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FRIDAy, AUGUST 19, 2022 no. 33
BROOKS HONORED AT RECEPTION AT HOMER HIGH SCHOOL COTTAGE
The Guardian-Journal photo JM Williams
Haynesville Elementary Principal Heather Brooks was recently named the Louisiana Elementary Principal of the Year out of more than 1,500 schools in 70 districts. Mrs. Brooks was honored with the beautiful glass award and flowers at Thursday evening’s regular school board meeting by Superintendent Bill Kennedy, President Will Maddox and all the members of the school board. A number of her fellow co-workers at Haynesville Elementary were in attendance to celebrate in her accomplishment and everyone enjoyed a hilarious, fun-filled 10+ minute video created by some of those very same co-workers.
A reception in her honor was held after the meeting at the Homer High School cottage.
Congratulations, Mrs. Brooks on an amazing accomplishment and Claiborne Parish is thrilled with everything you and your family have already accomplished in our community. During her acceptance ‘speech’ she said, “Why not have fun at what you do everyday?!” And according to everyone she works with and comes into contact with - Heather Brooks is a tiny but mighty package of fun.
CPSO APPROVES SECOND HAYNESVILLE SCHOOLS SRO
The regular meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board was held Thursday, August 11 at the Homer High School Home Economics cottage.
As seen above, Haynesville Elementary School Principal Heather Brooks was honored as the 2023 Louisiana Elementary Principal of the Year.
The board unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with the Town of Haynesville for the hiring of a second School Resource Officer (SRO) so that an officer will be stationed at each campus throughout the entire school day instead of having to travel between the two locations. The officers will receive a salary of $27 per hour, not to exceed $35,000 per year.
A revised salary schedule was unanimously approved to add an increase of $1,500 for certified employees and $750 for non-certified employees on the 14th check of the year.
A request for camera bids at all 4 Claiborne Parish school campuses was approved. There are a number of blind spots and each campus is in need of more cameras.
The next regular meeting of the CPSB will be held on Thursday, September 8 at 6 p.m. at the central office.
ULM ANNOUNCES HONOR STUDENTS
The University of Louisiana Monroe announces the students on the President’s and Dean’s List for the Spring 2022 semester.
Eligibility to the President's or Dean's requires full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 semester hours completed) and the lists are calculated based on Grade Point Average hours and term G.P.A.:
President's List (denoted with *): an undergraduate student is required to earn at least a 3.9 grade point average.
Dean's List: an undergraduate student is required to earn at least a 3.5 grade point average.
Graduate or Doctoral Candidates are not eligible for the dean or president's list.
After reviewing the qualifications, please contact ULM Office of Marketing & Communication if you meet the criteria but were not certified or on the list.
If the omission was a clerical error in the report, OMC will correct it and repost the list. However, if the error or omission is based on protected student data, any changes must be made through the Office of the Registrar.
Visit www.ulm.edu/omc/academiclists/ to clarify eligibility for the President’s and Dean’s List and contact information.
University of Louisiana Monroe Spring 2022 President’s and Dean’s List recipients are -
Claiborne Parish
Haynesville - Haley Barrios (*), Mia Butler, Carrie Moak, Sydney Owens
Homer - Emily Allen, Justin Applewhite, Noah Dixon, Katelyn Butler, Lawren Williams
A WORD FROM CHIEF MCDANIEL
A word from Chief McDaniel...
On Friday evening’s broadcast of KTBS news on channel 3 there was a segment aired about the abuse of a young man at the Claiborne Parish Detention center. That morning, when C’dre Moore was arrested on warrants it was without incident, meaning that there was no violence, or unnecessary force involved by neither the suspect nor the arresting officers. Our officers, the law enforcement professionals, of the Homer Police Department are taught, trained, and required to treat every citizen, suspect, complainant, or visitor in our town with the upmost respect and dignity.
This is a major part of the positive community oriented policing policy that I have instituted, and demand to be followed day in and day out. When other agencies decide to take police actions within the city limits of Homer and decide to take enforcement actions with intentional heavy-handed tactics it makes things problematic. The actions perpetrated against Moore that morning at CPDC were nothing short of criminal, and all those involved either directly or indirectly should be charged and arrested. If those actions had occurred within the city limits of Homer, within my jurisdiction, I would have personally obtained the arrest warrants myself. I would not announce that I stand by any officer that has obviously broken the law and violated their oath to protect and serve, or the defend the constitutions of the state of Louisiana or the United States of America.
It was stated that the release of the body camera footage was politically motivated, there is no political motivation in doing what is right, there is no political motivation in the fair and ethical treatment of all people, there is no political motivation in doing what God almighty commands us to do. When we have some rough elements running around with guns and badges behaving like thugs and criminals something has to be done. Therefore, I am contacting the FBI, the Louisiana Department of Corrections, and the Louisiana Attorney General’s office and demanding a full and through investigation into the actions that happened to Moore and other incidents involving law enforcement officials that I’ve been made aware of.
The sad part is that what happened to Moore is just the tip of the iceberg, and I will also be asking those agencies to investigate other acts that I have witnessed, and/or have evidence of. Law enforcement is a noble profession, and should be represented by men and women with that in mind, and put those values, standards, and morals to practical use every time they put that uniform on.
To those that don’t, they should be ousted either by being fired, voted out of office, or not being elected to office in the first place. What I’ve had to say in this article might not be the popular thing to say to some folks, but nonetheless, it had to be said by someone. I’m saying it because I am not afraid to, I’m saying it because I’m the only official that is willing to stand up to an out of control autocratic that lies and abuses his authority that was given to him by the people of this parish.
If I happen to get voted out of office in the November 8 election than so be it, I will leave with my head held high because I know that I served with honor, made the Homer police department better than it was before I became chief, and I protected the rights of every citizen in this town regardless of race, religion, or orientation.
My opponent for chief doesn’t care. His philosophy is to tell people what he thinks they want to hear, get into office and do what he’s told to do by Russell Mills and Sam Dowies. I have no doubt in my mind that if my opponent was the chief and had access to that C’dre Moore body cam footage it would have been erased and deleted. I say that because in August of 2018 under the Russell Mills and “assistant chief” Roger Smith administration there was an incident at Gordon’s service station involving a young man from Haynesville that was captured on body cam. That man was arrested/ detained, handcuffed, and later released with the understanding that nothing was to be said, because it turned out that he was actually the victim.
The man made allegations of being called racial slurs by the operator of that location, and being choked by then chief Russell Mills as Roger Smith and other officers stood by and watched. When I returned to duty and learned of the incident I attempted to retrieve the video from the video archives, but it no longer existed, it had been deleted.
My opponent was one of the officers on that scene, and at that time was the only one of the officers that had access to redact, edit, or delete video evidence. You do the math, and reach your own conclusion like I did. Whoever we elect to the office of chief of police, sheriff, or any other public office, let’s make sure that the person is not ethically, or morally compromised, and that they have the best interests of the citizens in their heart, and just not seeking to have authority over others.
Go get registered to vote, exercise your right to vote, and take someone with you to vote. God bless, and thank you.
WARREN ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR CITY COUNCIL
I, Carl Anthony Warren, am officially announcing my candidacy for Selectman for District 1. I strongly believe “We CAN improve our town together”!
I was born in Homer, Louisiana, and upon graduating from Homer High School in 1976, I migrated to Dallas, Texas. While in Dallas, I completed studies and graduated from Controlled Data Institute of Technology with an Associate Degree in Electromechanical Engineer. I also obtained an Associate Business Degree from Smith Business School in Dallas, Texas.
After earning my degrees, I worked for Computer Automation Systems, General Electric as a Computer Tech, and Mobil Oil as a Communications Engineer. Due to a back injury and surgery, I recuperated in Louisiana and later returned to Texas where I ventured out as an Owner/Operator of my trucking company, W&W Trucking. I have always had a love for communications and networking with the public.
I returned to Homer, Louisiana, in 1994, after reconnecting with my friend and classmate, Shirley Daniels. Our friendship grew into something more than “just friends” and we were united in marriage in November, 1997. We will be celebrating our 25th anniversary on November 29, 2022.
I am a Deacon, Adult Sunday School Teacher, and choir member at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. I am also a member of the NAACP Claiborne Parish Branch #6053. I am an Independent Contractor.
I am concerned about the issues our town is facing. I will be fair in my decisions and focused on the present and future of the Town of Homer. Needless to say, our town is more divided than ever. We must be willing to accept and encourage change for the betterment of our town’s future. We will never rectify any problems if we continue to criticize each other instead of working with each other to get to the root of the problems.
As Selectman for District 1, I will eagerly work with the administration and District 1. It is my desire to bring fresh ideas and positive solutions to the table.
I am asking for your support and vote on November 8, 2022. Vote #98, Carl Anthony Warren, for Selectman – District 1.
SCHOOL BOARD ANNOUNCES AMENDMENT TO POLICY FOR SERVING LUNCH AND BREAKFAST MEALS
CLAIBORNE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD today announced an amendment to its policy for serving meals to students under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the 2022-2023 school year. All students will be served lunch and breakfast at no charge at the following sites:
Haynesville Elementary
9777 Hwy 79
Haynesville, LA 71038
Haynesville Jr/Sr High
9930 Hwy 79
Haynesville, LA 71038
Homer Elementary
624 Pelican Drive
Homer, LA 71040
Homer Jr High School
612 Pelican Drive
Homer, LA 71040
Homer High School
1008 North Main St.
Homer, LA 71040
Summerfield High School
4200 Hwy 9
Summerfield, LA 71079
For additional information please contact: Claiborne Parish School Board, Attention: Sandra Bosby, Supervisor Child Nutrition Program, 415 East Main Street, Homer, LA 71040, 318-927-3502
Non Discrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly.
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
email:
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
MAIN STREET MINUTE
It’s been more than a minute since the last Main Street Minute. Sometimes I lose my muse and hesitate to write about what I think you might be uninterested in. I have a rule of thumb to not write about what is to come but only what has been accomplished so let me merge the two and tell you what has been accomplished that will lead to good things to come.
Last Thursday I met with the Claiborne Parish Police juror in charge of buildings and grounds Kevin Gray, Brian Davis, executive director and architect for the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation, and Judge Walter May to inspect water damage in the west wall of the Claiborne Parish Courthouse.
What’s causing the damage is rainwater running down the west lawn toward the courthouse, getting under the sidewalk and seeping up from the ground into the west brick wall, causing the interior paint to blister. The quick solution is to scrape off the interior latex paint and replace it with a breathable paint that allows the water to move through the wall and into the courthouse where it will be absorbed by the air conditioner.
The long-term fix is to install an underground French drain that will catch the water and move it north and south around the courthouse. This is another example of the historic efforts taken to preserve the wonderful historic treasure that is our courthouse.
Wesley Harris wrote just last week in this newspaper about how the “Courthouse has survived efforts to demolish it.” While there will be no demolition this time, we are going to work to solve the water issue that could lead to long-term damage.
Included in Wesley’s article is a picture of the courthouse with a view of the west side of the building. In it you can see that there once was small room buried halfway below ground level. Dennis Butcher remembers going down into the building as a child and says that it was a restroom facility.
Now Dennis is not that old, so the restroom must have been removed relatively recently. Maybe the removal of the restroom created some space below the existing sidewalk for the rainwater to accumulate? Our historic buildings always tell a story, don’t they?
We are currently seeking grant opportunities for repairs that leverage our courthouse’s standing as a contributing element in our nationally registered historic district. Kevin Gray and I were talking about how many times we see tourists getting out of their vehicles to look at and take pictures of our courthouse.
While Claiborne Parish doesn’t have an official tourist commission, this historic structure acts as one for us. Tourists love coming to Homer and Kevin, the Police Jury, the Homer Historic Commission, the Chamber of Commerce, local business owners, and the Ford Museum are doing a great job ensuring we have the resources to attract them.
So, we accomplished something by having an historic architect provide a site visit and create plan of action to save our historic courthouse for generations to come. And that is a good thing!
Jimmy Hand, Director
Main Street Homer
UPCOMING EVENTS AT CLAIBORNE PARISH LIBRARY
A tribute to the late Derwin “DJ” Lewis was made by the Athens High School Class of 1999 Saturday, August 6, 2022 during the Collaboration Event in Homer. Representing the Class of ‘99 were Coach Marcus Jackson and Antwan Cato, who brought basketballs to be donated to area children in memory of Derwin Lewis. Pictured (L to R) are Coach Marcus Jackson, Lewis’ mom, Del Marie Lewis, his children Jacoya Lewis and Daxton Lewis and Antwan Cato. (Photo courtesy of Jackie Roberts)
CMMC EMPOYEE OF THE MONTH
Claiborne Memorial Medical Center is excited to announce July’s Employees of the Month - Sissy Estep and Juanita Faulkner from the Homer Medical Clinic.
DID YOU KNOW?
Her mind believed and her body achieved
You don’t want to mess with Tamara Walcott of Laurel, MD, suggests the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC]. She’s the new Guinness World Record holder for cumulative weightlifting, having won the title by lifting a combined total of 1,620.4 pounds in a squat, bench press and the deadlift competition in Manassas, VA sponsored by the World Raw Powerlifting Federation. Tamara lived up to her motto that says, “the impossible is possible.”
At long last
Raymond Turner lives Fort Worth, TX and works at the Cook Children's Hospital there. Christina Sadberry also lives in Fort Worth and frequently takes her 4-year-old son to the very same hospital for medical treatments. The Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC] says that one day not so long ago Turner’s wife, Maria, got him one of those DNA kits that tells you about your genetic heritage. And, you guessed it, Ms. Sadberry was a match. So, Maria tracked her down on Facebook and they made a connection. Christina got a chance to see a photo of Mr. Turner and recalled seeing him at the hospital that very same day. The long-lost siblings had finally found each other.
How sweet it is
That sweet tooth of yours might land you a $78,000 [$100,000 Canadian dollars] a year job, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC]. The online company, Candy Funhouse, located in Ontario, Canada, is looking for a Chief Candy Officer whose principal task is to conduct taste tests. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Jamal Hejazi, had this to say about the job: "Imagine your best memories around candy, and having that every day at work."
HAYNES CLINIC PERFORMS CA PHYSICALS
Claiborne Memorial Medical Center and Claiborne Family Medical Clinic took time out of a busy week to perform sports physicals for Claiborne Academy student athletes.
Thank you Dr. Scott Haynes and staff for helping prepare these students for a great year!
PHOTO: Dr. Scott Haynes examines Will Fife, checking the health of his heart and lungs.
FRIDAy, AUGUST 12, 2022 no. 32
MONDAY EVENING STORM CAUSES SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE
Submitted photos
Signficant damage was done Monday evening around 6 p.m. when a powerful thunderstorm struck the area, bringing as much as two and a half inches of rain in some areas and straight line winds in others. This power line was destroyed at the corner of Highway 2 west of town and Highway 540. Above, a number of large pine and oaks trees blocked traffic in the Beverly Drive neighborhood in multiple places. At left, this oak tree took out its wrath on an unsuspecting Dodge Ram pickup truck on Forest Drive. Trees were down on multiple Homer streets and clean up will continue throughout the week as crews work to repair the damage to the area.
TROOPERS URGE MOTORISTS TO EXERCISE CAUTION AS SCHOOLS RESUME ACROSS THE STATE
As the 2022-23 school year is beginning, Louisiana State Police would like to remind motorists to drive with extra care and be especially aware of school zone speed limits, school buses loading or unloading children, and children walking or biking to school.
Troopers along with local law enforcement will be patrolling school zones throughout the state, and speeding will not be tolerated while school zone speed limits are in effect. Most school zones have a reduced speed limit from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and 2:00-4:00 p.m.
However, some zones are marked with slightly different times, and it is the responsibility of motorists to be aware of these speed zones and to reduce their speed accordingly.
A school bus is designed to be the safest vehicle on the road, but the greatest risk to our school-age children is the loading and unloading of children at bus stops.
As a reminder to motorists, all vehicular traffic must stop no less than 30 feet from a school bus when the stop signals on the bus are activated.
A vehicle approaching a stopped school bus from the opposite direction does not have to stop when traffic is separated by a divided median, but must remain cautious of the children boarding or exiting the bus.
Additionally, motorists are encouraged to remember that:
•Louisiana Law states that no person shall operate any wireless communication device, which includes texting and any social media, while operating a motor vehicle during the posted hours within a school zone. School zones across Louisiana are hands-free zones, so put that cell phone down while driving.
• School crossing guards have the authority to direct vehicles through intersections when traffic lights are red and to stop vehicles when the traffic lights are green. Motorists who are approaching school zones are urged to pay attention to the school crossing guards for hand instructions.
Motorists should expect traffic congestion and possible delays near school zones. It is important for each driver to be patient with the increased traffic and allow extra time to arrive safely at their destination.
Remember to always buckle up and insist that ALL occupants in the vehicle are buckled up as well. Keeping these safety tips in mind will help assure a safe school year not only for our children, but for the motoring public as well.
CLAIBORNE MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER HOSTS FOUR DAYS OF ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING
Submitted photos
Claiborne Memorial Medical Center hosted 4 days of Active Shooter Training last week. Conducted by Louisiana State University’s National Center for Biomedical Research and Training (LSU NCBRT), instructors led four day-long courses to over 120 CMMC employees through classroom presentations, hands-on performance-based field training, and scenario-based practical exercises. LSU NCBRT is a nationally recognized center for emergency preparedness and response training located at the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. Instructors for this session were: Debbie Hilliard, Charlie Burton, and Chris Barsheff.
AUBURN PROFESSOR TEACHES ADVANCED LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES TO HOMER YOUTH
Jacquelyn Tripp
The Guardian-Journal
The Singularity “is very close if it hasn’t already happened,” Dr. Cheryl Seals, a Homer High School Class of 1984 graduate and tenured professor at Auburn University, told TG-J last week while wrapping up her 3-day STARS COMPUTER CAMP in downtown Homer.
The moment technology becomes conscious, or sentient, is called “the singularity.”
Seals is typically found in Auburn University’s Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, where she specializes in human computer interaction, user interface, usability evaluation and educational gaming technologies, but she said she returned to Homer to teach students about technological advancements, “Because Homer’s home.” One of the activities she hosted at the camp involved students teaching a robot how to match patterns. Students also worked through a series of projects that explored computational thinking, problem solving, stem building, programming, bridge building, design activities, writing, games and artificial intelligence.
RURAL TECHNOLOGY
Seals returned to Homer to teach the camp because, in her own words, “Sometimes we don’t get as many opportunities in the rural south. We don’t even have the same type of phone service or internet.”
Some of Seals’ former students now work at Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, The University of Massachusetts Amherst and NASA, and she says it’s a blessing to be a part of her students’ lives during their formative processes. She also finds joy in teaching the youth of Homer.
An Apple podcast called DISCONNECTED: DISPARITIES BETWEEN RURAL AND URBAN BROADBAND INTERNET CONNECTION, pointed out in 2019 that, “Access to rural broadband disproportionally affects those in rural areas—and having that access is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity for work and overall quality of life.”
Seals said when we don’t have access to such technologies, we aren’t aware of the things we can do. She is passionate about giving the youth of Claiborne Parish a glimpse at the possibility of having a future career in technology.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
“Auburn has the number 1 engineering school in Alabama,” Seals told TG-J. “What I do is work in advanced learning technologies with different disciplines to create technology that will support their pedagogy.” Seals says expert systems, which can appear to be AI, have been around for medical diagnosis purposes since at least the 1970s. “Now AI is a lot more prevalent than it was in the past. Our cars are smart enough to guide us back to the road, but that’s not (the singularity).”
The singularity, as defined by Forbes, is “an event where the Artificial Intelligences in our lives either become self aware, or reach an ability for continuous improvement so powerful that it will evolve beyond our control.”
“Understanding of the mind and brain will enable the creation of a new species of intelligent machine systems that can generate economic wealth on a scale hitherto unimaginable…,” we learn in CONVERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING HUMAN PERFORMANCE: NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCE, edited by Roco and Bainbridge, published in a U.S. National Science Foundation and Department of Commerce report from June 2002. “Technology will increasingly dominate the world, as population, resource exploitation, and potential social conflict grow. Therefore, the success of this convergent technologies priority area is essential to the future of humanity,” the report stated.
Seals told TG-J that, “Covid made us think differently about the way that we do business. It helped us to think more efficiently. A combination of Covid and technology pushed us ahead five or ten years of where we would have been.”
TECHNOLOGY TIPS
Seals said it’s important to remember that technology isn’t good or bad—just the people using it. She gave readers of TG-J a few technology tips for protecting themselves in the developing technological landscape:
1) Be careful with your smart phones. “There are a lot of scams with links you go to on text messages,” said Seals. “People will use FB and Messenger and Twitter to scam you out of your money. If it’s too good to be true, more than likely it’s a scam.”
2) SOFTWARE UPDATES ARE IMPORTANT. Companies are trying to get their products first to market, because the fastest one out is the one people buy. “When you get an update to your software, they’re probably adding a security patch,” she explained. “You really do need to update regularly, even if it’s just monthly.”
3) Consider taping over cameras on your home computers. “They can be used to look into your home,” Seals warned.
FUTURE CAMPS
Sponsored by The Town of Homer, Seals’ STAR Computer Camp took place from the 25th to the 27th of July and enrolled 20 kids from kindergarten to high school. She plans to return again in the future to teach another camp for young students interested in learning more about advanced learning technologies.
Dr. Cheryl Seals (Charles W. Barkley Professor of Computer Science) received her B.S. in Computer Science from Grambling State University, a M.S. in Software Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University, a M.S. in Computer Science from Virginia Tech, and her Ph.D. in Computer Science from Virginia Tech.
Links to Seals’ research papers may be found on her Google Scholar page.
LHC AND USDA TOUR TO VISIT CLAIBORNE
Jackie Roberts
Special to TGJ
Partnerships that Build Community Statewide Tour (Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) and USDA Rural Development (USDA)) will visit Claiborne Parish Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex.
Rashid Young is a former law clerk and now a colleague of Director Deidre Deculus Robert. He said, “I am excited to welcome our top state official for housing and top federal official for Louisiana USDA Rural Development to Claiborne Parish. Their willingness to come here and speak with area leaders about the programs they offer is monumental and will be a great benefit to our area.”
The purpose of this event is to strengthen partnerships with these agencies and allow their respective leaders to share information about programs for new housing developments, existing housing restorations, community facilities, small businesses, rural community development and more.
This is a really progressive step for our area. We are fortunate to have state and federal officials interested in developing and providing programs that will benefit all people of this area.
All community leaders, elected officials and persons interested in local housing are invited to attend.
For more information, please visit: https://www.lhc.la.gov/events/roadshow-homer
HARRIS WINS LITERARY AWARD
The Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association celebrated its 75th anniversary as a writer’s organization this past weekend in Thibodaux at the annual conference of the organization.
Included in the activities taking place was a ceremony where Exellence in Craft awards were presented to outdoor media for their work for the previous year.
Among the award recipients was Ruston longtime outdoors writer, Glynn Harris who was awarded first and third places for articles he wrote for area newspapers. In addition, Harris also won a first place award in the magazine short story category for an article published in the Piney Hills Journal.
DWCC AND P&P AFFIRMED REACCREDITATION
Congratulations to Warden Jerry Goodwin and David Wade Correctional Center and Director Jamie Lee and Probation and Parole. At the national conference in New Orleans last week, the American Correctional Association affirmed reaccreditation of both DWCC and P&P.
TRIBUTE TO THE LATE DERWIN "DJ" LEWIS
A tribute to the late Derwin “DJ” Lewis was made by the Athens High School Class of 1999 Saturday, August 6, 2022 during the Collaboration Event in Homer. Representing the Class of ‘99 were Coach Marcus Jackson and Antwan Cato, who brought basketballs to be donated to area children in memory of Derwin Lewis. Pictured (L to R) are Coach Marcus Jackson, Lewis’ mom, Del Marie Lewis, his children Jacoya Lewis and Daxton Lewis and Antwan Cato. (Photo courtesy of Jackie Roberts)
WHOPPER BREAM CAUGHT ON CORNEY
The Guardian-Journal photo/JM Williams
This whopper of a Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) was caught on Saturday, August 6, on Corney Lake in the Summerfield/Weldon community by Jules Ellis Colvin. The fish measuring just under 10 inches at 9 and 7/8 inches weighed one pound and 19 hundredths. Colvin was using a Duck Commander rod with 17 pound line with a worm as his bait. The fish has been submitted to the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association Record Application.
FIRST COLLABORATION OF VENDORS DEEMED A HUGE SUCCESS
Jackie Roberts
Special to TGJ
Amazing is the one word I would use to describe the Collaboration of Vendors and Back-To-School Giveaway held Saturday, August 6, 2022 at Homer City Hall. It is estimated that almost 1,000 persons attended the event without one incident being reported. Even the trash cans outside were full instead of the trash being thrown on the ground and if you know me then you know how important this is to me.
The volunteers counted over 475 bags that were given away plus Pafford Ambulance donated over 100 backpacks. So combined there were around 600 bags of supplies given away. There were also 400 pairs of socks and over 200 uniforms available.
There were 45 plus vendors that showcased items they had for sale.
Speakers included Pastor Adrian Nelson, Atty. Rashid Young, State Rep. Patrick Jefferson, Homer football Coach Richie Casey and Adarian Williams. DJ Smiley provided the music. Blues singer Lady Q gave a soulful performance and so did the Rising Starz of Magnolia.
The event was sponsored by Memorial Funeral Home and the Town of Homer-Mayor Xanthe Seals Mann.
Volunteers included Homer High FBLA and sponsor David Robinson, Town of Homer workers, Memorial Funeral Home employees and a host of volunteers from the community.
The following sponsors and donors are thanked for making this event successful: Platinum Sponsors were Marco French, Karl Malone Properties, Rashid Young, Church on the Hill, Arkla Workforce Solutions, LLC and Pafford EMS; Gold Sponsors were Rep. Patrick Jefferson, Voyager Energy Services, Origins Bank of Ruston, Phillipe and Ruthie Lumpkin, Carolyn Lumpkin, Jonathan and Kuwayna Frazier and Clarence Gilbert; Silver Sponsors were Milo and Christina Lumpkin, Bernard and Tenesha Levitt, Primrose Chapter of the Eastern Star, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Mt. Superior Baptist Church, Tammy Hopkins, pastor of Bread of Life Ministries, Chief Van McDaniel, Erica McDaniel, Toni Glass, Sean Daniels, Lakeitha Banks, Eddie Kennedy, Myron Harris, Frederick Carr, Saint Rest Baptist Church, Brian Smith, Charlie Young, Laquita Stephens Willis, Lashonda Franklin and White Rose Club; and Bronze sponsors were Lesa Key, Shakera Kelly, Erica Piere, Ramona Nance, Vivian Michelle Kincaid, Guanita Cork, Toya Holder, Robert Adrian White, Charles Sawyer, Dorothy Richardson, Patrice Amos, Pastor Dennis Cole, Trinity CME Church and Anjanette Bailey.
Those who donated school supplies included Pafford EMS, A’dreya Burks, Tiera Bursey, Community Coordinating Council, Inc, Meisha Franklin, Toni Butler, Jackie Roberts, Terrance Thompson, Essie Winzer, Lakeasha Harris, Patricia Amos, Tonya Amos, Adarian Williams, Linda Mozeke, Tommy Sanders, Amid Hill, Alonzo and Rita Mitchell, Samuel Seals, Deterise Addison, Timika Robinson, Latausha Butler Eddings and Coca Cola.
The organizers would like to give a special ‘Thank You’ to the sponsors, Memorial Funeral Home and Mayor Xanthe Seals Mann, Patricia Jenkins, Bwinichi Winzer, Catina Johnson, Valinda Webb, Pastor Adrian Nelson, Rashid Young, Joaquin Drew, Nickinzie Johnson, Adarian Williams, Treasure Norton, Rylee Frazier, Tytiana Thomas, Nylah Thornton, Andrea Rogers, Coach Dustin Danzie, Coach Richie Casey, Homer High School FBLA and David Robinson.
PHOTO: Organizers of the event included LaShanda Amos, Rachel Myles, Kierra Buggs and JerryTurner. Below, kids wait their turn to pick out backpacks.
FRIDAy, AUGUST 5, 2022 no. 31
HAYNESVILLE PRINCIPAL NAMED LOUISIANA ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
Claiborne Parish School Board is excited to announce that Mrs. Heather Brooks, Principal of Haynesville Elementary, has been recognized as the 2023 Louisiana Elementary School Principal of the Year. Heather was officially recognized at the 16th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala on July 30, 2022.
In partnership with Dream Teachers and the Louisiana Association of Principals, the Louisiana Department of Education annually recognizes and celebrates the state's leading educators through Louisiana’s Educator Awards Programs. These programs provide an opportunity to acknowledge teachers and leaders who are making exceptional gains with students. This year, the Department and Dream Teachers celebrated the state elementary, middle, and high school Louisiana Teachers and Principals of the Year; Louisiana Early Childhood Teacher of the Year; Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year; and Louisiana New Teacher of the Year at the 16th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Awards Gala at the World War II Museum in New Orleans on July 30. This event is recognized as the most prestigious educational event in the state.
Mrs. Brooks began her teaching career in Caddo Parish in 2005, teaching first grade at University Elementary. She joined TL Rodes Elementary in Bossier Parish in 2006, again as a first-grade teacher. Mrs. Brooks served students there for 11 years before joining our Claiborne Parish family. Mrs. Brooks was hired as an Instructional Coach in 2017 to work closely with teachers and students in grades K-12 within all our Claiborne Parish schools. In the summer of 2020, Mrs. Brooks became the principal of Haynesville Elementary School where she continues to serve today.
“Heather is very passionate about providing kids every opportunity to be successful as possible. During her tenure as an instructional coach, it didn’t take long to realize her depth of educational knowledge and her drive to make everyone better. I am excited to see her recognized for this accomplishment and excited to have her talents here in Claiborne Parish,” Supt. William Kennedy said.
As principal of Haynesville Elementary School, Mrs. Brooks has continually worked to improve student performance, showing growth every year thus far. Mrs. Brooks has also implemented a number of opportunities for students to grow and participate outside the classroom. She continues to involve parents and community members at every opportunity. All of these things promote a positive learning environment that is necessary for students to flourish and grow.
Mrs. Brooks is a recent graduate of the Louisiana Superintendents Academy. She has been asked to give a presentation on “The Science of Reading” to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) this month. Mrs. Brooks also served on an LDOE Math collaborative where their research helps to guide teacher preparation programs within our state universities and colleges.
“I am thankful that Mrs. Brooks has chosen to call Claiborne Parish home. She is an unbelievably talented educator that has a very bright future ahead of herself!” said Kennedy.
MOZEKE ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR HOMER MAYOR
I, Linda Ferrell Mozeke, would like to humbly announce my candidacy for Mayor of the Town of Homer. My campaign slogan is: “Turning Problems into Opportunities.”
I was born and raised here in Homer and I LOVE our town. I moved away for 23 years and have been back here for 21 years. Since moving back, I have been an advocate for the citizens of Homer in various capacities including as an educator, member of the town council, supporter of victims of domestic abuse and their families and many others.
I am aware that there are many problems that exist in our town. My goal is to build a team around me and together we will work to turn those problems into opportunities. Divisiveness is probably the most destructive and least productive problem facing our community. A town divided will never experience any significant economic growth and progress.
As mayor, I will work hard to develop a workable solution to acquire a normalcy of peace and respect among the governing bodies of our town. My desire is to have an open door policy as much as would be possible. I will hear and together with my team’s input will address your concerns about budgeting, policies, crime and the upkeep of our town.
Uniting our town will be my top priority. Unity promotes communication which generates peace and peace assures us of a pleasant atmosphere. We are one town. Please help me develop one team, working together for a common cause which is the betterment of our town!
I am asking for your VOTE on November 8, 2022. As your mayor, I will build a team around me and together we will make our town a better place in which to live.
#Vote for Linda Ferrell Mozeke # 78 for Mayor, Town of Homer
#Election November 8, 2022
#Register to vote @ geauxvote.com
STEVENS ANNOUNCES BID FOR SCHOOL BOARD
My name is Patricia Stevens, and I wish to announce my candidacy for the office of Claiborne Parish School Board for District 1.
I am the wife of the late D’Arcy Stevens who spent his entire career serving the students and families of Claiborne Parish. We have three children who each are graduates of Claiborne Parish schools. I have lived all my life in Claiborne Parish and have a deep devotion to this community. I am a graduate of Summerfield High School and attended Louisiana Tech University where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and master’s degree +30.
During my professional career I served as a second-grade teacher at Hico Elementary School for 18 years and a third-grade teacher at A. E. Phillips Laboratory School on the campus of Louisiana Tech for 15 years. I also served 10 years as the athletic director and coach of the junior high girls’ basketball teams for A. E. Phillips. I was named Teacher of the Year twice and was a state finalist in 2001.
Also, in 2001, I was a Fulbright Scholarship recipient and had the opportunity to study abroad. I used that education to provide enrichment lessons for my students. In 2021, Claiborne Parish hired me to teach the Gifted Program. I used my Fulbright experience to enrich the lives of these students. During my final 10 years of teaching, I received my National Board Certification. Since retiring in 2011, I have given my time and talents to care for my family and friends. I also presently serve as a board member of the Summerfield Academic Foundation.
A healthy school must have a dedicated administrator, a strong faculty, students who desire to learn, and a devoted support staff from the secretary to the janitors and cafeteria workers, to the aides and bus drivers. And lastly, a healthy school must have families who value education and engage in their children’s education.
Great schools exist when ALL of these are aligned. Missing just one of these components can be the difference between mediocrity and excellence. Our schools must set a goal of excellence and nothing less.
Having a husband who served as a principal gives me an insight to the demands of that position. Aside from the massive amounts of paperwork requirements, many of the daily jobs they perform will not be found in their official job description. They are the top of the hierarchy of a school and carry the weight of its success and failure on their shoulders. They are the educational leader, encourager, disciplinarian, peacemaker, financial manager, as well as a character role model. Their ability to unite their school and community is critical. They will do whatever is asked of them to contribute to the lives of the people they serve. Being a school principal is a calling.
Educators have the massive responsibility of educating a very precious gift, our children. They hold the success of our future in their hands. If they fail in their instructional endeavor, they not only fail the students but our society as well. Everyone suffers. In today’s school environment, educators’ responsibilities are ever increasing, making it more difficult to simply instruct their students. Many of their duties can take away precious time from their own families. This huge sacrifice often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. Also, I have never known a teacher who did not reach into his or her own pocket to provide for a child in need or to purchase needed items for their classroom when school funds were not available. It is astounding just how often teachers willingly do such things. They deserve and need our prayers and all the support we can offer them. Teaching is a calling.
Support staff are the backbone of any school. Without them, the school could not operate. They are critical to the function of a healthy school. They help to provide a clean and healthy environment for learning. Our school’s physical appearance matters. It sends a message to our children as well as to the outside world, that our community places immense value in our children. Teacher aids work along-side teachers to complete a child’s learning. Oftentimes, it is support personnel and their bonds with students that make a tremendous difference as to whether a child even desires to come to school. Being a support staff member is a calling.
Our children are our future. I have never met a young child who does not possess a curiosity to learn. Children begin their school career eager to learn and sadly that desire often becomes diminished as they get older. We must foster that innate curiosity for learning. Our children deserve a safe and wholesome environment in which to learn. There should be no doubt that those in their school community seek only to help and assist them reach their fullest potential. They need to know they are loved and cared for, and they need to trust their school. We must build the foundation students need to become productive citizens who seek to make this world a better place. It is paramount that we provide every child every opportunity to receive a quality education. They deserve nothing less.
Lastly, we must have families who value education. Learning begins at home, and a child’s home environment plays a dramatic role in how they perform at school. A school cannot help a child reach their potential without their family’s support and encouragement. Parents’ and guardians’ attitudes are reflected in their children, which is why we need families who share in the common goal of excellence in education. Being a parent is truly the ultimate calling. Jackie Kennedy Onassis once said, “If we bumble the rearing of our children, little else matters.” Truer words were never spoken.
I made the decision to run for this office for one reason and one reason only-to make a positive difference through my service. My number one passion is to serve my Lord and Savior and His people. The children and families of this area deserve nothing but the best I can offer. Anyone who knows me, knows I am 100% all in, in all my endeavors and serving as your school board member will be no different. Not only do I feel my 33 years of classroom experience and my educational background will be of great benefit, but my love of learning is a great asset. Our learning never ends and as adults, we should model what it means to be an intrinsic learner. That philosophy, that unquenchable desire to want to know more, fuels me to have that same desire instilled in our young people. It is my deep belief that retirement years should be our most productive, and I am eager to serve in mine.
As a Claiborne Parish School Board member for District 1, I pledge to give my time and talents to serve the Claiborne Parish educational community to the best of my ability. I pledge to aid and facilitate in providing the necessary tools and support for Claiborne Parish schools in their pursuit of excellence. I humbly ask for your support.
Please vote for Patricia Shirey Stevens, candidate #61. Thank you so very much.
MAJOR MATHEWS RETIRES FROM DAVID WADE CORRECTIONAL CENTER
Major Angela D Mathews retired from David Wade Correctional Center on Friday, July 22, 2022. Angela was a 30-year employee who was committed to upholding the mission of public safety for the state of Louisiana. Angela’s knowledge of the job and her professionalism with staff and the offender population was unparalleled. Angela, you are a true professional who has shown by example that excellence is something to aim for daily. You inspire everyone around you to be more, and I know that will only continue in your retirement. The State of Louisiana and the staff of David Wade Correctional Center thank you for your service.
CLAIBORNE PARISH CUTIES MAKE DONATION IN MEMORY OF JORDAN SHELTON
The Claiborne Parish Cuties donated school supplies and room fees for two local students “In Memory” of Jordan Shelton. Jordan was a stand-out academic student and an All-Star member of the Lady Pels, a Hall-of-Famer with the Lady Rockets and an avid horsewoman.
Miracle James, 3rd grade student (left) at Haynesville Elementary and Jeraynah Henderson, 1st grade student (right) at Homer Elementary were the two students chosen to receive this honor. Hopefully these girls will develop the same, determination on and off the court that Jordan possessed, focusing on earning as much education as possible.
The Claiborne Parish Cuties is a club with around 15 area ladies and were represented by Sharnycia Ford (center) during the donation. The Claiborne Parish Cuties designed t-shirts for their group with LL12 (Long Live #12) on the sleeves. (Courtesy of Jackie Roberts)
GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA VISITS ATHENS LODGE #136
The Grand Master of Masons in the state of Louisiana, Most Worshipful Jay B. McCallum, presented Worshipful Master of Homer Lodge #152 a Masonic Bible at the 2nd District Lodge meeting held at Athens Lodge #136 this past Sunday,
July 31st. Mr Slaton’s home burned completely to the ground in March and Jim lost everything he had, including his Masonic material. Others from Homer Lodge #152 in the photo and their office are; (left to right); Wayne Hatfield, Chaplain; Steve Risner, Secretary; Most Worshipful Jay McCallum; Jim Slaton; Worshipful Master of Homer Lodge #152; Michael Allen, Senior Deacon and Tony Allen, Treasurer.
CANTERBURY RELEASES NEW SINGLE
Country/roots artist Chris Canterbury released a new single “Heartache For Hire” , along with a music video premiered by The Amp. The song is included on Canterbury’s second album and first in five years, Quaalude Lullabies, which is out on September 23 via Rancho Deluxe Records, distributed by BFD/The Orchard. The record is a collection of nine beautifully told narratives circling around the challenges of depression and loneliness.
“Heartache For Hire” is an electrified country groove – slow churning backbeat, dirty slide guitar and psychedelic keyboards – contrasting with the stripped-down soulful feel of the album’s lead single “The Devil, The Dealer & Me”. Canterbury’s raw, powerful voice pushes through the mix, “If you’re ever tired of sleeping / I’m the ghost beneath your bed / If you’re looking for conversation / I’m the voice in your head.”
“When I moved to Nashville, I overheard someone once say that ‘This town is just a hitman looking for the next big dreamer.’ I liked the sound of that,” Canterbury says. “Kill or be killed – metaphorically, of course. This is that ‘I’m gonna break your heart eventually’ weapon, updated for the modern poetic battlefield.”
Born and raised in the piney woods outside of Haynesville, Louisiana, Chris Canterbury comes from the grimy remnants of a small oil patch town, a way of life that is slowly fading but still lingers in the songs he sings. Born to a working-class blue-collar family, Canterbury struggled to find the middle ground between his grandfather’s Southern Baptist sermons and the honky-tonk mystics that he discovered on old vinyl records in high school. Armed with an old thrift shop guitar, he began playing and writing stories about life from a unique but oddly familiar point of view. Songs about liquor stores, truck stops, low-rent motels, and the grifters and transients that frequent them. It doesn’t matter if it’s a pool hall or a theater, a festival or a front porch, Chris’s live sound is the whiskey-laden prospectus that anyone with a struggle can relate to.
Chris Canterbury 2022 Tour Dates
August 2 – Beaumont, TX – 7 Oaks Event Garden*
August 4 – Fort Worth, TX – Magnolia Motor Lounge*
August 5 – Fort Smith, AR – The Majestic*
August 7 – Tulsa, OK – Mercury Lounge*
August 9 – Houston, TX – Mucky Duck*
August 11 – Galveston, TX – Old Quarter Acoustic Café*
August 12 – Ruston, LA – Utility Brewing*
August 13 – Little Rock, AR – Stickyz*
August 14 – Memphis, TN – South Main Sounds*
September 28 – Nashville, TN – The Basement+
September 29 – Knoxville, TN – Blue Plate Special
September 30 – Cayce, SC – Steelhands Brewing
October 2 – Charlotte, NC – Evening Muse
TEACHER VALINDA WEBB HONORED WITH RETIREMENT RECEPTION
Submitted by Jackie Roberts and Marco French
”You can't retire from being great. In retirement, every day is Boss Day and every day is Employee Appreciation Day. If people concentrated on the really important things in life, this would really be the icing on the cake for those that get to experience such greatness…RETIREMENT. The trouble with retirement is you never get the day off and you can wake up to do nothing and learn to be at ease with the fact that you did absolutely nothing all day! What a feeling!” said Ms. Webb’s son, Marco French as he opened up the celebration.
One of Claiborne Parish’s very own, Valinda Faye Webb can now do that. There was a surprise retirement celebration given to honor her Saturday, July 23, by her son Marco French and the turn out was great. She had no idea what was going on, yes a total surprise. To make things even better, she walked into the building with Mayor Beverlee Killgore thinking that the Town of Haynesville was doing something to honor her son Marco for all of his wonderful accomplishments. Yes, the mayor was in on the surprise too.
When she walked through the doors everyone shouted surprise and happy retirement. The look on Webb’s face was priceless. The surprise was real! To make things even better she was surprised to see her family from all over. Her sister Mattie Payton from Chicago, Aunt Bea from Michigan, Uncle T-Bo from Chicago along with cousins from both Chicago and Michigan. Her very close cousin Ray from Atlanta, cousins from Mississippi and her very loving Aunt Jean from Mississippi as well. Her uncle and aunt from Little Rock, along with many great friends, family members, church members, school staff, the police chief and city officials were all in attendance.
Webb was so grateful to see all of her friends and family there as they celebrated her. As the guests gave their remarks of love and appreciation, the common theme was… Ms. Webb we love you, you deserve this and we will miss you so much. Wow, what a feeling! Tears of joy flowed as each stated their sentiments to Webb.
As a part of the program there was a time when she danced with her children, ArShardae and Marco and Grandchildren Ayden and Hannah. There was even a photo display of her oldest son Phillip whom passed away in 1998. Marco said that he felt it would be fitting that all of her children be represented on this day, because she has been such a great mother and raised three great children, for the most part by herself!
The cherry on top, her son Marco surprised and gifted her with an all-expenses paid trip to The best all-inclusive VACATION TO CANCUN-the Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun
You had to be there. This was a great celebration! The room was decorated beautifully and the spirit of God was definitely in the building!
Jackie Roberts said, “I would like to add that it was an honor to be included in this event. Another amazing thing about the day was sharing it with two Louisiana Principals of the Year.
French received the award in July 2021 for 2022. He is the principal of Queensborough Leadership Academy, an elementary school in Shreveport.
Also present was Mrs. Heather Brooks, 2023 Louisiana Elementary Principal of the Year. Mrs. Brooks is the principal of Haynesville Elementary and received her award July 2022.
Valinda Webb enjoy a Happy Retirement and congratulations!
Please note: Mrs. Valinda Webb, 29-year teacher, Haynesville Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem is retiring from teaching at Haynesville Elementary. She will continue with her service on the Town Council.
LATE NIGHT CLAIBORNE TOURNAMENT GIVES UP MULTIPLE LUNKER BASS
Kinny Haddox
What were you doing from 2 – 4 a.m. Friday night, July 22?
It’s a good bet that you weren’t out fishing. But some folks were, and at least three of them are glad they were.
While most of us were sleeping, a trio of anglers landed three bass this past weekend in the Majestic Big Bass tournament that weighed a combined total of more than 30 pounds, and on Lake Claiborne no less. Claiborne is a great fishing lake, but not known as a lunker bass haven.
Stockton Roberson of Dubach led the pack with an 11.50-pound largemouth caught around 3 a.m. Tyler Lewis caught a 10.38 pounder around 4 a.m. and Craig Kolb caught a 9.39 pounder around the same time. Roberson and Lewis won big bass of the hour for their respective catches. Roberson also won the overall big bass prize. Kolb’s catch was good news/bad news. He landed it the same hour as Lewis and came in second in hourly big bass despite an enormous fish.
The key to the big ones in the 16-hour long annual marathon hourly big bass event, which begins at 8 p.m. on Friday, was night fishing. And patience. Robertson sat on the same spot, a small hump off the end of a boat dock in deeper water, the entire tournament.
“We had been catching some good bass there at night and I knew if I sat there long enough, it would pay off. I had sat there and cast in the same area for eight hours when she finally bit,” he said. “I had caught one small fish at 8:45 and then didn’t get another bite until the big one. I was just sitting there zoned out and fishing on cruise control. I felt the bite and it woke me up and I set the hook. When it set, I knew she was a big one. When she broke the top of the water, I knew by the sound it was my personal best.”
Roberson, a 24-year-old employee of Stallion Oil Field Services, caught the fish on an 8-inch black and blue PlasmaTail plastic worm. It’s a worm he has to order because he can’t find it in local tackle stores.
Lewis said fishing for him was slow as well, but he got the right bite at the right time.
“I was fishing in an area off the bank, but not too far from the docks,” he said. “I only got five bites the entire tournament and this one kind of surprised me. I felt the bite and as soon as I set the hook, she dove down and wallowed around on the bottom, then came up like a marlin and jumped as far out of the water as she could trying to shake the hook. She came to the boat fairly easily, but when she saw the boat, she took off again on a couple of runs.
“When I finally got her in the net and in the boat, I sat down and was shaking so bad I couldn’t even retie my line,” he said. “God just blessed me. I’m no better than any other fishermen, I was just blessed with this big one.”
It was also his personal best. He caught his bass on a 10-inch Blue Fleck worm. He lives in Homer.
Local angler and tournament director Dale Taylor puts on Majestic tournaments each summer on Lake D’Arbonne and on Claiborne. The majority of the tournament hours are at night because the bite is better and the anglers get a break from the heat.
Lake Claiborne is a 6,400 acre lake created in 1970 located just outside of Homer.
FRIDAy, JULY 27, 2022 no. 30
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT RECEIVES SPECIAL TRAINING
On the 18th and 21st of July, Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) hosted specialized training days for law enforcement. Officers from the Haynesville Police Department and the CPSO participated in the ten hour long independent training. The training was a combination of classroom lectures and scenarios geared to address real life situations.
Claiborne Parish Sheriff Sam Dowies has secured certified/trained instructors who now work for the CPSO. Those instructors bring expertise and knowledge to the CPSO that is being taught to CPSO Deputies and other officers. The training provided to the Deputies/Officers will help increase the skills to address real life incidents with professionalism and knowledge.
Sheriff Dowies is committed to providing the citizens of Claiborne Parish professional competent law enforcement services. Sheriff Dowies believes continued education and training will assist CPSO in protecting and serving all Claiborne Parish citizens.
ANDERSON ENTERS CPSB RACE
Hello, my name is Perry Anderson and I would like to humbly announce my candidacy for the Claiborne Parish School Board in District 5. I reside in Athens and am married to Kim Spigener Anderson and have three grown sons who attended schools in Claiborne Parish.
I currently serve as pastor of Athens Community Church and Mt. Mariah Church. I am an active member of the Athens Masonic Lodge No. 136, F&AM, and serve as Grand Chaplain for the Grand Lodge of Louisiana. I retired from Claiborne Parish Schools in 2015 after 30 years in the field of education. I served in various positions including teacher, administrator and coordinator of special programs.
Our parish schools are of the utmost importance and can only be enriched by investing in our children’s education and future. I believe it is the duty of the school to not only offer students the opportunity to learn, but also to develop a love for learning. If children appreciate the value of learning, they will become life-long learners.
Our schools are in the business of preparing students for success regardless of the career path they choose. I strongly believe all children have the ability to learn and that learning takes place on many different levels. Students must know they are valued and have individual strengths to build upon to be successful. Schools have the responsibility to develop a student’s desire and inspiration to succeed. The student should be the main focus of education and not the subject matter.
Teachers are the heart and soul of the child’s learning process and they not only serve as the ones who present the information to be learned, but also as supporters, motivators, and facilitators of student learning. We must do our best to provide each teacher with the resources needed in order to offer a safe, nurturing and supportive student-centered learning environment.
I am seeking the position of School Board Member because I care about our schools and want to make a difference in the lives of our students. With your support, we can offer our students the best chance for success throughout their educational journey. Working together, we can make our parish schools strong and productive and I am eagerly prepared to do my part to bring about success in our schools. I respectfully ask for your vote on November 8.
Louisiana Department of Education announces 2023 Louisiana teachers/principals of the year Educators to be honored at Gala on July 30
BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Education (the Department) today announced the 2023 Teacher and Principal of the Year state-level winners.
In partnership with Dream Teachers and the Louisiana Association of Principals, the Department annually recognizes and celebrates the state's leading educators through Louisiana’s Educator Awards Programs. These programs provide an opportunity to acknowledge teachers and leaders who are making exceptional gains with students. This year, the Department and Dream Teachers will celebrate the state elementary, middle, and high school Louisiana Teachers and Principals of the Year; Louisiana Early Childhood Teacher of the Year; Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year; and Louisiana New Teacher of the Year at the 16th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Awards Gala at the World War II Museum in New Orleans on July 30.
The 2023 Elementary School Teacher of the Year is Matthias Drewry of Sallie Humble Elementary School in the City of Monroe School District; the 2023 Middle School Teacher of the Year is Sonja Davis of Lake Charles Charter Academy; and the 2023 High School Teacher of the Year is Justin Templet of Chalmette High School in St. Bernard Parish.
The 2023 Elementary School Principal of the Year is Heather Brooks of Haynesville Elementary School in Claiborne Parish; the 2023 Middle School Principal of the Year is Michael Hilton III of Lowery Middle School in Ascension Parish; and the 2023 High School Principal of the Year is Tamela Phillips of North DeSoto High School in DeSoto Parish.
Also during the Gala, the New Teacher of the Year Finalists, Early Childhood Teacher and Leader Finalists, Milken Educator Award recipients, Louisiana’s Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching honorees, the H. Norman Saurage III Service Award, and the Teacher and Principal of the Year Semifinalists and Finalists will be honored.
CANDIDATES QUALIFY FOR LOCAL AND STATE OFFICES
Qualifying for the November 8, 2022 election concluded Friday with the following candidates filing for positions open in Claiborne Parish:
Claiborne Parish
School Board
Member of School Board District 1 - One to be elected
Chris Bailey, No Party, 2798 Bailey Town Rd., Haynesville, LA
Patrice "Pat" Lee, No Party, 2229 Barber Creek, Bernice, LA
Patricia Shirey Stevens, Independent, 14189 Hwy. 2 Alt., Bernice, LA
Katie Strahan, No Party, 171 Strahan Ln., Bernice, LA
Member of School Board District 2
William H. Maddox - Incumbent, No Party, 1846 Maddox Rd., Haynesville, LA - Unopposed
Member of School Board District 3
Linda W. Knox - Incumbent, Independent, 2190 Highway 2 Alternate, Haynesville, LA - Unopposed
Member of School Board District 4
Yolanda L. Coleman - Incumbent, Democrat, 212 Dogwood Dr., Haynesville, LA - Unoppoed
Member of School Board District 5 - One to be elected
Perry Anderson, Independent, P.O. Box 245, Athens, LA
Casey Liles, 636 Liles Rd., Athens, LA
Member of School Board District 6
Thomas E. "Tommy" Davidson - Incumbent, No Party, 2210 Hwy. 519, Athens, LA - Unopposed
Member of School Board District 7 - One to be elected
Sadie France Flucas, Democrat, 108 Maple St., Homer, LA
B. Stewart Griffin, Independent, 1070 Edgewood Dr., Homer, LA
Norman Wayne Meadors, Sr., No Party, 1303 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Homer, LA
Member of School Board District 8 - One to be elected
Shelley Stewart Malsam - Incumbent, No Party, P.O. Box 162, Lisbon, LA
Roy Mardis, Democrat, 168 Morris Cir., Homer, LA
Kenneth Tanner, No Party, 1285 Antioch Rd., Homer, LA
Member of School Board District 9 - One to be elected
“Chris" Chandler - Incumbent, Republican, 305 E. Fifth St., Homer, LA
David Nokes, Independent, 444 Tom Robinson Rd., Homer, LA
Member of School Board District 10 - One to be elected
Mark Perot, No Party, 961 Ford Rd., Homer, LA
Terry R. Willis - Incumbent, No Party, 3662 Hwy. 79, Homer, LA
Town of Haynesville
Mayor - Town of Haynesville - One to be elected
Roderick D. Hampton, Democrat, 8217 Hwy. 534, Haynesville, LA
Thomas “Jake” Tabor, Republican, 4149 Hwy. 2 Alt., Haynesville, LA
Council Member District 1, Town of Haynesville - One to be elected
Janell Maddox Brown, No Party, 798 Harris St., Haynesville, LA
Valinda Webb - Incumbent, Independent, 206 Zion Dr., Haynesville, LA
Mae “Kitty” Williams, No Party, P.O. Box 142, Haynesville, LA
Council Member District 2, Town of Haynesville - One to be elected
Linda Beene Holyfield - Incumbent, Democrat, 2066 Gantt Dr., Haynesville, LA
Seth Winn, Republican, 1320 Main St., Haynesville, LA
Council Member District 3, Town of Haynesville - One to be elected
Betty Richardson,- Incumbent, No Party, P.O. Box 4, Haynesville, LA
Barbara Beene Torrence, Independent, 1495 Washington Dr., Haynesville, LA
Council Member District 4, Town of Haynesville
Dewatha Malone - Incumbent, Democrat, 3251 Mitchiner Ave., Haynesville, LA - Unopposed
Council Member District 5, Town of Haynesville - One to be elected
“Matt” Faulkner, Democrat, 1010 Price Dr., Haynesville, LA
Stacy Rogers, Independent, 3478 Woodlawn Ave., Haynesville, LA
Chief of Police - Town of Haynesville
Anthony C. Smith - Incumbent - No Party, P.O. Box 254, Haynesville, LA - Unopposed
Town of Homer
Mayor - Town of Homer - One to be elected
Linda Ferrell Mozeke, Democrat, 912 Howard Dr., Homer, LA
Tommy Sanders, Independent, 735 W. Main Sr., Homer, LA
Xanthe Y. Seals - Incumbent, Independent, P.O. Box 172, Homer, LA
Selectman District 1, Town of Homer - One to be elected
Willie Burns, No Party, 211 Oil Mill St., Homer, LA
Alonzo Mitchell, Democrat, 1502 Hill St., Homer, LA
Carl Anthony Warren, Democrat, 1413 Hill St., Homer, LA
Selectman District 2, Town of Homer - One to be elected
Timothy Ivory, No Party, 1304 Jefferson, St., Homer
Johnny "Road Buddy" West, - Incumbent, No Party, 909 Harris St., Homer, LA
Selectman District 3, Town of Homer
“Jimmy” Hand, Democrat, 748 Beverly Dr., Homer, LA - Unopposed
Selectman District 4, Town of Homer
Verletha “Lisa” Adams, Independent, P.O. Box 265, Homer, LA - Unopposed
Selectman District 5, Town of Homer - One to be elected
Patricia Jenkins - Incumbent, No Party, 501 E. Fifth St., Homer, LA
Sammy Kirk, Democrat, 202 Keller St., Homer, LA
Marshal - Town of Homer - One to be elected
"Van" McDaniel, - Incumbent, Democrat, 701 S, Third St., Apt. 3, Homer, LA
Roger Smith, No Party, 414 W. Sixth St., Homer, LA
Village of Athens
Mayor Village of Athens
Ann Brown - Incumbent, Republican, 124 Jackson Ln., Athens, LA - Unopposed
Aldermen - Village of Athens - Three to be elected
Brenda S. English - Incumbent, Republican, P.O. Box 32, Athens, LA
James E. Holloway, Independent, 148 Carr St., Athens, LA
Gessner Jett, Republican, P.O. Box 213, Athens, LA
Dianne Spigener, Republican, 14781 Hwy. 9, Athens, LA
Chief of Police - Village of Athens
Keith Watkins - Incumbent, No Party, 236 Dance Rd., Athens, LA, - Unopposed
Village of Junction City
Mayor - Village of Junction City
Charles Hogue, Independent, P.O. Box 308, Junction City, AR - Unopposed
Aldermen - Village of Junction City
Harold Brantley Cupp - Incumbent, No Party, 604 S. Main St., Junction City, LA
Melvin Smith - Incumbent, Republican, P.O. Box 373, Junction City, LA
Toby Wilson - Incumbent, Republican, P.O. Box 654, Junction City, AR
Chief of Police - Village of Junction City
Brian Hux, Independent, P.O. Box 659, Junction City, AR - Unopposed
Statewide, voters are asked to vote for the following:
U. S. Senate - One to be elected
Beryl A. Billiot, No Party, 303 Avenue E, Kentwood, LA
Gary Chambers Jr., Democrat, P.O. Box 64694, Baton Rouge, LA
Devin Lance Graham, Republican, 112 E. Cornerview St., Gonzales, LA
"Xan" John, Other, 211 Biltmore Way, Lafayette, LA
John Kennedy - Incumbent, Republican P.O. Box 80418, Baton Rouge, LA
W. Thomas La Fontaine Olson, No Party, 2009 Milan St., New Orleans, LA
Bradley McMorris, Independent, 19928 Hwy. 42, Livingston, LA
MV "Vinny" Mendoza, Democrat, 38818 Drott Ln., Ponchatoula, LA
"Luke" Mixon, Democrat, P.O. Box 1340, Bunkie, LA
Salvador P. Rodriguez, Democrat, P.O. Box 283, Tangipahoa, LA
Aaron C. Sigler, Libertarian, 42209 Jefferson Dr., Hammond, LA
Syrita Steib, Democrat, 6308 Pilgrim St., Metairie, LA
Thomas Wenn, Other, 62309 Graham Rd., Amite, LA
U. S. Representative 4th Congressional District
"Mike" Johnson - Incumbent, Republican, P.O. Box 6075, Bossier City, LA - Unopposed
CMMC AND BUTLER-ABSHIRE MEDICAL CLINIC PERFORMED OVER 125 ATHLETIC PHYSICALS LAST WEEK
Claiborne Memorial Medical Center and Butler-Abshire Medical Clinic’s Dr. Sam Abshire (center), Kaleigh Stephenson, FNP-C (right), and Carlee Tabor, LPN (left) took time out of a busy week to perform over 125 athletic physicals for the Haynesville Jr/Sr High student athletes.
CCC ANNOUNCES SPRING HONOR ROLL
Coffeyville Community College has released the honor rolls for the Spring 2022 semester.
Following below are the various honor roll designations by hometown, or by country for international students and U.S. territory residents:
President’s 3.75 Honor Roll
Requires a minimum of 14 hours of graded academic work with a grade point average of 3.75 or higher and no grade below a B.
Homer: Star'Corius Thomas
Mt. Olive Christian School announces its 40th Annual Rodeo July 29-30
Brown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Minden would like to invite everyone to the 40th Annual Mt. Olive Christian School Rodeo July 29-30 at the Gantt Arena in Athens. The rodeo starts at 8 p.m. General Admission for the rodeo is $10 and children 10 and under get in free. Bring your horse to ride in the grand entry and get in free.
Brian Patton, the Misfit Cowboy, will perform both nights. Advance tickets are $8 and are available at GBT in Athens, Patton’s Western Wear in Ruston, GAP Farms in Arcadia and the Mt. Olive Christian School Office. Concessions and restrooms will be available. For more information, advance tickets or directions to the arena, call 318-243-0674 or 318-843-4103.
Louisiana Medicaid awards more than $673,000 to two universities to conduct research in key areas
Louisiana Medicaid is awarding more than $673,000 in Medicaid federal dollars to the LSU Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) and Pennington Biomedical Research Center (PBRC) to conduct research on covered Medicaid priorities over a two-year period.
Findings from the research projects will guide policy-making and promote innovation and new approaches to address Medicaid priorities. These priorities include improving maternal and neonatal outcomes, improving early childhood health and development, reducing deaths and illness with a focus on preventive care, improving mental health and substance use outcomes, and improving health equity.
The awards are part of the Louisiana Department of Health's (LDH) inaugural Public University Partnership Program (PUPP). Forging new strategic partnerships with Louisiana’s public universities and colleges is a key initiative in the Fiscal Year 2022 LDH Business Plan.
“Leveraging the expertise of public universities and colleges to inform Louisiana Medicaid policy and program operations will help LDH better understand and improve the outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of covered services,” said LDH Secretary Dr. Courtney N. Phillips. “In turn, the public universities and colleges benefit from a partnership with LDH through federal funding, new opportunities for students and junior researchers, and access to real-world data to maximize the impact of their research.”
Louisiana joins 25 other states that have similar research funding opportunities for universities. The research projects will cover pressing health issues including opioid use disorder (OUD) and diabetes. The recipients will receive a total of $673,211 for the following projects:
Louisiana State University, Health Sciences Center
Health Policy Honors Program Contributions to Promoting Evidence-Based Care to Louisiana Medicaid members
• Principal investigator Peggy Honore, Ph.D.
• $110,796 over two years
Promoting Resilience for Louisiana Medicaid Members with OUD
•Principal investigator Dr. Benjamin Springgate
•$180,841 over 16 months
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, LSU System
Optimizing Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices in the Medicaid Diabetes Population
• Principal investigator Ronald Horswell, Ph.D.
• $171,126 over one year
Trends in the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes among the Louisiana Medicaid population
• Principal investigator Gang Hu, Ph.D.
• $210,448 over two years
"This outstanding partnership between LSU Health-New Orleans' Center for Healthcare Value and Equity and the Louisiana Department of Health will inform evidence-based policy solutions and advances in access to high quality of care for Medicaid members. Our PROUD project (Promoting Resilience among Medicaid Members with Opioid Use Disorder) will foster new approaches to tackle the opioid epidemic in Louisiana - one of the state’s and nation’s most urgent priorities for population health and health equity," said LSU Health Sciences Center's Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine Dr. Benjamin Springgate.
“Our objective in this collaboration with LDH is to identify feasible, actionable opportunities to improve health outcomes in Louisiana and, in particular, to identify and act on those opportunities that will reduce the significant outcomes disparities in the Louisiana population," said Dr. Ronald Horswell, associate professor of research, population and public health, at Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
The federal funding provides up to a 50% match to money from partnering universities' Certified Public Expenditures.
PUPP’s next Notice of Funding Opportunity is open now until Aug. 15, 2022. For more information or to apply, visit https://ldh.la.gov/page/4201.
FISHING REPORT WITH GLYNN HARRIS
BLACK BAYOU – Bream and crappie fishing is still fair to good around the trees and bushes. No report on bass. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
OUACHITA RIVER – Water still falling Bass fishing has been fair to good fishing soft plastics and spinners in the cuts. Crappie are fair fishing shiners or jigs around submerged tops and in the river lakes. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass fishing has been fair to good with topwater lures and buzz baits taking fish early around the grass. Soft plastic working best later in the day. Crappie are fair with best catches made on shiners or jigs fished along the edges of the channels in 12-20 foot water. Bream are still fair to good fishing worms and crickets around shallow beds. Catfish are biting cold worms fished off the banks. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bass and stripers are schooling some and hitting topwater lures and shad imitations. Bream are fair on crickets and worms. Crappie fishing has been best fishing around the lighted piers at night using shiners with some hanging around deep brush and hitting jigs and shiners. No report on catfish. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
CANEY LAKE – Crappie are fair fishing shiners or jigs around the deeper tops. The bass are schooling with some caught on topwater lures with soft plastics taking some beneath the breaking schools. Also some bass are hitting oversized plastic worms and deep diving crank baits on under water humps and drop-off. Bream fishing is fair around the lake on crickets or worms. No report on catfish. For information contact Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfishing is fair to good for fish from pan sized to around 8 pounds. Bass are fair; crappie are slow. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE ST. JOHN – Fishing overall has been slow this week. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water continues on a slow fall and fishing has been fairly good this week. Best fishing has been for catfish while bass and crappie are fair. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259
FRIDAy, JULY 22, 2022 no. 29
CPSB WELCOMES INTERIM BOARD MEMBER MEADORS
Claiborne Parish Clerk of Court Brian Flynn was on hand Thursday evening at the monthly meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board to swear in interim board member Norman Meadors to replace his late wife, Vera Meadors - District 7.
A number of regular business items were handled during the meeting, including the 2022 Ad Valorem Tax Millages which were unanimously approved after a motion by Tommy Davidson and a second by Shelley Malsam.
Bids for milk, bread, produce and paper products, along with fuel were unanimously approved.
The 2022-23 school year payday schedule was approved and will remain on the last Friday of each month.
A memorandum of understanding with Career Compass, which is renewed annually, was unanimously approved.
A memorandum with LSU Agricultural and Mechanical College on behalf of LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans retaining an autism consultant, renewed annually, was unanimously approved.
A memorandum of understanding and interagency agreement with Webster Headstart, renewed annually, was approved unanimously.
A memorandum of understanding with Northwestern State University Dual Enrollment Program, renewed annually, was unanimously approved.
Permission to grant Superintendent Bill Kennedy was unanimously approved to sign a memorandum of understanding with Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office and Town of Homer to provide School Resource Officers on campuses for the 2022-23 school year. Homer school will potentially be adding a second officer so that one may remain on the high school campus at all times.
The next regular meeting of the Superintendent and board members will be held on Thursday, August 11 at 6 p.m. at the central office.
EVERYONE IS INVITED TO A COLLABORATION OF VENDORS
Jackie Roberts
Special to TGJ
The very first ever Collaboration of Vendors is set for August 6, 2022 from 10am-4pm at Homer City Hall in Homer. This is a free family event featuring 40+ vendors. You will be able to shop, eat different cuisines, sweets and enjoy good family fun and a fashion show.
There are still a few spaces left for interested vendors.
Vendors from Homer, Minden, Arcadia, Gibsland, Farmersville, Shreveport, Arkansas and Texas will be there. Haynesville vendors are invited and encouraged to join the event.
Along with 40+ vendors, there will be a fashion show, live DJ, some fun for the kids and more, all for two good causes-back pack and school supply giveaway and to showcase small businesses!
Vendors as of publication include: Meme’s Teez (Lashanda Amos); Boss Status Only apparel (Jerry Turner); Kinky by Kiera (Kiera Buggs); Princess Nikita African Attire "Ibile" Nikita Goode-Itegbojie; MDW Bling-N-Sparkle Accessories (Marchele Warren); Ballooning With A Twist (Kuwayna Frazier); Kissy's Sweet Dreams (Takesha Ivory Shelton); PREPT (Terri Morris); Unique Fashion Express (Juanita Andrews & Neicy Andrews); Sadie’s Shop (Sadie & Neicy); Dorothy’s Sew Shop (Dorothy Richardson); M’lea’s Trays (Martika Shanelle); Jaycees Novelties & More (Jackie Carr); Healthiness on the GO (Marchele Warren); Sister Goode Homemade Desserts (Mary Goode); Thompson Bistro To-Go (Terrence Thompson); T-Licious; Starlight Boutique (Meisha Franklin); Shonora’s Sweet Creations (Shonora Johnson) @T’s Sweetness (Tasha Ferrell Williams); Richer Than Rappers Clothing Brand (AJ Montgomery); Sue's homemade cooking (Sue Beasley); SweetsbyCe (Sierra J Williams); Eating with Lulla (Sha'Lulla Patterson); Go-Live-Eyewear (James Meadows); @Little Spoon’s Sweets-Lajuana Brown (Grace Love); Col'ective Boutique (Colette Champion); Manuel’s Exquisite Taste,LLC (Celeste Manuel); LADY Q Apparel and More (Laquitta Stephens Willis); 3 Jays Seafood (Jay Moe); Jackie’s Crafts (Jackie Roberts); ALL IN ONE Boutique (Ellen Mallory Brown); Nette's Kitchen (Malaysia Adams); Keasha's Catering & Creations (Lakeasha Harris); EssAllure Creations (Essie Winzer); #TogetherGibsland (Kirsta Hawk); Mocha Cravings Bake Shop (Tomeka Calome-Reeder); Sodalicious D-Spot (Andrea Dansby); Oh Baby! (JeVanda JeVanda Celestine); Dreya Creation (A'Dreya Burks); The Cookie Bar (Brandith Celestine); Design to Shine (Carolyn Shine Burns); and Mocha Cravings Bake Shop (Tomeka Calome-Reeder).
Dustin Danzie has been added to event and will open up with a quick start of the school year speech and a 2-lap jog for the students, teachers and all the event participants. You don’t want to miss it!
There is no vendor fee but each vendor is asked to donate for the cause! A donation of a back pack, zipper binder, notebook, lunch bags, basketball, football or whatever you would like to donate! Please just help out by donating something for the cause!
There is not an entry fee but everyone is encouraged to bring a donation of backpacks and school supplies to support our children going back to school. Monetary contributions are also being accepted if you are unable to drop off school supplies.
Donations can be dropped off at (deadline Aug. 4, 2022) Memorial Funeral Home, 4043 Highway 79 in Homer. Contact: Rachel Myles 318-927-2439; or the Town of Homer-Contact: Mayor Xanthe Mann 318-927-3555.
Please send monetary (cash) donations via Cashapp or Zelle to Lashanda Amos: Zelle: lashandaamos@bellsouth.net 318-368-5462, Cashapp ID: $memeforthe99; Rachel Myles: Zelle: mylesrachel@gmail.com 615-417-8742 , Cashapp ID:$myles1913; or Kuwayna Frazier: $KFrazier0718.
This is event is sponsored by Memorial Funeral Home and Life Insurance Co. Contact Hosts are Lashanda Amos, Kuwayna Frazier, Rachel Myles and Jerry Turner; and the Town of Homer-Mayor Xanthe Mann.
Lashanda Amos said, “This event all came about from me sharing my birthday with vendors last year in Union Parish! This year I wanted to take it to my parish, Claiborne! I had my friend Rachel Myles to get her family, Memorial Funeral Homes of North Louisiana, Lafaye Jackson, CEO, involved, then we called upon the mayor and the Town of Homer and last but not least, Jerry Turner to collaborate with me! I never imagined it being this big with so much support! So if you see me dancing, praising God or crying, because I will, you will understand why.”
NEW LA ACT ALLOWS VETERANS AND CURRENT MILITARY TO CONCEAL CARRY
Jacquelyn Tripp, The Guardian-Journal
If you are a Louisiana resident with no pending disciplinary proceedings and are an honorably discharged U.S. military veteran or currently serve in the Armed Forces, you will be allowed to carry a concealed weapon within the state of Louisiana as of August 1st.
The Louisiana Office of the Governor posted on June 27, 2022, that Governor Edwards signed ACT 680—SB 143 which, “Provides relative to the concealed carrying of firearms.”
Senate Bill 143 (Act 680) was authored by Senator Jay Morris of West Monroe and coauthored by Senator Stewart Cathey of Sterlington.
Introduced to the Louisiana Senate on March 14 of this year, Senate Bill 143 was amended and eventually passed in the Senate with 98 yays and 1 nay on June 2. The Bill moved to the House where it received 33 yays and 0 nays.
Act No. 680 requires Veterans or members of the Armed Forces to have one of the following when they carry a concealed weapon in the state: “(i) A valid military identification card. (ii) A valid driver's license issued by the state of Louisiana displaying the word "Veteran" pursuant to R.S. 32:412(K). (iii) A valid special identification card issued by the state of Louisiana displaying the word "Veteran" pursuant to R.S. 40:1321(K). (iv) For a member released from service who does not qualify to have the word "Veteran" displayed on a state issued driver's license or special identification card, a Department of Defense Form 214 (DD-214) indicating the character of service as "Honorable" or "Under Honorable Conditions (General)" and a valid driver's license or special identification card issued by the state of Louisiana.”
Any Veteran or Active Duty Member/Guard/Reservist currently serving “who meets the qualifications of R.S. 14:95(M) shall not be required to possess a valid concealed handgun permit issued by the state of Louisiana pursuant to the provisions of this Section in order to carry a concealed handgun in the state of Louisiana,” according to Act 680.
Act 680 states, “No individual to whom a concealed handgun permit is issued or a person carrying a weapon pursuant to R.S. 14:95(M) may carry and conceal such handgun while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance.”
Also of note, Act 680 clearly explains that, “A permittee armed with a handgun in accordance with this Section or a person carrying a weapon pursuant to R.S. 14:95(M) shall notify any police officer who approaches the permittee in an official manner or with an identified official purpose that he has a weapon on his person, submit to a pat down, and allow the officer to temporarily disarm him.”
Concealed handgun permits do not currently authorize the permitted to bring concealed weapons into many public spaces. RS 40:1379.3 specifically states, “No concealed handgun may be carried into and no concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to this Section shall authorize or entitle a permittee to carry a concealed handgun in any of the following: (1) A law enforcement office, station, or building. (2) A detention facility, prison, or jail. (3) A courthouse or courtroom, provided that a judge may carry such a weapon in his own courtroom. (4) A polling place. (5) A municipal building or other public building or structure, only if the building or structure is utilized as the meeting place of the governing authority of a political subdivision.
(6) The state capitol building. (7) Any portion of an airport facility where the carrying of firearms is prohibited under federal law, except that no person shall be prohibited from carrying any legal firearm into the terminal, if the firearm is encased for shipment, for the purpose of checking such firearm as lawful baggage. (8) Any church, synagogue, mosque, or other similar place of worship, eligible for qualification as a tax-exempt organization under 26 U.S.C. 501, unless authorized by the person who has authority over the administration of the church, synagogue, mosque, or other similar place of worship. (9) A parade or demonstration for which a permit is issued by a governmental entity. (10) Any portion of the permitted area of an establishment that has been granted a Class A-General retail permit, as defined in Part II of Chapter 1 or Part II of Chapter 2 of Title 26 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises.
(11) Any school, school campus, or school bus as defined in R.S. 14:95.6. The provisions of Subsection N of this Section shall not limit the right of a property owner, lessee, or other lawful custodian to prohibit or restrict access of those persons possessing a concealed handgun pursuant to a permit issued under this Section. No individual to whom a concealed handgun permit is issued may carry such concealed handgun into the private residence of another without first receiving the consent of that person.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently estimated there to be 292,586 Veterans living in Louisiana. 58.7% were below the age of 65 as of September, 2019.
Claiborne Parish Sheriff Sam Dowies says veterans who need to practice firing their weapons can call Steve Risner at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. “We know that not all veterans have land in the country where they can practice firing,” Dowies told TG-J. “But if you’re a Veteran and you need to practice, we’ll let you know when we are going to have the range open. We’re here to help.”
Sheriff Dowies also says the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office will soon begin teaching training courses catered to Veterans and the subject of concealed carry. The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Department already offers free concealed carry training classes and certifications for the women of Claiborne Parish.
HOMER FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS TRAINING EVENT AT ARMORY BALL PARK
Homer Fire Department had a training event Monday evening down at the Armory ball park. Hydrant training, pump training, hose training, nozzle training and a little cooling off with the local kids made for a hot but fun evening for all.
CARTER JOINS THE CLAIBORNE ACADEMY FAMILY
Claiborne Academy Board of Directors is proud to announce the hiring of Mr. Eric E. Carter as our new head of school. With over thirty years of experience in both classroom instruction and administration, we feel that Mr. Carter is a great fit for our school. We are confident that he will aim to enhance the quality of our education while celebrating the supportive, Christian environment found at Claiborne Academy.
Mr. Carter was born and raised in West Monroe and graduated from West Monroe High School. He then attended Louisiana Tech University, and upon receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education, incidentally served as the director of music at First Baptist Church in Bernice for forty years. With a love for learning, Mr. Carter returned to Louisiana Tech and received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education followed by a degree in school administration from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, both of which culminated in his long and illustrious career as an educator. He has taught in Bienville, Lincoln, and Union Parishes. He served as principal at Ruston Elementary School for ten years before entering the realms of testing, curriculums, and educational consulting on both parish and state levels, working directly for the Louisiana Department of Education.
Having settled in Bernice, Mr. Carter rounded out his career again in administration, serving as both assistant principal and principal at Union Parish High School and most recently as principal of Union Christian Academy until his retirement.
Mr. Carter is the proud parent of a son and daughter-in-law. They, along with their beautiful daughter, live in Ruston. His granddaughter is the light of his life, and he can often be found at her sporting events and dance recitals. In his spare time, Carter enjoys music, traveling, cooking, and reading.
We are truly blessed to have Mr. Carter join our Claiborne Academy family and look forward to working with him in the years to come.
AMARIA MCGEE IS MAKING HER MARK AS AN EMERGING ARTIST IN THE R&B / NEO-SOUL GENRE
While a Dallas native, it was after moving to Tampa that an interest was sparked in cinematography, when she began photographing and filming videos for various artists. Many of those artists recognized her musical talent and encouraged her to record her own songs; thus, she credits her experience behind the camera as her gateway to music.
As an independent artist, she self produced her first single 'Morning' and released it in January 2020. Throughout 2020, she released three more singles and two feature songs, amid the pandemic; yet still managed to develop a loyal fanbase. Some of this fanbase can be credited to a cover of Gnarls Barkley's classic song 'Crazy', to which she tweeted a 45 second video and gained over 1 million views in less than 24 hours.
Encouraged by all the support, she went on to release a debut EP 'Bittersweet' in August 2021. Since then, she has amassed over 14 million streams (Spotify & Apple Music), opened for multiple notable acts, such as British drummer Yussef Dayes and was listed by Billboard.com as R&B fresh pick of the week (8.2.21). Some of the cities Amaria has performed in are Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Atlanta and she recently traveled to Florence, Italy, to collaborate with several distinguished producers for her upcoming EP. Two of her largest streaming songs, 'Lose Control' & 'Moon', can be heard on upcoming episodes of the new sitcom TV series "Everything's Trash" on Freeform network.
Amaria recently signed with one of the most prestigious talent agencies in the world, United Talent Agency, where she will be in the company of other talents such as Tori Kelly, DJ Khaled, Machine Gun Kelly, Offset and more.
The first single from her second EP, which will be distributed by Virgin Music, is set to drop in the upcoming weeks on all streaming platforms. All while working on her music, Amaria has continued her pursuit towards a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications at the University of South Florida, where she is currently a senior.
Although Amaria's singing voice is soft and delicate, she has a strong sense of self and understands what she does well.
'Bittersweet' has established her as a promising artist and the best is yet to come, as she has already begun to develop notoriety amongst her fans.
You can follow her journey on a platform listed below:
Instagram: amariamcgee
TikTok: @amariamcgee
Twitter: @amariamcgee
I'm sure you are asking, "Why am I reading about Amaria McGee; what ties does she have to Claiborne Parish?" Amaria has local roots, as she is the granddaughter of Sherman and Janell Brown (Haynesville) and niece of Verlardi McGee (Homer native, Haynesville resident).
MAIN STREET MINUTE
Hodge Podge Lodge was the name of my maternal grandparent’s house on Lake Cherokee, southeast of Longview Texas, my hometown. I spent a large portion of my formative years there. If you Google hodgepodge, you’ll find the definition, noun: a confused mixture. It sure was! There was always something going on, from Boy Scouts, canasta games, singing, watermelons, homemade ice cream, fireworks, coffee drinking, Lucky Strike smoking (my grandmother, not me), sitting at the kids table, puzzle solving, fishing, swimming, Easter egg hunting, leaf raking, sweet potato cooking, Apple Beer drinking, and more…That probably sounds familiar with a lot of you too as we tend to live our lives in a hodgepodge mix all the time. I know I do. My wife often asks me “what are you going to work on today?” and I answer, “just let me reach in the job jar and see what comes out”. There is always something to do and this also applies to the activity going on in Homer too. Let’s reach into the ole’ job jar and see what comes out shall we?
The 101-year-old Homer Loan Building, originally the Arkla Gas Building, on North Main Street is undergoing a much-needed renovation with new windows installed, repair of the original copper and glass awning, cleaning of the brick, painting of the outside rails, and new outside lights. Funding for this renovation was aided by a $10,000 Renovation Incentive Grant from the Louisiana Main Street association.
We are gearing up for the Louisiana Legends Festival on Saturday, October 22 this year. Main Street Homer will coordinate the charity food court and by the time you read this will have already held our first charity group meeting. The charity food court provides our local nonprofit and charity organizations an opportunity to make a profit by selling food and to share a percentage of the charity grant that will be established. Look for more meetings to follow soon.
Denice Owens just finished up the third summer art camp in the Main Street office at the Alabama Kinnebrew Park. The weeklong art camps provide K – 8 grade students the opportunity to learn multiple art techniques and create original works of art that they can keep forever. Thanks to Denice for creating this opportunity for our kids. Denice always uses proceeds from the art camps to help improve and beautify the AK park so look for something beautiful to be added soon!
Where in the Arkla-Tex is Rick Rowe? He’s been busy in Claiborne Parish all week. Monday he was at Claiborne Memorial Medical Center. Tuesday he was at Home Sweet Homer Café, and next Thursday, June 17th he’ll be at A Gracious Plenty at 628 North Main Street for lunch at 12 noon. Thanks to Pat Abshire and the Claiborne Parish Chamber of Commerce for creating this opportunity to showcase Claiborne Parish’s assets.
I sat in on the Claiborne Parish History Club meeting at the library last week and I am always amazed at how much this group knows about the history of our parish and surrounding areas. Pam Camp Suggs, Ronald Day, Linda Volentine, Vince Ory, Bill and Kathy Hightower, Wesley Harris, Jaquelyn Tripp, Mary Wynn, and others I’m sure I’ve omitted, collaborate on and published an annual “Historic Claiborne” book that contains vignettes of the history of our area. They also work to publicize historic events and people of our area including creating the Pat Garrett memorial highway on La 9, and the White Lightning Road memorial sign at the State Park entrance among others. They are also working to preserve and memorialize the local Mount Olive Rosenwald School in Claiborne Parish. This group is a great resource that keeps the history of Claiborne Parish alive.
Don’t forget this Saturday 7/23 Back to School Bash at Mayfield Park. Pick up your school supplies from 10 a.m. – 12 noon, or until all supplies are gone. Thanks to the town of Homer, Mayor Seals, Terry Willis, and Cameron Hamilton for making this possible for our students!
It turns out that there are lot of hands in a lot of job jars here in Homer and Claiborne Parish. We are truly blessed to have a community that cares for and shares all the tasks at hand. Are you looking to reach in and grab a job out of the jar? Contact us or any of the groups mentioned and I’m sure we can find something in our hodgepodge for you to do!
Jimmy Hand, Director
Main Street Homer
CERTIFIABLE BY FRANK DELOACH
CPL PRESENTS "MY ADVENTURES AND MISADVENTURES AROUND THE WORLD"
The Claiborne Parish Library is excited to have Jerry Davis sharing his “Adventures and Misadventures around the World” on Thursday, July 7, at 6 p.m. If you are looking for a dull travel-log recitation, then this program is NOT for you!
When asked to speak, Mr. Davis said, “Do you know what old men do? They tell stories, that’s what we do.” And Jerry Davis has remarkable stories to share about his work career supervising pipeline construction for most of the major oil companies. From Indonesia to the Amazon jungles and the peaks of the Andes, Davis encountered revolutionaries, kidnappers, indigenous tribes, and near airplane disasters while living in primitive conditions as well as five-star hotels.
Jerry was married to the late Betty Davis, who many remember as a schoolteacher here in Claiborne Parish. Upon her retirement Betty joined Jerry on many of his adventures throughout the world.
Mr. Davis is another good example of someone who lives quietly among us with a history of interesting adventures during their careers. To hear these stories and memories in the voices of those who lived these fascinating lives is a real treat. Oral histories are important to preserve as they give us a personal glimpse of the past.
The Claiborne Parish Library is proud to sponsor this program. Mark your calendar for Thursday, July 7, at 6 p.m. and join us for “My Adventures and Misadventures around the World” with Haynesville resident Jerry Davis. This program is free and open to the public.
For more information, please call the library at 318-927-3845.
OF INTEREST
Keep Hope Alive Ministry 12-step program
Keep Hope Alive Ministry is ofering a support group “Stepping into Freedom.” It is a Christ-centered 12- step program offered to anyone who is struggling with addiction, dependency, low self-esteem and co-dependency. We can’t fix everyone, however, this program, along with the curriculum, is desgned to teach resiliency by learning how to let go, start over, regain control and rebuild our lives, which is the intended purpose of this group. Meetings are every Monday at 6 p.m. at 503 South Main Street in Homer, across from City Hall. Everyone is welcome. Contact Aleisa Norton K.H.A. at 433-1260 for more information or with questions.
The Homer High School Alumni Foundation is accepting spring brick orders for the Homer High Pelican Plaza located in front of the school. Engraved bricks for Homer High graduates, faculty, staff, teachers, coaches, and teams are $50 and include three lines of 14 letters including characters, etc. Any senior member of the Homer High 2021 championship football team can order an individual brick for $25. There is a team brick in their honor at the plaza. Any Homer High military veteran can also order a brick for $25. Deadline is May 15, and a check or money order can be sent with engraving information to Dr Bill and Denice Owens, 151 McClung Owens Road, Homer La 71040.
Food Bank Assistance
The Ministerial Alliance Food Bank, located at First Presbyterian Church, is available to those needing food assistance who have not received any recently. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Call ahead to make an appointment for assistance 927-3887.
Claiborne Parish Krewe AA/NA Meetings
If you are struggling with addiction or simply need support and encouragement, Claiborne Parish Krewe will be offering AA/NA meetings every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Homer City Hall located at 400 East Main Street. For more information contact Spencer at 318-957-9223.
Outreach group offers NA meetings
Claiborne Parish Outreach Group of Narcotics Anonymous will host meetings each Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Homer City Hall, located at 400 E. Main Street in Homer, LA 71040. 24 hr NA Helpline # 1-585-DONT-USE (1-585-366-8873) About Narcotics Anonymous: NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using. We suggest that you keep an open mind and give yourself a break. Our program is a set of principles written so simply that we can follow them in our daily lives. The most important thing about them is that they work.
Central Claiborne Water System meeting July 7
Central Claiborne System notice of public meeting to be held on July 7, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Fire Station #4, 6900 Highway 79, Haynesville, LA. 71038. All meetings are open to the public and members are encouraged to attend. Anyone needing reasonable accommodation to attend a public meeting held by the Central Claiborne Water System should call 318-927-3083 or by email ccws727@gmail.com or by TTY 1-800-846-5277 at least 10 days prior to the meeting date. This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
Pinehill Water System meeting July 7
Pinehill System notice of public meeting to be held on July 7, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Fire Station #4, 6900 Highway 79, Haynesville, LA. 71038. All meetings are open to the public and members are encouraged to attend. Anyone needing reasonable accommodation to attend a public meeting held by the Central Claiborne Water System should call 318-927-3083 or by email ccws727@gmail.com or by TTY 1-800-846-5277 at least 10 days prior to the meeting date. This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
Town of Homer July 11
The Town of Homer Council and Mayor will meet in regular session on July 11 at 6 p.m in the Homer City Hall auditorium.
Claiborne Parish School Board meeting July 14
The regular meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board will be held on Thursday, July 14 at 6 p.m. at the central office.
Town of Haynesville Council meeting July 21
The Town of Haynesville Mayor and Council will meet in regular session on Thursday, July 21 at Haynesville City Hall at 6 p.m.
Mountain Dulcimer Jam Session July 29
Add some music to your life by joining our Mountain Dulcimer Jam session July 29 from 2– 4 p.m., at the Claiborne Parish Library. Want to learn to play the mountain dulcimer? Pam Smelley is a wonderful teacher, and you do not have to own a dulcimer, there are always extra dulcimers available.The Mountain Dulcimer Jam sessions will be held on the last Friday of each month from 2 – 4 p.m. The sessions are free and open to the public.
Claiborne Parish Police Jury August 10
]The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet in regular session on Wednesday, August 10 at 10 a.m. in the meeting room of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex.
CREATING GREEN SPACES WITH GARDEN ZONING
Heather Kirk-Ballard
LSU AgCenter Horticulturist
Gardening offers so many options to create relaxing green spaces. Whether you have a great deal of land to create sprawling gardens or you are working with a small patio, a well-thought-out design can help make useful and unique outdoor spaces.
According to Garden Media’s 2022 Garden Trends Report, people are creating “zones” for optimal use of space. There are many ways to build zones, from container plantings and window boxes to carefully placed outdoor furniture — and even outdoor paintings and curtains.
Let’s talk first about landscape beds, porches and patios at the front of homes. This front zone is often the first thing people see, and curb appeal is a real thing. These areas are an important destination and extension of our homes.
Patio areas that provide seating and outdoor décor can extend the square footage of your home, giving you more areas to entertain and relax. You also can create sitting areas in your landscapes with different zones and themes.
Another zone could be a children’s area with play equipment such as a swing set, tetherball, sandbox and trampoline. Why not complement these with a gardening area where kids can enjoy the art and physical activity of gardening?
A raised bed can be a great way to allow kids to grow their own plants and food. What child — or adult for that matter — doesn’t love digging in and playing with dirt? This also can be an area where kids can explore nature, observing insects, earthworms, birds and other wildlife. This area provides an outlet for children and charming appeal to the landscape.
Entertainment areas are excellent additions to the landscape. Areas for outdoor activities on the lawn such as corn hole, bocce ball and horseshoes can provide areas for play for both children and adults. Fire pits with sitting areas offer a cozy retreat in the winter, and areas that provide a reprieve from the sun with large shade trees are great for gatherings in the summertime.
Pollinator gardens are another great addition. Lucky for us, the plants that pollinators love to visit are some of the most beautiful ones we can add to our gardens. Many types of both annual and perennial color add beauty to the garden and draw in some of nature’s most graceful creatures.
Cottage gardens just scream “quaint” with their colorful plants. These gardens usually include a wide variety of colorful ornamental plants alongside edible plants and herbs all mixed together. Cottage gardens are charming and often feature white picket fences, arbors, clay pots and delicate signs. They are a relaxed play on more traditional gardens and can have the tendency to spill over into other aspects of the landscape such as paths and lawns, creating a continuation of space.
Xeriscaping is another type of green space. It’s also known as a desert garden and is not often seen in Louisiana. While typically found in more arid regions such as the Southwest, this does not mean one cannot have a place in your Louisiana landscape.
This type of landscape requires little water and zero irrigation. This type of zone utilizes permeable gravel ground covers such as decomposed granite and pea gravel paired with native plants and succulents such as agave, aloe vera, cactus and many other types of sedums. These types of zones require very little maintenance and are a sustainable option for homeowners and friendly to our environment.
No matter what type of area you wish to create, there is a plant perfect for that zone. In addition, containers help expand the limits of your space and make it possible to include most any type of plant you wish to highlight.
FISHING REPORT WITH GLYNN HARRIS
BLACK BAYOU – Bream and crappie fishing is still fair to good around the trees and bushes. No report on bass. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
OUACHITA RIVER – Bass fishing has been fair to good on a variety of lures. Bream are still hitting crickets and worms. The crappie bite has slowed with fair catches on shiners or jigs. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass fishing has been fair to good with topwater lures taking fish early with soft plastic working best later in the day. Crappie are fair with best catches made on shiners or jigs fished the edges of the channels in 18 foot water. Bream are still fair to good fishing worms and crickets around shallow beds. Catfish are biting cold worms fished off the banks. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bream are still hanging around shallow beds and fishing is fair to good on crickets and worms. Crappie fishing has been best fishing around the lighted piers at night using shiners with some hanging around deep brush and hitting jigs and shiners. Bass have been schooling some and hitting topwater lures. Also fishing around and under the boat docks on soft plastics is working. No report on catfish. For latest information, call Misty at Kel’s Cove at 331-2730 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
CANEY LAKE – The bass are schooling with some in the 4-5 pound range caught on topwater lures with soft plastics taking some beneath the breaking schools. Crappie are around the deeper tops in 17-18 foot water and have been fair on shiners and jigs. Bream fishing is still fairly good around the lake on crickets or worms. No report on catfish. For information contact Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE POVERTY POINT –Bream and catfish have been good while bass and crappie are slow to fair. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE ST. JOHN – Catfishing is good while bass, bream and crappie are rather slow. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water continues on a slow fall and fishing has been improving daily with plenty of crappie, barfish, bass and catfish being caught. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
FRIDAy, JULY 15, 2022 no. 28
CLAIBORNE PARISH TO SAY FAREWELL TO EDUCATOR AND COMMUNITY LEADER
Jackie Roberts
Special to TGJ
“Our children are like fine antiques, keep them polished young and they will grow with grace, dignity and respect.” A.D. Williams
We have lost another community leader and advocate for education. Mr. A.D. Williams, age 96, passed away July 6. He was a Veteran, father, husband, educator, mentor, historian and community leader.
A.D. married his wife, Elizabeth on July 3, 1949. During their almost 65 years of marriage, the couple raised four children of their own; three children of relatives; and had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He served in World War II and had a remarkable story about his treatment in a foreign land during battle and how things were here when he came back home.
He was never in the combat zone. He was in a segregated unit of black soldiers doing general services - like supply and construction. "Whatever they told me to do," he would say.
His outfit advanced into Germany. He and some others were separated from the unit. He was surprised when a German family, friendly to the U.S., hid the black soldiers in their house, away from Nazis lurking nearby.
A.D. said they could've all been shot or put in a Nazi prison camp. But they were never found.
Williams received his bachelors degree in 1950 and his masters degree in 1963, both from Southern University.
After serving our country he settled in Claiborne Parish. He went to the courthouse to register to vote but was told he wasn’t considered equal.
He would always laugh at his experiences with the literacy test.
"You'd be taking the test and a big deputy sheriff would come up behind you," he would tell people when asked about his right to vote in the 50’s and 60’s.
He had two college degrees. But he had to take the test over.
He was told that he didn't pass the test and no one would tell him what he got wrong, He always said he knew it was the color of his skin that prevented him from passing the test the first two times.
Literacy tests were used until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to keep people of color out of the voting booths. Not until he took the test a third time was he allowed to register.
"If I'd fought through what I was being carried through, I would've been in Angola," Williams further explained about the times.
But he did not remain bitter. “You can't go back and wallow in bad treatment and all that stuff because you'll never get out of it. You have to find a higher calling," he would say.
He found that calling in education. He taught industrial arts in Claiborne Parish schools - Woodson and Haynesville.
"I was able to help somebody - helping the child. I stuck with the child. Impressed upon his heart and mind how important it was to get an education," he always said of his career.
After attending Southern University, A.D. received grants to continue his studies at UCLA and San Diego State. But he chose to return home to Louisiana for his teaching career so that he could help his mother and father.
From 1975 to 1980 he served as Claiborne Parish School Board Supervisor and Adult Education Director.
A.D. contributed to our community by being a member of the Claiborne Parish Technical School Advisory Committee; the state’s Region 7 Technical Advisory Committee; the Louisiana Housing Council; and the National Association of Housing and Development Officials. He was also a co-founder of the Community Improvement Organization.
In 1973, he was awarded both the Claiborne Parish Educator of the Year and fourth district Educator of the Year.
He opened up a laundromat close to his home after the white woman who owned the one up town wouldn’t let him enter through the front door. He also opened up a grocery store and later an antique store. Although the grocery store is closed the other two businesses have thrived for over 50 years.
He received a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Most Improved Public Housing Authority in 1989, shortly after becoming the Director.
Williams was instrumental in giving several Haynesville seniors the opportunity to attend Northwestern State University (NSU) in Natchitoches. He worked with the president of the university to secure scholarships.
In 2014, he received a surprise visit from NSU President Dr. Randall Webb, who presented him with the Nth Degree. This is a very prestigious award, which recognizes individuals who go the extra mile in mentoring services to mankind and whose professional responsibility and various other roles make the world a better place.
Upon his retirement from the Housing Authority, a parade was held to honor his involvement in the community. A parade was held due to Covid 19 and consisted of dozens of vehicles.
Williams was a deacon and Sunday scbool teacher at Friendship Baptist Cburch.
Because of his contributions to the parish, his influence on students and the respect he commanded and received from others I featured A.D. Williams in my Black History edition in The Haynesville News several times.
A.D. is survived by his children, Alpheaus Williams, Ardifene Williams, Jr. (Deborah), Antonio Williams (Louise) and Valerie Paschal; special niece and nephews, Dwight Paschal, Bridgette Green (Charlie) and Nathaniel Williams; sister-in-law, Hazella Williams; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Memorial Funeral Home Friday, July 15 from 12 - 3:30 p.m. A Wake will be held that night from 5-7 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church in Haynesville. Funeral services are scheduled for this Saturday, July 16, 2002 at 10 a.m. in the auditorium at Haynesville High School. Interment will follow at Friendship Cemetery, on Temple Road in Haynesville.
JULY 2022 POSTAGE PRICE CHANGES
On April 6, 2022, the United States Postal Service® filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of price changes to take effect July 10, 2022. On June 9, 2022, the PRC announced the approval of changes, which include a two-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 58 cents to 60 cents.
The proposed prices, approved by the Governors of the U.S. Postal Service, would raise First-Class Mail® prices approximately 6.5 percent, which is lower than the Bureau Labor Statistics annual inflation rate of 7.9 percent as of the end of February. The price changes reflect a judicious implementation of the Postal Service’s pricing authority provided by the PRC.
The new First-Class Mail prices can be summarized as follows:
One-ounce letter, domestic - $0.58 to $0.60. Single-piece letter, additional ounce - $0.20 to $0.24. Metered mail 1-ounce - $0.53 to $0.57. Postcard stamp - $0.40 to $0.44. One-ounce letter, international - $1.30 to $1.40.
The Postal Service is also seeking price adjustments for Special Services products including Certified Mail, Post Office Box™ rental fees, Money Order fees and the cost to purchase insurance when mailing an item.
As inflation and increased operating expenses continue, these price adjustments will help with the implementation of the Delivering for America plan, including a $40 billion investment in core Postal Service infrastructure over the next ten years. With the new prices, the Postal Service will continue to provide the lowest letter-mail postage rates in the industrialized world and offer a great value in shipping.
The PRC has reviewed and approved the prices. The complete Postal Service price filing with prices for all products can be found on the PRC site under the Daily Listings section at https://www. prc.gov/dockets/daily. The Mailing Services filing is Docket No. R2022-1.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY
The Guardian-Journal
During Monday evening’s regular council meeting of the Mayor and Council of Homer, resolution #22-008 authorizing acceptance of the Louisiana Compliance questionaire was unanimously approved after a motion by Patricia Jenkins - District 5 and a second by Verletha Adams - District 4.
Next on the agenda was to approve an alcoholic beverage permit for Flash Market, LLC which is the new owner of the Dixie Mart stores in Homer. The council was unable to agree on exactly which permits the company was applying for and decided to table the topic until the August meeting.
A number of town vehicles were declared surplus, including a non-running 2005 Ford Expedition, non-running 2001 Dodge Ram, running 1991 Ford van and a non-running 2003 Ford pickup.
Due to the fact that the Homer Police Department did not have a previous policy in place, the Council unanimously approved a Policy and Procedure policy for the Homer Police Department dispatchers. One was not previously on the Town of Homer books due to dispatch previously being handled by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The Town will be hosting their annual Back to School Bash event on Saturday, July 23 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Mayfield Park. School supplies, snacks and other items will be handed out to those who attend.
Beginning on Tuesday July 19, the Town will be hosting a Kidzone game and movie night on Tuesdays and Thursdays until school starts. The dates of these events are July 19, 21, 26 and 28 and August 2 as school begins August 4. There will be movies, game stations and snacks available to kids to get out of the heat and off the streets for a couple hours in the evenings. The time for the events is 5 - 8 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mayor and Town of Homer Council is August 15 at 6 p.m. in council chambers located at city hall.
FEMALE VETERANS, THE VA AND MATERNAL MORTALITY
Jacquelyn Tripp
The Guardian-Journal
Veterans Affairs (VA) Health & Research Development Study CDA 20-224 recently found “preliminary data from pilot work suggest(s) the rate of pregnancy-associated deaths among (female) Veterans using VA maternity care benefits is nearly double the national rate.”
The United States already has the highest maternal death rate of any developed nation in the world, per World Health Organization and CDC data.
Female veterans are a small and particularly vulnerable demographic. Department of Labor statistics show that 1.5% of women in the United States are veterans.
Study CDA 20-224 disclosed that, “high rates of mental health problems, obesity, rurality, maternal conditions, and racial discrepancies were noted among (female) veterans who experienced severe maternal morbidity events.”
“Having PTSD in the year before delivery increased a woman’s risk of spontaneous premature delivery by 35 percent,” research from a separate study, authored by Jonathan Shaw, MD, Steven Ash, MD, Rachel Kimerling, PhD, and Susan Frayne, MD, showed after examining more than 16,000 births to female veterans and evaluating connections between PTSD and preterm birth.
“Veterans who relied on VA for their health care coverage were high risk, with increased rates of preeclampsia and Cesarean delivery. Additionally, Veterans' infants (compared with non-Veterans') were more likely to require NICU care,” found OBSTETRIC OUTCOMES IN U.S. VETERANS: EMERGING KNOWLEDGE, CONSIDERATIONS, AND GAPS, published in 2019. This particular study also suggested “additional research is needed to explore upstream factors leading to these poorer outcomes. Current effort to coordinate VA and non-VA care for Veteran mothers is warranted.”
FEMALE VETERAN STATISTICS
Female veterans already face significant statistical challenges. “Women Veterans are almost twice as likely as their civilian peers to die by suicide,” we learn in SUICIDE AMONG WOMEN VETERANS: RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL WELL BEING, published by the VA.
Approximately 71% of women warriors have children, and of those, 49% are single mothers according to the WOMEN WARRIORS INITIATIVE REPORT, conducted by the Wounded Warrior Project. The report also found that while around 73% of women warriors reporting experiencing sexual assault or harassment while in the military, 46% have not sought treatment. Only 47% of women warriors felt respected for their service and 80% scored as lonely based on the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale.
Some of the biggest challenges women warriors identified are coping with mental health such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, etc. (61%), financial stress (30%), finding employment (22%), feeling isolated (21%), and coping with physical injuries (20%).
Data from the VA’s national screening program reveals that when screened by their health care provider, about 1 in 3 women respond “yes,” they experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
But research also shows that not all female veterans experienced trauma while serving in the military. Understanding why female veterans are statistically more susceptible than female non-veterans to maternal mortality is imperative to treating this population.
THE PROTECTING MOMS WHO SERVE ACT
The PROTECTING MOMS WHO SERVE ACT recently (2021) gave the VA $15 million “to improve coordination between the VA hospitals that treat female veterans and the community facilities that provide their obstetrics care.” That averages out to $30 each for the approximately half a million female veterans age 40 and under.
The Act defines maternity mortality as “a death occurring during pregnancy or within a one-year period after pregnancy that is caused by pregnancy-related or childbirth complications, including suicide, overdose, or other death resulting from a mental health or substance use disorder attributed to or aggravated by pregnancy-related or childbirth complications.”
The new Act requires the Government Accountability Office to “study the maternal health of female veterans.”
The act was passed in late November of 2021, prior to the Supreme Court’s June 24th decision on abortion.
MENTAL HEALTH AND MATERNITY IN FEMALE VETERANS
“Pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting can be a time when post-traumatic symptoms actually get worse. That’s because the childbearing year has so many triggers or reminders of past trauma that make a person feel like the trauma is happening again,” wrote Josie Granner, doctoral candidate at the University of Michigan School of Nursing, in the article PREVIOUS TRAUMA CAN IMPACT EXPECTANT MOTHERS DURING PREGNANCY AND BEYOND (2021).
One conclusion drawn by the VA’s CDA 20-224 study was that “the VA is uniquely positioned to develop innovative comanagement strategies, especially in the area of perinatal mental health.”
PRENATAL MATERNAL POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AS A RISK FACTOR FOR ADVERSE BIRTH WEIGHT AND GESTATIONAL AGE OUTCOMES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW, published in JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS (2021) says findings suggest that “prenatal Post Traumatic Stress Disorder presents increased risks of Low Birth Weight, Pre Term Birth, and reduced Gestational Age. Evidence of physical harm to neonates from prenatal PTSD provides a powerful rationale to increase prenatal PTSD screening and identify effective prenatal interventions to improve maternal and child outcomes.”
MATERNITY CARE AVAILABLE FOR FEMALE VETS
Maternity care available for female veterans at the VA, per their website, already includes full physical exams and lab tests, prenatal education and screening, obstetrical ultrasounds, genetic tests and specialty consults, prescription drugs, newborn care on the date of birth plus 7 days immediately after birth, lactation support, support and services in case of miscarriage or stillbirth, social work and mental health services and Maternity Care Coordinators.
But change is imminent in medical care for female veterans using the VA.
“Every time a mom dies from a preventable cause related to pregnancy or childbirth, it's shameful in the richest nation on the face of the Earth," Army National Guard veteran and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth told Military.com in late 2021 after sponsoring the PROTECTING MOMS WHO SERVE ACT. "We need to make sure to have this comprehensive evaluation of how our growing mortality crisis among moms impacts women veterans."
The Act Duckworth sponsored specifically states, “Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives, and make publicly available, a report on maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity among pregnant and postpartum veterans, with a particular focus on racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes for veterans.”
The Act requires the Government Accountability Office to study the number of pregnant and postpartum veterans who have experienced a pregnancy-related death or pregnancy-associated death in the most recent 10 years of available data, the rate of pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births for pregnant and postpartum veterans, to study the number of cases of severe maternal morbidity among pregnant and postpartum veterans in the most recent year of available data, to provide an assessment of the racial and ethnic disparities in maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity rates among pregnant and postpartum veterans, to identify the causes of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity that are unique to veterans, including post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, and infertility or miscarriages that may be caused by service in the Armed Forces, to identify the causes of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity that are unique
to veterans from racial and ethnic minority groups and such other at-risk populations as the Comptroller General sees appropriate, to identify any correlations between the former rank of veterans and their maternal health outcomes, the number of veterans who have been diagnosed with infertility by a health care provider of the Veterans Health Administration each year in the most recent five years, disaggregated by age, race, ethnicity, sex, marital status, and geographical location, to identify the number of veterans who have received a clinical diagnosis of unexplained infertility by a health care provider of the Veterans Health Administration each year in the most recent five years, and to provide an assessment of the extent to which the rate of incidence of clinically diagnosed infertility among veterans compare or differ to the rate of incidence of clinically diagnosed infertility among the civilian population.
Recommendations for legislative and administrative actions to increase access to mental and behavioral health care for pregnant and postpartum veterans who screen positively for maternal mental or behavioral health conditions, recommendations to address homelessness, food insecurity, poverty, and related issues among pregnant and postpartum veterans, recommendations on how to effectively educate maternity care providers on best practices for providing maternity care services to veterans that addresses the unique maternal health care needs of veteran populations and recommendations to reduce maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity among pregnant and postpartum veterans and to address racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes are also requirements of the Act.
THE VA MOTTO
The VA’s motto since 1959 is a quote by former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln: “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.” These words mark the entrance of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) headquarters in Washington, D.C. and are displayed at our Overton Brooks VA facility in Shreveport. But she, the woman warrior, the often invisible veteran, has borne a new battle in recent years, both on the front lines and in her struggle for maternal equality. And in this new era of rapidly changing opinions, the female veteran must rely on the government she signed an oath to protect to protect her in the country with the highest maternal death rate of any developed nation in the world.
TAKING ACTION
Other regions are taking action to engage their communities in awareness campaigns concerning female veterans. Drive-through baby showers organized by the VA Women Veterans Program in Atlanta, Georgia are held a few times a year to support pregnant female vets.
What can we do in Louisiana to prevent maternal mortality in military women? It’s a difficult question to answer considering that Louisiana currently has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation, with more than 3 times the number of deaths per 100,000 births than the national rate in 2018.
Maternal mortality isn’t just a military veteran problem or just a Louisiana problem: it’s an American problem that must be solved.
The Comptroller General of the United States will make a report available to the public on maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity among pregnant and postpartum veterans, with a particular focus on racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes for veterans, in late 2024.
HOMER POLICE DEPARTMENT CONDUCTS ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING RECENTLY
Active shooter training was conducted on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at Homer High School with Officers of the Homer Police Department. Chief Van McDaniel is the training coordinator and is an Alert active shooter instructor.
MAIN STREET HOMER SPONSORS LOCAL SUMMER ART CAMP FOR LOCAL KIDS
Main Street Homer has sponsored three Summer Art Camps this year for students all over the parish and visitors. Teacher was Denice Owens, retired teacher and Main Street Homer board member. Students left to right, back row are, Addison Hollenshead, Jasmine Carpenter, Ellee Tabor, Chassis Gorman. Front row, Jasper Carpenter, Kaitlyn Harris, Lillie Miles, and Kathryn Harris. Students completed several projects each day in several art mediums. A special thank you to the Claiborne Educational Endowment Fund for sponsoring some scholarships, Main Street Homer for helping with some of the tee shirts costs, and Ann Burton for her assistance with extra Friday goodies!
MAIN STREET MINUTE
Main Street Homer invites all Claiborne Parish nonprofit organizations and churches to participate as a Louisiana Legends Fest (LLF) Charity Partner in the 2022 Louisiana Legends Festival
LLF Charity Partners have the opportunity to gain financial benefits and exposure for their organizations during the annual LLF Festival on Saturday, October 22, 2022, in downtown Homer, La.
The LLF mission is "to develop tourism focused events that celebrate the history, people and resources of Claiborne Parish, promote economic development and provide financial support to area non-profits."
Charity Partners of the 2021 LLF shared over $7500 by providing volunteers to support the festival and food booth sales. We expect this amount to grow in 2022!
Are you working countless hours to support your mission? Could your organization use more revenue generating opportunities? Would you like to know more?
If so, join us at our upcoming interest meeting to learn all the benefits a LLF Charitable Partner could provide to your organization.
When – Monday, July 18, 2022 – 5:30 pm
Where – Claiborne Parish Library Conference Room
We hope to see you there!
Contact mainstreethomer@gmail.com for more information.
Jimmy Hand, Director
Main Street Homer
CERTIFIABLE BY FRANK DELOACH
CPL PRESENTS "MY ADVENTURES AND MISADVENTURES AROUND THE WORLD"
The Claiborne Parish Library is excited to have Jerry Davis sharing his “Adventures and Misadventures around the World” on Thursday, July 7, at 6 p.m. If you are looking for a dull travel-log recitation, then this program is NOT for you!
When asked to speak, Mr. Davis said, “Do you know what old men do? They tell stories, that’s what we do.” And Jerry Davis has remarkable stories to share about his work career supervising pipeline construction for most of the major oil companies. From Indonesia to the Amazon jungles and the peaks of the Andes, Davis encountered revolutionaries, kidnappers, indigenous tribes, and near airplane disasters while living in primitive conditions as well as five-star hotels.
Jerry was married to the late Betty Davis, who many remember as a schoolteacher here in Claiborne Parish. Upon her retirement Betty joined Jerry on many of his adventures throughout the world.
Mr. Davis is another good example of someone who lives quietly among us with a history of interesting adventures during their careers. To hear these stories and memories in the voices of those who lived these fascinating lives is a real treat. Oral histories are important to preserve as they give us a personal glimpse of the past.
The Claiborne Parish Library is proud to sponsor this program. Mark your calendar for Thursday, July 7, at 6 p.m. and join us for “My Adventures and Misadventures around the World” with Haynesville resident Jerry Davis. This program is free and open to the public.
For more information, please call the library at 318-927-3845.
OF INTEREST
Keep Hope Alive Ministry 12-step program
Keep Hope Alive Ministry is ofering a support group “Stepping into Freedom.” It is a Christ-centered 12- step program offered to anyone who is struggling with addiction, dependency, low self-esteem and co-dependency. We can’t fix everyone, however, this program, along with the curriculum, is desgned to teach resiliency by learning how to let go, start over, regain control and rebuild our lives, which is the intended purpose of this group. Meetings are every Monday at 6 p.m. at 503 South Main Street in Homer, across from City Hall. Everyone is welcome. Contact Aleisa Norton K.H.A. at 433-1260 for more information or with questions.
The Homer High School Alumni Foundation is accepting spring brick orders for the Homer High Pelican Plaza located in front of the school. Engraved bricks for Homer High graduates, faculty, staff, teachers, coaches, and teams are $50 and include three lines of 14 letters including characters, etc. Any senior member of the Homer High 2021 championship football team can order an individual brick for $25. There is a team brick in their honor at the plaza. Any Homer High military veteran can also order a brick for $25. Deadline is May 15, and a check or money order can be sent with engraving information to Dr Bill and Denice Owens, 151 McClung Owens Road, Homer La 71040.
Food Bank Assistance
The Ministerial Alliance Food Bank, located at First Presbyterian Church, is available to those needing food assistance who have not received any recently. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Call ahead to make an appointment for assistance 927-3887.
Claiborne Parish Krewe AA/NA Meetings
If you are struggling with addiction or simply need support and encouragement, Claiborne Parish Krewe will be offering AA/NA meetings every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Homer City Hall located at 400 East Main Street. For more information contact Spencer at 318-957-9223.
Outreach group offers NA meetings
Claiborne Parish Outreach Group of Narcotics Anonymous will host meetings each Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Homer City Hall, located at 400 E. Main Street in Homer, LA 71040. 24 hr NA Helpline # 1-585-DONT-USE (1-585-366-8873) About Narcotics Anonymous: NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using. We suggest that you keep an open mind and give yourself a break. Our program is a set of principles written so simply that we can follow them in our daily lives. The most important thing about them is that they work.
Central Claiborne Water System meeting July 7
Central Claiborne System notice of public meeting to be held on July 7, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Fire Station #4, 6900 Highway 79, Haynesville, LA. 71038. All meetings are open to the public and members are encouraged to attend. Anyone needing reasonable accommodation to attend a public meeting held by the Central Claiborne Water System should call 318-927-3083 or by email ccws727@gmail.com or by TTY 1-800-846-5277 at least 10 days prior to the meeting date. This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
Pinehill Water System meeting July 7
Pinehill System notice of public meeting to be held on July 7, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Fire Station #4, 6900 Highway 79, Haynesville, LA. 71038. All meetings are open to the public and members are encouraged to attend. Anyone needing reasonable accommodation to attend a public meeting held by the Central Claiborne Water System should call 318-927-3083 or by email ccws727@gmail.com or by TTY 1-800-846-5277 at least 10 days prior to the meeting date. This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
Town of Homer July 11
The Town of Homer Council and Mayor will meet in regular session on July 11 at 6 p.m in the Homer City Hall auditorium.
Claiborne Parish School Board meeting July 14
The regular meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board will be held on Thursday, July 14 at 6 p.m. at the central office.
Town of Haynesville Council meeting July 21
The Town of Haynesville Mayor and Council will meet in regular session on Thursday, July 21 at Haynesville City Hall at 6 p.m.
Mountain Dulcimer Jam Session July 29
Add some music to your life by joining our Mountain Dulcimer Jam session July 29 from 2– 4 p.m., at the Claiborne Parish Library. Want to learn to play the mountain dulcimer? Pam Smelley is a wonderful teacher, and you do not have to own a dulcimer, there are always extra dulcimers available.The Mountain Dulcimer Jam sessions will be held on the last Friday of each month from 2 – 4 p.m. The sessions are free and open to the public.
Claiborne Parish Police Jury August 10
]The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet in regular session on Wednesday, August 10 at 10 a.m. in the meeting room of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex.
CREATING GREEN SPACES WITH GARDEN ZONING
Heather Kirk-Ballard
LSU AgCenter Horticulturist
Gardening offers so many options to create relaxing green spaces. Whether you have a great deal of land to create sprawling gardens or you are working with a small patio, a well-thought-out design can help make useful and unique outdoor spaces.
According to Garden Media’s 2022 Garden Trends Report, people are creating “zones” for optimal use of space. There are many ways to build zones, from container plantings and window boxes to carefully placed outdoor furniture — and even outdoor paintings and curtains.
Let’s talk first about landscape beds, porches and patios at the front of homes. This front zone is often the first thing people see, and curb appeal is a real thing. These areas are an important destination and extension of our homes.
Patio areas that provide seating and outdoor décor can extend the square footage of your home, giving you more areas to entertain and relax. You also can create sitting areas in your landscapes with different zones and themes.
Another zone could be a children’s area with play equipment such as a swing set, tetherball, sandbox and trampoline. Why not complement these with a gardening area where kids can enjoy the art and physical activity of gardening?
A raised bed can be a great way to allow kids to grow their own plants and food. What child — or adult for that matter — doesn’t love digging in and playing with dirt? This also can be an area where kids can explore nature, observing insects, earthworms, birds and other wildlife. This area provides an outlet for children and charming appeal to the landscape.
Entertainment areas are excellent additions to the landscape. Areas for outdoor activities on the lawn such as corn hole, bocce ball and horseshoes can provide areas for play for both children and adults. Fire pits with sitting areas offer a cozy retreat in the winter, and areas that provide a reprieve from the sun with large shade trees are great for gatherings in the summertime.
Pollinator gardens are another great addition. Lucky for us, the plants that pollinators love to visit are some of the most beautiful ones we can add to our gardens. Many types of both annual and perennial color add beauty to the garden and draw in some of nature’s most graceful creatures.
Cottage gardens just scream “quaint” with their colorful plants. These gardens usually include a wide variety of colorful ornamental plants alongside edible plants and herbs all mixed together. Cottage gardens are charming and often feature white picket fences, arbors, clay pots and delicate signs. They are a relaxed play on more traditional gardens and can have the tendency to spill over into other aspects of the landscape such as paths and lawns, creating a continuation of space.
Xeriscaping is another type of green space. It’s also known as a desert garden and is not often seen in Louisiana. While typically found in more arid regions such as the Southwest, this does not mean one cannot have a place in your Louisiana landscape.
This type of landscape requires little water and zero irrigation. This type of zone utilizes permeable gravel ground covers such as decomposed granite and pea gravel paired with native plants and succulents such as agave, aloe vera, cactus and many other types of sedums. These types of zones require very little maintenance and are a sustainable option for homeowners and friendly to our environment.
No matter what type of area you wish to create, there is a plant perfect for that zone. In addition, containers help expand the limits of your space and make it possible to include most any type of plant you wish to highlight.
FISHING REPORT WITH GLYNN HARRIS
BLACK BAYOU – Bream and crappie fishing is still fair to good around the trees and bushes. No report on bass. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
OUACHITA RIVER – Bass fishing has been fair to good on a variety of lures. Bream are still hitting crickets and worms. The crappie bite has slowed with fair catches on shiners or jigs. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass fishing has been fair to good with topwater lures taking fish early with soft plastic working best later in the day. Crappie are fair with best catches made on shiners or jigs fished the edges of the channels in 18 foot water. Bream are still fair to good fishing worms and crickets around shallow beds. Catfish are biting cold worms fished off the banks. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bream are still hanging around shallow beds and fishing is fair to good on crickets and worms. Crappie fishing has been best fishing around the lighted piers at night using shiners with some hanging around deep brush and hitting jigs and shiners. Bass have been schooling some and hitting topwater lures. Also fishing around and under the boat docks on soft plastics is working. No report on catfish. For latest information, call Misty at Kel’s Cove at 331-2730 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
CANEY LAKE – The bass are schooling with some in the 4-5 pound range caught on topwater lures with soft plastics taking some beneath the breaking schools. Crappie are around the deeper tops in 17-18 foot water and have been fair on shiners and jigs. Bream fishing is still fairly good around the lake on crickets or worms. No report on catfish. For information contact Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE POVERTY POINT –Bream and catfish have been good while bass and crappie are slow to fair. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE ST. JOHN – Catfishing is good while bass, bream and crappie are rather slow. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water continues on a slow fall and fishing has been improving daily with plenty of crappie, barfish, bass and catfish being caught. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
FRIDAy, JULY 8, 2022 no. 27
DANZIE RETURNS TO HOME TOWN AND ALMA MATER
Jackie Roberts
Special to TGJ
I have been given the distinct privilege to announce the return of and to welcome back Coach Dustin Danzie, his wife, Shawlkedra and their children to Claiborne Parish. Coach Danzie is a Homer High graduate, former Pelican football player and coach.
Danzie signed an athletic scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi in 2004 and is still known as one of the best defensive backs to ever wear purple and gold. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 2011 from Arkansas Baptist College and he is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.
Dustin was born in Shreveport and raised in Homer. He was previously a part of Homer High School’s faculty and football staff in 2014 and 2015 but relocated to Houston, TX.
After arriving in Houston he quickly made a name for himself as a sports performance trainer and even co-owned The Uplift Youth Sports Performance, which is a training company that is regarded in Houston as one of the best training facilities for athletes.
Coach Danzie will be teaching Environmental Science and coaching both defensive backs and wide receivers this fall at Homer High School. He also looks forward to bringing his wealth of knowledge in the sports performance training industry to Claiborne Parish as well. Dustin has committed his life to serving humanity and more specifically youth mentoring.
Coach Danzie is well known for his ability to positively connect with his students and athletes. He has written two books, “Do it now, Don’t Wait” and “The Answer is Perseverance.” Coach is a natural mentor who is an inspiration to many.
Welcome back, Coach. We are fortunate you chose to return home.
ADVICE FROM CLAIBONE PARISH SHERIFF SAM DOWIES
1. Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know.
Scammers often pretend to be contacting you on behalf of the government. They might use a real name, like Social Security Administration, the IRS, or Medicare, or make up a name that sounds official. Some pretend to be from a business you know, like a utility company, a tech company, or even a charity asking for donations.
They use technology to change the phone number that appears on your caller ID. So the name and number you see might not be real.
2. Scammers say there’s a PROBLEM or a PRIZE.
They might say you’re in trouble with the government. Or you owe money. Or someone in your family had an accident/emergency. Or there is a virus on their computer.
Some scammers say there’s a problem with one of your accounts and that you need to verify some information.
Others will lie and say you won money in a lottery or sweepstakes, but you have to pay a fee to get it.
3. Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately.
Scammers want you to act before you have time to think. If you’re on the phone, they might tell you not to hang up so you can’t check out their story. They might threaten to arrest you, sue you, take away your driver’s or business license, or deport you. They might say your computer is about to be corrupted.
4. Scammers tell you to PAY in a specific way.
They often insist that you pay by sending money through a money transfer company or by putting money on a gift card and then giving them the number on the back. Some will send a check (that will later turn out to be fake), tell you to deposit it, and then send them money.
What you can do to AVOID A SCAM:
- Block unwanted calls and text messages.
- Don’t give your personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn’t expect. ****Legitimate organizations won’t call, email, or text to ask for your personal information, like your Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers.
Resist the pressure to act immediately.
Legitimate businesses will give you time to make a decision. Anyone who pressures you to pay or give them your personal information is a scammer.
Know how scammers tell you to pay.
Never pay someone who insists you pay with a gift card or using a money transfer service. And never deposit a check and send money to someone.
Stop and talk to someone you trust.
Before you do anything else, tell someone- a friend, a family member, a neighbor- what happened. Talking about it could help you realize it’s a scam.
The above is information from the Federal Trade Commission. Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission @ ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Claiborne Parish Sheriff Sam Dowies encourages anyone with concerns or knowledge about scams, or if you feel you have been a victim of a scam to contact the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office in person or by calling (318)927-2011.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND OPENING DOORS FOR STRANGERS
Jacquelyn Tripp
The Guardian-Journal
When a man from New Zealand recently asked on Twitter if there are more wheels or doors in the world, he received more than 220,000 responses. Mathematicians quickly scrambled to calculate the number of doors in the world, with some estimating the figure to be around 42 billion.
The earth has a population of 7.9 billion humans. Each of us, statistically speaking, has five doors to open or close.
In recent years, the world’s 42 billion doors have been drawing sharp criticism. Should they be kept locked or unlocked, held open or slammed shut, and are some really still listening for the sound of a long foretold knock upon them?
Doors are controversial in America. In the outer edges of feminist circles, the simple act of a man holding a door open for a woman may come across as demeaning to a woman who has been previously traumatized by other events. A negative response to the opening of her door can leave a good-intentioned man feeling confused as to why his kind act was met with disdain. The days of chivalry are dying, some say.
And yet neuroscientists at the Brain and Creativity Institute of the University of Southern California found that “50 percent of people will display gratitude and help another stranger if they've experienced a random act of kindness themselves from a person who made eye contact and smiled.” Their results were garnered from a study that tested whether or not holding the door open for others would cause others to return the favor or say thank you.
The nameless author of IS IT STILL OK TO HOLD THE DOOR OPEN blogged, “if I hold the door open for you, it’s not because you’re a woman, it’s because I think of myself as a gentleman. Whether you thank me or not, I feel a little better knowing that I was able to help out, even in such a small way.”
Such brings up a good question—when we hold a door open for someone else, do we do so for us or for them?
Welcome to the open door policy debate.
On the opposing extreme fringe of domineering sexism, a woman who holds doors open for a man can be sometimes viewed as trying to diminish traditionally male roles.
We live in a world where, as the old saying goes, no good deed goes unpunished. But does that mean we should stop doing good deeds?
“The fact that chivalry is often misconstrued as a disrespectful treatment of women means that women are not sufficiently convinced that they are respected; thus, the reason for having chivalry still exists and reinforces the need for chivalry in our society,” wrote Penina Krieger in THE PRINCETON TORY. “Even the most basic and obvious quality of a person being human requires some level of recognition. There is a certain contentment one feels when one walks down the street and exchanges a knowing look, or a smile, with a stranger.”
“Imagine facing a door-holder who is smiling, effortfully opening the door and letting you walk through before she enters (high-effort),” the docs from the SoCal study wrote to remind us all of the scientifically backed importance of making a real difference. “Or imagine that she lazily holds the door and non-effortfully props it with an outstretched arm while staring at a text message (low-effort). We save energy in both cases, but the emotional feeling and the reaction generated by each case can be quite different.”
Our southern culture of opening doors for one another is kind and loving. But in those times we offend someone by opening a door, maybe we will be wise to look at our own body language, at our own genuineness and motivations. For if we immediately become angry with someone for not accepting our opening of a door, kindness and concern for a stranger is not the real motivation behind our action in the first place.
MIT professor Carlo Ratti told USA TODAY that there are many ways to look at the debate over whether there are more doors or wheels in this world. But he also mentioned that though he believes there are a lot of wheels, his gut tells him there are more doors.
Though it sounds simplistic, each human being on earth has (statistically speaking) five doors in with which we can make a difference in the lives of others.
What will you do with your five doors?
———
When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us. — Alexander Graham Bell
ANNUAL LAKE CLAIBORNE FIREWORS SHOW HELD SUNDAY
The Guardian-Journal photos/JM Williams
The annual Lake Claiborne Fireworks show and boat parade were held Sunday, July 3 after the rainy weather of two days finally moved out for everyone to enjoy the holiday festivities. Huge crowds enjoyed the fireworks show from the Lake Claiborne dam, sponsored in part by Claiborne Memorial Medical Center.
VOTER CANVASS UNDERWAY
Claiborne Parish Registrar of Voters is conducting the annual canvass of registered voters in the parish. The canvass is conducted annually by law to verify the addresses of those voters who the United States Post Office National Change of Address system cannot confirm.
If you receive an identification card or an address confirmation card, Please take time to look at the information. If changes need to be made, make the changes and mail back to the Registrar.
Any questions may call the Claiborne Parish Registrar of Voters Office at 927-3332.Claiborne Parish will be having elections this fall. Voters need to make sure that their address, name and party are correct before the books close for this election. These items could effect your voting this year. This is why it is important to participate in the canvass and having your driver's license or picture identification card correct.
The election dates for the fall election will be November 8, 2022 for the primary and December 10, 2022 for the general.
The following offices will be on the ballot:
U.S. Senator
U.S. Representative
School Board Members
Athens:
Mayor, Chief of Police, Aldermen
Haynesville: Mayor, Chief of Police, Council Members
Homer: Mayor, Marshal, Selectmen
Junction City: Mayor, Chief of Police, Aldermen
Claiborne Fire District 4—Millage Renewal
LOUISIANA TECH ANNOUNCES SHUTTLE SERVICE FOR UPCOMING FALL AND WINTER QUARTERS
This fall quarter, construction and road work throughout the Enterprise Campus will mean that parking on the east side of the Louisiana Tech University campus is very limited.
In order to alleviate parking challenges, Louisiana Tech will introduce a free shuttle service for students. The shuttle will take a circular route through campus, beginning at the parking lot at the corner of Tech Drive and Alabama Avenue. This lot provides nearly 450 parking spots for commuting students who have registered their vehicles.
“Students can park and ride the shuttle to designated drop off and pick up points around campus, including Homer Street between the new Integrated Engineering and Science Building and Tech Pointe,” said Dr. Dickie Crawford, Vice President for Student Advancement. “Based on shuttle use and demand, the route and some pick-up and drop-off areas may be adjusted throughout the fall and winter quarters.”
The shuttle will operate from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday when classes are in session for the fall and winter quarters. A current Louisiana Tech identification card will be required to ride the shuttle.
The City of Ruston is currently engaged in a large-scale project to improve utilities, sidewalks, and lighting on the east side of campus. In addition, the city is working to improve our 100-year-old drainage system in that area.
“These road closures and construction work are a part of a city project designed to create a more walkable corridor between Louisiana Tech’s campus and the City of Ruston’s downtown area,” said Dr. Les Guice, Tech President. “We’re working to ensure these changes remain positive for our students, faculty, and staff throughout the construction, and our work will help position Louisiana Tech for growth and more efficient services in the future.”
"PINK TAX" ENDS IN LOUISIANA
Sales tax will no longer be applied to diapers and feminine hygiene products in Louisiana. The ‘Pink Tax’ exemption became effective state law on Friday, July 1.
Items like tampons, menstrual pads, sanitary napkins and panty liners are now exempt from Louisiana’s 4.45% state sales tax.
In a post on social media Governor John Bel Edwards wrote, “Say goodbye to the pink tax, Louisiana. Last year, I signed HB 7 by Rep. Aimee Freeman, which provides for a sales and use tax exemption for feminine hygiene products and diapers, and today that law goes into effect. ”
CERTIFIABLE BY FRANK DELOACH
CPL PRESENTS "MY ADVENTURES AND MISADVENTURES AROUND THE WORLD"
The Claiborne Parish Library is excited to have Jerry Davis sharing his “Adventures and Misadventures around the World” on Thursday, July 7, at 6 p.m. If you are looking for a dull travel-log recitation, then this program is NOT for you!
When asked to speak, Mr. Davis said, “Do you know what old men do? They tell stories, that’s what we do.” And Jerry Davis has remarkable stories to share about his work career supervising pipeline construction for most of the major oil companies. From Indonesia to the Amazon jungles and the peaks of the Andes, Davis encountered revolutionaries, kidnappers, indigenous tribes, and near airplane disasters while living in primitive conditions as well as five-star hotels.
Jerry was married to the late Betty Davis, who many remember as a schoolteacher here in Claiborne Parish. Upon her retirement Betty joined Jerry on many of his adventures throughout the world.
Mr. Davis is another good example of someone who lives quietly among us with a history of interesting adventures during their careers. To hear these stories and memories in the voices of those who lived these fascinating lives is a real treat. Oral histories are important to preserve as they give us a personal glimpse of the past.
The Claiborne Parish Library is proud to sponsor this program. Mark your calendar for Thursday, July 7, at 6 p.m. and join us for “My Adventures and Misadventures around the World” with Haynesville resident Jerry Davis. This program is free and open to the public.
For more information, please call the library at 318-927-3845.
OF INTEREST
Keep Hope Alive Ministry 12-step program
Keep Hope Alive Ministry is ofering a support group “Stepping into Freedom.” It is a Christ-centered 12- step program offered to anyone who is struggling with addiction, dependency, low self-esteem and co-dependency. We can’t fix everyone, however, this program, along with the curriculum, is desgned to teach resiliency by learning how to let go, start over, regain control and rebuild our lives, which is the intended purpose of this group. Meetings are every Monday at 6 p.m. at 503 South Main Street in Homer, across from City Hall. Everyone is welcome. Contact Aleisa Norton K.H.A. at 433-1260 for more information or with questions.
The Homer High School Alumni Foundation is accepting spring brick orders for the Homer High Pelican Plaza located in front of the school. Engraved bricks for Homer High graduates, faculty, staff, teachers, coaches, and teams are $50 and include three lines of 14 letters including characters, etc. Any senior member of the Homer High 2021 championship football team can order an individual brick for $25. There is a team brick in their honor at the plaza. Any Homer High military veteran can also order a brick for $25. Deadline is May 15, and a check or money order can be sent with engraving information to Dr Bill and Denice Owens, 151 McClung Owens Road, Homer La 71040.
Food Bank Assistance
The Ministerial Alliance Food Bank, located at First Presbyterian Church, is available to those needing food assistance who have not received any recently. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Call ahead to make an appointment for assistance 927-3887.
Claiborne Parish Krewe AA/NA Meetings
If you are struggling with addiction or simply need support and encouragement, Claiborne Parish Krewe will be offering AA/NA meetings every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Homer City Hall located at 400 East Main Street. For more information contact Spencer at 318-957-9223.
Outreach group offers NA meetings
Claiborne Parish Outreach Group of Narcotics Anonymous will host meetings each Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Homer City Hall, located at 400 E. Main Street in Homer, LA 71040. 24 hr NA Helpline # 1-585-DONT-USE (1-585-366-8873) About Narcotics Anonymous: NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using. We suggest that you keep an open mind and give yourself a break. Our program is a set of principles written so simply that we can follow them in our daily lives. The most important thing about them is that they work.
Central Claiborne Water System meeting July 7
Central Claiborne System notice of public meeting to be held on July 7, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Fire Station #4, 6900 Highway 79, Haynesville, LA. 71038. All meetings are open to the public and members are encouraged to attend. Anyone needing reasonable accommodation to attend a public meeting held by the Central Claiborne Water System should call 318-927-3083 or by email ccws727@gmail.com or by TTY 1-800-846-5277 at least 10 days prior to the meeting date. This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
Pinehill Water System meeting July 7
Pinehill System notice of public meeting to be held on July 7, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Fire Station #4, 6900 Highway 79, Haynesville, LA. 71038. All meetings are open to the public and members are encouraged to attend. Anyone needing reasonable accommodation to attend a public meeting held by the Central Claiborne Water System should call 318-927-3083 or by email ccws727@gmail.com or by TTY 1-800-846-5277 at least 10 days prior to the meeting date. This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
Town of Homer July 11
The Town of Homer Council and Mayor will meet in regular session on July 11 at 6 p.m in the Homer City Hall auditorium.
Claiborne Parish School Board meeting July 14
The regular meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board will be held on Thursday, July 14 at 6 p.m. at the central office.
Town of Haynesville Council meeting July 21
The Town of Haynesville Mayor and Council will meet in regular session on Thursday, July 21 at Haynesville City Hall at 6 p.m.
Mountain Dulcimer Jam Session July 29
Add some music to your life by joining our Mountain Dulcimer Jam session July 29 from 2– 4 p.m., at the Claiborne Parish Library. Want to learn to play the mountain dulcimer? Pam Smelley is a wonderful teacher, and you do not have to own a dulcimer, there are always extra dulcimers available.The Mountain Dulcimer Jam sessions will be held on the last Friday of each month from 2 – 4 p.m. The sessions are free and open to the public.
Claiborne Parish Police Jury August 10
]The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet in regular session on Wednesday, August 10 at 10 a.m. in the meeting room of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex.
CREATING GREEN SPACES WITH GARDEN ZONING
Heather Kirk-Ballard
LSU AgCenter Horticulturist
Gardening offers so many options to create relaxing green spaces. Whether you have a great deal of land to create sprawling gardens or you are working with a small patio, a well-thought-out design can help make useful and unique outdoor spaces.
According to Garden Media’s 2022 Garden Trends Report, people are creating “zones” for optimal use of space. There are many ways to build zones, from container plantings and window boxes to carefully placed outdoor furniture — and even outdoor paintings and curtains.
Let’s talk first about landscape beds, porches and patios at the front of homes. This front zone is often the first thing people see, and curb appeal is a real thing. These areas are an important destination and extension of our homes.
Patio areas that provide seating and outdoor décor can extend the square footage of your home, giving you more areas to entertain and relax. You also can create sitting areas in your landscapes with different zones and themes.
Another zone could be a children’s area with play equipment such as a swing set, tetherball, sandbox and trampoline. Why not complement these with a gardening area where kids can enjoy the art and physical activity of gardening?
A raised bed can be a great way to allow kids to grow their own plants and food. What child — or adult for that matter — doesn’t love digging in and playing with dirt? This also can be an area where kids can explore nature, observing insects, earthworms, birds and other wildlife. This area provides an outlet for children and charming appeal to the landscape.
Entertainment areas are excellent additions to the landscape. Areas for outdoor activities on the lawn such as corn hole, bocce ball and horseshoes can provide areas for play for both children and adults. Fire pits with sitting areas offer a cozy retreat in the winter, and areas that provide a reprieve from the sun with large shade trees are great for gatherings in the summertime.
Pollinator gardens are another great addition. Lucky for us, the plants that pollinators love to visit are some of the most beautiful ones we can add to our gardens. Many types of both annual and perennial color add beauty to the garden and draw in some of nature’s most graceful creatures.
Cottage gardens just scream “quaint” with their colorful plants. These gardens usually include a wide variety of colorful ornamental plants alongside edible plants and herbs all mixed together. Cottage gardens are charming and often feature white picket fences, arbors, clay pots and delicate signs. They are a relaxed play on more traditional gardens and can have the tendency to spill over into other aspects of the landscape such as paths and lawns, creating a continuation of space.
Xeriscaping is another type of green space. It’s also known as a desert garden and is not often seen in Louisiana. While typically found in more arid regions such as the Southwest, this does not mean one cannot have a place in your Louisiana landscape.
This type of landscape requires little water and zero irrigation. This type of zone utilizes permeable gravel ground covers such as decomposed granite and pea gravel paired with native plants and succulents such as agave, aloe vera, cactus and many other types of sedums. These types of zones require very little maintenance and are a sustainable option for homeowners and friendly to our environment.
No matter what type of area you wish to create, there is a plant perfect for that zone. In addition, containers help expand the limits of your space and make it possible to include most any type of plant you wish to highlight.
FISHING REPORT WITH GLYNN HARRIS
BLACK BAYOU – Bream and crappie fishing is still fair to good around the trees and bushes. No report on bass. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
OUACHITA RIVER – Bass fishing has been fair to good on a variety of lures. Bream are still hitting crickets and worms. The crappie bite has slowed with fair catches on shiners or jigs. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass fishing has been fair to good with topwater lures taking fish early with soft plastic working best later in the day. Crappie are fair with best catches made on shiners or jigs fished the edges of the channels in 18 foot water. Bream are still fair to good fishing worms and crickets around shallow beds. Catfish are biting cold worms fished off the banks. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bream are still hanging around shallow beds and fishing is fair to good on crickets and worms. Crappie fishing has been best fishing around the lighted piers at night using shiners with some hanging around deep brush and hitting jigs and shiners. Bass have been schooling some and hitting topwater lures. Also fishing around and under the boat docks on soft plastics is working. No report on catfish. For latest information, call Misty at Kel’s Cove at 331-2730 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
CANEY LAKE – The bass are schooling with some in the 4-5 pound range caught on topwater lures with soft plastics taking some beneath the breaking schools. Crappie are around the deeper tops in 17-18 foot water and have been fair on shiners and jigs. Bream fishing is still fairly good around the lake on crickets or worms. No report on catfish. For information contact Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE POVERTY POINT –Bream and catfish have been good while bass and crappie are slow to fair. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE ST. JOHN – Catfishing is good while bass, bream and crappie are rather slow. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water continues on a slow fall and fishing has been improving daily with plenty of crappie, barfish, bass and catfish being caught. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
FRIDAy, JULY 1, 2022 no. 26
SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP HELD IN HOMER
Courtesy Jackie Roberts
A Summer Basketball Camp was held June 22-23, for kids of all ages under the direction of Coach LeFrance Cooper and Coach Louis Grant.
Cooper said, "Growing up in Homer we NEVER had camps or participated in summer leagues during the summer. So being able to host summer camps and attend summer leagues makes a big difference in our hometown. We would like to thank all the parents who signed their kids up for this EXPERIENCE! Also would like to thank Peaches Cass Lashon, Shari Woodfork Ford, Amri Alcolur, Sonya Moore Webb and Leigh Ann Sanders for sponsoring kids as well providing snacks. Big shout out to my brother Rashid Young and (#25) Coach Richie Casey for coming through and speaking to the campers on things they need to know in the future."
HOMER POLICEMAN CAUGHT HELPING A NEIGHBOR
This unidentified Homer Police officer was caught helping a neighbor with a flat tire on the unidentified driver’s pickup truck last week. This feel good moment was caught on camera by an unidentified friendly citizen.
CRUISIN' FOR ST. JUDE
Jerrie Dean Edwards Special to The Guardian-Journal The Cruisin for St. Jude's Motorcycle Rally is held every year on Memorial Day weekend. This Rally has grown from a small motorcycle ride 8 years ago of 30 people raising $2500, organized by Neil Jones to now a group of over 300 motorcycles riding in support of St. Jude's for Children and a total fundraising of nearly $400,000. Riders come from as far as Indiana, Chicago, Kansas and as near as Claiborne and Bienville Parish. Over 424 people registered to participate this year, with some even driving along in vehicles. I had the privilege of attending the first time this year. The rally is a 3-day event which begins on Thursday from Texarkana, AR. On Thursday you pick up your registration packet including your T-shirts, meet and greet other bikers at the host hotel, buy tickets for Friday and Saturday night drawings. which are unlike any other. in 2020 a motorcycle was raffled! Buffet breakfast is included by the hotel, lunches and dinner meals and bands are provided with your registration fee.
Friday 7-7:30 breakfast, biker orientation, draw cards for poker points run, Kickstands up at 8. Ride through the hills of Arkansas with Road Captains leading the Rally. Police escort through every town who stop the lights and people standing by the streets waiting and waving. Stop for lunch, this year at The Fish Nest in Glenwood, Arkansas. Back to hotel. 7pm, Dinner and Band. This year it was catered by Texas Roadhouse and the band was Dusty Rose.
Saturday 7-7:30 breakfast, 8 am Kickstands up. Beautiful ride through AR stopping at Mena, AR for lunch at Poppa's Mexican Restaurant, then escorted up the winding hills to Wilhelmina State Park for a group picture and scenic lodge tour. Back to the Convention Center host hotel for 7pm dinner hosted by Cracker Barrel and the band The Big Dam Horns, ticket draws, silent auction bid winners, and the last night of fun and camaraderie.
Saturday night the donations and fundraising efforts are announced and families and children are recognized and brought on stage. This will warm your heart, moisten your eyes and surely make you count your blessings. Because this, THE KIDS is what it is ALL about.
It was amazing to watch all restaurants accommodate 300 hungry motorcyclists with ease and grace. It was amazing to watch Road Captains escort 300 motorcyclists hundreds of miles along the winding roads of Arkansas without incident. It was amazing to see the support of local law enforcement lead us through stop lights, hold traffic and watch the pedestrians wave and to boost the economy at every "pit stop" along the ride. But the MOST amazing is how this Rally has helped the children of St. Jude's because "No Man Stands Taller Than When He Stops To Help A Child" - Unknown
*For participation in 2023 contact Neil Jones @ Talimena Rally Cruisin for St. Jude or @ 903-276-6884
CLAIBORNE NAACP CHAPTER #6053 HOSTED ANNUAL JUNETEENTH ADULT FIT CAP
Photo courtesy of Jackie Roberts
Claiborne NAACP Chapter #6053 hosted the Annual Juneteenth Adult Fit Camp Sat., June 18, 2022 at Mayfield Park. Homer native and HHS graduate Dustin Danzie, owner of The Uplift in Houston travelled home to conduct the camp again this year.
HAYNESVILLE NATIVE CHRIS CANTERBURY TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM QUAALUDE LULLABIES OUT IN SEPTEMBER
Nashville, TN – Louisiana-bred/Nashville-based artist Chris Canterbury will release a new album, Quaalude Lullabies, on September 23 (pre-save link), distributed by BFD/The Orchard. His second overall album and first in five years is a collection of nine beautifully told narratives circling around the challenges of addiction, depression, loneliness, and coping. The lead single “The Devil, The Dealer, & Me” is sparsely composed – only pedal steel, upright bass, and Wurlitzer – spotlighting Canterbury’s raw, full-bodied voice, as he sings of vice and struggle: “There’s an army inside my head / And a monster under my bed / Numb my mind so I don’t have to lose it / A heart only breaks when you use it.”
“When I sat down to write this project, I tried to present each topic as a straight-forward Saturday morning kitchen conversation,” Canterbury says. “That’s how I approach songwriting.”
Getting out of the way of the story and letting it speak for itself has been a guiding force for Canterbury’s songwriting career. Quaalude Lullabies doesn’t offer quick solutions or neatly wrapped packages adorned in bright bows, but instead tells the stories of real life, struggle, and resolve (or lack thereof). Canterbury wrenches moving, powerful vocal melodies from deep within about the dark and the dirty, and his deliberate, stunning, emotional songwriting and production styles follow suit.
Tracks like "The Devil, The Dealer, & Me" and “Kitchen Table Poet” bring together the energetic humidity of Gospel-adjacent, classic soul ballads with the structure of slow-rolling, traditional country. Instead of waxing poetic over hackneyed issues and tropes, Canterbury eloquently illustrates the complexities of life with a millworker’s vernacular and a hefty southern drawl. Subsequent tracks “Fall Apart”, “Heartache For Hire”, and “Back On the Pills” are no less weighty, but Quaalude Lullabies often isn’t aiming to heal or uplift, but to tell the narrator’s gnarled up cautionary tale.
“I wanted to woodshop a record together that felt like Nebraska,” says Canterbury of his first self-produced record. “I wanted it to be loose like a box of bedroom demo tapes, but cohesive enough to stand on its own.”
Born and raised in the piney woods outside of Haynesville, Louisiana, Chris Canterbury comes from the grimy remnants of a small oil patch town, a way of life that is slowly fading but still lingers in the songs he sings.
Born to a working-class blue-collar family, Canterbury struggled to find the middle ground between his grandfather’s Southern Baptist sermons and the honky-tonk mystics that he discovered on old vinyl records in high school. Armed with an old thrift shop guitar, he began playing and writing stories about life from a unique but oddly familiar point of view. Songs about liquor stores, truck stops, low-rent motels, and the grifters and transients that frequent them. It doesn’t matter if it’s a pool hall or a theater, a festival or a front porch, Chris’s live sound is the whiskey-laden prospectus that anyone with a struggle can relate to.
Chris Canterbury 2022 Tour Dates
June 26 – Nashville, TN – Rowdy on the Row
August 2 – Beaumont, TX – Motel Poet’s Series
August 4 – Fort Worth, TX – Magnolia Motor Lounge
August 5 – Fort Smith, AR – The Majestic
August 7 – Tulsa, OK – Mercury Lounge
August 9 – Houston, TX – Mucky Duck
August 11 – Galveston, TX – Old Quarter Acoustic Café
August 12 – Ruston, LA – Utility Brewing
September 29 – Knoxville, TN – Blue Plate Special
September 30 – Cayce, SC – Steelhands Brewing
More tour dates to come.
DEER DESTROYING OUR LANDSCAPE? TRY DEER RESISTANT PLANTS.
Jessie Hoover
Deer are such graceful creatures. They provide enjoyment for wildlife enthusiasts and sport for hunters. They are herbivores, meaning they feed on leaves and plants…including the most expensive plants in your garden! In rural parishes, vegetable and flower gardeners alike are constantly fighting deer. Whether it’s building a towering fence, spraying repellents, or scheming with sprinklers, a gardener’s fight is never over. If you are struggling with deer eating everything you plant, there are a few things you can do to try to reduce the damage.
A fence is the most effective way of deterring deer, especially for a vegetable garden. To keep deer out the fence should be eight feet tall and made of woven wire. Some folks opt for an electric fence because they are cheaper. Electric fences are helpful but will not be as effective as an eight foot tall woven wire fence. If you want to try an electric fence, string wires 24”-34” above the ground and add peanut butter tabs around the fence. Make peanut butter tabs by spreading peanut butter on a piece of aluminum foil and wrapping it around the wire. This will attract deer and shock them, hopefully scaring them away from the area. Test your fence daily to make sure it is working.
There are a number of deer repellent sprays on the market that will repel deer when you spray them on your plants. These sprays usually have a sulfurous odor that deer do not like. Consistently spraying deer repellent sprays is effective, but keep in mind that any odor that offends deer will probably offend you too.
Motion activated sprinklers and lights also work well but you must be move them around the yard regularly so deer do not get used to it. Yard dogs are also a good option to keep critters away from your plants.
One of the easiest preventative measures is to plant deer resistant plants. Deer prefer some plants over others and tend to stay away from fuzzy leaves, a bitter taste, or a plant that emits a strong odor. Keep in mind that no plant is “deer proof.” If a deer is hungry enough, it will eat even the most distasteful of plants. Deer resistant plants to consider are: vitex, lantana, buddleia, fountain grass, salvia, verbena, columbine, dianthus, foxglove, gardenia, celosia, marigolds, yarrow, dusty miller, canna lily, milk weed, Joe Pye weed, crape myrtle, lamb’s ear, Louisiana iris, and parsley hawthorn. Figuring out the best plants for your garden may be trial and error but many of these plants are Louisiana Super Plants and are tested and proven to do well in our climate. Flowers like vitex, lantana, salvia, and yarrow are excellent for attracting pollinators too!
Gardening should be fun. No one wants to spend time and money on plants that end up inside something’s belly. Whether you choose to build a fence, spray repellents, or install motion activated sprinklers, it is worth the investment to try deer resistant plants.
——— Jessie Hoover is a County Agent with the LSU AgCenter covering horticulture in East Feliciana, West Feliciana, St. Helena, and Tangipahoa parishes. For more information on these or related topics contact Jessie at 225-683-3101 or visit the LSU AgCenter website.
LIBRARY PRESENTS "MY ADVENTURES AND MISADVENTURES AROUND THE WORLD"
The Claiborne Parish Library is excited to have Jerry Davis sharing his “Adventures and Misadventures around the World” on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. If you are looking for a dull travel-log recitation, then this program is NOT for you!
When asked to speak, Mr. Davis said, “Do you know what old men do? They tell stories, that’s what we do.” And Jerry Davis has remarkable stories to share about his work career supervising pipeline construction for most of the major oil companies. From Indonesia to the Amazon jungles and the peaks of the Andes, Davis encountered revolutionaries, kidnappers, indigenous tribes, and near airplane disasters while living in primitive conditions as well as five-star hotels.
Jerry was married to the late Betty Davis, who many remember as a schoolteacher here in Claiborne Parish. Upon her retirement Betty joined Jerry on many of his adventures throughout the world.
Mr. Davis is another good example of someone who lives quietly among us with a history of interesting adventures during their careers. To hear these stories and memories in the voices of those who lived these fascinating lives is a real treat. Oral histories are important to preserve as they give us a personal glimpse of the past.
The Claiborne Parish Library is proud to sponsor this program. Mark your calendar for Thursday, July 7, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. and join us for “My Adventures and Misadventures around the World” with Haynesville resident Jerry Davis. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, please call the library at 318-927-3845.
CLAIBORNE NAACP #6053 OFFERS SUMER GRADUATES SCHOLARSHIPS
Graduating High School seniors, who live in Claiborne Parish are urged to apply for Claiborne NAACP #6053 summer scholarships
The Minimum eligibility requirements are:
Applicants must live in Claiborne Parish (high school can be outside the parish); must be a student in good standing with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale; must be able to document at least 40 hours of volunteer service; and by the submission deadline, the student and one parent must have an active membership in a unit of Claiborne Parish NAACP that does not expire before January 1, 2023.
The deadline to return your completed application is Friday, July 8, 2022.
Students who wish to apply must send an email to HYPERLINK "mail to:NAACP6053.Scholarship@gmail.com NAACP6053.Scholarship@gmail.com with the subject “Send Summer Scholarship Information” In the body of the email please type full name and telephone number. A return email with eligibility criteria for each scholarship, guidelines and links to online forms needed to apply, will be sent within 24 hours of receipt of request. Each applicant will be considered for every scholarship for which criteria is met.
Questions? Email HYPERLINK to: NAACP6053.ClaiborneParish@gmail.com; NAACP6053.Scholarship@gmail.com or call Sadie Flucas, 318-927-6411. If no answer and you want to receive a call back, please leave a message stating the purpose of your call, your name, and your phone number. Please speak clearly when leaving a message.
CERTIFIABLE BY FRANK DELOACH
OF INTEREST
Keep Hope Alive Ministry 12-step program
Keep Hope Alive Ministry is ofering a support group “Stepping into Freedom.” It is a Christ-centered 12- step program offered to anyone who is struggling with addiction, dependency, low self-esteem and co-dependency. We can’t fix everyone, however, this program, along with the curriculum, is desgned to teach resiliency by learning how to let go, start over, regain control and rebuild our lives, which is the intended purpose of this group. Meetings are every Monday at 6 p.m. at 503 South Main Street in Homer, across from City Hall. Everyone is welcome. Contact Aleisa Norton K.H.A. at 433-1260 for more information or with questions.
The Homer High School Alumni Foundation is accepting spring brick orders for the Homer High Pelican Plaza located in front of the school. Engraved bricks for Homer High graduates, faculty, staff, teachers, coaches, and teams are $50 and include three lines of 14 letters including characters, etc. Any senior member of the Homer High 2021 championship football team can order an individual brick for $25. There is a team brick in their honor at the plaza. Any Homer High military veteran can also order a brick for $25. Deadline is May 15, and a check or money order can be sent with engraving information to Dr Bill and Denice Owens, 151 McClung Owens Road, Homer La 71040.
Food Bank Assistance
The Ministerial Alliance Food Bank, located at First Presbyterian Church, is available to those needing food assistance who have not received any recently. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Call ahead to make an appointment for assistance 927-3887.
Claiborne Parish Krewe AA/NA Meetings
If you are struggling with addiction or simply need support and encouragement, Claiborne Parish Krewe will be offering AA/NA meetings every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Homer City Hall located at 400 East Main Street. For more information contact Spencer at 318-957-9223. Outreach group offers NA meetings Claiborne Parish Outreach Group of Narcotics Anonymous will host meetings each Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Homer City Hall, located at 400 E. Main Street in Homer, LA 71040. 24 hr NA Helpline # 1-585-DONT-USE (1-585-366-8873) About Narcotics Anonymous: NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using. We suggest that you keep an open mind and give yourself a break. Our program is a set of principles written so simply that we can follow them in our daily lives. The most important thing about them is that they work.
Claiborne Parish Police Jury July 6
The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet in regular session on Wednesday, July 6 at 10 a.m. in the meeting room of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex.
Town of Homer July 11
The Town of Homer Council and Mayor will meet in regular session on July 11 at 6 p.m in the Homer City Hall auditorium.
Claiborne Parish School Board meeting July 14
The regular meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board will be held on Thursday, July 14 at 6 p.m. at the central office.
Town of Haynesville Council meeting July 21
The Town of Haynesville Mayor and Council will meet in regular session on Thursday, July 21 at Haynesville City Hall at 6 p.m.
FISHING REPORT WITH GLYNN HARRIS
BLACK BAYOU – Bream and crappie fishing is still fair to good around the trees and bushes. No report on bass. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
OUACHITA RIVER – Some nice bass in the 5 to 6 pound range were caught last week during the Ronald McDonald tournament. Fishing has slowed this week because the river is on a rise but should improve once water level becomes stable. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass fishing has been best early mornings on topwater lures and after the sun comes up, soft plastics and spinners are working better. Areas producing the best catches have been up Corney Creek. Crappie fishing has slowed a bit with most caught on shiners or jigs on the edges of the channels. Bream are still fair to good fishing worms and crickets around shallow beds. Catfish are still biting cold worms fished off the banks. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bream are still hanging around shallow beds and fishing is fair to good on crickets and worms. Crappie fishing has been best fishing around the lighted piers at night using shiners with some really nice sized fish being caught around deep brush on shiners or jigs. Bass have been best fishing around and under the boat docks on soft plastics. No report on catfish. For latest information, call Misty at Kel’s Cove at 331-2730 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
CANEY LAKE – Crappie are around the deeper tops in 17-18 foot water and have been fair on shiners and jigs. Some bass to around 7 pounds have been caught fishing soft plastics around channel drops and humps. Some are also being caught at night around the lights on dark colored spinners or soft plastics. Bream fishing is still fairly good around the lake on crickets or worms. No report on catfish. For information contact Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE POVERTY POINT –Bream and catfish have been good while bass and crappie are slow to fair. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE ST. JOHN – Catfishing is good, bream fishing is fair while crappie and bass are slow. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water continues on a slow fall and fishing is improving. Lots of catfish and barfish have been caught with the crappie bite improving. Bass are slow. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
FRIDAy, JUNE 24, 2022 no. 25
JUNETEENTH FREEDOM BIKE RIDE
Photos courtesy of Jackie Roberts
A Freedom Bike Ride in recognition of Juneteenth was sponsored by the Claiborne Parish NAACP Chapter #6053, S&B Bike Rides, LLC and CCOW on Thursday, June 16.
CPSO TO PATROL AREAS ON LAKE CLAIBORNE DURING THE UPCOMING HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES
Claiborne Parish Sheriff Sam Dowies wanted to wish the citizens in Claiborne Parish and visitors, a safe and happy 4th of July. Sheriff Dowies will direct Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) deputies to ensure citizens and visitors on Lake Claiborne adhere to safe practices and abide by state laws.
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office will also partner with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to patrol areas on Lake Claiborne.
Sheriff Dowies encourages all to enjoy the festivities/holiday responsibly. Please use a designated driver for both vehicle operation and watercraft operation if you intend to consume alcoholic beverages. Please utilize personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, and have proper registration/insurance documentation in your vehicle or watercraft.
For assistance, please contact the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office by calling (318)927-2011 or 911.
23RD ANNUAL CLAIBORNE CHARITY CLASSIC
The Twenty-Third annual Claiborne Charity Classic Golf Tournament and associated events will be held this Saturday and Sunday, June 25 – June 26, 2022. We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to participate in this once a year fund-raising effort for a truly meaningful organization, Claiborne Charity, Inc. With your participation and generous donations, Claiborne Charity, Inc. is the largest charitable organization in Claiborne Parish. For the past twenty three years, Claiborne Charity, Inc. has helped over 600 plus families in Claiborne Parish, and surrounding areas, through illnesses, devastating house fires, floods or financial hard times. At the time of printing, the total donations to people in need exceeds $618,767.73
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PICK UP THIS WEEK'S NEWSSTAND EDITION OF TG-J
ANSWERED PRAYER IS STILL HARDER TO BELIEVE: a rare facility for connecting women with addiction to the teachings of Christ is located within walking distance of Claiborne Parish, and the program needs your help
Jacquelyn Tripp
The Guardian-Journal
The courtroom artists’ depiction of a young boy on trial for the stabbing death of a fifteen-year-old crippled from polio immediately turned the stomach of a country preacher named David Wilkerson, who had already decided to sell his television set and devote more time to prayer. It was the late 1950s and Wilkerson was unfamiliar with New York City, with gangs, with crime, with the court system and with being the cause of shame for his church or his family or his community.
But Wilkerson did understand a thing or two about faith.
“Substitute prayer for television, and see what happen(s),” Wilkerson wrote years later in the book THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE, the story of how he accidentally started an organization that still dares to help people of all ages break the bonds of addictions by connecting to the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. In the quote, Wilkerson was recounting the exact moment he decided to stop watching TV and start spending more time on what he believed truly mattered.
Wilkerson’s book THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE is quirky, mischievous in a way that feels righteous, and has an eeriness about it that is borderline mystical to the calloused observer and perhaps even miraculous to the believer. When a young gang member named Nicky Cruz threatened to kill him, Brother Wilkerson looked at Cruz and said simply, “You could cut me up into a thousand pieces and lay them in the street, and every piece will still love you.”
Cruz would eventually become an evangelist and work side by side with Wilkerson. Wilkerson wrote of his experiences that led to the creation of TEEN CHALLENGE, “I have questioned God sometimes when prayers have gone unanswered. But answered prayer is still harder to believe.” THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE gives a glimpse into the heart of the Assembly of God pastor from rural America who lived in a different time period of American history—one where multiple cultures converged in the most unexpected of ways to create ADULT AND TEEN CHALLENGE, an organization that is still changing lives in 2022.
A 1975 Department of Health, Education and Welfare study showed 86% of TEEN CHALLENGE graduates abandoned addictions. Today, ADULT AND TEEN CHALLENGE still says 70% of their graduates completely reform their lives after completing the program. Today there are more than 1,400 programs in 129 nations and the organization’s goal is “to put hope within the reach of every man, woman, girl and boy with a life-controlling problem… in every nation.”
Wilkerson’s story, however, is not one of a clear-cut goal, a measured path and obvious financial funding. “You could lose your ordination,” his father told him after Wilkerson was thrown out of the Michael Farmer murder trial in the late 1950s. When newspapers picked up the story of the preacher who believed God cared about young inner city criminals, Wilkerson found he had accidentally embarrassed his community and yet simultaneously gained a mediocre (at best) degree of respectability amongst the gangs of New York. “The cops didn’t like me; the cops didn’t like them,” Wilkerson wrote. “We were in the same boat, and I was one of them. Suddenly I caught a glimpse of myself being hauled up in that courtroom aisle… I felt the little shiver I always experience in the presence of God’s perfect planning.”
How do you show someone who is harming themselves or others that God loves them? It was the teachings of Jesus that caused Wilkerson to ask this tough question about troubled youth in the late 1950s, and through the years this Love has scattered seeds of faith across the world.
Wilkerson wrote that the enemy lurks in social conditions, ready to grab the lonesome and love-starved. He taught that the enemy builds, into victims, personalities that are almost impossible to reach; the enemy makes victims proud of being hard.
Travel through time and the evolution of drugs and society until you land upon the harsh stoop of today’s flowerless doorstep, where you find that the porch and rocking chairs once filled by neighbors have now been replaced by latchkey kids’ bedroom windows sliding open and closed at two o’clock in the morning. And still we are proud of being hard, uncaring of what goes on around us, because it is easier to not care than to get involved and to feel or fill the aches within our formerly fragile hearts.
But what would happen if, like Wilkerson did in the 1950s, we substituted prayer for just one of the television shows we binge?
“The idea came to mind as a complete thought, as clearly as the first order to go to New York,” wrote Wilkerson at the end of Chapter Six. “And along with it came into my mind the picture of a house where the new kids could come. A really nice house, all their own, where they would be welcomed—welcomed and loved. The door would always be open; there would always be lots and lots of beds, and clothes to wear, and a great big kitchen. ‘Oh, Lord,’ I said aloud, ‘what a wonderful dream this is! But it would take a miracle. A series of miracles such as I’ve never seen.’”
Evergreen, Louisiana, the sleepy little community in Webster Parish bordering the line of Claiborne Parish, is home to a residential recovery program that helps women with children, pregnant women, and women who don’t have children, with their life-controlling addictions. These are the former grounds of the old Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries, the source of the community’s very name.
On the wall of a commercial kitchen in Evergreen, a scripture humbly hangs and reminds all who enter that ‘love is patient and kind, does not envy or boast, is not arrogant or rude, does not insist on its own way, is not irritable or resentful, does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices in truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.’
“David Wilkerson started this,” Andy Jenkins, an Assembly of God pastor who runs MINDEN ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE FAMILY CENTER told TG-J as he led a tour of the facility. “He was reaching teens on the streets of New York and the name Teen Challenge stuck when he started the program. But the programs in Louisiana are called Adult and Teen Challenge now because we reach people of all ages.”
MINDEN ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE FAMILY CENTER has been in Evergreen for around a decade. “It was originally a crisis center,” said Jenkins. “When my wife and I got here, we went from a crisis center to an induction center, from an induction center to women with children, from women with children to women with school age children, from that to pregnant women and women with children. We’ve grown a lot.”
In 2019, Director Jenkins spent 3 days inside of the 100-foot tall metal cross built alongside I-20 in Haughton to help raise money and awareness for the MINDEN ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE FAMILY CENTER. “We are trying to help people find freedom from drugs and alcohol,” he says of the mission he devotes his life to on a daily basis.
The program at the facility in Evergreen is broken up into phases. “The first phase is the Induction phase, which is the first 4 months and teaches the basic principals of Christianity,” says Jenkins. “Then we have the second phase, which is training phase, which becomes more personal and puts you at one year. This is about you. We can see who you are and what your struggles are and begin to personalize your education. Then we have a six-month internship phase which makes a total of 18 months. Then you can get a job in town and save up your money and transition out into your new life.”
Jenkins says MINDEN ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE FAMILY CENTER is induction center for women who don’t have kids with them and then they go to Winnfield. “But the pregnant women and women with children stay right here with us the whole time.”
Any women struggling with addiction are welcome. They take women, women with children and their children, and pregnant women. And they can find a place for men with addictions, too, though it will be at a different facility. “We have people come in the program in their 60s and 70s, too,” says Jenkins. “We’ve even had a woman here with her grandkids because she needed help and her daughter couldn’t help because she was addicted, too. There’s not a cap. Generally speaking, it’s any age. The average age here is probably late 20s, early 30s.”
“We highly encourage the women to go to a detox center first,” says Jenkins. “But most of the time, it’s cold turkey. We let them hang out in their room for a few days when they’re detoxing. We let them know, ‘hey, where you are, we’ve been.’”
Just down the hall from the kitchen, an enormous piece of artwork that once hung behind the baptismal font in the Kings Corner Assembly of God Church in Sarepta now decorates one of the walls in a classroom. “All our curriculum is Bible based,” says Jenkins. All our staff at this facility went through a TEEN CHALLENGE program, including me. I went through 30 years ago.”
Jenkins says women typically arrive at MINDEN ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE FAMILY CENTER through word of mouth. “The community usually learns there’s help through drug awareness campaigns when we set up in front of a store. Churches get the word out, too. Sometimes people call a 1-800 number to get help and get referred, but usually it’s word of mouth.”
Jenkins will be speaking at First Baptist Church in Homer later this month.
Just outside of the classrooms, a touch screen on a stand sits beside two handsome chairs in a hallway. “Sober Peer helps us track our successes or failures,” Jenkins tells TG-J. “We do surveys and initial assessments. We can pull up individual students and see where they are with three key areas. As soon as someone comes into the program, we do an initial addiction assessment. We can see where they were when they came in, where they are now. When they come in, most of them have no hope. But when they finish the program, hope’s at 100%.” The app helps substance abusers contact counselors 24/7, connect with support groups and avoid locations by “geo-fencing” to avoid temptations in a time when more than 20 million American suffer from alcohol, drug and other addictions.
Sober Peer announced in January of 2022 that in the fiscal year of 2021, they managed services for over 1 million days of therapy to 9,700 patients in the United States—that’s 2,740 years of service in a single year, according to DeShields, President of Sober Peer. “Patients who received longer treatment care through Sober Peer performed significantly better than those who do not,” said Mark Cole, the company’s CEO in an interview with EIN News.
The facility has its own daycare, complete with kitchenette, baby rooms, crawl rooms, infant rooms, and it’s overseen by the staff. There’s a playground outside and several churches are raising funds for new equipment.
Each woman’s bedroom has a bathroom with a toilet, a sink and a closet. “We don’t know what we’re getting when we get a phone call. It may be a mom with multiple kids or a single woman or a pregnant woman or a mom with an infant,” says Andy.
The facility accommodates.
Enormous closets down the hall are filled with purses, shoes and clothing. “Some of the families come with nothing,” says Jenkins. “We get donations all the time,” he tells TG-J as we peer down the long rows of blouses and pants that the women peruse when they need to start from scratch.
Rooms at MINDEN ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE FAMILY CENTER are sponsored by different organizations, including a few paper nametags hung on the walls our staff noticed while quickly passing through, such as Springhill’s Central Baptist Church, Laura Pinkston and Andrea Arroyo, Seeds of Hope Prison Ministry, Cotton Valley’s First United Pentecostal Church, Sarepta’s King’s Corner Assembly of God, Salt and Light Sunday School Class, Springhill Methodist Church, the Springhill Area Ministerial Alliance and Lockport’s First Baptist Church. It takes donations from many people and organizations to keep MINDEN ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE FAMILY CENTER running.
The Broken Bean in downtown Minden is owned by MINDEN ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE FAMILY CENTER. Many of the women who are receiving help from the facility work at the coffee shop, too. “We try to raise as much money through the work of our own hands, but the electric bill here alone during the summertime is about $10,000 a month,” says Jenkins. “We’re doing the best we can with what we’ve got. We do have a sponsorship where you can sponsor a student for $35 a month. The students don’t get the money, they get the benefit of it. That sponsorship is available online as well. It helps cover their basic housing.”
Jenkins points out that as prices have risen, the cost of gas for the facility’s vehicles has doubled.
MINDEN ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE FAMILY CENTER has a budget of about $400,000 annually and that comes from donations. “I have nobody doing yard work,” Jenkins tells TG-J. “It falls on me and my wife and the staff. We can’t keep up across the street. I need volunteers. There’s always something—maintenance, tractor work that can be done. I need a tractor. We need money. There’s always some sort of maintenance that needs to be done here, from hauling stuff to the dump to changing light bulbs and painting. We do have to do background checks on volunteers. But there is a need for volunteers and maintenance is our biggest need.”
“We have a coin donation box in Homer,” says Jenkins. “I stop there at the donut shop every Sunday morning. That money goes straight to this facility.”
Not good at maintenance work? “If women want to come babysit to give the moms a break, that would help,” Jenkins suggests.
MINDEN ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE FAMILY CENTER can be found online at aatc.com. “People can donate there, they can even specify our location at Evergreen if they want to. They can even get information about how to get into the program if they need help,” says Jenkins.
JUNETEENTH BLOCK PARTY HELD SATURDAY
Photo courtesy Jackie Roberts A Juneteenth Block Party was held the afternoon of June 19, 2022 at the corner of Pearl and Martin Luther King Streets. Nannie Boo Wings (above) and Chef Jaboree Sweet Jars were highlighted.
DAR GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS PRESENTED AT FIVE LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS
The DAR Good Citizens program is the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s way of recognizing outstanding young people who exhibit the qualities of good citizenship in their homes, schools and communities. The DAR Good Citizens program and Scholarship Contest is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship in high school seniors.
Each school that chooses to participate selects a senior who exhibits the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism.
Claiborne Parish Chapter DAR was thrilled to have five schools participate this year. Each school’s chosen DAR Good Citizen was presented a certificate and a DAR Good Citizen pin. The five students chosen by their school as DAR Good Citizens were Casey Markham, Claiborne Academy; Kenison Roby, Haynesville High School; Ceterryka Jackson, Homer High School; Elizabeth Smock, Mt. Olive Christian School; and Malaysia Tate, Summerfield High School.
Claiborne Parish Chapter, NSDAR was proud to provide the awards for this year’s winners of the DAR Good Citizen Awards. These students have shown not only the qualities stated above but will be the future leaders of our country. Congratulations to each of the Award recipients. And thank you to each school that participated.
MAIN STREET MINUTE
MAIN STREET HOMER RECEIVES 2022 MAIN STREET AMERICA ACCREDITATION Main Street Homer has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America™ program for the ninth year in a row for meeting ten rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Main Street America leads a movement of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share a commitment to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization.
“We are extremely proud to recognize this year’s 863 nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America. “During another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant downtown districts.”
In 2021, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,601 net new businesses, generated 30,402 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,427,729 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $19.34 of new investment back into Main Street communities.
Main Street Homer’s performance is evaluated annually by the Louisiana Main Street Coordinating Program, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as, fostering strong public-private partnerships, supporting small and locally owned businesses, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.
Main Street Homer’s Director Jimmy Hand states, “Main Street Homer is proud to have achieved national accreditation during each year of our organization’s existence. We could not accomplish this without the support from board members, volunteers, the Town of Homer, and donations from individuals and corporate sponsors. Maintaining our accreditation allows us to utilize state and federal tax credits, grants, property tax abatements, Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation funding, and other resources that create incentives to preserve and revitalize our historic properties and create infrastructure for new businesses. Employing these resources, to date Main Street Homer has facilitated over $470,000 in reinvestment funding into our downtown infrastructure, and we look forward to more opportunities to do so in the future.”
Jimmy Hand, Director
Main Street Homer
CLAIBORNE NAACP #6053 OFFERS SUMER GRADUATES SCHOLARSHIPS
Graduating High School seniors, who live in Claiborne Parish are urged to apply for Claiborne NAACP #6053 summer scholarships
The Minimum eligibility requirements are:
Applicants must live in Claiborne Parish (high school can be outside the parish); must be a student in good standing with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale; must be able to document at least 40 hours of volunteer service; and by the submission deadline, the student and one parent must have an active membership in a unit of Claiborne Parish NAACP that does not expire before January 1, 2023.
The deadline to return your completed application is Friday, July 8, 2022.
Students who wish to apply must send an email to HYPERLINK "mail to:NAACP6053.Scholarship@gmail.com NAACP6053.Scholarship@gmail.com with the subject “Send Summer Scholarship Information” In the body of the email please type full name and telephone number. A return email with eligibility criteria for each scholarship, guidelines and links to online forms needed to apply, will be sent within 24 hours of receipt of request. Each applicant will be considered for every scholarship for which criteria is met.
Questions? Email HYPERLINK to: NAACP6053.ClaiborneParish@gmail.com; NAACP6053.Scholarship@gmail.com or call Sadie Flucas, 318-927-6411. If no answer and you want to receive a call back, please leave a message stating the purpose of your call, your name, and your phone number. Please speak clearly when leaving a message.
CERTIFIABLE BY FRANK DELOACH
FATHER'S DAY FLAG FOOTBALL AT MAYFIELD PARK
Photos courtesy Jackie Roberts
A Father's Day Edition of a Flag Football Game was held June 19, 2022 at Mayfield Park, sponsored by Homer Parks & Recreation. Dedicated Coaches Louis Grant, Richie Casey, Brenden "Moo Moo" Harris, Alvin Morgan, Demtris Bender, Andrevious Buggs and Zayan Warren braved the heat and sun to coach around 50 players. There were bouncy houses, Morris' delicious sno-cones and a food truck. Around 100 people attended this event.
OF INTEREST
Keep Hope Alive Ministry 12-step program
Keep Hope Alive Ministry is ofering a support group “Stepping into Freedom.” It is a Christ-centered 12- step program offered to anyone who is struggling with addiction, dependency, low self-esteem and co-dependency. We can’t fix everyone, however, this program, along with the curriculum, is desgned to teach resiliency by learning how to let go, start over, regain control and rebuild our lives, which is the intended purpose of this group. Meetings are every Monday at 6 p.m. at 503 South Main Street in Homer, across from City Hall. Everyone is welcome. Contact Aleisa Norton K.H.A. at 433-1260 for more information or with questions.
The Homer High School Alumni Foundation is accepting spring brick orders for the Homer High Pelican Plaza located in front of the school. Engraved bricks for Homer High graduates, faculty, staff, teachers, coaches, and teams are $50 and include three lines of 14 letters including characters, etc. Any senior member of the Homer High 2021 championship football team can order an individual brick for $25. There is a team brick in their honor at the plaza. Any Homer High military veteran can also order a brick for $25. Deadline is May 15, and a check or money order can be sent with engraving information to Dr Bill and Denice Owens, 151 McClung Owens Road, Homer La 71040.
Food Bank Assistance
The Ministerial Alliance Food Bank, located at First Presbyterian Church, is available to those needing food assistance who have not received any recently. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Call ahead to make an appointment for assistance 927-3887.
Claiborne Parish Krewe AA/NA Meetings
If you are struggling with addiction or simply need support and encouragement, Claiborne Parish Krewe will be offering AA/NA meetings every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Homer City Hall located at 400 East Main Street. For more information contact Spencer at 318-957-9223. Outreach group offers NA meetings Claiborne Parish Outreach Group of Narcotics Anonymous will host meetings each Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Homer City Hall, located at 400 E. Main Street in Homer, LA 71040. 24 hr NA Helpline # 1-585-DONT-USE (1-585-366-8873) About Narcotics Anonymous: NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using. We suggest that you keep an open mind and give yourself a break. Our program is a set of principles written so simply that we can follow them in our daily lives. The most important thing about them is that they work.
Love The Boot Homer clean up June 25
Love The Boot cleanup set for Saturday, June 25 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Please meet at Homer City Hall to participate.
Mountain Dulcimer Jam Session June 24 Add some music to your life by joining our Mountain Dulcimer Jam session June 24 from 2– 4 p.m., at the Claiborne Parish Library. Want to learn to play the mountain dulcimer? Pam Smelley is a wonderful teacher, and you do not have to own a dulcimer, there are always extra dulcimers available.The Mountain Dulcimer Jam sessions will be held on the last Friday of each month from 2 – 4 p.m. The sessions are free and open to the public.
Bingo for Books in July “BINGO FOR BOOKS!” at the CLAIBORNE PARISH LIBRARY at 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. each Thursday in July. Sponsored by Friends of the Library. Claiborne Parish Police Jury July 6 The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet in regular session on Wednesday, July 6 at 10 a.m. in the meeting room of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex.
Jerry Davis event July 7 You are invited to Jerry Davis - My Adventures and Misadventures around the World on Thursday, July7, 6 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Library
Town of Homer July 11
The Town of Homer Council and Mayor will meet in regular session on July 11 at 6 p.m in the Homer City Hall auditorium.
Claiborne Parish School Board meeting July 14 The regular meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board will be held on Thursday, July 14 at 6 p.m. at the central office.
Town of Haynesville Council meeting July 21
The Town of Haynesville Mayor and Council will meet in regular session on Thursday, July 21 at Haynesville City Hall at 6 p.m.
FISHING REPORT WITH GLYNN HARRIS
BLACK BAYOU – Bream and crappie are still doing quite good fishing around the trees and bushes. No report on bass. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
OUACHITA RIVER – Bass anglers are hoping the fish will be biting as the Ronald McDonald tournament will be held this weekend. The river is falling and fishing is improving. Bass are best fishing the cuts with current and crappie fishing is best in the river lakes. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass fishing has been best up Corney Creek with topwaters, baby Brush Hogs and spinners picking up fish around the grass and lily pads early mornings. During the day, look for balls of shad along the channels as bass should be feeding. Crank baits, soft plastics with Carolina rigs working best. Crappie are still hanging around on the flats around Jake’s and Terrell Island with shiners and jigs picking up some good fish. Bream are on the beds and fishing worms or crickets is working good. Catfish are still biting cold worms fished off the banks. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bream are on the beds and fishing is good on crickets and worms fished in the shallows. Crappie fishing has been best fishing around the lighted piers at night using shiners with some really nice sized fish being caught around deep brush on shiners or jigs. Bass have been best fishing around the lights at night with the Bomber Fat Free Shad working well on bass as well as stripers. For latest information, call Misty at Kel’s Cove at 331-2730 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
CANEY LAKE – Crappie are around the deeper tops in 17-18 foot water and have been fair on shiners and jigs. Some bass have been caught fishing oversized plastic worms around the 12-20 foot drops. They are also doing well at night fishing around the lights on dark colored spinners or soft plastics. Bream fishing is good around the lake on crickets or worms. No report on catfish. For information contact Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE POVERTY POINT –The crappie bite has slowed but plenty of eating-sized catfish are being caught. Bream are fair to good and bass are fair early and late. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE ST. JOHN – Bass have been fair to good while catfish are fair and bream and crappie have slowed. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water continues on a slow fall and catfishing has been very good. Crappie are fair but some big slabs are being caught along with plenty of barfish. No report on bass. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
FRIDAy, JUNE 17, 2022 no. 24
HAYNESVILLE TIGERS NEW SPRINGHILL DIXIE SOFTBALL 10U TOURNAMENT CHAMPS
The Haynesville Tigers are the Springhill Dixie Softball 10U Tournament Champions.
They are, front row: Sonnie Vinson, LaTierra Colbert, Layton Rupert, Izzy Ellis. Back row: McKenzie Durr, Kenlyn “KeKe” Babcock, Ariel Shelton, Aycianna Willis, Ellee Sue Tabor. Coaches: Jake Tabor, Tony Vinson and Carlee Hughes Tabor.
CMMC HOSTS 25TH A-HEC OF A SUMMER FOR HS STUDENTS
Claiborne Memorial Medical Center hosted their 25th "A-HEC of a Summer" for high school students interested in learning about health careers. A-HEC of a Summer is an opportunity for high school students interested in learning about health careers to gain hands-on experience.
The AHEC of a Summer program is offered in 21 parishes in North Louisiana and sponsored by the Bayou North Area Health Education Center (AHEC), local health care facilities, and school boards. Students who participate volunteer and rotate through different areas during the 15-day program. Students also participate in workshops provided by area medical organizations and take field trips to other health care facilities and universities in North Louisiana.
The goal of the program is to connect students to careers. The program provides students a greater understanding of health careers and education resources, while providing a fun and memorable experience, thus coining the name “AHEC of a Summer.” Students who successfully complete the program earn up to 100 community service hours on their transcript and a half unit of elective credit, while also earning their CPR certification.
AHEC’s 2022 participants are: Claiborne Academy - Anna Grace Smith, Riley Robinson, Kady Suggs, Audrie Teutsch and Homer High School - Jayla Banks, Trinity Johnson, De Nareiya Jones, Aya Yerrou and Alexis Kennedy.
CLAIBORNE NAACP #6053 OFFERS SUMMER GRADUATES SCHOLARSHIPS
Graduating High School seniors, who live in Claiborne Parish are urged to apply for Claiborne NAACP #6053 summer scholarships
The Minimum eligibility requirements are:
Applicants must live in Claiborne Parish (high school can be outside the parish); must be a student in good standing with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale; must be able to document at least 40 hours of volunteer service; and by the submission deadline, the student and one parent must have an active membership in a unit of Claiborne Parish NAACP that does not expire before January 1, 2023.
The deadline to return your completed application is Friday, July 8, 2022.
Students who wish to apply must send an email to HYPERLINK "mail to:NAACP6053.Scholarship@gmail.com NAACP6053.Scholarship@gmail.com with the subject “Send Summer Scholarship Information” In the body of the email please type full name and telephone number. A return email with eligibility criteria for each scholarship, guidelines and links to online forms needed to apply, will be sent within 24 hours of receipt of request. Each applicant will be considered for every scholarship for which criteria is met.
Questions? Email HYPERLINK to: NAACP6053.ClaiborneParish@gmail.com; NAACP6053.Scholarship@gmail.com or call Sadie Flucas, 318-927-6411. If no answer and you want to receive a call back, please leave a message stating the purpose of your call, your name, and your phone number. Please speak clearly when leaving a message.
HAYNESVILLE GRAD DONATES 10 YEARS OF HAIR
Courtney Allison Ogden, a recent 2022 graduate of Haynesville High School, made a commitment ten years ago to do what she could for kids in need. This commitment, made at age eight, came to fruition last month, just after graduation, on May 18 at Jessica’s Hair Boutique in Haynesville, owned by Jessica Lee Merritt.
Ogden had this to say about the experience, “I’ve been growing out my hair since I was 8 years old. I always had long hair. I told my mom I will grow my hair for the babies without, so I started taking care of my hair so it would be healthy enough to donate. My hair taught me how to be patient. My hair was like my superpower, it made me feel beautiful and my hair helped me understand that not everything is easy, it takes time and dedication. I’m 18 now and my hair is past my backside and I think it’s time to share my hair with everyone because everyone deserves to have something that makes them feel happy, strong and confident. Thanks to Wigs For Kids, I can help everyone feel the way I felt with all that hair. I just hope that everyone will try to start a hair journey to help more kids without.”
Ogden is the daughter of Gloria Ogden and the late Joe Ogden. She plans to attend Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and major in Nursing.
ATHENS POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT
Athens Police Department received a Community Partnership Grant from CenterPoint Energy for the Community Safety Grant. Chris Gray and Petey Lewis from CenterPoint made a presentation to Chief Keith Watkins on June 9, 2022 at Athens Village Hall.
CRAWFORD ELEMENTARY KINGERGARTEN GRADUATION HELD AT NEW BEGINNINGS MINISTRY IN ARCADIA
Crawford Elementary Kindergarten class of 2022 did not have a Pre- Kindergarten graduation due to covid. Crawford has not had a Kindergarten graduation since 1998 and many of the parents were disappointed, because their children never had a graduation ceremony. New Beginnings Ministry spoke with a few parents that were willing to participate, and a ceremony was given on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at New Beginnings Ministry Arcadia.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB TO HOST FATHER'S DAY FUNDRAISER
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Timber Ridge will host A Taste Of Louisiana on Sunday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Fairgrounds Complex in Haynesville. Each plate will be cost $12 and include fried catfish and shrimp, potato salad, bread and a dessert. The Father’s Day event is a grab-and-go format and will serve as a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Timber Ridge with all proceeds going towards its mission and operations.
Tickets can be purchased on-site on the day of the event. However, pre-sale tickets are also available. To purchase prior to the day of the event, contact David Robinson, Alma Malone, James Ridley, Sonya Webb and Janell Brown.
CERTIFIABLE BY FRANK DELOACH
ANNUAL GATHRIGHT-McCLUNG FAMILY REUNION AT LAKE CLAIBORNE
On Saturday June 4, 2022, 45 descendants of the Gathright-McClung family gathered at the Nature Center at Lake Claiborne State Park for their annual family reunion.
Family members enjoyed visiting and watching a slide show of old family pictures. Some enjoyed swimming, playing games and of course eating a delicious pot luck meal!
On display were two large family charts for all to view as well as the Gathright-McClung Family History Book that was published a few years ago. This book contains years of research, family photos, stories and history going back hundreds of years.
The Gathright and McClung families have been in the Claiborne Parish area since the mid 1800’s and became one large family when four children of Robert Milton Gathright, a Primitive Baptist preacher, married into the McClung family.
The descendants of these four unions gather each year to celebrate the lives of their ancestors.
If you are a descendant of the Gathrights or the McClungs or both you are welcome to join us for the next reunion to be held Saturday June 3, 2023 at Lake Claiborne State Park.
OF INTEREST
Claiborne Council on Aging has received special funds to assist seniors in crisis who need assistance with utility (electric and/or gas) bills. If you are 60 or over, or legally disabled and are in a crisis and need assistance, please call 927 6922. This is a one- time assistance only.
Keep Hope Alive Ministry 12-step program
Keep Hope Alive Ministry is ofering a support group “Stepping into Freedom.” It is a Christ-centered 12- step program offered to anyone who is struggling with addiction, dependency, low self-esteem and co-dependency. We can’t fix everyone, however, this program, along with the curriculum, is desgned to teach resiliency by learning how to let go, start over, regain control and rebuild our lives, which is the intended purpose of this group. Meetings are every Monday at 6 p.m. at 503 South Main Street in Homer, across from City Hall. Everyone is welcome. Contact Aleisa Norton K.H.A. at 433-1260 for more information or with questions.
The Homer High School Alumni Foundation is accepting spring brick orders for the Homer High Pelican Plaza located in front of the school. Engraved bricks for Homer High graduates, faculty, staff, teachers, coaches, and teams are $50 and include three lines of 14 letters including characters, etc. Any senior member of the Homer High 2021 championship football team can order an individual brick for $25. There is a team brick in their honor at the plaza. Any Homer High military veteran can also order a brick for $25. Deadline is May 15, and a check or money order can be sent with engraving information to Dr Bill and Denice Owens, 151 McClung Owens Road, Homer La 71040.
Food Bank Assistance
The Ministerial Alliance Food Bank, located at First Presbyterian Church, is available to those needing food assistance who have not received any recently. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Call ahead to make an appointment for assistance 927-3887.
Claiborne Parish Krewe AA/NA Meetings
If you are struggling with addiction or simply need support and encouragement, Claiborne Parish Krewe will be offering AA/NA meetings every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Homer City Hall located at 400 East Main Street. For more information contact Spencer at 318-957-9223. Outreach group offers NA meetings Claiborne Parish Outreach Group of Narcotics Anonymous will host meetings each Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Homer City Hall, located at 400 E. Main Street in Homer, LA 71040. 24 hr NA Helpline # 1-585-DONT-USE (1-585-366-8873) About Narcotics Anonymous: NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using. We suggest that you keep an open mind and give yourself a break. Our program is a set of principles written so simply that we can follow them in our daily lives. The most important thing about them is that they work.
Town of Haynesville Council meeting June 16
The Town of Haynesville Mayor and Council will meet in regular session on Thursday, June 16 at Haynesville City Hall at 6 p.m.
Steven’s Snaketuary June 17
Steven’s Snaketuary, Steven Kennedy - Owner, of Shreveport, will be at Homer City Hall Auditorium for an education seminar on snakes from 10 a.m. until noon. The event is open to the public. Hosted by the Town of Homer Animal Contral Department.
Summerfield Water System meeting June 21
The annual meeting of the Summerfield Water System, Inc. will be held at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, June 21st at the Summerfield Fire Station. We provide water for the Summerfield, Colquitt and Ware’s Chapel areas. This meeting is open to the public. Anyone who received water through Summerfield Water System is encouraged to attend. Anyone needing reasonable accommodations to attend this public meeting contact Summerfield Water System at 318-624-0553 at least 7 days prior to meeting date. Summerfield Water System is an equal opportunity provide
Mountain Dulcimer Jam Session
June 24 Add some music to your life by joining our Mountain Dulcimer Jam session June 24 from 2– 4 p.m., at the Claiborne Parish Library. Want to learn to play the mountain dulcimer? Pam Smelley is a wonderful teacher, and you do not have to own a dulcimer, there are always extra dulcimers available.The Mountain Dulcimer Jam sessions will be held on the last Friday of each month from 2 – 4 p.m. The sessions are free and open to the public.
Claiborne Parish Police Jury July 6
The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet in regular session on Wednesday, July 6 at 10 a.m. in the meeting room of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex.
Town of Homer July 11
The Town of Homer Council and Mayor will meet in regular session on July 11 at 6 p.m in the Homer City Hall auditorium. Claiborne Parish School Board meeting July 14 The regular meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board will be held on Thursday, July 14 at 6 p.m. at the central office.
FERGUSON INVITED TO SPEAK AT PINEHILL CME STUDENT SUNDAY
Jackie Roberts
Special to The Guardian-Journal
Pinehill CME Church, Rev. Samuel McKinsey pastor invited Homer High School’s 2022 Valedictorian, Bennie Ferguson, III to be the guest speaker Sunday, June 11, 2022 during Student Sunday “The Pride of Pinehill” services.
His mother, Francene Ferguson introduced her son. She first said her parents are Frank Taylor and the late Pidgie Taylor. My husband is Bennie Jr. and his dad is Bennie Sr.
“My son was labeled as having ADHD, which was causing him trouble in school. But instead of medicating, transferring or home schooling the family prayed about it and nothing has slowed him down are discouraged him from succeeding. If you don’t believe God can remove all obstacles, then listen to my son. He is proof that thru God anything is possible.”
Bennie is also active in track & field, dual enrollment in college classes, joined every club in school, He has e goal of majoring in computer science and technology.
First I would like to say I have chronicled this young man’s life thru photographs pretty much since birth. He is polite, self-disciplined, happy, respectful without being labeled a baby or momma’s boy. But the thing that has always impressed me is his love and respect he has for his mother. He tells her openly on Facebook at least once a week how much he loves and appreciates his mother.
Bennie Ferguson, III began by saying, “I am the Valedictorian of the Homer High Class of 2022! I am the son of Francene and Bennie Ferguson, Jr. My mom is here with me today! I truly love my mom-she is more like my best friend. I am a member of the White Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where Reverend Anthony Abney is my pastor.
I was invited here today to speak to everyone and possibly leave you with encouraging words. Today I have three topics, Put God First, Respect your Parents, and you can do all things through Christ.”
“First, put God First in your life. As my favorite verse, Mathew 6:33, says “Seek ye First the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” I sought God first, and now I see the things he has added to me. Without God, I would not have any of my accomplishments. Without God, I would not be the person I am today. Without God, none of this would be possible!!! For now on, I NEED you to put God #1 in everything, no matter if it’s school, sports, working, or even relationships, because with God nothing can stop you!!! ”
Bennie continued saying, “Second, respect your parents, guardians, or any authority over you… The scripture Exodus 20:12 says “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” This scripture tells you that if you respect your mother and father, your days will be longer! You must respect everyone! Your friends, family, teachers, elders and most importantly yourself at all times!
Respect goes a long way, and can open many doors in the future for you! An individual will not go far without respecting others, because people will not respect him or her!!! For now on, I NEED you to respect people, no matter how they treat you, for your days to be longer, and a great peace of mind!”
“Third -You can do all things through Christ, you know your own vision! The scripture Philippians ( FA LIP E ANZ) 4:13 quotes “I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.” I was diagnosed with ADHD in the sixth grade! Many teachers `labeled me’ ! They didn’t think I would succeed because it was hard for me to focus! But I set a goal, and realized who was the head of my life! I prayed about it, put in the hard work, and I made it! I was the top of my class, a state officer for FBLA, and even a state champion, and I'm still reaching for more in the future. So I’m here as a testimony, with God on your side, anything is possible. So don’t let anyone hinder you from achieving your goals or tell you that you can’t be great,” Bennie concluded.
FISHING REPORT WITH GLYNN HARRIS
FISHING REPORT BLACK BAYOU – Bream and crappie are doing best fishing around the trees and bushes. No report on bass. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
OUACHITA RIVER – The river is falling and fishing is improving. Catfishing has been good in the river with traps taking a good many fish. Crappie fishing is best in the river lakes. Bass are in the cuts and run-outs with spinners working best. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass fishing has been best up Corney Creek with topwaters, baby Brush Hogs and spinners picking up fish around the grass and lily pads. Crappie are still hanging around on the flats with some caught fishing 8 feet deep in 12 foot water on shiners or jigs. Bream are on the beds and fishing worms or crickets is working good. Catfish are still biting cold worms fished off the banks. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bream are on the beds and fishing is good on crickets and worms fished in the shallows. Crappie fishing has been best fishing around the lighted piers at night using shiners with some really nice sized fish being caught around deep brush on shiners or jigs. Bass have been best fishing the back end of creeks such as Bear, Horse and Isaac. Catfishing has been good on trotlines and set hooks using small bream for bait. For latest information, call Misty at Kel’s Cove at 331-2730 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
CANEY LAKE – Bass fishing continues to be fair to good with night fishing picking up some good fish. Coty West hit the jackpot with two lunkers caught on soft plastics that tipped the scales at 11.12 and 8.9 pounds. Crappie are moving out to the deeper tops with those in 17 foot water working best on jigs and shiners. Bream fishing is good around the lake on crickets or worms. No report on catfish. For information contact Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE POVERTY POINT –The crappie bite has slowed but plenty of eating-sized catfish are being caught. Bream are fair to good and bass are fair. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE ST. JOHN – Bass have been fair to good while catfish are fair and bream and crappie have slowed. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is falling to the point that boats can now be launched. No fishing reports just yet. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
FRIDAy, JUNE 10, 2022 no. 23
ANNUAL NAACP FREEDOM FUND AND SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET A HUGE SUCCESS
Jackie Roberts
The 2022 Claiborne NAACP #6053 Freedom Fund and Scholarship Banquet was a huge success under the direction of Shirley Daniels Warren, chair and Doris Curry.
Homer senior, Bennie Ferguson III and Haynesville senior, Jzaziyah Cooper were presented around $8000 in scholarships combined by Carla Hall Ellis.
Emcee Fred Young earned his reputation as the greatest emcee around; Dr. Michael McClanahan, NAACP LA State Conference gave a greeting to attendants; Adarian Williams led "Lift Every Voice and Sing;" and opening and closing prayers were given by Rev. Samuel McKinsey, pastor of Pinehill CME and member.
Speaker Rashid Young presented an interesting and on point speech about problems facing our youth.
Young said, “In 2022 at this year's Freedom Fund Banquet, we are called to evaluate our progress and reaffirm our commitment to the values in which our forebearers of the NAACP set before us. Claiborne Parish,
We are called to take a hard look at the work we are doing and evaluate our efforts against the promise of future generations. My fellow parishioners, both black and white, I stand before you tonight and tell you that we have more work to do.
More work to do when certain publications are ranking Homer, Louisiana as the most impoverished town in Louisiana. More work to do when our parish has done away with its vocational and technical school and allowed the surrounded parishes to thrive with vo-tech programs. More work to do when our star athletes are winning state championships but not graduating with a high school diploma.
State of Louisiana, we have more work to do. More work to do when our state ranks 48th out of 50 in education.”
Joe Etta Williams was recognized by Rev. Cleon Warren, pres., for bringing the number of members in the chapter higher than ever before.
Gene's Take Out-Kathy Willis, catered a delicious meal, which was served by former and current FBLA members and David Robinson, FBLA sponsor.
A big Thank You is extended to the banquet sponsors by Claiborne NAACP #6053 President, Rev. Cleon Warren and members. Without you these students would not have received scholarships to help with the expenses of attending college.
MEMBER DRIVEN: 2022 ANNUAL MEETING - MORE THAN $20,000 IN CASH PRIZES PLANNED
Claiborne Electric will host a drive-through Annual Meeting on June 11. The Co-op will have two sites available for members to register– one at Claiborne Electric’s headquarters office (12525 Hwy. 9 in Homer), and one at D’Arbonne Woods Charter School (9560 Hwy. 33 in Farmerville). On June 11, members can drive through a multi-lane site in either location to register for the meeting, be entered for all prize drawings, and cast a ballot for the proposed bylaw amendments. Drive-through registration will take place from 9 a.m. until noon.
At each location, members will drive in and remain in their vehicles through the registration process. Claiborne Electric employee will be directing members to lanes. After members are finished registering and voting, they will be directed to the exit.
“After the overwhelmingly positive response we received from members after our 2021 drive-through meeting, we decided to use this format again,” said Claiborne Electric CEO and General Manager Mark Brown.
Members will vote on two proposed Bylaw amendments that would allow the Co-op’s Annual Meeting to be held in any format the Board of Directors deems appropriate or necessary.
For the registration process to flow smoothly, members are asked to bring the registration card they received by mail to the meeting, if possible. Members who bring their registration card will be entered into a drawing for a $500 gift card.
Several cash prizes will be awarded after the conclusion of the meeting. Members who participate will be eligible for cash prizes of $1,000, $2,000, $3,000, $4,000, and a grand prize of $5,000. Names will also be drawn for 50 $100 gift cards. All prizes will be drawn after the conclusion of the meeting, and winners will be posted online and contacted directly.
Brown said that as members arrive to the drive-through sites, they should try to have their registration card and photo ID ready to present.
The primary member on the account must be the one to register and present identification. If a spouse will attend the meeting without the primary member, both spouses must visit a Claiborne Electric office before the Annual Meeting to form a Joint Membership. With a Joint Membership, either spouse can present I.D. and represent that membership at the meeting. A joint membership is still one membership - spouses will need to determine jointly how they wish to cast their one vote.
An organization that is a member of the Co-op may designate a person to attend the meeting to register on behalf of the organization and cast a ballot. At registration, that person will need to present a letter on the organization’s letterhead and signed by the leader of the organization naming them as the representative for the organization.
“Please make plans to join us for a few minutes to participate in the 2022 Annual Meeting,” Brown said. “We look forward to seeing our members on June 11!”
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB TO HOST FATHER'S DAY FUNDRAISER
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Timber Ridge will host A Taste Of Louisiana on Sunday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Fairgrounds Complex in Haynesville.
Each plate will be cost $12 and include fried catfish and shrimp, potato salad, bread and a dessert.
The Father’s Day event is a grab-and-go format and will serve as a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Timber Ridge with all proceeds going towards its mission and operations.
Tickets can be purchased on-site on the day of the event.
However, pre-sale tickets are also available.
To purchase prior to the day of the event, contact David Robinson, Alma Malone, James Ridley, Sonya Webb and Janell Brown.
DR. NORTON AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS
Jacquelyn Tripp
The Guardian-Journal
“Closed mouths don’t get fed,” Mayor Xanthe Seals-Mann told the winners of Dr. Jariel Norton’s 2022 scholarships as she welcomed them to Homer from the lobby of Dr. Norton’s dental clinic in downtown Homer in late May of 2022. “Be fearless. Don’t be afraid and don’t doubt whose you are...," she said.
After achieving her PhD, the Mayor briefly taught high school and made a difference in one particular student’s life, that of Jariel Norton. Now that Dr. Norton has achieved his education, he has done what few others dare in a day of urban flight. He has returned home to make a difference.
Dr. Jariel Norton’s scholarships are about far more than money. “This is about mentorship,” he said.
For more on this story, including excerpts from speeches given by an amazing array of guest speakers brought in to inspire these promising young students, pick up this week's copy of TG-J on newsstands.
VOTER CANVASS UNDERWAY
Claiborne Parish Registrar of Voters is conducting the annual canvass of registered voters in the parish.
The canvass is conducted annually by law to verify the addresses of those voters who the United States Post Office National Change of Address system cannot confirm.
If you receive an identification card or an address confirmation card , Please take time to look at the information. If changes need to be made, make the changes and mail back to the Registrar.
Any questions may call the Claiborne Parish Registrar of Voters Office at 927-3332.
Claiborne Parish will be having elections this fall. Voters need to make sure that their address, name and party are correct before the books close for this election. These items could effect your voting this year. This is why it is important to participate in the canvass and having your driver's license or picture identification card correct.
The election dates for the fall election will be November 8, 2022 for the primary and December 10, 2022 for the general.
The following offices will be on the ballot:
U.S. Senator
U.S. Representative
School Board Members
Athens: Mayor, Chief of Police, Aldermen
Haynesville: Mayor, Chief of Police, Council Members
Homer: Mayor, Marshal, Selectmen Junction City:
Mayor, Chief of Police, Aldermen Claiborne Fire District 4—Millage Renewal
FIRST RESPONDER APPRECIATION SUPPER
Athens Lodge #136 and Homer Lodge #152 held it annual (2 year break because of COVID-19) First Responder Appreciation Supper last Thursday evening at the Claiborne Parish Library. 84 First Responders ranging from Pafford Ambulance personnel, Claiborne Parish Deputies, Police Officers and Fire Fighters from Claiborne Parish enjoyed fried fish along with all the extras, prepared by Grace Estates, LLC.
CERTIFIABLE BY FRANK DELOACH
MAIN STREET MINUTE
LOUISIANA MAIN STREET OFFERS MAIN STREET RESTORATION GRANT OPPORTUNITY
Main Street Homer is soliciting Main Street Restoration Grant applications from downtown commercial building and/or business owners. The Louisiana Main Street program offers matching grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Grants are available for either interior or exterior building rehabilitation projects.
Applications received from Main Street Homer building and/or business owners will compete statewide for funding with other Main Street communities. Over the years, Main Street Homer has received over $150,000 in redevelopment grant funds from the Louisiana Main Street program, initiating over $500,000 in local project costs plus associated jobs and economic stimulation.
To be eligible for Main Street Restoration Grant funds, a building must be located within the downtown Main Street district, be used for commercial purposes, and be at least 50 years old.
In addition, the proposed work must be approved by the local Historic District Commission and the Louisiana Main Street office, while also conforming to the guidelines set forth by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
The Main Street Restoration Grant applications, details and deadlines are available from Main Street Homer at mainstreethomer@gmail.com or contact Jimmy Hand at 318-548-5621.
~ It's not too late to sign up for the Main Street Homer Golf Tournament this Saturday 6/11! Contact Jimmy Hand at 318-548-5621
Jimmy Hand, Director
Main Street Homer
OF INTEREST
Claiborne Council on Aging has received special funds to assist seniors in crisis who need assistance with utility (electric and/or gas) bills. If you are 60 or over, or legally disabled and are in a crisis and need assistance, please call 927 6922. This is a one- time assistance only.
Keep Hope Alive Ministry 12-step program
Keep Hope Alive Ministry is ofering a support group “Stepping into Freedom.” It is a Christ-centered 12- step program offered to anyone who is struggling with addiction, dependency, low self-esteem and co-dependency. We can’t fix everyone, however, this program, along with the curriculum, is desgned to teach resiliency by learning how to let go, start over, regain control and rebuild our lives, which is the intended purpose of this group. Meetings are every Monday at 6 p.m. at 503 South Main Street in Homer, across from City Hall. Everyone is welcome. Contact Aleisa Norton K.H.A. at 433-1260 for more information or with questions.
The Homer High School Alumni Foundation is accepting spring brick orders for the Homer High Pelican Plaza located in front of the school. Engraved bricks for Homer High graduates, faculty, staff, teachers, coaches, and teams are $50 and include three lines of 14 letters including characters, etc. Any senior member of the Homer High 2021 championship football team can order an individual brick for $25. There is a team brick in their honor at the plaza. Any Homer High military veteran can also order a brick for $25. Deadline is May 15, and a check or money order can be sent with engraving information to Dr Bill and Denice Owens, 151 McClung Owens Road, Homer La 71040.
Food Bank Assistance
The Ministerial Alliance Food Bank, located at First Presbyterian Church, is available to those needing food assistance who have not received any recently. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Call ahead to make an appointment for assistance 927-3887.
Claiborne Parish Krewe AA/NA Meetings
If you are struggling with addiction or simply need support and encouragement, Claiborne Parish Krewe will be offering AA/NA meetings every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Homer City Hall located at 400 East Main Street. For more information contact Spencer at 318-957-9223.
Outreach group offers NA meetings
Claiborne Parish Outreach Group of Narcotics Anonymous will host meetings each Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Homer City Hall, located at 400 E. Main Street in Homer, LA 71040. 24 hr NA Helpline # 1-585-DONT-USE (1-585-366-8873) About Narcotics Anonymous: NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using. We suggest that you keep an open mind and give yourself a break. Our program is a set of principles written so simply that we can follow them in our daily lives. The most important thing about them is that they work.
Main Street Homer Golf Tournament June 11 Sign up now for the Main Street Homer golf tournament at the Homer Golf Club on Saturday June 11 at 9 p.m. This is a fun two person scramble with food and drink, door prizes, cash payouts to three places in three flights, and the coveted Golden Shaft award for the winners. Fees are $100 per team. Email mainstrethomer@gmail.com or call 318-548-5621 to sign up.
Town of Homer June 13
The Town of Homer Council and Mayor will meet in regular session on June 13 at 6 p.m in the Homer City Hall auditorium.
Central Claiborne Water System meeting June 14
Central Claiborne System notice of public meeting to be held on June 14, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Fire Station #4, 6900 Highway 79, Haynesville, LA. 71038. All meetings are open to the public and members are encouraged to attend. Anyone needing reasonable accommodation to attend a public meeting held by the Central Claiborne Water System should call 318-927-3083 or by email ccws727@gmail.com or by TTy 1-800-846-5277 at least 10 days prior to the meeting date. This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
Claiborne Council on Aging Fish Fry June 15
Claiborne Council on Aging invites all Claiborne Parish Seniors to a free Fish Fry at the Senior Center at 608 East 4th Street on June 15, 2022, starting at 10 a.m. There will be speakers, door prizes and Covid 19 vaccinations available for those making appointments. You must be present for the entire program to receive the free lunch. This is limited to the first 80 people who make reservations. Reservations must be made by June 3rd by calling 927-6922. It is now recommended that seniors have a second Covid booster. $50 will be given to the first 50 persons receiving the vaccine. Appointments to receive the vaccinations must be made by June 3, 2022. Bring your Covid vaccination card with you. Appointments must be made to receive the vaccine.
Town of Haynesville Council meeting June 16
The Town of Haynesville Mayor and Council will meet in regular session on Thursday, June 16 at Haynesville City Hall at 6 p.m.
Summerfield Water System meeting June 21
The annual meeting of the Summerfield Water System, Inc. will be held at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, June 21st at the Summerfield Fire Station. We provide water for the Summerfield, Colquitt and Ware’s Chapel areas. This meeting is open to the public. Anyone who received water through Summerfield Water System is encouraged to attend. Anyone needing reasonable accommodations to attend this public meeting contact Summerfield Water System at 318-624-0553 at least 7 days prior to meeting date. Summerfield Water System is an equal opportunity provider.
HOMER HIGH CLASS OF 1953 REUNION LUNCHEON
Three of the eight remaining members of the Class of 1953 Homer High School had their 69th reunion luncheon on May 12 at A Gracious Plenty Luncheon and Gift Shop in Homer. Shown above, left to right, are Joe Richardson and wife, Erline Dean Richardson; Charlie Walton Roberts and Juanelle Beavers Thomas. Other members not in attendance are Freda Hawk Plunkett of Minden; Gary James of Beaumont, Texas; Carlene Lang Polley of Grand Prairie, Texas; Roynelle Owens Atkinson of Malvern, Arkansas; and John Robert Thomas of Alamogordo, New Mexico.
SLATON PRESENTED WITH ITEMS LOST IN FIRE
Worshipful Master Jim Slaton from Homer Lodge #152 was presented a Master Mason white leather apron, a Past Masters apron and three books related to Freemasonry. Jim lost all those items in a house fire back in March of this year.
FISHING REPORT WITH GLYNN HARRIS
OUACHITA RIVER – The river is falling and fishing is improving. Crappie fishing is best in the river lakes. Bass are in the cuts and run-outs with spinners working best. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass fishing has been best up Corney Creek with topwaters, baby Brush Hogs and spinners picking up fish around the grass and on the flats. Crappie are still hanging around on the flats with some caught fishing 8 feet deep in 12 foot water on shiners or jigs. Bream are on the beds and fishing worms or crickets is working good. Catfish are still biting cold worms fished off the banks. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bream are on the beds and fishing is good on crickets and worms fished in the shallows. Crappie fishing has been best fishing around the lighted piers at night using shiners. During the days, they are more scattered around deep brush. Bass are best fishing soft plastics around the deeper piers. Catfishing has been good on trotlines and set hooks using small bream for bait. For latest information, call Misty at Kel’s Cove at 331-2730 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
CANEY LAKE – Bass fishing continues to be fair to good with night fishing picking up some good fish with a 9.8 pounder caught one night last week. Soft plastics and jerk baits seem o be working best. Crappie are moving out onto the flats and are best fishing shiners or jigs around the deep tops. Bream fishing is good around the lake on crickets or worms. No report on catfish. For information contact Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is falling but still to high for fishing. Things hopefully will improve next week. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
FRIDAy, JUNE 3, 2022 no. 22
MASS SHOOTINGS & MENTAL HEALTH MISSIONARIES
by Jacquelyn Tripp
The Guardian-Journal
“It’s one thing to see headlines about atrocities overseas. We can almost be indifferent, because we’re so far removed, but when something’s here in the United States and it deals with kids—and it’s at an elementary school, our most vulnerable population, our most cherished population—it can hit home pretty hard,” said Andrew Morse, the Clinical Program Manager at Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services (LUMCFS) only a few days after a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and 2 teachers were killed.
Andrew, speaking from James House at Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, the Ruston campus of Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services, is no stranger to trauma. The Army veteran, turned Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) therapist, was one of the spearheads behind the LUMCFS’s REBOOT program that helps veterans deal with PTSD.
LUMCFS is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of Louisiana’s children and families. They provide intensive residential care in three Children’s Homes locations around the state as well as a variety of community-based services including family counseling, therapeutic foster care, Kinship Navigators, Louisiana’s Foster Care Support Organization, life skills training centers, and equine therapy. LUMCFS has also previously worked with surviving victims of a mass shooting.
TG-J reached out to Andrew to find out how the average American citizen can cope with the bold-faced headlines that cause us to fear simple things, like going to the grocery store or dropping off children at school, during an era of unprecedented mass shootings on American soil.
ON COPING WITH FEAR
“Any time we hear about traumatic things, it can hit us in different ways. But when we see or hear about a school shooting, it hits us different because this is supposed to be the safest of spaces,” Andrew said on Friday. “We have traumatic events in our lives where we have car accidents and crime and rape, but we have small traumas where we get inundated with bad things, little things that we often dismiss. Although the shootings may seem distant, they still feel very intimate. When we hear about (these events), we can have post traumatic stress—not as a disorder--but as a stressor that can affect our thinking, our mood, or even our decisions.”
Andrew says when we hear the news day after day after day, fear creeps in. “Fear is an awful, awful thing. The fear of the unknown is even worse, because we’re afraid of something and we don’t even know exactly what we’re afraid of.” He suggested reading the news and being aware, but told TG-J, “don’t let yourself get enmeshed with the news. I think you can turn off the TV and turn off things and have sympathy and empathy for those people, but oftentimes the greatest defense we have against us being traumatized by something like that is gratitude, being grateful for what we have. Turning that around and going, ‘Man, I’m so grateful for the family that I have and the life that I am living,’ and thinking about the things you are grateful for, and living in such a way that your gratitude is honored—cherish these moments and value the fact that you do have safety. It’s important.”
THE MENTAL HEALTH MISSION
Where does Andrew’s passion for helping others come from? “Our mission (at LUMCFS) as a statewide agency is to guide children and families home to experience God’s love through following the teachings of Christ,” he told TG-J. “We believe Christ forgave us, and we want to forgive others. We don’t believe the best way to deal with things is to beat others over the head.”
Andrew also raised a profound question, one that’s not easy to answer. “If you’re hurt by someone, can you look past that and see the hurt in that person?”
Can we, as a society, see the hurt going on around us and even within us? And would it even make a difference if we suddenly could? Andrew believes the answers to these questions are yes.
“Understanding that hurt people are often the ones that hurt other people makes a difference. Instead of getting into a fight about how to fix things, treat those around you different. It’s the biggest difference we can make. As much as the stuff we do at LUMCFS helps, I think if everyone who reads this goes out and treats people better by showing grace and mercy—that would have a much greater impact than anything anyone else can do.”
How do we learn to cope with the traumas that are preventing us from loving ourselves and others? This wonderful organization is here to help. “We go to a doctor about medical issues,” Andrew said. “And it’s no different for mental health. If you’ve got something in the back of your brain that’s gnawing at you, affecting your thinking, there’s no real difference there. Go see a therapist and work through that.” For those seeking a therapist, LUMCFS is here for you.
MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE FOR RESIDENTS OF CLAIBORNE PARISH
Andrew says that if you need help, seek help. Find somebody and talk through it.
Jessica Williams is the Director at the LUMCFS’s Family Counseling Center in Ruston. She sat down to talk to TG-J about the services the Family Counseling Center provides to the people of Claiborne Parish.
“Untreated mental health is a big issue in our country and in our region. I believe it plays a strong role in the events that we’ve been seeing,” said Jessica. “Whenever we hear about these types of events (mass shootings), we start to experience a very innate and natural fear. It promotes a lot of anxiety, racing thoughts, and triggers other forms of past traumatic events. Knowing your resources and knowing yourself is very important.”
Jessica said the Family Counseling Center provides trauma therapy, anger management, couple’s therapy, play therapy and more.
Robert Flowers, a therapist at LUMCFS’s Family Counseling Center, truly believes in therapy. “In my personal life with my injury, I know therapy helped me perceive what happened and to process the emotions of losing the ability to walk,” he told TG-J. “I know therapy works.”
The Family Counseling Center, a program of nonprofit organization LUMCFS, has a grant with the United Way to help with clients who cannot otherwise afford to make their insurance copayments or do not have insurance to pay for mental health assistance. “Call our office and Stacy will help you walk through it,” says Jessica. “There are resources that we have, and prices can be as low as a $5 session. We don’t let finances be a hindrance to helping.”
Jessica says she believes therapy is helpful, “but I believe it has to come with willingness and hopefulness from the client. When I see the client become more relaxed and be more open, that’s when change can occur.”
If you’re wondering if you need mental health therapy, Jessica says to be honest with yourself and ask if you’re having a hard time getting out of bed or taking care of yourself. Robert suggested asking a few questions of yourself, too. Do your loved ones or coworkers have concerns? Have there been changes in your emotional state? Are there signs you’re starting to withdraw—are you feeling different from your norm? If you feel that something’s off, ask for our help. You don’t have to feel like you’re crazy—it’s okay if you’re having a constant bombardment of anxiety-driven events. It’s tough.”
Even if you’re not going to ask for help, Jessica recommends practicing mindfulness and deep breathing. “There are a lot of really good apps out there. Use them on a regular basis, especially when you’re feeling anxious. And go for a walk. It’s a left-right type of movement, which is bilateral stimulation, which is a technique we use when we’re dealing with trauma. It’s effective.” Robert points out that the old saying ‘walk it off’ actually helps and there’s science to prove it.
“We also offer tele-health, so you can get help from the comfort of your own home,” said Jessica. “We do this on a daily basis. This is a resource for our community to be able to use.”
“You can take the charge out of traumatic moments so it doesn’t derail you from your daily living,” said Andrew. “You can get tools and skills to combat it so your brain can rest. Going to therapy with a therapist who understands trauma, where you learn to resolve those emotions, means you can live an unimpeded daily life. We don’t usually know what we had for breakfast three days ago. But usually we have memories of beautiful moments, like your wedding day, and there is emotion attached to it. On the opposite end of that your brain can bring up negative emotions attached to memories. And when those negative emotions impede our living, that’s PTSD.”
Andrew said the LUMCFS has certified sex offender treatment specialists, trauma specialists, play therapy specialists and that’s just scratching the surface of how they help the community. “Whatever you’ve done, there is no judgment from us. We seek to help people heal,” Andrew stressed.
LUMCFS is doing missionary work right here in Louisiana. “This is how we give an example to people on how to follow Christ,” Andrew told TG-J. “We believe the teachings of Christ, and it doesn’t matter if you’re Christian or not, those are the guiding principles that allow us to help those that are hurting. We believe in forgiveness, in grace, in mercy. We believe in mistakes and learning from mistakes. We believe in compassion and empathy, we believe in Jesus and we have an organization that doesn’t mind saying that. We believe there is hope for people who are hurting. We don’t go around throwing Jesus at people. We live our lives in such a way that others want to know why we are different.”
Visit the LMCH online at LUMCFS.org to learn more about this amazing organization. To speak with the LUMCFS’s Family Counseling Center in Ruston, call them at 318-255-5753.
PAT GARRETT HIGHWAY MARKER UNVEILED
The Guardian-Journal photo/Jacqueline Tripp “His roots in Claiborne Parish have long been ignored; today with this unveiling and dedication, we hope that Pat Garrett’s life and legacy as a servant of the public will be remembered here in Claiborne Parish,” said historian Vince Ory on Saturday morning. Sheriff Sam Dowies unveiled the roadside marker near the intersection of Highways 9 and 2, surrounded by both members of the community and relatives of Sheriff Pat Garrett, who was noted in American Wild West history for shooting the outlaw known as Billy the Kid.
FIGHTING PELICANS TOUR THE STATE CAPITAL
Submitted photo On Tuesday May 24, the Homer High School Fighting Pelicans football team traveled to Baton Rouge and visited the state capitol. Representative Patrick Jefferson introduced and recognized the coaches and players before the House of Representatives as the 1A State Champions. Later that day they toured the capitol and met with Governor John Bel Edwards where he gave them a proclamation of achievement. We would like to thank David Aubrey, Rashid Young, Patrick Jefferson and Mayor Seals for making this happen for our team.
RESIDENTIAL YARD OF THE MONTH
The Homer Flower and Garden Club selected the home of James and Teresa Austin on Beverly Drive with its many flowerbeds as the May Residential Yard of the Month.
CERTIFIABLE BY FRANK DELOACH
BUSINESS YARD OF THE MONTH
The Homer City Hall on East Main with its colorful pots has been selected as the May Business Yard of the Month.
HUNTER IS A HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRADUATE
Among those who graduated from Hinds Community College in Spring 2022 was Jakiriya Hunter of Homer.
With six campuses in central Mississippi, Hinds Community College is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills.
Our Mission: Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.
Our Vision: Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.
Our Values: Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.
To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.
SHERIFF AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP
Sheriff Sam Dowies announced that Layton Bays of Claiborne Parish has been named the recipient of an academic scholarship from the Louisiana Sheriff’s Scholarship Program for the 2021-22 school year. He resides in Homer and plans to attend North West Louisiana Technical College in Minden and pursue instrumentation as a field of study. He is the son of David and Amy Bays.
The Sheriff’s Scholarship is made possible by the Louisiana Sheriff’s Honorary Membership Program (LSHMP). Louisiana Sheriff’s provide scholarships to graduating high school students from each parish where the Sheriff is an affiliate of the program.
Qualities such as academic achievement, leadership and character are considered in making selections of Sheriff’s scholarship recipients. The only limitations are that applicants be permanent residents of Louisiana; scholarships must be utilized in higher education within the state; and students be enrolled as full-time, undergraduate students. Scholarships will be awarded in sixty-four parishes throughout the state.
In closing, Sheriff Dowies said, “Academic awards by the Louisiana Sheriff’s Scholarship Program to Louisiana students demonstrate what the LSHMP is all about. This is one of our finest accomplishments. It invests in Louisiana’s future and gives something back to our community. This would not be possible without the kind and generous support of Claiborne Parish’s honorary members.
OF INTEREST
Claiborne Council on Aging has received special funds to assist seniors in crisis who need assistance with utility (electric and/or gas) bills. If you are 60 or over, or legally disabled and are in a crisis and need assistance, please call 927 6922. This is a one- time assistance only.
Keep Hope Alive Ministry 12-step program
Keep Hope Alive Ministry is ofering a support group “Stepping into Freedom.” It is a Christ-centered 12- step program offered to anyone who is struggling with addiction, dependency, low self-esteem and co-dependency. We can’t fix everyone, however, this program, along with the curriculum, is desgned to teach resiliency by learning how to let go, start over, regain control and rebuild our lives, which is the intended purpose of this group. Meetings are every Monday at 6 p.m. at 503 South Main Street in Homer, across from City Hall. Everyone is welcome. Contact Aleisa Norton K.H.A. at 433-1260 for more information or with questions.
The Homer High School Alumni Foundation is accepting spring brick orders for the Homer High Pelican Plaza located in front of the school. Engraved bricks for Homer High graduates, faculty, staff, teachers, coaches, and teams are $50 and include three lines of 14 letters including characters, etc. Any senior member of the Homer High 2021 championship football team can order an individual brick for $25. There is a team brick in their honor at the plaza. Any Homer High military veteran can also order a brick for $25. Deadline is May 15, and a check or money order can be sent with engraving information to Dr Bill and Denice Owens, 151 McClung Owens Road, Homer La 71040.
Food Bank Assistance The Ministerial Alliance Food Bank, located at First Presbyterian Church, is available to those needing food assistance who have not received any recently. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Call ahead to make an appointment for assistance 927-3887. Claiborne Parish Krewe AA/NA Meetings If you are struggling with addiction or simply need support and encouragement, Claiborne Parish Krewe will be offering AA/NA meetings every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Homer City Hall located at 400 East Main Street. For more information contact Spencer at 318-957-9223. Outreach group offers NA meetings Claiborne Parish Outreach Group of Narcotics Anonymous will host meetings each Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Homer City Hall, located at 400 E. Main Street in Homer, LA 71040. 24 hr NA Helpline # 1-585-DONT-USE (1-585-366-8873) About Narcotics Anonymous: NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using. We suggest that you keep an open mind and give yourself a break. Our program is a set of principles written so simply that we can follow them in our daily lives. The most important thing about them is that they work. Speaker announced for NAACP annual banquet NAACP Claiborne Parish 2022 Freedom Fund & Scholarship Banquet will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 4 at Homer City Hall. The guest speaker will be Rashid A. Young, Sr., J.D. Rashid is a young lawyer who grew up in Homer and who has much to share with our community as we pursue the political, educational, social and economic equality of all citizens. The perspective of a young adult is something that is much needed in our community. Everyone is encouraged to support this event, which is the Claiborne Chapter’s major fundraiser. For tickets contact Shirley Daniels Warren, chairperson, Doris Curry (for availability of tickets) or Cleon Warren, president at 318-918-0877. Mountain Dulcimer Jam Session June 24 Add some music to your life by joining our Mountain Dulcimer Jam session June 24 from 2– 4 p.m., at the Claiborne Parish Library. Want to learn to play the mountain dulcimer? Pam Smelley is a wonderful teacher, and you do not have to own a dulcimer, there are always extra dulcimers available.The Mountain Dulcimer Jam sessions will be held on the last Friday of each month from 2 – 4 p.m. The sessions are free and open to the public. Claiborne Parish Police Jury June 8 The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet in regular session on Wednesday, June 8 at 10 a.m. in the meeting room of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex. Claiborne Parish School Board meeting June 9 The regular meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board will be held on Thursday, June 9 at 6 p.m. at the central office. Main Street Homer Golf Tournament June 11 Sign up now for the Main Street Homer golf tournament at the Homer Golf Club on Saturday June 11 at 9 p.m. This is a fun two person scramble with food and drink, door prizes, cash payouts to three places in three flights, and the coveted Golden Shaft award for the winners. Fees are $100 per team. Email mainstrethomer@gmail.com or call 318-548-5621 to sign up. Town of Homer June 13 The Town of Homer Council and Mayor will meet in regular session on June 13 at 6 p.m in the Homer City Hall auditorium. Claiborne Council on Aging Fish Fry June 15 Claiborne Council on Aging invites all Claiborne Parish Seniors to a free Fish Fry at the Senior Center at 608 East 4th Street on June 15, 2022, starting at 10 a.m. There will be speakers, door prizes and Covid 19 vaccinations available for those making appointments. You must be present for the entire program to receive the free lunch. This is limited to the first 80 people who make reservations. Reservations must be made by June 3rd by calling 927-6922. It is now recommended that seniors have a second Covid booster. $50 will be given to the first 50 persons receiving the vaccine. Appointments to receive the vaccinations must be made by June 3, 2022. Bring your Covid vaccination card with you. Appointments must be made to receive the vaccine. Town of Haynesville Council meeting June 16 The Town of Haynesville Mayor and Council will meet in regular session on Thursday, June 16 at Haynesville City Hall at 6 p.m.
MATTIE HOWARD HONORED FOR HER 80TH BIRTHDAY
Family and friends of Ms. Mattie Howard, retired Claiborne Parish School Board bus driver, honored her 80th birthday with a drive-by celebration Saturday, May 28, 2022.
CA ALL STARS AND COACH OF THE YEAR WINNER
Claiborne Academy had three athletes invited to participate in the annual MAIS All Star game after they claimed the state champion title just a few days ago. Those players are seen above with Head Coach Rayne Lewis. They are, left to right, Dennis McClung, Lewis, Grady Brasher and Carter Gaston. Each of the participating teams select a Most Valuable Player after the match up and this year’s recipients were both from Claiborne Academy - a first in the history of the All Star game. They are Carter Gaston and Grady Brasher. Also receiving awards from CA were Head Coach Lewis - Coach of the Year; Carter Caston - Player of the Year; Dennis McClung - Infielder; Grady Brasher - Outfielder; Rafe Robinett - Outfielder; and Peyton Wells - Utility Player.
FISHING REPORT WITH GLYNN HARRIS
OUACHITA RIVER – The river has started falling. Best fishing for crappie is in the river lakes on shiners or jigs. Bass are in the mouth of the run-outs and hitting shad imitations. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – The crappie have mostly moved to the flats where shiners and jigs are picking up fish in 12 foot water fishing just off the bottom. Bream are on the beds and fishing worms or crickets is working good. Bass are hitting early mornings on topwater lures and later in the day you can try Carolina-rigs or soft plastics. Catfish are still biting cold worms fished off the banks. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bream are on the beds and fishing is good on crickets and worms fished in the shallows. Crappie have spawned out and have moved deep and are scattered. Some can still be caught night fishing around the lighted piers with shiners. Bass are best fishing soft plastics around the deeper piers. Catfishing has been good on trotlines and set hooks using gold fish or small bream for bait. For latest information, call Misty at Kel’s Cove at 331-2730 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
CANEY LAKE – Bass fishing continues to be fair to good as the fish are moving deep and soft plastics or deep diving crank baits are picking up some. Crappie are moving out onto the flats and are scattered.. Bream fishing is very good around the lake on crickets or worms. No report on catfish. For information contact Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is high and rising with water over the roads making launching impossible. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
FRIDAy, MAY 27, 2022 no. 21
CLAIBORNE NAACP ANNOUNCES RASHID YOUNG, JD TO SERVE AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT BANQUET
Jackie Roberts Special to The Guardian-Journal The Claiborne Parish Branch of the NAACP will host the Annual Freedom Fund and Scholarship Banquet on Saturday, June 4, 2022. This event will be held at Homer City Hall beginning at 6:30 p.m. with the theme being “Fighting Forward.”
The Claiborne Chapter is proud to announce that a local attorney, Rashid Young will serve as the keynote speaker. Rashid, now a lawyer, started his career in education. After completing his undergraduate degree,
Rashid returned home to serve as a teacher and coach at his alma mater, Homer High School. Within a short period, Rashid would begin serving as founding Chief Operating Officer for Lincoln Prep in Grambling, LA where he also coached football.
Rashid would later serve in the Office of Fiscal Operations and Federal Support for the Louisiana Department of Education where he assisted in drafting policy and distributing over $250 million dollars in grants to schools across the entire state of Louisiana. Continuing his commitment to education, he dedicated himself to helping schools return safely from the Covid-l9 pandemic through his work with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.
Serving in the second largest school district in the state, Rashid assisted in securing over $100 million dollars in coronavirus aid relief for 96 public and private schools throughout the district. Prior to his career in education, Rashid held the position of Executive Team Leader with Target Corporation where he led teams in the area of logistics and was twice named “Executive of the Quarter.”
Rashid graduated from Homer High School as Class President. Upon graduation, Rashid received a scholarship to attend Grambling State University where he was a redshirt freshman member of the Grambling State University SWAC and Black National Championship Football Team.
He later attended Grambling State University (GSU) in the Graduate Teaching Program where he represented GSU at Education Conferences in New Orleans, Louisiana and Los Angeles, California.
Rashid received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Arkansas Baptist College. There, he became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc serving as chapter president.
While working full-time and taking classes at night, he received his Juris Doctor degree from Southern University Law Center. Always forward thinking, Rashid received the National Bar Association Louisiana Judicial Council writing award for a paper he pinned on qualified immunity and constitutional rights where he displayed the same skillful advocacy he carries into his work for the people.
Rashid also served as law clerk and research assistant to the General Counsel of Southern University System where he assisted with multi-million-dollar agreements that enhanced the viability of the college campus.
He spent a summer in Silicon Valley, California working in the global corporate legal department of Netapp, a Fortune 500 technology company, learning about advanced technology and the role it can play in enhancing the quality of life for rural Louisiana.
Additionally, he was selected as one of several HBCU students to study at Harvard Business School where he completed the CORE business program.
In 2021, Rashid was inducted into the Arkansas Baptist College National Alumni Association Hall of Fame. He serves as a board member for the Arkansas Baptist College National Alumni Association and as Founding Chair of the ABC Young Alumni Council.
He also serves as Chair of Forum 225’s Forum Friday and has served as keynote speaker at numerous events, always using his platform to encourage and empower people.
For tickets to the 2022 NAACP Freedom Fund and Scholarship Banquet contact Shirley Daniels Warren, chairperson, Doris Curry (for availability of tickets) or Cleon Warren, president at 318-918-0877.
CLAIBORNE ACADEMY BASEBALL TEAM 2022 AAA MAIS STATE CAMPS
The Claiborne Academy Rebel Baseball team are the 2022 AAA MAIS State Champions after a 9-3 win over Manchester Academy in the final game of a 25-1 record season. With seven tremendous seniors, the Rebels hold an unparalleled five-year record of state runner up in 2018; state champs in 2019; covid cancelation in 2020; playoff berth in 2021 and state champs this season. The 18-man roster is coached by Head Coach Rayne Lewis, assisted by Trey Thomas. Filling out the roster are, left to right, Assistant Coach Trey Thomas, Maddox Gaston, Gus Strange, Ryder Gaston, Kyler Monk, Carter Gaston, Cason Hollenshead, Rafe Robinett, Kase Holloway, Head Coach Rayne Lewis, Grady Brasher, Lane Goodwin, Peyton Wells, Cannon Loe, Haden “Toad”, Dennis McClung, Will Fife, Sutton Loe, Reagan Feazel and Tommy Thompson.
The team took on Franklin Academy in round one of playoffs, winning best of three 10-1 and 14-3; round two, winning best of three against Tallulah Academy 7-4 and 11-9; and during the championship series 8-2 and 9-3 over Manchester Academy to bring home the gold. Congratulations to the CA Rebels!!!
JOHN DILLON RECEIVES DISTRINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDJOHN
Athens resident and Homer native, John Dillon has been named the 2022 recipient of the Jimmy D. Long, Sr. Distinguished Alumni Award from the Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern State University.
Dillon received his Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Social Thought at the Louisiana Scholars’ College at NSU in 1997, earned his Master’s in Philosophy at Louisiana State University in 1999, and completed his teacher’s certification at LSU in 2002. He has been an English teacher at Minden High School in Webster Parish since 2006 and founded the school’s Nature Club in 2007, and he is the first teacher to receive this award.
According to the Scholars’ College website, the Jimmy d. Long, Sr, Distinguished Alumni Award was created in 2017 to ‘recognize alumni...who have exemplified the tradition of service shown by Jimmy D. Long, Sr. and/or distinguished themselves in their career.’
In addition to his work at Minden High, Dillon is an active birder and field ornithologist. He is president of the Louisiana Ornithological Society (LOS), the state’s oldest organization dedicated to the study of birds.
Since 2011, he has served on the Louisiana Bird Records Committee as one of nine experts in bird identification who review submitted records of rare bird species in Louisiana. Additionally, he is a records reviewer for Cornell University’s eBird.org, the largest online database for bird observations.
Dillon’s expertise in birds and bird identification, as well as his expertise in native plants also keeps him busy as a public speaker at many parish libraries, nature parks, garden clubs and birding organizations outside LOS, having given over 20 public lectures in the last five or six years, he says. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Briarwood Caroline Dorman Nature Preserve in Natchitoches Parish.
Dillon also has co-written a number of grant applications with Jill Walternate, Executive Director of Center for Counseling and Psychological Resources, for nationally competitive grants focused on mental health and teen substance abuse for Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Morehouse, Sabine and Union parishes. These grants have ranged from sources such as the US Department of Education to the Centers for Disease Control and also come with impressive funding.
One mental health grant for Bossier and Caddo Parishes received total funding $450,000 and two others for Bienville and Union Parishes were funded $625,000 each. This has also led to other work for Dillon, including speaking at a teen leadership and prevention conference in Shreveport and leading workshops for teens involved with U-ACT, the Union Parish Alliance for Community Transformation.
Dr. Curt Phifer, Professor of Biology at the Louisiana Scholars’ College and member of the selection committee for the award, noted that Dillon’s effort “strongly reflect the dedication and service to Louisiana by Jimmy Long, whom the award honors.”
Dillon was nominated by Professor Emeritus Dr. Fraser Snowden, who taught him Philosophy during his undergraduate years at the Scholars’ College. When asked about the work he is most proud, Dillon says it was publishing a lengthy article about the Minden High School Nature Club in the American Birding Association’s Birding Magazine in 2019. “It was about how the kids worked with biologists from Audubon Louisiana to find and band Yellow Rails and Black Rails in the salt marshes along the coast in Cameron Parish. Black Rails are now an endangered bird species, and they’re generally considered to be the most difficult to observe bird species in North America. The fact that kids from Minden High School helped biologists find and study those creatures still amazes me. This is all about opportunity for these kids. If you give them opportunities, they’ll surprise you with what they can do and I’m incredibly lucky to work with them.”
Dillon wishes to thank current and former students and others who wrote on his behalf in support of his selection. He will be presented with the award at the Northwestern State University Homecoming football game later this fall.
He is the son of Linda Dillon and the late Gladney Dillon.
PAT GARRETT HIGHWAY TO BE DEDICATED
Wesley Harris Claiborne Parish Library Historian The Claiborne Parish Library and the Claiborne Parish Police Jury have invited the public to the dedication of the Sheriff Pat Garrett Memorial Highway Saturday, May 28.
The dedication ceremony will be held at roadside at the intersection of Louisiana Highway 9 and Highway 2, just north of Homer at 10 a.m.
Claiborne Parish Sheriff Sam Dowies will unveil the new signage marking the south end of the highway followed by remarks by members of the Garrett family.
Highway 9 from Homer to Junction City was designated by the Louisiana State Legislature as Sheriff Pat Garrett Memorial Highway in honor of the legendary lawman who grew up in Claiborne Parish. Garrett was born June 5, 1850, in Chambers County, Alabama.
His parents, John and Elizabeth Garrett, emigrated to Claiborne Parish in 1853 and quickly established a farm about six miles northeast of Homer. Pat’s youth was spent working on the farm and hunting in the woods of Claiborne Parish, acquiring the basic skills to prepare him for a future of hard, long trails and difficult times.
After the death of his parents, Garrett left Louisiana seeking a new life in the American west. Garrett eventually made his way to New Mexico where he became sheriff of Lincoln and Dona Anna Counties. Because of his bravery and tenacity, his reputation grew.
Pat Garrett was an unwilling recipient of fame, but fame came, nonetheless. During the late 1800s the public had an incessant hunger for stories of wild lawless ‘shoot-em-ups’ and shaggy outlaws.
The story of Sheriff Pat Garrett’s pursuit of “Billy the Kid” contained all the necessary elements. Aided by a willing press, the tale was soon elevated to the pantheon of western lore.
Garrett’s life of a lawman overshadowed his other achievements. He served as a U.S. Customs inspector under President Theodore Roosevelt. He also initiated a plan to irrigate the lower Pecos Valley which eventually had some success. Perhaps his proudest achievement was his family. Pat was a devoted husband to his wife, Apolinaria, and a loving father to their eight children.
Garrett was killed under mysterious circumstances in the desert just east of Las Cruces, New Mexico on February 29, 1908.
His relationship with his family that remained here never faltered; he visited Claiborne Parish as often as possible. The Garrett family is still present in Claiborne Parish as a vital part of the rich heritage of Claiborne Parish.
Members of the Garrett family and visitors from out of state are expected to attend the dedication and renew old acquaintances.
The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Department will assist with traffic control at the dedication to ensure safety.
CERTIFIABLE BY FRANK DELOACH
FOUNDERS OF FIRST CHILDCARE CENTER IN CLAIBORNE HONORED
Courtesy Jackie Roberts Lafaye Carter Jackson founder of the Homer Childhood Learning center and the late Shirley Ford, director were honored during a reception Sat, May 7, 2022. The ladies were recognized for establishing the very FIRST daycare center in Claiborne, who taught hundreds of children to be a great asset to the community, country and world (1975-2014). The students received two meals and a snack every day and were very well prepared for kindergarten when they graduated.
The event was coordinated by emcee Rashid Young and Rachel Myles, event coordinator. A few of the speakers included Rep. Patrick O. Jefferson, Fred Young, Mayor Xanthe Seals Mann, Samuel Seals, Louis Grant, Greg Young and Carolyn Lumpkin. Several former founding teachers, employees, board members, students and a few of the last students were present. The event was catered by Cathy Willis and it was held at Faith, Fit & Fun event center, Annette and Fred Young owners. Pictured above are Lafaye Jackson and the late Shirley Ford's mother, Mrs. Coliston.
CPSB HOSTS 4TH ANNUAL KIDS ASPIRING TO REACH EXCELLENCE GRADUATION CEREMONY
Courtesy Jackie Roberts Claiborne Parish School Board hosted the 4th Annual 2022 KARE (Kids Aspiring to Reach Excellence) Graduation Ceremony Wednesday, May 18th in the Homer Town Council Chambers for six students. Graduates recognized are Scotrell Quintavious Canada, Jayeden Pearl Johnson, Cameron Lenard Jones, Markeia Nicole Singleton, Davancya Tate and Larry Tate.
The KARE instructor is Tammisha Dupree. Linda Knox, Claiborne Parish School Board member presented each grad with a small gift. Superintendent Bill Kennedy and Instructor Tammisha Dupree presented the diplomas to each student. Scott Martin, Twyla Hilton, Janet Holland and Homer High Principal William Simms assisted with the ceremony. This is the fourth year I have attended the KARE Graduation. But this year, everyone involved seemed more moved and emotional. Many words of praise were said about the dedication and sacrifices from Ms. Dupree to get students to this point in their lives. Guest speaker Tammy Jerry was a counselor and teacher before she retired. She stressed to the grads that every person was just as important, regardless of their hardships or mistakes. Mr. Martin presented Ms. Dupree with flowers and the male grads presented their moms with a rose. Congratulations!
MAIN STREET MINUTE
This week’s Main Street Minute is coming to you live from the Commonwealth of Virginia. After attending the Main Street Now Conference in Richmond, VA last week, April and I stayed for a few days to visit a beloved cousin and see the sites. I write this from her kitchen in Haymarket, VA as we prepare to head out and visit some of the historic sites in northern Virginia and Washington D.C. The region is thick with stories from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War and all things in between.
The history of this region tells a story that I used to think was linear, told from year to year with events taking place in sequence, leading to a specific outcome. However, thanks to a new perspective I gained from one of the themes of this year’s Main Street Now Conference I realize that the story is much more complex.
Many of the sessions at the conference focused on the importance of story telling in our historic preservation work. This theme culminated with the guest speaker at the closing plenary, Kiran Singh Sirah, President of the International Storytelling Center. Mr. Sirah explained that “stories are not linear, but rather part of a tapestry interwoven with other stories, inseparable and ever growing and expanding like the universe itself.”
Our history books tell one part of the story, but what about the stories in the margin or that never made the page? Take for instance, if the history of the United States of America was told through the lens of the Native American Indians, or of African American slaves, or of Immigrants from other countries. One of Mr. Sirah’s missions was to discover more of the story from different perspectives, filling out that interwoven tapestry of all of these viewpoints.
The Town of Homer has such a history with a rich tapestry told from many perspectives. A history including but not limited to 1828, when Claiborne Parish reached all the way to the Texas state line, to when the Confederate soldiers mustered at the courthouse to march off to war, to the boom and bust of the oil and cotton industries that brought immigrants and riches to Claiborne Parish, to when Homer was on the cover of Life Magazine, to the Civil Rights movement, to becoming a nationally registered historic district and Main Street community and beyond. The most important attribute to a town is its people. Not only do the people of Homer and Claiborne Parish weave a story, but our town and buildings do as well.
As part of our Main Street Homer mission, we try to understand the history of the buildings in our historic district and work to discover and preserve the complex tapestry of stories they have to tell. For example, the building at 425 West Main Street, to the south of Dean’s barber shop, was recently purchased by a Homer couple with the intent to place it into service as a retail store.
During the renovation process, evidence of former windows was discovered on the north wall between Dean’s Barber Shop and the 425 building along with old bricked-in windows and a door on the south wall.
The adjacent two buildings on West Main also have bricked in windows and doors in their south walls. Why are there blocked windows and doors on adjacent buildings we wondered? What use were they? Did the windows once have a view? If you look at the old picture of the Kinnebrew house before it burned down in the 1940’s, you can see the adjacent buildings at 419 – 425 West Main were wooden. These buildings on West Main Street burned down in the early 20th century. The 419 building had a sign in front reading “Fish Oyster House – Good Eats of All Kinds.”
Where did they get oysters in North Louisiana? But I digress. The buildings were sequentially built back in the 1920’s, one at a time, starting from the north to the south. Dean’s once had windows facing southward towards First Baptist Church. These windows were covered by the new brick 425 building, which had windows facing southward, which were then covered by the 423 building, and so forth. It must have been frustrating as a business owner to have your nice southward view covered up over time.
Another fact that Beverly Smith’s historic research unveiled is that the bars that cover the back windows of the 425 building were put there as a requirement of the lease for that building when it served as the town post office from 1910 - 1920. Each of these discoveries represents just a small part of the tapestry of story that the building has to tell.
So many times changes are made in cities that result in covering windows and other negative impacts. How would I have done it differently you ask? I would have staggered the buildings back from each other to provide at least a partial south view for each building from existing windows, but I wasn’t around at the time.
I heard a great quote at the conference in Richmond, “A city is not an accident.” Sometimes it seems like an accident as we move forward from one project to the next and don’t think of the tapestry we are creating and the story we tell. It’s fine line between place making and place keeping. Homer is now poised at a moment between the past and the future and we want to make sure that our future is one that tells our story of the past while looking ever forward.
Jimmy Hand, Director Main Street Homer mainstreethomer@gmail.com
OF INTEREST
Keep Hope Alive Ministry 12-step program
Keep Hope Alive Ministry is offering a support group “Stepping into Freedom.” It is a Christ-centered 12- step program offered to anyone who is struggling with addiction, dependency, low self-esteem and co-dependency. We can’t fix everyone, however, this program, along with the curriculum, is desgned to teach resiliency by learning how to let go, start over, regain control and rebuild our lives, which is the intended purpose of this group. Meetings are every Monday at 6 p.m. at 503 South Main Street in Homer, across from City Hall. Everyone is welcome. Contact Aleisa Norton K.H.A. at 433-1260 for more information or with questions.
The Homer High School Alumni Foundation is accepting spring brick orders for the Homer High Pelican Plaza located in front of the school. Engraved bricks for Homer High graduates, faculty, staff, teachers, coaches, and teams are $50 and include three lines of 14 letters including characters, etc. Any senior member of the Homer High 2021 championship football team can order an individual brick for $25. There is a team brick in their honor at the plaza. Any Homer High military veteran can also order a brick for $25. Deadline is May 15, and a check or money order can be sent with engraving information to Dr Bill and Denice Owens, 151 McClung Owens Road, Homer La 71040.
Food Bank Assistance
The Ministerial Alliance Food Bank, located at First Presbyterian Church, is available to those needing food assistance who have not received any recently. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Call ahead to make an appointment for assistance 927-3887.
Claiborne Parish Krewe AA/NA Meetings
If you are struggling with addiction or simply need support and encouragement, Claiborne Parish Krewe will be offering AA/NA meetings every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Homer City Hall located at 400 East Main Street. For more information contact Spencer at 318-957-9223.
Outreach group offers NA meetings
Claiborne Parish Outreach Group of Narcotics Anonymous will host meetings each Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Homer City Hall, located at 400 E. Main Street in Homer, LA 71040. 24 hr NA Helpline # 1-585-DONT-USE (1-585-366-8873) About Narcotics Anonymous: NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using. We suggest that you keep an open mind and give yourself a break. Our program is a set of principles written so simply that we can follow them in our daily lives. The most important thing about them is that they work.
Speaker announced for NAACP annual banquet NAACP Claiborne Parish 2022 Freedom Fund & Scholarship Banquet will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 4 at Homer City Hall. The guest speaker will be Rashid A. Young, Sr., J.D. Rashid is a young lawyer who grew up in Homer and who has much to share with our community as we pursue the political, educational, social and economic equality of all citizens. The perspective of a young adult is something that is much needed in our community. Everyone is encouraged to support this event, which is the Claiborne Chapter’s major fundraiser. For tickets contact Shirley Daniels Warren, chairperson, Doris Curry (for availability of tickets) or Cleon Warren, president at 318-918-0877.
Mountain Dulcimer Jam Session May 27
Add some music to your life by joining our Mountain Dulcimer Jam session May 27 from 2– 4 p.m., at the Claiborne Parish Library. Want to learn to play the mountain dulcimer? Pam Smelley is a wonderful teacher, and you do not have to own a dulcimer, there are always extra dulcimers available. The Mountain Dulcimer Jam sessions will be held on the last Friday of each month from 2 – 4 p.m. The sessions are free and open to the public.
Claiborne Parish Police Jury June 8
The Claiborne Parish Police Jury will meet in regular session on Wednesday, June 8 at 10 a.m. in the meeting room of the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex. Claiborne Parish School Board meeting June 9 The regular meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board will be held on Thursday, June 9 at 6 p.m. at the central office.
Main Street Homer Golf Tournament June 11
Sign up now for the Main Street Homer golf tournament at the Homer Golf Club on Saturday June 11 at 9 p.m. This is a fun two person scramble with food and drink, door prizes, cash payouts to three places in three flights, and the coveted Golden Shaft award for the winners. Fees are $100 per team. Email mainstrethomer@gmail.com or call 318-548-5621 to sign up.
Town of Homer June 13
The Town of Homer Council and Mayor will meet in regular session on June 13 at 6 p.m in the Homer City Hall auditorium.
Claiborne Council on Aging Fish Fry June 15 Claiborne Council on Aging invites all Claiborne Parish Seniors to a free Fish Fry at the Senior Center at 608 East 4th Street on June 15, 2022, starting at 10 a.m. There will be speakers, door prizes and Covid 19 vaccinations available for those making appointments. You must be present for the entire program to receive the free lunch. This is limited to the first 80 people who make reservations. Reservations must be made by June 3rd by calling 927-6922. It is now recommended that seniors have a second Covid booster. $50 will be given to the first 50 persons receiving the vaccine. Appointments to receive the vaccinations must be made by June 3, 2022. Bring your Covid vaccination card with you. Appointments must be made to receive the vaccine.
Town of Haynesville Council meeting June 16 The Town of Haynesville Mayor and Council will meet in regular session on Thursday, June 16 at Haynesville City Hall at 6 p.m.
LIFE OF QUEZ NEAL CELEBRATED ON WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN HIS GRADUATION
Courtesy Jackie Roberts
Family and friends of Quez Neal celebrated what would have been his graduation on Sunday, May 15, 2022. Quez's young life was taken in an automobile accident in 2019. His mom, Blondzetta Hay invited Summerfield's Senior Class and friends for a beautiful but emotional celebration in lieu of his graduation where he was laid to rest. Quez's classmates were given the opportunity to express their feelings and to tell funny stories about him from school. Please remember Quez, his mom, family and friends in your prayers that God may ease the pain of his absence.
DISPATCHES FROM THE LAKE
Dr. Terry Kendrick's colun will be run in the history section this week.
FISHING REPORT WITH GLYNN HARRIS
BLACK BAYOU – Bream are starting to bite around the beds. Crappie are fair to good around the trees on shiners or jigs. No report on bass. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
OUACHITA RIVER – The river has started falling and this should create some good fishing over the next week or so. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – The spawn is basically over for crappie and most are now being caught out on the flats fishing with jigs or shiners. Bass fishing has been best on plastic frogs, jerk baits and square bills. The bream are on the beds and fishing has been great using crickets and worms. Catfish are still biting cold worms fished off the banks. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Bream are on the beds and fishing has steadily improving with some good catches of big bream being made on crickets fished off the banks. Crappie have spawned out and have moved deep and are scattered. Some can still be caught night fishing around the lighted piers with shiners. Catfishing has been good on trotlines and set hooks using gold fish or small bream for bait. A good many catfish and bream were being caught below the spillway. For latest information, call Misty at Kel’s Cove at 331-2730 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
CANEY LAKE – The big bass have shown up this week with Trey Bayles landing the lunker of the week weighing just shy of 12 pounds. A couple more over 9 pounds have been reported with soft plastics working for the most part. Crappie are moving out onto the flats and are scattered. Some can still be caught drifting shiners or jigs over the flats. Bream fishing is very good around the lake on crickets or worms. No report on catfish. For information contact Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Bass are fair on soft plastics. The crappie bite has slowed but plenty of catfish and bream can be caught. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE ST. JOHN –Catfishing is good while others are fair. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is falling but is due for another big rise over the weekend, which will put a damper on the fishing. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.