Accidents Claim Two Lives In Haynesville
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Two separate
accidents last week in Claiborne Parish claimed the lives of two Haynesville
residents. According to Louisiana State Police reports, Stephen A. Holland, 54,
of Haynesville was traveling northbound on Hwy. 79 between Homer and
Haynesville on Wednesday, April 19 just after 7 PM when the 2004 Honda
motorcycle he was riding struck a dog in the road. Holland lost control and was
ejected from the motorcycle, landing in the northbound ditch. He was
transported to Homer Memorial Hospital, where he died a short time later from
injuries received in the crash. Holland was wearing a helmet and alcohol was
determined not to be a factor in the accident.
Two days
earlier, Mrs. A. J. "Elizabeth" Smith, 79, of Haynesville was
northbound on Hwy. 807
when she lost control of her vehicle while attempting to re-enter
the roadway after her right front tire dropped off the pavement. The Chevrolet
Impala she was driving traveled almost 200 feet and flipped several times
before coming to a stop on its side. The
"jaws of life" were used to remove Mrs.
Smith from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Dr.
Mark Haynes. Tragically, Smith's 83-year-old husband, Mr. A. J. Smith III, had
died early this month following a lengthy illness.
Haynesville Chief Explains Phone
Purchase
BY KATHRYN H. HIGHTOWER, Owner, The Guardian-Journal
Haynesville
Police Chief Anthony Smith was asked to explain the purchase of a new telephone
system for the police department without the authorization of the council
during the regular meeting of the Haynesville Town Council Thursday, April 20.
This along with the hiring of full and part time police officers and a request
to use an area near the Haynesville airport for little league football were
among the issues discussed during the meeting.
Mayor H.U.
Slaid told members of the council that an unauthorized $2,940 contract had been
signed by Haynesville Police Department Officer J.L. Branch for the purchase of
a new telephone system by the police department. He then asked Clerk Penny
Fields to explain the maintenance contract currently held by the town.
Clerk Fields
told members of the council the town had a maintenance contract with Avaya
which they had been paying $107.25 quarterly for years. She said she called
Avaya to report the problem with the telephone system at the police department
and was told by a company spokesman the department did have an older system but
the company would have attempted to repair the system over the telephone and if
that did not work they would send a technician out to repair the system.
However, the department had already purchased a new system before the necessary
repairs could take place.
Mayor Slaid
said he had asked the old telephone system be returned to City Hall so the
company the contract was held with could inspect the equipment and work out a
settlement. The mayor told the chief that this bill to Mar-Tel would not be
paid until more information could be obtained concerning the old system. He
also told the chief that he needed to instruct his officers they are not make
any purchases of this type before first consulting the council.
Chief Smith
said they didn't know about the contract and that the department had been
without a system for four days. He said he had called BellSouth to inquire
about repair to the system and was told it was outdated making the repair
impossible. The chief said BellSouth had advised the town of the need for a new
telephone system.
The chief said
he discussed the situation with Renee Lincoln-Buggs and was told by her to get
a new phone system. He said the reason Officer Branch signed for the system was
because he had to leave before the completion of the system installation. He
told the council the department now had three lines and caller i.d. which they did
not have.
Clerk Fields
said that when she returned to work on Monday following the storm she was
advised by Susan Leonard about the phone system and that the department had
called BellSouth. She said that was the last she had heard about the telephone problem.
She had not been informed about the system not being repaired or had any
questions about a maintenance contract.
Chief Smith
then told the council he would pay the contract for the system and that the
Town of Haynesville Police Department now had a telephone system.
Chief Smith
introduced two new candidates for the Haynesville Police Department; one had
already been certified and attended the academy and the other would have to
attend the academy. The candidates, Adrian Malone (certified) and Darryl
Witcher, were approved by the council for full-time employment. He also
requested the council to approve two part-time officers. The chief was reminded
that these officers were not allowed over 30 hours overtime during a pay period
without prior approval.
The department
will now have seven full-time officers including the chief and three part-time
officers.
THE "SHORTY GARCIA" MEMORIAL BALL
PARK (formerly Armory Park) was dedicated last Thursday,
April 20, 2006, prior to the final Homer High School baseball game. Members of
the Garcia family were moved by the remarks of Booster Club President Robert
Sanders who recognized the lifelong contributions provided by Shorty Garcia,
his willingness to work to improve and maintain the ballfields and for his
continued support throughout his life. The Homer Town Council approved the name
change April 3, 2006.
School Board Approves $1 Million In Budget Cuts
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Superintendent
James Scriber told members of the Claiborne Parish School Board at a special
called meeting last Thursday, April 20, the District had a deficit of $794,000
last year and were expecting a deficit of more than $1 million this year. Among
the reasons he noted were increased costs in retirement, insurance, utilities. and fuel. After months of reviewing ways to cut the
2006-2007 budget to offset the anticipated deficit,
Scriber recommended the Board vote to reduce the central office staff by one and
cut over 20 teaching positions parishwide by raising the pupil-teacher ratio to
15 to 1.
To accomplish
this, he recommended moving Diane Dyer to Special Ed Supervisor to replace
Joann Hemphill who is retiring, then move Barbara Monzingo from Elementary
Supervisor to Title 1 Supervisor to replace Dyer. Monzingo's duties would then
be divided among other central office staff, primarily Mary Triplet and Janice
Williams.
Scriber said he
did not recommend a reduction in force policy. He felt staff could be reduced
several ways: 1) through attrition, with teachers retiring and resigning, 2) by
not rehiring non-certified teachers, 3) by not rehiring some retired teachers
(excluding critical areas such as math, science, and English), and 4) not
rehiring non-tenured teachers who are on probation if unsatisfactory, based on
their area of certification. He said teachers in core curriculum subjects must
be replaced.
One teacher is
on sabbatical leave and one parishwide art teacher plans to retire. He
recommended not replacing the art teacher and cutting one of the two direct
instruction facilitators. He also recommended not replacing two
paraprofessionals who are resigning. The estimated savings would be $1.102
million.
The School
Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation. Board member Tommy
Davidson, who made the motion, said, "It's a must that we cut the
budget." President Will Maddox added, "This (decision) hasn't been
taken lightly." It took a lot of hours, sweat and tears and he doesn't
want anyone to think the board took this decision lightly, because they didn't
RELAY FOR LIFE CO-CHAIRS Nancy Mason and
Sandra Griggs (center), and ACS Community Representative Christina
Griffin (right) presented the ACS Life Inspiration Award to Bonnie Keene.
Griffin is seeking a new chairman for 2007. Mason and Griggs are stepping down
this year. As chairman the past two years, the Relay raised more than $57,000.
2006 Relay For Life Tops $30,000
BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Christina
Griffin, who serves as Community Representative for the Mid-South Division of
the American Cancer Society, had nothing but high praise for Nancy Mason and
Sandra Griggs, co-chairman of the 2006 Relay For Life.
She said, "These two ladies have worked extremely hard to make this
"Relay For Life" the best Claiborne Parish has ever seen, and they
have succeeded! We at the American Cancer Society are so very proud of
them!"
Relay for Life
is the signature fundraiser each year for the American Cancer Society. Events are held all over the country in more
than 4,000 cities and communities to celebrate life, and to raise money to fund
cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services. Besides Relay teams,
contributions are collected through sponsorships and the purchase of
luminaries.
Last Friday
night, local cancer survivors were honored and loved ones and friends who died
of cancer were remembered. Griffin asked, "Did you know that it is
predicted that in 2006 in Claiborne Parish alone there will be about 100 cases
of cancer diagnosed and that 50 people are expected to die of cancer?" She
added, "These statistics are frightening!" She commended the
community for taking up the fight.
On behalf of
the more than 1.3 million people who will be diagnosed with cancer this year,
the American Cancer Society thanked the hundreds of dedicated individuals,
generous contributors, and organizers for the community support which made the
Relay For Life in Claiborne Parish such a success this
year.
"Our community
really came together for this cause and we are so grateful for that
support," said Griggs and Mason. "We want to thank everyone who gave
of their time, talent and resources to help those touched by cancer."
This year
Claiborne Parish hit another milestone, topping $30,000 for the first time. The
amount to be sent to the ACS will be somewhat less once expenses are deducted,
however, contributions will continue to be collected over the next several
months. One Relay Team plans to hold a Motorcycle Poker Run in June.
Due to the
weather, the Relay was moved inside the Homer High School gymnasium this year.
Many of the participants expressed their approval. There was air conditioning
and plenty of seating which made the whole experience more pleasant and provided
a nice setting for participants to enjoy the entertainment.
More than 25
cancer survivors kicked off the event by leading the first lap of the overnight
event. They were Ann King, Beverly Volentine, Rollie Cochran, Elbie Dickens,
Greg Hightower, Mary Josting, Margaret Garcia, Linda Tuggle, Joann Kendrick,
Kathryn Rogers, Lavelle Penix, Janice Franklin, Gwen Eades, Butch Bennett,
Jenny Alspaugh, Betty Gathright, David Avery, Mary Ellen Lewis, Martha Rushing,
Gracie English, Patricia Ferguson, Gaye Brunson, Daphne Spigener, and Kathy
McVicker.
Following the
opening lap, members of our teams participated by staying on the track
relay-style for the event. At night, luminaria filled the bleachers in honor of
those living with cancer and in memory of those who lost their battle with the
disease. A touching ceremony recognized and remembered those who have been
touched by cancer.
Several awards
were given to recognize outstanding achievement by participants and teams. The
American Cancer Society Life Inspiration Award was presented to Bonnie Keene, a
cancer survivor, volunteer, and former Relay for Life chairman. The Bronze Team
Award was presented to Claiborne Manor Nursing Home and the Platinum Team Award
was given to Regions Bank.
Sponsors were
recognized. Plaques were presented to Platinum Sponsors ($1,000) Wal-Mart,
Malone Properties, Northwest Regional Hospice and to Survivor Sponsors
($500) Covalence Coated Products
(formerly Ludlow), Heloise Lewis, Key Energy Services, Southern Ingenuity
Incorporated, and White Wood Company.
Luminaria
Sponsors: ($400) recognized were First Guaranty Bank,
SBOL, and Spillers Appliance & Furniture. Banner Sponsors: ($200) were Claiborne Family Medical Clinic;
Law Firm of Colvin, Weaver, and Cerniglia; Emerson Oil Company; and Garcia
Construction Company.
This year's
Relay Teams and team captains were as follows: Claiborne Manor - Betty Burns,
Red Hat Society - Sandra Thompson, Homer Memorial Hospital - Linda Tuggle,
Covalence Coated Products (Ludlow) - Bonnie Keene, First Baptist Church -
Christina Sebastian, First United Methodist Church Youth - Cindy Bolling,
Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church - David Heard, Wal-Mart - Zona, Regions Bank
- Nancy Mason, Pleasure Point Baptist Church - Sherry McDonald, Spillers Furniture
& Appliance - Barbara Lindsey, and Southern Ingenuity - Leslie Clark.
For more
information about Relay For Life, contact the American
Cancer Society toll-free anytime at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org. Anyone interested in serving as chairman for
the 2007 Relay for Life, can contact Christina Griffin at 318-648-7178 or
318-628-0091.
Jubilee To
Feature “Fabulous Fifties” Concert
The Claiborne
Jubilee is 
proud to present the Minden Community Chorus under the direction of
Dr. Dan Gibbs in concert Saturday, April 29, at 1 pm. on the north side of the
courthouse lawn. Accompanied by Claiborne Parish's own Claudia Goodwin, the
chorus features local performers Cee and Gordon Simmons and Mary and Harry
Woodall. Winners of the art and quilt shows will be announced after the chorus
presentation.
The day will
begin with the music of Dick Dorrell and Pat Gladney at 9 am and will continue
throughout the day. All performances will be held on the north side of the
square.
Other
highlights of the weekend include Cowboy Poet Peggy Deas Godfrey's presentation
at 10 am. Saturday. Peggy grew up in Homer and is the
daughter of Dr. Tom Deas and the late Mrs. Kay Deas. She has had several books
of poetry published and has spoken widely throughout the U.S. The Best of Show
Poetry prize is being given in Peggy's honor by Dr. Deas, and all the poetry
prizes will be presented after her performance.
All art entries
should be delivered between 8 and 8:30 am on Saturday morning to the courthouse
lawn. Registration will be on the south side of the square. Entries which
cannot be brought on Saturday may be delivered by Friday at 4:30 to the Police
Jury Office Complex, 507 West Main.
Quilt entries
should be brought to the same address preferably on Wednesday and definitely by
Thursday at noon. Please sew a double 4 inch placket of fabric to the back of
your quilt 90 inches from the bottom. This is made from a strip of fabric the
width of the quilt x 8.5 inches. All quilts should have the quilter's name and
contact information sewn or pinned on the back.
In case of rain
the Jubilee will be moved to the First Presbyterian Church located on West 3rd
and North 2nd behind Hibernia Bank.
Senior Expo Set For May 6 At Homer City Hall
The Annual
Senior Expo sponsored by TRIAD of Claiborne will be held Saturday, May 6 at
Homer City Hall beginning with registration at 8 AM. The Expo will end at noon
with a free lunch. Information on health, safety, scams, and more will be
available. Entertainment will be provided by First Praise Singers. Door prizes
will be given. All senior citizens are urged to attend. For more information,
contact TRIAD officer Eugene Kendrick at the Sheriff's Office at 318-927-2011.
Another Claiborne Jewel:
Majestic Killgore House in Lisbon
"America,
Honor God" is the theme for the 2006 National Day of Prayer. The theme is
based on I Samuel 2:30, "...those who honor me, I will honor..." Let
us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive
mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Our nation was founded on
prayer and it will continue to stand strong with prayer.
Homer Mayor
Huey P. Dean recently signed a Proclamation declaring Thursday, May 4, 2006 as
the National Day of Prayer in Homer. He encourages citizens to join in prayer,
asking that God's light may illuminate the minds and hearts of our people and
leaders, so we may meet the challenges that lie before us with courage, wisdom,
and justice. On May 4, the citizens of Homer will join millions of Americans to
observe the 55th National Day of Prayer. They will come together on the grounds
of the Claiborne Parish Courthouse at 12:00 noon for a time of prayer.
The Homer
Ministerial Alliance and the Trinity Bible Study and Prayer Group are
sponsoring the prayer meeting. Prayers will be offered for our nation, its
leaders, local and state officials, law enforcement personnel, and the family.
We long to see
revival and spiritual awakening come to our nation—the kind that changes lives,
ethics, cultural norms, and even the structures of society. In fact, we
desperately need it. But with all the prayers, repentance and evangelistic
efforts over the past decades, our nation seems to be getting further and further
from God's standards. The darkness around us seems to be getting darker and
darker.
We have
observed the National Day of Prayer in Homer since 1993. We pray we will be
observing it for many years in the future. We pray we will have a huge number
of our citizens join together on May 4, in prayer at noon on the Courthouse
lawn, and for the evening service of prayer and praise at 7 PM at Trinity
Southern Methodist Church at 412 West 3rd Street in Homer.
Submitted by Mary Turner, Local Coordinator
National Day Of
Prayer—May 4
Homer Police
will circle the Town Square at noon Thursday, May 4 and sound their sirens to
signal citizens of Homer to join millions of Americans in observance of the
55th Anniversary National Day of Prayer on the Courthouse lawn. The Homer
Ministerial Alliance will lead a short period of prayer for our nation. A time
of Prayer and Praise will continue at 7 PM at Trinity Southern Methodist
Church, 412 West 3rd, with a service featuring some of the community's best
singers, such as Lana Pugh, Sandra Langley, Joey White, Tommy and Carolyn Gore,
Nancy Nelson, Chris Mott, Tommye Jane English, Johnny McDaniel, Sadie Garrett
and Christina Sebastian. Pastors from community churches will lead prayer for
the national state, and local government; the family, the military, education,
the church and the media. Those unable to attend are asked to join in prayer at
noon.
2006 Graduation Commencements
Athens High School - Sunday, May 7, 4 PM in the school gym.
Claiborne Academy - Thurs. May 11, 8 PM in the school gym.
Haynesville High School - Tuesday, May 9, 7:30 PM in the
school auditorium.
Homer High School - Tuesday, May
9, 7:30 PM, Ronny Beard Memorial Stadium.
Junction City High School - Friday, May 12, 8 PM in the
football stadium.
Mt. Olive Christian School - Friday, May 12, 7:00 PM in
the school auditorium.
Pineview High School - Friday, May 5, 7 PM in the school
gym.
Summerfield High School - Monday, May 8, 8 PM in the school gymnasium.
Tynisha Tashae Jackson
Valedictorian |
|
Jamar Lakael Sanford
Salutatorian |
Athens High Commencement Set May 7
Athens High
School will hold their Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 7, 2005, at 4:00
p.m. in the Athens High School gymnasium.
Valedictorian is
Tynisha Tashae Jackson and Salutatorian
is Jamar Lakael Sanford.
Candidates for
graduation are Eddie Lee Dillard, Jr., Sha'Monica Shunta Franklin, Heath
Brannon Heldreth, Tynisha Tashae Jackson, Detimous Zonta Lewis, Jeremy Rashone
Manuel, Jamar Lakael Sanford, and Jomichael Lee Winzer.
Contributions Needed For Fourth of July
Fireworks
The 2006
Claiborne Parish Boat Show and Fourth of July Fireworks will be held Tuesday
evening, July 4. The Boat Show will commence from Pleasure Point Marina
beginning at 7:30 PM, followed by the Fireworks display from the Lake Claiborne
dam at 9 PM. Last year was great, but this year should be as good or better. We
do need your contributions, large or small. Please make your checks payable to:
Claiborne Fireworks, Inc., 180 Post Oak Road, Homer, LA
71040. If you have questions about Fireworks, call Fred Lewis at 927-9180. Boat
Show questions should be directed to Dick Dorrell at Homer Loans at 927-0039.
