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 the demonstration at 10 a.m. July 1, then visitors can create 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 – inspired by 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 experience and learn about the earthworks and those individuals who raised them from the ground between the years of 1700 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 (3 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 Rayville Police Department made the following arrests for the week of June 19-25.
• Ryan L. Thompson, 35, 202 Mulberry St., Rayville; damage to property greater than $500.
• Chancelor Green, 33, 108 Robin St., Rayville; no driver’s license and failure to yield.
• Marvin Wilson, 34, 445 Dacron St., Rayville; disturbing the peace.
• Dequandra Scheanette, 22, 136A South Circle Drive, Rayville; disturbing the peace.
• Dequarius Washington, 19, 222 Hardin Drive, Monroe; failure to yield.
• Jamal I. Metoyer, 30, 316 Russell St., Apt. 17, Rayville; dimple drug possession and driving under suspension.
• Justin T. White, 24, 207 McConnell St., Rayville; simple battery and simple criminal damage to property less than $500.
• Jasmon Reed, 36, 104 Brown St., Rayville; indecent exposure.
• John C. Phillips, 32, 111 Tulip St., Rayville; disturbing the peace by simple drunk.
• Tullundrea Taylor, 21, 113 Van Buren Drive, Monroe; two counts of failure to appear.
• Joseph C. Williams, 37, 4988 Crenshaw Road, Collinston; two counts of failure to yield, careless operation, driving under suspension, open alcohol container in vehicle, possession of Schedule I (marijuana) and possession of Schedule II with intent to distribute.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of 20 traffic citations this week. That number includes eight for failure to yield, five for speeding, two for careless operation with an accident and one each for no proof of insurance, no seat belt, failure to yield with an accident, improper lane use with an accident and improper backing with an accident.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson would like to remind all the citizens of Rayville that we as a community must all work together to maintain the peace and safety of our town.
“It is your responsibility to abide by the laws and ordinances that are in place to govern citizens,” he said. “It is my responsibility to deal with criminal activity and any behavior that disturbs the peace of Rayville or endangers the citizens.
Chief Robinson advised that his officers are diligent about listening for loud music, watching for fights and dealing with all minor incidents that could escalate into something major.
Chief Robinson wishes all citizens of Rayville a happy and safe Fourth of July celebration.
“Every year on the Fourth of July we celebrate the birth of our nation and our freedom,” he said. “The world freedom also indicates a reasonable expectation from fear, the right to be safe in our homes and in our communities.”
Chief Robinson advised his primary goal is to maintain that freedom in Rayville and protect the homes and businesses in this community from those who are intent on criminal activities.
Chief Robinson would like to caution all citizens to be careful when using fireworks during their celebration of the holiday.
“An adult should supervise all use of fireworks,” he said. “Make sure to use your fireworks in a clear area and do not shoot them towards people, vehicles or buildings.”
The chief would also like to remind citizens that fireworks may not be used after curfew, which is 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday.
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.

Ariana Yelverton of Rayville is one of two rising seniors from the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts attending Girls State.

The annual event is held June 25 through July 1 on the campus of Northwestern State University.

The goals of Girls State are to develop leadership and pride in American citizens, educate delegates about the system of government, instill in delegates a greater understanding of American traditions and stimulate a desire to maintain the democratic government process.

Girls State delegates are sponsored through local American Legion Auxiliary Units and Posts of the American Legion and through contributions provided by private benefactors and businesses who support its goals.

Poverty Point World Heritage Site will host a live pre-historic cooking demonstration, featuring the earth oven method of cooking at 11 a.m. July 22.
Visitors will be able to sample the food prepared by the site ranger, using the materials that would have been available to the local inhabitants over 3,000 years ago.
Poverty Point World Heritage Site offer the visitors the opportunity to study the culture of area inhabitants from 1600 to 1100 BCE. The $4 admission fee provides access to the area museum, video, hiking trail, driving tour, tram and any interpretive event taking place at the site. Children (3 and under) and senior citizens (62 and over) are admitted free.
Poverty Point is located in West Carroll Parish, east of Monroe on La. 577. Poverty Point World Heritage Site is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 888-926-5492.

Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, continued his efforts on Monday to prevent the privatization of the air traffic control system by speaking against the idea in a speech on the House floor.
The speech comes just days after Dr. Abraham and Congressmen Steve Russell, R-Okla.; Tom Cole, R-Okla.; Ron Estes, R-Kan.; and Walter Jones, R-NC; sent a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy that detailed the many reasons why ATC privatization is bad for skies.
Dr. Abraham, who is a pilot, and Russell have been leading efforts in the House to prevent ATC privatization language from being included in the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill. Their efforts are having success as consideration of the FAA reauthorization bill has been delayed after it was initially scheduled for this week.
“Our airspace is a public resource and a great national treasure. Control over it should not be handed over to a private board with no oversight from Congress and, therefore, no obligation to represent the best interests of the citizens of the United States,” Dr. Abraham said during his speech. “Modernization should continue to be our goal, and Congress can get there without jeopardizing control and safety of our national airspace.”
Dr. Abraham contends that privatizing ATC would risk our national security. Privatization would remove Congress and the President’s oversight authority and place control of our nation’s skies with a private corporation made up of special interests.
“We have the safest airspace in the world, but privatizing the air traffic controllers will put the safety of our skies at risk,” Dr. Abraham said. “Replacing Congressional oversight with a private corporation would threaten the United States’ ability to maintain the integrity of our airspace, would put at risk the thousands of missions the military conducts in our skies each day, and would give private contractors access to classified data - all of which undermines our national security.”
Additionally, ATC privatization would be harmful to rural areas like Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District. A private board driven by profits would prioritize air traffic services in places where it can raise revenue, which would lead to a reduction in service for rural areas with smaller populations. Instituting a private user fee model - as ATC privatization would do - would reduce revenues to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which is critical for upgrades and maintenance at small and medium-sized airports.
“Reliable air traffic services and airport infrastructure are essential for rural areas to attract business for economic growth and for all Americans to have access to safe and efficient travel. This plan is bad for rural America,” Dr. Abraham said.

The Rayville Police Department made the following arrests for the week of July 9-16.
• Cindy Murphy, 21, 117B South Circle Drive, Rayville; no driver’s license and expired license plate.
• Joshua Camp, 22, 353 Henry Martin Road, Columbia; simple battery.
• Jocquez Brown, 24, 130 Prairie Loop, Winnsboro; no driver’s license, improper use of a dealer plate and failure to secure license.
• John Thorton, 123 Ollie St., Rayville; possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of theft.
• Jerome Owens, 46, 158 Legacy Drive, Rayville; driving under suspension.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of 12 traffic citations this week. That number includes five for speeding and one each for improper lane change with an accident, no seat belt, careless operation with an accident, following too close with an accident, failure to carry registration, running a stop sign and failure to signal.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson would like to remind motorists of the importance of obeying all traffic signs and signals.
“Posted speed limit signs, stop signs, yield signs and other traffic signs are there for the safety of all vehicles on the road,” he said. “When you fail to obey traffic signs, you put yourself and other drivers in danger. My officers are constantly alert for traffic violations.”
The chief would also like to warn residents about buying or trading stolen merchandise.
“If you intend on doing either one of those, I advise you to take a second thought,” Chief Robinson said. “It is against the law and you will be charged. So be mindful and don’t let anyone get you caught up.”
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 July 17-23.
• Destiny C. Daniels, 19, 1737 Highway 618, Winnsboro; four counts of failure to appear.
• Hakeem Fairley, 21, 201 Blackmon St., Rayville; simple burglary.
• Cheryl Richardson, 45, 702 Cotton St., Rayville; criminal mischief.
• Shannon Walters, 38, 4701 Richwood Road #1, Monroe; simple burglary.
• Aphelia Houston, 37, 610 Scott St., Rayville; disturbing the peace.
• Frank Hatton, 54, 610 Scott St., Rayville; disturbing the peace.
• Patricia D. Adams, 36, 2571 Hwy 865, Winnsboro; shoplifting.
• Ladarrius P. Dean, 27, 108A South Circle Drive, Rayville; unauthorized entry and simple battery.
• Jarrel Gundy, 18, 300 Grant Drive, Monroe; resisting an officer and displaying a firearm.
• Dequarius M. Martin, 26, 615 Spruce St., Rayville; two counts of disturbing the peace (general).
• Demarion Clark, 18, 215 Francis St., Rayville; disturbing the peace by fighting.
• Alan M. Hicks, 20, 518 Eugene St., Rayville; disturbing the peace (general).
• Brandon Wilson, 27, 123 Dacron St., Rayville; no driver’s license and improper backing with an accident.
• Devin D. Griffin, 24, 419 Draper St., Rayville; driving under suspension and no insurance.
• Trezure Reynolds, 18, 419 Church St., Rayville; disturbing the peace by fighting.
• Starwanda Brandley, 19, 1604 Lee St., Bastrop, disturbing the peace by fighting.
• Tommie Keys Jr., 43, 1497 Silver Lake Drive, Norcross, Ga.; open container.
• Two juveniles were arrested this week One was charged with disturbing the peace by fighting and one with monetary instrument abuse.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of 10 traffic citations this week. That number includes two each for failure to yield and no plate lamp and one each for speeding, expired driver’s license, no seat belt, improper lane use and brake lamp regulation.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson advised all citizens of Rayville that it is very important to be in court if you are scheduled to appear.
“Whether you have been scheduled to appear in court on a traffic citation or as the victim, witness or suspect of a crime, if you have been scheduled to appear in court, it is mandatory to appear,” he said.
Chief Robinson stated that failure to appear in court as scheduled will result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest.
“If a bench warrant is issued, you will be located and arrested for failure to appear and you may be incarcerated,” the chief said. “You will also accrue additional fines.”
Chief Robinson would like to caution all citizens about buying stolen merchandise. If you buy stolen items such as guns, TVs, cell phones, etc., you will be charged with possession of stolen things.
“Ask yourself is this person an authorized dealer of this merchandise,” Robinson said. “Do not buy anything off the streets because if you are approached on the street, there is a chance it is stolen. I truly believe if you cut off the demand, then there won’t be any supply.”
Chief Robinson further state that charges of disturbing the peace by fighting are on the rise.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of not fighting,” he said. “The price you pay for fighting in the town limits of Rayville is costly. I encourage you to walk away and let my officers handle your disputes. I ask all to remember for every action, there is a reaction.”
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 July 23-30.
• Tommie Keyes, 43, 419 Silver Lake Drive, Norcross, Ga.; open container.
• Devin Griffin, 24, 419 Draper St., Rayville; no driver’s license.
• Lamarrio White, 29, 17 Caldwell Road, Rayville; driving under suspension.
• Delancey Price, 18, 204 Margaret St., Rayville; simple possession of marijuana, disturbing the peace by fighting and disturbing the peace (general).
• Austin Dodd, 22, 903 Dogwood Road, Clinton, Miss.; careless operation and open container.
• Apron Cleveland, 36, 303 Blackmon St., Rayville; simple battery.
• Five juveniles were arrested the week. One was charged with eight counts of vehicle burglary and four were charged with disturbing the peace by fighting.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of 10 traffic citations this week. That number includes 6 for speeding and one each for no proof of insurance, failure to yield, failure to yield with an accident and operating an ATV on a public street.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson would like to remind motorists that it is against the law to consume alcoholic beverages while driving or to have opened alcoholic beverages in your vehicle.
“Not only is it against the law to drink while driving,” he said, “but it also puts lives in danger.”
Chief Robinson would like to advise all citizens of Rayvile that fighting and other forms of violent behavior is not welcome here and will not be tolerated.
“If you find yourself in an altercation that could escalate into violence, walk away,” he said.
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.

Rayville High School will host its Back to School/Parent Conference Night for Freshman at 6 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Richland Arts Center.
The Back to School/Parent Conference Night for sophomores, juniors and seniors will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Richland Arts Center.
Parents and students will be introduced to the faculty and receive a brief orientation. Teachers will entertain parent questions, distribute class schedules and course syllabus and discuss general policies and procedures at that time.
Former Rayville High graduate and 2015-16 Grambling State University Student Government President Johnathan Wallace will be on the Rayville High School campus at 7:40 a.m. Aug. 16 to participate in a back to school motivational skit and speaking appearance in the Rayville Arts Center.
In addition, Louisiana-based Gospel Hip-Hop/R&B artist, Al “Big AL” Cherry will be on the Rayville High School campus at 2 p.m. Aug. 17 to participate in a back to school motivational music and speaking appearance in the RHS gym.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is accepting deer lottery hunt applications for physically challenged hunters on Sabine and Floy McElroy Wildlife Management Areas and disabled veterans on Camp Beauregard WMA for the 2017-18 hunting season.
These special hunts are restricted to hunters selected through the lottery application process. These hunts offer the opportunity for selected hunters to experience an enjoyable, wildlife oriented outdoor experience on these WMAs.
Details on the qualifications, application requirements and dates of the hunts are listed on the application forms. The application deadline is Sept. 1.
Successful applicants will be selected by a random computer drawing. Applications for the lottery must be submitted to LDWF by the deadline listed on the application. A $5 administrative fee must be submitted with each application.
Applications and more information may be obtained by contacting your local LDWF field office or by visiting the LDWF web site at http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/hunting/lottery-hunts .
Applications may be delivered in person to Room 442 of the LDWF headquarters building located at 2000 Quail Dr. in Baton Rouge or by mail. The mailing address is: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000.
For more information, contact Steve Smith at 225-765-2359 or ssmith@wlf.la.gov.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is accepting applications for waterfowl lottery hunts on wildlife management areas for the 2017-18 hunting season.
The hunts include the WMA Youth Waterfowl Lottery Hunts at Bayou Pierre, Russell Sage and Sherburne WMAs, the Sherburne WMA Disabled Veterans Waterfowl Lottery Hunt, the Sherburne WMA General Waterfowl Lottery Hunt and the Bayou Pierre WMA General Waterfowl Lottery Hunt.
These special hunts are restricted to hunters selected through the lottery application process.
These hunts offer the opportunity for selected hunters to experience an enjoyable, wildlife oriented outdoor experience on these WMAs.
Details on the qualifications, application requirements and dates of the hunts are listed on the application forms.
The application deadline is Sept. 29.
Successful applicants will be selected by a random computer drawing. Applications for the lottery must be submitted to LDWF by the deadline listed on the application. A $5 administrative fee must be submitted with each application.
Applications and more information may be obtained by contacting your local LDWF field office or by visiting the LDWF web site at http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/hunting/lottery-hunts .
Applications may be delivered in person to Room 442 of the LDWF headquarters building located at 2000 Quail Dr. in Baton Rouge or by mail.
The mailing address is: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000.
For more information about the waterfowl lottery hunts and the application process, contact Steve Smith at 225-765-2359 or ssmith@wlf.la.gov .

Get a look at some of the plants which would have been eaten and used by the ancient Native Americans on Saturday, Aug. 5, at Poverty Point World Heritage Site.
A 1.5-mile ranger-led hike will take visitors around the site, following an introductory film at 9:30 a.m.
With no modern conveniences available 3,500 years ago, the mound builders at Poverty Point lived a very different existence.
This group of hunter-gatherers did not grow their own food. Instead, they relied on the surrounding wilderness as both their supermarket and their pharmacy.
There will likely be some edible fruit along the trail, including pawpaws, muscadine grapes, and blackberries, which will be ripe enough to sample.
Be aware that this event is weather permitting and visitors should wear appropriate hiking clothing.
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 1700 and 1100 BCE.
The $4 admission fee provides access to the museum, film theatre, hiking trail, driving tour, seasonal tram tour, and interpretive events.
Children (3 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.

Rayville High School ariscience educator Dale Summers and Mangham High School agriscience educator Elizabeth Gregorie attended the LATA State Professional Development Conference July 24-26 in Lafayette.
They joined more than 200 agriscience educators from across the state of Louisiana in this three-day conference, updating skills and discussing issues/concerns facing agricultural education.
The primary goal of the conference was training in the following areas: discussing organizational strategies for upcoming legislation, developing teaching skills and techniques by attending workshops and in-services, assisting with the development of Jumpstart pathways, and increasing the camaraderie within and among technical education divisions.
The conference included guest presenters, discussions, workshops, committee work, and business meetings.
The LATA is the professional organization for agriscience and agribusiness educators and FFA advisors within Louisiana.

Weather permitting, Poverty Point World Heritage Site will host an eclipse viewing of the Great American Eclipse Aug. 21.
Viewing of the eclipse will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on Mound A; staff will provide information on eclipses and what they may have meant to the inhabitants of the area centuries ago. Groups are encouraged to contact the park, in advance, to plan their visit during the eclipse.
While the path of the complete eclipse will pass well north of the site, NASA maps indicate that the sun will be obscured by about 80% in northeast Louisiana. The eclipse is estimated to begin at 11:51 a.m., reach peak eclipse at 1:22 p.m., and end by 2:51 p.m. Eclipse-viewing glasses will be provided by the site on a first come, first served basis. Experts recommend that people do not look directly at the sun, even when during a partial eclipse. More information about the 2017 Solar Eclipse can be found at eclipse2017.nasa.gov.
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 1700 and 1100 BCE. The $4 admission fee provides access to the museum, film theatre, hiking trail, driving tour, seasonal tram tour, and interpretive events. Children (3 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. For more information about Louisiana State Parks visit LaStateParks.com, or follow Louisiana State Parks on Facebook and Twitter.

The Rayville Police Department made the following arrests for the week of July 31 through Aug. 6.
• Robert Wilson, 32, 811 Barefield Road, Rayville; disturbing the peace (fighting).
• Willie Watkins III, 28, Richardson St., Rayville; disturbing the peace.
• Justin White, 25, 207 McConnell Drive, Rayville; aggravated vehicle burglary (two counts), vehicle burglary (six counts) and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile (seven counts).
• Kinyko Booker, 26, 33 Plum Tree, Rayville; receiving stolen goods.
• Delancey Price, 204l Margaret St., Rayville; simple battery.
• Michael Marceleno, 26, 110 Fisk Road, Oak Grove; theft greater than $300 (three counts).
• One juvenile was charged with simple burglary.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of 22 traffic citations this week.
That number includes 18 citations for speeding and one each for no proof of insurance, no seat belt, failure to yield and failure to obey a traffic signal with an accident.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson advised his report isn’t very long this week and he can attribute this to individuals adhering to the law and ordinances.
“However, I pray for the day that this article will reflect no arrests,” he said. “I vow to keep this town safe but law enforcement needs you, the community, to help. My motto is “If you see something, say something.”
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.

CROWLEY - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2017, at 11 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church for Milo Addison Nickel, Sr., 85, who passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Lafayette. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. prior to the services. Monsignor Charles DuBois will officiate for the services and Kenneth Privat will give the eulogy.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sybil Rourke Nickel of Crowley; his sons, Milo A. Nickel, Jr. and his wife, Erin O'Carroll Nickel of Lake Charles and Mark Nickel of Crowley; his grandchildren, Milo A Nickel III, Evan A. Nickel, Joshua Graham Nickel, Ellen Katherine Nickel and Mary Margaret Nickel, all of Lake Charles, Mary Elise Nickel and Elizabeth Nickel Boulet and her husband, PJ Boulet, all of Crowley; his great grandchildren, Kate Elizabeth and Peter John Boulet, both of Crowley; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Milo E. Nickel and Minerva Ann Crane Nickel; one sister, Francis Ella Hones and his brother-in-law, Don Hones.
He was born November 10, 1931 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He served in the United States Air Force as a Tech Sergeant flying in the Korean War.
Nickel spent his entire career in the newspaper business, beginning by working with his dad at the Chippewa Herald Telegram as Advertising Director.
In 1957, he moved to Louisiana where he worked as a sales representative with the Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Later that year, he was named General Manager of the Rayne-Acadian Tribune and the Church Point News. He was founding publisher of the Crowley-Post Herald and in 1974 he was the founding publisher of the merged Crowley Post-Herald and Crowley Daily Signal which became the Crowley Post-Signal.
Nickel was an old time newspaper man who insisted that his editors and reporters wrote straight news stories without editorializing, unlike many of the reporters who slanted news stories with their personal views.
Nickel was known for his commitment to the news and dedication to the community that he made his home for more than half-a-century. His column, "The MAN" was well received among Post-Signal readers and was known as a forum where Nickel would say "That's my story and I'm sticking to it."
He has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Louisiana State Newspapers, Inc. which consisted of over 33 newspapers and numerous total market shoppers in Louisiana and Mississippi.
He was recognized for numerous awards with the Louisiana Press Association, which he also served as a board member. He was also a board member of the National Newspaper Association. Throughout his newspaper career he was presented awards for his dedication and service to Crowley and the Acadia Parish community and for his in-depth coverage of local events, politics and area organizations.
He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church. He had been a member of the American Legion Post 15 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He had served as a member of the board of directors of the Crowley Chamber of Commerce and the International Rice Festival.
Other organizations he was involved with included Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, Professional Bass Anglers of America, Notre Dame Athletic Club, Cajun Chapter Ducks Unlimited, where he served as chairman, Rayne Lions Club and Rayne Young Men's Business Club. He was also a founding member of the Summit Group in Crowley.
He loved Southwest Louisiana and spent his leisure time enjoying what he loved most which was fishing and hunting.
His family would like to thank all those who provided for his care. They include M.D. Anderson doctors and staff, Encore Healthcare and Rehabilitation staff, Acadia General Hospital doctors and staff, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital doctors and staff. Also a special thanks to the following doctors, Dr. Joseph Brierre, Dr. Satinder Saini, Dr. Max Trahan and Dr. Victor Tedesco.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or St. Michael Catholic Elementary School.
Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

The Rayville Police Department made the following arrests for the week of Aug. 6-13.
• Johnny Estis, 33, 311 Dacron St., Rayville; damage to property less than $100.
• Donald Risher Jr., 18, 466 Lord Road, Oak Ridge; aggravated assault with a firearm (two counts).
• Allen Lenard, 38, 2969 Swartz Fairbank, Monroe; driving under suspension and speeding.
• Mark Coner 32, Scott St., Rayville; open container and disturbing the peace by simple drunk.
• Stacy Sikes, 46, 20 Foster Road, Delhi; disturbing the peace.
• Sean Sikes, 49, 20 Foster Road, Delhi; disturbing the peace.
• Goldie Rucker, 54, 225 Russell St., Rayville; disturbing the peace.
• Shyquita Roberson, 25, 507 Harding St., Lake Providence; wrong way on a one way and driving under suspension.
• Tony Williams, 26, 316 Russell St., Apt. 48, Rayville; no driver’s license.
• Jennifer Joyner, 42, 1105 Edards Lot 3, West Monroe; theft less than $100.
• Jamar Porter, 21, 203 Mississippi St., Rayville; disturbing the peace by loud music.
• Four juveniles were arrested this week. One was charged with accessory to theft, one with accessory to theft and illegal carrying of a weapon, one with theft less than $300 and one with damage to property greater than $100 and displaying a firearm.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of 19 traffic citations this week. That number includes 12 for speeding, two for failure to obey a traffic control with an accident and one each for no driver’s license in possession, careless operation with an accident, improper turn with an accident, improper muffler and running a stop light.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson advised all motorists to be cautious and alert when driving through residential neighborhoods.
“School is back in session and in the mornings and afternoons school buses will be stopping frequently to pick up and drop off children,” the chief said.
He also commented that motorists should remember it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus.
Chief Robinson also advised that speed limits in school zones are strictly enforced.
Chief Robinson would also like to encourage parents to get involved in their children’s academic endeavors.
“A good education will help prepare your children for the future,” he said. “Monitor their school attendance and performance.”
He also reminded parents they can talk with school staff members if their children are having any problems in school.
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 Louisiana Purchase Council, Boy Scouts of America will host Join Boy Scouts School Night kickoffs in Richland Parish Aug. 24 and Sept. 7.
Parents or guardians and their sons are encouraged to attend these kickoffs to learn about all the Boy Scouts has to offer them.
To join Cub Scouts, youth must be 7 years old or in the first grade. To join Boy Scouts, youth must be 11 years old or in the sixth grade.
School Nights confirmed include:
• Delhi Charter School, Delhi Elementary School, Delhi Middle School and Holly Ridge Elementary School at Delhi United Methodist Church, 6 p.m. Aug. 24, 402 Main St., Delhi
• Start Elementary, 6 p.m. Sept. 7 at the school cafeteria
A complete listing of school nights scheduled in multiple parishes is available at www.louisi

The Rayville Police Department made the following arrests for the week of Aug. 14-20.
• Denisha L. Reynolds, 34, 517 Girard Road; shoplifting.
• Marilyn Tyson, 49, 122C South Circle Drive, Rayville; simple battery.
• Jacob K. Fitt, 23, 218 Humphries Road, Winnsboro; driving under suspension.
• Allen D. Stone, 500 Spruce St., Rayville; littering.
• One juvenile was charged with disturbing the peace by loud music.
• • •
The Rayville Police Department issued a total of 45 traffic citations this week. That number includes 34, seven for no seat belt and one each for expired driver’s license, no proof of insurance, careless operation with an accident and failure to register a vehicle.
• • •
Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson states that school is back in session and all motorists should be mindful of their speed.
“By now it should be obvious that my officers will catch you speeding and a citation will be issues,” he said. “Make sure that the vehicle that you are operating is up to standards on the necessary paperwork. I also encourage all to please buckle up. It’s the law.”
Chief Robinson would also like to tell youth to stay in school so they can get an education.
“It has been proven that education is the key that opens the door to success,” he said. “I feel that if you surround yourself with positive people, then positive things will happen for you. I believe that this school year will be a blessed year.”
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.

Go back in time and learn about an ancient culture, the Poverty Point inhabitants, that once lived in northeast Louisiana more than 3,500 years ago and how they developed and created tools used in their everyday lives.
The program will be held from 1- 4 p.m. Sept. 3 with demonstrations beginning on the hour.
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 and any interpretive events taking place at the site.
Children (3 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 888-926-5492 toll free or 926-5492 locally or follow Poverty Point World Heritage Site on Facebook.