FPD Message on Fair Parade, Street Closures, & More

The Washington Parish Free Fair parade will line up parade entries (except for marching bands and dance groups) at the Franklinton High School. (See parade officials for information the morning of the parade)

At 9:00 AM all streets on the Parade route will be closed and floats will be brought onto Washington Street.

At 8:50 AM all westbound traffic will be diverted off Hwy. 10 onto Doctor James Stafford Dr. (High School Road), traffic coming onto Washington St. from Woods Rd. will be directed to Doctor James Stafford Dr.

The parade will still start at 10:00 AM traveling its traditional route from the intersection of 15th Ave. and Washington St. (First Finance) to Main St. then into the Fairgrounds.

The Franklinton Police Department along with assistance from the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Department and Officers from Rayburn Corrections Center will be at intersections to monitor traffic and assist with pedestrians. Remember, for public safety purposes, once the route is closed there will be no vehicle traffic allowed on the route. Keep an eye on the little ones, especially around trucks, trailers, and floats that are moving. If there is an emergency on the route, contact an officer and emergency services will be contacted.

Also, 10th Ave. (Junior High) from Howard St. to Bene St. will be one-way only into the Fair Grounds. This is to allow the emergency vehicles a clear route to and from the Fairgrounds.

There are "No Parking" signs along 10th Ave. and several areas from 11th Ave. to Ellis Cemetery on Bene St.; parking on the grounds of Ellis Cemetery is not allowed. Any vehicle parked in the cemetery grounds will be towed away at the vehicle owner's expense.

The Franklinton Police Department is once again offering wristbands for parents and guardians of small children and special needs individuals. The bands can be used to write your name, your child’s name, and phone number on it so we may contact an adult in the event a child wanders away. Please place the band on your child’s wrist if possible or on an item of clothing that cannot easily be removed. Also, please take a photograph of your child each day you are coming to the Fair in the event your child becomes separated from you, you will have a recent photo to share with our Officers. These bands will be available for pick up at the Franklinton Police Department dispatch before the Fair and at the Franklinton Police Department command post during the Fair at no cost. (These bands are for identification purposes only and cannot be used for the Carnival rides)

Entrance and exit for parking in the Knight Field will be off or Hwy. 430 (Hackley Hwy)

We hope everyone has a safe and fun Fair week.

Sheriff Seal: Free ID Wristbands at Fair for Children & Special Need Persons

Sheriff Randy “Country” Seal and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office will be offering free identification wristbands for children and special need individuals who may become separated from their parent or guardian.   Please come by the WPSO Command Post to obtain the free identification wristband.  The wristband is for identification purposes only.  They are not valid for rides.  We are located by the entrance to the midway to obtain your free wristband.

Always designate a meeting point at the fair in the event you are separated from your children or others who accompany you to the Fair.  Suggestions are the train near the rodeo arena or the clock near the stage.

Advise children who may become lost to seek out a uniformed officer who will take them to the Sheriff’s command center near the entrance to the midway or the Franklinton Police Department command center near the main entrance.  Children will be able to remain at the command center until claimed by parents.

Sheriff Seal recommends taking a picture of your child before leaving home.   

We are ready for the best Fair in the world and look forward to seeing everyone! 

Randy Seal

Sheriff

Obituary

George "Kenny" Fortinberry

May 25, 1955 - October 14, 2021

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 15, 2021

Tynesha Johnson (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

Bradford Forrest (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary and Criminal Trespass by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $10000.00.

Tracy Hobgood (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft Less Than 1000, Criminal Trespass, and Forgery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $7500.00.

April Rayborn (Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Use Turn Signal, Speeding 11-20 Over Limit, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, Possession of Heroin, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5050.00.

Rickey Shoemaker was booked In From Court

Destiny St. Amant (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $5000.00 bond.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

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Slidell Man Committed Attempted Rape Six Weeks After Release from Angola Prison

District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that on Thursday (October 14, 2021), a St. Tammany Parish jury unanimously found Derrick J. Cousin, age 53 and of Slidell, guilty as charged of Attempted First Degree Rape and Aggravated Burglary Armed with a Dangerous Weapon. District Judge William H. Burris presided over the case.

On September 28, 2018 at around 1:30 am, roughly six weeks after being released from Angola Prison, defendant Derrick J. Cousin armed himself with a large kitchen knife and black gloves, and calmly walked over to his unsuspecting neighbor’s residence. Once there, the defendant cut the phone lines to the victim’s residence, and proceeded to forcibly break the exterior fence to the victim’s backyard and enter in through her unlocked sliding patio door. Once inside, the defendant bypassed all valuables and instead went straight to the victim’s bedroom located at the end of the hallway. The victim, after observing the defendant standing at her front door, had already called the police. The victim was still on the phone with 911 when the defendant proceeded to start kicking in her locked bedroom door. The victim started yelling “police, police” as she braced up against the bedroom door. The defendant later admitted that it was the victim’s screaming on the phone with police that caused him to flee back to his residence across the street. Police arrived within 2 minutes of the defendant’s flight and immediately set up a perimeter and secured the victim’s residence. STPSO deputies on scene were able to observe the surveillance video from the victim’s residence and the defendant as well as his path of flight. During a canvas for suspects and witnesses, deputies located the defendant Derrick Cousin across the street at his residence and identified him as the perpetrator. They also located the knife, gloves and his clothing.

In a recorded statement played at trial, the jury heard the defendant deny his ever having left his residence but once shown a still from the surveillance video he stated that he didn’t recall because he had “blacked out” from alcohol. He claimed to know the victim but she denied this.

Prosecution was allowed to use the defendants two prior convictions for similar crimes, in this trial. Defendant had previously served time in prison for forcible rape and first-degree robbery. In one incident, a woman was approached at knife point and forced into the bathroom at a gas station and raped. In another prior conviction he attacked a female but she was able to escape.

Sentencing information is not yet available.

Suspects Wanted in Theft at Amite Walmart

Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa, Inc. reports that on October 13, 2021 the Amite City Police Department began investigating a theft that occurred at Walmart in Amite. It was determined on October 12, 2021 the two pictured here went into Walmart, selected several items from the shelves, and left the store without rendering payment. 

If you have information on this case, please call Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s anonymous tip line at 1.800.554.5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! Be a part of the solution and you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000! “

Bogue Chitto State Park Being Stocked With Channel Catfish

Bogue Chitto State Park near Franklinton is one of seventeen community fishing sites to be stocked with adult sized channel catfish for the Halloween weekend. It's all part of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries  Get Out and Fish! community fishing program.

So grab your fishing gear and bring your friends and family to the Bogue Chitto State Park or any of the GOF! locations for some frightfully good fishing!

Check out the interactive map to find a stocked GOF! site near you at  https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/get-out-and-fish-locations.

Please remember, all anglers 16 and older must possess a Louisiana fishing license when fishing in any Louisiana public waters. Licenses are available for purchase online at https://louisianaoutdoors.com/licenses-and-permits. By purchasing a fishing license, Louisiana receives matching funds from the Sport Fish Restoration Program for public fishing and boating access, fishing programs and education and fisheries management.

The Get Out and Fish! Program seeks to increase the number of people with access to quality fishing. The program intends to recruit new anglers to the sport of fishing and promote outdoor activities for future generations. For more information visit www.wlf.la.gov/gof or email us at GOF@wlf.la.gov.

The LDWF Get Out & Fish is hosted in conjunction with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF). The Foundation was formed to help expand and support LDWF education and research programs with additional resources developed through its own facilities. Encouraging support for LDWF programs is the major focus of the Foundation, accomplished by connecting people and businesses with Louisiana’s natural resources. For more information, visit www.lawff.org.

Include the Franklinton Christmas Festival in Your Holiday Plans

Folsom Man Guilty of Attempted Murder of Parents

District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that on Thursday (October 14, 2021), a St. Tammany Parish jury unanimously found Rudy Emanuel Melerine, age 38 and of Folsom, Louisiana, guilty as charged of two counts of attempted first-degree murder of his parents. District Judge John Keller presided.

On June 20, 2017 in the early morning hours, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a residence in Folsom. Upon arrival, Deputy Jesse Smith found one of the victims, who was later identified as the defendant’s mother, in the driveway of the home in which all three family members lived. She had obvious injuries to her head and face and was bleeding. She directed officers to a back bedroom where the defendant was attacking her husband.

The second victim, the defendant’s father, was laying on the floor in a pool of his own blood, with Melerine crouching over his body. The victim was face down trying to prevent Melerine from grabbing the hammer that he’d wrestled out of his son’s hands. Officers observed blood across the room on the floor, bed and walls and covering the victim and the defendant. Deputy Parker later testified that it was the “bloodiest scene he’d ever seen.”

Officers restrained Melerine and he was arrested. The parents were transported to the hospital where doctors treated them for multiple injuries to the head and face.

At trial, the victim/mother testified that both she and her husband were asleep when the defendant broke into their locked bedroom in the early morning hours. She was awoken by what she described as sounding like “a hammer smashing a coconut.” She saw her son continue to strike her husband in the head with a hammer. She attempted to stop him and he turned on her, striking her multiple times.

The victim/father was able to stop the defendant from striking his wife again and told her to call 9-1-1. As ADA Luke Lancaster said of the father, “he was going to save his wife.” “He was a hero.” The victim/mother’s 15-minute 911 call was played in court, wherein she is heard pleading: "Oh, God! Get somebody here quick. My son just went bonkers on us. Oh, God! My son is going nuts on us. Oh, Hurry, please! Oh, God! Just get somebody here!"

Both victims testified that the night before, the defendant made comments to them indicating that he was fostering some sort of anger/resentment toward them, and that he maybe was on drugs. Victim/father testified that his son in his rage told them that he was Michael the Archangel and to “prepare their souls for heaven.”

Attorneys for the defense asked the jury to find him guilty of the lesser charge of Aggravated Battery, arguing that he did not have the “specific intent to kill” them, because he was likely impaired by drugs and that there were more lethal weapons he could have used. ADA Luke Lancaster argued that “there is a line and he didn’t just cross that line, he was light years across it.”

ADA Blake Peters in closing stated that, although there were more lethal weapons in the home, the defendant chose to use a more “enjoyable, intimate, less quick” method of murder and that he was very much in control and not impaired. Peters told the jury, “He’s been coddled his entire life, has been asserting excuses his entire life, but you can now hold him accountable.”

The jury deliberated about 40 minutes before unanimously voting “guilty” on both counts of attempted first-degree murder.

D.A. Warren Montgomery extends his appreciation to all involved in this case “as the outcome would have been very different without the heroes in this case.” Assistant District Attorneys Blake Peters and Luke Lancaster prosecuted the case, and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office members Corporal Jesse Smith, Sgt. Justin Parker and Crime Scene Technician Megan Sellstrom, were in charge of the investigation.

As to each count, Melerine faces ten to fifty years, without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. He is set for sentencing on January 19, 2022, before District Judge John Keller.

Obituary

James Messer

December 16, 1942 - October 15, 2021

Obituary

Sharon R. Williams

May 15, 1948 - October 14, 2021

Obituary

Ellen Ann Anderson Anthony

October 11, 1940 - October 2, 2021

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 13-14, 2021

Richard Lee (Poplarville, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction and Bond Surrender (4 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $5000.00 bond.

Jessica Thomas (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting an Officer, and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $7000.00.

Liboria Taylor (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. Released on October 14, 2021.

Shneille Jenkins (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Criminal Damage to Property Under 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

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

Danielle Bordelon (Madisonville, La. address) was booked on the charges of Cyberstalking, Telephone Communications/Improper Language/Harassment/Penalty by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $3000.00 bond.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

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Down by the Branch Schedule & More on the Fair

The fair will open with the traditional Wednesday morning parade and close on Sunday evening. 

There is too much planned to put it all here!, So, Click here for the Washington Parish Fair Association's FB page and click here for the Washington Parish Free Fair website.

Obituary

Charles Edwin Wood

May 5, 1950 - October 13, 2021

Obituary

Terrence Jermaine Dyson

August 07, 1989 - October 08, 2021

Run for Our Veterans is November 6th

Franklinton Mayor and Aldermen Meeting October 12, 2021

The Franklinton Mayor and Board of Aldermen met Tuesday (October 12, 2021) evening and, in
addition to addressing routine matters, heard comments from a number of residents, heard a report from Public Works Supervisor Reginald McMasters (beginning at 20:50 into video of the meeting), heard a report from Municipal Clerk Ellen Waskom (beginning at 37:25 into video of the meeting), approved advertising for the hiring of an animal control officer, introduced the amended 2020-2021 budget, and introduced the 2021-2022 proposed budget. 

Resident Jackie Tate (beginning at 5:05 into video of the meeting) related issues with Amwaste's garbage pickup. Mayor Route, Alderman Descant, Alderman Butler, Alderman Sharp, and Reginald McMasters (later in the meeting), responded to her concerns. 

Halloween Trick or Treat hours was set for October 30, 2021 from the hours of 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for persons 12 years of age and under. Later in the meeting, the Mayor advised that a Trunk-or-Treat will be held at the same times in the parking lot at City Hall. 

A Moment of Silence was observed in recognition of those who have suffered from and been lost to breast cancer. Alderwoman Crain read a proclamation establishing October as Breast Cancer Awareness month. 

Mayor Route provided additional comments (beginning at 58:30 into video of the meeting) regarding the need for and impediments to getting a name-brand motel, the continued debris pickup in Franklinton, the need for a vacuum truck to be used for water and sewer purposes, a recent DEQ inspection visit, boil-water issues, the Town of Franklinton APP recently made available, efforts to address blighted properties, and issues of big trucks on the streets. 

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

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Kentwood Man Dies in Motorcycle Crash Near Wilmer

This morning, shortly after 08:30 A.M., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a fatal crash on LA Hwy 1061 near Dummyline Road in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the life of 52-year-old David Diddon of Kentwood, Louisiana.

The initial investigation revealed that Diddon was southbound on LA Hwy 1061 on a 2010 Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle. For reasons still under investigation, the motorcycle traveled off of the roadway to the left and into an embankment. After leaving the roadway, Diddon was ejected from the motorcycle.

Despite the fact Diddon was wearing a DOT approved helmet, he sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. He was pronounced deceased on the scene. As part of the ongoing investigation, a blood sample was taken from Diddon for routine scientific analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

November 13th Election

To view what is on the ballot for you, go 
to https://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/GetElectionInformation/ReviewSampleBallots/Pages/default.aspx and choose an option to find what you have the opportunity to vote on.

There are four amendments on the ballot for all Washington Parish voters.

Voters in Bogalusa will also elect a City Prosecutor and vote yes or no on a 5 Mill, 10 Year property tax renewal.

The choices for City Prosecutor are "Tina" Ratliff and Trent Temples. 

The tax renewal reads as follows: "Shall the City of Bogalusa, State of Louisiana (the "City"), under the provisions of Article VI, Sections 30 and 32 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, and other constitutional and statutory authority, levy and collect a special ad valorem tax of five (5.00) mills, on all the property subject to taxation in the City (an estimated $413,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for one entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2022 and ending with the year 2031, inclusive, the proceeds of such tax to be used for paying the costs of garbage disposal, with any remaining proceeds to be expended for paying any lawful corporate expenses of the City?"

Obituary

Lydia Irene Rowe Emmons

November 18, 1942 - October 12, 2021

Obituary

Dale Hall-McElmurry

December 12, 1971 - October 11, 2021

Obituary

Lucy Mae Ranzino Davis

August 15, 1929 - October 09, 2021

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 12, 2021

Aron Coates (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts), Failure to Pay Fine, Probation Violation, and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $71758.00.

Christy Thomas (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $4000.00.

Kenneth Marciniak (Kennesaw, Ga. address) was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Loud & Abusive Language, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order (2 counts), Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts), Possession of Heroin, and Possession of Schedule III Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $15000.00.

Frank Hamilton (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Battery of a Dating Partner, Battery of Infirm, Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Cordaro Levi (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer, Possession of Schedule V Drugs, and Domestic Abuse Battery (3rd Offense) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $6000.00 bond.

Obituary

Wendell Smith

July 28, 1961 - October 07, 2021

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

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Four Arrested Following Pursuit Which Ended in Slidell

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested four individuals early Tuesday (October 12, 2021) morning after they crashed near Slidell following a pursuit that crossed over into St. Tammany from Mississippi. It happened at approximately 3 AM after STPSO was called to assist deputies from Hancock County Mississippi. 

Deputies responded to the area and located the suspect vehicle, which had already crashed into the wood line behind the Fremaux Town Center. Upon deputies’ arrival, the four occupants of the vehicle fled on foot. STPSO deputies, STPSO K-9 deputies, Hancock County deputies, and troopers with Louisiana State Police established a perimeter and apprehended the four suspects. They were identified as Justin Wilder (age 21), Keyon Randolph (age 22), Derrick Holmes (age 20) and a 17-year-old juvenile.

The juvenile and Holmes were found to be in possession of stolen firearms when they were taken into custody. Pass Christian Police advised that warrants are pending for all four in reference to burglaries. One of the firearms found in possession of the subjects was confirmed as stolen earlier Monday night. It was also confirmed the vehicle the four were driving had been reported stolen in Tangipahoa Parish. While searching the vehicle, deputies located a clear plastic bag containing suspected 10 grams of marijuana and items commonly known as drug paraphernalia. 

The four were booked booked on charges that included Stolen Vehicle, Resisting an Officer, Fugitive, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  

Obituary

Yvonne Josephine "Honey" Bateman Bahm

January 12, 1941 - October 10, 2021

Drug Arrest Made at Sportsman Inn in Bogalusa

On Monday (October 11, 2021) evening, a Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a report of a disturbance in a room at the Sportsman Inn south of Bogalusa. Upon arrival, the officer encountered 34 year-old Kenneth Allen Marciniak, who gave two addresses, one in Kennesaw, Georgia, and the other in North Augusta, South Carolina.

After investigating the incident and searching Marciniak’s room with his permission, the deputy arrested him and transported him to the Washington Parish Jail. Marciniak was booked on charges of possession of heroin, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of illegal narcotic pills and disturbing the peace through loud and abusive language. Marciniak’s bond was set at $15,000.

“Marciniak obviously did not have good intentions,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Whether the illegal drugs were for personal use or for sale to others, the bottom line is they are now out of circulation. I commend our deputy for handling this situation in a professional manner and making the arrest.”

Obituary

Mother Raye Mell Toomer

November 23, 1941 - October 02, 2021

Broadband Speed Testing to Help Get Broadband in Our Area

In the effort to get broadband in our rural areas, please help by going to https://dra.gov/speedtest and measure your internet speed. If you don't have internet, use a place that has internet to do the speed test and specify, "No internet service at (enter your address)".

Everyone that participates in this short testing will add a mark on the map and the more marks they see, the better chances we have to get something done in our area.

Also, please share this information with all your family, neighbors and friends!!

WP Council Hears About Work Crews, Appoints Redistricting Consultant, Sets Up Redistricting Advisory Committee

The Washington Parish Council met Monday (October 11, 2021) evening and, in addition to handling routine matters, addressed the matter of redistricting of council districts, heard comments from residents, and heard reports from Parish President Richard Thomas and his staff.

The work of redistricting of council districts must be accomplished by the end of the calendar year. To facilitate the work, the Council voted to approve an amended resolution that 1) appointed Marshall Buddy Jenkins as a consultant to the Washington Parish Council (as recommended by the Infrastructure Committee) and 2) established an Advisory Committee. Jenkins “crunches” the numbers to comply with redistricting requirements and makes recommendations to the Council, who will vote on how council districts lines will be drawn. The Advisory Committee, consisting of seven members (one to be appointed by each Parish Council Member) will participate and provide for transparency in the process. View the video beginning at 5:35. Also, go to https://www.mthermonwebtv.com/2021/09/wp-infrastructure-committee-on.html, beginning 2:00, for the discussion on redistricting at the Infrastructure Committee meeting on September 23, 2021.

President Thomas provided an update on the review by the attorney firm engaged by the parish to examine solar plant issues. See the video beginning at 15:50. The review has included examination of documents of related hearings by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, programs in other states, an analysis of the parish's draft of a proposed ordinance, input by the Concerned Citizens, and input from two solar energy companies. A final report is expected by the end of November.

Beginning at 20:00 into the video, President Thomas provided an update on COVID-19 in the parish, Public Works Director provided information regarding debris cleanup following Hurricane Ida, Finance Director Donna Graham and others remarked on the recent passing of Washington Parish Librarian Allison Barron and his contributions over the years, and Transportation Manager Donnell Merritt reported on other work performed by work crews. 

Thomas, Wheat, Merritt, and others emphasized the efforts by public works and other WPG employees who have worked 12 hour shifts, 7 days a week for the last 41 days. 

Following comments by Council Members, the meeting adjourned. 

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

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Pike County (MS) Jail Shakedown Search Results

Last Friday (October 8, 2021), Pike County Sheriff’s Office personnel, the Mississippi Highway Patrol
SOG Team, and Probation/Parole Agents with the Mississippi Department of Corrections, conducted a shakedown search of Cell Block A, Cell Block C, the kitchen, and the laundry room in the Pike County Jail. 

During the shakedown, four cell phones, multiple phone chargers, several shanks, multiple items that could be used as weapons, and other contraband were found. The shakedown search resulted from a three-week investigation that is currently still ongoing. 

The Pike County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Mississippi Department of Corrections for their assistance. 

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 8-10, 2021

Aaron Blackwell (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Obstruction of Highway, Resisting Arrest by Providing False Booking Info, and Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3500.00.

Michael Goings (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Drug Free Zone Violation, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $30500.00 bond.

Brandi Bailey (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Use Turn Signal, Expired Drivers License, Prohibited Acts/Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Probation and Parole Hold, Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, and Failure to Appear (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Dave Winstead (Pearl River, La. address) was booked on the charges of Restricted License/Requirement, Switched License Plates, No Proof of Insurance, Registration/No Proof/Must Carry, Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Schedule III Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Michael Lowery (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Expired MVI, Failure to Use Turn Signal, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Heroin, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Arnie Smith (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Improper Turn/Accident, Unlawful Use of License, Prohibited Acts/Schedule II Drugs, and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Rachelle Rooks (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jerry Burton (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Battery and Contempt of Court by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

(click image below for a clearer picture)

Obituary

Pauline Lou Ford Martin

September 27, 1941 - October 9, 2021

Obituary

Desmond Harold Warren

January 12, 1999 - October 7, 2021

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

(click image below for a clearer picture)