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July 24, 2003

 

Homer Council Hires New Town Clerk

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

The Homer Town Council voted to hire Phyllis Barnhill as the new town clerk at a Special Called Meeting on Monday, July 21. Barnhill will replace former Clerk Lana Pugh who resigned earlier this month to take another job. Mayor Huey Dean said seven persons applied for the position, but none were as qualified as Barnhill. Barnhill is a certified municipal clerk with almost seven years experience and presently serves as clerk in Many, Louisiana. She was highly recommended by fellow workers, town aldermen and the mayor. She is also serving her second year on the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Municipal Clerks Association. Councilman Thomas McDonald said although several good people applied for the job, it was his personal opinion the Town needed someone new and someone with vast experience as a town clerk.The only other applicant with any experience was interim Town Treasurer Shenovia Harris who had served as acting clerk the three weeks.

Haynesville Considers $300,000 Street Program

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

Haynesville Councilman H.U. "Mutt" Slaid proposed the Town Council spend up to $300,000 to overlay streets at the July 17 meeting of the Town Council. In addition to Price Drive, East Main, and McDonald Street which are already on this year's blacktop program through the Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Slaid suggested spending about $175,000 to overlay the following streets: Nelson, Bridgeman, Bailey, Frazier, Williams, Spring, Lee, and Angela. The remaining $125,000 would be spent on a list of roads to be compiled by each councilman. Slaid said two of the worst streets in town were Frances Circle Drive by the hospital and Marietta to the parking area at the football stadium. Requests have already been received on Hazel Lane and Reeves St. (formerly 6th Street). He suggested each councilman come up with a list of the worst streets in their district and the estimated cost to overlay them and bring it to the next meeting.

Vo-Tech Has Record Summer

New Director Looking To Expand Programs At Homer Campus

Gary Simolke, Assistant Director of the Northwest Louisiana Technical College, was recently assigned to oversee the Homer campus and the campus at David Wade Correctional Center. The Minden native brings 28 years experience in the Louisiana Technical College system, with the last 16 years at Northwest. He is gearing up for what he believes will be a record enrollment this fall, since NLTC had a record enrollment this summer with 700 students registered at Minden, Springhill, and Homer. Anticipating another large enrollment, Laurie Morrow, college student personnel services officer is encouraging potential applicants to go ahead and register. She said, "We take applicants on a first come, first serve basis, and we may not have room for those who wait too late." Early registration will also save on fees that are expected to increase this fall.

Police Jury Addresses Liability Of Litter Court

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

President Weldon Kilpatrick read a letter from First Justice of the Peace Constable William Maddox at the July 10 meeting of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury where Maddox asked for a meeting to be set up with the State Assistant Attorney General regarding the Litter Court. He asked specifically to meet with Kilpatrick, attorney Danny Newell, Haynesville Mayor Mickey Mayfield, and Haynesville Police Chief Jim Garner. Kilpatrick said he could not meet on the suggested date but asked Maddox to submit a range of suitable dates. Maddox also submitted a request for reimbursement on printing of litter court tickets and charges for a cell phone. Newell said the Jury was required to reimburse for time spent and expenses of the justices of the peace and constables for enforcing litter ordinances but not until they begin collecting fines. Fines collected are turned over to the Jury. At that time, the Jury would be obligated to pay expenses, but since the Jury is not required to provide equipment, it would be up to the Jury to decide whether to pay for the cell phone.

Forestry Project Leader Joins Hill Farm Staff

Dr. Michael Blazier recently joined the LSU AgCenter's Hill Farm Research Station as Forestry Project Leader. Dr. Blazier is a Louisiana native, born and raised in West Monroe. He said it is because of his roots in Louisiana that he has a great sense of responsibility and pride to strive to develop new information that will benefit the many private forest owners of this state, from the smallest acreage owner to the industrial owner.

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).

Long Time Claiborne Parish Residents Announce Opening of Web Site

www.Boat-Lifts.US

Claiborne Parish Business owners, B.G. and Rochelle Hall announce the opening of their new web site. Operating their business, Hall Boat Lifts, from their home on Lake Claiborne, the Hall's have provided Boat Lifts and Accessories for over 24 years. Interested parties are invited to visit them on the web...

Claiborne Boys & Girls Club To Sponsor National KidsDay

"Celebrating Kids Nationwide" Saturday, August 2, 2003, 8 AM - 4 PM - Courthouse Square

The Claiborne Boys & Girls Club is sponsoring its 2nd Annual National KidsDay on Saturday, August 2 from 8 AM - 4 PM on the Courthouse Square in downtown Homer. The day's events will include lots of food, games, entertainment, and great family fun. Booths are available starting at $40 for 10x10 space and $50 for 20x10 space. For more information, call Leroy Hamilton, Jr. at 318-927-2718 or Oubin Ramey at 318-927-6355. Bring the family and come out and enjoy a day of fun!

Local 4-H Students Show Off Mosquito Abatement Banner

Local 4-H students were given a perfect opportunity to share pertinent information on the prevention of mosquitoes at the Police Jury Office Complex when the Claiborne Economic Development Board held a meeting there on July 10. Cory Talley, Assistant 4-H Extension Agent (left) and 4-Hers Melissa and Cameron Hylan (center) were able to speak with one of the attendees, Jerry Williams, General Manager and CEO of Claiborne Electric. The banner in the backdrop was designed by the LSU AgCenter in Baton Rouge. Each region in the state was given a banner allowing them to float from parish to parish. Claiborne Parish will have possession of the banner until July 29. Be sure to look for the banner at the Homer Wal-Mart. If you have questions concerning mosquitoes please call the local AgCenter at 927-3110.

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.    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.    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.    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...    Pupil Progression Draft Plan Available For View At School Board - Claiborne Parish School Board will revise and adopt the Pupil Progression Plan at its regular meeting on August 8, 2003. This plan sets local policy for promotion, retention, and testing of students in the Parish Schools. A draft plan will be available for public view and comments in the Claiborne Parish School Board office at 415 East Main in Homer during regular business hours.    Mt. Olive To Begin K-3 Program For Upcoming School Year - Mt. Olive Christian School announces they are beginning a K-3 program for the upcoming school year. This will be a full-day program in a structured learning environment. Enrollment packets are available at the school (258-5661) or by calling Tammy Jump at 258-5640. Open enrollment is continuing for all other grades.    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.				Homer Christmas Festival To Hold Golf Tournament Aug. 9 - The Homer Christmas Festival Tournament, three man scramble (27 holes), will be held Saturday, August 9 beginning at 8 AM. Entry fee is $120 team. For more information, call 927-9009.    Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival Cookbooks On Sale - The Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival cookbooks are in. They are $13 each and can be bought at several area stores. Call 927-9009 if you want to reserve one. All proceeds will go toward this year's Festival set for November 29.    Homer Elementary To Hold Registration July 28 - August 9 - Registration will be held at Homer Elementary School for the 2003-2004 school year from July 28 to August 9 beginning at 8 AM. To register, students must have a copy of their birth certificate, Social Security card, and updated health card. For more information, call 927-2393.    Homer/Mayfield Classes 1957-59 To Hold Reunion August 1-3 - The Homer/Mayfield classes of 1957, 1958, and 1959 Dallls Chapter of Dallas, Texas are extending an invitation to all classmates and friends to attend and celebrate the 10th Class Reunion on August 1-3, 2003. For more information, please call Ola Crew Allen at 214-371-7031, E. Peral Lee Johnson at 281-448-9167, C. Kennedy at 318-247-6417 or L. C. Johnson at 310-329-9729.    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).    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.    Honer High School Class Of 1984 To Hold Reunion Meeting - Homer High School Class of 1984 will hold a meeting to begin for their class reunion. The meeting will be held Thursday, July 17 at 6 PM at the Mayfield Pool. For more information, call Maz Bursey at 927-9899.    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.
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