March 12, 2026
Pearl River Woman Sentenced to Life in Prison for Rape and Sex Crimes
District Attorney Collin Sims reports that today (March 12, 2026), 39-year-old Ashley Carambat of Pearl River was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty as charged to a series of horrific crimes.
The Honorable Judge Reginald T. Badeaux, III, handed down the following sentences, ordered to run concurrently:
- Life Imprisonment for First Degree Rape (Victim under age 13).
- 25 Years for Production of Pornography (Victim under age 13).
- 20 Years for Production of Pornography involving Juveniles.
- 20 Years for Aggravated Crimes Against Nature (Victim over age 13 but under age 17).
- 5 Years for Sexual Abuse of an Animal.
The investigation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office revealed a harrowing environment of abuse. During the emotional sentencing hearing, the court heard powerful victim impact statements from Carambat’s victims.
One of the victims told the court, “Six years ago, I had terrible things happen to me that no kid should have to go through. Every day, I suffer from depression and anger. She’s just a monster. [You’ve] scarred me for life.”
Her other victim addressed her directly: “I am nothing like you...I hope one day I can fully forgive you, not for you, but for me.”
The victim’s guardians also testified, condemning her choices. One stated, “You’re the predator. They’re strong kids, but no kid deserves to go through what you put them through.” Another added, “You chose to stay with Steve Harden and continued to make poor decisions.”
Before sentencing, Carambat addressed her victims, stating, “I’m sorry for not being there and not protecting you. None of this is and will ever be your fault. I will always love you. I hope that one day there will be forgiveness.”
“The betrayal of a child’s safety by an adult they should have been able to trust is a profound evil,” said District Attorney Collin Sims. “While these survivors will carry these scars forever, today’s life sentence ensures their abuser will never have the opportunity to harm them or any other child again. I am in awe of the courage and strength shown by these young people in court today.”
Assistant District Attorney Iain Dover prosecuted the case.
Co-defendant Steven Harden, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for prior convictions of molestation and computer-aided solicitation of one of these same victims, did not enter a plea today. His trial for the remaining charges in this matter is scheduled to take place on March 23, 2026.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 11, 2026
Freddie Slaughter (age 44 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of No Tail Light on Bicycle, Resisting an Officer, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, Possession of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts), Possession of Schedule III Drugs, and Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Tridarrion Tayor (age 24 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Battery and Disturbing the Peace/Violent & Tumultuous Manner by the Bogalusa Police Department and on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $342.00 on the Contempt Charge Only.
Jamaneil Brown (age 38 with Tylertown, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Obscenity and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Christopher Warren (age 50 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Assault (2 counts), Resisting Arrest by Flight, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, Convicted Felon in Possession of Certain Knives, Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness, and Disturbing the Peace/Loud & Abusive Language by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Patrick Dehnel (age 35 with Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charges of Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s), and Unlawful Use of Social Network by Sex Offender 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 63. North wind around 15 mph.
Tonight Clear, with a low around 39. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Friday Sunny, with a high near 73. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48. Calm wind.
Saturday Sunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 56. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
March 11, 2026
Update in Tangipahoa Parish Dog-Fighting Case
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office reports that more than a dozen dogs have been rescued, and additional arrest warrants have been issued, following the discovery of a dog-fighting operation last month.
- Alfred Lott, Jr., 52 of Kentwood, is wanted on 13 counts of Dog Fighting and Cruelty to Animals.
- Arthur Rose, Sr., 43 of Slidell, is wanted on one count each of Dog Fighting and Cruelty to Animals.
- David Coleman III, 26 of Port Arthur, TX, is wanted on one count each of Dog Fighting and Cruelty to Animals.
Originally, Alfred Dyson, 64, was booked on one count each of Dog Fighting and Cruelty to Animals. Click here for that original story and please see the video below.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Just before 8 p.m. on February 21, 2026, the TPSO received a tip about a dog-fighting event underway on the property of the Old Country Dollar Store on Highway 10 near Anderson Road in the Roseland area.
When deputies arrived, more than a dozen individuals scattered from a shop-type building, leaving behind one dog in concerning condition, a puppy, and various signs of a dog-fighting operation, including a boxing-type ring, a scale, and a program booklet featuring various dogs as contestants. Dyson, the property owner, was taken into custody that evening. Rose and Coleman’s warrants are associated with evidence found during this incident.
With assistance from Tangipahoa Parish Animal Services (TPAS), all of the animals were rescued and taken for medical evaluations. TPAS will make determinations about the animals’ futures per Louisiana law. Tangipahoa Parish Public Works also assisted with dismantling the areas where the animals were kept for evidence collection and to prevent future use.
This is an ongoing investigation with more arrests expected. Detectives are asking for information about anyone else involved with this operation, or any of the events associated with it, to contact our Criminal Investigations Office at 985-902-2088. 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.
Bicyclist Killed in Hammond Hit-and-Run / Arrest Made
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has arrested 33-year-old Warren Seither of Hammond for Fatality Hit and Run that occurred this past weekend.
On Tuesday (March 10, 2026), Seither contacted TPSO to turn himself in. During the arrest, detectives located Seither’s dark purple Toyota Avalon with extreme damage, including a completely busted windshield and half of the front, driver’s side bumper and grill missing (pictured below).
Just after midnight on Monday (March 9, 2026), the TPSO received reports of a crash on Old Covington Highway in the Hammond area involving a bicyclist. Unfortunately, the victim, identified as 32-year-old Shawn Paul Schech of Hammond, died from his injuries. The vehicle that hit Schech, now known to be driven by Seither, did not stop.
- If you’re a motorist, remember to share the road with bicyclists and only pass them when you can do so with at least 3-feet of space between you and them.
- If you’re a bicyclist, remember to follow all traffic signals and signs and always ride as far to the right as possible, in the same direction with traffic.
- If you’re a pedestrian, be sure to walk on the shoulder and in the opposite direction of traffic.
- Bicyclists and pedestrians should always wear light clothing for increased visibility and should use reflective gear when traveling at night.
Louisiana Releases Draft of Physical Education Standards
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has released draft revisions to the state’s K–12 physical education student standards for public review. Members of the public can view the proposed revisions and submit comments through April 15 at 4 p.m. Louisiana is reviewing its standards to help strengthen the role of physical fitness in promoting health and student success.
Click here to view the proposed revisions and click here to submit comments
“Physical education should help foster a lifelong commitment to movement, play, and healthy activities." said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “We appreciate the thoughtful work of the review committee and invite the public to share feedback as we move forward.”
Developing Louisiana’s Updated P.E. Standards
The review of Louisiana’s physical education standards (click here for more about the review) began in fall 2025 as part of the state’s regular seven-year standards review cycle required under BESE policy. The current standards were last established in 2017.
More than 140 individuals applied to participate in the standards review process. From that pool, 25 educators and stakeholders were selected to serve on workgroups, with 11 members also serving on the steering committee guiding the review.
Committee members represent a range of perspectives, including classroom teachers, health professionals, higher education faculty, and other education stakeholders from across Louisiana. Together, they collaborated to review and draft updated standards designed to strengthen physical education instruction and promote physical activity.
The proposed revisions focus on:
- Strengthening the progression of foundational movement skills across grade bands
- Ensuring developmentally appropriate motor skills and movement patterns
- Embedding expectations that support high-quality instruction for all learners
- Integrating movement-based standards and physical fitness outcomes
Public Review Period
Feedback collected during the public comment period will be presented to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). If approved by BESE, the updated standards will be implemented statewide beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, following educator training during the 2026–2027 school year.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 10, 2026
Ashley Barber (age 35 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.
William Strickland (age 42 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear, Prohibited Acts/Schedule II, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (3rd + Offense) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.
Darrin Busby (age 54 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.
Rebbeca Rahaim (age not shown with address not shown) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Shirmira Straughter (age 42 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Franklinton Police Department and on the charge of Failure to Pay Fine by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Willie Maze (age 38 with Baton Rouge, La. address) was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, Introduction of Contraband to Penal Institute, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs/Principle, Prohibited Acts/Schedule II, and Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule III Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Jakoby Pettway (age 25 with New Orleans, La. address) was booked on the charges of Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s), Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, and Attempted Pornography Involving Juveniles by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Joseph Amacker (age 38 with no address shown) was booked on the charge of Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s) 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 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tonight A 100 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 50. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Thursday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am. Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 65. North wind around 15 mph.
Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 41. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Friday Sunny, with a high near 73. Calm wind.
Friday Night Clear, with a low around 48. Calm wind.
March 10, 2026
LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message
Taking Care of Centipedegrass Lawns
The recent warm weather has many of us thinking about springtime. It will soon be time to start mowing our lawns (if we haven’t already, for the winter weeds that are flourishing) and, in April, to make the first fertilizer application of the season. I thought it was a good time to review basic care practices for our two most common turfgrasses.
This week’s article is about centipedegrass, and the next one will cover St. Augustinegrass. Best practices for these two turfgrasses are different, and following recommended practices for one on the other will not result in the best health for that lawn.
Centipedegrass is one of the most popular turfgrasses in this area. It requires a smaller amount of fertilizer and less frequent mowing than some other common turfgrasses.
If you use a slow-release fertilizer, you can get by with fertilizing centipedegrass just once during the year. Slow-release fertilizer can be applied in April at a rate of 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet. For example, if you’re using a fertilizer that has the analysis 16-0-8 (16% nitrogen, 0% phosphate, and 8% potash), you would use 6.3 pounds of this fertilizer per 1000 square feet to get 1 pound of actual nitrogen.
If you are using a readily-soluble fertilizer rather than a slow-release one on centipedegrass, you can split it into two applications – one in April and one in June – of 0.5 pound per 1000 square feet of actual nitrogen. If you were using the fertilizer 33-0-0 (33% nitrogen), you would apply 1.5 pound in April and 1.5 pound in June. If you want to encourage more growth, another application can be made in August.
For nutrients other than nitrogen, a soil test is necessary to know how much (if any) are needed. It’s important to use too much phosphorus on centipedegrass. Repeated use of fertilizers like 8-8-8 and 13-13-13 can lead to a buildup of too much phosphorus and harm centipedegrass lawns.
Centipedegrass needs a soil pH between pH 5 and 6. This is more acidic than what’s preferred by many of our garden plants and most other turfgrasses. However, many of our soils in the southeastern US naturally have a pH within this range.
A soil test is needed to know what the pH of a soil is. If pH is too high, you can apply sulfur to make it more acidic. In the uncommon case that soil pH is lower than pH 5, lime can be added to raise the pH. Sulfur or lime applications should be made based on soil test report recommendations. Even if a report recommends a great deal of sulfur, don’t apply more than about 8 pounds of sulfur per 1000 square feet at any one time to a lawn, to avoid injuring the grass.
Mow centipedegrass at a height of 1 to 2 inches. It’s best to do it often enough that you don’t have to remove more than one-third of the total height of the grass when you mow. For example, if you’re mowing at a height of 1 inch, try not to let the grass get taller than 1.5 inches. If you’re mowing at a height of 2 inches, try not to let it get taller than 3 inches.
Sometimes, soil gets compacted and needs aerification. If you try to stick a knife into the soil when it’s neither very wet nor very dry and the blade doesn’t go into the ground easily, the lawn may need to be aerated. Late spring and early summer are generally good times to do this.
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).
"I Need a Home"
Gretel was in a home. She was loved and a family dog. Then her family fell on hard times and she had to be brought back to the shelter. Gretel is not very old. She is only 3 years old. Yet she is an old soul and not very hyper. She loves attention. She is house trained but will need a schedule in her new home to maintain that. She loves everyone she meets. She does have an old injury to her leg that healed long ago but she doesn't let that slow her down. She is all around a great little pocket pittie who is only about knee high and sweet as the day is long. Can you help us help this amazing pup find a new forever family to love her? https://www.facebook.com/Washingtonparishanimalshelter/
Bella needs out of the shelter! She is a great dog who walks beautifully on a leash, is house trained, great with children and other dogs, doesn't seem to mind cats and yet she is starting to suffer kennel depression. This happens from time to time with dogs who are used to having a lot of room to run and play and she is going through it now. She will climb a fence so will need a runner at her new home. Here we walk her as we have 8 ft fencing and she scaled it no problem. Due to this, she isn't able to run and play as she would like and isn't allowed playdates with other dogs so she's starting to decline. Can you help us save this girl and find her a forever home? https://www.facebook.com/Washingtonparishanimalshelter/
Sake is a one-year-old sweetheart weighing around 40 lbs, and she is truly something special! This girl absolutely adores her walks — she even cries happy tears when she sees our dog walker because she can’t wait to get outside and explore. If you’re looking for a walking buddy who will be over-the-moon excited every time, Sake is your girl! She is wonderful with children and does great with other dogs. Shelter cats? She couldn’t care less — she pays them no mind at all. Sake also loves her playtime in the dog yard where she can stretch her legs and burn off some energy. She’s kennel trained and rarely has accidents here at the shelter, which makes her an easy addition to your home. And the best part? Her adoption fee has been waived! That’s right — this amazing pup can be yours with no adoption fee. Sake is ready to bring love, excitement, and plenty of happy walks into your life. Won’t you come meet her and see for yourself how special she is? https://www.facebook.com/Washingtonparishanimalshelter/
Washington Parish Representative Wyble Appointed to House Ways and Means Committee
State Representative John Wyble (R-Franklinton) has been appointed to serve on the Louisiana House Committee on Ways and Means, the state's chief tax-writing committee and one of the most influential panels in the Louisiana Legislature. The appointment was made by Speaker Phillip DeVillier.
The Ways and Means Committee holds jurisdiction over all matters related to taxes and revenue, state bonds, revenue collection, and the comprehensive state capital budget. As a member, Wyble will have a direct hand in shaping Louisiana's tax policy, a responsibility that takes on heightened significance heading into the 2026 Regular Session, where tax reform and fiscal sustainability are expected to be front-and-center.
“This appointment is a tremendous opportunity for Washington Parish,” said Rep. Wyble. “The Ways and Means Committee is where Louisiana's fiscal future gets decided — tax relief, revenue policy, capital investment. Having a seat at that table means I can fight directly for the families and businesses of this district and make sure rural Louisiana isn't left out of the conversation.”
The appointment aligns directly with Wyble's 2026 legislative priorities, including his "Pelican Promise: Zero in Ten Income Tax Freedom Act," legislation that would phase the state's individual income tax to zero over ten years. With Ways and Means jurisdiction over all tax legislation, Wyble's new committee seat places him at the center of the debate over Louisiana's long-term economic competitiveness.
Rep. Wyble also serves on the House Committees on Civil Law and Procedure, Agriculture, and House and Governmental Affairs, and chairs the Legislature's special study committee on LHSAA governance.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 7-9, 2026
Randal Turner (age 41 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic
Abuse/Child Endangerment, Domestic Abuse Battery, and Attachment (2 counts) by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Clyde Peters (age 43 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Assault/Domestic Violence by the Washington Parish Sheriffs Office. No bond set at this time.
Tom Roberts (age 50 with no address shown) was booked on the charges of General Speed Law, Driving Under Suspension, No Proof of Insurance, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Chares Quinn (age 44 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Stolen Things 1000-5000, Possession or Dealing in Unregistered or Illegally Transferred Weapons, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Calvin Brock (age 37 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
Wednesday Night A 100 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 54. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Thursday A 30 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. North wind around 15 mph.
Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 42. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
March 09, 2026
Washington Parish Burn Ban Lifted, Effective Today
President Ryan Seal has signed a proclamation terminating Executive Order 002-2026-01, officially lifting the burn ban in Washington Parish.While conditions have improved, residents are encouraged to use caution and remain mindful of safety when conducting outdoor burning.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 60 percent chance of showers thunderstorm betweens. Areas of dense fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers before 7pm. Patchy dense fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Tuesday Patchy dense fog before 7am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday A 50 percent chance of showers thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 10 to 15 mph.
Wednesday Night A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 53. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.
March 08, 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.
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