BACA rally ‘For the Kids’


The Guardian-Journal photos/Michelle Bates

Bikers from all over the Ark-La-Tex gathered at Valhalla MC LLC in Homer this past Saturday for the Abuse Needs to Stop (ANTS) Rally to support the River Cities Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA). The funds raised go towards the kids in the local area. BACA is an organization that helps create a safer environment for abused children, according to its mission statement. Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and empowering abused children.

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

Editor’s Note: For the purposes of this story, the bikers interviewed only gave their “road names” because of the sensitive nature of what they do.  Their real names will not be used to protect the anonymity of the BACA members and the children they protect.

 

            Valhalla MC LLC in Homer was the site of the ANTS (Abuse Needs to Stop) Rally, a fundraiser for Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA).

            Approximately 100 bikes from all over the area could be seen for nearly a mile down the Homer Bypass fromHighway 2 this last Saturday, headed to Valhalla to raise money for these kids. The proceeds from the gate entrance fee, the food, auction and t-shirt sales go straight to BACA.

            Tana Nelson, co-owner of Valhalla with her husband Curtis, said they had a good turnout this year.

            “We’re just excited they chose us and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger every year,” Mrs. Nelson said. “Whatever it takes for the kids, that’s what we’ll do.”

            While they are not BACA members, they are BACA supporters.

            The ANTS rally, an idea of one of the BACA kids, is an awareness event to raise money for the local River Cities Chapter of BACA in Shreveport. According to BACA Dalton, the money is utilized for the kids.

            According to a brochure, the purpose of the organization is to empower abused children and “create a safer environment” for the child. The group has a protocol they follow in which they work with different agencies like CASA, Gingerbread House and local law enforcement to help fill in the gaps while the abused child continues the healing process.

            It’s all about empowering the children, Dalton said, doing whatever it takes within the confines of the law to make sure the child they adopted feels safe.

            Each chapter has a child liaison, who is contacted by the parent or guardian, and then two primary contacts, also known as “primaries”, are sent out to visit with the guardian and the child. Dalton made it clear that the organization does not seek out cases.

            “It’s all up to the parent, the guardian, or whoever has custody of that child to make contact with the chapter’s child liaison,” Dalton said. “We don’t go out and recruit cases. They come to us. They make the first contact.”

            BACA primaries use a series of steps and questions to establish the legitimacy of a case.

            Once established, an “empowerment ride” is scheduled where the child becomes an honorary member of the organization. The child is adopted into the BACA family until the age of 18, and some move on to become patched BACA members themselves.

            “They get a vest and they get to pick out their own road name,” Dalton said. “We bring teddy bears, blankets and things of that nature to make that personal connection with that child. During the empowerment ride, they get to meet some of the local members and supporters of our chapter, and we become their support and their family in this area.”

            Founded by John Paul “Chief” Lilly, a licensed clinical social worker, BACA is there to protect the children and create a safer environment for them, even if that means providing a physical presence at the home of the child to make that child feel safer and more secure.

            Not only do they provide a presence at the child’s home, but BACA members also escort the child and/or family to counseling sessions, if needed, and are present in the courtroom if requested by the child.

            “We don’t actually participate in the counseling sessions, but we sit in the waiting rooms, because we’re supporting them, we’ve got their back and they know we’re out there,” Dalton said. “It’s just like when we go to court. In most courtrooms in this area, we’re able to go into the courtroom and sit in there. That child can sit on the stand, see us out there in the courtroom and say what they need to say without being afraid, because they know we’ve got their back.”

            Chilly Willy, past president of the River Cities Chapter, said most of the abused children they deal with have been victims of sexual abuse.

            One in five boys and one in three girls have been sexually molested in their lives, Chilly Willy said. The average pedophile will prey approximately 400 times.

            And many times, BACA “primaries” will take the child to do whatever he/she wants to do, like go to the park or even go to church.

            “If they want to go to church, we take them to church,” he said. “If they feel threatened or scared, we take them wherever they want to go.”

            Chilly Willy talked about the different levels in which BACA intervenes. In some cases, if a child feels threatened or scared because the perpetrator is out on the streets, several members will go to the child’s house and camp out until the child feels safe again.

            “We did it in Houston, Texas, for 90 days,” he said, “whatever it takes for that child to feel comfortable, safe and secure, we do it.

            “Kids just like bikers,” he continued. “They feel unafraid, they feel un-intimidated. We go to court, and you see 30 ugly son of a guns like us sitting out there, the kids will sing like canaries. We put one away the other day in Desoto Parish, and he got life. We call that ‘pay day’.”

            “We want the child to be independent; strong enough to move on and be a child without having to request our support again,” Dalton said. “Our job is to go in and make them strong, make them stand up for themselves. We are the voice for them. Yes, we are bikers, we use the biker image, but we use it as a tool to help the kids -- show them that there are adults they can trust.

            “Our main objective is to empower kids to tell the truth and tell what needs to be told so that we can put these scum bags in jail,” he continued. “They don’t need to be walking the streets and abusing our kids. When they feel afraid and they need our support, that’s our mission.”

            The BACA rally at Valhalla is held every year at the end of April.

            To find out more about BACA, go to www.bacaworld.org, or call the River Cities Chapter help line at 318-402-2636 or email them at .

 

Bridge closure

 

The bridge over Coleman Creek (at Port Au Prince and Kel’s Kove), on La. 146 will be closed beginning May 6, at 8:30 a.m. for piling repairs. All vehicles must detour using La. 518, La. 9, U.S. 79 and La. 146. DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. This work will be performed weather permitting.

 

Police budget hearing May 16

 

The Guardian-Journal

            A hearing for the amended petition filed by Homer Police Chief Russell Mills against the Town of Homer and Mayor Alecia Smith has been set for Thursday, May 16 at 9:30 a.m., at the Claiborne Parish Courthouse.

            Filed March 4, the suit alleges the town council attempted to slash Chief Mills’ budget so drastically that the police department would not be able to operate by introducing an ordinance to amend the 2013 budget in regards to the police department.

            While the council had tabled the introduction of that ordinance later the same day in its regular meeting, it was completely rescinded in the monthly meeting on April 4. The town then filed an exception claiming the issues before the court at that time were moot. Pam Breedlove, attorney for Chief Mills, filed a memorandum of opposition to the exception, saying the actions weren’t moot as claimed by the town’s defense.

            “Instead of immediately withdrawing the ordinance, the Town continued its manipulations both before and after it finally withdrew the ordinance,” she states in the memorandum. “The mayor is refusing to pay standard police expenses and is attempting to prevent Chief Mills from properly operating the police department by interfering with his budget and expenditures in violation of state law effectively altering the police department appropriations without [formally] amending the budget.”

            On Saturday, March 2, the council introduced Ordinance 13-003, the ordinance aforementioned, and then on March 4, the evening of the council’s regular meeting, Town Attorney Marcus Patillo said the ordinance would be tabled. However, the council never made a motion, seconded or agreed to table the introduced ordinance. It was then in April the council withdrew and recalled its vote to introduce the ordinance.

            This hearing comes on the heels of the last suit Mills filed when the town improperly tried to do away with term limits for the mayor and the council. The council previously withdrew its vote to do away with the term limits in a meeting before the hearing.

            The term limit suit was filed March 8, just days after the court ruled in favor of Chief Mills, effectively stopping the disbandment of the police department. The council voted in February to disband the police department, citing budget over runs, concerns of leadership and numerous pending lawsuits. Within hours, an injunction was filed on Mills behalf to stop the enforcement of the council’s vote until a hearing could be held.

 

National Day of Prayer this Thursday

 

            A short prayer service will be at noon on the Courthouse Lawn on the Square in Homer Thursday, May 2.

            Prayers will be lifted up for our government, churches, military, family, education, media and businesses.

            This year’s theme is “Pray for America.”

            “In His name, the nations will put their hope,” Matthew 12:21.

            This year, the Pray for America Challenge is the E4 Challenge, which is designed to Engage, Equip and Encourage people to seek and Encounter the Lord through prayer for our nation.

            According to a brochure for the National Day of Prayer, “praying for these Seven Centers of Influence will help us stay focused and intentional in our daily prayers. Another key to effective, fervent prayer is knowledge. If we know who we’re praying for then our prayers move from being general to being specific. We will then find ourselves not ‘shaking our fists’ at those we pray for, and praying about them, but rather we will be ‘raising up holy hands’ to God, and praying for them.”

            When praying for the government, included in those prayers will be for local, state and national leaders asking God to grant them wisdom, discernment and hearts that are open to His leading.

            When praying for church, prayers will be said for churches and church leaders throughout our nation and in the local community.

            When praying for the military, prayers will be said for all branches of our military and its leaders.

            When praying for the family, prayers will be said for families in our nation, in our state and throughout our community.

            “God’s model for the family is being challenged, and we are seeing families fall apart before our very eyes,” the brochure said. “Pray with passion for the Lord to protect and to strengthen marriages, encourage parents toward His priorities, heal relationships and secure His values in their homes.”

            In praying for education, prayers will be said for God’s presence in our schools, colleges and universities.

            For media, prayers will be said for Christian influence in the media industry, from movies, television and radio stations, to newspaper and magazine publishers.

            Businesses will also be prayed for. Prayers will be lifted for divine intervention in our national, state and local economies.

            The brochure continues:

            “As we Pray for America, who’s pledge of allegiance recounts that we are ‘one nation under God,’ and whose currency states that it is ‘in God we trust,’ we want Americans to encounter the God who rules over their country.

            “‘He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man, He who turns dawn into darkness, and treads the high places of the earth -- the LORD God Almighty is His name,’ Amos 4:13 NIV.”

            The mission of the National Day of Prayer Task Force is to mobilize prayer in America and to encourage personal repentance and righteousness in the culture.

            For more information, please go to this website, www.commit2pray.com

 

Information for this article was obtained from a brochure produced by the National Day of Prayer Task Force.

 

Students honored, encouraged at 2013 Claiborne Scholastic Banquet

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

Dr. Charlie Roberts, a native of Homer, was the guest speaker for this year’s Claiborne Parish Scholastic Banquet. He encouraged the students to continue their education and reach for their dreams.

 

The Guardian-Journal

            More than 70 students were honored at the 2013 Claiborne Parish Scholastic Banquet, some receiving medals for having a 4.0 grade point average or above.

            Dr. Charlie Roberts, a former band director at Homer High School, was the guest speaker for the event. And while he drove down memory lane, sharing some of his experiences from his high school days, he also spoke to the students about what it means to have dreams and what to do once those dreams are attained.

            “Be proud of what you’ve accomplished in Claiborne Parish,” he told the students. “You will carry the name of Claiborne Parish for the rest of your life. What a great place to grow up and what a great place to attend school.”

            He said while he wasn’t “as smart” as the students in attendance, he did receive a great education in Claiborne Parish.

            “The education here provided me with the tools and the skills to work and compete at all levels,” he said. “And you may not think what you’re getting is good -- it’s not, it’s great.”

            He also talked about some of the greats from Claiborne Parish who went on to do great things with their lives. He talked about Geoffrey Beene, a native of Haynesville, one of the most famous fashion designers in the United States. He talked about several others who went on to become educators and high ranking officials in the military.

            “At one time, three different people became vice chancellors at the Louisiana Law School, and they were all from Claiborne Parish,” he said.

            He said he had three dreams: 1.) to play in the LSU Marching Band, 2.) to become the director of the Homer High School Band, and 3.) to become the LSU band director.

            And he did all three. So, what happens when all these dreams are achieved? Go back to the basics, back to what was taught in kindergarten; things like washing your hands before you eat, share, play fair, put things back where you found them, clean up your own mess, don’t take things that aren’t yours, say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody, brush your teeth, warm cookies go well with cold milk, get involved in life, take a nap in the afternoon if you wish, stick together and look -- open your eyes and look.

            “You go to school to learn to be civilized, you go to school to learn about the world,” he said. “That’s why you’re there. What you learn in kindergarten will come up again and again in a more complex form.”

            The students who were honored are as follows:

Sean Bailey, a senior at Haynesville High School, Sean Bailey, a senior at Summerfield High School, Ordecia Beene, a junior at Haynesville High School, Royale Bush, a junior at Homer High School, Madison Butler, a junior at Claiborne Academy, Shakayla Butler, a junior at Homer High School, Lacy Camp, a senior at Homer High School, Kennedy Carey, a senior at Summerfield High School, Mary Laura Clark, a senior at Claiborne Academy, Jesse Clements, a senior at Haynesville High School, Kristin Cooper, a senior at Homer High School, Brianna Cotton, a junior at Homer High School, Miguel DeLeon, a junior at Haynesville High School, Skye Dettenheim, a senior at Claiborne Academy, Kelsey Denise Ellis, a junior at Mount Olive Christian School, Marshall Faulk, a junior at Homer High School, Kadeazsha Ferguson, a senior at Homer High School, Katie Glover, a senior at Junction City, Selina Gonzalez, a senior at Claiborne Academy, Aubrey Goodson, a junior at Homer High School, Taylor Grafton, a junior at Summerfield High School, Fernando Grider Jr., a senior at Haynesville High School, Jon Harris, a senior at Homer High School, Jacob Harvey, a junior at Summerfield High School, Alexis Hildreth, a senior at Haynesville High School, John Robert Holloway, a senior at Homer High School, A’Shanti Holyfield, a senior at Summerfield High School, Beau Hux, a junior at Junction City High School, Naeisha Jackson, a junior at Haynesville High School, Jasmine Jenkins, a senior at Homer High School, David Jones, a senior at Claiborne Academy, Courtney Kidd, a junior at Mount Olive Christian School, Zack Alonzo Kidd, a senior at Mount Olive Christian School, Haider Laghari, a senior at Claiborne Academy, Bailee Lunsford, a senior at Junction City High School, Mark Lyons, a senior at Homer High School, Kyle McDonald, a junior at Claiborne Academy, Jessica McGowen, a senior at Homer High School, Mya Manuel, a junior at Homer High School, Norman Meadors, a junior at Homer High School, Ashley Mitchell, a senior at Homer High School, Kai’Andrea Mitchell, a junior at Homer High School, Domonique Montgomery, a junior at Haynesville High School, JerMontez Moore, a junior at Homer High School, Tre’Various Moore, a senior at Homer High School, Shelby Pace, a senior at Claiborne Academy, Tyler Pitson, a junior at Claiborne Academy, Danielle Punch, a junior at Haynesville High School, Briannia Ramey, a senior at Summerfield High School, Delaney Roberts, a senior at Claiborne Academy, Mackenzie Scriber, a junior at Summerfield High School, Tony Sepulvado, a senior at Homer High School, Kameron Simpson, a senior at Claiborne Academy, Ke’Yon Smith, a senior at Summerfield High School, Savannah Smith, a junior at Junction City High School, Hunter Soileau, a senior at Claiborne Academy, Kionna Tate, a junior at Homer High School, Alexandria Taunton, a senior at Claiborne Academy, Tinisha Taylor, a senior at Haynesville High School, Alyssa Tew, a senior at Homer High School, Dekeveon Thomas, a senior at Haynesville High School, Ramona Thomas, a junior at Homer High School, Bryce Turner, a senior at Homer High School, Trent Verdin, a junior at Claiborne Academy, Americana Walker, a senior at Homer High School, Shametrashun Walker, a junior at Homer High School, Justin Ware, a junior at Homer High School, DeMarcus Warren, a senior at Homer High School, Ciaira Washington, a senior at Homer High School, Ariel Webb, a junior at Homer High School, Janescia Webb, a senior at Haynesville High School, Chad Williams, a senior at Mount Olive Christian School, Leondre Williams, a senior at Homer High School, Zachary Wilson a senior at Summerfield High School and Essie Winzer, a senior at Homer High School.

            Students chosen for these academic awards are senior students who have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in their high school academic work, or juniors attaining a 3.75 average or attained an ACT score of 25 or higher, along with those qualifying for Rally, FBLA, or Science Fair competition at the state level, National Merit Finalist or semi-finalist.

            Participating schools were Claiborne Academy, Homer High School, Mount Olive Christian School, Haynesville High School, Junction City High School and Summerfield High School.

 

3rd Annual Team Cade benefit slated for May 4

 

Poker Run

Registration for the poker run will be at 8 a.m. at the Courthouse Square with the first bike out at 9 a.m. Riders will return to the Courthouse Square by noon. The registration fee is $25 per person, with the grand prize at $250.

 

Raffle

Raffle items include a $250 gift certificate to Delta Interiors for $2, a four-gallon fish fryer for $2, a Cajun grill for $5 and a 52” Exmark lawn mower at $10.

 

Silent Auction

During the Team Cade Cystic Fibrosis Benefit, a silent auction will be taking place with lots of great items including autographed sports memorabilia, a day of golf, gift baskets, kids’ toys and much more! Items will be on display in the police jury building during the benefit.

 

Chicken Plate Lunches

While everyone is out and about looking at all the silent auction items, or putting their money in the hat for raffle prizes, or returning from the bike ride or poker run, chicken plate lunches will be served for everyone! At $7 each, plates will include chicken, baked beans, potato chips, bread and a cookie. Deliveries to local businesses will be available as well. For more information, please contact Holly Liles at 318-548-2659 or Tommy Sanders at 318-548-2681.

 

Riders for Lupus Parade set for May 4

 

            A “Riders for Lupus Parade” will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, in Haynesville.

            A $5 donation entry fee will be for all riders: cars, trucks, four-wheelers, motorcycles and horses. All floats are welcome.

            If you’d like to walk, that’s ok too. We will line up at First Baptist Church on Highway 534 at 9 a.m. (the big brick church behind Piggly Wiggly in Haynesville).

            For those who’d like to donate to this event, an account has been set up at Capital One Bank in Haynesville and Homer under the name “Riders for Lupus.”

            All donations are greatly appreciated and will go to the Lupus Foundation of America, a charitable organization with tax exempt status under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, Federal ID 1131436.

            Barbecued ribs, chicken and fish plates will be for sale to help raise money for “Life Photographer,” Live D.J., Bouncers for kids and educational forms about lupus. Raffle tickets are $1.

            For more information, please call 318-433-0100 or 318-927-0001.

 

Potluck @ the Fair May 10

 

            The third annual “Potluck @ the Fair” fundraiser will be held Friday, May 10, 2013 at the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex in Haynesville.

            Tickets to the event are $20 each. They can be purchased from any CAC member, at Haynesville City Hall, Killgore’s Pharmacy, Carla Smith’s Cut and Curl, and from Jackie Roberts at the Haynesville News Office in Homer.

            This year’s event will begin at 6 p.m. with a “potluck” dinner featuring a wide, delicious variety of foods prepared by the great cooks of our town and area. During and following the dinner, a silent auction will be held with many great items to bid on.

            The silent auction will start at 6 p.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. Then starts the evening’s entertainment. We are pleased to have the talented “Lisemby Family Gospel Group” from New Eddinburg, Ark., as our guest entertainers this year.

            This family-oriented event will be once again sponsored by the Town of Haynesville’s Citizens Advisory Committee and the Haynesville Beautification Committee.

            Call Keith Killgore at 318-624-1122 for more information. Food and silent auction inquiries should be made to Linda Knox at 318-624-1606.

            All ticket purchases, donations and contributions are tax deductible and appreciated. You do not have to cook or bring any kind of food to attend! If you would like to prepare a dish, please contact Linda Knox at 318-624-1606.

 

Mills confronts mayor about budget, hiring issues

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

            In a special called meeting of the Town of Homer, Police Chief Russell Mills brought back before the council the fact that repair bills to his patrol units still have not been paid in full.

            Matt Simmons, owner of Gordon’s Service Center, asked the mayor and council members about an investigation into his account of which the town still owes about $200 on repair work done to one of the police department’s patrol units. While Simmons still has the car and the repair work has been done, the town still has not paid him in full. In March, he approached the council about the matter, saying the town owed him about $1,400, and since then, the town has paid all but that approximate $200.

            Simmons received the letter in early April stating that until an investigation had been completed the town would no longer be using his business for repairs to town vehicles or patrol units.

            Town Attorney Marcus Patillo said that investigation is still ongoing.

            “With continued public records requests for certain records, it’s stemming from something, so we would like to get to the bottom of it and figure that out,” he said.

            He said he was “advised” by the legal department with the state auditors, those questions were asked, and everything seemed to be fine.

            Simmons said he wanted to make it known that he was overpaid, because an invoice was paid twice, but instead of depositing the check and putting the overage toward the balance owed him, he let the town office know about the situation to make sure it was corrected.

            Also during the public comments portion of the meeting, Chief Mills spoke to the mayor and council about a couple of things, including hiring a part time officer and the fact the mayor is continuing to not pay for services rendered for the police department.

            He responded to Simmons’ comments, saying he was aware of the investigation, and in that letter, he felt it suggested that the council met without public knowledge and did not meet with a quorum, which is called a walking quorum.

            Mills said Attorney General’s Opinion 03-245, citing R.S. 33:423 says that the chief has the authority to operate the day to day business.

            “Once the council approves my budget, by ordinance makes it law,” he said. “It also states at the end of this, that there’s no authority by the mayor or aldermen to interfere with the expenditures of the property that I deem necessary.”

            He addressed the mayor then, saying, “Mayor, what you’re doing when you don’t pay my invoices, you’re still controlling my budget. We’ve been to court twice on some issues, and both times, it’s been negligent on the council and the town attorney. Please be advised that you need to listen to what he’s telling you. I have no problem filing another petition, whatsoever.

            “Next, I received a letter from the mayor, and I’m trying to hire a part-time guy,” he continued. “Ms. Mozeke, you were the one who told me I needed to hire part time people. I [gave] you this young man’s application and all his credentials about 13 weeks ago. Maybe the mayor didn’t know I gave it to you; I came to the school and talked to you. You requested some more information; I gave that to you. Now, Mayor, you tell me that I have to go through Shenovia (Harris -- the town treasurer). I find it strange that any time I try to hire somebody or try to get something done, things seem to change. It almost appears that you’re trying to pick and choose. I’ve been to council meetings for the last several years. I’ve never seen public works people come before the council to get hired, I’ve never seen the girls in the office come before you to get hired. Now, all of a sudden, I have to go through Shenovia to get personnel something -- never been done.

            “Now, what I ask from you Mayor, and I will oblige, that you put something in writing what you request from me, outside policy and procedures for me to hire or terminate a police officer, I will be obliged to your command. However, to just send me a memo stating that I need to do it this way, interferes with my daily operations. I’ve got 17 to 23 days of vacation coming up (from other officers) and I’ve got to cover those shifts. You gave everybody 200 hours of vacation. We didn’t factor that in. The lady that you paid to do the budget didn’t figure out the vacation. It’s going to put me $19,000 over budget just off vacation. I’m asking you to give me the opportunity to get with the hiring committee and hire a part-time officer, and hopefully that would save me some money. However, it’s still going to be an expense.”

            At this point, the mayor tapped the gavel, and told him to get with the hiring committee.

            In other news, the council adopted Resolution 13-004 in regards to authorizing the mayor to execute a cooperative endeavor agreement for renovations to the town hall for planning and construction. This resolution is in regards to getting the roof over city hall and the police department completely redone. In the past, there have been leaks and the roof has been repaired, but according to the mayor, it’s never been completely renovated. This project will cost roughly $150,000, which will come from House Bill 2 approved by the Louisiana Legislature in 2012. The money will come from general obligation bonds.

            She said the original plan, also is to move council chambers to the garage area of what used to be the old fire station, so that where meetings are held now can be returned to its original purposes, a kitchen area.

            The council also adopted policy and procedures for the La. One Call.

            The next regular meeting of the Homer Town Council will be Monday, May 6, in council chambers inside city hall at 6 p.m. For more information, or for questions, please call their office at 318-927-3555.

 

Minor injuries in crash

The Guardian-Journal photos/Michelle Bates

A vehicle crash on Highway 9 in Athens left both drivers with very minor injuries. According Michael Brown, the driver of the 2000 Freightliner, he didn’t see the other vehicle until it clipped his front driver’s fender. Both vehicles were headed northbound on Highway 9 towards Homer, when Brown attempted to turn into the convenience store at Russellville and Teddy Fincher, the driver of the 1998 Chevy truck, attempted to pass him. He said Brown had pulled over to the shoulder and thought he’d stopped. At that time, he attempted to go around him, when Brown pulled back into the roadway negotiating the turn into the store. At impact, Fincher slid sideways and the truck rolled at least once.  Fincher stopped on the opposite side of the road. The Homer Fire Department, Pafford Ambulance Services and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. Louisiana State Police are investigating the crash, and as of yet, the cause of the crash is undetermined. As of press time, no citations had been issued.

 

DWCC Self-Help Groups observe Crime Victims’ Rights Week

 

            The Lifer’s Association sponsored its eighth Victim’s Awareness Program at David Wade Correctional Center last Thursday in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, from April 21-27.

            The seven self-help organizations utilized this program to honor their commitment in giving back to communities and recognizing the impact that crime has on victims and their communities.

            Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous presented check donations to MADD, accepted by Ann Shocklee, March of Dimes, accepted by Kim Ates, the American Red Cross, accepted by Jodie Quinn and St. Jude Children’s Hospital, accepted by Nikki McCoy.

            The Toastmasters Club presented a check donation to DART, which was accepted by Chaplain Ray Anderson on behalf of Mary Ellen Gamble. The Human Relations Club placed a wreath and proclamation at the Homer Courthouse commemorating Crime Victims’ Rights week, as well as presenting a check donation to Derek Melancon representing the Fuller Center.

            The Lifer’s Association presented a check donation to The Gingerbread House, accepted by Alexandria Person and Jennifer Flippo Burns.

            All seven of the self-help groups assisted in a check donation to Grace Camp, accepted by Norma Pickering.

            The offender organizations raised a total of $2,400 in donations. The program ended with refreshments after expressing gratitude to the charities and to the administration for their continued support to this very important program.

            This year’s theme, “New Challenges, New Solutions” celebrates the spirit of the many crime victims and their families who work for justice and understanding. Many corrections and Probation and Parole employees work as facilitators for victim-offender dialogue sessions and provide information and assistance to victims who are registered through the Department’s Crime Victims Services Bureau (CVSB).

            “Our public safety mission and goals specifically address the Department’s commitment to assisting individuals and communities harmed by crime as well as providing opportunities to offenders to make amends for the harm they have caused,” said DPS&C Secretary Jimmy Le Blanc. “If you know someone who is a crime victim, make sure they know about us.”

            The Department’s CVSB registers victims/survivors of crime (or family members) for notification about the offender once he or she is sentenced to DOC custody, such as housing assignment and projected release dates, release from incarceration by any means and sentence change due to court action. Staff also works with the Pardon Board and Committee on Parole to provide registered victims notice of parole and pardon hearings. More information and the registration form can be found on the Department’s website at www.doc.la.gov (under Victim Services on the left menu) or by calling 1-888-342-6110.

            “It is important to point out that victims registered through a local DA’s office or through the Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS) should also register with DOC to receive post-conviction information (detailed above) about the offender,” according to Gayle Cothell, director of DPS&C’s CVSB.

 

 

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's Pharmacy & Gift Shop

* 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 Elementary Pre-K registration through May 22

Homer Elementary School is now registering children for Pre-K now until May 22 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Children must be 4 years old by September 30. To enroll, each child should have their birth certificate, shot records, Social Security card and proof of address. Space is limited.

 

Senior Citizens Appreciation Day set for May 3

The Town of Homer’s third annual Senior Citizens Appreciation Day will be at 9 a.m. at Homer City Hall followed by a picnic lunch and fun at Mayfield Park at 1 p.m. Regional Hospice Care Group will also be giving away t-shirts during the health fair. For additional information, or for transportation to the event, please call LaTrina Coleman at 318-927-3555.

 

Team Cade Poker Run set for May 4

The third annual Team Cade Poker Run to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will begin at the Courthouse Square in Homer, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. The first bike out will be at 9 a.m., returning to the Square by noon. The registration fee is $25 per player, with a $250 prize for the winning hand. Chicken plates will also be on sale for $7 per plate. For more information, please contact J.T. Williams (Frogman) at 318-453-5529 or Ricky Bearden at 318-927-9740 or 318-245-4726.

 

Homer Town Council to meet May 6

The Homer Town Council will meet at 6 p.m., in council chambers inside city hall for its monthly meeting. For more information, or for questions, please call their office at 318-927-3555.

 

Homer Hospital Board meeting set for May 7

Homer Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will meet at noon in the conference room at the hospital. The dates of the monthly board meetings have been changed due to the change in management at the hospital. For more information, or for questions, please call Adrienne Willis at 318-927-1400.

 

Police Jury to meet May 8

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

 

DART fundraiser slated for May 8

A Premier Jewelry Fundraiser will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the DART office at 300 Murrell Street, in Homer. Everyone is invited to attend and bring a friend. Order books and forms will be at the DART office for anyone who wants to place an order. For more information, please call the DART office at 318-927-2818.

 

School Board to meet May 9

The Claiborne Parish School Board will meet at 6 p.m. in the board meeting room for its monthly meeting. At 5 p.m., a reception to honor this year’s retirees will be across the street in the school board annex. For more information, or for questions, please call their office at 318-927-3502.

 

DART Radiothon set for May 9

The annual DART Radiothon will be in Ruston at super One Foods from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. and will be broadcast on FM 94.1. Donations can also be sent to Claiborne DART, 300 Murrell Street in Homer, 71040, or they can listen to the radio the day of the radiothon and call in a donation.

 

Tulip Cemetery Memorial set for May 11

Annual memorial services will be at 11 a.m. with a worship and music service inside Tulip Church, followed by a picnic lunch at noon. For more information, please contact any of the members of the Board of Directors: Kenneth Volentine, Larry White, Terry Dobbins, Perry Anderson or Arnold White. Donations or memorials may be mailed to Tulip Cemetery, Inc., c/o Larry White, 8328 Highway 518, Homer, LA 71040.

 

Memorial Day at Hurricane Cemetery May 11

Memorial Day at Hurricane Cemetery, five miles north of Arcadia on Highway 519, will be Saturday, May 11. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs! The annual membership meeting will be Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m. under the pavilion. Anyone who has an interest in the cemetery is invited to attend this meeting. If you have flowers at the cemetery which you wish to keep, please remove them by Wednesday, May 1, or they will be discarded during cleanup of the cemetery.

 

Middlefork Water System to meet May 13

The Middlefork Water System will meet at 6 p.m. at the Lisbon Civic Center. Middlefork Water System is an equal opportunity provider/employer.

 

Food distribution recertification by May 13

To receive food from the Homer Christian Coalition, everyone must be re-certified by Monday, May 13. So please bring all the necessary papers with you. You will not receive food from the Homer Christian Coalition for the month of May if you are not re-certified.

 

Haynesville Town Council to meet May 16

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

 

Claiborne NAACP to meet May 16

The monthly meeting of the Claiborne Parish NAACP has been changed due to the graduations at Homer and Haynesville High Schools on Tuesday, May 14. The meeting will be at Lane Chapel CME Church, 290 Washington Street in Homer. The executive committee will meet at 6 p.m., and the regular monthly meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. All regular and prospective members are asked to be in attendance.

 

Homer High School Class Reunion May 17 and 18

The 50th Class Reunion of Homer School’s Class of 1963 will be on May 17 and 18. For more information, please contact Prentiss Camp at 817-267-6396.

 

Boys and Girls Club Talent Expo set for May 17

We have changed the date of the BGC Talent Expo to May 17th at 7 p.m. at the Fair Complex. All demos need to be posted by May 3. Click 'Talent Expo 2013" to the youtube page with contestant demos. More information is available at http://bgcclaiborne.org under Events. We are also on Facebook: search for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Timber Ridge.

 

Charity Fishing Tourney May 18

The Team Haidyn Jace Lake Claiborne Charity Fishing Tournament will begin at 6 a.m. Saturday, May 18, until 1:30 p.m. at Pleasure Point Marina on beautiful Lake Claiborne. There is a $60 entry fee per boat, optional $10 big bass and/or $10 trash fish per boat. Optional pots will be 100 percent payout. For more information, please email , or call Ken Bailey at 927-2011.

 

Free Cancer Screening at HMH May 23

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

 

Homer Lions Chicken Charbroil set for May 24

The Homer Lions Club is selling tickets for this year’s Chicken Charbroil! Tickets are $7, and plates include chicken, beans, potato salad, bread and a dessert. Plates can be picked up in the parking lot at Regions Bank 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. If you have not gotten your ticket(s), please contact any Lions Club member to get them!

 

Homer High School Reunion May 24-25

The Homer High School Class of 1982 is planning a class reunion. Classmates may contact Penny Aubrey Fields, Melinda Winzer-Holly or Philip Burns for more information.

 

CCC sponsors Bound for Baton Rouge May 29

The Community Coordinating Council will sponsor a Bound for Baton Rouge tour to visit several areas in Baton Rouge, including the governor’s mansion, the state capitol and to attend a legislative session. The cost for the trip is $85. Deadline to register is Wednesday, May 8. For more information, please contact Clora Hendricks at 318-624-3121 in Haynesville, Joe Etta Williams at 927-9444 in Homer, Valerie Cooper at 318-497-3755 in Lisbon or Valena Lane at 318-243-6676.

 

9th Annual Senior Extravaganza June 27

The ninth annual Senior Extravaganza, sponsored by the Community Coordinating Council, will be at the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex in Haynesville, 1563 Fairgrounds Drive, for a day of fun. Enjoy a delicious meal, an array of senior talents, hear our legislators, win a door prize and witness the awarding of certificates. A $10 donation is requested. Admission is by ticket only; no tickets are sold at the door. For more information, please contact Clora Hendricks at 318-624-3121 in Haynesville, Joe Etta Williams at 318-927-9444, or Valerie Cooper at 318-497-3755.

 

Boat Parade, Fireworks Show set for July 5

The annual Lake Claiborne Boat Parade and Fireworks Show has been set for Friday, July 5. To make a contribution to this wonderful community event, please send contributions to P.O. Box 181, Homer, LA 71040.

 

Homer/Mayfield School Reunion set for September 26-28

The Homer/Mayfield School Reunion will be at Homer City Hall, 400 East Main Street. All alumni and those who would like to participate in any of the events, please contact Cleveland Wilson Jr. at 318-927-2037 or Marie Gray at 318-927-6705, or by P.O. Box 327, Homer LA 71040

 

BGC’s Men’s and Women’s Conference rescheduled for September 28

The BGC’s Men’s and Women’s Conference that was set for April 26 and 27 has been rescheduled. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we had to change our conference date to Saturday, September 28. In making changes, we also lowered the registration amount to $10 per person. For more information, please contact Patricia Elmore at 318-255-3931, Ethel Dansby at 318-927-3417 or Alma Malone 318-624-0362.

 

 

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.

 

  
 
Top of Page

 

Community Services Directory - Educational Programs, Hotlines, Health/Medical, Social/Community, Clubs/Organizations, and Internet Resources


 
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!
 
  
Current News  |  Headlines  |  News Briefs  |  Subscriptions  |  Contact Us

Contact Us for Back Issues of the Guardian-Journal
Archived Headlines and News Briefs

Disclaimer, Privacy Policy and User Agreement

Online Since 11/11/99

www.kcwd.com





Click Here - Link Opens in Separate Window
 

 

Enter Movie Title

OR, Enter City/Zip

 





 
Enter City or US Zip




 
Click Here - Link Opens in Separate Window
 

 

Merriam Webster OnLine
Dictionary
Thesaurus