Officials meet to discuss U.S. 79, La. 9 intersection

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

Officials met last week to seek a viable solution to reduce the number of accidents at the intersection of the Homer Bypass and U.S. 79.

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The powers that be are finally putting their heads together to come up with a solution to reduce the number of accidents at the intersection of U.S. 79, the Homer Bypass and Hwy. 9 South.

According to Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey, he met with Troop G Public Information Officer Matt Harris and two DOTD engineers last week to discuss a viable solution. The engineers, he said, suggested putting reflective “buttons” on the bypass leading up to U.S. 79 and Hwy. 9 South leading to U.S. 79. They also suggested putting caution lights just south of the intersection on either side of U.S. 79 to alert people that an intersection is coming up.

Putting traffic signals in was also discussed, but it just isn’t an option, Bailey said.

“It would be more dangerous to put up a red light there,” Bailey said. “It would back up traffic and cause all kinds of problems. If we can get those buttons down and the caution lights up, that would be a big help.”

Harris explained that within the circumference of the intersection, there are nine lanes of traffic, and that’s a lot of traffic to watch for. Each section of the intersection has a turning lane, making it three lanes of traffic.

The big rigs that the bypass was intended for also have a problem, Harris said, because the bypass isn’t programmed into their Global Positioning System (GPS), and it confuses them -- which is why they continue to come through the Square in Homer.

“We’re working with DOTD to improve the warning devices to make the intersection safer and give motorists more time to clear the lanes before entering 79,” Harris said.

According to Susan Stafford, public information officer for DOTD, the department, at the end of August, installed blinking stop signs northbound on Hwy. 9 and southbound on U.S. 79 as well as “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” plaques at the bottom of the stop signs. Last Thursday, she said, they also completed the installation of rumble strips northbound on Hwy. 9 and southbound on U.S. 79 at the approach to the intersection.

“Safety is DOTD’s top priority and we are working with local and state law enforcement to assist with monitoring the safety of the corridor and enforcing current traffic laws,” she said in an email to The Guardian-Journal.

They are also looking at the possibility of reducing the speed limit on U.S. 79 from Andy Prince Road on towards Homer in hopes of giving motorists more time to clear the intersection going across or turning.

Since the opening of the bypass in 2010, there have been many accidents at that particular intersection, and it’s had citizens worried. In fact, it was just two weeks ago that a Lisbon woman lost her life at that intersection. She was traveling north on Hwy. 9 when she failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of U.S. 79, crashing into an 18-wheeler going northbound on U.S. 79.

“When it first opened up, there seemed to be one or two (accidents) a day, but people had to get used to it being open and the signage that was put up,” Bailey said.

Bailey also requested a speed study along the Homer Bypass as well. According to Bailey, letters have been sent to the DOTD by himself and Rep. Patrick Jefferson in reference to the intersection at the Homer bypass.

 

Train derails, spilling hazardous chemicals

Photo courtesy of Dennis Butcher

A train derailed in northern Claiborne Parish Monday afternoon, spilling hazardous chemicals onto the ground.

 

The Guardian-Journal

A train carrying hazardous materials derailed in northern Claiborne Parish south off Goodwin Lake Road crossing Monday afternoon, spilling some flammable materials.

According to Homeland Security Director Dennis Butcher, there were five cars that derailed, each carrying a hazardous chemical. One of the overturned cars was carrying chlorine, one benzene, one methyl, one alkylamine and one sulfur trioxide. Two other cars were also carrying chlorine, but they were still upright.

While no evacuations were ordered and there were no injuries, the overturned rail car containing the benzene was leaking some, Butcher said.

“Benzene is highly flammable,” he said in an interview Tuesday morning. “It’s very dangerous, but at this point, officials are assessing the situation and will have a plan by the end of the day.”

As of press time, all the cars are upright with the exception of one, Butcher said.

When the train derailed, Haynesville first responders were called, and once the situation was initially assessed, Louisiana State Police Hazmat was called in. A one mile perimeter was reviewed just in case an evacuation became necessary.

L&NW personnel were also on scene to assess damage, get the situation under control and fix the section of rail that was destroyed when the cars overturned.

 

Foster Campbell visits Claiborne Parish

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell spent the morning in Claiborne Parish visiting with constituents about various areas his office covers. Above, he visited with citizens at Haynesville City Hall and answered questions and took concerns about high speed internet and answered questions regarding electric bills.

 

The Guardian-Journal

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell toured Claiborne Parish, stopping in Homer and Haynesville to speak with citizens and hear their concerns -- the main one being the lack of high speed internet in rural areas.

Campbell said this is the one subject he hears the most about, and he’s disappointed that he hasn’t been able to do more to get high speed internet to rural areas.

In fact, he said, the federal government offered $80 million in grants with 220 grant applications turned in and Louisiana was the only one that turned it down.

“Bobby Jindal turned it down because he said he didn’t want more government interference,” Campbell said. “This is why you don’t have high speed internet in rural areas.”

While he made his feelings clear about Jindal, high speed internet isn’t the only thing his office regulates. The Public Service Commission Office also deals with utility companies and phone companies. While in Haynesville, one woman asked why customers are still paying for hurricane recovery. Campbell said utility companies are allowed to do so, and Entergy has placed a surcharge on their customers’ bills for a 10-year period -- which means there are a few more years to go before that surcharge is lifted.

He explained these surcharges help cover the cost of repairs and replacements following natural disasters such as hurricanes, and even though the disaster happened in South Louisiana, utility companies charge all of their customers including those in North Louisiana.

On that same note, Campbell also wants to reduce the rate of return most utility companies get. Most get a 10 percent rate of return, which is a lot of profit, he said. He wants to reduce it to about eight percent. In other words, if customers are paying 10 cents per kilowatt, he wants to reduce it to about eight cents per kilowatt.

Campbell’s office also regulates telephone companies, and one issue he wants to deal with is the high cost of collect calls for the incarcerated who call their families.

“It’s a moral issue,” he says. “Why should the families have to pay such a high cost when they aren’t the ones who are incarcerated? A family member accepts a collect call from an inmate, and at the end of the month they are shocked when they see their phone bill because of the high charges for those collect calls.”

He wants to lower the cost to what someone on the outside would pay, he said. Law enforcement isn’t happy with his proposal, he said, because the state sends law enforcement agencies a portion of what’s made off these collect calls.

“The sheriffs aren’t happy, but it’s bigger than taking money out of the jail,” he said. “I just think the money should come from somewhere else.”

He’s not talking about stopping recording phone calls, because he thinks those phone call recordings are a good thing.  It’s about bringing the rates down.

In Caddo Parish, just last year, the sheriff’s office made $500,000 from these calls; Angola made $11 million. The rates are 400 to 500 percent more, and about 95 percent of those incarcerated are indigent, Campbell said. If his proposal goes through, it could cost the state about $4 million.

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey said his office does make some money from these phone calls, but to help out the inmates, his office sells pre-paid phone cards at $10 per card. These cards have so many minutes, and inmates use these to make their phone calls instead of calling home collect.

“They can use those cards so they don’t have to call home collect,” Bailey said. “It’s a phone card with a PIN number. When their minutes run out, they can buy another card.”

So far this year, he said, the sheriff’s office has collected about $35,000 between the sale of the phone cards and the total phone monies collected.

 At the women’s jail, he has five wall phones, and at the detention center, there are two phones in each pod and there are five or six pods. LaSalle Corrections, the company that runs the detention center, uses the phone company Citytel Coin out of Bossier City.

Campbell is the commissioner for District 5, which covers areas from Waskom, Texas to Vicksburg, Mississippi, and from Alexandria to Arkansas.

 

HHS presents its Homecoming Court

Homer High School is proud to announce the 2012 Homecoming Court:  (Left to right) Freshman Maid Destiny Larkin, Sophomore Maid Kameshia Allen, Senior Maid Ciaira Washington, Queen Kristin Cooper, Senior Maid Jessica McGowen, Junior Maid Chyna Pleasant, Junior Maid Sarah Lewis, and Freshman Maid Uniqua Stevenson.  (Back Row) Sophomore Maid Fontella Allen, and Football Sweethearts Keyana McCoy and Americana Walker.

 

Homecoming Week “Friday Night Lights” has been celebrated all week with spirit days for students and float work for classes.  The court will ride in the annual Homer High Homecoming Parade at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 20 and be presented at the community pep rally at the Ronny G. Beard Memorial Stadium at 6:15 p.m.  

On Friday, September 21, the court, club sweethearts, and senior football players and their families will be honored at the annual Homer High Homecoming Tea to be held in the Home Economics Cottage at 11:30 a.m. 

Pre-Game Presentation of the Homer High School Club Sweethearts begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the singing of the National Anthem Medley by the Homer High School Honors Choir, followed by the Homer vs. St. Frederick Homecoming Football Game.

The 2012 Homecoming Court will be presented and the queen crowned at halftime and students will attend the annual Homecoming Dance after the game. 

Homecoming Week and festivities are all sponsored by the Homer High School Student Council.  Come out and support your hometown Pelicans during their 112th HOMECOMING!!!

 

September 19 Emilee’s Purple Day

Above, the Holloway family was greeted by this sign as they headed west-bound for Cook’s Children’s hospital where their baby girl Emilee will be undergoing brain surgery on Wednesday, September 19 to correct seizures she has been suffering from since she was just a few months old. Wednesday has been declared Purple Day in Emilee’s honor and the community will be showing their support for the family by wearing their “Praying for Emilee” tees or any purple-colored shirt on this day. The sign above was provided by John and Wendi Barnette.

 

What’s on the ballot?

 

Important dates to remember for November 6 election

 

The Claiborne Parish Registrar of Voters is reminding citizens that the last day to register to vote or make any changes is Tuesday, October 9.

Early voting for the November 6 election will be from Tuesday, October 23 through Tuesday, October 30. The office will be closed on Sunday,October 27.

Here’s what’s on the ballot:

Presidential Electors:

• Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Democratic

• Jill Stein, Cheri Honkala, Green

• Gary Johnson, James P. Gray, Libertarian

• Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan, Republican

• Virgil Goode, James Clymer, Constitution

• Ross Anderson, Luis Rodrigues, Justice

• Jack Fellure, Toby Davis, Prohibition

• Peta Lindsay, Yari Osorio, Socialism and Libertarian

• Jerry White, Phyllis Scherrer, Socialist Equality

• James Harris, Alyson Kennedy, Socialist Workers

• Sheila Tittle, Matthew Turner, We the People

U.S. Representative:

• John Fleming

• Randall Lord

Constitutional Amendments:

No. 1: Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly

No. 2: Right of Each Citizen to Keep and Bear Arms

No. 4: Surv. Spouse/Deceased Veteran/Homestead Exemption

No. 5: Forfeiture Retirement Benefit Pub.Off./Conv. Felon

No. 6: Gov. Auth. of New Iveria -- Prop. annexed by the city

No. 7: Provides filling appts/Vac.onBbs./Comm.

No. 3: Prefiling DL/for retirement/public employee

No. 8: State Bd. of Comm./Industry-tax Exemp. Contracts

No. 9: Security District/Parcel Fee w/in District

 

Parishwide School District: Local Option-Term Limits

Special Election for the Evergreen Fire District: 10 mills -- BOC -- 10 years.

 

 

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

* 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

Homer Housing Authority meetings to be quarterly

The Homer Housing Authority will be holding their Board of Commissioners meetings on a quarterly basis, starting with a quarterly meeting to be held December 10, at 6 p.m. Reminders will be posted in The Guardian-Journal and at The Homer Housing Authority office before each meeting. For more information, or for questions, please call their office at 318-927-3579.

 

HHS Homecoming Parade September 20

The Homer High School Homecoming Parade on North Main Street will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the annual community pep rally at the Ronny G. Beard Memorial Stadium. The annual homecoming tea will be at 11:30 a.m. with the game at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 21. Pregame activities will begin at 6:30 p.m.

 

Haynesville Town Council to meet September 20

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

 

Homer Garden Club plant sale orders due September 21

The members of the Homer Garden Club are having a fall plant sale with the proceeds to benefit the beautification projects for the Claiborne Parish Courthouse. They are selling flats of pansies, dianthus and snapdragons. Also for sale will be kale and cabbage plants. Orders need to be in by Friday, September 21, and can be picked up on Saturday, October 20 at Grace Bible Church between 10 a.m. and noon. The flats are $16 each or $15 each for five or more flats. Flats are 36 count. Kale and cabbage are f 1/2 pots and they are $2 each. If anyone is interested in purchasing any of the plants or need further information, please contact Gale Anderson at 318-927-1777.

 

Zetas Round-up September 22 at Lincoln Parish Library

All area members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority are asked to attend their Zeta Round-up, Saturday, September 22, 10:30 a.m.  at the Lincoln Parish Library Lincoln Community room.  Please join area Zetas for information, fun, and lunch. Please register by notifying Shirley Wilson Burns, at 318-596-3411 by Sunday, September 9.

 

Watershed District meeting set for September 27

The Claiborne Parish Watershed District will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the conference room at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex in Homer. For more information, please call their office at 318-927-5161.

 

Free Cancer Screenings at HMH September 27

Homer Memorial Hospital will be conducting free breast cancer screening mammograms. To qualify, you must be 40 years of age or older, no insurance or very high deductible and not had a mammogram within one year. Call Adrienne Willis at 318-927-1400 for an appointment. These services are paid for by a federal grant.

 

Homer Lions Club to meet September 27

The Homer Lions Club will meet at noon at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant. Raymond E. Cecil III, executive director of the Louisiana Lions Camp, will be the guest speaker. All members are encouraged to attend and bring a guest!

 

Homer Public Meeting set for September 28

A public hearing to obtain views and to respond to questions regarding the Town of Homer’s performance on their Louisiana Community Development Block grant for water system improvements will be at 10 a.m., at Homer Town Hall, 400 East Main Street. This hearing is required for proper closeout of the project. For more information, or for questions, please call their office at 318-927-3555.

 

Senior Expo set for September 29

The SALT Council of the Claiborne Parish Triad will host the annual Senior Expo at the Homer City Hall. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the program begins at 9 a.m. The expo ends at noon with a free lunch. Local health and government agencies will provide booths with helpful information and health checks. Scott Freeling, with Willis Knighton Wellness Center, will lead in exercises. Local Attorney Jim Hatch will again speak to seniors about estate planning. Entertainment will be provided and door prizes will be a highlight of the program.

 

Quilt Show set for September 29

The Piney Hills Quilt Guild of Ruston Quilt Show will be at the Louisiana Chicken Festival in Dubach from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., Scott Hamilton Warehouse, Hwy. 167, Dubach. This year’s show will feature the Hoffman Challenge Quilt Trunk Exhibit. All quilts are welcomed, ribbons will be awarded, lots of door prizes and many new venders will be present. The deadline to enter your quilt is September 20. For more information, please call Jean Lowery at 318-777-0960 or cell at 318-548-8373.

 

Homer Elementary hosts Book Fair October 1

Homer Elementary’s School Book Fair will begin on Monday, October 1, and end Friday, October 5 at the school The Grand Event will be for parents on Thursday, October 4, from 4 until 6 p.m. Online shopping will begin on Wednesday, September 26 and go through Tuesday, October 16. Go to www.scholastic.com/schoolbookfairs. For more information, please call Homer Elementary at 318-927-2393.  

 

Claiborne Fair Queen Pageant Deadline October 5

The 2012 Claiborne Parish Fair Queen Pageant will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, October 20. This year’s pageant theme will be “Fleur De Lis Fabulous, Celebrating Louisiana 200 Years.” All female residents of Claiborne Parish, ages 0-18, are encouraged to attend. Those needing more information or seeking an application are asked to please contact Pageant Director Dustyn McDonald Williams at 318-624-4403 or by email at . Deadline for applicant entry is October 5. Please join us for a night of beauty, entertainment and support for the Claiborne Parish Fair.

 

Carrying Concealed Handgun Permit Class Oct 13th in Homer

A Carrying Concealed Handgun Permit Course, required for the Louisiana State Police Handgun Permit, will be conducted in Homer. Anyone wishing to register for this class may do so online at www.DefensiveTraining.us or by calling 318-225-1366, 318-927-5026 or or 318-268-5052 and request a registration form. The cost of the class is $50 per attendee. Information on submitting course fee by mail is on the registration form and if registering by mail, money orders or cash only for registration fee, no checks accepted and registration fee is not refundable. The course is from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., with the classroom session in the morning and range session in afternoon. Location of the classroom is the Homer Fire Department and range portion will at DWCC. Pre-registration is required and registration forms along with fee must be in by Wednesday, Oct 10. Certificates will be issued after completion of class along with applications for Carrying Concealed Handgun to the LA State Police. Applications may also be obtained by going to the Louisiana State Police website and clicking on the Carry Concealed Handgun section. For further information or questions, visit www.DefensiveTraining.us, Call 318-225-1366, 318-426-6631 or 318-268-5052.

 

Advanced Carrying Concealed Weapons Class - Oct 20th In Homer

Advanced Carrying Concealed Weapons Course, is slated for Saturday Oct 20th in Homer. The classroom session will be held at the Homer Fire Station training room from 8 until 10a.m., with the range course taking place at the DWCC firing range. Individuals who have completed a carrying concealed handgun class with Golden Eagle Training and Safety are eligible to attend the advanced class or anyone who has a current Carrying Concealed Handgun license. The advanced class covers the areas in the fundamentals of shooting, combat shooting, decision-making and other topics in self-defense with a firearm. Anyone wishing to register for this class may do so online at www.DefensiveTraining.us or by calling 318-225-1366, 318-927-5026 or 318-268-5052 and request a registration form. The cost of the class is $50 per attendee. Information on submitting course fee by mail is on the registration form and if registering by mail, money orders or cash only for registration fee, no checks accepted and registration fee is not refundable. The course is from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., with the classroom session in the morning and range session in afternoon. For further information or questions, visit www.DefensiveTraining.us, Call 318-225-1366, 318-426-6631 or 318-268-5052.

 

Secretary of State to speak to Homer Lions Club October 25

The Homer Lions Club will meet at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant at noon. Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler will be the guest speaker. All members are encouraged to attend and bring a guest!

 

 

McMullan Realty, Springhill - Announces Opening of Their New Website

 

Denny McMullan of McMullan Realty Company in Springhill, LA, announces the opening of their McMullan Realty - Springhill, LAre-designed website as of 2012-08-06, with all current listings now available at: www.McMullanRealty.com.

 

Whether you're looking to buy or sell a home, commercial or investment property, McMullan Realty Company can help. They take pride in taking the time to get to know each and every client individually - listening to their specific needs and wishes. They are ready to negotiate the best deals, determine your optimal selling price and provide you with all the necessary facts you need to make a confident, informed decision.

 

From the first walk-through to the signing of papers, McMullan Realty will be with you every step of the way. Their experienced agents are ready to help you achieve your real estate goals.

 

McMullan Realty Company was established in 1961 by Dennis and Evelyn McMullan. Continuously family owned and operated, McMullan Realty Company has specialized in REAL ESTATE SALES AND MARKETING in the North Webster Parish, Louisiana and Southwest Arkansas areas for more than 50-years.

 

Denny McMullan, broker at McMullan Realty, stated "We were looking for a web designer to re-build our existing site and someone that we could depend upon to maintain our site in a timely manner. After reviewing several area realtor sites, we came across Claiborne Parish web designer, Key-Comp Web Design, we visited the Key-Comp sites for Claiborne Parish realtors and were very impressed (JT Taylor Realty, Northest Properties & Toney Johnson Real Estate). We contacted Joel Ponder of Key-Comp Web Design, he subsequently submitted a very reasonable proposal for the design and maintenance of our site. We accepted the proposal and have been very pleased with the results. If any of you know anyone who wants a new website or has a site that is in need of a re-do, we strongly recommend Key-Comp. You can contact Joel via his new website at: www.KCWD.com."


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.

 

Hilltop Campgrounds & RV Park announces opening of their website

HilltopCampgrounds.comHilltop Campgrounds & RV Park (Princeton/Haughton, LA) is proud to announce the opening of their website as of 06/10/2012, online at www.HilltopCampgrounds.com.


Hilltop Campgrounds and RV Park is a work-camper, family and pet friendly park located just minutes from I-20 and I-220. The park is always clean with on-site management and maintenance for a worry free stay. The rental prices include lot, electric, water, sewer and trash pickup.


The park is located less than five miles from Haughton and 3 minutes from I-20 (Haughton/Fillmore exit - Hwy 157 North), and just 10-15 minutes from all the Hottest Gaming Locations in Shreveport-Bossier.


The park is open to the public year round. Features include Fishing and Swimming in their 5 acre natural spring pond. hiking & biking nature trails and beautiful, peaceful & serene surroundings throughout the year.


The park owners stated that "We contracted a Claiborne Parish based website designer, Key-Comp Web Design, and are very pleased with the results and recommend their services to anyone needing a new website or a face-lift of an existing site . Key-Comp can be contacted via their website at www.KCWD.com."

 

 

Golden Eagle Training & Safety - New Website

Steve Risner (Homer, LA) and Butch Shaver (Shreveport, La) announce the opening of their new Golden Eagle Training & Safety website, now online at www.DefensiveTraining.us.

 

Golden Eagle Training & SafetyFor more than 18 years the founders of Golden Eagle Training & Saftey (GETS) have certified nearly a thousand Law Enforcement/Correctional Use of Force Instructors and certified over seven hundred civilians in Carry Concealed Handgun Classes for permits to carry concealed.

 

GETS offers Instructional/Certification courses for the General Public, Law Enforcement & Corrections, School Resource Officers & Staff, Churches, Organizations and Companies.

 

GETS training for the public includes: Carrying Concealed Handgun Permit Class, Personal Safety Course, Women’s Safety & Self-Defense Course, Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention (known as SHARP), Weapon Retention & Disarming (if you carry a firearm, you need to know how to effectively retain it or disarm someone who has one), Escape & Evasion, and Advanced Carrying Concealed Handgun Courses.

 

Certification courses available for Law Enforcement and Correctional Agencies include: Defensive Tactics (DT), Impact Weapon (IW), Weapon Retention and Disarming (WRD), Ground Avoidance/Ground Escape (GAGE), Spontaneous Knife Defense (SKD), Inmate Control, and Pressure Point Control Tactic (PPCT).

 

For the educational arena (School Resource Officers & Staff) they offer: Safe Schools Resource Officer (SRO) Training & Certifcation, Basic & Instructor Certification Classes in Human Factor Research School Safety ( Bullying) & Healthy Children and Disruptive Student Management (DSM).

 

They have also held "Surviving a Critical Incident Courses" for churches in Bossier City and will be glad to do the same with any church in your area.

 

Steve Risner said "We have contracted Joel Ponder, long time resident of Claiborne Parish, and designer/webmaster of many of our local area websites, to rebuild our website and we are very pleased with the fine job he is doing for a very affordable price. If any of you know someone who wants to start a website or has one that needs a facelift, we strongly recommend Mr. Ponder. You can contact Joel via his new website at: www.KCWD.com."


Local CPA Signs On as ClaiborneOne Sponsor

The accounting firm of Steven J. Koskie, CPA LLC has signed on as a sponsor of the ClaiborneOne website.


Steven J Koskie CPA LLCSteve Koskie, Managing Member of the firm said, "Back in the fall, we decided we were going to enhance our presence on the internet. So many people now use the internet as a key way to get news and information. By improving our website and overall web presence, we felt we could achieve two important goals. They are, first, to be of more service to our existing clients and, second, to more effectively reach out to new clients."


After reviewing the web traffic statistics for ClaiborneOne the decision to become a sponsor was made. "I was surprised by the amount of web traffic that goes through the ClaiborneOne web site. ClaiborneOne provides a great service as a 24 hour a day clearinghouse of parish news and information that reaches literally around the world."


Steven J. Koskie CPA LLC is located at 417 North Main Street in Homer. The firm focuses on preparing personal income tax returns, business income tax returns, and bookkeeping/accounting services for business. The firm also provides a variety of financial planning services for individuals and consulting services for business.


"Our experience covers a broad horizon. We have a lot of experience in oil & gas as regards income tax, lease negotiations, and royalty/working interest accounting. We also are very engaged in agricultural endeavors like poultry farming, timber farming and cattle operations. Through the years, I've helped manage some very significant investment portfolios of stocks, bonds, and limited partnerships. When it comes to helping businesses, having 10 years experience as a controller and CFO for significant private companies gives me a unique hands-on perspective of what business owners face in their daily lives. I know their problems and opportunities because I've lived with the very things they deal with everyday. Plus the fact that I've dealt with the day-to-day business decisions of my own firm for a decade."


"We look forward to serving the citizens and businesses of Claiborne Parish and the surrounding area for many years to come. We have a vested interest in the growth of the area and work hard to provide a high quality service. This means much more than delivering a tax return or a set of books to a client. We have the privilege of helping people live their lives and manage their resources. That responsibility to our clients is why we say our income tax, accounting and consulting services require we make a point to 'Provide more than numbers on a page'."


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.


With over 56 years experience in the Commercial and Home Markets, J.T. Taylor offers a wealth of knowledge To Help You Avoid the Pitfalls of Buying, Selling or Remodeling a property!


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.


 

Key-Comp Web Design Announces the Opening of their Redesigned Website

Key-Comp Web Design was originally established in 1980 as Key-Comp Computer Services. Providing computer programming and support services in Monroe, LA, Ouachita Parish, re-locating to Claiborne Parish in September of 1987.


Key-Comp 2012Since 1996, Key-Comp has provided web site design, hosting and maintenance to a variety of businesses and organizations, including those in Homer, Haynesville, Tulsa, Monroe, Shreveport, El Dorado, and Gibsland.


Key-Comp's services also include Print/Web Ad design, Business Card design, Logo design, software training, system analysis/purchasing, custom database programming and Special Event & Family Reunion Photography. Visit Key-Comp's Portfolio to view their work.


Key-Comp is operated by, long time Claiborne Parish residents, Joel Ponder & Pam Thompson-Ponder (Pet Pampering Grooming & Boarding) with photography and graphics design assistance by their sons, Homer High grads, TJ & Tanner.


Key-Comp designed many of our local sites including ClaiborneOne.org (which includes Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Town of Homer & Town of Haynesville), ClaiborneSheriff.org, Claiborne Chamber of Commerce, J.T.Taylor Realty & Dimex Sales, Northeast Properties, Toney Johnson Real Estate, Advertising Unlimited, and DNG Consulting. Key-Comp's Portfolio presents legacy/retired designs that include Allison Law Firm (Shreveport), Homer Memorial Hospital, Hall Boat Lifts, Speech Language Pathology & Associates and Gibsland Bank & Trust.


Key-Comp's new sites are produced using the most current & popular Content Management Systems (CMS) that will allow their clients to easily add and/or delete content. Key-Comp has built this owner friendly functionality (password protected & secure) into their sites for years, however almost all of their clients have opted to depend upon Key-Comp for maintenance and updates - Key-Comp says "(Concentrate on Your Business - We'll Handle the Web)".


Redesign projects now underway include Golden Eagle Training & Safety and McMullan Realty (Springhill).


For more information on Key-Comp's services visit www.KCWD.com.

 

 


Claiborne One Site Now Features Area Image Archive

Archives Now Online include:


Money Available for New or Expanding Businesses in Homer

The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce now has monies to lend through the Revolving Loan Program. Anyone who is interested in starting a business or enlarging an existing business within Claiborne Parish may be eligible. These funds were received from the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program to assist small businesses and provide for jobs in Claiborne Parish. Loan preferences will be made on the basis of job creation. Further information may be obtained by contacting John Watson, Executive Director of the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce at (318) 927-3271. The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity provider. To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).


Smoke Detectors For The Elderly Offered through TRIAD

TRIAD of Claiborne wants all seniors age 65 and above, to have a smoke detector. You may also qualify if you're disabled. Having a smoke detector can mean the difference of life or death. Smoke detectors are available without charge. If you don't have a smoke detector, call 927-2011.

 

  
 
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The Guardian-Journal
 
The Guardian-Journal
620 North Main  |  PO Box 119  |  Homer, La 71040
Phone 318-927-3541  |  Fax 318-927-3542

Co-Owners
Kathryn H. Hightower Hilda Spillers Estate

Geraldine H. Hightower
Publisher
Michelle Bates
Editor
Official Journal
  Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Town of Homer, Villages of Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield and Junction City, La.
Subscription Rates (payable in advance)
Pricing Subject to Change Without Notice
Claiborne, Bienville, Lincoln,
Webster and Union Parishes and Junction City
$35.00 per year
Inside the State of Louisiana, other than above $40.00 per year
Outside Louisiana (within U.S.) $45.00 per year
(Payments for subscriptions may be made to the above address)
Submissions
  Deadline for Advertisements and News Copy is Monday at 5 PM. Weddings and Engagements must be turned in for publication on the Friday prior to the desired publication date. Photographs must be in the newspaper office by 4 p.m. Friday, a $10.00 charge is placed on all photographs.
All "Letters to the Editor" must be signed.
 
We reserve the right to edit all news copy!
 
  
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