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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 11 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER.  ONE VIAL OF MEDICINE COSTS $25,000.00"

Taste of Homer on 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.

Trash Bash this Saturday!

The Homer Clean City Committee’s Trash Bash will be held this Saturday, November 5, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., beginning at Oil Mill Road, between the old cotton warehouses and housing apartments. This is available to Homer citizens only, and please be prepared to show ID. Metal and white goods (refrigerators and washing machines, etc.) and regular trash accepted. No limbs accepted unless bundled in 6 foot long pieces.  For more information, please call 318-927-3271 or 318-927-2342.

Haynesville Elementary to host Veterans Day program November 11

Haynesville Elementary will host a Veteran’s Day program at 9 a.m. in the school’s gymnasium. Parents, friends, the community and especially all our veterans are encouraged to attend this wonderful program.

CA to host Veterans Day Observance November 11

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) huddle at Claiborne Academy will host an observance to recognize and honor all veterans at 11 a.m. All veterans and their spouses are invited to attend. After a short program in the gym, lunch will be served to the veterans and their spouses by FCA members. Please call the school at 318-927-2747 if you can attend.

Search reveals load of trouble

The Guardian-Journal

Three people found themselves in some trouble after a traffic stop led to their arrests.

Joshua T. Bolin, 19, of El Dorado, Arkansas, was arrested on Wednesday, October 26, and charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule I CDS (marijuana) with bond set at $30,000 and possession of drug paraphernalia with bond set at $1,000.

Hayward O. Freeman, 19, also of El Dorado, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia with bond set at $1,000 and possession with intent to distribute Schedule I CDS (marijuana) with bond set at $30,000.

Demario L. Harral, 26, of Strong, Arkansas, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia with bond set at $1,000, possession with intent to distribute Schedule I CDS (marijuana) with bond set at $30,000, and a probation and parole violation with no bond.

On the night of the incident, Homer Police Officer Scott Glenn initiated a traffic stop after observing a vehicle that appeared to be speeding. Once the vehicle stopped in the parking lot of a local bank in Homer, Glenn initiated contact with the driver, identified as Bolin, and advised him as to why he was being stopped. While talking to Bolin, Glenn detected an odor coming off Bolin and from inside the vehicle that is commonly associated with marijuana.

Glenn then asked Bolin to exit the vehicle and asked for consent to search. Because there were two other passengers in the vehicle (Freeman and Harral) and Glenn was not given consent to search the vehicle, he radioed for assistance and Homer Police Officer Frank Evans arrived on the scene. Glenn also called for Officer Thomas Davis and his canine partner for assistance. The two arrived on scene and Davis and his partner conducted a search around the vehicle. At that time, the canine “alerted” on both sides of the vehicle.

Given probable cause, Glenn and Evans began to search the vehicle as to the presence of illegal narcotics and the search revealed two clear plastic bags that contained a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana in the glove box of the vehicle.

The three were then advised of their rights and the vehicle search continued. During the search, officers discovered what appeared to be a grinder commonly used to grind marijuana.

Reports say the three subjects would not claim the alleged drugs so all three were charged with the charges above.

Once the subjects were arrested and evidence was logged, the three were then transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center for further booking.

Vigil set to remember

The Guardian-Journal photo/Jenni Williams

The annual DART vigil is set each year to remember the victims lost to domestic violence and honor those who have survived. October was Domestic Abuse Awareness Month and the vigil was held on Wednesday, October 26. Pictured above are Judy Whitton, far left, and Donna Smith, right, both DART team members. The two light candles are in remembrance of the lives lost in Claiborne Parish due to domestic violence. Remember, as Claiborne Parish Sheriff Ken Bailey once said, it should never hurt to go home. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call 318-927-2818. All calls and cases are confidential.

Woman arrested for cyberstalking

The Guardian-Journal

On Sunday, October 16, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office received a complaint regarding cyberstalking.

The complaint was filed against Carnelous L. (Kennedy) Johnson, 32, of Bernice, for making multiple harassing phone calls. The complainant filed the report and a warrant for Johnson’s arrest was obtained.

Deputy Aaron Christian served the warrant on Wednesday, October 26, and Johnson was booked into the Claiborne Parish Women’s facility and charged with cyberstalking.

Her bond was set at $1,000.

Today’s technology can enable a stalker to have even more tools to keep track of their victims. Cell phones, computers, cameras and global positioning systems (GPS) are things that are easily accessible.

Stalkers are frightening, dangerous -- and sometimes deadly.

If you or someone you know is a victim of stalking, please contact the sheriff’s office.

“Remember, cyberstalking defined in La. R.S. 14:40.3 is any ‘electronic communication’ or ‘electronic email’,” Sheriff Ken Bailey said. “This includes harassment via cell phones, Facebook, computers or the Internet. The penalties for this offense can be a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.

“This crime will not be tolerated in Claiborne Parish,” he concluded.

If you feel you or someone you know is a victim of cyberstalking, please call the sheriff’s office at 318-927-2011 or 318-927-9800.

Haynesville declared ‘malapportioned’

MICHELLE BATES, Editor

The Town of Haynesville has now been declared malapportioned.

This means the town council passed a motion in last Thursday’s regular monthly meeting to declare that the town has at least a 10 percent deviation in its district populations. Based on the 2010 census numbers, the entire Town of Haynesville lost about 13 percent of its population.

According to Mayor Sherman Brown, Gary D. Joiner, of Precision Cartographics will study the situation and is expected to create a statistical “what if” plan, and the records of the declaration will go to the Department of Justice. However, the council will have to approve the plan before it goes to the Department of Justice.

This does not mean the town will lose a council district; however, it may mean that district lines may be moved to better reflect a more even population within each district. The ideal number of people per district is roughly 436, with a five percent margin of error.

“This has to be done because we lost more than 10 percent of our population,” Brown said. “He (Joiner) will be studying which districts will be effected. From my understanding, that’s what he’s working on now.”

He said it is unknown whether which district lines would be moved.

After a roll call vote, the motion was passed unanimously.

In other news, Robert “Bob” McDaniel, affectionately named “Mr. Martha” for the evening, gave the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) report at the meeting. Martha Trinko, CAC spokesperson, was not able to attend the meeting until later, thus McDaniel -- “Mr. Martha” -- was chosen to present the report.

In his update, he reported that the total costs of the restrooms at the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex came in at just above $20,000. Major work included the tile, electrical work and plumbing. In fact, since this year’s “Pot” luck fundraiser was such a success, discussions of making it an annual event are in the making. If the event becomes annual, the date would be held in November.

“People are interested in helping make the city look good when the state can’t help,” McDaniel said.

Even if it takes two years, he said, the funds raised from the “Pot” luck would go to refurbishment of the old school house, which is used for the annual fair and butterfly festival. CAC is considering applying for a grant for it, and what it would take to upgrade the building.

He also reported that a Louisiana Government Assistance Program (LGAP) grant has been written for a new H/VAC unit for the fair complex building. Brown said the grant was promised for the 2011-12 grant cycle.

Brown said if they have state appropriation general funds available, that money would go towards the purchase of new tables, padded chairs and dollies in which to move them around. The total cost for that is approximately $7,000.

The next CAC meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, November 7, in council chambers, located behind Haynesville City Hall.

District 5 Councilwoman Carla Smith updated the council and the public on this year’s fair. It went really well overall, she said, and many entered crafts and a little less art. However, livestock entries increased exponentially. Lee Faulk, Claiborne’s 4-H agent, said in October’s police jury meeting, the increase was as much as 30 percent this year.

Smith also commented positively on the fair parade, saying it was a better parade than in years past. One thing that helped and was appropriate, she said, is the fact that the veterans of Claiborne Parish were honored as the grand marshals of the parade. According to her count, there were more than 20 veterans who participated this year.

There were several candidates for various elected offices and beauty pageant contestants as well in the parade.

In other council news, a five-foot bush hog was declared surplus. Mayor Brown said there was an inquiry into a bush hog that has not been used in several years. It has a good body, but it was plagued with mechanical issues. The council set a minimum bid of $550, which will be advertised accordingly and will then be presented before the council in November’s meeting.

In police personnel matters, the council approved the hiring of three officers to fill two full-time positions and one part-time position. Mario Thomas and Trent Crook will fill the two full-time positions, with Thomas working the graveyard shift and Crook taking the swing shift. Brandon Callicott will fill the part-time position.

The next meeting of the Haynesville Town Council will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, November 17, in council chambers, located behind City Hall. For more information, or for questions, please call City Hall at 318-624-0911.

South Claiborne issues boil advisory

The South Claiborne Water System has issued a boil advisory, effective immediately, because they are experiencing problems with the water supply system.

Those residents who live on Hwy. 518 to Point Pleasant Road, Hwy. 519 to Volentine Road and Barnes Road West to Hwy. 533 East will need to boil their water.

Because of these problems, the water produced by their water system is of questionable microbiological quality. Therefore, as a precaution, the water system is releasing the boil advisory. The boil advisory is to remain in effect until rescinded by the water system.

It is recommended that all consumers disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using if for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means:

Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container. The one minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. (The taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle or pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)

Again, please be sure to disinfect your own water prior to consumption until you have been advised otherwise.

Upon notification from the Office of Public Health State Regional Laboratory that the samples collected from our water supply have been found to be safe, the State Health Department will notify the water supply of the sample test results. Upon such notification, the South Claiborne Water System will then rescind the boil advisory and notify its customers that the water has been found to be safe.

Homer Police seeking toy donations

The Homer Police Department will begin accepting toys in November for their annual toy drive.

The police department, every year during the Christmas season, has collected toys for boys and girls, from birth to age 10, to give to underprivileged children in Homer.

Beginning Thursday, November 3, toys may be dropped off at the police station through Monday, December 19. Toys are to be in their original package. No wrapped gifts will be accepted. Monetary donations are also being accepted so officers will be able to purchase toys as well.

On behalf of Police Chief Russell Mills and his officers, they say thank you to the community for its support.

For more information, please contact Patsy Bailey at 318-927-4001. Donations and toys may be dropped off at the police station, located at 420 East Main Street in Homer, next door to City Hall.

Another look at November’s ballot

The Guardian-Journal

Elections for the November 19 ballot are coming up soon, and a few elected officials in Claiborne Parish are facing a runoff.

In the Claiborne Parish Police Jury, two district incumbents may face defeat, if they don’t get enough votes to keep them in office.

Police Jury Districts 3, 8

In District 3, Incumbent Robert “Bob” McDaniel will face off with opponent Kevin Gray. In the October 22 election, McDaniel received 43.15 percent of the vote, or 167 votes. Although he had two opponents, he still edged into the lead by those three percentage points. Gray received 40.83 percent of the vote, or 158 votes, which put him in the running on the November ballot. The third opponent, Ron W. Edmonds only got 16.02 percent, or 62 votes.

Precincts 03, 35, 37, 40, 41 and 96 will vote for Police Jury District No. 3

In District 8, Incumbent Roy Mardis will go up against opponent Tommy Sanders. In the October 22 election, Mardis still took the lead with 49.79 percent of the vote, or 235 votes. Sanders came in just a few percentage points behind at 39.83 percent, or 188 votes. Keith Lee also ran for the seat, garnering 10.38 percent, or 49 votes.

Precincts 08, 10, 81 and 82 will vote for Police Jury District No. 8.

Alcohol Propositions

Also on the ballot for November 19 are propositions for the citizens who live within the corporate limits of the Town of Homer, which would allow hard liquor sales within the corporate limits. Currently, the only alcohol being sold is beer with a six percent alcohol content or lower.

Proponents of the propositions say it will bring in more tax dollars for the town, which they say is desperately needed. Opponents say selling hard liquor, or alcohol with more than a six percent content, would be a detriment to the town because of the rise in crime and other factors they believe would hurt the town.

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.

Here’s how it will appear on the ballot:

Proposition No. 1

Summary: Authority to sell beverages of alcoholic content containing not more than six percent alcohol by volume by package only and not for consumption on the premises in the municipal limits of the Town of Homer.

Shall the sale of beverages of alcoholic content containing not more than six percent alcohol by volume be permitted by package only and not for consumption on the premises in the municipal limits of the Town of Homer?

This 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.

Proposition No. 2

Summary: Authority to sell beverages of alcoholic content containing not more than six percent alcohol by volume for consumption on the premises in the municipal limits of the Town of Homer.

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 municipal limits of the Town of Homer?

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

Proposition No. 3

Summary: Authority to sell beverages of alcoholic content containing one-half of one percent alcohol by volume and above for consumption on the premises in the municipal limits of the Town of Homer.

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 municipal limits of the Town of Homer?

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

Proposition No. 4

Summary: Authority to sell beverages of alcoholic content containing one-half of one percent alcohol by volume and above by package only and not for consumption on the premises in the municipal limits of the Town of Homer.

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 municipal limits of the Town of Homer?

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.

Proposition No. 5

Summary: Authority to sell beverages of high and low alcoholic content permitted only on the premises of restaurant establishments which have been issued an “R” permit as defined by law in the municipal limits of the Town of Homer.

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 municipal limits of the Town of Homer?

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.

Only those living within the corporate limits of Homer will be able to vote on the alcohol propositions.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment

Also on the ballot for November 19 is a Proposed Constitutional Amendment which reads, “To prohibit the levy of new taxes or fees upon the sale or transfer of immovable property, including documentary transaction taxes or fees, or any other tax or fee, by the state or any of its political subdivisions after November 30, 2011. (November 30, 2011) (Adds Article VII, Section 2.3).

This proposed amendment deals with the real estate transfer tax (RETT) some municipalities and/or states charge along with the other closing costs and fees on real estate, or immovable property. The transfer tax is usually a tax used to cushion a municipality’s or state’s general fund. Generally, they are calculated as a percentage of property value or loan amount. They might be charged to a seller, buyer or both.

According to the Public Affairs Research Council (PAR), Louisiana does not have a statewide RETT and its constitution is silent on them. However, the constitution does allow the legislature -- by two-thirds vote of both chambers -- to pass statutes creating new statewide taxes. It also provides for the legislature to pass laws permitting local governments to levy taxes.

If passed, this amendment would prohibit the levy of NEW taxes or fees by the state or local governments upon the sale or transfer of immovable property after November 30, 2011. It would not repeal taxes or fees currently levied, such is the case in New Orleans, which charges a flat $325 “documentary transaction tax.”

It would also not affect ad valorem taxes on property or general legal and real estate fees associated with transferring or selling property or general legal and real estate fees associated with transferring or selling property, such as attorney’s fees, clerk of court fees and other common closing costs.

Also to note, Louisiana’s legislature attempted to create a property transfer tax in Louisiana and failed in 2000.

Many who are familiar with the proposition take the view point of the attorney general who said the charge passed by Livingston Parish was unconstitutional, because it was passed without the delegation by the legislature, which viewed it as a new taxing authority for the parish. The attorney general’s opinion took the stance that the charge in Livingston Parish was a tax and not a fee. Although attorney general opinions are not binding, the proposition would place a clear constitutional barrier to the state or local governments establishing RETTs in the future.

Proponents of the proposition say that the taxes and fees on real estate transactions inhibit sales and make property purchases less affordable. Higher taxes would weaken an already troubled housing market and hamper economic recovery.

Opponents argue that the amendment will prevent transfer taxes if they are needed in the future to generate revenue. Parishes, municipalities and other forms of local government may need the RETTs to prop up budgets in lean years. They also say the amendment would further increase dependence on state government.

And too, the proposed amendment further clogs the constitution with unnecessary provisions because they view the amendment as overkill. The legislature already has to have a two-thirds vote to pass a new state tax by statute.

Please remember to go vote on November 19. Early voting will begin on Saturday, November 5, and continue through Saturday, November 12. The Claiborne Parish Registrar of Voters office will be closed on Friday, November 11, in observance of Veteran’s Day and on Sunday, November 6. Office hours will be from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day. For more information, please call their office at 318-927-3332.

Truck carrying oil turns over

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

Fire and rescue crews were dispatched to the intersection of La. Hwy. 2 and the Homer Bypass Friday afternoon after a truck hauling 55-gallon drums of oil turned on its side. According to officials at the scene, the driver of the vehicle attempted to make a right turn onto the Homer Bypass but was apparently going to fast. Some oil from the load and diesel fuel from the fuel tank was spilled onto the ground. Louisiana State Police were called in to work the scene. Fire District 4 responded to the scene as well as deputies from the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office. No injuries were reported.

Train sparks grass fire

The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates

On Monday, October 31, the Fire District #4 was dispatched to Zappa Road off Hwy. 9 in reference to a grass and woods fire. When crews arrived on scene, heavy smoke could be seen from the railroad tracks and the highway. No injuries were reported, and according to Fire Chief Dennis Butcher, the cause of the blaze is unknown at this time. As dry as it has been, anything could have set the fire. All it takes is one spark. Please remember that Claiborne Parish is still under a burn ban and will not be lifted until advised by officials.

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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