HEADLINES - September 4, 2003

Two Fatalities In Labor Day Weekend Accident

- Early Morning Accident Kills Another Last Week

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

Alcohol played a part in the deaths of two young men during a head-on collision over the Labor Day weekend. Marcus Shelton, 23, of Homer and Jerome Voner, 23, of Arcadia were both front seat passengers and neither was wearing a seatbelt when the vehicles they were riding in collided head-on on La. 9 just south of US 79 around 4:45 PM Sunday, August 31. Shelton was pronounced dead at the scene and Voner was pronounced dead a short time later at Homer Memorial Hospital. Shelton and Nathaniel White, 26, of Homer were traveling northbound in a 1989 Cadillac Deville driven by Eric Johnson, 31, of Homer when their vehicle crossed the center lane, then veered back into the northbound lane to avoid a 1991 Hyundai driven by Michael Hawk, 26, of Gibsland. Hawk veered to the left in an attempt to avoid the Cadillac. The vehicles hit head-on. Both drivers, Johnson and Hawk were seriously injured. Johnson was taken to Homer Memorial and Hawk to Minden Medical Center, then both were transferred to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport. White was taken to Homer Memorial with minor injuries. Hawk was the only one wearing a seatbelt. According to Louisiana State Police reports, Johnson was charged with DWI and two counts of vehicular homicide. Another early morning accident on Tuesday, August 26 claimed the life of a 20-year-old man from Arcadia. Charles “C. J.” Hammond, 20, was apparently southbound on U.S. 79 when the 1999 Ford pickup he was driving drifted off the paved surface to the right in a left hand curve about one mile south of the Harris Road intersection. The vehicle then re-entered the roadway, veered to the right and began rotating clockwise and began to overturn. The truck struck several trees, snapping them, then came to rest partially covered by the fallen trees and camouflaged from sight. The accident was not discovered until after sunrise, around 7 AM Tuesday when it was noticed by a passing motorist who then called authorities. The Louisiana State Police were unable to determine the actual time of accident or the cause. They believe the driver could have fallen asleep. Results of a blood alcohol test are pending. According to one resident near the Hill Farm Hammond had headed to Minden around 12:30 AM.

Bird With West Nile Found In Homer, Virus In 40 Humans Statewide

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury and the Homer Town Council approved resolutions in support of one corridor being considered as the possible route for I-69 through Claiborne Parish. Of 31 possible corridors developed by the I-69 Project Study Team, ten preliminary corridors were identified. After further study, five of those were excluded. Corridor 3-A located in the most southern and eastern of the study area was excluded because 1) the tendency to parallel I-20 and limits to benefits of new

interstate route access, 2) it attracted least amount of diverted truck trips, 3) it crossed 2 scenic streams, and 4) its potential recreational impacts. The five remaining two-mile wide corridors to be considered are referred to as 1-C, 1-D, 1-E, 2-A, and 2-B. Both Corridors 2-A and 2-B were most centrally located in the study area and best addressed the purpose and need criteria for I-69. The local purpose and need is to 1) improve mobility between urban areas in the Study Area, 2) improve the safety of travel within the region, 3) improve commercial vehicle operations in the region, and 4) promote economic development in the North Louisiana Rural Redevelopment Zone.

Haynesville Council Discusses Lawsuit, Sewer Project, Hiring Of Police Officers

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

Attorney Jim Colvin gave an update on the lawsuit filed several years ago against Entergy at the Haynesville Town Council at their regular meeting on August 21. He said in 1985 Haynesville renegotiated its existing franchise agreement with Entergy Louisiana, Inc. with a clause that whatever franchise fee Entergy paid other municipalities in Louisiana, it would pay the identical fee to Haynesville. The courts ruled in the Town’s favor and Entergy had to pay back franchise fees from 1989 when it entered into an agreement with West Monroe. The Town has already received this money. In the aftermath of the decision based on West Monroe fee, Entergy decided to line item the additional 1 percent franchise fee to Haynesville customers. Colvin said in his estimation that action could not fundamentally be done under the law and they would be seeking recovery of all fees billed to citizens of Haynesville, and that from now on Haynesville is entitled to the 3 percent fee without it being a line item on the customer's bill. The additional 1 percent is not charged as a line item on the West Monroe bills.

Senior Expo To Address Mosquitoes, Water Resources, Scams On Elderly

Dr. Michael Perich will be one of several guest speakers at the Senior Citizen Expo to be held at Homer City Hall on Saturday, September 6. The SALT (Seniors and Lawmen Together) Council is hosting the annual event which begins with registration and coffee at 7:30 AM. Besides several guest speakers, other scheduled activities include informational booths, musical entertainment, door prizes, and a noon lunch. At 8:30 AM, Dr. Alice Stewart, who serves as commissioner on the Claiborne Parish Watershed District, will speak on “Water Resources.” At 9:00 AM, Claiborne Parish Sheriff Deputy Ken Bailey will discuss “Scams on the Elderly.” Eugene Kendrick will share information on TRIAD’s “How are you?” program. Following a 9:30 break, participants can visit booths and enjoy entertainment provided by the First Praise Singers. Dr. Michael Perich with the LSU AgCenter will discuss mosquito borne diseases and the West Nile virus beginning at 10:15 AM. Dr. Perich spent 16 years as a medical entomologist jointly with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Army before joining the LSU AgCenter.

A presentation will be provided by Professional Home Health at 10:45 AM followed by lunch at 11:45 AM.

Sheriff Candidates Meet With Commissioners

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

All four candidates for sheriff attended the Claiborne Parish Watershed District (CPWD) meeting held Thursday, August 21. They were invited to discuss their position on enforcing state boating laws, local ordinances and parishwide regulations of the Watershed District, and how they might share the cost. Ken Bailey, Loyd Manuel, Steven Middleton and Willie Burns Jr. all agreed they would be willing to work with the District. Middleton suggested he would consider assuming the costs presently being paid by the CPWD. Issues discussed were the use of the fire department boat for boat patrol, the need for a marine radio, and the many disturbances in some inlets missed during the summer patrol. Bailey said he would discuss the inlets being missed with Sheriff Kenneth Volentine. Stewart said Representative Rick Gallot was seeking input on draft legislation that adds the following addition to existing state law, “The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission may prohibit the recreational and commercial use of hoop nets, gill nets, trammel nets, strike nets, seines, wire nets, wire traps and slat traps on Lake Claiborne. Present law provides that WLF has sole authority to control and regulate fishing. Commissioners voted to also ask Asst. District Attorney Charlie Bradshaw to contact Gallot to clarify another addition concerning the District’s obligation to maintain the public access to the Lake. The Commission decided to consult with Bradshaw for assistance in preparing a resolution that would express local interest regarding the proposed legislation.

“Habitat Hattie” Grand Marshal Butterfly Parade

- Theme 5th Annual Festival—“A Classroom For Learning About Nature”

Setting the theme for an event known as "a classroom for learning about nature," 'Habitat Hattie' will appear at the fifth annual Haynesville Celebration of Butterflies to be held at the Claiborne Parish Fairgrounds in Haynesville, Louisiana on September 13. With Habitat Hattie spotlighted as Grand Marshal, the butterfly-themed festival parade beginning at 9:30a.m. will have awards made for the best entries in such categories as best costume, most original float and most unusual pet taking part in the parade. Call (318) 927-9734 or (318) 624-1606 for more information.In advance of the parade, a bird/wildflower field trip will kick off the festival beginning at 7:00 a.m. led by Dr. Charles Lyon, Sterling Lacy, and Roy Bott. Both Lyon and Lacy are well-known birding experts while Bott is a master gardener with expertise in plant identification. Dr. Gary Noel Ross, professional lepidopterist and an award-winning author, is special consultant for the festival. He will be giving several programs as well as leading outdoor excursions to observe the butterflies. In addition to Dr. Ross, other noted speakers are scheduled throughout the day giving programs on a variety of

gardening subjects. Other festival highlights will be Jewel the Clown; Habitat Hattie; Cpl. J. T. Williams of the Homer Police Department educating all ages giving a demonstration with his canine companion, Bart; Linda Brockinton, 2001 National Dulcimer Champion, entertaining at 1:30 p.m.; "turtlefly" races for children 12 and under; and a conservatory stocked with butterflies, caterpillars, and chrysalides on host and nectar plants.Anyone wishing to enter art work, butterfly photographs or poetry for exhibit at the festival may do so by calling Jill Loyd at (318) 624-3128. Musical entertainment will be interspersed throughout the day ending with bluegrass and gospel music by High Mountain Grass from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.. Admission, which covers all of the day's events is $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for ages 6-18. Children under age 6 are admitted free. For more information contact Loice Kendrick-Lacy at (870) 234-4910 or (318)624-1929; e-mail lklacy@magnolia-net.com..

September 11 - Remembrance & Honor Ceremony

Thursday, September 11, 2003 • Noon • Claiborne Courthouse Lawn

The Homer Ministerial Alliance asks everyone to please join us in a time of remembrance for our fallen heroes and victims of September 11, 2001. A prayer service and ceremony will be held for our nation, our military, and our public service personnel. The purpose of this announcement is to publicly declare my intention to seek re-election in Police Jury District 1. Sixty years of residence in Summerfield and twelve years of experience with the Claiborne Parish Police Jury, has provided ample opportunities to learn about and appreciate the citizens of District 1. Those years of experience have been a valuable asset, when complex problems came before the Jury.

Hunters Beware: New Trespass Law In Effect

A new state trespass law went into effect August 15. The new law will make it easier to fine or jail someone who trespasses on property “without express, legal, or implied authorization” of the landowner. The law also protects landowners from lawsuits when people hurt themselves while on their property without permission. Under the new law, landowners will also no longer be required to place posted signs on their land. In the past, landowners had to place “no trespassing” signs and identifying marks on trees around the area posted. Certain persons, such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, while in performance of their duties, will have unrestricted authority. Surveyors, public utility employees, deliverymen, pollsters, salesmen, real estate agents, and persons retrieving livestock will also have authority to go on another’s property unless forbidden by the owner. Penalties for the first trespassing offense is a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500, or imprisonment of 30 days, or both. Second offense is a fine of between $300 and $750, imprisonment of 90 days, or both. The third and subsequent offenses are fines between $500 and $1000, imprisonment not less than 60 days nor more than 6 months, or both. and the forfeiture of any property seized in connection

with the violation. Property seized could include firearms, four-wheelers, trailers, or vehicles.

Ken Bailey Announces Candidacy For Sheriff Of Claiborne Parish

In asking for your vote on October 4th, I am asking you to trust in my values and me. I am asking you to vote for someone who shares your values and principles, someone who has the experience to represent you as Sheriff of Claiborne Parish.

Roger Fowler Announces Candidacy Claiborne Parish Police Jury District #9

I would like to take this opportunity to announce my candidacy for Police Juror District #2. I have been a resident of Claiborne Parish for the past 34 years making my home in Haynesville. I am a member of the First Baptist Church of Haynesville where I attend with my wife, Candee Carter Furlow and my 2 daughters, Allee, age 5, and Alex, age 3.

Floyd Dean Announces Candidacy For Claiborne Parish Police Jury, District 6

My name is Floyd Dean and I am running for Police Juror in District 6. I have lived in Claiborne Parish all my life. My wife and I have brought up in the community four children, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. I am a retired car salesman of 35 years and currently serve on the board of the South Claiborne Water System.

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September 4, 2003 NEWS BRIEFS

The Claiborne One Website Is Seeking Area Support

The Claiborne One website at www.claiborneone.org has over 500 pages online, including the Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Towns of Haynesville & Homer and are seeking sponsors to support continued growth. Sponsors are provided custom banners linking to the sponsor's website. Guardian-Journal Headlines and New Briefs, updated weekly, are available at Claiborne One, archived since November, 1999. To contribute news and photos to Claiborne One contact Key-Comp Web Design, Joel Ponder at 927-9229 or email at webmaster@claiborneone.orgFor more information on becoming a sponsor contact the Allen Group, Al Lynn at 927-9674 or email him at allynn@lausa.net.

Homer To Play Farmerville Thursday Night This Week

The Homer High School game football game will be played on THURSDAY, not Friday, due to a shortage of referees in the Monroe school district. The Pelicans will travel to Farmerville Thurs. September 4. Kickoff is 7 PM. Go Pels!

Claiborne Academy Has Two Road Games This Week

The Claiborne Academy Rebels travel to Natchez, MS this Friday, Sept. 5 to take on Trinity Episcopal. Game time is 7:30 PM. Let’s support the CA Rebels. The CA Rebel JV Team will play at Winnsboro on Thursday, Sept. 4 beginning at 6 PM against Franklin Academy. Travel through Monroe on I-20, turn south at Rayville exit. Go JV Rebels!

Registration For Soccer, Flag Football Set For September 4

Haynesville Parks and Recreation will begin soccer and flag football season soon. Registration will be Thursday, Sept. 4 at the AARP Building from 5-6 PM. Boys and girls ages K5 - 6th grade are eligible to participate. Practices and games will be on Monday and Thursday evenings and will begin Monday, Sept. 8. The cost is $10 for one sport or $15 for both. Many volunteers will be needed. Contact Recreation Director Ronnie Fields at 624-0421 for information.

Community Service Clubs To Hold New Membership Tea

Claiborne Parish Community Service Clubs (formerly FCE and Homemaker Clubs) will hold a new membership tea at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex on Friday, September 5 from 2-3 PM. All members and anyone interested in becoming a member are invited. For more information, call Sally Ann Martin at 927-5334.

Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival Committee To Meet

The Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 16 in the Homer Town Council Chambers on East Main at 5:15 PM. All interested persons are welcome to attend.

Lawn & Garden Association To Meet Monday, Sept. 8

The Webster/Claiborne Lawn and Garden Association will meet Monday, September 8 at the LSU AgCenter Extension Office, 1202 Homer Road in Minden. Denye Cummings, horticulture agent and master gardener coordinator for the northwest region, will share ideas for new programs. For more info, call Robin Bridges at 371-1371.

Friends Of Parish Library Continue Membership Drive

The Friends of the Claiborne Parish Library is holding its annual membership drive. Individual memberships are $10 and $15 for families. ($5 for students and senior citizens) Anyone wishing to honor or remember someone with an inscription on a reading bench needs to sent $125 before December 31, 2003. Benches will be placed in Homer and Haynesville.

Homer Town Council Will Meet Monday, September 8

The Homer Town Council will hold their regular monthly meeting on Monday, September 8 at 6 PM.

Claiborne Boys & Girls Club Begin After School Program

The Claiborne Boys & Girls Club began their After School Program on Monday, August 18. Hours in Homer are 3 PM - 7 PM, in Haynesville 3 PM - 6 PM, Monday - Friday. They will be offering Power Hour, tutoring, Voyager Educational Curriculum, Smart Moves, recreation. For more info, call Executive Director Leroy Hamilton at 318-927-2718.

Evergreen Volunteer Fire Dept. To Hold “Biennial Doings” Sept. 6

The Evergreen Volunteer Fire Department will hold its “Biennial Doings” fund-raiser on Saturday, September 6 at the Main Station at 1859 Evergreen Road from 9 AM to 2 PM. There will be great food, live entertainment, car show, lawnmower races, raffles and more. For more information, call 377-1177.

Homer Elementary School Recently Launched Box Tops Fundraiser

Homer Elementary School recently launched their 2003-2004 Box Tops for Education fundraising campaign. This year the school has set a goal of earning $2,000 through Box Tops to purchase general school materials. If you’d like to help students at Homer Elementary reach their goal, there are several easy ways to get involved: Collect Box Tops coupons and send them to school with your child or join the Box Tops Booster Club at boxtops4education.com and designate Homer Elementary School as the school you wish to donate to. HES teacher Russell Tabor, Box Tops for Education Coordinator said everyone at Homer Elementary School would like to thank you for your help and support in this new program to help make our school the best that it can be.

Friends Of Library Holding Membership Drive

Friends of the Claiborne Parish Library is holding its annual membership drive. Individual memberships are $10 and $15 for families ($5 for students and senior citizens). Anyone wishing to honro or remember someone with an inscription on a reading bench needs to sen $125 before December 31. Benches will be placed in Homer and Haynesville.

Permits Must Be Obtained At E-911 Office Beginning Sept. 15, 2003

Anyone moving to Claiborne Parish, about to begin construction on new home or building, or needing to have utilities connected, must first obtain a permit from the Claiborne E-911 office in the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Office Complex at 507 West Main on the Courthouse Square. Application must be made no less than two weeks prior to the date the permit will be needed. Permits are $3 (exact amount only). For more information, call Glenda Greer at 927-9400. You can leave name, phone, and directions to address on answering machine. Permits may be picked up only on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 12:00-4:30 PM.

District 33 State Senator Robert Barham Relocates Office

District 33 State Senator Robert Barham has relocated his district office. The new address is 309 Dogwood Street, P.O. Box 249, Oak Ridge, LA 71264. Phone # is 318-244-5582 or toll free 1-800-259-6830.

U.S. Postal Service Testing New Applicants September 12-28

The U.S. Postal Service will be testing applicants for job positions between September 12 and September 28. Interested persons can apply on the internet at www.usps.com/employment or on a Touch-Tone phone by calling 1-866-999-8777. You will need an announcement number when applying to take the exam. For Homer, the announcement number is 72229. For more information on the

exam, call Postmaster Karen Collins 927-3824.

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.

Claiborne Classic Car & Bike Show Set For Saturday, October 4

Rickey Bearden is looking for contributions and is now accepting registration to the 2nd Annual Lake Claiborne Classic Car & Bike Show to be held from 8 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, October 4, at Lake Claiborne State Park. It will feature contests in five vehicle classes: original antique cars, street rods, trucks, mini trucks, and motorcycles. In addition, there will be a silent auction; an Elvis impersonator; music from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s; lunch plates; and games. Entry fee is $20 for the first car and $10 for the second. All proceeds go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Bearden’s grandchildren, Christian and Joseph Manzanares, who died in a mobile home fire on August 19, 2001. Donations are needed for the silent auction and giveaway bags. For more info, call Bearden at 927-9740 or write at 223 Beardsley, Homer 71040. All parish schools will once again be collecting “Pennies for St. Jude.” Last year “Pennies” raised $3,000. Pizza will be furnished for the class that raises the most money at each school.

Haynesville Elementary Collecting “Pennies For St. Jude”

Haynesville Elementary has begun its annual collection of “Pennies for St. Jude”. All coins will be accepted. All proceeds will go the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. All students, parents, and businesses are encouraged to send all their loose coins to Haynesville Elementary during the month of August and September.

Big Dog Ultra Trail Run Set For Sat. Nov. 29 At Claiborne State Park

The Big Dog Ultra Trail Run will be held Saturday, November 29 at the Lake Claiborne State Park. Race distances are 50k, 20 miles, 13.1 miles, and 4 miles. Start time is 8 AM. Entry fees are $20 for 4M, $30 for 13.1/20M, ad $35 for 50K if paid by November 15. For more information visit the website at www.ovrrc.com or contact Dr. Jeff Baillie at jeffb@bayou.com or at work at 318-323-2216 or Martha Klipping at marthaklipping@hotmail.com or call her at 927-2034.