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.

 

Jindal promotes education in Louisiana tour

The Guardian-Journal photo/Jenni Williams

Gov. Bobby Jindal addressed a crowd of people at Claiborne Electric Coop Friday on his education tour of Louisiana.

 

JENNIWILLIAMS, Staff Reporter

Claiborne Parish residents were welcomed into Claiborne Electric’s meeting room last Friday to participate in Governor Bobby Jindal’s 2010 parish tour – “Building a Better LA for Our Children” – where he addressed a town hall meeting in Homer.

Members of the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Alecia Smith, Sheriff Ken Bailey, along with a number of area officials welcomed the Governor and his staff to the day’s event.

Tall Timbers catered a pre-event luncheon of tasty sandwiches and homemade banana pudding.

The Governor’s tour will stop in every parish to highlight the significant progress his administration has made to create a New Louisiana that is the best place in the world to raise a family, get a great education and pursue a rewarding career.

Governor Jindal mentioned the BP oil spill, the President’s deepwater drilling moratorium and the national economic downturn as challenges for the state, but he emphasized that these challenges will not get in the way of building a better Louisiana because the people of Louisiana will persevere and overcome these obstacles.

“We are the greatest people you will ever find anywhere in the world,” Governor Jindal told the crowd.The governor went on to express just how devastating the oil spill was, “I remember the first time I visited the gulf coast, it was the first time I had actually missed the sound of a mosquito!” The wildlife and vegetation along the coast was completely devastated.

Governor Jindal said, “During the oil spill crisis, people often asked me if I thought Louisiana would ever recover, would we ever be the same, would Louisiana return to be Sportsmen’s Paradise as we have known it? Would communities and families be able to survive these tough times? The question is the same for the national economic recession - will we be able to make it through these challenges? One of the main reasons I came here today is to answer these fundamental questions.

 “If there is one thing you remember from this speech today I hope it is this – my answer to all these questions is plainly yes.

“I am confident about this because I know the resilience and perseverance of our people. We have overcome hurricanes before, economic downturns before, and there is no challenge too big for our people. We may be fighting in a war to preserve our Louisiana Way of Life today – but I know we will win this war.

“I know many people are looking at the challenges facing our state and wondering if we will be able to overcome them and leave our children a state even better than it was in our generation. The answer again is yes. Yes, we will absolutely build a better Louisiana for our children.

“We’re gonna come back better and stronger than before the storms and the oil spill,” he continued.

 

Haynesville officer arrested in Monroe

 

The Guardian-Journal

A Haynesville police officer has been arrested in West Monroe on a DWI charge.

Officer Peter K. Moroney, 33, was arrested on Thursday, February 24, in the early hours of the morning and charged with DWI 1st with bond set at $1,000, and improper lane usage with bond set at $250.

According to reports from the West Monroe Police Department’s Facebook page, at approximately 2:17 a.m., a West Monroe police officer observed a red 2006 Mazda 6, westbound on Cypress Street as it approached Thomas Road in the right lane.

“The vehicle drove off the right side of the roadway twice before it got to Warren Drive,” the report said. “It was also weaving within the right lane and crossed over the left lane marker once.”

The vehicle was in the right turn lane as it approached Warren Drive. At Warren Drive, the vehicle continued straight in the turn lane and hit the northwest curb causing the right side of the vehicle to jump off the pavement. The vehicle then continued to swerve from the left lane to the right lane. It also drove onto the right fog line twice between Warren Drive and Hines Lane.

A traffic stop was initiated at Cypress Street and Frantom Lane.

Upon exiting the vehicle, the driver was unsteady on his feet, the Facebook page report said. Cpl. L. Moore detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath, reddish eyes and slurred speech. He was identified by his Louisiana Driver’s License as Peter Moroney.

He submitted to a Standard Field Sobriety Test and performed poorly.

He was placed under arrest and transported to the West Monroe Correctional Center. At the city jail, he completed the Intox 5000 test with results of .209. The legal limit is .08.

Moroney was booked on the above charges and as of press time was still incarcerated.

Haynesville Police Chief Anthony Smith did confirm that Moroney is currently a police officer with his department. However, he was adamant, saying his department does not put up with this kind of behavior.

“I can tell you that we don’t put up with that behavior, and we’re not above the law,” Smith said. “We are held to a higher standard because we are law enforcement 24 hours a day.”

As of press time, Smith said that no action has been taken against Moroney because he was off duty at the time of his arrest and has not been formally charged.

“He will be prosecuted just like anybody else,” he said. He went on to say that if any action is taken, it will depend on the severity of his conviction, if he’s convicted. At that time, if convicted, then he and the Haynesville Town Council will take the appropriate action.

“People tend to think police officers are not human,” he said. “We make mistakes and sometimes we have to pay for those mistakes.”

 

Single vehicle crash claims life of Ruston man

 

On February 23, 2011, at 11:05 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a single vehicle crash on LA 154 just south of Athens in Claiborne Parish.

A 52-year-old man from Ruston was killed in the crash.

According to investigating troopers, 52-year-old Jimmie Richardson was traveling north on LA 154 in a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado when the vehicle approached a hill and curve to the right.

For unknown reasons, the vehicle continued straight in the curve and traveled off the left side of the roadway. Richardson was partially ejected after the vehicle struck a tree.

Richardson was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Claiborne Parish Coroner.

Although impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash, toxicology tests are pending.

The crash remains under investigation.

Troop G Troopers have investigated four fatal crashes for the year of 2011, which resulted in four fatalities.

 

Welcome Homer’s first 2011 baby!

Submitted photo

Nolan Michael Roberts was born February 8, 2011, at 10:58 a.m., and is Homer’s first baby of 2011. His parents are Brandon and Priscilla Roberts of Sibley. Priscilla is a nurse at Homer Memorial Hospital. He was delivered by Dr. Mark Haynes. Nolan was welcomed home by his two big sisters, Gracie and Dollie Brooke.

Congratulations!

 

Recycling issue moving forward in Haynesville

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The Town of Haynesville’s Citizen Advisory Committee was busy with several items, including the long-discussed issue of recycling.

In the town’s regular monthly meeting, CAC member Martha Trinko gave the council and the public an update on what they’ve been doing -- which has been several items including recycling. This has been an issue discussed for the last several meetings, and Trinko and Theresa McDaniel are still working on how to get the town to recycle.

Trinko said they’d toured a facility called Abilities Unlimited Inc., in Magnolia,Ark., where the company does more than just recycle.

Abilities Unlimited hires those who are having trouble finding or keeping employment, and they take just about anything, she said. They take any paper, including magazines, as well as plastic and aluminum cans, clothes and other items. There is also a trailer next to the main building where people can drop off their recyclable items when they are closed.

The company also has a retail store just off the square in Magnolia where they sell all kinds of items for low prices. Their hours of operation are from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are closed on Saturdays.

Richard Metzelaars is the program supervisor and he can be contacted at 1-870-234-2558. Or to check out more of what they do, go to their website at aumagnolia@sbcglobal.net.

“It’s an incredible operation,” Trinko said. “It’s very inspiring.”

Other places that have recycling locations include Brookshire’s Grocery in Homer, where two large containers are located at the entrance -- one for plastic bags and one for plastic bottles. The Fuller Center for Housing also has a drop off location at the store as well for aluminum cans.

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury also just recently took over recycling efforts from Trailblazer, and they offer desk side recycling bins as well as large rolling bins for paper (newspapers and bond paper). This service is for businesses only. For more information or to obtain a bin, please call Leighann Jones at 318-927-5161.

The Town of Haynesville also does paper collection only. The containers are located behind the town building. For more information, call city hall at 318-624-0911.

The CAC is also looking into ways to honor those who have contributed to the Town of Haynesville. They have been looking into some type of memorial that would be displayed in the public, however, a committee is being formed to study how to do it. The idea is to also be able to add names as time passes as well. Trinko said it could be the fall before something is done.

Dates have also been set for the annual Haynesville Music Fest. Although logistics are still being worked out, the dates have been set for June 7-8. Also, May 7 has been set for the Spring Rummage Sale. The money raised from the rummage sale will go towards the town and some of its special projects. Look for more information in upcoming editions as these dates draw near.

One of the oldest structures in Haynesville is getting a makeover. The Old Depot is being renovated by the Haynesville Beautification Committee, where they will repair the building and add a mural or two, said Mayor Sherman Brown.

Given permission by L&NW to undertake the project, the add-ons to the building have already been taken down. In order to complete the project, though, donations are needed to keep it moving along. The beautification committee works to make Haynesville a beautiful town to live in, and all the work is done strictly by private donation.

To donate, please send a check or money order, made payable to the Haynesville Beautification Committee, to 1909 Main Street in Haynesville.

In other news, a representative from the governor’s office has been to Haynesville to look at the police department and city hall in reference to obtaining a generator for both entities. Brown said he expects to pursue grants in the future for a generator for city hall.

In other governmental news, Capital Outlay requests have been submitted for the upcoming state budget, and Jim Hagan, of Alliance Inc., has said the state has made inquiries about street work for the town, and that’s a good sign, Brown said.

However, the bad news is that members of the congressional delegation will no longer be able to submit high priority projects in towns and parishes throughout Louisiana.

“These funding decisions will now be made by unelected and unaccountable administrative officials at the agency level with very limited input from congressional delegations,” Sen. Mary Landrieu said in a letter addressed to those in her district. “Unfortunately, these changes to the federal budgeting process will have real time consequences for many communities in Louisiana.”

According to her letter, this process will cost Louisiana $800 million in lost funding for critical projects for education, highway and infrastructure among others. Landrieu said she is committed to getting critical federal funding, and she is welcoming ideas and thoughts on the issue. For more information, please call her projects director, Natalie Angelo at 1-202-224-5824.

“Under this new process, I will not have the opportunity for earmarks this year, but this information will be essential in ensuring that I can best advocate on your behalf as my office looks to alternative funding sources in the months ahead,” Landrieu said.

Mayor Brown said it really doesn’t mean a lot for Haynesville because everything they’ve asked for they didn’t get.

“It didn’t mean anything for us,” he said. “I was sharing for information purposes, because we haven’t gotten anything we’ve asked for.”

Remember, these are federal projects that Landrieu was referring to, not state-funded projects.

The next meeting of the Haynesville Town Council will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 17, in council chambers, located behind City Hall. For questions or for more information, please call 318-624-0911.

 

Two arrested for theft of bridge jacks

 

The Guardian-Journal

Two men were arrested thanks to the cooperation of two law enforcement agencies.

Dustin B. Perot, 17, and Jessie D. Carter, 26, both of Homer, were arrested and charged with two counts of illegal possession of stolen things with bond set at $5,000 on each count, theft with bond set at $10,000 and attempted theft with bond set at $5,000.

According to a news release from the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, on Tuesday, February 22, Detective Darren Keel received a telephone call from Detective Taft Watts of the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office. Detective Watts requested assistance in a theft case that their office was currently working.

Watts advised that a theft had been reported to his office on Monday, February 21, regarding 40-50 bridge jacks. The jacks were missing from James Construction Group, located on La. Hwy. 146, at the Claiborne/Lincoln Parish lines.

Keel, assisted by Detective Randy Smith, began an investigation into the theft and discovered the bridge jacks at Top Dollar Scrapyard. After conducting interviews with Top Dollar employees, detectives ascertained the suspects information and were able to retrieve 27 bridge jacks. These jacks were returned to James Construction on Thursday, February 24, and detectives continued their investigation.

On Friday, February 25, Keel received another call from Watts reporting that 25 of the 27 bridge jacks returned to James Construction Group the day before were stolen again. Detectives notified Top Dollar Scrapyard of the situation and advised them to call the sheriff’s office should anyone attempt to sell the bridge jacks to them.

Later that day, Smith received a call from Top Dollar that the same individuals who sold the bridge jacks the first time were attempting to sell them again.

Perot and Carter were arrested on the above charges and will also be facing charges from the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office. This matter is still under investigation and additional arrests may be forthcoming.

In other news, a Homer man was arrested after a traffic stop led to drug charges.

On Wednesday, February 23, Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Christian conducted a traffic stop on Hwy. 9. Christian observed a vehicle being driven by Erskine Wardlaw, 51, with a broken tail lamp.

Upon coming in contact with Wardlaw, Christian detected that he appeared to be very nervous as his hands were trembling and his speech was very jittery. When asked several questions regarding illegal substances or weapons, Wardlaw stated there was a gun under the back passenger seat.

Deputy J.T. Williams arrived on scene to assist.

Upon searching the vehicle, Christian discovered a plastic bag containing six gross grams of a green leafy substance, presumed to be marijuana, in the center console.

Wardlaw was placed under arrest and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and booked for a broken tail lamp with bond set at $500, possession of marijuana with bond set at $500 and illegal carrying of weapons with bond set at $500.

 

Tone of banquet one of peace, unity


The Guardian-Journal photos/K.H. Hightower

The Homer City Hall auditorium was nearly filled to capacity as guests came in honor of Mayor Alecia N. Smith and the Homer Town Council. An inspirational speaker, Vanessa Winbush-Gatlin, said community leaders have a huge responsibility to their citizens.

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

A message of peace, unity and leadership set the tone for Saturday’s inaugural banquet in honor of Homer Mayor Alecia N. Smith and the Homer Town Council.

Supervisor Vanessa Winbush-Gatlin, First Lady of the First Church of God in Christ in Crowley, gave a moving and inspirational speech on the things that are important when leading a community. She talked about the responsibility of a mayor and the community, saying that the mayor of a community serves all people. She discussed harmony in a community, touching on things like being faithful, creative and bringing people together.

She also touched on a community’s future -- its children.

“We need to invest in our children’s education instead of building bigger jails,” she said to a resounding round of applause.

In closing, she said, “I look forward to Homer being put on the map. It is my prayer that Homer will never, ever be the same again.”

Mayor Smith, in response, thanked everyone for their support, saying it was a difficult decision when she qualified to run for the position of mayor. And in gratitude, she talked about the one person who is her mentor -- her grandmother, Lafaye T. Jackson, who told her, “Always be kind to others.” In appreciation, Smith presented Ms. Jackson with a plaque for her advice on making that monumental decision.

Also, John Buggs III, a fifth grader at Homer Elementary, received a framed copy of a poem he read as well as many, many compliments on his courage to stand before a capacity filled audience and his drive to be a part of his community at such a young age.

Jim Colvin, attorney for the Town of Homer, said he was encouraged by the seed of change in Homer.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed how each and every one of you have made us feel a part of the community,” he said, regarding when he and his family moved to Homer some 15 years ago. “I pray and hope that peace will come, and i see that happening. I see a community working towards a better community, and I see that agent of change with this council and mayor.”

June McClure, a town employee, reiterated the cohesiveness of the town and its employees.

“We support each other and work together as a team. We believe in our Lord, Jesus Christ, we believe in our mayor and we believe in our staff.”

Captain Donald Malray, of the Homer Police Department, talked about when he met Smith and how things have changed in the last 23 years of his career as an officer of the law.

“I was thinking about the day I met Mayor Smith -- and you never know who your boss is going to be,” he said.

Tenesha Frazier, Smith’s cousin, spoke about Smith from a personal point of view, saying she is a friend, a confidante and a sister to her. She also praised her for the love she shows her children and the devotion she shows her husband, Haynesville Police Chief Anthony Smith.

The toastmistress for the event was Alysia Wison, outreach coordinator for Southern University in Shreveport. The Rev. Kerry Sims, of 1st Ebenezer Baptist Church, sang a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, followed by greetings from Second Judicial District Judge Jenifer Clason. Invocation was given by the Rev. David Heard, of 1st Ebenezer Baptist Church. The Lord’s Prayer was sung by the Rev. Sims, who also sang a solo before the introduction of the speaker, Supervisor Gatlin. Benediction was lead by the Rev. Woodrow Davis of Springlake Church of God in Christ.

A wonderful meal of baked chicken, roast beef, rice pilaf, green beans, tossed salad and pie was catered by Kathy’s Real Soul Food of Homer.

A special thanks goes to the host committee, the Rev. Woodrow Davis, Mrs. Gloria Davis, Springlake Church of God in Christ and the Homer High School Future Business Leaders of America as well as those who helped serve during the banquet.

Committees recognized included the grant committee with Gene Coleman as chairman, the airport committee with Attorney Danny Newell as chairman, the recreational committee, with District 5 Councilwoman Patricia Jenkins as chairwoman, the ladies committee with June McClure and Linda Volentine as co-chairwomen, the clean city committee with Pete Pearson as chairman and the industrial board with Dr. Harry Woodall as chairman.

 

Celebrate Recovery Inmates graduate

 

The Guardian-Journal

Several inmates from the Claiborne Parish Detention Center publicly announced their faith during a graduation ceremony from Celebrate Recovery Inside.

According to a press release, Celebrate Recovery Inside (CRI) is dedicated to bringing and sharing hope inmates have found in Christ Jesus to the jails and prisons of Louisiana by providing a Biblically-based program of healing for life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups -- Celebrate Recovery.

“We have many volunteers from different churches who share our experience, strength and hope and who desire to effect positive change on the lives of those behind bars,” the press release said.

Those graduates include:Christopher Bell, Dekourtney Dunn, Brandon Freeman, Roosevelt Green, Carlo Griffin, Timothy Herbert, Maverick Kennedy, Joequell Lewis, Devin Lofton, Frank Williams, Jerry Moore, Brandon Peterson, Earl Richardson, Johnell Smith, Roy Tillman, Dean Whitney, Patrick Williams, Walter Levan, Christopher Mobley and Trasion Wallace.

A special thanks goes to LaSalle Management, Warden Sumlin, Assistant Warden Goodwin, Major Banks, Captain Lewis, Chaplain Jones, Lt. Stephen Glass and Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey.

The idea of CR Inside is to help not just the inmate, but his or her family too. The family is put in contact with the Celebrate Recovery program in their home community. The inmate, once released, is also given a sponsor on the outside and connected with a local Celebrate Recovery ministry, hopefully the same one his or her family is attending. This assists in the re-entry process and allows the healing and transformation that began inside to continue after release.

When the faith-based community, government and correction facilities work together, goals that seem impossible when attempted alone suddenly become reality. In California and New Mexico, two of the many states that support CR Inside formally on the state level, one year recidivism rates have fallen from more than 70 percent to 10 percent for inmates who were released after completing CR Inside programs.

“Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery ministry that helps people heal their hurts, habits and hang-ups,” the press release stated. “This program of recovery utilizes eight Principals of Recovery, based upon the Beatitudes from the Bible, and the 12 steps used by many other secular programs. In Celebrate Recovery, the 12 steps each have a Biblical comparison, or verse, as God-given direction.”

These small group step studies meet each week, and in short-term institutions, these can be accomplished more quickly by having a lesson every week with the participants working in their own participant guides. Sessions can be conducted in chapel settings or in other areas that the institution may designate. This format is mainly used only for short-term prisoners who are in minimum-security prisons or in parish detention centers.

According to Pastor John Baker, the founder of Celebrate Recovery and the pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., the purpose of this program “are to fellowship and celebrate God’s healing power in our lives through eight Recovery Principles. By working and applying these Biblical principles, we begin to grow spiritually. We become free from our addictive, compulsive and dysfunctional behaviors. This freedom creates peace, serenity, joy and most importantly, a stronger personal relationship with God and others. As we progress through the program, we discover our personal, loving and forgiving Higher Power -- Jesus Christ, the one and only true Higher Power.”

CRI at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center meets Monday through Friday from 2:15 until 3:45 p.m. in the multi-purpose room.

 

 

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
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1-877-480-9918.

Archived Guardian Journal Headlines & News Briefs from November 1999
 

News Briefs

New Hope Church sponsors Family Life Center fundraiser

New Hope Church’s fundraiser will continue through Saturday from 12 until 1:30 each day. On the menu is a slab of babyback ribs for $20, hamburger plates with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, chips and drinks for $7 and hot link plates with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, chips and drinks, also for $7. For more information or to place an order, please call the church, located at 1435 Monroe Avenue, at 318-927-4777.

 

Wild Game Supper slated for Saturday, March 5

A Wild Game Supper will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church in Homer. The guest speaker will be Tommy Jones of Point of Impact Outdoor Ministry. There is no admission, and everyone is invited to attend.

 

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!

 

Homer Town Council to meet March 7

The Homer Town Council will meet at 6 p.m. in council chambers, located inside the Homer Police Station, for their regular monthly meeting. For more information, please call city hall at 318-927-3555.

 

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)

 

Police Jury to meet March 9

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet at 9 a.m., in the police jury room at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex for their regular monthly meeting. For questions or more information, please call their office at 318-927-2222.

 

School Board to meet March 10

The Claiborne Parish School Board will meet at 7 p.m., in the school board meeting room, located at Central Office. For more information, please call their office at 318-927-3502.

 

Homer Lions Club to meet March 10

The Homer Lions Club will meet at noon at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant. The guest speaker will be Dacia Edmonson, who will speak about Cystic Fibrosis. All members are encouraged to attend and bring a guest.

 

FUMC Wild Game Supper slated for March 12

The Kitchen Krewe at First United Methodist Church of Homer invites you to their first ever Wild Game Supper at 5 p.m. John Louk will be the guest speaker, and The Glory Gals will sing songs of praise. Door prizes will be given away and delicious food will be served. Admission is free.

 

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!

 

Haynesville Town Council to meet March 17

The Haynesville Town Council will meet at 6 p.m., in council chambers, located behind city hall. For more information, please call their office at 318-624-0911.

 

MARA to meet March 19

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

 

Homer Lions Club to meet March 24

The Homer Lions Club will meet at noon at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant. All members are encouraged to attend and bring a guest.

 

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. To get involved, or for more information, please contact Nancy Mason at 318-927-2517 or Elbie Dickens at 318-927-2360.

 

Fuller Center seeking donations

The Fuller Center for Housing at Claiborne is a nonprofit organization geared toward building a better future one house at a time. We are embarking on our first “Greater Blessing” project. Our desire is to eliminate inadequate housing in Claiborne Parish, but in order for us to accomplish this feat and bring this desire to fruition, we need your support. We are asking for donations of any sort, new and used items are greatly appreciated. The following items are needed: copier, printer, computer, file cabinet, office space, office furniture, left over building materials, any type of hardware, table saw, doors, door hinges, nails and lumber. We will pick up any donated items. Thank you for your support! For more information, please contact Tara Thornton at 318-433-0673, Pastor Russell Grigsby at 318-225-2970, or Jeffery Rhone at 318-927-6366.

 

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
Publisher
Michelle Bates
Editor
Official Journal
  Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Town of Homer, Villages of Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield and Junction City, La.
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Pricing Subject to Change Without Notice
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  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.
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