HEADLINES - October 31, 2002

Parish Delegation Tours Cypress Bend Resort Development

•Sabine Parish Tax Assessor Compiled Figures Comparing 1990 To 2001 Figures Showed Since 1990, The Parish Has 4,393 New Homes. Of Those 44 Were Built In The First Quarter 2002. In 1990, Sabine Had 3,616 Homes And Camps. In 2002, There Have Over 8,000 And Most Are Second Homes That Do Not Qualify For Homestead Exemption. During This Same Time Period, The Number Of Taxpayers Doubled. In Just Over Ten Years The Assessed Property Value Went From Just Under $13 Million To $50 Million.

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

Just over a decade ago, Sabine Parish was in a state of decline, Residents had steadily been moving out of the parish and the population was dwindling. The population was 28,000 in 1980, but had dropped by 8,000, to 20,000 in just ten years. The Telodo Bend reservoir built in the late 1960s for water conservation, power generation, recreation, and economic development had failed to give the area the economic boost they had hoped for. In the mid 1980s, Linda Curtis-Sparks was named executive director of the Sabine River Authority.

Homer Man Charged With 20 Counts Identity

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office received several reports of a possible identity theft on October 4. Following a three week investigation led by CPSO Detective Ben Booth, Fredrick B. Champ, 29, of Homer was arrested and charged with twenty counts of Identify Theft. The investigation revealed that Champ took personal information such as name, Social Security number, etc. from three different persons over a four month period. Champ took the information and applied for numerous credit cards over the internet. If convicted, Champ could receive up to ten years per count of Identity Theft.

Homer Woman Killed In Accident

A Homer woman, Diane McIntosh, 53, was killed shortly after 7 AM on Sunday, October 27, when she pulled out in front of a 1990 Ford F-350 truck driven by William D. Spencer, 62, of El Dorado, Arkansas. McIntosh was traveling east on Maddry Road in a 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier when she attempted to make a left turn onto U.S. 79 North, just east of the Webster Parish line. She failed to yield to oncoming traffic and her vehicle was struck on the driver’s side door by Spencer who was southbound on U.S. 79. McIntosh was traveling alone and was pronounced dead at the scene. Spencer and his passenger Edith J. Gregory, 35, of Bastrop were not injured. All three were wearing their seatbelts.

State Police Releases Report On Shooting At Haynesville Nursing Home

The Louisiana State Police reported that on September 26, 2002, Haynesville Chief of Police James Garner contacted Troop G and requested an investigation be conducted into a shooting incident involving one of his officers at the Heritage Nursing Center

located at 1745 Bailey Avenue in Haynesville. Their investigation revealed that Haynesville Police Officer James Johnson was present at the Nursing Center in an off-duty capacity when he accidentally discharged a service revolver assigned to Officer Jimmy Mitchell, also with the Haynesville Police Department. The revolver discharged into the floor of the lobby inside the main entrance. Debris or a fragment from the projectile struck Ms. Melba Meadors, an employee at the Center, in her right distal arm area, causing minor injury. On October 22, 2002, the 2nd Judicial District Court issued a warrant for Johnson's arrest. Johnson was arrested and taken to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center then released on $2,000 bond.

Haynesville Council Awards $558,392 Bid For Sewer System Improvements

The Haynesville Town Council met in Special Session October 21 to open bids on the Wastewater Collection System Improvement. Five bids were received. Low bidder was Don M. Barron, Contractor, Inc. with a bid of $558,392.50. Other bids received were Benson Construction - $627,450.25, TGS Contractors - $667,775.50, Underground Service Co. - $710,122.30, and Wicker Construction Co. - $587,317.50. At the recommendation of Lee Underwood with Balar and Associates, the Council voted to take bids under advisement until engineers could examine the bids to make sure bids are in order before awarding the contract.

CDC Hired By Police Jury To Develop Plan For Potential Disasters

Gray Stothart with Coordinating and Development Corporation (CDC) spoke to the Claiborne Parish Police Jury at their regular meeting October 10 and explained the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act 2000 which requires local governments to develop and submit hazard mitigation plans in order to qualify for grant funds. He said if Claiborne Parish does not have an approved Hazard Mitigation Plan in effect by November 2003, FEMA will not be allowed to make grants in the parish to help deal with disasters.

Halloween To Be Observed Thursday

The Homer Police Department is asking that the hours for “Trick-or-Treating” be observed from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM sharp on Thursday, October 31. All participants are urged to only stop at houses that have their outside light on. Homer Police officers will be giving candy in front of the Police Station. Please remember the following safety tips: 1) Always wear a reflective costume so you can be seen easily in the dark, 2) Walk in groups of two or more, 3) Do not run out into the streets, 4) Carry a flashlight to light your path, and 5) Let your parents check your candy before you eat it..

“Christmas Open House And Fourth Annual Taste Of Homer” Saturday, November 9, 2002

Several local merchants will start the holiday season with the annual “Christmas Open House” and “$250 Shopping Spree” on Saturday, November 9. Some will continue Sunday, November 10. The

Town of Homer will present its “Fourth Annual Taste Of Homer-Claiborne” from 11AM to 1 PM at Homer City Hall. Come out and enjoy a “taste” of many local “favorite” dishes. Eat in and enjoy entertainment provided by our own “Melody Jammers” (formerly Firehouse Jammers). Tickets are $10.00 and available at The Guardian-Journal, Northeast Properties, and Chamber of Commerce. Participating merchants are Delta Interiors, Michael’s Men’s Store & Sporting Goods, Claiborne Drug, April’s Ladybug Gourmet Foods, Miss Lizzie’s, Lizzie’s Too, Serendipity Coffee & Gift Shop, Spiller’s Appliance, Something Old Something New, Homer Flower Shop, For more information on the Taste of Homer, call Linda Futch at 927-6126 or Rebecca McDaniels at 927-3550. Lots of Christmas gift ideas and great food!! Don’t miss it!!

Over Forty Vendors Have Signed Up For November 30 Christmas Festival

Chairman Dale Tully told members of the 2002 Christmas Festival Committee at their meeting October 15 they had received applications from 40 different vendors and were expecting more for the Annual Christmas Festival and Parade planned for Saturday, November 30.

OCTOBER 31, 2002 NEWS BRIEFS

Claiborne One Is Presently Soliciting New Sponsors

The Claiborne One website at www.claiborneone.org features news from Homer, Haynesville, Junction City, and all of Claiborne Parish. They are presently soliciting new and added sponsors. To contribute news or purchase advertising banner, call Joel Ponder at 927-9787 or Al Lynn at 927-9674.

CORRECTION: Three candidates for U.S. Senate were unintentionally left off the ballot that was published in this week's Guardian-Journal Thursday, October 31, 2002. They were: 1) Gary D. Robbins, 2) Ernest Edward Skillman, Jr. and 3) Suzanne Haik Terrell

Notice To Readers

The Guardian-Journal Has A New Toll-Free Line At 1-877-480-9918.

Flu Shots Now Available At Claiborne Parish Health Unit

Flu shots are now available at the Claiborne Parish Health Unit at 624 West Main in Homer. They have two designated days—Thursdays, October 31 and November 7, as mass flu dates. Flu shots are available other days by appointment. Shots are available to anyone over age 50 or high risk individuals. A fee of $10 will be charged for those not covered by medicare or medicaid. Please bring medicare/medicaid cards with you. Call 927-6127 for info.

Parish Library To Hold Noon Brown-Bag-Lunch Nov. 7

The Claiborne Parish Library is having a brown-bag-lunch Wednesday, November 7, 2002 from 12 noon until 1 PM. Joyce Lilly will be giving a book review on The Last Girls by Lee Smith. Last year Joyce presented a great review and also made a suggested reading list for all who attended. She plans to do the same this year. We invite anyone who can to join us and bring a friend. Drinks and dessert will be furnished. Come for the fun of it.

Homer High Homecoming Parade Set For Thurs. Nov. 7

The Homer High School Homecoming Parade will be held on Thursday, November 7 at 4:30 PM. Lineup is at 3:30 PM on Bonner Street. Anyone interested in participating please contact Kim Herring at 927-5291 between 1:30 and 3 PM before Friday, November 1. The theme for Homecoming Week is “Wipe Out the Warriors”.

DART To Sponsor Local Vigil For Victims Of Domestic Abuse

The Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (D.A.R.T.) of Claiborne Parish will sponsor a Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, November 7 in memory of the women and children in our area who lost their lives as a result of domestic violence. The Candlelight Vigil will be held at the Claiborne Parish Courthouse at 6:30 PM. The public is encouraged to attend. Contact Mary Ellen Gamble at 927-2818 for more information.

Claiborne Parish Library To Hold Noon Book Review

The Claiborne Parish Library will have brown-bag-lunch at noon Wednesday, November 7. Joyce Lilley will review “The Last Girls” by Lee Smith.Come and bring a friend. Drinks and dessert will be furnished. Come for the fun of it!

Homer High Cheerleaders Selling Play Station 2 Chances

Homer High Cheerleaders are selling $1 chances to win a Play Station 2. Drawing will be held during the Homecoming game between during the Homer and Lakeside Friday, November 8. To purchase a chance see any Homer High Cheerleader or call Rhonda Porter at 927-6091.

Cub Scouts To Distribute Bags For Annual Food Drive Sat.

Cub Scouts Pack 7 will be distributing food bags Saturday, November 2 at 9 AM. The following Saturday, November 9, Boy Scouts Troop 72 will pick up filled bags between 9-10 AM. All food stays in Homer and is distributed to needy people through our area’s local food bank. If you do not receive a bag and would like to contribute call Wayne Hatfield at 927-2961.

Homer High FBLA To Hold Bake Sale Saturday, Nov. 1

Homer High FBLA will hold Bake Sale on the Wal-Mart sidewalk from 9:30 AM - 2 PM on Saturday, November 1. Funds will be used to help finance the trip to the National Southern Region Fall Leadership Conference Nov. 20-24 in Jacksonville, Florida. To request a special order or favorite cookie, cake, brownie, pie, or bread, call 927-5291 or 927-6944..

Homer-Mayfield Alumni Will Hold Regular Monthly Meeting Nov. 5

The Homer-Mayfield Alumni will hold their regular monthly meeting on November 5 at 6 PM at 906 South 4th Street in Homer. All interested persons are welcome.

Reserve Your Homer Elementary School Yearbook Now For $15

Reserve you Homer Elementary Yearbook now. Until February 1, 2002, the price is $15. After February 1, 2003, yearbooks will be $20. Cash payments only are accepted.

American Legion, Legion Auxiliary Seeking Dues Not Paid

The American Legion and the Legion Auxiliary #73 are collecting dues for the 2003 year. If 2002 dues are not paid, you must pay both no later than Dec. 31, 2002. Please make sure information on notices is correct. Anyone who did not receive a notice should contact Carol Jones.

Homer Spirit Club To Meet November 14 At Homer Band Room

The Homer Spirit Club will meet Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 PM at the Homer High School Band Room All parents, guardians requested to attend to discuss Christmas Festival, Parade and playoff games.

Student Ambassador Group To Hold Chicken, Dressing Fundraiser

The Student Ambassador Group from Homer is taking orders for gallon size pans of chicken and dressing ready for holiday baking. Cost per pan is $20. To place orders through November 15, call Karen Lee at 927-6549, Virginia Furlow at 927-6679, Suzanne Newell at 927-3664, or Stephanie White at 258-4370. Orders will be delivered Nov. 23 or 24.

November 8 Is Deadline To Register For Next ACT Test

Registration deadline for the next ACT Test scheduled for December 14 is Friday, November 8 for all college-bound high school students. The test fee is $25. For more information on the ACT Assessment, registration forms, test locations, etc. contact your high school counselor or go to the ACT website at www.act.org.

Police Jury Collecting Old Tires Without Rims

The Police Jury is now collecting old tires without rims at their barn location at 4070 Hwy. 79 South, next to Ludlow. The site has been approved by the La. Department of Environmental Quality for a collection sit for old tires. The Police Jury will not accept tires unless the rim has been removed. Tires with rims will be rejected. Residents can drop off their waste tires during regular working hours Monday-Friday. For more information, call the Police Jury office at 927.2222.

Arcadia Chamber To Hold Antique And Heritage Festival Nov. 8-9

The Chamber of Commerce in Arcadia is sponsoring an Antique and Heritage Festival on November 8 and 9. Antique dealers and food vendors from the Sportsman’s Paradise are invited to display. $20 per space with electricity. Music, talent, art show and vintage car show will be featured. Call (318) 263-9897 for more information.

Homer High FBLA Search For Former Members

This year the Louisiana State FBLA Committee is organizing an Alumni Division for Louisiana FBLA, and each chapter is responsible for locating former members, family, or friends who would like to remain connected to FBLA. If you would like to become a member of the Louisiana FBLA Alumni Division and the National FBLA-PBL Professional Division, please contact any FBLA member or call Mrs. June McClure at the Homer High Business Lab, 927-5291.

Veterans’ Day Observance Set For Mon. November 11, 2002

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddles at Homer High School and Claiborne Academy will again host the annual Veterans’ Day observance this year on Veterans’ Day, Monday, November 11, at the Homer City Hall. The observance will begin promptly at 11 AM and should conclude at 12:30 PM. All veterans and their spouses are invited to attend. They will be served lunch and recognized for their contributions to our great country by the FCA members. Please call Elaine Beard at 927-6243 or Ed Watson at 927-2747 if you can attend.

Homer Elementary To Host Scholastic Book Fair In November

Homer Elementary School will host a Scholastic Book Fair November 7, 8, 11, 12, and 13 from 10 AM - 2 PM each day. Admission is free. Students, parents and teachers can see the latest works by popular authors and illustrators of books for young readers, along with hundreds of titles from over 100 publishers. Purchases are cash only, no checks. Proceeds will generate important funds for school projects.

Mt. Olive Christian School To Hold Powder Puff Football Game

The Student Council of Mount Olive Christian School is sponsoring a powder puff football game on November 1 at 7 PM. The faculty, parents, and friends will take on the female student body. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for kids. Concession stand will be open.

Christmas Festival Committee To Sell Lights On Memory Tree

The Claiborne Christmas Festival will sell lights on the Memory Tree “in memory” or “in honor” of an individual for $5. The tree will start with all "red" lights. As donations are made, lights will be changed to white "in memory" of someone and blue “in honor” of someone. To place an order call Dale Tully at 927-9009 or mail your check to Claiborne Christmas Festival, c/o Dale Tully at Miss Lizzie's, 200 West Third, Homer, LA 71040. List the name of person, whether “honor” or “memory” and who is making the donation.

Haynesville Elementary School To Hold Fall Music Program

The first and third grade classes at Haynesville Elementary School will present a music program at 9:45 AM Friday, November 1 in the school gym. The first grade will present the mini-musical Lightfingers: A Lesson in Honesty by Roger Emerson. The third grade class will perform Be Smart, Don’t Start, a drug awareness musical by Grace Hawthorne and John F. Wilson. Both performances

will be conducted by HES Music Teacher Kathy Scott. For more information, call 624-1084.

Halloween Portraits To Help Christian Community Action

Barnes Portraits of Ruston and Kappa Sigma Fraternity have teamed up to raise money for Christian Community Action. Barnes will photograph your child in their Halloween costume for a $5 session fee and a jar of peanut butter. All session fees and the peanut butter will go to Christian Community Action to help families in need. The dates for sessions will be Wednesday, October 30 and Thursday, October 31. Call 255-5568 to schedule your session.

First Baptist Women Enrichment Ministry Hold Fall Celebration

The Women Enrichment Ministry of First Baptist Church in Homer will hold “Harvest Time--A Fall Celebration” on Monday, November 11 from 6-8 PM. Guest speaker will be Dr. Patsy Simeon. Door prizes. Child care will be provided (need name & age of child).Tickets are $5. Tickets are available from Linda McHam, Patsy Simeon, Ann Burton, Rita Gantt, Mary Ellen Gamble, Beverly Taylor, or at the church office.

Haynesville Study Club To Meet Wednesday, November 6

The Haynesville Study Club will meet Wednesday, November 6 in the home of Beverly Hooks with Tracey Haynes serving as co-hostess. Laura Tinsley will review the book RUTH A Portrait by Patricia Cornwell. The short topic will be given by Miriam Hollenshead. Members are encouraged to attend.

Willie Burns, Jr. To Sponsor Thanksgiving Dinner To Homer City Hall

Willie Burns Jr. will sponsor Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings for the more needy, less fortunate individuals who live in Claiborne Parish on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2002 from 11 AM - 2 PM at Homer City Hall.