The “Beating Hearts: Stories of Domestic violence” Exhibit was on display at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex last Friday. Among the visitors were HMH Administrator Doug Efferson and Sheriff Ken Bailey, who is a member of DART’s CCRT Team.

D.A.R.T.’s Claiborne Community Response Team (CCRT) members Sheriff Ken Bailey and Rev. John McClelland and visitors Gurvis Vines and Michael Allen joined DART Rural Advocate Mary Ellen Gamble (right)  and Donna McCarty (seated), the victim’s rights advocate with the Sheriff’s Office, at the “Beating Hearts” exhibit and reception held last Friday. Winner of the painting (right) donated by local artist Judy Buckner was Amy Scriber of Summerfield. The drawing raised $406 for DART.

Hearts Beating For Domestic Violence Victims

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

“I came to the shelter because I just needed to sleep for awhile. I haven't slept at night in so long, and I was just catching naps whenever I could...during my breaks and at lunch when I was at work, dozing off at ball games or at the library. I began to feel lightheaded and hollow, and everything seemed too bright around me. I had to get some sleep.

I don't sleep at night because he told me that he would kill me when I fell asleep. So I lie in bed, but I keep my eyes open.”

Reading from the testimonies displayed in the “Beating Hearts” exhibit, a series of framed stories and art created by Kate Sartor Hilburn and Terrie Queen Autrey, takes you into the world of domestic abuse victims. The exhibit, which has received national recognition, consists of large and small photo constructions with accompanying text inspired by true stories of domestic violence, such as the one above  titled, “A Good Night’s Sleep.”

Beating Hearts: Stories of Domestic Violence brings the reality of domestic abuse to life.  Domestic violence is the leading cause of serious injury to American women between the ages of 15 and 44, more common than automobile accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Every 12 seconds, a women is battered by an intimate partner in the United States. An average of 4 women are murdered each day. At least 3.3 million children witness violence in their homes yearly.

“Please God, Make Him Stop” focuses on the children hiding in closes, under beds, even under the house. They hear their mother screaming. They cover their ears and pray. “Maybe God was busy helping another child with bigger problems than mine.” The children do not understand why their mother does not leave or why she always comes back.

Another exhibit focuses on “Why Women Stay.” Why do they stay? ....because she hopes it will get better, because she is ashamed, because she cannot afford to leave, because she is afraid. Her fear is because “he has told her that she had better never try to leave him” She knows he will find her, take the kids and kill her, and she knows he means it.

Others such as “The Window” and “The Good Wife” show the absolute control abusers have over their victims. The root of domestic violence is not anger, or stress, or alcohol or drugs. The root of domestic violence is control.

For those who missed the “Beating Hearts” exhibit, they can go online at http://www.beatinghearts.net

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the D.A.R.T. (Domestic Abuse Resistant Team) in Claiborne Parish, mail your check to Claiborne Parish D.A.R.T., 300 Murrell Street, Homer, LA 71040. For more information, contact Mary Ellen Gamble at 318-927-2818.

Homer Council Votes To Refinish City Hall Floors

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

The Homer Town Council met in regular session Monday night, May 7. Among the agenda items were several resolutions, refinishing floors at City Hall, and one town employee who narrowly missed being terminated.

The Council approved hiring Shelton’s Janitorial Service of Homer to sand and stain hardwood floors in auditorium and on stage at Homer City Hall, to strip and wax all tile floors in kitchen, hallway, and restrooms, and to clean ceramic tile floors at exit doors for a cost of $2,000. Shelton will also buff tile floors every 3 months or for special occasions for $125.

The Council approved a new letter of engagement from CPA Marsha Millican of Shreveport with an increase of $2,500 in fees due to the addition of the one-time single audit of more than $500,000 in federal funds spent on the sewer grant. Newell said the additional fee will be paid from grant funds.

After some discussion, the Council voted to table approval of the statewide cable franchise until a representative could come and make a presentation to the Council and offer further explanation.

At the request of Police Chief Russell Mills, the Council voted to rescind the motion to declare the 1999 Crown Vic as surplus due to the wreck of one of the other police units. Mills said they would need to keep the vehicle for now.

Marios Papadopoulos, general manager for AWM (American Water & Wastewater Management), presented a copy of the competed annual Municipal Water Pollution Prevention Environmental Audit Report. The Council approved the report and a resolution with the following actions to maintain permit requirements: 1) investigation and determination of inflow and infiltration issues, 2) renovation of one pumping station 3) application for grants to provide improvement at the sewer collection system and wastewater treatment plant, and 4) continue maintenance and operation services at the wastewater plant by AWM.

The Council approved Mayor David Newell’s request for permission to advertise for repairs to the roof on the police garage, and roofs on lift stations at Linder and McDonald’s.

Superintendent Lee Wells reported that welding would be completed on tanks at the Mayfield Pool this week. Mayor Newell asked Toney Johnson and Michael Wade to meet and decide within the next week or so, whether it would be cost effective to open both pools this summer due to significant problems associated with the Homer Natatorium. The Council voted to advertise for pool manager and lifeguards. Carlette Sanford suggested the Town be ready to open the pool when school lets out in the summer so we can get the most use of the pools. Mayor Newell agreed and said he wanted the pool open as soon as possible.

Mayor Newell reported that James Colvin, chairman of the Finance Committee, had spent many hours studying the Town’s finances and had determined the Town had approximately $1,500 per month in the budget that could be used for other expenditures. Newell said these were preliminary figures. The Town has the fewest number of employees he was aware of in a long time and they don’t have the manpower to do the things we need. He said, “We can hardly go out and hire a bunch of folks on $1500 extra a month.”

The Council voted to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel issue with an employee. The employee had been notified, was present at the meeting, and stated he preferred to go into closed session. After about 30 minutes, the Council reconvened in open session. Toney Johnson made a motion to support Superintendent Lee Wells in his decision to terminate the employee. Sanford seconded the motion. Johnson and Sanford voted in favor. J. C. Moore, Michael Wade, and Patricia Jenkins voted against. Sanford stated to go on record the Council does not follow Town policy. The Council agreed to let Mayor Newell handle the situation.

The Council also approved paying bills for April 2007. Sanford asked if James Colvin, chairman of the Finance Committee was reviewing the bills.. Newell said the Finance Committee had met but Colvin was not reviewing bills. Colvin said he would be willing to do so if asked.                         ….more

Routine Traffic Stop Leads To Drug Arrest By CPSO  

Lt. Randy Pugh and Deputy Roger Ellerbe with the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office were on routine traffic patrol on Thursday, May 3 when they stopped a red 2006 Chevy Corvette with Georgia license plate #AGP7025 for failure to stop at a stop sign.

The driver, James B. Austin, 40, of Athens did not have a valid Georgia driver’s license, but did have an expired Louisiana driver’s license.

After receiving consent to search the vehicle, Deputy Ellerbe observed a partially smoked cigarette in the ash tray on the front seat console that had what appeared to be marijuana inside the cigarette.

Austin admitted that the cigarette contained marijuana and that it belonged to him. He was placed under arrest for possession of marijuana, failure to stop at stop sign, expired driver’s license and no driver’s license in immediate possession.

Austin was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center where he was booked on all four charges. His bond was set at $500 on each charge for a total of $2,000.

Lake Claiborne Gets 70,000 Bass Fingerlings

James Seales, Biologist Manager with La. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, dumps a net of Florida Largemouth Bass fingerlings in Lake Claiborne at the State Park boat ramp last Friday, May 4. Almost 70,000 fingerlings were delivered by Scott Delaney (back) with Booker Fowler Hatchery in Forest Hill, Louisiana. Jerald Bowman (right), administrative assistant for State Representative Rick Gallot, was on hand for the stocking.

Sheriff’s Office To Conduct DWI Checkpoint Friday Night  

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey announced Tuesday that his deputies would conduct a DWI Checkpoint somewhere in Claiborne Parish from 11 PM on Friday night, May 11 until 1 AM on Saturday, May 12. Sheriff Bailey said the purpose of the checkpoint is to try to deter drinking and driving in an effort to make this a safe and happy Mother’s Day weekend.

Jubilee To Showcase The Art Of Claiborne Parish

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

The Claiborne Jubilee scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 11-12 in downtown Homer will feature new artists, hands on art activities for the whole family; sidewalk art show, poetry reading contest, exhibit and storytelling of Aprons Old & New and a reading of “Ma Dear’s Aprons”,  a quilt show and sale; entertainment featuring the Minden Community Chorus; and a $5 spaghetti dinner from at Homer City Hall. For more information, contact Cynthia Steele 318-927-2566 or email

Donna Scroggins, a self-taught multi media artist, will be exhibiting her original designs of handmade jewelry at the Claiborne Jubilee this Saturday, May 12. She found her love of creating as a small child and began making jewelry as a teenager. She is a speech  therapist with the Bossier Parish School Board, but began her work in this field in Claiborne Parish. She lives in Minden and has an online shop, Mermaid's Jewelry Box, at www.rubylane.com. She is available to customize pieces for you by using beads you own or finding those which match your favorite outfit. Stop by and visit this Saturday.

African American artist, Alma Lennear of Minden, will be exhibiting her works as well as selling her paintings Saturday at the Claiborne Jubilee. She comes from a long line of educators who have lived in and around Claiborne Parish since the days her great-grandfather, Richard Wattree, founded the Wattree School using the Bible as the reading book. A self taught artist, Ms. Lennear's work features both portraits of historic figures as well as Biblical scenes. Come to the Jubilee and visit with a most interesting woman!

The Claiborne Jubilee 2007 schedule is as follows:

Friday, May 11, 2007 

9:30 AM-4:30 PM — Quilt show opens to the public in the Police Jury Office Complex public areas.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

The Quilt Show continues..

8:30 AM — Registration begins on Courthouse Lawn. In case of rain, all events will be held in the City Hall.

9-11 AM — Live remote broadcast by station KRMD sponsored by the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce, the Raven Bookstore, Michael's Men Store and Sporting Goods, Herbert S. Ford Memorial Museum, Homer Industrial Board, Claiborne Drugs, Delta Interiors, Steven Koskie CPA,  Mary's Boutique, and Miss Lizzie's.

9:30 AM-1 PM — Hands on art activities for all ages. Courthouse Lawn.  Decorate a gift for Mother's Day.

11 AM — Art Judging begins.

11 AM-1 PM — Chicken Spaghetti Dinner at City Hall, $5.00, eat in or take out.

1 PM — Reading by Suzanne Ford of MaDear's Aprons, a children's book by Patricia McKissock, and sharing of apron stories,

1:15 PM — Awards Presentation

1:30 PM — Minden Community Chorus presents old fashioned Gospel Music program.

4 PM — All entries should be picked up by entrants.

Local Ministers Voiced Prayers for the church, education, the family, the government, the media, and the military as approximately 100 local residents gathered on the Courthouse lawn in observance of the 56th Annual National Day of Prayer.

Locals Gather For Prayer On Courthouse Lawn

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

 “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” The 2007 National Day of Prayer held last Thursday on the east side of the Courthouse lawn was opened with these words from II Chronicles 7:14 read by Rev. Larry Maxwell, pastor of the First United Methodist Church and president of the Homer Ministerial Alliance.

Following the presentation of the flags by members of the Boy Scouts Troop 72, Claiborne Parish Deputy Charles Buford led those gathered for the noon meeting in the singing of the national anthem.

Rev. Jimmy Simeon, pastor of First Baptist Church, prayed for the church. He asked God to create within His church a new desire to love Him wholeheartedly and to serve others in His name, and to give Christians the grace and wisdom to make an impact on our nation and our world for His honor and glory.

Rev. John McClelland, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, prayed for education. With the understanding that Jesus was a teacher who understood what it was like to have undisciplined students, he asked God to watch over all who were charged to teach our young. He prayed, “Give to our students the gift of disciplined curiosity that they may accept and retain new facts, but also that they may learn how to use them to make our world a better place....and help all of us who live in Claiborne Parish to learn we have a responsibility to support those who teach, and the students who need to learn.”

Rev. David Heard, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, prayed for the family. He asked God, the author and designer of the family, to strengthen the family, to put love and unity within each family. He prayed for families that are broken, asking God to bring them together and reconcile them.

Rev. Ben Booth, pastor of the Lighthouse Family Worship Center, prayed for the government, saying, “Father, You tell us in your word to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar’s and to You what belongs to You. We pride ourselves as Americans that we are one nation under You.” He prayed that God would give wisdom, strength, guidance and protection to our government officials, from President George Bush to our lowest ranking officials.

Rev. John Markley, pastor of Grace Bible Church, prayed for the media. He lifted up all media whether print, internet, television or satellite. They keep us informed of what is happening in the community and the world. They help us form our opinions. He prayed for the Holy Spirit to move the media to report in a fair and balanced manner and that their reports are always ethical, truthful and factual.

Rev. Ray Jiles, pastor of Valley Springs Baptist Church of Minden, prayed for the military. He thanked God for the gathering for this purpose on this day. He prayed God to lift up our soldiers, men and women, who are at war on foreign soils, to keep them safe and strong. He prayed for the parents of those lost in battle and asked God to bless our military everywhere.

Rev. Maxwell gave the benediction, then invited everyone to attend the evening service of Prayer and Praise at Trinity Southern Methodist Church, with many of the community’s best singers.

The National Day of Prayer observance was sponsored by the Homer Ministerial Alliance and Trinity Bible Study and Prayer Group.

Matthew Fowler Valedictorian	Christopher Shane Mott Co-Salutatorian	Katherine L. Nguyen Co-Salutatorian

Homer High Commencement Held May 8

Forty Homer High School seniors received diplomas and seven HHS seniors received certificates of skills completion Tuesday night, May 8, 2007, during commencement exercises in the Homer High School gym. Following the invocation by Bernard Harris, salutatory addresses were given by Christopher Mott and Katherine Nguyen. Matthew Fowler then gave the valedictory address. Jeroderick Abbott was honored as Most Dependable Senior. Tarez Walker received an Outstanding Bandsman recognition. Matthew Fowler and Bernard Harris were presented John Phillip Sousa Awards. Jessica Smith and Jeroderick Abbott received U. S. Army Reserve Scholar/Athlete Awards. The American Legion Awards were presented to Katherine Nguyen and Matthew Fowler. Kiara Evans and Christopher Mott were recipients of the Scottish Rites Masons Americanism and Patriotism Awards.

Matthew Fowler, Christopher Mott and Katherine Nguyen were recipients of the Regents' Scholar Certificate of Recognition, given by the Louisiana Board of Regents. The Board of Regents recognizes those students who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 after seven semesters and completion of the Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) curriculum.

Recognized as completing the minimum core academic and ACT requirements which must be met in order to qualify for a TOPS award from the State of Louisiana were: Ashley Jo Dean Matthew Fowler, Christopher Mott, Katherine Nguyen, and Richard Smelser. Dwight Mitchell, principal of Homer High School, announced Matthew Fowler, Christopher Mott, Katherine Nguyen, Ashley Jo Dean, Brittany Turner, Tarez Walker, Kiara Evans, Richard Smelser, Jessica Smith and Bernard Harris "The Top Ten" of the 2007 Senior Class.

Mr. Mitchell announced that over $100,000 in scholarships has been awarded to members of the Homer High School Class of 2007. The Community Foundation of Shreveport-Bossier named Matthew Fowler and Christopher Mott co-winners of the Evelyn Holcomb Hightower Memorial Scholarship. Kiara Evans was announced recipient and Brittany Turner runner-up of the W.B. and Esther Tinsley and Richard Eugene "Dick" Tinsley Memorial Scholarship Fund. These are cash awards established by the alumni of HHS and awarded to top students in the graduating class of Homer High School that will be attending state-supported universities.

Other scholarships announced were: Matthew Fowler: Northwestern State University Band Scholarship; Christopher Mott: Louisiana Tech University Outstanding Student Scholarship; Demonte Willis: Louisiana Tech University Athletic Scholarship;

Christopher Mott, president of the senior class, presented the eighty-fifth cedar rope to Rebecca Fowler, president of the junior class, in the traditional cedar rope ceremony. Jeremy Turner offered the benediction to close the commencement ceremonies.

The following 2007 seniors received The Options Program Pre GED/Skills Options Certificates: Shanetra S Brown, LaVince Jermale Carter, Rickey Ricardo Crew, Ferono Marquan Curry, Sharon Denise Grant, Carolyn Yvonne Jones, Marcus Dwayne Williams.

The following 2007 graduates received diplomas: Jeroderick Abbott, Nicklaus Adams, Hannah Marie Barnette, Komecia Sade Burns, Markita Bursey, Candice Nicole Cripe, Treshala Shawnette Curry, Ashley Jo Dean, Debra Kaye Dean, Tennesha Dunn, Kiara A Evans, Latoya L Ferguson, Matthew Dale Fowler, Bernard E Harris, III, Jamarcus  Hunter, Willie L Johnson, Patish S Kirk, Raquel Layton, Michael Jerome Mardis, Magan Michelle Martin, Erica Reshae Mills, Jer Michael Moore , Christopher Shane Mott, Katherine  Nguyen, Robert Lee Patton, Roderick Allen Pleasant, Passion  Shelman, Richard William Smelser, Britian Collin Smith, Jessica Smith, Brittany Turner, Jeremy Donell Turner, Takezo J Wafer, Tarez Marcees Walker, Tamilla West, Holly White, Mercedes J Williams, Aldedria Shontay Willis, Demonte L Willis, Michael Dewayne Willis.

Jake Everitt Anderson Co-Valedictorian	Lakesha Shani Manning Co-Valedictorian	Felicia Smith Salutatorian

Haynesville High Commencement Held Tuesday, May 8

Haynesville High School commencement exercises were held Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at 8 p.m. in the Haynesville High School auditorium. Jake Everitt Anderson and Lakesha Shani Manning were co-valedictorians and Felicia Renee Smith was salutatorian.

Scholarships and Awards were presented as follows:

Jake Anderson, Co-Valedictorian, was presented the LSU Centennial Award, LSU Dairy Science Alumni Scholarship, Louisiana Ag Credit-Lou McGehee Scholarship, Carter Federal Credit Union Scholarship, Farm Bureau Scholarship, J.B. Frye, Jr. Dairy Science Scholarship, Mike "Heavy" Bridges 4-H Livestock Scholarship, Scott Truck & Tractor 4-H Achievement Scholarship, LSU High School Activity Scholarship (1st in State Rally-Am History), Claiborne Parish 4-H Foundation Scholarship, LSU Valedictorian Award, The American Legion Award for Academic Excellence, Community Services, & Citizenship, Regents Scholar Certificate for the completion of TOPS curriculum with a minimum 3.5 GPA and Louisiana House of  Representatives, Senior Academic Excellence Award.

Lakesha Manning, Co- Valedictorian, was presented The American Legion Award for Academic Excellence, Citizenship, and Community Service; The George Norton and Sue Annie Tinsley Scholarship, The ULM Outstanding Scholar Award, The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Scholarship, The Regents Scholar Certificate for completion of the TOPS Curriculum with a minimum 3.5 GPA, Haynesville-Woodson Alumni Association Scholarship, and Louisiana House of Representatives, Academic Excellence Award.

Felicia Smith, Salutatorian, received the Louisiana Tech Outstanding Student Scholarship, SAU Alumni Scholarship, ULM Academic Recognition Scholarship, Regents Scholar Certificate for the completion of the TOPS Curriculum with a minimum 3.5 GPA, and Louisiana House of Representatives, Academic Excellence Award

Chase Cockrell was presented a ULM Academic Recognition Scholarship and Regents Scholar Certificate for the completion of TOPS & a 3.5 GPA.

Kia Fields received the United States Army Award for Academic and Athletic Excellence, The Demetric Evans Award for Academic and Athletic Accomplishments, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Scholarship.

April Faulkner was presented ULM Academic Recognition Scholarship, SAU Alumni Scholarship, Regents Scholar Certificate for the completion of the TOPS Curriculum with a minimum 3.5 GPA.

Ralph Harris was presented The Demetric Evans Scholarship for Academic and Athletic Accomplishments and The Ancient and Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Award

Deaquanita Jackson was awarded the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Scholarship, Regents Scholar Certificate of Recognition for completion of the TOPS Curriculum with a minimum 3.5 GPA, and the Haynesville- Woodson Alumni Association Scholarship.

Jessica Lee received The Ancient and Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Award.

Kim Wright was presented The Jacob Hollenbeck Scholarship.

Jermarquis Hampton was presented the Haynesville- Woodson Alumni Association Scholarship

Curtis Dison received a Baseball Scholarship- Pratt Jr. College in Pratt, Kansas

Serlando A. Fielding has $56,000 reserved in his name for continuing his education as a Health Care Specialist in the United States Army.

The following 2007 graduates received certificates or diplomas: Jake Everitt Anderson, Charity Monette Brown, Monquel Deandre Brown, Robin Denay Buggs, James Robert Cameron, Danny Lee Cathey, Chase David Cockrell, Willie William Cornelious IV, Vanessa Shunta Critton, William Curtis Dison, April Lynn Faulkner, Serlando Amario Fielding, Kia Lavonne Fields, Jermarquis Cantrell Hampton, Raphael Bernard Harris, Roddrick Hatter, William Theodore Hildreth, Orlansarde Lavacielle Hunter, Deaquanita Shehalorenza Jackson, Kevin Denard Kirkpatrick, Shakharie Shuntez Lacaze, Jessica Ann Lee, Lakesha Shani Manning, James Baxter McCoy, Demontre Deshun Robinson, Felicia Renee Smith,  Lydell Channcey Tell, Markeshia Meshell Tell,  Deuntric Sanchez Walton, Deavion Ladaus Washington, and Kimberly Jo Wright. Option 3 Graduates are Jasmine Critton, Kamisha Easter, Quincy Ford, Shandeka Jackson, Angela Manning, and Amanda Smith.  

John Tyler Hurst Valedictorian		Jordan Lee Pixley Salutatorian

Summerfield Graduation Held May 7

Summerfield High School commencement exercises were held Monday, May 7, 2007, at 8 p.m. in the Summerfield High School gymnasium. John Tyler Hurst, valedictorian, and Jordan Lee Pixley, salutatorian, were the speakers. Music was provided by Mrs. Karen Smith and Mr. Dump Hatter.

American Legion awards were presented to Dana Campbell and Tyler Hurst, and the Scottish Rite Americanism/Patriotism awards were received by Krisshune Tate and Clayton Lee.  Carlee Hughes and Deshawn Taylor received the U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete awards.  Dr. Brian Harris presented the Dr. W. C. Reeves Memorial Scholarship to Tyler Hurst.  Krystal Ellis was presented the Joyce Nutt Memorial Scholarship, and Krisshune Tate received the Karl Malone Scholarship.  Eighteen of the 27 graduates met the academic requirements for the Louisiana Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), and 11 students received additional scholarships.  Scholarships received by members of this class are valued at approximately $288,870.  Students recognized for receiving Regents Scholar Certificate of Recognition from the State of Louisiana Board of Regents were Andrea Bailey, Dana Campbell, Krystal Ellis, Shartavia Fuller, Carlee Hughes, Tyler Hurst, Jordan Pixley, and Krisshune Tate.

Graduates include Seaborn Zachary Aycock, Andrea Marie Bailey, Dana Michele Campbell, Bridget Nicole Caskey, Whitney Lynn Caskey, Krystal McCall Ellis, Dallas Jorden Ferrel, Shartavia Quastacia Fuller, Marcus Dillon Goode, Jonathan Allen Hale, De Marcus La Ron O?Neal Heard, James Duffy Houston, Carlee Michelle Hughes, John Tyler Hurst, Travis Dewayne Kimp, Clayton Andrew Lee, Magan Elizabeth Murphey, Jordan Lee Pixley, Leanne Marie Ragas, Bradney Chase Rogers, Lindsey Elise Scriber, Krisshune Shamere' Tate, Deshawn Antione Taylor, Deangelo Demond Todd, La Torri Lasha Webster, Chassity Rochelle Williams, and Chauncey Ramone Williams.

Shaquaial Denise Lewis Valedictorian		D'rivus Lasha Boyd Salutatorian

Pineview Seniors Graduated May 4

Pineview High School commencement exercises were held Friday, May 4, 2007, at 7 p.m. in the Pineview High School gymnasium.  Shaquaial Denise Lewis, valedictorian, and D'rivus Lasha Boyd, salutatorian, were the speakers.  Music was provided by Mr. Frank Taylor.

American Legion awards were presented to Shaquaial Lewis and D'Rivus Boyd, and the Scottish Rite Americanism/Patriotism awards were received by Ashley Johnson and Ocie McGee.  Calonda Payne and D'Rivus Boyd received the U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete awards.  Scholarships presented were Mrs. Johnnie B. Kinsey Memorial Scholarship and Louisiana Sheriffs Scholarship to Shaquaial Lewis, Louisiana State University Shreveport and Claiborne Parish Retired Teachers Scholarship to Calonda Payne, and James M. Crawford Scholarship to Brittany Jones.  Regents Scholar Certificate of Recognition was given to Shaquaial Lewis.

Graduates include Drivus Lasha Boyd, Bryan O'Neal Franklin, Toriuana Mariesa Hamilton, Ashley Deshay Johnson, Brittany Lashawn Armytisha Jones, Shaquaial Denise Lewis, Roy Mardis, Jr., Ocie Freeman McGee, IV, Calonda Lasandraka Payne, and Jamareo Diantray Ridley.  Pre-GED graduates include James Lamont Carter, Mashay Renee Carter, and Jimmy Lee Henderson.

Senior Expo - May 19

The S.A.L.T. Council of the Claiborne Parish TRIAD invites all senior citizens to the annual Senior Expo to be held Saturday, May 19 at Homer City Hall. Registration begins at 8 AM and the Expo ends at noon with a free lunch. Local health and government agencies will provide booths for helpful information and health checks. Interesting speakers will also be on the program. Lots of door prizes will be donated by persons and businesses in Claiborne Parish. Entertainment will be provided by the First Praise Singers. All seniors are encouraged to come and enjoy the fellowship as well as receive helpful information. For information, call TRIAD of Claiborne at the Sheriff’s Office at 927-2011.

Comments Sought On Kisatchie Forest Proposal

Individuals interested in information on the Kisatchie National Forest Travel Management Project being proposed for the Kisatchie National Forest in Claiborne, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon, Webster, and Winn Parishes may want to attend one of four Open Houses being planned during the week of May 7, 2007.

Forest Supervisor Margrett Boley is requesting comments on the Kisatchie National Forest's Travel Management Environmental Assessment that proposes to eliminate motorized cross-country travel forestwide and amend the Forest Plan.  Six alternatives being evaluated propose actions that include various changes in road designations, additional dispersed camping corridors and big game retrieval corridors, elimination of night riding, and seasonal trail closures. 

Open houses are being held at Ranger District in Provencal, Winnfield, Alexandria, and Minden. An Open House will be held Thursday, May 10 at the Minden Community House (Caney Ranger District) at the intersection of Bridwell and Gladney Streets (2 blocks behind Brookshires on Homer Road) in Minden

Stop by any time between the hours of 6-8 PM.  Forest Service personnel will be available to answer your questions about this Travel Management proposal and Environmental Assessment.

Only those who submit timely specific comments or other expressions of interest will have standing to appeal. Comments must be postmarked or received within 30 days beginning the day after publication of thr legal notice in the Alexandria Town Talk. Please address your written or oral comments to Margrett L. Boley, Forest Supervisor, Kisatchie National Forest, 2500 Shreveport Highway, Pineville, LA 71360. Oral or hand-delivered comments must be received within normal business hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. 

All written comments received, including those submitted electronically, will be placed in the project file and become part of the public record. If you have any questions about the proposal or how to comment, please contact Jackie Duncan at (318) 473-7128 or Jim Caldwell at (318) 473-7168.

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