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June 5, 2003

 

Homer Council Faces Serious Budget Shortfall

Policy Adopted For Use Of Parks To Require Signed Agreement

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

The Homer Town Council held a public hearing Monday, June 2 to allow citizens an opportunity to comment on the proposed budget for the 2003-2004 fiscal year. Town Clerk Lana Pugh said some recommendations had been made by the Financial Advisory Committee at their meeting Wednesday, May 28, but figures were subject to change. Financial Committee Chairman Elmer Poss said not only is the proposed budget for 2004 not in balance, but the amended budget for 2003 shows an expected deficit of ($207,310.00) in the Enterprise Fund. The proposed budget for 2004 shows a deficit of ($204,426.00) in the Enterprise Fund. Poss said he didn't know what would happen if the Town closed the year with a deficit. He also did not know where additional revenue would come from or where expenses could be cut. He asked the Council to try to hold down expenses as much as possible in June. Poss said, "It looks like we are faced with a very painful decision, raising some revenue some way, taxes or fees or something, and making deep cuts in expenses-or both." If the Town continues to lose at a rate of $200,000 to $300,000 per year, it will finally reach a point of no return. Once the Town spends all the Industrial Development Funds, it will be at that point. The adjusted proposed budget for 2004 showed total revenues in the General Fund of $892,790.00 and total expenditures of $839,300.00, leaving a positive balance of $52,490.00. Total revenues in the Enterprise Fund were $983,700.00 and total expenditures were $1,188,126.00, leaving a negative balance of ($204,426.00). Pugh said the Financial Advisory Committee would like to meet with the Mayor and Council at 5 PM Thursday, June 5. Drastic changes would be needed to come up with the ($204,426.00) shortfall needed to balance the budget in the Enterprise Fund and Committee members want to be sure they are headed in the right direction. A Special Called Meeting will be held to adopt the budget sometime next week. Mayor Dean said the Enterprise Fund had been in the hole for some time. The budget comparison showed in 2001, the budget showed a negative balance of ($159,629.00) and in 2002 a negative balance of ($124,261.00). After making adjustments to the amended budget for 2003, the Enterprise Fund showed total revenues of $1,087,816.00 and total expenditures of $1,295.126.00, for a net projected loss of ($207,310.00).

Homer Financial Advisory Committee Looks For Cuts In FY 2003-04 Budget Title

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

Homer Town Clerk Lana Pugh presented members of the Financial Advisory Committee copies of the proposed budget for the Town of Homer for the fiscal year 2003-2004 at their meeting Wednesday, May 28. The budget showed total estimated revenues in the General Fund were $892,790.00 and total expenses were $946,000.00, leaving a negative balance of ($53,210.00) Total estimated revenues in the Enterprise Fund were $973,700.00 and total expenses were $1,262,426.00, leaving a negative balance of ($288,726.00). After going over each item in the budget and making several corrections, the Committee agreed to several recommendations. Eliminating the $35,000 transfer to the Enterprise Fund and the $25,000 Capital Outlay for the Police Department left the General Fund with a positive balance. In the Enterprise Fund, the Committee decided to increase the estimated revenues for garbage fees from $170,000 to $185,000 and the water sales from $370,000 to $400,000. Without the $35,000 transfer from the General Fund, the estimated revenue was increased by $10,000. Additional cuts would be needed to offset the remaining deficit of ($278,726). After looking at each expense item in the Enterprise Fund, the Committee recommended: 1) reducing the annual telephone expense by $2,000, 2) cutting travel expense $4,000, 3) reducing accounting services $6,500, 4) reducing dues and subscriptions $1,000, 5) employee insurance expense $10,000, 6) electricity. $10,000, 7) water supplies & expense, $12,000, and 8) BFI sanitation contract, $15,000. After making several corrections, the savings estimated of $43,500 left a negative balance in the Enterprise Fund around ($235,000.) Committee members agreed the Council should be invited to the next meeting to get input on how to come up with the other cuts to offset the remaining deficit in the Enterprise Fund.

Haynesville Council Work To Scrub Budget

Travel Expense, Narcotics Officer Debated

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

The Haynesville Town Council met Thursday, May 20 to review the proposed budget for 2004. Mayor Mickey Mayfield said he and Town Clerk Penny Fields met with town auditor Mike Epperson to prepare the draft. Mayfield said the Town had to find about $150,000 to balance the budget. There are two ways to balance the budget, you either increase your revenues or cut your expenses. Fields reviewed the budget with Council members and explained some of the changes. Total revenues in the General Fund was $546,700 and total expenses came to $599,550. After making several adjustments and using accumulated funds of $57,000 available from the current fiscal year, the Town showed a net income of $4,150. Revenue in the General Fund showed increases of $1,500 in corporate taxes, $5,000 in oil and gas royalties, and $1,500 in magistrate court costs. Decreases in revenue were shown in street and sewer tax collections of $4,500 and $10,000 in fines. General Fund expenses showed an increase of $5,400 in municipal employee retirement due to a rate increase from 8% to 11%, an increase of $20,000 in municipal police employee retirement due to a rate increase of 9% to 18.25%, and a decrease of $1,800 in the VA office expense. Councilman H.U. "Mutt" Slaid questioned the reason for lowering the total revenue in fines from the $50,000 in last year's budget to $40,000 this year. Police Chief Jim Garner said his target was $4,000 per month and he planned to re-emphasize that to his officers, but he could not necessarily guarantee that amount. Mayor Mayfield said budget figures are based on actual collections for first nine months, plus the monthly average on the remaining three months. Councilman Kenny Killgore said $40,000 was more realistic based on actual collections. Garner said his officers had to write tickets totaling $100,000 to collect $50,000. About 40 percent collected goes to the State and $3,600 goes to attorney Danny Newell for court costs.

Haynesville Resident Found Dead

Jeremy Murray, 23, was discovered Monday, June 2, 2003 by his mother, Mrs. Helen Manning at her residence at 3888 Hwy. 2 Alt. in Haynesville with an apparent gunshot wound to the head according to the initial investigation by the Haynesville Police Department. Mrs. Manning found her son's body at approximately 7 PM in the bedroom he was occupying at her residence. Further inquiries are being conducted into the case by authorities.

"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.

Junction City Man Arrested In Domestic Case

According to a news story published in the El Dorado News-Times on Tuesday, May 20, 2003, a Junction City man was arrested after fleeing from police on Sunday, May 18. Multiple charges included charges as a felon in possession of firearms. Local law enforcement agencies responded to a radio alert issued on Shawn Kyle Kidwell, 23, of Three Creeks Road according to Union County Sheriff's Office reports, after battery and aggravated assault charges were filed against him for an incident that occurred on Welch Loop Road. Kidwell allegedly attacked his wife in their vehicle and slammed her head into the console, resulting in cuts and bruises to her face and arms. He then put his wife out of the car on Welch Loop Road where her brother, Mark LeBlanc and his family, later found her walking down the road crying. Kidwell made an attempt to block the route with his vehicle when LeBlanc approached the intersection to the road, but LeBlanc hit his vehicle as he swerved to get in front of it. When Kidwell was denied the opportunity to talk to his wife, he pointed an automatic pistol at LeBlanc and toward the car where children were sitting according to the report. The USCO issued a BOLO (be on the look out) for Kidwell via radio to alert law enforcement agencies to the situation. Kidwell fled the scene when his car was stopped by an officer on South Washington. The Union County K-9 search dog found Kidwell hiding in bushes behind a strip of businesses nearby. Seven firearms were recovered from his vehicle, including a 9 mm pistol, 22-caliber pistol and a Mossberg 12-gauge pump shotgun--all loaded. Boxes of ammunition, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were also found, according to the report. Kidwell was charged by the USCO with delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a certain person (felon), simultaneous possession of drugs and weapons, aggravated assault and third degree battery.

Homer Bypass On Hold Indefinitely

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

Bids for the construction phase of the Homer Bypass were scheduled to be let the end of May, but according to Bruce Easterly, District Administrator with Department of Transportation (DOTD) in Bossier City the bid date was delayed until the next fiscal year. Although the fiscal year begins July 1, 2003, there are no assurances when money will be there to proceed with the project which is solely funded through the state. State Rep. Richard "Rick" Gallot spoke with DOTD Secretary Dr. Kam Movassaghi on Tuesday who assured him "the project will move forward." According to Tracy Horne, spokesman for the DOTD, "It is strictly a monetary issue. If they had Federal funds it would be a different story. They recently identified the State would have a $35 million shortfall in the 4 cent gasoline tax in 2003-2004. That is a huge change." Horne said they anticipate being able to let bids on construction in the next fiscal year, but it is possible the estimated $14 million construction project may not be funded in 2003-2004. Construction Engineer Darrell Goza said, as of May 24, the 110 working days allowed for the clearing and grubbing was 34 percent complete and work was about 35 percent complete. With about 20-22 working days per month, the project should be able to complete the remaining 65 work days during the three summer months. The project should be completed by late August. Utility relocation should be complete shortly thereafter.

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 Nights 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. The Ford Museum will be closed June 27-July 7. For inquiries call Beverly Smith at 927-2223 or Toni Robertson at 927-6855. The Museum will reopen July 9 for regular hours, Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 AM - 4 PM, closed from 12 noon until 1 PM.    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.    Youth Firearm Safety Course Ages 6-16, Saturday, June 7 - Jake's Field Day to feature a Firearms Safety Course for youth ages 6-16 by a certified instructor on Saturday, June 7, 2003 from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM at Claiborne Clays located at 215 Garrett Farm Road in Homer. This event is sponsored by the Dorcheat Gobblers Chapter of the NTWF (National Wild Turkey Federaton). Lunch will be served. For more information, call 453-9904 or 371-2337. June 7, 2003 from 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM.    Trash Bash Set For Saturday June 7 At Old Light Plant - A Trash Bash will be held Saturday, June 7 from 8 PM - 3 PM at the old Light Plant, north of the old Coca-Cola Plant on East 3rd Street near the railroad. The Trash Bash is sponsored by the Town of Homer and Clean City Committee. For more info, call 927-3271 or 927-2342.    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.    Claiborne Parish Police Jury, School Board Meet This Week - The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet Wednesday, June 4 and Thursday, June 5 at 10 AM. The Claiborne Parish School Board will meet Thursday, June 12 at 7 PM following work session at 6 PM.    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.    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.				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.    Homer Elementary Report Cards Ready To Be Picked Up - Parents of Homer Elementary students in grades 1-4 can pick up their child's report card at the school office between 8 AM and 3 PM weekdays from now until Friday, June 13.    Parish Library Summer Reading Program Underway - The 2nd week of the Summer Reading Program will bring "Tales and Rhymes" to storytime programs. Weekly storytimes will be Wednesdays at 10 AM for all ages in Haynesville and on Thursdays in Homer, at 10 AM for 3-K and at 2 PM for grades 1-4. For more information, call 927-3845 in Homer or 624-0364 in Haynesville.    Boys & Girls Club Summer Camp Began Monday, June 2 - 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, Homer or Haynesville unit. There will be arts & crafts, fun, and fitness. The camp will be open Monday-Friday from June 2 to August 1 from 7:30 AM - 5 PM. The Haynesville Unit is open from 1-5 PM. Applications are available at the Clubs. Call 927-2718 for more information.    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.    DART, DOL To Sponsor Stress, Domestic Abuse Workshops June 14 - Are you stressed? Do you worry all the time? Would you like some tips on how to get rid of those feelings? Do you know someone-a friend or relative living in an abusive environment? Would you like to know more about domestic or dating violence? DART, in conjunction with the Louisiana Dept. of Labor, will present a one day workshop on Saturday, June 14 at DART's office on Murrell Street. The Stress & Worry Management workshop will begin at 10 AM and the Domestic Violence A-Z workshop will be from 12:30-3:30 PM. Children may attend a separate workshop which will include arts, crafts, games, and movies. A light lunch will be provided. Participants can attend one or both workshops. Seating is limited, so call 927-2818 by Friday, June 13 to register.    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.    CCC & Rep. Rick Gallot To Sponsor Career Counseling Workshop - Community Coordinating Council, Inc. and Rep. Richard Gallot Jr. will sponsor a Career Counseling Workshop "Stepping Stones for Setting Career Goals" to be held Friday, June 6 at the Jacob T. Stewart Building, Room 333 at Grambling State University from 10 AM till noon. Guest speaker will be Attorney John Belton. Presenters include Shawn Robinson of Grambling, Tyneshia Rushing and Kalesha Crew of Gibsland, Rubbie James and Tiffany Heard of Lisbon and the U. S. Postal Service of Homer. Snack bag coupons will be given to each attendant at the end of the workshop. All organizations furnishing transportation for 15 or more youth will be reimbursed at a rate of thirty cents per mile round trip. For more info, call Valena Lane at 247-6676 or Tonya Jackson at 255-3632.    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...
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