Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   Sunny, with a high near 49. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Tonight   Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 27. Calm wind.

Wednesday   Sunny, with a high near 54. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Calm wind.

Thursday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Thursday Night   A 50 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight.

Statement from Washington Parish President Ryan Seal

“We continue to closely monitor the extreme cold weather impacting Washington Parish, and I want to assure our residents that parish operations remain stable and prepared.

At this time, there are no travel concerns, and our public buildings are safe. Our Department of Public Works crews began salting bridges Sunday as soon as weather conditions allowed, treating approximately 50 bridges across the parish, including the emergency entrance at Riverside Medical Center. Crews were back out this morning checking bridges and roads, and no issues have been reported. Our teams remain ready to respond and will salt again if conditions require it.

Washington Parish remains under an Extreme Cold Warning through noon Tuesday, with dangerously
cold wind chills expected to remain in the single digits to lower teens. While we anticipate a very cold start to Tuesday, we are forecasted to see several hours above freezing, with a high near 48 degrees. Sub-freezing temperatures are expected to continue into Wednesday.

For those in need of warmth, four warming centers remain open at least through Wednesday, January 28. We are grateful to our fire districts and community partners for making these facilities available. The Poplas Quarters Community Center assisted six residents, and we continue to encourage neighbors to check on one another during this cold weather.

The safety of our citizens remains our top priority. We will continue working with our departments and partners to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed. Please stay warm, stay safe, and continue to look out for one another.”

— President Ryan Seal

Obituary

Richard Lynn Cutrer

August 19, 1946 - January 25, 2026

Obituary

Ellen H. Moore

August 1, 1949 - January 23, 2026

Obituary

Minnie Lee Wascom

September 3, 1940 - January 26, 2026

Obituary

Barbara Ann Fleniken Jones

January 28, 1942 - January 25, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 24-25, 2026

Joseph Simmons (age 35 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by
the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released January 24, 2026.

Jasmine Magee (age 33 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling, Resisting an Officer, and Disturbing the Peace/Loud & Abusive Language by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $12000.00.

Kendria Warren (age 21 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

Edna Mestayer (age 65 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Prohibited Acts/Schedule II and Possession of Schedule IV Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $7500.00.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Obituary

Dana Nicole Stillwell-Smith

November 16, 1976 - January 20, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   Sunny, with a high near 38. Wind chill values as low as 9. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight   Clear, with a low around 17. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday   Sunny, with a high near 48. Calm wind.

Tuesday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. Calm wind.

Wednesday   Sunny, with a high near 51. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 23. Calm wind.

Obituary

David Wayne Edwards

April 1, 1964 - January 20, 2026

Obituary

Robert Anderson "Bob" Lee

October 3, 1928 – January 17, 2026

Obituary

John Benjamen Kennedy

February 15, 1955 - January 22, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   A 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Temperature falling to around 34 by 5pm. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.  New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. Wind chill values as low as 10. North wind around 15 mph.

Monday   Sunny, with a high near 39. Wind chill values as low as 7. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Monday Night   Widespread frost after 11pm. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 16. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight.

Tuesday   Widespread frost before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 48. Calm wind.

Tuesday Night   Widespread frost after 8pm. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 21. Calm wind.

Emergency Declaration Signed by Parish President Seal

From the desk of Parish President Seal

Washington Parish is currently under an Extreme Cold Warning with a Winter Weather Watch in effect. Rain is expected tomorrow, followed by extremely cold temperatures and hazardous conditions.

Out of an abundance of caution, I have signed an emergency declaration (see below) to aid in response and recovery should the need arise and with the safety of our residents as our top priority, Washington Parish Government offices will be closed on Monday, January 26. The Choctaw Landfill anticipates opening at 10:00 a.m., weather permitting.

“Our biggest concern is the safety of our community,” said Parish President Ryan Seal. “We are actively monitoring weather conditions and taking steps to protect our residents. Warming centers will be available for those in need, and I strongly encourage everyone to limit travel, prepare their homes, and check on elderly neighbors and those who may need assistance.”

Warming Center Locations:

• Washington Parish Fire Protection District #2, 39618 Hwy. 10, Franklinton, LA 70438. Chief Wyman – 985-415-7693

• Poplas Quarters Community Center, 1 J.J. Piper Street, Bogalusa, LA. Larry Brown – 985-750-5368

•  Washington Parish Fire Protection District #4, 53091 Hwy. 62, Franklinton, LA. 985-515-2397

•  Washington Parish Fire Protection District #9, 36023 Hwy. 1055, Mt. Hermon, LA. 985-877-5029 or 985-335-6533

⏰ Open 24/7 — must call prior to arrival

Residents are encouraged to first work with family, friends, and neighbors before utilizing warming centers.  Those who use a warming center should bring food, clothing, bedding, and medications.

A limited amount of snacks will be provided.  No contraband or weapons will be permitted and will be confiscated prior to entry.

The Washington Parish Public Works Department will begin salting bridges and critical roadways tomorrow afternoon once rain has cleared.

Residents are strongly encouraged to stay off the roads to allow first responders, utility crews, and parish personnel to safely respond to service calls.

Washington Parish Government will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as they become available.

Obituary

Clyde Jewel Kennedy

May 1, 1943 - January 24, 2026

Notice From Bowling Green School

Notice From Bogalusa School System

Notice From Washington Parish School System

Due to winter weather concerns, Monday will be a Virtual Learning Day (no in-person classes) for all Washington Parish School System schools.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 23, 2026

Timothy Rogers (age 40 with Covington, La. address) was booked on the charge of Residential Contractor Fraud Over $500 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $20000.00 bond.

Nicole Wilson (age 31 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Malfeasance in Office by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Daylan Thomas (age 19 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Speeding 31-40 Over Limit, Open Container in Vehicle, and No Drivers License by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2500.00.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

This Week in Louisiana Agriculture

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   A 90 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 3pm. High near 54. East wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight   A 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 40. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest after midnight. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday   A 100 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Temperature rising to near 55 by 9am, then falling to around 39 during the remainder of the day. South wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Sunday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. Wind chill values as low as 7. Northwest wind around 15 mph.

Monday   Sunny, with a high near 37. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Monday Night   Widespread frost after 8pm. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 15. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight.

Tickfaw Man Guilty of Distribution of Kilograms of Fentanyl

Turner was dealing drugs in Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, and Washington Parishes. The U.S. Attorney praised the work of a number of agencies, including the 22nd JDC District Attorney's Office, the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office, and the Bogalusa Police Department.

Larry G. Turner, age 41 and of Tangipahoa Parish, pled guilty on January 15, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Barry W Ashe to Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, more than 400 grams of fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

Judge Ashe scheduled sentencing for April 9, 2026. At sentencing, Turner faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five (5) years of supervised release. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to the indictment, beginning on a time unknown but continuing until at least June 26, 2025, Turner and several other individuals conspired to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, multiple kilograms of fentanyl throughout the Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, and Washington Parishes region of the Eastern District of Louisiana. The conspiracy mainly revolved around Turner’s residence in Tickfaw, Louisiana. The execution of a federal search warrant at Turner’s residence led to the recovery of over five (5) kilograms of fentanyl in counterfeit pill form, along with multiple firearms.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT), Hammond Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, 22nd JDC District Attorney’s Office, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana National Guard. FORT was also assisted by the Louisiana State Police, Bogalusa Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

Obituary

Julie Ann Dunaway Drennan

October 29, 1974 - January 22, 2026

Warming Centers and Other Community Information

Washington Parish is under a Winter Storm Watch from Sunday midnight through Sunday 6pm and Extreme Cold Watch from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning.

Beginning Sunday, January 25, 2026, through Wednesday, January 28, 2025, citizens can utilize the following warming centers starting at 5:00P.M, Sunday. Once checked in, citizens must stay overnight.

• Washington Parish Fire District #2, 39618 Hwy 10, Franklinton LA 70438. Chief Wyman, 985-415-7693

• Poplas Quarters Community Center, 1 J J Piper St, Bogalusa LA 70427. Larry Brown, 985-750-5368

• Washington Parish Fire District #9, 36023 Hwy 1055, Mt. Hermon, LA 70450/ 985-877-5029 or 985-335-6533 24/7. 

• Washington Parish Fire District #4, 53091 Hwy 62, Franklinton LA 70438. 985-515-2397

You must call before arrival

Citizens are encouraged to work with their family, friends and neighbors before using theses warming centers. Citizens should bring anything they need including food, clothing, bedding and medicine. A limited amount of snacks will be provided. No contraband or weapons will be allowed and will be confiscated before entering.

Road closures can be found at 511la.org

Additional community information and resources can be found by dialing 211 or text your zip code to 898-211.

Parish President Seal strongly urges citizens to take the following precautions:

• Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.
• To prevent water pipes from freezing; wrap or drain or allow them to drip slowly.
• Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
• Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water.
• Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. 
• Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. 
• Use approved indoor heaters on level surfaces, keep 3 feet from combustibles, and keep an extinguisher near fireplaces.
• Do not use generators or grills inside.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 22, 2026

Qwandarious Rowe (age 33 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

David Bonnette (age 58 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Obstructing Public Passage(s) and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Keri Thomas (age 59 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of No Tail Light on Bicycle, Resisting an Officer, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Failure to Appear (3 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Kristen Barber (age 45 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Lionel Lotts (age 42 with New Orleans, La. address) was booked on the charges of Speeds Unsafe for Posted Zones, Driving Under Suspension, Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, Possession of Marijuana, Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility, and Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Marcus Youngblood (age 34 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Burglary/Inhabited Dwelling and Resisting an Officer by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Obituary

Faith A’lyssia Magee

March 7, 2004 - January 9, 2026

Obituary

Kevin "Blyss" Davis

May 15, 1969 - January 14, 2026

Frigid With Brutal Wind Chills, Monday & Tuesday Mornings

Now’s a Good Time to Plant Blueberries

In Louisiana, fall through early spring is the perfect time to plant a host of trees and shrubs —
including blueberries. While these plants won’t bear their delicious fruit for a few more months, it’s best to get them in the ground (or containers!) while the weather is cool. This gives them plenty of time to establish before the arrival of stressful summer heat. Blueberries are among the easiest fruit crops home gardeners can grow. But there are a few things you should know before you purchase and plant the shrubs.

Mary Helen Ferguson, an LSU AgCenter horticulture agent, offers these tips for blueberry success.

Choose plants carefully

Most people in Louisiana grow one of two kinds of blueberries: rabbiteye or southern highbush. Ferguson generally recommends rabbiteye blueberries, which ripen between May and July. They are more disease resistant and more forgiving when it comes to soil requirements. “Rabbiteye varieties are well suited for most places in Louisiana,” Ferguson said. “Along the coast and in the New Orleans area might be a bit of an exception.” In those areas, southern highbush varieties — some of which require fewer chilling hours than rabbiteyes and ripen earlier — may be a better choice. Regardless of which type of blueberry you decide to grow, be sure to purchase more than one plant. Cross pollination between different varieties is important for fruit production. Try to get two to three varieties, which helps improve yields and quality. Ferguson has had the highest yields with Tifblue, Brightwell, Ochlockonee, Premier and Austin — all rabbiteye varieties — in a demonstration at the AgCenter Hammond Research Station.

Site selection and soil preparation

“When we plant rabbiteye blueberries, site selection and soil preparation are important,” Ferguson said. “We want to choose a location that has full sun, ideally, and is well drained and has relatively acidic soil.” Blueberries prefer a pH between about 4.5 and 5.2 (up to 5.5 is OK for rabbiteye plants). Much of Louisiana has soils that naturally fall within this range, but in some areas, the pH will need to be adjusted. Typical potting mixes also are not acidic enough for blueberries’ liking.

So, how do you make soil more acidic? When the pH only needs to be reduced a little bit, an easy way is to incorporate a 2-to-4-inch layer of aged pine bark into the ground before planting. This helps improve drainage, too. Where pH needs to come down more, elemental sulfur can be applied based on soil test results. “If you’re planting in a container, use aged pine bark or a combination of this and other materials instead of using a standard potting mix since these usually have lime,” Ferguson said.

Giving the plants enough room to grow is crucial. When planting in the ground, space rabbiteye blueberries 5 to 6 feet apart. Southern highbush plants can be spaced 4 feet apart. Select adequately sized pots for container-grown blueberries.

Finally, mulch around the plants with more pine bark to maintain moisture and reduce competition with weeds for nutrients and water.

“Blueberries are shallow rooted, so weed management is important,” Ferguson said.

What next?

After you’ve planted your blueberries, keep them well watered — but not soggy. Consider installing a drip irrigation system if you’re planting a large number of bushes in fast-draining, sandy soil.

Newly planted blueberries are susceptible to overfertilization. Wait until leaves are fully expanded in the spring before making a light fertilizer application using something like 1 tablespoon of 13-13-13 or 2 tablespoons of cottonseed meal, Ferguson said. Spread fertilizer in a circle, keeping it several inches away from the base of the plant. Up to three more fertilizer applications can be made, at least four to six weeks apart, during spring and summer. Alternative fertilizers include 1/2 tablespoon of 33-0-0 or 2 teaspoons of ammonium sulfate. Plants in pots likely will need fertilizer that contains secondary and micronutrients as well, Ferguson said.

Residential Fire in Bogalusa Claims Life of 41-Year-Old Woman

The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal (SFM) reported Thursday (January 22, 2025) that the SFM is investigating a residential fire that claimed the life of a 41-year-old Bogalusa woman.

Washington Parish Fire District #6 responded at 7:04 a.m. Tuesday (January 20, 2026) to a structure fire in the 62000 block of Brown Road in Bogalusa. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials have not ruled out space heaters or lithium-ion batteries as possible ignition sources. The identity of the victim has not been officially released.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents to practice home heating safety.

• If using a space heater, make sure it’s placed 3-5 feet away from objects that can catch fire easily like blankets and furniture.
• Ensure space heaters are plugged directly into a wall outlet as opposed to an extension cord or power strip.
• Space heaters should also always be turned off when you're going to sleep or leaving the room and/or home.
• Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
• Make sure any open flames, like fireplaces and candles, are never left unattended.
• Have a working smoke alarm!

Investigators have not confirmed whether the home had a working smoke alarm. “Smoke alarms provide early warning and save lives,” said DPS Principal Assistant, Chief Bryan J. Adams. “It’s not the flames that kill, it’s the smoke.”

Residents are urged to check their smoke alarms regularly. Those in need of a free smoke alarm and installation can get one through the SFM’s Operation Save-A-Life program. For more information on fire safety or to request a free smoke alarm and installation, visit lasfm.org or contact your local fire department.

Obituary

Lucy Gail Johnson

December 24, 1958 ~ January 20, 2026 

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Light northeast wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Northeast wind around 10 mph.

Saturday   A 90 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 57. East wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday Night   A 100 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 39. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight.

Sunday   A 100 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 54. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. 

Sunday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. Northwest wind around 15 mph.

Obituary

Shirley Ann Boyette Myers

October 5, 1944 - January 20, 2026

Obituary

Reilly Stephen Berger

February 8, 2007 - January 18, 2026

Obituary

Kellie Elizabeth Brown Wempren

December 5, 1985 - January 20, 2026

Obituary

Kim Cutrer Schwartz

November 9, 1955 - January 21, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 19-21, 2026

Calvin Martin (age 39 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Improper Lane Usage, Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Bench Warrant/Failure to Appear, Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, Driving Under Suspension, and Contempt of Court by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Odie Hughes (age 46 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Simple Battery of Infirm by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Justin Crosswhite (age 39 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Micheal James (age 58 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Use Turn Signal 100 FT Prior to Turn, No Taillight, and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Gregory Levias (age 69 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Obstructing Public Passage(s), Failure to Use Turn Signal 100 FT Prior to Turn, Expired MVI, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Cocaine (28 to 200 Grams) by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Damien Greely (age 45 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation and Parole Hold by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Tyron Nelson (age 26 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) and Probation and Parole Hold by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jessica Westbrook (age 39 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction and Contempt of Court by the Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.

Kaley Moore (age 19 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Speeding 21-30 Over Limit, Expired or No Inspection Sticker, Possession of Marijuana, Prohibited Acts/Schedule II, and Prohibited Acts by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jessica Strain (age 36 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation and Parole Hold by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Parrish Holloway (age 44 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Driving Left of Center/Wrong Side of Hwy, No Drivers License, and Intentional Littering by the Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.  Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. 

Tonight   A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly between 11pm and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Calm wind.

Friday   A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Light northeast wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Friday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 46. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday   A 70 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 60. East wind 5 to 10 mph. 

Saturday Night   A 100 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 37. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight. 

Obituary

John Albert Walker, Sr.

November 2, 1943 - January 18, 2026

Obituary

Geraldine “Gerry” Lumpkin Williams

March 18, 1933 - January 20, 2026

Obituary

Monica Louisa Williams

November 10, 1974 - December 31, 2025

MS Man Captured After 2-Yr. Abducted in Slidell

Orlando Gillum, age 53 and of Mississippi, is in custody after abducting a 2-year-old child, following
a domestic incident in Slidell.

Slidell Police responded last week to a reported domestic disturbance at a residence in the Slidell area. Upon arrival, officers learned that Gillum was involved in a domestic incident with his significant other. As a result of the incident, an adult female, and an infant child, sustained multiple bite wounds.

Following the incident, Gillum took his significant other’s vehicle and fled the scene while a 2-year-old child was still buckled inside. The 2-year-old was later determined not to be related to Gillum.

Slidell Police immediately began working to locate Gillum and determined that he traveled to the Picayune, Mississippi area. With assistance from the Picayune Police Department and the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office, Gillum was located hiding near a residence in Picayune, and was taken into custody without incident. At the time of his arrest, the vehicle and the 2-year-old child were not with him. Within moments, Picayune Police officers located the vehicle abandoned several blocks away, and thankfully found the 2-year-old child safe.

Gillum, who has a lengthy violent criminal history, is being charged with Aggravated Kidnapping of a Child, Domestic Abuse Battery - Child Endangerment, and Cruelty to a Juvenile.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

All involved victims were transported to local hospitals for evaluation.

The Slidell Police Department would like to thank the Picayune Police Department, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police for their swift assistance. Their coordinated efforts were instrumental in safely taking a violent offender into custody and quickly locating the abducted child, ensuring the child was brought to safety. This incident highlights the importance of strong interagency cooperation in protecting our communities and the most vulnerable among us. 

**Note** Officials were in the process of preparing to send an Amber Alert, but the child was located before the need to send the alert.

Obituary

Russell "Rusty" Daugherty

November 24, 1968 — January 13, 2026

Obituary

Normon Lavern Tynes

September 29, 1944 — January 17, 2026

Reduce Your Home Fire Risk

The Home Fire That Happens “Somewhere Else” Is Every 96 Seconds—Make Sure It Isn’t In Yours

The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM), in collaboration with the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM), is urging every household to take part in Community Risk Reduction Week (January 19-25, 2026), by doing what works best: reducing risk before there’s an emergency.

“Home fires are not random tragedies; they’re often predictable and preventable,” Michael Desrochers, NASFM president and Vermont state fire marshal said. “During Community Risk Reduction Week, we’re asking every American to take a few simple actions that can make the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2024 alone, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 329,500 home structure fires, which caused 2,920 deaths, 8,920 injuries, and $11.4 billion in property damage. On average, a home fire was reported every 96 seconds, and a home fire death happened every three hours. So far in 2026, Louisiana has seen nine lives lost to home fires.

What starts home fires and what to do about it

1) Cooking: the #1 cause of home fires

• Cooking was the leading cause of home fires across the country.
• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling. If you leave, turn appliances off.
• Keep combustibles like towels, paper products, packaging, and curtains away from the stove.
• If a small grease fire starts, slide a lid over the pan and turn off the heat. Don’t move the pan and do not use water.

2) Heating: peak season risk (and space heaters are the danger zone)

• The National Fire Protection Association reports an annual average of 37,365 home heating equipment fires (2020–2024) causing 417 deaths and $1.2 billion in damage. Space heaters and heating stoves were involved in 47% of these fires but accounted for 73% of deaths.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, and furnaces.
• Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

3) Electrical problems: another top cause of home fires

• In 2023, an estimated 23,700 home fires, and 305 deaths were caused by an electrical malfunction and fire.
• Replace damaged cords; don’t run cords under rugs or furniture.
• Plug high-heat appliances directly into a wall outlet, avoid “daisy-chaining” power strips, and never plug a space heater into an extension cord.

4) Smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: the simplest step with the biggest payoff

• National Fire Protection Association research finds nearly three out of five home fire deaths (59%) happened in homes with no smoke alarms (43%) or alarms that failed to operate (16%). When alarms work, the risk of dying in a home fire drops by about 60%.
• Test every alarm once a month.
• Replace batteries (or the whole alarm if it’s expired, many are designed to last about 10 years).
• Make sure alarms are installed in the right locations (including sleeping areas and outside bedrooms) and follow the manufacturers’ instructions.

NASFM recommends every household complete these quick steps during Community Risk Reduction Week:

• 1. Test smoke alarms; fix or replace any that don’t sound.
• 2. Create a 3-foot safety zone around heaters and cooking areas.
• 3. Set a cooking rule: “If the stove is on, someone is in the kitchen.
• 4. Make sure space heaters are plugged directly into a wall outlet.
• 5. Practice a home escape plan with two ways out of each room.

About the National Association of State Fire Marshals

The National Association of State Fire Marshals is the nation’s leading organization representing state fire marshals and fire safety officials. The organization works to protect lives, property, and communities through fire prevention leadership, code and standards advocacy, and risk-reduction strategies.

Obituary

Bonnie Linda Lewis

December 29, 1949 - January 18, 2026

Obituary

Leah "Lear" Toney Owens

February 22, 1936 - January 19, 2026

Obituary

Martha Vernell Corkern Seal

May 8, 1930 - January 19, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   A 40 percent chance of showers, with sprinkles between noon and 1pm, then showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. South wind 5 to 10 mph. 

Tonight   A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly between 4am and 5am. Cloudy, with a low around 54. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Thursday   A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Thursday Night   A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Calm wind.

Friday   A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Light northeast wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Friday Night   A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 40. Northeast wind around 10 mph.