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Library tax passes overwhelmingly

The Guardian-Journal

Saturday’s election had incumbents and hopefuls alike holding their collective breath as the results came in, and so was Claiborne Parish Library Director Pam Suggs.

Thankfully, the 6.10 mills property tax was renewed, not just for 10 years, but for 20 years. And she was pleasantly surprised at the percentage it passed with. According to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website, www.sos.louisiana.gov, the tax renewal passed with 73.24 percent of the vote, which means 2,472 voters said yes to the tax renewal. Only 903 votes were against, or 26.76 percent.

“Thank you for all the support the people of shown,” she said. “That was quite a percentage. We look forward to making some great improvements.”

This now ensures the funds will be guaranteed to complete the expansion and renovation of the library.

The renewal will go into effect next year, but it still gives them the opportunity to borrow the remaining funding for the library improvements. They have received some quotes, including one from Citizen’s Bank and Trust, which would be a low interest loan, she said.

“They gave us a better rate than what we would have gotten from a USDA loan,” Suggs said.

The main library has served Claiborne Parish for 23 years now, and it’s time for an upgrade and expansion. The ad-valorem tax supports the main library in Homer and the Joe W. Webb Memorial Library in Haynesville as well as the Bookmobile, which serves other areas of the parish.

The tax will produce an estimated $1,037,000 reasonably expected for one year, to be collected over the next 20 years.

The cost of the entire project is approximately $3 million. The expansion would include an additional 9,500 square feet to the existing 6,000 square foot building. The expansion will include a larger public meeting room, a children’s area, a computer lab, more restroom facilities, more parking space and improvements to the existing building.

The expansion would go west of the existing building and then south.

The library offers an array of services, including easy accessibility and convenient hours, a variety of books and a bookmobile service. It also offers services in education, including online homework help for elementary through college age students, certified training classes in all Microsoft Office products, access to genealogy information, and interactive learning platforms. The library also offers excellent customer service as well as technology, which includes 30 public access computers, all 2007 Microsoft Office Products and internet and wireless services as well as copying and faxing services for a nominal fee.

In other local races, Patrick Jefferson will take the seat of outgoing incumbent Rick Gallot in House of Representatives District 11. He received 59.26 percent of the vote, or 2,323 votes. Rory Bedford, his opponent, garnered 40.74 percent of the vote, or 1,597 votes.

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey will serve another four-year term, receiving 81.68 percent of the vote, or 3,562 votes. His opponent, Haynesville Police Chief Anthony Smith received 18.32 percent of the vote, or 799 votes.

Tax Assessor Bob Robinson will serve Claiborne Parish citizens for another four years, garnering 61.42 percent of the vote, or 2,609 votes. His opponent, Mae “Kitty” Williams, received 38.58 percent of the vote, or 1,639 votes.

Two police jury seats will go to the November 19 ballot, with District 3 and District 8 headed for runoffs. In District 3, Incumbent Robert “Bob” McDaniel will face off with Kevin Gray. McDaniel received 43.15 percent of the vote, or 167 votes, while Gray received 40.83 percent, or 158 votes. Also running was Ron W. Edmonds, who garnered 16.02 percent of the vote, or 62 votes.

In District 8, Incumbent Roy Mardis will face off with Tommy Sanders. Mardis garnered 49.79 percent of the vote, or 235 votes, while Sanders brought in 39.83 percent of the vote, or 188 votes. Keith Lee, who also ran for the seat, received 10.38 percent, or 49 votes.

In other police jury seats, the incumbents won outright. In District 4, Incumbent Joe Sturges received 71.25 percent, or 280 votes, while opponent Janell Brown received 28.75 percent, or 113 votes. In District 5, Incumbent Lavelle Penix will serve another four years, with 67.02 percent of the vote, or 313 votes. Opponent Gary Lewis received 32.98 percent, or 154 votes.

In District 7, Incumbent Roy Lewis will serve another four years, garnering 59.36 percent of the vote, or 298 votes. His opponent, Joseph Merritt Jr., received 40.64 percent, or 204 votes. In District 9, Incumbent Jerry Adkins will also serve another four years, garnering 76.12 percent of the vote, or 322 votes, while his opponent Roger Zachary garnered 23.88 percent of the vote, or 101 votes.

In statewide races, Gov. Bobby Jindal overwhelmingly took the election with 65.82 percent of the vote, or 672,950 votes statewide. Coming in second place was Claiborne Parish’s own Tara Hollis, who garnered 17.87 percent of the vote statewide, or 182,755 votes. Parishwide, Hollis garnered 30.06 percent, or 1,270 votes, while Jindal still carried the parish at 55.53 percent, or 2,346 votes.

In the lieutenant governor’s race, Jay Dardenne carried the state with 53.13 percent of the vote, or 504,228 votes. Parishwide, he garnered 58.35 percent, or 2,080 votes.

In the race for secretary of state, Tom Schedler received 50.48 percent of the vote, or 449,370 votes. Jim Tucker received 49.52 percent of the vote, or 440,872 votes. Parishwide, Tucker won with 55.28 percent, or 1,873 votes. Schedler brought in 44.72 percent, or 1,515 votes.

Incumbent Mike Strain also carried the Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry race statewide with 66.52 percent of the vote, or 640,631 votes. In Claiborne Parish, he received 60.34 percent, or 2,319 votes. His opponents, Belinda Alexandrenko got 5.20 percent or 200 votes, while Jamie LaBranche, received 34.45 percent, or 1,324 votes statewide.

Commissioner of Insurance Incumbent Jim Donelon took the state by 67.48 percent of the vote, or 651,285 votes, while his opponent Donald C. Hodge received 32.52 percent of the vote, or 313,931 votes. Parishwide, Donelon also won by 62.58 percent, or 2,366 votes. Hodge came away with 37.42 percent, or 1,415 votes.

Two of the proposed constitutional amendments failed to get the votes needed to pass. Proposed Constitutional Amendments 4 and 5 both failed. Proposed Amendment No. 4 got 50.59 percent against, or 443,334 votes against, while 49.41 percent voted for it, or 432,916 votes. Parishwide, the proposed amendment carried with 58.89 percent, or 1,891 votes, while against it were 41.11 percent, or 1,320 votes.

Proposed Amendment No. 5, also failed with 51.51 percent against it, or 450,555 votes, with 48.49 percent voting for it, or 424,111 votes. Parishwide, the proposed amendment garnered 53.13 percent for it, or 1,700 votes, and 46.88 percent against it, or 1,500 votes.

Proposed Amendment No. 1 carried statewide by 69.60 percent, or 671,988 votes. Against it were 30.40 percent, or 293,570 votes. Parishwide, it carried by 74.51 percent, or 2,532 votes, while 25.49 percent were against it, or 866 votes.

Proposed Amendment No. 2 carried statewide by 58.70 percent, or 531,207 votes and against it were 41.30 percent, or 373,677 votes. Parishwide, the proposed amendment carried 71.21 percent of the vote, or 2,369 votes. Against it, parishwide, were 28.79 percent, or 958 votes.

Proposed Amendment No. 3 passed by 53.31 percent of the vote, or 475,331 votes statewide, while 46.69 percent were against it, or 416,309 votes. Parishwide, the vote was at 61.12 percent, or 1,990 votes and against it were 38.88 percent, or 1,266 votes.

Runoffs for Claiborne Parish Districts 3 and 8 will be on the November 19 ballot along with an alcohol proposition for the Town of Homer. November 5-12 will be early voting for the November 19 election. Office hours will be from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day except for Sunday and Veteran’s Day, November 11.

Benefit draws hundreds for Emilee

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

The benefit held for little Emilee Holloway was a huge success. Drawing hundreds from all around the parish, approximately $20,000 was raised. Everything from a silent auction, bake sale and barbecue plates, all went well. A special thanks goes to all who helped make this event such a success. Emilee has had epileptic seizures, or infantile spasms, of which treatment costs thousands of dollars. One vial of the medicine (ACTH) costs $25,000, and Emilee has gone through at least three vials. Luckily, Mom Jennifer Holloway says she has had no more seizures.  However, there are still several doctor’s visits out of town, and they have to pay for four vials received. Pictured right are little Emilee and mom Jennifer.

Taste of Homer set for November 5

The annual Taste of Homer, sponsored by the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce, will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., on Saturday, November 5 at Homer City Hall. Tickets are $10 each. Lots of eats and treats from some of the best cooks in Claiborne Parish will be up for bid. For those who would like to prepare a dish or bake a treat, please do so and call Executive Director John Watson at the Chamber at 318-927-3271.

Fundraiser for Emilee Holloway on November 3

Athens Masonic Lodge No. 136 & Homer Masonic Lodge No. 152 are holding a joint fundraiser on Thursday, November 3, to benefit Emilee Holloway.  Emilee is the 11-month-old daughter of Brad and Jennifer Holloway of Athens and was recently diagnosed with epileptic seizures or infantile spasms.  The Lodges will offer charbroiled chicken plates to be sold for $7 per plate.  The plate will include grilled chicken, potato salad, baked beans and bread.  The fundraiser will be held at the Homer Fire Department beginning at 11 a.m.  There will be no advanced ticket sales and 500 plates will be prepared.  Come early so you’ll be able to pick up your plate and support a young child with a great need.  Donations are also welcomed.  If you are unable to attend you can also donate to an account that has been set up in the name of Emilee Holloway at Gibsland Bank and Trust.

"PLEASE COME OUT AND HELP THIS YOUNG FAMILY WITH EXPENSES FOR THE TREMENDOUS MEDICAL COSTS NECESSARY TO HELP THEIR 8 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER.  ONE VIAL OF MEDICINE COSTS $25,000.00"

Alcohol proposition on November ballot

Run-off elections slated as well

The Guardian-Journal

The sale of alcohol seems to be a touchy issue in the Town of Homer. Businesses are allowed to sell beer of alcoholic content at six percent or lower, but businesses are not allowed to sell hard liquor.

However, because of a petition that was signed, sealed and delivered to the powers that be, that issue is now on the November ballot for the people to decide. In the 70s, the citizens of Homer decided to keep the sale of alcohol to a low-content, which means beer only.

The ballot questions will read as follows:

1. Shall the sale of beverages of alcoholic content containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume be permitted by package only and not for consumption on the premises in the Town of Homer?

2. Shall the sale of beverages of alcoholic content containing not more than six percent alcohol by volume for consumption on the premises be permitted in the Town of Homer?

3. Shall the sale of beverage alcohol containing one-half of one percent alcohol by volume and above for consumption on the premises be permitted in the Town of Homer?

4. Shall the sale of beverages of alcoholic content containing one-half of one percent alcohol by volume and above by the package only and not for consumption on the premises be permitted in the Town of Homer?

5. Shall the sale of beverages of high and low alcoholic content be permitted only on the premises of restaurant establishments which have been issued an “R” permit as defined by law in the Town of Homer?

Before getting into what these all mean, let’s look at some definitions. According to Louisiana Revised Statute 26:241, one half of one percent means 1 proof liquor. “Not more than six percent” means low content alcohol (beer), and “more than six percent” means high content alcohol or liquor.

The first proposition deals with packaged low content alcohol. Currently, businesses who have proper permits can sell low alcohol content if it’s at or below six percent. These businesses include places like convenience stores. If it passes, then businesses will be able to continue to sell packaged low content alcohol.

The second proposition deals with low content sales and consumption. This proposition would allow the sale and consumption of low alcohol content on the premises, meaning bars or lounges.

The third proposition would allow liquor (high content alcohol) in a bar.

The fourth proposition deals with packaged alcohol only. If passed, this would allow a store to sell liquor with an alcohol content of more than six percent, but not consumption. In other words, a liquor store could sell the alcohol, but the purchaser would not be able to consume it on the premises.

The fifth proposition deals with restaurants. Restaurants would have to have a special “R” permit to be able to sell high content alcohol within the corporate limits of Homer, but consumption would be on premises only.

Each proposition will pass or fail on its on merit. All five do not have to pass in order for it to become law in the Town of Homer. If voters say no to the first two, it would kill the beer sales, as it stands now. However, if they say “yes” to three and four, then beer sales would be included. This means that even if one and two fail, beer could still be sold, because three and four include low and high content alcohol.

Not to be confused with Ordinance No. 11-906, which was adopted by the Homer Town Council recently, the ordinance deals with public consumption only -- not consumption on premises, such as in a restaurant or bar. That ordinance deals with the public, such as public streets.

Also on the November 19 ballot includes two runoffs for the Claiborne Parish Police Jury. District 8’s Juror Roy Mardis will face a runoff against opponent Tommy Sanders, and District 3’s Juror Bob McDaniel faces a runoff with Kevin Gray. Early voting is set for November 5-12, from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day, except Sunday and Friday, November 11, which is Veteran’s Day.

For more information on the election, please call the Registrar of Voter’s Office at 318-927-3332.

Homer man arrested for battery

The Guardian-Journal

A dispute between two parents landed a Homer man in jail.

Brandon D. White, 28, of Homer, was arrested on a charge of simple battery. Bond was set at $500.

According to Homer Police, on Sunday, October 16, Wright and the mother of his child had exchanged words at a local convenience store. When police began to investigate, they obtained video surveillance from the store around the time of the incident.

Police say that the video shows Wright and the mother taking the baby in and out of the car on several occasions, and the last time the child was taken out of the car, the mother picked up her child and began walking away.

It was at that time, the two began exchanging words, and the video appears to show that he hit her with the back of his hand. However, when interviewed, officers say, he told them he threw a paper towel at her.

He was arrested without incident and booked at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.

Investigating officers were Officer Van McDaniel and Lt. Roger Smith.

In a separate incident, Ledezmond Critton, 19, of Homer, was arrested on Thursday, October 20, on a warrant issued for second degree battery. According to police, the warrant was issued after a victim told police he was hit by Critton and another alleged assailant.

Officers say the victim told them he was on Armory Drive on the night on or around September 10, going to another residence when Critton and the other assailant reportedly “jumped” him, kicking him and hitting him. Police say he went to Homer Memorial Hospital to be checked out for apparent hematomas around the face and head area.

Critton was booked at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center, with bond set at $5,000.

HHS Homecoming parade shows school spirit

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

Homer High School celebrated Homecoming week, culminating in a homecoming parade Thursday, October 20. Set to play against the Lakeside Warriors, the Homer Pels won their game 45-12 at the Ronnie G. Beard Memorial Stadium. Pictured above is 2011 Homecoming Queen India Adams-Pickens.

Silhouettes raise awareness of domestic abuse

The silhouettes around the Courthouse Square represent those who died at the hands of domestic abuse. October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month and on Wednesday, October 26, DART (Domestic Abuse Resistance Team) held a vigil to remember those who have died and to raise awareness of an issue that much of the time is kept secret. DART is an organization that helps those who have been abused to find safe shelter and offer services to help them get away from their abuser and back on their feet. For more information, please call DART at 318-927-2818.

Drought + Fungus = Dead Oak Trees

Bill W. Hightower, The Guardian-Journal

This summer’s record-setting temperatures and extended drought conditions have combined to create a rarely-seen phenomenon in our area — a subtle change in the landscape.  No doubt you’ve noticed the growing number of dead trees scattered about the countryside.  A closer look reveals the fact that nearly all the dead trees are hardwoods, most being different varieties of oak.

Day after day of 100+ temperatures, lack of rainfall, and drying winds have produced a ‘perfect storm’ for local hardwoods. When drought conditions stress trees they are weakened and more susceptible to attack by insects and disease pests. 

Hypoxylon canker is a fungus common in hardwood trees across the South.  Normal healthy trees aren’t invaded by the fungus; it attacks trees which are stressed, weakened, or damaged in some way.  A drop in the usual moisture content of living wood, which has occurred in trees in our region, allows the dormant fungus to become active.  It decays a tree’s sapwood, causing the tree to die.

When attacked by hypoxylon canker, the crown of a tree begin to thin.  Leaves turn brown and branches start dying and falling to the ground.  A unique indicator of this fungal activity is the sloughing off of small sections of bark from the tree trunk.  The pieces of fallen bark will cover the ground at the base of the infected tree.  Where bark is missing, powdery spores tan, reddish-brown, or olive green in color will develop.  At this point the tree is dead.  The exposed trunk areas darken and become tarry in a few weeks.  Over a few months’ time, these areas become silvery-gray.

The sapwood of the dead tree decays more rapidly than that of a naturally-dying tree, making it extremely dangerous for anyone to climb an infected tree.  The dead branches of an infected tree will not support as much weight as branches of trees dead by other means.  Tree cutters should employ bucket trucks or other lift devices when removing these trees.

The fungus spreads via airborne spores which seems to infect trees by colonizing the inner bark, where it lies dormant until the tree is stressed or weakened in some way.  Removal of infected trees doesn’t prevent spread of the fungus to other healthy trees around it.  There is no means to control the fungus.  Healthy trees are best maintained by supplemental watering during periods of drought, as well as removal of damaged limbs.

The many stressed hardwoods in our area need to see the return of periods of regular rain which would increase moisture content in wood to normal levels, alleviating stress conditions and staving off the attack of hypoxylon canker.  If drought conditions persist, we will only see more and more hardwood trees die as a result of this opportunistic fungus.

For more on hypoxylon canker, see http://txforestservice.tamu.edu/main/article.aspx?id=1262

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, 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

* Delta Interiors

* The Chamber Office at Ford Museum

Brochures only are available at the following:

* Courtyard Florist

* Lake Claiborne State Park

* Haynesville City Hall

* The Guardian-Journal

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