The Rayville Police Department has made an arrest in connection with a burglary committed in December.
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson said the burglary occurred Dec. 16 at Rayville West Housing.
During the burglary, a suspect kicked in the door to gain entry, then took a TV, a pair of tennis shoes and a cell phone.
Investigator Jerry Davis arrested Joe Fleming, 18, of 108A Coenen Drive, Rayville in connection with the burglary.
Fleming was then charged with simple burglary and transported to the Richland Parish Detention Center.

A Rayville man has been arrested following an alleged home invasion and attempted rape.
Devolte Pleaseant, 22, of Rayville, was charged with one count of home invasion, one count of attempted rape and one count of burglary on Feb. 10.
This arrest stemmed from a 911 call received by the sheriff’s office in which the caller stated a black male had broken into her home and attacked her.
The caller was able to give a description of the unknown male to deputies who began an investigation. The investigation lead deputies to a residence in Rayville where Pleasant was located and questioned. Pleasant was later booked into the Richland Parish Detention.

The Rayville Police Department has arrested the final suspect in a house burglary which occurred on New Year’s Eve.
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson said his office received a call reporting the burglary on Jan. 1 and discovered the suspects made their entrance through the front door and took several electronic devices.
Investigators gathered information which led them to believe three suspects were involved in the burglary and made two arrests on Feb. 1. They also arrested a third person for illegal possession of stolen things and warrants for the third burglary suspect were issues.
Investigator Jerry Davis was able to locate and arrest D’Andre McGarr, 18, of 207 Church St., Rayville. He was charged with simple burglary and transported to the Richland Parish Detention Center.
Chief Robinson would like to commend his officers for their hard work and dedication in solving this crime.
“Investigator Jerry Davis and I worked tirelessly on behalf of the victim and as a result we were able to recover and return some of the property in a timely manner,” Robinson said. “This is the kind of happy ending we want for all our cases.”

The Rayville Police Department made the following arrests for the week of Feb. 13-19.
• Jeremy R. Berry, 24, 315 Crawford Road, Rayville; failure to appear on a bench warrant for speeding.
• James Carrington, 33, 980 Hwy 134, Rayville; no license plate, driving under suspension, no insurance and expired MVI.
• Lasheka Martinez, 34, 141B North Circle Drive, Rayville; no driver’s license.
• Brad Reynolds, 23, 213 Rosa St., Rayville; simple possession of marijuana.
• Marcus Jones, 24, 104 Spruce St., Rayville; simple possession of marijuana.
• Ramiro S. Gonzales, 24, 2028 Hwy 80, Rayville; improper lane usage and no driver’s license.
• One juvenile was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and no driver’s license.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of 13 traffic citations this week. That number includes nine for speeding and one each for no insurance, careless operation with an accident, improper turn with an accident and expired license plate.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson advised all citizens of Rayville of the importance of cooperating with officers.
“If you are stopped by an officer while you’re driving, be prepared to present your vehicle documents -- driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration,” he said. “If you are questioned by an officer during the course of an investigation, it’s very important for you to cooperate fully and answer all questions truthfully.”
Chief Robinson advised that running/fleeing from an officer, refusing to answer questions or giving false information could all result in being arrested on criminal charges.”
“It is also important that you comply with an officer in the event that you are arrested,” the chief advised. “Resisting the officer in any way will lead to additional charges.”
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 Feb. 20 through 26.
• Tina Robinson, 49, 315 908 Spruce St., Rayville; simple battery.
• Wilbert Wilson, 53, 106 Donna St., Rayville; theft greater than $300 and less than $500.
• Christopher Jones, 44, 609 Scott St., Rayville; possession of Schedule I CDS (ecstasy).
• Natasha Smith, 37, 106 Traditional St., Rayville; three counts of theft less than $300.
• One juvenile was arrested this week and charged with illegal possession of a firearm and theft less than $1,000.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of 33 traffic citations this week.
That number includes 21 tickets for speeding, three each for no proof of insurance and no driver’s license in possession and one each for expired MVI, expired license place, no seatbelt, failure to carry registration, improper headline and handicapped parking.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson would like to advise all citizens of Rayville that taking something that does not belong to you is a crime.
“Whether it’s in a store, in a house or in a vehicle -- if it doesn’t belong to you, don’t touch it,” the chief said.
Chief Robinson advised that local businesses have security cameras to assist in deterring theft and in identifying suspects when theft occurs. Chief Robinson advised that when you are charged with theft, you will incur fines and will be held responsible for paying restitution to the victim of the theft.
The chief also advises to think before you act.
“If you steal, you will be caught,” he said. “Our officers are working hard to keep this town safe. They are doing a great job and will continue to do so.”
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 Feb. 27 through March 5.
• Dorothy Sledge, 51, 214 Dacron St., Rayville; simple battery.
• Jarret J. Ranel, 30, 514 Mulberry St., Rayville; driving under suspension and failure to yield with an accident.
• Kevin V. Williams, 316 Russell St., #59, Rayville; shoplifting.
• Joshua Cowart, 19, 946 Mingle Road, Rayville; disturbing the peace by loud music.
• Kewanna M. Lavall, 29, 404 Church St., Rayville; driving under suspension.
• Jazmine Kelly, 18, 104 Spruce St., Rayville; simple possession of marijuana.
• Rebecca Fuller, 28, 279 Ollie Morris Road, Rayville; failure to appear (theft of goods, two counts).
• Derrick Modicue, 39, 119 Legacy Drive, Rayville; resisting arrest by flight and harassment.
• Quinton Griffin, 24, 157 Legacy Drive, Rayville; speeding and driving under suspension.
• Amanda L. West, 29, 214 Dacron St., Rayville; harassment.
• Four juveniles were arrested this week. Two were charged with disturbing the peace by fighting, one with simple battery and one with simple escape, illegal possession of a firearm and theft.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of 16 traffic citations this week. That number includes eight for speeding, two for failure to yield and one each for no driver’s license in possession, no proof of insurance, expired MVI, failure to yield, running a stop sign, running a red light and failure to signal a turn.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson would like to remind all citizens they need to think before they act especially in a negative manner.
“I try every week to touch on things in my news release that can help you avoid being in my article,” he said. “Therefore, if you appear in one of my articles, then you have chosen to do the wrong things. To get arrested leaves a charge on our record that could cause problems when you apply for jobs, housing or anything else. It has been said that for every action comes a reaction. So please be mindful of what you do and how you do it.”
Chief Robinson stated that his goal is that there will come a time when we will have to report “No Arrests.”
“My prayer is that God changes the heart of people where there will be more love for our fellow man,” he said.” I vow to keep this community safe wherein you will be proud of it.”
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 most important cultural practice that homeowners with pecan trees should remember is proper fertilization.
Low fertility causes poor shoot growth, reduced nut set and increased susceptibility of the tree to disease and winter damage.
In late spring and early summer, a properly fertilized pecan tree will have an abundance of dark green, healthy leaves forming a full canopy. Annual terminal growth on a mature bearing tree should be 8-12 inches. A young non-bearing tree normally producers more growth.
Pecan trees should be fertilized in late winter to early spring. Fertilizer should be applied by broadcasting over the root zone of the tree starting one foot from the trunk to slightly beyond the tips of the branches.
If fertilizer is applied during an extended dry period, it is best to water the area thoroughly with one to two inches of water.
Fertilize pecan trees based on the trunk diameter. Apply 3 lbs of a complete fertilizer(8-8-8) or an equivalent amount of another complete fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter measured at one foot above the soil line. Later in the growing season(late May to June) add an additional ½ of ammonium sulfate per inch of trunk diameter on trees 25 years of age or older. Zinc can also be limited on acid soils and can be applied as zinc sulfate at ½ lb per inch of trunk diameter up to 10 lbs per mature tree every third year.
Although proper fertilization cannot compensate for lack of moisture, improper pruning or disease and/or insect pressure, it is the most practical and effective tool available to homeowners for improving pecan production.
Drought conditions in August and September can reduce nut production and quality. Timely watering of trees during these months can help produce a larger pecan crop and increase nut quality.
Visit our website at www.lsuagcenter.com/richland or contact the Extension Office in Rayville at 7218-3216 for more information.

Keith Collins is the county agent for the LSU AgCenter in Richland Parish.

Andrew David McQueen earned a PhD in Environmental Toxicology from Clemson University (South Carolina) in December 2016.
Andrew is a 2001 graduate of Rayville High School and earned his undergraduate degree in Toxicology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. After earning a master’s degree at Clemson, Andrew worked for a subcontractor of British Petroleum (BP).
He was part of a team of scientists that collected oil/water ocean samples after the blow-out disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.
He and his wife Cindy, and their two sons, Ethan and Samuel, will be moving to Mississippi where Andrew has accepted a job at the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Waterways Experiment Station, based in Vicksburg.
Andrew is the son of David and Shirley McQueen of Mangham.

The Rayville Police Department made the following arrests for the week of Feb. 6-12.
• Keith Dugan, 34, Merrick St., Rayville; disturbing the peace.
• Anitsha Kelley, 33, 131 Theresa St., Rayville; disturbing the peace by fighting.
• Charles Reynolds, 46, 229 Church St., Rayville, disturbing the peace by fighting.
• Lela Dean, 33, 207 Quail St., Rayville; disobedience to a police officer.
• Two juveniles were charged with simple battery.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of nine traffic citations this week. That number includes three for speeding and one each for failure to yield, expired license plate, modified exhaust, expired inspection sicker, following too close with an accident and expired driver’s license.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson would like to remind all citizens of Rayville to exercise common courtesy when having barbecues and other outdoor gatherings.
The chief advised that citizens should remember to keep the loudness of their music (at home and in vehicles) at a respectful level to avoid being cited for disturbing the peace by loud music.
“You should also be mindful and respectful of your neighbors by keeping your visitors from obstructing your neighbor’s property when parking their vehicles,” he said.
Chief Robinson advised that making Rayville a safe place for all citizens is one of his primary objectives.
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.

A car chase ended with the arrest of a Monroe man recently.
The Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of a suspicious vehicle Feb. 8 on LA 135 south of 4 Forks.
A responding deputy was run off the road by an oncoming vehicle that matched the description of the suspicious vehicle. The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle which was weaving across the yellow line causing a danger to oncoming traffic.
Other Richland Parish deputies responded as the vehicle refused to stop and continued for approximately eight miles before deputies set up a roadblock ending the chase.
The driver, Terrence Moore, 36, of Monroe, was arrested and charged with careless operation, flight from an officer, resisting an officer, no driver’s license, improper registration, expired inspection sticker and no proof of insurance.

The Rayville Police Department has made an arrest in connection with a burglary committed in December.
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson said the burglary occurred Dec. 16 at Rayville West Housing.
During the burglary, a suspect kicked in the door to gain entry, then took a TV, a pair of tennis shoes and a cell phone.
Investigator Jerry Davis arrested Joe Fleming, 18, of 108A Coenen Drive, Rayville in connection with the burglary.
Fleming was then charged with simple burglary and transported to the Richland Parish Detention Center.

A Rayville man has been arrested following an alleged home invasion and attempted rape.
Devolte Pleaseant, 22, of Rayville, was charged with one count of home invasion, one count of attempted rape and one count of burglary on Feb. 10.
This arrest stemmed from a 911 call received by the sheriff’s office in which the caller stated a black male had broken into her home and attacked her.
The caller was able to give a description of the unknown male to deputies who began an investigation. The investigation lead deputies to a residence in Rayville where Pleasant was located and questioned. Pleasant was later booked into the Richland Parish Detention.

The Rayville Police Department has arrested the final suspect in a house burglary which occurred on New Year’s Eve.
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson said his office received a call reporting the burglary on Jan. 1 and discovered the suspects made their entrance through the front door and took several electronic devices.
Investigators gathered information which led them to believe three suspects were involved in the burglary and made two arrests on Feb. 1. They also arrested a third person for illegal possession of stolen things and warrants for the third burglary suspect were issues.
Investigator Jerry Davis was able to locate and arrest D’Andre McGarr, 18, of 207 Church St., Rayville. He was charged with simple burglary and transported to the Richland Parish Detention Center.
Chief Robinson would like to commend his officers for their hard work and dedication in solving this crime.
“Investigator Jerry Davis and I worked tirelessly on behalf of the victim and as a result we were able to recover and return some of the property in a timely manner,” Robinson said. “This is the kind of happy ending we want for all our cases.”

The Rayville Police Department made the following arrests for the week of Feb. 13-19.
• Jeremy R. Berry, 24, 315 Crawford Road, Rayville; failure to appear on a bench warrant for speeding.
• James Carrington, 33, 980 Hwy 134, Rayville; no license plate, driving under suspension, no insurance and expired MVI.
• Lasheka Martinez, 34, 141B North Circle Drive, Rayville; no driver’s license.
• Brad Reynolds, 23, 213 Rosa St., Rayville; simple possession of marijuana.
• Marcus Jones, 24, 104 Spruce St., Rayville; simple possession of marijuana.
• Ramiro S. Gonzales, 24, 2028 Hwy 80, Rayville; improper lane usage and no driver’s license.
• One juvenile was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and no driver’s license.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of 13 traffic citations this week. That number includes nine for speeding and one each for no insurance, careless operation with an accident, improper turn with an accident and expired license plate.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson advised all citizens of Rayville of the importance of cooperating with officers.
“If you are stopped by an officer while you’re driving, be prepared to present your vehicle documents -- driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration,” he said. “If you are questioned by an officer during the course of an investigation, it’s very important for you to cooperate fully and answer all questions truthfully.”
Chief Robinson advised that running/fleeing from an officer, refusing to answer questions or giving false information could all result in being arrested on criminal charges.”
“It is also important that you comply with an officer in the event that you are arrested,” the chief advised. “Resisting the officer in any way will lead to additional charges.”
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 Feb. 20 through 26.
• Tina Robinson, 49, 315 908 Spruce St., Rayville; simple battery.
• Wilbert Wilson, 53, 106 Donna St., Rayville; theft greater than $300 and less than $500.
• Christopher Jones, 44, 609 Scott St., Rayville; possession of Schedule I CDS (ecstasy).
• Natasha Smith, 37, 106 Traditional St., Rayville; three counts of theft less than $300.
• One juvenile was arrested this week and charged with illegal possession of a firearm and theft less than $1,000.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of 33 traffic citations this week.
That number includes 21 tickets for speeding, three each for no proof of insurance and no driver’s license in possession and one each for expired MVI, expired license place, no seatbelt, failure to carry registration, improper headline and handicapped parking.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson would like to advise all citizens of Rayville that taking something that does not belong to you is a crime.
“Whether it’s in a store, in a house or in a vehicle -- if it doesn’t belong to you, don’t touch it,” the chief said.
Chief Robinson advised that local businesses have security cameras to assist in deterring theft and in identifying suspects when theft occurs. Chief Robinson advised that when you are charged with theft, you will incur fines and will be held responsible for paying restitution to the victim of the theft.
The chief also advises to think before you act.
“If you steal, you will be caught,” he said. “Our officers are working hard to keep this town safe. They are doing a great job and will continue to do so.”
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 Feb. 27 through March 5.
• Dorothy Sledge, 51, 214 Dacron St., Rayville; simple battery.
• Jarret J. Ranel, 30, 514 Mulberry St., Rayville; driving under suspension and failure to yield with an accident.
• Kevin V. Williams, 316 Russell St., #59, Rayville; shoplifting.
• Joshua Cowart, 19, 946 Mingle Road, Rayville; disturbing the peace by loud music.
• Kewanna M. Lavall, 29, 404 Church St., Rayville; driving under suspension.
• Jazmine Kelly, 18, 104 Spruce St., Rayville; simple possession of marijuana.
• Rebecca Fuller, 28, 279 Ollie Morris Road, Rayville; failure to appear (theft of goods, two counts).
• Derrick Modicue, 39, 119 Legacy Drive, Rayville; resisting arrest by flight and harassment.
• Quinton Griffin, 24, 157 Legacy Drive, Rayville; speeding and driving under suspension.
• Amanda L. West, 29, 214 Dacron St., Rayville; harassment.
• Four juveniles were arrested this week. Two were charged with disturbing the peace by fighting, one with simple battery and one with simple escape, illegal possession of a firearm and theft.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of 16 traffic citations this week. That number includes eight for speeding, two for failure to yield and one each for no driver’s license in possession, no proof of insurance, expired MVI, failure to yield, running a stop sign, running a red light and failure to signal a turn.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson would like to remind all citizens they need to think before they act especially in a negative manner.
“I try every week to touch on things in my news release that can help you avoid being in my article,” he said. “Therefore, if you appear in one of my articles, then you have chosen to do the wrong things. To get arrested leaves a charge on our record that could cause problems when you apply for jobs, housing or anything else. It has been said that for every action comes a reaction. So please be mindful of what you do and how you do it.”
Chief Robinson stated that his goal is that there will come a time when we will have to report “No Arrests.”
“My prayer is that God changes the heart of people where there will be more love for our fellow man,” he said.” I vow to keep this community safe wherein you will be proud of it.”
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 most important cultural practice that homeowners with pecan trees should remember is proper fertilization.
Low fertility causes poor shoot growth, reduced nut set and increased susceptibility of the tree to disease and winter damage.
In late spring and early summer, a properly fertilized pecan tree will have an abundance of dark green, healthy leaves forming a full canopy. Annual terminal growth on a mature bearing tree should be 8-12 inches. A young non-bearing tree normally producers more growth.
Pecan trees should be fertilized in late winter to early spring. Fertilizer should be applied by broadcasting over the root zone of the tree starting one foot from the trunk to slightly beyond the tips of the branches.
If fertilizer is applied during an extended dry period, it is best to water the area thoroughly with one to two inches of water.
Fertilize pecan trees based on the trunk diameter. Apply 3 lbs of a complete fertilizer(8-8-8) or an equivalent amount of another complete fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter measured at one foot above the soil line. Later in the growing season(late May to June) add an additional ½ of ammonium sulfate per inch of trunk diameter on trees 25 years of age or older. Zinc can also be limited on acid soils and can be applied as zinc sulfate at ½ lb per inch of trunk diameter up to 10 lbs per mature tree every third year.
Although proper fertilization cannot compensate for lack of moisture, improper pruning or disease and/or insect pressure, it is the most practical and effective tool available to homeowners for improving pecan production.
Drought conditions in August and September can reduce nut production and quality. Timely watering of trees during these months can help produce a larger pecan crop and increase nut quality.
Visit our website at www.lsuagcenter.com/richland or contact the Extension Office in Rayville at 7218-3216 for more information.

Keith Collins is the county agent for the LSU AgCenter in Richland Parish.

Three teams from Delhi Charter’s middle school: went to the statewide VEX Robotics competition hosted by Holy Cross School in New Orleans March 4.
After 36 qualifying rounds, all three teams qualified for a spot in the final round.
The DCS Middle Team #3 along with Delta Charter’s Elementary Storminators2 won the final match with a total of 36 points.
The DCS Middle Team #3, along with Delta Charter Elementary Storminators2 won the Teamwork Challenge Award. This DCS team also won the Robot Skills Champion Award (in both Driver Skills and Autonomous Programming); and the Design Award.
DCS Middle Team #1 won the overall Excellence Award which allows this team to compete in the 2017 VEX Worlds - VEX IQ Challenge Middle School Division to be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY from April 23-25.

The Rayville Police Department made the following arrests for the week of March 5-12.
• Lavelle Wilson, 49, 201 Acel St., Rayville; battery on a police officer and disobedience to a police officer.
• Leodis Griffin, 47, 208 Dacron St., Rayville; simple battery.
• Teresa Littleton, 49, 493 Crawford Road, Rayville; no driver’s license.
• Dequarius Martin, 26, 615 Spruce St., Rayville; simple criminal trespass.
• Janna Donaldson, 40, 5108 Hwy 80, Rayville; driving under suspension and speeding.
• Krisstopher Wilmore, 25, 3320 Hwy 425, Rayville; failure to appear on failure yield and failure to appear on expired driver’s license.
• Two juveniles were arrested this week. One was charged with disturbing the peace by profanity and the other with damage to property greater than $100.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of six traffic citations this week. That number includes three for speeding and one each for expired driver’s license, careless operation with an accident and wrong way on a one-way street.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson would like to congratulate the Rayville High School coaching staff and players on a job well done for making it as as the 2A state runner ups.
“I was always told that the last shall be first and the first shall be last, so hold you heads up because you have won the race,” he said. “The race was mounted not on speed but endurance. Our youth endured until the end. It’s not often that both girls and boys make it as far as we did, so thanks be to God. This town should join in our commending young people. Let them know when they have done something positive. Something that we can be proud of. Parents, let us work together in displaying a positive image before our kids. We should continue to lead them in a positive direction.”
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.

A number of Rayville High School students have placed at the State Social Studies Fair.
In the group competition, Christian Littleton and Ketara Baker placed fourth in anthropology, Hayden Adams and Phoenita Watkins placed first in geography, Madison Kennedy and Savannah Jones placed fourth in history, Corey Belk and Lizzie McCormick placed fourth in Louisiana history, Zach Colvin and Breanna Mann placed third in political science, Ian Bairnsfather and Alina Mozehnova placed second in political science and Olivia Biddy and Macy Scarborough placed fourth in sociology.
In the individual competition, RHS students Daizialynn Jenkins placed fifth in Louisiana and Michaela Hutson placed fourth in sociology.