HEADLINES - April 10, 2003

Animal Control, Recreation Addressed At Council Meeting

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

At the regular meeting of the Homer Town Council on Monday, April 7, Councilman Billy Kirk Jenkins said dogs were still a big problem in Homer. He sees forty dogs running loose every morning and suggested the Council rehire Earl Jones as animal control director and place animal control back under the supervision of Police Chief Rodney Hollenshead. J. C. Moore agreed. Mayor Huey Dean said his concern was for the Town’s finances. He voluntarily gave up half his salary as mayor to help the Town. In the past month, the Town has used a part-time employee to handle animal control problems. He spent only 8 hours on animal control the entire month for a cost of $56. This saved the Town $904 in one month. Dean said if the Council wants to change it back, he will no longer be willing to give back half his salary and he will see to it the dedicated industrial funds presently being used illegally to cover checks in the masterbank account are immediately transferred to a separate account. Checks will start bouncing and water bills will not be lowered.

Financial Advisory Committee Recommends PPO Health Plan

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

The Financial Advisory Committee for the Town of Homer met Thursday, March 27. Town Clerk Lana Pugh reported that Edward Jones had withdrawn their bid to refinance the Town’s bonded indebtedness due to the present financial condition of the Town. The Town had solicited bids in an effort to taken advantage of the low interest rates available now. Edward Jones quote was a difference of about 1.75 points which would have saved the Town approximately. Pugh said they decided it better to leave it alone for now, until things get better financially for the Town.

Haynesville Police Department Defends Record Fighting Crime

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

Haynesville Police Chief Jim Garner, in response to recent concerns voiced at the Town Council and the discovery of a youth gang in Haynesville, said the record in the Haynesville Police Department speaks for itself. He said extensive police patrol activity has lowered the number of incidents and has increased the percentage of arrests relative to the number of inquiries. In 2000, of the 965 inquiries, they made 120 arrests, or 12.4 percent. In 2001, the incidents were lowered to 644, with 82 arrests, or 12.7 percent. Last year, in 2002, they arrested 75 of the 525 inquiries, or 14.2 percent.

“When He Was On The Cross, We Were On His Mind”

First United Methodist Church-Homer

Sunday, April 13-6 PM • Thursday, April 17-7 PM

The youth and their friends at First United Methodist Church of Homer will present a musical drama, “When He Was On The Cross, We Were On His Mind” on Sunday, April 13 at 6:00 p.m. and again on Thursday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m. Spotlights will feature Jesus as a baby, a preschooler playing with John, a teenage helping his father in his carpenter shop, a healer of people, being captured by the Roman soldiers, crucified on the cross, being buried, appearing to Mary Madelyn on Sunday morning, appearing to his people again and ascending into Heaven. The presentation will last approximately one hour. Come and hear the wonderful story of Jesus. For additional information, you may contact Rev. David Dietzel at 318927-3365 or 318-3379.

Claiborne Parish Jubilee Seeking Sponsors, Artists, Vendors

Saturday, May 10, 2003 In Downtown Homer • 9 AM - 8 PM

The Claiborne Parish Jubilee Committee is looking for area artists, photographers, craftsman, vendors, and sponsors for the festival scheduled for Saturday, May 10 in downtown Homer. There will be no charge to enter artwork, paintings, and photographs. Awards will be presented in several categories. For more information, call Rhonda Porter at 927-6091. Vendors can lease a 10’x10’ space for $25. Selection of space around the Courthouse Square will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Other activities include all day entertainment, Homer Memorial Hospital Health Fair, Ford Museum exhibit on the Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial, Silent Auction for D.A.R.T., Homemade Ice Cream Contest, and drama by the Homer High School Drama Club. For more information, call Chairman Martha Peters at 927-9793 or Susan Herring at 927-3541 or 927-9312 after 5 PM.

Have Your Children Gotten Their Shots?

- State Adds Chickenpox Vaccine To Required List

Notebooks, pencils and glue all are supplies children need for the first day of school. Beginning in the Fall 2003, parents will need to add a chickenpox vaccine to the list of supplies. This requirement stems from modifications made to Louisiana’s vaccination requirement, which designate the vaccines a child must receive before entering any school in the state. Existing school requirements already call for students to be vaccinated against measles, mumps, hepatitis B and rubella. This year, children must receive a vaccine against varicella virus, commonly known as chickenpox, before they will be allowed to enter any kindergarten, daycare or Head Start program. Chickenpox is a contagious disease that can have dangerous complications, especially for young infants and adults.

Military Prayer List

Antoine McKenzie, Mike Hood, Ricky Lane, Mindy Lane Flader, Nathanael Flader, Robert Richter, Chauncey Burns, Terris M. Lyons, Joe D. Morgan, Kennedy Burns, Joshua Perry, Tommy Migues, Chris Coleman, 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.

April 10, 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.

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

Burns To Sponsor Easter Egg Hunt At Learning Center

Willie Burns, Jr. will sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt at the Homer Childhood Learning Center on Thursday, April 10. Several prize eggs will include gifts and money will be in the gold egg. Children will also be treated to pizza and cake.

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.

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.

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.

Donations Sought For Boys State, Girls State Delegates

The American Legion & Auxiliary Unit #73 is seeking donations for this year’s Claiborne Boys & Girls State. The total amount needed for the 8 girls and 6 boys is $3,430, but any amount is welcome. They have received about $3,000, but still need about $440. For more information, call Carol Jones, Chairman, at 927-3549.

Bethel Baptist Church To Present Passion Of Jesus

Bethel Baptist Church in Lillie will present “The Passion of Jesus” an outdoor drama on the daath and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cast of 120 include members from several area churches. Performances are scheduled for 8 PM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 18-20. Admission is free. They have new restrooms and bleachers but recommend bringing a lawn chair. Bethel Church is located 2.3 miles west of Hwy. 167 on Bethel Church Road (1.8 miles south of Junction City or 5.3 miles north of Lillie). For more info call 318-986-4418.

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.

Claiborne Parish Police Jury, School Board Meet This Week

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet Wednesday, April 9 for work session and Thursday, April 10 at 10 AM for their regular meeting.

The Claiborne Parish School Board will meet Thursday, April 10 at 7 PM following their work session at 6:15 PM

Pre-Registration Set For Pineview’s Pre-School

Pre-registration for the 2003-2004 Pre-School session has been set for the week of May 5-9 at Pineview School, during normal school hours. Please bring the following items with you when you come to register your child: Birth certificate (must have State seal), 2) updated health record (white or yellow health card), and Social Security Card. Your child must be 4 years of age on or before September 30, 2003 to enter this program.

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.

Athens High To Pre-K, Kindergarten 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.

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.

Summerfield PTO To Hold Annual Dinner & Auction May 10

Summerfield High School PTO will hold their Annual Dinner & Auction on Saturday, May 10 beginning at 5:30 PM in the school gym. This year the money raised will go toward the purchase of land to build a softball field. At this time, the Lady Rebels are practicing and playing all home games on the Rocky Springs Baptist Church field in Lisbon. Padnuh’s BBQ will be furnishing the meal. Wildlife prints by Reggie McLeroy, a native of Ruston, will be two of the many auction items. All items donated for the auction and all who attend are very much appreciated. Tickets are on sell for $8 from Summerfield staff and PTO members.

Pre-K, K-5 Registration For New Students At 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.

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.

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.

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 can contact Susan Herring at The Guardian-Journal.

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