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June 19, 2003

 

More Cuts, Raising Water Rates Considered By Council

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

Committee Chairman Elmer Poss made several recommendations at a joint meeting of the Homer Town Council and Financial Advisory Committee on Thursday June 5 to reduce the ($204,426) deficit in the Enterprise Fund in the proposed FY 2003-2004 budget. He suggested moving $25,000 from the Street Fund to the General Fund and $15,000 from the Contingency Fund to the General Fund, then transferring those amounts along with the $53,000 surplus in the General Fund to the Enterprise Fund. This would reduce the deficit by $93,000. Poss suggested transferring the remaining balance from Industrial Funds but was not sure if the Town could legally transfer those funds even though they were being used now to cover the ($213,741) deficit from the current fiscal year. Other ways discussed to reduce expenses included further lowering the telephone bills by doing away with cellphones and beepers, reducing cost of salaries and benefits by reducing the number of employees, reducing the number of vehicles, and dropping the liability insurance and place those funds in a separate account to self-insure the town.

Lower Tax Collections Forces School Board To Cut Extra Check

LEAP Scores Drop Statewide, Show Big Improvement At Homer Elementary

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

The Claiborne Parish School Board met Thursday, June 12 following a meeting of the Finance Committee and work session. The revised 2002-2003 budget was adopted. The total ending fund balances in General, Contingency, Old Sales Tax, and 1996 Sales Tax was $5,426,400, down from the beginning balance of $5,715,748. The ending balance for lunch, Medicaid and maintenance funds was $7,130,573, down from the beginning balance of $7,772,228. Superintendent Gary Jones said Sales Tax collections were down again this year and recommended the Board not continue supplementing teacher's extra check from the general fund as they have in the past. Certified teachers will get the required pay raise from the increase in MFP funds from the state. Homer Elementary test scores have continued to improve. In 2000, only 43% of fourth graders passed Lang/Arts and only 38% passed Math. In 2001, 66% passed Lang/Arts and 55% passed Math. In 2002, 65% passed Lang/Arts and 55% passed Math. In 2003, 86% of the students passed Lang/Arts and 78% passed Math. Holland said she is constantly reminded, "as goes Homer Elementary, so goes the District." It is the biggest school in the District and creates the biggest impact on District Accountability Scores. The improvement since 2000 has been phenomenal. Something must really be right with the curriculum and the programs, but "teachers are the key always."

Manager Of Bill's Dollar Store Arrested For Theft

Pam Miller, local manager of Bill's Dollar Store, was arrested by the Homer Police Department on Wednesday, June 11 and charged with theft by misappropration of funds in excess of $3,200.00. The theft is alleged to have occurred over a period of several days, between May 30 and June 4. Miller was responsible for taking deposits to the bank after hours. The deposits were not adding up and bank personnel contacted the store's assistant manager about the discrepancies. Homer Police officers were then contacted. After further investigation, Miller was arrested, then later released on a $10,000 bond.

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.

Vision For Parish Includes Lakes, Recreation, Tourists, Retirees

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

"Retirees are the cleanest industry we can attract," according to Dr. Nelson Philpot. "The average retired couple brings more than $54,000 to the parish each year." After that turns over, they will add more than $81,000 to the economy, most spent locally. At the first of five public meetings to be held over the next six weeks, Philpot presented an outline of the strategic plan for Claiborne Parish, "Vision for a Better Tomorrow," to about fifty people who attended the meeting held at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn on Monday, June 16. He said the centerpiece of the plan is water resources, recreation, tourism, retirees, and the timber and poultry industry. Philpot said, "Our goal is to facilitate discussion and we need everyone involved." The Visions book includes 80 recommendations for a parishwide strategic plan, the first 25 are prioritized, although some of the ideas will never be implemented. Among the list of assets in Claiborne Parish are its water resources which include the potential for several new lakes. Work is already underway in Webster Parish to expand the lake over the Sparta Aquifer recharge area in the west part of Claiborne Parish. This lake would not only ease the stress on the Aquifer, but could provide opportunities for retirees and recreation. The next meeting will be held at Summerfield High School on June 30. Other meetings will be held at the Lisbon Civic Center on Thursday, July 10, at Mt. Olive Christian School in Athens on Thursday, July 31, and at Homer High School on Monday, August 18. All meetings begin at 7 PM and will include a Power Point presentation of the Strategic Plan followed by a question and answer session.

Police Jurors Discuss Tourism, Mosquitoes, Litter

Juror Roy Mardis said Mother's Day weekend is one of the largest events held in the parish each year. An estimated 5,000 come to Claiborne Parish that weekend. Although there were no major problems this year, he received a number of complaints from out of town guests complaining about the number of stops made by law enforcement officials. People were being detained and approached on private property for seat belt and window tint violations. In light of the recent focus on tourism, Mardis suggested they reinstate the Tourism Committee so they can look for ways to address the problem and work to make visitors feel welcome. Gene Coleman said there had been some discussion to put Tourism and the appointment of the Tourism Committee under the Claiborne Economic Development Board (CEDB) because they were so closely linked. Cynthia Steele told jurors CEDB President Loy Weaver said he had no problem with the Jury appointing a Tourism Committee that could work closely with the CEDB. Sheriff Kenneth Volentine told jurors the Louisiana State Police sent additional troopers to the parish to held with the three events that were held on Mother's Day weekend. During that time, only 98 citations were issued. Mardis said that number does not include the number of stops made with no citations issued. Jury President Weldon Kilpatrick appointed Roy Mardis to chair the Tourism Committee with Cynthia Steele and Mac Brakefield.

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!

Athens Garden Party Features Hat Contest

Rochelle Hall, Gloria Nixon, and Janice Plummer provided the lovely yards for the annual Athens Garden Party and Tour of Yards held June 3. These three ladies, along with Hessie Watson, served as hostesses for this popular event which was attended by more than 70 ladies from the Homer Garden Club, Dogwood Garden Club of Shreveport, along with numerous other area guests. Following the meal, a best decorated hat contest was held. This had been a tradition of the Athens Garden Club, but was revived this year. The originality of members and guests was amazing. The four men who fried the fish also served as judges. Winners were Ruth Glynn Sims, Alline Smith, Betty Moreland, Robbie Lowe, Rosa May Ford, and Sandra Thompson. The judges are to be commended for they withstood many, many attempts to sway them. Then these four put on the hats of barge pilots as they took the ladies by the water to tour the other yards.

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 - Archives Now Online include: Christmas Festival and Parade 2000 Lake Claiborne State Park Corney Lake Natl Park Claiborne Parish Jubilee 2003 To submit your images for inclusion in the Claiborne One Image Archive you may email them to webmaster@ClaiborneOne.org.    Homer Lions Club To Hold Awards Banquet June 26 - The Homer Lions Club will hold their Annual Awards Banquet at noon on Thursday, June 26 at Linder's Restaurant.    Claiborne Invincibles To Host Fish Fry, Music Event June 28 Athens - Claiborne Invincibles will host a Fish Fry on Saturday, June 28 with period music provided by Tommy Gore and band, "The Twelfth of April" at the Claiborne Place Blue Grass Park in Athens. Claiborne Invincibles is a member camp of the Son of Confederate Veterans, a group of men whose ancestors fought in the War Between the States and who enjoy learning more about that time period and how it affects our lives today. Anyone interested studying this time period in our Nation's history and would like enjoy some fish and good music are invited to bring their family. Please call Bobby White at 258-4370 or Wayne Hatfield at 927-2961 to make a reservation.    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.    Christian Performing Arts Being Organized For Youth - Anyone interested in helping to organize a Christian Performing Arts organization for the young people of Claiborne Parish. You are cordially invited to attend a meeting to be held at Serendipity Coffee Shop at 524 East Main on Tuesday, July 1 at 5:30 PM. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call Paul Ford at 927-1700 weekday afternoons.    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.    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.    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 To Hold Monthly Meeting Thursday, June 19 - The Claiborne Parish DART (Domestic Abuse Resistance Team) will hold their monthly meeting at noon at the office on Murrell Street on Thursday, June 19. For more information, call Mary Ellen Gamble, Parish Organizer, at 927-2818.    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.    Reunion For Descendants Of Miles Fuller Ware, Saturday, June 26 - The descendants of Miles Fuller Ware will have a reunion on Saturday, June 28 at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn in Haynesville at 10 AM until. Bring your favorite covered dish and drinks.    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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