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January 17, 2022
January 16, 2022
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January 15, 2022
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 14, 2022
Darryl Singleton (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Criminal Trespass, Resisting Arrest by Flight, Possession of Schedule III Drugs, Contempt of Court, and Theft Less Than 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Cara McLendon (Foxworth, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule III Drugs, Possession of Marijuana, and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Garath Brown (Tylertown, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Battery of a Dating Partner and Theft 1000-5000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
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January 14, 2022
Two Wanted by Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office
Anthony is wanted for a Failure to Appear warrant and for questioning in the theft of a motor vehicle from a church on E Cooper Road in Loranger which occurred on January 10, 2022. Detective Foster is the lead investigator on this case and can be reached at 985-902-2035.
Addison is wanted on warrants charging him with Convicted felon in Possession of a Firearm, Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms, and Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Narcotics. On January 11, 2022, TPSO Detectives alongside United States Marshals executed a search warrant at the residency of Damarco Addison (B/M 27-years-old) of Independence, La. Inside the residence, detectives located a stolen AR-15 rifle, a large amount of suspected Marijuana, and items typically used in the distribution/sale of illegal narcotics. Sergeant McGovern is the lead investigator on this case and can be reached at 985-748-3337.
Chief Jimmy Travis asks if you have any information on the whereabouts of Anthony or Addison to please call Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s anonymous tip line 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips.
Every person accused of any crime is considered innocent until proven guilty.
Two St. Tammany Teens Arrested for Terrorizing
Just after midnight on Thursday, January 13, 2022, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office received information from the school board indicating that a 15 year old female from Lacombe made threats of violence towards local area schools. During the course of the investigation, it was determined a 15 year old female from the Slidell area was also involved. Both juveniles were quickly apprehended by detectives.
The 15 year old female from Lacombe was charged with Terrorizing and Obstruction. The Slidell area 15 year old female was charged with Terrorizing. It was determined both juveniles are former students of the St. Tammany Parish School System. Furthermore, detectives concluded that, other than the threats being made, none of the local area schools in question were in danger during this time period.
Both juveniles were booked into the Florida Parishes Detention Center. Due to the age of the suspects, no further information will be released regarding this incident.
A Text-Book Case: Madisonville Burglary Solved & Sentence Imposed Timely
On September 8, 2021, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office was dispatched regarding a burglary at a Madisonville business. The victim reported that his box trailer lock had been cut off and that 12 tools including drills, a jigsaw, worm saw, air compressor and other items were stolen. An eye witness had observed a middle-aged black male in a tan sedan backed into a driveway and placing large objects into his car trunk. As he drove off she was able to photograph the vehicle.
The victim was notified shortly thereafter that one of his stolen items had been posted for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Posing as a buyer, the victim contacted the seller/defendant on Facebook. The defendant informed the victim that only an air compressor was still available for sale. The victim asked for the defendant’s location in Ponchatoula and found his stolen air compressor in the defendant’s open trunk. Victim then reported to Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office who picked up the defendant, who subsequently confessed in an interview. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office was notified.
ADA Tiffany Dover prosecuted the case. We would like to thank the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office who worked in conjunction with the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s office to investigate the case.
Lacombe Man Dies in House Fire Trying to Rescue Dogs
State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies continue investigating the circumstances surrounding a house fire in Lacombe that claimed the life of a male resident on Tuesday (January 11, 2022).
In the early morning hours, St. Tammany Fire District #3 responded to a report of a residential fire in the 27000 block of Washington Street in Lacombe. Firefighters arrived on scene to locate one occupant safely evacuated outside of the home and learned there was a second occupant who had originally escaped but reentered the home in an attempt to save pet dogs and never came back out. That victim was located and transported to a local hospital for treatment but unfortunately died the following day. The status of the dogs is unknown at this time.
While official identification and cause of death are pending with the Coroner’s Office, the victim is believed to be a 60-year-old resident of the home.
Following an assessment of the scene, deputies determined the fire began in the home’s living room.
Quilt Exhibit at the D. A. Varnado Store Museum
Source: Vicki Pichon Knight post to the Tourism Commission FB page
Vicki Pichon Knight shared that “the most popular exhibit”, the Quilt Exhibit, is completed at the D. A. Varnado Store Museum on Pearl Street behind the parish courthouse in Franklinton.
The many gorgeous quilts, old and new, loaned and part of the Museum's collection may be seen on the weekends in January and February 2022. See the Facebook and web page for hours. Free admission.
The annual quilt seminar will be held at the Museum Annex on February 19, 2022.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 13, 2022
Tommy Freeman (Varnado, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving Under Suspension, Issuing Worthless Checks Under 1000, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Thomas Davis (Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Battery of Infirm and Failure to Appear (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Jessica Poupart (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Distribution of Schedule II Drugs and Distribution of Schedule 1 Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Michael Wise (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment and Criminal Damage to Property Under 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Victoria Kennedy (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery, Bank Fraud (4 counts), Exploitation of the Infirm, and Theft 1000-5000 (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Dynell Dyson (Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery, Bank Fraud (4 counts), Exploitation of the Infirm, and Theft 1000-5000 (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Leandrus Brooks (Independence, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
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Today's Message From ADAPT
Learn more and "Like" ADAPT's Facebook page and visit their website.
ADAPT, INC. is a nonprofit organization whose goals are- To prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens by delivering research based prevention programs.
- To provide child abuse prevention and direct services to victims which includes a variety of programs and services.
- To provide sexual assault prevention and direct services to assault victims which includes: operating a 24/7 crisis hotline; providing hospital and law enforcement victim advocates 24/7; providing sexual assault information, prevention education, professional training, awareness campaigns, inter-agency collaboration, and victim support and counseling.
- To provide prevention and educational services targeting substance abuse.
January 13, 2022
Redistricting of Washington Parish Council Districts – Your District May Be Changing
September 23, 2021, the Washington Parish Infrastructure held a public meeting unanimously recommending Buddy Jenkins, as a consultant for the redistricting process to go before the council.
October 11, 2021, the Council held a public meeting approving Buddy Jenkins as our consultant with a 7- member Advisory Panel, one person from each district.
October 25, 2021, the council held a public meeting approving the 7-member Redistricting Advisory Panel
- Councilman Joe Culpepper District No. 1. – Kay Kay Varnado
- Councilman Shawn Rice District No. 2. -Seth Descant
- Councilwoman Kim Wagner District No. 3. – Michelle Goode
- Councilman Clark Harry District No. 4. – William Lewis
- Councilman Rusty Fornea District No. 5. - Brent Jones
- Councilman Reginald McMasters District No. 6. – Jerome Warren Sr.
- Councilman Carley King District No. 7. – Stuart Varnado
November 11, 2021, the Redistricting Advisory Panel had a public meeting with Mr. Buddy Jenkins presenting a thorough presentation with 4 (A-D) redistricting proposals.
December 7, 2021, The Redistricting Advisory Panel had a public meeting unanimously recommending redistricting plan D to go before the council.
Washington Parish Council strives to be transparent with all citizens of Washington Parish and will hold a public hearing on February 14, 2022, at 5:00 pm for any questions or concerns. There are many changes in the redistricting for our parish and changes of your district, precincts and wards may have changed in Plan D:
- All citizens currently in (Joe Culpepper) District 1, Ward 4 Precinct 02A (Columbia St. Fire Station) will now be in District 4 (Clark Harry).
- All citizens currently in (Shawn Rice) District 2, Ward 6 Precinct 4 (Plainview Voting Booth) will now be in District 1 (Joe Culpepper).
- All citizens in (Kim Wagner) District 3, Ward 4 Precinct 1 (Columbia St. Fire Station) will now be In District 4 (Clark Harry).
- All citizens in (Kim Wagner) District 3, Ward 4 Precinct 8 (Lakeview Voting Booth) will now be in District 4 (Clark Harry).
- All citizens currently in (Clark Harry) District 4, Ward 4 Precinct 4-1A (St. Paul AME Church Hall) will now be in District 3 (Kim Wagner).
- All citizens currently in (Clark Harry) District 4, Ward 5 Precinct 3 (Varnado Fire Station) will now be in District 5 (Rusty Fornea).
- All citizens currently in (Clark Harry) District 4, Ward 7 Precinct 3 (Angie Fire Station) Will now be in District 5 (Rusty Fornea).
- All citizens currently in (Rusty Fornea) District 5, Ward 4 Precinct 6 (Senior Citizens Center) will now be in District 3 (Kim Wagner).
- All citizens currently in (Carley King) District 7, Ward 1 Precinct 2 (Bonner Creek Fire Station) will now be in District 2 (Shawn Rice).
- District 6 (Reginald McMasters) NO CHANGES
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 11-12, 2022
Daniel Fremin (Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2500.00.
Jared Ritter (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Tylina Imboden (Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Entry/Remain on Premises After Being Forbidden, Resisting a Police Officer with Force or Violence, and Resisting an Officer by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Corey Lott (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft Less Than 1000, Careless Operation, and Resisting an Officer/Flight on Foot by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
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January 12, 2022
Did You Know This About Milk?
About 73% of calcium available in the food supply is provided by milk and milk products.
» 12 pounds of whole milk to make 1 gallon of ice cream. » 21.2 pounds of milk to make 1 pound of butter. » 10 pounds of milk to make 1 pound of cheese.
95% of U.S. dairy farms are family-owned and operated. Milk arrives at your local grocery store within 48 hours of leaving the farm.
The average cow produces 7 gallons of milk per day, that’s over 100 glasses of milk!
Cows eat about 100 pounds of feed a day, which is like eating 300 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!
To get the same amount of calcium provided by one 8-ounce glass of milk, you would have to eat 4.5 servings of broccoli, 16 servings of spinach or 5.8 servings of whole wheat bread.
Did you eat something spicy? Milk is better for cooling your mouth than water because of the protein casein—it cleanses your taste buds.
Jury Finds Slidell Man Guilty of First-Degree Robbery – He Faces Up to 40 Years
On April 4, 2019 at 12:53 AM, Slidell Police Department officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at a Slidell gas station. Upon arrival, police found a victim who relayed what had happened and were able to view video surveillance footage.
A black male wearing pink multi-colored slippers, a black hooded sweatshirt and sweat pants with a Saints cap turned backwards arrived at the store in a black SUV. As he entered, he walked around the counter and grabbed the store clerk by the neck and demanded that she open the cash register. He then proceeded to punch her multiple times all while threatening to shoot and kill her. He eventually fled after taking approximately $200 worth of cash and a few boxes of Kool cigarettes. Video footage also showed that the defendant had two distinctive warts on his middle finger.
About nine hours after the incident, officers encountered the defendant, who matched the description of the perpetrator, driving a vehicle that also matched the description of the vehicle used in the robbery. Officers noted that the defendant had two matching warts on the same hand and finger as depicted in the surveillance video.
The defendant was taken into custody and a search warrant was executed on his vehicle and residence. At his residence, officers found the matching Saints hat, black clothing, pink multi-colored slippers, and pack of Kool cigarettes. In his vehicle, officers found an additional pack of Kool cigarettes and other miscellaneous items.
Defense’s argument was that the identity of the defendant could not be established. In closing, however, ADA Peters highlighted to the jury all of the consistencies between the physical characteristics, clothing, and vehicle of the defendant, compared to what was seen in the surveillance video from the store. Peters stated to the jury: “There are only two choices here: Either this is the greatest coincidence in the history of mankind, or simply, he is guilty.”
Thank you to Slidell PD members Detective Scott O’Shaughnessy, Officer Michael Koch, Detective Kyle Taylor, Crime Scene Technician Allyson Zitzman Leebrick and Sergeant Michael Deckelman, among others.
The case was prosecuted by ADA Blake Peters. The defendant is facing a sentence of up to 40 years in prison. He has 5 prior felony convictions for theft of goods, possession with attempt to distribute cocaine, purse snatching, armed robbery and attempted manslaughter. He will be sentenced on March 8, 2022.
Recognitions Made and Awards Presented at Franklinton Meeting
recognitions of some special persons.
First, Franklinton native and FHS grad Kassidi Varnado is a Saintsation and was recognized for being selected to represent the New Orleans Saints as a cheerleader at the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl in Las Vegas on February 8, 2022. Mayor Greg Route made a presentation and Kassidi spoke to those in attendance. (See the video at 2:05)
Second, Mayor Route presented the Mayor's Citizenship Awards to seven persons for their contributions to the Town of Franklinton. As he presented the Awards, Mayor Route described each person's contributions. Recipients were Claire McGuire, Jackie Tate (and the COCO group), Chip McVea, Henry Harrison, David Anthony, Frankie Crosby, and Mike Creel. (See the video at 6:20)
In other business, the Board considered quotes for an a/c and heating unit for Town Hall (to be voted on at an Emergency Meeting at 8:00 AM on Friday (January 14, 2022), considered quotes for the purchase of a dump truck (to be voted on as previous item), authorized the Mayor to sign the Compliance questionnaire for the audit for the year ended October 31, 2021, authorized the Mayor to sign the Engagement Letter for Minda Raybourn CPA, LLC for the audit for the year ended 10/31/2021, authorized the Mayor to sign a Low Income Household Water Assistance Vendor Agreement, and approved the hiring of Angela Whaley at Dispatcher at the Police Department.
Departmental Reports were made by Public Works Supervisor Reginald McMasters (beginning at 30:30), Police Chief Justin Brown (beginning at 38:55), and Municipal Clerk Ellen Wascom (beginning at 44:40). Each of these reports contained valuable information.
Beginning at 48:50, during Public Participation, Jackie Tate addressed the Board concerning Amwaste and Henry Harrison commended the Mayor and Aldermen on their efforts to improve the Franklinton community.
Aldermen comments began at 53:20, followed by additional comments by the Mayor. The Mayor announced the roll-out of the Town's new website and emphasized its value to the community; He also restated his commitment to having a park but said he does not believe the Popeye's site is in the best interest of the Town.
Franklinton Council 01112022.wmv from Mt. Hermon Web-TV on Vimeo.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
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January 11, 2022
Parish Council Elects 2022 Chairman and Vice Chairman
After taking care of routine matters, the Council heard from parish resident Nick Smith who made an interesting presentation that demonstrated the relative size of farm land left in the world and emphasized the importance of maintaining our farmland for the production of food. (See his presentation beginning at 7:35).
The President's report consisted of reports by Finance Director Donna Graham, Public Works Director Ken Wheat, and Transportation Manager Donnell Merritt. Graham provided the latest COVID statistics that included positivity rates have increased from 5.5% in December 16, 2021 to 26.3% on January 6, 2022; other stats and information were provided. (See her report beginning at 15:30). Merritt reported on the volume of work done by work crews in December of 2021; of particular note, was 701 bags of garbage picked up.
Attorney Wayne Kuhn reported on the progress of Redistricting and that the Solar Facilities Draft Ordinance will be available to the Council and interested parties on Wednesday, January 11, 2022. (See his reports beginning at 28:10). Hearings on both Redistricting and the Solar Facilities Draft Ordinance will be scheduled to receive the public's input.
Sheriff Seal Warns About Scam Artists
This week, a Bogalusa lady answered her door to find two white males driving a white pickup truck who identified themselves as employees of Entergy. The men were wearing medical masks. On the premise that Entergy would be installing new utility poles in the area, the men stated it was necessary to enter her house and check her breaker box.
While one of the men kept the lady occupied, the other went into the house. It was only after the men left that the lady discovered jewelry and other items were missing. The Bogalusa Police Department is investigating the crime. Any person having information about this crime is asked to call the Bogalusa Police Department at (985) 732-3611.
“Scoundrels!” exclaimed Sheriff Seal. “These men are scoundrels of the lowest degree and they need to be caught. Please remember that any representative of a utility company will have a marked vehicle and proper identification. And, they will not ask to enter your residence. Do not allow any person into your residence unless you know them. If anyone comes to your residence and you are concerned, call the Sheriff’s Office at (985) 839-3434 and request a deputy come to your address. If you reside in Bogalusa, you may call the Bogalusa Police Department at the number listed above. If possible write down the tag number of the vehicle they are driving. Do not let scoundrels steal your possessions or your joy. Call us. We will handle them.”
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 10, 2022
Zachary Netherland (Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Bank Fraud, Forgery, and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5312.00.
Demontrey Mingo (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Probation Violation and Contempt of Court by Probation and Parole. Bond set at $10,000.00.
Jamie Bateman (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2500.00 bond.
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Human Trafficking is defined as the buying, selling, and/or transportation of a person for the purpose of exploiting them for sex or forced labor. People of all walks of life can become trafficked, however studies show that runaway and homeless youth are most vulnerable. Human trafficking has many different effects on the mental and physical well-being of victims. Some signs to look for if you think someone may be a victim of trafficking may include:
• Lack of voice; having someone else speak for them; physically or emotionally controlled
• Losing control of their own identification documents
• Having very few or no personal possessions
• Being unable to leave their home or workplace
• Lack of awareness to date, time, location
• Having bruises, broken bones, burns, and/or scars
• Feeling helpless, shameful, guilty, or humiliated
• Being isolated from friends and family members
• Seeming emotionally numb or detached
While human trafficking may seem like a problem too large to solve, there are steps we can all take to start making a change. LSP remains dedicated in raising awareness of Human Trafficking and encourages others to join our efforts.
For additional information and to report trafficking, we encourage you contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline by email at help@humantraffickinghotline.org; by visiting www.humantraffickinghotline.org; by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting 233733
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