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April 03, 2003

 

Decision On I-69 Path Through Claiborne Years Away

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

Mayors, elected officials, community leaders and other interested persons attended a public meeting at the Claiborne Parish Fair building on Wednesday, March 26 in an effort to find out more about the path Interstate-69 could take through Claiborne Parish. The meeting addressed Section 14 of the proposed interstate project, which will stretch approximately 80 miles between Hwy. 82 west of El Dorado, Arkansas to I-20 near Haughton, Louisiana. The straightest path between the two designated points would put the path of I-69 between Haynesville and Homer, however there are a number of issues that must be addressed before a decision can be made.

Celebrate The Resurrection At Outdoor Drama

"The Passion of Jesus," an outdoor musical drama, will be presented for the eighth consecutive year by Bethel Baptist Church on April 18, 19 and 20 at 8:00 p.m. You are invited to attend. Enter Jerusalem with Jesus as He rides a donkey through the gate and into the city. Watch as He heals and comforts and restores life. See His compassion for the little children. Imagine His courage as His zeal for His Father's house leads Him to drive the buyers and sellers from the temple area and to say, "Make not My Father's house a house of merchandise."

Lake Commission Discusses Regulations, Dam, Other Water Concerns

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

The Claiborne Parish Watershed Commission, or Lake Commission met March 20 at the Police Jury Complex. Items on the agenda included the regulation of activities on Lake Claiborne including use of certain fishing gear, Lake Claiborne dam maintenance and scheduling of lake drawdowns, report on request for a study of the dam and flooding, the development of water resources in the parish, and the pending State water management legislation.

National Guard's 1083rd Awaiting Deployment Orders

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

Approximately 300 guardsmen with the 1083rd Transportation Company of the Louisiana Army National Guard, HET (Heavy Equipment Transporters) are presently completing their training at Ft. Polk and are awaiting orders for deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit includes a number of young men and women from Claiborne Parish and was activated February 10, 2003. Following initial training at Ft. Polk, they moved with their equipment to Camp Minden at the Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant where they continued their training, then returned to Ft. Polk. Major Greg Pierce with the 165th QM Bn out of Bossier City who oversees the 1083rd said, "Officially, there is no ship date nor destination (for the 1083rd) at this time." Poem From National Guard's 1083rd Website: I am a small and precious child, my dad's been sent to fight. The only place I'll see his face, is in my dreams at night. He will be gone too many days for my young mind to keep track. I may be sad, but I am proud. My daddy's got your back. I am a caring mother. My son has gone to war. My mind is filled with worries that I have never known before. Everyday I try to keep my thoughts from turning black I may be scared, but I am proud. My son has got your back. I am a strong and loving wife, with a husband soon to go There are times I'm terrified in a way most never know. I bite my lip, and force a smile as I watch my husband pack. My heart may break, but I am proud. My husband's got your back. I am a soldier. Serving Proudly, standing tall. I fight for freedom, yours and mine, by answering this call. I do my job while knowing the thanks it sometimes lacks. Say a prayer that I'll come home. It's me who's got your back.

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 is looking for area artists, photographers, craftsman, vendors, and sponsors for the festival event scheduled for Saturday, May 10 in downtown Homer. "We are also encouraging local artists and craftsman to not only sale or display their talent, but to demonstrate their ability," said Jubilee Chairman Martha Peters. "This is a perfect way for children in the parish to learn first hand about the arts."

Claiborne Jubilee Committee will meet Thursday, April 10 at 5 PM at 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.

Military Prayer List

Robert M. French, Michael R. Pearce, David R. Nutt, Joe D. Quarles,Terrance A. Smith, Lemuel A. Wells, LaDarrell T. Willis, Rametria S. Banks, Cooly Calvin, Tiffany M. Hamilton, Gary K. McCline, Phyllis D. Wartley, Anthony C. Bailey, Ryan A. Barraclough, Robert N. Carter, Orlando J. West, Patice K. Ford, Beau Bower, Jamin Perkins, Jake Hooker, Reese Barrington, Aaron McDaniel, Jr., Kirk Dorrell, Geoffry Moore, John Mark Tabor, Fred Cox, Kristopher Darden, Clint Bellew, Alisha Davila, Clay Williams, Kirk Dorrell, Chris Ebarb, Brian Dees, Jim Philpot, Angela Smith, John Davis Peep, Judd Parker, Casey Heard, David Hardy, Lance Fife, Lee C. Banks, Jr., Jimmy Mason, Stuart Mason, Blake Mason, Marcus Willis, James Alan Burns,Jason Vise, Matthew Ratliff, Tess Hughes, Adam White, Leonard Michael Legendre, Samuel Kasey Gryder, Khieem Jackson, Martin Carnell, Warren Fielding, Will G. Shrout, Ashley Henderson, Joe Duranz Levingston, Angel Smith. 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, Jay Hilton, Thomas L. Wynn, Brian Megehee, Ted Cox, John David Smith, Chauncey J. Houston, Darryl Kelly.

Arts & Craft Festival David Wade Correctional Center

Saturday and Sunday, April 5 & 6, 8 AM-4 PM

The public is invited to the Arts and Craft Festival at David Wade Correctional Center at 670 Bell Hill Road off Hwy. 520 (Colquitt Road) on Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6, from 8 AM until 4 PM both days. The Festival features the finest hand-crafted wood work, leather craft and art work. Come and shop for all your gift needs.

Junction City Nursing Home To Close

Recent Cuts, Low Census To Blame

The Junction City Health and Rehabilitation Center located at 220 North Maple will close April 13, 2003. The 84 bed nursing facility is owned by Centennial Health Care out of Atlanta, Georgia and has been in operation for the past 45 years. Although the facility had capacity for 84 beds, the number of residents had dwindled from around 50 in 1995 to only 28 residents. As of Monday, March 31, all but four residents had been moved to nearby facilities.

"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 are sponsoring a "Child Safety Seat Check Up" on Saturday, April 5 between 10 AM and 1 PM. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to stop by and learn how to install the child safety seat in your vehicle and learn how to properly secure your child in his seat. This will be "hands-on" teaching by nationally certified child passenger safety technicians. Save time by calling 318-741-7411 and making an appointment. 9 of 10 Louisiana parents are using their child's car seat wrong!

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

The Herbert S. Ford Museum Has Reopened To The Public - Phase I of USDA construction has been completed at the Ford Museum and regular hours have resumed. The Museum is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 AM to 12:00 noon and 1:30-4:00 PM. For special appointments, call 927-9190. Admission is Adults - $3, Children - $1, and Families - $5.    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.    Central Claiborne Water System To Meet April 19 - Central Claiborne Water System will hold their annual meeting on April 19 at 2 PM at the Homer Fire Station.    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.    Claiborne 2nd Annual Masonic Charity Bass Tourney Is May 10 - The Claiborne Parish Second Annual Masonic Charity Bass Tournament will be held on Saturday, May 10. The Five Fish Stringer Open Team Tournament will be held from 6 AM - 2 PM on Lake Bistineau, with the launch and weigh-in at the Lake Bistineau Pavilion #1. Ten places cash guaranteed. Fee is $90 per team. Entry deadline is April 25, 2003. Gumbo for sale to public. Live music. Tournament will benefit Homer and Athens Masonic Charity Funds. For more info, call Tommy Wyant at 318-927-0092 or Tom Brewton at 318-927-6619.    First Baptist To Hold Annual Easter Egg Hunt April 12 - The First Baptish Church of Homer will hold it's 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12 starting at 1 PM. This is a community wide hunt from age birth to fifth grade. Please bring your Easter basket and meet in the Life Center of First Baptist for a short program. Then we will board the bus with the Easter Bunny for a trip to a special field full of 2000 eggs.    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.    Pinehill Water System Holds Monthly Meeting April 21 - The Pinehill Water System will hold their monthly meeting at Claiborne Manor Nursing Home Monday, April 21, 6 PM.    Summerfield Pre-K, Kindergarten Registration Set For May 2 - Summerfield Pre-K and Kindergarten registration will be May 2, all day. Parents need to bring birth certificates, social security card, and shot record. Students must be 4 years old by September 30, 2003 for Pre-K and 5 years for Kindergarten. For more information, call 927-3621.    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.				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.    Mt. Olive Christian School Annual Auction Set April 3-5 - The 21st Annual Mt. Olive Christian School Auction will be held April 3-5, beginning at 6 PM Thursday with school night in the gym. Many donated items will be sold to benefit the school. On Friday at 6 PM, sale items will be mostly consignments--antiques, couches, dining room sets and more. Outside sale begins at 10 AM Saturday with largest selection of equipment ever. Concession and restrooms available. For more info, call Len Gantt, Sales Manager, at 318-258-5483 or 243-0674.    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.    Claiborne Jubilee Committee Will Meet Thursday, April 10 - Claiborne Jubilee Committee will meet Thursday, April 10 at 5 PM at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Office Complex.    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.    Homer Council, Police Jury, School Board To Meet Next Week - The Homer Town Council will meet Monday, April 7 at 6 PM. The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet Wednesday, April 9 for work session and Thursday, April 10 at 10 AM for their regular meeting.    Athens High To Pre-K, Kindergarten Registration April 22-25 - Registration April 22-25 Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten Round-up will be held Tuesday-Friday, April 22-25 at Athens High School. Parents may register 4 and 5 year olds in the school library from 9:30 AM until 12 noon each day. Children must be 4 years old on or before October 1, 2003 to register for Pre-K and 5 years old on or before October 1, 2003 for Kindergarten. Requirements for registration are the child's birth certificate, social security card and health record.    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 Jury Meeting 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.
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