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RUSTON - The Rayne High FFA Land Judging Team placed first at the 2019 State FFA Land Judging Contest held Wednesday, Nov. 13, in Ruston.
The contest was held on the campus of Louisiana Tech University, at the College of Agriculture Farm, where 41 teams and over 140 FFA members were in attendance from schools across the state.
Teams faced the frigid temperatures trying to claim an invitation to the National FFA Land Judging Contest in Oklahoma City in May of 2020.
Rayne High’s team claimed the top prize and was crowned state champions.
Team members are Hayley Hoover, Alyssa Richard, Noah David, Kaleb Olivier, Dayton Lewis, Britton Cope, Hunter Richard, along with advisors Max Fontenot and Spencer Stelly.
Dayton Lewis received the highest score of the event and was awarded the “Highest Individual” plaque.
Congratulations to the Rayne High School FFA Land Judging Team for qualifying for the national contest!

The historic Rayne Depot will be the setting on this weekend on Sunday, Dec. 1, for “Movie in the Park” as announced by co-sponsors (City of Rayne, Rayne Remembered Facebook Group and Don Shetler).
Surrounded by spectacular Christmas decor, the holiday fun will begin at 5 p.m. when fans will visit with Santa Claus, including photos and letters.
Following the 5-6 p.m. visits with Santa, “The Polar Express” will be shown for all to enjoy. Come dressed in pajamas, bring a blanket and chair, and enjoy a fun night of the old-fashioned holidays. (Please dress appropriately for the weather.)
Admission is free, no tickets needed, and refreshments will be provided by Don Shetler and their employees.
In addition, the season of giving will also be felt as three boxes will be set up at the Depot for the Polar Express viewing. Each will be provided for a special cause: (1) food donations for food bank; (2) coats for kids; and (3) toys for the needy.
While enjoying the evening of Christmas joy, please help someone who needs assistance for the holidays.

RAYNE - Guest speakers representing Acadia General Hospital were welcomed during the November meeting of the Rayne Chamber of Commerce.
With the absence of Chamber president Jeremy Lavergne, vice president Suzette Leonards presided over the meeting and welcomed the three guest speakers, Joe Mitchell, CEO of Acadia General; Heather Harris, Business Development Specialist; and Glenn Daly AGH Associate Administrator.
Mitchell presented information of the upcoming merger of Acadia General and Ochsner’s.
“While we are in a strong position today, this merger will lead to greater financial stability for LSH long-term, especially for UHC that will enable us to continue serving the most vulnerable of the community,” Mitchell stated.
Mitchell also stated, “By combining our resources and Ochsner’s investment of $365 million over the next 10 years will mean expanded local healthcare and a significant impact on our local economy.”
He stressed that much would remain the same, including local decision making, protecting and investing in locals and the same physicians patients know and trust.
“With the merger,” Mitchell continued, “we will acquire 48 new physician residents, adding an additional 50 services we already provide.
“I really think this is a win-win for everyone included, especially our patients.”
Heather Harris, Business Development Special with AGH, explained a corporate health care program to be provided by LGH and AGH providing a program to keep employees healthy and the many services the program provides.
Glenn Daly, AGH Associate Administrator, also offered a question and answer session for Chamber members in attendance.
During the business portion of the meeting, Nikki Link gave a report of the 2020 Frog Festival, stating that everything is in motion with nominations to begin for grand marshal and poster contest.
In addition, she noted the musical line-up is almost complete and reminded Board members to continue with sponsorships by taking their sponsorship packets.
Bihm also noted that food vendors for the Frog Festival are also showing interests, a positive outlook for the 2020 festival.
Chairman Marietta Sikat gave a report of the upcoming Rayne Holiday Market set for Saturday, Nov. 30, at The Depot. She noted that to date, 15 vendors were already booked, with just as many already contacting her and the Chamber for their inclusion.
“I really think it will be a great day,” state Sikat, “not only for us at The Depot, but also for the “Shop Small Saturday” to include local businesses. We will have some fun events for the entire family, plus plenty of shopping on The Depot grounds and at the numerous Rayne businesses who are participating.”
A report of the recently completed OST Day Celebration was given by Chairman Eddie Palmer.
“First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their assistance, especially the committee members,” stated Palmer. “The weather was perfect for the 40 vendors we had in attendance.”
He continued, “I feel the high point of the day was the blessing of the OST Highway by Deacon Besse. That was great. Can’t wait until next year.”
Adult Scout Leaders Dineen and David Constantin reported on the new and improved Chamber frog pond, an ongoing project of the local Boy Scouts.
“We presently have nine active and healthy frogs in the clean, upgraded frog pond,” Dineen Constantin announced to applause by the Board.
An update was given on the upcoming Chamber Mardi Gras Ball slated Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Civic Center. “Totally the 80s” is the theme that will honor the new king, queen and royal court. Tickets are available for purchase from any court member or at the Chamber office.
Chairman Brain Mouton gave a brief report of the Rayne Mardi Gras Parade and After Party planned Saturday, Feb. 22, the weekend prior to Mardi Gras (Feb. 25).
Under old business, Mouton updated the Board of the new Chamber of Commerce sign being made by the Rayne High ag department. He reported the delay was caused by a broken machine that was needed to complete the new sign. He stated the sign should be ready for the holidays.
Cynthia Oliver gave an update of the annual First Responders Breakfast and that plans were on schedule with a number of sponsors assisting the Chamber for the project held to honor first responders of the Rayne area.
Announcements and reminders included:
• The Bank, now open with grand opening and ribbon cutting slated Friday, Nov. 22;
• Frog Festival committee meeting scheduled Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. at Chamber office;
• Holiday Market meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at noon at Chamber office to complete final plans.
The meeting was adjourned and a lunch provided by Acadia General Hospital was enjoyed.

As Christmas nears and holiday programs begin, the third annual “Breakfast With Santa” will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Rayne Civic Center.
The City of Rayne, the Ronald Stutes family and a host of community volunteers have joined forces once again to provide this special holiday event for the children of Rayne.
The event will be free for children from throughout the community; however, due to limited space, only 400 tickets will be available, according to Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux.
The children-only breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. at the Civic Center with events concluding at noon.
After breakfast, youngsters can have fun by making an ornament, listen to Christmas stories, play a variety of games and make reindeer food.
Little ones can also write a letter to Santa or play in the “snow” while making memories to last a lifetime.
Tickets are available at City Hall on a first come, first serve basis. Only five children tickets per family will be dispensed.
Christmas Parade
The City of Rayne will be one of the first in Acadiana to begin the holiday season by holding its annual Christmas Parade on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m.
The Christmas Parade will again see beautiful floats, along the decorated boulevard and Depot Square.
Floats this year will feature the Mayor and city officials, city royalty, students from local schools, Little Miss Merry Christmas and Master Noel royalty and contestants, and the big jolly man himself, Santa Claus.
Leading the parade in her place of honor will be 2019 Miss Rayne Kailey Hollier.
Parade lineup will be on Gossen Memorial Drive (the street leading to the Civic Center) and those interested in participating should begin arriving after 5 p.m. Incoming traffic will be routed north on Section Street, around the City Barn to the Civic Center or the parade lineup depending on the purpose of each vehicle. Outgoing traffic will be routed in front of the Civic Center and around Armstrong School. There are no fees to enter parade. You may call (334-3121) or stop by City Hall to register.
There will be no four-wheelers allowed in the parade with the exception of police and/or parade personnel.
The parade route will follow the Boulevard and disembark at the American Legion Parking Lot or the City of Rayne Power Plant parking lot, at which time all are invited to walk a block back to the Rayne Depot Square.
There will be a Mayor’s Award Trophy awarded to the best decorated unit in this year’s parade and the winner will be announced after the parade from the Depot Square platform.
Once at the Depot Square, Santa will be available until 8 p.m. for visitation, wish list requests and photos with the little ones (and not so little ones). Letters for Santa will be able to deposit their letters to Santa in a specially marked Santa’s mailbox.
The Christmas Parade and visits with Santa activities have become an annual event celebrating the holidays as the streets of Rayne glitter and glow.
Anyone needing further information can contact Suzette Leonards at 334-6682, via email at Suzette.leonards@rayne.org or stop by Rayne City Hall.