Lorena McCoy Garrett
May 27, 1935 — March 28, 2026
April 08, 2026
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today Partly sunny, with a high near 78. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday Sunny, with a high near 79. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 56. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. East wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
April 07, 2026
Carley Donald Provost II Indicted for Murder
District Attorney Collin Sims announces that a Washington Parish Grand Jury returned a true bill today (April 7, 2026), indicting Carley Donald Provost II, 47, of Bogalusa, Louisiana, on the charges of Second Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies.
Click here for a previous related story
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on December 29, 2025. According to investigators with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a shooting in Bogalusa, where they discovered the victim, Reno Miley, deceased at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.
Assistant District Attorney Jay Adair is the lead prosecutor on this case, and Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Captain Corbet Hunt is the lead investigator.
Following this indictment, Provost will be scheduled for a formal arraignment in the 22nd Judicial District Court, where he will enter a plea.
As this is a pending and ongoing criminal matter, the Office of the District Attorney for the 22nd Judicial District will have no further comment at this time.
An indictment is an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Office of the District Attorney for the 22nd Judicial District Partners with Hope House for Child Abuse Prevention Month
The Office of the District Attorney for the 22nd Judicial District is proud to announce its participation in National Child Abuse Prevention Month throughout April. To launch this year’s awareness campaign, representatives from the District Attorney’s Office joined members of the Children’s Advocacy Center - Hope House yesterday (April 6, 2026) to plant a "pinwheel garden" outside the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center.
The blue pinwheel is the national symbol for child abuse prevention, representing the safe and healthy childhood every child deserves.
"Protecting the children of our community is a fundamental mission of our office,” said District Attorney Collin Sims. "Through our close partnership with Hope House, we work tirelessly to ensure that victims receive the justice they deserve and the support they need to heal. These pinwheels are a visible reminder that we stand united against child abuse."
Participating in the event were Hope House Executive Director Thomas Mitchell, Assistant District Attorney Zachary Popovich, Heather Denenea, and Allison Linsten.
Hope House provides a path to recovery for local victims of child abuse through a coordinated response between law enforcement, the DA’s office, and medical and mental health professionals. By working together under one roof, these agencies reduce the trauma experienced by child victims during the investigative and legal processes.
Residents are encouraged to join the local fight against child abuse by visiting CACHopeHouse.org to learn about advocacy, training programs, and how to support survivors in St. Tammany and Washington Parishes.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 4-6, 2026
Fredrick Warren (age 59 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Driving While Intoxicated by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Tytiona Purvis (age 26 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Aggravated Flight From an Officer, MVI Switched, No Drivers License, Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, and Failure to Appear (2 counts) by the Louisiana State Police. Bond set at $25000.00
Leroy Ellis (age 54 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Protective Order Violation by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Rakheem Jackson (age 35 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of No Bike Headlight, Resisting Arrest by Flight, Obstruction of Justice (Damage/Conceal/Vandalism), Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Schedule III Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond information is incomplete at this time.
Matthew Azcona (age 47 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Speeding 21-30 Over Limit, No Taillight, Improper Lane Usage, Proper Equipment Required, Gross Littering Prohibited, Open Container in Vehicle, and Driving While Intoxicated/Underage by Louisiana State Police. Bond information is incomplete at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Unruly Patient Arrested at Riverside Medical Center
Last Thursday (April 3, 2026), officers with the Franklinton Police Department responded to Riverside Medical Center in reference to an unruly patient.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with hospital security, who advised that an unidentified male, later identified as 27-year-old Shaquille Barnes of Franklinton, had been in the waiting area for an extended period of time. Security personnel advised that the individual could not remain in the waiting area without being seen. The individual subsequently requested medical attention and was admitted for evaluation by emergency room staff. While inside the emergency department, officers observed the individual becoming loud, argumentative, and disruptive toward medical personnel. Following medical evaluation, the individual was discharged and advised by hospital staff and security that he was required to leave the premises.
The individual refused to comply with lawful instructions to leave the property. When officers attempted to detain him, he actively resisted by pulling away, kicking, and refusing verbal commands. While being escorted from the emergency room, the individual continued to resist and became physically combative with officers. Due to his continued resistance, officers were forced to take the individual to the ground in an effort to gain control. While on the ground, he continued aggressive behavior, including striking and spitting on officers. Officers ultimately regained control of the individual and placed him into custody. The individual’s actions disrupted emergency room operations, endangered medical staff and law enforcement personnel, and resulted in criminal charges.
Shaquille Barnes was arrested and booked into the Washington Parish Jail on the charges of Entry/Remain on Premises After Being Forbidden, Disturbing the Peace/Loud & Abusive Language, Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, Battery on a Police Officer, Battery on an Officer With Injury (2 counts), and Leash Law Violation by the Franklinton Police Department.
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 77. East wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 77. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. East wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Sunny, with a high near 78. East wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 55. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
April 06, 2026
LSU AgCenter to Host Spring Garden Day and Plant Sale!
The LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station will host its fifth annual Spring Garden Day and Plant Sale on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to noon at the station located at 21549 Old Covington Highway, Hammond, LA 70403.
This rain-or-shine, family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
Visitors will find one of the widest plant selections in the region, including Louisiana Super Plants, annual bedding plants, perennials, pollinator favorites, tropicals, houseplants, herbs, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and unique specialty selections grown right at the research station.
At 10:30 a.m., horticulture expert Dr. Allen Owings will deliver a special guest presentation.
The Southeastern Louisiana Nursery Association (SELNA) will host a nursery trade show featuring vendor booths offering plants, garden goods, and horticultural products. The Tangipahoa Master Gardener Association (TPMGA) will also join the festivities with children’s activities, a mini plant sale, plant swap, educational booths, and a garden shop.
Refreshments will be available for purchase from Drink’n & Jav’n Coffee and the Hammond High School IBoosters Club.
For a full schedule of activities and event details, please visit https://tinyurl.com/y6sbrxm4. The LSU AgCenter provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. Find detailed information at www.lsuagcenter.com/eeo. Should you need any ADA accommodations, please contact the station at 985-543-4125 no later than 10 days prior to the event.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday A 30 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. East wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
April 04, 2026
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 3, 2026
David Bonnette (age 36 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts), Possession of Marijuana, and Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond information is incomplete at this time.
Shaquille Barnes (age 27 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Entry/Remain on Premises After Being Forbidden, Disturbing the Peace/Loud & Abusive Language, Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, Battery on a Police Officer, Battery on an Officer With Injury (2 counts), and Leash Law Violation by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Marcus Kagler (age 53 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Entry/Remain After Being Forbidden and Interfering With Emergency Communication by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Amanda Mingo (age 40 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer and Criminal Trespass by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Driver and Passenger Killed in Washington Parish Crash
On Friday (April 3, 2026), at approximately 1:20 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a two-vehicle crash on LA Highway 21 near Lon Miley Road in Washington Parish. The crash claimed the life of 35-year-old Zachary D. Armijo of Bogalusa and a juvenile passenger, whose identity is being withheld pending identification.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2017 Chevrolet Cruz, driven by Armijo, was traveling south on LA Highway 21. At the same time, a Volvo Tractor Trailer was traveling north on LA Highway 21. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet crossed the centerline and struck the Volvo head-on. Following the crash, the Chevrolet caught fire and became fully engulfed in flames.
Armijo was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. The juvenile passenger sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Due to the severity of the crash, seatbelt use is unknown at this time. The driver of the Volvo, who was properly restrained, was uninjured.
As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers remind motorists of the importance of making responsible decisions while operating a motor vehicle. Never drive impaired, fatigued, or distracted. Additionally, Louisiana law requires that every occupant of a motor vehicle, regardless of seating position, remain properly restrained at all times. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions like these can often mean the difference between life and death.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 60. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Sunday A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 70. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. North wind around 10 mph.
Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
April 03, 2026
Teen Arrested Twice Within Days for Gun and Drug Offenses
On March 26, 2026, 19-year-old Dewayne Pines was arrested after a traffic stop by the Hammond Police Department Street Crimes Unit. A search of Pines' vehicle found approximately 146 grams of marijuana and a stolen handgun with an extended magazine. The semi-automatic handgun had been modified into a fully-automatic handgun by a machine gun conversion device (MCD), commonly referred to as a "switch," which is illegal under both State and federal laws. Pines was booked into the Hammond City Jail and later transferred to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail, where he posted bond and was released.
On April 1, 2026, detectives and officers made contact with Pines in Hammond and was found to have a loaded handgun in his waistband. A search of his vehicle found approximately 117 grams of marijuana. Pines was arrested and handcuffed after briefly resisting. Pines was booked into the Hammond City Jail.
Pines's arrest on April 1, 2026, came only 6 days after his previous arrest. As a result of his possession of the modified handgun and his repeated violation of the law, the HPD will forward the investigation to the United States Attorney's Office for potential federal prosecution.
HPD's top priority is keeping the Hammond community safe. The use of MCDs puts many innocent people in harm's way and will not be tolerated. Continued violations of the law will not be tolerated.
If you have information on someone possessing and/or selling illegal firearms or devices, please contact the Hammond Police Department Narcotics Division at 985-277-5700. 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! You may be eligible for a cash reward.
**All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.**
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 31 - April 2, 2026
Bookings for this time period may be incomplete (unavailable/released) due to technical problem at
WPSO.
Jessica Cooley (age 44 with Lacombe, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule III Drugs (2 counts), Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $10000.00.
Michael Beaver (age 46 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Cornelius Head (age 25 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Battery, Armed Robbery With Firearm, Carjacking, and Accessory After the Fact by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Tyrais Robinson (age 30 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Careless Operation With Accident, Theft Less Than 1000 (4 counts), Failure to Pay Fine, Home Invasion, Armed Robbery With Firearm, Second Degree Robbery, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriffs Office and on the charge of Issuing Worthless Checks on Closed Account by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond information is incomplete 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 Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight Increasing clouds, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday Night A 90 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 60. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
April 02, 2026
LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message
Carolina Jessamine: Positive Attributes and Caveats
One of the plants that we often see flowering along the edge of the woods in late winter is Carolina jessamine (AKA Carolina jasmine, Gelsemium sempervirens). This is an evergreen vine with yellow flowers that’s native to the southeastern US, including Louisiana.
When I lived in central North Carolina, one of these plants grew on lattice next to my deck. (As you’ll read later in the article, this may not have been the best place for it.) Though I see Carolina jessamine growing in the wild here, I don’t think I see it planted as much here as I did there.
You can use this vine where you want something evergreen – with a seasonal perk of pretty yellow flowers – to cover a sturdy vertical structure like a metal fence or arbor. While Carolina jessamine often grows along the edges of wooded areas in nature, it flowers more abundantly in sunnier locations. The site should be reasonably well-drained.
If you do plant it next to a fence or lattice, it’s recommended that you weave it in and out, starting low on the structure, to encourage more growth on the lower and middle parts instead of just encouraging a mass of growth at the top that shades out parts of the vine under it.
Carolina jessamine will probably need to be pruned from time to time. It’s best to do this in the spring, shortly after it finishes flowering.
While this vine has a lot going for it, there are a couple of caveats. One is that it’s highly poisonous if eaten by humans or livestock. Bees are even reported to have been killed by it, so don’t plant it near honeybee hives. Also, be careful not to plant it where a child might mistake the fragrant flowers for those of honeysuckle.
A second note of caution is that it’s considered highly flammable, so avoid planting it too close to the house. We don’t talk about “firewise landscaping” a lot here, but in drier climates, it’s a more common consideration. We’re certainly not immune to wildfires, either, as we’ve seen over the past few years. A common recommendation in firewise landscaping literature is to not plant any high flammability plants within 30 feet of a house or other structure.
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, 985-277-1850 (Hammond), or 985-839-7855 (Franklinton).
Another Bicyclist Killed in Crash - This One in Hammond
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) is asking for the public’s help with a fatal crash investigation. The crash occurred around 11:15 p.m. on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) TPSO was notified of a crash on North Baptist Road and Sunset Acres involving a bicyclist. While the driver who initially hit the bicyclist stopped and reported the incident, a second vehicle traveling in the other direction hit the victim a second time, stopped for a moment, but then left the scene. That second vehicle is described as a light-colored sedan that was traveling northbound on N Baptist at the time of the incident and turned right onto Wardline Road.
The victim, identified as 46-year-old Michael Ribando, Jr., was taken to an area hospital, but did not survive.
The TPSO is asking anyone with information about this incident and/or who witnessed the crash to contact TPSO’s Traffic Division at 985-748-8147. If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip!Tips submitted directly through Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.
“Last month, we had three crashes involving pedestrians and/or bicyclists, with one of them resulting in a loss of life. And last night, this tragedy was one of two within an hour’s time. Fortunately, the victim in the other incident was okay. But we need everyone to be part of ending this recent trend,” said Sheriff Gerald Sticker, “I’ll repeat my safety reminder from March-- motorists must remember to share the road with bicyclists/pedestrians by giving them at least 3 feet of space when passing. At the same time, bicyclists need to remember to follow all traffic signals and signs and always ride as far to the right as possible, in the same direction with traffic. Pedestrians should be walking against traffic, facing what is coming their way. And no matter the type of crash, everyone involved should always stop and report the incident to first responders.”
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. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday A 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night A 80% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 59. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
April 01, 2026
23-Year-Old Covington Woman Gets 25 Years for Role in 2023 Lacombe Murder
District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on April 1, 2026, 23-year-old Megan Ayanna Coleman of Covington, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Judge Vincent J. Lobello for her role in the December 2023 shooting death of 23-year-old Juwarren Martin to manslaughter and obstruction of justice. Following her plea, Judge Lobello sentenced Coleman to 25 years of imprisonment at hard labor.
Click here for previous related stories
The charges stem from a fatal encounter on the evening of December 26, 2023. Earlier that day, Coleman had been involved in a physical altercation with the victim’s sister at a tobacco store in Abita Springs. Seeking revenge, Coleman drove her co-defendant, Marrio Haynes, Jr., to a gas station in Lacombe, where they located Juwarren Martin.
As Coleman waited in the vehicle, Haynes exited armed with an AR-15-style rifle and fired a single fatal shot into Martin’s torso from behind. Coleman then acted as the getaway driver, picking Haynes up a short distance away and later harboring him as he attempted to evade capture by law enforcement.
The case was a result of an extensive investigation led by Sergeant Hayden Folse of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Coleman’s guilty plea follows the January 2026 conviction of Marrio Haynes, Jr., who was sentenced in February to life in prison plus an additional 60 years.
The sentencing was marked by emotional testimony from the victim's family. A family member, speaking on behalf of the grieving relatives, addressed Coleman directly about the void left by Martin’s death.
“Our life changed December 26th,” the family member stated. “I’m not up here to belittle Megan. Juwarren is the victim here - and we all know that. One decision changed her life. You cannot compare the loss of life to someone going to prison. Every year on Christmas we recall our last day we spent with JuJu. We lost somebody...somebody we loved...cared for. All it took was one instance. My only hope is that you understand what has been done and learn from it. The only person that can throw that away is you.”
In handing down the sentence, Judge Lobello reflected on the avoidable nature of the crime, stating, “It’s sad and tragic all the way around. It’s the perfect illustration of how one or a couple of quick bad decisions can change so many lives.”
"Today’s plea and sentencing bring a final chapter of accountability to a senseless tragedy that claimed a young life," DA Sims said. "While Megan Coleman did not pull the trigger, her active participation - driving the shooter to the scene and facilitating his escape - was essential to this crime. Our community has no tolerance for those who help orchestrate violence. We hope this result provides the family of Juwarren Martin with further closure and peace."
Assistant District Attorneys Tiffany Dover and Shelby Stoop prosecuted the case. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Watermelon Festival Kids Poster Contest
From the Washington Parish Watermelon Festival
Hey kids—it’s YOUR time to shine! We’re inviting all young artists to join our poster contest and show off what makes our festival the sweetest. Your artwork won’t just stay local… it could go all the way to the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals (LAFF) Poster Contest! 🌟
🎨 Age Groups (Public, Private or Parochial School Student may participate).
- Grades 1–3
- Grades 4–6
- Grades 7–9
- Grades 10–12
(Up to 3 winners per group may advance to the state competition!)
🍉 Theme
“My Fair/Festival”
Your poster must include:
- Washington Parish Watermelon Festival
- Franklinton, LA
- July 10–11, 2026
✏️ Contest Rules
- Artwork must be drawn by the student (freehand only)
- No stencils, tracing, cutouts, or collages
- Acceptable mediums include crayons, markers, watercolor, acrylic paint, felt-tip pen, or oil paint
- No cutouts or collage allowed
- Posters must be vertical (portrait style). No horizontal posters will be judged.
- White poster board 14" x 22" (½ sheet size)
- All wording must be hand lettered. No stencils
🏆 Advancement & Eligibility
First, Second, and Third place winners in each category are eligible for state competition. A maximum of twelve (12) posters per event will advance.
✏️ Judging Criteria
- Originality – 35%
- Theme – 25%
- Neatness – 25%
- Spelling – 15%
State Level Poster Prizes:
- Third Place – $25.00
- Second Place – $50.00
- First Place – $75.00
- Best Overall – $100.00
📄 Submission Details
- Include child’s name, grade, school, and parent/guardian contact information
- Entries may be dropped off at: LSU Ag Center Extension Office, 1134 Bene Street
- Deadline: May 8, 2026
- A maximum of 12 total entries will advance (3 per age group)
📌 Important: Each poster must include a 5x7 index card attached to the top left corner (so it can be flipped over) with:
- – Student’s name
- – Address
- – Telephone number
- – Parent/guardian’s name
- – Category (grade group)
- – Festival name (Washington Parish Watermelon Festival)
🍉🎨 So grab your crayons, paints, and markers—and show us what makes the Washington Parish Watermelon Festival the sweetest celebration around! We can’t wait to see your creativity shine! 💚🎨
2026 Washington Parish Fair Catalog Cover Contest
From the Washington Parish Fair Association
Think you’ve got what it takes to design the next Washington Parish Free Fair Catalog Cover? Now’s
your chance to shine! 🌟
The 2026 Catalog Cover Contest is officially OPEN, and we want to see your creativity come to life with this year’s theme: 🇺🇸 “Stars, Stripes, and Washington Parish Nights” 🇺🇸
🖌️ No age limits
📍 Must be a Washington Parish resident
💵 Winner takes home $100 AND gets their artwork featured on the official fair catalog!
🗓️ Deadline: May 22, 2026
This is what makes our fair so special—local talent, community pride, and creativity coming together. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just love to draw, we encourage you to enter!
📩 Entries can be turned in at Franklinton Primary School (see flyer below for details).
Let’s make this year’s cover unforgettable! 💙❤️
Slidell Man Convicted of Aggravated Crimes Against Nature Involving a Minor
District Attorney Collin Sims announces that on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found 41-year-old Deontrel Jermane Jackson of Slidell guilty as charged for Aggravated Crimes Against Nature. The conviction follows a trial presided over by the Honorable Judge Scott Gardner, involving a victim under the age of 13 and a close relative of the defendant at the time of the offenses.
The investigation, led by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, began in January 2021. Authorities determined that between 2019 and 2020, Jackson repeatedly entered the bedroom of a juvenile at a residence in Slidell.
The abuse was brought to light after a journal entry was discovered in which the victim expressed distress regarding Jackson’s actions. During forensic interviews conducted at the Children’s Advocacy Center Hope House, the victim detailed a pattern of repeated abuse. The investigation further revealed that the defendant had previously admitted to the conduct, claiming at the time that he was in a "dark place.”
Assistant District Attorneys Gary Tromblay and Taylor Nicholson prosecuted the case. During closing arguments, ADA Nicholson emphasized the defendant’s own admissions.
"An adult cannot touch a juvenile in a sexual manner," ADA Nicholson told the jury. "The defendant's own words were 'I touched her…that was two times.' That's the defendant's own words of what he did to that little girl."
ADA Tromblay addressed the predatory nature of the defendant’s repeated actions during his closing remarks.
"He was going up in her room at night, and he was using that little girl as a sex object, treating her as a toy," Tromblay stated. "He admitted that he was touching that little girl. It was regular, and it was repeated. That little girl deserves justice for what he did. She said she felt betrayed."
Following the verdict, DA Sims commended the prosecution team and the survivor's resolve.
"This verdict delivers justice for a victim who suffered a profound betrayal of safety," DA Sims said. "Our office is dedicated to ensuring that those who prey on children are removed from our community. I want to thank the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office for their thorough investigation and the jurors for their service in this difficult case."
Sentencing before Judge Gardner is scheduled for May 5, 2026. Under Louisiana law, this conviction carries a sentence of 25 to 99 years imprisonment at hard labor without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.
Memorial Day Bogue Chitto Bash is May 25th
Put it on your calendar and make plans to participate in this most worthy and unusual event.
Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/989406250328328/
The event is to honor and memorialize those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our great nation and bring awareness to veteran suicide whereby an estimated 22 veterans per day are lost. The Franklinton Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 47, in partnership with Our Veterans Memorial Park invite you to the inaugural Memorial Day Bogue Chitto Bash Poker Run.
The event will start at the Franklinton Boat Ramp, located at the end of Pearl Street. Participants will travel 11 miles south down the Bogue Chitto River, making four stops to collect playing cards before returning the 11 miles up river to the boat launch where the final card will be drawn. The 22 mile journey is in honor of our fallen military members. Once all participants have returned, the top hand will be declared the winner. In the event of a tie, high card draw will prevail. Prizes will be awarded for Best Hand and Worst Hand. There will be a 50/50 Raffle and a Poker Chip drawing for a prize.
We will have Live Music provided by Dylan Varnado and Crawfish provided by the Louisiana Lt. Governor's Office. Crawfish is included in the Registered Participants fee and is available to non-boaters for $20 per person.
All proceeds will benefit Our Veterans Park and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #47
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday A 60 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 15 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then a slight chance of showers between 7pm and 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
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