Homer Council Sets Up Annexation Committee

- Spending, Town’s Financial Situation Also Discussed

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

Former Mayor Joe Michael addressed the Town Council at their regular meeting Monday, December 1. He said he had contacted a number of individuals who had agreed to serve on an Annexation Committee. He had also researched the Town’s Charter and found nothing on annexation, but had received information from Haynesville on the Lawrason Act and had distributed it to all potential members. Most of those agreed the biggest concern was Highway 79, Lyons Hill, and the Homer Bypass. The Committee would need to research the issue and determine what the advantages and disadvantages of annexation would be and what kind of income the Town could expect to receive by extending the city limits. Michael said he expected it would be two to three years before the Bypass is completed. Although the requirements for annexation do not require it, he thought it would be wise to get at least 50 percent or more approval before proceeding. Lawson Wilder suggested one member of the Council volunteer to head the committee. They should get with the town attorney to help determine how far out to go, what the advantages would be for being inside the city limits, and what the benefit and cost would be to the town. Thomas McDonald and Billy Kirk Jenkins agreed to serve on the Committee, with McDonald as chairman.  Wilder said, "You can drag this out as long as you want to...the only quick source of revenue you have is annexation. You can either do that or try to raise water rates...You are going to have to increase your revenue."  Besides McDonald and Jenkins, the Council voted to name the following individuals to serve on an Annexation Committee—Clyde Hightower, Oubin Ramey, Dennis Butcher, Rev. Ray Jiles, Lawson Wilder, Bob Robinson, J.T. Taylor, and Joe Michael.

Superintendent’s Last Day Is Friday

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

Claiborne Parish School Superintendent Gary Jones will  have his desk cleaned out by Friday, December 5 and will have his resignation on the agenda for next week’s School Board meeting. The Rapides Parish School Board, by a vote of 7 to 2 on Tuesday, December 2 approved a 3-1/2 year contract with Jones. On Monday, December 8 Jones will begin his new job as Superintendent of Rapides Parish schools, while Asst. Superintendent Sherman Brown will take over his duties in Claiborne Parish.  “I have really love Claiborne Parish. I appreciate the opportunity I have had to serve as superintendent and I appreciate the overall support I got,” Jones said. He said he came on 4-1/2 years ago with a great Board who knew what they wanted for the school system and they gave him the freedom to achieve it. Everything they set as a goal was accomplished.  “The results speak for themselves,” according

to Jones. This past year has been a great year and the things that were put in place over the past few years have begun to pay off.

Christmas Festivities Continue At City Park

Dale Tully said she was very pleased with the turnout at the Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival held last Saturday, November 29, in downtown Homer. Hundreds of people showed up and enjoyed a beautiful day and strolled the Courthouse Square checking out approximately 50 vendor booths, a cake walk at City Hall, while enjoying live entertainment featuring Joann Lay’s students and Cindy Coffey of Shreveport with her group. Tully wants to remind everyone that Christmas festivities will continue the next two Saturdays, December 6 and 13 with activities planned at the Homer City Park from 6-8 PM.  Clay Jordan was the Grand Marshal in Saturday’s Christmas Parade. Jordan, who is from Monroe, was a finalist on the first Survivor series. He stayed until 4 PM, signing autographs for the crowd. Also on hand throughout the day was magician Jim Chester of New Orleans who has a Christian ministry and spent the day sharing his testimony. David Wade Correctional Center placed first in the parade, followed by Rock Hays in second and HealthSouth in third place.  Cox’s Exotic Animals of Claiborne Parish provided pony rides and wagon and surrey rides along North and South Main between the Courthouse Square and the Homer City Park, as well as a Petting Zoo, which featured llamas, zebras, and donkeys. He will return with his petting zoo and wagon rides the next two Saturday nights, December 6 and 13, for the “Family Night at the Park” events. From 6-8 PM both Saturdays, the Homer City Park will be the setting for an evening of fun. Besides the petting zoo and wagon rides, you can purchase hot dogs, chili dogs, hot cocoa, and cold drinks. Wagon rides are $1 per person and will be especially beautiful after dark along North and South Main with all the lovely homes lighted and decorated for Christmas. All the money raised by the Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival Committee will go toward the purchase of more Christmas lights for the Town.

For more information, call Dale Tully at 927-9009.

“Christmas In The Park” At Lake Claiborne State Park December 20

Are you looking for something to remind you of what the real meaning of Christmas and the season is all about? Come be a part of the Lake Claiborne State Park Songfest Celebration honoring the Christmas Season on Saturday, December 20 beginning at 2 PM and ending with candlelight at 7 PM. Enjoy good music and participate in a great afternoon in a park setting where nature brings us closer to the simplicity of an old-time celebration of the season. Church choirs, individuals, or small groups are to be featured in this afternoon in the park. Any and all choral, individuals or other groups from the surrounding area are cordially invited to participate. Please contact the Lake Claiborne State Park at 927-2976 before December 15 so that the songs and activities can be coordinated.

Community Ideas Requested

- Plans Proceed On Visitor Kiosk

Thanks to the participation of several local businesses who are participating in the community-based job training program provided through Homer High School, high school students are receiving job training skills. The four-year-old program allows students to be transported from campus two days a week where they receive on-the-job training as well as basic skills that can be useful with any type of work. Senior students will also create a resume listing the job training experiences which can be used with potential employers after they have graduated from high school. Local businesses who are participating in the Community Based Job Training Program through Homer High School this year are Alternative Touch, Boys & Girls Club, Billy's Citgo, Brookshires, Claiborne Insurance, Claiborne Parish Special Services, Duck's Kar Kare, Town of Homer, Keith's Food Mart, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Lily of the Valley Flowers, New Hope Day Care, Piggly Wiggly, Pizza Hut, Presbyterian Village, Subway and Wal-Mart. Other businesses who have participated in the past include Linder Motor Lodge.

“Spirit Of Christmas” Food Drive Continues Thru Dec. 23

With just a few weeks remaining in the Spirit of Christmas Food Drive, more donations are needed to help the 12,000 families targeted to receive assistance this year. The food drive ends December 23. All food collected within the Homer area is distributed to families in the Homer area. Brookshire Grocery Company will donate at least one roasting hen to each family assisted through the food drive. Last year the company provided more than 14,000 hens/ “Statistically, more people go hungry the week after Christmas than any other time,” Brookshire said. “We are trying to provide enough food to get them through that week.” Donations may be made by placing non-perishable food items in the designated containers at the front of participating Brookshire’s Food Stores. Items in glass jars and homemade goods are not accepted. Bulk items, such as flour and cornmeal, should be donated in smaller quantities. Members of the Homer Lions Club and Boy Scout Troop 72 will collect, sort, package and deliver the food to the recipients before Christmas. Glenda Greer is heading up the food drive effort for the Homer Lions Club and can be reached at 927-9400.

“Toy Run 2003” Hosted By The Christian Community

-  Set Saturday, December 13 In Homer

The Christian Community of Homer will host a “Toy Run 2003” on Saturday, December 13, 2003 beginning at 12 PM on the Homer Town Square. The entry fee is one new toy, valued between $10 and $20. Motorcyclists will meet on the Courthouse Square and will ride to Shongaloo, Haynesville, Summerfield, then back to Homer. Toys collected will be distributed by area churches to needy children. For more information, call Rickey Bearden at 927-9740.

Claiborne Christmas Festival’s Christmas Lighting Contest

-  Set For Saturday, December 20

The Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival will sponsor a Christmas Lighting Contest to be held Saturday, December 20. Anyone who would like to enter should call 927-9009. Businesses and homes will be judged starting at dark on December 20.

Christmas Memory Tree

In Memory Of—Given By

Hilda Hightower Spillers by Susan Kelley, Wes and Hunter Spillers

Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. Talley by Todd, Rochelle & Cameron Graham

Rev. & Mrs. Robert Graham by Todd, Rochelle & Camerson Graham

James A. “Jim” Ware by Betty Ware Lee and Ware families

Carlton & Evelyn Smyer by Carlene Little

Don & Mabel Little by Carlene Little

Gene Little by Carlene Little

In Honor Of—Given By

George Wesley Spillers, Jr. by Susan Kelley, Wes & Hunter Spillers

Eva Hardy by Todd, Rochell & Cameron Graham

(For information on purchasing a light on Memory/Honor Tree, call 927-9009.)