Death officially ruled as homicide

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The death of a Homer man has officially been ruled a homicide.

According to Louisiana State Police Detective Michael Allen, the death of Charles Ray Kelly, 52, of Homer, is now officially being investigated as a murder. Dr. Frank Peretti, forensic pathologist in Little Rock, Ark., officially ruled the case as a homicide. State Police detectives are expected to travel to Little Rock next week to meet with Peretti.

Autopsy results are not being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

Kelly was found dead on Saturday, August 9, in the 600 block of East College Street in Homer. When authorities arrived on scene, they found Kelly non-responsive and not breathing. He was found near the fence and sidewalk area at the residence. Evidence was collected and photographed at the scene.

As Homer Police and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Department began their investigation, the State Police were called in to assist.

According to Homer Police Chief Russell Mills, Kelly’s murder is the first in eight years.

Detectives are receiving some credible leads in the case, but they still need the help of the public to solve it.

“Anybody with any knowledge is urged to come forward,” Mills said, “to bring the person or persons responsible for his death to justice.”

If anyone has any information, citizens are asked to contact Captain Donald Malray at the Homer Police Department at 927-4000, Deputy Ben Booth at the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 927-2011 or 927-9800, or call Detective Allen at 862-9728 or 862-9955.

 

$10,000 bond set for theft of tools

 

The Guardian-Journal

A Homer man has been arrested for theft over $500 again.

Kevin D. Boyd, 31, was arrested Thursday, August 21, and charged with theft over $500. Bond was set at $10,000.

On that day, the Homer Police Department was contacted by a complainant who indicated that Boyd was captured on surveillance video. Homer Police Chief Russell Mills and Officer J.D. Faulker observed it to be Boyd on the video. Faulkner then obtained a warrant for his arrest on the above charges.

Boyd is accused of stealing carpentry tools in which he sold to another person.

While en route to the police station, the suspect’s mother informed police Boyd jumped out of the car and fled on foot. Mills and Faulkner then observed him within the 800 block of Pearl Street, where he was captured and arrested. He was then transported to the police station.

According to Mills, Boyd at first denied any involvement in the theft, but later admitted to it after viewing the video. Interviewed by Captain Donald Malray, he then advised officers as to whom he’d sold the tools to. Once that person was contacted by police, he turned in the tools.

According to police records, this is not the first time Boyd has been charged with theft. In fact, their records show he’s been charged with theft 17 times since 1995. Also since that time, Boyd has faced three charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, one charge of second degree battery and two times of resisting an officer.

In an unrelated case, Lester Harper Jr., 21, of Homer, was arrested Saturday, August 23, for possession of marijuana.

Homer Police responded to a call of shots fired on Monroe Street, where Harper was observed in the area. He was questioned by Officer Van McDaniel and patted down for officer’s safety, according to Mills. While conducting the pat down, a small baggie containing what was believed to be marijuana was discovered.

He was arrested on the above charge and transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. Bond was set at $500.

In another incident, Starsky Willis, of Homer, was arrested on Saturday, August 23, on several charges after fleeing from police. McDaniel attempted a traffic stop in which Willis failed to stop. He then stopped his vehicle and fled on foot. Once captured by McDaniel, he was arrested and charged with several charges. A search of the subject’s vehicle revealed a pill, which was determined to be a Schedule III narcotic.

Willis was charged with resisting an officer, bond set at $500; open container, bond set at $500; driving under suspension, $500; and possession of a Schedule III Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS), with bond set at $5,000.

 

Mobile home a total loss

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

This is what is left of a mobile home after it was consumed by fire. Claiborne Parish Fire District 4 responded to the call at approximately 3:45 p.m. Monday, in reference to the fire on John Pixley Road, off Hwy. 146 -- White Lightning Road. The cause of the fire is listed as undetermined and is still under investigation. It took firefighters approximately 30 to 45 minutes to extinguish the blaze. No injuries were reported, and no occupants were inside at the time of the fire.

 

AT&T, FCC launch investigation

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

Since the loss of emergency services in Haynesville a couple of weeks ago, officials are investigating the cause of that loss and prevention.

That’s according to Claiborne Parish 911 Director Scott Greeson. Although AT&T and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have both launched an investigation into the incident that left thousands in Haynesville without communications, no official word has come through about what will be done to prevent such an occurrence again.

On Thursday, August 14, a fiber optic cable was cut in the Haynesville area, severing communications for all emergency services. Internet and cell phone use were also down. It was late Friday evening before those communications were restored. At that time, all emergency calls were going through the Haynesville Police Department.

So what can be done in the future to prevent such a devastating incident from occurring again? Well, no one really knows yet.

According to a copy of an email obtained by The Guardian-Journal, AT&T would usually send a technician with a cell phone to help field emergency calls. In this case, even wireless was down. In other words, there was no contingency plan if everything went down.

According to the email, the phone service provider is documenting a process for their technicians to reroute emergency calls without outside assistance, so that if or when this ever happens again, those on a single cable route will not be without communications. Also, they are looking at budgeting additional lines for Haynesville and other single cable fed sites.

“We’re trying to get the FCC to send a copy of their investigation,” Greeson said. “We’re just waiting on them and AT&T to give us official results.”

The FCC has not given him any official word regarding the investigation, but he expects to hear something within the next few weeks.

 

Lisbon area loses power

 

JENNI WILLIAMS, The Guardian-Journal

Residents of Lisbon suffered a power outage on the first day back at school, Thursday, August 21.

At approximately 6:40 p.m. power was lost due to a large A-Mine unit that snagged on a power line. The unit was being trucked from Debert, south of Ruston, to western Oklahoma.

An A-Mine unit is a machine used in the oilfield to take CO2 (carbon dioxide) out of natural gas.

At 17 feet tall, the very top of the unit caught on the lowest line and snapped the pole in half, causing it to fly across the road. It landed in the eastbound lane between the Lisbon corporate limit and Bernice, just before the old gas plant. Luckily, it didn’t slam into the side of the big rig.

A pilot truck with Superior Trucking Service of Sayre, OK., was leading the unit to its new location in western Oklahoma.  

The driver of the pilot truck, Mike Fidler, stated, “I made it through with my high pole and even backed up and went through a second time to insure that the unit would make it through. I guess it just caught on a low spot.

“We have had to go around approximately 15 other lines between here [Lisbon] and Ruston,” he continued. “And I’m sure there will be plenty more.”

Andy Roberts, a Lisbon resident with Entergy, was on the scene within minutes. After calling in the specifics and ordering a new 40 foot pole, he grounded the rest of the lines to keep from causing any accidental injuries.

“That unit would never have made it under anything we have,” Roberts said.

Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Paul Brazzel was dispatched to the scene to help with traffic.

The power was restored at approximately 9:45 p.m. that same night after Entergy replaced the snapped pole.

No injuries were reported.

 

Traffic stop nets drug bust

 

The Guardian-Journal

A Magnolia, Ark., man was stopped for a traffic violation, but ended up going to jail for possession.

On Sunday, August 24, Brad A. Carter, 24, was arrested on several charges that included DWI, first offense, bond set at $750; possession with intent to distribute legend drugs without a prescription, bond set at $5,000; improper lane usage, bond set at $500; open container, bond set at $500; and tail lamps required, bond set at $500.

Claiborne Parish Deputy Darren Keel stopped his vehicle for improper lane usage. Upon making contact with Carter, Keel noted symptoms of impairment and Deputy Matt Harris arrived on scene to assist.

Carter was found to be driving while intoxicated. A vehicle inventory search pursuant to arrest was performed and deputies discovered opened bottles of alcoholic beverage as well as a pill bottle containing one Skelaxin tablet, two Flexeril tablets and one Ativan tablet.

Upon arrest, Carter was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center on the above charges.

 

Authorities seek information in Corney Lake vandalism case

Submitted photo

This photo shows some of the damage done to a trash can at the Corney Lake parking lot and boat landing.

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

Area law enforcement are looking for any information or leads on the suspect or suspects who vandalized the Corney Lake parking lot and boat landing.

According to information received from the Claiborne Parish Police Jury, the trash cans were shot up and the parking lot was torn up. It was discovered approximately August 11. “We need the public to help us find who did this,” said District Ranger Alvin Womack of the United States Forest Service.

According to investigators with the Forest Service, the trash cans and restroom facilities were shot up with a high-powered rifle. Because the restroom facilities are made of stone, the bullets did not penetrate the building, but it is evident that someone fired at it. Womack also said signs were taken up and burned as well.

According to Cory Gordon, law enforcement officer with the U.S. Forest Service, there were three different instances between April and August where these grounds were vandalized.

At this time, Gordon said, there are no leads into who might have done this.

There have been problems with vandalism in that area for years, but the Claiborne Parish Police Jury has spent much time and money to make it a viable and beautiful recreation area for the public. Dwayne Woodard, the police jury secretary/treasurer, said it is this kind of activity that makes it difficult for people to support beautification projects such as this.

“We got the grant for Lisbon Landing,” Woodard said, “and stuff like this makes it harder for public entities to agree to chase the grant dollars to get this stuff done.”

According to information received from police jury records, the approximate cost to renovate the recreation area at Corney Lake was $12,800. That included construction of the parking lot and boat landing. Approximately $1,360 was spent on materials, $8,000 for equipment costs and $3,500 in labor costs. This project was a joint effort between the U.S. Forest Service and the police jury.

“We’ve done so much up there trying to make the place look better,” Womack said.

Again, any information that can be provided to help authorities catch the person or persons who vandalized Corney Lake’s parking lot and boat landing is appreciated. Gordon is asking that citizens keep their eyes open and report any suspicious activity.

“Many of the people who do things like this will talk about it at some point,” Gordon said. “They’ll tell somebody.”

Please call Gordon or Womack at the forest service at 927-2061, or the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 927-2011. Please remember, no names have to be provided, just information.

 

Homer Pelicans season looks promising

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The Homer Pelicans are gearing up for a season that looks promising.

With several players returning this year as seniors, experience is on their side as they look forward to Friday night football.

“We have a big senior class this year, and we have a lot of experience back,” said Pelican Head Coach Glen Kyle. “We’re looking forward to having that to help us win games this year.”

Another plus is the Pelicans will have 22 different players this year, which means the team will have fresh players to start.

This year’s team looks to be promising as Ted Willis and Delario Jones, both seniors, return as linebackers. Bryan Grant also returns on the defensive line for them. One player, weighing in at more than 300 pounds, is defensive lineman Steveondrick Willis. At 5 foot 11 inches, Kyle said he is a strong kid and very hard to block. Dennis Williams will also get a lot of time on both sides of the ball, and he’s done well in the defensive backfield.

The offensive line will be led by quarterback Jarvis Morgan, a sophomore. The Crumpler brothers, Colton and Clinton, are returning this year as well. Tony Casey will also get the majority of the carries at tailback, Kyle said.

Some of the newer players bring strengths to the team as well, making some impressions on the coach. Willis is a returning player, but this is the first year he will start for Homer.

“He’s worked really hard all summer long,” Kyle said. “He’s been real impressive.”

JaQueze Holyfield, first year player, will also get a lot of time in the defensive backfield and wide receiver.

So, how does this add up? It makes for some real competition against the Haynesville Golden Tornado, although Haynesville will be much improved this year, Kyle said.

“We’re looking forward to it,” he said. “It ought to be a competitive game.”

This year’s roster includes several upperclassmen.

They are: Jarmarcion Hardwell, tight end and linebacker; Dennis Williams, halfback and strong safety; Antonio Casey, tailback and safety; Jarvis Morgan, quarterback; Ardarius Wilson, wide receiver; Shawn Hardy, wide receiver; Jeroderick Jones, wide receiver; Cosmos Oyara, tight end; Jerstevious Harris, defensive back; JaQueze Holyfield, wide receiver and defensive back; Javori Davis, quarterback; Denarus Bennett, wide receiver and defensive back; Rex West, tight end and defensive end; BoChristopher Williams, full back and linebacker; Antonio Kelly, tight end/defensive back; Jermarcus Curry, wide receiver; Melvin Tims, full back and defensive back; Tony Eubanks, wide receiver and defensive back; Milton Hamilton, half back and defensive back; Malcolm Cooper, full back and linebacker; Tyler Goodwin, kicker; Delario Jones, full back and linebacker; Bryan Grant, full back and defensive end; James Sumlin, tackle and defensive tackle; Jerrick Robinson, tackle and defensive end; Brett Gist, center and linebacker; Ted Willis, guard and linebacker; Jesstarian Allen, guard and line backer; Ishunta Adams, guard and defensive tackle; J.D. Roberts, defensive tackle; Colton Crumpler, center and defensive tackle; Alvin Morgan, tackle and defensive tackle; Clinton Crumpler, tackle and defensive tackle; Jeremy Willis, tackle; Pat Shelman, tackle; Adam Smith, tackle and defensive tackle; Charles Casey, defensive end; Teal Austin, tackle and defensive tackle; David Westphal, tight end and defensive tackle; Tevin Buggs, tight end and defensive back; and Steveondrick Willis, defensive tackle.

Head Coach is Glen Kyle, with assistant coaches Tony Gantt and Joey Guillory. Managers include Louis Grant, Michael Dunn, Greg Willis and Mitch Goodwin. Videographer is Theodonnys Willis. Principal is Dwight Mitchell; assistant principal is Sara Seeliger and dean of students is Gurtha Capers.

 

Haynesville Golden Tornado gear up for season

 

JENNI WILLIAMS, The Guardian-Journal

As the Haynesville High School Golden Tornados 2008-09 team gear up for the coming season, Head Coach David Franklin looks forward to the team’s first game of the season. The first game will be held on August 29 in Springhill at the annual Pineland Jamboree against the Minden High School Crimson Tide.

Other teams featured in the jamboree are Springhill High School and Homer High School.

With 41 team members, 12 of which are seniors, Franklin  and the team hope to have another winning season. The

Golden Tornados finished the 2007-08 season with a winning record of eight wins and just four losses. The team lost just five seniors last year so they won’t have a lot of positions to rework.

When asked what kind of season he thought the Tornados would have this year, Franklin replied, “I don’t predict, and you can quote me on that. I don’t predict!” 

The most anticipated game of the regular season, to be held on September 19 will, of course, feature the Tornados hosting the Homer Pelicans.  After a disappointing loss to Homer last year, Franklin remembers, “They [Homer] just had a really good team last year. We didn’t do as good as we had hoped.”

Franklin, who has followed in his father’s [Red Franklin] infamous footsteps as a football coach, has been a coach at Haynesville High School for more than 15 years. Seven of those years have been spent as the head coach.

 The tornados have a tough, 10-game season ahead of them. The team will host Magnolia on September 12, Homer on September 19, Logansport on October 17 and Sarepta on October 31. They will travel to Springhill on September 5, Farmerville on September 26, North DeSoto on October 3, Ringgold on October 17 and Plain Dealing on November 7. The October 10th date is still currently open.

The team consists of three freshmen, 10 sophomores, 16 juniors and 12 seniors.

The Tornado team is as follows: Jamarcea West, junior, split end andsafety; Ronnie Fields, junior, wideback and center; Dawayvon Hardwell, sophomore, split end and center; Lance Reeves, junior, quarterback and safety; Kaylon Jackson, sophomre, wideback and center; Justin Woodall, senior, quarterback and safety; Demarcus Jackson, freshman, quarterback and safety; Demartez Jackson, junior, quarterback and safety; Ryan Beene, sophomore, quarterback and safety; Kevondrivk Banks, sophomre, halfback and center; DJ Lewis, junior, wideback and center; Levert James, freshman, wideback and safety; Jamarion Willis, sophomore, split end and center; Demetrius Hall, senior, halfback and halfback and center; Diazeo Critton, junior, wideback and center; Richard Jones, senior, fullback and safety; Jerri Grigsby, junior, tight end and linebacker; Dextrell French, senior, halfback and linebacker;  Shun Hill, senior, tight end and defensive tackle; B’Air McGee, junior, fullback and linebacker; Demartez Johnson, junior, fullback and linebacker; Tyler Cheney, senior, center and defensive end; Stacey Gilmore, junior, center and defensive tackle; Kelandre Hamilton, sophomore, gaurd and linebacker; John Polk, senior, tackle and defensive end; Quincy Fielding, sophomore, tackle and linebacker; Daivon Thomas, junior, guard and defensive end; Darius Moore, junior, tackle and defensive end; Ladarrius Buggs, junior, tackle and defensive tackle; Blaine Acklin, sophomore, gaurd and defensive end; Lamar Brown, sophomore, gaurd, linebacker; Trevor McGee, freshman, gaurd and linebacker; Kamorris Randle, senior, gaurd and linebacker; Justin Evans, junior, tackle, defensive end; Timothy Blanks, sophomore, tackle and defensive tackle; Ladarius Thomas, senior, tackle, defensive tackle; Jason Morgan, junior, tight end and safety; Ladarien Beene, senior, split end and safety; Hayden McLendon, senior, tight end and defensive end; and Jasper Wortham, senior, split end and center.

 

Butterfly Festival set for Sept. 13

 

The 10th annual Haynesville Celebration of Butterflies, Memorial Butterfly Conservatory will be held on September 13, 2008. The event will be at the Claiborne Parish Fairgrounds located in Haynesville.

Admission for the activities will be $2 for adults, $1 for children ages  six to eighteen, and those under the age of six will be free.

The festival is hosted by the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce and the Haynesville Garden Club.

For more information please contact, Loice Kendrick-Lacy  at 624-1929 or (870) 234-4910. Her mailing address is 203 Troy St., Magnolia, AR., 71753. You can also visit www.claiborneone.org/butterfly.html.

Haynesville is the butterfly capital of Louisiana.

 

Homer native Kevin Michael touts many golf accomplishments

 

JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer

It’s no secret to natives of Claiborne Parish that we have had more than our share of local boys and local girls who grew up here, then went off and made their marks on the world. Distinguished Claiborne Parish alumni include Karl Malone and Dr. James Andrews as well as other doctors, teachers, athletes, musicians, centenarians, and such notables. Another Homer native is now reflecting favorably on his Claiborne Parish roots.

Kevin Michael was recently featured in a front-page story of the Port Aransas South Jetty. Kevin’s lifelong love of golf has taken him about 30 miles east of Corpus Christi to beautiful Mustang Island. Son of Joe and Margie Michael of Homer, Kevin has been named general manager of Newport Dunes Golf Club, an Arnold Palmer Signature links-style golf course.

Throughout his course as a student at Louisiana Tech, Kevin maintained his love for golf, even winning a place on  the All-Conference Team. After earning his MBA at Tech, he went into accounting. Kevin’s passion for the game ultimately led to his becoming comptroller for a golf club.

A Professional Golfer’s Association (PGA) member for well more than a decade, Kevin was  involved with opening Buffalo Creek Golf Course in Rockwall, Castle Hills Golf Club in Lewisville, and Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine.

He has also demonstrated a knack for online customer service training. As a partner with Four-Star Service, he wrote and developed software that provides online customer service training for golf club/course staff.

Kevin points out that Newport Dunes Golf Club, owned by KemperSports,  allows him to have at his disposal “opportunities and resources second to none.” He says, “Debbie and I visited this course in June, and that did it. It is a unique course, and I fell in love with the team.”

About the course, Kevin says, “Newport Dunes is a playable course. You don't have to be a ‘scratch’ golfer to play it” and goes on to note that the fairways  average 75 yards in width.

Still selecting staff, Kevin says Newport Dunes will have two assistant golf pros, shop staff, and food and beverage service staff. He envisions perhaps 30 or more total employees by the time Newport Dunes is fully operational.

They will provide food and beverage services, golf carts, driving range, etc. Other niceties such as mango-iced towels and beginner clinics will be available too. Kevin says they will provide five sets of tees that will accommodate any age and skill level.

The Club’s invitation-only Grand Opening, set for October, will include an appearance by golf legend Arnold Palmer. However, the course is scheduled to open September 4. A benefit tournament has been scheduled for September 13.

Kevin is married to the former Debbie Hardy from Dallas. His sons, Ellis, 15, and Jonas, 12, look forward to summers and holidays with their dad on Mustang Island.

For more information about Newport Dunes, go online to www.newportdunesgolf.com.

 

Recycling industry booms in Claiborne Parish

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The recycling industry brings in hundreds of thousands of dollars into local communities.

That’s according to Charlie Weaver, co-owner of Top Dollar Scrap and Recovery in Homer.

Since its opening, more than $305,000 has been put directly back into the local economy, as well as creating a large amount of traffic coming through Homer.

Just from July to August, the company has processed 705,000 pounds of short iron, and more than four million pounds of shredded metal.

“In a sense, we’ve created a little cottage industry,” Weaver said. “We recognize the significance, and it has a ripple effect on everything.”

More than 2,000 tons of metal has been hauled out of the parish since July 1, Weaver said.

“Scrap metal is a renewable resource and there’s an abundance of it in Claiborne Parish,” Weaver said. “People didn’t use things and they just disposed of it the only way they knew how. None of us would have predicted the growth we’ve had.”

The reach of Top Dollar extends beyond Claiborne Parish. Their business draws customers in from as far away as Arkansas.

 “The goal is to treat people fair and treat them like they have a commodity,” he said, “which is what they do have. We try to pay them well, and in turn, business has increased.”

Weaver talked a lot about recycling, and the fact that the company is also looking into ways to recycle other materials and make new materials.

“We’re doing this service – not just because of what you see – but because we think it’s helping things locally and all over,” he added. “I think we take for granted the metal products, like the cars we drive.”

So, if all this material is recycled and used in the things consumers use every day, where does it all go? According to Weaver, the materials trucked out of Claiborne Parish go to shredders or mills. Some of the material goes to shredders in Greenville, Miss., Texarkana and other places. Some of the heavier materials go to Vidalia, he said.

For more information, call Top Dollar Scrap and Recovery at 927-7243, or for those who have metal goods to dispose of, take them to 4170 Hwy. 79 in Homer.

 

Taylor honored

J.T. Taylor is sworn in by Clerk of Court Pat Gladney.

 

The Guardian-Journal

James T. Taylor, of J.T. Taylor Realty, was recently sworn in as a new member to the Southern Growth Policies Board. This will enable him to work with colleagues across the South to develop the next generation of economic development policies.

As a council member, Taylor will be expected to participate in the two or three council meetings held each year, as well as participate in the annual conference and to focus groups held in Louisiana.

Taylor’s chief responsibilities are to participate in the council meeting and to respond to email inquiries.

The Southern Growth Policies Board, formed in 1971, connects a wide cross-section of the region’s governors, legislators, business and citizen leaders in a face-to-face dialog to foster policy innovation and collaborative action.

 This unique public-private partnership is devoted to strengthening the South’s economy and creating the highest possible quality of life.  The board consists of five members: the governor of one of the participating states, two citizens appointed by the governor, a state senator and a state representative.

There are 13 Southern states that participate in the board. This year, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckaby is the chairman of the Council on the Southern Community, which is one of the four advisory councils of the board.

Taylor was honored with the position under Huckaby on the Council on the Southern Community.

Southern Growth also involves hundreds of major corporations, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations in its work through an active associate member program. This council was formed in 2002 to serve as a regional forum for raising awareness about community challenges and opportunities in a changing economic and cultural environment in the South.

Taylor also serves as the vice president of the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce and has been a driving force behind the plans for the Homer Bypass and I-69.

He is a resident of Haynesville and has his business in Homer. He has been married for 57 years to Nell, and they have two children and five grandchildren. He also has one great-grandchild and one on the way.

 

 

Claiborne Parish tourism initiative is underway

 

JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer

The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce has put together an assortment of materials to highlight where to go and what to do and see in Claiborne Parish. “Whether you’re a visitor or a local resident,Brochures and the Two Disc Driving CD available at several area locations - Click to Visit ClaiborneParishTourism.org Claiborne Parish has a driving tour CD set that you will find interesting,” says John Watson, Executive Director of the Chamber.

“The CD is one part of a major initiative aimed at helping others see and appreciate what is wonderful about Claiborne Parish,” Watson notes.

Asked what else is a part of the initiative, Watson explains that a colorful tourism brochure has been prepared. In addition,  there is a new website www.claiborneparishtourism.org.

Also, a cemetery brochure includes a map of the parish with the locations of 156 cemeteries in the parish or within a few miles of the parish line.

Finally, television ads have appeared describing Claiborne Parish as a desirable tourist destination.

Describing the tourism brochure, Watson says it highlights points of interest in Homer, Haynesville, Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield, and other areas of Claiborne Parish. It points out that 10 buildings in the parish are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The brochure includes pictures of the Claiborne Parish Courthouse, Herbert S. Ford Museum, Lisbon’s Killgore House, the mural on the west wall of Haynesville’s Killgore Pharmacy,  Homer’s Old Town Cemetery, the Hill Farm, Summerfield’s Alberry Wasson House, and Lake Claiborne.

The cover of the “Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, Cemetery Guide” notes that it is intended to be “A guide to finding the resting places of your ancestors.” A brief description gives directions for each of the 156 cemeteries There is also a map in the brochure marking the approximate location of each.

The new tourism website, www.claiborneparishtourism.org, describes Lake Claiborne State Park and lists local lodging such as Panther Creek Bed and Breakfast at Summerfield and Lake Claiborne Vacation Cottage on Harmon Loop.

The website describes “eateries” such as the Rebel Stop and Moon’s toward Summerfield, Port-au-Prince on Lake Claiborne, Sunrise Bakery and Restaurant and Homer Seafood and Pizza as well as Yesterday’s Grill in Haynesville.

Highlights related to Homer, Haynesville, Lisbon, Athens, Summerfield, and the parish’s historic cemeteries are all mentioned on the website.

Some parish events are plugged including the Butterfly Festival, the Claiborne Jubilee, the 4th of July Fireworks and Boat Parade, Lake Claiborne Antique Auto and Bike Show, and the Christmas Festival.

The set consists of two CDs with 41 tracks of information highlighting areas of interest around the parish. For only $3 visitors or local residents can learn things about Claiborne Parish that’s not in the history books, stories passed down from grandparents to grandchildren that has become the stuff of local legend and lore.

Of course, the internet website is free as is the tourism brochure. With the cemetery guide available for $1 and the driving CD sets for $3, the whole tourism package is available for $4, a token cost to cover expenses of production.

Many local citizens donated many hours to the brochures, the cemetery guide, the driving CDs, and the website.

Brochures and CD sets are available at the following locations:

* The Grapevine

* The Raven Bookstore

* Port-au-Prince Restaurant

* Killgore Pharmacy

* The Rebel Stop

* Claiborne Parish Library

* Gibsland Bank and Trust, Athens

* The Chamber Office at Ford Museum

Brochures only are available at the following:

* Miss Lizzie’s

* Parden’s Paradise

* Courtyard Florist

* Lake Claiborne State Park

* Haynesville City Hall

* The Outpost

* The Guardian-Journal

 

NOTICE: Deadline For Advertisements

No Later Than 5 p.m. On Mondays

All display and legal advertisements for The Guardian-Journal must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Monday of the week in which it is to appear. Classified ads will be received until 12 p.m (noon) on Tuesday prior to the Thursday publication date. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

NOTICE TO READERS
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Archived Guardian Journal Headlines & News Briefs from November 1999
 

News Briefs

Haynesville Quarterback Club Supper August 28

The Haynesville Quarterback Club will hold its annual Membership Drive Hamburger Supper on at 6 p.m. in the Haynesville High School Cafeteria.  Admission is free but all are encouraged to join the Club for the upcoming year.  The cost of membership is $15 per person or $20 per family.  The Haynesville Quarterback Club is active in supporting the Golden Tornado Football Program.  Membership is open to anyone who would like to support a program that is rich in tradition and a source of pride in our community.  If you have any questions, please call Benjie Winn at (318) 927-4089.

 

McCrery to be guest of continental breakfast August 28

Congressman Jim McCrery will be the special guest of a continental breakfast to be held from 7:30 until 9 a.m. at the Homer City Hall. For more information, call J.T. Taylor at 927-6333.

 

Water seminar to be held August 28

The Claiborne Parish Watershed District will host a water seminar at the Claiborne Electric Coop at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served, and several guest speakers and updates are on the agenda. This professional seminar is by invitation to operators and board members of water systems and to public servants and agency officials who handle water issues. For more information, call 927-5161.

 

 Homer Lions Club to meet August 28

The Homer Lions Club will meet at noon at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant. Buddy Pixley will do a picture and video presentation of his recent trip to Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  He attended the EAA AirVenture Air Show where more than 750,000 aviation enthusiasts from around the world come to study the latest aircraft and innovations; discover new ideas and techniques from the more than 500 forums and workshops; see aviation's top personalities; or just talk airplanes with people from around the world.

 

Pineland Jamboree to be held August 29

The annual Pineland Jamboree will be held in Springhill, where the Homer Pelicans will match up with the Minden Crimson Tide. The Haynesville Golden Tornado will match up with the Springhill Lumberjacks.

 

Webb’s Country Trail Ride August 30

Webb’s Country Trail Ride will take place at the White Oak Community in Homer from 12 noon until 9 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and kids 12 and under are $1. The DJ for the event will be Master DJ Slick Rick from Houston, Texas. Live entertainment with Lil Rod, Pimp-B will be provided. On site pictures are $5. there will be a bake sale, a free hayride and free gate prizes. Please bring your chairs. The event is sponsored by Bruce and Lavorise Webb.

 

Softball Tourney August 30

The Third Annual Labor Day Weekend Softball Tournament will be held in Magnolia, Ark. Divisions include Mens and Coed. Entry fee is $125. ASA rules apply and USSSA bats legal. Any .44 cor balls. Cutoff is Wednesday, August 27. For more information, contact John-Michael at 870-904-5412.

 

NAACP to meet August 30

The Claiborne Parish NAACP will meet at 10 a.m. at Lane Chapel CME Church. For more information, please contact President Billy Kirk at 927-4704.

 

Teachers’ prayer breakfast September 7

First Baptist Church in Homer will host a teachers’ prayer breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Family Life Center. The guest speaker will be retired teacher and coach Kenny Wreford, a former teacher at Haynesville Junior High and Springhill Junior High. For more information, call the church at 927-3596.

 

Homer Town Council to meet September 8

The Homer Town Council will hold its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in council chambers, located at the Homer Police Department. For more information, please call town hall at 927-3555.

 

Middlefork Water System to meet September 9

The Middlefork Water System will hold its regular meeting at 6 p.m. at the Lisbon Civic Center.

 

Police Jury to meet September 10

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet at 9 a.m. in the police jury room at the Police Jury Complex. For more information, please call the police jury office at 927-2222.

 

FBC program to be held September 11

A program honoring all law enforcement, firefighters and emergency personnel will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church in Homer. The families of all law enforcement, firefighters and emergency personnel will also be honored. The guest speaker will be Billy Pierce, retired pastor of Cypress Baptist Church in Benton. He is also the chaplain for the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Department. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, please call the church at 927-3596.

 

School Board to meet September 11

The Claiborne Parish School Board will hold its regular meeting at 7 p.m. at the school board office. For more information, please call the school board at 927-3502.

 

Haynesville Town Council will meet September 18

The Haynesville Town Council will hold its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in council chambers, located behind City Hall. A short flag dedication ceremony will be held at 5:45 p.m., before the meeting, in honor of deceased past council members as well as the late Mutt Slaid.

 

Childcare Reimbursements

Anyone providing childcare in their home, including relatives and grandparents who would like to be reimbursed for a portion of their food expense is asked to call the Webster Parish Community Services at 377-7022, ext. 116 or 117. The WPCS Food Program is now serving Webster, Claiborne, Bossier and Caddo Parishes.

 

North Louisiana - A Filmmaker's Dream

This Film by Michael Haynes Productions was created in conjunction with Louisiana Films North, to highlight The "Anywhere in America" Film Location - Bienville, Claiborne and Webster Parishes.
 
Click Below to view the Film:
 Part One - 87 MB
 Part Two - 57 MB
 
Visit www.LaFilmsNorth.com for more information on Our Filmmaker Friendly Communities, Scenic and Architectural Diversity and the many Powerful Tax Incentives available to filmmakers.
 
Contact The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce for a copy of the DVD - "North Louisiana - A Filmmaker's Dream".



J.T. Taylor RealtyJ.T. Taylor Realty/Dimex Sales - Now Online

J.T. Taylor Realty has provided Real Estate Sales and Buyer Representation in Homer, Haynesville and Claiborne Parish for Commercial, Residential and Timberland Properties since 1984.


For over 10 years, Dimex Sales has offered a full line of Portable Buildings for Home, Home/Office, Construction Sites, and Storage needs.

 

Team Ag Real Estate - New Claiborne One Sponsor

TeamAgRealEstate.comTeam Ag Real Estate is proud to be a new sponsor of the information source for All of Claiborne Parish - Claiborne One. Based in El Dorado, Arkansas with an associate in North West Arkansas (Lincoln - Home of the Arkansas Apple Festival), Team Ag Real Estate specializes in agricultural farm (including Poultry/chicken farm) sales and appraisals. Team Ag is licensed in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma & Missouri for farm buying, selling and appraisals. Team Ag supports their clients with years of hands on experience in the poultry business, formal education degrees in Business-Agriculture, SBA agricultural lending, and an impressive network of agriculture industry contacts.



Claiborne One Site Now Features Area Image Archive

Archives Now Online include:


Money Available for New or Expanding Businesses in Homer

The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce now has monies to lend through the Revolving Loan Program. Anyone who is interested in starting a business or enlarging an existing business within Claiborne Parish may be eligible. These funds were received from the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program to assist small businesses and provide for jobs in Claiborne Parish. Loan preferences will be made on the basis of job creation. Further information may be obtained by contacting John Watson, Executive Director of the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce at (318) 927-3271. The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity provider. To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).


Smoke Detectors For The Elderly Offered through TRIAD

TRIAD of Claiborne wants all seniors age 65 and above, to have a smoke detector. You may also qualify if you're disabled. Having a smoke detector can mean the difference of life or death. Smoke detectors are available without charge. If you don't have a smoke detector, call 927-2011.

 

  
 
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The Guardian-Journal
 
The Guardian-Journal
620 North Main  |  PO Box 119  |  Homer, La 71040
Phone 318-927-3541  |  Fax 318-927-3542

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Geraldine H. Hightower
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Official Journal
  Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Town of Homer, Villages of Athens, Lisbon, Summerfield and Junction City, La.
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