July 11, 2025

Hunting Rules, Regulations, Season Schedules for 2025-26 Now Available

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has released its 2025-26 hunting regulations pamphlet online at the LDWF website. For the complete regulations, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/seasons-and-regulations.

The pamphlet contains hunting rules, regulations and season dates for the 2025-26 season, including hunting information on LDWF’s Wildlife Management Areas and Louisiana’s federal lands.

Printed copies of the pamphlets will be available in August at LDWF offices throughout the state and at vendors where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

This season’s regulation pamphlet also has season schedules for the state’s 10 deer hunting areas and major changes for the 2025-26 season.

For more information, contact Dr. Jeffrey Duguay at jduguay@wlf.la.gov.

Obituary

Jeanette Wesley

January 30, 1941 - July 9, 2025

Today's Headlines from NPR News

LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message

Pruning Blueberry Plants in the Summer

In Louisiana, we have a long enough growing season that we can prune blueberry plants shortly after harvest and get regrowth and flower bud development on that new growth. On the other hand, if you wait until wintertime to reduce bush height, you’ll likely be cutting off already-developed flower buds that could have produced fruit.

As a rule of thumb, prune blueberries for height no later than the end of July.

While it’s not absolutely necessary to prune blueberry plants every year, reducing their height can make them easier to pick. The amount of new growth that the plants put on after they’re pruned will depend on their vigor and the fertility of the soil, but as a general guideline, cut them to about one foot lower than the maximum height at which you want to pick berries next year.

An added benefit of pruning blueberry plants shortly after harvest is that flower buds on vigorous shoots put out in the summer tend to break later the following year than flower buds on less vigorous growth produced earlier in the season. This means that in years when we have a late freeze, it’s less likely that flowers on these shoots will be injured by low temperatures.

Besides reducing plant height for ease of picking, the other major step to pruning mature rabbiteye blueberry plants is to remove one to three of the oldest canes each year. This allows more light into the bush so that fruit isn’t just produced on the outside of the canopy. It also encourages plants to grow new canes from the base. We want blueberry plants to produce new canes, since older growth tends to become less fruitful over time.

Removal of several old canes can be done either after harvest or during the winter, when plants are dormant. Look for canes that are roughly one inch or more in diameter at the base and cut them close to the ground. The amount of wood cut out each year should be roughly 10 to 20% of the total wood present.

Let me know if you have questions.

Click here for previous LSU AgCenter's Weekly Messages

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

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 10, 2025

Robert Vince (age 54 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.

Brooklyn Magee (age 25 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

John Abron (age 27 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving Without Headlights, Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility, Possession of Marijuana, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, and Resisting an Officer. 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 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Saturday   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. 
Saturday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. 
Sunday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers before 10pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tropical Disturbances Today



July 10, 2025

A Fix Doesn’t Fix Anything

Obituary

Barbara Ann James Epps

April 9, 1954 - July 9, 2025

Shooting at 4 am in Fluker Injures 8 Year-Old

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) needs the public’s help gathering information about a shots fired incident that occurred in the Fluker area overnight that injured a child sleeping inside of a home.

Around 4:00 a.m. this morning (July 10, 2025),  911 began receiving reports about shots fired in the 12000 block of Guiteau Mill Road. Shortly after, a mother called reporting that she had just discovered a bullet hole in an exterior wall of her home and that her 8-year-old son had been shot in the foot. The child was transported to an area hospital and is in stable condition.

This is an active investigation and detectives could use more help from the public with information circulating through the community especially regarding possible involved vehicles and/or suspects.

Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information about who is connected to or responsible for this incident with injury to contact the TPSO Criminal Investigations Division 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 through Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.

Franklinton Woman Indicted for Murder in Baby’s Death

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on July 9, 2025, a Washington Parish grand jury indicted 25-year-old Autumn Victoria Hano Harper of Franklinton for first degree murder in the death of her 8-month-old son on March 12, 2025.  The Franklinton Police Department’s Investigations Division, led by Major Randall Penton, handled the investigation.  Assistant District Attorney Zachary Popovich with the Special Victims Unit presented the case to the grand jury.

On March 12, 2025, the FPD was summoned to Riverside Medical Center in reference to an 8 month-old child who had sustained severe injuries, to include multiple healing and current broken bones. The child was air flighted to Children's Hospital in New Orleans where on March 17, 2025, the child succumbed to its injuries. 

On March 19, 2025, the FPD reported the arrest of Harper on the charge of 1st Degree Murder. FPD further reported that Harper was arrested following a voluntary inculpatory statement in which she implicated herself in the commission of the aforementioned crime. FPD identified Harper as the biological mother of the child.

Click here for previous related stories

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

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 9, 2025

Paul Barber (age 60 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the Bogalusa Police Department. Released on $7500.00 bond.

Joshua Patterson (age 31 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Arson of Inhabited Dwelling. No bond set at this time.

Nita Sims (age 69 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft 25000 or More by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Etric Peterson (age 41 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Open Container in Vehicle, Resisting an Officer, Principle to Criminal Damage, and Driving While Intoxicated. Released on $10000.00 bond.

Dalton Richardson (age 27 with Bush, La. address) was booked on the charges of Proper Equipment Required, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Protective Order Violation, and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. Released on $35000.00 bond.

Reno Miley (age 27 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft of a Motor Vehicle 1000-5000 by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

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

Obituary

Pale Bell

October 16, 1972 - June 30, 2025

Today's Headlines from NPR News

0:00 Today’s Top Stories, 0:20 Data: FEMA Missing Major Flood Risks, 1:18 Hundreds Gather For Vigil, 2:09 Trump Pivots On Weapons For Ukraine, 3:08 Musk's New Party Expected To Appeal To Young Men, 4:06 Trump Hits Brazil With 50% Tariffs, 4:55 Workers Rescued After Tunnel Collapse, 5:53 Nvidia's Market Value Hits $4 Trillion, 6:25 Moo Deng Celebrates Her 1st Birthday, 7:00 'KPop Demon Hunters' Surges On The Charts

Obituary

Irene Cutrer Morris

November 28, 1935 - July 8, 2025

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days















For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   A 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight   A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9 pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. 
Friday   A 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 92. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night   A 80% chance of showers, mainly before 7pm. Low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. 
Saturday   A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. 
Saturday Night   A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. 

Tropical Disturbances Today



July 09, 2025

Slidell Man Accused of Sexually Soliciting Juveniles

Shortly before 6:00 a.m. on Monday (July 7, 2025), Slidell Police Department officers responded to
the parking lot of Big Lots in Slidell, following a report of a suspicious male who approached a group of juveniles walking near the store. The man reportedly drove up to the group and asked one of the juveniles if he could perform oral sex on him. The juveniles immediately rejected the man’s advances, and the man drove away.

Thanks to the quick thinking of the juveniles, who were able to provide police with a detailed description of the vehicle and a license plate number, officers were able to quickly identify and locate the suspect. A short time later, Slidell Police made contact with the man, identified as 67-year-old Rene Hocke of Slidell at his residence. 

After being questioned by officers, Hocke confessed to the allegations. Hocke was subsequently arrested and charged with Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile (Louisiana Revised Statute 14:81).

Chief Randy Fandal praised the actions of the juveniles and officers, stating:

“𝙄’𝙢 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙙𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙥. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚."

This incident serves as a strong reminder of the importance of speaking up and taking action to protect one another, especially our youth.

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

Mt. Hermon Ruritan Club Sponsoring Hunter Safety Course

Go to https://louisianaoutdoors.com/events/193718 for more information and to register.



Obituary

Ronald Ira Magee

October 6, 1955 - July 9, 2025

Mt. Hermon Man Indicted for Murder of Franklinton Man

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on July 9, 2025, a Washington Parish grand jury indicted 34-year-old Jerry Charles Baker, Jr. of Mount Hermon for second degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon in relation to the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Ryan Simmons of Franklinton on January 2, 2025.  Sargeant Justin Blackwell with the Bogalusa Police Department headed the investigation.  Assistant District Attorney Ronald Gracianette presented the case to the grand jury.

The Bogalusa Police Department had reported on March 27, 2025 that Officers with the Bogalusa Police Department located and arrested Jerry Charles Baker, Jr. on felony warrant charges of Second Degree Murder, Illegal Use Of Weapons, and Possession of Weapons by a Convicted Felon. Baker was reportedly in possession of a stolen firearm and legend drugs that resulted in additional charges. 

Click here for previous related stories

STPSO Reports on 🔥 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙒𝘼𝙑𝙀 𝙃𝙀𝙄𝙎𝙏 🔥

From a Post by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office on their Facebook page.  Click here for the video

𝙈𝙊𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙁𝘼𝙈😎 Hey, we don’t have to take it…and neither should y’all. This guy walked into a Covington-area store with a plan: grab two window unit ACs, toss them in a buggy like he was shopping for pool noodles, and roll straight out the door. No checkout. No hesitation. No shame☠️.

He loaded them up and drove off in a white 4-door Dodge Ram.  He heisted $998.00 in stolen merchandise like it was just another errand…no care, no conscience, no checkout. Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia were caught on camera delivering some of the most savage side eyes 👀 in Golden Girls history. You’ll see what we mean☠️🫠. 

So if you recognize this guy or his little routine of bad decisions:

💬 Slide into our DMs, 📞 Call dispatch at 985-898-2338, 📱 Or contact Detective John Griggs at 985-276-1335.

Today's Headlines from NPR News

0:00 Today’s Top Stories, 0:15 Recovery Efforts Continue In Texas, 1:09 3 Killed In New Mexico Flash Flooding, 1:47 Trump, Netanyahu Continue To Meet, 2:28 IRS: Churches Can Weigh In On Politics, 3:22 Impostor Using AI To Impersonate Rubio, 4:20 TSA Ends Shoe Removal Policy, 4:57 Supreme Court Allows Mass Layoffs, 5:46 LA Joins Lawsuit Challenging ICE Tactics, 6:41 Red Bull Fires Christian Horner

Public Speaking Decorum Rules / $11,000 Donation Addressed at Franklinton Council Meeting

At the beginning of the Tuesday (July 8, 2025) regular meeting of the Franklinton Mayor and Board of Aldermen, Public Speaking Decorum Rules (shown below) were read and explained. Almost immediately thereafter, one person in attendance interrupted the meeting with a question and without being recognized or identifying himself. Per the rules just read and explained, that person was promptly removed from the meeting. 

The Town's meetings in the recent past have often been disorderly and chaotic with the Mayor and Aldermen subjected to personal attacks and disrespect. Interruptions of the meetings have been common. Thus, the need for Public Speaking Decorum Rules and a return to orderly meetings for the Board to address Agenda items and the business of the Town.

Not all members of the Board were in agreement with implementation of the rules. Alderman Butler and Alderwoman Crain had questions and comments.

In other business, 

  • the Board heard from Washington Parish Tourism Commission Executive Director Patty Alford (beginning at 3:40 into the video of the meeting) to clarify an issue from a previous meeting of the Board. The Tourism Commission had made a $11,000.00 donation to the Town to pay for the fireworks show at the Washington Parish Watermelon Festival. At the Board's meeting on June 24, 2025, Watermelon Festival representatives objected to the donation to the Town, saying that the $11,000.00 should have been provided to the Watermelon Festival. The controversy prompted the Board to vote to return the donation to the Tourism Commission. However, at this Tuesday evening meeting, Alford confirmed that the donation to the Town was provided properly and as intended and the Board then voted to rescind the vote of the June 24, 2025 meeting. Additionally, Alford spoke of the Tourism Commission's efforts to attract visitors to Washington Parish and bemoaned negative publicity coming from public meetings.
  • the Board voted to approve alcohol permits for Jack Brown’s Food Store, Akita Sushi, Dollar General 6110, and Dollar General 1283.

No persons spoke during Public Participation

Board members provided additional comments (beginning at 18:30 into video of the meeting)

See video of the meeting below

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 8, 2025

Lawrence Bienvenu (age 36 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to
Appear (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Emmanuel Tate (age 39 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Second Degree Robbery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Derrick Warren (age 56 with Gretna, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction 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   A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 2pm and 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight   A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday   A 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 93. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday   A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. 
Friday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tropical Disturbances Today



July 08, 2025

Obituary

Mary Nell Wilson

September 14, 1940 - June 25, 2025

Child Severely Injured in Slidell Dog Attack

Shortly before noon on Monday (July 7, 2025), the Slidell Police Department responded to a residence off of West Hall Avenue following reports of a dog attack involving a young child.

Upon arrival, officers found a 6-year-old child suffering from severe injuries. The attack came from the family’s pitbull, which was temporarily chained in the backyard at the time of the incident. Due to the seriousness of the injuries, the child was immediately airlifted to a trauma hospital in New Orleans for urgent medical treatment.

Slidell Animal Control has taken possession of the dog, as the investigation continues.

“𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙙𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙪𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩,” said Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal. “𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝, 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙.”

We ask that you keep the child and their family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult time.

Obituary

Kris Green Wamsley

October 12, 1978 - July 5, 2025

Obituary

John Warren Sharp

March 30, 1970 - July 4, 2025

Driver Killed in St. Tammany Parish Crash

On July 7, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a single-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 40 near Barker Road in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 64-year-old Houston Dutruch of Covington.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1998 Ford F-800 pulling a trailer, driven by Dutruch, was traveling southbound on LA Hwy 40. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford traveled off of the roadway to the right. As a result, the Ford struck a culvert and overturned onto its roof.

Dutruch, who was properly restrained, sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. As part of the ongoing investigation, a routine toxicology sample was obtained from Dutruch for analysis.

Today's Headlines from NPR News

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 5-7, 2025

Christopher Cole (age 18 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer and Attempted Criminal Damage to Property by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3000.00.

Aaron Duncan (age 25 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Bryant Myers (age 28 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Carjacking and Aggravated Flight from an Officer by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Jennifer Nelson-Vice (age 48 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Christopher Barze (age 29 with Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation. No bond set at this time.

Brittany Pierce (age 32 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment (2 counts) 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 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday   A 70 percent chance of showers, mainly after 10am. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. 
Thursday   A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 93. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning. 
Thursday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tropical Disturbances Today



July 07, 2025

Two Charged with Sexual Abuse of a Minor

The Washington Parish Sheriff's Office reports the arrests of formerly married 40 year-old Ashley L. Jones of Bogalusa, La. and 33 year-old Nicholus A. Jones of Kiln, Ms. in connection with the alleged abuse of a juvenile that took place over a 7-year period, beginning when the victim was 2 years old. 

After a series of forensic interviews conducted at Hope House Children’s Advocacy Center revealed alleged sexual abuse of a juvenile victim, two arrest warrants were issued. 

Ashley L. Jones was arrested on June 26, 2025 and is charged with cruelty to a juvenile and accessory after the fact (felony). Bond has been set at $100,000.00.

Nicholus A. Jones was arrested on July 2, 2025 and is charged with 1st degree rape, crime against nature-aggravated, and molestation of a juvenile or person with a mental/physical disability. No bond has been set at this time.

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

Covington Man Charged with Third-Degree Rape (2 counts)

Brian Heck, age 54 and of Covington, has been arrested by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office on two counts of Third-Degree Rape

WPSO Deputies were dispatched on July 4, 2025 to a camp on Meckling Drive in reference to a possible rape. According to a report by the WPSO, after a day of tubing and barbequing, the two victims retired to the camp for a nap, where one reports waking up after being raped and the other woke up while Heck was subsequently attempting to rape her. 

The two victims drove to St. Tammany Parish Hospital for treatment immediately after the alleged incident, where rape test kits were collected and turned over to the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. Shortly after, Deputies arrested Heck on two counts of Third-Degree Rape and he was transported to the Washington Parish Jail. No bond has been set at this time.

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

Teen Dies by Drowning at White Sands Lake Beach

On July 4, 2025, at approximately 11:53 AM, Washington Parish Sheriff's Office Deputies were dispatched to White Sands Lake Beach, south of Franklinton, after a call came in to report a drowning. When they arrived, they found 16-year-old Dyquell Deadre Gross unresponsive at the scene. After attempting to resuscitate, he was transported to Riverside Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The WPSO expresses their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Gross as they deal with the tragic death of their loved one.

Obituary

Joseph Noble, Jr.

June 30, 1932 - July 2, 2025

Obituary

John Edward Rockco

October 5, 1938 - July 4, 2025

Obituary

William Harry, Jr.

December 22, 1944 - June 21, 2025

Obituary

Anthony Wade Provost

October 27, 1974 - July 4, 2025

Today's NPR News Headlines

Two Arrested, One Wanted Following Mandeville-area Shooting

Keshawn Smith, age 19, and Rena McDonald, age 62, both of Mandeville, were arrested Saturday (July 5, 2025) in connection with a shooting incident that occurred Thursday (July 3, 2025) near Mandeville. Smith was charged with Principal to Attempted First Degree Murder and McDonald was charged with Accessory After the Fact to Attempted First Degree Murder.

Loranja Smith (pictured right), age 19 and of Baker, is wanted on a warrant for Attempted First Degree Murder. Anyone who has information about Loranja Smith’s whereabouts is asked to contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office by calling (985) 898-2338.

Shortly before 11:30 a.m. Thursday, STPSO deputies were dispatched to the area of Orleans and Lafayette Streets near Mandeville in reference to a shooting. Deputies learned that no one was struck; however, there was property damage.

The individuals involved are believed to be known to each other, and the incident is not believed to be random.

Anyone with information is asked to call the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 898-2338.

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

🍉🍉 WASHINGTON PARISH WATERMELON FESTIVAL 2025 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 🍉🍉

Make plans to be at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds on July 11-13, 2025 for the Washington Parish Watermelon Festival. FREE ADMISSION! And, 🍉💚🍉 You will find family-friendly, small-town fun with a whole lotta watermelon pride!



Tangipahoa Parish: Two Teen Suspects Arrested, Two Sought in Dollar Store Theft

Riyuana Green, age 19, and Tyriunna Campbell, age 18, both from Hammond, were arrested July 1, 2025 on shoplifting charges. The two were identified thanks to a Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa, Inc. tip, and issued summonses.  In addition, there are warrants issued for Kayla Toefield, 18, and a 15-year-old girl (image blurred).

On May 29, 2025, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) asked for the public’s help in  identifying and locating four women accused of stealing from a Dollar General Store on Wardline Road in Hammond. Four black females entered the Dollar General store and began rummaging through various items. Another customer then alerted the store manager to the women removing items from their packaging and hiding them in their clothes. Before they could be confronted, the women left in a small, gray 4-door vehicle without paying for any items.

Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information about Toefield's whereabouts to contact Det. Earl McFarland at 985-902-2043. 

**Suspects pictured are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.** 

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days















For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight   A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday   A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday   A 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. 
Wednesday Night   A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Tropical Disturbances Today

Tropical Depression Chantal, formerly Tropical Storm Chantal, is located inland over eastern Virginia. Chantal is expected to continue bringing life-threatening surf and rip currents along the coast from northeastern Florida to the Mid-Atlantic states during the next day or so. Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 7 days.



July 06, 2025

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 2pm. Increasing clouds and hot, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 71. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Tropical Disturbances Today



July 05, 2025

Obituary

Ashlee Rhenette Travis

July 22, 1977 - July 4, 2025

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 4, 2025

Cody Crawford (age 43 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary, Criminal Damage, and Criminal Trespass by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $16000.00.

Brian Heck (age 54 with Covington, La. address) was booked on the charges of Third Degree Rape/Vaginal (2 counts) 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 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Increasing clouds and hot, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Tonight   A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
Sunday   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Calm wind. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Monday   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.
Monday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Calm wind.

Tropical Disturbances Today

Tropical Storm Chantal: Yesterday's area of low pressure has strengthened into today's Tropical Storm Chantal with a Tropical Storm Warning issued for portions of the Carolinas. Chantal is located about 150 miles SSE of Charleston, South Carolina moving north at 2 MPH with 40 MPH maximum sustained winds. A slow motion toward the north-northwest is expected to begin later today, followed by a turn to the northeast by Sunday night. On the forecast track, the center of Chantal is expected to move across the coast of South Carolina Sunday morning. After landfall, the cyclone should weaken, become post-tropical, and dissipate.