28 Grams Cocaine valued at $20,000, currency totaling $6,000, and one handgun were seized, three persons were arrested last Friday following a 6-month long investigation. Homer Police Chief Russell Mills and Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey are working together with CNET and the LSP to eradicate illegal drug activity in our communities. Citizens are urged to call and report suspicious or illegal activity in their neighborhood. All information is confidential.

 

Cash, Cocaine, Gun Seized In Drug Arrest

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey and Homer Police Chief Russell Mills teamed up last Friday, December 1 with the Claiborne Narcotic Enforcement Team (CNET) and the Louisiana State Police (LSP) to serve a search warrant at 832 Pearl Street in Homer. Agents seized approximately Drugs, Cash Seized7 ounces of powder and crack cocaine, one pistol, and over six thousand dollars ($6,000) in currency and made three arrests. CNET estimated the street value of the drugs at $20,000.

According to Sheriff Bailey, CNET and the LSP have been investigating activities at this address for the past six months and were able to make undercover buys out of this residence. Agents identified and arrested one of the residents at this address, 41-year-old Vincent S. Allen. Also arrested were his wife, Dessire E. Allen, 30, and Sylvia J. Clark, 58. All three were charged with possession of over 28 grams Schedule II CDS (controlled dangerous substance) cocaine, possession Schedule II CDS oxycodone, possession of Schedule III CDS hydrocodone, and possession of drug paraphernalia. All were booked at Claiborne Parish detention facilities with bond to be set.

According to CNET Agent James Spillers, possession of over 28 grams of cocaine carries a sentence of 5 to 30 years and a fine of not less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), nor more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). Other possession charges carry a sentence of up to five (5) years in prison and a fine up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) each.

Sheriff Ken Bailey and Chief Russell Mills would like to encourage citizens to continue notifying area law enforcement agencies if they see any suspicious or illegal activity in their neighborhoods. Concerned citizens can call CNET at 318-927-9800, the State Police at 318-676-3200, Homer Police at 318-927-4000, Haynesville Police at 318-624-1355, or the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-927-2011. Any and all information is considered confidential and would be greatly appreciated.

.

Drug Arrests Follow Traffic Stops

A routine traffic stop last Saturday, December 2 led to arrest of 35-year-old Ronald L. Watson of Homer. Claiborne Parish Sheriff Deputy Matt Harris attempted to stop Watson for speeding, Instead of stopping his vehicle, Watson attempted to escape by driving speeds in excess of 70 mph until he failed to negotiate a sharp right hand curve. The vehicle left the roadway, striking a tree.

Watson immediately opened the driver’s side door and attempted to flee on foot. In spite of numerous commands for him to “stop”, Watson fled on foot and was apprehended by Deputy Roger Ellerbe following a short foot chase.

Watson continued to be non-compliant and violent. Deputies were forced to deploy a tazer gun to bring him under control and complete the arrest. Deputy Harris noticed an odor associated with alcohol on Watson.

Watson was booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and charged with DWI - first offense with bond at $750, speeding 68/55 with bond at $500, expired driver’s license (bond $500), resisting an officer ($500), and aggravated flight from an officer with bond at $1,000.

On Monday, December 4, Deputy Harris stopped a Ford Ltd, silver in color, for modified exhaust and driving left of center. As Harris approached the vehicle, he noticed an odor commonly associated with marijuana. After being given permission to search the vehicle, Deputy Harris discovered a brown cigar containing a green vegetable-like substance which appeared to be marijuana.

Harris arrested the driver of the vehicle, Michael Coleman, 50, of Homer. He was booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and charged with modified exhaust, driving left of center, and possession of Schedule I CDS marijuana. His bond was set at $500 on each charge for a total of $1,500.

Another unidentified substance found wrapped in a brown paper towel in the cup holder was turned over to the Claiborne Narcotic Enforcement Team. Other charges against Coleman may be forthcoming.

 

Homer Council Hires Attorney To Defend Lawsuit

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

Homer Mayor Huey Dean told the Council he contacted Shreveport attorney Marty Stroud after receiving notification of the lawsuit filed against the Mayor and Town of Homer to stop payment of check #048470 in the amount of $1,052,824.86 approved at the November meeting to pay off longterm debt to the USDA Rural Development. He sought advice from a local reputable attorney who suggested he contact Stroud. Stroud attended the meeting and explained what his approach to the lawsuit would be.

The lawsuit filed November 22, 2006, stated Town Attorney David Newell, who was not present at the November meeting, had sent several letters to the Mayor and Selectman following that meeting advising them the use of Industrial Funds may not be legal. Due to the irreparable harm that would be caused to the Town if funds were depleted, a temporary restraining order was also issued to stop First Guaranty Bank from honoring the check mailed November 20.

Stroud said it appeared to be a dispute between the present and the new administration that will take office January 1, 2007. He said he had no desire to get involved in the politics of Claiborne Parish, but from a legal standpoint, several issues need to be looked at. The courts have been asked to intervene into the executive and legislative function of government and become a “super legislature” to rule on behalf of the incoming administration.

Stroud said, “I do think you have a Constitutional question here, a matter that warrants a response by the city.” The situation needs to be resolved quickly. His plan would be to seek an order to dissolve the temporary restraining order (TRO). Judge Jimmy Teat signed the TRO, however Judge Jenifer Clason has been assigned to the case. Stroud said he was able to get the Monday court date postponed, but he would push for a speedy resolution. He said, “I don’t believe the courts should be involved in this.” This seems to be a political argument whether the Town should be in the business of retiring its debt.

Billy Kirk Jenkins asked why the Town needed legal representation. David Newell is the hired attorney for the Town of Homer and that doesn’t end until January 1. Jesse Ford asked when was the last time Newell attended a meeting. He said, “I think it would be a conflict of interest for Newell to handle this case.” Dean said Newell has twice taken it upon himself to hire other attorneys to represent the Town in cases without consulting the mayor.

The Council voted 3-2 to hire Stroud for a fee of $160 per hour. Voting for were Jesse Ford, Carlette Sanford, and Toney Johnson. Voting against were Billy Kirk Jenkins and J.C. Moore. Dean said Stroud would require a $15,000 retainer. Any unused portion would be returned.

Following a public hearing to allow comments on the proposed 2007 budget and the mandatory building code ordinance, the Homer Town Council discussed a number of agenda items including a request for sick leave by Homer Police officer Donald Malray and appointment of two new members to the Homer Memorial Hospital Board.

The Council approved the proposed budget for 2007. Finance Committee Chairman Elmer Poss said, “It is a balanced budget. It is fairly tight, but the revenues will take care of the projected expenditures.” Poss said the Town Council has faced a lot of problems and he said, “Personally I think you have done a great job.” He hoped the Finance Committee had been some help and thanked them for their confidence shown him.

The Council appointed Wesley Emerson and Mac Rushing to 4-year terms on the Homer Memorial Hospital Board to replace George Tigner and Lawson Wilder whose terms will expire December 31, 2006. Voting for were Sanford, Ford, and Jenkins. Voting no was Moore. Johnson abstained.

Hospital Administrator Doug Efferson invited the Council to attend the Board meeting on December 19 when bids on improvements to the hospital will be addressed. Plans to improve the existing facility by providing a new emergency room and separate space for visiting doctors has been in progress since June.

Efferson also noted the hospital was notified Monday they were successful in their lawsuit to get out of the present retirement system. He commended attorney Jim Colvin and the Board for the success. Hospital employees would move retirement funds to a more current, modern retirement system by January 1, 2007.

No comments were received regarding the mandatory statewide Building Code Ordinance. Johnson said Act 12 adopted by the State Legislature requires the Town to have a record room, maintain records, a complete office to issue building permits, to inspect, certified plan reader. It is quite an extensive process to set up, however the cost is the responsibility of the Town.  “We have to pay for it. They mandated it but didn’t give us any money to do all this.” Johnson hoped there would be some changes made, such as the portion requiring any alteration to your home require inspection.

Presently there are only 118 certified inspectors in the State, most who live below Alexandria, and most are employed full-time in jurisdictions with building inspection and permitting offices. The Executive Board of the Louisiana Municipal Association approved a resolution at their August meeting asking Governor Blanco and the Legislature to delay implementation of the code 24 months or until local officials have been properly trained and that the State provide funds to expand the State Fire Marshal’s office so they can be contracted locally for certifications.

Johnson said at one time he heard the State wanted to make the Fire Marshal office responsible for this, but only four passed certification tests. The Council voted to approve the code.

The Council voted to engage Marsha  O. Millican to conduct the audit for the year ending December 31, 2006 at a fee not to exceed $11,500 with the understanding no unexpected events occur.

Police Chief Russell Mills reported fines were up from $48,778.50 to $81,781.00 for same period last year. They have managed to keep overtime down in spite of being less than fully staffed. Last year, salaries were $264,013 compared to $244,348 for the same period this year.

The Council approved the request to pay for unused vacation leave for Homer Police Officers J. D. Faulkner (180 hours), Ken Wood (84 hours), Keith Ferguson (108), and Linda Featherston. In addition, they approved paying all K-time due Mills accumulated prior to his appointment as police chief and all K-time above 480 hours for other employees. Pay will be figured at rate prior to the recent raise.

Moore asked Mills to keep close watch on vacation next year. Mills said he would, but explained it costs the Town more for officers to take vacation, because you have to pay officers while they are off, plus you pay officers who fill in at the higher overtime rate. He said,”It is cheaper for the Town to pay a man not to take his vacation.”  You pay $10 hour for vacation, then 15 hour for the officer who work sin his place.

The Council voted to go into executive session at the request of Homer Police Officer Donald Malray. After reconvening Moore made a motion to reimburse Malray for sick pay he has earned from November 9 to the present time and if Workman’s Comp picks up, then he will reimburse the Town. November 9 is the date Malray received notice from Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation that his indemnity and medical benefits were being terminated per Revised Statute 23:1208.

Toney Johnson said the Council agreed in executive session to pay sick leave beginning November 9 until such time as sick leave (approximately 300 hours) runs out or until Workman’s Comp reinstates payments, or until he is deemed fit for duty.  If Workman’s Comp reinstates payments, the Town of Homer will be reimbursed by Malray the amount paid in sick leave and his sick leave hours will be credited back. Moore’s motion was approved by a vote of 4-1. Carlette Sanford voted against, stating she did not know if it were legal. Town policy on sick leave clearly states sick leave as “any period of time during which an employee may be excused from work without loss of pay due to personal illness, injury or any other type of physical disability except injuries incurred on the job.”  Town policy also states sick leave may be accumulated but “never to exceed the maximum of 90 days at any time.”                            …. more

 

Lawsuit Filed Against Town, Mayor

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

Outgoing selectman Billy Kirk Jenkins and Finance Committee member Oubin Ramey filed a lawsuit November 22 against Homer Mayor Huey Dean and the Town of Homer, two days after the check for $1,052,824.86 was mailed to USDA Rural Development in payment of a portion of the Town’s debt. District Judge Jimmy Teat issued an injunction against Dean and the Town the same day and enjoined them from allowing First Guaranty Bank from honoring the check.

At the November meeting, the Town Council voted 4-1 on recommendation by the mayor, to pay off two loans to the USDA Rural Development in the amount of $1,052,824.86. Dean told the Council he had met with CPA Carlos Martin, Councilman Toney Johnson, and Finance Committee Chairman Elmer Poss on October 17 to discuss possible suggestions for paying on the Town’s debt.

Martin suggested the Town request the FmHA allow the Town to use reserve money, sinking fund money, and depreciation/contingency money in seven separate accounts totaling $453,716.28, since this money could not be used for any other purpose.  He also made several suggestions to transfer funds in the budget to free up $390,657.37. He then suggested the balance of $208,451.21 needed to pay the two notes could come from the Industrial Fund which had a current balance of $697,034.45 if the mayor would make a request for an Attorney General Opinion to see if those funds could be used to pay the debt on the waste water treatment plant.

Town attorney and mayor-elect David Newell, who was not present at the November 6 meeting of the Council, sent a letter to the Mayor and Selectman on November 14 advising them that legal requirements had to be met if the Council intends to take this action and that use of Industrial Funds might not be legal.

Dean said he spoke with Bill Bryan in the Attorney General’s office on October 19 who said he didn’t see anything illegal in making the payment, but if he were to find something he would call back. He never called back. Two later attempts by Mayor Dean to contact him were unsuccessful.

Last April, Dean contacted Doyle Robinson, Community Programs Specialist for the USDA Rural Development regarding the debts owed by the Town. A letter from Robinson listed four debts, three for sewer and one for water. Robinson said it was his opinion paying off the two loans at the higher 6.375 interest rate would be most beneficial for the Town and would free up $84,000 per year.

Newell also forwarded a letter to the Mayor and Selectman from the Town’s engineer Jim Hagan with Balar Associates in Shreveport, advising payment of the debt was not in the best interest of the Town. Hagan said, “By using reserve funds to pay off low-interest loans, the Town will significantly deplete reserve funds that could be used to leverage additional grant funds to address other identified infrastructure deficiencies, economic development opportunities or related civic improvements.”

Dean noted it would also be financially beneficial to Balar to keep the Town funds in the bank. He said he only wanted to try to help the Town by lowering the debt and freeing up some money, in an effort to keep water rates from going up. He once traveled to Baton Rouge to get USDA to release grant funds to make improvements to the sewer plant. They were holding funds in an effort to force the Town to raise water rates. “We have done so well,” he said. “I would hate four years from now to come back, and not have any money on hand. I would hate to see water rates go up.”

A court hearing set for Monday morning in Second Judicial District Court before Judge Jenifer Clason was canceled after Shreveport attorney Marty Stroud wrote a letter on behalf of the Mayor asking the hearing be postponed. Monday night, the Homer Council voted to formally hire Stroud to represent them. A new hearing date had not been set.

 

Claiborne Parish Tax Assessor Clyde Hightower along with  assistants Kelly Waller and others have been working all year measuring every home in Claiborne Parish reassessing every parcel in Claiborne Parish as he has been mandated to do by the Louisiana Tax Commission. Most homeowners will see a substantial increase in their property taxes, but not this year. The new assessments will not show up until the end of next year.

 

Property Taxes Going Up....Next Year

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

Claiborne Parish Tax Assessor Clyde Hightower has been very busy this past year—reassessing every dwelling in Claiborne Parish. Why? Because he was mandated to do so by the Louisiana Tax Commission after he failed the ratio study conducted on residential homes in 2005. Assessments will now be figured on the cost per square foot provided by the Commission. In 2006, the studio was conducted on commercial properties. His figures were okay on commercial with some adjustments.

Each year the Commission conducts ratio studies to make sure parish tax assessors are doing their job. Last year, they determined that Hightower was too low on his property assessments, so they mandated that he measure every home and reassess according to their figures. The bad news—property value assessments will go up which means higher property (ad valorem) taxes. The good news—the new assessments will not take effect until next year with a few exceptions. Persons who were living in a new home on January 1, 2006 received the new assessment this year.

Hightower argued this area was depressed and the formula many times put the value on a home far above what the home could be sold for. One example showed a newly constructed home valued more than $100,000 than the actual amount it cost to build.

The Commission gave Hightower until February 2007 to complete the reassessment. This means that new figures for most homes won’t show up on the tax rolls until the end of 2007.  Hightower advised homeowners who do not agree with their tax assessment to contact him about filing a protest with the Tax Commission. Persons would then be required to meet with the Police Jury when they meet as a Board of Review, before filing with the Tax Commission. Everything must be filed in a timely manner.

The Tax Commission is a board of five individuals appointed by the Governor whose mission it is to “administer and enforce Louisiana laws relating to local property tax assessments; determine tax assessments of public service properties; and formulate and implement a system that ensures uniformity of tax assessments throughout all parishes of the state.”

The Commission is expected to conduct a ratio study this year on lots and vacant land.

 

Panel Hopes To Improve Quality Of Postal Service

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

A newly formed Consumer Advisory Council for the U.S. Postal Service in Minden, Springhill, and Homer met last Thursday to address ways to improve the process for delivering mail and other services offered by the U.S. Postal Service in Minden, Springhill, and Homer.

The first order of business presented by Minden Postmaster Janifer Beaudoin, who serves as Chairperson for the Council, was to address new regulations for passports mandated by the Office of Homeland Security. U.S. citizens  who plan to travel to Canada, Mexico, Central or South America are now required to have a passport. Besides one location in New Orleans, the only place to obtain passports are select post office locations. Both the Minden and Springhill post offices provide these services, however, due to the increase in requests, Minden and Springhill have decided to set up specific days in December and January to provide the service.

The Minden Post Office will open on Saturday, December 16, 2006 and Saturday, January 6, 2007 from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM to accommodate individuals who wish to obtain their passport before the January 7, 2007 deadline.

In Springhill, Postmaster Fred Young agreed to set aside one window strictly to handle passport requests on Friday, December 15, 2006 and Friday, January 5, 2007, from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Barbara Green, Sales and Service Association (SSA) for the Minden Post Office, noted persons who work offshore would also be required to have a passport as well.

Other topics will be addressed at future meetings. The purpose of the Consumer Advisory Council is to increase opportunities for postal consumers to interact with postal representatives, to involve consumers in an open forum and dialogue where ideas, concerns, and suggestions can be discussed. It will also provide participants with the ability to obtain general information or gain assistance in resolving issues related to customer satisfaction.

Objectives of the Council are to 1) create a better understanding of the Postal Service, 2) open dialogue between local postal managers and the communities they serve, 3) provide postal managers with ideas and recommendations from diverse community viewpoints, 4) develop a sense of community partnership in resolving issues related to postal services, 5) provide a group of consumers with an opportunity to give input to proposed changes in local procedures, policies, and/or products, 6) develop in additional local mechanism for responding to consumer concerns, and 7) improve the quality of the service provided through a better understanding of consumer expectations.

Members of the Council representing the Minden area are Postmaster Janifer Beaudoin, SSA Barbara Green, and Audrey Flournoy, general community volunteer and former chamber executive. In Springhill, representatives are Postmaster Fred Young and Charles Parks, executive director for Habitat for Humanity. In Homer, representatives are Postmaster Greg Young, SSA Naomi Levingston, and Susan Herring, editor of The Guardian-Journal

 

 

Cajun Fryers: “...like a fairy tale come true...”

BY JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer, The Guardian-Journal

Wal-Mart may come...Wal-Mart may go. But homegrown businesses tend to stay. Some flourish.

Robert MyersThat is true of Cajun Fryers in South Claiborne Parish “on a red clay hill between Athens and Minden,” according to Robert Myers. “This has been like a fairy tale come true for us,” he says.

The story of Cajun Fryers began 9 years Vicki Myersago as Myers’ hobby. He explains, “To fry fish for the kids at a church picnic, I built a fryer based on a sketch given me some years before by my preacher.” He goes on, “That homemade fryer worked so good that my brother wanted one, so I made him one. Then a guy asked me to build him two which led to two more, then two more and two more after that...my phone’s been ringing ever since.”

Until about a year ago Myers worked with Clement Industries at Minden. By then the “hobby” had grown to 20 full and parttime employees counting him and his wife Vicki.

Myers says, “One of our drivers is taking 47 units today (Thursday, November 30) to Pensacola. He’ll drive another load to Pensacola Sunday.”

He goes on, “We’ll make 5,000 units this year. Our production has been doubling each year.”

When asked why such growth, he replies, “The main reason is a great product. Marketing Manager Vernon Price helps get Cajun Fryers to retail outlets as well as individual customers.Cajun Fryer is better than similar cookers because of its design. When you batter up fish or onion rings or whatever, some batter crumbs fall to the bottom as the food cooks. Because the typical fryer has the heat source immediately below the cooking chamber, those crumbs cook first, and they soon fry up and burn. That affects the oil giving the food an ‘off-taste.’ We’ve all experienced it.

The Cajun Fryer’s heat source is not R&V Works is offering special pricing on this Canjun Fryer Model FF2 Stainless Steel 2-basket, 4-gallon cooker with roll around caddy until December 31.at the bottom, so those fallen crumbs fall to the coolest part of the oil. They don’t burn to a crisp and taint the taste of your food. People love it!”

He goes on, “Our employees are the other reason the Cajun Fryer is better. We all do our best to give old-fashioned, down-home service.”

Outdoors author-editor Tim Huffman of Missouri recently reviewed the Cajun Fryer at www.monstercrappie.com and gave it his highest ratings for construction, durability, performance, and overall value. Welder Tim McBride assembles Cajun Fryer products.Huffman stated, “I highly commend the Cajun Cooker” and described it as “the best cooker in its class.”

Located on Fincher Road where Vicki’s family’s dairy farm used to be, Cajun Fryers now ships to over 400 retail outlets. Cajun Cookers are available locally at Fred Smith and Sons in Homer. They can also be found at Ace Hardware in Minden, McKinney Honda in Ruston, and other outlets in Farmerville  and Monroe. They’ve also shipped fryers west to Amarillo and north to Missouri, even to Canada. There are dealers in Wisconsin, Nebraska, Kentucky, and other places around the country.

Robert Myers was raised at Ringgold and graduated from Louisiana Tech with a degree in mechanical engineering. His wife Vicki, a native of Minden, is an accountant. They have been married 25 years and have two daughters and three grandchildren.

More information about the Cajun Fryer line of products is at www.cajunfryer.com.

 

Public Service Commissioner Campbell In Homer Dec. 7

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell will visit Claiborne, Union, and Lincoln Parishes on Thursday, December 7th to answer questions from local residents about their utilities.  “I invite all citizens to attend and discuss any concerns they may have about their electricity, natural gas, and other services,” Campbell said. The schedule of public meetings is as follows: 10:00 a.m. at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Main Office, 507 W. Main St., in Homer;. 1:30 p.m.at Union Parish Courthouse Annex, 303 E. Water St. in Farmerville; and 4:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Parish Library, 910 N. Trenton St. in Ruston.  Campbell said he would ask representatives of local public utilities to attend and address questions that arise. For more information contact Commissioner Campbell’s office at 1 800 256-2412 or foster.campbell@la.gov.

 

Christmas Memory Tree

In Memory Of—Given By

Robert Bailey - Brad, Vicki, Chase, Colin Rogers

Dennis “Elmo” Adkins- Brad, Vicki, Chase, Colin Rogers

Dorothy Hollenshead - Brad, Vicki, Chase, Colin Rogers

Kerlin C. Dean - Juanita Dean

Charles R Murry Sr- Barbara B. Murry, Ricky, & Sheri

Mildred Batton- Barbara B. Murry, Ricky, & Sheri

Loys Batton - Barbara B. Murry, Ricky, & Sheri

Marion Letchen - Mrs. Loucille Fulmer

Kate Letchen – Mrs. Loucille Fulmer

Louise Johnson - Loucille Fulmer

Harold Johnson - Loucille Fulmer

Esta Ruth Lewis - Loucille Fulmer

Robert E.Lewis - Loucille Fulmer

Bert Fulmer - Loucille Fulmer

T. C. Sherrill -Jamey, Denys, Heather, Zachary Ritzell

Willie Alexander Etier Jr - James & Maggie Harris

Mrs. Haywood Owens Etier - James & Maggie Harris

Albert Johnny Harris - James & Maggie Harris

Ruby Helms Harris - James & Maggie Harris

The Millets - Rick & Geralyn Hurst

Bro. Bentley Massingill - Rick & Geralyn Hurst

The Hursts - Rick & Geralyn Hurst

Ronnie Richard - Stephen & Kayla Faulk

Dessie Gourd - Janice Culpepper

Bud Maxson - Janice Culpepper

Shelby Monk, Sr. - Shelby Jr. & Jeanie Monk

Gladys Laurel Monk - Shelby Jr. & Jeanie Monk

David Monk - Shelby Monk, Jr.

Abb Monk - Shelby Jr. & Jeanie Monk

Logan M. Cathey - Sarah Cathey

Raymon H. Herring - Jeanie Herring & Children

Joe (Poppa Joe) Crawford - Kay, Betty, & Jeanie

Floyd Volentine-Avis Volentine, Beverly & Joe Copeland

Raymond E. Smith - Marguerite B. Smith

Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Bless - Willadean Bless & Kathryn Rogers

 Mr & Mrs Elmore Erban - Willadean Bless & Kathryn Rogers

Mr & Mrs J. L. Rogers - Willadean Bless & Kathryn Rogers

Mary Charping - Debra Bailey, daughter

To purchase light for Memory Tree, send $5 for each name (“memory” or “honor”) to Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival. 400 West 3rd St., Homer, LA 71040 or take to Miss Lizzies. For information, call 927-9009

 

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


Your Public Forum
New Feature - Football Schedules/Scores

Guardian-Journal Historical Series

 

News Briefs

Central Claiborne Water To Replace Tank On Thursday

The Central Claiborne Water System will replace the hydropneumatic (pressure) tank at the Lindsey site in the Homer oilfield on Thursday, December 7 from 9 AM - 6 PM. This will effect the pressure in the Ruple, White Oak, Pisgah, and Hwy. 79 community. For information, call Raymond Hollenshead at 548-3091 or 927-9996.

 

“Food For Seniors” Boxes To Be Distributed December 11

To Seniors in Claiborne Parish, fod boxes will be distributed on Monday, December 11 from 8-10 AM at the Claiborne Boys & Girls Club in Homer. All Haynesville residents must come to Homer to pick up their food box. No boxes will be delivered to anyone except Haynesville Housing Authority clients only. Check with the Housing Authority to see if you are on their list. No exceptions.

 

Boys & Girls Club To Hold Holiday Cooking Classic Dec. 10 

The Claiborne Boys & Girls Clubs to hold Holiday Cooking Classic Sunday, December 10 1-4 PM at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn in Haynesville. Tickets are $10 and can be purchesed from at the clubs, any board member, or local banks. All proceeds for benefit of Claiborne Boys and Girls Clubs  For info, call 927-2718 or 624-1188.

 

Tutoring For Homer Junior High 6th-8th Grade Students

Homer Junior High School is offering after school tutoring for all students in Grades 6-8 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3-4 PM. Parents who are interested can call the school office at 927-2826 for more information or send a note giving their child permission to stay for tutoring..

 

Middlefork Water System To Hold Meeting December 11

Middlefork WaterSystem will have regular monthly meeting December 11, 2006 at 6:00 pm at Lisbon Civic Center. 

 

Claiborne Parish School Board To Meet December 7 

The Claiborne Parish School Board will meet in regular session on Thursday, December 7 at 7 PM, following work session at 6 PM.

 

Area Residents Featured As Extras In Santa Claus Film

Several area residents were featured as extras during filming last July in Natchitoches in movie, “The Year Without A Santa Claus” to air Monday, December 11 at 8 PM on NBC, Channel 6. “Thoroughly disgruntled, Santa Claus (John Goodman) takes a year off from delivering presents, until a young man helps him rediscover the meaning of the holidays.

  

Sparta Commission To Meet Next Week In Homer

The Sparta Groundwater Conservation District Commission is required by law to rotate meetings among Sparta area parishes. The Commission will meet in the Police Jury Conference Room in Homer on Tuesday, December 12 at 4 pm. On the agenda are the 2007 Budget, committee assignments, other general business, and citizen comments. At 3 p.m., before the Sparta meeting, USGS hydrologist Ben Magee will present information about the Sparta Aquifer, Sparta levels and water quality over time, and the current and proposed approaches to excessive withdrawal. The Sparta Aquifer provides water for drinking and other uses throughout much of North Louisiana and Arkansas.  Sparta wells are the public supply source for Claiborne Parish's drinking water. Chairman Gene Coleman encourages all interested persons to attend.

 

Watershed Commission To Meet Thursday, December 14

The Regular December Meeting of the Claiborne Parish Watershed District will be held on Thursday, December 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the Police Jury Building. The Agenda includes 1) Old Business: Reports of Permanent Channel Markers, Finance, Lake, and Economic Development committees; 2) New Business: Election of Officers and Approval of Proposed Budget for 2007; 3) Other General Business; and 4) Citizen Comments.

 

Homer Police  Taking Donations For Toys For Tots

The Homer Police Department will be accepting donations to help purchase Christmas gifts for their annual Toys For Tots program. Police Chief Russell Mills and Homer Police officers will deliver gifts the week before Christmas to needy children in the Homer area. Mills suggests parents encourage their children to get involved and help them purchase a gift valued between $10-$15 for children in our area who are less fortunate. For more information or to make a contribution, contact Rev. Norah Banks at the Homer Police Station at 927-4000.

 

Claiborne Manor Selling $20 Cookbooks For Relay For Life

Claiborne Manor Nursing Home is selling cookbooks for $20 as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. To purchase a cookbook, call Claiborne Manor at 927-3586.

 

Rep. Rick Gallot To Be In Homer Office Tuesday, Dec. 19

State Representative Rick Gallot will be in his Homer office only one day this month, on Tuesday, December 19 from 9 AM-12 PM,  due to the Special Legislative Session called by Governor Blanco. Constituents with questions or comments regarding the special session or other issues can contact Gallot at (800) 676-2111, in Baton Rouge at (225) 342-6945, or by email at rgallot@legis.state.la.us.

 

D.A.R.T. To Hold Raffle For $500 Christmas Cash

D.A.R.T. is holding their annual Claiborne Christmas Raffle. For a $2 donation, persons receive a chance to win $500 Christmas cash. The drawing will be held at the CCRT meeting on December 21. Tickets can be purchased from CCRT members or Mary Ellen Gamble. Donations are still being accepted for the annual Radiothon which fell far short of their local goal this year. Help stop domestic violence in Claiborne Parish. Mail your check payable to DART today, to 300 Murrell Street, Homer, LA 71040. For information, call Gamble at 927-2818.

 

Items Being Collected For Annual Christmas Food Drive

Claiborne Parish residents are being encouraged to contribute food items to the 25th Annual “Spirit of Christmas” Food Drive sponsored by Brookshire’s and the Homer Lions Club. Non-perishable food items are being collected at Brookshire’s in Homer. Items can also be dropped off at the First Presbyterian Church in Homer if you first call Pastor John McClelland at 927-4804 or 927-3887. If you know of a family who would qualify for a food box, please call Susan Herring at 927-4352 or 268-0611. Senior citizens and single-parent families will be given first priority, then families who have the greatest need.

 

Free Adult Education Classes At NW Tech Homer Campus 

If you live in Claiborne Parish or surrounding area and did not graduate from high school, or if you want to refresh your reading, writing, or math skills, you may enroll in the Claiborne Parish adult education program located in the Adult Education Center at the Homer campus of Northwest Technical College. Classes are 8 AM-3PM and “free of charge”. You must be at least 16 years of age and not currently attending high school. For more info, call Supervisor Janice Williams at 927-3502 or Instructor Cecilia Crump at 927-5302.    

 

Claiborne Electric Seeks Longtime Members For Feature Story

Do you remember when your home was first wired for electricity? Was the electricity provided by Claiborne Electric Cooperative? If you have been member of Claiborne Electric and on their utility lines for more than 60 years, and if you remember the co-op in its early days, please call EmmaLee Tingle at Claiborne Electric, (318) 927-3504. The information gathered will be used in a feature story in Louisiana Country, Claiborne Electric’s monthly publication..

 

Banquet To Honor Local Citizens Postponed Until January 6

The  “Honorarium for Years of Community Service” and banquet scheduled for Friday, December 1 at Homer City Hall to recognize 20 local citizens has been postponed until Saturday, January 6, 2007 according to Willie Burns. Jr. At that time, Gussie Wilson will be honored for 50 years of community service.

 

Do You Need A Ride?

Do you know Claiborne Public Transit provides the only public transportation in Claiborne Parish? Call 927-3557 or 1-800-870-4166 to schedule a ride. We are available Monday-Friday to transport citizens to the doctor’s office, grocery store, to pay bills, etc. Call today

 

Kisatchie Reopens Some Forest Areas To Off-Road Vehicle Use

The U.S. Forest Service is re-opening some forest areas to off-road vehicle (ORV) use. Areas now available are Winn (Winn parish), Caney (Webster & Claiborne), Catahoula (Grant) and Calcasieu (Rapides & Vernon) Ranger Districts. Cross-country riding is prohibited in the Calcasieu Ranger District. For more information call 318-473-7160 or the recreation hotline at 1-866-830-6467, or visit website at www.fs.fed.us/r8/kisatchie.

 

Willie Burns Jr. And Area Deacons To Deliver Christmas Baskets

Willie Burns Jr. and deacons from several area churches will present fruit baskets and small gift to residents at Heritage Manor Nursing Center in Haynesville, Claiborne Manor Nursing Home, and Presbyterian Villiage in Homer beginning at 10 AM on Friday, December 22.

 

Buy A Book - Build A Child

Click for FlyerCompletion of the Homer Elementary School Library is expected late August 2004. Librarian Maggie Harris is requesting businesses and individuals to donate $25 per book, to help build a child's future through reading. A recognition label will be placed on the inside front cover of each book purchased through your donations. Donating a book in their name is a great way to honor a friend or family member. Donations may be mailed to Homer Elementary School Library, 624 Bonner St, Homer, LA 71040. For more information, contact Librarian Maggie Harris at 318-927-2393. Please print the program flyer and post at your place of business.



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 an eight mile radius of Homer 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.


The Claiborne One Website Is Seeking Area Support

The Claiborne One website at www.claiborneone.org, with hundreds of pages online, including the Claiborne Parish Police Jury, The Towns of Haynesville & Homer and are seeking sponsors to support continued growth. Sponsors are provided custom banners linking to the sponsor's website. Guardian-Journal Headlines and New Briefs, updated weekly, are available at Claiborne One, archived since November, 1999. A community effort is needed in collecting information for Claiborne One. For contribution ideas, see the open letter from Claiborne One's local web site designer. To contribute news and photos to Claiborne One contact Key-Comp Web Design, Joel Ponder at 927-9229 or use the online contact form. For more information on becoming a sponsor Visit the Claiborne One Sponsorship Page or contact the Allen Group, Al Lynn at 927-9674.

 

  
 
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
Susan T. Herring
Editor & Feature Writer
Official Journal
  Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Claiborne Parish School Board, Town of Homer, Villages of Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield and Junction City, La.
Subscription Rates (payable in advance)
Claiborne, Bienville, Lincoln, Webster and Union Parishes $20.00 per year
Inside the State of Louisiana $25.00 per year
Outside Louisiana (within U.S.) $30.00 per year
(Payments for subscriptions may be made to the above address)
Submissions
  Deadline for Advertisements and News Copy is Tuesday at 12 Noon. 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 "Letter 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