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May 15, 2003

 

Constable, Justice Of Peace Asks Jury To Support Litter Court

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

Justice of the Peace Curtis Cole and Constable William Maddox distributed information to the Claiborne Parish Police Jury at their May meeting explaining the State law that puts Litter Courts under the jurisdiction of JP courts. Cole said the amount of trash being dumped in Claiborne Parish is embarrassing. Several other parishes have already established Litter Courts and are already seeing results. The only way to stop people from dumping trash in Claiborne Parish is to fine them. Fines are set by the State from $50 to $500. Cole said they would rotate Court dates with the other two JPs in the parish and the constables would be responsible for investigating and prosecuting each case. Cole asked Jurors to amend the wording in the parish Ordinance to state "should" not "shall" to allow more flexibility in prosecuting cases and to enter into a cooperative agreement with the constables and JPs that would designate the distribution of the fines collected for litter violations with 60 percent to constables who will have more expense and 40 percent to the JPs. They also asked the Jury to fund the purchase of a cell phone and citation forms. Maddox said if the Jury would agree to pay for the cell phone for six months until their funds were built up, they would be willing to take over the responsibility. Claiborne Parish Watershed Commissioner Alice Stewart said she was also concerned about the disposal of trash in the ravines around Lake Claiborne. Better enforcement would also address the quality of our water as well. Cole said laws were already on the books, we just need to enforce them, and the sheriff cannot do it all. Willie Young said he thought it was a good proposal. The Jury unanimously approved Young's motion to seek legal advice from attorney Danny Newell to see if he says it's okay.

Kids Fishing Day Set For May 17 At Caney Lake Recreation Area

A "Kids Fishing Day" sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service and La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries will be held at the Caney Lake Recreation Area for ages 4-14 on Saturday, May 17 from 9 AM - 12 Noon. There is no charge to participate and bait will be furnished. Applications can be picked up at U.S. Forestry office at 3288 Hwy. 79S (Minden Highway). Directions to Caney Lake: From Homer on Hwy. 79, go past the Claiborne-Webster parish line and take a right on Hwy. 111 (Dogwood Trail). Go to Hwy. 159, turn left, then follow signs to the Lake. For more informaton, call 927-2061.

Summer Reading Program "Footloose In Louisiana Libraries" Kicks Off May 31

The Claiborne Parish Library announces the 2003 Louisiana Summer Reading Program. Children may sign up for "Footloose in Louisiana Libraries" beginning May 31, 2003 at the Kick-Off program which will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at the Claiborne Parish Library at 909 Edgewood Drive in Homer. The series of programs runs until July 12 for children pre-school through 4th grade. Kids are encouraged to put their best foot forward and participate in a variety of activities: contests, storytimes, crafts, games, and special guests entertainers. Approximately 90,000 Louisiana children participated last year in this annual statewide program, which is sponsored by the State Library of Louisiana and the Claiborne Parish Library to encourage year-round reading. Storytimes will be on Wednesdays beginning on June 4th in Haynesville. All ages will meet at the Joe Webb Memorial Library at 10:00 AM. In Homer the pre-school storytime will be at 10:00 AM and at 2:00 PM for grades 1-4 on Thursday beginning June 5. Pre-registration is not required for the weekly programs. The program is offered at no charge. The hours for the Homer branch of the Library are 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM weekdays. On Tuedays, the Library closes at 7:00 PM. Saturday hours are 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For more information, call the Homer branch at 927-3845. The hours for the Haynesville branch of the Library are 8:00 to 12:00, and 1:00 to 4:45 PM weekdays. Saturday hours are 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For more information about the Haynesville programs, call 624-0364.

Local Businesses Provide Job Training To Students

For the past three years Homer High School students have had the opportunity to branch out from normal student life and receive job training skills from local businesses. This program has allowed students to be transported from campus two days a week to the participating businesses where they receive individual training. This allows students to develop not only training with certain businesses, but basic employability of skills that can be useful with any type of work. Seniors will also create a resume listing job training experiences to take to potential employers following graduation from high school. The basic idea of the Community Based Job Training Program is to allow students to work with certain businesses during a semester. Students are evaluated by their preceptor, and grades are given according to their job performance and improvement in certain areas. At the conclusion of the semester, students are rotated to different job sites. This allows them to learn different skills, as well as how to deal with different work situations. Eight students are participating in the program. They are Iva Curry, Shuntrell Walker, Linda Champ, Shanae Hamilton, Jessica Webb, D'mario Miller, and Tynisha Moore. These students work at a variety of job sites and learn various skills such as food preparation, house keeping skills, automotive detailing, child care, basic custodial skills, and secretarial skills. Businesses who are participating in Community Based Job Training this year are Duck's Kar Care, Subway, Keith's Food Mart, the Town of Homer, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Claiborne Insurance, Presbyterian Village, Lily of the Valley Flower Shop, the Boys and Girls Club and Claiborne Parish Special Services. Other businesses who have participated in the past include New Hope Day Care and Linder Motor Lodge. Homer High teacher Jan McCullin who oversees the program is very appreciative to the businesses who have taken the time to give, even during their busy days, to help these students learn valuable skills. Other local businesses who might be interested in participating can contact McCullin by calling 927-4480.

Summer Lake Patrols To Start On Lake Claiborne May 23

After meeting with the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office, the Claiborne Parish Watershed District agreed to continue the summer Lake Patrol on Lake Claiborne again this year. The Lake Patrol will begin May 23 and will continue through August 31, 2003.

Junction City Seniors Graduate Friday, May 16

Junction City High School will hold Commencement Exercises for graduating seniors on Friday, May 16, 2003 beginning at 8:00 PM on the football field. The 2003 graduates are Kaci Bounds, Nick Brantley, Shontrece Brock, Darin Brown, Krystral Brown, Cole Carpenter, Shelbi Carpenter, Raven Carter, David Cole, Lamarsay Creer, Chris Davis, Kana Davis, Phillip Davis, Cassandra DeHoney, Joe Dopson, Jonathan Dorrell, Ashley Duncan, Nick Enis, Sara Ford, Lavecchia Franklin, Erik Griffith, Kristen Hall, Justin Hamaker, Tiffany Hamaker, Amanda Hampton, Charles Hays, TaToyia Hill, Charlotte Hust, Ben Lewis, Demetris Malone, Stephen Malone, Chris Maxfield, Kimberly McKinnon, Robert McVay, Jennifer Meador, Santana Meadows, Kevin Moss, Alana Nelson, Amanda Pratt, Crystal Rainey, Amy Richmond, Kyle Rockett, Sarah Shelton, Cenetria Smith, Ryne Sweet, Chris Thurlkill, Tim Thurlkill, Ashley Wages, Tyler Williams, and Justin Wood.

Claiborne Academy Commencement Is May 15

Claiborne Academy will hold their 2003 Commencement Program on Thursday, May 15 at 8 PM in the high school gymnasium. Top graduates for 2003 are valedictorian Abby Lynn Freeman, salutatorian Jordan Stratton, 3rd honor graduate Carrie Elizabeth Michael, 4th honor graduate John Rance Tomlinson, and 5th honor graduate Christopher Forest Procell. Members of the 2003 graduating class at Claiborne Academy are Mandy Lea Bolling, Abby Lynn Freeman, Spencer Trey Goodwin, Heather Nicole Hanson, Allison Renee Heard, Daniel Lee Jackson, Carrie Elizabeth Michael, Christopher David Mills, John Kyle Monk, Christopher Forest Procell, Matthew Bolling Procell, Thomas Scott Smith, Jordan Michael Speer, Jordan Stratton, John Rance Tomlinson, Buddy Lewis Varnadore, Keelie Monette Ware, and Cecily Wianté Young.

Commencement Exercises Held At Homer High School Tuesday May 13

Sixty Homer High School seniors received diplomas Tuesday night, May 13, 2003, during commencement exercises in the Homer High School Student Center. Following the invocation by Cleon Warren, Jr., special tribute was paid to Preston McClure, a deceased member of the 2003 graduating class. Preston's family was presented his diploma posthumously. The salutatory address was given by Kristen Harrison, followed by Kelcey Kleinman with the valedictory address. Recognized as completing the minimum academic and ACT requirements which must be met in order to qualify for a TOPS award from the State of Louisiana were Benjamin Gamble, Jesse Garcia, Amy Gilbert, LaBrencia Harris, Kristen Harrison, Gabrielle Nunley, Dane Owens, Kelly Spillers, Jacob Stewart, Demarcus Sumlin, Jake Tabor, Cleon Warren, Joseph Winters and Catherine Woodall. D. B. Mitchell, principal of Homer High School, announced Kelcey Kleinman, Kristen Harrison, Demarcus Sumlin, Jacob Stewart, Benjamin Gamble, Kelly Spillers, Jesse Garcia, Amy Gilbert, Tiyanca Moore, Dane Owens, Deasha Woodfork, and Gabreille Nunley as Honor Graduates of the 2003 Senior class. Mr. Mitchell announced that over $194,000 in scholarships has been awarded to members of the Homer High School Class of 2003. The following 2003 graduates received diplomas: Brandon Marquale Allen, Shawndreka LaQuanta Aubrey, Kenneth Chad Blackwell, William Durrell Brown, Alton Ray Burns Jr, Demita LaShaun Calome, Lanetta Dalphayia Coleman, Celeste Janet Cooper, Erika Dene Cornelius, Iva Breatha Curry, Kristyn Laurice Dobbins, Brandon Antwoine Dunn, Antroneika Dale Fisher, Chad Edward Ford, Benjamin Allen Gamble, Jesse Ware Garcia, James Clinton Garrett, Amy Elizabeth Gilbert, Justin Dale Gorman, Corey Jarell Grant, Shelisica Denae Green, Lindsey Nicole Hanunonds, Carlton Landell Harris, LaBrencia Denise Harris, Natalie Kristen Harrison, Phillip Ray Hightower, Kelcey Raun Kleinman, Tamekia Denise Knowles, Kristy Ann Lane, Corey D Marshal, Preston Van McClure, Niesha Chervette Mitchell, Tiyanca Kinon Moore, Paul Braden Musgrove, Emily Jo Nelson, Gabrielle Vernett Nunley, Tiffany Leanne O Donnell, William Dane Owens, Latonya Nicole Rabb, John David Ruple, Tiesha Shanae Shelman, April S Small, Jackuilaine Deann Spencer, Kelly'Lynn Spillers, Jacob Wayne Stewart, Demarcus Vintreze Sumlin, Thomas Jacob Tabor, Lekesha Lenette Turner, Victoria Nicole Turner, Shuntrell LaShay Walker, Brandolyn Benyale Warren, Kimitta Reashun Warren, Cleon Warren Jr, Karnisha Reshun Webb, Shequita M Williams, Terrence Terrell Willis, Courtney Damon Wilson, Joseph Edward Winters, Catherine Lee Woodall, Deasha Shaundreal Woodfork.

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 - Louisiana Purchase Exhibit - An Exhibit exploring the impact of the Louisiana Purchase on north-central Louisiana will be featured in the Herbert S. Ford Memorial Museum, located in the former Hotel Claiborne. The exhibit examines the culture of Native Americans who first inhabited the area. The museum houses a remarkable collection of artifacts reflecting the life, culture and society of North Louisiana Hill Country.    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 To Hold Chicken Charbroil May 17 - The Homer Lions Club will hold their annual Chicken Charbroil on Saturday, May 17 from 10:30 AM - 1 PM in the Brookshire's parking lot. Plates include the usual 1/2 chicken, beans, etc. Tickets can be purchased from any Lions Club member for $5. All proceeds go to the Louisiana Eye Bank and The Crippled Childrens Camp.    Registration Underway For Driver's Education Class - Registration for the 2003 Driver's Education Class began Monday, April 28. The Driver's Ed Class will begin Monday, June 2 at 8 AM. Students must be 15 years on or before June 13, 2003 and must bring birth certificates for proof of age. Registration fee is $200 payable by money order or cashier's check to the Claiborne Parish School Board. Class size is limited, so register early.    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.    Homer Junior High To Hold 8th Grade Graduation May 20 - Homer Junior High will hold an 8th Grade Graduation on Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30 PM in the school gymnasium. The speaker for the program is Mr. Michael Wade. A reception will be held in the cafeteria immediately following graduation. The public is invited to attend.    LifeShare Blood Center To Host Blood Drive May 21 - LifeShare Blood Center will host a Community Blood Drive at Homer Memorial Hospital, on Wednesday, May 21 from 11 AM - 4 PM. To donate blood, you should be feeling well, weigh at least 110 lbs, and be 17 years old. Drinks and snacks will be provided.    Homer's Houstonian Juneteenth Day Set For Saturday, June 21 - Homer's Houstonian Juneteenth Day will be held Saturday, June 21, 2003 at the Tom Bass Park, located at Beltway 8 and Cullen Blvd. in Houston, Texas. Charles Youngblood, who originated the event along with Mary Pitts Robinson, said it would be a time of no sadness or no benevolences. Everyone is invited to bring food and enjoy a picnic lunch. For more information, call (713) 213-4626.    Summerfield High School To Hold Any Class Reunion May 24 - All Summerfield High School graduating classes are invited to attend a Class Reunion to be held Saturday, May 24 beginning at 2 PM at the Hebron Baptist Church located on La. Alt. 2 about two miles east of Summerfield. For more information, call Howard Moss 927-6624.    Homer High School "Any Class" Reunion Set For May 19 - The Homer High School "Any Class" Reunion (all classes through 1960) will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2003 at the Homer Country Club. Social Hour is 4 PM - 5:45 PM, followed by a Buffet Dinner. Dress is casual. Cost is $15 per person. On Sunday, May 25, Reunion worship at the First Presbyterian Church at 10:30 AM or your own church. Fellowship and sandwich lunch will begin at 12:15 PM at the First Presbyterian Fellowship Hall. Co-Chairmen are James Banks and James Robert Michael.    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.    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.				Free Blood Pressure Clinic At Housing Authority May 16 - There will be a Free Blood Pressure Clinic at the Homer Housing Authority Main Office in Homer on Friday, May 16 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM, sponsored by Bernice Community Rehabilitation Hospital. Everyone is invited.    Louisiana Tech's Spring Road Show Is Coming To Claiborne Parish - Louisiana Tech's Spring Road Show will be held at Homer City Hall on Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m., just one of ten Road Shows being planned. Eighty (80) high school students in Claiborne Parish have expressed an interest in attending Louisiana Tech and have been invited to enjoy a fried fish dinner and learn more about what opportunities are available at the University. There will be 8 tables with information on academics, admissions, scholastics, and athletics, and representatives to answer questions. Parents of prospective college students are highly encouraged to attend the casual attire event, as well as all Tech Alumni and Friends. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased anytime from at any parish bank before the Friday, May 16 deadline. Door prizes and Tech apparel will be available.    Local Author To Hold Booksigning Saturday, May 17 - Local author Dorothy Hall-Ramey's book signing will be held at the Claiborne Parish Library on Saturday, May 17, 2003 from 9 AM - 12 Noon for her book entitled "Heartfelt Treasures" of 101 heartfelt, Biblical, and romantic poems. The public is invited.    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.    Awards Day Set At Homer Jr. High On Friday, May 16 - An Awards Day Program will be held at Homer Junor High School on Friday, May 16 at 1 PM in the school gymnasium. Students will be given awards in several categories including honor roll, perfect attendance, sports, and accelerated reading. The public is invited.    Pinehill Water System Meet May 19 At Claiborne Manor - The Pinehill Water System will be holding their monthly meeting on May 19, 2003 at Claiborne Manor at 6:00 p.m.    Vision For A Better Tomorrow - Copies of the Strategic Plan for Economic Development of Claiborne Parish Will be Distributed and Discussed at a Series of Public Meetings. All Meetings Will be Held at 7:00 p.m. and Will be Open to the Entire Parish. Meeting Schedule: Haynesville: Monday, June 16 at the Fair Barn. Summerfield/Junction City: Monday, June 30 at the Summerfield School. Lisbon: Thursday, July 10 at the City Hall. Athens: Thursday, July 31 at the Mount Olive Christian School. Homer: Monday, August 18 at the Homer High School. Following Introductory Comments by Parish Officials, a PowerPoint Presentation of the Strategic Plan Will be Made. The Public Will Then be Invited to participate in a Question and Answer Session Regarding Our Vision For A Better Tomorrow. These Meetings are Critically Important to the Future of Our Parish. Please Plan to Attend and Participate. Copies of the Strategic Plan are Available at the Police Jury Office, Chamber of Commerce, Claiborne Parish Library, Banks, and Selected Businesses.    D.A.R.T. Workshops Scheduled In May Have Been Postponed - Both workshops scheduled in May by the Louisiana Department of Labor and D.A.R.T. (Domestic Abuse Resistance Team), "Stress and Worry Management" and "Abusive Relationships, A to Z," have been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.    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.    LifeShare Blood Center To Host Blood Drive At Homer Memorial Hospital - LifeShare Blood Center will host a Community Blood Drive at Homer Memorial Hospital, 620 East College in Homer on Wednesday, May 21 from 11 AM - 4 PM in the Hospital Conference Room. LifeShare Blood Center is proud to be associated with Homer Memorial Hospital. The Homer community is encouraged to come out and donate to help replenish the blood supply. To donate blood, you should be feeling well, weight at least 110 lbs, and be a minimum of 17 years of age. You will receive your choice of a T-shirt, baseball cap, or cholesterol test. Drinks and snacks will be provided.    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.    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...    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.
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