Richwood Chaos, Fight Threats

Richwood LA "God's Country" has serious issues which when aren't addressed will only get worse. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Those are the sentiments of a Richwood resident who said that the town under Richwood Mayor Gerald Brown is making it difficult for business owners. The actions by the town's council are pushing three businesses to the brink of going out of business. The changing of an ordinance that compels businesses to shut down their business by 2:15 AM, or face the possibility of arrest. The reason the town wants businesses to be closed by 2:15 AM was allegedly because of safety concerns, according to sources. Businesses owners, as there are not that many, say that they are willing to pay for security details to ensure safety if that is the true issue, by closing them down when there is a crowd out there to support the businesses makes no sense. They say that the town is depriving itself of revenue, even as it is alleged that the bingo hall is allowed to remain open until 3:30 AM, according to sources. Sources say that during the last town hall meeting August 15, 2024, an altercation almost erupted between Richwood Police Chief Jhonny Cleveland and Alderman Wysinger Cleveland. An alleged challenge to "go outside" was made by the chief, as tensions increased between the two men. Mayor Brown was said to have intervened, but sources tell the Monroe Dispatch that they were disappointed that the situation got that far out of hand before it could escalate further. There are those who felt that those days of chaotic meetings where alleged threats were over now while there are new representatives on the town council, but some are saying that it is business as usual in Richwood. More details will be shared as they become available.