Joseph Wayne Cox
June 14, 1947 - March 6, 2026
March 07, 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/
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.
March 06, 2026
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***
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.
March 05, 2026
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***
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***
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.
March 04, 2026
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.
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.
March 03, 2026
John Paul Seals Pleads Guilty to 2021 Homicide in Angie
Just as jury selection was set to begin today in the Washington Parish Courthouse, John Paul Seals, age 45 and of Angie, Louisiana, entered a guilty plea for the 2021 killing of Kevin Bryce Blackmon. The plea concludes a gruesome case involving a residential struggle, an attempted cover-up by fire, and a multi-agency forensic investigation.
Seals pleaded guilty to Manslaughter and Obstruction of Justice. Under the terms of the agreement, the Honorable Judge Ellen M. Creel sentenced Seals to 35 years with the Department of Corrections, to be served concurrently.
The case dates back to October 11, 2021, on Monroe Creek Road in Angie, Louisiana. While Seals initially claimed the death was the result of self-defense and an accidental fire, evidence compiled by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Washington Parish Coroner’s Office told a different story.
Forensic analysis confirmed that Kevin Blackmon was already deceased before his body was burned. Investigators determined that a heated argument occurred at the residence, where Seals killed Blackmon and attempted to destroy evidence by burning the interior carpet. Seals then transported the victim’s body in Blackmon’s own truck to a nearby creek.
The getaway was thwarted when Seals became stuck on a utility pole guide wire. In a final attempt to destroy evidence, he used accelerants to set the vehicle and the body on fire, accidentally catching his own clothing ablaze in the process. Before fleeing the state, Seals submerged the victim’s 9mm pistol in a sandbar and discarded a knife used in the attack.
The sentencing was marked by emotional statements from the victim’s family. The victim’s mother offered a powerful message of grace, stating that she did not hate Seals or wish for his death, but sought only the justice she felt was delivered today.
In a stark contrast, Blackmon’s sister addressed the defendant directly, stating she hoped he would see her brother’s face every time he closed his eyes until the very last time he closed them.
"The resolution of this case ensures that a violent, repeat offender is removed from our community for a significant period," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "This plea provides the family of Kevin Blackmon with the certainty of a conviction and the closure of a long, painful chapter. Our office remains committed to holding those who devalue human life accountable."
District Attorney Sims extends his gratitude to the Assistant District Attorneys Tiffany Dover and Iain Dover for their diligent work in preparing this case for trial. This successful prosecution was made possible through the seamless collaboration of several agencies, including the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police Crime Lab, Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, Louisiana State University (LSU) FACES Lab, and the Washington Parish Coroner’s Office.
Tickfaw Woman Arrested for Abandoning 8-Year-Old Son
The Ponchatoula Police Department has reported the arrest of 43-year-old Jeanette Edmonds of Tickfaw, was arrested for Cruelty to Juveniles, Child Desertion, and Criminal Abandonment.
On Sunday (March 1, 2026 ) at 2:07pm, Ponchatoula PD officers responded to a call of an abandoned child at a local laundry mat when a citizen witnessed Edmonds drive away in her vehicle leaving the 8-year-old child behind alone.
The child was safely picked up from the Police Department by a family member and officers quickly began the search for Edmonds. During the investigation, Detectives obtained information that Edmonds had two prior failed attempts to abandon her 8-year-old son earlier that same day. The first failed attempt was at a local cemetery and the second was at a nearby farm.
With assistance from multiple agencies, Edmonds was quickly located in Harvey and taken into custody by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. She was transported to the Ponchatoula Police Department and booked on 1 count of Cruelty to Juveniles; 1 count of Child Desertion; and 1 count of Criminal Abandonment.
***All Persons Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty***
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 2, 2026
Andrea Sumrall (age 41 with Tylertown, Ms. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.
Christopher Gutierrez (age 34 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Desmond Tolbert (age 25 with New Orleans, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.
Joshua Ard (age 26 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Production of Pornography Involving Juevenile(s) Under Age of 13 and Sexual Abuse of an Animal (Filming, Distributing or Possessing Images of Abuse) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Tommy Greely (age 36 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Clerk of Court. No bond set at this time.
Terrance Robinson (age 24 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.
Richard Griffin (age 40 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Ijenee White (age 31 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Alvin Chandler (age 69 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.
***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 Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 64. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday A 20 percent chance of showers after 3pm. Areas of fog before 8am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 63. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night A 20 percent chance of showers before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
March 02, 2026
District Attorney Collin Sims Announces Arrest of Bogalusa Man for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material and Sexual Abuse of an Animal
District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on Monday (March 2, 2026), an investigation into a cyber tip led to the arrest of a Bogalusa man for possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and felony sexual abuse of an animal.
The investigation began when the 22nd JDC District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit (SVU) Task Force received a cyber tip from the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. The tip identified an individual suspected of possessing and distributing CSAM within the jurisdiction.
Investigators quickly identified the suspect as 26-year-old Joshua Ard of Bogalusa, Louisiana. Members of the Covington Police Department, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI), Bogalusa Police Department, and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed an arrest warrant. During the investigation, Ard reportedly admitted to the possession and sharing of the illegal files.
Ard was booked on the charges of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (Victims under 13) and Sexual Abuse of an Animal (Felony). No bond has been set as of this report.
Photo at top right is booking photo of Ard and provided by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Photo at left was provided by the District Attorneys Office.
If convicted, Ard faces a sentencing range of 10 to 40 years at hard labor.
“This case is the result of rapid information sharing and real partnership across local, state, and federal law enforcement,” District Attorney Collin Sims said. “When a cyber tip comes in, we treat it with absolute urgency. We know that individuals who seek out and trade this material can escalate from viewing to direct, hands-on abuse. Our goal is to identify them early and intervene before another child is harmed. Our office will continue working aggressively to hold these offenders fully accountable.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Washington Parish School System - Job Opportunity
The Washington Parish School System has posted a job opening for Supervisor of Maintenance & Transportation. For more information, go to www.wpsb.org/careers
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 79. South wind around 5 mph.
Tonight Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 58. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 81. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 64. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday A 20 percent chance of showers after 3pm. Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
March 01, 2026
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today Areas of dense fog before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
Tonight Patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 50. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday Sunny, with a high near 79. Light east wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
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