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May 29, 2003

 

Litter Court Planned To Stop Illegal Dumping

Convicted Violators Will Be Fined, Required To Pick Up Trash

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

Constable William Maddox recently traveled the rural roads of Claiborne Parish looking for areas where people are illegal dumping trash and other items. He found areas previously cleaned up by the Police Jury are beginning to pile up again, even those clearly posted, "No Dumping." Illegal dumps are beginning to show up again on Green Road (former City Dump Road), Clear Lake Road, and the Goodwin Lake Road near the dam. Other areas where trash and other items are being dumped illegally include Pete Taylor Road, Pinehill Road, Dutchtown Road, Maritzky Road, and U.S. Hwy. 79. Maddox and Justice of the Peace Curtis Cole do not believe this is a good reflection on our parish and its people. They recently informed the Claiborne Parish Police Jury they are spearheading an effort to put a stop to illegal dumping by establishing a Litter Court in Claiborne Parish. State law places the jurisdiction of the Litter Court under the local justices of the peace and constables and Maddox and Cole are taking a proactive role to take advantage of that law. There are three JPs in Claiborne Parish. All three can prosecute litter violations anywhere in Claiborne Parish. They are not limited to their individual ward. According to the parish ordinance, "It is unlawful for anyone to intentionally dump, leave or deposit any type of garbage, refuse, glass, metallic objects or trash on any private property...or on any public roads or in the ditches along those roads and roadside parks or any lands adjacent.." Convicted violators will be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than $50 and not more than $500. Additionally, within a reasonable area, violators will be required to spend up to eight hours in one calendar day picking up trash or refuse, or collect 40 pounds of glass, refuse or garbage, whichever comes first. This "work penalty" shall not be subject to suspension, except in cases of hardship. Anyone who is aware of other areas where trash or other items are being dumped illegally are asked to call Curtis Cole at 624-1339 or William Maddox at 624-0951.

Bossier Police Investigate Motorcycle Accident, Fatal To Local Young Man

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

Bossier City police are investigating a motorcycle accident that occurred in the 1900 block of Airline Drive in Bossier City on Thursday, May 22, 2003 that resulted in the death of Lucas Jennings Harmon, 21, formerly of Claiborne Parish. Harmon was northbound in the outside lane of Airline Drive, when the 2001 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle he was driving struck a 2000 model Chevrolet Impala driven by Florilla Almond, 74, of Coushatta. Almond was attempting to turn into the parking lot of the Best Western Airline Motor Inn from the middle turn lane on Airline. Another car headed north in the inside lane had stopped to let the Impala make its turn. Harmon hit the Impala as it crossed the oncoming lanes of traffic. He was not wearing a helmet and suffered a severe head injury. He was taken to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport where he later died. Almond was not injured in the accident. Harmon was a 1999 honor graduate of Claiborne Academy and was living in Bossier City at the time of the accident where he was employed as EMT with Horseshoe Casino. He is the son of Debbie Harmon of Homer and Mickey Harmon of Athens.

Summer Intern Program To Focus On Mosquitoes

Tia Fitzgerald, daughter of Glenda and Marlon Fitzgerald, is completing her work with the Homer High School Medical Academy this summer by serving as an intern with the Claiborne Parish Police Jury's Summer Intern Program. She must complete 100 hours by the end of July for credit.

DAR Presents Flags To American Legion Post 73

The Claiborne Parish Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) donated five new flags to Post 73 of the American Legion on Memorial Day. Members of both organizations and several local citizens attended the donation ceremony on the Claiborne Parish Courthouse lawn. Presenting five new flags to Ben Wright, Post Commander of American Legion Post 73, were DAR members Mrs. Reese Robinson, Mrs. John S. Kirby, Miss Beverly Smith, Mrs. J.J. Smith, Mrs. Betsy C. Moreland, and Mrs. Dennis E. French.

"Vision For A Better Tomorrow" To Be Topic Of Several Public Meetings

The Educational Implementation Committee met at noon at the Linder Motor Lodge on Friday, May 9 to continue their plans to hold public meetings in Claiborne Parish over the next several months to educate citizens on the strategic plan prepared by the subcommittee of the Claiborne Economic Development Board as outlined in the booklet "Visions for a Better Tomorrow." Committee members viewed a PowerPoint presentation prepared by Nelson Philpot highlighting the "Visions" plan. Copies of the "Visions" booklet are available at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex, the Homer-Claiborne Chamber of Commerce, Claiborne Parish Library, Homer and Haynesville city halls, the Claiborne Parish School Board office, local banks and selected businesses. Residents are encouraged to pick up a copy of the booklet and review it prior to the public meeting. The PowerPoint presentation on the "Visions" plan will be made at each meeting followed by an question and answer session. Residents in Athens, Haynesville, Homer, Lisbon, Junction City, and Summerfield are encouraged to attend at least one of the public meetings to be held at 7 PM on the following dates: Monday, May 16 - Claiborne Parish Fair Barn in Haynesville Monday, June 30 - Summerfield High School Thursday, July 10 - Lisbon Civic Center Thursday, July 31 - Mount Olive Christian School in Athens Monday, August 18 - Homer High School Advertisements will be placed in local newspapers for several weeks prior to the meetings to promote attendance. Cynthia Steele agreed to ask Police Jury members to promote the meetings among the residents in their district.

Crackdown On Seat Belt Use To End Sunday

In these scary times, it's hard to prioritize the threats we face. But there is one threat we can do something about. Traffic crashes are killing teens and young adults at alarming rates-more than 5,000 teens last year alone. Tragically, many of those teens could have survived if they had buckled up. That is why teenagers and young adults are going to be surrounded with the strong message, "Buckle up: If you won't buckle up to save your life, then buckle up to save yourself a ticket," as the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office joined more than 12,000 law enforcement agencies in a nationwide crackdown on seat belt violators. The two-week enforcement wave, which will end Sunday, June 1, is supported by more than $20 million in targeted state and national advertising. It is based on a proven public health model to increase belt use called "high visibility enforcement."

Summer Camp Begins June 2 At Claiborne Boys & Girls Club

Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Looking for a fun-filled exciting summer program and an opportunity to make new friends? Register now to attend the summer camp at the Boys & Girls Club of Claiborne Parish located at 763 Lyons Hill in Homer. There will be arts & crafts, fun & fitness. The camp will be open Monday-Friday from June 2 to August 1 from 7:30 AM - 5 PM. Applications are available at the Club or call 927-2718 for more info.

Fourth Of July Fireworks and Boat Parade An American Tradition

This year the Fourth of July Fireworks Display will be from the top of the Lake Claiborne dam beginning at dark on Friday, July 4th. The “Boat Parade” will begin to form up about 6:30 PM in order to immediately precede the fireworks show. Those wishing to participate in the Boat Parade are encouraged to decorate both boat and self in patriotic motif. Parking for the Fireworks is scarce as always. The problem is apparent to members of the Fourth of July Fireworks Corporation who are working with the district attorney and the Lake Claiborne Watershed District Commission towards a solution to the parking. It is hoped the problem will be solved for next year. The 2003 drive for the Fourth of July Fireworks Fund is presently underway. Community support was very good last year and it is hoped fund raising will be at least as productive this year. Please be as generous as possible and send your donation to: Lake Claiborne Fireworks, 180 Post Oak Road, Homer, LA 71040. You may phone either Fred Lewis at (318) 927-9180 or Ms. Mac Brakefield at the Homer-Claiborne Chamber of Commerce at (318) 927-3271 for more information. Remember donations to Lake Claiborne Fireworks are tax deductible and donations of $100 or more will receive receipts suitable for use with your income tax return.

Claiborne Country Offers Clean Family Atmosphere

Saturday Night 7:00 till 10:30 pm

Claiborne Country located in the old North Louisana Hayride Building at Petersons Construction, presents dancing on Saturday Nights with one of the South's best bands "Sound of Gold". Caliborne Country Offers a Clean Family Atmosphere, No Smoking and No Drinking allowed. The band plays mostly older Counrty with 60's Rock and Roll mixed in. Admission is $7.00 for adults and under 12 free with an adult.

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.    Hazard Mitigation Meeting And Public Forum Postponed - The third meeting of the Claiborne Parish Hazard Mitigation Planning Team originally scheduled for 6 PM on Tuesday, May 27 and the second public forum scheduled for June 3 have been postponed according to Ed Frankie, Director of the Claiborne Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness.    CPSB Adult Education Center To Close For Summer Break - The Claiborne Parish School Board Adult Education Center, located on the Northwest Louisiana Technical College campus in Homer, will be closed for the summer break May 24 through June until 11:00 AM. Anyone wishing to enroll will need a valid I.D. or birth certificate and a social security card. To schedule another testing date, please contact the center at 927-5302. The center provides free instruction to anyone 17 years of age or older who is interested in obtaining a GED or who wishes to improve his/her reading, writing, or math skills.    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.    Tips To Reduce Unwanted Mail Adding To Trash In Your Home - The average home receives about 500 pieces of unwanted mail each year. Think it is never going to end? Good news! Registering with the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service at 212-768-7277 to have your address removed from mailing lists can reduce junk mail. Credit card offers should be reduced by phoning 1-888-5-OPTOUT. In Claiborne Parish, take your newspapers with any inserts and your aluminum cans to the recycling bins located at the Homer City Hall, Haynesville City Hall, or to R&S Hardware in Athens. Call the Trailblazer office at 255-3554 for recycling locations in other towns or additional tips on reducing waste at home.    Independent Film Company To Shoot Scene At Mayfield Park - Tara Davis, owner of an independent film production company, Infiniti Productions, will be shooting a scene for her new movie, "Trying to Maintain," on Sunday, June 8 at the Mayfield Park in Homer. This will be Davis' second production and she is looking for individuals who could serve as extras in the scene. Anyone interested should be at the Mayfield Park by 3 PM on June 8.    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 Classes 1961-1965 To Hold Reunion - The Summerfield High School graduating classes of 1961-1965 will be having their 40th year high school reunion on Saturday, July 26, 2003. They plan to meet at the Summerfield High School cafeteria at 11 AM. Each classmate and their spouse is to bring a covered dish of their choice. Former teachers are also invited to join them for the day. Anyone in those classes thay may have moved away and did not actually graduate from Summerfield is also invited to be a part of the reunion, such as Patricia Strahan and Kay Bailey, or any others we do not know how to locate. For additional information, contact Pay Sayers Colvin at 318-746-3979.    Bluegrass And Gospel Extravaganza To Feature Ricky Skaggs - Ricky Skaggs will perform at 10 PM Saturday, June 7 during the 3-day Bluegrass and Gospel Extravaganza planned for June 6-8, 2003 at the Bonnie & Clyde Trade Day grounds located at 20550 Hwy. 9, south of Arcadia. He is one of a long lineup of entertainers to perform over the weekend. Adult ticket prices are $30 on Friday, $45 for Saturday, $20 on Sunday or $80 for a 3-day ticket. Children's tickets are $25 on Friday, $40 on Saturday, $15 on Sunday and $70 for the entire 3 days. For more information call 1-888-835-6112 or 318-263-2437, or visit the Bonnie & Clyde Trade Days website at www.bonnieandclydetradedays.com.    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.    CPSB Adult Education Center To Close For Summer Break - The Claiborne Parish School Board Adult Education Center, located on the Northwest Louisiana Technical College campus in Homer, will be closed for the summer break May 24 through June 30. Testing for new students will be Tuesday, July 1 from 8:00 until 11:00 AM. Anyone wishing to enroll will need a valid I.D. or birth certificate and a social security card. To schedule another testing date, please contact the center at 927-5302. The center provides free instruction to anyone 17 years of age or older who is interested in obtaining a GED or who wishes to improve his/her reading, writing, or math skills.    Lake Claiborne State Park Events - For information on upcoming events - Call 1-888-677-2524 toll free or 318-927-2976.				Christmas Festival Committee To Meet Thursday, June 5 - The next Christmas Festival meeting will be held Thursday, June 5 at 5:30 in the Homer Town Council chambers. Everyone is invited to come. Volunteers are needed for the country store and games.    Parish Library To Kick Off Summer Reading Program - The Claiborne Parish Library will kick off the 6-week summer reading program "Footloose in Louisiana Libraries" for children ages 3 to 12 on Saturday, May 31 from 10:30-11:30 AM at the Homer unit on Edgewood Drive. Programs will begin Wednesday, June 4.    Town To Hold Public Hearing On 2003 Ad Valorem Taxes - A public hearing will be held Monday, June 2, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. in the Mayor's Chambers to discuss the levying of ad valorem taxes for the Town of Homer for the year 2003.    Registration Underway For Driver's Education Class - Registration is underway for the 2003 Driver's Education Class to 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...    NCLAC Summer Arts Camp For Kids Set For June 23-27 At Homer City Hall - The North Central Louisiana Arts Council has set the schedule for Summer Arts Camp for Kids, the popular weeklong arts program which seeks to nurture children's creativity in a supportive, pressure-free environment. The Camp will be held in Homer City Hall June 23-27. Students who have completed at least the first grade and at most the seventh grade, will attend classes from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM with 3 professional artists or art educators (or both). To register, please call the NCLAC at 318-244-1450 or toll free at 866-255-1450.    Claiborne Classic Car & Bike Show Looking For Donations - Rickey Bearden is looking for contributions for the 2nd Annual Lake Claiborne Classic Car & Bike Show to be held October 4, 2003 as a benefit fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Hospital. Donations are needed for the silent auction and for giveaway bags. Call Bearden at 927-9740.    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.    Randy Ewing Fundraiser Set For June 14 At St. John Ranch - A Randy Ewing Fundraiser will be held June 14 at St. John Ranch near Homer beginning at 6 PM. For great food, live music, and an evening with Gubernatorial Candidate Randy Ewing, contact Randy Ewing Headquarters at 318-513-2770 for information on tickets.    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...    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.    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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