December 31, 2020

Suspect Sought in Armed Robbery of Hammond Dollar Store

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect in the December 23, 2020 Armed Robbery of the Dollar General on Happywoods Road.

The black male entered the store wearing a 49ers beanie, white shirt, dark color jacket and pants. The unknown black male produced a black semi-automatic handgun from his waistband and robbed the store, getting away with a substantial amount of US Currency.

“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! “ 

Help Solve This Theft at Tractor Supply in Amite

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards reports that Detectives are currently working a theft that occurred at the Tractor Supply located on Highway 16 in Amite. 

On December 27, 2020, at approximately 1:00 p.m., a white male wearing a dark colored shirt and red in color mask walked out of the front door of the business with a small generator still in the box without paying. He then entered a newer model black in color Chevrolet Avalanche and sped away.

“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! “

TPSO Investigating Dollar Store Burglary in Kentwood

Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa, Inc. reports that on Tuesday (December 29, 2020) the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office began investigating a business burglary that occurred at the Dollar General Store located at 16073 Hwy 10, in Kentwood, LA.

During the burglary, the suspects stole roughly $1,300 worth of cigarettes. Video footage captures two black males entering the store at approximately 3:55 a.m. using a hammer to break the lower portion of the front glass door to gain access. The subjects then broke the glass doors to the cigarette case that is located behind the counter. 

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!


Obituary

Dock Dyson, Jr.

May 11, 1937 - December 30, 2020

Severe Weather Possible This Evening and Tonight

The Washington Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has advised that a “Slight Risk to Enhanced Risk” of severe weather is possible this evening (December 31, 2020) and overnight.

They advise that an initial round of severe thunderstorm activity is possible in the mid to late afternoon hours (2-6 PM). A second round of severe thunderstorm activity could develop along the cold front in the overnight hours (9 PM-3 AM). 

Possible impacts are wind gusts greater than 60 mph, tornadoes, and large hail.

Updates will be at https://www.facebook.com/WPOHSEP/



WPSS Updated Quarantine Guidelines

The Washington Parish School System has updated their quarantine guidelines. Beginning January 5, 2021, when students return to school,

—If positive for COVID-19, quarantine period is 10 days from onset of symptoms or date of test.

—If in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, quarantine period is 10 days.

—Athletes who are exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19 may not participate in practice or games for 14 days from exposure.

Contact school to report positive tests, suspected cases, or exposure to COVID-19.


Washington Parish Jail Bookings December 30, 2020

Frank Cangelosi was booked on the charges of No Turn Signals, Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Resisting an Officer/Flight on Foot, Resisting an Officer with Force or Violence, Battery on an Officer with Injury, Obstruction of Justice, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Driving Under Suspension, No Motorcycle Endorsement, Failure to Change/Secure Registration, and No Insurance by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $25,000.00.

James Caves was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $15,000.00.

Douglas Jackson was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set.

Lanika Warren was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) and Bond Surrender by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.



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Today in History for December 31st

AP Top Stories December 31, 2020 AM

December 30, 2020

Obituary

Pamela Mae Bunch Sellers

December 15, 1952 - December 29, 2020

Obituary

Harold Allen Willie

July 17, 1956 - December 27, 2020

Franklinton Mayor and Aldermen Sworn Into Office

The Town of Franklinton had their recently elected Mayor and Aldermen sworn into office yesterday (December 29, 2020) at the Fairgrounds in Franklinton. Marsha Newman was emcee for the event. Washington Parish native and Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Will Crain administered the oaths of office (beginning at 8:50 into the video) to Mayor Gregory Route and Aldermen T.J. Butler, Darwin Sharp, Heath Spears, Patrice Crain, and Seth Descant.

The office-holders bring with them a ton of experience. Mayor Route has served in public offices for 12 years, including as Alderman and Parish Councilman; Butler, the Dean of the Board of Aldermen) has served as Alderman for 20 years; Sharp has served in public offices for 36 years; Spears has served as Alderman for 8 years, and Crain has served as Alderman for 4 years. Descant, the only new face among the Aldermen, previously served as President of the Franklinton Chamber of Commerce. 

For comments from the Aldermen (beginning at 10:20 into the video), a tribute to Mayor Route (beginning at 27:45 into the video), the Mayor's oath of office and the Mayor's comments (beginning at 29:45 into the video) and more, see the video below. 

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Today in History for December 30th

AP Top Stories December 30, 2020 AM

December 29, 2020

Obituary

Billy John Barber

September 16, 1945 - December 24, 2020

Obituary

Lois Cecile Hinson

December 17, 1969 - December 21, 2020

Obituary

Betty Sue Huntington

August 13, 1946 - December 23, 2020

Obituary

Adylin Karol Nelson

December 14, 2009 - December 25, 2020

Obituary

Jackie Lenzel Spikes, III

April 20, 2001 - December 14, 2020

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Washington Parish Jail Bookings December 28, 2020

Bryan Foster was booked on the charge of Aggravated Arson by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set.

Ashley Hollie was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (4 counts) and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $152.00.

Amber Pope was booked on the charges of Bond Surrender and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set.

Amanda Sumrall was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts) and Bond Surrender by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set.



Today in History for December 29th

AP Top Stories December 29, 2020 AM

December 28, 2020

Obituary

Sedonia Brock Dillon

September 14, 1929 - December 22, 2020

New Years and Domestic Violence: A Dangerous Mix

A Message from Attorney General Jeff Landry

Celebrating the New Year is a time for laughter, celebration, and goal-setting. And after a year like 2020, you probably think everyone is excited to begin a new journey around the Sun. But for victims of domestic violence, this can be a scary and dangerous time.

Studies show incidents of domestic violence are higher on New Year’s Day than the normal daily average. Increased stress and alcohol consumption provide the perfect excuse for abusers to perpetrate violence against their victims. This year, with end-of-year budget woes and relatives forced together in close quarters, could further exacerbate that combination.

Signs of an abusive relationship can include: jealousy, controlling behavior, quick involvement, unrealistic expectations, isolation, blame of others for problems, blame of others for feelings, dual personality, past battering, hypersensitivity, cruelty to animals or children, verbal abuse, threats of violence, and use of force during argument.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings December 24-27, 2020

Keith Holliday was booked on the charges of Theft 1000-5000, Aggravated Second Degree Battery, and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $52,000.00.

Lukyan Traylor was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Possession of Marijuana, and Obstruction of Justice by the Franklinton Police Department. Released on $2000.00 bond.

Steven Cotton was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, Failure to Appear, Failure to Yield Right of Way, Aggravated Flight from an Officer, No Proof of Insurance, Failure to Change/Secure Registration, Expired License Plate, and Resisting an Officer. by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond Set at $750.00.

Thomas Alsobrooks was booked on the charges of Bond Surrender and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $10,000.00.

Dennis Lee was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court, Failure to Appear, and Bond Surrender by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $50,500.00.



Obituary

Charles Michael "Mike" Gerald

August 21, 1957 - December 26, 2020

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Today in History for December 28th

AP Top Stories December 28, 2020 AM

December 26, 2020

December 24, 2020

Washington Parish Jail Bookings December 22-23, 2020

Curtis Hart was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling, Criminal Damage to Property Under 500, and Contempt of Court (6 counts) by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond has been set at $6000.00.

William McCrory was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (4 counts), and Criminal Trespass by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond has been set at $25,500.00.

Brian McCrory was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (4 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond was set at $10,000.00 and he bonded out on December 22, 2020.

Malik McClian was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Introduction of Contraband into Penal Institute, No Drivers License, and Following Too Close With or Without Accident by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $20,000.00 Bond.



Obituary

William Seldon "Bill" Lang

October 18, 1935 - December 23, 2020

Obituary

Martha "Marty" Rose Strahan Paige

May 11, 1938 - December 23, 2020

Obituary

Joel Gilbert Hill

August 13, 1947 - December 23, 2020

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December 23, 2020

Gov. Edwards Extends Modified Phase Two Order

Gov. John Bel Edwards yesterday (December 22, 2020) extended his modified Phase Two order, including Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate, to January 13, 2021, as hospitalizations have exceeded the level reached during the second surge in July.

The Governor also declared an emergency for the elections in February, March and April of next year, per a request from the Secretary of State.

“While we have seen minor improvements, no one should feel good about our current COVID situation in Louisiana. We have too many new cases, too many people in the hospital and, sadly, too many Louisianans continue to die of this illness. Just this week, we reported the highest number of deaths since July. Aggressive mitigation is recommended by Louisiana’s public health experts and the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and it is absolutely critical that all of our people take every action they can to slow the spread of COVID,” Gov. Edwards said. “All Louisianans are at risk, but those who are 65 or older or who have health conditions that make it more likely that they will have severe COVID complications should be incredibly careful in the coming days and weeks and should avoid any indoor place other than their home where there is not universal masking.

Obituary

Deborah Ann Davis

January 19, 1961 - December 15, 2020

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Obituary

Shirley Ann Kizer

September 29, 1944 - December 22, 2020

December 22, 2020

Washington Parish Jail Bookings December 21, 2020

Lewis Kennedy was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

Dalton Caves was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Damage and Leaving Scene of Accident by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

Justin Crain was booked on the charges of Possession of Heroin, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of CDS in Presence of Juvenile by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $7500.00.



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Today in History for December 22nd

AP Top Stories December 22, 2020 AM

December 21, 2020

Do You Know This Wanted Person?

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the subject
in the attached photos.

The suspect is accused of stealing tires from a RV and Boat Storage in the Hammond area on three separate occasions: November 5th, November 10th, and November 17th of 2020. 

On November 17th, the suspect exited a newer model JEEP SUV, black in color, bearing a Louisiana Temporary Tag.

“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! “

STPSO Investigating After Man Found with Gunshot Wound in Lacombe Area

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in obtaining information about a shooting which occurred in the Lacombe area early Monday (December 21, 2020) morning.

At approximately 2 a.m. Monday, STPSO deputies were dispatched to the 26000 block of Jackson Street in Lacombe in reference to a white male who had sustained what appeared to be a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The call came shortly after the Sheriff’s Office received numerous calls of gunshots being heard in the area of nearby West Spruce Street.

The man was transported to a local area hospital, where he is being treated for his injuries.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office by calling (985) 898-2338.

Obituary

Brenda Mae Dillon Calecas

October 11, 1949 - December 20, 2020

Covington Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that Brandon Ward, age 33 and a resident of Covington, pleaded guilty to a one-count Indictment charging him with distribution of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including children as young as less than one (1) year old.  

According to court documents, a special agent with the FBI operating in an undercover capacity, accessed a chat room known to be a haven for purveyors of digital files depicting the sexual victimization of children.  Between September 29, 2019, and October 13, 2019, Ward posted over two dozen links to online file storage service accounts.  Each link contained hundreds of videos depicting pre-pubescent children engaging in sexually explicit conduct with adults.  In total, Ward uploaded to the accounts at least 47,000 files depicting the sexual victimization of children as young as one year old.

Additionally, a second FBI special agent acting in an undercover capacity participated in direct communication with Ward via Skype, phone, and text message.  In the conversations, Ward claimed he had been in contact with an 8-year-old female who had a crush on him and sent non-sexually explicit pictures he took of minor to the undercover agent.   Ward also instructed the undercover agent, who claimed to be babysitting a six-year-old female, to engage in sexually explicit conduct with the child while Ward watched via Skype.

Ward faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.  He can also be required to register as a sex offender.  Sentencing before Judge Fallon has been scheduled for March 18, 2021, at 2:00 pm.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings December 20, 2020

Brent Golden was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated (2nd Offense) and Improper Lane Usage by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $3500.00 bond.

Anthony Ratley was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3500.00.

Christopher Morgan was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set.

Tequan Neal was booked on the charge of of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set.

Robert Harvey was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $50,000.00.

Adam Thomas was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Aggravated Flight from an Officer, and Attempted Introduction of Contraband into Penal Institute by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3500.00.



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Today in History for December 21st

AP Top Stories December 21, 2020 AM

December 20, 2020

Obituary

Marian Elizabeth Jones

July 12, 1924 - December 18, 2020

Obituary

Rodger Talley

March 2, 1945 - December 19, 2020

Obituary

Jesse Knight Conner, Sr.

September 9, 1949 - December 18, 2020

Obituary

Daisy Lee Riley Miller

December 13, 1931 - December 18, 2020

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Washington Parish Jail Bookings December 19, 2020

Elderick Howard was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Loud and Abusive Language, Resisting an Officer, and Public Intimidation (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. 

Candy Stringer was booked on the charge of Filing or Maintaining False Public Records and No Proof of Insurance by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office

Derion Clark was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated (2nd Offense) and Driving Left of Center/Wrong Side of Hwy by the Franklinton Police Department



December 19, 2020

Mt. Hermon Christmas Parade December 19, 2020

Washington Parish Jail Bookings December 16-18, 2020

Corey Lott was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Failure to Appear (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $50,000.00.

Demartez Halley was booked on the charge of Introduction of Contraband To Correctional Facility by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on bond set at $10,000.00

Billy Boyette was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No Bond set.

Tonious Clark was booked In From Court

Raymond Bennett was booked on the charges of Theft Less Than 1000 and Failure to Appear



STSPO Investigating Fatal Crash Near Pearl River

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a crash, which resulted in a fatality Friday December 18, 2020) night.

The preliminary investigation by deputies revealed the crash occurred as a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado truck with Mississippi plates was traveling eastbound on Howard O’Berry Road in the Pearl River area when for unknown reasons the driver failed to negotiate the 90-degree turn onto Lester Road and crashed into several trees at approximately 7:10 p.m.

The driver and passenger and were transported by medical personnel to a local hospital, where the passenger was pronounced dead. 

The remains of the deceased have been turned over to the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office for identification, notification of next of kin and a determination on the cause and manner of death.

The investigation remains ongoing and no further information is available at this time.

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Today in History for December 19th

December 18, 2020

Help STPSO Identify This Person



Obituary

Norbert "Buddy" Galivan

June 6, 1939 - December 15, 2020

Obituary

Shawanda Sha'da "Won" Williams

July 06, 1987 - December 10, 2020

Obituary

Ruby Clotile Davis

July 16, 1936 - December 16, 2020

Obituary

Jaylan Ke'Shun Matthews

June 12, 1997 - December 12, 2020

Obituary

Charlie Stogner

September 26, 1938 – December 16, 2020

Obituary

Mary Louise Patterson

October 01, 1953 - December 17, 2020

Holiday Message from Sheriff Randy Seal

As the Christmas and New Year holidays are quickly approaching, I want to wish each and every person a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Christmas is a very special time for us all. Many years ago, 1963 to be exact, an American songster named Andy Williams recorded a Christmas song, It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. One chorus of that song perhaps captures the emotions of most of us during the Christmas season. Williams sang, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year. There’ll be much mistltoeing and hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

Christmas is indeed a most wonderful time and I wish richest blessings for each and every one. Your Sheriff and the entire Seal family wishes you a heartfelt Merry Christmas.

One week after Christmas, we celebrate the beginning of a new year. While the past year has been a trying one for our nation and many of our parish families, I sincerely hope and pray that 2021 will be a better year for all. Happy New Year!

During this holiday season, please remember our deputies, all other first responders, medical personnel and many more who must work during the holidays so that all of us can enjoy peace and safety. We are so appreciative of all the fine men and women who serve us unselfishly so that we may enjoy the holidays with our family and friends.

As always, our officers will be on duty on both Christmas and New Year’s days. Call us if you need us. We can always be reached at 985-839-3434.

Vaccine Scam Warning from Attorney General Jeff Landry

This morning, America watched Vice President Mike Pence receive the coronavirus vaccine; and while people in Louisiana are eager to get a vaccine for COVID-19, they should be aware that fraudsters could try dangerous scams to take advantage of anxiety over the pandemic.

“If you choose to be vaccinated, know this: no amount of money or personal information will cure the wait to get the vaccine,” warned Attorney General Jeff Landry. “Just like they did with supposed test kits, treatments, and personal protective equipment – scammers are offering too good to be true schemes with the vaccine.”

“Everyone in Louisiana, especially seniors and their caretakers, should be on high alert for these fraudsters,” continued Attorney General Landry. “Be on the lookout for those contacting you by call, text, email, or even door knock claiming to be a government official in need of obtaining your personal, medical, or financial information for you to receive the vaccine.”

Attorney General Landry reminds everyone that the best defense to COVID-19 scams is education and vigilance. So the Attorney General wants Louisiana citizens to know the following information to help stay safe from criminals trying to take advantage of people’s fear or desire to be immune:

The vaccine is currently available in limited quantities; the distribution timeline for the general public is still to be determined. Access to the vaccine is strictly controlled, and anyone claiming to provide early access to the vaccine is a scammer.

No one can pay to put his or her name on a list to get the vaccine or to get early access to the vaccine.

No legitimate vaccine distribution site or heath care payer, like a private insurance company, will call asking for your Social Security number or debit/credit card number to sign you up to get the vaccine.

You likely will not need to pay anything out of pocket to get the vaccine during this public health emergency.

If you have become a victim, report it immediately to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721 or www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Additionally, Attorney General Landry encourages people to not give cash, wire money, or send prepaid money cards to strangers; to not be pressured immediately into making a financial decision, especially one that does not involve a written contract; and to not divulge banking, medical, or personal information to suspicious callers.

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

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Today in History for December 18th

AP Top Stories December 18, 2020 AM

December 17, 2020

Obituary

Virginia Stringer Peters

March 27, 1946 - December 12, 2020

COVID-19 Vaccine in Louisiana: What You Need to Know

As Louisiana distributes the long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine, there are still many questions: How does it work? Is it safe and effective? Who will get the vaccine and when? Hosted by LPB’s André Moreau, this LPB special will bring together Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and a panel of medical experts for a safe, socially-distanced “roundtable discussion” to answer your questions.

BOLO: Help STPSO Identify This Suspect



Obituary

Theresa Cefalu Busby

January 11, 1927 - December 16, 2020

Replacement Blood Drive to Support TPSO Deputy

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office is teaming up with our local blood bank, The Blood Center, to host a replacement blood drive to support our very own TPSO Sergeant Charles Warren.  Sgt. Warren has been hospitalized battling COVID-19 for weeks now.

The replacement blood drive will take place on Monday, December 21, 2020, at the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center located within North Oaks Diagnostic Center on 15837 Paul Vega, MD, Drive in Hammond, LA. from 10:00 am - 6:00 p.m. “This is in an effort to bring the community together to support Sgt. Warren, but also to encourage others to give much needed blood for our area.” says Sheriff Daniel Edwards.

For every person who donates blood for Sgt. Warren, a $10.00 monetary donation will be made by The Blood Center to assist Warren and his family with out -of -pocket expenses.

The Blood Center will also be screening all donors for the COVID-19 antibodies through the donation of your blood.  This antibody screening will tell the donor if they have had the COVID-19 virus in the past few months.

Walk-ins are welcome. However, scheduled appointments will take priority. Click on the following link to schedule your appointment: https://www.tbcdonors.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/42346-

PLEASE EAT A GOOD MEAL BEFORE DONATING AND BRING YOUR ID

Obituary

Delta Deaton Lewis

June 11, 1927 - December 10, 2020

Obituary

Billy Joe "Bill" Dillon

August 5, 1940 - December 14, 2020

Slidell-area Man Arrested After 8-hour SWAT Standoff

Gerald Maxey, age 73 and of the Slidell-area, was arrested before 3:30 p.m. Wednesday (December 16, 2020) after he fired upon a St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s lieutenant who was patrolling in the man’s neighborhood Wednesday morning. Maxey was taken into custody without incident or injury following a more than eight-hour standoff at his residence on John Drive in the River Gardens neighborhood near Slidell.

Maxey barricade himself in his home shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday after he fired on the STPSO lieutenant who was in the neighborhood following an incident which occurred Sunday morning involving Maxey. Shortly after 11 a.m. Sunday (December 13, 2020), deputies were dispatched to the River Gardens neighborhood in reference to Maxey’s pigs running loose. When deputies attempted to speak with Maxey concerning the pigs, he became belligerent and threatened deputies, ultimately resulting in a warrant being issued for Maxey’s arrest on the charge of Simple Assault.

The lieutenant was in the River Gardens neighborhood Wednesday morning evaluating the area to once again attempt to locate the loose pigs and to determine the best location to set traps when Maxey fired upon him. The lieutenant’s vehicle was struck but the lieutenant was not injured.

Maxey was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail on the charges of Attempted Murder of a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, and Simple Assault. Bond was set at $900.00 on the Resisting Arrest and Simple Assault charges but no bond has been set as of 9:00 a.m. Thursday morning on the charge of Attempted Murder of a Police Officer.

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Today in History for December 17th

AP Top Stories December 17, 2020 AM

December 16, 2020

Productive Parish Council Meeting Held Monday

A lot of good news was revealed at the latest Washington Parish Council meeting held Monday (December 14, 2020) evening.  The meeting was conducted both as an in-person meeting at the Washington Parish Courthouse and by Zoom. (Video of the full meeting can be seen below) Briefly, the good news included

  • the report by WPSS Superintendent Frances Varnado and WPSS Coordinator of Support Services Shane Smith. Varnado reported on best practices being observed to protect students and staff with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic and educate the students during these trying times. Smith's report was about capital improvement projects in-progress and planned system-wide. For your convenience, click here for this segment of the meeting
  • progress is being made toward noise reduction from the Entergy power plant near Bogalusa. The plan is to replace horizontal Duct Work with wider duct, add acoustical barrier roof between the duct work and close to the actual turbines, and insulate the expansion joints. A major investment is being made by Entergy to reduce the noise level residents are experiencing; however, estimates are July/August, 2021 before residents will get relief and the Entergy Representatives could not provide an estimate of how much the noise would be reduced. For your convenience, click here for this segment of the meeting
  • the passage by voters on December 5th of the millage renewal which will allow continuation of road improvements throughout the parish
  • the President's Report was provided by Finance Director Donna Graham and Public Works Director Ken Wheat. Graham reported that the final payment of $1,000,000.00 (WPG's share is $324,000) by Calpine (in lieu of taxes) had been received. Also, the overall WPG fund balance has increased $2.4 million. Wheat reported that the recent Animal Shelter event “Jingle Paws” raised over $1400.00, 6 dogs were adopted, and 25 dogs and cats were vaccinated and micro-chipped. Also, a $400,000 grant was approved for improvements at the Washington Parish Jail. For your convenience, click here for this segment of the meeting

In other business, the Council 

  • introduced an ordinance authorizing the purchase of a parcel of land in Franklinton
  • adopted a resolution to the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives in support of funding for the development of Rural Broadband infrastructure
  • adopted several resolutions of appointment to Boards of Directors

SWAT Team on Scene in River Gardens Near Slidell

At 9:05 AM today (December 16, 2020), the STPSO advised that the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s SWAT team is currently on scene in the River Gardens neighborhood near Slidell with a wanted individual who has barricaded himself inside a residence after firing upon a STPSO lieutenant who was patrolling in the area of John Drive and Peachtree Drive.

The lieutenant’s vehicle was struck but the lieutenant was not injured.

STPSO is asking residents to avoid the area at this time as it is an active scene. 

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Obituary

Berley Dalton Broom

March 23, 1957 - December 12, 2020

Obituary

Joseph "Joe" Dane Stogner

December 14, 2020

Washington Parish Jail Bookings December 13-15, 2020

Randall Wheat was booked on the charge of Protective Order Violation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2500.00.

Jacob Jarrell was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set.

David Bonnette was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana (2nd Offense), Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

Christopher Miller was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Improper Lane Usage, and Driving Under Suspension by the Louisiana State Police. Bond set at $3500.00.

Megan Henshaw was booked on the charges of Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.



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