Claiborne Sheriff Sends Deputy, Bus Drivers To New Orleans

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

            Deputy PughClaiborne Parish Sheriff's Office sent one deputy, two school buses and four school bus drivers to New Orleans last week to help with the rescue effort. Sheriff Ken Bailey sent Deputy Randy Pugh who is a member of the North Louisiana Sheriff's Association Task Force. Pugh joined Union Parish Sheriff Bob Buckley and several other North Louisiana officers. There were more than 500 deputies from 71 departments across the state.

            Pugh arrived at the Command Post located at the Lamar Dixon Expo in Gonzales on Tuesday, August 30. Their first mission was to help secure about 7,000 inmates from an Orleans prison. About 96 inmates were transported to the Claiborne Detention Center, and another 150 inmates have been placed at Wade Correctional Center.

            Although officers were ready to go in and begin the boat rescue operation, they were not allowed to because it was too hostile. They were however able to rescue several New Orleans police officers who had been trapped near Harrah's Casino for three days, with no water, no food, and little ammunition.

 

U.S. CONGRESSMAN JIM McCRERY

U.S. CONGRESSMAN JIM McCRERY, after traveling through 13 parishes in four days, made his final stop in Homer Tuesday to meet in closed session with Claiborne Sheriff Ken Bailey, Bienville Sheriff John Ballance, OEP directors Dennis Butcher in Claiborne and Rodney Warren in Bienville, Haynesville Mayor Pro Temp Joyce Majors, Homer Mayor Huey Dean, Chamber President J. T. Taylor, DOTD District Engineer John Sanders to give an update on relief efforts in South Louisiana. Of 27 shelters in his Congressional District, only 5 are Red Cross shelters. All 23 shelters were doing a superb job  without the help of the Red Cross, but realizing local efforts would eventually need assistance, McCrery has been working to get FEMA funds to assist those shelters. FEMA is also placing an unprecedented 45,000 mobile homes across the U.S., mainly in Louisiana, to house persons displaced by Katrina.

 

Donations Needed For Victims

            The Office of Emergency Preparedness is collecting monetary donations and other items for victims of Hurricane Katrina. For those who would like to contribute to help provide meals and housing for individuals seeking refuge in Claiborne Parish, make your checks payable to the Claiborne Parish O.E.P. and deliver to the Police Jury Complex. Other items being collected at the Police Jury Complex include such items as paper goods, linens, toiletries, and disposable diapers.

 

Haynesville Police Make Arrests

            The Haynesville Police made several arrests over the past several weeks. On August 15, officers James Bolton and John Barnette responded to a domestic disturbance on Walker Street in Haynesville. Apparently, David Fitzgerald, had been living at the residence and was being kicked out. Officers were informed by Steve and Patricia Hicks that their son, Lavelle Hicks' 2001 Honda Rancher 4-wheeler might be at that address. It had been missing for four months but they had failed to report it as stolen due to misinformation. After confirming the ownership of the 4-wheeler and obtaining a warrant, officers arrested David Fitzgerald and charged him with possession of stolen items over $2,000. He surrendered to authorities on Sunday, August 21 and was booked into the Claiborne Detention Center on $10,000 bond.

            While stopped at the Sonic Drive-In in Haynesville on Thursday, August 15, Police Chief Anthony Smith noticed a vehicle driven by Alberto Luna of Athens, playing music excessively loud and spinning tires. After stopping the vehicle and issuing citations for disturbing the peace and reckless operation, Smith noticed a strong order and asked for permission to search the vehicle. Assisted by Officer Barnette, Smith discovered a McDonald's sack containing what appeared to marijuana, a small black pipe, a bottle of Canadian whiskey, and a bottle of pills. Two minors were in the vehicle with Luna.

            Luna was charged with possession of Schedule I CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of open container, and minor in possession of alcohol. He was booked into the CDC on $500 bond for each charge.

            During an investigation of a theft at Yesterday's Grill, officers were questioning Locken D. "Shurn" Hudson as a person of interest. He gave verbal permission to officers to search his vehicle. Three pills believed to be Hydrocodone, but later found to be a generic brand of Zanax, was discovered. Hudson was arrested August 22 and placed under $10,000 bond.

            Mark Lorenzo Lane, 35, of McDonald Street in Haynesville was driving an 18-wheeler through town on Saturday, August 20 when he ran off the edge of the roadway at the intersection of Fairgrounds Drive and Bailey Street. The truck was stuck high center and had to be towed. Lane failed a field sobriety test was performed by officers Bolton and Barnette and was arrested for suspicion of DWI, driving while intoxicated.

            Officers were transporting Lane to the Claiborne Detention Center when he kicked out the rear window and ran down the road. He was apprehended by Bolton and taken to CDC where Claiborne Ambulance personnel examined him. He was transported to Homer Memorial Hospital and released after being examined by a doctor. Lane made a second attempt to escape, jumping through the broken window while handcuffed and was apprehended a second time.

            Lane was charged with two counts of simple escape, DWI, criminal damage to city property, and failure to maintain control. He is being held with no bond on a parole violation.

            Four individuals were arrested August 28 after following a routine traffic when Chief Smith smelled marijuana  from the vehicle. A search uncovered what appeared to be marijuana. Arrested were Gary B. Williams, 19, of Magnolia, and passengers Brandy Harden, 18, Antonio Jamerson, 18, and Freddie Easter, 20, all of Magnolia. They were charged with possession of Schedule II CDS and transported to the CDC under $500 bond each

 

GURVIS VINES

GURVIS VINES heads up the feeding program for the evacuees at Camp Harris. He shows off the 250 lbs. of sausage purchased by Karl Malone and Malone Properties. The meat was shipped Federal Express overnight in boxes with dry ice. Another 300 lbs. of frozen vegetables and 300 lbs. of chicken was expected Friday.

 

Senior Expo Canceled

            The S.A.L.T. Council, Claiborne Parish TRIAD and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office have announced that the Senior Expo scheduled for Saturday, September 24 has been canceled due to circumstances involving the local relief effort for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

           

OEP Phone Bank

CLAIBORNE PARISH OEP (Office of Emergency Preparedness) opened a phone bank in the lobby of the Police Jury Complex last week to assist Hurricane evacuees with needed information through the efforts of Loy Weaver and Dennis Butcher. Doug Folts (center) is overseeing the volunteer operation. Candie White (rear) works as a volunteer. Front left, Meg McCowen discusses the electronic photographs and video she took of displaced children in Claiborne Parish which is set to go on-line Wednesday at oep.claiborneone.org.

 

Hurricane Evacuee Students Enroll In Parish Schools

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

            Children of  Hurricane Katrina evacuees have been welcomed into the Claiborne Parish School system, Claiborne Academy and Mt. Olive Christian School since their arrival into Claiborne Parish in the aftermath of this horrific disaster. The continued education of school age children - both primary and secondary - is one of the major concerns of Superintendent of Schools James E. Scriber as well as their families.

            Supt. Scriber said the current uniform policy has been waived for a period of time to be determined in the near future. He added that persons wishing to make donations such as basic school supplies (pencils, pens, paper, notebooks, etc.) along with uniforms, shoes, socks, and other essentials may take them to the Claiborne Parish School Board office, 418 East Main in Homer.

            He said he has visited the different areas the evacuees are being housed offering the services of the Claiborne Parish Schools.

            The number of children enrolled in the public and private schools in Claiborne Parish per school as of Tuesday, Sept. 6 _

            The office of Homer Elementary, Pat Lee, principal, had no enrollment numbers available.

            Keith Beard, principal of Homer Junior High, said one student had enrolled. He also noted that along with basic school supplies the students would be needing map pencils and gym clothes.

            Dwight Mitchell, principal of Homer High School, stated no students had been enrolled but anticipated some during this week.

            Robert Bond, principal of Haynesville Elementary School, said one student has been enrolled.

            Bill Kennedy, principal of Haynesville High and Haynesville Junior High School, said they had a total of seven students.

            Craig Roberson, principal of Athens High School, said 20 students had been enrolled and they were expecting more during the week.

            Pineview High School has enrolled 11 students, according to Sandra Boston, principal.

            D'Arcy Stevens, principal of Summerfield High School has currently enrolled five students and was expecting more by the end of the week.

            Both Claiborne Academy and Mt. Olive are accepting donations of basic school supplies and uniforms for the students entering the schools _

            Michael Hardwick, headmaster of Claiborne Academy, said approximately 30 students have been enrolled as of Sept. 6.

            Linda Gantt, principal of Mt. Olive Christian School, stated five students have been enrolled.

           

DELISE Family

DAVID DELISE, JODY COLLINS, and Cindy Delise Mouton met other family members at Camp Harris last Friday after traveling for days and spending a terrifying night on Interstate-10 near the ramp where guards were watching inmates from a New Orleans prison.

 

NOTICE: Deadline For Advertisements

No Later Than 5 p.m. On Mondays

All display and legal advertisements for The Guardian-Journal must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Monday of the week in which it is to appear. Classified ads will be received until 12 p.m (noon) on Tuesday prior to the Thursday publication date. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

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


Your Public Forum
New Feature - Football Schedules/Scores

 

News Briefs

Homer To Release 300 Tickets To Haynesville For 9-16 Game

Homer High Principal Dwight Mitchell will release 300 tickets to Haynesville High for presale before the Homer-Haynesville game on September 16 to help alleviate long lines.  

 

Butterfly Festival Parade, Pet Parade Looking For Entrants

Haynesville will be hosting the annual Butterfly Festival Parade on Saturday, September 10 at 9:30 a.m. Groups or organizations who would be interested in marching; riding a horse, motorcycle, or golf cart, or entering a float is asked to contact Suzy Allen at 624-0233 before Tuesday, Sept. 6. There will also be a children's pet parade with prizes for largest, smallest, most unusual and best decorated pet.

 

Middlefork Water System To Meet September 12 At 6 PM

Middlefork Water System to hold monthly meeting on September 12 at 6 PM at the Lisbon Civic Center.

 

David Abernathy To Speak At Homer Lions Club Sept. 8

Guest speaker at the September 8 noon meeting of the Homer Lions Club will be David Abernathy with the Rolling Hills Disaster Ministry.

 

Grandparents' Week Set At Junction City Elementary

Grandparents will be honored at Junction City Elementary School beginning Wednesday, September 7 according to Margaret McGaha, principal. Grandparents of students are invited to eat lunch with their grandchildren during the week: at 10:50 a.m. Wednesday for kindergarten students, at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday for first graders and at 11:05 on Friday for second graders.

 

Homer High Spirit Group To Hold Back To School Bash

The Homer High Spirit Group is having a Back to School Bash on Monday, September 12 at 7 PM in the band hall. This is a time for parents of all spirit groups to meet. Refreshments will be served. Please come and support your child in band, cheerleading, dance line, flag and rifle lines and pep squad. 

 

Free Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, & Cholesterol Screenings

Dr. Ivy Magee-Reed? will offer free blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol screenings on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 8 AM - 12 noon at Family First Health at 911 West Main, behind Regions Bank building. No appointment necessary.

 

Homer High, Jr. High Seeking New & Used Band Instruments

Lenward T. Seals, Jr., new Director of Bands, and band members at Homer Junior High and Homer High School need help securing band instruments for the 2005-2006 school year. Anyone interested in donating new or used band instruments regardless of condition, please contact Mr. Seals at Homer Jr. High at 927-2826 or Homer High at 927-2599.

 

Watershed District To Meet  September 15 At 5:30 PM

The Claiborne Parish Watershed District will hold its regular fall meeting on Thursday, September 15 at 5:30 PM in the Police Jury complex. On the agenda are a presentation and discussion of ways to protect and develop the parish's natural resources, including waters and tress, Lake Claiborne matters, and general business.

 

Claiborne Parish Police Jury, School Board Meet This Week

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet Wednesday, September 7 in work session and Thursday, September 8 in regular session at 10 AM.

The Claiborne Parish School Board will meet Thursday, Sept. 8 at 7 PM, immediately following the work session at 6 PM.

 

Ford Museum Looking For Information On Early Schools

The Ford Museum is looking for historic information on all schools in the parish. Since 1822 when John Murrell hired the first school teacher, education has been important to the citizens in Claiborne Parish. Over the years until the schools were combined in the early 1970s, there were 61 black schools and 8 white schools. Anyone with information is asked to call Linda Volentine at 927-9190.

 

Donations Being Accepted For Annual St. Jude Car-Bike Show

Donations are being accepted for the 4th Annual St. Jude Lake Claiborne Car & Bike Show to be held Saturday, October 1. Funds raised will be used for a room in memory of Christian and Joseph Manzanares. The goal this year is $70,000, up from $32,000 the past three years. Make checks payable to St. Jude and mail to Rickey Bearden, 223 Beardsley, Homer, LA 71040.. The amount raised the past three years was $32,000.

 

Hunter Education Courses Set For September 7, 8, 10

The Claiborne Sheriff's Office and David Wade Correctional will sponsor a Hunter Education course September 7, 8, 10, from 6-9 PM  on Wednesday and Thursday and from 8 AM - 12 PM on Saturday at the Homer Fire Station. Participants must pre-register at the Sheriff's Office at 927-2011. Class size is limited.

 

Rep. Rick Gallot Jr. Announces Schedule For Homer Office

Representative Rick Gallot, Jr. will be in his Homer Legislative Office, located in the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex the following dates and times in September:

Tuesday, September 6, 11 AM - 2 PM

Thursday, September 15, 9 AM - 12 PM

Monday, September 19, 9 AM - 12 PM

Wednesday, September 26, 9 AM - 12 PM

 

Burns Sponosrs Trip For Seniors, Gift Baskets To Nursing Homes

Willie Burns Jr. will take up to 56 senior citizens, approximately 10 from each Homer church, to The Feed House in Magnolia on Saturday, September 24. The bus will leave at 5 PM from the Wal-Mart parking lot. To sign up, call Burns at 560-8563. Also, on Friday, September 9, (new date) Burns will deliver gift baskets to residents at all three parish nursing homes_at 10 AM at Heritage Manor, at 12 PM at Claiborne Manor and at 2 PM at Presbyterian Village. Burns will also provide 100 steak dinners to the community on Wednesday, September 14 at 6 PM at the Mayfield Park in Homer. If the weather permits, he will speak to the community at that event.

 

September 14 Last Day To Register For October Election

The last day to register, or to make name or address changes, for the October 15 election is September 14. Absentee voting will be October 3-8 from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, M-F, and from 8:30 AM-12:00 PM on Saturday according to Registrar of Voters Patricia Sanders. For more information, call 927-3332.

 

Transportation Is Available For Claiborne Parish  Residents

Do you need a ride to the doctor, grocery store, or Wal-Mart? Call Claiborne Public Transit at 318-927-3557 or 1-800-870-4166 for a ride. We provide the only public transportation in Claiborne Parish, Monday through Friday, from 6 AM until 4 PM. We provide safe, efficient transportation for parish residents. Give us a try!!

 

D.A.R.T. Is Committed To Ending Domestic Violence

D.A.R.T. (Domestic Abuse Resistance Team) of Lincoln is committed to ending domestic violence by providing shelter, legal assistance and counseling. For more info call (800) 281-7885 or the 24-Hour Crisis Line at (318) 251-2255.

 

Buy A Book - Build A Child

Click for FlyerCompletion of the Homer Elementary School Library is expected late August 2004. Librarian Maggie Harris is requesting businesses and individuals to donate $25 per book, to help build a child's future through reading. A recognition label will be placed on the inside front cover of each book purchased through your donations. Donating a book in their name is a great way to honor a friend or family member. Donations may be mailed to Homer Elementary School Library, 624 Bonner St, Homer, LA 71040. For more information, contact Librarian Maggie Harris at 318-927-2393. Please print the program flyer and post at your place of business.


Toe Tapping Good Time at Claiborne Country in Homer

Claiborne Country provides a toe-tapping good time Saturday Nights throughout the year. Hours are 7:00pm - 10:30pm. Features the Claiborne Country house band with Special Guest Singers. Free Dance Lessons are also offered, call 870-546-9534 for more information. No Alcohol and No Smoking.


Claiborne One Site Now Features Area Image Archive

Archives Now Online include:


Money Available for New or Expanding Businesses in Homer

The Claiborne 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 Claiborne Parish. Loan preferences will be made on the basis of job creation. Further information may be obtained by contacting John Watson, Executive Director of the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce at (318) 927-3271. The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity provider.


PaPa Simpson’s Farm - "Where Learning Comes to Life!"

Papa Simpson's FarmLocated inside Claiborne Parish, just north of Arcadia, PaPa Simpson’s Farm specializes in educational field trips for school age children. Bring a picnic lunch and spend a country day down on the farm. The farm offers Family and School Farm Tours, Birthday Parties and Company Picnics. Features include one of the largest working dairy farms in Louisiana, seasonal events such as Pick-A-Pumpkin Patch in October, Catfish Fish-Out Ponds, and MiMi's Country Cupboard offering concessions, fresh eggs, specialty cheese, jams and jellies. For more information visit them online at www.PaPaSimpsonsFarm.com or call (318) 263-2383.


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, with hundreds of 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.

 

  
 
Top of Page

 

Community Services Directory - Educational Programs, Hotlines, Health/Medical, Social/Community, Clubs/Organizations, and Internet Resources


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

Co-Owners
Kathryn H. Hightower Hilda Spillers Estate

Geraldine H. Hightower
Publisher
Susan T. Herring
Editor & Feature Writer
Official Journal
  Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Claiborne Parish School Board, Town of Homer, Villages of Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield and Junction City, La.
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)
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!
 
  
Current News  |  Headlines  |  News Briefs  |  Subscriptions  |  Contact Us

Contact Us for Back Issues of the Guardian-Journal
Archived Headlines and News Briefs

Disclaimer, Privacy Policy and User Agreement

Online Since 11/11/99

www.kcwd.com





Click Here - Link Opens in Separate Window
 

 

Enter Movie Title

OR, Enter City/Zip

 





 
Enter City or US Zip




 
Click Here - Link Opens in Separate Window
 

 

Merriam Webster OnLine
Dictionary
Thesaurus