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J. T. Taylor Hopes To Expand Chamber In
2004
Old Coach Says Attitude Is One Thing We
Can Control
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
"We are so blessed to live in America, especially in this
day and age. In North Louisiana and in Homer, it doesn't get a whole lot better
than that," Thomas Mitchell's
fitting words drew applause from the members of the Homer-Claiborne
Chamber of Commerce who attended the annual banquet on Monday, January 26. As
the "Old Coach" moved back and forth across the City Hall stage in
front of a Valentine's Day backdrop of a cupid aiming his bow at the
"heart" of Claiborne Parish, he knew most of the members agreed with
the banquet theme, "My Heart Belongs To
Claiborne." J. T. Taylor, newly
elected Chamber president for 2004, said he was at first reluctant to accept
the position but realized he was in a perfect position to help make the Chamber
a parishwide organization since he spent his days in
Homer, his nights in Haynesville and was a resident of Claiborne Parish. Taylor
reported on the status of the Homer Bypass and the I-69 project. According to
Bruce Easterly, District Administrator for the DOTD, bids for the Homer Bypass
would be let in May or June as long as the state has the money, since the
project is funded 100 percent by the State.
St. Jude Radiothon
Hopes To Raise $125,000
North Louisiana families connected with St. Jude Children's
Research Hospital this past year have both rejoiced in
victory and regrouped in sorrow. Some area St. Jude patients, even though still
fighting the war against childhood cancer, are in remission. But one -- when it
almost looked as if he had won the war -- succumbed during only a minor
skirmish. The stories of Kelsey Shine of Grambling and the late Justin Morris
of Minden illustrate why Ruston's 23rd St. Jude Radiothon
needs the region's help. Ten-year-old Kelsey was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, known as ALL, in April 2002. She is
currently in remission. Justin, then a 21-year-old pre-med student at Louisiana
Tech, died after contracting a common bacterial infection. Even though he was
in remission from a more aggressive form of leukemia, his immune system had
been compromised by chemotherapy. Justin has been designated as the 2004 radiothon "Angel." Sponsors of the Feb. 2-3 St.
Jude Radiothon are seeking to raise $125,000 to
combat such diseases. Sharing billing as organizers are the
Zeta Rho chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha and the Radio
Center, which includes Z-107.5, The Peach 97.7, B-99.3 and KRUS AM 1490.
The radiothon will be held at Super 1 Foods, 1500 N.
Trenton St. In addition to Kelsey and Justin, St. Jude Children's Research
Hospital in Memphis, has treated more than 1,000 other Louisiana children --
and more than 200 from Lincoln, Bienville, Claiborne, Ouachita and Union
parishes.
Dialysis Clinic Holds Open House
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
One of the two new dialysis clinics in Homer will be opening
soon according to Matt Owens, Administrator of Dialysis Clinic, Inc. or DCI. A
ribbon cutting and open house was held Friday, January 23 at their new facility
located in the Village Shopping Center at 123 West Main, next to Spillers
Appliance. DCI has been providing quality dialysis care since 1972 with over 80
years dialysis experience. Nephrology Consultants and Medical Directors are Dr.
Stephen Kilpatrick, Dr. Randall White, and Dr. Henry Wood. They are committed
to patient care and believe providing a hometown dialysis treatment center for
Homer area patients expresses their commitment and will improve their current
quality of care. Dialysis Clinic, Inc. welcomes all dialysis patients in the
Homer area to the clinic which will be open Monday through Saturday from 6 AM
to 5 PM. Dialysis patients normally run three to four hours three days a week.
This will allow patients
to choose either the Monday, Wednesday, and Friday schedule or
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Financial Aid Help Available For
Students And Parents
February Is Financial Aid Awareness
Month
The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA)
will offer assistance to parents of high school students with a series of free
seminars across the state and a "Special Call-In Night" one day only,
on Monday, February 16 from 6-9 PM. The two hour seminar will be held in
Shreveport on Wednesday, February 11 beginning at 6 PM. This workshop is
designed for the parents of high school seniors graduating in 2004, but is open
to all parents of high school students as well as to the general public. The
workshop will include information on TOPS eligibility requirements, application
process and deadlines, and retention requirements, as well as the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. On Monday, February 16, the LOSFA
staff will extend their hotline hours as a convenience to students and their
parents. To obtain the answers to questions relating to all forms of financial
aid for higher education, call (800) 259-5626, Ext. 1012 between the hours of 6
PM and 9 PM on one night only, Monday, February 16.
LOSFA staff and financial aid experts will be manning the phones
to help answer questions about TOPS, other scholarships and grants, student
loans, the START Saving Program, as well as advice on how to complete the FAFSA
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For more information about the TOPS
Seminar call (800) 259-5626, ext. 1012 or send an emai
tol custserv@osfa.state.la.us.
Disaster Communications Meeting Set
Disaster can strike any place, at any time. From acts of
terrorism to natural causes, communications plays a critical role in alerting
the public and potentially saving lives. But what if primary means of
communications are suddenly lost? Over the years, from ground zero after 9-11
to hurricanes, tornadoes, chemical spills, and countless other disasters,
Amateur Radio (HAM) operators have been there to make sure communications were
maintained, volunteering their equipment and skills to assist agencies from
local government and non-profit groups, to the American Red Cross and Department
of Homeland Security. Today there are only twelve HAM operators in Claiborne
Parish and half are over the age of 60. On Thursday, January 29, they will host
a meeting to discuss emergency communications measures. Local emergency
personnel and/or officials are highly encouraged to attend as this will allow
them to discuss ways to coordinate these valuable volunteer communication
efforts to assist in the event of an emergency. The meeting is open to the
public and will be held at the Police Jury Office Complex at 7 PM. Anyone interested in more information about how to become an
amateur ham radio operator is encouraged to attend. For additional information,
contact Wayne Hatfield at 927-2961.
Annual St. Jude Auction Kicks Off
This Weekend In
Minden
The Annual St. Jude Auction and Lincoln Navigator will be held
this weekend at the Minden Civic Center and will be aired on Cox Communications
and KASO Radio 1240 AM. The Lincoln Navigator will be
given away on February 1. A few tickets
are still available by calling 1-800-724-2423. The 13th Annual St. Jude Chili
Cook-off will be held on Saturday, January 31.Companies from across the
Ark-La-Tex have donated items for the auction.
Adornements of Shreveport donated four
semiprecious, two-tone rings for each day of the auction. Other items include a diamond and ruby
necklace, an HDTV, a laptop computer, shopping sprees and much more. All prizes are described, and credit card
orders are accepted, through the 24-hour event "info-line" set up by
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The number is 1-800-724-2423. Since 1977, this event has raised more
than $2.5 million for St. Jude. Founded
by Danny Thomas in 1962, St. Jude has treated more than 1,000 young cancer
patients from Louisiana at no cost to their families.
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Homer High Drama Club To Present
Shakespeare Feb. 12
The Homer High School Drama Club will present Shakespeare! on Thursday, February 12 at 6:30 PM in the Homer High School
auditorium. This tribute to the works and life of William Shakespeare includes
scenes from Macbeth, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet. Tickets
are $2 ($1 for preschool) and can be purchased from any drama club student, the
school office, or director Denice Owens
LEAP Remediation Tutoring Offered At Homer Jr. High For 8th Grade Students
Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) Remediation
tutoring is being offered at Homer Junior High School for 8th grade students
only, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-4:30 PM. Parents may give permission
for their child to walk home or they must provide transportation for the child
to get home at 4:30. Parents are encouraged to send their students to
participate in the LEAP Remediation. LEAP tests will be given in March. Students
must pass the LEAP test and the grade to be promoted to the 9th grade. If you
have questions or need additional information, please contact Mrs. Gurtha Capers at (318) 927-2826.
Claiborne Bass Busters To Host 2004
Tournament January 31
Claiborne Bass Busters will host its first tournament of 2004.
Fishermen will have the option to fish one of two days, either Saturday,
January 31 or Sunday, February 1 from safe daylight till 3 PM at Pleasure Point
Marina on Lake Claiborne. Dues and entry fees can be paid at D.C.'s Marine,
phone 927-4943, or call Donnie Westbrook at 927-5325. Next club meeting will be
held Thursday, February 5 at 6:30 PM at the Homer Fire Station.
Annual
Canvass Underway In Claiborne Parish
Many registered voters in Claiborne Parish have received their
canvass cards according to Patricia Sanders, Claiborne Parish Registrar of
Voters. She said the cards were mailed the last week of January from Baton
Rouge. The canvass is conducted annually by law to verify the addresses of
voters of Claiborne Parish. If you received a canvass card, please take note of
your address on the card. Any changes on the card, you need to contact the
Registrar of Voters office at 927-3332. Those voters whose canvass cards are
returned to the Registrar's office will be sent a forwarding address
confirmation card. If you receive a card that has been forwarded, you should
fill out the postage-paid card with your correct address and return it to the
Registrar's Office. If you have moved outside of the parish, you need to register
to vote in that parish. The Registrar of Voters Office is open Monday through
Friday from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
Claiborne Academy Chicken Spaghetti, Family Bingo Night
Claiborne Academy will hold a Chicken Spaghetti & Family
Bingo Night on Saturday, Jan. 31 from 6:30-8:30 PM at the school gym. Doors
open at 6 PM. There will be a silent auction and prizes. Tickets can be
purchased from any Claiborne Academy faculty or staff member or by calling the
school at 927-2747. This promises to be a fun-filled evening for the entire
family.
Haynesville Fire Station To Hold Blood Drive February 9
The Haynesville Fire Station will hold a Blood Drive on Monday,
February 9 from 2-6 PM on the Mobile Bus at the Fire Station. Carla Smith is
the Drive Chairperson. The goal is 25 donors.
Haynesville QB Club To Hold Annual
Super Bowl Lunch
The Haynesville Quarterback Club will hold their Annual Super
Bowl 2004 Spaghetti Luncheon on Sunday, February 1 from 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM in
the HHS cafeteria. Tickets are $6 for dine in or carry out. Tickets are
available at Killgore's Pharmacy, the high school
office, team members, or club members.
Chapel C.M.E. Church according to
President Marie Gray.
Town Of Homer Property Taxes Were Due Dec. 31, 2003
Just a reminder that the Town of Homer
property taxes were due December 31, 2003. Interest and penalties are now accruing on all unpaid
taxes. Any unpaid taxes could cause your property to be sold at Tax Sale.
YMCA Youth In Government Program Set
For February 12
The 6th Annual YMCA Youth In Government
Program designed to give 10th and 11th grade students in District 11. the
opportunity to learn, develop, demonstrate, and exercise leadership abilities
will be held Thursday, Feb. 12 at Ryan's in Ruston beginning at 6 PM. The event
is sponsored by the Community Coordinating Council and State Rep. Richard Gallot. The application deadline is Monday, February 9.
Contact Tonya Jackson at 255-3632 or Valena Lane at
247-6676.
FAFSA/Scholarship Workshop Set For February 21 At Homer High
A FAFSA and Scholarship Workshop will be held Saturday, February
21 at Homer High School from 10 AM until noon in the school auditorium for any
high school senior or their parents. The Workshop which is a joint ministry of
the Homer High School FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and the First
Baptist Church in Homer will offer assistance in submitting FAFSA information
on-line, applying for scholarships, and preparing scholarship essays. For more
information about the workshop, call Sarah Sanks at
927-9330.
Regions Bank's "Relay For Life
Team" To Hold Pretty Baby Contest
The Relay for Life Team of Regions Bank in Homer will sponsor a
"Prettiest Baby Contest" for babies between the ages of birth to 18
months. To enter your baby, please bring a picture (5x7 or 8x10) to Regions
Bank along with a $10 entry fee. Deadline for the entry is Friday, February 6,
2004. The winner will be announced Friday, March 19, 2004.
Notice To Vietnam Veterans Denied
Certain Health Claims
If you are a Vietnam Veteran and have been denied after filing a
claim for respiratory cancer or Type II diabetes, please call the the local office of the Louisiana Department of Veterans
Affairs at 927-3077. Even if the veteran is now deceased, the surviving spouse
should call.
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Claiborne Parish Residents Announce Opening of Web Site
 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 sling style Boat Lifts and Accessories for over 24 years. Interested parties are invited to visit them on the web at www.HallBoatLifts.com.
Claiborne One Site Now Features Area Image Archive
Archives Now Online include:
To submit your images for inclusion in the Claiborne One Image Archive you may email them to webmaster@ClaiborneOne.org.
Claiborne Boys & Girls Club After School Program
The Claiborne Boys & Girls Club After School Program - now available. 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.
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 using our online contact form or contacting Mac Brakefield, Executive Director of the Homer Chamber of Commerce at (318) 927-3271.
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.
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, The 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. 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. To contribute news and photos to Claiborne One contact Key-Comp Web Design, Joel Ponder at 927-9229 or use the online contact form. For more information on becoming a sponsor Visit the Claiborne One Sponsorship Page or contact the Allen Group, Al Lynn at 927-9674.
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The Guardian-Journal
620 North Main | PO Box 119 | Homer, La 71040
Phone 318-927-3541 | Fax 318-927-3542
Guardian-Journal@claiborneone.org
Co-Owners
| Kathryn H. Hightower |
Hilda Spillers Estate |
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Geraldine H. Hightower
Publisher |
Susan T. Herring
Editor & Feature Writer |
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Official Journal
Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Claiborne Parish School Board, Town of Homer, Villages of Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield and Junction City, La.
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Subscription Rates (payable in advance)
| Claiborne, Bienville, Lincoln, Webster and Union Parishes |
$20.00 per year |
| Inside the State of Louisiana |
$25.00 per year |
| Outside Louisiana (within U.S.) |
$30.00 per year |
(Payments for subscriptions may be made to the above address)
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Submissions
Deadline for Advertisements and News Copy is Tuesday at 12 Noon. Weddings and Engagements must be turned in for publication on the Friday prior to the desired publication date. Photographs must be in the newspaper office by 4 p.m. Friday, a $10.00 charge is placed on all photographs. All "Letter to the Editor" must be signed.
We reserve the right to edit all news copy!
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