HEADLINES - February 27, 2003

Budget Concerns Force Cuts To Town's Workforce

- Cuts Include Lowering Mayor And Council Salariest

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

Auditor and financial consultant Carlos Martin sent a memo to Homer Mayor Huey Dean February 11 stating "due to the town's cash situation being so tight it is imperative that all projected expenditures be approved by a person who is monitoring the cash position daily and can review the budget to determine if the funds are approved in total." He said, "Historically, the town has written checks without knowing whether there was any money in the bank or not. This was permissible while the town had excess funds that ensured the checks would not bounce. That liberty is no longer available for the Town of Homer." In Special Session on February 20, Homer Mayor Huey Dean presented a list of recommended cuts totaling more than $10,552.00 per month to the Homer Board of Selectman for their approval. The list noted that "during the six months between July and December 2002, the Town was spending an average of $45,000.00 more per month than was being collected in revenue in the Enterprise and General Funds combined.

Auditor Recommends Taking Immediate Steps To Control Spending

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

Town auditor Carlos Martin explained to the Financial Advisory Committee at their meeting Thursday, February 20 the memo he sent February 11 to Homer Mayor Huey Dean which stated "due to the town's cash situation being so tight it is imperative that all projected expenditures be approved by a person who is monitoring the cash position daily and can review the budget to determine if the funds are approved in total." He said, "Historically, the town has written checks without knowing whether there was any money in the bank or not. This was permissible while the town had excess funds that ensured the checks would not bounce. That liberty is no longer available for the Town of Homer." Martin said, "Unless a person knows whether they have any money left in their budget category, they don't know whether they legally have the right to buy something or not. I would suspect nobody could tell me what was in the bank right now if I asked it they had enough money to pay the bills today." He went on to say, "All you can legally spend is what has been approved in a budget." Martin's memo also stated, "It is going to be a slow process to pull out the negative cash balances in the general and utility fund. However unless drastic cuts are made or your sales tax revenue or utility revenues are changed, you have no choice but to put a tight rein around expenses."

Claiborne Jubilee Committee Want To Include Talent From Entire Parish

The Claiborne Parish Jubilee Committee met Monday, February 24 to continue making plans for the festival scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2003. The Committee agreed the Jubilee should be a place to display all the talent of individuals throughout our parish and beyond. After much discussion, it was decided Delores Leggett and Bea Grimes would work to compile a list of talented artists in the parish, to include not only painters and photographers, but people who do other handiwork such as carving items such as duck or turkey calls, pottery, ironwork, glassware, woodwork, stained glass, candy makers, among others. Letters will be sent out or calls made to encourage those individuals to participate in the Jubilee.

Homer Police Make One Arrest, Investigate Another Burglary

Homer Police officers Captain Donald Malray and Officer Russell Mills arrested 17-year-old Antonio Turner February 6 in connection with four burglaries in the Homer area. Officers recovered several CD players, DVD players, CDs, DVDs, VCR movies, jewelry, portable stereo, and a pistol. Officers stated more arrests will be made in the near future on juveniles, as well as adults, for illegal possession of stolen things. Chief Rodney Hollenshead is asking victims to bring a list of all items taken from the residences in question. In an unrelated crime, Homer Police Officers Captain Malray and Officer Anthony Kelly responded to a robbery at the Bill’s Dollar Store located on Hwy. 79 South in Homer on Friday, February 14 at approximately 4:10 PM. After arriving at the store, officers were told by one of the store’s clerks a white male had entered the store and, after paying for two items, demanded the clerk give him his change and the rest of the money in the drawer. Once the register was opened, the suspect reached inside the register and took approximately $300 in cash, in tens and twenties. The Clerk said the suspect appeared to have a weapon in his right jacket pocket. No arrest have been made at present. Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact the Homer Police Department at 927-4000 or 927-4001.

Public Service Commissioner Warns About Scam Urging Callers To Dial 809 Area Code

A scam urging unsuspecting consumers to accept collect calls or return calls to the 809 area code has resurfaced, warned Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell. Callers are not required to use the international access code of "011" before placing calls to the 809 area code, which is located in the Dominican Republic."Since consumers can place the call by dialing 1 + 809 + the seven-digit number, they may not be aware that this is an international call," Campbell said. "Consumers may receive urgent calls on their pagers or answering machines that encourage them to return the call to the 809 area code. "If you have a question about this or any other telephone scam, please call my office at 1-800-256-2412," Campbell said. "You may also want to contact the local Better Business Bureau."

FEBRUARY 27, 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.

Black History Program Set At Homer Jr. High 1 PM Friday

A Black History Program will be held at Homer Junior High School on Friday, February 28 at 1 PM. The theme for the program is "Keeping the Dream Alive." The speaker will be Rev. Marvin Lewis, Jr. Associate Minister at First Ebenezer Baptist Church. The public is invited. For more information, contact Mrs. Gurtha Capers, Principal Homer Junior High at (318) 927-2826.

Highway Summit Set For March 3 In Junction City, LA

A large turnout is needed at the Highway Summit set for 1 PM on March 3 at the Senior Citizen Center in Junction City, Louisiana. The purpose of the meeting is to promote awareness and discuss plans for four-laning Hwy 167 from Junction City to Ruston.

Kindergarten Roundup Set At Mt. Olive Christian School

Mt. Olive Christian School will hold its Kindergarten Roundup on Friday, March 7 at 9:00 a.m. Come see what a day is like in kindergarten. There will be a short program. Refreshments will be provided. If you would like more information, call the school at 258-5661.

Pre-K, K-5 Registration New Students Haynesville Elememtary

There will be an open enrollment registration for any new student entering the Haynesville Elementary Pre-K and K-5 beginning now and will continue until classes are filled. In order for a child to be put in a Pre-K or K-5 class, you must bring the foloowing: 1) birth certificate, 2) Social Security card, and 3) shot recored fromt the Health Unit or Doctor's office. Registration packets will be filled out at the school registration for the 2003-04 school term which will be held in August.

Four A.C.T. Workshops Scheduled For March

Community Coordinating Council, Inc. and Rep. Richard Gallot, Jr. announce A.C.T. Workshops for high school students on March 8, 15, 22, and 29 at Arcadia, Bernice, Homer, and Ruston. Interested teachers may contact Valena Lane or Tonya Jackson before March 1 at 318-255-3632 or 318-247-6676.

Educational Seminars For Seniors Begin Today, Feb. 27

A series of educational programs designed to inform senior citizens on 1) banking and cost saving tips, 2) wills, estates, and other legal documents, 3) health and safety tips, and 4) insurance will be held Thursday, February 27 at 11 AM at the Cadenhead Community Center in Haynesville and in Homer at Homer City Hall at 1:30 PM. The Seminar will also be held at Homer City

Hall on Saturday, March 22 at 1 PM and on Thursday, May 22 at 1 PM. For information call Joetta Williams at 927-3579 in Homer or Renee L. Buggs at 624-2552 in Haynesville, or Valena Lane at 247-6676 or Tonya Jackson at 255-3632.

Claiborne Bass Busters Will Meet March 6 At Fire Station

Claiborne Bass Busters will meet March 6 at 7 PM at the Homer Fire Station. For info, call Daryl Cheney at 927-4943.

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.

Haynesville Study Club To Meet March 5 At Hightower Home

The Haynesville Study Club will meet Wednesday, March 5 in the home of Marilyn Hightower with Lucille Walker serving as co-hostess. Tommie Rowe will review Kitchen Privileges by Mary Higgins Clark. The short topic will be given by Juanita Garrett. All members encouraged to attend..

Claiborne Academy 70s Reunion To Be Held Saturday, March 15

The Claiborne Academy 70s Reunion will be held Saturday, March 15, 2003 from 6:00 to 12:00 PM at the Haynesville Fair Complex. All former and current faculty, alumni, and interested friends of Claiborne Academy may contact Patrick Gladney or Joellyn Lewis at 927-9601 for more information.

Cattlemen’s Association To Meet March 6 At Hill Farm

The Claiborne Parish Cattlemen’s Association will meet at 6 PM March 6, 2003 at the Hill Farm Research Station. Dr. Ron Del Vacchio, LSU AgCenter’s Beef Cattle Extension Specialist, will be speaking about the various programs offered for Louisiana beef cattle producers. A meal will be served. Hope to see you there! If you have not paid your parish and state dues, please bring it with you and give to Mr. Jimmy Monzingo, Secretary/Treasurer of the Claiborne Parish Cattlemen’s Association.

The Guardian-Journal Looking For Active Military Personnel

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.

Homer Fire Department Conducting Annual Fundraiser

The Homer Fire Department began conducting their annual fundraiser Monday, February 24. A representative of the HFD is going door to door offering 11x14 portraits. Anyone with questions can call Dennis Butcher at 927-3881 or Ronnie McKenzie at 927-2149.

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.

Christmas Festival To Hold 1st Annual Big Bass Tournament

The Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival will hold a Big Bass Tournament on Lake Claiborne on Saturday, April 5 from 7 AM to 3 PM from Parden’s Paradise. Entry fee is $25 per person. Cash prizes of $300 First, $200 Second, and $100 Third will be awarded. For more information, call Joe Freeman at 927-1135, Ann Freeman at 927-6357 or Dale Tully at 927-9009.

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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.

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.