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June 26, 2003

 

Haynesville's Metro Officer Resigns, Drugs Discussed

Installation Of New Water Meters Almost Complete

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

Councilman and Mayor pro tem H. U. "Mutt" Slaid filled in the absence of Mayor Mickey Mayfield at the June 19 meeting of the Haynesville Town Council. Councilman Alvin Kendrick said he had spoken to Sheriff Kenneth Volentine concerning the Metro Narcotics Task Force and found they work in four parishes: Claiborne, Webster, Bienville, and Lincoln. The Task Force was actively working now but Volentine would not give details because he did not want to put anyone at risk, but did say he was very satisfied with the narcotics officers. Councilman Kenny Killgore agreed. He had spoken with Metro Officer James Spillers and several others. They all spoke highly of David Morgan. Kendrick said in 2001 it took the Task Force 18 months before they were able to make an arrest. Of the 63 persons they were investigating, they arrested 49 on 113 counts and several were from Haynesville. Slaid said he was the one who brought all this to the table. He said it cost the Town $37,000 in 2002 for the narcotics officer and what did the Town have to show for it. He said, "My point is this, do you have drugs in your district?" Each of you would answer yes, and in some cases, to the extreme. These arrests are two years old and for two years there has been no drug busts. He said, "Drugs are plentiful in Haynesville, Louisiana." Slaid informed the Council narcotics officer David Morgan had submitted his letter of resignation and would be going to work for the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office on July 1. Since Morgan has now resigned, Slaid said it was a dead question.

Street In Caddo Industrial Park Named For Haynesville Native

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

Haynesville native Albert D. "Al" Bourland was honored last month when Shreveport and Caddo Parish officials met on Wednesday, May 28 to dedicate the first street in the Caddo Parish Industrial Park named for him. Al Bourland Drive will stand as a tribute to the man who worked for General Motors in the 1970s and was instrumental in setting up the initial meeting between GM officials and Congressman Joe D. Waggonner in 1973. It would be the first of several meetings that would eventually lead to the decision by General Motors Corporation to bring the GM truck plant to Shreveport. Another Claiborne Parish native, John D. Caruthers of Shreveport was instrumental in organizing the event and served as Master of Ceremonies. Shreveport Mayor Keith Hightower, who presented Bourland with the keys to the city, also has roots in Claiborne Parish. Hightower's father and grandparents were from Haynesville. Others attending were friends Dick Gibson and Robby Aillet, also of Haynesville.

More Dead Birds: West Nile Count Reaches 71

First Case Tests Positive In Claiborne Parish

After two weeks with no birds testing positive for West Nile virus, the Department of Health and Hospitals today announced that 19 new West Nile virus cases in dead birds have been detected. This brings the total to 71 for this year. Claiborne Parish is among the seven parishes that previously had no reports of infected dead birds that have now been added to the list. The other parishes are Ascension, Bossier, Evangeline, LaSalle, St. Charles, and St. John. The virus now has appeared in 41 of Louisiana's 64 parishes. No humans have tested positive for the virus, and State Epidemiologist Dr. Raoult Ratard says there are no serious suspect cases in sight at this time. Local sanitarian John Warrington said he received the report Monday, June 23 informing him the bluejay collected at 1582 Geneva Street in Haynesville on May 31, 2003 had tested positive for the West Nile virus. Warrington said the Claiborne Parish Police Jury and mayors of both Homer and Haynesville have been notified, as well as the residents living where the bird was found.

State Troopers To Enforce Seat Belt And Child Restraint Use

"Operation Short Trip" June 23 - July 6 The Louisiana State Police Troop G Task Force, in conjunction with on-duty shifts, will begin a high profile saturation enforcement of seatbelt and child restraint violations. The new project began Monday, June 23 and will end Sunday, July 6, 2003. This enforcement will be designated as "Operation Short Trip", and will be a concentrated effort to raise the compliance level of restraint use among those who make up the majority of our local fatal crashes. Troop G holds seatbelt enforcement details almost daily around the Troop area and we have documented a significant increase in compliance. Troop G has investigated eighteen fatalities this year and have identified the following: sixteen of eighteen fatalities were local residents, twelve were not wearing a seatbelt, and four were ejected from their vehicles. Our research has shown that non-compliant motorists are not wearing seatbelts because they feel comfortable when traveling in close proximity to their residence, when there is light traffic, and when they are familiar with the roadway. When statistics are reviewed it should be noted that it is this very group of non-compliant motorists who are involved in the majority of our fatal crashes. Our challenge is to reach the consistently non-compliant group of local motorists who will increase their frequency of "Short Trips" during this summer recreation season.

Summer Lake Patrol To Focus On DWIs, Unsafe Boating, Jet Skis

Captain Jeff Pugh will be patrolling Lake Claiborne every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through August. On the Fourth of July, he will be joined by Claiborne Parish Sheriff Deputy Ken Bailey to make sure that all boating regulations are being observed. The main focus of the lake patrol will be D.W.I.'s, unsafe boating, and "personal watercraft". In Louisiana, personal watercraft, commonly referred to as jet skis, are defined as vessels powered by an inboard water jet pump and operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel. Jet skiers are responsible for the safety of themselves, any passengers, and anyone who operates their personal watercraft. They are also responsible for the safety of others with whom they share the water. Jet skiers and boaters are urged to "Know Before You Go." This means to know the requirements before you go out on the water. A small number of irresponsible jet skiers have given this sport a black eye. Regarding drinking alcohol and boat operation-DON'T DO IT!! Drinking is dangerous. It impairs your judgment,coordination and reaction time. Mixing drinking and boat operation does not make common or legal sense. Pugh said, "Please remember to always take into consideration others while on the water. Always observe the No Wake Restrictions." More than one-half of the boaters on the waters today are jet skiers and jet skis are not toys. The owner of the watercraft is liable for any damage caused by his craft no matter who is driving at the time. This includes damage or injury caused by violating a No Wake Zone. Jet skis cannot be operated between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise. Unless accompanied on a two-person craft by an adult, children under 13 should not operate jet skis. Each person riding or operating a jet ski must wear a personal flotation device at all times. They must be Type I, II, III, or V Coast Guard approved. If the boat is equipped with a lanyard cutoff switch, the flotation device must be attached to the person, their clothing, or PFD. Registration certificates should be on board the watercraft. Jet skiers are asked to please take advantage of the size of the lake and stay away from boat traffic, banks, fisherman, and swimmers. This will help ensure that everyone can truly enjoy Lake Claiborne and still maintain safety for all.

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. The Power Point presentation used in "Vision for a Better Tomorrow" meetings is available online (DSL or Cable connection and MS Internet Explorer recommended). The abridged version of the Visions Book is also online (PDF format).

Fourth Of July Fireworks and Boat Parade An American Tradition

Sheriff To Be Grand Marshal In Boat Parade

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Kenneth Volentine will serve as Grand Marshal in this year's Patriotic Boat Parade to be held on Lake Claiborne on Friday, July 4th, prior to the Annual Fireworks display. The Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will lead the Parade. Boats are asked to display the American flag and other patriotic decorations in red, white, and blue. They should begin gathering on the water near Pleasure Point about 7 PM. No jet skis will be allowed. The Parade is set to begin at 7:30 PM and will include Pleasure Point, Port-au-Prince, Parden's Paradise, Coleman Creek, the public boat launch, Lake Claiborne State Park, and Sport Pointe. The Fireworks Display is being sponsored once again by the "Fourth of July Fireworks for Lake Claiborne, Inc." To help raise funds, patriotic hats are being sold for $10. For a $1 donation, your name will be placed in a drawing for a beautifully handcarved bass to be given away July 4th. Anyone who would like to make a donation can mail their check payable to Fourth of July Fireworks to 180 Post Oak Road, Homer, LA 71040. For more information on the Fireworks Display or Boat Parade, to purchase your patriotic hat or to buy a chance on the handcarved bass, call Dick Dorrell at 927-0039 or Fred Lewis at 927-9081.

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.    American Legion Auxiliary Unit 73 To Meet Monday - The American Legion Auxiliary Homer Unit #73 will meet on Monday, June 30 at 5:30 PM at the Claiborne Parish Library.    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.				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.    Lake Commission To Meet Thursday, June 26, 5:30 PM - The Claiborne Parish Watershed District Commission (Lake Commission) will meet Thursday, June 26 at 5:30 PM in the Police Jury Complex building. On the agenda are striped bass stocking program, summer boat patrol, request to DOTD for a lake drawdown in the fall of 2004, buoy inspection, enforcement of commission ordinances, and a citizen committee proposal for boat registration.. School Board Special Services To Destroy Old Records July 11 Claiborne Parish Special Services will be destroying all special education records on students who exited the program before 1998. If you would like a student's records contact the Claiborne Parish Special Service Office at (318) 927-2496 on or before July 11, 2003. You must provide a picture I.D. to obtain these records.    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. The Power Point presentation used in "Vision for a Better Tomorrow" meetings is available online (DSL or Cable connection and MS Internet Explorer recommended). The abridged version of the Visions Book is also online (PDF format).    The Town Of Junction City To Hold Public Hearing July 8 - The Town of Junction City will hold a public hearing at 6 PM on July 8 at the Town Hall to obtain views on housing and community development needs and discuss the the application for funding under the LCDBG Grant program.    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.    Gospel Musical Play "From Whence We Came" July 3 - Haynesville/Woodson Alumni Reunion to present The Gospel Musical Play "From Whence We Came" to be held at the Haynesville High School Gym on Thursday, July 3 at 7 PM. Donation $2. A portion of the proceeds go to the Claiborne Parish Boys and Girls Club.    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...    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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