September 01, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE: Re: City of Bogalusa Operating Budget

***   August 19, 2025 Introduction of the 2025 Budget

***   August 20, 2025 The Budget is available for public viewing at the Bogalusa Library, City Hall, and the City of Bogalusa Website under Council Agenda and Minutes. https://webgen1files.revize.com/bogalusala/Document%20Center/%20Browse%20Documents/Agendas%20&%20Minutes/8-29-25%202025%20%20Budget%20Draft%203.pdf

***   September 2, 2025 Public Hearing Discussion/Special Call Council Meeting to discuss 2025 Operating Budget (only) at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall in the War Room.

***   September 2, 2025 Regular City Council meeting, including a vote on the 2025 Operating Budget at 5:30 p.m.

Obituary

Kenneth Darrell Stevens

January 16, 1968 - August 28, 2025

Obituary

Velma B. "Pug" Anthony

November 13, 1936 - August 31, 2025

Obituary

Jeanette Hart

November 26, 1951 — August 27, 2025

Search Continues for Missing Boater on Lake Ponchartrain

The St. Tammany Sheriff's reports that early Sunday (August 31, 2025) morning, a sailboat struck the Causeway near mile marker 14. A male and a female were onboard when the incident occurred. The male went overboard and the female was rescued from the vessel by the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Rescue and recovery efforts began to find the male. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is leading this investigation. Members of the STPSO Marine Division are assisting, along with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The search was suspended at dark Sunday night, but the STPSO Marine Division was back out there at first light on Monday morning assisting Wildlife and Fisheries with the search.  

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 30-31, 2025

Buddy Shubert (age 44 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Driving While Intoxicated by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2500.00 bond.

Jason Barber (age 46 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Peyton Prescott (age 20 with Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling, Resisting an Officer, and Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness 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. 

Labor Day   Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind around 5 mph.
Tonight   Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Calm wind.
Wednesday   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 68. Calm wind.

Tropical Disturbances Today

Eastern Tropical Atlantic:  (Not much has changed since yesterday)  A tropical wave is located over the far eastern tropical Atlantic. Environmental conditions appear conducive for slow development of this system, and a tropical depression could form later this week or next weekend. This system is expected to move westward to west-northwestward at around 15 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic throughout the week. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...40 percent.



August 31, 2025

Two Washington Parish Jail Escaped Inmates Sought

UPDATE: Kaid Montana Elliott is back in custody as of 10:11 p.m. He was found behind the Cargill Animal Nutrition plant in Franklinton.

UPDATE: Corey Lee Ard is back in custody as of 9:30 p.m. He was found at Hwy 25 & 16. The search is still underway for Kaid Montana Elliott.

__________Original Story__________

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO) is actively searching for two inmates who escaped
from the jail earlier today.

  • Corey Lee Ard, 21 of Franklinton, was awaiting trial after being charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana and a seatbelt violation. Ard is described as a black male with brown eyes and black hair, standing 5’6” and weighing around 125 lbs. Ard was last seen wearing a dark grey sweatshirt, light grey sweat pants and white shoes. He is from the Covington area and has ties to the Franklinton area.

  • Kaid Montana Elliott, 21 of Bogalusa, was awaiting trial after being charged with two counts of  unauthorized entry of an uninhabited dwelling, theft less than $1,000, aggravated burglary and a sexual battery misdemeanor. Elliott is described as a white male with blue eyes and red hair, standing 5’8” and weighing around 170 lbs. Elliot was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, light grey sweatpants and black shoes. He is from and has ties to the Bogalusa area. 

Shortly after 4 p.m. this afternoon (August 31, 2025), the two suspects escaped by climbing the perimeter fence after a yard call. While deputies were escorting the inmates back to the jail from the yard, the inmates hid behind a structure and proceeded to scale two separate fences with barbed wire at exactly 4:06 p.m. Deputies learned of the missing inmates 30 minutes later, when a member of the public called to confirm he bonded out. These escapees are currently still at large.

If anyone sees Corey Lee Ard or Kaid Montana Elliott, or has information about their location(s), or those who may be assisting them, contact WPSO by calling 911 or the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Department at 985-839-3434.

Obituary

Daniel Everett Thomas

February 11, 1939 - August 29, 2025

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 89. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight   Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Labor Day   Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. East wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Calm wind.

Tropical Disturbances Today

Eastern Tropical Atlantic:  (Nothing has changed since yesterday)  A tropical wave is about emerge off of the west coast of Africa. Environmental conditions are conducive for slow development of this system while it moves westward to west-northwestward at around 15 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic this week. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...30 percent.



August 30, 2025

Obituary

Donna Sue Breland Crain

March 5, 1951 - August 29, 2025

New Arrest Made in Fatal Hit and Run in Slidell-area

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested an individual in the deadly hit and run that resulted in the death of a Slidell-area child after new evidence indicated that a different vehicle was responsible for the incident that occurred on August 13, 2025 on Northshore Lane near Slidell.

Shortly before 6 p.m. on August 13, 2025, deputies were dispatched to Northshore Lane in response to a report of a child struck by a vehicle. Initial findings revealed the young boy had been riding a scooter in his driveway when he was struck by a passing vehicle. The driver fled the scene without stopping. The child’s mother transported him to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Based on evidence available at the time, deputies initially arrested a Slidell man believed to be involved in the incident. However, further investigation revealed that his vehicle was not the one that struck the child. Investigators identified a second vehicle—a silver Nissan Armada—as the one involved. As a result, the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, at the request of the Sheriff’s Office, declined to pursue the initial charges of Vehicular Homicide, Hit and Run, and Reckless Operation. Click here for more information on this story

The driver of the Armada, 40-year-old Connie Noel Estes (also known as Connie Noel Flettrich or Noel Gorgone) of Slidell, was taken into custody on the evening of August 29, 2025 and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center for Felony Hit and Run with Death or Serious Bodily Injury and Felony Obstruction of Justice. No bond has been set as of this report.

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

“There has been speculation on social media and in the community suggesting that Ms. Estes is either related to or romantically involved with an employee of the Sheriff’s Office, and that this may have influenced our investigation. That is absolutely false. Even if such a connection existed, it would not—and did not—affect the course of our investigation in any way.”

“I am deeply disgusted that someone would strike a child and leave them to die. What’s even more appalling is that this individual allowed someone else to take the blame for their actions.”

“This is a heartbreaking case, and our thoughts remain with the victim’s family. An arrest was made based on the evidence we had at the time. Once new evidence came to light, we moved swiftly to redirect our investigation and identify the correct suspect,” Sheriff Smith added. “While we are committed to acting quickly in the pursuit of justice, we also understand the immense responsibility that comes with that urgency.”

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 28-29, 2025

Austin Freeman (age 27 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $6000.00.

Russell Bonura (age 17 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft of a Motor Vehicle 1000-5000 and Criminal Trespass by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Brooke Billings (age 34 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked in from Drug Court and on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Kevin Lamb (age 51 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Simple Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $500.00 bond.

Harleigh Adams (age 23 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Protective Order Violation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2500.00 bond.

Qatarrel Walker (age 29 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Beverly Pace (age 71 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Probation Violation and Failure to Appear by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Zorrann Sartin (age 67 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Attachment by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $453.00.

Jerry Elzie (age 26 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs (3 counts) and Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Shantrice Blatcher (age 31 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Laken Adams (age 32 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment 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   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1pm and 4pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight   A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Labor Day   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. East wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tropical Disturbances Today

Eastern Tropical Atlantic:  (Nothing has changed since yesterday) A tropical wave is  forecast to emerge off the west coast of Africa on Sunday. Thereafter, environmental conditions could support some slow development of this system while it moves westward to west-northwestward at around 15 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic next week. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...30 percent.



August 29, 2025

Obituary

Richard Sherfield Ard

June 15, 1947 - August 29, 2025

Obituary

Annie Bell Sims Miller

July 10, 1936 - August 28, 2025

Mobile Healthcare Services at Mains Market in Franklinton



Obituary

Willie Murphy, Jr.

February 19, 1940 - August 24, 2025

Bogalusa City Council Meeting - September 2, 2025

The Bogalusa City Council will meet on September 2, 2025 beginning at 5:30 PM. The meeting will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/mthermonwebtv  The Agenda includes 

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES: 

  • AN ORDINANCE announcement of City of Bogalusa Elections. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS & ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES: 

  • AN ORDINANCE authorizing the Fiscal Administrator to enter into an Airport Management      Agreement between the City of Bogalusa and Lightening Aviation, LLC. 

  • AN ORDINANCE to amend Ordinance #2301 for the City of Bogalusa to adopt a policy addressing the City of Bogalusa Credit Card Policy.

  • AN ORDINANCE for the City of Bogalusa to adopt a policy addressing the recoupment of employee overpayment. 

Administrative Remarks

Council Remarks

This Week in Louisiana Agriculture

This week on TWILA, we look at the Roseland fire, check in with farmers facing tight margins, and share how a court ruling brings relief to sugarcane growers. From an okra farm in Gonzales to Sommerview Farm in Iberville Parish, we see how agriculture inspires growth at home—and follow Louisiana 4-H students as they wrap up their journey in Ireland. Plus, we end with a few laughs in this week’s Boost! Catch all that and more in this episode of TWILA! 

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 81. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Tonight   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. 
Sunday   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind around 5 mph. 
Sunday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tropical Disturbances Today

Eastern Tropical Atlantic::  A tropical wave is forecast to emerge off the west coast of Africa on Sunday. Thereafter, environmental conditions could support some slow development of this system while it moves westward to west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic next week. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...30 percent.



August 28, 2025

Guidance from La. Dept. of Insurance - Re: Roseland Incident

The Louisiana Department of Insurance offers some general information for individuals who live or own businesses in the area that was evacuated last week due to the fire in Roseland. They ask impacted customers to reach out to their insurer or professional insurance agent for more information and guidance. You can also scan the QR code to reach out to the Louisiana Department of Insurance directly.





Review of Tasks Completed After Roseland Incident

Source: Tangipahoa Parish Government

Here's a quick review of the work that's being done to respond to the incident in Roseland. As of today (Thursday, August 28, 2025), the following tasks are complete:

**Construction of containment berm around the facility

**Approximately 820,000 gallons of product retrieved to this point

**5,717 barrels from the site

**213 barrels from the water

**726 barrels of raw product removed from the plant

**13,400 ft of containment boom deployed 

**4 Marco skimmer boats deployed 

**5 drum roller skimmer sets 

**187 bails of absorbent boom deployed

**207 bails of absorbent pads deployed

Obituary

Patricia “Tricia” Carney Purvis

September 21, 1955 - August 28, 2025

Update on Environmental Monitoring in Washington Parish

Source: Washington Parish Government Press Release

Following the recent incident at Smitty's Supply, Washington Parish Government continues to work closely with Eagle Environmental to monitor conditions and ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

Early findings from environmental assessments have been reassuring. Air quality monitoring throughout the area — including near homes and schools — has shown no signs of harmful contaminants.

“We want our residents to know that we’re taking this seriously and moving forward with care. The safety of our community is our top priority,” said Parish President Ryan Seal. “We are committed to keeping our residents informed with facts and science, not speculation.”

Monitoring efforts are ongoing. While early results have been positive, we will continue to share updates as additional data is reviewed.

We’ll keep working closely with environmental experts and agency partners to ensure a full and careful response. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided directly to our residents.

Click here for recent press releases from EPA

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 27, 2025

Joshua Fitzmorris (age 43 with Folsom, La. address) was booked on the charges of Bond Surrender and Contempt of Court (3 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $7500.00.

Leslie Davis (age 54 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Improper Lane Usage, Expired Drivers License, and Contempt of Court by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Alysia Migliore (age 50 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Issuing Worthless Checks Under 1000, Principle to Theft, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Landon Davis (age 20 with Amite, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation and Parole Hold. No bond set at this time.

Larry Nations (age 68 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Triunna Anders (age 41 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft 1000-5000, Filing or Maintaining False Public Records, Injuring Public Records, and Malfeasance in 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   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday   A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday Night   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday   A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning. 
Saturday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. 

Tropical Disturbances Today

Disturbance 1.  Post-Tropical Cyclone Fernand is no threat to our area as it moves ENE in the northern Atlantic. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Disturbance 2.  Eastern Tropical Atlantic:  A tropical wave is forecast to emerge off the west coast of Africa on Sunday. Thereafter, environmental conditions could support some slow development of this system while it moves westward to west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph, moving across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic next week. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...20 percent.



August 27, 2025

Slidell Business Owner Arrested for Selling Kratom Products

With the assistance of the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC), detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division executed a search warrant at a Slidell business on Saturday (August 23, 2025). 

While searching the business, identified as “Smoke AZ 3” located on Gause Boulevard West, detectives located and seized more than 25,000 Kratom capsules, 1,800 grams of Kratom powder and several other products containing Kratom. Those products included more than 100 Kratom infused beverages.

The owner/operator of the business, 30-year-old Slidell resident Saqr Ali, was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center for violations of Louisiana Revised Statute 40:966.1 regarding possession with the intent to distribute a schedule I controlled dangerous substance (Kratom).

This investigation followed the recent classification of Kratom as a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance by the Louisiana Legislature and the establishment of Louisiana Revised Statute 40:966.1 as of August 1, 2025, making it illegal to possess or distribute Kratom or products including Kratom in the state of Louisiana.

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

Obituary

Donald Wayne McNeese

June 6, 1943 - August 26, 2025

UPDATE: Pregnant Teenage Road Rage Victim Becomes Donor Hero

Source: Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office Press Release of August 26, 2025

This evening, following her family's decision to give the Gift of Life, the victim in this case has officially become a donor hero. 

On Sunday morning (August 24, 2025), the 17 year-old and 7 month pregnant victim was in a vehicle with two other people in the Ponchatoula area. In what was described as a road-rage incident, two vehicles were reportedly tailgating and brake-checking each other. Barry West (age 54) of Tickfaw and driver of the second vehicle, reportedly shot one round into the first vehicle, striking the victim in the head. The baby was delivered by emergency C-section.

Click here for the original story

The young mother has been identified as 17-year-old Katelynn Strate of Ponchatoula. Her 28-week-old baby continues to do well under medical care.

The charges against the suspect in this case, 54-year-old Barry West, have been upgraded to include one count of 2nd Degree Murder. The remaining three counts of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder remain, along with one count each of Illegal Use of a Weapon and Obstruction of Justice.

Over the past year, the TPSO has maintained a consistent and diligent practice of proactively publicizing the activities of public interest occurring around the parish in a timely manner. The timing of this specific release was guided by respect for the sensitivity surrounding the difficult end-of-life decisions this victim's family was facing. 

To address questions regarding this suspect's association with TPSO, records dating back as far as our system currently allows (2007) do not show any employees with the last name of West.

On the subject of the suspect, if anyone believes they have had a similar encounter with this suspect in the past, please contact our Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2088 to file an official report.

Finally, we ask everyone to refocus on this family and join us in prayers of comfort and strength. 

Obituary

William C. Brady

February 12, 1948 - August 23, 2025

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 26, 2025

Thomas Clawson (age 35 with Poplarville, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2500.00.

Donald Martin (age 19 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

William Jarvis (age 55 with Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charge of Cyberstalking by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Palanstea Williams (age 36 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts), Entry/Remain on Premises After Being Forbidden, Resisting Arrest by Providing False Booking Info, and Attachment by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Connor Sullivan (age 31 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession of Stolen Property 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   Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 90. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Calm wind.
Thursday   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Friday Night   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. 

Tropical Disturbances Today

The only disturbance in the tropics is Tropical Storm Fernand & you see its no threat.



August 26, 2025

LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message

Sometimes, Gardening is for the Birds

Birds need food, water, and shelter. Gardens can provide all of these. As we approach fall, which is generally considered the best time to plant most trees and shrubs of temperate origin (i.e., not ones that are marginally cold hardy) in Louisiana, you might consider some plants that support birds.

Many types of trees and shrubs provide shelter and nesting sites. Evergreen plants have the additional benefit of providing shelter in the winter. Including plants of various heights may help draw a greater diversity of birds.

Fruit- and seed-producing plants provide food for many types of birds. Such trees include American holly, eastern redcedar, mayhaw, parsley hawthorn, magnolias, oaks, pines, sweet gum, native plums, and wild black cherry. A fruit producer that might not be as obvious is cabbage or sabal palm.

Shrubs that produce bird food include American beautyberry, arrowwood viburnum, cultivated and native blueberries, elderberry, mulberry, various fruiting hollies, Japanese yew, and wax myrtle.

This article is largely about trees and shrubs, but many herbaceous (non-woody) plants support birds, too. Blackeyed Susan and sunflower are just a couple of many examples that could be named. They may not be at their most attractive point once they’ve finished flowering and have seedheads, but it’s at this stage that they provide food for seed-eating birds.

Hummingbirds consume flowers’ nectar. Red, pink, and orange flowers, as well as those with a tubular shape, are especially attractive to them. Some plants that entice hummingbirds are bottlebrush, red buckeye, coral honeysuckle, firebush (including Lime Sizzler, which has been named a Super Plant), cigar plants, cardinal flower, scarlet or blood sage (Salvia coccinea), and Turk’s cap.

Bottlebrush varieties vary with respect to their cold hardiness, and some are often injured in very cold winters. Woodlanders Red (AKA Woodlanders Hardy) is one of the most resilient. Bottle Pop Neon Pink bottlebrush has also performed well at the Hammond Research Station. As with root-hardy tropicals, it’s probably best to wait and plant this shrub in the spring.

Some birds consume insects, small reptiles, amphibians, or even small mammals rather than fruits, seeds, or nectar. Plants also provide habitats for these. Having some native plants in the garden helps support insects that are more likely to be the foods of choice for native birds.

The Baton Rouge Audubon Society is partnering with the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station for a Hummingbird Celebration on September 20, 2025, from 8 AM to 1 PM. The event will include education about and sales of plants that support hummingbirds.

Let me know if you have questions.

Click here for previous LSU AgCenter's Weekly Messages

Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson is an Extension Agent with the LSU AgCenter, with horticulture responsibilities in Washington and Tangipahoa Parishes. Contact Mary Helen at mhferguson@agcenter.lsu.edu or 985-277-1850 (Hammond) or 985-839-7855 (Franklinton).

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 24-25, 2025

Angelle Forrest (age 49 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Conspiracy to
Introduce Contraband Into Correctional Facility and Distribution of Schedule 1 CDS by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $15000.00 bond.

Terry Bickham (age 49 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft Less Than 1000, Theft of a Motor Vehicle 1000-5000, Domestic Abuse Battery, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $10000.00.

Marzelos Bell (age 38 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts), Home Invasion, and Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $30000.00.

Rachael Smith (age 40 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court, Possession of Schedule III Drugs, and Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $7500.00.

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

Pickup Passes Stopped Bus, Hits Child in St. Tammany

Mario Avila, a 19-year-old Covington-area man, was arrested Tuesday (August 26, 2025) after he passed a stopped school bus while it was unloading children on Monday (August 25, 2025). The truck was passing a stopped school bus that afternoon while it was unloading children at the intersection of Hector Street and Montaigne Street in the Tall Timbers Subdivision near Mandeville. While the pickup was passing the bus, one of the children was hit by the passing truck while attempting to cross in front of the stopped bus to get to her house. Luckily the child sustained only very minor marks on her arm. The bus’s stop sign and flashing lights were activated at the time.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office posted photos on Monday (August 25, 2025) afternoon on social media asking for the public’s help in identifying the driver of a pickup truck. Thanks to tips coming in, deputies with the STPSO Traffic Division were able to identify the driver as Avila.

Avila was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of Hit and Run, Reckless Operation, Driving Under Suspension with Prior DWI, and Overtaking a School Bus. 

Sheriff Randy Smith wants to remind drivers of the dangers of passing stopped school buses. “Thankfully this child was not seriously injured but this could’ve ended in tragedy,” Sheriff Smith said. “When a driver ignores a stopped school bus, they’re not just breaking the law - they’re risking a child’s life. We urge everyone to slow down, pay attention and remember flashing red lights mean stop. No appointment, no destination, is worth a child’s safety.”

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