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June 12, 2003

 

Sheriff Kenneth Volentine Won't Seek Re-Election

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

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Kenneth Volentine announced on Friday, June 6 he would not seek re-election. After serving some thirty years as a public servant-the last ten as sheriff, Volentine decided to step down and spend some time traveling with his wife, Beverly, while they were still young enough to enjoy it. Volentine said he had some minor health problems, but felt they were in part associated with the stress of the job and expected them to clear up after he retires. He said, "I hope that somehow I have made a difference in the lives of people in Claiborne Parish." He said he never considered himself a politician, but a public servant, but added, "To be a good public servant, you have to be a good politician because you have to stay elected."

Two Arrested For Trying To Set Fire At Gas Pump

Arson Attempt Thwarted By Alert Homer Businessman

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

Gordon Simmons, owner of Phillips 66 Service Station in Homer, demonstrated his keen sense of community responsibility early Thursday morning, June 5 by immediately notifying law enforcement officials of the suspicious actions of two young women outside the Dixie Mart #8 on Hwy. 79 in Haynesville. Simmons was en route to his auto impound facility in Homer with a vehicle that had been impounded by the Haynesville Police when he observed two women, later identified as Sarah Kimmell, 19, of El Dorado, and Shirley Mitchell, 21, of Junction City, Arkansas who appeared to be attempting to start a fire at the gas pumps of the convenience store. Following a high speed chase, Haynesville officers Jimmie Mitchell and Mack Murray apprehended the two subjects. Further investigation by the officers revealed the females were in possession of drug paraphernalia. Kimmell was charged with arson with intent to defraud, flight from an officer, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $7,000. Mitchell was charged with arson with intent to defraud and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond was set $5,500. Both women are currently being held in the Claiborne Parish jail.

Two Haynesville Police Officers Terminated

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

Two Haynesville Police officers were fired at a Special Called Meeting of the Haynesville Town Council on Thursday, May 22, 2003. Mayor Mickey Mayfield read reports prepared by Haynesville Police Chief Jim Garner on two counts of misconduct by police officer Dorinda Gluck. Mayfield read a list of items involving incidents regarding police officer Marcus Frasier. Both Gluck and Frasier were given an opportunity to respond and asked if they wanted to go into executive session to further discuss the allegations. Both stated they preferred to handle the matter in open session. Chief Garner recommended the Council terminate both officers. By a vote of 3-1, the Council voted to terminate Gluck and Frasier. H.U. "Mutt" Slaid, Otto Black and Kenny Killgore voted in favor. Alvin Kendrick voted against and Joyce Major abstained. Garner said no charges had been filed against either officer.

Juneteenth Celebration To Feature Blues Concert

Mayfield Park, June 20-21, 2003

The Juneteenth Festival Committee has been making preparations for this year's Annual Juneteenth Celebration to be held Friday and Saturday, June 20-21 in Homer and would like to take this opportunity to invite the public to join the fun-filled weekend celebration activities. On Friday, June 20, the Annual Juneteenth Pageant will be held in the Homer High School auditorium beginning at 6:30 PM. The Committee is inviting young ladies, age 2-20, to participate in this year's pageant. Those who are interested should contact Francis McGee at 927-4348 or Alysia Wilson at 927-4888 for more information or to get a pageant application. Tickets for the pageant will be $5. On Saturday, June 21, the Celebration will continue at Mayfield Park beginning at 9 AM. Activities include baseball and softball games, food booths, as well as other games and activities for all ages. On Saturday evening, the Celebration will conclude with a Blue Concert at Mayfield Park set to begin sometime after 8 PM. The Concert is free to the public. Attendees should bring lawn chairs and prepare to enjoy an evening of music in the park. Non-profit, as well as profit-making groups, interested in securing a booth for the Saturday event should contact Paul McGee, Assistant Recreation Director for the Town of Homer, to reserve a booth space. The cost for a booth space is $30. For non-profit organizations, booth space will be $25. For more information on this year's Juneteenth Celebration or to reserve a booth space, please call Paul McGee at 927-4348. All payments for booth spaces should be made payable to the Mayfield Sports Association.

"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.

Poultry Lab Under Construction On Hwy. 79

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

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is constructing a new poultry lab on Hwy. 79 just south of Homer at the site of the old roadside park next to the Claiborne Animal Clinic. According to Agriculture Commissioner Bob Odom, plans for the lab began about two years ago and were developed at the request of poultry growers Pilgrim's Pride (formerly ConAgra) and House of Raeford, and the Farm Bureau Poultry Commission. They wanted a diagnostic lab constructed somewhere in north Louisiana, since that is where the state's poultry industry is located. A portion of the funding for the lab came from a $85,000 federal Block Grant for Specialty Crops. The other $300,000 was funded through the Legislature.

Fourth Of July Fireworks and Boat Parade An American Tradition

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Hear Ye!!! The Claiborne Parish Fireworks and Boat Parade are about to begin! That's right folks. It's almost that time again, time for a truly patriotic display of Claiborne Parish activity on beautiful Lake Claiborne!! This year will be among the best as we welcome home troops from across the big water and gladly proclaim "I'm Proud To Be An American", "Stars & Stripes Forever", and "God Bless America"! The Lake Claiborne Boat Parade will start at the tip of Pleasure Point at 7 PM and be lead by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office. All parade participants are asked to decorate their boat in a patriotic theme, with red, white, and blue, and to stay in a single line along the shoreline so all spectators will have a great view. The parade route will include Pleasure Point, Port-au-Prince, Parden's Paradise, the public boat launch, Coleman Creek, and Lake Claiborne State Park. The parade will end in front of the Lake Claiborne dam for a fantastic view of the fireworks! The captain of each boat will receive a brand new cap. (sorry only one per boat). Remember to keep it safe and follow all boating and lake rules and regulations. No jet skis will be allowed in the parade. Boats must keep their white light on while sitting and watching the fireworks display. When the fireworks are over, boaters are asked to take their time leaving and watch out for other boats. Lake Claiborne will be shut down as the parade is in progress. Donations Still Needed For Fireworks Display The annual Lake Claiborne Fireworks Show will not and cannot happen without the support and donations of the community. A beautifully hand-carved bass donated by an inmate at David Wade Correctional Center will be given away to some lucky person whose name will be drawn July 4 for a $1 donation. Patriotic hats can be purchased at Pleasure Point Marina and Parden's Paradise for $10. A portion of proceeds will go toward next year's event. For more information or to purchase hats or chances on the hand carved bass, call Dick Dorrell at 927-0039 or Fred Lewis at 927-9081. Let's make this a year to remember!

Claiborne Electric Moving To New Location

Claiborne Electric Cooperative will close its office located at 300 Hwy. 146 (White Lightning Road) at noon on Friday, June 13 and will reopen for business at 8 AM on Monday, June 16 in their new $3.5 million office complex located at 12525 Hwy. 9 (just south of the LSU Hill Farm Research Station). The new facility offers an added benefit for Claiborne Electric customers, but with no change in employment levels or electric rates. Customers will now be able to make payments at a 2-lane drive through, one with a drive-up window and one with a pneumatic tube. 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.    Homer High Pelican Dolls, Flag Line Selling $1 Chances - Homer High Pelican Dolls and HHS Flag Line are holding fundraisers to purchase uniforms and equipment. The Flag Line are selling $1 chances on $100 gift certificate at Wal-Mart. The Pelican Dolls are selling $1 chances on a custom made chest with bottom lined in cedar or a custom made 8 gun cabinet, both on display at Regions Bank. Contact any Pelican Doll or Flag Line member or Mary Canterbury at 927-6839. Drawing will be held July 10.    Public Hearing Set For Town Of Haynesville Budget - A public hearing on the proposed budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004 of the Town of Haynesville is scheduled for Thursday, June 26 at 6:00 PM in the council room at City Hall, 1711 Main Street in Haynesville. A copy of the proposed budget will be available for public inspection.    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.    Pinehill Water System To Hold Monthly Meeting June 16 - The Pinehill Water System monthly meeting will be held June 16 at 6 PM at the Claiborne Manor Nursing 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.    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.    Herring-Larance Reunion Set For Saturday, June 14 At Unionville - The Herring-Larance Reunion will be held Saturday, June 14 at the Colvin Memorial in Unionville (several miles north of Ruston just off Hwy. 167) beginning at 10 AM. A covered dish luncheon will be served at noon.    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 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.    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.				Boys & Girls Club To Hold Bake Sale At Wal-Mart June 21 - The Boys & Girls Club of Claiborne Parish will hold a Bake Sale from 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturday, June 21 at Wal-Mart in Homer. Cookies, cakes, and brownies will be sold. Special orders will be taken for Sweet Potato Cakes and Butter Rolls through Wednesday, June 18. For more information, call 927-2718 or 927-9130. All proceeds will go to the Boys & Girls Club.    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.    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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