"I Need a Home"

Gretel was in a home. She was loved and a family dog. Then her family fell on hard times and she had to be brought back to the shelter. Gretel is not very old. She is only 3 years old. Yet she is an old soul and not very hyper. She loves attention. She is house trained but will need a schedule in her new home to maintain that. She loves everyone she meets. She does have an old injury to her leg that healed long ago but she doesn't let that slow her down. She is all around a great little pocket pittie who is only about knee high and sweet as the day is long. Can you help us help this amazing pup find a new forever family to love her? https://www.facebook.com/Washingtonparishanimalshelter/

Bella needs out of the shelter! She is a great dog who walks beautifully on a leash, is house trained, great with children and other dogs, doesn't seem to mind cats and yet she is starting to suffer kennel depression. This happens from time to time with dogs who are used to having a lot of room to run and play and she is going through it now. She will climb a fence so will need a runner at her new home. Here we walk her as we have 8 ft fencing and she scaled it no problem. Due to this, she isn't able to run and play as she would like and isn't allowed playdates with other dogs so she's starting to decline. Can you help us save this girl and find her a forever home? https://www.facebook.com/Washingtonparishanimalshelter/

Sake is a one-year-old sweetheart weighing around 40 lbs, and she is truly something special! This girl absolutely adores her walks — she even cries happy tears when she sees our dog walker because she can’t wait to get outside and explore. If you’re looking for a walking buddy who will be over-the-moon excited every time, Sake is your girl! She is wonderful with children and does great with other dogs. Shelter cats? She couldn’t care less — she pays them no mind at all. Sake also loves her playtime in the dog yard where she can stretch her legs and burn off some energy. She’s kennel trained and rarely has accidents here at the shelter, which makes her an easy addition to your home. And the best part? Her adoption fee has been waived! That’s right — this amazing pup can be yours with no adoption fee. Sake is ready to bring love, excitement, and plenty of happy walks into your life. Won’t you come meet her and see for yourself how special she is? https://www.facebook.com/Washingtonparishanimalshelter/

Washington Parish Representative Wyble Appointed to House Ways and Means Committee

State Representative John Wyble (R-Franklinton) has been appointed to serve on the Louisiana House Committee on Ways and Means, the state's chief tax-writing committee and one of the most influential panels in the Louisiana Legislature. The appointment was made by Speaker Phillip DeVillier.

The Ways and Means Committee holds jurisdiction over all matters related to taxes and revenue, state bonds, revenue collection, and the comprehensive state capital budget. As a member, Wyble will have a direct hand in shaping Louisiana's tax policy, a responsibility that takes on heightened significance heading into the 2026 Regular Session, where tax reform and fiscal sustainability are expected to be front-and-center.

“This appointment is a tremendous opportunity for Washington Parish,” said Rep. Wyble. “The Ways and Means Committee is where Louisiana's fiscal future gets decided — tax relief, revenue policy, capital investment. Having a seat at that table means I can fight directly for the families and businesses of this district and make sure rural Louisiana isn't left out of the conversation.”

The appointment aligns directly with Wyble's 2026 legislative priorities, including his "Pelican Promise: Zero in Ten Income Tax Freedom Act," legislation that would phase the state's individual income tax to zero over ten years. With Ways and Means jurisdiction over all tax legislation, Wyble's new committee seat places him at the center of the debate over Louisiana's long-term economic competitiveness.

Rep. Wyble also serves on the House Committees on Civil Law and Procedure, Agriculture, and House and Governmental Affairs, and chairs the Legislature's special study committee on LHSAA governance. 

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 7-9, 2026

Randal Turner (age 41 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic
Abuse/Child Endangerment, Domestic Abuse Battery, and Attachment (2 counts) by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Clyde Peters (age 43 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Assault/Domestic Violence by the Washington Parish Sheriffs Office. No bond set at this time.

Tom Roberts (age 50 with no address shown) was booked on the charges of General Speed Law, Driving Under Suspension, No Proof of Insurance, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Chares Quinn (age 44 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Stolen Things 1000-5000, Possession or Dealing in Unregistered or Illegally Transferred Weapons, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Calvin Brock (age 37 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court 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 84. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night   A 100 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 54. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight. 

Thursday   A 30 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. North wind around 15 mph.

Thursday Night   Clear, with a low around 42. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Obituary

Shirley "Diane" Lewis

February 29, 1956 - March 6, 2026

Washington Parish Burn Ban Lifted, Effective Today

President Ryan Seal has signed a proclamation terminating Executive Order 002-2026-01, officially lifting the burn ban in Washington Parish.

While conditions have improved, residents are encouraged to use caution and remain mindful of safety when conducting outdoor burning.

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 60 percent chance of showers thunderstorm betweens. Areas of dense fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight   A 30 percent chance of showers before 7pm. Patchy dense fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Tuesday   Patchy dense fog before 7am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tuesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday   A 50 percent chance of showers thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 10 to 15 mph. 

Wednesday Night   A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 53. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Obituary

Linda N. Mizell Hartzog

November 14, 1942 - March 6, 2026

Obituary

Joseph Wayne Cox

June 14, 1947 - March 6, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 6, 2026

Jaden Spurlock (age 23 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Assault,
Disturbing the Peace/Loud & Tumultuous Manner, Resisting an Officer, Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling, and Aggravated Assault by the Bogalusa Police Department and on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Michael Butler (age 35 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer/Flight on Foot (2 counts) and Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence (2 counts) by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $20000.00.

Stephanie Funderburk (age 64 with no address shown) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts) and Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $1001000.00.

Connor Slocum (age 19 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Unsecure Load With Damage by the Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.

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

Bogalusa City Schools is Hiring!

The Bogalusa City School System is currently accepting applications for the role of Varsity Head Football Coach/Certified Teacher at Bogalusa High School for the 2026-2027 academic year. Candidates must satisfy the minimum qualifications as specified in LDOE Bulletin 746, which outlines the certification standards for school personnel in Louisiana. Preference will be given to applicants with a master’s degree and prior coaching experience. Applications will be accepted until March 13, 2026. 

For more information, go to https://www.applitrack.com/bogschools/onlineapp/

Obituary

Robin Baggett Bowman

August 22, 1960 - March 1, 2026

Obituary

Wilford K. “Buddy” Sharkey, Jr.

January 25, 1957 - March 5, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight   80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 65. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Sunday   A 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 77. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Sunday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Calm wind.

Monday   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.

Monday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph.

Lori Simpson Taylor Announces Candidacy for Mayor of Bogalusa

Lori Simpson Taylor, a longtime business owner and community advocate, has announced her commitment to serving the people of Bogalusa as Mayor with leadership rooted in transparency, accountability, and real results.

“Bogalusa is home,” said Taylor. “I live here, I work here, and I’ve built lasting relationships here. I care deeply about this community and believe our best days are still ahead. I want to be part of building a stronger future for Bogalusa.”

With nearly two decades of experience working and owning a business in Bogalusa, Taylor understands the challenges facing working families, small businesses, and city services. Since 2005, she has worked locally, becoming a business owner in 2007 — giving her firsthand insight into economic development, workforce needs, and responsible financial management.

Taylor is focused on improving infrastructure, strengthening public safety, and restoring pride across the city through steady, collaborative leadership.

As Mayor of Bogalusa, Lori Simpson Taylor will:

· Repair roads, sewer systems, and critical infrastructure with measurable progress

· Lead with transparency, integrity, and fiscal responsibility

· Put people before politics and special interests

· Remain accessible and accountable to residents

A 1996 graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, Taylor holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Her education and professional experience have shaped her commitment to service, problem-solving, and strong leadership.

She is an active member of the Rotary Club, Annunciation Catholic Church, and the Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services which reflects her dedication to community involvement, service, and faith.

“Strong cities are built when leaders listen, work together, and manage resources responsibly,” Taylor said. “My goal is a safer, more prosperous Bogalusa — where people are proud of their community and confident in its future.”

Lori Simpson Taylor’s vision is a revitalized Bogalusa with transparent government, practical solutions, and leadership that puts people first — every day.

The Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Early voting is Oct. 20 – 27, 2026.

Time Change is This Sunday, March 8th

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday (March 8, 2026) when clocks "spring forward" one hour at 2 a.m. to 3 a.m.. This change results in an hour less sleep but more evening light. 

In a message from the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshall, Chief Bryan J. Adams said, “Last year, 85 Louisianans died in residential fires, and only two of those homes had working smoke alarms. Every home should have them.”

With daylight saving time beginning Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m., Adams encourages residents to check the status of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms while changing their clocks.

Homeowners should also check the age of their devices. Smoke and CO alarms older than 10 years should be replaced. Many newer models feature sealed, 10-year batteries that do not require replacement, though the alarms should still be tested monthly.

Families are also encouraged to practice a home fire escape plan, including identifying two ways out of every room and choosing an outdoor meeting place.

For families who do not have smoke alarms and cannot afford them, the State Fire Marshal’s Operation Save-A-Life program partners with local fire departments to provide and install alarms free of charge. Residents can learn more or request assistance by visiting lasfm.org or contacting their local fire department.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 5, 2026

Alicia Hathorne (age 38 with address not shown) was booked on the charges of Obstruction to Driver's
View or Driving Mechanism, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts), and Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Jason Deberry (age 30 with Killona, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation and Parole Hold by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Jaquatveious Sartin (age 24 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.

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

Obituary

Donald "Don" Holloway

September 1, 1934 - March 4, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight   Increasing clouds, with a low around 67. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday   A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. High near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. 

Sunday   A 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 78. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. 

Sunday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Calm wind.

AG Murrill's Office Arrests Hammond Man on Charge of Rape of Juvenile & More

Agents with Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested 26-year-old James Michael Hill from Hammond on March 4, 2026. Hill was arrested on the charges of Molestation of a Juvenile under the Age of Thirteen, First Degree Rape, victim under the Age of Thirteen, Oral Sexual Battery, victim under the Age of Thirteen, Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, 13 counts of (Possession of) Child Sexual Abuse Material under the Age of Thirteen, and (Production of) Child Sexual Abuse Material under the Age of Thirteen.

This arrest was a result of a joint investigation with The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) Cyber Crime Unit, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Hammond Police Department. 

“While our hearts break for victims of child abuse, our resolve never will. If you hurt our kids, you will receive Louisiana justice," said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

Upon arrest, Hill was initially booked into the Hammond City Jail and later transported to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. There is no bond information at this time.

The investigation is ongoing.

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

Obituary

Hamilton L. Johnson

August 31, 1961 — February 20, 2026

Franklinton Police Make 3rd Arrest in Carjacking Case

The Franklinton Police Department continues to investigate a May 19, 2025 armed robbery and vehicle theft that occurred on Main Street near the Franklinton Fairgrounds. FPD Officers responded to the scene and the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

During the investigation, officers learned that the victim had traveled to Franklinton to meet an individual he had been communicating with on social media. During the meeting, several individuals approached the victim, assaulted him, and stole his black 2017 GMC truck.

Detectives identified several suspects involved and have made the following arrests:

• On November 29, 2025, 32 year-old Brandon Seals was arrested by the Amite Police Department on a warrant issued by the Franklinton Police Department for Aggravated Battery. He was transported and booked into the Washington Parish Jail. He has remained in jail with bond set at $150000.00.

• On January 8, 2026, 18 year-old Kendall Jackson III was taken into custody at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail and transported to the Washington Parish Jail, where he was booked for Attempted Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery, and Carjacking. He remains in jail with bond set at $100000.00.

• On March 4, 2026, 18 year-old Timothy Foreman was taken into custody at the St. Helena Parish Jail and transported to the Franklinton Police Department before being booked into the Washington Parish Jail on an outstanding warrant for Attempted Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery, and Carjacking. He remains in jail with bond set at $75000.00.

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

This investigation remains ongoing.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 3-4, 2026

George Shoemaker (age 39 with no address shown) was booked on the charges of Indecent Behavior With
Juvenile(s) and Aggravated Crime Against Nature by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $200000.00.

Jeffery Stuart (age 62 with Carson, Ms. address) was booked on the charge of Ran Stop Sign by Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.

Zachary Garrett (age 24 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Principal to Simple Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling and Resisting an Officer by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Timothy Foreman (age 18 with no address shown) 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.

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

Obituary

Lester Gabe Haik, Jr.

July 11, 1951 - March 2, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Partly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight   Patchy fog before 3am, then patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 65. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Friday   A 60 percent of showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Increasing clouds, with a low around 67. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. 

Saturday   A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph. 

Saturday Night   A 60 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. 

Angola Prison Rodeo is April 18th & 19th

Click here for ticket information, prison rodeo policies, and general information.

FBI Arrests Slidell Police Corrections Officer

The Slidell Police Department has reported that late Tuesdy (March 3, 2026) night, Slidell Police Corrections Officer, 31-year-old Nicholas Engolia, was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigations for Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor and Coercion and Enticement of a Minor.

Please refer to the video for Chief Daniel Seuzeneau’s full statement in regard to this incident.

Amwaste of Louisiana Reports a Successful 2025 and Kicks Off 2026

Amwaste of Louisiana has announced their team's celebration of a successful 2025  and that they kicked off 2026 with being awarded renewal of their contract with the Town of Franklinton.

On January 8, 2026, the Town of Franklinton officially awarded the Solid Waste Contract to Amwaste of Louisiana. Amwaste of Louisiana, the Town’s current waste service provider at the time of the award, secured the new agreement, solidifying its partnership with the Town for an additional five years.  Pictured (below) signing is Amwaste of Louisiana's District Manager Lauren Anthony and Town of Franklinton's Mayor Darwin Sharp

Award recipients (also pictured below) were named as follows: The  Edward Hill Above and Beyond Award, driver of the year recipient was Angie Eugin and the Cedrick Banks Outstanding Service Award, hopper of the year recipient was Thomas Sambo.

Obituary

Johnneice T. Andrews

November 12, 1968 - February 26, 2026

Obituary

Vernell Magee Kagler

August 8, 1945  -  February 20, 2026

Obituary

Marion Paula Dutruch Fauntleroy

June 17, 1943 — February 27, 2026

Obituary

Charles Leo Crawford, Sr.

September 24, 1942 - February 11, 2026

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 between 2pm and 5pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 10 mph. 

Tonight   Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 63. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Thursday   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Friday   A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 15 mph. 

Friday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.