The Louisiana Department of Education released 2015-16 School Performance Scores on Nov. 17.
The report showed that Rayville High School increased 12.2 points over the previous year, earning an SPS score of 76.3 This score places RHS in the C category of schools across the state.
Rayville High School Principal Tommy Watson wishes to offer congratulations to the entire RHS faculty, staff and students on this academic accomplishment.
Other areas of academic success at RHS include:
• RHS Academic partnerships such as dual enrollment courses with the University of Louisiana at Monroe and career and technical courses with Louisiana Delta Community College; and
• RHS academic excellence such as Gifted and Talented classes and an accredited CLEP testing site.
The graduating class of 2016 earned 588 hours of college credits, including over $788,925 worth of TOPS and other scholarships
It continues to be our challenge to make high school as meaningful as possible to the 21st century student, further helping us to accomplish the Rayville High School Mission of “Preparing All Students for Success.”

Visitors to Poverty Point World Heritage Site are invited to take part in a ranger-led hike which will directly engage hikers with the mounds, earthworks, and nature found in the park Dec. 10.
Beginning at 10 a.m. in the museum, there will be an introductory video, followed by the 1-2 hour hike (depending on the pace of the group).
The ranger leading the hike will discuss what is known about the mounds, the people who built them, and the local flora and fauna which would have sustained the Native Americans. Be aware that this event is weather permitting.
Poverty Point World Heritage Site offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience and learn about the earthworks and those individuals who raised them from the ground between the years of 1600 and 1100 BCE.
The $4 admission fee provides access to the museum, film theatre, hiking trail, driving tour, tram tour (when in season), and any interpretive events taking place at the site.
Children (12 and under) and senior citizens (62 and over) are admitted free of charge. Poverty Point is located in West Carroll Parish, east of Monroe on LA 577.
The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information, call 888.926.5292 toll free or 926.5492 locally or follow Poverty Point World Heritage Site on Facebook.

The Louisiana Department of Health reminds state residents to get their annual flu shot if they have not done so already.
An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone older than six months who does not have a complicating condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Flu activity has been low so far this year in Louisiana, but it usually increases and peaks between December and February, according to the CDC. Because the flu shot takes two weeks to offer full protection, now is the perfect time to get your shot before flu activity increases.
“We urge people to get a flu vaccine now as the shot is the most effective way to protect yourself from the flu,” said Dr. Frank Welch, immunization medical director for the Louisiana Department of Health. “Recognizing that the flu can easily spread in a school, the workplace and any location where people congregate, the vaccine is the easiest and best way to protect yourself and others from a virus that can be deadly.”
Getting a flu shot is crucial for some people. This includes babies and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions or people 65 years and older. People in each of these groups may be at higher risk for serious flu complications.
The flu shot protects individuals from getting the flu, and it also keeps people from spreading it to others who are more vulnerable. The vaccine is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, who can pass on antibodies to their babies that will help protect them.
Flu shots are now available at Parish Health Units, local pharmacies, clinics, doctor’s offices and federally qualified (community) health centers. Check flushot.healthmap.org for a flu shot provider near you.
Additionally, you can help stop the spread of the flu virus by developing some healthy everyday habits.
• Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone and limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from spreading the flu.
If you do get sick with the flu, contact your doctor to see if you should take an antiviral medication.
Visit fighttheflu.la.gov for more information and resources.

The Rayville Police Department made the following arrests for the week of Nov. 27 through Dec. 4.
• Darrin Barksdale, 32, 9321 Carbon Plant, Bastrop; driving under suspension.
• Roshanna Dean, 34, 603 Spruce St., Rayville; disturbing the peace by fighting.
• Harley Weems, 22, 1215 Hwy 584, Rayville; possession of Schedule II (methampetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia and shoplifting.
• Zaquinton Hampton, 28, 111 Minor St., Rayville; possession of marijuana and failure to appear on a bench warrant.
• Carlton Perkins, 112 Edgar St., Delhi; fugitive from justice.
• Two juveniles were arrested this week. One was charged with simple battery and the other with no driver’s license.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of four traffic citations this week. That number includes one each for failure to yield, improper lane change with an accident, wrong way on a one way street and improper muffler.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson would like to remind all citizens of Rayville of the importance of obeying the laws of society.
“Laws and rules are put into place for the safety and well-being of all,” he said.
Chief Robinson advised that for every action, there is a reaction; for every law broken, there is a consequence.
“Some consequences may be relatively light, such as a small monetary fine or some hours of community service,” he said. “However, some consequences are more severe and longer lasting.”
The chief encourages all citizens to contact his office and request the assistance of an officer of the law if you have a situation that is beyond your control.
Chief Robinson encourages all citizens to come by the Rayville Police Department at 900 Harrison St. or to call 728-4431 if you need his help in any way.

Addison Thompson, MD, has been named a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Thompson was born and raised in this area, went to LSU for undergraduate and medical school then returned in 2009. Dr. Thompson is the son of William David Thompson, MD. Dr. Addison Thompson is married with 3 children and is a member of First United Methodist Church. He also serves on the Richardson Medical Center Board of Commissioners.
Dr. Lester Johnson, former President of The Louisiana Chapter and member of The Board of Governors of the College, stated, “To be named a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons is an honor and a status that is highly sought after.”
The ACS (American College of Surgeons) admits to its Fellowship only those surgeons whose professional activity is devoted to higher standard surgical practice and who agree without compromise to practice by the professional and ethical standards of the College.
The standards of practice, established and demanded by the ACS, are above and beyond attaining Board Certification, which Dr. Thompson has already done.
By submitting an application for Fellowship, surgeons are inviting evaluations of their practice by their peers. They are judged by their surgical practice. After meeting all stringent requirements, The Board of Regents makes the final decision regarding the applicant’s eligibility for Fellowship. Dr. Thompson’s professionalism and quality surgical care made him an excellent candidate and now recipient of this title.
Dr. Addison Thompson’s office is located at 129 Christian Drive, Rayville.
He may be reached by phone at 728-7149.

The Rayville Police Department made the following arrests for the week of Dec. 5-11.
• Lorenzo Brown, 52, 108 Wanda St., Rayville; shoplifting.
• Page Blake, 26, 208 Elizabeth St., Rayville; no driver’s license and reckless operation with an accident.
• Catoga Johnson, 38, 208 Blackmon St., Rayville; no driver’s license and driving under suspension.
• Arielle Richardson, 19, 404 Dacron St., Rayville; harassment, failure to appear on simple battery, failure to appear on disturbing the peace and failure to yield on harassment.
• Ha’Shoun Collins, 19, 314 Wood St., Rayville; domestic abuse battery and resisting arrest.
• Shaunte Smith, 24, 361 Russell St., Apt. #3, Rayville; theft less than $300.
• Kendra L. Smith, 20, 361 Russell St., Rayville; theft less than $300.
• Coboria Collins, 36, 504 Spence St., Rayville; remaining after forbidden.
• Kewanna M. Lavall, 28, 404 Church St., Rayville; driving under suspension.
• One juvenile was arrested this week and charged with no driver’s license, careless operation with an accident and unathorized use of a motor vehicle.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of 22 traffic citations this week. That number includes 12 for speeding,two for expired plates and one each for no proof of insurance, no license plate, no child restraint, failure to yield with an accident, improper license plate, headlamps (two required), running a stop sign and open container in a motor vehicle.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson would like to remind the citizens of Rayville to respect the rights and the property of others.
“A simple rule to abide by is this: If it doesn’t belong to you, don’t touch it without permission from the owner,” the chief said.
He also advised that if you are going to be away from home during the holidays, be sure to contact the Rayville Police Department and submit a patrol request for your residence during your absence.
“If you call us and let us know when you are going to be out of town, my officers will patrol your hoe regularly during your absence,” the chief said.
Chief Robinson advised that if you know your neighbor is going to be away from home, you should keep an eye on their property and report any suspicious person or activities to the Rayville Police Department immediately.
Chief Robinson encourages all citizens to come by the Rayville Police Department at 900 Harrison St. or to call 728-4431 if you need his help in any way.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, Madison, Richland and Tensas parishes in Louisiana as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
“Our hearts go out to those Louisiana farmers and ranchers affected by recent natural disasters,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “President Obama and I are committed to ensuring that agriculture remains a bright spot in our nation’s economy by sustaining the successes of America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities through these difficult times. We’re also telling Louisiana producers that USDA stands with you and your communities when severe weather and natural disasters threaten to disrupt your livelihood.”
Farmers and ranchers in the following parishes in Louisiana also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their parishes are contiguous. Those parishes are  Avoyelles, Jackson, Ouachita,  Concordia, LaSalle, West Carroll,  East Carroll, Morehouse and Winn.
Farmers and ranchers in Adams, Claiborne, Jefferson and Warren counties in Mississippi also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous.
All parishes and counties listed above were designated natural disaster areas on Nov. 23, 2016, making all qualified farm operators in the designated areas eligible for low interest emergency (EM) loans from USDA’s Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible parishes have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. FSA has a variety of programs, in addition to the EM loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from adversity.

BancorpSouth announced today that BancorpSouth Insurance Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BancorpSouth Bank, acquired certain assets of Waguespack & Associates Insurance, Inc., an independent insurance agency in Gonzales that handles commercial and personal lines insurance.
Timothy A. Waguespack and Michael W. Waguespack established the agency in 1986 and Waguespack & Associates is now one of the largest independent insurance agencies in Ascension Parish and the surrounding area, currently producing annual revenues of approximately $3 million.
According to BXSI President Markham McKnight, Waguespack’s growth strategy and customer-based focus are similar to BXSI’s operating structure.
“We are excited to welcome Tim, Mike and their team to the BancorpSouth family,” said McKnight. “Their core property/casualty, life and health business complements our personal and business solutions, and we believe our new relationship will benefit both current and prospective clients.”
Tim Waguespack is president of the agency. He has been in the insurance industry since 1978. Michael Waguespack serves as vice president of the agency and has been in the insurance industry since 1979.
“We are excited to be a part of an organization that has a strong history and legacy in Louisiana dating back to 1882,” said Tim Waguespack. “Like Wright & Percy, which joined BXSI in 2003, Waguespack & Associates is evolving. Becoming part of BancorpSouth gives us the opportunity to provide our clients a wealth of new resources such as loss control, risk management resources, health care reform and an array of other specialty services. Working with a respected insurance team whose vision and philosophy regarding plan management and client service are in tune with our client service philosophy and practice will help to provide new market opportunities and growth for our team.”
“We expect our new relationship with BancorpSouth to give us the ability to expand our product offerings and capabilities with our current client base as well as provide us the tools to continue to win new business,” said Mike Waguespack. “As one of the nation’s most respected independent agencies, we have the utmost respect for Markham McKnight and the BXSI team.”

Delhi HomeCare has been recognized as one of the best among its peers by two independent home health industry evaluation programs.
The agency was recently named to the top 100 of the 2016 HomeCare Elite®, a recognition of the top-performing home health agencies in the United States. The agency also received a five-star rating in both quality and patient satisfaction in the most recent results from the CMS Five-Star Rating System.
This is the eleventh year that Delhi HomeCare has been named to the prestigious HomeCare Elite list. And in the latest CMS star ratings released in October, Delhi HomeCare achieved the highest rating possible – five stars – in both categories: quality and patient satisfaction.
Delhi HomeCare is part of LHC Group, a national provider of post-acute care services with 11,000 employees operating more than 350 locations in 26 states. Overall, LHC Group earned 2016 HomeCare Elite rankings for 103 providers, including 179 individual locations, and achieved CMS star ratings well above national averages in both the quality and patient satisfaction categories for the fourth consecutive quarter.
“LHC Group is proud and honored to have a team like Delhi HomeCare as part of our nationwide family of caregivers,” said Keith Myers, LHC Group chairman and CEO. “These achievements are among the healthcare industry’s best indicators of who is providing best-in-class service. Quality patient care is the top priority at all LHC Group locations and providers, and the professionals at Delhi HomeCare are a great example of a team going above and beyond in our mission.”
For more than ten years, HomeCare Elite has annually identified the top 25 percent of Medicare-certified agencies and highlights the top 100 and top 500 agencies overall. Winners are ranked by an analysis of publicly available performance measures in quality outcomes, best practice (process measure) implementation, patient experience (Home Health CAHPS®), quality improvement and consistency, and financial performance. In order to be considered, an agency must be Medicare-certified and have data for at least one outcome in Home Health Compare. Out of 9,406 agencies considered, 2,353 are recognized on the 2016 HomeCare Elite winners list.
The HomeCare Elite ranking is developed by ABILITY® Network, a leading information technology company helping providers and payers simplify the administrative and clinical complexities of healthcare; and sponsored by DecisionHealth, publisher of: Home Health Line, The Complete Home Health ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding Manual and The Home Health Coding Center.
The Five-Star Quality Rating System was instituted by CMS as part of its Home Health Compare website to provide a “tool for consumers to use when choosing a home health care provider.”
The system ranks providers in two categories: “Quality of Patient Care and Patient Satisfaction.” The ratings are highly respected performance indicators for home health providers and are viewed as a key differentiator in the industry.

Louisiana photographers have the chance to get their best gardening-related photographs published in the popular LSU AgCenter Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar.
The AgCenter has issued a call for entries for the 2018 calendar, inviting professional or amateur nature photographers from Louisiana to participate in the competition that selects photos for the next edition.
AgCenter faculty members will select approximately 40 of the submitted photographs for the calendar, according to project coordinator Elma Sue McCallum.
“The LSU AgCenter is a great resource for lawn and garden information and educational programs, and the Get It Growing calendar is a popular source for gardening tips and beautiful photos of flowers, plants and gardens from Louisiana photographers,” McCallum said. “The calendar has become the ‘must have’ item for gardening enthusiasts, and it’s great for anyone on your gift list.”
On sale now, the 2017 edition of the calendar is a showcase of photos, monthly gardening tips, how-to information and other items based on Louisiana’s climate zones.
Online information and links to order the 2017 calendar are available by visiting www.LSUAgCenter.com/GetItGrowingCalendar.
The current edition features environmentally friendly landscaping, new Louisiana Super Plants and an illustrated section on repotting container plants.
A dozen of the photos selected for the 2018 calendar will be featured as full-page, full-color images – one for each month – and one will be used on the cover, McCallum said. The rest will be used throughout the calendar.
The photographer’s name will be included with each printed photograph. Those selected for the monthly pages will receive five copies of the published calendar, and other contributing photographers will each receive two copies, she said.
Submissions must be high-resolution digital images on CD with the photographer’s name, address, telephone number and email address attached, McCallum said.
All images must be the original work of the photographer submitting the image. Submission guidelines can be found on the Call for Entries form online at www.LSUAgCenter.com/GetItGrowingCalendar.
“We’re asking photographers to submit their favorite photos of lawns, gardens, flowers, trees and vegetables,” McCallum said. Each person is asked to limit entries to 25 or fewer of their best photos.
The deadline for submissions is Feb. 28, 2017. Entries must be mailed to Elma Sue McCallum, LSU AgCenter, 135 Knapp Hall, 110 LSU Union Square, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. CDs will not be returned.
For more information, contact McCallum at 225-578-2462 or e-mail emccallum@agcenter.lsu.edu.

The LSU AgCenter will conduct a series of rice clinics in January and February throughout the rice-growing areas of Louisiana to help farmers get ready for the upcoming crop year.
Farmers will be able to get advice about key decisions that must be made early in the year, including variety selection and field preparations for the 2017 crop, said Steve Linscombe, director of the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station.
“Topics to be covered in the clinics will include controlling weeds, insects and diseases,” Linscombe said. “We also will talk about our research for variety development and agronomic practices in addition to an economic outlook for rice.”
The sessions will be held at various locations on the following dates:
• Jan. 5 at the Acadia Parish Education Center in Crowley, 2122 N. Parkerson Ave., behind Gatti’s Pizza restaurant, starting at 8:10 a.m.
• Jan. 10 in Welsh at the Welsh Community Center, 101 Palmer St., starting at 8:15 a.m.
• Jan. 11 in Ville Platte at the Civic Center, 704 N. Soileau St., starting at 8 a.m.
• Jan. 12 in Abbeville at the Vermilion Parish Library, 405 E. Saint Victor St., starting at 8 a.m.
• Jan. 17 at the DeWitt Livestock Facility adjacent to the LSUA campus south of Alexandria, starting at 8:20 a.m.
• Feb. 8 at the Rayville Civic Center, 827 Louisa St., starting at 9 a.m.

Timber and taxes are among the topics to be presented at the 2017 Ag Expo Forestry Forum slated for Jan. 13 at the West Monroe Convention Center.
The event is sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and the North Louisiana Agri-Business Council.
“The LSU AgCenter strives annually to put together an informative event based on our clientele feedback and input. This year is no exception, with a wide range of topics that will interest landowners managing for timber production, wildlife and overall forest health,” said Luke Stamper, LSU AgCenter agent in Catahoula Parish and event coordinator.
The program will feature an in-depth look at current timber marketing issues for small forest landowners, tax updates, managing forests for wildlife and benefits of NRCS cost share programs, pine forest pest signs and solutions, herbicide options, feral hog control and forestry industry updates.
Speakers will include AgCenter experts and representatives from U.S. Forest Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Louisiana Forestry Association and industry.
The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. and end at noon. Individuals who attend will qualify for four Continuing Logger Education hours and 3.5 Continuing Forester Education hours.
Early registration is $15 by Jan. 6 and includes admission for one to the Ag Expo event held at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center. Admission is $20 at the door the day of the forum.
For registration information, contact Luke Stamper at lstamper@agcenter.lsu.edu, 818-744-5442 or 318-805-8819 (cellphone). Checks should be made payable to Catahoula ANR and sent to LSU AgCenter, P.O. Box 160, Harrisonburg, LA 71340.

Small nonfarm businesses in 29 Louisiana parishes and neighboring Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas counties are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the drought in the following primary parishes that began Nov. 22, announced Director Tanya N. Garfield of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center - West.
Primary Louisiana parishes: Concordia, East Carroll, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, West Carroll and Winn;
Neighboring Louisiana parishes: Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Caldwell, Catahoula, De Soto, Evangeline, Lincoln, Madison, Pointe Coupee, Red River, Richland, Tensas, Union and West Feliciana;
Neighboring Arkansas counties: Ashley, Chicot and Union;
Neighboring Mississippi counties: Adams, Issaquena, Warren and Wilkinson;
Neighboring Texas counties: Newton, Sabine and Shelby.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” Garfield said.
Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
“Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 3.125 percent for businesses and 2.50 percent for private nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years and are available to small businesses and most private nonprofits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship,” Garfield said.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. Secretary Tom Vilsack declared this disaster on Dec. 15, 2016.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online using SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. For more disaster assistance information or to download applications, visit https://www.sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The deadline to apply for these loans is Aug. 15, 2017.

The Rayville Police Department made the following arrests for the week of Dec. 19-25.
• Crystal Hart, 21, 908 Spruce St., Rayville; disobedience to a police officer.
• Gregory Gipson, 24, 116 Massey K Drive, Rayville; simple criminal trespassing.
• Denisha Reynolds, 517 Girard Road, Rayville; failure to appear on damage to property and failure to appear on shoplifting.
• Coboria Collins, 36, 504 Spruce St., Rayville; disturbing the peace by profanity and stalking.
• Jason M. Lester, 42, 413 Spruce St., Rayville; driving under suspension.
• Fredrick Thurman, 21, 19 Pine Lawn Drive, Brandon, Miss.; possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I Drug (marijuana), possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a Schedule II Drug (Hydrocodone) and possession of a Schedule II Drug (cocaine).
• Kelvontae M. Hill, 19, 110 John Henry Drive, Brandon, Miss.; possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I Drug (marijuana), possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a Schedule II Drug (Hydrocodone).
• Two juveniles were arrested this week. One was charged with aggravated home invasion and one with damage to property and aggravated assualt.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of nine traffic citations this week. That number includes two each for speeding and open container and one each for no insurance, improper turn with an accident, following too close, failure to signal a turn and improper backing with an accident.
• • •

Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson would like to remind citizens of the importance of paying fines early or on time.
“If you don’t pay your fines before you’re court date, you must appear in court,” the chief said.
If you fail to appear in court, a bench warrant will be issued which will lead to your arrest and the incurring of additional fines and possibly jail time. Chief Robinson said traffic citations which are not paid on time are reported to the Department of Public Safety which could result in flags on your driver’s license, fines and even suspension of driving privileges.
He also commented that Rayville is a town moving forward in a positive direction with a bright future ahead.
“My friends, my neighbors, my fellow citizens of the Town of Rayville, I want to remind you -- as I’ve been saying since the first day that I took the office of chief of police to serve this community -- positive people surround themselves with other positive people and positive things happen in their lives; negative people surround themselves with negative people and negative things happen in their lives. I encourage you to surround yourselves with positive people and positive influences. Let go of the people and things that are influencing your life in a negative way. Don’t listen to or take part in gossip. Don’t be involved in talk or actions that are harmful to others. As the end of the year quickly approaches, make some decisions and take some actions that will change the direction of your lives in a good way.”
Chief Robinson further stated that he has provided solid, stable, positive leadership in the Town of Rayville since 1998 and will continue to do so as long as the Lord allows.
Chief Robinson encourages all citizens to come by the Rayville Police Department at 900 Harrison St. or to call 728-4431 if you need his help in any way.

Pastor M.R. Reed Sr., is celebrating 44 years of ministry for the State of Louisiana and Mississippi.
His humble beginning is from Monroe. He has proven that with God all things are possible. He started at the tender age of 12 and has continued this journey through trial, pitfall and triumph.
He presently resides in Rayville where he has been living for more than 30 years.
Pastor Reed is known as a circuit minister, meaning he has more than one congregation. Pastor Reed reflects on his own life that pretty much followed the same ministry as other African American preachers have done over the last 125 years.
Pastor Reed began pastoring at the age of 16 years old. He nevertheless has gone somewhat beyond his colleagues and preachers on the circuit, regularly pastoring at nine different churches in Louisiana and Mississippi, literally driving home his message morning, afternoon and evening every Sunday. Reed is a preacher on the go.
The circuit ministry is more active in the rural area than any other area in the country. Pastor Reed has served Richland Parish faithfully as the former pastor of Pilgrim Rest # 2 Baptist Church of Rayville for 20 years. During his tenure at Pilgrim Rest #2, more than 57 converts united with the church. He later served the New Jerusalem Baptist Church for a short time. He later re-established the Westside Baptist Church of Rayville. Westside had only three members left and had closed its doors, but Reed was sent by God to open the doors and during his first service as pastor, 23 members united with the church. Until this day through the direction of God and the brief ministry of Reed, Westside still continues its work in church ministry.
Reed organized the King Solomon Baptist Church with 23 members. They worshiped at Mt. Zion Baptist for six months and later at the Green Grove Baptist Church building on Spruce Street.
It was available and the rest is history. Pastor Reed and the congregation were blessed with a building northeast of Holly Ridge that was formerly the New Bethel Baptist Church when the building was donated by Fred Franklin and Family. King Solomon Church is still operating its ministry for the Kingdom of God.
Reed is also the past pastor of the New Fellowship Baptist Church of Delhi and the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church also of Delhi. Many souls have been saved. Many preachers have started ministry under Reed’s Ministry.
Reed, who is still a resident of Rayville and a part time resident in Vicksburg, served three churches in Vicksburg and six churches in Louisiana. He has served faithfully visiting the sick and shut ins, officiating funerals, marrying couples and serving as an evangelist in various cities and towns conducting revival.
He and his wife, Marge, who is also his driver, go many miles spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
On Jan. 8, Reed will celebrate 44 years of ministry and 40 years as circuit pastor and on Jan. 23 will celebrate his 56 birthday. He is the father of three children and seven grandchildren.

The Rayville Police Department made the following arrests for the week of Dec. 25, 2016 through January 1, 2017.
• Joseph Haywood, 38, 967 Hwy 584, Delhi; shoplifting (first offense).
• Dijon Wilkins, 1001 Madeline St., Rayville; failure to secure license and registration and driving under suspension.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of seven traffic citations this week. That number includes two for speeding and one each for failure to yield, improper lane use with an accident, careless operation with an accident, following too close with an accident and no insurance.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson states, “As we begin the new year of 2017, I am hoping we will keep in mind the vision of making Rayville a better place to live, to work, to worship and to raise and educate our children. Rayville should be a place where we can enjoy life, feel comfortable and be safe. As your Chief of Police, my officers and I have worked diligently to make a positive change in this town. With your help, we have made great strides and have accomplished a great deal toward our goal for Rayville. I would like for the citizens of this community to know that I am very thankful for the support you have give this department. As I have often stated, The community and law enforcement working together make a difference. Let us continue working together to keep the crime rate down and our streets safe. Let us continue to respect the rights of others to live peacefully and safely. If we continue to do these things, we will make a difference.”
Chief Robinson encourages all citizens to come by the Rayville Police Department at 900 Harrison St. or to call 728-4431 if you need his help in any way.

The Richland Parish Veterans Assistance Unit logged more than 12,000 miles from July to December 2016.
The unit made more than 80 trips, transporting local veterans to their doctor appointments at the Veteran’s Administration Hospitals in Monroe, Shreveport, Alexandria and Jackson, Miss.
“I am proud of the work the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office has done for our veterans and I am looking forward to doing more in 2017,” Richland Parish Sheriff Gary Gilley said.
If you are a veteran and need assistance in going to the VA hospital, please contact Deputy Jimmy Davis at 728-2071.

Poverty Point World Historic Site rangers will guide visitors through the crafting of everything from arrow heads to pottery this month.
Have you ever found an arrowhead or stone tool possibly in your garden or plowed field and wonder how that person long ago transformed the rock into such a delicate work of art? Come out and see the process of how prehistoric people made chipped stone arrowheads, spear points and other tools.
Demonstrations will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 14, at Poverty Point World Heritage Site.
Then, on Jan. 21, visitors to Poverty Point World Heritage Site are invited to take part in a ranger-led demonstration of crafting prehistoric-styled pottery, similar to the pieces which the Native Americans fashioned more than 3,500 years ago.
The event will begin with a demonstration at 10 a.m. Visitors will be able to make their own pottery until 11:30 a.m.
Attendees can try their hand at creating items such as figurines, decorated artistic objects, coiled clay pots, and clay pipes – such as those that have been excavated from the site. All of the clay and other materials needed for making this primitive pottery will be provided, so no special equipment is required except your hands and creativity.
It is recommended to wear or bring appropriate clothes for working with potentially messy clay.
Poverty Point World Heritage Site offers visitors the unique opportunity to study the culture of area inhabitants from 1600 to 1100 BC. The $4 admission fee provides access to the museum, video, hiking trail, driving tour, tram tour (when in season) and any interpretive events taking place at the site. Children (12 and under) and senior citizens (62 and over) are admitted free of charge.
For additional information, call 888-926-5492.

The Rayville Police Department made the following arrests for the week of Jan. 2-8.
• Janet M. Banks, 44, 91 Cook Road, Lot 13 Delhi; open container.
• Gregory May, 50, 671 Section Road, Delhi; driving under suspension.
• Shymes S. Renolds, 19, 419 Church St., Rayville; no driver’s license, failure to secure license and registration and no insurance.
• Jasmine Kelly, 18, 104 Spruce St., Rayville; shoplifting.
• LaSonya Dill, 40, 209 Foster St., Rayville; shoplifting.
• Glenda F. Jackson, 30, 19 Bunnit Road, Rayville; disturbing the peace by fighting.
• Ariel Anderson, 24, 44 Cabuck Lane, Rayville; theft less than $300.
• Ozell Martinez, 34, 125 Waldorf St., Rayville; expired driver’s license.
• Tamika McCray, 34, 207 McConnell Drive, Rayville; theft less than $300.
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The Rayville Police Department issued a total of 20 traffic citations this week. That number includes 13 for speeding, three each for failure to yield and careless operation with an accident and one for failure to yield with an accident.
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Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson advised that on Jan. 16, the town will observe the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
“As Dr. King stood for peace and justice, let each of us do the same,” he said. “We realize that we do not live in a perfect society, however, when we respect the rights of others and walk away from trouble, peace will abide and justice will prevail. Let us continue to respect the ordinances and laws of the land. Let us continue to obey our traffic laws by driving within the speed limit, stopping at stop signs and obeying all other traffic laws to prevent an injury and a possible fatality.”
Chief Robinson is asking each citizen to help make the year of 2017 a positive year.
“If we begin this year by driving and thanking positively, everything will most likely end up being very pleasing.”
Chief Robinson encourages all citizens to come by the Rayville Police Department at 900 Harrison St. or to call 728-4431 if you need his help in any way.

The Rayville Police Department made the following arrests for the week of Jan. 9-15.
• Rebecca Fuller, 28, 200 Earline St., Rayville; possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to appear on theft of goods.
• Morgan Lee, 22, 1104 Killoden Drive, Monroe; disturbing the peace.
• Satiesia Thornton, 20, 1104 Killoden Drive, Monroe; disturbing the peace.
• Michael Foster, 39, 100 Nita St., New Iberia; possession of Schedule II (methamphetamine) and possession of paraphernalia.
• Christopher Jones, 44, 609 Scott St., Rayville; two counts of failure to appear, two counts damage to property greater than $100, simple criminal trespass, resisting arrest by flight, disobedience to a police officer and simple battery.
• Robert Kelly, 37, 1616 Arkansas Road, West Monroe; disturbing the peace by loud music, no driver’s license, speeding, resisting arrest by flight, illegal carrying of a weapon, possession of of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of synthetic marijuana with intent to distribute.
• Heather McCormick, 29, 1494 Ward Three School Road, Winnsboro; theft less than $300.
• LaTasha Green, 39, 151 Legacy Drive, Rayville; two counts of aggravated battery and failure to appear.
• One juvenile was arrested for disturbing the peace by fighting.
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The Rayville Police Department issued a total of 27 traffic citations this week. That number includes 19 for speeding, two for expired driver’s license and one each for failure to yield, failure to carry registration, careless operation with an accident, improper backing with an accident, expired license plate and no seat belt.
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Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson advised that his officers are cracking down on all violent crimes.
“All incidents involving violence by one person toward another will be pursued until arrests are made,” he said. “One of my main objectives is to preserve the peace of our community and guard the safety of our citizens. Any act of violence is a threat to those objectives and will be dealt with.
The chief stated that fighting, battery and assault are included in this category.
To motorists, Chief Robinson said “Please slow down. Posted speed limits are not just there for display. A posted speed limit is the maximum safe speed a motorist can drive in a particular area based on many factors, such as the condition of the road, the presence of children in the area, etc. Please observe speed limits for your own safety and the safety of others.”
Chief Robinson encourages all citizens to come by the Rayville Police Department at 900 Harrison St. or to call 728-4431 if you need his help in any way.