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April 24, 2003

 

Cheryl Ford Day Proclaimed In Claiborne Parish

Lady Techster, Former Summerfield Lady Rebel, To Be Honored Friday

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury has proclaimed Friday, April 25, 2003 as Cheryl Ford Day in Claiborne Parish. The public is invited to join Louisiana Tech cheerleaders, coaches, and fellow Lady Techsters to honor Claiborne Parish's own Lady Techster and former Lady Rebel from Summerfield High School. An afternoon reception will be held from 2 PM to 4 PM in the Police Jury Complex located in the former Homer National Bank building. Ford is being recognized for her outstanding achievements on the Lady Techster basketball team where she was named Most Valuable Player in the WAC for the past two years. Ford is the daughter of Bonita Ford of Haynesville, and ex-Bulldog and Utah Jazz star Karl Malone. She has three brothers, Daryl Ford (20), Larry Ford (21), Karl Malone Jr. (6) and four sisters, Thelma Ford (14), Kadee Malone (9), Kylee Malone (8) and Karlee Malone (3). She is a health and physical education major at Tech. Immediately following the reception, Ford will visit the local unit of the Claiborne Parish Boys & Girls Club. For more information, please contact Cynthia Steele at the Police Jury office at 927-2222.

Haynesville Council Changes Town Curfew

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

The Haynesville Town Council, voted to change the Town Ordinance adopted September 9, 1997 to designate the time for the Town curfew to begin at 11 PM every night. Councilwoman Joyce Majors said the Town had never enforced the curfew. With the problem the Town is having with the youth, the need to put some heat on the parents and this is the only way we are going to do it. Police Chief Jim Garner disagreed with Majors about never enforcing the curfew. He said both he and his officers have made several arrests for curfew violations, but went on to say if his officers did not enforce the curfew, there was nothing he could do about it, because the Council would not let him. Garner said if his officers violate the law or fail to do their job, he cannot suspend them, place them on probation, or terminate them. He can only do what the Town Council will allow him to do. Garner said if one commits a felony, the Council won't do anything about it. Majors said he would have to take that up with the State. The Council approved a motion by Councilman H. U. "Mutt" Slaid to go into executive session to discuss the controversy involving the Chief. Upon reconvening, the Council voted to change the curfew. Mayor Mickey Mayfield said the Town Ordinance states it is unlawful for any person under the age of 17 to be on any public street or thoroughfare including places of amusement between the hours of 12 midnight and 5 AM unless such person is accompanied by parent or legal guardian, or appropriately designated adult. The Council voted to change the time to 11 PM every night. All youth under the age of 17 must be off the streets by 11 PM. In reference to the issue of abandoned houses and junk cars, Mayfield said Section 14.2 of the Ordinance Book states concerning accumulated junk and wrecked vehicles the Town can impose a service charge of $25 against the property owner who violates the Ordinance to help defray the cost of collection and disposal of junk, wrecked or old vehicles, equipment, metal parts, and other refuse. As recommended by attorney Newell, the Council voted to amend Section 14.2 of the Town Ordinance to read that anyone who violates this provision shall, in addition to the cost of removal, be assessed a penalty of $250 per violation. Mayfield said the cost of removal and penalty will constitute a special lien collectible in the same manner as special assessments are collectible by law. Alvin Kendrick abstained from voting, stating he was unclear on whether he would be assessed as a property owner rather than the renter, whom he felt should be the responsible party. Mayfield said he had called several towns of similar size to see how they handled grass and weeds. The ones he contacted said they contract out their mowing. Mayfield said he didn't see how the Town's five employees and one inmate crew could physically take care of all the mowing. It takes 16 hours just to mow the area along the LN&W Railroad track. Mayfield said they continue to mow it although the Council voted last year to charge $40 per hour for mowing. Mayfield said the Town is not equipped to get in the mowing business. They do not have the manpower nor the equipment. The Town could contract out the mowing, then assess property owners for the cost to remove the grass and weeds. Slaid suggested preparing an Ordinance and have the first reading at the next meeting. Bridget Benton, representing BFI Waste Services, asked the Council to reduce or eliminate the requirement in the contract to provide a corporate surety bond or letter of credit equal to 12 months of the annual contract. She stated bond premiums have increased 200 percent. Annual premiums have risen from $390.00 to $1,560.00. In past years, BFI has demonstrated their service to the Town and they would prefer not to have to raise garbage collection rates to offset the increased cost of the surety bond. The Council decided to get a written opinion from town attorney Danny Newell before making a decision. Benton said BFI would assist the Town with their Trash Bash in May. They will provide three trailers and one for metal and white goods. For more than three, BFI will charge $120 per haul. The cost for the white goods trailer will be $60 per hour to haul. Ruth Henderson addressed the Council about the loud music every day and every night in her neighborhood. She said it was so loud at times, it jarred her. She asked what residents could do to help. Majors said some of the problem in the past has been that when residents call police, their names are not kept confidential. Gang violence and gang activity is caught by the police only through the help of the community. The community being afraid to report crimes to police officers is the first problem that needs to be solved, and it is going to get worse unless we get a handle on it. Mayor Mickey Mayfield agreed to meet with Henderson to discuss possible solutions. Roy Clark complained to the Council about city workers coming into his yard to check his water meter without notifying him first. City superintendent Mike Dunaway said he and the meter reader did approach Clark about removing the meter that was connected to a trailer. The meters are in back of his house because of where they tie in to the main. Clark said he did not have a problem with the Town removing one of the meters, but said he needed water where he cleans fish. Majors reminded the Council the drainage problem on Washington Street needed to be checked on. Town Clerk Penny Fields reported magistrate court fines for March 2003 were $3,170.50 and court costs were $480.00, for a total of $3,650.50.

Randy Ewing Attends Local "Friendraiser"

Gubernatorial candidate Randy Ewing and his wife, Rosemary, were greeted by a large crowd of Claiborne Parish citizens at a "Friendraiser" given in his honor on Tuesday, April 15 at Homer City Hall. The event was hosted by friends and supporters of "Randy Ewing for Governor".

Homer Joins Millions To Observe National Day Of Prayer

On Thursday, May 1, 2003, the citizens of Homer will join millions of Americans to observe the 52nd National Day of Prayer as they come together on the grounds of the Claiborne Parish Court House at 12:00 Noon for a time of prayer. The Homer Ministerial Alliance and the Trinity Bible Study and Prayer Group join together to sponsor a prayer meeting to pray for our nation, its leaders, local and state officials, law enforcement personnel and the family. The Call To Prayer at the Court House will be given shortly before noon by the sound of the siren of a Homer Police car circling the Court House Square. Plans are for the meeting to be brief enough to enable the participants to attend and have time for lunch before returning to work.

2003 Annual Claiborne Parish Jubilee

Claiborne Parish-The Heart Of The Louisiana Purchase

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.

Homeland Security Public Meeting Set

Hazard Mitigation Plan To Be Discussed

The Claiborne Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) has scheduled a public meeting for Tuesday, April 29th, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Office Complex in Homer, on the West Side of the Town Square. All citizens of Claiborne Parish are invited to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to receive input from citizens into the process of preparing to meet natural and manmade disasters that might arise in Claiborne Parish.

Military Prayer List

Emmanuel Seals, Danny Dawson, Vincent P. Bailey, Sabrina Bailey; Curtis J. Williams, Johnny Sumlin, Jr., Felyncia Morgan McNair, Jonathan Paul Harris, 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.

Proud To Be An American Rally

Thursday, April 24th, 9 AM - Homer High School Auditorium

Homer High School CHARACTER COUNTS! will sponsor a "Proud To Be An American Rally" at Homer High School on April 24, 2003, at 9 a.m. in the auditorium. During this program, all Homer High graduates currently serving in the military will be honored. A special invitation is extended to the family members of military personnel as well as to all area veterans. Various Homer High organizations as well as a feature performance by the Homer High School Chorus will participate in this event. Special guest speaker will be Rev. David Dietzel, pastor of First United Methodist Church. Please join us as we celebrate our great country.

Homer High School Renaissance Fair

Thursday, April 24, 2 PM

A Renaissance Fair will be held at Homer High School on Thursday, April 24 at 2 PM. The event is being hosted by the Homer High School Art Department and the Homer High School Economics Department. There will be several art activities, as well as numerous art displays and food sampling from the Renaissance Period (late 1300s to early 1600s.). A juggler and magician will be on hand to entertain everyone. Students will also be dressed in Renaissance attire.

South Claiborne Water System To Host Open House Apr. 30

The Board of Directors and staff of South Claiborne Water System, Inc. will host an open house in its new office building on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at 524 Tulip Road (corner of La. Hwy. 518 and Tulip Road) east of Athens. 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 Sponsorship Page for more information.    Homer Lions Club Bar-B-Que Chicken Dinner - May 17 - Homer Lions Club will sponsor a Bar-B-Que Chicken Dinner for $5.00, on Saturday, May 17, 10:30 - 1:30. Pick-up at Bank in front of Brookshires. All proceeds go to the Louisiana Eye Bank and The Crippled Childrens Camp.    Peterson Cemetery Memorial, Graveyard Workings Sat., April 26 - The Peterson Cemetery Memorial and Graveyard Workings is set for Saturday, April 26 at the Peterson Cemetery just off Hwy. 146 (White Lightning Road) and Pleasure Point Road. A covered dish lunch will be enjoyed at noon. Donations for upkeep of the Cemetery can be mailed to Odessa Roberts, 124 Willow Street, Homer, LA 71040. All who have loved ones buried there are encouraged to join us as we remember them. We would especially love to see family who have never attended.    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.    Cheryl Ford Day Proclaimed For Friday, April 25, 2003 - Cheryl Ford Day has been proclaimed for Friday, April 25, 2003, by the Claiborne Parish Police Jury. Activities for the day include afternoon reception at the Police Jury Complex in the former Homer National Bank building where Cheryl and her family will be honored and her outstanding achievements recognized. After the reception Cheryl will visit the Boys & Girls Club. Anyone who would like to participate in planning or sponsorship should call Bea or Don Grimes at 927-4837, Butch Bays at 927-9883, or Cynthia Steele at the Police Jury office at 927-2222.    American Legion Baseball To Hold Meeting April 27, 2 PM - There will be an organizational meeting for American Legion Baseball on Sunday, April 27 at 2 PM at Armory Park. All 15 and 16 year olds interested in playing should contact Robert Sanders at 927-6880.    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.    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.    S. Claiborne Water System To Hold Open House April 30 - South Claiborne Water System will hold an Open House at their new office located at the intersection of La. 518 and Tulip Road east of Athens Wednesday, April 30 from 9AM-3PM. Office hours are 8AM-Noon, Monday-Friday. Call 258-4151.    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.    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.    Lake Claiborne State Park Events - For information on upcoming events - Call 1-888-677-2524 toll free or 318-927-2976.    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.				Homer Memorial Hospital Health Fair - May 10, 9 am - 1 pm - Homer Memorial Hospital Health Fair will be presented inside the Homer Town Hall during the Claiborne Parish Jubilee on May 10th. Health Fair Activities to include: Free Cholesterol Screening Free Glucose Screening Free Blood Pressure Screening Free Eye Screening, Eye Glass Cleaning & Adjustments Free Height & Weight Measurements Special Kids Are with Moonwalk and Face Painting Freebies & Door Prizes Several Health Information Booths Homer Memorial Hospital Where Good Health and Community Come Together     Craft Demonstrations Sought For Jubilee - The Claiborne Parish Jubilee is seeking artists and craftsmen in the area to set up a demonstration of their craft during the festival planned for Saturday, May 10. Booth spaces will be available at "no charge" for those artists and craftsmen who are willing to set up a demonstration as an educational tool for children and other spectators.    Claiborne Parish "Night of the Arts" May 6 Haynesville High - The Claiborne Parish "Night of the Arts" will be held May 6 at the Haynesville High School gym beginning at 6 p.m. The event will feature Band, Chorus, and Art featuring students from Claiborne Parish schools.    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.    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-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.    Trailblazer Offers Tips For Reducing Waste In Your Home - According to the USDA, 27% of our nation's food supply was wasted during 1995. Possible remedies are to plan ahead for meals and buy only what you need to use up food and keep it fresh. Don't forget to compost leftover fruit and vegetables. Call the Trailblazer office at 1-318-255-3554 for more information on backyard composting and additional tips on reducing waste at home.    New Ramah Cemetery To Hold Annual Meeting May 3 - The New Ramah Cemetery will hold its annual meeting May 3, 2003 at 9 AM at the New Ramah Primitive Baptist Church.    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...    Haynesville Elementary School Sponsoring Book Fair - Haynesville Elementary School will be sponsoring a book fair from Monday, April 28 through Friday, May 2, 2003. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to see a variety of books and to purchase some for their personal library. Reading is fundamental to learning, so we encourage participation in this worthwhile event. We also welcome parents to come view this wide selection of books at our book fair.    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.    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.    Athens High School PTA To Meet Thursday, April 17, 6 pm - Athens High Schools Parent Teacher Conference meeting will be held on Thursday, April 17, at 6:00 p.m. in the faculty/staff room.    Northwest La. Technical College, Homer Sets New Time For Tests - Northwest Louisiana Technical College, Homer Campus are announcing a new testing time for entrance beginning April 30, 2003. Tests will be given every Wednesday at 8 AM. If you have questions, call the Homer Campus at 927-2034.    Haynesville Study Club To Meet Wednesday, May 7 - The Haynesville Study Club will meet Wednesday, May 7 in the home of June Coltharp with Juanita Garrett serving as co-hostess. Sandra Hines will review The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini. The short topic will be presented by Meredith Lawless. All are encouraged to attend.
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