Investigation process discussed at forum

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The U.S. Attorney General for the Western District, Donald Washington, made an appearance in Homer Tuesday night as a small group of citizens gathered for a community forum at Homer City Hall.

During the forum, Carmelita Pope Freeman, with the Community Relations Service branch of the U.S. Justice Department, explained that this particular forum was educational in nature and that Washington, along with a representative from the local Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) office, would talk about the investigative process.

Many in the community have not only expressed outrage over the shooting death of Bernard Monroe Sr., an elderly gentleman killed by a Homer Police Officer in February, but they have also expressed their anger and frustrations as to why no answers have been given for what happened. Because of the community’s fury, several different arms of law enforcement have been contacted and are conducting an investigation into several aspects of this incident.

Washington, who expressed sincere “grief” in the death of Monroe, explained the process in which his office works under, specifically dealing with civil rights cases.

As Washington could not discuss the case in any specifics, he did express his desire to see the community come together to find a common solution.

“At the end of the day, my job is to seek justice and serve you,” he said to the audience. “I would encourage you and your community leaders to unify. All of us deserve the full value of our tax dollars.”

He explained that the only way the FBI or the U.S. Attorney’s office could get involved is if there is a clear violation of federal statute. What’s interesting to note is that U.S. attorneys only have jurisdiction in areas given by Congress, Washington said. Most of the power has been given to the states.

The three main statutes he discussed included the general civil rights act, which is a felony statute designed to handle different situations. The severity of the punishment depends on the severity of the injury.

The next statute he discussed is what’s called “the color of law,” which is designed to protect the citizens from the behavior of the police or anyone acting under the color of law. The issue has to have law enforcement involved in it and there has to be some deprivation of a civil right in order to fall under this particular statute, he said.

The third he discussed is the hate crime statute, in which he referred to the Jena incident where a white high school student was nearly beaten to death by six black students.

Each one of these statutes deal with race and the proof of willfulness. In other words, the prosecution has to prove that the defendant committed a crime willfully.

“There cannot be negligence, there cannot be a mere mistake or a number of things,” he said.

There is much more involved in the federal process and aspects of the way a situation is handled. For example, there are two arms of prosecution in his office, an attorney in Washington, D.C., and an attorney in the local office. These two attorneys will work with the FBI to determine whether it is a prosecutable case.

Once all the evidence is gathered and reports are written, the investigative agency will write one of two memorandums. One is the prosecuting memorandum, which is rarely released to the public. It is an internal document, Washington said. The other is a closing memorandum, which is written when the investigating agency does not find sufficient evidence to prosecute.

In the U.S. Attorney’s Office, they have five years to bring charges against a suspect. Sometimes a case can be completed within six months, and sometimes the investigation itself can take four to five years.

Steve Hall, special agent in charge at the Shreveport FBI office, spoke to citizens about how his office handles their investigations and explained the importance of a thorough investigation – and it’s not like what people see on television.

“We’re only interested in the facts,” he said. “All we care about is justice. We don’t want to make any prejudgments. Some of these things take years, and it’s not that we’re not doing anything. We just want to get the facts to make sure that justice is done and people are prosecuted or cleared.”

Washington discussed at length where his jurisdiction lies, but he never gave any indication as to whether this case has enough merit to prosecute at the federal level. The FBI is currently investigating any civil rights violations in Monroe’s case.

Hall said the investigation is not yet complete.

“The investigation is still ongoing and we’re working as quickly and efficiently as we can to get things done,” he said.

Washington made it clear that he came to Homer to let the citizens know that this issue important to him.

“We will not let this rest,” he said, “and we will do what we can do with what we have.”

Several community leaders from around the state were in attendance at the community forum. A representative from the state chapter of the NAACP as well as the Claiborne and Webster chapters, representatives of the Concerned Citizens for Justice, and others attended. Other representatives from Webster Parish, West Carroll and Ouachita parishes as well as Tallulah attended the forum.

Jean Bush, the national director for a Prison Fellowship program called “Out 4 Life,” also spoke to the audience briefly about the program. She gave some startling statistics about the state many call home. For example, Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate in the United States. Of that rate, 78 percent of those incarcerated are black. Interestingly, she said, when those black inmates are released from prison, 97 percent of the organizations who offer support are white organizations.

Community members were given a chance to ask Washington questions, and while many did ask questions, others expressed frustration and mistrust in the police department. Some of the same issues that came to light in the previous forum were reiterated Tuesday as well.

Mike Campbell, law enforcement liaison for the U.S. Justice Department, urged the community in attendance to have patience and to work together to help make their community better.

“You have to have the ‘want’ to change, that fervor and that desire to make your community better,” he said. “I urge you to stay with this program, because we’ll actually get to the nuts and bolts and make some progress.”

 

Mills, ‘We’re all praying for a miracle’

Officer remains in critical condition

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

According to officials at LSU Health Sciences Center, the condition of a former Homer police officer who shot himself last week is still listed as critical.

Mike Rayburn, 33, was airlifted to the Shreveport hospital on Tuesday, May 19, after he shot himself at his home in Haynesville.

According to Homer Police Chief Russell Mills, information received by the family indicates that Rayburn’s condition has not improved.

“We’re all still praying for a miracle,” he said. “It’s just a very unfortunate turn of events.”

Published reports indicated that on that fateful afternoon, Rayburn and Mills exchanged words regarding some complaints Mills had received earlier in the day.

After the chief confronted Rayburn about the complaints, Mills said he became visibly agitated.

Rayburn then stormed out the back door of the police station, leaving in his personal vehicle. Reports say he went to his home in Haynesville where he barricaded himself inside, ultimately shooting himself in the abdomen.

Once police made entry into the home, Rayburn was airlifted to the LSU Health Sciences Center.

Mills said Rayburn had been dealing with some ongoing personal family issues for the last few months.

There has been some confusion as to Rayburn’s status as a Homer police officer. Earlier reports indicated that he had been suspended without pay, but it was later stated that he’d been terminated.

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

 

Police investigate theft of town funds

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

Homer police are investigating the possible theft of town funds and alleged forgery.

On Friday, May 15, a check cleared the town’s account in the amount of $1,500 on an account the town doesn’t write checks on anymore. James Colvin Sr., the town’s financial consultant, said there was no supporting documentation for the check in question.

According to Colvin, he reconciles the bank statement online once or twice per week to look for any unusual checks or situations. If there is one, he then goes to office personnel to obtain the supporting documentation. This is how he discovered the check was fraudulent. The signatures on the check weren’t right either, he said.

“That’s what told me that something was wrong,” he said. “One thing that drew my attention was that someone had used a check that we no longer use.”

The particular batch of checks was supposed to be destroyed more than a year ago, he said.

The account the check cleared on was the town’s enterprise check fund where utilities, water and sewer billing is handled from month to month.

“We don’t know where they came from or where they are,” said Homer Mayor David Newell. “Since the check came through, we’ve been trying to find them and there is no box that we can find. It was not a check done by our office, because we don’t do checks like that anymore.”

The bank will refund the $1,500 taken out of their account, Colvin said, and that account has been frozen. This means that no checks can clear without the town’s specific authorization, Newell said.

The town was alerted to an issue of this nature late last year when someone tried to write a check on the town’s account and cash it at a place of business in Minden. In September 2008, Brookshire’s Grocery Co. sent the check along with a registered letter to the Town of Homer in regards to a “bad check.” The check was written for nearly $300. According to earlier reports, the check was computer-generated.

According to Homer Police Chief Russell Mills, they have a lead on a suspect and the case is still under investigation.

 

Music fest slated for May 29

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The Haynesville Music Fest is fast approaching but has been moved from the Haynesville fairgrounds to the pavilion (livestock barn).

Slated for Friday, May 29, the event will feature Haynesville’s own Bobby Rush. The concert will begin at 7 p.m., but the festival begins at 5 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m. Local talent will also be featured including blues, hip-hop, gospel, bluegrass and folk music. Here’s a list of the local talent: Bonnie Richardson, Jimmy Hill, Brandon Buford, Shane Huffstetler, Shane and Corbin Ware, Timothy Crittenden, Jerene Makia, Joe Helms & Family, Dump Hatter and Poet Charles Hudson.

In order for everyone to enjoy the festival a few rules have been put into place. No coolers will be allowed on the grounds. Although benches will be provided to allow patrons to get off their feet, it is suggested that patrons bring their lawn chairs. Also, security will be provided for the event.

Kids will have plenty to do with some of the activities provided, including bouncers for the kids to jump around in and other fun activities.

Tickets are $10 per person (adult), $2 for children pre-K through 12th grade ($1 if accompanied by an adult, and toddlers are free. Vending booths are $25. There will be no tickets for sale in advance. All money will be taken at the gate.

In case of severe weather, the festival will be moved inside the fair complex building and vendors will be able to use the kitchen and the north room for concessions.

Sponsorships for the festival include Citizens Bank, Balar and Associates, Entergy, Fallin Tractor, Anti-Pest, Dixie Mart, Allied Waste Services, La. Utilities, BMS, Malone Lawn and the Dump Hatter family.

Proceeds from the festival will go towards the purchase of Christmas decorations for the town.

Also, a proclamation was approved by the town council proclaiming May 29 at “Bobby Rush Day” stating that the “Town of Haynesville is very fortunate to have a former resident that is known nationally and internationally for his contribution to the music industry; and whereas the Mayor and Town of Haynesville wishes to acknowledge the generosity of the many supporters and sponsors of this event, and especially Bobby Rush for giving back to his town and community.”

Rush was born Emmet Ellis Jr., and is the son of a preacher, according to his website, www.bobbyrush.net. He was born in Haynesville and now makes his home in Jackson, Miss., where he now has his own label, Deep Rush. He is nationally and internationally known for his unique style of blues music.

Rush calls his music “folk funk,” the website said, “an apt description for a blend that’s both decidedly modern and deeply rooted in tradition.”

For more information, please call Haynesville City Hall at 318-624-0911.

In other council news, the council approved a motion to update its rental policies for the fairgrounds, the fair complex and the community center and school house. Although Brown suggested the effective date be September 1, the council decided to make the new policy effective June 1. The amended policy includes some rules that were not previously in the policy. For example, renters will not be allowed to use staples on the walls, no tape is to be used on the floors or stage area and other rules the renter is asked to abide by.

Brown said these were added to the policy at the behest of Crew 10, the maintenance workers who keep the fair building in good condition. The idea is to have a building that will last much longer if it’s taken care of, Brown said.

The renter will have to sign the policy before paying their deposit and receiving a key to the building.

Another issue brought to the table was the fire district tax update. During the May 2 election, only 69 voters cast their ballots for the tax renewal in Fire District 3. Although the fire department is grateful that 100 percent of the vote was in favor of the renewal, District 5 Councilwoman Carla Smith, also a volunteer firefighter, expressed her disappointment in the voter turnout. She asked the public to exercise their right to vote.

Brown also expressed his disappointment.

“This is not Haynesville,” he said. “It’s very disappointing.”

Other council news includes the bids for the trucks that were declared surplus in April’s meeting. The highest bid for the 1995 white Chevrolet truck went to Brittney Thornton for $900. The 1995 Ford Truck went to Spencer Crew for $650. Bids for the blue 1992 truck are set to be re-bid, because the minimum bid is $500. The bids turned in for that truck were all under the minimum bid amount.

The council also approved a motion to use Kenneth B. Folden and Company to handle the town’s audit for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. This company has been used for the town’s audit for the last three years.

A request from the Claiborne Parish Library was approved for them to use the north room at the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex building for its summer reading program slated for June 3 through July 15.

The next citizen advisory committee meeting will be held Monday, June 8, at 6 p.m.

Also, the LGAP grant was approved, Brown said. This money will be used for the purchase of a street sweeper. It will have to be bid out because the cost is above the cap allowed under state law that states when a purchase has to be bid.

The next town council meeting will be held at 6 p.m., June 18, in council chambers at Haynesville City Hall. For more information, please call 318-624-0911.

 

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.

 

Homer officer receives POST certification

Submitted photo

Homer Police Officer Mario Thomas graduated from the North Louisiana Criminal Justice Academy Friday, May 22, after nine weeks of intense basic training. He is now POST (Peace Officer Standard Training) certified. Pictured with Thomas is Homer Police Chief Russell Mills.

 

Registration continues for summer reading program

Magician to wow kids June 2

David LeBoeuf

 

The Claiborne Parish Library would like to invite all children ages 2-12 to participate in this year’s summer reading program, “Once Upon a Time,” which begins on June 1 and runs through July 11.

To participate in this year’s program, children who have just finished grades 1-2 will read 30 books and will register as either a “prince” or “princess.” When you turn in your book logs weekly or when checking out more books, you will receive a prize according to the number of books read.

Children who have just finished grades 3-4 will read eight chapter books to receive a certificate and they will register as either a “king” or “queen.” They will also qualify for weekly prizes.

Younger children who have not yet mastered reading alone may participate by having 30 books read to them by their parents or caregivers or siblings. They will register as a “page” and will receive weekly prizes also.

On Tuesday, June 2, at 2 p.m., at the library at 909 Edgewood Drive in Homer, Mr. David LeBoeuf, magician, will perform as the kick-off to the 2009 summer reading program. Mr. LeBoeuf entertains children of all ages with his enchanting talent and magical tricks.

Wednesday, June 3, will be the first program of SRP 2009 for the Haynesville children. Part 1 of the movie “Howl’s Moving Castle,” will be shown at 10 a.m. at the Haynesville Fair Complex. Children of all ages are invited to attend. Part 2 will be shown June 10 at 10 a.m. This movie will be shown at the Claiborne Parish Library in Homer on Thursday, June 4, at 2 p.m. for part 1 and part 2 will be shown in Homer on Thursday, June 11 at 2 p.m.

These programs are sponsored in part by The Friends of the Library for the “Once Upon a Time” summer program. The annual program provides the opportunity for children to retain and improve their reading skills during the summer month in order achieve greater success in school. Children may register and complete the summer reading program at any branch until July 11.

Children are also encouraged to show off their artistic and crafting skills by creating a castle. This castle may be made of any materials you choose. The only restriction is that it must fit inside the library door so that it might be displayed during the week of June 29-July 2.

Many more fun activities such as fractured fairytales, mystical drama, regal crafts, and royal movies awaits you when you participate in the 2009 Summer Reading Program “Once Upon a Time.”

For more information, call 927-3845 or 624-0364 or come by your local library.

 

Homer woman charged with attempted second degree murder

 

The Guardian-Journal

A Homer woman has been arrested for attempted second degree murder after allegedly stabbing her boyfriend.

Tamesha Yvette Warren, 34, of Homer, was charged with attempted second degree murder with a bond set at $50,000.

On the night of May 18, the Homer Police Department was dispatched to Homer Memorial Hospital in reference to a stabbing victim. According to reports, Officer Roger Smith went to the hospital where he interviewed the victim, identified as Kelvin Walker, of Homer.

Reports say a witness stated Walker was stabbed by Warren during an argument at a Carter Drive residence. When officers arrived at the Carter Drive residence, they obtained consent to enter and search the residence. Evidence was collected and photographed at the scene.

Once officers returned to the police station, a warrant for Warren’s arrest was issued. Walker had been transferred to LSU Health Sciences Center, and when police received a tip that Warren was there, the Shreveport Police Department was contacted, who later detained Warren there.

Officers Van McDaniel and Steve Harbour also assisted in the investigation.

In other crime news, two women were arrested Friday, May 15 on various battery charges.

Kamica Heard, 18, of Homer, was charged with simple battery with a bond of $500. Tamica Bursey, 36, also of Homer, was charged with second degree battery with a bond of $5,000.

According to reports, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office dispatched the Homer Police Department to Claiborne Place Apartments in reference to a dispute. Upon arrival, the victim stated to Officer Mario Thomas that Heard and Bursey were attempting to hit her with something as she was putting her child into her vehicle. Reports say that Heard attempted to hit the victim and that Bursey did hit the victim.

Heard and Bursey were transported to the Claiborne Parish Women’s Facility at the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office for booking.

 

 

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
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Archived Guardian Journal Headlines & News Briefs from November 1999
 

News Briefs

Homer Lions to meet May 28

The Homer Lions Club will meet at noon at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant. The guest speaker will be District Attorney Jonathan Stewart, of the Second Judicial District, including Claiborne, Bienville and Jackson parishes. All members are urged to attend and bring a guest.

 

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.

 

Boys and Girls Club Summer Camp May 29

Pre-registration for the Boys and Girls Club 8-week summer enrichment program will be from 10 a.m. until noon at the Haynesville and Homer Boys and Girls Club units. Post-registration will be held June 1. The camp will be from June 1 until July 24, Monday through Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. until noon. There will be no registration fee. The camp is for children in grades 1-4, and it’s first come, first served, 50 participants per site. For more information, please contact Patricia Hobbs or Vera Meadors at 927-2718 for the Homer site or Linda Beene or Betty Waldron at 624-1188 for the Haynesville site.

 

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.

 

Homer Town Council to meet June 1

The Homer Town Council will hold its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. in council chambers, located at the Homer Police Station. For more information, call Town Hall at 927-3555.

 

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.

 

Middlefork Water System to meet June 8

The Middlefork Water System will hold its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. at the Village of Lisbon Civic Center.

 

“A Night for the Museum” to be held June 8

At 6 p.m., Joan Andress Williamson will be the guest speaker for “A Night at the Museum” presenting “Stories I Grew Up With,” at Christopher’s in Minden. For more information, please go to www.museuminminden.blogspot.com.

 

Police Jury to meet June 10

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will hold its regular monthly meeting at 9 a.m. in jury chambers at the police jury complex. For more information, please call their office at 927-2222.

 

School Board to meet June 11

The Claiborne Parish School Board will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at central office, located across from the Homer Police Station. For more information, please call their office at 927-3502.

 

Ware Family reunion to be held June 13

The Ware Family reunion will be held from 10 a.m. until at the Haynesville Fair Complex building. Please make plans to attend. Bring covered dishes and drinks. Come and enjoy visiting with family and friends.

 

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 Mayfield 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.

 

Spring Arts and Crafts Festival at DWCC rescheduled for June

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.

 


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

Co-Owners
Kathryn H. Hightower Hilda Spillers Estate

Geraldine H. Hightower
Publisher
Michelle Bates
Editor
Official Journal
  Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Town of Homer, Villages of Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield and Junction City, La.
Subscription Rates (payable in advance)
Pricing Subject to Change Without Notice
Claiborne, Bienville, Lincoln, Webster and Union Parishes $25.00 per year
Inside the State of Louisiana $30.00 per year
Outside Louisiana (within U.S.) $35.00 per year
(Payments for subscriptions may be made to the above address)
Submissions
  Deadline for Advertisements and News Copy is Monday at 5 PM. 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 "Letters to the Editor" must be signed.
 
We reserve the right to edit all news copy!
 
  
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Online Since 11/11/99

www.kcwd.com





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