Officer shoots self during standoff

 

The Guardian-Journal

A Homer police officer was airlifted to LSU Health Sciences Center Tuesday afternoon after a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Officer Mike Rayburn, 33, reportedly barricaded himself inside his home in Haynesville after he left the Homer Police Station around noon. Published reports indicate that Rayburn and Homer Police Chief Russell Mills exchanged words earlier in the day regarding a complaint filed against Rayburn earlier that morning.

Mills said he’d received more than one complaint within minutes of each other, and when Rayburn came back to the police station, he attempted to discuss the complaints with him.

“Within seconds of our discussion, he became visibly agitated towards me,” the chief said. “The events led to him storming out of the patrolman room into the hallway, continuing to be argumentative towards me.”

Once in the council room, Captain Donald Malray intervened and tried to calm him down, which did not work. Rayburn then uttered a comment and stormed out the back door, getting into his personal vehicle and leaving the police station.

“Moments later, I was contacted by Officer Jason Branch (of the Haynesville Police Department) who advised he had a person in his office filing a complaint on Officer Rayburn,” Mills continued. “Seconds into our conversation, Officer Branch advised that Officer Rayburn was on the cell phone of the complainant. The cell phone was put on speaker and I was able to hear his voice in a very agitated state. At this point, myself and Captain Malray traveled to Haynesville and stayed in the area until Lt. (Jimmy) Brown of the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office notified me to come to the scene.”

Town Attorney Jim Colvin conducted an investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident, and stated that his investigation revealed that this tragedy had nothing to do with Rayburn’s status as a police officer. Mills said that the events that led up to the end of Tuesday afternoon was a culmination of personal family issues that have been going on for more than two months.

“This is a tragedy,” Colvin said. “We’ve known Mike Rayburn for a long time, and our thoughts and our prayers are with him and his family at this time.”

Reports say that deputies from the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, the David Wade Correctional Center’s special response team and the Haynesville Police Department came together at Rayburn’s home, located at the corner of McDonald and Dawson Streets in Haynesville.

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey said by the time he arrived in Haynesville, Rayburn was being stabilized by paramedics from Pafford Air One.

“It’s a tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers go with his family,” Bailey said.

The Haynesville Police Department is heading up the investigation into the matter, Bailey said.

Colvin also indicated that Rayburn just learned this week that he’d passed POST exam and was set to graduate Friday morning.

“I spoke with Officer Rayburn’s mother and father at the scene and offered my support,” Mills said. “It’s heartbreaking that the events of this day ended in such an unfortunate way.”

According to officials at LSU Health Sciences Center, his condition was listed as critical as of press time.

 

WWII hero comes home after 6 decades


Above, six members of the Fort Polk Honor Guard serve as pallbearers for the long overdue services honoring the homecoming of Airman Aub Atkins Jr. He was laid to rest Saturday, May 16, at Salem Cemetery in Athens. Pictured at upper left, Barksdale Air Force Base provided a B-52 bomber  flyover in honor of Atkins’ return.

 

Story and photos by Jenni Williams

 

“In time of War, they heeded the call

They called up arms

‘Freedom For All’

they went to serve in a far away land

In battles they fought, they took a stand...”

--Anonymous

 

In a moment so fraught with emotion and only the sound of American flags waving in the wind, Airman Aubrey Atkins Jr. was brought home to Athens more than six decades after he answered America’s call to arms.

This past weekend, more than 66 years after he was declaired missing in action, Aub Jr. was finally returned home.

The memorial service was officiated by Chaplin Gil Arthur, Lt. Col. and Chaplin James Covey.

“We may have not known exactly where he (Aub) was all these years, but to God, he was never ‘lost’,” Chaplain Arthur said.

Military honors were provided by the Fort Polk Honor Guard.

The military flew Atkins’ remains home from Hawaii and then transported him to his final resting place at Salem Cemetery in Athens. He is laid to rest next to his parents and other family members.

The Armed Forces helped bury Atkins with full honors including many motorcyclists with  the Combat Vets Association and Patriot Guard Riders, who surrounded the gravesite with a large number of American flags, 21-gun salute and a B-52 flyover, provided by Barksdale Air Force Base.

Atkins joined the military at the onset of World War II to help America break free of the shackles that the Great Depression had clamped on the rural north Louisiana parish he knew growing up.

Enlisting in the Army Air Corps, he intended to serve a tour of duty, return home, get the college education he couldn’t have otherwise afforded and make something of his life.

He never got the chance.

Atkins, only 22 at the time, and six other airmen were killed on December 5, 1942, when their aircraft, a B-52 bomber nicknamed “The Happy Legend,” crashed in the mountains of New Guinea.

The plane was designated as a standby bomber for that day’s mission, but when the first plane developed mechanical problems shortly after take-off, the “Happy Legend” was called into combat with Atkins serving as radio man, according to the website, pacificwrecks.com.

The plane disappeared into a cloudbank as it approached Kokoda Pass near the mountainrange and was never seen again. The military authorities believe it was shot down by Japanese armed forces.

Not much of the wreckage remained when Australian soldiers discovered it more than two months later. When the bomber crashed into the mountainside, it was loaded with fuel and several 500-pound bombs, causing it to ignite and explode on contact. Debris was scattered  within a crater estimated to be 13 feet deep and more than 50 feet across.

Atkins’ remains and dog tags were finally recovered after years of painstaking efforts by archaeologists searching the remote rainforests of the Owen Stanley Range on the southernmost tip of the country.

His remains were able to be 100 percent identified late last year because of the never-ending love of his last living sister, who donated her DNA to the military in 2007, just months before her own death.

Family members have been in contact with a representative of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans about donating some of Atkins’ personal effects, including his dog tags and medals, to be placed on display.

“We know they’ll be wonderful custodians of his things,” one of Atkins’ nieces, Mary Ann Plauche, said. “We’re doing this for our parents and our grandparents. The conclusive findings of Aub Jr.’s remains have brought us together as a family.”

Atkins was laid to rest just one day before what would have been his 89th birthday.

 

Amended law aids Pilgrim’s Pride sale

 

The Guardian-Journal

The passage of a legislative bill that has now been signed by Gov. Bobby Jindal now secures funding to facilitate the sale of the Farmerville Pilgrim’s Pride plant to Foster Farms based in California.

Sen. Mike Walsworth, R-West Monroe, authored Senate Bill 283, which amended the original law to include a provision that would allow the purchase deal with Foster Farms to fall under its umbrella. The original law provided for money to be used only to create at least 500 jobs and create $100 million or more in private investment. Under the amended version, the Louisiana Mega-Projects Development Fund could also be used for “recreating or saving at least 500 direct jobs in this state, through the transfer of ownership of a facility that has been closed or a facility that is at risk of closure due to conditions arising out of or relating to a proceeding under Title 11 of the United States Code.”

Pilgrim’s Pride announced on its website that the company has agreed to the sale of the plant in Farmerville for $80 million, “subject to a price adjustment for associated inventory and other reimbursements,” the website said.

“We thank Foster Farms, Governor Bobby Jindal and the State of Louisiana for their commitment to this sale,” said Don Jackson, president and chief executive officer in an article on Pilgrim’s Pride’s website. “We believe it is in the best interest of all parties involved, including our employees, growers, the Farmerville community and our creditors.”

Congressman John Fleming, in a press release, said he commends all those who have worked quickly to save these jobs in northwest Louisiana.

“The Louisiana Legislature cleared the last major hurdle in securing funding to save 1,300 jobs and keep hundreds of growers in business in Northwest Louisiana,” Fleming said. “I commend the Governor and his staff for finding a way to secure the money for this deal, and I applaud our State Senators and Representatives for their quick and decisive passage of this critical legislation.  I have no doubt that this will prove to be a wise investment for the State.”

Scott Davidson, a chicken grower in Claiborne Parish, said even though the deal is going through, no one has talked to the growers about what’s going on.

“I’m hopeful and I’m pleased that it’s moving forward, but I still have reservations because I’m uninformed,” he said. “I have no doubts about the company, but we’re just uninformed. The deal will get done and the chickens will get back in the houses, but it’s a long, drawn out process – and farmers are still going to be hurting financially.”

The banks have been working with Davidson, and were gracious enough to suspend principal payments until they can begin making payments again, he said.

“This is a good community and people rally together when times get tough,” he said. “Fortunately, we haven’t missed a payment yet, but this community has come through for us.”

Davidson said things have gotten tight around his farm, and he’s had to cut back on several things in his business, but he’s optimistic about the future.

“It just takes time to work through the bad times,” he said. “I believe we’re going to be alright and we appreciate the people that have basically bent over backwards to help us.”

The Farmerville complex includes a processing facility, a cook plant, two hatcheries, a feed mill, a protein conversion plant and any associated inventory.

 

Traffic stops lead to drug charges

 

The Guardian-Journal

Two Haynesville men have been arrested by Claiborne authorities on drug charges.

On Sunday, May 17, Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Darren Keel observed a vehicle crossing the center line of U.S. Hwy. 79 on three separate occasions.

A traffic stop was conducted and the driver of the vehicle was identified as Lonnie C. Watts, 58. Watts was unable to produce the proper documentation requested by Keel. The vehicle Watts was operating had no valid insurance coverage.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of four Lortab tablets wrapped in aluminum foil located in the glove compartment of the vehicle.

Watts was arrested by Keel and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center (CPDC). He was charged with improper lane usage, with bond set at $500; no motor vehicle insurance, with bond set at $500; no seatbelt, with bond set at $500; and possession of Schedule III CDS (controlled dangerous substance) Lortab, with bond set at $5,000.

In a separate incident on Monday, May 11, Deputy Roger Ellerbe initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle regarding license plate requirements. Deputy Paul Brazzel assisted in the stop as well as Haynesville Police Officer Aaron Christian and Agent Adrian Malone.

Brazzel found the passenger to be Jomarcus Marcell Wilson, 21. Officers searched the vehicle and discovered underneath the cup in the cup holder of the passenger armrest, a clear plastic bag containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. Also in the cup holder, a pill bottle was found that contained 25 pills believed to be hydrocodone.

The driver of the vehicle and Wilson were questioned regarding ownership of the marijuana and Wilson admitted the narcotics were his. Wilson was arrested and booked at CPDC.

He was charged with possession of a Schedule I CDS marijuana with a bond of $1,000 and possession of a Schedule III CDS hydrocodone, with a bond of $5,000.

The driver of the vehicle was cited for display of plate that is clear of foreign material.

 

Haynesville Music Fest May 29

Haynesville’s native son, Bobby Rush, will be in concert at 7 p.m. at the Haynesville Fairgrounds. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. Come enjoy local talent featuring, blues, hip-hop, gospel, bluegrass and folk music. Ticket prices are: toddlers, free; children Pre-K-12, $2 ($1 if accompanied by an adult); all adults $10. Proceeds from the festival will go towards the town’s Christmas decoration fund. For more information, please call Haynesville City Hall at 624-0911.

 

Relay raises more than $26,000

Photo courtesy of Terry Sawyer

These survivors make a lap around the gynmasium at Claiborne Academy during the Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

 

Claiborne Parish Relay for Life was recently held at Claiborne Academy in the gymnasium.

As of Relay time, $26,653.10 had been raised, but monies are still coming in.

Due to inclement weather, the turn-out wasn’t quite as large as last year, but those participating gave their all.

A large number of individuals participated in the survivor’s walk to kick-off the festivities.

Participating teams were Pak-a-Bag, Spillers Home and Appliance, Homer Memorial Hospital, Presbyterian village, Grits, First Guaranty Bank and English-Chacere.

2009 Relay for Life sponsors were Marathon Oil company, Regions Bank, Fluid Disposal Specialties, Inc., CMI, Helouise Lewis, Anonymous - for all cancer survivors, First Guaranty Bank, Pak-a-Bag, Stallion Production Services, Brookshire’s and Claiborne Family Medical Clinic.

 

Fire destroys home

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

The Homer Fire Department battled this blaze at 621 Edgewood Drive in Homer, the unoccupied home belonging to Gordon Dickerson, for more than an hour Tuesday afternoon. Fire Chief Dennis Butcher said the fire was intentionally set, leading to the arrest of two juveniles. No injuries were reported.

 

GIS mapping project underway

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

A project that will allow Claiborne Parish residents greater access to important information is now underway.

A GIS (Global Information System) mapping system is now in the process of being assembled and put online, which will benefit the parish in so many ways. Scott Greeson, Claiborne Parish 911 director, said he is ecstatic about the progress that’s being made in moving the parish forward.

“I’m so excited that we’ve started rolling with this thing, and we’re going to be the first parish to make use of this regional money,” Scott Greeson said. “We’re talking $300,000 worth of work here. The benefits are just numerous, but this is just the starting point.”

The money he speaks of comes from money granted by the federal government to the state homeland security office, which is broken down into regions. Claiborne Parish falls under Region VII, which encompasses several parishes within the northwest Louisiana area.

For many years, the 911 office has had to work with mountains of paper maps and updates for the 911 address system. The problem is, he said, so much information has been updated, but right now it’s just not as accurate as it should be.

Claiborne Parish Tax Assessor Bob Robinson deals with the same issue and this mapping system will alleviate some of those problems.

“People will have access at their home or office without coming into our office – especially foresters, landowners, buyers,” Robinson said. “They’ll be able to pull up property and get a description of it. It will save them time and money. I think from that standpoint, it’s a time saver and a money saver.”

The flyover for the aerial map was done a couple of months ago, but the processing will take time. Several enhancements had to be done, and they are assembling all the information and piecing the pictures together to make the aerial map.

From there, Greeson said, the company will outline houses, structures, streets and other relevant information. They will take the information the parish gives them and digitize it. Greeson said he hopes to see the actual map and aerial shots within a week or two.

Other departments within the parish that will benefit from this mapping system include police and fire departments. These maps will be more accurate and each department will be able to network with each other, he said.

The police jury will also benefit from the mapping system in that outlines for water systems will be available as well as mapping of flood plains and a more accurate map of police jury districts.

Additional information to be added will be information like hydrant placements, water systems, well markers, soil samples and much more.

They expect to have a website up and running within a month or so. The entire project is expected to be completed within a year. That’s getting the system up and running and accessible to the public within that timeframe.

“I think this is going to compliment what other parishes are doing,” Robinson said. “I think it’s going to be a win-win situation and put us more in touch with the land we have in the area.”

 

Generators keep parish going during storms

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

From left, Dennis Butcher, director of Claiborne Parish Office of Homeland Security, Mike Butler, subcontractor for TGS Construction of Minden, Mark Carter, senior service tech for Kohler Generators and David Wilkerson, project engineer for CGS Engineering. This generator is at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex. The other one was installed at Mayfield Water Well last week. This generator will be able to power the police jury office during a long duration power outage.

 

The Guardian-Journal

Many of Claiborne Parish’s residents can rest a little easier now.

Through a grant from the governor’s office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Claiborne Parish is now in the process of installing generators throughout the parish for water systems and government offices. The Claiborne Parish Police Jury received an 80KW (kilowatt) generator that will power the entire office in case of a power outage. Powered by natural gas, this generator will keep the entire police jury office running indefinitely.

“It enables the government to function,” said Dennis Butcher, director of the Claiborne Parish Office of Homeland Security.

Also, a diesel powered generator, a 180KW, has been installed at the Mayfield Water Well in Homer, which will allow Homer residents to have water during a long term power outage. Before, Butcher said, if the electricity goes out, it’s not long before residents begin losing water.

“This allows the town and two of the water districts in the area to have backup power to their water systems,” Butcher said.

A generator will be installed at the Pinehill and Summerfield water systems as well. The two most critical areas have received their generators – the police jury and Homer. The other two generators will be installed within a few weeks.

This approximate $183,000 project has been ongoing since August 2008. Bids for the project were let in January and it was awarded to TGS Construction of Minden.

 

New superintendent gets 3 year contract

 

The Guardian-Journal

The Claiborne Parish School Board announced the newly elected superintendent’s contract at its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, May 7.

For a total of nearly $100,000 per year, Dr. Janice Kennedy-Williams has agreed to a three-year contract with the school board. District 6 School Board Member Tommy Davidson read aloud the terms of her contract.

Her base salary will be $55,017 per year with other supplements and benefits according to policy equal approximately $92,600 per year.

In other school board news, a retirement reception was held for retiring teachers and staff before the regular meeting. A table laden with cake, punch and other finger foods were provided for them and their families as they celebrated a milestone in their lives.

Those retiring include Diane Dyer, supervisor of special education, 33 years; Janell Brown, Title I clerk, 31 years; Kathie Mills, bus driver for Haynesville, 28 years; Susan Hays, a teacher at Homer High School, 14 years; Hester Jones, a teacher at Homer Elementary, 33 years; Christene Ivory, cafeteria technician in Haynesville, 21 years; Sandra Langley, a teacher at Homer Elementary, 17 years; Lillie Burton, cafeteria technician at Homer High School, 28 years; Cecelia Crump, adult education in Homer, 36 years; and Debbie McKinsey, a cafeteria technician for Haynesville, 28 years.

Each retiring teacher and staff member received a plaque in honor of their years of service with the Claiborne Parish School system. Not present were Janell Brown, Kathie Mills, Christene Ivory and Cecelia Crump.

Other items on the agenda approved included approving bids for legals, advertising bids for food and renewing their contract with Junction City Schools.

A resolution was also approved between the Department of Transportation and the school board to use some money to get lights for Athens and Summerfield Schools.

Also a request to advertise for new school buses was approved.

The school board was expected to meet Tuesday, May 19, in executive session with school board attorney Bob Hammonds in regards to the discrimination lawsuit that is more than 40 years old. The suit, Yvornia Decarol Banks and the United States v. Claiborne Parish School Board, is one that was filed with the U.S. District Court.

The federal case is a desegregation suit that began in August 1965 regarding Pineview School, which is considered to be an “all black” school.

The suit was filed for desegregation of schools, in which the school board was issued a permanent injunction restraining the school board from operating its school system under the dual school system (white system and black system).

The big issue was the low attendance of Pineview School, which the Justice Department deems “problematic.”

To complicate matters, Claiborne Parish is under a 1970 court order to desegregate the schools, because Pineview’s student population was “all black.” Summerfield, on the other hand, he said, is 70 percent white and 30 percent black — today. When this court order was issued, Summerfield was approximately 70 percent black and 30 percent white.

A huge outcry came from parents, citizens and students in the Pineview school area because of the school’s history and lack of discipline problems. The final decision was made to close the school in April 2008.

 

 

Claiborne Parish tourism initiative is underway

 

JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer

The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce has put together an assortment of materials to highlight where to go and what to do and see in Claiborne Parish. “Whether you’re a visitor or a local resident,Brochures and the Two Disc Driving CD available at several area locations - Click to Visit ClaiborneParishTourism.org Claiborne Parish has a driving tour CD set that you will find interesting,” says John Watson, Executive Director of the Chamber.

“The CD is one part of a major initiative aimed at helping others see and appreciate what is wonderful about Claiborne Parish,” Watson notes.

Asked what else is a part of the initiative, Watson explains that a colorful tourism brochure has been prepared. In addition,  there is a new website www.claiborneparishtourism.org.

Also, a cemetery brochure includes a map of the parish with the locations of 156 cemeteries in the parish or within a few miles of the parish line.

Finally, television ads have appeared describing Claiborne Parish as a desirable tourist destination.

Describing the tourism brochure, Watson says it highlights points of interest in Homer, Haynesville, Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield, and other areas of Claiborne Parish. It points out that 10 buildings in the parish are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The brochure includes pictures of the Claiborne Parish Courthouse, Herbert S. Ford Museum, Lisbon’s Killgore House, the mural on the west wall of Haynesville’s Killgore Pharmacy,  Homer’s Old Town Cemetery, the Hill Farm, Summerfield’s Alberry Wasson House, and Lake Claiborne.

The cover of the “Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, Cemetery Guide” notes that it is intended to be “A guide to finding the resting places of your ancestors.” A brief description gives directions for each of the 156 cemeteries There is also a map in the brochure marking the approximate location of each.

The new tourism website, www.claiborneparishtourism.org, describes Lake Claiborne State Park and lists local lodging such as Panther Creek Bed and Breakfast at Summerfield and Lake Claiborne Vacation Cottage on Harmon Loop.

The website describes “eateries” such as the Rebel Stop and Moon’s toward Summerfield, Port-au-Prince on Lake Claiborne, Sunrise Bakery and Restaurant and Homer Seafood and Pizza as well as Yesterday’s Grill in Haynesville.

Highlights related to Homer, Haynesville, Lisbon, Athens, Summerfield, and the parish’s historic cemeteries are all mentioned on the website.

Some parish events are plugged including the Butterfly Festival, the Claiborne Jubilee, the 4th of July Fireworks and Boat Parade, Lake Claiborne Antique Auto and Bike Show, and the Christmas Festival.

The set consists of two CDs with 41 tracks of information highlighting areas of interest around the parish. For only $3 visitors or local residents can learn things about Claiborne Parish that’s not in the history books, stories passed down from grandparents to grandchildren that has become the stuff of local legend and lore.

Of course, the internet website is free as is the tourism brochure. With the cemetery guide available for $1 and the driving CD sets for $3, the whole tourism package is available for $4, a token cost to cover expenses of production.

Many local citizens donated many hours to the brochures, the cemetery guide, the driving CDs, and the website.

Brochures and CD sets are available at the following locations:

* The Grapevine

* The Raven Bookstore

* Port-au-Prince Restaurant

* Killgore Pharmacy

* The Rebel Stop

* Claiborne Parish Library

* Gibsland Bank and Trust, Athens

* The Chamber Office at Ford Museum

Brochures only are available at the following:

* Miss Lizzie’s

* Parden’s Paradise

* Courtyard Florist

* Lake Claiborne State Park

* Haynesville City Hall

* The Outpost

* The Guardian-Journal

 

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
 

News Briefs

Mt. Olive Christian School Kindergarten graduation May 21

Mt. Olive Christian School’s kindergarten graduation and program will be held at 7 p.m. at the school auditorium.

 

Homer Lions Club to meet May 21

The Homer Lions Club will meet at noon at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant. The guest speaker will be District Attorney Jonathan Stewart, with the Second Judicial District. All members are encouraged to attend -- and bring a guest!

 

Haynesville Town Council to meet May 21

The regular monthly meeting of the Haynesville Town Council will be held at 6 p.m. in council chambers, located behind city hall. For more information, please call city hall at 624-0911.

 

Healthcare Network to be held May 21

A community healthcare education network, specializing in rural health education, will be held at 10 a.m., at Hope Worship Center in Homer, off West Main Street next to Spillers Furniture. Topics include education on Hospice, home health, healthcare options, DME, and senior living. There will be free giveaways. For more information, please call Toni Camp at 422-3324.

 

Retirement reception to be held May 22

A retirement reception will be held from 3 until 5 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Library honoring Carol Jiles for her many years of service to the Claiborne Parish Library. Everyone is cordially invited to attend.

 

Homer Health Fair, 3-on-3 tournament, and car and bike show to be held May 22-25

The first Homer Health Fair, 3-on-3 tournament and car and bike show will be held at Mayfield Park in Homer, where there will be live entertainment, food, games, health screenings, education and promotion. The event is sponsored by Shonta Productions LLC, LA P.A.T.H.S., and the Department of Health and Hospitals, Louisiana Tobacco Control, and they are calling on healthcare organizations in Lincoln, Claiborne, Bienville, Webster and surrounding parishes. For booth registration contact information, please call Shonta Productions LLC (Shonta Manuel) at 225-296-7848, Homer Mayor’s Office at 318-927-3555; or Louisiana Tobacco Control (Arthur Lathan) at 318-512-5373.

 

S.A.L.T. Council to meet May 23

The S.A.L.T. Council of the Claiborne Parish TRIAD invites all senior citizens to the annual Senior Expo to be held at city hall in Homer. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with refreshments being served until 9 a.m., when the program begins. The Expo ends at noon with a free lunch being served.

 

Haynesville Music Fest May 29

Haynesville’s native son, Bobby Rush, will be in concert at 7 p.m. at the Haynesville Fairgrounds. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. Come enjoy local talent featuring, blues, hip-hop, gospel, bluegrass and folk music. Ticket prices are: toddlers, free; children Pre-K-12, $2 ($1 if accompanied by an adult); all adults $10. Proceeds from the festival will go towards the town’s Christmas decoration fund. For more information, please call Haynesville City Hall at 624-0911.

 

Spring Arts and Crafts Festival at DWCC May 30-31

The annual Spring Arts and Crafts Festival will be held at David Wade Correctional Center from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. both days. Come early and check out the good values. DWCC is asking that patrons do not write checks for payment. DWCC is located at 670 Bell Hill Road off Hwy. 79 South in Homer. For more information, please call 318-927-0400.

 

Recertification for food boxes going on now

Everyone who receives a box of food monthly from the food bank, must be recertified in the month of June. You must bring proof of income and any changes in household to the Claiborne Office of Community Services between June 1-30. If you are not recertified, you will not receive a box of food in July.

 

Parent’s Committee meeting to be held June 2

The Claiborne Parish School Board is in the process of revising and updating the Pupil Progression Plan. This plan sets the local policy for promotion, retention and testing of students. The Claiborne Parish Parent’s Committee meeting will be held at 10 a.m. in the Claiborne Parish School Board annex. All interested persons are invited to attend.

 

Chamber auction to be held June 3

“Beef it up with the Chamber!” will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Homer City Hall. Beef brisket sandwiches with chips and a drink will be available for a $5 donation. Homemade cakes and casseroles will be up for auction. For more information, please contact the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce at 927-3271.

 

Senior Extravaganza and Banquet June 25

The senior extravaganza and banquet, featuring area talented youth and a delicious meal, will be held at 6 p.m. at Homer Town Hall, at 400 E. Main Street. Admission is $10. Funds raised will help the programs sponsored by the Future Business Leaders of America at Homer High School. For more information, please call Joe Etta Williams at 927-9444, Valerie Cooper at 353-6057, or Valena Lane at 247-6676.

 

Watts, Cotton family reunion to be held July 17-19

The biannual Watts, Cotton family reunion will be held at Lake Claiborne State Park. For more information, please call Dorothy Gilmore or Naomi Walker at 624-1186.

 

10th Homer Mayfield School Reunion July 30-August 2

The 10th Homer Mayfiefield School Reunion will include several events. On thursday, July 30, a “Chat and Chew,” will be held at 7 p.m. at the Alumni building on Pearl Street. On Friday, July 31, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., registration will be held at the alumni building. Family and friends night will be held at 7 p.m. at Homer City Hall (DJ will furnish music for the dance). On Saturday, August 1, a parade will be held at 10 a.m. at Mayfield Park. Lineup will be at 9 a.m. (Joseph Merritt, coordinator: 927-9988). From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., a morning brunch and business meeting will be held at Homer City Hall. At 2 p.m., all classes will get together. At 7 p.m., the blue and gold banquet will be held at Homer City Hall with speaker Frederick Young. On Sunday, August 2, a worship service will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church at 3 p.m., with speaker the Rev. Williams Pitts Jr. of Montgomery, Ala. For more information, contact Marie Gray, chairperson at 927-6705. Registration is $75 and guests are $25. Deadline is June 5.

 

Childcare Reimbursements

Anyone providing childcare in their home, including relatives and grandparents who would like to be reimbursed for a portion of their food expense is asked to call the Webster Parish Community Services at 377-7022, ext. 116 or 117. The WPCS Food Program is now serving Webster, Claiborne, Bossier and Caddo Parishes.

 

Elder Abuse and Neglect-serious common problem

Elder Abuse is the mistreatment or neglect of an elderly person. Elder Abuse may include: physical violence, threats of assault, verbal abuse, financial exploitation, emotional abuse, or neglect. Elder Abuse is an extremely serious problem. Many victims are ashamed or unable to report abuse-or fearful of reprisal if they do. Report suspected cases of elder abuse by calling the Claiborne Council on Aging at 927-6922 or 800-259-5284.

 


J.T. Taylor RealtyJ.T. Taylor Realty/Dimex Sales - Now Online

J.T. Taylor Realty has provided Real Estate Sales and Buyer Representation in Homer, Haynesville and Claiborne Parish for Commercial, Residential and Timberland Properties since 1984.


For over 10 years, Dimex Sales has offered a full line of Portable Buildings for Home, Home/Office, Construction Sites, and Storage needs.

 

Team Ag Real Estate - New Claiborne One Sponsor

TeamAgRealEstate.comTeam Ag Real Estate is proud to be a new sponsor of the information source for All of Claiborne Parish - Claiborne One. Based in El Dorado, Arkansas with an associate in North West Arkansas (Lincoln - Home of the Arkansas Apple Festival), Team Ag Real Estate specializes in agricultural farm (including Poultry/chicken farm) sales and appraisals. Team Ag is licensed in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma & Missouri for farm buying, selling and appraisals. Team Ag supports their clients with years of hands on experience in the poultry business, formal education degrees in Business-Agriculture, SBA agricultural lending, and an impressive network of agriculture industry contacts.



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 Claiborne Parish 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. To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).


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.

 

  
 
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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

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Kathryn H. Hightower Hilda Spillers Estate

Geraldine H. Hightower
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Michelle Bates
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Official Journal
  Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Town of Homer, Villages of Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield and Junction City, La.
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