Identity theft suspect still wanted

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

A former Claiborne Detention Center correctional officer is still being sought as a suspect in a case of identity theft.

Fontonio Carter, 22, of Homer, is still wanted on charges of fraud and identity theft, involving more than $70,000 in fraudulent charges. He is now considered an in-state fugitive, which means that another law enforcement agency in Louisiana is looking for him.

On January 10, the Homer Police Department received a complaint from Capital One Bank in Homer where the branch manager told police that she suspected identity theft and fraud.

Carter had purchased a vehicle at Holmes Honda, who contacted the victim’s bank about the purchase. The bank’s branch manager notified the external fraud division at the bank, and had the individual check a savings account opened in the victim’s name.

Later that day, Carter was contacted by cell phone by Homer Police. Carter came to the police station and during an interview, said the bank made a mistake on his deposit slip. He stated he would “straighten it out” the next day.

On January 11, Detective James Lewis of the Caddo-Shreveport Financial Crimes Task Force, then known as the Caddo-Shreveport White Collar Crimes Unit, arrested Carter on one count of forgery. Carter deposited a forged check in the amount of $20,000 at Capital One Bank in Caddo Parish. He was booked at the Caddo Correctional Center, where he later bonded out.

An arrest warrant and search warrant were obtained through the Second Judicial District Court on Monday, January 28. The search warrant was executed on Friday, February 1, where officers discovered several credit card applications in the victim’s name, and also discovered where Carter had opened different accounts in the victim’s name as well.

It is believed Carter gained access to the victim’s personal information when the victim was booked into the detention center on DWI charges in September 2007.

“The victim is a 76-year-old male,” Homer Police Chief Russell Mills said. “Through the investigation, it was learned that Carter was the booking officer at the detention center, which enabled him to gather pertinent information on the victim. He had all this information right there, and in turn, he took this information and utilized it to gain entry to his accounts.”

Carter had made payments on a couple of open accounts that he’d acquired through the victim’s name. Once payments stopped, the bills that were being sent to Carter’s address began going to the victim’s address, which is what led to the complaint.

If anyone has any information on Carter’s whereabouts, please call the Homer Police Department at 927-4000. All tips will remain anonymous.

Relay for Life to hold meeting April 3

More than two million people in the United States have done it. They’ve joined the fight against cancer by participating in Relay for Life, the signature event of the American Cancer Society.  You can help us fight cancer! 

There is still time to get your team registered to participate in Relay for Life of Claiborne Parish for 2008.  Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 6 p.m. at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant in Homer.  Contact Nancy Mason, event chair, at 318-927-2517 or Christina Griffin at 318-648-7178 for more information.  You can also register your team, learn more about the event, or donate online at http://events.cancer.org/RFLClaiborneLA. The registration deadline to get your team signed up is Friday, April 4, 2008. 

Last year, more than 4,300 communities nationwide participated in Relay for Life and raised more than $340 million, making the event the largest fund raiser in the U.S.

Relay for Life is an overnight fund-raising event filled with activities, fun and community spirit. All funds raised at Relay for Life support American Cancer Society programs designed to reduce cancer incidence and mortality through research, education, advocacy and patient services.

The impact of cancer is clear. More than 9 million cancer survivors are living today. This year in the United States, an estimated 1.4 million people will be diagnosed with cancer. Additionally, more than 1,500 people will die of cancer each day.

For more information about participating in Relay for Life, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345, www.cancer.org, or www.relayforlife.org.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

She’s going to Chicago!

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

Gwen Eades will travel to Chicago, Ill., Monday, March 24, to meet Oprah Winfrey. Her trip was made possible by the Dream Foundation, based in San Francisco, California.

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

A dream has come true for one Homer resident.

Gwen Eades, known around here as Gwen Pixley, is going to Chicago to meet Oprah Winfrey. Terminally ill with breast cancer, Eades has wanted for a long time to personally shake Oprah’s hand and tell her what a great humanitarian she is.

“She has always given back,” Eades said. “She takes her money and puts it to good use. She remembers where she came from. She never has forgotten and she remembers what it was like to be poor and do without. I appreciate the things she does.”

Eades will be picked up by a limousine, Monday, March 24, and be driven in style to the Shreveport Regional Airport, where she will board a plane first class and fly to Chicago. Her entire trip will be top notch, and she will return to Homer the following Thursday.

Her trip has been made possible through the Dream Foundation, a nonprofit organization that makes its mission to make the dreams of the terminally ill come true.

Wess Bowen and Laurent Partimbene, both volunteers for the Dream Foundation, came to Eades’ home and presented her with armloads of flowers and a package with two plane tickets and a complete itinerary.

The Dream Foundation’s only purpose is to fulfill a dream. In fact, the organization is the adult version of the Make a Wish Foundation that fulfills the dreams of children across the nation.

“We are blessed, and to give something back is priceless,” Partimbene said. “There’s nothing better.”

The foundation is supported through the generosity of people across the nation through donations, volunteering their time and other ways. Whatever dream a person asks for, the foundation will do everything within its powers to make it come true.

To find out more about the organization or how to get involved, go to their website at www.dreamfoundation.org.

Stimulus package available for vets, social security

The Guardian-Journal

Most folks know by now that Congress recently passed the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. And most people know that IRS will be sending checks to taxpayers. Some have even heard that recipients of social security and veterans benefits also qualify for payments that will start going out in May. Many low-income people are eligible to receive an economic stimulus payment from the federal government this year of $300 to $600 plus $300 per qualifying child.

According to www.irs.gov, most people who file a 2007 tax return are due an “economic stimulus payment,” referred to by IRS as “the rebate.” To get the rebate, one must file a 2007 tax return. If the qualifying income shown on that return is more than $3,000, nothing else is necessary. As mentioned, the Treasury Department will start mailing checks in May.

However, there are certain income requirements to qualify. To be eligible, a taxpayer’s “qualifying income” for 2007 must be over $3,000. Examples of “qualifying income” include salaries and wages, self-employment income, social security benefits, railroad retirement benefits, veteran's disability compensation, and pension or survivor's benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

On the other hand, higher income taxpayers may not qualify. If one’s income is more than $75,000 ($150,000 if filing a joint return), rebate eligibility phases out incrementally.

Eligible recipients may expect a rebate equal to the amount of tax on their 2007 return. The minimum rebate is $300 ($600 if filing jointly); the maximum is $600 ($1,200 if filing jointly).

There is also an additional $300 rebate for each child for whom the taxpayer can claim a personal exemption and child tax credit on their return. For a child to be eligible, he/she must have lived with the taxpayer for more than half of 2007, must be under age 17 at the end of 2007, and cannot have provided more than half of his/ her own support during 2007.

Some people who don't normally file a tax return may still qualify. The IRS website says, “Even taxpayers who have no income tax liability will get rebates of $300 ($600 if filing a joint return) as long as they submit a tax return showing at least $3000 of qualifying income.” Those taxpayers are required to file a tax return for 2007, even if they would not normally do so because of their income level.

Jean Reynolds with the Office of Community Services reminds parish residents of their VITA tax service. Reynolds says, “Our VITA volunteers can help those getting social security and veterans benefits qualify for a rebate by preparing their tax returns. Tax season is winding down, so those wanting help should call 927-3557 now to schedule an appointment.”

Reynolds adds, “There is no charge for our service. We are available in Haynesville on Mondays and in Homer on Tuesdays.”

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I'm proud to be paying taxes in the US. The only thing is—I could be just as proud for half the money.—Arthur Godfrey, 1903-1983

Christ is Risen: the Celebration of Easter

Dr. Patricia Bates, FUMC Homer

Editor’s Note: This is the last installment of a series of articles that have been written by local pastors on the true reason we celebrate Easter. For the last installment, Dr. Pat Bates, deacon and minister of Christian Education at First United Methodist Church in Homer, has written about the resurrection of Jesus, the reason we celebrate Easter Sunday. We hope you have enjoyed reading these articles, and pray that you and your family have a very Happy Easter.

Look over pasture land an un-mown fields this week and you’ll see wild flowers blooming everywhere: sheets of blue and purple with swaths of yellow and white folded in. Drive along our scenic byways and you’ll notice redbud in full bloom and dogwood almost ready to open. On the old home places, white spirea and bridal wreath and yellow daffodils are still in full color. All of these are sure signs of new life.

For Christians, however, the signs remind us of new life that is far more than a fleeting spring. For us, the signs are all around us that Easter is almost here. Many believers will get up before daybreak this coming Sunday to attend a sunrise service and proclaim, “Christ has risen indeed.”

Later that morning, in the traditional Easter service, many will declare affirming words of faith such as, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead… (Apostles Creed)”

The classic sermon text for Easter, when we celebrate the risen Christ, is John 20:1-20. Early on the Sunday morning after the crucifixion, Mary Magdalene arises while it is still dark and comes to the tomb where Jesus has been laid. To her amazement, the stone that sealed the mouth of the tomb has been rolled away. So, she runs and tells Peter and John what she has found. They arrive and find the linen wrappings lying there but without the body.

Meanwhile, Mary stands weeping alone outside the tomb. As she bends over to look inside, she sees “two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They say to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.’ When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?’ Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, ‘Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to Me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father.  But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord,’” (John 20:12-18). Thus, we learn that this Mary whom Jesus healed of seven demons is the first to witness the resurrected Christ. That very evening, Jesus appears to the disciples. Standing among them, He says, ‘Peace be with you.’ (v. 19). Then He shows them His hands and His side, and they rejoice.

How do mainstream Christians understand this event and all that led up to it? In the words of John Wesley, forbearer of United Methodists, “As ministering Servant [Jesus Christ] lived, suffered and died on the cross. He was buried, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven to be with the Father, from whence He shall return. He is eternal Savior and Mediator, who intercedes for us, and by Him all [people] will be judged (quoted in the 2004 Book of Discipline, p. 67).”

For nominal Christians, these words may have a quaint ring, due in part to Wesley’s 18th century British English. For Christians who have an evangelical faith, which is not just a matter of religion but a way of life, the words of the old hymn “He Lives,” (1933 The Rodeheaver Co.) explain the meaning of the Resurrection story well:

“I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today; I know that He is living, whatever foes may say. I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, and just the time I need Him, He’s always near. In all the world around me, I see His loving care, and though my heart grows weary, I never will despair. I know that He is leading through all the stormy blast; the day of His appearing will come at last. Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the king! The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find; none other is so loving, so good and kind. He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.”

This Easter Sunday, as we join together in churches throughout the community, may each of us prepare to receive the risen Christ anew!

ABO card fees to increase

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury has agreed to move forward with amending an ordinance that is approximately 15 years old.

Sheriff Ken Bailey went before the police jury to ask them to update Ordinance 670 which deals with “alcoholic beverage handling employee cards.” After extensive research, Bailey and his staff felt it was necessary to update the processing fees of what’s known as ABO cards.

ABO cards are licenses that business owners are required by state law to have in order to sell alcoholic beverages at their place of business.

In the original ordinance, a fee of $5 is to be paid to the sheriff’s office for issuance of the card. Bailey asked them to raise the fees to $25 in order to cover the costs of processing. He said in his letter to the police jury that the costs of conducting records checks as well as the material to produce the actual cards has increased.

“Because of these increases and the man hours involved in this process, a permit cost increase is necessary,” he said.

The amended ordinance would also require a picture, signature and “appropriate identifying information as deemed necessary by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office,” whereas the original ordinance only asked for a picture and fingerprints.

“It has come to our attention that ABO cards issued in Claiborne Parish have never had the permit holder’s fingerprints on them,” Bailey stated in a letter to the police jury. “We do, however, maintain the permit holder’s fingerprints on file with their application. It is our position that there is not enough space on the ABO card to put fingerprints and that the prints can be maintained in the application file.”

Bailey proposed other changes to the ordinance in order to help the records division of the sheriff’s department run more efficiently. For example, an ABO card is good for one year as of the issue date with a 30-day grace period to renew. That renewal fee is $5. Bailey proposed that section be changed to a specific date in order to make records more uniform and easier to maintain. That specific date is December 31 of the year the card was issued.

That means if a person applies for an ABO card in September 2008, that card would expire December 31, 2008. If the application is within 30 days of the December date, then the expiration date would be December 31 of the next year. For example, a person is issued an ABO card on December 5, 2008. Their ABO card would not expire until December 31, 2009.

“Believe! Beware! Behave!” Program Presented to Claiborne Boys and Girls Club

JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer

The Boys and Girls Club of Claiborne Parish was the site where several speakers spoke to a crowded room of more than 40 at the third annual Challenging Attitude Program (CAP) on March 12. Valena Lane, Executive Director of the Community Coordinating Council (CCC), officiated at the CAP program and introduced the theme: “|Believe! Beware! Behave!” Lane exhorted the youths to believe in and embrace positive  attitudes and aspirations.

Deputy Ben Booth, DARE instructor with the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, spoke to the youngsters about choices and the importance of making the right choices. He explained that the consequences of a single wrong choice at their young ages could affect them the rest of their lives. He discussed how choices like doing one’s best in school and pursuing positive goals improves one’s life now and later. He contrasted good choices with the disastrous consequences that can follow bad choices involving drugs, gangs, and dropping out of school.

CCC President Fred Young shared experiences based on when he worked at Angola Prison. His vivid description of witnessing the execution of a young inmate in the electric chair held everyone’s attention.

Adam Collins related his father’s disciplining him when he was a teen-ager and how his father’s love has positively affected him since. Collins, too, held the youngsters’ attention.

For the third year State Representative Rick Gallot and the CCC are sponsoring educational tours to St. Gabriel for 50 girls ages 13-15 on March 24 and to Angola for 50 boys ages 13-15 on March 26. Valena Lane notes, “Before temptations of stealing, fighting, illegal use of weapons and drugs ever enter their minds, CCC wants to provide them with a bitter taste of reality. We hope to deter them from a life of crime and allow them to see that prison is a real place. We want them to see a close-up look at death row and the death house where lethal injections are given. We want them to see how inmates must fit all their possessions in a foot locker at the foot of their bed, eat and sleep when they are told, and experience no privacy in showers. We want them to hear first-hand inmates explaining why they’re incarcerated and all the horrors of prison life.”

Xaver Malone, Program Director for the CCC, added, “Once the students tour Angola and St. Gabriel and hear the prisoners’ stories, they see that prison is no ‘happy camp’.”

For further information call either Xaver Malone, CCC Program Director, at 318-247-8999 or Valena Lane, CCC Executive Director, at 318-247-6676.

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He who opens a school door, closes a prison.—Victor Hugo (1802-1885), French novelist

Haynesville adds batting cage at city park

Pictured above is the new batting cage at the city park.

The newest asset to the Haynesville Park Area is the batting cage recently approved by the town council and constructed by Dunn Construction.  Many cold and rainy days slowed the construction.

Brandon Buford, baseball coach for the Haynesville School System, presented a request for the cage at the regular council meeting in November 2007 with final approval in December.  The cage is approximately 40 feet by 90 feet, will accommodate six players, and is designed for warm-ups and training of batting, pitching and catching.  The green metal covered structure will soon be outfitted with lighting, netting and outdoor carpet.

Haynesville Mayor Sherman Brown and the council are eager to get some long-needed restoration and repairs done in the park area. Timbers purchased from the Claiborne Parish Police Jury will soon be placed behind the baseball stadium where erosion has damaged the pipe footings. The timbers will provide a barrier for backfilling. Brown is also doing preliminary planning for the erosion problem on the north side of Stadium Drive caused by the spillway from the Park Pond.  Resurfacing of Stadium Drive is also in the plans.

The Town of Haynesville has and continues to support recreation of many types for all school children and summer programs.  Several years ago, Wards 2 and 3 in Haynesville, passed a small ad valorum tax to ensure that the park facilities could be properly maintained.  This, along with many volunteer contractors, has proven to be a life saver for its recreation programs.  

Haynesville is also blessed to have so many individuals and organizations who have volunteered equipment and personal time through the years to support these recreation programs.

Third annual bass tourney to be held March 22

The Guardian-Journal

Fred Smith & Sons is sponsoring the third annual Benefit Bass Tournament for Don “Chick” Ceccarelli on Saturday, March 22, to raise money to help Chic with his medical expenses and physical needs.

Fred Smith & Sons is asking for donations on money or merchandise. Any donation to help our friend and make our tournament a success will be greatly appreciated. All cash donations will go to Chic.

For those who make donations by check, please make them payable to Claiborne Bass Busters. All donations are tax deductible. Please use Claiborne Bass Buster Tax ID Number 27-0055367.

Merchandise donations should be taken to KRC Customs or Fred Smith & Sons.

The tournament will be held at Pleasure Point, beginning at safe daylight until 3 p.m. Registration will begin at 5:30 a.m. until blast off. For those who wish to register early, please go by Fred Smith and Sons. Registration is $72 per boat.

Fish plates will be sold for $7 per plate beginning at 2 p.m.

First place will receive $500 cash guaranteed, and big bass will be paid in cash also. Second, third and subsequent places will receive prizes as well.

Ceccarelli was injured in a boating accident on the Red River on July 9, 2005, while participating in a bass tournament. He suffered several broken bones in his neck and back, spending four months in the hospital.

Chic was able to come home in November, but has very limited mobility. He requires both physical and occupational therapy several times a week.

He also had to purchase a new handicapped accessible van and required modifications to his home.

Ceccarelli was a law enforcement officer in Claiborne Parish after 25 years of dedicated service and was a volunteer firefighter for the Homer Fire Department for 23 years. He served as Claiborne Parish Sheriff following the retirement of Sheriff J. R. “Snap” Oakes and one term on the Homer Town Council in the 1990s.

Chic was an avid outdoorsman – hunting and fishing were his favorite.

On March 22, Fred Smith & Sons hope to help make a difference in Chic’s life.

For more information, call Chris Bailey at 318-433-0565; Ken Heard at 318-927-3999; or Waylen Smith at 318-927-9416.

Spring signup for Haynesville Elementary

Spring signup for any 2008-09 pre-K classes are now being accepted at Haynesville Elementary.

In order to get your child’s name on the list for the upcoming school year, you must bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate, social security card, an updated shot record, and a 911 address by presenting a copy of a utility bill at that address. For the application to be considered complete, all documents must be turned in. Pre-K students must be 4-years-old by October 1, 2008. All school forms, $10 registration fees and free lunch applications will be filled out at school registration day, which will be held on Wednesday, July 30, or Thursday, July 31.

All new kindergarten through fifth grade students must have the same documents as the pre-K students and must be 5-years-old by October 1, 2008.

School registration will be held Wednesday, July 30, from noon until 5 p.m. or Thursday, July 31, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Any new students in grades 1-4 must have the same documents in order to register for the new school year at Haynesville Elementary. All these documents must be presented at the July registration.

Children living with other than parents must provide a legal document establishing guardianship. If you are from outside the school’s district, you must visit with Mr. Blackwelder at the central office to get approval to be out of district. We are under a court order. If this is a problem, you must contact Mr. Blackwelder at 927-3502. For more information, please call Haynesville Elementary at 624-1084.

March is National Women’s History Month

The Guardian-Journal

(The following is based on information from

www.about.com/od/womenhistorymonth  and www.nwhp.org)

March 8, 1911, was when the first International Women's Day was held in many European nations as well as in the United States. Its purpose? Initially, to draw attention to women's rights, especially woman suffrage.

Its stated goal has now become one of increasing knowledge about the role of women in history. During all of March, 2008, supporters will remember the contributions of notable women as well as of ordinary women. Supporters of National Women’s History Month envision a time soon when it's impossible to teach or learn history without remembering and appreciating the role of contributions of women.

Since 1911 the celebration has been growing in influence. In 1981, for example, Congress passed a resolution favoring Women’s History Week as a national observance. Since then, many schools across the country hold local celebrations as a way to promote gender equality in the classroom.

By 1987 National Women’s Week had become National Women’s Month with the support of Congress.

Curriculum materials for public schools have been developed and are available that include lesson plans, quizzes, essay contests, posters, etc.

National Women’s History Month seeks to address the growing sense by many that “his-story” (history) has excluded “her-story,” the female perspective and influence on humanity’s  record. National Women’s History Month now pursues a goal of inclusion and recognition for what women have contributed to the nation’s development, indeed, to the world’s diary.

Hence, many universities now include courses in women's history, women's studies, feminist politics, women’s health issues, trans-gendering, women in literature-film-the arts, etc.

An effort has been underway for some time to establish a National Museum of Women's History for the Washington, DC, area, where it would join other museums such as the American History Museum. According to Jone Johnson Lewis, minister and recognized authority on women’s issues, women's history isn't just for women, although many people find that studying women's history helps them appreciate that women's place is everywhere.

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“The practice of putting women on pedestals began to die out when it was discovered that they could give orders better from there.”—Betty Grable

Claiborne Electric helps prepare

Claiborne Academy baseball field for season

Submitted photo

Claiborne Electric lineman Thomas Ruple hangs a new backstop net at Claiborne Academy as lineman Stephen Faulk watches the project from the ground.

Two of Claiborne Electric Cooperative’s linemen recently took time to hang a new backstop net at Claiborne Academy’s baseball field.

Claiborne Electric management was recently approached by parents who were wanting to have a new backstop net hung on the baseball field.

They asked if the Co-op would supply the equipment and manpower to change the net. Claiborne Electric’s General Manager and CEO Mark Brown agreed to provide the labor and equipment free of charge.

“Claiborne Electric is committed to serving our local communities. We’re not just a utility company. Claiborne Electric is a not-for-profit service organization. We understand that the communities we serve have needs, and we’re glad to meet those needs when we have the time and ability to do so,” said Brown.

On Feb. 28, Thomas Ruple and Stephen Faulk, both Class A linemen at Claiborne Electric, took one of the Co-op’s bucket trucks to the Claiborne Academy baseball field and hung the new net.

The field has recently undergone a complete restoration.

 “We’ve been talking about a new baseball field for about seven years, and we decided about six months ago to just do it,” said Wayne Murray, baseball and softball coach at Claiborne Academy.

In the past six months, the field had undergone several changes.

The fence has been moved back to 360 feet, new dugouts have been built, a new scoreboard is in place and new walkways are almost finished.

The baseball team was able to use the field for practice exactly one week after the Co-op’s two linemen hung the new backstop net.

 “We really appreciate the help from Claiborne Electric,” Murray said.

Head Start recruiting now

Webster Parish Head Start Pre-School Program is now recruiting and accepting applications in the Haynesville and Homer service area for three- and four-year-old children. Four-year-old children, as well as children with special needs, are given priority.

Head Start provides a wide range of comprehensive services that include: medical and dental exams, individualized/developmentally appropriate education program, speech screenings/evaluations, and follow-up services, transportation, nutritious meals and snacks.

Any person desiring to enroll a child must have a certified birth certificate, proof of income, child’s social security number and current immunizations.

For further information, visit the Head Start Administrative Office, 111 Murrell Street, or call Regina Flournoy, Family Service Specialist, at 318-377-7022, ext. 111, the 1*2*3 Head Start Center at 318-624-2157, located at 2050 Mason Drive in Haynesville or A*B*C Head Start Center at 318-927-6230, located at 1042 Pearl Street in Homer.

All services are provided at no cost to the families.

Masonic Lodge presents awards

Submitted photo

Pictured are: Front Row, L. to R. – Patricia Howard,  Bonnie Slaton,  Laney Ellis, & Kenneth Volentine, Jr., Worshipful Master. Back Row, L. to R. -  Wayne King, Jacob Banaka, J.D. Roberts, and Cameron Hylan.

Athens Masonic Lodge No. 136 presented Honesty and Integrity Awards to six high school juniors on Monday, March 10, 2008. 

The recipients were Patricia Howard, daughter of Nora Howard; Laney Ellis, daughter of Tommy and Lori Ellis; Bonnie Slaton, daughter of Jim Slaton & Beverly Garcia; J.D. Roberts, son of David and Lisa Roberts; Cameron Hylan, son of Paul and Kay Hylan; and Jacob Banaka, son of Lee and Carla Banaka. 

The guests and brethren assembled in the Lodge Hall and were welcomed to the Honesty and Integrity Program by Perry Anderson, Past Master of the Lodge.  After the welcome, Anderson introduced Claiborne Parish School Superintendent and Master Mason, Wayne King.  King is a member of Springhill Masonic Lodge No. 348.  King presented a brief program on Free Masonry and offered an inspiring talk on the meaning and significance of Honesty and Integrity in our everyday lives. 

As each individual recipient was recognized, a rap of the gavel sounded in their honor and each were presented with a framed certificate by Worshipful Master, Kenneth Volentine, Jr.  The parents of the recipients were also recognized and congratulated on their respective children.

Following the awards presentation, everyone retired to the fellowship room to enjoy a delicious meal of grilled hamburgers and hotdogs with french fries and all the trimmings.  A nice evening of good food and fellowship was enjoyed by all in attendance.

HHS players selected All-District

Homer High School basketball players Bernard Malone and Howard Kennedy were both selected All-District. The two students play in District 1 AA. Malone was selected as first team all district senior, and Kennedy was selected second team all district junior.

Homer High School basketball players Shakendra Moore, left, and Daedre Moore, were selected All-District. Shakendra has been selected as the all district player for District 1 AA for all four of her playing years. Both this year and last year, she was awarded the top honors for the district as the district’s MVP. Daedre, her sister was chosen for second team all district.

HHS girls’ player picked for All-State team

Homer High School Lady Pelicans (Not pictured is Jessica Tinsley)

The Guardian-Journal

One Homer basketball player has made a name for herself, bringing attention from several colleges.

Shakendra Moore, a senior at Homer High School, was selected as the Shreveport Times all-area most valuable player (MVP) this year. This year, she received the top honor, but last year, she was chosen as one of five all area team members.

Last Saturday, she was selected as a member of the all-state team by the Louisiana High School Basketball Coaches Association (LHSBCA).

“I was happy that I got the award,” Moore said. “I didn’t think I was going to get All State.”

Her performance throughout the year, especially in the playoffs, has put her in the top running for a full athletic scholarship. She has already been approached by more than 15 schools to play college basketball.

She said choosing a school was hard, but it’s been good.

Moore has not made a decision on which school she will attend upon graduation, but she said she would major in physical education to become a basketball coach.

Moore carries a better than 3.0 grade point average. She averaged approximately 28 points per game this season, contributing to the 28 wins of the Lady Pels.

This history-making season sent the girls’ team to the Top 28 state tournament. This is the first time the Lady Pels have gone to state since the LHSAA began sponsoring the girls’ tournaments in 1963.

Also to note, Homer High School Basketball Coach Elaine Gilbert was named the Shreveport Times All-Area Coach of the Year.

DWCC holds 64th graduation

DWCC graduates, staff, friends, and family gathered February 8th for the 64th graduation ceremony.  Beaming with pride for a job well done, the graduates marched into the room in new caps and gowns.

Deputy Warden Jerry Goodwin presented each graduate with his diploma, and Northwest Technical College’s Regional Director Charles Strong affirmed each student as a graduate of welding, carpentry, AC&R, horticulture, automotive technology, and GED.

Following the ceremony, all attending enjoyed refreshments prepared by DWCC’s kitchen culinary staff.

With the cooperation of the security staff, the graduates were able to also enjoy a special visit with family and friends who were able to attend.

Laverne Hightower Selected For State 4-H ‘Hall of Fame’

ROBIN BRIDGES, County Agent

Outstanding 4-H volunteer leader Laverne Hightower was selected and will be inducted into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame in a celebration to be held at the Ruston Civic Center March 27 at 4 p.m.

In this Centennial 4-H year, each Parish was asked to submit several likely candidates. The State 4-H selection committee then chose from those worthy applicants.

With more than 30 years of giving her time and energy to educating more than 2,500 youth in a broad base of projects, Laverne Hightower is a most worthy representative of Claiborne 4-H candidates.

Laverne served as local club leader at Summerfield, parish club leader in Foods, Clothing, Forestry, Energy; even certified as a level one instructor for rifle in the early days of the 4-H Outdoor Skills program.

She represented Claiborne Parish 4-H on the State 4-H Adult Volunteer Association. She presented programs at the Southern Regional 4-H Volunteers symposium at Rock Eagle in Georgia, and served as a judge for State 4-H Record Book competition.

Laverne has served as treasurer for Claiborne 4-H Foundation and represented Louisiana in Washington, D.C. as a delegate to the National Volunteers Conference.

Laverne Hightower continues her 4-H volunteer efforts to this day, as leader of the Claiborne 4-H Sewing Project club which meets once a month in the parish 4-H Office in Homer.

Claiborne Parish 4-H wishes to congratulate and thank Mrs. Laverne Hightower our first inductee into the newly established Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame.

 “It is the policy of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability.”

The LSU AgCenter has a branch office in every parish that provides research-based information on agriculture and forestry, community leadership, economic development, environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development and natural resources.

For more information, call your local LSU AgCenter office at (318) 927-3110 or visit our website at www.lsuagcenter.com, or call for a catalog of our free publications.

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