year, the Town of Junction City, Louisiana received a Louisiana Community Development Block Grant totaling $203,000. At that time the Junction City Town Council approved ordering a new fire truck. On January 1, 2003, New Year's Day, Mayor Preston Rogers along with council members Terry Enis, Arnold Jones, and Ronnie Daniels accepted the keys to the new truck from Adrian Smiley. Rogers then passed the keys on to volunteer firemen Jeff Hightower, David Geter, and Craig Jones On Thursday, February 13, the Junction City Council approved the appointment of Jeff Hightower as Junction City's new fire chief, replacing the former chief Keith Hightower, who resigned about a month ago. The new chief will oversee the Junction City Volunteer Fire Department. There are approximately 21 firemen who provide fire protection to the citizens of both Junction City, Arkansas and Junction City, Louisiana.
The Guardian-Journal Looking For Active Military Personnel From This Area
The Guardian-Journal is working to compile a list of active military personnel from our area. Anyone who knows someone currently serving active duty in any branch of the armed forces is asked to please contact Susan Herring by calling (318) 927-3541 or (318) 927-9312, or send an email to guardianjournal@aol.com or kimdeann@bellsouth.net. Any church, school, classroom, organization, or individual who would like to adopt one of these serviceman while they are away from home serving our country are also asked to contact Herring at The Guardian-Journal.
FEBRUARY 20, 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.
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 $5, not $10 as previously stated.
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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.
Claiborne Bass Busters Will Hold Tournament Feb. 22-23
Claiborne Bass Busters will be holding a tournament February 22 and 23 on Lake Claiborne.Launch site will be Pleasure Point. New members welcome. For information, contact Daryl Cheney at 927-4943.
Joanne's Studio Of Voice To Hold Winter Recital Feb. 23
Joanne's Studio of Voice will hold a Winter Recital Sunday, February 23 at 2:30 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Homer. The public is invited to attend. No admission.
Claiborne Parish Retired Teachers Unit To Meet Feb. 24
The Claiborne Parish Retired Teachers' Unit will meet February 24 at 1 PM at the Haynesville Housing Authority Community Center at 607 Southwest Front Street in Haynesville. President Marie Gray urges everyone to attend.
Summerfield PTO Meets Feb. 24 To Make Plans For Auction
The Summerfield High School PTO will meet Monday, February 24 at 6:30 PM at the school. Plans are being made for the annual auction and BBQ dinner to be catered by Podnuh's BBQ out of Monroe. The event will be held Saturday, May 3. Tickets are $8 and will go on sale Tuesday, Feb. 25.
Meeting At Jury Office Feb. 26 To Address Litter Problem
Anyone interested in finding new solutions to the litter problem in Claiborne Parish is urged to attend a meeting at 4 p.m. next Wednesday, February 26, 2003, in the conference room of the Police Jury Office Complex. If you are interested but cannot attend, please contact Cynthia Steele at 927-2222 before the meeting.
Claiborne Academy Talent Show, Dixie Darling Pageant March 1
Claiborne Academy will present its annual talent show and Dixie Darling pageant on Saturday, March 1 at 6:30 PM. Admission is $2 ages 12 and up.
Homer Fire Department To Begin Annual Fundraiser Mon.
The Homer Fire Department will be conducting their annual fundraiser beginning Monday, February 24. A representative of the HFD will be going door to door offering 11x14 portraits. Anyone with questions can call Dennis Butcher at 927-3881 or Ronnie McKenzie at 927-2149. The HFD would like to thank those who have supported this endeavor in the past and look forward to their support again this year.
State Rep. Rick Gallot To Be In Homer Office February 27
State Rep. "Rick" Gallot will see constituents in his Homer office located inside the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex on Thursday, February 27. For appointment, call Lori Talbert at 1-800-676-2111 or call the Homer office at 927-2519.
American Legion Auxiliary To Meet Monday, February 24
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 75 will meet Monday, February 24 at 5:30 PM at the Claiborne Parish Library.
American Legion Post 75 To Meet Tuesday, February 25 At Library
The American Legion Post 75 will meet Tuesday, February 25 at 7 PM at the Claiborne Parish Library.
Have A Drug Or Alcohol Problem? Narconon Can Help.
Currently there are between 15 and 24 million drug addicts in the United States. Narconon means not drugs or narcotics-none and is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center that has brought hope to the problem of addiction. Through our hotline and web-site we offer free assessments and over 11,000 local referrals. If you or someone you know has a drug or alcohol addiction call Narconon today at (800) 468-6933 or e-mail us at www.stopaddiction.com. Addiction can be overcome, Narconon can help.
Homer Area Residents Planning Trip To Paragon Casino
Homer area residents are planning a trip to the Paragon Casino in Marksville, Louisiana. A minimum of 3 persons is needed to acquire a bus. If you are 21 years of age or older and would like to be included on this trip you may contact Joe Etta Williams at 927-9444 or 927-3579, or Marie Gray at 927-6705. Tentative date is March 8, 2003, leaving Wal-Mart parking lot at 8 AM. A fee of $10 per person is asked. Each participant will receive a free lunch buffet ($8) plus $5 cash and a 10 percent off any purchase in the gift shop. The group will dine at the Market Place Buffet inside the Paragon Casino. Departure time to return to Homer around 6 PM. Deadline to register for the trip is March 3, 2003.
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.
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Legion Auxiliary Unit 75 Selling Gold Star Banners
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #75 is selling Gold Star Banners. They are available at The General Store for $7 each.
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.
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.