Mitchell to pay restitution, gets probation

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The former town clerk of Homer will not do any prison time, but she has been placed on probation and must pay back the money she took from the Town of Homer.

Rita Mitchell, of Homer, pleaded guilty to theft over $500 and was sentenced to four years at hard labor with the Department of Corrections. That four-year sentence has been suspended. Second Judicial District Judge Jenifer Clason ordered Mitchell to pay restitution to the Town of Homer in the amount of $15,345.47, plus five years of supervised probation. This amount is to be paid within 42 months of the commencement of her probation.

In addition, said District Attorney Jonathan Stewart, she was ordered to pay $335 in court costs. Her sentence will begin in March, and if she fails to pay the court costs, she will spend two months in jail at the Claiborne Parish Women’s Facility in Homer.

Eric Johnson, the attorney representing Mitchell, said everyone involved was satisfied the plea agreement.

“Ms. Mitchell regrets what happened and looks forward to putting the matter behind her,” he said. “I think everyone involved was satisfied with the plea. Judge Clason and the district attorney’s office were primarily concerned with the town receiving restitution and she agreed to it as a condition of the plea.”

Mitchell was arrested in March 2008 and charged with felony theft over $500 after discrepancies in a citizen’s water bill came to light. Further investigation revealed that town records had been altered to cover up money she had allegedly taken from the town.

Following the town’s investigation, Mitchell was terminated in September 2007. In October of that same year, she filed a lawsuit against the town for violation of open meetings laws, stating the town violated the law when it met in executive session after asking the meeting be held in public. She also sued for damages.

According to Homer Town Attorney Jim Colvin, that suit was dismissed on the grounds that the mayor and town council could not be sued in their official capacity. In other words, they could not be sued as representatives of the Town of Homer.

However, the entire suit was not dismissed. In response, the town countersued for damages, return of the money stolen and other monies.

Colvin said that all the claims against the town were dismissed as meritless. But, the countersuit, which is seeking the money owed to the town by her, is still in effect.

Stewart praised Investigator David Watson for his work, citing his experience in white collar crimes investigations during his tenure with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).

“We have a wonderful resource in Claiborne Parish, Mr. David Watson,” the district attorney said. “Mr. Watson did the forensic work to uncover the amount (mentioned above).We’re very fortunate to have him as a resource, and he did an excellent job in this case.”

If the case had gone to trial, prosecuting attorney Jim Hatch said the district attorney’s office had strong evidence to prosecute.

“I was expecting to go to trial,” Hatch said. “I had the subpoenas issued and had reviewed the documentation. Our investigator did a terrific job, and we had the evidence ready to present. I was certain I had a strong case. It means now that the town will recover approximately $15,000 that we were able to clearly show had been stolen.”

Colvin, on behalf of the town, said they were pleased with the sentence, but this does not mean the civil countersuit filed against Mitchell will be dropped immediately. Once restitution has been paid in full, the countersuit will then be dismissed.

“We’re very pleased that a guilty plea was entered and that restitution was ordered,” Colvin said, “so the town will be receiving all the money back that was taken.”

Homer Mayor David Newell agreed.

“It’s unfortunate that she, or anyone, put herself in a position to be prosecuted,” Newell said. “With that being said, as the mayor, I am glad to see the town will be compensated for any loss that was due to her theft.”

 

Homerite wanted for fraud

 

Minden authorities are requesting the public’s assistance in apprehending a wanted individual.

Jerry Allen, 31, a resident of the 600 block of Greer Road in Homer, is wanted on five counts of bank fraud.

In October 2008, Jerry Allen allegedly deposited a check bearing another person’s name into his personal checking account. The check in question was written on an account that had been closed for two years. Minden detectives say afterwards, Allen made cash withdrawals totaling $1,300 from his account using an automatic teller machine (ATM).

“Jerry Allen is a resident of Homer, but he has been known to frequent Minden,” said Minden Lt. Dan Weaver.

Jerry Allen is described as a black male, five feet, nine inches tall and weighing 155 pounds.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Jerry Allen is encouraged to contact the Minden Police Department at 371-4226, the Homer Police Department at 927-4000 or any local law enforcement agency where he might have been seen.

 

This story was reprinted with permission from the Minden Press-Herald.

 

Fries pleads not guilty

 

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The Canadian sex offender who burglarized Homer’s First Baptist Church before Christmas has pleaded not guilty to charges of simple burglary of a religious building.

Arraigned Tuesday morning, February 3, Shawn Thomas Fries, 43, walked into the courtroom at 9:45 a.m. in shackles and a prison uniform. Indigent defender Paul Garner told Second Judicial District Court Judge Jenifer Clason that Fries wished to waive his right to formal arraignment and enter a plea of not guilty.

Clason gave Garner 15 days file pre-trial motions for discovery and disclosures. After that, the district attorney’s office will have 15 days to respond to those motions.

The case has been continued until April 7 at 1:30 p.m.

Defense counsel reserved the right to file motions to the timeliness of the 72-hour hearing and other related issues.

Fries was arrested on Tuesday, December 16, after the Homer Police Department received a complaint regarding a burglary at First Baptist Church in Homer. A small safe and an undisclosed amount of cash was taken from the church. At the time of his arrest, officers arrested him under another name, Christopher A. Weinbender.

The Guardian-Journal printed the story of the burglary along with the criminal history of Weinbender. Shortly after the newspaper hit the streets that week, it was discovered that Weinbender wasn’t who he seemed to be.

Further investigation by Homer Police revealed that Weinbender was in fact Shawn Thomas Fries, a known sex offender in Toronto, Canada. Canadian authorities say he’s wanted for a probation violation after serving time for crimes against children. According to those authorities, penalties for the probation violation carry a 22-month prison sentence.

Fries has been held at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center without bond since his arrest.

 

DARE ‘dares’ to make a difference

 

JENNI WILLIAMS, The Guardian-Journal

Clinton and Colton Crumpler, twin seniors at Homer High School, were the featured speakers at the annual D.A.R.E. graduation last Tuesday, Jan. 27. The event, held at Homer High School auditorium, was attended by sixth grade students from five of the six Claiborne Parish Schools.

All 335 sixth grade students in the parish completed the 12 week program in the months of September through December 2008. The schools participating this year were Homer Junior High School, Athens High School, Summerfield High School, Claiborne Academy and Haynesville Junior High School.

Ben Booth, the D.A.R.E. officer with Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, took over the program six years ago from Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey who had been at the helm of the program for 13 years.

The DARE program, Drug Awareness Resistance Education, was established in 1983 in Los Angeles, California as a way to provide children the education they would need to avoid drugs, alcohol and violence. After 25 years in service here in the United States, the program is also taught in 17 foreign countries.

At the time that Sheriff Bailey established the program in 1990 the program was 17 weeks long instead of the current 12 weeks. Bailey said, “I do really believe this D.A.R.E. program is the best around. We raise our kids up in the best way we know how and hope they do right.”

Bailey ended with a word to the kids in attendance, “Remember the things Dep. Booth taught you.”

Booth, who has 17 years with the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, said, “We don’t get them all, but if we save one its worth the time and the money. We can work all day long, but if we don’t have the support of the parents, its so much harder.”

Each of the 335 Claiborne Parish sixth graders were required to write an essay after the 12 week program was completed to explain what they think about what they learned, how it has and will affect them and what their thoughts are about the program.

A winning essay was chosen from each school and a grand prize essay was chosen out of the winning essays. The winner from Athens High School was Tamarius Wall, from Homer Junior High was Eddie Emerson, from Summerfield High School was Tyler Anderson, Callie Williams from Claiborne Academy and Carlie Powell from Haynesville Junior High.

Carlie Powell was selected as the grand prize winner and after reading her essay to the attendees, was awarded a brand new Mongoose XR-75 10-speed bicycle donated by Mike Powers, the General Manager of Wal-Mart of Ruston.

Each of the five essay winners were awarded a medal, a $50 saving bond and a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut of Homer. All students were awarded certificates of completion for participating in the program.

Clinton and Colton Crumpler, the night’s speakers,  were taught in the sixth grade by Bailey and again in the eight grade by Booth in the program. As such fine examples of what the program likes to turn out, the two seniors at HHS were asked to address the families attending the graduation and offer a word about the difference D.A.R.E. makes in their every day lives.

The two young men are the sons of John and Sylvia Crumpler of Homer and the grandsons of Frank and Jane Speer and Ray and Faye Crumpler. They are members of Homer United Methodist Church.

After recently competing in the All-State football game in South Louisiana, the twins were selected and invited to participate in the Down Under Bowl in Australia.

Area banks and businesses offered door prizes to be given out to the students attending the program. Fifty dollar savings bonds were donated by Regions Bank and Citizen’s Bank of Haynesville and $25 savings bonds were donated by Capital One Bank, Gibsland Bank & Trust of Athens and First Guaranty Bank.

Pizza Hut donated a number of personal pan pizzas and mini flashlights and calculators were also given away.

The program is currently taught in 60 of the 64 parishes in Louisiana.

 

Oops! Store gets hit by car

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

The driver of a 1991 Cadillac Fleetwood ran into this wall, Friday, January 30, at the Valero gas station and convenience store, located on the corner of U.S. Hwy. 79 and La. 2. According to the Homer Police Department, Robert M. Herring Jr., 37, of Homer, stated his brakes failed when he pulled into a parking space in front of the store. The exterior of the building sustained minor damage, while the inside wall below the window had been knocked almost completely out. The impact scattered several 12-packs of sodas across the floor. According to the store clerk, police say, this is not the first time a car has damaged this particular wall. Herring was cited for a suspended license due to nonpayment of child support.

 

K-9 hit during arrest

 

The Guardian-Journal

A K-9 police dog was hit by a suspect during a traffic stop on January 31.

An Arkansas man who was pulled over for no seat belt ended up with more charges when police arrested him.

According to arrest records, Ray Charles Murphy, 43, of Emerson, Arkansas, was charged with DWI 6th, with a bond of $50,000; no seat belt, with a bond of $500; driving under suspension, with a bond of $500; resisting an officer with force or violence, with a bond of $1,000; two counts of battery of a police officer, with bond set at $1,000 each; and injuring/killing a police dog, with a bond of $1,000.

Reports say that Haynesville Police initiated a traffic stop at Nelson Drive and La. 516 in Haynesville for no seat belt. Officers believed Murphy to be intoxicated after making contact with him. A background check revealed that his driver’s license had been suspended.

According to reports, Murphy reportedly became agitated and combative when police attempted to arrest him. Reports also indicate the suspect hit the K-9 police dog on the scene of the traffic stop.

Haynesville Officers Tim Cox and Aaron Christian were the arresting officers.

Once Murphy was placed under arrest and read his rights, he was booked at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center, where, as of press time, he remains incarcerated.

 

Leash law in full force

 

The Guardian-Journal

The issue of stray dogs has been a major concern of late and the Town of Homer is now enforcing its “leash law.”

Animal Control Officer Billy Adams said he’s picked up quite a few animals in the last few months since he came on board. It’s still a major concern – and now the laws are being enforced.

“That’s one of the major concerns here,” Adams said. “The stray dogs around here are just unreal right now.”

Homer Police Officer Joseph Henry made it clear that the owners of any loose dogs within the corporate limits of Homer will be fined.

According to the town’s ordinance, penalties include a fee of $15 plus $5.50 per day for a boarding fee. For any licensed and currently vaccinated dog or cat not wearing a current tag is a base fee of $20. For unlicensed dogs or cats, the fee is $25. If someone’s animal has been impounded more than once within a 365-day period (one year), the fee goes from $20 to $25 for the second impoundment and $30 for the third and subsequent impoundments.

The Town of Homer has had a “leash law” at least since 1989. Ordinance 771 states that all cats and dogs over the age of four months are required to have licensure and tags. Animals also must be vaccinated against rabies once per year.

In Section 12, every owner must keep their animals “humanly” confined or restrained “so as to prevent its running at large.” This means the animal should be in an enclosed area or on a secure leash.

“At large dogs and cats not in compliance with the foregoing shall be subject to impoundment,” it states.

Adams has the authority to enforce limited police powers, including obtaining warrants relative to violations of the rules and regulations set forth in the ordinance and animal cruelty statutes and assist law enforcement personnel in making arrests for those violations.

He also has the authority to enforce the fines for having to pick up the animals and have them impounded.

If these animals are impounded, they are taken to the Claiborne Animal Clinic where they are boarded for four working days unless the owner claims the animal first. This allows the owner time to claim them. The owner must then pay boarding fees plus the cost of a rabies shot if it has not had a current one, said Dr. John Tinsley, veterinarian at the Claiborne Animal Clinic. If the animal is not claimed or adopted out within that time period, the animal is euthanized.

 To be clear, he said, “we’re talking about the animals that are brought in by the dog catcher, through the town’s ordinance.”

 

Homer Elementary students see motorcycles up close

 

The Guardian-Journal

Students in grades 3-5 at Homer Elementary participated in the Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice Award (LYRCA) program last week.

Student readers voted for their favorite book from the LYRCA nominee list. To qualify to vote, a student had to read at least three books.

Selecting from the 2009 LYRCA nominees, Homer Elementary students chose as their favorite The Diary of a Killer Cat by Anne Fine.

Students were treated Friday, January 30, to a visit by some “cool motorcycle dudes”: Barry Roberts, Gene Clark, Joe Thorpe, Charles Rushing, Tommy Wyant, and Edna Wyant (the latter being a “cool motorcycle dudette”).

The cyclists emphasized to students the importance of learning to read and of getting an education. They also discussed the 2008 LYRCA book, Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude by Kevin O'Malley, a third grade Accelerated Reader book.

(Maggie Harris contributed material for this article.)

 

Athens native retires at alma mater

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

Master Gunnery Sergeant Aundra Coleman, pictured right, accepted the flag of the United States flown in Virginia during retirement ceremonies held at Athens High School Friday, January 30.

 

The Guardian-Journal

Friday, January 30, was a special day for one Marine as he came full circle.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Aundra Coleman retired right where his military career began – Athens High School.

Describing his high school days, Coleman told the story of how it all began when he and a couple of his friends went to the recruiting office in Shreveport to sign up – and so began his 26-year military career.

A graduate of Athens High School, Coleman began his military training in August 1982. He began his career in communications in 1983, where he was assigned as base communication center operator at the Marine Corp Logistic Base in Albany, Ga..

Throughout his military career, he and his family have been stationed throughout the United States, with many trips overseas for Coleman which included Germany, Iraq, China and Kuwait.

He was last stationed to the marine Corp Base in Quantico, Va., as the chief of staff and assumed the duties as base inspector/base beautification program officer in charge.

According to his biographical information, his personal awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal with one star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one star in lieu of second award and Good Conduct Medal eighth award.

An officer who attended the ceremony said Coleman had greatly impacted her life. Major Victorian Paulson told family members and those in attendance that his guidance and impact helped her mature in her military career.

“We admire, emulate you and seek you out,” she said. “Let me thank you from all of us for having the privilege of serving with you.”

Others had good things to say about Coleman, a testament to his impact to the United States military.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Milton Lewis said that although his career was great, much credit should go to his wife, Theresa, because she took care of the family as well as supported her country throughout her husband’s career.

“We thank you for sitting beside our brother for all these years,” Lewis said to Mrs. Coleman.

It was later in the ceremony that Coleman presented his wife with a bouquet of roses in appreciation for standing by his side.

So, what now? Coleman says he plans to stay in the communications field as a civilian. Although he and his family will not stay in Athens, this is the place he calls home.

“This is where I was raised, where I went to school, played basketball – everything,” he said.

He, his wife and two daughters will return to Fredericksburg, Va.

 

Ford Museum Hosts Gourd Workshop

 

JIMMY DEAN, Feature Writer

Kathy Pace, local gourd artist and craftsman, conducted a 3-day workshop at Ford Museum in Homer from January 26-28.

Pace guided more than thirty participants as they transformed dull, brown gourds into colorful, imaginative baskets, whimsical figures, and other creations.

Mostly self-taught, Pace said she became interested in the humble gourd a couple of years ago when she and her husband were traveling in Arkansas.

“At one of our stops we saw birdhouses, baskets, snowmen, Santas, pitchers, dippers, musical instruments—these beautiful productions—all made from gourds. I told my husband, ‘I think I could do that,’ so I read some books and have been making things out of gourds ever since.”

This was Pace’s first gourd workshop, and it was evident that interest was high among participants. The museum’s upper room was abuzz as students selected gourds, then threw themselves into creating their projects.

Pace displayed several examples of gourd handiwork—intricately carved and brightly-painted baskets, a snowman figure, a pitcher—to give everyone ideas as to what can be accomplished using feathers, pictures, beads, paint, shoe polish—the possibilities are endless.

Long-thought to be native to Africa, recent DNA evidence suggests that gourds are indigenous to Asia and spread from there around the world.

Related to pumpkins, cucumbers, melons, and squash, gourds are probably the first plant to be used by humans for containers and vessels, even before clay and pottery. 

“It’s hard to make a mistake with gourds,” Pace said. “They come in all sizes, shapes, textures, colors. They are inexpensive and versatile. Best of all, you can use ordinary things around the house in creating your own unique works of art.”

This is one of several workshops hosted by Ford Museum to teach how to make items reminiscent of an earlier time.

Open to the public, workshops are filled on a first come, first served basis. Interested ones may email fordmu@shreve.net or call 927-9190. Participants should bring a sack lunch.

—o—

And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head . . . Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd.—Jonah 4:6, King James Version

 

Gallot speaks to Haynesville Lions

 

JENNI WILLIAMS, The Guardian-Journal

Louisiana State Representative Rick Gallot was in attendance at the regular meeting of the Haynesville Lion’s Club on Tuesday, February 3, along with Representative Henry Burns and Senator Mike Walsworth.

After returning from his recent trip to Washington to attend the annual ‘Washington Mardi Gras,’ Rep. Gallot was more that ready for the downhome cooking of the Uppercrust Catering who served the noon meal.

When Gallot realized he was to be the day’s speaker he decided to turn the tables and have his legislative colleagues say a word or two also. All three men had nothing but good things to say about our parish. From the beautiful lands to the hometown feel, the men have each been made to feel right at home.

“I was happy to be a small part of the Homer Bypass project and I have always been made to feel at home here,” Gallot said.

In return, Walsworth  who has been in the state legislature for 13 years said, “There would be no Homer Bypass without Rick Gallot -- no ifs, no ands and no butts.”

Walsworth is the head of the Senate Select Committee on Homeland Security.

Rep Henry Burns also had only great things to say about Gallot also, “No one manuevors a bill quite like Rick Gallot and does a more effective job than him.”

Gallot briefly touched on ethics reform and the Louisiana budget deficit, which has fluctuated from a billion dollar deficit in 2006 after the Hurricanes, to a $2 billion dollar overage, back to a deficit this past year.

Proposed legislation would make a number of budget cuts to rectify the budget problems, if passed.

“Ultimately we are elected to serve you,” Gallot said.

He is the chairman of the House and Governemental Affairs Committee and a member of the House Executive Committee. Gallot currently has a law office in Ruston.

 

 

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

School Board to meet February 5

The Claiborne Parish School Board will meet at 7 p.m. at the school board office for its regular monthly meeting. For more information, call 318-927-3502.

 

Food for Seniors to be distributed February 9

Food for Seniors will be distributed from 8 until 9:30 a.m. at the old Boys and Girls Club at the ballpark.

 

Homer Housing Authority to meet February 9

The Housing Authority of the Town of Homer will hold its regular board of commissioners meeting at 5 p.m. at the Housing Authority office, located at 329 Oil Mill Street. This is a public meeting and all are invited to attend.

 

Middlefork Water System to meet February 9

The annual meeting for the Middlefork Water System will be held at 6 p.m. at the Village of Lisbon Civic Center. Immediately following will be the regular monthly meeting.

 

South Claiborne Water System to meet February 12

The South Claiborne Water System in Athens will hold its annual meeting at 6:30 p.m.

 

Homer Lions Club to meet February 12

The Homer Lions Club will meet at noon at Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant.

 

Library to host after-school movie February 13

The Claiborne Parish Library invites children ages 6-14 to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a “Snack and a Movie,” at 3:30 p.m. Please contact the Claiborne Parish Library at 927-3845 for more information.

 

Haynesville Town Council to meet February 19

The Haynesville Town Council will meet at 6 p.m. in council chambers, located behind City Hall. For more information, call 318-624-0911.

 

HHS Drama Club to present “Grease” on March 2

The Homer High School Drama Club will present the smash hit musical “Grease” at 6:30 p.m. on the Homer High School stage. Tickets are $2 for adults and $1 for students and can be purchased from any drama club member, at the door, or from Director Denice Owens. There will be two school matinees during the day.

 

Groundwater Resources Commission to meet March 5

The Ground Water Resources Commission will meet at Minden City Hall in the Minden Council Chambers, 520 Broadway Street, Minden, Louisiana 71055. Meeting time is 11 a.m.

 

Free Tax Preparation and E-filing

Why pay to get back your own money? Trained tax preparers at Claiborne Community Services offer tax preparation and e-filing at no charge. Available Monday nights from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. by appointment only, at Claiborne Vo-Tech (WIA building). Call 927-3557 or 1-800-870-4166 today for your appointment.

 

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.

 


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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Community Services Directory - Educational Programs, Hotlines, Health/Medical, Social/Community, Clubs/Organizations, and Internet Resources


 
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