Body Found Near Independence

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) is investigating the discovery of a body in the
Independence area.

Around 1:30 p.m. Saturday (October 10, 2026), a fisherman reported finding an unresponsive white female along the bank of the Tangipahoa River near the Highway 40 bridge. Firefighters first on the scene confirmed the woman was deceased. At this time, it is believed the woman was a transient from out-of-state living out of her car which was found parked along the highway. Official identification and cause of death are pending with the Coroner’s Office. This is an open and active death investigation. 

Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information that can assist detectives to contact the 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!

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 90. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Calm wind.

Indigenous People's Day   Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night   Clear, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday   Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Obituary

Myrtis Stogner Rowell

May 7, 1937 - October 9, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 9, 2026

Tyran Holmes (age 31) was booked on the charges of Fugitive (2 counts) by the Covington Police Department.

Sara Jones (age 38) was booked on the charge of Violation of Protection Order by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Amy Doss (age 48) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Leann Simon (age 40) was booked on the charge of Second Degree Cruelty to Juveniles by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Rodney Lowery (age 34) was booked on the charge of Registration of Sex Offenders by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Derick Poirier (age 42) was booked on
the charges of Improper Turn and Possession of Schedule II by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Amanda Mascaro (age 46) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Probation Violation, and Contempt of Court by Probation and Parole.

Kayleigh Aguero (age 35) was booked on the charges of Obstruction of Justice, Resisting an Officer, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Ariana Smith (age 31) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Obstruction of Justice, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Joshua Martin (age 19) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Mandeville Police Department.

Malcolm Duperon (age 64) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Flight From Officer, Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, DWI, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Open Container in Motor Vehicle, and No Safety Belts by the Slidell Police Department.

Patricio Somarriba (age 35) was booked on the charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Careless Operation, and Driving Under Suspension by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Robert Greco (age 30) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary (3 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Robert Jones (age 49) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Theft 1000-5000 by the Slidell Police Department.

Theresa Lacy (age 55) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Probation Violation by the Slidell Police Department.

Alexah Hamilton (age 23) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.

Zachary Wallace (age 27) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Yantrel Tyner (age 26) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Wendell Moss (age 30) was booked on the charge of False Imprisonment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Passion Moore (age 23) was booked on the charge of Battery of a Dating Partner by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Nicole Deacon (age 36) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Brandon Williams (age 37) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Wendy Reyes-Urbina (age 37) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Emma Spence (age 35) was booked was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II (3 counts) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Candice Breland (age 38) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Kenyatta Meads (age 51) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II (2 counts) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Patrick Byrnes (age 32) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

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

Obituary

Oscar "Lee" Seawell

March 30, 1939 — October 1, 2026

Obituary

Kathleen Loretta Sheridan Cockrell

August 20, 1948 — October 7, 2026

Obituary

Lawana S. Davis

August 18, 1958 - October 6, 2026

Obituary

Rosie Lee Rogers Slade

August 10, 1943 - October 4, 2026

Obituary

John H. “Johnny” Johnson

November 21, 1930 – October 08, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 82. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph.

Tonight   Clear, with a low around 60. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday   Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Sunday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Calm wind.

Indigenous People's Day   Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Monday Night   Clear, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Obituary

Tushanna Anne Temples

August 10, 1970 - October 6, 2026

Slidell Man Faces Life in Prison After Murder Conviction

District Attorney J. Collin Sims reports that on Friday, October 9, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found 22-year-old Deanthony Ashawn Williams of Slidell, Louisiana, guilty as charged on all counts in connection with a November 2022 fatal ambush shooting. The Honorable Judge Richard Swartz presided over the trial. Assistant District Attorneys Christina Fisher and Taylor Nicholson prosecuted the case for the State.

Williams was convicted of:

• Second Degree Murder

• Attempted Second Degree Murder

• Attempted Armed Robbery

Sentencing is scheduled for December 9, 2026, before Judge Swartz. Williams faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

The convictions stem from an investigation conducted by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO) into a shooting that occurred on November 28, 2022.

On the evening of November 28, 2022, STPSO deputies responded to reports of gunfire on Northwood Drive in Slidell. Upon arrival, deputies located a black Ford Fiesta that had collided with a white Ford F-150. Inside the driver’s seat of the Fiesta, deputies found a 19-year-old male victim suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. The victim died from his injuries on the scene. A second victim, an 18-year-old male, was found in a nearby driveway, also suffering from a gunshot wound; he was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Investigators recovered numerous shell casings from two different firearms at the scene. Through witness interviews, social media analysis, and confidential tips, detectives determined that the victims had traveled to Northwood Drive under the premise of a marijuana sale. Upon their arrival, Williams and his 15-year-old co-defendant approached the vehicle with hooded sweatshirts and handguns drawn, demanding their belongings. When the driver-victim accelerated to escape the ambush, both assailants opened fire into the vehicle.

In the days following the shooting, Williams bragged about the incident to acquaintances, sending text messages explicitly referencing the crime. During trial testimony, Williams admitted that when people accused him of the murder, he "didn't deny it," and acknowledged texting a friend, “I'm finna go to jail fa murder."

The surviving victim testified during trial regarding the ongoing toll of the attack, sharing, "A lot of trauma brought to me, a lot of mental, and a lot of physical pain."

In closing arguments, ADA Taylor Nicholson emphasized the defendant’s premeditation and callous demeanor, referencing a text message where Williams asked a friend prior to the murder, "Do u know any licks I can hit" and another to a girlfriend the day after the murder asking, "If sb kill another person then laugh about it is that evil"

"That's how you tell intent, ladies and gentlemen," ADA Nicholson told the jury. "I'm finna take someone's son, taking shots, pre-gaming a murder."

Concluding the state’s rebuttal, ADA Fisher thanked the jury and acknowledged, “When you go into that room to deliberate, you will have a hard job. It should be hard to take someone’s liberty. The problem is that it wasn’t hard for Deanthony Williams to take a life. He rapped about it beforehand and laughed about it after.”

District Attorney Collin Sims commended the hard work of the prosecution team and law enforcement partners in delivering justice for the victims and the St. Tammany Parish community:

"This was a senseless, cold-blooded act of violence driven by greed and a complete disregard for human life. The defendant chose to ambush two young men, attempt to execute a violent robbery in the dark of night, and brag about taking a life as if it were a point of pride. Thanks to the meticulous work of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the dedicated prosecution by ADAs Christina Fisher and Taylor Nicholson, Deanthony Williams will now be held accountable for his actions. Our thoughts remain with the family of the victims as they continue to cope with the profound loss and physical and emotional trauma caused by this heinous crime."

Charges against co-defendant Corda Williams remain pending, and his trial date has not yet been set.

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 8, 2026

Wynisha Bell (age 27) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Covington Police Department.

Tammy Griggs (age 49) was booked on the charge of Criminal Mischief/False Report of a Crime by the Covington Police Department.

Kenneth Williams (age 33) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer by Refusing to Identify and Obstruction of Justice by the Covington Police Department.

Jakarious Washington (age 31) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Contempt of Court by the Covington Police Department.

Brian Archuleta (age 20) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Ryan Lee (age 39) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule III CDS, Possession of Schedule I, Failure to Use Turn Signal, No Safety Belts, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.

Jesus Lucas Rios (age 30) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Schedule I, Illegal Carrying of Weapon, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.

Nicholas Carver (age 40) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Helx Benton (age 44) was booked on the charge of Theft Less Than 1000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

James Mitchell (age 38) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Andrea Cooper (age 45) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule I, Possession of Schedule II (2 counts), Possession of Schedule III, and Cruelty to Juveniles/Minor Injuries by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Mary Tranum (age 45) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Jessica Quates (age 38) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Melissa Cutrer (age 52) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Marty Labit (age 39) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule I, Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Schedule III, Possession of Fentanyl, and Cruelty to Juveniles by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Jose Montano (age 42) was booked on the charge of Housed for Marshal by the US Marshall Service.

Wendy Diez (age 57) was booked on the charges of Theft and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Christopher Johnson (age 43) was booked on the charge of Housed for Marshal by the US Marshall Service.

Austin Rosentreter (age 23) was booked on the charge of Fugitive and Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

BRINGING FUNDING HOME TO WASHINGTON PARISH

Press Release from Washington Parish Government

Throughout 2026, Washington Parish Government has worked to identify and secure grant funding to support projects that strengthen our community, improve public safety and address critical infrastructure needs.

To date, Washington Parish has secured $6,739,913 in grant funding for projects throughout the parish.

These funds will support:

• Disaster Recovery #4611 Elevation & Acquisitions Activities |$4,632,155.00: Elevation of 26 structures and acquisition of one structure.

• Disaster Recovery #4559 Generator Support | $403,975.00: Generators and automatic transfer switches for Bogalusa, Franklinton, Pine, Mt. Hermon and Varnado high school gymnasiums, along with an upgrade at the Town of Franklinton Sewer Treatment Plant.

• Disaster Recovery #4559 | $1,601,176.00: Construction of a 3,564-square-foot dual-use safe room at the Emergency Operations Center.

• LGAP | $60,000.00: Plumbing system upgrades and repairs at the Washington Parish Jail.

• DR #4611 Manual Transfer Switch Support | $33,867: Manual transfer switch support for Varnado Water Works, Fire Districts #4 and #7, and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Substation in Bogalusa.

• Keep Louisiana Beautiful Healthier Communities | $8,740: A custom litter trailer and cleanup equipment for our road crew.

$6.7+ MILLION SECURED. 

INVESTING IN WASHINGTON PARISH.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Breezy, with a northeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Tonight   A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Breezy, with a northeast wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Saturday   A 20 percent chance of showers before 8am. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 79. Breezy, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Saturday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Sunday   Sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning.

Sunday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Calm wind.

Tropical Disturbances Today

Hurricane Isaias is located about 170 miles SSE of the mouth of the Mississippi River and moving NNE at 15 MPH with 110 MPH maximum sustained winds. A turn toward the north is expected later today. On the forecast track, Isaias is expected to approach the U.S. northern Gulf Coast this afternoon and make landfall within the warning area tonight or early Saturday. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles.

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 7, 2026

Luciano D'Angelo (age 39) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Courtney Jones (age 37) was booked on the charges of Bank Fraud, Access Device Fraud, Theft (2 counts), and Resisting Arrest by False Information by the Slidell Police Department.

Courtney Elder (age 31) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Breanna Meeks (age 32) was booked on the charge of Cruelty to Juveniles/Minor Injuries by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Robin Cardneaux (age 70) was booked on the charges of Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Aaron Stovall (age 33) was booked on the charges of Habitual Offender Law/Sentences for Second and Subsequent, Battery of a Dating Partner/Strangulation and Child Endangerment, Aggravated Battery, False Imprisonment/Offender Armed With Dangerous Weapon, Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle, Injuring Public Records, and Contempt of Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Karen Caillier (age 60) was booked on the charge of Prohibited Acts/Schedule II Penalties by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Felicia Polk (age 43) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Obstruction of Justice, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Christopher Owens (age 38) was booked on the charges of Theft Less Than 1000 and Simple Criminal Damage to Property by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Daimon Bush (age 43) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Kristine King (age 45) was booked on the charge of Criminal Trespass by the Mandeville Police Department.

Donnie Eady (age 27) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Lionel Ott (age 44) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Sylvia McGrew (age 44) was booked on the charge of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond by Bondsman.

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

Obituary

Ezzard Charles Lee

October 8, 1954 — October 2, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 6-7, 2026

Orlanzo McGowan (age 37 with an Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Prohibited Acts, Possession of Heroin, Contempt of Court (2 counts), Failure to Appear (2 counts), and Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land After Being Forbidden by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.

Benjamin Jacob (age 51 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court

Nicole Gorsuch (age 40 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $409.00.

Krisean Brown (age 27 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of No Seat Belt, Drivers License Not on Person, Contempt of Court (2 counts), and Resisting an Officer by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $1209.00.

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

Tropical Disturbances Today

Hamas Financiers and Their Families Arrested for $224,000 in Medicaid fraud!

Louisiana's Attorney General Liz Murrill reports that five St. Tammany Parish residents were arrested for defrauding the Louisiana Medicaid Program of more than $224,000. Two of the suspects also face federal charges for providing more than $100,000 to a terrorist financing network that funneled more than $1.7 million to help fund Hamas. 

Evidence discovered during a joint federal and state investigation led by the FBI, revealed that Abdel Adhami and Omar Adhami, both of Covington, Louisiana, had participated in a campaign to help fund Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Due to this information, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation worked with the Louisiana Department of Health regarding possible Medicaid beneficiary fraud.

Between 2021 and 2025, the suspects and their families underreported their income to receive Medicaid benefits, defrauding the program of more than $224,000 in combined losses. 

On September 15, 2026, all aforementioned suspects were arrested and booked at the St. Tammany Parish Jail.  

35-year-old Abdel Adhami and wife, 29-year-old Iman H. D. Srour were charged with the following:

• 5 Counts of L.R.S. 14:70.9-- Government Benefits Fraud-- (Felony)
• 1 Count of L.R.S. 14:67B.1-- Theft >$25,000-- (Felony)
• Estimated Loss: $113,344

33-year-old Omar Adhami and wife, 28-year-old Amani Abu Zenah:

• 3 Counts of L.R.S. 14:70.9-- Government Benefits Fraud-- (Felony)
• 1 Count of L.R.S. 14:67B.1-- Theft >$25,000-- (Felony)
• Estimated Loss: $81,099

32-year-old Mohammad I. Adhami, brother of Omar and Abdel Adhami:

• 3 Counts of L.R.S. 14:70.9-- Government Benefits Fraud-- (Felony) 
• 1 Count of L.R.S. 14:67B.1-- Theft >$25,000-- (Felony)
• Estimated Loss: $30,197

“While terrorist sympathizers were funding the death of American citizens and countless others across the world, the hard-working men and women of Louisiana were funding their medical care. No matter where you are or who you are, if you steal from the people of Louisiana, you will face Louisiana justice,” said Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. “Since assuming office, my team has recovered over $80 million for Louisiana taxpayers. Through leadership and collaboration with federal, state, and local partners, we are ending systemic Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse.”

These arrests were the result of a joint investigation involving the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Hammond Police Department, Mandeville Police Department, and Louisiana State Police.

St. Tammany Parish District Attorney Collin Sims will prosecute the state charges.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 6, 2026

Sally Longmire (age 51) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS and Transactions Involving Proceeds From Drug Offenses by the Louisiana State Police.

Savannah Heindel (age 24) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Colby Hardee (age 24) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS, DWI, and Careless Operation by the Causeway Bridge Police.

Kiante Andrews (age 25) was booked on the charge of Simple Criminal Damage to Property by the Slidell Police Department.

Cooper Tedesco (age 28) was booked on the charges of Operating While Intoxicated (2nd Offense) and Improper Lane Use by the Louisiana State Police.

Christopher Boudreaux (age 38) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Mickel Croute (age 20) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Cody Crouch (age 37) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Jerry Sterling (age 49) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Chantel Brown (age 30) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Dinasti Brock (age 20) was booked on the charges of Simple Battery, Disturbing the Peace/Violent and Tumultuous Manner, and Contempt of Court by the Covington Police Department.

Paudrekia Spivery (age 30) was booked on the charge of Theft by the Slidell Police Department.

Robert Drawdy (age 63) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole.

Raheem Harris (age 27) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Shawn Russell (age 55) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Israel Myles (age 21) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Denzel Dilling (age 31) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Louisiana State Police.

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

LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message

Paper Wasps: Arguably Good Gals, Usually

A recent encounter with paper wasps inspired me to learn more about them. I sat down on my porch to read and went back inside the house to get something. On my return, an insect stung me on the nose just as I sat down. I didn’t see any nests or even the culprit itself. I went back in the house to get a fly swatter. When I came back out again, the as-of-yet mystery insects got really unhappy, and several stung me on my shoulder. Shortly afterwards, I realized that the nest was in the light fixture next to my front door.

Paper wasps (Polistes spp.) are not particularly aggressive stingers. In my case, the repeated opening and closing of the door close to their nest probably was a bit too much for them, hence the stings. Most of the time, we might regard paper wasps as beneficial. They prey on caterpillars, including pest species.

Paper wasp nests have a honeycomb-like appearance with multiple cells in which the female that started the colony (the queen) lays her eggs, placing one egg in each cell. After the eggs hatch, the mother feeds pre-chewed caterpillars and other insects to the larvae for a while and then covers the cells. Juveniles pupate and emerge from the cells as winged adults. Most of the wasps in a colony are females, while males develop in the fall for mating.

Nests become uninhabited over the winter and are not reused by paper wasps. The mated females that will start the next season’s colonies spend the winter in protected spaces.

If you do end up with a paper wasp nest in an unacceptable place, you can use one of the aerosol wasp and hornet sprays. Most of these contain one or more of the pyrethroid insecticides (active ingredients with names ending in “thrin,” with a few exceptions). Be sure to follow label directions when using any insecticide.

Since paper wasps aren’t aggressive, you may be able to achieve adequate spray coverage of the nest and the individuals on it during the day, from several feet away, without being stung. Wearing protective clothing (long sleeves, pants, etc.) is suggested. To reduce the risk of being stung, you can spray in the evening when the wasps are less active. If you do this, avoid turning on lights or bringing a flashlight.

Since paper wasp nest construction begins in the spring and the number of wasps increases over the season, it’s better to get rid of them earlier than later, if they’re in a problematic location. If you do it early enough, you might be able to just knock the nest down with a broom.

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).

Slidell Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Workplace Sexual Battery

District Attorney J. Collin Sims announced today (October 7, 2026) that the Honorable Judge Tara Farris Zeller sentenced 25-year-old Kaelan Jackson of Slidell, Louisiana, to 10 years in prison, the maximum penalty allowed by law, following his felony Sexual Battery conviction by a St. Tammany Parish jury on June 25, 2026.

Assistant District Attorneys Iain Dover and Taylor Nicholson prosecuted the case after an investigation by the Slidell Police Department.

The conviction stems from a December 20, 2023 incident at the U-Haul facility on Gause Boulevard in Slidell, where both Jackson and the victim were employed. During facility checks, Jackson trapped the victim from behind, held her throat, and sexually assaulted her. Following the attack, the victim preserved crucial evidence by documenting text messages in which Jackson explicitly admitted to making her uncomfortable.

During the trial, prosecutors showed that Jackson's written admissions and actions established his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while highlighting the victim's bravery in gathering evidence and coming forward.

In a victim impact statement submitted through the District Attorney's Victim Assistance Coordinator, the survivor shared the lasting impact of the assault and urged the court to hold the defendant accountable:

"This case has stretched on for three years. In that time, I have struggled to find consistent work where I feel safe," the victim wrote. "I respectfully request that when the court considers an appropriate sentence, the decision be guided not only by justice for me, but also by the safety of the public, the prevention of future harm...and, most importantly, genuine reform in this individual's behavior and mindset."

"This maximum sentence holds this individual accountable for a predatory act in the workplace," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "I want to commend the victim for her courage in standing up for herself, as well as ADAs Iain Dover and Taylor Nicholson and the Slidell Police Department for their thorough work in securing justice."

After the June verdict, Judge Zeller remanded Jackson to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, where he remained until today’s sentencing.

Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash in Washington Parish

On October 6, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a single-vehicle crash on LA 62 near Bernard Crain Road in Washington Parish. The crash claimed the life of a 56-year-old woman from Franklinton.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2019 Toyota Camry was traveling north on LA 62 approaching Bernard Crain Road. For reasons still under investigation, the Toyota traveled off the roadway to the right, and struck a tree.

The female driver was properly restrained, suffered fatal injuries, and was pronounced dead on the scene. Impairment is unknown; however, a routine toxicology sample were collected and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Obituary

Kassie Marie Mizell Benoit 

April 1, 1988 — October 5, 2026

Updated Probable Path of Isaias

As of 10:00 AM, the probable path of Isaias has inched more to the east of our area. 

INVESTING IN OUR FLEET. INVESTING IN WASHINGTON PARISH.

Press Release from Washington Parish Government 

Maintaining and improving Washington Parish’s infrastructure takes more than materials — it takes the right equipment to get the job done.

Throughout 2026, Washington Parish Government invested $664,817.71 in equipment to improve and update our fleet. These purchases support the everyday work of our crews — from road and drainage improvements to mowing, hauling, maintenance and other essential Parish services.

But improving our fleet isn't simply about spending money on new equipment. We also look at the equipment we already have and whether it still makes financial sense to keep it.

As equipment ages, repairs and maintenance can become costly. When it makes better financial sense to sell a piece of equipment — whether for continued use, parts or salvage — we declare it surplus, sell it and put those funds back toward equipment our crews need. This helps us get the most value possible from Parish-owned equipment while continuing to improve our fleet.

Having dependable equipment helps our crews work more efficiently, reduces the time and money spent maintaining aging equipment, and keeps more work moving throughout Washington Parish.

We're investing in the equipment that does the work — and ultimately, investing in Washington Parish.

Hammond 16-Year-Old Arrested for Bringing Gun & Drugs to School

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has arrested a Hammond teenager for bringing a gun and drugs to school. The 16-year-old male has been charged with one count each of Carrying of a Firearm by a Student on School Property, Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile, Possession of a Firearm While in Possession of Schedule II Narcotics, and Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance in a Drug Free Zone.

On Tuesday (October 6, 2026), TPSO School Resource Officers (SROs) at Hammond High School were made aware of suspicious circumstances involving a student’s vehicle in the parking lot. That student was removed from class to confirm it was his vehicle. Following a search of the vehicle, a gun and pills were located inside. The student was then placed under arrest.

As a reminder, you can share information about crimes, suspicious, or even concerning activities, in our schools through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! You can provide this information anonymously.

The TPSO remains appreciative of the collaboration with the Tangipahoa Parish Public School System and all of our community partners to ensure our schools are secure and safe learning environments for all students.

Convicted Felon Brandon Williams Apprehended by U.S. Marshals

District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that 38-year-old Brandon Justin Lee Williams of New Orleans, who was convicted last month of multiple violent offenses and subsequently fled justice, has been apprehended.

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On October 6, 2026, members of the United States Marshals Service located and arrested Williams in Lake Charles, Louisiana, without incident. He will be booked in Calcasieu Parish, then transported back to St. Tammany Parish to face sentencing before the Honorable Judge Tara Farris Zeller.

On September 23, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found Williams guilty on all counts following a trial prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Zachary Popovich and Taylor Nicholson. Williams was convicted of:

• Second Degree Rape
• Domestic Abuse Battery Involving Serious Bodily Injury
• Domestic Abuse Battery Involving Child Endangerment
• Cruelty to Juveniles

The convictions stemmed from a comprehensive October 2024 investigation by the Slidell Police Department into severe domestic abuse and sexual violence occurring at a residence in Slidell. Williams failed to appear in court for the reading of the jury’s verdict on September 23, 2026, prompting Judge Zeller to issue an immediate bench warrant for his arrest.

"Brandon Williams thought he could evade the law and escape accountability for the horrific abuse he inflicted on a mother and her children," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "Thanks to the dedication of the U.S. Marshals Service, working in coordination with our local law enforcement partners, this dangerous predator is in custody where he belongs. He will be brought to St. Tammany Parish to face the consequences of his crimes and receive the sentence handed down by the court."

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 90. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 65. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Thursday   Sunny, with a high near 89. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night   Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then becoming clear, with a low around 64. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Friday   A 30 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Breezy, with an east wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the morning.

Friday Night   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Breezy, with a northeast wind 15 to 20 mph. 

Tropical Disturbances Today

Tropical Storm Isaias is currently located about 580 miles SW of the mouth of the Mississippi River and moving ENE at 8 MPH with 40 MPH maximum sustained winds. Rapid strengthening is forecast over the next day or two, and Isaias is expected to become a hurricane by Thursday. A turn toward the NE and N is expected Thursday and Friday.

Obituary

Malcolm Leon Haley

November 14, 1953 - October 5, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 5, 2026

Karen Miller (age 44) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Establishing Speed Zones by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Nathan Hickman (age 18) was booked on the charges of DWI and General Speed Law by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Eliana Aristimuno (age 53) was booked on the charge of Sexual Battery by the Mandeville Police Department.

Robert Holden (age 35) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Cameron Wolfe (age 31) was booked on the charge(s) not listed by Probation and Parole.

Jose Rivera-Matute (age 42) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Tecia Patterson (age 21) was booked on the charges of Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile and Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles/Perform Sexual by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Alexander Hendrix (age 36) was booked on the charges of Theft Less Than 1000 and Theft by the Slidell Police Department.

Courtney Domingue (age 29) was booked on the charges of Obstruction of Justice and Possession of Schedule IV by the Slidell Police Department.

Ryan Rome (age 42) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule I and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.

Dennis Stark (age 58) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the Slidell Police Department.

Alesha Bergens (age 36) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.

Scott Mick (age 55) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Thomas Kramer (age 32) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Austin Brown (age 35) was booked on the charge of Violation of Protection Order by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Timothy Smith (age 59) was booked on the charges of Simple Battery, Hate Crimes, and Resisting an Officer by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Keith Pfister (age 65) was booked on the charges of Transactions Involving Proceeds From Drug Offenses, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS, Following Too Close, and Improper Turn by the Louisiana State Police.

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

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 4-5, 2026

Joseph Penton (age 42 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Simple Burglary by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. 

Demarcus Boston (age 24 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Second Degree Battery, Domestic Abuse Battery, and Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment by the Bogalusa Police Department. 

Robert Blackburn (age 77 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Obscenity and Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s) by the Bogalusa Police Department. 

Mark Galloway (age 58 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Aggravated Assault/Domestic Violence by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. 

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

Obituary

Brenda Bates

October 27, 1975 - October 4, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday   Sunny, with a high near 88. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Thursday   Sunny, with a high near 89. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Tropical Disturbances Today

Southwestern Gulf of America (AL92): Continued development of a broad area of low pressure over the southwestern Gulf of America is expected, and a tropical depression is anticipated to form over the next day or so while it drifts eastward. The disturbance is expected to turn to the north or northeast toward the northern Gulf Coast by the end of the week. It is still too early to determine specific impacts to the northern Gulf Coast. Formation chance through 48 hours...high...90 percent and formation chance through 7 days...high...90 percent.

Obituary

Ruthleen D. "Ruth" Smith

December 25, 1943 - October 2, 2026

Improving Washington Parish Roads

Press Release from Washington Parish Government 

Washington Parish Government’s 2026 road budget is approximately $4.3 million, and the majority of those funds have already been put to work improving roads throughout Washington Parish.

This year’s work includes projects completed through our contracted paving program with Barriere Construction, as well as roads paved by Washington Parish Government’s own Public Works crews.

Completed by Barriere Construction:

Moses Road • Recreation Center Road • Wilbur Dillon Road • Blackwell Road • Twin Oaks Road • Dani K. Lane • Zack Magee Road • Joe Passman Road • Byrd Road • Homer Kemp Road • Jack Jones Road • Woodrow Sones Road • Central Church Road • Sharp Taylor Road • Fortenberry Road • Yellow Branch Road • Lowe Road • Lumber Jack Lane • Ponderosa Lane • Springhill Road • Turkey Road • Windy Ridge Road • Lucy Burt Lane • Caroline Drive • Peach Orchard Road • Dusty Road • Dusty Road Sec. 1 • West Dusty Road • Nightingale Lane

Completed by WPG Public Works: Cutrer Lane • Jerry McGehee Road • McMillan Road #1 • Ed Gerald Road • Willie Stafford Road • Thomas Wood Road • Oak Ridge Drive • Pine Crest Drive • Willow Road • Pomp Pierce Road • Scroggs Lane • Chadell Road • Oak Drive • Jim Simmons Road • Finch Road • Skylark Road • Pelican Drive • Falcon Drive • Eagle Lane • Sandpiper Lane • Lovebird Lane • Bluebird Lane • Otis Bickham Road • Byron Dillon Road • Newman Creel Road • West Street • Bankston Street • Boone Street • Richard Street • Seal Road

And we’re not finished yet.

With additional road work still planned, Washington Parish Government will continue putting our road funding to work where it belongs — improving the infrastructure our residents depend on every day.

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 4, 2026

Calvin Darmas (age 33) was booked on the charges of DWI and Careless Operation by the Louisiana State Police.

Marion Rhodes (age 42) was booked on the charges of Hit and Run and Driving Under Suspension by the Covington Police Department.

Shelley Carballo (age 48) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Assault by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Curtis Ledet (age 51) was booked on the charges of DWI and Improper Lane Use by the Louisiana State Police.

Brennan Ducree (age 26) was booked on the charges of Contributing to the Delinquency and Failure to Report Accident by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Ryan Blessing (age 41) was booked on the charge of Theft by the Madisonville Police Department.

Cayden Dail (age 20) was booked on the charge of Second Degree Battery by the Mandeville Police Department.

George Aiavolasiti (age 20) was booked on the charges of Second Degree Battery and Simple Criminal Damage to Property by the Mandeville Police Department.

Logan Ryden (age 22) was booked on the charge of Second Degree Battery by the Mandeville Police Department.

Joseph Stewart (age 63) was booked on the charges of Sexual Battery, Indecent Behavior With a Juvenile, and Resisting an Officer by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jose Cordero-Patino (age 38) was booked on the charge of Sexual Battery by the Mandeville Police Department.

Adrian Guidry (age 21) was booked on the charges of Proper Equipment Required on Vehicles/Display of Plate, Open Container in Motor Vehicle, and Contempt of Court by the Covington Police Department.

Terril Barthelemy (age 41) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II by the Covington Police Department.

***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. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Northeast wind around 10 mph. 

Tonight   Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday   Sunny, with a high near 88. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 62. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tropical Disturbances Today

Southwestern Gulf of America: A trough of low pressure is in the southwestern Gulf of America. Gradual development is becoming more likely, and a tropical depression is likely to form during the middle or latter portion of the week. This system is expected to drift eastward over the next few days, before it turns northward. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...30 percent and formation chance through 7 days...high...70 percent.