2-way race for parish president at noon Friday

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A two-way race for St. Landry Parish president remained as of noon Friday.
Qualifying began Wednesday and ended at 4:30 p.m. Friday.
The race developed earlier with Jessie Bellard, interim parish president, and Dwain Buller qualifying on Wednesday.
Bellard, of the 700 block of Landreneau Road, Eunice, qualified as a Democrat.
Buller, of the 100 block of George Buller Road, Bunkie, qualified as a Republican.
The election is to fill the unexpired term of former president Bill Fontenot, who resigned citing health issues in August 2020.
The next full parish president term will be decided in the fall 2023 election.
Three constable jobs were open for qualifying. As of noon Friday, Wayne Pitcher, of Palmetto, for District 9 constable justice of the peace; Luke Leger, of Washington, for District 11 constable justice of the peace; and Brenda Manuel, of Washington, for District 13 constable justice of the peace.
Qualifying also was underway for the 5th Congressional District seat. Qualifiers, as of noon Friday, were: Chad Conerly, of Kentwood; Allen Guillory, of Lawtell; and Horace Melton III, of Shreveport; Sandra “Candy” Christophe, of Alexandria; Julia Letlow, of Rayville; Sancha Smith, of Opelousas; Errol Victor Sr., of Slidell; Jessica Honsinger Hollister, Of Bogalusa; and M.V. “Vinny” Mendoza, of Pontchtoula.
The March 20 ballot also is to include tax votes in Fire District 3 and Gravity District 1 in Ward 3.
Qualifying is being held through Friday at the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court Office in Suite 207 Administration, 118 S. Court St., St. Landry Parish Courthouse, Qualifying ended at 4:30 p.m. Friday.
The general election is April 24.
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