Homer Council Seeks Answers

To Wal-Mart Departure

Council Rejects Homer Police Chief Proposal

 To Cut Pay To Give Officers Raise

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

Bob Robinson, president of the Homer Industrial Foundation, addressed the Homer Town Council at their meeting Monday night regarding the announcement last week that Wal-Mart would close its store July 1. Robinson referred to himself only as a citizen and community servant and offered his help to try to find a solution.

He asked, “What is wrong with their (Wal-Mart’s) business...or business period? Can we as a community help turn things around? Would Wal-Mart work with us and set a time in the future to reevaluate?”

He urged the Council to “open the door of our town and invite Wal-Mart company officials to come as soon as possible to discuss future plans” or go to Bentonville. Time is important and support is needed. He suggested they look at what lies ahead, what could spur progress for both Wal-Mart and the town. The next stop would be to set up a meeting with Wal-Mart officials and community leaders. He said, “I confidently hope that good will come from whatever happens if we work together.”

J. T. Taylor, president of the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce, explained to the Council the steps he had taken to address the closure of Wal-Mart. After meeting with the local, district and regional managers of Wal-Mart about the decision to close, he checked on the loss of local taxes, then contacted the Louisiana Economic Development office, State Representative Rick Gallot, Max Lecomte with Coordinating and Development Corporation in Shreveport, and the owner of the Wal-Mart building who last week offered a month to month lease and  concession on the lease amount.  Taylor said CDC was sending a task force to Homer later this week to look at various options for the community.

Rumors of other Wal-Mart stores that closed were not true. Wal-Mart representatives told Taylor they had only been involved with one other store that closed and left a community.

Taylor said he also contacted several local merchants and one local jeweler who believes Wal-Mart closing will help their business. The Town needs to encourage local merchants to take own more merchandise.

J. C. Moore said, “I feel like what this community has given to them over period of time, ...it is unfair the time frame they gave.” 

Carlette Sanford asked if Wal-Mart was aware of everything this community had to offer—Lake Claiborne, David Wade Correctional Center, Claiborne Detention Center, Claiborne Electric, Ludlow/Covalence. She did not understand why Wal-Mart was building a Super Center in Springhill when they had little industry there.

Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Ford, who presided over the meeting due to the absence of Huey Dean who had been in the hospital, said Wal-Mart was about the dollar. They proved that when they purchased Georgia Pacific in Crossett, Arkansas last year, then closed the mill several months later and moved the operation overseas.

Jenkins expressed his concerned. He said, “All of us know that Wal-Mart wants to rule the world.” He recommended appointing the following people to serve on a committee to work on a solution—J. T. Taylor, Bob Robinson, Doug Efferson, Ivy Reed, David Aubrey, Melissa Watts, Mark Brown, and Loy Weaver, with Taylor serving as chairman. The Council approved his motion.

Jenkins said he was also working to set up a town meeting with Wal-Mart officials hopefully on Monday, June 12 at Homer City Hall. He asked Susan Herring to share information on her conversation with Maggie Sans, public affairs director for Wal-Mart. Sans said Wal-Mart officials would be willing to meet with the local community, but that  would not, in any way, indicate Wal-Mart might change their decision to close. When asked if they realized the impact the loss of sales tax would have on the town and the parish, she said while they made the decision with a heavy heart, they fully understood exactly what closing the store would do to this community. She added that it was a very rare occasion for Wal-Mart to close a store.

Sans said Wal-Mart did not make their decision lightly—they exhausted every option. While sales figures and shrinkage (theft by employees and customers) were a factor, neither were the sole reason Wal-Mart simply decided this market could not support the operation. The lease had nothing to do with closing the store, only the timing for closing on such short notice. Sans also admitted that Wal-Mart never approached local officials to inform them of any problems the store was facing.

Sans was to try to get a commitment to attend the town meeting by Tuesday. (Editor’s Note: Several calls made to Sans Tuesday evening were not returned.)

Police Chief Russell Mills proposed lowering his salary from $32,000 to $25,000 which he said would generate enough money to give the other police officers a raise of 45 cents per hour. He was told by one councilman that would not be fair to the other candidates running for the Chief position, but the Council would consider lowering his pay if he wins.  Jesse Ford admitted making the comment. He felt cutting the salary was meant to keep others from running.

Mills said he was told by the Council when he was appointed the actual salary for the Chief is $2,000 per month.  He felt former Police Chief Rodney Hollenshead earned his pay over an 11 year period and that a new chief should do the same. Mills said, “I’m just trying to do it for the betterment of the town.” 

According to Mills, collections in fines and magistrate court costs were up $15,556 compared to the same five month period last year and salary costs were down by $14,597. This should help justify a small raise. The Chief’s salary could be cut some to help fund raises for officers. These officers have families. Some only make $9.50 hour, others $11.00, and some have been here 17 years.

Ford said the town needed to watch their finances right now. Once raises are given, they can’t be taken away.  Moore said they should first look at the financial situation without Wal-Mart.

Mills said his office was still short two officers with Donald Malray still out. The department has 9 full-time officers including Mills, 3 part-time and 2 reserve. He recommended hiring reserve officer John Bailey as full-time officer. This would cut back on overtime and save money for the town. Ford called for a vote. Johnson and Sanford voted for, Jenkins and Moore against, and Ford refused to break the tie by abstaining. Johnson said Chief Mills has done everything we asked. He comes with a proposal that makes a lot of sense. He is doing a good job running the department. He asked, “If he is doing a good job, why don’t we do what he asks?” Sanford asked, “Is it cheaper to hire someone or to pay overtime?”

In the future, Jenkins and Ford agreed that all department heads first submit proposals for raises to the Finance Committee. Ford said he thought any raise should be an across the board raise for all employees.

Mills asked the Council to consider purchasing at least 4 video cameras for patrol cars. He pointed to money that could be used in the budget. Jenkins agreed to work with Mills to come up with a proposal at the next meeting.

Two other requests (a resolution on K-time and the issue as to who is responsible for paying to house prisoners arrested on state charges) were tabled again, at the request of Town Attorney David Newell. Newell had not researched federal requirements on K-time. Ford asked Newell if he could have something by the next meeting.

Citizens Urged To Call 1-800-Wal-Mart

Present and former Claiborne Parish residents and friends are being urged by local officials to call 1-800-WAL-MART and let them know how you feel about the announcement last week to close the “only” Wal-Mart store in Claiborne Parish. Wal-Mart officials have been invited to attend a community meeting to discuss the abrupt departure of the local store, the reason for the decision to close the store, concerns about the loss of local and parish tax revenue, the loss of jobs, the burden placed on senior citizens, the effect on nearby eating establishments and other businesses, and other issues. Citizens can submit comments on-line by going to http://walmartstores.com or can call 1-800-WAL-MART (1-800-925-6278). Comments can also be mailed to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Bentonville, Arkansas 72716-8611.. The Guardian-Journal also wants to know what you think about the closing of Homer store. Please send a copy of comments to The Guardian-Journal, P. O. Box 119, Homer, LA 71040 or email them to guardianjournal@bellsouth.net. Please place “Wal-Mart” in the subject line.

CDC Workshop Addresses Wal-Mart Closure

The Coordinating & Development Corporation will hold a workshop at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Office Complex on Thursday, June 8 from 10 AM - 12 PM. The purpose of the meeting is to allow local leaders and elected officials to meet with outside professionals to both gather information and discuss potential options relative to the announcement by Wal-Mart to close the Homer store on July 1. Max LeComte, President and CED, said he hopes to gather all relevant information concerning the store closure, its economic and social impacts, and other information. Key personnel from USDA, LDOL, LDED, the Governor’s Office, State Legislators, Congressional Delegation, and CDC Division Managers will be present. LeComte said, “Though the short-term horizon may appear bleak, through Claiborne’s leadership, this situation can not only be met, but may turn into a number of opportunities, as we have seen happen in other areas faced with plant closures.” Local leaders and elected officials are urged to make every effort to attend and participate, as they will make the difference.

KTBS Reporter Barbara Stewart was at the Homer Wal-Mart interviewing local citizens on the closure of Wal-Mart. Above she speaks to former Town Councilman Keith Beard and former Town Clerk Lana Pugh. Beard (left) said, “Because Wal-Mart came in, some stores closed in the past, and now there are some things you can’t purchase in town anymore, because those businesses are no longer here. Pugh (center) said, “I am devastated. We depend on Wal-Mart. I for one spend between $400-500 here every month.”

Homer Wal-Mart To Close July 1

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Reprinted from June 01, 2006 Edition

Several Wal-Mart officials came to Claiborne Parish last Thursday, May 29, to meet with associates at the Homer store. The reason was to announce plans to close the 43,770 sq. ft. discount store operation on July 1. Maggie Sans, Director of Public Affairs for Wal-Mart Store, Inc. said, “The decision to close our Homer store was not an easy one. We have been a part of the Homer community since 1979, and we remain committed to the community, but we recognized that it no longer made business sense to keep the store open.”

Both the press release and  the notice posted on the door of the store indicated the lease on the Homer store would expire in August 2006. In order to continue operating in Homer, two options were considered—to make a significant investment to either extend the lease or build a new store. According to Howard Morris, one  stockholder in Homer Investment, LLC, the corporation who owns the building and lot, “If Wal-Mart officials were indicating Homer Investment LLC was unwilling to negotiate a new lease, that is a flat out lie.” Morris said Wal-Mart has a 50 year contract that locked in the lease amount at the same rate paid in 1981. He asked, “What item could you buy at Wal-Mart today for the same price you paid in 1981?”

For almost 30 years, many believe Wal-Mart has been a good neighbor to the citizens of Claiborne Parish. Others, like Homer Councilman Toney Johnson said, “This was a prediction I made years ago—that Wal-Mart would stay for awhile, they would eventually leave, once all the existing businesses closed.” Johnson owned one of those businesses that closed after Wal-Mart opened in the 1970s. His building supply store was averaging about $45,000 every three months in sales. Within a year, those quarterly sales dropped to about $12,000, and he was eventually forced to close his business.

J. T. Taylor, President of the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce said, met with the five Wal-Mart officials last Thursday. He said, “I feel strongly if Wal-Mart had given us a little more notice, possibly in conjunction with the Chamber, the community and state officials, we could have tried to help them work out some of their problems.”  Taylor said he was continuing to talk to Wal-Mart, the property owner, and state officials, to do whatever they could, and, if necessary, work with state officials to find someone to fill the space that could bring tax dollars and the best possible benefit to the town and community.

Wal-Mart District Manager Christy Ratliff lives in Claiborne Parish, on Lake Claiborne. She was totally unaware of plans to close the Homer store until she received a call on her cellphone Wednesday—the day before the announcement was made. She spent the entire day Thursday looking for openings for the 69 associates at the Homer store who would no longer have a job on July 1. She found 21 positions available at Wal-Mart in Minden, 21 in Ruston, 2 in Springhill, and 39 in Bossier.

Associates working at the Homer store were given the option to transfer or accept a severance package, which included all their vacation pay for this year and next, plus a week’s pay for every year they had been with the store. For example, a person who had worked with the company for 20 years would get 4 weeks vacation for this year, 4 weeks for next year and 20 weeks’ pay. In addition, they could sign up for unemployment.

Ratliff said Wal-Mart would also honor all commitments to charitable donations to the community through next year.

The Town of Homer and the Claiborne Parish School Board won’t fare so well. The Town of Homer stands to lose 22% of its annual sales tax collections, or almost $200,000 of the total sales tax collected by the Town over the past 7 years (1999-2006), total collections which have ranged between $912,971 and $933,374.

The School Board stands to lose 14% of its total sales tax collections. Although the dollar figures were not disclosed, they are estimated between $200,000 and $300,000, and will directly affect the 13th check to all School Board employees.

According to Tax Assessor Clyde Hightower, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury stands to lose $39,275.26 and the Town of Homer  $3,475.08 in annual taxes on inventory, furnishings, fixtures, machinery, etc.  The property tax on the building and lot last year were $15,877.42 to the parish and $1,404.83 to the town.

Claiborne Parish School Superintendent James Scriber said he did not understand why they were closing the store.  He said, “Financially, this is going to hurt us seriously.” And, he believes it will have a ripple effect. He expects other area businesses will begin to suffer when people go out of town to shop, and while there, eat at a restaurant and fill up their gas tank. Scriber predicted, “In the long run, I believe the School Board will lose more than 14% in sales tax. This will cause further economic distress in the future.”

Bob Robinson, President of the Homer Industrial Foundation and former Homer Councilman, would like to meet with company officials, perhaps a community meeting at Homer City Hall. He would like to try to find a solution to the problem, but he said, “We must first know what the problem is before we can offer a solution.” He wants to see if the community can help in someway to resolve any need the store may have and ask them, “Why close July 1?” He feels the company could at least give the community more time to adjust.

Robinson also wants to know what Wal-Mart’s long range plan is. “Is it to build a new Wal-Mart, do they want a new building, or just relocate to another community and ignore this area.....an area that has supported Wal-Mart for almost 30 years?” What other community has Wal-Mart given only 30 days before closing a store?

Homer Councilman Billy Kirk Jenkins suggests town residents attend the council meeting Monday, June 5. He hopes the Council will set up a community-wide town meeting with Wal-Mart officials the following Monday, June 12, either in Homer City Hall or possibly in the Wal-Mart parking lot.

Local Citizens Respond To Wal-Mart Closure...
Reprinted from June 01, 2006 Edition

	Bob Robinson, President of The Homer Industrial Foundation: ”I would like to meet with company officials. Perhaps we can offer a solution to the problem, but we must first know what the problem is.”
	J.T. Taylor, President Claiborne Chamber of Commerce: ”I feel strongly that if Wal-Mart had given us a little more notice, possibly....we could have tried to help them work out some of their problems.”
	James Scriber, Claiborne Parish School Superintendent: “Financially, this is going to hurt us seriously. I am afraid of the ripple effect. In the long run, I believe it will be more than the 14% in sales tax.”
	Naomi Starr: ”All this has to do with is money. Wal-Mart should be about the people. It is going to hurt the elderly the most. That is wrong.”
	Martha Ruple: ”If they are going to close this Wal-Mart, are they going to provide ‘free’ transporation for the elderly to a Wal-Mart in another town?”
	Toney Johnson, Homer Town Council: ”This is a big blow to our town, but I knew it was coming. I predicted this 20 years ago, that Wal-Mart would eventually leave.”

Homer Wal-Mart’s Legacy

An Editorial BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Reprinted from June 01, 2006 Edition

Could it be that Wal-Mart has nothing to do anymore with the ideals and principles of founder Sam Walton? Was his death in 1992 a turning point? Walton started the chain of super stores over 60 years ago when he opened his first retail store in Arkansas. His goal was to provide items to small rural communities at the same low price they were selling for in larger metropolitan areas. He didn’t think small town residents should have to drive 40 miles to another city for those same low prices.

In November 2004, the PBS program Frontline ran a story entitled “Is Wal-Mart Good For America?” Today, residents in Homer and Claiborne Parish might say “no” if that question were asked of them.

For almost 30 years, Wal-Mart has provided “low prices” to citizens in Claiborne Parish. In turn, the citizens of Claiborne Parish have spent millions every year at Wal-Mart, both in Homer and at Wal-Mart Super Centers in neighboring towns. Last Thursday, that once positive relationship turned negative. Local residents are still reeling from the announcement that Wal-Mart plans to close the Homer store permanently on July 1.

Local residents, town and parish officials are looking for answers. They want to know what happened. Even Wal-Mart District Manager, Christy Ratliff, who resides in Claiborne Parish, was unaware of Wal-Mart’s plan to close the store. She received a call on Wednesday, May 24, just one day before the announcement was made.

It seems rather ironic that Leo Scott, Wal-Mart CEO, announced at the Newspaper Association of America’s annual convention less than two months ago, the creation of the “Wal-Mart Jobs and Opportunity Zones” initiative. He touted the building of more than 50 stores in neighborhoods with high crime or unemployment rates, on sites that are environmentally contaminated, or in vacant buildings or malls in need of revitalization. Is not Homer and Claiborne Parish in need of revitalization? The entire parish qualified as a Renewal Community zone in 2001 because it was shown to be a poverty-stricken and/or distressed community.

Activists have argued that competition from Wal-Mart destroys small businesses, particularly “mom and pop” stores that make communities unique. While some communities, such as Inglewood, California voted to keep Wal-Mart out of their town in 2004—others, like Mansfield, Louisiana recently fought to keep their store open after it was closed.

According to PBS’ “Store Wars: When Wal-Mart Comes To Town” at www.pbs.org/itvs/storewars, critics believe Wal-Mart opens stores to saturate the marketplace and clear out the competition, then close, leaving their stores sitting empty. Store Wars, billed as a “truly American story about the right of a community to determine its own future”, notes that Wal-Mart is criticized for deserting stores that under-perform. In May 2000, Wal-Mart had left behind more than 25 million square feet of unoccupied space across the country, refusing to sell the empty buildings to their competitors. Homer is apparently another notch in their mega belt.

It appears the dream of Sam Walton died with him in 1992. The goal of the “new” Wal-Mart seems to have completely changed from the days when “Made in America” was the slogan. Today, “everyday low prices” means buy from China. And, what of the three guiding principles founded by Walton—respect the individual, service to our customers, and strive for excellence? His belief was “that every individual deserved to be treated with respect and dignity.”

Lee Scott says, “We at Wal-Mart are optimistic – or smiling, if you will – about our ability to continue to grow and touch the lives of millions more working families around the world.” To that, residents in Claiborne Parish say, “Thanks, Lee.”

National Public Radio reported in April, 2006, that Wal-Mart planned to offer seminars to mom-and-pop stores about how to survive when Wal-Mart comes to their neighborhood. Perhaps Wal-Mart needs to offer a seminar to the folks in Claiborne Parish on “how to survive when they leave.”

To submit a comment to Wal-Mart, go to www.WalMartStores.com, call 1-800-WAL-MART (1-800-925-6278), or mail your comment to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Bentonville, Arkansas 72716-8611.

Drugs Discovered In Vehicle Search

A routine traffic stop and vehicle search led to the arrest of Brandon Eroge Green on Thursday, June 1 according to Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey. Green, 22, of Homer was pulled over by Deputy Matt Harris for having no tail lights.  WHERE TIME. Following a request for paperwork, Harris discovered Green had given him a false name. Further investigation revealed there were two outstanding bench warrants for his arrest. Deputy Brian Pepper responded to request for assistance. Consent to search the vehicle was given. Kentoris D. McCant, a passenger n the vehicle, was found to have two small plastic bags containing a substance suspected to be marijuana in his left front pant’s pocket.

Green was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center where he was booked and charged with no tail lights, resisting an officer by giving false information. He was also served with two outstanding writ of attachment bench warrants. Bond was set at $1,000 plus pay-off of $264 each on writs of attachment. McCant, 21, of Mesquite, Texas was arrested and booked into the CPDC for simple possession of marijuana. His bond was set at $500.

HINES “CHIP” ROGERS, Northwest Regional Director for Louisiana Economic Development, (right) was in Claiborne Parish May 23 to get a first hand look at the proposed Homer Bypass. Chamber President J. T. Taylor also gave him a tour of other areas around the parish, including Homer and Haynesville.

Louisiana Economic Development

Views Homer Bypass

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

Hines “Chip” Rogers, Northwest Regional Director for Louisiana Economic Development (LED), was in Homer just two days before Wal-Mart dropped the bombshell, announcing they would close their Homer store on July 1. Rogers had met with members of the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, May 23 and was given a tour of the parish by Chamber President J. T. Taylor.

Rogers said he came to the parish to get a first hand look at the proposed Homer Bypass, several lake proposals, and view the general conditions in the parish. He noted a number of possible industrial buildings in the parish. Little did he know at the time there would soon be another empty building.

On Thursday, June 8, a conference call has been set up between several local leaders and elected officials and a number of state agencies for the purpose of discussing the effects Wal-Mart closing will have on Claiborne Parish and what options might be available for building.

Rogers is optimistic. He told Chamber members May 23 the state was seeing more proposals and requests for new sites and existing buildings, both large and small projects. He attributes that in part to the post-Katrina opportunity. Businesses are finally realizing they made it through 9-11 and the economy has continued to grow. In Louisiana, there are more than 50 projects in various stages underway. He said, “It is an exciting time to be in Louisiana.”

Governor Kathleen Blanco said North Louisiana is going to have to pick up the slack from Katrina until the economy in New Orleans improves. Certainly, LED is doing everything they can to accelerate what they have to offer, whether labor or a great location for the film industry, an industry which has taken off in Northwest Louisiana. He said, “All is a very good sign, and we are trying to be sure that everyone in our region participates in the benefits.”

Regarding the former Louisiana Ammunition Plant (Shell Plant), now Camp Minden, Rogers said the Louisiana Legislature authorized funding for an economic development master plan last year. After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, that plan was put on the shelf. In January of this year, the project was revived. The plan has been published and final responses are due June 16 from anyone who wants to compete for the work. Once complete, the contract will be awarded.

Rogers, also economic development liaison for Camp Minden, said every parish around Webster and Bossier needs to participate. This location has a history of drawing employees from a large area. You might see that again if they can attract a new industry with 1,000 jobs.

Haynesville Native Receives Tower Medallion Award

A retired president of Daimler-Benz Washington Inc. received Louisiana Tech's Tower Medallion Award on Saturday, May 20. The presentation was made at the university's spring commencement which was held in the Thomas Assembly Center.

The award—the highest honor that can be given to an alumnus by the university's Alumni Association—was presented to Al Bourland. It was presented in recognition of professional achievement, humanitarian and community service, and service to the university.

Al Bourland, a native of Haynesville, holds a degree in political science from Tech. He attended law school at South Texas College of Law in Houston, is a member of the Texas State Bar, and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Besides his work with Daimler-Benz, Bourland served for six years as vice president, Congressional relations, of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States. There he directed the legislative action and political action departments and administered the chamber's public affairs activities.

Bourland also worked 18 years with the Industry Government Relations Office of General Motors Corp. During that time he served as senior Washington representative and manager of federal consumer affairs.

He also played a key role in the decision to build a GM truck plant in Shreveport.

Global Register's Who's Who in Executives and Professionals recently announced that Bourland will be included in its 2006-2007 edition.

Bourland is married to the former Hazel E. "Liz" Whelan, a Ruston native and Louisiana Tech graduate. The couple lives in Vienna, Virginia.

Boys & Girls Club Director Resigns

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

The Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of Claiborne Parish received a surprising memo from Ron Anderson, Chief Professional Officer for the local club. Board President David Aubrey said, “The Board was surprised to receive this sudden resignation, but we are thankful for Ron’s service during his short tenure as we were able to move the organization to another level.  Through his efforts and those of the board and community supporters, we are providing more outreach initiatives for the youth of Claiborne Parish. We do plan to implement the Teen Centers and improve the facilities and especially the program offerings at both sites.”

Ron Anderson was hired under contract on October 3, 2005. He submitted his resignation Tuesday, May 30, 2006, effective the following day. He stated, “I trust that I have added much to the Clubs during my tenure, as we now have a reserve fund; enrollment is up; the Teen Centers are close to completion; and the structure that has been much needed is in the process of developing.” Anderson provided a list to help guide the Club as they begin to search for a new CPO, and offered to provide further assistance with the expansion into Minden.

According to Aubrey, the Club’s Regional Office has been made informed of Anderson’s resignation and they have agreed to assist in finding a capable replacement. In the meantime, adequate staff will be in place to ensure summer programs are carried out effectively and efficiently. Volunteers are needed for the summer to assist with Enrichment Activities. Anyone interested is asked to call the main office at 927-2718 to sign up. The summer program will begin on Monday, June 12 at 8AM.

The Board of Directors plans to address the vacancy when they hold their next regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 20 at the Homer unit. Hopes are to have a new director in place when the Fall season begins.

White Lightning Road—A Book Review

BY JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer, The Guardian-Journal

Guardian-Journal readers may recall our “White Lightning Series” a few months back. Since then, people call or come by and share anecdotes related to the White Lightning Road.

So it was that on a recent visit to the library, Pam Suggs showed me a copy of White Lightning Road by Harry E. Gilleland, Jr. She had not yet read it and asked if I’d care to. I said yes, thinking I might do a review.

So here’s my opinion—just an opinion—about the book: I liked it.

White Lightning Road is not at all a historical treatise about LA 146. The title has to do with the White Lightning Road as the setting for the tale. The story is in two parts that relate naturally to one another, “Jenny’s Story” and “Sally’s Story.”

Jenny James was born in New Orleans. As a teenager she loved the big-city life. But when she was fifteen, her parents moved from New Orleans to property just out of Vienna on the White Lightning Road. She hates leaving the exciting, urban  life and being forced to live in the sticks of North Louisiana.

Her existence becomes tolerable, though, when Sally Jeffers’ family moves nearby from Dallas. Jenny and Sally become friends sharing a dislike for the world of rural North Louisiana.

Following high school, they go their separate ways, Jenny becoming a housewife in Baton Rouge while Sally experiences a couple of failed marriages. They stay in frequent touch by phone, consoling and supporting one another through their problems.

Married hardly a year, Jenny is widowed. Soon after, the death of her parents brings her back to the White Lightning Road to settle their estate.

Almost immediately, Michael Garrott, a neighboring property owner, is at her door, anxiously offering to buy her parents’ place. As the story unfolds, Jenny learns that the community views Garrott as a murderer. Even so, a relationship develops between her and Michael.

Jenny’s story takes several twists and turns, similar to the literal twists and turns of the White Lightning Road. Similarly, Sally’s story has its own White Lightning-like twists as it interweaves neatly with Jenny’s story.

What did I like about the book? The story was not hard to follow and held my interest. At times I thought, “Just the next page, then I’ll stop.” Kinda short for a novel at 178 pages, avid readers may devour it in an afternoon. Another thing I liked was the large print and wide margins. It was just easier on my aging eyes.

What did I not like about it? Though I’m not a sophisticated reader, I saw a couple of plot developments coming. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. (At my age, I like predictable.)

Many local places are mentioned in the book. I don’t ever recall seeing Hico, a community about 20 miles east of Homer, mentioned in a book. And it’s uncommon for Vienna, Homer, Ruston, Monroe, and Shreveport  to be cited in a work of fiction.

Gilleland, a microbiologist retired from LSU Health Sciences Center, is a native of Georgia who lives in Shreveport. White Lightning Road is his latest of several published works.

Pam Suggs called and advised that Gilleland will be at the Claiborne Parish Public Library in Homer for a book signing on Friday, June 23. During his visit from 12-2, he will spend some time talking about his second career as a poet and writer of fiction.

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.

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.