Relay for Life slated for April 16

 

The annual Claiborne Parish Relay for Life will be held from noon until midnight on Saturday, April 16, at the Ronnie G. Beard Memorial Stadium at Homer High School.

In case of bad weather, the event will be held at the Homer High School gymnasium.

For more information, please contact Nancy Mason at 318-927-2517 or Elbie Dickens at 318-927-2360.

 

Black History Parade

When: Saturday, February 26

Time: 3 p.m.

Where: Parade will begin at Homer High School through Downtown Homer. Lineup begins at 2 p.m.

 

Note: We are looking for cars, vans, trucks, floats, groups, walkers, horses, motorcycles, individuals or businesses to be a part of this year’s Black History Parade. If you wish to participate in the parade, please contact 318-255-3931 or 318-927-9214.

 

Holyfield trial set for Tuesday

 

The Guardian-Journal

A Homer man charged with impersonating a police officer is set to go to trial Tuesday, February 22 in Bienville Parish, DA officials said.

Bennie Wayne Holyfield, of Homer, was charged in March 2009 of impersonating a police officer after an investigation took place following a traffic stop in Bienville Parish for speeding.

Records indicate that Holyfield was pulled over on the eastbound side of Hwy. 80, just west of Gibsland.

When the deputy asked Holyfield why he was speeding, he allegedly told authorities that there was a situation in Homer, referring to the officer-involved shooting death of Bernard Monroe Sr.

He allegedly told the deputy that dispatch had called all available officers to the scene.

Upon advisement of the deputy’s supervisor, Holyfield was let go.

It was at that time the investigation was conducted, which revealed confirmation that Holyfield was “not an officer of any type” in Claiborne Parish.

Two warrants for his arrest were then issued -- one for impersonating a police officer and one for speeding 94/55.

Holyfield is represented by Attorney Chris Bowman.

Holyfield ran for Marshal for the Town of Homer, and lost his bid to incumbent Police Chief Russell Mills.

Voting records show Holyfield lost the election, garnering only approximately 40 percent of the vote.

 

CPSB recognizes ‘Students of the Year’

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

The Claiborne Parish School Board recognized its Students of the Year on Thursday, February 10. Pictured above, from left, are Superintendent of Schools Dr. Janice Williams, Summerfield High School Senior Amelia Moss, Haynesville Junior High School Eighth Grader Franeka Taylor, Haynesville Junior High School Fifth Grader Daijah Glover, and School Board President William Maddox.

 

The Guardian-Journal

The Claiborne Parish School Board (CPSB) honored its Students of the Year last Thursday.

These honors went to fifth grade student Daijah Glover, eighth grade student Franeka Taylor and twelfth grade student Amelia Moss. Each student was given a plaque in honor of this great achievement.

Glover is an honor student at Haynesville Junior High, and is the 10-year-old daughter of Deon and Rebecca Glover. She is a member of Hatter’s Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. Daijah enjoys hunting, fishing, riding her four-wheeler and has a special interest in art. In the future, she wants to attend Louisiana Tech University and become a pediatrician.

Taylor is also an honor student at Haynesville Junior High. She is the daughter of Frank and Donna Taylor and a member of First Ebenezer Baptist Church. She enjoys dancing, watching television, reading and texting her friends. In the future, she plans to move on to college and looks forward to all the new opportunities life has to offer.

Moss, also an honor student at Summerfield High School, is the daughter of James and Patsy Moss. She is a member of Holly Ridge Assembly of God. Amelia enjoys playing the piano and hanging out with her friends. After graduation, she plans to attend Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) and major in business administration.

The Student of the Year is awarded every school year to outstanding students who were chosen according to their school and community involvement. Their academics are included in the criteria as well. These students usually have a high grade point average and are very involved in school activities as well as their community. Each student must turn in a portfolio with a biography, which includes academic achievement, leadership activities, recognitions and service/citizenship. They also must include a writing sample as well as an interview process.

A student from the fifth, eighth and twelfth grade are chosen at the school level and the winners at the school level are sent to the parish level, and if they win there, they go on to the regional level.

 

Homer man busted for drugs

 

The Guardian-Journal

A traffic stop made by Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Deputies turned into a drug bust as officers found suspected drugs in the vehicle.

According to a news release, Zackery Chad Smalling, 25, of Homer, was arrested on Thursday, February 10, and charged with simple possession of marijuana with bond set at $500, possession of drug paraphernalia with bond set at $500, tail lamps required with bond set at $500, disobeying stop/yield signs with bond set at $500, and driving under suspension with bond set at $500.

On that date, Deputy Steve Harbour was patrolling south on Hwy. 79 when he observed a vehicle with no tail lamps. Harbour observed the suspect vehicle fail to stop at a red light and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle.

The driver was identified as Smalling.

­At that time, Deputy Aaron Christian arrived on scene to assist.

A further check of Smalling’s information revealed that his driver’s license was suspended. Christian’s K-9 partner alerted on the vehicle as to the presence of illegal drugs.

A search of the interior of the vehicle revealed a package of rolling papers and a plastic baggie containing suspected marijuana.

Smalling was placed under arrest and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and booked on the above charges.

 

Seeds of Light ministry growing

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

Seeds of Light Ministry now has an office in Homer where several activities for offenders’ families can be held and nurtured.

Dr. Pat Bates, founder, approached the Claiborne Parish Police Jury during their regular monthly meeting last Wednesday and shared the news with them. Working in conjunction with Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey, the office space will allow more programs for inmates as well as their families to give them the opportunity to break the cycle of crime and lead productive lives as crime-free citizens.

The office, located at 607 Main Street behind Gray’s Jewelry, will allow space for storage of items donated such as clothing, toys and food. It will also allow enough space for a classroom where those inmates who wish can obtain a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or other school programs.

According to the brochure, Seeds of Light is a faith-based nonprofit corporation whose mission is to help communities by restoring justice by offering support to at-risk families and children affected by crime.

“Our vision is that these families and children will grow into productive citizens contributing to the public good,” Dr. Bates says in the brochure.

Seeds of Light Ministry operates under three tiers. Tier One is the welcome center, which provides a thrift shop, toy room, food pantry and play yard/hobby farm.

“The Center serves our communities’ at-risk, low-income children and the families of the men and women incarcerated in Claiborne Parish,” she said. “We serve these children and families with free food, clothing and household items as needed and are available to meet their needs seven days a week.”

Tier One also offers literacy classes that are open and free of charge to adults. It also provides an after-school program for the children each Wednesday and an all-day program most Saturdays.

Tier Two provides support for inmates during their incarceration. Weekly GED classes and Bible studies at the women’s facility, and other activities are provided. Other activities include monthly worship services at David Wade Correctional Center (DWCC) and occasional worship services at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.

In 2009, Gov. Bobby Jindal recognized Seeds of Light with a Governor’s Award for Humanitarian Service.

Tier Three is an extension of Tier Two as inmates re-enter society.

“We assist the newly released with clothing, job placement, location of safe, affordable housing and other basics,” the brochure states. “Every case is individual; so we individualize our assistance. The goal of Tier Three is to reduce recidivism among the population we serve, to encourage independence, and to promote responsible adult/parenthood.

For more information about Seeds of Light Ministry or to volunteer, please call Dr. Pat Bates at 318-523-9353.

 

Openings left for Folk Art Workshop

 

There are several openings for anyone wishing to take the Ford Museum's Folk Art Workshop.  The workshop instructor is Mrs. Chris Broussard.  Classes will be Monday, February 21, Wednesday, February, and Friday, February 25 from 5 pm - 8 pm.  There is a $20 registration fee.  All materials will be provided for participants.  Call 318-927-9190 or e-mail .  Come and enjoy and be creative!

 

CPSB audit keeps improving

Audit report shows fewer findings

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The Claiborne Parish School Board (CPSB) received good news last Thursday on their annual audit.

The 2010 fiscal year audit has improved tremendously from previous years, according to Margie Williamson, auditor for the school board. They received an unqualified opinion, which is the best opinion they could receive. This means that all financial statements were fairly stated, she said.

“The audit was much easier this year,” Williamson said. “They (CPSB) were ready long before we got here.”

Not only that, but the school board has greatly reduced its number of findings, or issues they need to work on or correct. The 2009 audit showed eight findings, however, with the hard work of the staff, department heads and business manager Fred Evans, several of those findings were corrected.

According to the audit report, the school board does have a repeat finding, which included a lack of sufficient internal control in the school activity funds. However, this finding was at the school level and is not an uncommon finding, Williamson said. The issue was tracing deposits from the original source to the bank.

“We need to tighten up on internal control,” Evans said. “We have to be able to trace it. This includes school game tickets, concessions and other activities.”

The condition, according to the report, states, “Ticket reconciliation for sporting events were not being performed; there was no audit trial where receipts of school funds could be traced to the accompanying bank deposit; and start up money for sporting events was being withheld from the gate receipts when the deposit was made.”

The recommendation states, “All schools should adhere to the best practices stated for student activity funds in the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s School Accounting Procedures Manual.”

The second finding had to do with Title 1 and Special Education funds. According to the audit report, there were two sets of reports filed inaccurately.

“The Title I periodic expense report number 3 for the period ended March 31, 2010 was filed using quarterly financial data in the accumulated expenditures to date column instead of year to date cumulative date as requested on the reports,” the schedule of findings stated.

The Special Education Maintenance of Effort report was also filed using the wrong AFR information. Instead of suing the 2007-08 fiscal year information, they used 2006-07 information.

Finding three stated that Title I and Special Education programs “did not have controls in place during the year to ensure that payments are not made to vendors who are either suspended or debarred.” In other words, there was no documentation if a vendor was suspended or debarred before a purchase was made.

In other school board news, Captain Reggie Jackson, with David Wade Correctional Center, said the inmates from the Offender Program want to build a gun cabinet to auction off. Once complete, the gun cabinet will be put on display at the Herbert S. Ford Museum with bids beginning in April. The proceeds from this auction will go to Homer Elementary School.

According to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Janice Williams, if the auction goes well this year, then another school will be selected to be the recipient of the funds raised next school year.

The school board also selected its committees for the year. They include:

• Long Range Committee: District 9 School Board Member Joey White, chair, District 3 School Board Member Linda Knox and District 4 School Board Member Yolanda Coleman.

• Executive Committee: School Board Vice President Vera Meadors, chair, District 1 School Board Member Danny Lee and District 8 School Board Member Almeter Willis.

• Finance Committee: Linda Knox, chair, District 6 School Board Member Tommy Davidson and Joey White.

• Transportation Committee: District 5 School Board Member Stanley Edwards, chair, Tommy Davidson and District 10 School Board Member B. Stewart Griffin.

• Drug Committee: Almeter Willis, chair, B. Stewart Griffin and Yolanda Coleman.

• Buildings and Grounds Committee: Danny Lee, chair, Yolanda Coleman and Stanley Edwards.

• Educational Committee: Vera Meadors, chair, Linda Knox and B. Stewart Griffin.

In other news, the school board chose a demographer to study reapportionment, or possible redistricting for the school board districts. Because the school board districts run along the same line as the Claiborne Parish Police Jury’s, it’s not likely any district lines will have to be redrawn. The school board also voted to put $6,000 toward the total cost. Gary Joiner, with Precision Cartographics, will do the school board’s study. The total cost of the study is $18,800.

In personnel actions, there were three retirements and one resignation. Christene Baker, a teacher at Homer Elementary, Beverly Curry, a teacher at Summerfield High School and Debbie Mckinsey, a cafeteria technician at Homer High School, all have retired. Jessica Sims-Beal, a teacher at Homer High School resigned as she is relocating.

The next school board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 10, in the school board meeting room at central office in Homer. For more information or for questions, please call their office at 318-927-3502.

 

Redistricting not likely for Claiborne

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

 

Reapportionment

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury  (CPPJ)  and the Claiborne Parish School Board (CPSB) have approved a company to study 2010 Census data to possibly reapportion their district lines.

However, it’s not likely either governing body will have to move their district lines, even though preliminary Census numbers show an increase in population by 344 people. According to CPPJ Secretary Treasurer Dwayne Woodard, the parish’s population is actually higher than expected. The 2000 Census shows that Claiborne’s population was about 16,000, but the 2010 Census numbers show an increase to 17,195.

It’s still too early to tell whether the increase is concentrated in one district or if it’s spread out over the 10 districts of the parish. District lines are redrawn if there is more than a five percent increase or decrease in population  in each district.

Once the breakdown of numbers come in, and if there is an increase or decrease of five percent in a district, then the demographer will look at how to change the district lines to bring it back within that five percent.

“We don’t have any idea what district it’s in,” Woodard said. “When they (numbers) do come in, they compare the numbers from the 2010 census and 2000 census and look for an increase or decrease of five percent. What it all boils down to is that we had an increase in population. That’s always a plus for this parish.”

During February’s meeting of the police jury, jurors approved Demographer Gary D. Joiner of Precision Cartographics who will study Claiborne Parish and make a recommendation to both the police jury and the school board on how they should redistrict Claiborne Parish if it’s needed.

The school board is partnering with the police jury because the district lines for both governing bodies are the same.

In Joiner’s proposal, he outlined a timeline for the study and when it would be completed. With public hearings and other events that must take place, the study could be completed as early as August of this year.

Here’s how the timeline in his proposal breaks down:

On February 2, the Census delivered the geography of the Louisiana State Legislature. February 15 was the anticipated delivery date of Census information to consultants and government organizations. During the third week of February, Joiner will present his initial findings to the police jury and the school board and declare malapportionment, if necessary.

The fourth week of February through the end of April, the police jury and the school board will work on plans, make progress reports and work with stakeholder groups.

The second week of May is the absolute latest date for public hearings. The third week of May is the latest date for the first reading of the reapportionment plan. The first week of June will be the latest date for the police jury and the school board to adopt the reapportionment plan.

Finally, June 23 will be the date the final package can be sent to the Department of Justice.

This shows a tight timeline, Woodard said, because everything has to be in place by election time. It has to be done before qualifying for the fall elections.

According to Woodard, Louisiana is one of the first states to get their numbers back because of the way its election cycles fall. Qualifying for the October 22 primary  election will be September 6-8. The general election will be held November 19.

Statewide, legislators are working diligently to study the 2010 Census data to find out how their districts will be reapportioned, and according to Rep. Richard “Rick” Gallot, D-Ruston, Louisiana will lose a district. Congressional lines will be moved this time, he said.  It will change the districts for Gallot, Adley and Walsworth. However, congressional lines have nothing to do with the number of school board or police jury seats of representation, Woodard said.

In most parishes, the school board district mirror the police jury districts, and the closing or consolidation of schools have no effect on the representation of districts. In other words, even if district lines had to be redrawn, the number of police jurors and school board members would remain the same.

The cost of the project will total $18,800, with $6,000 coming from the school board.

Other bids submitted to the police jury included ones from Redistricting LLC, Data Center and Doug Mitchell.

I-69 Corridor

In other news, the police jury tabled a motion to contribute $3,000 to the I-69 Coalition in order to gather more information on what other governing bodies are doing.

J.T. Taylor, a longtime advocate of the I-69 corridor, said that due to the economy, progress has slowed somewhat on making the corridor in Claiborne Parish a reality. Other setbacks include the retirement of John D. Caruthers, who worked diligently to get things done on the corridor.

However, Taylor said, several states have already approved several hundred miles of the corridor, but more studies have sidetracked progression. According to his reports, Indiana has already been set and approved as well as in Tennessee and Mississippi.

Jurors wanted to know what the money would be used for since the $3,000 contribution was set to be an annual one.

“The money mainly goes to lobbyists who go to Congress to push for it,” Taylor said.

The CPPJ last contributed $3,000 in March of 2003.

Claiborne Parish is in Section 14 of the corridor, which runs to Interstate 20.

While the I-69 issue was tabled, the police jury through approval, made a decision on what to do with the remaining Kisatchie RAC funds, which is about $50,000. Representatives of Kisatchie attended the meeting, and the option the jury chose was agreeable to both parties.

While Option 1 would cost the jury a total of $138,000, Option 2 was more agreeable in that it costs $50,000. The jury voted to dispose of the main building, the latrine, well house, bunk house, classroom, maintenance building, sewage system and fence. The jury will also clean up the site, returning it to Kisatchie as a green area. The police jury will also plug the existing water well.

In Option 1, the above mentioned buildings would have been rehabilitated, except to dispose of the well house, the bunk house, classroom and maintenance building. The jury would plug the existing water well and install a water main from the Summerfield Water system to the site.

District 3 Police Juror Bob McDaniel updated jurors on the progress of the old Claiborne Drug building, which if all goes well, will become the district attorney’s office. According to McDaniel, their engineers have looked at the building, and the proposed changes to the building include a reception area up front, three cubicles, three enclosed offices and a conference room. They will also delete the raised portion  where the pharmacy used to be. It would cost approximately $35,000 to renovate the building. It will be discussed with District Attorney Jonathan Stewart for his approval before proceeding.

In the garage committee report, District 5 Police Juror Lavelle Penix made the following recommendations:

• To declare a 1998 Ford Van E-450, a 2000 Dodge Van, three 6 ft by 15 ft metal culverts and a 12 ft by 24 ft building all surplus items. They also have several 4 ft by 18 ft walking pallets 6 inches thick.

• There are also several bridge timbers, which were set at $100 each. According to Road Superintendent Tommy Durrett, the prices were set in order to keep from having to bid them out.

• The purchase of a dump truck was also recommended. The police jury approved the go ahead to purchase a 2012 Mack dump truck equipped with Davis 14 ft end dump body. According to Penix, the truck would cost around $114,000 when all is said and done.

In the personnel committee report, District 2 Police Juror Mark Furlow updated the jury on a couple of things happening. Truck driver Ricky Bearden resigned, which leaves a position open in the highway department. Furlow recommended going through Manpower, an employment company the police jury contracted with. He made it clear, though, that anyone hired would be from within Claiborne Parish.

The police jury also unanimously approved:

• A request for a nomination for a Claiborne Parish representative to serve on the board of directors of the Local Governmental Entity, a part of the state’s Department of Health and Hospitals. Dr. Alice Stewart was nominated for that position with the understanding that she could turn it down if she chose to do so.

• A request from the U.S. Forestry Service asking assistance in plugging the abandoned water well on the old LA Tech Forestry site.

• A request from Trailblazer RCD, requesting $1,200 in annual support, which was included in the 2011 annual budget.

• A request from Claiborne Parish Fire District #3 for the parish appointment/reappointment of board members. District 2 Police Juror Mark Furlow abstained from vote because he is the fire chief of both District #3 and the Haynesville Fire Department. Those prospective board members included Danny Mills, Freddie Crump, Eddie Bailey, West Ogden and Tim Thomas. Board members Tom Crocker and Jimmy D. Bower resigned.

• A request for permission to advertise a “Request for Qualification Statement for Engineering Services” for drainage improvements under GOHSEP HMPG grant.

The next meeting of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 9, in the police jury room at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex. For more information or for questions, please call 318-927-2222.

 

Flames turn to heavy smoke

The Guardian-Journal photo/Jenni Williams

White plumes of smoke plagued downtown businesses Tuesday afternoon as a this yard debris fire, located at 304 West 3rd Street, burns a little too hot for comfort. Bright orange flames quickly turn to heavy smoke, then on to a huge, soggy mess as Homer Fire Department’s Tommy Sanders, along with other members of the HFD quickly bring the blaze under control. Thankfully the fire was extinguished before any damage to surrounding properties occurred.

 

NAACP kickoff meeting of competition program this Saturday

 

Claiborne Parish NAACP is happy to announce the kickoff of a competition program, Afro Academic Cultural Technological Scientific Olympics, for high school students. Although this is the first year that the program is being offered in Claiborne Parish, more than 260,000 youth from across the country have participated in the program since its inception in 1978.

Students can compete in up to three categories in the science, humanities, performing arts, visual arts, and business.  The sciences include biology/microbiology, chemistry/biochemistry, computer science, earth and space sciences, engineering, mathematics, medicine and health, and physics. Humanities include music composition, original essay, playwriting and poetry. Performing arts include dance, dramatics, instrumental and vocal classical music, instrumental and vocal contemporary music, and oratory. Visual arts include architecture, drawing, filmmaking, painting, photography, and sculpture. Business includes entrepreneurship.

To participate a student must be considered an amateur in his/her area(s) of competition and must have a parent or guardian living in Claiborne Parish. Winners will receive an expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles for national competition in July.

Interested students and a parent/guardian should come to a 10:00 AM meeting Saturday, February 19, 2011 at New Hope Family Center, 1435 Monroe Avenue in Homer. 

For additional information e-mail claiborneparishact.so@gmail.com or call Mrs. Sadie France Flucas at 318-299-8211.

 

 

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

* Delta Interiors

* The Chamber Office at Ford Museum

Brochures only are available at the following:

* Courtyard Florist

* Lake Claiborne State Park

* Haynesville City Hall

* 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

Account set up for Thomas family

An account has been set up at Capital One for donations to help defray costs for Whitney and Tim Thomas. They recently lost their home in a fire.

 

Haynesville Town Council to meet February 17

The Haynesville Town Council will meet at 6 p.m. for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting in council chambers, located behind City Hall. For more information, please call their office at 318-624-0911.

 

MARA to meet February 19

The Minden Amateur Radio Association will meet at Exacta Inn at 11 a.m. for lunch, with the meeting beginning at 12:15 p.m. Anyone interested in amateur radio (ham radio) is invited to come participate.

 

Food Distribution slated for February 21

Food will be distributed at the old Boys and Girls Club starting at 9 a.m. Please bring a box.

 

Homer Lions Club to meet February 24

The Homer Lions Club will meet at noon at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant. Jack Hightower will be the guest speaker. He will discuss China and selling used cars there. All members are encouraged to attend and bring a guest.

 

Black History Program slated for February 24

Homer Junior High School will host a black history program at 2 p.m., entitled “Black History, Now American History!” Parents, family and friends, please come out and support our students. This program is sponsored by the HJH 7th graders.

 

Black History Parade slated for February 26

The 2011 Black History Parade will begin at Homer High School at 3 p.m., with lineup beginning at 2 p.m. We are looking for cars, vans, trucks, floats, groups, walkers, horses, motorcycles, individuals or businesses to be a part of this year’s Black History Parade. The parade will begin at the high school and go through downtown Homer. If you wish to participate, please contact us at  318-255-3931 or 318-927-9214.

 

Food for Seniors February 28

Food will be distributed at the old Boys and Girls Club beginning at 8 a.m.

 

Tree Sale slated for March 1-2

The Louisiana Office of Forestry’s annual shade tree sale will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Forestry Office, 740 Covington Road, Haughton, LA, phone 318-949-3225. Hardwood packets will include one River Birch, one Blackgum, one Green Ash, one Cherrybark Oak and two Baldcypress. The pine packet will be Loblolly Pine and will contain 20 seedlings. Each packet is $5.

 

NWTF’s Claiborne Spurs Chapter banquet set for March 5

The NWTF’s Claiborne Spurs Chapter Hunting Heritage Banquet will be held Saturday March 5, 2011 at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn. The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with dinner to follow shortly after.  Ticket prices are as follows: $45 for Single, $55 for Couple, $10.00 for Jakes. Sponsor and Corporate Rates are available for tables as well.  Tickets may be purchase from any committee member or at Haynesville High School.  Don’t miss your chance to win firearms, prints, sculptures, and raffle items.  You can bid on exclusive NWTF items in live and silent auctions.  Proceeds support NWTF’s critical conservation and hunting heritage mission.  For more information contact Ricky Reeves @ 318-465-2198. Check us out on Facebook!

 

HHS  to Present “Disney’s High School Musical” March 7

The Homer High School Drama Club will present “Disney’s High School Musical” live on the Homer High School stage at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $2 for adults and $1 for students and can be purchased from Director Denice Owens or at the door. “Music, basketball, dance and high school at its best!” (in association with The Walt Disney Company)

 

WITO Event to be sponsored by the Bodcau Purrin’ Hens

The Bodcau Purrin’ Hens will host its annual Women in the Outdoors event March 12, 2011 at the Ben Durden House located at the Bodcau Dam and Reservoir north of Haughton, LA.  The all day event will include various classes and activities including making antler jewelry, archery, basic fishing, digital photography, duck calling, Dutch oven cooking, flint napping, handgun safety, map and compass reading, self protection, trapping, trailer backing, tree stand safety, turkey hunting 101, wild game cooking, and wild game skinning. Special guest will include Kelly Haydel of Haydel Game Calls and Brenda Valentine, the First Lady of Hunting. Silent auctions, drawings, games, raffles, and door prizes will add excitement to the day along with an excellent meal. For more registration information call Laurie @318-548-0883 or email at ickybee@yahoo.com or Ms. B @ 318-469-7114 bprudhome@ecs-net.com. You don’t have to be a hunter to come to our event; it is all about learning new things and meeting new friends. Come join us for a day with the girls. Guaranteed you will be in for a treat!

 

HHS now selling yearbooks

The Homer High School Yearbook Staff is now selling orders for the 3-year 110th anniversary edition of the Pelican yearbook. This 2009-2010-2011 edition is $30 and can be purchased from Editor Ka’Brecia Solomon or Sponsor-Teacher Denice Owens. All alumni and seniors of 2009, 2010, 2011 do not want to miss this historic edition. The deadline is April 1. There will be a “signing party event’ in August on delivery.

 

Ford Museum Seeking Veterans' Photographs

The H.S. Ford Museum has received a grant from Entergy that will enable us to make its exhibits more interactive. Our first emphasis will focus on honoring our military veterans, especially those with a connection to North Central Louisiana. For this project, we are requesting the public's help in gathering photos, formal as well as candid photos that capture everyday life in the military. Artifacts and photos are needed from the Civil War era to the present. Items can be sent to the museum at or mailed to P.O. Box 157, Homer, LA 71040. The museum is opened Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 am to 4 pm for anyone wishing to deliver material in person.


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.

 

DNG ConsultingDNG Consulting - Now Online

Based in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, DNG Consulting, LLC provides a wide range of consulting services to meet the needs of a variety of client types. DNG Consulting assists clients in Mergers & Acquisitions, Management Organization Study & Re-structuring, Project Management, Critical Path Recovery Scheduling, Construction Claims Analysis, Business Development, Professional/Technical Recruitment Services and Fuel Services.

 

Don Grimes, President of DNG Consulting, and wife Bea are long time Claiborne Parish residents. The Grimes' have been involved in promoting Claiborne Parish for many years.



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
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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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