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March 27, 2003

 

Arrests In Haynesville Expose Youth Gang

Recent arrests in Haynesville, post arrests, interviews and other information provided by confidential informants strongly indicate a group of 37 young men have banded together under a gang named, "The Boot Camp Crew." Investigation into recent burglaries of residences and cars have led to the arrest of eighteen (18) juveniles and young adults. Miscellaneous properties and guns have been recovered. The ages of the juveniles range from 12 to 16 and young adults up to 21 years of age. Some of those taken into custody have bragged their gang's membership reaches down to boys in junior high school. Organizationally, the junior high school gang members take their orders from one student. This individual and the high school gang members likewise take their instructions from one person. Haynesville police authorities believe the reported "leader" of the gang is currently in custody on criminal charges rising from the home invasion occurring in Haynesville the week of March 10. According to Police Chief Jim Garner, this appears to be a loosely banded group of individuals who apparently have been involved in a series of crimes over a period of time. His department is just now determining the full extent of their activities. Garner said the investigation is continuing and other arrests are anticipated.

Speed And Road Conditions Contribute To Death Of Teen

Amber Richardson, 14, of Emerson, Arkansas received fatal injuries as a result of a one-vehicle accident on Hwy. 615 on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at approximately 4:43 PM. Richardson was a back seat passenger in a 2001 Dodge Neon driven by April Rowe, 21, also of Emerson. Rowe and three others were traveling east on La. 615 near Haynesville during a heavy rainstorm. After topping a hill, Rowe was unable to maintain control of the vehicle in a right hand curve about 3.1 miles west of US 79. The vehicle crossed the center line and left the roadway, then traveled 130 feet through a water-filled ditch, hitting several trees. The car then rotated and traveled another 45 feet before stopping on its side. Richardson was not wearing a seat belt and was partially ejected from the vehicle. Rowe received minor injuries. Two other passengers, James Wilcox, 19, of Tipton, Texas and Gregory Shane Hopkins, 23, of Vivian, Louisiana were not injured. According to investigating officer State Trooper Michael Allen, the primary cause of the accident was driving too fast for the road conditions. Rowe was charged with careless operation.

Residents Voice Concerns At Haynesville Council Meeting

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

Dixie Howell addressed the Haynesville Town Council at their regular meeting on Thursday, March 20. She said. "Drug trafficking.in Haynesville is a problem. It has not been dealt with properly." She described seeing several drug deals , one just down the street from the police station. She believes robberies in town are connected to these drug deals. She said, "It is getting dangerous and it is going to get worse." Police Chief Jim Garner said no one had called his office and reported any complaints, nor had anyone turned in any license plate number. He doesn't know why the public is so unwilling to help, but the police department is doing the best they can with the resources they have. He said, "We need the public's help." Slaid said citizens fail sometimes because they don't want the retaliation.

Local Citizens Pray For Peace

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

"We are here because we want peace. We parade because we want others to know we want peace. We pray because we need strength and power beyond ourselves." - These were the words handed out to the more than seventy people who gathered in front of First Presbyterian last Thursday, March 20, to join in a parade for peace downtown to the Claiborne Parish Courthouse. There were parents, spouses, and children of soldiers who had either been deployed or who were waiting to be deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Their purpose was to pray for the protection of the troops, to pray for peace and for a speedy end to the War in Iraq.

Claiborne Parish-The Heart Of The Louisiana Purchase

Jubilee To Feature "Homemade Ice Cream" Contest

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

The Claiborne Parish Jubilee Committee will meet Monday, March 31 at 5 PM in the board room of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Office Complex to continue making plans for the festival planned for Saturday, May 10. Anyone wishing to help with any portion of the Jubilee is encouraged to attend. Rhonda Porter said she had almost completed the design for the logo for the T-Shirt and should have it by the next meeting. The Committee decided they preferred the theme, "Claiborne Parish-Heart of the Louisiana Purchase" and wanted to use that on the T-Shirt, possibly encircling the graphic design of the Courthouse, using a portion of the State's emblem. The Committee decided to hold a "Homemade Ice Cream Contest" to coincide with other events scheduled for the day. Besides the arts and craft displays from some of the more talented residents in the parish and area, there will be all day entertainment, educational booths and craft demonstrations, a health fair by Homer Memorial Hospital, a pet show or petting zoo through the LSU AgCenter, and a short drama reflecting some history of Louisiana Purchase era by the Homer Drama Club under the direction of Denice Owens.

Child Passenger Safety Program

Monday, March 31 • 10 AM • WK Claiborne Regional Health Center

"Child Safety Seat Check Up" Wal-Mart Saturday, April 5 • 10AM -1PM

Due to the fact that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children, the Louisiana State Police and Louisiana Passenger Safety Task Force will sponsor a "Child Passenger Safety Awareness Meeting" on Monday, March 31 at 10 AM at the Claiborne Willis Knighton Regional Health Center at 104 Morris Circle in Homer (past Synco Motors). Please call Lenora Holm at 318-676-5286 or email her at lholm@dhh.state.la.us by Friday, March 28 if you plan to attend. On Saturday, April 5 between 10 AM and 1 PM, you can stop by the Homer Wal-Mart for a "Child Safety Seat Check Up" where you can learn how to install your child safety seat in your vehicle and to properly secure your child in his seat. Hands-On teaching by nationally certified child passenger safety technicians. Call 318-741-7411 for an appointment. Nine of 10 Louisiana parents are using their child's car seat wrong!

Police Jury Appoints Director Of Emergency Preparedness Office

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

Edmun Frankie was appointed director of the Claiborne Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness by the Police Jury at a Special Called Meeting on Wednesday, March 19. Jurors voted 6 to 2 for Frankie, who will replace David Musgrove. Jack Price was absent. Other names placed in nomination were Paige Cottrell and Glenda Greer. J.R. "Snap" Oakes asked for his name to be removed from the list.

Military Prayer List

Clint Gholson, Erica Seals, Christopher S. Randle, Doug Upshaw, Stephen Laws, Joel Taunton, Gerald Manzanares, Robert Matthew Wilson, Jeffery S. Bailey, Brandon Bailey, Daniel Ledford, Rocky Ellis, and Jay Hilton.

A Mother's Prayer

Dear Lord, You gave Your Son to save the world. You didn't count the cost in blood and sacrifice; You gave Your Son that we might live. Dear Lord, can I do less? I give the world my son that he may help to save The things for which Your Son so nobly died. If, when the victory's won, Dear God, And you send back my son, I'll press him to my breast and thank You, Lord. And if he goes to join Your Son I'll understand; and through my tears, rejoice To know that my son and the Son of God go hand in hand. - Anonymous Note: The above poem was found sometime after the death of Mrs. C. H. Talley Sr. (Ruby). She had clipped it out from the newspaper during the time her son, C. H. "Charles" Talley, Jr. was serving in the South Pacific during World War II.

ACS "Relay For Life" Set For Saturday, April 5

The American Cancer Society "Relay for Life" will be held at the Homer High School Ronny G. Beard Memorial Stadium Saturday, April 5 beginning at 2 PM and will continue until 2 AM Sunday, April 6 honoring cancer victims and celebrating with cancer survivors. Activities will include entertainment provided by T&T Stars, JoAnn Lay's voice students, Cross Fire Praise Team, First Praise, Shane Huffstetler, Randy Brown, Chris Sherrill, David Fowler, and Next of Kin. The Survivor Walk will begin at 2 PM. The Luminaria Ceremony will be held at 9 PM. Luminaries are $10 and can be purchased at Clawson Chiropractic Clinic or on the day of the event. Let us join hands with all those whose lives have been touched by cancer. No admission fee. For more information, call Chairman Bonnie Keene at 927-1517. NOTICE TO READERS THE GUARDIAN-JOURNAL HAS A NEW TOLL-FREE LINE AT 1-877-480-9918. Archived Guardian Journal Headlines & News Briefs from November 1999

Deadline, Tryouts For Girls Softball Assoc. Sat. March 29 - Homer Girls Softball Association is accepting applications for players ages 7 to 15 thru Sat. March 29 when tryouts are scheduled at Homer's North Industrial Park. Registration fee is $30 for 1st player and $5 each additional player in same family.    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.    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.    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.    Lake Commission To Meet Thursday, March 20, 5:30 PM - The Claiborne Watershed District Commission, (Lake Commission) will meet Thurs, March 20 at 5:30 PM at the Police Jury Office Complex. The agenda includes fishing and hunting regulations, petition for study of flooding on Lake Claiborne by US Army Corps of Engineers, first artificial reef project completed Jan. 8, follow-up of scheduled draw down of the Lake, DOTD inspection of the dam, and report on March 13 meeting at the Depot in Arcadia to discuss area economic development and proposed legislation for state management of Louisiana Waters.    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.    Abiding Faith Christian School Annual Crawfish Festival Apr. 4 - Abiding Faith Christian School will hold their 3rd Annual Crawfish Festival with 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk on Saturday, April 12 at the School located at 1552 Hwy. 52W in Crossett, AR. Registration is $20 if received by April 4 and $22.50 on race day. For students 6-19 years of age, the fee is $15. All pre-registered participants will receive a T-shirt.    Haynesville Town Council To Meet Thursday, March 20 - The Haynesville Town Council will meet on Thursday, March 20 at 6 PM in the Council Chambers.    Homer-Mayfield Alumni Meeting Set For April 1, 6 PM - Homer-Mayfield Alumni School Reunion monthly meeting will be held April 1 at 6 PM at 906 South 4th in Homer. For more info, call James Ridley at 927-9130.    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.    South Ark Couples Classic Set For May 3-4 In El Dorado - The South Arkansas Couples Classic golf tournament is scheduled May 3 and 4 at the El Dorado Golf & Country Club. The tournament format is a couples scramble. The field will be limited to 60 teams with a 9 AM shotgun start on Saturday and Sunday mornings. There will be six flights of 10 teams with prize money awarded for each flight. An optional practice round is offered Friday, May 2 and a putting and chipping contest will be held that evening. The entry fee is $200 per couple, which includes carts and fees. To enter or for more information, contact the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce at 870-863-6113 or e-mail to alexis@boomtown.org.    Child Passenger Safety March 31, Safety Seat Check Up April 5 - Due to the fact that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children, the Louisiana State Police and Louisiana Passenger Safety Task Force will sponsor a "Child Passenger Safety Awareness Meeting" on Monday, March 31 at 10 AM at the Claiborne Willis Knighton Regional Health Center at 104 Morris Circle in Homer (past Synco Motors). Please call Lenora Holm at 318-676-5286 or email her at lholm@dhh.state.la.us by Friday, March 28 if you plan to attend. On April 5 between 10 AM and 1 PM, you can stop by the Homer Wal-Mart for a "Child Safety Seat Check Up" where you can learn how to install your child safety seat in your vehicle and to properly secure your child in his seat. Hands-On teaching by nationally certified child passenger safety technicians. Call 318-741-7411 for an appointment. Nine of 10 Louisiana parents are using their child's car seat wrong!    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.    Mt. Olive Christian School Announces 21st Annual Auction - Mt. Olive Christian School announces its 21st Annual Auction to be held April 3-5, 2003. The auction will begin at 6:00 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday night. The outside sale will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Consignments are welcome, and donations are appreciated. For more information, contact Len Gantt at 243-0674 or 258-5483.    A.C.T. Test Preparation Workshops Scheduled - A.C.T. Test Preparation Workshops for high school students will be held from 1 - 3 PM at Homer High School on Saturday, March 29 from 10 AM-noon for science, math and English/reading. Call Melanie Sims at 258-3710, Debra Harmon at 927-0098, and from 10 AM till noon on March 22, 29, and April 5 at the St. Duty C.M.E. Church in Arcadia and the New Hopewell Baptist Church in Bernice. Interested teachers may contact Valena Lane or Tonya Jackson before March 1 at 318-255-3632 or 318-247-6676.    Lake Claiborne State Park Events - For information on upcoming events - Call 1-888-677-2524 toll free or 318-927-2976.				Art Contest - 2003 Litter Abatment - THEME: "BE LITTER FREE IN 2003" Contest is open to all students K-8th Grade. Entries must be submitted to Town Hall before close on April 4, 2003. Use crayons, marking pens, or colored pencils. Recommended size = Recycled paper ( 8.5 x 11) landscape.No syndicated characters and No computer aided entries. The drawing should be positive in approach. The drawing must focus on litter and trash problems. All entries become the property of Trailblazer. All entries must include an entry form attached to the back of the drawing. All entries will be entered in the Litter Calendar Contest (LA DEQ). Free educational items will be given to all participants.    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.    Deadline Miss Corney Creek Pageant Is Friday, March 28 - The deadline to enter the Miss Corney Creek Pageant is Friday, March 28. Girls age 1-18 who live within a 50 mile radius of Bernice may enter, in 7 age categories. The Pageant will be held April 5. Applications are available at Hrkins Appliance in Bernice, Claiborne Insurance in Homer, Mr. Tuxedo in El Dorado, or by calling Danielle Harkins at 318-285-9743.    Educational Seminars For Seniors - 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 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.    Deadline March 29 On Christmas Festival Cookbook - March 29 is the last day to submit recipes for the Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival Cookbook. Please send 3 or 4 of your favorite recipes as soon as possible to Miss Lizzie's, 400 West 3rd St. Homer, LA 71040.    Girl Scout Volunteers Needed In ClaIborne Parish - Girl Scouts Pelican Council is looking for adults to volunteer as leader or co-leader for a Girl Scout troop in Claiborne Parish. If you are interested or want more information, contact Micki Garren at 318.220.0234 or 800.539.2342, ext. 23.    Claiborne Jubilee Committee To Meet Monday, March 31 - The Claiborne Parish Jubilee Committee will meet Monday, March 31 at 5 PM in the board room of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Office Complex.    Volunteers Needed To Put Flags Around The Square - Volunteers Needed To Put Flags Around The Square Volunteers are needed to put up and take down the flags around the Courthouse Square Monday through Friday. Requests have been made to have the flags fly every day while the War with Iraq is underway. If you can help, call 927-3549.    School Reunion Planning Trip To Paragon Casino, Marksville - Homer-Mayfield School Reunion Committee is sponsoring a bus trip to Paragon Casino in Marksville Sat. April 5. The bus will leave Wal-Mart at 8 AM. The cost to ride the bus is $10 each. Each person will receive an $8 food voucher and $5 cash voucher. Call Linda at 318-927-2319.    Claiborne Parish Police JuryMeeting Agenda Online - Visit The Claiborne Parish Police Jury Official Proceedings site page for Meeting Agendas. Meetings are held each Wednesday (general discussions) and Thursday (decision making session) after the first Monday of each month. Agendas are presented the day before the Wednesday meeting.    Homer High Class Of 1973 Planning Class Reunion - Members of Homer High Class of 1973 are planning a Class Reunion. If you are a member of that class and would like to attend a planning meeting or want more info, call Jesse Allen 318-398-7602, Patsy Ferrell Pickens 927-5962 or Azzie Olds 927-4977.    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.    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.    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 visit us at www.stopaddiction.com. Addiction can be overcome, Narconon can help.    Pre-K, K-5 Registration New Students Haynesville Elementary - 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 following: 1) birth certificate, 2) Social Security card, and 3) shot record from 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.    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.
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