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March 11, 2004

Homer Council Opposes I-69 Corridor 1d

Legislators Urged To Fund Homer Bypass

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

The Homer Town Council met in Special Session on Tuesday, March 9 to consider several resolutions regarding the I-69 Corridor, the Homer Bypass, and a turn lane in the area between Brookshire's and Wal-Mart's.

The Council voted to unanimously approve a Resolution strongly urging the URS Corporation, U.S. Federal Highway Administration, and the Louisiana and Arkansas Departments of Transportation and Development to reconsider the selection of Corridor 1d as the preferred I-69 Corridor. The Resolution stated they believed Corridor 2b would have least adverse effects on� the Sparta Aquifer recharge area and the possibility of a hazardous spill along the Dorcheat. The Resolution also stated moving the Corridor further east and south would help promote the new lake reservoirs being planned for the Piney Hills region and would enhance attracting a value-added converter for the timber industry.

The Resolution also stated Corridor 2b is most central to the Renewal Community zone, is the shortest and least costly route, and has fewer active gas wells.

A Resolution to petition Gov. Kathleen Blanco, Rep. Rick Gallot, and Senators Robert Adley and Robert Barham to approve funding for the construction phase of the Homer Bypass in the upcoming year was approved, in hopes to speed up work on the project. The Resolution stated Gov. Mike Foster had assured the former mayor in September 2001 the estimated $14 million project would be funded within the fiscal year. Mayor Dean said he had some reservations since the Bypass was outside the city limits but hoped they could complete the annexation before the area was developed. McDonald said there were a number of issues with annexation. One was that it has to meet approval of the US Justice Dept. Both J.C. Moore and Johnette Faulkner said they felt it was important to get the large trucks off the Courthouse Square.

The Council also amended the agenda, then approved a resolution asking for a turn lane to be installed along the stretch of U.S. Hwy. 79 between Brookshire's and Wal-Mart. Mayor Dean said they had figures showing 11,500 vehicles travel that highway in a 24-hour period and according to Homer Police records, they had worked 26 accidents in that area in the last three years.

Copies of the resolutions will be mailed to state legislators and highway officials.

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URS Rep Meets With Locals On I-69 Corridor

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

Kent Dussom with the URS Corporation, one of the members of the I-69 SIU 14 Corridor project team, was in Homer Thursday, March 4 to meet with several elected officials and citizens regarding concerns with the selection of Corridor 1d as the preferred corridor between El Dorado and Haughton. Dussom thoroughly explained the project study process that began with three public scoping meetings held in March of 2003. Dussom said it was NEPA, or the National Environmental Policy Act, that sets the overall rules and regulations for the study process. To get federal funding, any federal action has to go through NEPA.

When asked by Joe Richardson if URS was supposed to be completed protected from politics, Dussom answered, "We wouldn't have this corridor if it weren't for politics."

Police Jury President Weldon Kilpatrick said the Police Juries in Claiborne and Webster voted to support Corridor 2. He said, "We thought as police jurors we would have a bearing on your decision. I think the police juries of both Webster and Claiborne Parish recognized where they thought the best route should go."

Dussom said they were not the final authority. The final decision for placement of the I-69 corridor will be made by the Federal Highway Administration, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, and the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department.

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Vincent McDaniel Acquitted On Perjury Charges

Closing Arguments Begin Wednesday In Trial Of Capt. Donald Malray

Homer Police Captain Donald Malray and police informant Vincent McDaniel, both of Homer, were in federal court in Shreveport this week to determine whether perjury charges against the two would be upheld by juries in two separate trials. On Wednesday, March 3, McDaniel was acquitted on three counts of perjury when a federal jury found him not guilty following two days of testimony. He still faces one charge stemming from a February 26 indictment, charging him as a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Closing arguments will be heard Wednesday morning, March 10 in Malray's trial. Defense attorney Chris Bowman of Jonesboro said the� only reason Malray was on trial was because he failed to live up to the unwritten code among law enforcement officers.

Both Malray and McDaniel were subpoenaed to testify in the drug trial of J. C. Curry last September� and were placed under the rule of sequestration and were not supposed to discuss the case. During the trial, FBI Special Agent Ray Spoon reported to DEA Agent Keith Billiott that he had overheard Malray and McDaniel discussing McDaniel's testimony. Both were later questioned by Judge Maurice Hicks and told they were still under subpoena and subject to recall at a later time.

After leaving the courthouse that evening and heading home, Malray was stopped by Minden police officers and escorted back to Shreveport on a bench warrant issued by Judge Hicks. He appearing before Hicks, then was later released.

Malray was charged with two counts of perjury and McDaniel� with three counts on October 22. Both were accused of violating the sequestration order and with lying about whether they had knowledge Curry was involved in drug activity between 1994 and 1999.

McDaniel was also charged with lying that he had been promised Curry would not be arrested if he would help agents get Curry to purchase drugs from Minden dealer Derrick Parker. State Troopers Hank Haynes and George Shirey both testified no such promise had been made. McDaniel was the only witness for the defense and denied he had lied under oath during Curry's trial. Jurors found him not guilty on all counts.

A verdict is expected in Malray's trial sometime Wednesday. If found guilty, Malray faces a maximum of five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine on each charge.

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Law Enforcement Breaks Up Theft Ring

Sheriff Kenneth Volentine announced the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office, along with other law enforcement agencies in North Louisiana, arrested two men for theft. Randy Odom, 34, and Lloyd "Lee" Barmore, 22, both of Shreveport, were arrested and charged with the theft of four wheelers and John Deere riding lawn mowers in the parishes of Claiborne, Bossier, Caddo, and Webster. It seems the two suspects would ride through different parishes during the daytime looking for 4-wheelers and lawn mowers, then would return in the early morning hours to steal them.

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Aunt Miriam's Antiques To Close After 30 Years

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

Aunt Miriam's Antiques is going out of business after some thirty years. Miriam Johnson and her son Pat first opened the business in the old Butler building next to the Homer Post Office while Pat was still in high school. In fact, it was actually his idea to open the antique shop. He was a history buff and agreed to help his mom refinish the furniture, which he did until his graduation from Louisiana Tech. Pat moved to Bryan, Texas to take a teaching position at Texas A&M leaving Miriam with all the refinishing work. Miriam has reduced prices 30% on all antiques in the store until everything is sold.

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Bicycle Riders Come To Louisiana

Bicycle riders from all over the United States will be touring the back roads of Louisiana for an off-the-beaten-path view of the state. Starting April 25 at Lake Bistineau State Park, the cyclists will visit Ruston, Lake D'Arbonne State Park, Homer, Springhill, and Minden. All of the towns between each of the overnight spots will be visited by the cyclists. Tour directors will supply information to the visitors on what is unique and not to be missed. The tour will end at Lake Bistineau State Park on May 1.

Though the number of riders is limited, there are spaces left for interested cyclists. Day riders are also welcome. The tour is $300 and includes overnight indoor/outdoor camping, breakfast and dinner, luggage handling and SAG support. A bike repairman will also be on hand for needed repairs. Day riders can join the group at any point for $55, which also includes breakfast, dinner, SAG support, and a t-shirt. Registration forms and more information can be found at www.lacyclemainstreet.org. For more information call 318-628-5928.

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Kerry, Bush Win Presidential Primary In Claiborne

John Kerry and George W. Bush were winners in the Democratic and Republican Presidential Primaries held Tuesday, March 9 in Claiborne Parish. Kerry received 338 of the 472 votes cast in the Democratic Primary and George Bush received 111 votes or 96%, all but 5 of the total votes cast. Those five votes went to Bush's only opponent, Bill Wyatt. In the Democratic race, votes were as follows: John Edwards, 74 votes (16%), Howard Dean, 26 votes (6%), Wesley Clark, 13 votes (3%), Bill McGaughey, 8 votes (2%), Dennis Kucinich, 7 votes (1%), and Lyndon H. LaRouche, Jr., 6 votes (1%). Although still on the ballot both Dean and Clark had pulled out of the race. Al Sharpton was not on the ballot in Louisiana. Statewide results with 4,041 of 4,131 precincts reporting, Bush had 67,462 Republican votes, or 96%, to Wyatt's 2,684 or 4%. Kerry had 105,755 Democratic votes, or 69%. Other candidates received the following votes: Edwards - 25,281 or 17%, Dean - 7,658 or 5%, Clark - 6,850 or 4%, Kucinich - 2,306 or 2%, McGaughey - 3,084 or 2%, and LaRouche - 2,262 or 1%.

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Homer Chamber Director To Take Extended Leave

The Homer-Claiborne Chamber of Commerce recently approved an extended leave of absence for Mac Brakefield which she said would lead into her retirement sometime in the near future. Mac has served as executive director for the Chamber for over 13 years. During that time many improvements have been made in her office. When she was first hired in 1991, the Chamber office was only equipped with a rotary dial phone, an old Smith Corona typewriter and $20 in petty cash. Today the Chamber has a computer hooked to the internet and a new website.

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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

N. La. Cancer Support Group To Meet Thursday, March 18

The North La. Cancer Support Group will meet Thursday, March 18 at 6:30 PM at the Willis-Knighton Regional Health Center. For more info, call Bonnie at 927-1517.

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Seminars On Identity Theft, Home Health Care Set Mar. 13

Community Coordinating Council and State Rep. Rick Gallot will sponsor an educational seminar on Identity Theft and Home Health Care on Saturday, March 13 at 10 AM at the Cadenhead Community Center in Haynesville and at 1 PM at Lane Chapel Church located at 290 Washington in Homer. For info, call Joe Etta Williams at 927-9444 or Valena Lane at 247-6676.

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Spring Frolic Open House At CA's Little Red Schoolhouse

Claiborne Academy will hold a Spring Frolic Open House at the Little Red Schoolhouse on Friday, March 26 from 8:30-10:30 AM. Bring your child to the Little Red Schoolhouse and come meet our teachers, look at the curriculum, see the classrooms, play on the playground, and have some refreshments. To reserve your time on this exciting morning, call Peggy Speer at the school office at 927-2747 by Wed. March 24.

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Pinehill Water System To Hold Meeting On March 15

The Pinehill Water System will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, March 15 at Claiborne Manor Nursing Home.

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HHS Track Team To Sell Spaghetti Plates Sun. March 14

The Homer High Track Team will be selling spaghetti plates at the HHS cafeteria on Sunday, March 14 from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. Tickets are $5.00 a plate and may be purchased at the door. The Pelicans would appreciated your support during this fundraiser.

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Homer Pelican QB ClubAnnual� Bass Tourney Set For Mar. 27

The Homer High Pelican Quarterback Club will hold their Annual Bass Tournament at Parden's Paradise on Saturday, March 27. Entry fee is $20 per person, $10 big bass, with two persons per boat. Lots of prizes. For more info, call Bill Owens at 927-9654 or Glen Kyle at 927-5212 or 4658.

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Middlefork Water System To Hold Annual Meeting March 15

The Middlefork Water System to hold their annual meeting for members at the Lisbon Civic Center at 7:30 PM on Monday, March 15.

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"Passion of Jesus" Set For April 9-11 At Bethel Baptist

The Bethel Baptist Church in Lillie will present their ninth annual "Passion of Jesus" on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 9-11. The outdoor musical drama will begin at 8 PM each evening. No admission. Bring a lawn chair. For more info, call 318-986-4418.

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Claiborne Parish School Board, Police Jury To Meet This Week

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet Wednesday & Thursday, Mar. 10 and 11 at 10 AM. The Claiborne Parish School Board will meet Thursday at 7 PM immediately following the work session at 6:15 PM.

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Mt. Olive Christian School To Hold Annual Auction April 1-3

Mt. Olive Christian School announces its 22nd Annual Auction to be held April 1-3, 2004. The auction will begin at 6 PM on both Thursday and Friday nights. The outside sale will begin at 10 AM on Saturday. Consignments are welcome, and donations are appreciated. For more information, contact Len Gantt at 243-0674 or 258-5483. Look for more� specific information in the coming weeks.

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Deadline To Enter Corney Creek Pageant Is Friday, March 12

The deadline to enter the Corney Creek Pageant of Bernice is Friday, March 12. The Pageant will be held on Saturday, March 27 for girls age 1-18 who live within a 50-mile radius of Bernice. Age divisions are as follows: Toddler 1-2 years, Tiny 3-5 years, Little 6-8 yrs., Petite 9-11 yrs., Junior 12-14 yrs., and Miss 15-18 yrs. Applications are available at Claiborne Insurance in Homer and Harkins Appliance in Bernice.. For information, call Danielle Harkins at 318-285-9743.

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CCC Project Gold To Hold Seminar At Lane Chapel Sat., March 13

The Community Coordinating Council Project Gold will hold a Seminar on Saturday, March 13 at Lane Chapel Church at 290 Washington St. in Homer. For more information, contact Joe Etta Williams at 927-9444 or Valena P. Lane at 318-255-3632.

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Peterson-Holleman Family Reunion Set For March 13 In Ruston

The Peterson-Holleman Family Reunion will be held Saturday, March 13 at Temple Baptist Family Life Center in Ruston from 12:00-4:00 PM.

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Claiborne Parish Cattlemen's Association To Meet March 18

The Claiborne Parish Cattlemen's Association will meet at 6:30 p.m., March 18, at the Hill Farm Research Station. Dr. Jason Rowntree, newly appointed Beef Cattle Extension Specialist with LSU AgCenter, will be speaking on the development of replacement heifers and various beef cattle extension programs. A meal will be served. Hope to see you there!

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Duck Blinds On Corney Lake Must Be Removed By March 19

All duck blinds on Corney Lake will need to be removed by March 19, 2004. In the Code of Federal Regulations Handbook, CFR 36 Sec. 261.58(v) states that duck blinds must be removed no later than 30 days after duck season has officially ended. Any blinds that are not removed by this date will be confiscated. If you need any further information regarding this matter, you may contact Alvin Womack, District Ranger or Hugh Booth, Law Enforcement Officer at (318) 927-2061.

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Baby And Beauty Pageant To Be Held At Claiborne Manor April 3

The first annual Baby and Beauty Pageant will be held at Claiborne Manor Nursing Home on April 3 at 2 PM. Age groups are 0-23 months and 2-4 years for both boys and girls and 5-8, 9-12, and 13-16 for girls only. Trophies and crowns will be awarded for each category. Entry forms can be picked up at Claiborne Manor. The form and $5 entry fee must be turned in by March 18. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. For more information, call Betty at 927-3586 or 624-2363.

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Spring Calendar Of Events For Christmas Festival

The Spring Calendar of Events for the Christmas Festival include the Second Annual Fishing Tournament on� Lake Claiborne at Parden's Paradise off Hwy. 146 on Saturday, April 17, a Fish Fry on Saturday, May 14 with $6 takeout plates available, and a Bake Sale on Saturday, April 9 at Wal-Mart from 8 AM to 11 AM_great time to purchase your homemade Easter cakes. Entry fee for the Tournament is $50 per team and optional $10 Big Bass. Call Joe Freeman ar 927-1135 or Ann Freeman at 927-6357 for information. Money raised will go toward purchasing lights for the Town of Homer as well as new swings, nets and park benches at the Homer Park. Anyone who would like to help can call Ann Burton at 927-2046, Dale Tulley at 927-9009, or Bea Grimes at 927-4837.

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Abiding Faith Christian School Crawfish Festival, 5K Run/Walk

The Abiding Faith Christian School will hold their 4th Annual Crawfish Festival and 5k Run/1 Mile Walk on Saturday, April 17. Entry forms may be picked up at the school office at 1552 Hwy. 52 West in Crossett, AR or call 1-870-364-3844 for an entry form to be mailed. For more info call Race Director Stacey White at (870) 304-7578.

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Claiborne Bass Busters To Hold March Tourney On Grand Bayou

The Claiborne Bass Busters will hold their March tournament on Grand Bayou Reservoir and will launch at the Grand Bayou State Park on March 20 or March 21, from safe daylight till 3 PM. The Club will hold their Annual Open Bass Tournament on April 3 from 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM at Lake Claiborne, with weigh-in at Parden's Paradise. Anglers may launch anywhere on Lake Claiborne, but must be at Parden's by 3 PM.� Entry fee is $60 per boat, with $10 optional Big Bass pot. For information, call DCs Marine at 927-4943 or Donnie Westbrok at 927-5325.

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Annual Masonic Charity Bass Tournament Set For April 10

The Third Annual Masonic Charity Bass Tournament, a 5 stringer open team tournament, will be held on Saturday, April 10 at Lake Claiborne State Park. Fee is $125 and includes dinner. Ten cash places guaranteed. Deadline to enter is March 25. For information, contact any member of the Homer or Athens Masonic Lodge, or call Dick Dorrell at 927-0039. Bass and hummingbird carvings will be on display this week at Hibernia Bank. Donations are $2 to be included in April 10 drawing.

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Claiborne Watershed Commission To Meet March 23

The Claiborne Parish Watershed District Commission will meet on Tuesday, March 23 at 6:30 PM in the Police Jury Office Complex. The agenda will include AgCenter-Watershed District Waterfest (a youth education program), district by-laws and codes, Lake Claiborne dam inspection report and follow-up, Lisbon landing maintenance, buoy repair, July 4th Fireworks display, proposed legislation on yo-yo fishing statewide and commercial fishing on Lake Claiborne, and an aquifer recharge-lake development proposal.

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Ruston Jr. Auxiliary To Hold Second Annual Just 4 Kids Expo April 3

The Ruston Junior Auxiliary will hold the 2nd Annual Just 4 Kids Expo on Saturday, April 3, 2004 from 9am - 3pm at the Ruston Civic Center.� There will be many children's vendors and plenty of activities for kids.� Easter Bunny pictures will be taken, too.� The admission cost is $5 for adults and children over 12 and FREE to children under 12.

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Want To Quit_No More Butts

If you need help, or know someone who needs help in trying to quit using tobacco products, please call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872). A friendly healthy reminder from Gibsland Youth Center and the Louisiana Tobacco Control Program.

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:

Christmas Festival and Parade 2000 Homer_Christmas_2000
Christmas Festival and Parade 2003
Lake Claiborne State Park
Cabins - 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.

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

The Guardian-Journal
620 North Main | PO Box 119 | Homer, La 71040
Phone 318-927-3541 | Fax 318-927-3542
Guardian-Journal@claiborneone.org

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Kathryn H. Hightower Hilda Spillers Estate

Geraldine H. Hightower
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Susan T. Herring
Editor & Feature Writer

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Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Claiborne Parish School Board, Town of Homer, Villages of Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield and Junction City, La.

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