April 03, 2026
Teen Arrested Twice Within Days for Gun and Drug Offenses
On March 26, 2026, 19-year-old Dewayne Pines was arrested after a traffic stop by the Hammond Police Department Street Crimes Unit. A search of Pines' vehicle found approximately 146 grams of marijuana and a stolen handgun with an extended magazine. The semi-automatic handgun had been modified into a fully-automatic handgun by a machine gun conversion device (MCD), commonly referred to as a "switch," which is illegal under both State and federal laws. Pines was booked into the Hammond City Jail and later transferred to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail, where he posted bond and was released.
On April 1, 2026, detectives and officers made contact with Pines in Hammond and was found to have a loaded handgun in his waistband. A search of his vehicle found approximately 117 grams of marijuana. Pines was arrested and handcuffed after briefly resisting. Pines was booked into the Hammond City Jail.
Pines's arrest on April 1, 2026, came only 6 days after his previous arrest. As a result of his possession of the modified handgun and his repeated violation of the law, the HPD will forward the investigation to the United States Attorney's Office for potential federal prosecution.
HPD's top priority is keeping the Hammond community safe. The use of MCDs puts many innocent people in harm's way and will not be tolerated. Continued violations of the law will not be tolerated.
If you have information on someone possessing and/or selling illegal firearms or devices, please contact the Hammond Police Department Narcotics Division at 985-277-5700. If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! You may be eligible for a cash reward.
**All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.**
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 31 - April 2, 2026
Bookings for this time period may be incomplete (unavailable/released) due to technical problem at
WPSO.
Jessica Cooley (age 44 with Lacombe, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule III Drugs (2 counts), Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $10000.00.
Michael Beaver (age 46 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Cornelius Head (age 25 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Battery, Armed Robbery With Firearm, Carjacking, and Accessory After the Fact by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Tyrais Robinson (age 30 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Careless Operation With Accident, Theft Less Than 1000 (4 counts), Failure to Pay Fine, Home Invasion, Armed Robbery With Firearm, Second Degree Robbery, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriffs Office and on the charge of Issuing Worthless Checks on Closed Account by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond information is incomplete 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 sunny, with a high near 84. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight Increasing clouds, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday Night A 90 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 60. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
April 02, 2026
LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message
Carolina Jessamine: Positive Attributes and Caveats
One of the plants that we often see flowering along the edge of the woods in late winter is Carolina jessamine (AKA Carolina jasmine, Gelsemium sempervirens). This is an evergreen vine with yellow flowers that’s native to the southeastern US, including Louisiana.
When I lived in central North Carolina, one of these plants grew on lattice next to my deck. (As you’ll read later in the article, this may not have been the best place for it.) Though I see Carolina jessamine growing in the wild here, I don’t think I see it planted as much here as I did there.
You can use this vine where you want something evergreen – with a seasonal perk of pretty yellow flowers – to cover a sturdy vertical structure like a metal fence or arbor. While Carolina jessamine often grows along the edges of wooded areas in nature, it flowers more abundantly in sunnier locations. The site should be reasonably well-drained.
If you do plant it next to a fence or lattice, it’s recommended that you weave it in and out, starting low on the structure, to encourage more growth on the lower and middle parts instead of just encouraging a mass of growth at the top that shades out parts of the vine under it.
Carolina jessamine will probably need to be pruned from time to time. It’s best to do this in the spring, shortly after it finishes flowering.
While this vine has a lot going for it, there are a couple of caveats. One is that it’s highly poisonous if eaten by humans or livestock. Bees are even reported to have been killed by it, so don’t plant it near honeybee hives. Also, be careful not to plant it where a child might mistake the fragrant flowers for those of honeysuckle.
A second note of caution is that it’s considered highly flammable, so avoid planting it too close to the house. We don’t talk about “firewise landscaping” a lot here, but in drier climates, it’s a more common consideration. We’re certainly not immune to wildfires, either, as we’ve seen over the past few years. A common recommendation in firewise landscaping literature is to not plant any high flammability plants within 30 feet of a house or other structure.
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, 985-277-1850 (Hammond), or 985-839-7855 (Franklinton).
Another Bicyclist Killed in Crash - This One in Hammond
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) is asking for the public’s help with a fatal crash investigation. The crash occurred around 11:15 p.m. on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) TPSO was notified of a crash on North Baptist Road and Sunset Acres involving a bicyclist. While the driver who initially hit the bicyclist stopped and reported the incident, a second vehicle traveling in the other direction hit the victim a second time, stopped for a moment, but then left the scene. That second vehicle is described as a light-colored sedan that was traveling northbound on N Baptist at the time of the incident and turned right onto Wardline Road.
The victim, identified as 46-year-old Michael Ribando, Jr., was taken to an area hospital, but did not survive.
The TPSO is asking anyone with information about this incident and/or who witnessed the crash to contact TPSO’s Traffic Division at 985-748-8147. If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip!Tips submitted directly through Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.
“Last month, we had three crashes involving pedestrians and/or bicyclists, with one of them resulting in a loss of life. And last night, this tragedy was one of two within an hour’s time. Fortunately, the victim in the other incident was okay. But we need everyone to be part of ending this recent trend,” said Sheriff Gerald Sticker, “I’ll repeat my safety reminder from March-- motorists must remember to share the road with bicyclists/pedestrians by giving them at least 3 feet of space when passing. At the same time, bicyclists need to remember to follow all traffic signals and signs and always ride as far to the right as possible, in the same direction with traffic. Pedestrians should be walking against traffic, facing what is coming their way. And no matter the type of crash, everyone involved should always stop and report the incident to first responders.”
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 and thunderstorms. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday A 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night A 80% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 59. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
April 01, 2026
23-Year-Old Covington Woman Gets 25 Years for Role in 2023 Lacombe Murder
District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on April 1, 2026, 23-year-old Megan Ayanna Coleman of Covington, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Judge Vincent J. Lobello for her role in the December 2023 shooting death of 23-year-old Juwarren Martin to manslaughter and obstruction of justice. Following her plea, Judge Lobello sentenced Coleman to 25 years of imprisonment at hard labor.
Click here for previous related stories
The charges stem from a fatal encounter on the evening of December 26, 2023. Earlier that day, Coleman had been involved in a physical altercation with the victim’s sister at a tobacco store in Abita Springs. Seeking revenge, Coleman drove her co-defendant, Marrio Haynes, Jr., to a gas station in Lacombe, where they located Juwarren Martin.
As Coleman waited in the vehicle, Haynes exited armed with an AR-15-style rifle and fired a single fatal shot into Martin’s torso from behind. Coleman then acted as the getaway driver, picking Haynes up a short distance away and later harboring him as he attempted to evade capture by law enforcement.
The case was a result of an extensive investigation led by Sergeant Hayden Folse of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Coleman’s guilty plea follows the January 2026 conviction of Marrio Haynes, Jr., who was sentenced in February to life in prison plus an additional 60 years.
The sentencing was marked by emotional testimony from the victim's family. A family member, speaking on behalf of the grieving relatives, addressed Coleman directly about the void left by Martin’s death.
“Our life changed December 26th,” the family member stated. “I’m not up here to belittle Megan. Juwarren is the victim here - and we all know that. One decision changed her life. You cannot compare the loss of life to someone going to prison. Every year on Christmas we recall our last day we spent with JuJu. We lost somebody...somebody we loved...cared for. All it took was one instance. My only hope is that you understand what has been done and learn from it. The only person that can throw that away is you.”
In handing down the sentence, Judge Lobello reflected on the avoidable nature of the crime, stating, “It’s sad and tragic all the way around. It’s the perfect illustration of how one or a couple of quick bad decisions can change so many lives.”
"Today’s plea and sentencing bring a final chapter of accountability to a senseless tragedy that claimed a young life," DA Sims said. "While Megan Coleman did not pull the trigger, her active participation - driving the shooter to the scene and facilitating his escape - was essential to this crime. Our community has no tolerance for those who help orchestrate violence. We hope this result provides the family of Juwarren Martin with further closure and peace."
Assistant District Attorneys Tiffany Dover and Shelby Stoop prosecuted the case. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Watermelon Festival Kids Poster Contest
From the Washington Parish Watermelon Festival
Hey kids—it’s YOUR time to shine! We’re inviting all young artists to join our poster contest and show off what makes our festival the sweetest. Your artwork won’t just stay local… it could go all the way to the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals (LAFF) Poster Contest! 🌟
🎨 Age Groups (Public, Private or Parochial School Student may participate).
- Grades 1–3
- Grades 4–6
- Grades 7–9
- Grades 10–12
(Up to 3 winners per group may advance to the state competition!)
🍉 Theme
“My Fair/Festival”
Your poster must include:
- Washington Parish Watermelon Festival
- Franklinton, LA
- July 10–11, 2026
✏️ Contest Rules
- Artwork must be drawn by the student (freehand only)
- No stencils, tracing, cutouts, or collages
- Acceptable mediums include crayons, markers, watercolor, acrylic paint, felt-tip pen, or oil paint
- No cutouts or collage allowed
- Posters must be vertical (portrait style). No horizontal posters will be judged.
- White poster board 14" x 22" (½ sheet size)
- All wording must be hand lettered. No stencils
🏆 Advancement & Eligibility
First, Second, and Third place winners in each category are eligible for state competition. A maximum of twelve (12) posters per event will advance.
✏️ Judging Criteria
- Originality – 35%
- Theme – 25%
- Neatness – 25%
- Spelling – 15%
State Level Poster Prizes:
- Third Place – $25.00
- Second Place – $50.00
- First Place – $75.00
- Best Overall – $100.00
📄 Submission Details
- Include child’s name, grade, school, and parent/guardian contact information
- Entries may be dropped off at: LSU Ag Center Extension Office, 1134 Bene Street
- Deadline: May 8, 2026
- A maximum of 12 total entries will advance (3 per age group)
📌 Important: Each poster must include a 5x7 index card attached to the top left corner (so it can be flipped over) with:
- – Student’s name
- – Address
- – Telephone number
- – Parent/guardian’s name
- – Category (grade group)
- – Festival name (Washington Parish Watermelon Festival)
🍉🎨 So grab your crayons, paints, and markers—and show us what makes the Washington Parish Watermelon Festival the sweetest celebration around! We can’t wait to see your creativity shine! 💚🎨
2026 Washington Parish Fair Catalog Cover Contest
From the Washington Parish Fair Association
Think you’ve got what it takes to design the next Washington Parish Free Fair Catalog Cover? Now’s
your chance to shine! 🌟
The 2026 Catalog Cover Contest is officially OPEN, and we want to see your creativity come to life with this year’s theme: 🇺🇸 “Stars, Stripes, and Washington Parish Nights” 🇺🇸
🖌️ No age limits
📍 Must be a Washington Parish resident
💵 Winner takes home $100 AND gets their artwork featured on the official fair catalog!
🗓️ Deadline: May 22, 2026
This is what makes our fair so special—local talent, community pride, and creativity coming together. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just love to draw, we encourage you to enter!
📩 Entries can be turned in at Franklinton Primary School (see flyer below for details).
Let’s make this year’s cover unforgettable! 💙❤️
Slidell Man Convicted of Aggravated Crimes Against Nature Involving a Minor
District Attorney Collin Sims announces that on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found 41-year-old Deontrel Jermane Jackson of Slidell guilty as charged for Aggravated Crimes Against Nature. The conviction follows a trial presided over by the Honorable Judge Scott Gardner, involving a victim under the age of 13 and a close relative of the defendant at the time of the offenses.
The investigation, led by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, began in January 2021. Authorities determined that between 2019 and 2020, Jackson repeatedly entered the bedroom of a juvenile at a residence in Slidell.
The abuse was brought to light after a journal entry was discovered in which the victim expressed distress regarding Jackson’s actions. During forensic interviews conducted at the Children’s Advocacy Center Hope House, the victim detailed a pattern of repeated abuse. The investigation further revealed that the defendant had previously admitted to the conduct, claiming at the time that he was in a "dark place.”
Assistant District Attorneys Gary Tromblay and Taylor Nicholson prosecuted the case. During closing arguments, ADA Nicholson emphasized the defendant’s own admissions.
"An adult cannot touch a juvenile in a sexual manner," ADA Nicholson told the jury. "The defendant's own words were 'I touched her…that was two times.' That's the defendant's own words of what he did to that little girl."
ADA Tromblay addressed the predatory nature of the defendant’s repeated actions during his closing remarks.
"He was going up in her room at night, and he was using that little girl as a sex object, treating her as a toy," Tromblay stated. "He admitted that he was touching that little girl. It was regular, and it was repeated. That little girl deserves justice for what he did. She said she felt betrayed."
Following the verdict, DA Sims commended the prosecution team and the survivor's resolve.
"This verdict delivers justice for a victim who suffered a profound betrayal of safety," DA Sims said. "Our office is dedicated to ensuring that those who prey on children are removed from our community. I want to thank the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office for their thorough investigation and the jurors for their service in this difficult case."
Sentencing before Judge Gardner is scheduled for May 5, 2026. Under Louisiana law, this conviction carries a sentence of 25 to 99 years imprisonment at hard labor without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.
Memorial Day Bogue Chitto Bash is May 25th
Put it on your calendar and make plans to participate in this most worthy and unusual event.
Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/989406250328328/
The event is to honor and memorialize those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our great nation and bring awareness to veteran suicide whereby an estimated 22 veterans per day are lost. The Franklinton Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 47, in partnership with Our Veterans Memorial Park invite you to the inaugural Memorial Day Bogue Chitto Bash Poker Run.
The event will start at the Franklinton Boat Ramp, located at the end of Pearl Street. Participants will travel 11 miles south down the Bogue Chitto River, making four stops to collect playing cards before returning the 11 miles up river to the boat launch where the final card will be drawn. The 22 mile journey is in honor of our fallen military members. Once all participants have returned, the top hand will be declared the winner. In the event of a tie, high card draw will prevail. Prizes will be awarded for Best Hand and Worst Hand. There will be a 50/50 Raffle and a Poker Chip drawing for a prize.
We will have Live Music provided by Dylan Varnado and Crawfish provided by the Louisiana Lt. Governor's Office. Crawfish is included in the Registered Participants fee and is available to non-boaters for $20 per person.
All proceeds will benefit Our Veterans Park and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #47
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Light southeast wind becoming south 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. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday A 60 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 15 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then a slight chance of showers between 7pm and 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
March 31, 2026
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 28-30, 2026
Jonathan Williams (age 35 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Hit and Run and Criminal Damage by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3000.00.
Adam Schneckloth (age 47 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Second Degree Battery, Interfering With Emergency Communication, and Resisting an Officer by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Adrionne Peters (age 38 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of No Proof of Insurance, Driving Under Suspension, Failure to Change/Secure Registration, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Open Container in Vehicle by the Bogalusa Police Department and on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $25000.00.
Donna Lang (age 46 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft 1000-5000 and Skimming of Lottery Proceeds by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Lindsey Daniels (age 53 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule II Narcotics and Attempt and Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule II and Schedule 1 Drugs by the Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Bogalusa Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Rape and Molestation
District Attorney Collin Sims announces that Christopher Rachel Sr., age 38 and of Bogalusa, Louisiana, entered a guilty plea Monday (March 30, 2026) morning before the Honorable Judge William H. Burris for multiple counts of sexual abuse involving a juvenile victim under the age of thirteen.
Rachel pleaded guilty to:
- Second Degree Rape (Count 1)
- Sexual Battery involving a victim under thirteen (Count 2)
- Molestation of a Juvenile (Count 3)
Following the guilty plea, Judge Burris sentenced Rachel in accordance with a plea agreement to 40 years at hard labor in the Department of Corrections. The sentence is to be served without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. Judge Burris also ordered a lifetime registration as a sex offender for Rachel and a lifetime "stay away" order prohibiting any contact with the victim.
The investigation began on August 4, 2024, when officers with the Bogalusa Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance. During the intervention, witnesses reported witnessing an interaction that led to the disclosure of sexual abuse. Upon being questioned by investigators and advised of his Miranda rights, Rachel admitted to having sexual relations with the juvenile victim.
A search of Rachel’s residence resulted in the recovery of several items that corroborated the victim's account of the abuse. Statements provided by the victim during appointments with the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) and Children’s Hospital indicated that the abuse was frequent and had begun when the victim was approximately ten years old. The investigation revealed that the abuse included various forms of sexual penetration and was known to have occurred over a period of several years.
"This sentence ensures that a predator is removed from our community for a very long time and, most importantly, provides a measure of justice and safety for the survivor of these horrific acts," said DA Sims.
The Bogalusa Police Department investigated the case. The prosecution was handled by Assistant District Attorney Jason Cuccia.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph. 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. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Wednesday A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.
Thursday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
March 30, 2026
Covington-Area Man Arrested for Obscenity
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office reports that 62-year-old Mark T. Long, a Covington-area man, was arrested March 30, 2026 on a warrant for obscenity after he exposed himself at a St. Tammany coffeeshop.
No image available at this time.
The STPSO reports that on March 20, 2026, Long entered a Covington-area coffeeshop with his pants unzipped, approached the counter and, while waiting for his order, exposed himself to a female employee. Detectives learned Long had been at the same business the previous day and was observed on surveillance video acting in a similar manner. A warrant for Long’s arrest was issued, and he turned himself in on March 30, 2026. He was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center for one count of L.R.S. 14:106 Obscenity.
“This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our community,” said Sheriff Randy Smith. “We encourage business owners and citizens to report suspicious or inappropriate activity so it can be addressed promptly.”
This is still an ongoing investigation. If you have any additional information, please contact Detective Kyle Krenwinkel at (985) 726-1327.
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, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday A 90 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog before 8am. High near 82. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Wednesday A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
March 29, 2026
Pedestrian Killed in Secondary Crash in Tangipahoa Parish
Tickfaw – On March 28, 2026, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Interstate 55 northbound just south of LA Highway 442 in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the life of 26-year-old Austin B. Gentry of Independence.
The preliminary investigation revealed that two separate crashes occurred in the same general location along Interstate 55. Gentry had been involved in an earlier crash on the southbound side of Interstate 55. Following the initial crash and before emergency personnel arrived, Gentry exited his vehicle on the southbound side of Interstate 55 and attempted to cross the northbound lanes. At the same time, a 2010 Toyota Corolla was traveling north on Interstate 55 when it struck Gentry as he was attempting to cross the roadway. At the time of the crash, Gentry was wearing dark-colored clothing in an unilluminated portion of Interstate 55.
Gentry sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. The driver of the Toyota was properly restrained and uninjured.
Impairment is not suspected for the driver of the Toyota, who provided a breath sample of .000 g%. A routine toxicology sample was obtained from Gentry for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
Troopers urge pedestrians to exercise caution when walking near roadways. Wearing reflective materials, avoiding distractions, and keeping a safe distance from traffic lanes while facing oncoming vehicles can help prevent pedestrian-related crashes. Motorists should also stay alert when approaching disabled vehicles or pedestrians on the roadside. If you witness any hazardous situations, please dial *LSP (*577) to report it to the Louisiana State Police.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 10 percent chance of showers after 5pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 76. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
March 28, 2026
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 26-27, 2026
Odie Hughes (age 46 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Protective Order Violation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Stephen Sistrunk (age 37 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Assault With a Firearm, Cultivation or Production of Marijuana, and Possession of CDS With Weapon Present by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Vernon Cooly (age 63 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Manufacture/Cultivation of Schedule 1 Drugs, Distribution of Schedule II CDS, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 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 Sunny, with a high near 72. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tonight Clear, with a low around 52. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
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