Claiborne Relay raises $35,000 for ACS
The Guardian-Journal photos/Michelle
Bates
At Saturday’s annual Relay for Life, a
fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, survivors of cancer in Claiborne
Parish made a lap around the football field at the Ronnie Beard Memorial
Stadium in Homer. This lap was to signify the celebration of those who continue
to survive cancer. The lowest number of years for one survivor is one year; the
highest was 39 years. Congratulations to these survivors! This four-legged LSU
fan and “Hot Dog” make friends as their owners prepare for the canine contests
at this year’s annual Relay for Life.
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
This
year’s annual Relay for Life was better than ever.
Raising
money for the American Cancer Society, this weekend’s relay raised more than
$35,000, as of press time, with a lot of fun for everyone.
Most
importantly, though, awareness was the key to the relay. Cancer survivors came
to Ronnie G. Beard Memorial Stadium at Homer High School and celebrated being
cancer free while honoring those who lost their battle. From being in remission
from one year to 39 years, survivors made the first lap of the relay. The
second lap also included the caregivers as well.
“We had
more people this year,” said Elbie Dickens, a strong advocate of the American
Cancer Society.
While
teams walked during the relay, they also had fun participating in a scavenger
hunt and those who were of the four-legged persuasion came out to participate
in the first ever “Bark for Life.” Dogs of all breeds were brought out to strut
their stuff as there was a dog race and two other contests including cutest
trickster and best dressed.
Winners
included: Best Runners (Rosco, who took first place and Bucky who took second
place, Best Dressed was Shamrock, who took first place, Lil Man, who took
second place and Daisy in third place, Cutest Trickster was Aggie Joe who took
first place and Rosco took second place, Best Overall went to two Jack Russell
Terrier puppies named Pearl and Dino.
Claiborne
Parish Schools also raised approximately $1,500 for the American Cancer
Society. Students, faculty and staff were allowed to wear blue jeans on Friday,
April 15. It cost the students $1 and faculty and staff $5 each. Superintendent
of Schools Dr. Janice Williams expressed her sincere gratitude to those who
participated.
“I
appreciate the support from the parents, faculty, staff and students for
raising money for such a worthy cause,” she said. “Thank you!”
The
American Cancer Society raises funds for research, treatment options and
helping those with cancer fight back. According to their website,
www.cancer.org, “We save lives by helping people stay well, helping people get
well, by finding cures, and fighting back. Thanks in part to this work, 11
million cancer survivors and countless others who have avoided the disease will
celebrate a birthday this year.”
Volunteers
for the organization work tirelessly to raise funds for research to produce
better treatment options, cures and help those through “every phase of cancer”
treatments. The ultimate goal of the American Cancer Society is to eradicate
cancer as a major health problem.
“Cancer
is the general name for a group of more than 100 diseases in which cells in a
part of the body begin to grow out of control,” the website states. “Although
there are many kinds of cancer, they all start because abnormal cells grow out
of control. Untreated cancers can cause serious illness and even death.”
Things
that cause cancer include genetics, tobacco, diet, the sun and many other
carcinogens (any substance that causes cancer or helps cancer grow. For
example, tobacco smoke contains many carcinogens that greatly increase the risk
of lung cancer, and many other types of cancer).
The
best way to combat this ugly disease is early detection and prevention.
Screenings and tests are an important part of helping those with cancer fight
back and win. Women need to have mammograms regularly. People of both genders
and all races need to have health exams every year to help detect early signs
of cancer.
Signs
and symptoms of cancer may be difficult to detect, and each one is different
for the type of cancer. Sometimes cancer can be detected through a tumor, and
sometimes there are no symptoms at all. However, some of the most common signs
include weight loss, fever, pain, fatigue or skin changes. Keep in mind,
though, these symptoms do not necessarily mean a person has cancer, but these
are some of the most common to look for.
For
more information on the American Cancer Society, fundraisers or how to help,
please go to their website at www.cancer.org.
Traffic stop leads to drug charges
The Guardian-Journal
A
Cotton Valley woman has been arrested on several charges -- all because she
allegedly ran a stop sign.
According
to a news release by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Deputies Roger
Ellerbe and Shane Huffstetler were on routine traffic patrol on Tuesday, April
12, when they observed a vehicle traveling down Green Road. The vehicle ran a
stop sign and upon making a right turn onto Hwy. 9, ran another stop sign.
Upon
initiating a traffic stop, Huffstetler made contact with the driver, Bobbie Ann
Brooks, 57. The deputy ran his canine partner on the vehicle and he alerted on
the driver’s side door. Ellerbe then asked Brooks to exit the vehicle, and when
Huffstetler approached her car door, he noted an alleged marijuana “seed and
shake” in the driver’s seat.
Huffstetler
also discovered several alleged marijuana seeds and shake under the seat and
used rolling papers. Brooks’ purse contained a gray pouch with one plastic bag
in it containing a green, leafy substance believed to be marijuana, rolling
papers and several razor blades.
At this
time, Huffstetler placed Brooks in the patrol car and read her Miranda Rights
to her. Brooks was transported to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Women’s
Facility for booking without incident.
She was
charged with disobeying a stop sign with bond at $500, no proof of insurance
with bond set at $500, possession of a Schedule I CDS (marijuana, second
offense) with bond set at $5,000, and possession of drug paraphernalia with
bond set at $500.
In a
separate incident, on Friday, April 15, a Homer man was busted for alleged
drugs when deputies pulled him over.
A news
release states that Deputy Steve Harbour initiated the traffic stop on Hwy. 9
North and Chatman Loop in reference to expired vehicle license on a vehicle
being driven by Harold Wafer, 62.
Harbour
noted that Wafer’s eyes appeared to be extremely blood shot and watery.
Ellerbe
arrived on scene to assist.
Further
interview by Harbour led to a search of the vehicle and the location of four
white plastic baggies allegedly containing marijuana.
Wafer
was arrested and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for
booking. He was charged with simple possession of marijuana with bond set at
$500. Wafer was ticketed for the expired vehicle license.
The
following day in another incident Harbour was dispatched to a location on
Buster Johnson Road. The call was in reference to a dispute of ownership of
property.
During
the course of investigating this incident, Harbour came into contact with
Bradley J. Swint, 29, of Arcadia. A search of Swint’s vehicle revealed a
plastic baggie containing 120 ggr of alleged marijuana and a digital scale said
to be used for weighing drugs.
Swint
was advised of his rights and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention
Center. He was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
and possession of drug paraphernalia with bonds on both charges to be set at a
bond hearing.
Fight leads to arrest
The Guardian-Journal
A Homer
woman was arrested last week after allegedly getting into a fight with another
woman.
Latasha
N. Kimble, 26, was arrested on Tuesday, April 12, and charged with disturbing
the peace with bond set at $500, possession of Schedule IV CDS Hydrocodone with
bond set at $5,000 and failure to pay with a fine of $518.
According
to police, Homer Police Officer Van McDaniel was dispatched to East 4th Street
by Officer Willie F. Knowles in reference to a fight.
Upon
arrival, Knowles notified McDaniel that the two women had been fighting.
Knowles also informed the officer that Kimble was not on scene, and she was
taken into custody at another residence on East 4th Street. She was arrested on
the active warrant and disturbing the peace.
Kimble
was cuffed, and a search of her purse was conducted where McDaniel recovered a
prescription bottle with medication in it. The bottle had someone else’s name
on it, not hers. At first, she stated the medication had been left at her home
and she put it in her purse to return it to its owner. However, she later
stated that she allegedly found it walking on the hill earlier that morning.
She was
arrested on the above charges and transported to the Claiborne Parish Women’s
Facility for further booking.
Gearing up for Haynesville’s ‘Pot’
Luck @ the Fair
The Guardian-Journal
The
“Potluck at the Fair” fundraiser is coming up fast, and the Haynesville Town
Council is asking citizens from all over to come enjoy good food and
entertainment while raising funds to remodel the restrooms at the Claiborne
Parish Fair Complex.
Set for
Friday, May 20, the funds raised will be distributed through the Haynesville
Beautification Committee (HBC), and any monies left over will go to the town’s
Christmas decor and the annual fireworks show.
According
to a press release, “the facility is used by many organizations and individuals
from all over the parish,” and “the goal is for this to be a community and
parish wide event.” The Claiborne Parish Fair Complex and grounds have been
enjoyed by all during the annual fair, reunions, weddings, proms and Claiborne
charity events -- just to name a few.
The
meal is to be a covered dish dinner, modeled after potluck lunches after church
on Sundays. Local church committees will prepare the food. The meal will be
served from 6 until 7 p.m. with entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. The Monday
Night Choir Boys, of Springhill, will provide the evening’s entertainment.
Ray
Killgore will organize gospel and patriotic music for the event, and there will
also be a silent auction. Items are needed for the auction. To make a donation
for the auction, please contact Teresa McDaniel, Mollie Coleman or Martha
Trinko.
A
formal dedication of the Tom S. Crocker Pavilion will also be done during the
fundraiser.
Tickets
are available through committee members and several local businesses for a $20
donation. Tickets, with only 500 available, can be picked up at Killgore’s
Pharmacy, Carla’s Cut ‘N Curl, Haynesville City Hall and any CAC member in
Haynesville.
“I
would like to note that no one who serves on these committees has ever said
‘no’ when asked to do something,” the mayor said, “and they are really
appreciated.”
District
1 Councilwoman Valinda Webb thanked the CAC and HBC for doing such a “great”
job and making the town and the council “look good.”
As she
praised the efforts of both committees, she also gave an update on her recent
trip to the Louisiana Municipal Association meeting. LMA President Bobby
Washington was complimented on the job he is doing as president and said she
learned a lot of valuable ideas for the town. She also attended seminars on
ethics and customer service.
Brown
said the required ethics training is now available online and will be available
at the summer conference. The LMA is working through the retirement funding
panel to make recommendations to the Louisiana Legislature to provide relief on
the employer’s share of three retirement systems. Governor Bobby Jindal said he
would not be cutting Local Government Assistance Program (LGAP) and Community
Water Enrichment Fund (CWEF) funding, the town’s main grant funding systems,
Brown said.
All
contributions may be made to Haynesville Beautification Potluck @ the Fair, c/o
Keith or Beverlee Killgore, 1909 Main Street, Haynesville, LA 71038. For more
information, or to help with the event, please call Keith or Beverlee at
318-624-1122 or email Keith at kkillgore@cmaacess.com.
For
those who wish to attend and would like to bring a dish, please contact Linda
Knox at 318-624-1606.
In
other news, Martha Trinko, spokesperson for the Citizens’ Advisory Committee
(CAC), reported that recycling efforts are making some progress. Haynesville
Mayor Sherman Brown added that City Hall has already begun recycling sheet
paper.
Also in
her report, she noted that the Community Rummage Sale will be held from 7 a.m.
until 1 p.m., Saturday, May 14, inside the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex.
Dropoffs will be accepted from 1 until 4 p.m., Thursday, May 12. Vendors may
also rent booth space for $15 and will be allowed to set up on Friday, the day
before the citywide sale.
Even
though the rummage sale will go on as planned, this year’s music festival has
been cancelled due to the unexpected fall-through of a grant.
But,
other awesome things are happening in Haynesville, especially with the HBC. Bob
McDaniel, CAC member, complimented the Killgores and the HBC for their “extensive”
work around Haynesville.
“All
you have to do is walk around Haynesville, and you will see all of the work
accomplished by the HBC,” McDaniel said, “and the next project is the bathrooms
inside the Fair Complex.”
During
the public comment portion of the meeting, Barbara Hoof said that a house
behind hers is run down and children are painting graffiti on the walls. The
mayor said he’d spoken with the owners, who are considering moving back into
the home. A discussion followed about “gang” graffiti that is showing up all
over town. Brown asked area citizens to keep their eyes open and if just one
name is given to the police, the problem may be solved.
Along
those lines, the mayor also said there’d been two break-ins at concession
stands where three batteries have been stolen from equipment belonging to the
town. Anyone who has any information concerning the above-mentioned crimes or
any other criminal act are urged to call the Haynesville Police Department at
318-624-1311. All calls will be kept confidential and will be greatly
appreciated.
At the
beginning of the meeting, a moment of silence was observed for those who have
passed away since the last meeting. They are: Kathryn Lee, Billy Taylor, Robert
Sherman, Renea Burch Turner, Laverne Blanchette, Keary Flagg and Georgia Brown.
The
next meeting of the Haynesville Town Council will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday,
April 21, in council chambers located behind City Hall. For more information or
for questions, please call City Hall at 318-624-0911.
Election Day coming up fast
The Guardian-Journal
Early
voting for the April 30 election will continue through this Saturday.
Ending
Saturday, April 23, the office hours will be from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. each
day. The office will be closed on Sunday, April 17, and on Good Friday, April
22.
So,
before heading to vote next week, or on election day, here are several things
to look for on the ballot. One of those includes the tax continuation for the
Law Enforcement District of Claiborne Parish. This tax renewal is 6.30 mills,
10 year tax continuation for providing additional funds for the district. This
item on the ballot is parish-wide.
It
reads as follows:
“Shall
the Law Enforcement District of the Parish of Claiborne, State of Louisiana
(the “District”), continue to levy a tax of six and thirty hundredths (6.30)
mills tax on all the property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated
$755,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the
tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the
year 2011 and ending with the year 2020, for the purpose of providing
additional funds for the District?”
The
next item on the ballot is a 1 percent sales tax renewal for the Claiborne
Parish School Board. This item is also parish wide.
It
reads as follows:
“Summary:
10 year, 1% sales tax renewal to be used as follows: (i) 50% to provide a
source of funding for the payment of salaries and benefits for the employees of
the Parish School Board, and (ii) 50% for the general fund of the Parish School
Board.
“Shall
the Parish School Board of the Parish of Claiborne, State of Louisiana, under
the provisions of Article VI, Section 29 of the Constitution of the State of
Louisiana of 1974, and other constitutional and statutory authority, be
authorized to continue to levy and collect a tax of one percent (1%) (the
“Tax”) (an estimated $1,350,000 reasonably expected at this time to be
collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) upon the sale at retail,
the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or
consumption, of tangible personal property and on sales of services in the
Parish of Claiborne, all as defined by law, for an additional period of ten
(10) years, commencing January 1, 2012, with the proceeds of the Tax (after
paying the reasonable and necessary expenses of collecting and administering
the Tax), to be dedicated and used as follows: (i) 50% to provide a source of
funding for the payment of salaries and benefits for the employees of said
Parish School Board, and (ii) 50% for the general fund of said Parish School
Board?”
There
are also three tax renewals on the ballot for School Districts #13, #26 and #1.
They are as follows:
“CONSOLIDATED
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1 PROPOSITION (TAX RENEWAL)
“Summary:
10 year, 4.06 mills property tax renewal to support, operate, maintain, repair
and renovate public school buildings and facilities in Consolidated School
District No. 1.
“Shall
Consolidated School District No. 1, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana (the
“District”), continue to levy a special tax of four and six hundredths (4.06)
mills on all the property subject to taxation in said District (an estimated
$59,600 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the
tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the
year 2013 and ending with the year 2022, to support, operate, maintain, repair
and renovate public school buildings and the facilities in the District?”
The
next tax renewal proposition is for the Homer School District No. 13. It reads
as follows:
“HOMER
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 13 PROPOSITION (TAX RENEWAL)
“Summary:
10 year, 11.96 mills property tax renewal for acquiring, constructing,
improving, maintaining, operating and supporting public school facilities in
Homer School District No. 13, including equipment therefor.
“Shall
Homer School District No. 13, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana (the “District”),
continue to levy an eleven and ninety-six hundredths (11.96) mills tax on all
the property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $396,900
reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for
an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2013
and ending with the year 2022, for the purpose of acquiring, constructing,
improving, maintaining, operating and supporting public school facilities in
the District, including equipment therefor?”
This
tax renewal proposition is for School District No. 26, the Summerfield area. It
reads as follows:
“SCHOOL
DISTRICT NO. 26 PROPOSITION (TAX RENEWAL)
“Summary:
10 year, 9.25 mills property tax renewal of School District No. 26 for
supporting, acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining and operating
public schools and school facilities.
“Shall
School District No. 26 of the Parish of Claiborne, State of Louisiana (the
“District”), continue to levy a special tax of nine and twenty-five hundredths
(9.25) mills on all property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated
$55,900 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the
tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years beginning with the year
2012 and ending with the year 2021, for the purpose of supporting, acquiring,
constructing, improving, maintaining and operating public schools and school
facilities?”
On
election day (Saturday, April 30), polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 8
p.m. For more information, please contact the Claiborne Parish Registrar of
Voters Office at 318-927-3332.
Lynn Dorsey to speak to Homer Lions Club
April 28
Executive
Director, Lynn Warnock-Dorsey of the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors
Commission, will be the guest speaker at the noon Homer Lion’s Club Meeting on
April 28 at Nicky’s Restaurant.
She
will discuss two topics of interest, including Dorcheat Bayou and Hwy. 2.
“Nature-based
tourism and tourism along Louisiana Hwy. 2 are important to northwest
Louisiana,” said Dorsey who has overseen the development of paddling trails in
Webster Parish since 2004. She has also been a member of the Highway 2 Committee
that has placed kiosks along Hwy. 2.
Dorsey
will also update Lion’s Club members on the recent developments on Bayou
Dorcheat and talk about plans for the kiosk at Lisbon Landing on Lake
Claiborne.
“Mrs.
Dorsey has been a good friend to Claiborne Parish,” said Lion Jim Hatch. “She
always keeps us informed about opportunities,” he said.
Don’t
forget: Be there at noon at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant and bring a guest!
