Nellie Verne Bickham
October 22, 1947 ~ March 24, 2026
April 09, 2026
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 7-8, 2026
Jeffrey Boyd (age 52 with no address listed) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Neil Kelly (age 40 with Folsom, La. address) was booked on the charges of License Plate Required, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Open Container in Vehicle, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Marijuana (2nd Offense) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Jordan Jones (age 30 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriffs Office and on the charges of No Proof of Insurance, Driving Under Suspension, and Careless Operation 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 Sunny, with a high near 80. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 57. 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 57. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday Sunny, with a high near 84. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
April 08, 2026
Elderly Kentwood-area Person Scammed Out of Over $800,000 in Gold
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO), in collaboration with the Collin County (TX) Sheriff’s Office, has arrested a New Jersey man for scamming an elderly Tangipahoa Parish resident out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in gold.
Nigam Bhatt, age 25, has been booked on Extortion charges. Bhatt lives in Parsippany, New Jersey, but is in the U.S. on a work visa from India.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Over the weekend, detectives in Collin County contacted TPSO about an investigation they were conducting into a gold scam operation. The scheme involves victims being contacted and told their bank account and social security benefits are frozen and can only be released with an exchange of gold. Through that investigation, detectives discovered several unsuspecting, senior citizen victims, including one in the Kentwood area.
At the direction of Criminal Investigations Captain John Gardner, a team from TPSO was able to learn about the scammer’s next trip locally. On Tuesday (April 7, 2026), with assistance from the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bhatt was taken into custody before he could take more than $800,000 in gold from the victim.
This investigation is still ongoing and widespread. If you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of a scam like this, contact the TPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2088.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker reminds residents to be suspicious of any calls about their financial accounts. You’re advised to hang up and call your banking institution to verify the caller’s claims. Residents are also advised to never provide personal or financial information over the phone and never send money or valuables to strangers online, by mail or through suspicious meet-ups.
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.
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