DOTD Secretary Committed To Homer Bypass

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

            Johnny B. Bradberry, Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), flew in to Claiborne Parish, landing at the Homer Municipal Airport Tuesday afternoon, October 19, to meet with  State Representative Rick Gallot and parish officials to discuss transportation needs in Claiborne Parish.

            When introducing Bradberry to the those gathered at the Police Jury Complex, Gallot said he was thoroughly impressed with the Secretary's performance so far. He may have never built a road, but he is good at managing people, and Gallot said, "He shoots straight."

            Bradberry spoke highly of Gallot, bragging on the job he was doing in Baton Rouge. "You have a dedicated man here," according to Bradberry. At their first meeting earlier this year, he immediately brought up the Homer Bypass and he has been pushing it ever since. Bradberry said he has studied the project and is very familiar to how critical it is to this area. He said, "Am I committed to making the project happen? The answer to that is yes."

DOTD SECRETARY Johnny Bradberry (left) and State Representative Rick Gallot (right) met with Chamber President J. T. Taylor (center), Homer Mayor Huey Dean, Haynesville Mayor Mickey Mayfield, and a number of other parish officials Tuesday, October 19 to discuss transportation needs in Claiborne Parish.

Vaccine Not Only Way To Avoid The Flu

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

            The Claiborne Parish Health Unit announced they would begin giving flu shots on a first come, first serve basis to persons  classified in the at-risk group identified by the Office of Public Health in Baton Rouge at 8 AM on Tuesday, October 26. There will be no charge for persons with Medicare or Medicaid cards. All others will pay a $10 fee.

            Healthy persons who are not in one of the at-risk categories are asked to do without their flu vaccine this year. With a short supply of the flu vaccine, it is more important that those most susceptible to serious complications from the flu have access to the flu shot.

            People who are classified as priority groups for the flu vaccine changed since last week. Below are the new at-risk persons who will be able to get their shot as long as the vaccine is available.

            ∙ all children aged 6-23 months

            ∙ adults aged 65 years and older

            ∙ people aged 2-64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions

            ∙ all women who will be pregnant during influenza season

            ∙ residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities

            ∙ children 6 months-18 years of age on chronic aspirin therapy

            Taken off the list were health-care workers with direct patient care and out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged less than six months. This year as in the past, the Department of Health and Hospitals has made the flu vaccine available to people in these groups first, then made the vaccine available to the general public.

Claiborne Manor and Presbyterian Village have received the flu vaccine for their residents. Heritage Nursing Center in Haynesville has the vaccine on order but have not received any as of Tuesday.

            For those persons who are not in the at-risk group and will not get the vaccine this year, there are a number of ways  they can protect themselves from the flu. Below are some simple actions that can stop the spread of germs and help protect you from getting sick:

            ∙ Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

            ∙ Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

            ∙ Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

            ∙ Clean Your Hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

            ∙ Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose Or Mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

            Other good habits, such as getting plenty of sleep, engaging in physical activity, managing stress, drinking water, and eating good food will help you stay healthy in the winter and all year.

            Rosemary Ellis, editorial director for Prevention magazine, suggests washing your hands often and using a hand sanitizer when traveling. In public restrooms, use a paper towel to open the door before placing in the trash can.

            Ellis said, "Food is your first defense." Certain foods can help stop the flu before it strikes. They are brazil nuts, walnuts, salmon, shellfish, milk and yogurt, black elderberry tea or lozenges, and raw garlic.

            There are also a number of anti-viral prescription medications that can reduce the severity of the flu if taken within the first day or two of symptoms, such as Tamiflu and Relenza.

NO, THIS IS NOT A FLU SHOT, but Gerry Hightower (right) expects to be one of the first in line next Tuesday, October 26 at 8 AM at the Claiborne Parish Health Unit in Homer to get her flu vaccine. Nursing Supervisor Erin White (left) said they will give shots on a first come, first serve basis to children age 6-23 months, adults aged 65 and older, and people aged 2-64 with chronic medical conditions.

3-Foot Alligator Caught In Homer

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

            The last thing Bridget Caskey and Jordan Pixley expected to see walking down the street in North Louisiana was an alligator, but that is exactly what happened Saturday, October 9 when the two saw a 3-foot long alligator walking down North Main Street in Homer just east of Homer High School. Fearing the young alligator would be hit by a car, they stopped to rescue it. Later that evening, while showing it off to family members, the 3-foot reptile bit the finger of Bridget's uncle, George Dean, who immediately went to the hospital for a tetanus shot.

            Claiborne Parish Sheriff Deputy Randy Smith of the incident and asked what they should do with the alligator. Stacey Smith suggested they put it in the Legion Hut pond  near the hospital, since she had seen two alligators approximately 8 feet long swimming with two smaller alligators there. She thought this may have been one of the smaller ones.

            On Sunday, Randy Smith called the office of Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries in Minden, who sent two agents to Homer to pick up the Caskey's new pet. Lt. Ritchie McCarthy and Mike Kelly explained that it was illegal to take or possess an alligator and they could have been fined. The fine would have been much steeper if they had killed the alligator. Anyone caught killing an alligator out of season would have to pay $1,500 per foot. The fine for killing a 3-foot alligator would have been $4,500.

            Captain Donnie Bates, with the  Minden LWF office, said anyone caught killing any type of wildlife out of season in Louisiana (turkey, deer, squirrel, or fish) would have to pay a fine equal to the replacement value. Persons who take an alligator without a license or are in possession of a live alligator without a permit can be fined from $250-$500. A person taking or possession an alligator in closed season can be fined $400-$750.

THIS YOUNG ALLIGATOR WAS RESCUED from being hit by traffic on North Main near Homer High School by (top photo, l-r) Bridget Caskey and Jordan Pixley on Saturday, October 9. Helping hold the 3-foot long alligator estimated to be about 5 years old were Bridget's cousin Brooke Perry and sister Whitney Caskey. (Bottom photo) On Sunday, October 10, Wildlife and Fisheries officials, Lt. Ritchie McCarthy (2nd from left)  and Mike Kelly (right), picked up the gator and warned the youngsters that it was against the law to take, possess or kill an alligator. They could have been fined between $250-$750. Bridget's uncle George Dean (lower, left) was bitten on the finger and had to get a tetanus shots and a round of antibiotics. The alligator was released back to its natural habitat.

Another Drug Arrest By Metro

            Metro Narcotics Agent James Spillers and Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office Detective Duffy Gandy received information on October 7 that Grant A. Lewis, 33, of Haynesville was at a residence in the Baileytown area of north Claiborne Parish. Metro Narcotics obtained an arrest warrant for Lewis for possession of Schedule II CDS methamphetamine based on information obtained by Metro, the Louisiana State Police and CPSO on June 17, 2004.

            When officers arrived at the residence located at 142 Murphy Bailey Road, they arrested Lewis. They also arrested Heather Lewis Gilbert, 35, of Haynesville for resisting an officer and for battery of an officer. Both subjects were transported to jail and booked, Lewis on $10,000 bond and Gilbert on $1,250 bond.

Lake Drawdown Back  On Schedule After Rain

            The drawdown of Lake Claiborne had a minor setback last week when almost 14 inches of rain fell in three days. Nancy Boddie, lab technician at the Hill Farm Research Station, recorded 13.73 inches between October 9-11. Although the 7 foot drawdown was achieved on October 7, the influx of rain caused the lake to rise.

            According to Alice Stewart, Vice-Chairman of the Claiborne Parish Watershed District Commission, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) increased the gate opening to release water at a rate of two (2) inches per day on October 12, however tributaries continued to bring rainwater into the lake and the level of the lake continued to rise until it peaked at 2.3 feet below pool stage on October 14.

            Stewart said water levels began dropping again on Friday, October 15, and continued to fall at an average rate of one inch per day through Tuesday, October 19.

            The DOTD will continue to assess the situation and readjust lake levels as needed until the goal of 7 feet is attained to allow lake residents to continue shoreline repairs. If needed and as long as the situation will not create flooding downstream, DOTD said they would be willing to look at opening gates even further.

            For more information, you can contact the Claiborne Parish Watershed District by calling (318) 927-9832 or DOTD at (318) 549-8300.

Say "Boo" To Dangerous Trick-or-Treating

Homer and Haynesville To Celebrate Halloween Saturday, Oct. 30

            As children across the state spend the following weeks preparing costumes, gobbling goodies and deciding whether to play tricks or get treats, state health officials remind them to incorporate safety into their Halloween activities.

            "Halloween is a fun holiday for children, and we want to keep it that way" said Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Dr. Fred Cerise. "We are issuing some basic guidelines all parents should follow to make sure their children have an enjoyable, safe holiday."

            Although Halloween falls on Sunday this year, the towns of Homer and Haynesville will celebrate the holiday on Saturday, October 30 from 6-9 PM. Trick-or-treaters are asked to stop only at homes that have their porch lights turned on.

            Some tips to follow for safe trick or treating include.

Costumes

            ∙ Make sure the costume is short and well-fitted. Baggy, loose clothing can trip children and poses a greater risk if the child is exposed to fire. It also is important to avoid wearing oversized shoes (that is, clown shoes), as those also can lead to dangerous falls. Make sure the eyeholes in a child's mask are big enough so that he or she can see oncoming traffic and other pedestrians in the way.

            ∙ Make sure costume props are flexible. Do not allow children to use props such as swords, knives or guns unless these these items are made of rubber or plastic.

Streets

            ∙ Wear bright colors so that oncoming drivers can easily see the child in the dark. Glow-in-the-dark stickers also can be added to dark costumes to make them more visible.

            ∙ Do not let children younger than 13 trick or treat without an adult. If older children are going out alone, make sure they are using a buddy system.

            ∙ Make sure children practice proper safety rules when crossing streets. They must look both ways before stepping into the street and should not step between parked cars.

Candy

            ∙ Do not allow your children to eat their trick-or-treat candy until you have examined it.

            Homer Police Chief Rodney Hollenshead and Haynesville Mayor Mickey Mayfield ask parents to make sure their children observe the times and safety tips.

Christian Music Jamboree, Lake Claiborne State Park

Saturday, November 6 ∙ 8 AM - 8 PM

            Lake Claiborne State Park will host their first Christian Music Jamboree on Saturday, November 6 from 8 AM-8 PM at the park. Local Christian bands, choral groups, or singers are being sought to be a part of the day's activities. Groups wishing to get their name on the list of participants may contact Elizabeth Entrekin at  927-2976. Carey Armstrong who will be setting up scheduling after registration can be contacted at (318) 435-6310. The deadline for registration is October 25. Tell your friends, neighbors, and church groups about this event so we can make it enjoyable and memorable before the busy Christmas season begins.

CPSO Phones Back On-Line

            Sheriff Ken Bailey issued a statement late Tuesday afternoon that their phone lines had been repaired. A local contractor mistakenly cut through a telephone cable behind the Health Unit, knocking out service to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office just after lunch. Anyone who called the office may have wondered why they were not answering the phone, but service was not restored until late Tuesday afternoon.

Hunting Licenses On Sale

            Avoid the Rush!! Sheriff Ken Bailey is urging area hunters to get their hunting license now. October 23 is the first day of muzzle season and gun season starts October 30 in this area. Hunting Licenses are available 24 hours a day at the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office, but can also be purchased at Wal-Mart in Homer, B&B Country Store and Rebel Stop in Summerfield, and Farm Depot in Haynesville; or you can go on-line to get your license at www.wlf.state.la.us. Hunting rules and regulation brochures are in stock and available at CPSO. Sheriff Bailey said, "We ask all hunters in our area to know and obey hunting rules and regulations. We want everyone to have a safe hunting season." 

THE HAYNESVILLE HIGH HOMECOMING COURT who will be presented at half-time Friday night during the Haynesville-Sarepta football game are (front row, l-r) Kia Fields, Devin Durham, Theresa Murray, Kasundra Beene, Arshantae Johnson, (back row) Britney Winn, Heather Gore, Samantha Childress, Tierney Turner, and Constance Wortham.

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