Wilson pleads guilty

Suspect pleads guilty to first degree murder in Lisbon slaying

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The man charged with the murder of a Lisbon woman has pleaded guilty to first degree murder.

Lovell Wilson pleaded guilty to first degree murder in the Second Judicial District Court in Claiborne Parish Tuesday, April 29. According to the judgment handed down by Judge Jenifer Clason, Wilson was sentenced to “serve the rest of his natural life at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, which sentence is to be served without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.”

Wilson and his accomplice, Franequa Jones of Homer, were charged with first degree murder in the 2006 death of Iva Parker.

The 83-year-old Lisbon resident was found dead in her home on the morning of August 30, 2006, by an employee of Hinton Well Service. Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene, and once it was determined to be the scene of a homicide, the Louisiana State Police North District Detectives were contacted, according to state police reports.

Once the scene and forensic evidence was secured, an investigation began, leading to a massive manhunt for Wilson. The interagency search involved several law enforcement agencies from the surrounding areas as well as Claiborne Parish law enforcement, when he tried to run. Those agencies included the sheriff’s department, Louisiana State Police, the David Wade Correctional Center Chase Team, Union Parish sheriff’s deputies, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office as well as the U.S. Coast Guard, who provided a helicopter for an aerial search.

By the following afternoon, Wilson turned himself in without incident.

According to Parker’s autopsy report, performed by Forensic Pathologist Frank J. Peretti, M.D., she “died of multiple stab and cutting wounds with blunt force head trauma.”

The autopsy report also revealed defensive wounds on her left hand and arm, signifying she tried to defend herself.

Both Wilson and Jones were charged with first degree murder as well as other charges related to the incident. A background check revealed that Jones had outstanding warrants in other areas, and at that time, a hold was placed on her.

Both Wilson and Jones were also charged with armed robbery, attempted aggravated arson and theft of a firearm. Wilson was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Due to the life sentence, the other charges against Wilson were dropped.

Jones has not yet been to court.

Claiborne Parish Seniors 2007-08

Athens High School graduation set for May 4

Gabrielle Lilkatene Montgomery Valedictorian	Adora Danielle Weathers Salutatorian

Athens High School will hold its graduation ceremonies Sunday, May 4, at 4 p.m., at the school’s gym.

This year’s valedictorian is Gabrielle Lilkatene Montgomery, and salutatorian is Adora Danielle Weathers.

Prospective graduates for 2007-08 are as follows: Cassandra L. Cato, Destinee' Aleese Dillard, Dwight Tommie Daniel Ford, Jamekia Renea Graham, Jonathan Levelle Jenkins, Priscilla Denise Johnson, Ramundro Naketon Rashawn Knowles, Deatrice Diane DaTonya Lee, Ashley Denise Manuel, Gabrielle Lilkatene Montgomery, Travis Deon Morgan, Shalethia Lounise Pickens, Jimmy Ray Shine Jr., Adora Danielle Weathers, Katherine Lynette Winzer, Lakerion Darnell Winzer, La'Retha Antrashell Winzer, and Jose Ivan Rios Zapata.

Area schools prepare for graduation

The Guardian-Journal

Claiborne Parish high school seniors are getting ready to mark a milestone in their lives.

“May Madness” has hit with high school seniors getting ready to walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. In their honor, a list of each senior from each school in the parish is listed below.

Pineview High School: Potential graduates include Jernisha Cooper; Kashara Cooper; NaGather Walker; Timothy Walker; Tiffany Washington and Zakea Winzer.

Summerfield High School: Potential graduates include Alvin Charles Fielding, Dezmon Demar Fuller, Desiree Starr Goss, Mandy Lynn Hanson, Dana Claire Helms, Jareck Austin Hollenshead, Seahon Dewayne Holyfield, Jamie Nichole Honeycutt, Whitney Christine Jones, Alisha Michelle Kennedy, Hannah Kaitlyn Lowrey, Garion Joseph Pequeno, Erika Meghan Shoebroek, Torenza Lee Taylor, Ashley Nikole Upshaw, Logun Randale Watkins, and Alyssa Nicole Williams.

Homer High School: Potential graduates include Krystal Diana Anderson; Larry Aubrey; Joseph Bailey; Samantha Baker; Tequisha Rochelle Ball; Tatiana Marie Bonney; Bradley Bridges; Jamarious C Buggs; Cortez Burns; Jeffrey Scott Carter II; Richie Charles Casey; Georgerick J Coleman; J Keila Cherelle Curry; Jasmine Jacolby Curry; Destin Garrick Daniels; Mylekia Tinesha Daniels; Tabitha Ann Dudley; Judy Rebecca Fowler; Brittany Nicole Goodwin; Ambria J Hamilton; Johntavious D Hampton; Shanice Wynnette Hampton; Charlye Sheree Harris; Keandrea Chantal Heard; Lebruce Heard; Jarasky D Henderson; Jeanette Powell Hicks; Shambricia Howard; Clinton Matthews Jones; Marcus Latez Kelly; Bernard Jawaski Malone; Dexter Malone; Donald Mitchell; Shakendra Moore; Bobby Ray Morgan Jr.; David Jerrell Morgan Jr.; Thomas Jared “TJ”  Ponder; Kelsey Michelle Powell; Latoya Evette Rhodes; Tarvianca Lanessio Shelman ; Christopher J Shine; Charlecia S Shyne; Brent Michael Smith; Jeremy Keith Smith ; Kevin Ray Terral; Benjamin Torbet; Gregory C Turner; Jerry W Turner; Roderick Wade; Segedric Budday Wade; Amri A Warren; Cardarren Bernard Webb; Hawatha Wells; Vincent J Williams; Jarmisha A Willis and Kelvin Antwon Young

Haynesville High School: Potential graduates include Jassedy Sharna Beene; Kasundra Monique Beene; Dawson Beene Jr.; Brittany Paige Bradberry; Christopher Dylan Burch; Robin Shea Carter; David Jensen Crew Jr.; Brittney Yvette Davis; Devin Nicole Durham; Cornell Landez Evans; Quaneshia Shenea Evans; Kendrel Alonzo Ford; Joshua Joe Friemel; Kali Ann Galloway; Samantha Dawn George; Joshua Stephen Gray; Demarcus Deuntray Hampton; Adrian Fitzgerald Hardwell Jr.; Hayley Marjolijn Harman; Bobby Joe Harrison; Jemarcus Latroy Henderson; Kierra Shantrel Henderson; Natirha Tonyette Hodge; De Kelvin A. Hunter; Whitney Nicole Hunter; Jabarierre Samad Ivory; Melinda Lenora Jackson; Cory Phillip Kirkpatrick; Justin Ryan Kirkpatrick; Michael David McKnight; Brittany Nicole Modisette; Shatara Latrice Penegar; Demontre Deshun Robinson; Ekambi Dibo Shelton; Steven Sanderco Smith; Darneshia Denea Sturges; Michael Tate; Cassandra Marie Oshea Tell; Shabreka Sharda Tell; Deandre L. Thomas; Demarcus Dewayne Turner; Casey Tyrell Walton; Takiah Lynette Washington; Brittney Monea Webb and Cody James Williams

Claiborne Academy: Potential graduates include Rebecca Lynn Aycock; Hailey Elise Bass; Christopher Adam Brazzel; Landon Tyler Childress; Katie Lace Ann Dickerson; Clayton Daniel Estep; Lainey Alyse Heckel; William Kyle Holloway; Morgan Leigh Lafitte; Allison LeAnne Lewis; Randall Ryan Linder; Casey Ray Martin; Carli Danielle Newell; Chelsea Marie Newell; Sarah Ashley Silmon; Morgan Dianne Simpson; Nicolas Bond Singleton; Bonnie Laura Wilder and Jared Todd Wilson

Mt. Olive Christian School: Potential graduates include Ashley Brooke Curtis; Kimberly Nicole Danforth; Natalie Corrine Easterling; Jessica Leigh Forrester; Austin Lance Frye; Nicholas Kyle Johnson; Adam Nicolas Jordan; Laura Elizabeth Stewart and Ranelle Dawn Stovall.

Junction City High School: Potential graduates include Darrel Richards, class president; Symentha James, class vice president; Dakota Baker, class secretary/treasurer; Marian Wood, class reporter; Aime Allgood; Tyler Amason; Ryan Barker; Cody Bird; Kayla Black; Drew Bounds; Jonira Carodine; Tracy Carrington; Anthony Carter; Hanna Clemons; Justin Cook; Jeffery Cowser; Shea Crawford; K.C. Crook; Jessica Davis; Johni Faulkner; Dustin Franklin; Emilie Garner; Katie Grimmett; Magan Hall; Mary Susan Hall; Nicole Hays; Shakara Henry; Hanna Hightower; Andrew Hogue; La Tisha Hoof; Tiffany Hopkins; Taylor Howard; Jonathan Hunter; Treanty Johnson; Trent Jolley; Tiffany Kemp; Rod Kennedy; Ashley King; Hunter Klippert; Coretta Love; Eric Major; Clinton McAdams; Drew McIntosh; Savannah Miller; Shateirra Montgomery; Tyler Nokes; Paul Reeme; Jessica Risher; Chris Samuels; Ryan Shew; Mary Beth Slade; Emily Smith; Jared Smith; Krysten Smith; Logan Stratton; Rachel Tanton; Ceclia Tate; Hailey Thurlkill; Kelsie Thurmon; Holley Truman; Demario Tubbs; Zach Upshaw; LaBrittany Waller and Tyler Wayman.

Commencement Exercises

Pineview High School

Friday, May 2, at 7 p.m. at the school gym

Athens High School

Sunday, May 4, at 4 p.m., at the school gym

Summerfield School

Monday, May 5, 7:30 p.m. at the school gym

Homer High School

Tuesday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the high school student center.

Haynesville High School

Tuesday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m., at the school gym

Claiborne Academy

Thursday, May 8, at 8 p.m., at the school gym

Mt. Olive Christian School

Friday, May 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the school auditorium

Junction City School

Friday, May 16, at 8 p.m.

The Guardian-Journal honored by LPA

The Guardian-Journal

A gala luncheon on April 26 at the Holiday Inn Holidome in Lafayette was the setting for the 2007 Best Newspaper Awards sponsored by the Louisiana Press Association.

The Guardian-Journal garnered first place for Best News Coverage for the September 27 and October 11 issues.

Michelle Bates’ stories on Homer’s finances (published July 19) and on the Haynesville police chief (November 1) received first and second places, respectively, in the Best Investigative Reporting category.

Jimmy Dean’s “Perfecting the art of money sucking,” (March 8) and “A cruise -- perfect for getting out of your comfort zone,” (March 29) also received first and second places respectively, in the Best Feature Story category.

The Guardian-Journal was further recognized with a third place in the Best Front Page category for the October 11 and December 20 front pages. The Guardian-Journal also received an honorable mention for Best Overall Sports Coverage for the September 13 and September 20 issues.

The Washington Newspaper Publishers Association served as judges for 4,481 entries from 84 Louisiana newspapers and publications grouped into categories based on publication figures.

Each year, the best submissions in various categories are awarded first, second and third places, plus honorable mentions. Editorial contests range from news story writing to graphic design while advertising entries are judged on design, creativity and effectiveness.

“We may be small, but we’re pleased to provide a quality newspaper for our readers,” said Kathryn Hightower, publisher of The Guardian-Journal. “We are the only newspaper in Claiborne Parish to receive recognition in five categories of competition -- and we got first place in three of those.”

Hunting camp burglarized

The Guardian-Journal

A Homer man has been arrested after the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) received a call that a hunting camp had been burglarized.

On March 28, the CPSO received a call of a burglary at a hunting camp on Seals Road. Deputy Ben Booth answered the initial call and was advised that several campers at the camp were burglarized and items were stolen from the campers.

A Ford tractor was also stolen from the camp, and an investigation was continued by Detective Randy Smith. On March 29, the tractor was located at Top Dollar Scrap and Recovery in Homer. After further investigation, a warrant was obtained for the arrest of Wallace J. McDaniel, 39, of Homer, for illegal possession of stolen things.

McDaniel was arrested on April 23, and an additional warrant for theft was obtained for McDaniel. The suspect was booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and bond was set at $12,000.

The case is still under investigation and other arrests may be forthcoming.

In other news, two Arkansas brothers and their friend found Louisiana not so friendly when they were arrested on various drug charges in Haynesville. Shane and Christopher Nipper, both of Emerson, Ark., were arrested on Saturday, April 26, just after 5 p.m., after a search of their vehicle netted drugs and various drug paraphernalia.

Initially, they were stopped when Haynesville Police noticed one of the passengers without a seatbelt. When Officer Tim Cox approached the vehicle, he noticed a passenger in the back seat, Jason Dendy, also of Emerson, moving around. At that time, the officer noticed something in Shane Nipper’s mouth. When Cox asked him what it was, he stated the bag contained Xanax pills.

Police were given consent to search the vehicle, and in the back seat, a bag was found to be containing what was believed to be drugs and drug paraphernalia. Dendy was found to be in possession of a package of rolling papers on his person and admitted to having marijuana in the truck, according to the arrest reports. Four bags of a green leafy substance, believed to be marijuana was found, along with three packs of rolling papers and two rolling machines were also found. In the truck’s power outlet, a roach containing a green leafy substance was found stuffed down into a rolled up $1 bill. A search of the truck’s toolbox revealed a camouflage case with two baggies, each containing a clear grainy substance, a spoon with white residue, a straw and a syringe cap.

All three were advised of their Miranda rights and arrested at the scene. Christopher Nipper and Dendy bonded out, but Shane Nipper is still behind bars for failure to pay a traffic ticket. Further investigation revealed he had a warrant for his arrest for failure to appear in court on that traffic ticket for a motor vehicle inspection sticker and speeding.

Shane Nipper was charged with failure to pay with an outstanding amount of $264, possession of Schedule III CDS (controlled dangerous substance) methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond on the possession of Schedule III CDS was set at $5,000, with possession of drug paraphernalia set at $500.

Christopher Nipper was charged with simple possession of marijuana, with a bond of $500, possession of Schedule III CDS methamphetamine, with a bond of $5,000, and possession of drug paraphernalia, with bond set at $500.

Dendy was charged with simple possession of marijuana, with bond set at $500, and possession of drug paraphernalia, with bond set at $500.

Haynesville Police have been busy this past week, when on Thursday, April 24, Orlando P. Cornielious, 25, of Haynesville, was arrested on a long list of charges. According to his arrest report, he was arrested in the parking lot of the Mill Street Apartments after a vehicle pursuit.

Officer Tim Cox advised Cornielious of his Miranda rights after some investigation. The suspect was charged with additional charges of possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. The additional charges were a result of an investigation into Cornielious’ flight.

He has been charged with two felony charges and several misdemeanor charges. They are as follows. The two felony charges include possession of Schedule II CDS (cocaine), with a bond of $5,000, and a parole violation, with no bond. Cornielious will remain behind bars until the parole hold is lifted.

Misdemeanor charges include:

·        Possession of drug paraphernalia,

·        Flight from an officer,

·        Reckless operation of a vehicle,

·        Speeding,

·        Use of turn signals required,

·        All drivers must secure license,

·        Tail lamps required,

·        and Safety belt use; tags indicating exemption.

Bond for each of the misdemeanor charges were set at $1,000, totaling $8,000.

Jet ski accident injures one

The Guardian-Journal

A jet-ski accident on Lake Claiborne late Thursday sent one to the hospital, leaving two others facing charges.

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Dispatch Office received a call at approximately 6 p.m., April 24, reporting a jet-ski accident on the lake. According to Sgt. Michael Kelley, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries law enforcement agent, two operators on two different jet-skis were coming from Parden’s Paradise headed into the state park area at the time of the accident. Witnesses said the two were traveling side by side, when the one on the right cut in front of the one on the left.

The vessel that cut in front of the one on the left struck him on the port side just underneath the steering column. The impact of the two jet skis sent one passenger into the air and straight into the water. That passenger was transported by Pafford Ambulance Service to Pafford Air One where he was airlifted to Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center for treatment of moderate injuries.

The passenger was released late Friday afternoon, Kelley said. The names of those involved were not released because the investigation is still ongoing and charges are pending, according to Kelley.

Both operators will be charged with misdemeanor reckless operation of a watercraft. They were not arrested, but the maximum penalty for such a charge carries a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days or both, plus court costs.

As it is the time of year when people break the shackles of winter, boating and watercraft safety is of the utmost importance. Kelley said people on the water need to maintain a safe distance from each other and maintain eye contact to avoid accidents. Also, he said, don’t make sharp turns in traffic and be aware of the vessels around them.

“We’re not going to tolerate horseplay,” Kelley said. “We don’t know that this is what was happening here, but they were definitely too close together. Personal watercraft is under the same guidelines as a boat, and they’re to be operated the same as any other vessel.”

For more information on personal watercraft or boat safety, call the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Law Enforcement Division in Minden at 318-371-3059.

Students inspired at Scholars Banquet

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

Rebecca Aycock, a senior at Claiborne Academy, receives her trophy from Captain Jody Richardson, of the U.S. Navy, who graduated from Homer High School in 1975.

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

Approximately 90 students were inspired to be all they could be at Thursday’s annual Claiborne Parish Scholars Banquet.

Held at the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex, the event saw a packed house with a catered meal served by area businesses represented throughout the parish. Musical entertainment was provided by David Butler on saxophone, Buddy Maroney on lead guitar, Alvin Allen on bass guitar and Jimmy Martin on drums.

Participating high schools were Athens, Claiborne Academy, Haynesville, Homer, Junction City, Mt. Olive, Pineview and Summerfield.

The guest speaker was Captain Jody Richardson with the United States Navy. With an impressive naval career, Richardson started out graduating from Homer High School as valedictorian in 1975.

He received his bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering in 1979. He then entered into Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Fla., and was commissioned in November of that year as an ensign by his father, Joe Richardson, who is also a former Naval aviator.

His mother pinned the same gold wings on him as she had her husband nearly 25 years before. He is a graduate of Top Gun, and he served as air boss on the USS Enterprise, which means he was in charge of operations of all aircraft on the carrier.

Richardson also completed a six month tour in Iraq where he was on General Petraeus’ staff.

His naval aviation career spans over the next 20 or more years, where he is now the director of NOPC (Naval Operational Planner Course) in Newport, Rhode Island. He has accumulated more than 4,950 flight hours and more than 500 carrier arrested landings.

With an impressive career to his name, Richardson spoke to the high school students about the things that inspired him in his life – service and legacy. He gave three examples of service to country and fellow man. All three were military personnel, with one giving the ultimate in service. One, a U.S. Air Force Para-rescuer, gave his life to save that of another. Two pilots got into life-threatening trouble when they were forced to eject from their helicopter into the ocean. These pilots were in the water for 18 hours, Richardson said. One of the pilots was seriously injured, and two para-rescuers, more commonly known as PJ’s (parajumpers), parachuted into the water to help the two pilots.

“He lost his own life in this rescue attempt,” Richardson said. “When asked later what lead to that decision, the pilot of the C-130 (plane) said, ‘The only way they weren’t going to jump in was if I locked the doors.’”

One didn’t set a very good example in that he served time in the military, even got into politics, but he ended up in prison on bribery charges. Randy Cunningham was the Navy’s only Fighter Ace in Vietnam, and was considered a war hero. He retired from his naval career and later ran for Congress in California.

“In March 2006, he was convicted of bribery involving defense contractors,” Richardson said, “who got special treatment by Randy Cunningham in his position as a U.S. Representative. He had collected $2.4 million worth of assets and briberies on a scale unparalleled in the history of Congress. He was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison, the longest term meted out to a congressman ever.”

The third, served his country honorably, but he led his life differently in that he served his country and fellow man with kindness. He is a former Navy SEAL, and lost part of his leg in a mission. He received the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor from the president and went on to become the governor of Nebraska and later a U.S. Senator for Nebraska.

“He is now the university president of a college there,” Richardson said. “When asked what his best gift was, he answered that the cheapest gift he had was the gift of kindness and it’s the best.”

When he gave those three examples, he gave them in the context that real people provide examples of services and that’s what people remember them for. He left the students with a challenge – make their lasting legacy one of service and kindness.

“No matter what material legacy you gain in life, make your lasting legacy – your reputation – be one of service, sacrifice towards helping your fellow man and making the world a better place,” he said. “That’s the legacy that will endure.”

Those students honored included: Krystal Anderson; Rebecca Aycock; Samantha Baker; Amberly Banks; Hailey Bass; Dawson Beene Jr.; Kasundra Beene; Hunter Bower; Brittney Boyett; Jordan Branch; LaChristie Brown; Christopher Burch; Jeff Carter; Clinton Crumpler; Colton Crumpler; J’Keila Curry; Alexandra Dean; Daini DeLeon; Katie Dickerson; Devin Durham; Sanikia Easter; Natali Easterling; Nathan Easterling; Alvin Fielding; Jessica Forrester; Rebecca Fowler; Madalene Gladney; Shanise Hamilton; Johntavious Hampton; Hayley Harmon; Annatraia Hay; LeBruce Heard; Lainey Heckel; Claire Helms; Aleah Henderson; Kierra Henderson; Jeanette Hicks; Hannah Hightower; Sarah Hilton; Emelie Hollenshead; Jamie Honeycutt; Patricia Howard; Chelsea Huffman; Melinda Jackson; Symentha James; Jessica Johnson; Gabrielle Jones; Ln Wyan Jones; Whitney Jones; Adam Jordan; Caleb Karl; Zachary Knight; Morgan Lafitte; Allison Lewis; Demontae Lewis; Tearra Lewis; Hannah Lowrey; Brittany Martin; Jarrell Merritt; Donald Mitchell; Gabrielle Montgomery; Carli Newell; Chelsea Newell; Kandice Norton; Treasure Norton; Afton Owens; Regina Rushing; Ekambi Shelton; Morgan Simpson; Bonnie Slaton; Labriska Speech; Ranelle Stovall; Darneshia Sturges; Camelia Thomas; Forneccea Thomas; DeMario Tubbs; Jerry Turner; Ashley Upshaw; Breanna Walker; Amri Warren; Nyeisha Warren; Takiah Washington; Tiffany Washington; Adora Weathers; Jasmine Webb; David Westphal; Alyssa Williams; Deidra Williams; Jeremy Willis and Lauren Wise.

Blood drive on May 15

The Guardian-Journal

It’s that time again! LifeShare Blood Centers is sponsoring a community blood drive to be held at Homer Memorial Hospital in the conference room on Thursday, May 15.

Please come out and give. Encourage everyone you know to donate as there is a severe blood shortage in our area.

LifeShare Blood Centers is proud to be associated with Homer Memorial Hospital.

To donate blood, you should be feeling well, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be a minimum of 17 years of age. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

A photo ID will be required at registration.

Also, a bake sale, benefiting the American Cancer Society will be held in conjunction with the blood drive.

For more information, call the hospital at 318-927-2024.

Town of Homer getting a hand up

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The Town of Homer has been offered a hand up in regards to the FAA grant it was to receive for airport improvements.

In a special called meeting earlier this month, the town council agreed to allow the FAA to loan its grant to another municipality in order to keep from losing the grant altogether.

The Town of Homer has been in violation of FAA regulations for some time with Stallion Heavy Haulers housed at the Homer Municipal Airport. The FAA, in turn, said they would work with the town to help them get the grant, but it had to meet certain criteria before the money could be granted.

One of those criteria included putting a timeline on the trucking company to move out of the facility. In the meantime, the Town of Homer is in hopes that the FAA will loan out its grant this year, and once the airport is in compliance, the municipality that received Homer’s grant will pay it back to Homer, plus some.

“Because of Stallion being at the airport, we cannot get our grant this year,” said Mayor David Newell. “If we don’t get our grant this year (over $100,000), we lose it. I have been working with the FAA, telling them exactly what’s going on, telling them the steps that we’re taking trying to get it cleared up.”

Newell said he was told that if the town didn’t do this, the grant would be gone for good. In other words, this is the only recourse the town has to keep the grant.

“If we do this, this time next year, we’ll have this money plus another $100,000,” Newell said. “If we don’t do this, we lose our money permanently.”

Stallion Heavy Haulers has purchased property just on the other side of Claiborne Manor on Hwy. 79, and plans to build its facility there. Donna Smith, Stallion’s communications director in Houston, Texas, said the company had planned to have its new facility erected by April of this year. This has not come to pass. The property has been purchased, but no construction has begun.

The funds from the grant are expected to go towards upgrading and repairing the running lights on the tarmac so that nighttime flights cane resume. Also, the funds will allow other improvements as well.

In other news, the council will make a final decision at the next town council meeting for the sale of the old electrical plant. J.T. Taylor, Claiborne Chamber of Commerce vice president, came to the council with a buyer.

Jimmie Leo Tripp, of Environmental Safety Product Solutions, has offered to buy the power plant for $8,000. The council hesitated somewhat on making a decision on the spot, saying they wanted to study the issue further.

Also, the council approved a request from Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant to extend its business hours to 2 a.m. on Fridays. Nicky’s has been approved for a six month permit to this effect so that when it comes up for approval again, the council will be able to see where the restaurant stands at that time.

District 4 Councilwoman Carlette Sanford assured the council that the restaurant would maintain its family-oriented atmosphere; that it would not turn into just a drinking establishment. This new time would be effective on Fridays only. The restaurant will keep its normal operating hours the other six days of the week.

Trash Bash this Saturday!

Trash Bash will be held from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., May 3, beginning at Oil Mill Road, between Old Cotton Warehouses and Housing Apartments. This is available to Homer citizens only. Please be prepared to show ID. Metal and white goods (refrigerators and washing machines, etc.) and regular trash accepted. No limbs accepted unless bundled in 6 ft. long pieces. For more information, please call the Town of Homer Clean City Committee at 927-3271 or 927-2342.

HMH Open House this Sunday

Homer Memorial Hospital will hold an open house to show off the new emergency room and renovations as well as all the exciting upgrades the hospital has received. It will be held May 4, from 2 until 5 p.m. For more information, please call the hospital at 927-2024.

NASCAR comes to Homer

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts, Crow-Burlingame Co., brought NASCAR to Homer Thursday morning, April 24. In appreciation of the company’s customers and in celebration of new management, the auto parts company held a cook-out (hamburgers and all the fixin’s). Pictured above, left, is Barry Wallace, the Homer store’s new manager, and Terri Chandler, counter sales, right. “We have a great customer base and we have had a lot of good support over the years,” said Karla Owens, Bumper to Bumper district manager. “We appreciate that.” The car, #10, is a Dodge Charger, and the driver, Patrick Carpentier, NASCAR rookie, is a native of Canada, and will be racing the car this season. The next race will be held at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., on Friday, May 2. The event is also a promotion for WIX filters.

Jubilee seeks art and quilt entries

Anyone interested in showcasing their artistic achievements should make plans now to enter the various competitions at the Claiborne Jubilee.

Quilts should be brought to 507 West Main St., Homer, LA, on May 8 by noon in order for the show to be hung and judged. Please sew a double 4 inch placket of fabric to the back of your quilt 90 inches from the bottom. This is made from a strip of fabric the width of the quilt x 8.5 inches.

All quilts should have the quilter’s name and contact information sewn or pinned on the back  The show will open May 9 with the quilts having been judged by Martha Gilbert of Jonesboro, LA, and will continue through May 10.

Quilts should be picked up either Saturday afternoon by 5 pm or on Monday, May 12 before noon.

Artists of all ages and media should have their entries brought to the courthouse lawn by 8 am for judging to begin at 10 am. Categories and prizes are as follows:

Media:  Drawing, Painting, Photography, Original Craft 

Adults – age 18 and older            Professional 

1st  Place - $60.00 + ribbon     1st Place - $75.00 + ribbon

2nd  Place - $40.00      “           2nd Place - $50.00   “

3rd  Place - $20.00      “           3rd Place - $25.00    “

Best of Show Adults - $300.00

Media: Drawing, Painting, Water Colors, Miscellaneous

Children – age 8 and under; Junior – age 9 -12; and Youth – age 13 – 17                    

In each of these age groups there will be one Best of Show - $100 Savings Bond and Ribbon in addition to

First Prizes –$50.00 Savings Bond and ribbon

Second Prizes –ribbon              .Third Prizes –ribbon

All entries should include information attached to the back identifying the artist and giving  contact information  as well as the category in which it is to be judged.

All questions regarding the Jubilee should be directed to Cathy Emerson at 548-1272 or Cynthia Steele 426-3720 or by emailing

Accident injures one

The Homer Fire Department and District 4 Fire Department were dispatched to Hwy. 79 south Tuesday afternoon, near Love’s Chapel, when they received a call that a vehicle was on fire. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire, leaving smoke damage inside the vehicle. The driver appeared to be headed to Homer on Hwy. 79. Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Ben Booth said it appeared that the driver ran off the road, overcorrected and lost control. Two people were in the vehicle and one was transported to Homer Memorial Hospital by Pafford Ambulance with injuries. The extent of injuries is not known. The Louisiana State Police were called to investigate.

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