A routine traffic stop led to a drug arrest for the Rayville Police Department this week.

Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson said at 9:42 p.m. Aug. 30, Officer Jamie Johnson initiated a traffic stop on a white Ford F-150 at the corner of Madeline Street and Julia Street. The vehicle did not have a license plate light, so Johnson stopped the vehicle. 

Upon walking to the driver’s side door, Officer Johnson smelled a loud smell of suspected marijuana. He asked the driver if there were any drugs in the vehicle and if he had a driver’s license. The driver, Matthew Pyland, 22, of 11 36 Hwy 3048 Rayville advised that he did not. 

Officer Johnson then ordered the driver and both occupants to step out of the vehicle so that he could search the vehicle.

Officer Johnson asked passenger, Autumn McCall, 19, of 233 Lucy Str. Cotton Vally, to empty her pockets to verify that she had no illegal drugs nor weapons. McCall had a small clear bag with seven white pills in it that smelled like suspected marijuana. After further investigation, the pills were Schedule II narcotics. 

McCall stated that her intentions were to give them to a friend. McCall was then detained after being advised of her Miranda Rights. 

The vehicle had no illegal drugs in it after the search, but the driver stated he’d been smoking. Officer Johnson retrieved the Schedule II narcotics. Both McCall and Pylant were physically arrested and transported to Rayville Police Department for paperwork. Officer Quatez White then transported them both to Richland Parish Detention Center for booking. 

McCall was charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule II drugs. Pylant was charged with having an expired driver’s license and no license plate light. 

Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson advised Investigator Jerry Davis and Tim Colvin made an arrest for a house burglary on Aug. 29.

The burglary was reported around 3 p.m. Aug. 5. The items taken were two blue and black game chairs, a Samsung sound bar, an Epson projector, a Pioneer plasma TV and a Samsung speaker among other items.

Chief Robinson advised his officers arrested Kevin Williams for this burglary. Williams was booked and transported to Richland Parish Detention Center.

All of the items taken were recovered and later released to a family member. Chief Robinson advised that you should always pay attention to your surroundings to avoid this type of act. 

Chief Robinson also advised that he would like to take this time to thank his officers on a job well done. 

The Rayville Police Department has made an arrest in a recent armed robbery.

Rayville Poice Chief Willie Robinson advised Investigator Jerry Davis was dispatched to Fashion World in reference to an armed robbery at approximately 12:34 p.m. Sept. 1.

Upon his arrival, Davis spoke with the owner of the store and he stated that the robber was a black male with a mask at the bottom of his face wearing a gray hoodie sweater and blue latex gloves with blue jean shorts on. 

The victim then stated that the subject ordered him from the back, asking where the safe was located. He told the suspect that he did not have a safe. The suspect then struck him in the back of the head with a black hand gun, forced the victim to the cash register and took all the cash. The suspect then forced the victim to the back of the store where he kept change and took change from the back of the store as well. 

The suspect then left the store and got into a gray G-6 Pontiac with no tag information and left the scene heading back to Monroe.

Investigator Davis watched video surveillance of the black male who was later identified as Stewart E. Kelly, 26, of 3901 Wiley St., Monroe.

Davis charged Kelly with possession of a fire arm by convicted felon. Stewart was later captured by OPSO and brought in. Stewart was read his Miranda Rights in which he signed freely and gave a voluntary statement admitting to the armed robbery.

“I appreciate the help of RPSO, LSP and OPSO,” Robinson said. “Sometimes crimes are committed in one area, whereas the person who committed it maybe from another jurisdiction. This is where multiple agencies come together. I would also like to commend my investigator, Jerry Davis Sr.,  who stayed with the leads bringing closure to this crime.”

Start celebrated it’s centennial year Sept. 8 with a community-wide birthday party. 

Though originally planned as an outdoor event, the community “rallied together and moved it to the Start school gymnasium as it became evident that rain would be coming,” Start resident Luke Letlow said.

Start is unincorporated, but in 2010, it became a “census designated place,” or CDP.  When Richland Parish was created in 1868, the area known as “Start” today was often referred to originally as Ward 3, Crew Lake, Charleston, Wynn Island, and Robinson. Start became an officially recognized name for the area however on September 7, 1918, when the United States Postal Service officially approved it as an acceptable name for a post office located in the store of James M. Morgan. Charleston was originally submitted, but was rejected because there were already too many Charlestons. It was Morgan’s daughter, Rachel, who suggested the name Start, because they were “making a new Start.”

In recognizing the 100th anniversary year of “Start,” plans for a celebration began to take shape. 

Taylor Bennett, 27, also of Start “took the initiative to make it all come together,” Letlow said.

Cross Keys Bank signed on to be the title sponsor, and BayouLife agreed to sponsor publicity and advertising. Start resident Andy Smart worked to lineup The Liberty Boys, Bradley Bridges, and a bluegrass band for entertainment throughout the evening.

Despite the stormy weather, several hundred people came out for the celebration. Organizers said they had some last minute challenges due to the weather, but said that “rain or shine, they couldn’t remain 99.” 

As the setup neared completion, food trucks from Monroe couldn’t get the power they needed at the revised location. Bennett says that’s when something beautiful happened. 

“People showed up ready to move every single wet hay bale, farm table and a million balloons in the rain. Volunteers pulled up a huge grill and started cooking with absolutely no notice whatsoever,” Bennett said. “That’s the community I know and love.”

The Richland Parish Chamber also helped in sponsoring the event, including a time-capsule that will stay buried for the next 100 years. Attendees wrote letters and dropped them in the capsule throughout the night. The capsule will be buried in the coming months, with a marker placed on top. Curry’s Christmas tree farm has offered to assist with an official “Start” Christmas tree later this year, and Letlow thinks that might be a great time to bury it.

Among the noted attendees for the night were Senator Francis Thompson, Sheriff Gary Gilley, and U.S. Federal Judge Terry Doughty. 

Country-music great Tim McGraw, who grew up in Start, even took time to recognize Start’s 100th birthday

“This place and these folks are such a part of who I am and what I do. Such a special place,” McGraw said on social media.

Organizers wish to thank all who attended and volunteered their time, and are especially grateful to the following sponsors. Cross Keys Bank; BayouLife; the Richland Parish Chamber of Commerce; Kevin Eppinette; Northeast Louisiana Dirt Works; Calvin and Amy McKenzie; BrokerSouth Investments; Cochran, Clark, Robinson, and Thomason; Cotton, Bolton, Hoychick and Doughty; Start Baptist Church; the Start Fire Department and Start Elementary principal Joy Davis.

The 44th annual Francis Thompson Legislative Dove Hunt drew record crowds this year.

 The annual hunt, which is the longest running legislative hunt in the state of Louisiana, began Aug. 31 with a reception in Monroe at Vantage Tower Ballroom.  

Approximately 250 friends, family and supporters attended, including Governor John Bel Edwards, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and Congressman Ralph Abraham along with a host of other state legislators and elected officials from across the state.  

Food and beverages were enjoyed courtesy of the Northeast Chapter of the Louisiana Restaurant Association, Marsala Beverages, Choice Brands,  Glazers Distribution, and Ouachita Coca-Cola.

 On Saturday,  a crowd of nearly 200 gathered at 4-B Ranch in Madison Parish, owned by Dick and Teri Brown, for a hearty barbeque catered by Podnuh’s BBQ.  After door prizes and loading up with snacks for the afternoon provided by Chad Looney of Tom’s in Monroe, the hunters quickly loaded onto the trailers and hit the fields for the hunt. 

From all accounts, the hunt was a great success and many are already planning to attend again next year.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is joining Richland Parish Registrar of Voters Carol Morgan and  other registrar across the state the week of Sept. 24-28 to host Voter Registration Week activities aimed at registering eligible citizens to vote.

 The next regularly scheduled election in Louisiana is the congressional primary on Nov. 6. Louisiana’s registration push also coincides with National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, Sept. 25.

“The first step to participating in the electoral process is registering to vote,” said Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin. “This fall, Louisianians will choose their congressional representation, as well as a host of other local races and propositions. Get registered today so your voice can be heard on Election Day.”

Louisiana was one of the first states in the nation to implement an easy, convenient online voter registration portal. Citizens with a valid Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana Special ID card can register online 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the convenience of their home or office by visiting https://voterportal.sos.la.gov.

Residents of Louisiana can also register in person at their parish Registrar of Voters Office, when they apply for/renew their driver’s license at any Office of Motor Vehicles or when obtaining services at public assistance agencies and Armed Forces recruitment offices. Citizens -wishing to register by mail can download and print the application at http://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/PublishedDocuments/ApplicationT..., or complete an application found at public libraries or through registration drives.

To register and vote in Louisiana individuals must:

• be a U.S. citizen;

• be at least 17 years old (16 years old if registering in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles) to register and 18 years old prior to the next election to vote;

• not be under an order of imprisonment for conv1ction of a felony;

• not be under a judgment of full interdiction for mental incompetence or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights;

• be a resident in the state and parish in which you seek to register and vote;

• apply at least 20 days prior to an election if registering online or 30 days prior to an election if registering in person or by mail.

The American Legion Tommie Cook Post #122 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Christian-Phillips Post #3375 will hold its Annual POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony for Richland Parish at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 21.

It will be held in the Rayville United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 905 Louisa St.

America’s 83,000 soldiers missing in action include: more than 73,600 from WWII, 7,900 from Korea, 1,650 from the Vietnam War, 126 from the Cold War and 11 from our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Please, contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives to remind them to keep the pressure on the Department of Defense until we can account for every missing American comrade.

An Richland Parish Detention Center inmate who managed to escape was recaptured the same day.

Richland Parish Sheriff Gary Gilley said that at around 10 p.m. Sept. 12,  Monteco K. Frost, 23, an inmate at the Richland Parish Detention Center was being treated at the Richardson Medical Center in Rayville. At that time, he was able to overpower a Richland Parish Detention guard rendering the guard unconscious.  While the guard was unconscious Frost took keys from the guard and removed his restraints and fled in the prison transport van. 

Louisiana State Police, the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office pursued the van from Rayville to the Love Estate area in Monroe.  There, Frost abandoned the van fleeing on foot from the officers.  A several hour search took place aided by the Winn Correctional K-9 Search Team along with area law enforcement.  Frost was found later inside his mother’s residence in Love Estates. 

Quarnita S. Frost, mother of Monteco Frost was charged with accessory after the fact to escape by the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office.  

Monteco Frost was charged with aggravated flight from an officer, resisting arrest by flight along with numerous traffic violations by LSP-Troop F.

 The Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office charged Frost with aggravated escape, second degree battery of a correctional officer and theft of a motor vehicle. 

No bond has been set on Frost at this time.  He is currently being housed at the Ouachita Parish Correctional Center. 

The Delhi Fire Department received a total of two grants worth $ 219,572 as part of the Assistance to Firefighter Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The total of the first grant was $171,000 which was used to purchase 15 sets of turn out gear, 20 SCBA air packs with 20 spare bottles and three RIT kits. The department matched the grant with a five percent contribution, Fire Chief Ken Hall said.

The total of the second grant was $48,574 that will be used to purchase an air compressor to fill the air tanks. The department will also have to have a five percent match contribution, Chief Hall explained.

“We are ecstatic about receiving these grants,” Hall said. “Without grants like these, there would be no way that we could afford to purchase this type of equipment.”

The turnout gear that was purchased is a complete set head to toe set that included helmet, particulate hood, jacket, pants, boots and gloves, said Micah Duchesne, deputy chief. 

The protective clothes are lighter, more breathable and contain anti-carcinogen material.

“We are the only ones in the area to have this gear,” Duchesne said. “This Tech Gin FXR material is actually designed to repel carcinogens. The last time the department bought new gear was in 2006.”

The new SCBA air packs are a first in the area to feature the new in-mask thermal imager device designed to locate “hot spots” inside walls, ceiling or thick smoke and locate victims if trap inside, helping firefighters to fight fires better and safer.

“Firefighters work long hours and often risk their lives to save others,” U.S. Sen Bill Cassidy (R-LA) said in a prepared statement. “Because of this funding, more men and woman will have better equipment, improving their safety and effectiveness as they do their jobs and serve our communities.”

“We appreciate Bill Cassidy, Ralph Abraham, Francis Thompson and Bubba Chaney for all the work they have done.” Chief Hall said.

Delhi currently has two fulltime employees at the fire department working 12 hours shift seven days a week. The department also has 20 volunteer firefighter and hosts a meeting at 6 p.m. every Tuesday night for anyone interested in volunteering.

Riverfield Academy will host the Leake Academy Rebels for Homecoming at 7 p.m. Oct. 5.

This year’s theme is “We’ve Got The Beat.” The pep rally will be Oct. 4 at the stadium.

Homecoming presentation will be 1 p.m. Oct. 5 in the Riverfield Academy Gymnasium. Coronation of this year’s Queen will take place at the presentation.

The pre-game procession of the Queen, Maids, Princess and Crown Bearer will begin at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5.

Halftime festivities will take place on Joe Meeks Field.

Chelsea Higginbotham was honored recently as one of the regions’ “Top 20 Under 40” winners.

Higginbotham was given the award for her outstanding professional and community service accomplishments Sept. 12 at the “Top 20 Under 40” Awards Ceremony hosted by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and the Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals.  

Higginbotham is the executive assistant and marketing manager at Richland State Bank. 

Higginbotham is a member of the board of directors of the Richland Parish Chamber of Commerce and a native of Richland Parish, where she spent her early education years at Start and Holly Ridge schools.  She went on to study at ULM, and is an active member of the Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals Organization, the Monroe Chamber Ambassadors, and the Downtown West Monroe Revitalization Group. 

When asked what drives her to succeed, Higginbotham said, “The pursuit of happiness with an appreciation for hard work drives me. I have built so many relationships through Richland State Bank and my community that have opened doors and created opportunities in my career.  I am looking forward to many more years of service with my bank family.”

Last summer, Higginbotham was awarded the American Cancer Society Power in Purple Campaign winner for raising the most funds to beat cancer in Ouachita Parish. As a United Way Campaign Leader, Higginbotham had the privilege of presenting the Richland State Bank team check of $20,000 to the United Way of NELA office.

“We are very proud of Chelsea,” said Jerome Vascocu, CEO of Richland State Bank. “She sets a high standard for everyone in her remarkable ability to demonstrate such strong commitments to her family, her church, her communities and her work here at Richland State.  Being chosen for this honor comes as no surprise to me.  It is much deserved.”

The “Be Their Witness” ceremony for Wreaths Across America will be held Dec. 15 at the Northeast Louisiana Veterans’ Cemetery, located south of Rayville on Hwy. 425.

This ceremony will honor the many military personnel who have lived and died while and after serving their country.

The ORLRS-Rhymes Memorial Library Board as coordinators of this ceremony would like to thank the many sponsors, both businesses and individuals, who have responded thus far. The response has been tremendous, yet many more are needed to cover the thousands of grave sites across Northeast Louisiana. This is our dream as more and more learn about the privilege of honoring our military dead. 

This year the following military heroes are being honored with the placement of wreaths on their graves: 

They are Alvin “Pink” Parham, George B. Franklin Sr., George B. Franklin Jr., Lamar Lane Sr., Claude G. Durham, John H. Hooks Jr., John Branch, Isaac N. Brown, D. A. LaGrone, Joe Montgomery, William Gerry Marchbank, Bennie D. Haynes, Pete Massey, Millard Knight, M. H. Brister, David Cater, Preston Lee, James Otis Bowman, Gene Arden DelRio, R.H. Cromwell, Claude Henson Jr., L. E. Watson, Bobby Lambert, Virgil Crawford. Ted Crawford, Rosa Crawford, Bill Landrum, Billy F. Landrum Jr., Andrew Stokes, Andy Stokes, Donald A. McGaha, Frank Clay, Henry Clay, Paul Clay, William Clay, Noel Harrell, Eather H. Blake, John L. Bardwell, Miles Luke Smith, Tom Mix, Harvey Ross, Lester Caston, Billy Goodman, Willie F. (Bill) Finley Jr., Basil Doles Sr., Fred Hughes, John Huckaby, Johnny D. Fisher, Aubrey Nicholson, Wilburn Beevers, Aubrey R. Trisler, Allen P. Trisler, William Authur Wade, Jim Allen, Z. J. Graham, Charles Calcotte, Burdis Allen, Huey Allen, Joey Searcy, Bill Belcher, Harold Wooden, Lawrence Hamm, Charles Johnston, Edward Scott Harrell, Claude Ray, Ed Ray, Elliot Ray, Joseph Earl Stephens Sr., Royce Lord, James C. Letlow Jr., James C. Letlow Sr., William L. Green Jr., Glover C. Burgess Jr., Thomas J. Gibson Jr., George Wesley Templeton, Jerry Franklin Colson, Kilcrease family members, veterans in the Rayville Masonic Cemetery, veterans in Mangham Cemetery, veterans in Little Creek Cemetery, veterans in Lynn Cemetery-Archibald and the many in the Northeast Louisiana Veterans’ Cemetery.

Thus far, 568 wreaths have been sponsored; 392 of those have been designated for the veterans’ cemetery with the remainder to be placed on veteran grave sites all over Richland Parish and beyond. The Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery services all the parishes of Northeast Louisiana. 

Everyone is encouraged to reach out to businesses, churches, friends and relatives in all of these parishes for support with this project. 

The executive committee and members of the board of trustees asks that everyone contact them or the Rhymes Library at 728-4127 for sponsorship forms or information.  Brochures are being placed in various places throughout our area. 

The placing of these wreaths is a wonderful way for family members to honor and remember the veterans in their family, no matter where they are buried. These fallen heroes have made it possible for us to enjoy our many freedoms. Be a part of this program by “Being Their Witness” wherever you travel.

Delhi Charter School will celebrate homecoming when they take on D’Arbonne Woods  at 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Swamp. The homecoming court is, from left, sophomore maid Megan Holloway, freshman maid Madalyn Cobb, junior maid Re’Jene Polly, senior princess Taylor Gray, queen Anna Beth Raley, senior maid LaJoya Ester, junior maid Theodora Dawson, sophomore maid Carmen Brown, and freshman maid Kailey Holcomb. Crown bearers will be Cooper Miller and Mason Miller and the flower girl will be Gabby Spinks.

Richland Parish 4-H is looking for volunteer leaders to work with youth aged 9 to 19 as shooting sports instructors/coaches. 

4-H Shooting Sports goals are teaching safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment including sound decision making, self-discipline and concentration. The program also strives to teach the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior.

Shooting sports teams are led by adults who are at least 21 years old and who have completed the LSU AgCenter shooting sports training and passed a background check. 

The 12-hour level one 4-H Shooting Sports training will take place Nov. 10 at the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Training Facility in West Monroe. 

Disciplines offered are archery, shotgun and rifle (which includes air rifle and bb gun). 

For more information or a registration form, contact 4-H Agent, Joanna Strong at jstrong@agcenter.lsu.edu or 728-3216.

District Attorney John M. “Mack” Lancaster announced that Monteco K. Frost has been convicted of first degree murder and sixth other charges by a Richland Parish jury.

Frost was charged with the shooting death of Keric Whitfield which occured shortly before 11 p.m. May 12, 2017.  Whitfield was found lying on Linda St. in Rayville suffering from  a gunshot wound and died at the scene.  

Frost, Joshua Chisley, Quincy Hardiman, Rontarrious Jackson and Brandon Jackson were arrested and charged with crimes related to the burglary at 110 Ruth St. and in the death of Keric Whitfield.

All four of the other suspects testified that Frost had given the order to kill Whitfield, Lancaster said.

Jury selection began Monday and Frost’s trial ended last Thursday with the six-man, six-woman jury handing in a unanimous guilty verdict.

Frost was convicted of seven charges including first degree murder of Whitfield, three counts of attempted first degree murder for the residents of the house at Ruth Street, criminal conspiracy to commit first degree murder, criminal conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary and aggravated burglary.

Jude Steve Dean heard the case in Fifth District Court with Assistant District Attorney Doug Wheeler prosecuting. Frost was defended by Keith Whiddon and John Ellis.

“I would like to thank the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office for a great job in investigation the case and presenting such solid evidence to the district attorney’s office,” Lancaster said. “I would also like to thank the court and especially assistant district attorney Doug Wheeler for his job in presenting the case.”

A case of reckless driving led the Rayville Police Department to a drug arrest recently.

Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson advised at approximately 7:23 p.m. Sept. 28, his department received a call in reference to a reckless driver on US 425 South pulling into Bud’s Mini Mart.

Investigator Jerry Davis Sr., arrived at the location and made contact with the driver, Jamie Moore. 

Shortly after, K9 Officer Phillip Chowns arrived at Bud’s Mini Mart. K-9 Officer Chowns asked Moore if he could search the vehicle and Moore advised that he could.

K-9 Officer Chowns found a small black bag under the driver’s seat containing green leafy substance suspected to be Marijuana. K-9 Officer Chowns then transported Moore to Rayville Police Department and advised her of her Miranda Rights, which she signed freely. 

Moore was arrested and charged with reckless operation and simple possession marijuana. 

Moore was then transported to Richland Parish Detention Center to await bond.

The school year of 1966- 67 was a very eventful and exciting year, for the young men attending Eula D. Britton High School, Rayville. 

 The announcement of a football team was a long-awaited dream for the boys who had played football on empty lots around Rayville and on the school grounds.  Many of them eagerly tried out for the school’s first football team the fall of 1966. 

 Several members of the football team shared their memories during the “Down Memory Lane” segment at the school reunion, June 30- July 1,2018 holding the audience spell bound.

Mr. Samuel Chivers was the head coach. His assistants were Melvin Rodgers, Willie Seaberry and John Thornton.   Without spring training, the team proudly played G.W. Griffin (Lake Providence) Pinecrest (Alexandria) and Ruby McCall (Tallulah) High Schools. Captain Iris Lee Virgin and Co-Captain Charlie Lee lead the team to their only victory that season.  

The first cheerleaders were Verdie M. Green, Louise McCarthy, Norma Ruth Norwood, Gwendolyn Rodgers and Dorothy Williams 

Down memory lane ended with a moment of silent prayer for the deceased members of the football team, the coaches and the cheerleaders. 

Regretfully, the football team only existed a short time due to the closure of our school in May, 1970 during the era of school integration.  

Although no state championships were won, the memories of the football team will always linger in the players’ minds and their stories  will always be a part of the legacy of Eula D. Britton High School.

The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 6 general election is drawing near.

Richland Parish residents will help decide the fate of a number of state and local items on the ballot as well as six constitutional amendments.

The deadline to register to vote in person or by mail for the Nov. 6 election is Oct. 9. The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is Oct. 16.

Early voting will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 23-30 (except Sunday, Oct. 28).

The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is 4:30 p.m. Nov. 2. Voters can request an absentee by mail ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office (other than military and overseas voters).

The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted mail ballot is 4:30 p.m. Nov. 5 (other than military and overseas voters).

In the secretary of state’s race, candidates are Kyle Ardoin, Healther Cloud, Gwen Collins-Greenup, A.G. Crowe, Rick Edmonds, Renee Fontenot Free, Thomas J. Kennedy III, Matthew Paul Moreau and Jule Stokes.

In the race for U.S. representative, incumbent Ralph Abraham faces challengers Billy Burkette, Jessee Carlton Fleenor and Kyle Randol.

In the race for judge, Court of Appeal 2nd Circuit, 1st District, Sharon Marchman of Monroe will face James “Jimbo” Stephens of Winnsboro.

In the race for District 1 school board member, Billy Calvert will face Joe May.

In the race for District 3 school board member,  Deanna Hubbard Harrison will face Moses Wilkins.

In the race for District 1 school board member.

In the race for Delhi mayor, incumbent Jesse Washington faces J. Lynn Lewis, Perry Smith and Todd Spinks.

In the race for Delhi’s police chief, incumbent Nathan “Roy” Williams faces Johnny Cleveland, Micah Duchesne and George Harrison.

In the race for Delhi alderman, District A, Rhonda Gee will face Larry Rancher.

In the race for Delhi alderman, District B, Bobby Benson, Carlos Harris and Larry Houston are running.

In the race for Delhi alderman, District C, Henry Washington Jr., faces Sharrick “Punkin” Young.

In the race for Delhi alderman, District D, Mildred Crockham, Donald Morrison and Lennon Whitney Sr., are running.

In the race for Delhi alderman, District E, Ellen Oliver will face W.B. “Dub” Sumner.

In addition, Richland Parish voters will decide the fate of a proposition which would allow fantasy sports better in the parish.

Another local proposition on the ballot is  1/2 cent sales tax  renewal for the sheriff’s office. The tax is expected to bring in $1,080,000 per year for 10 years with the money to be used for the purpose of funding the law enforcement district.

Six constitutional amendments will be voted upon.

Amendment No. 1 would prohibit a convicted felon from seeking or holding public office or appointment within five years of completion of his sentence unless he is pardoned.

Amendment No. 2 would require a unanimous jury verdict in all noncapital felony cases for offenses that are committed on or after Jan. 1, 2019.

Amendment No. 3 would permit, pursuant to written agreement, the donation of the use of public equipment and personnel by a political subdivision upon request to another political subdivision for an activity or function which the requesting political subdivision is authorized to exercise.

Amendment No. 4 would remove authority to appropriate or dedicate monies in the Transportation Trust Fund to state police for traffic control purposes.

Amendment No. 5 would extend eligibility for the following special property tax treatments to property in trust: the special assessment level for property tax valuation, the property tax exemption for property of a disabled veteran, and the property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a person who died while performing their duties as a first responder, active duty member of the military, or law enforcement or fire protection officer.

Amendment No. 6 would require that any reappraisal of the value of residential property by more than 50 percent, resulting in a corresponding increase in property taxes, be phased-in over the course of four years during which time no additional reappraisal can occur and that the decrease in the total ad valorem tax collected as a result of the phase-in of assessed valuation be absorbed by the taxing authority and not allocated to the other taxpayers.

The Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office will host its annual Thanksgiving prayer breakfast at 8 a.m. Nov. 19 at the Rayville Civic Center and at 8 a.m. Nov. 20 at the Delhi Civic Center.

All Richland Parish seniors, age 60 and over, are invited to pray for the community, enjoy breakfast and fellowship and enter to win door prizes.

The annual event is sponsored by the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Charles Darnell of Rayville was the winner of the Sellers Aycock Jr., Service Award for 2018 at the annual awards banquet held at the First United Methodist Church in Rayville recently.

The Aycock Award is presented by the Rayville Kiwanis Club/Aycock Awards Committee to a person who has voluntarily chosen to donate time and effort for the betterment of the community, whether it be volunteering in schools, veterans affairs, helping a friend or neighbor in need, teaching a child how to read or throw a ball or standing up for causes good for the community.

Charles Darnell is the “go to man” willing to lend a helping hand or take the lead in most any community project. 

“I just want to serve my fellow man,” Darnell said in remarks to those in attendance at the banquet.

Also nominated were Deanna Corbett, Dellie B. Hicks, Cyndi Perritt Mix and Billy and Ruthe Coenen. All nominees received the Rayville Kiwanis Club award of excellence for outstanding community service.

Roma Kidd, executive director of ARCO was the keynote speaker for the evening, speaking on the importance of volunteering. ARCO is a non-profit agency headquartered in Monroe that provides services to persons with developmental disabilities, including young children in Richland Parish. Henry Cumpton and Laura Wood were the masters of ceremony.