Fundraiser a rousing success
Proceeds to help fund trip to Washington
DC
The Guardian Journal photo/Jenni Williams
Athens Masonic Lodge, in partnership with
Homer Fire Department, assist Summerfield High School student Xavier Greeson in
his endeavor to raise enough funds to attend the Junior National Youth
Leadership Conference this September in Washington, D.C. Pictured left, Greeson
jumps right in by helping prepare the fish plates volunteers at the Homer Fire
station were selling to the public last Friday. Pictured above, Xavier’s
grandfather, Sonny Greeson and Dwayne Woodard have fun cooking fish and serving
up plates during the event.
JENNI WILLIAMS, The Guardian-Journal
Xavier
Greeson, a sixth-grade student at Summerfield High School, was recently
nominated to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference this fall in Washington, DC.
To help
Greeson reach his goal, many activities have been planned, including a recent
fish fry.
Greeson
was presented a check for $1,600 from Masonic Lodge member Perry Anderson last Friday
after the day’s earnings had been tallied from the benefit fish fry held at
Homer Fire Department.
In
fact, the fish fry was so successful, several trips were made back to Homer
Seafood for more cases of fish.
“We
began with five cases of fish,” Greg Greeson, Xavier’s father, said, “but we
had to go back for at least three more cases.”
The
Athens Masonic Lodge, along with members of the Homer Fire Department, spent
the day preparing fish and all the fixings to help Greeson raise these
necessary funds to attend the conference in D.C.
Greeson
was nominated by his teacher, Clara Evans, based on his academic achievements,
leadership skills and strength of character, and was selected by the committee
in Washington D.C. to be one of the attendees.
He will
be attending the conference September 19 through 24 and will be proudly
representing his school, Claiborne Parish and Louisiana in this prestigious
event.
In
order to cover his expenses, Greeson has been asking for donations, in addition
to many fundraising projects currently underway. He has been selling decorative
flip-flops, jewelry, candles, etc to help raise money.
A
checking account has been set up in his name at Capital One Bank in Homer to
handle donations and trip expenses.
Greeson
and his family would like to thank the Athens Masonic Lodge No. 136 F. &
A.M. for all the time and dedication in this endeavor.
He
would also like to thank the citizens and businesses of Claiborne Parish who
purchased the fish plates and those that just donated money to help him get to Washington.
Many
people donated not just their money, but also time, supplies and a helping
hand.
O’Neal
Gas, one of the many businesses willing to lend one of those hands, supplied
the necessary propane and cookers for the event
If any
questions, please feel free to contact Samantha Greeson at 353-7012.
Two arrested in G-Fashions burglary
The Guardian-Journal
Two
arrests have been made in connection to a burglary at G-Fashions, a clothing
store.
Tracy
T. Crawford, 39, of Homer, was arrested and charged with obstruction of
justice, with a bond set at $5,000; theft over $500, with a bond set at
$10,000; simple burglary, with a bond set at $15,000; and a parole violation
with no bond.
Spencer
U. Dunn, 21, of Homer, was arrested and charged with illegal possession of
stolen things, with a bond set at $10,000; and obstruction of justice, with a
bond of $5,000.
According
to police reports, the burglary of G-Fashions was reported on Monday, July 6.
On the date that Crawford was arrested, reports say that Homer Police Officers
Roger Smith and Van McDaniel were looking for Crawford to question him in
regards to the burglary. Although he did not admit to being involved in the
burglary itself, police say Crawford admitted that he was with someone involved
the night of the burglary.
Reportedly,
Dunn was in possession of some of the stolen items from the clothing store.
Homer
Police Chief Russell Mills said that although two arrests have been made in the
case, other arrests are pending.
In
other news, a former Homer town employee has been arrested on drug charges.
James
E. Brown, 70, of Homer, was arrested and charged with possession of a Schedule
II Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS), with a bond set at $5,000; and
resisting an officer, with bond set at $500.
According
to police reports, Officer Mario Thomas initiated a traffic stop on Saturday,
July 18, for no turn signal. When Thomas made contact with the driver of the
vehicle, identified as Brown, a strong odor of what appeared to be alcohol was
detected on Brown’s person.
Brown
underwent a field sobriety test to which he performed poorly. Brown was placed
under arrest and a search of his person revealed what appeared to be crack
rocks in his hat, reports say.
According
to town officials, Brown was terminated the week before this incident. His
termination followed a previous incident reported to Homer Police. No charges
were filed in that case.
Brown
was booked at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center (CPDC).
Officer Steve Harbour was
also an investigating officer in this case.
In an
unrelated incident, on Monday, July 13, Nathan Carpenter, 24, of Homer, was
arrested and charged with domestic abuse battery, with a bond of $2,000; and
illegal carrying of weapons, with bond set at $5,000.
According
to reports, Homer Police Officer J.D. Faulkner, along with Officers John Bailey
and Thomas responded to a call on Buckner Street in reference to a domestic
battery. Upon arrival, officers were met by the complainant stating that
Carpenter had pushed her and tried to choke her. It was also reported that he
had a handgun. Carpenter had left the premises, and officers found him a short
time later.
Carpenter
was placed under arrest and transported him to the Homer Police Station for
booking, and then transported to the CPDC.
Mayfield Pool to reopen July 27
The Mayfield Pool will reopen Monday, July 27, at 1 p.m. Pool hours will be from 1 until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, pool
hours are from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. For more information, please call Homer City Hall at 927-3555.
Haynesville welcomes new council members
JENNI WILLIAMS, The Guardian-Journal
Haynesville
Mayor Sherman Brown welcomed the newest council members, Valinda Webb and
Barbara Torrence, councilwomen covering the districts of 1 and 3, respectively,
their first meeting with the Haynesville Town Council.
Council
members recently attended the annual LMA (Louisiana Municipal Association)
District Meeting in Arcadia. All members were able to attend the meeting other
than Mayor Brown and Councilwoman Webb.
Various
dignitaries were able to attend the annual rally, including Senator Robert
Adley. Council member Carla Smith remembers, “Senator Adley was one of the
highlights of the night, as he gave many compliments to our state.”
Although
unable to attend Mayor Brown commented, “Being an educator myself, I thoroughly
recommend workshops and seminars such as these if it benefits our town. The
time and effort spent by attending is more than worth it.”
“I
really appreciated the opportunity to attend an event such as this,” Councilman
Brian Bogle concluded.
The
2009-2010 council appointments were decided on - Herbert Taylor was recommended
for Mayor Pro Tem and was unanimously carried. Taylor, along with Carla Smith, was
also nominated for the Finance Committee, an individual or individuals that
would need to review the Town’s finances and invoices on a regular monthly
basis.
“I’ll
do the best I can,” Taylor said.
Mayor
Brown also asked Penny Fields to carry on as Town Clerk for another four years.
The council approved the nomination and Fields was reappointed to Town Clerk.
Danny
Newell was also recommended by Brown to be retained as Town Attorney of record.
The council voted unanimously to retain Newell for another four years.
Brown
recommended C.W. Williams to be appointed to the position of Public Works
Superintendent. The council voted unanimously and the recommendation passed.
Resolution
9.430 Millage was brought before the board to be renewed for the year 2009.
“Resolution
- be it resolved that the following millages are hereby levied on the 2009 tax
role on all properties subject to taxation by the Town of Haynesville 9.430 mills.
Be it
further resolved that the proper administrative officials of the Town of
Haynesville, Parish of Claiborne, State of Louisiana be and they are hearby
empowered, authorized and directed to spread said taxes as hear and above set
forth upon the assessment role of said parish for the year of 2009 and to make
the collection of taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority
according to law and that the taxes herein levied shall be come a permanent
lien and privilege on all properties subject to taxation as herein set forth
and collection thereof shall be enforced in a manner provided by law.”
The
resolution was adopted as read by a unanimous vote by the council.
“Resolution
No. 2 - be it resolved that the following millages are hearby levied on the
2009 tax role on all properties subject to taxation by the Town of Haynesville
for the purpose of improving and maintaining the sewage system and streets. Millage Town of Haynesville 4.800 mills. Be it further resolved that the proper administrative
officials of the Town of Haynesville, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, be and they
are hearby empowered, authorized and directed to spread said taxes as herein
set forth upon the assessment role of said Town for the year of 2009 and to
make said collection of the taxes imposes for and behalf of the taxing
authority according to law and that the taxes herein levied shall become a
permanent lien and privilege on all properties subject to taxation as herein
set forth and collection thereof shall be enforced in a manner provided by
law.”
A
motion was made to adopt the resolution and the council voted unanimously to
pass the resolution.
In
other business, the public is reminded that the next Citizen Advisory
Committee’s (CAC) meeting is scheduled for August 3 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers.
Also,
the Water Distribution System project is approximately 85 percent complete and
the contractors are expected to be completed and out of town be the end of
August.
The
Haynesville Lions Club has approved the town’s request of displaying American
flags for five separate holidays throughout the year, including Veteran’s Day,
President’s Day, July 4, Flag Day and Memorial Day.
Area
businesses would be required to pay an annual fee of $20 to help install the
flagpoles and flags, maintain both, and replacement of any damaged flags.
Mayor
Brown brought to the attention of the council and public the continuing issue
of citizens cluttering up the town’s roadways while on foot. He has instructed
Police Chief Anthony Smith to take whatever means necessary to take care of
this issue even to the point of issuing citations.
Brown
asks the public to please make use of the provided sidewalks or shoulder of the
road. “We have too good of a town for a few people to be as disruptive as that.”
The
Haynesville Police Department has volunteered its services by removing
abandoned cars on area properties. If in need of this service, contact the
police department for further information. Funds raised by the removal of these
vehicles will be placed in the town’s Christmas fund.
Mayor
Brown was able to report that as of meeting time, the Town of Haynesville has
been the recipient of six of eight federal grants that have been submitted to
the state. The other two have not been turned down, they are just in transition
and awaiting approval.
All
total, these six grants already received total over $112,000. Brown, along with
the council and citizens of the town want to recognize Senator Mike Walsworth.
“I cannot give the Senator enough credit, because he has been a major pusher
for us,” Brown stated. “He has even contacted me directly to negotiate terms to
be able to at least receive half of a grant we might not have otherwise
received.”
The
Town of Haynesville has also submitted a stimulus grant proposal to Washington
for funding to make street improvements and improvements to the Haynesville
Fire station, including the addition of three new truck bays and renovating the
existing building. This could assist in the town’s fire rating.
Claiborne
Parish Fair business was brought before the board with the hopes of getting the
word out that the fair board is currently in the planning stage of promoting
Claiborne Parish made products at the annual fall fair.
The
Fair will be inviting citizens who produce any product made in Claiborne Parish
to set up a booth at the fair free of charge to promote their product, be it
selling the actual product or advertising for orders.
Anyone
interested may contact any member of the Claiborne Parish Fair Board or Carla
Smith with the Haynesville Town Council.
The
next town council meeting will be held at 6 p.m., August 20, in council
chambers, located behind city hall. For more information, please call city hall
at 624-0911.
Town donates fans for elderly
The Guardian Journal photo/Jenni Williams
City Councilman Michael Wade, District 2,
presented Sharon Willis with the Claiborne Parish Community Services, 15 box
fans last Thursday. The fans were donated by the Town of Homer to the Community
Center to be given to those in need. Wade, along with District 2, sponsored the
event.
Foster Farms up and running
JENNI WILLIAMS, The Guardian-Journal
After a
much anticipated return to the area, Foster Farms has officially taken over the
Farmerville poultry plant.
Despite
the blistering heat wave North Louisiana is experiencing, more than 300 invited
individuals welcomed the new company with open arms.
Foster
Farms took over the bankrupt Pilgrim’s Pride facility on Thursday, July 16.
After
closing the doors ton May 9, interested individuals had been in a constant
state of worry, while elected officials and private citizens did everything in
their power to bring a new company into the idled plant.
Through
these heroic efforts, Foster Farms was able to announce, on March 20 of this
year, their intent to purchase the facility and even make the plant more
productive than ever before.
“Foster
Farms kept Union Parish from being devastated from the lack of jobs and
income,” Union Parish Sheriff Bob Buckley said in an interview with The Gazette
in Farmerville.
The
reopening of the now revitalized facility will have a tremendous impact not
only on the Farmerville area, but all of north Louisiana. Many of the
independent growers and local small business owners who depend on the producers
are from right here in Claiborne Parish.
With
some one million chickens being processed per week by the previous owner of the
plant, Foster Farms is hoping to reach or far surpass that number, bringing
much needed jobs to the area.
From
poultry growers and transporters to plant employees, everyone has been waiting
anxiously for this day to come.
The
average grower operates five chicken houses, each able to hold 21,000 chickens
per growing cycle. Each house can produce 105,000 boilers a year based on a
10-week cycle, with the birds growing to about six pounds in just more than an
eight week period of time.
That’s
a total growing capacity of about 158 million birds a year, or 3.15 million a
week for the 60 contract growers previously contracted through the Pilgrim’s
Pride plant.
Fosters
Farm hasn’t said how long it will take to reach that capacity, but has
indicated it hopes to have more than 1,100 people back on payroll in the
Farmerville plant.
The
plant hopes to move 1.2 million birds per week by late September. The company
has confirmed it will sign contracts at this time only with growers that are
the easiest to supply with feed - in most cases, the ones closest to the feed
plant.
The
company will also most likely supply the growers with only 20,000 birds instead
of the usual 21,000 in an effort to contract for more houses and get more
people back in employee.
Foster
Farms CEO Ron Foster welcomed Farmerville to the Foster Family, saying, “We are
a family-owned, family -run business and on behalf of my family, we would like
to say ‘Welcome to Foster Farms, Farmerville.’”
To
date, Foster Farms has invested approximately $4.4 million in facility
upgrades, including $500,000 in updating the drainage system alone.
The
company also said it plans to spend an additional $10 million on technology and
equipment to get the site up to “Foster Farms standard.”
