One Night of Policing in Slidell - 7 Arrests, Guns, Cash, Drugs

Reported by the S. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office

While many in St. Tammany were celebrating Kings Day on Tuesday (January 6, 2025) with their first slice of king cake for the 2026 Carnival season, detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and Proactive Enforcement Unit conducted a focused operation in Slidell targeted the proactive removal of illegal drugs and firearms from the community. The effort resulted in seven arrests and the confiscation of three illegal firearms, cocaine, marijuana and
more than a quarter pound of methamphetamine.

Detectives identified a room at a local motel occupied by two Slidell residents known to be involved in illegal narcotics, 35-year-old William Inman and 47-year-old Sorrell Jackson. Jackson, suspected of distributing dangerous drugs in and around Slidell, was apprehended as he attempted to leave the room. He was found in possession of marijuana and more than $1,500 in cash. Jackson was also wanted by the Slidell Police Department. Immediately following Jackson’s arrest, detectives located Inman, who attempted to destroy drug evidence by swallowing it. After a brief struggle, Inman was arrested and admitted to a local hospital.

A search of the motel room led to the location and seizure of additional contraband, including drug paraphernalia, two unlawfully possessed semi-automatic handguns, and a quarter pound of methamphetamine. One of the firearms had been reported stolen in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jackson, who has a history of felony convictions and was on parole at the time of this arrest, was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center for Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies, Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and Resisting an Officer. Following his release from the hospital, Inman faces multiple criminal charges and will also be booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.

The operation continued into the evening with traffic stops that led to additional arrests and seizures:

• Troy Malter, 57, of Slidell, was booked for failure to honor a written promise to appear and issued citations for Possession of Marijuana and Driving Under Suspension.
• Delores Palmer, 52, was found in possession of crack cocaine and booked accordingly.
• Jerell Payton, 33, of Mississippi, was booked for Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies after a semi-automatic handgun was found in his vehicle. Payton, on parole for prior felony convictions, was also issued a traffic citation.
• John Hargis, 32, of Beaumont, Texas, was booked for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Pedestrians on Highways after being found with methamphetamine, marijuana, and pipes. Hargis received a summons for marijuana possession.
• Kevin Winbush, 30, of Slidell, was booked for Improper Lane Use, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Cocaine after being found with cocaine and a scale. He was also identified as a fugitive from the New Orleans Police Department for simple battery and property damage.

“This operation is a great example of our Narcotics and Proactive Enforcement Unit detectives working ahead of the curve to remove dangerous guns and narcotics from our streets,” said Sheriff Randy Smith. “Their tireless, proactive efforts protect our community and prevent violent crimes before they occur. St. Tammany Parish residents can feel safer knowing our detectives are actively keeping our neighborhoods secure.”

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 8, 2026

Kendall Jackson (age 18 with Amite, La. address) was booked on the charges of Armed Robbery With
Firearm, Aggravated Battery, and Carjacking by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Justin Carter (age 27 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Obstructing Public Passages aand Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Hunter Thomas (age 30 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Randy Jones (age 64 with Tylertown, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Stolen Things 5000-25000 and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Vincent Davis (age 59 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs, Careless Operation, and No Drivers License by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

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

Obituary

Brenda Ann O’Neal

January 31, 1966 - January 7, 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. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 76. South wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Tonight   A 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest after midnight. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday   A 80 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Temperature rising to near 68 by 10am, then falling to around 61 during the remainder of the day. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Sunday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night   Widespread frost after 5am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Suspicious Activity Near Folsom Results in Additional Arrests

While assisting the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit in locating a wanted individual, detectives with the STPSO Proactive Enforcement Unit encountered suspicious activity that resulted in multiple arrests.

On December 29, 2025, detectives conducting surveillance in connection with an investigation observed a white 2005 Chevrolet Impala approach a residence in the Folsom area, remain on the property for less than one minute and then leave abruptly.

Due to the suspicious behavior, detectives followed the vehicle and observed multiple traffic violations. When deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver fled, leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit along Highway 437 and nearly striking two motorists.

The vehicle’s two occupants, both white males, abandoned the Impala on Blackwell Lane in Washington Parish and fled on foot. With assistance from the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, detectives recovered three firearms from the vehicle and identified the occupants as the wanted individual, 42-year-old Christopher Orlando, and his brother, 46-year-old Frank Orlando.

Further investigation revealed that Christopher Orlando’s son, 19-year-old Joshua Evans, conspired with Frank Orlando to harbor Christopher Orlando and assist him in evading law enforcement. Christopher Orlando turned himself in at the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on January 6, 2025 and was arrested in connection with the Financial Crimes investigation. Click here for that story

After several days of proactive police work, Joshua Evans and Frank Orlando were also taken into custody and booked on January 7, 2025 into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center. Joshua Evans was booked on the charge of Accessory After the Fact (Felony). Frank Orlando, III was booked on the charges of Aggravated Flight from an Officer (Felony), Accessory After the Fact (Felony), Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Domestic Violence Battery (Felony), Turning Movements and Required Signals, and Driving on Roadway Laned for Travel

Christopher Orlando was additionally charged with Aggravated Flight from an Officer (Felony)

Obituary

Avalyn Saige Myers

January 5, 2026

Obituary

Donis Lagail Calhoun

November 19, 1954 - December 30, 2025

Obituary

Alvin Edward "Eddie" Handley, Sr.

May 5, 1941 - January 4, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 7, 2026

Rhonda Brown (age 34 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by
the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $500.00 bond.

James Payne (age 53 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $5000.00.

Amy Scott (age 47 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Use Turn Signal 100 FT Prior to Turn, No MVI, Driving Under Suspension, No Proof of Insurance, MVI Expired, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband Into Correctional Facility by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $7500.00.

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

Folsom-Area Man Arrested for Embezzling More Than Half a Million Dollars

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office  reports that 42-year-old Christopher Miguel Orlando, a Folsom-area man, has been arrested following an investigation that revealed he embezzled more than $500,000 from his employer.

In August 2025, the owner of a local logistics business contacted the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office after discovering what he believed to be an internal embezzlement totaling approximately $300,000. Following a five-month investigation, detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes and Major Crimes Units determined that Orlando had orchestrated multiple fraudulent schemes to steal money from the company, totaling $539,202.35.

A warrant was obtained for Orlando’s arrest on multiple felony charges. He surrendered himself at the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 and was booked on the following charges: Felony Theft Over $25,000 (2 counts), Felony Money Laundering Over $100,000 (2 counts), Felony Forgery (57 counts), Felony Theft Between $5,000 and $25,000 (2 counts), Felony Bank Fraud (8 counts), Felony Access Device Fraud (8 counts), Felony Illegal Transmission of Monetary Funds (8 counts), Felony Money Laundering Between $3,000 and $20,000 (2 counts), Felony Theft Between $1,000 and $5,000 (1 count), and Misdemeanor Money Laundering Less Than $3,000 (1 count).

“This was a deliberate and ongoing betrayal of trust that caused significant financial harm,” said Sheriff Randy Smith. “Our detectives conducted an extensive investigation to identify the person responsible and fully account for the money that was stolen.”

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 77. South wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight   A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 65. South wind around 10 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday   A 90 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Friday Night   A 100 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 63. South wind 5 to 10 mph. 

Saturday   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 69. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. 

Saturday Night   Cloudy, with a low around 41. North wind around 10 mph.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 6, 2026

John Smith (age 51 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Bank Fraud and Filing
or Maintaining False Public Records by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $12000.00.

David LeBlanc (age 28 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Expired License Plate, Switched License Plates, No Insurance, Resisting Arrest by Flight, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1/Principle, Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs (2 counts), Possession of Schedule II Drugs (3 counts), Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $150000.00.

Elaine Hughes (age 30 with Marrero, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

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

Obituary

Georgia Nell Jenkins Montgomery

August 10, 1953 — December 22, 2025

Obituary

Lynda Darleen Crain Dawson

October 12, 1946 — January 1, 2026

Obituary

Martha Smith Reyer Knight

March 16, 1943  -  January 4, 2026

Obituary

Mary Lee Stogner Benn

January 11, 1942 - December 14, 2025

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Areas of fog before 9am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Tonight   Widespread dense fog, mainly between 2am and 5am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 60. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Thursday   Areas of fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night   A 60 percent chance of showers, mainly after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind 5 to 10 mph. 

Friday   A 80 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. High near 80. South wind 5 to 10 mph. 

Friday Night   A 90 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 62. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest after midnight. 

Obituary

Robert Russell Miller

December 26, 1944 - January 6, 2026

Mass Grave Found - Victims of 1903 Train Wreck Near Kentwood

Sources: Kentwood High Magnet School and Keeping Up With Kentwood and an17.com

Overview: The 1903 Kentwood, Louisiana, train wreck was a horrific Illinois Central Railroad collision on November 14 at around 7:00 PM, where a fast-moving Illinois Central Chicago express rear-ended a local train at the Kentwood station, killing dozens, mostly African American laborers. The local train No. 32 was stopped on the main track, not the siding, and was running behind schedule, while the express train was moving at high speed. 

For over 100 years, the victims of the train wreck rested in an unmarked mass grave at Oak Grove AME Cemetery—its exact location forgotten over time. The victims were mostly African American laborers heading home after payday and were unidentifiable due to the severity of the wreck.

For decades, Ann Trappey, former KHMS history teacher, has worked to rediscover this forgotten grave, guided by stories passed down by the late historian Mrs. Irene Morris. With research assistance from Oak Grove AME Church members, historian Candice Picard, and train-wreck expert Tom Davidson, records indicated several possible sites. Ground-penetrating radar brought to the cemetery by Professor David Holt and his team from the University of Southern Mississippi has now confirmed the mass grave’s location.

Click here for an17.com's interview with Ann Trappey

Click here for a more detailed account from hammondstar.com

Members of Oak Grove AME Church, community leaders, KHMS principal Sharess Baptiste and welding teacher Mr. Tyler Morgan joined KHMS students to place stakes and chains around the burial site.

Plans are underway to install historical markers and a memorial stone to permanently honor these victims and their place in Kentwood’s history.

Bogalusa City Council Meets This (Tuesday) Afternoon @ 5:30

The Bogalusa City Council meets this afternoon at 5:30 PM with only two items on the Agenda.

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES:

• AN ORDINANCE for the City of Bogalusa to accept bids for an Emergency Sewer System Evaluation and Repairs Wastewater Treatment Facility Influent Screw Pumps PEC Project No. 11714.06 ($1,344,839.00)

PUBLIC HEARINGS & ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES:

• AN ORDINANCE for the City of Bogalusa to enter into a contract between Neumo Group, LLC. (Component of Azavar and Avenu) and the City of Bogalusa for the collection of occupational license taxes (Neumo Group, LLC will receive $15 per business occupational license tax mailed and $7.50 if utilizing triplicate form and the client prints the license from the client software)

Click here for the complete Agenda Packet

Of course, Administrative Remarks and Council Remarks will be heard.

NOTE:  Video of the meeting will be available, beginning at 5:30. Check back then. 

LSU AgCenter Will Hold 2026 Watermelon Grower Education Meeting

The LSU AgCenter will hold a meeting for watermelon growers on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the LSU AgCenter’s Washington Parish office (1104-B Bene St., Franklinton). This event is open to current watermelon growers, prospective growers, and producers of other crops. Attendees will have a chance to learn about using cover crops, becoming a certified agritourism operation, getting set up to take payments through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and updates on watermelon production recommendations. Speakers will include Dr. Donna Gentry, Ms. Jessie Hoover, and Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson of the LSU AgCenter. 

Please RSVP to Horticulture Agent Mary Helen Ferguson (mhferguson@agcenter.lsu.edu or 985-277-1850) if you plan to come. For accommodations for persons with disabilities, please contact her at least one week before the event. 

The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.

Angie Man Dies in Crash - Driver Arrested for Vehicular Homicide

On January 4, 2026, at approximately 11:50 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a single-vehicle crash on LA Highway 21 near LA Highway 438 in Washington Parish. The crash claimed the life of 53-year-old James M. Brister of Angie.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2003 Toyota Camry, driven by 45-year-old Shantrell M. Spikes of Angie, was traveling north on LA Highway 21. For reasons still under investigation, the Toyota crossed the center line and ran off the roadway to the left. The Toyota re-entered the roadway when Spikes overcorrected and lost control. The Toyota overturned and rolled into the adjacent ditch.

Brister, who was unrestrained in the front passenger seat, was ejected from the vehicle and died on scene. Spikes, who was also unrestrained, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

During the investigation, Spikes showed signs of impairment and was subsequently arrested and booked into the Washington Parish Correctional Facility for Vehicular Homicide, Driving While Intoxicated (First Offense), Careless Operation, and No Seatbelt Worn. As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were collected for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 3-5, 2026

Alaysia Mingo (age 21 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness and Interfering With a Law Enforcement Investigation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Nathiel Tippin (age 25 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse/Pregnant Woman by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Brandon Gill (age 42 with Poplarville, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Home Invasion, Domestic Abuse Battery, False Imprisonment Armed With Weapon, Convicted Felon in Possession of Certain Knives, Resisting an Officer, and Stalking by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Janelle Yapi (age 41 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $277.00.

Jashma Crumedy (age 37 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Switched License Plates, Failure to Yield Right of Way, Resisting Arrest by Flight, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, Intentional Littering, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and No Insurance by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Oscar Lewis (age 64 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (3rd + Offense) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

India Cotton (age 40 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (3rd + Offense), and Possession of Schedule II Drugs (5 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Shantrel Spikes (age 45 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Vehicular Homicide, Driving While Intoxicated, No Seat Belt, and Careless Operation by the Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.

Ozzy Bagget (age 32 with Summit, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (3rd + Offense) and Improper Equipment by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Edward Tillman (age 43 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Prohibited Acts/Schedule II by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. 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   Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight   Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Wednesday   Widespread dense fog, mainly before 9am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night   Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 59. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph after midnight.

Thursday   A 20 percent chance of showers after 3pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night   A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Obituary

Mary “Barbara” Lambert Stephens

June 28, 1947 – January 4, 2026

Escaped Tangipahoa Parish Work Release Inmate Captured in Mississippi

This morning (January 5, 2025), the U.S. Marshal’s Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force re-arrested a work release inmate who has been on the run since the end of September, 2025.

Christopher Delcambre, age 51, is facing new charges of Aggravated Escape after being found in Mississippi. Delcambre was originally behind bars in connection with a drug case as well as a felony theft case out of Hammond.

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Delcambre walked away from an assignment at the Florida Parishes Arena. Delcambre was in a program that allows select Department of Corrections inmates to work jobs outside of the jail.

Click here for a previous related story

Deputies have remained engaged with area law enforcement partners, including the U.S. Marshals and the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division, to actively search for Delcambre both in the area and in out-of-state locations where he has known ties. New information about Delcambre’s potential location in the Jackson, MS, area led task force members there within the past week. He was eventually located in a homeless encampment and taken into custody this morning. Delcambre will be transported back to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail for booking before being transferred to another facility.

As a result of this incident, the TPSO has re-evaluated its program eligibility standards and revised the current participant list to reflect the new requirements. The agency is also actively exploring additional security and tracking measures to impose on participants.

Three Arrested for Arranging Sexual Encounters With Minors

Source: Reports from the Covington Police department and District Attorney Collin Sims

The Covington Police Department, in partnership with the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit Task Force, conducted an operation involving an undercover online chatroom investigation. During the operation, three individuals believed they were communicating with juveniles for the purpose of arranging a sexual encounter.

After traveling to Covington to meet for these purposes, all three individuals were taken into custody by the Covington Police Department’s Special Response Team.

We would like to thank our assisting agencies who participated in this operation: the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations Unit, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The following individuals were arrested:

• James Granier, 41-year-old white male, of Loranger, Louisiana. Charged with one count each of  Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor (Felony), Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (Felony), Attempted Production/Possession of Pornography Involving Juveniles (Felony), and Resisting an Officer (Misdemeanor)

• Adrien Arabie III, 31-year-old white male, of Ball, Louisiana. Charged with one count each of Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor (Felony), Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (Felony), and Child Grooming (Felony)

• Ralph Seibel, 58-year-old white male, of Slidell, Louisiana. Charged with one count each of  Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor (Felony) and Child Grooming (Felony)

All persons arrested are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law

Chief Ferrell stated “Crimes against children are among the most serious offenses we investigate, and we will not wait for a child in our community to become a victim. This operation reflects our commitment to proactively identify offenders, hold them accountable, and send a clear message that Covington is not a place where predators can operate. I’m grateful for the professionalism of our officers and the strong partnership with the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit Task Force and our assisting agencies.”

District Attorney Collin Sims stated: "Our Special Victims Unit Task Force was created to find and stop those who seek to harm the most vulnerable members of our community before they have the chance to act. The success of this operation is a direct result of the seamless collaboration with our law enforcement partners. I want to specifically thank the Covington Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and Office of the Louisiana Attorney General for their invaluable expertise. By working together, we are sending a clear message that we will use every resource available to hold these individuals fully accountable."

Obituary

Richard Wayne Beal

September 4, 1951 - January 2, 2026

Obituary

Carol Jean Pittman Gill

July 11, 1936 - January 4, 2026

Obituary

Donald Mizell

September 22, 1940 - December 30, 2025

Hammond Man Dies in Crash With Tractor-Trailer

On Sunday, January 4, 2026, around 7:20 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a vehicle crash on LA 30, south of LA 3115 in Ascension Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 25-year-old Jalen Davis of Hammond.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2025 Peterbilt tractor-trailer was traveling west on LA 30, near Gateway Drive. At the same time, Davis was driving a 2021 Hyundai Sonata east on LA 30, near Gateway Drive, when, for unknown reasons, the Hyundai crossed the centerline and struck the left rear side of the tanker trailer being pulled by the Peterbilt.  

Davis, who was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. The driver of the Peterbilt was properly restrained and was uninjured. Impairment is unknown; however, routine toxicology results are pending. This crash remains under investigation.

🎭 MARDI GRAS IS COMING TO KENTWOOD! 🎭

Keeping Up With Kentwood has announced the Mardi Gras Parade in Kentwood on February 7, 2025 starting at 12PM! The parades King & Queen are Congressman Cleo & Debra Fields, the Grand Marshals are Rep. Robbie Carter & Kerry Carter, and the parade features the Southern University Band, Bogalusa HS Band, Amite County Band, & SHCCA. Bring the family, grab your spot early, and get ready for beads, bands, and big Kentwood Mardi Gras energy! 💜💛💚 For more information, call 985-514-5565 and 225-278-6132.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 69. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Tuesday   Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday   Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph after midnight.

Obituary

Lavene Payne Stogner

June 26, 1942 - January 2, 2026

Obituary

Joseph Baldassaro, Jr.

February 28, 1960 - January 2, 2026

Obituary

Raeshell LeAnn Seal

January 15, 1993 - January 2, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Calm wind.

Monday   Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Monday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Tuesday   Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tuesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Obituary

George Louis Stampley, Sr. 

December 21, 1939 - January 1, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 1-2, 2026

Deon Brown (age 27 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Stolen Things 1000-5000 and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $8121.00 bond.

Gilbert Robertson (age 65 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Open Container in Vehicle, Improper Equipment, Driving Under Suspension, and No Insurance by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2500.00 bond.

Lisa Edwards (age 37 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Criminal Damage to Property Under 1000, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Introduction of Contraband to Penal Institute, and Possession of CDS With Weapon Present by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $25000.00.

Trievon Adams (age 20 with Fort Worth, Tx. address) was booked on the the charge of Hit and Run by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $100,000.00.

Lisa Beard (age 54 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Loud & Abusive Language and Aggravated Assault by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Timus Martin (age 26 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Assault With a Firearm, Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment, Simple Battery With Injury, Telephone Communications/Improper Language & Harassment, Hit and Run, Leaving Scene of Accident, Automobile Accident, No License Plate, No Insurance, Battery on a Police Officer, and Resisting an Officer/Flight on Foot by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jeremy Williams (age 50 with Carriere, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Prohibited Acts, and Careless Operation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Teddy Caves (age 49 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts), Failure to Appear (2 counts), and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $571.00.

***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   Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Sunday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Calm wind.

Monday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Monday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Calm wind.