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April 30, 2020

Camper Trailer Stolen in Kentwood Area

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating a stolen
camper trailer.

On April 28, 2020, detectives began an investigation into the theft of a 2006 Aspen Camper Trailer that was stolen between March 13-16, 2020 from 18852 Highway 1053 in Kentwood, Louisiana.

“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!

Woman From Sun Dies in Head-On Crash on LA 16

On Thursday, April 30, 2020 shortly before 7:00 AM, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L
responded to a two-vehicle, serious injury crash on LA 16 just west of LA 1074 in Washington Parish. The crash has claimed the life of 40-year-old Vanessa L. Kraft of Sun.

The initial investigation led Troopers to determine that the crash occurred as Kraft was driving a Saturn SL2 east on LA 16. Kraft’s vehicle crossed the centerline and struck a Ford Ranger pickup truck traveling west head-on. Kraft received serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital. A short time later, Kraft succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Kraft’s use of a seat belt remains under investigation. The driver of the pickup truck was wearing a seat belt and was transported to an area hospital for moderate injuries.

At this time, impairment is suspected. As part of the crash investigation, blood samples were collected for scientific analysis. The investigation remains ongoing and no additional information is available at this time.

Motorcyclist From Covington Succumbs to Crash Injuries

Shortly before 12:00 pm on April 26, 2020, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began
investigating a serious injury crash involving a motorcycle on LA Hwy 22 west of LA Hwy 1039 (Bear Island Rd.) in Livingston Parish. The crash ultimately resulted in the death of 65-year-old Richard Scott of Covington.

The preliminary investigation revealed the crash occurred as Scott was traveling westbound on LA Hwy 22 on a 2003 Harley Davidson Fat Boy. For reasons still under investigation, Scott failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the roadway to the right. After exiting the roadway, the Harley Davidson struck a ditch, which resulted in Scott being ejected from the motorcycle.

Despite the fact he was wearing a DOT approved helmet, Scott sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash. He was transported from the scene to a local hospital for treatment. On April 29, 2020, Troop A was notified Scott succumbed to his injuries. Impairment is unknown at this time, but a toxicology sample was obtained from Scott for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

STPSO: Stolen Vehicle Recovered Following Pursuit

A routine traffic stop resulted in a vehicle pursuit and ultimately in the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of five subjects Thursday (April 3) morning near Slidell.

Shortly after 6:30 a.m. Thursday morning, a St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle that was headed east-bound on Interstate 12. The vehicle was later found to be stolen out of New Orleans.

The driver of the vehicle refused to stop and led deputies on a high speed chase on Interstate 12 before exiting on Louisiana Highway 11.  Deputies, along with troopers with Louisiana State Police, pursued the vehicle through Slidell before the vehicle crashed on Louisiana Highway 433 near Pichon Road.  All five occupants of the vehicle fled on foot, but all were apprehended by responding deputies. 

Three juveniles (one female and two males) were arrested for Illegal Possession of Stolen Things and  Resisting Arrest.  One of the juveniles was also arrested for a warrant through New Orleans Police Department for armed robbery and possession of a firearm.  All three juveniles were booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center.

The driver, Malcom Wylie (19), was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail on the following charges: Driving Left of Center, Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Possession of Schedule I CDS, Illegal Possession of Stolen Things, Contributing the Delinquency of Juveniles, and Resisting an Officer.

The other adult in the vehicle, Nadia Alexander (19), was arrested and will be booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail on the following charges: Illegal Possession of Stolen Things and Resisting an Officer.

Obituary

Argil Ray Boone
August 30, 1928 - April 30, 2020

Obituary

Charles Roland Corkern
January 10, 1950 - April 30, 2020

Obituary

Raymond Louis Varnado
December 11, 1949 - April 30, 2020

REVISED (04/30/2020)-Outdoor Seating Requirements for Food Service Industry

This afternoon, Ashley Rodrigue, Public Affairs Director in the State Fire Marshal's Office provided
an update on Outdoor Seating Requirements for the Food Service Industry. The Memorandum is provided below (click "Read More").

The changes from the original include:
  • When creating open space or tent capacity; the maximum occupancy will be based on 60 square feet per person not 110 square feet
  • Slight verbiage alteration regarding facial covering requirements for employees

COVID-19 Update (Louisiana) April 30, 2020 at Noon

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) today reports 341 additional COVID-19 cases since yesterday and 60 additional deaths. The number of reported Louisiana cases has risen to 28,001 and reported deaths now stands at 1,862.

To date, Washington Parish has 262 reported cases (+1) and 18 deaths (+0). St. Tammany has 1,220 reported cases (+18) and 110 deaths (+2). Tangipahoa has 553 reported cases (+4) and 22 deaths (+1).

Click here for more information and links


COVID-19 Update (Mississippi) April 29, 2020 at 6 PM

This map shows total cases reported in Mississippi since March 11, 2020 and updated this morning. Information is as of 6 PM yesterday.  246 new cases and 11 new deaths reported today. So far, counties close to us (adjacent to Washington Parish, Louisiana): Pearl River County has reported 163 cases (19 deaths), Pike County has reported 148 cases (7 deaths), Walthall County has reported 31 cases (0 deaths), and Marion County has reported 72 cases (6 deaths).

Click here for a breakdown by county and more information.



Bogalusa Court Matters Continued to Later Date


Bogalusa's Plan to “Slowly and Safely Reopen”

A Message from Bogalusa Mayor Wendy O’Quin-Perrette


I hope this update finds you and your family well.

The City Of Bogalusa continues to weather the storm of Corona/COVID19. However, as Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious diseases expert, told reporters in March, "You don't make the timeline, the virus makes the timeline."

Therefore, the City of Bogalusa in much the same way that we closed businesses, set curfew and urged our citizens to mitigate and reduce the virus spread...today announces the City of Bogalusa’s plan to slowly and safely reopen specific areas of our economy.

FIRST
All City employees are to return to work at start of shift, Monday, May 4, 2020.

SECOND
The citywide curfew presently in place will expire at midnight Friday, May 1, 2020.

Please remember that until further direction by Gov. Edwards all barber shops, nail/hair salons and bars SHALL remain closed. Restaurants and other food establishments will maintain their status as only takeout/drive-thru.

We are hopefully at the very beginning of the end of this crisis - yet most experts believe that to actually end this threat we must remain ever vigilant and continue to wash our hands often, disinfect where possible and maintain social distancing.

Social distancing=social responsibility.

Wendy O’Quin-Perrette, Mayor

Obituary

Audrey Margie LaCoste Vining
April 15, 1930 - April 28, 2020

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

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


Today in History April 30th

AP Top Stories April 30, 2020 AM

April 29, 2020

Spring Squirrel Season Opens May 2

Spring squirrel hunting season begins Saturday (May 2, 2020) in Louisiana and the Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reminds hunters to use social distancing practices due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Spring squirrel season runs from May 2-24. The daily bag limit for squirrels during the spring is three with nine as the possession limit for the season.

To purchase a hunting license, click here. For more information on squirrel hunting in Louisiana, click here.

LDWF also reminds squirrel hunters planning on hunting on state wildlife management areas (WMAs) to check current regulations on whether or not spring squirrel season is allowed on that particular WMA. Click here to see the 2019-20 hunting rules and regulations.

Hammond Shooting Suspect Surrenders to Bogalusa Police

Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa reported today (April 29, 2020) that on Tuesday (April 28, 2020) at approximately 7:00 am, the Hammond Police Department began investigating a shooting that occurred on Kay Lane. Officers from Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department came in contact with Tavaris Pam (age 30 and of Hammond) at Hammond Fire Station 3, located at the corner of North Oak Street and University Avenue. SLU Officers and Hammond Firefighters began life-saving measures to Pam who sustained wounds to his abdomen, hand and forehead. He was conscious and able to give officers the location of the incident.

HPD Officers went to the incident scene to follow a blood trail to the residence, where they made contact with a victim. Officers cleared the residence of any suspects and observed blood on the floor as well as bullet holes in the walls.

HPD detectives learned that there was a domestic disturbance that had turned physical between the victim and Pam. The disturbance had begun to dissipate, and Pam had agreed to leave when the victim’s son, Johnny Hopkins, 29 years old of Covington, exited his room and began fighting with Pam. Hopkins fired a gun at Pam striking him in the abdomen. He fired a second shot at Pam striking him through the left hand and forehead. Pam was able to escape the house and drove in his car to the fire station where he saw a SLU police officer’s vehicle. He was later transported to North Oaks Medical Center where he was treated for non-life threatening gunshot wounds. In the meantime, Hopkins fled the scene with his girlfriend in his mother’s vehicle.

HPD Detectives were able to track down the mother’s vehicle in Slidell where it was recovered with the assistance of St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Hopkins turned himself in to the Bogalusa Police Department. During his interview, Hopkins was cooperative with HPD Detectives and confessed to shooting Pam and told detectives where the gun was located. The gun was recovered by HPD Detectives with the assistance of the Covington Police Department.

Hopkins is charged with one count of Attempted Second Degree Murder, one count of Illegal Discharge of Firearm, and one count of Illegal Carrying of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Pam is charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery and one count of Domestic Abuse Battery by Strangulation.

COVID-19 Update (Mississippi) April 28, 2020 at 6 PM

This map shows total cases reported in Mississippi since March 11, 2020 and updated this morning. Information is as of 6 PM yesterday.  227 new cases and 11 new deaths reported today. So far, counties close to us (adjacent to Washington Parish, Louisiana): Pearl River County has reported 157 cases (18 deaths), Pike County has reported 143 cases (7 deaths), Walthall County has reported 30 cases (0 deaths), and Marion County has reported 69 cases (5 deaths).

Click here for a breakdown by county and more information.



COVID-19 Update (Louisiana) April 29, 2020 at Noon

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) today reports 374 additional COVID-19 cases since yesterday and 44 additional deaths. The number of reported Louisiana cases has risen to 27,660 and reported deaths now stands at 1,802.

To date, Washington Parish has 261 reported cases (+5) and 18 deaths (+0). St. Tammany has 1,205 reported cases (+21) and 108 deaths (+4). Tangipahoa has 549 reported cases (+9) and 21 deaths (+0).

Click here for more information and links


Mask Distribution in St. Tammany Parish

St. Tammany Parish Government has furnished approximately 90,000 donated masks to municipalities and Parish Fire Districts this week for distribution to the public from Hanes through the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOSHEP). Here are the distribution locations so far.

Message From Washington Parish Council on Aging

The Washington Parish Council on Aging is working very diligently to continue to meet the needs of Washington Parish's 60+ population. Over the past several weeks, we have experienced delays and shortages in food delivery from our suppliers.

This week we added two additional meal delivery routes and extended 3 existing routes in order to accommodate as many needy seniors as possible. As soon as meal availability increases, we will begin processing new applicants for the home delivery program. In order to qualify, persons must be 1) aged 60+; 2) reside in Washington Parish; 3) isolated with no one available to provide assistance with meals or meal delivery.

The Governor's stay at home order has been extended through May 15, 2020 and our facilities will remain closed to the public. For information or assistance, call (985)732-6869 or (985)839-4535, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to work hard to provide services to our seniors!

Washington Parish Jail Bookings April 25-28, 2020

Joe Ella Jones was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Prohibited Acts, Contempt of Court (2 counts), and Failure to Appear
Tristen Jenkins was booked on the charge of Criminal Damage
Lena Bonner was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear, Driving While Intoxicated, Improper Lane Usage, and Driving Under Suspension

Washington Parish Seal Suspends Curfew

Washington Parish Sheriff Randy “Country” Seal has suspended the parish wide curfew effective
May 1, 2020.

Even though the curfew is lifted, offices in both Franklinton and Bogalusa will remain closed to the public until mid-May in accordance with Governor Edwards’ extended stay at home directive. Meanwhile, if you have a need to speak with office personnel, call (985) 839-3434, and the operator will direct your call to the appropriate employee. As always, patrol deputies and detectives continue to patrol the parish and conduct investigations and jail officers continue to monitor all activities in the jail.

“I am so grateful for all those who have cooperated with measures taken during the COVID-19 event,” stated Sheriff Seal. “Although the virus threat has not ended, we are making great progress as a state and nation and I am confident Louisiana will be re-opening for business soon. I caution all of our residents to continue to practice safe hygiene habits, including social distancing, no hand shaking, wearing face coverings as appropriate and limiting the size of group gatherings. Please be assured of my continued prayers for the safety of all.”

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

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


Today in History April 29th

AP Top Stories April 29, 2020 AM

April 28, 2020

Report on Motorcycle Crash That Killed Two Young Boys

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards reports today (April 28, 2020) the preliminary
investigation findings of a motorcycle crash that resulted in the death of two juveniles. A 12-year-old boy and 13-year-old boy were riding the same off-road motorcycle, which was not equipped with illumination divices, when the incident occurred last Tuesday night (April 21, 2020) around 9:00 pm.

The juveniles were riding a Honda motorcycle, traveling southbound on Dummyline Rd., when they were struck from behind by a 2015 Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by Amite resident, 43-year-old Gerald Leblanc. The driver of an 18-wheeler witnessed the tragic event and was first on the scene but was not directly involved in the crash.

Leblanc, who received minor injuries in the crash, was traveling southbound when he observed the 18-wheeler approaching and dimmed his headlight. When Leblanc dimmed his high beam headlight, he saw the off-road motorcycle in front of him; however, the proximity was close and he was unable to avoid striking the motorcyclist.

Leblanc was wearing DOT-approved headgear, the boys were not. Impairment does not appear to be a factor in the crash. The incident is still under investigation.

Bogalusa Balloon Fest is Cancelled


COVID-19 Update (Mississippi) April 27, 2020 at 6 PM

This map shows total cases reported in Mississippi since March 11, 2020 and updated this morning. Information is as of 6 PM yesterday.  248 new cases and 10 new deaths reported today. So far, counties close to us (adjacent to Washington Parish, Louisiana): Pearl River County has reported 154 cases (15 deaths), Pike County has reported 142 cases (7 deaths), Walthall County has reported 30 cases (0 deaths), and Marion County has reported 66 cases (5 deaths).

Click here for a breakdown by county and more information.



COVID-19 Update (Louisiana) April 28, 2020 at Noon

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) today reports 218 additional COVID-19 cases since yesterday and 61 additional deaths. The number of reported Louisiana cases has risen to 27,286 and reported deaths now stands at 1,758.

To date, Washington Parish has 256 reported cases and 18 deaths. St. Tammany has 1,184 reported cases and 104 deaths. Tangipahoa has 540 reported cases and 21 deaths.

Click here for more information and links


Here Comes the Rain!


Obituary

Virgie Nell Hill
August 17, 1942 - April 27, 2020

Obituary

Stefanie Adams Montenegro
June 11, 1963 - April 24, 2020

Obituary

Willie Anthony
March 10, 1932 - April 22, 2020

Bogalusa Strong Invites You to Join Meeting TODAY

Bogalusa Strong is honored to have Rene Ragas, President and Chief Executive Officier, FMOLHS Northshore Market joining us to discuss how utilizing local healthcare impacts the economy, the OLOAH COVID-19 response, and healthcare services available at OLOAH. Mayor Perrette will provide a City of Bogalusa COVID-19 response update as well.

It is today, April 28th at 12:00 pm!

Join from your computer or phone to learn from our local leaders along with gaining important community resource information. How to join the meeting? Click Join Microsoft Teams Meeting. Then choose “Join on the web instead” and follow the prompts. You may need to enter +1 225-614-2374 and/or Conference ID: 499 719 075#

Click here for further information

Bogalusa Police Asks for Assistance in Series of Shootings

Detectives with the Bogalusa Police Department are asking for public assistance with any information that may lead to an arrest in the series of shootings that have been occurring lately. The weekend of April 24th -April 26th had four separate shooting incidents in Bogalusa, with two of the incidents resulting in shooting victims being air lifted in critical condition to hospitals in the region.

In almost every recent incident of shootings in Bogalusa, there is a lack of witnesses, or the victims have refused or were unable to give information that would lead to an arrest.

In an effort to stop the senseless shootings, the BPD is requesting the cooperation of the public to gather any information that can be used, to make an arrest in some of the shootings. Information can be given anonymously, but witnesses are also needed to build a solid case against the perpetrators. Please come forward and cooperate with investigations, and take an active part in stopping some of the senseless shootings that are taking place.

You can get information to the detectives of Bogalusa PD in many ways. By phone at 985-732-6238, and ask for Capt. Miller, by email at david.miller@bogalusa.org, by fax at 985-732-6220, on the anonymous TIP Line, at 732-6238, Option 9, or through Crime Stoppers at 504-822-8111.

Obituary

Nels M. Borchardt
March 02, 1951 - April 25, 2020

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

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


Today in History April 28th

AP Top Stories April 28, 2020 AM

April 27, 2020

New Orleans Teens Burglarize Two Gun Stores - Lead Slidell Police on High-Speed Chase

Five New Orleans teenagers are in custody for leading Slidell Police in a high-speed pursuit, after burglarizing two gun stores. It is believed that the five teenagers are part of a much larger group who have been plaguing St. Tammany, Orleans, and Jefferson Parish with burglaries, carjackings, and robberies.
Shortly before 3:00 a.m. this morning (Monday, April 27, 2020), Slidell Police responded to a burglar alarm at Paulie’s Pistols (3805 Pontchartrain Drive) and discovered the glass front door was shattered. Officers discovered a suspicious red Mercedes sedan in the area and attempted a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle led officers on a high-speed chase across the I-10 Twin Span bridge and into New Orleans. A Slidell Police officer, who was waiting at the foot of the bridge, deployed spike strips and successfully ended the pursuit. The suspects are also believed to have burglarized another gun store in Covington, earlier in the morning. That incident is being investigated by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.

During the chase, the suspects began throwing several guns out of the car’s windows and on to the side of Interstate 10. Police located the weapons and discovered they were stolen from a previous gun store burglary at F.I.T.S. Indoor Range, which occurred on April 2nd.

Slidell Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office have been investigating a string of gun store burglaries, all of which occurred over the past two months. F.I.T.S. Indoor Range was burglarized on March 7th and April 2nd, and Arms Merchant, LLC (Mandeville, LA) was burglarized on March 29th. This past Friday, the ATF, in conjunction with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) was joined by New Orleans Crimestoppers, and were offering a reward of up to $12,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the gun store burglaries. Those cases are still under investigation, and the reward is still being offered.

The five teenagers, caught earlier this morning are, just a small part of a much larger organization of juvenile criminals from New Orleans. Earlier this month, Slidell Police had another encounter with four teenagers in a stolen car. The teens were caught by a Slidell Police K-9 unit after leading officers on a high-speed chase throughout the city. The juveniles, who are also believed to be affiliated with this burglary ring, were all from New Orleans and linked to burglaries, carjackings, and stolen guns.

Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal says, “I’ve said it time and time again, and my stance hasn’t changed. If you come to the Northshore to commit a crime, you will be caught. I will not stand for it, nor will our citizens. We work hard to keep a safe community, and we aren’t going to allow these teenagers to come and plague our city. My message to anyone thinking about preying on our community is this…we will not stop at the parish or state line. We will pursue you until you are apprehended.”

All five teenagers will be booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center with various burglary charges and possession of stolen firearms. The investigation is on-going and is being worked in conjunction with the ATF, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, and NOPD.

*NOTE* The photos posted are from various social media accounts of some of the suspects who are apparently posing with stolen guns.

Gov. Edwards Extends Stay at Home Order Until May 15

Everyone in Louisiana should wear masks when in public; Next announcement will be May 11


Today (April 27, 2020), Gov. John Bel Edwards announced he will extend Louisiana’s Stay at Home order until May 15 to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19. Louisiana does not currently meet the White House criteria for entering Phase One of reopening.

While Louisiana has seen positive, improving trends statewide in terms of new case growth and new hospitalizations, in several regions across the state, new cases and hospitalizations continue to increase or to plateau, according to data from the Louisiana Department of Health. The White House criteria calls for declining numbers of new cases and hospitalizations, among other things.

Click here to read the entire press release.

Under the extended order, which will be issued on Friday, May 1, businesses that previously were directed to be closed will remain closed, including salons, barber shops, bars and casinos, among other things. Businesses that are deemed essential under the third phase of federal CISA guidance may still be open. Non-essential retail businesses in Louisiana continue to be able to open with fewer than 10 people total inside.

Three major changes in the new Stay at Home order include:
  • Malls will remain closed to the public, but stores may open for curbside delivery.
  • Restaurants will be allowed to open their outside areas for patrons to eat meals only, without tableside service.
  • All employees of a business who have contact with the public must wear a mask.
Additionally, both the CDC and the Louisiana Department of Health strongly urge everyone to wear masks when in public.

“Wearing cloth masks or protective face coverings is part of the new normal,” Gov. Edwards said. “Wearing a mask is being a good neighbor and in Louisiana, we pride ourselves on being good neighbors. Your mask protects me and other people and my mask protects you.”

Hopefully, Louisiana will meet the White House criteria and move to Phase 1 on May 15, provided symptoms, new case counts and hospitalizations decrease and the state continues to surge testing and contact tracing capacity. Phase 1 lifts the Stay at Home order and eases restrictions on some public spaces like houses of worship and restaurants and opens other businesses that have been closed such as barber shops and salons, but with restrictions on occupancy and strict requirements for personal distancing and masks to keep everyone safe. Phase One occupancy for these businesses will be limited to 25 percent.

Washington Parish Man Arrested for 18th Time

Since his initial Washington Parish arrest in 2007, Robert Justin Jenkins, 38, a resident of T. C.
Brumfield Road near Franklinton, was arrested again on April 24 for the 18th time by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Responding to a report of a man with a shotgun chasing another man in the area of T.C. Brumfield Road and Buford Creel Road, Sgts. Michael Thomas and Monica Barber encountered Jenkins behind a trailer. He was arrested and transported to the Washington Parish Jail on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm, terrorizing, illegal discharge of a weapon, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and disturbing the peace. At the time of his arrest, officers also discovered two knives and a set of brass knuckles on his person. Jenkins remains in jail with his bond set at $150,000.

The April 24 incident began when Jenkins began cursing another person and then followed the man in his vehicle and fired three shotgun blasts which struck the victim’s truck. The victim was not injured.

Previous arrests for Jenkins include driving while intoxicated, possession with intent to distribute illegal drugs, possession of illegal drugs, carrying a concealed weapon, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, battery, possession of stolen property, issuing worthless checks, criminal trespass, domestic violence, domestic abuse, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, telephone harassment, violating a protective order, stalking, theft, contempt of court, failure to appear in court and other offenses. He posted bond and was released from jail after previous arrests.

COVID-19 Update (Mississippi) April 26, 2020 at 6 PM

This map shows total cases reported in Mississippi since March 11, 2020 and updated this morning. Information is as of 6 PM yesterday.  183 new cases and 2 new deaths reported today. So far, counties close to us (adjacent to Washington Parish, Louisiana): Pearl River County has reported 153 cases (14 deaths), Pike County has reported 136 cases (5 deaths), Walthall County has reported 29 cases (0 deaths), and Marion County has reported 58 cases (5 deaths).

Click here for a breakdown by county and more information.



COVID-19 Update (Louisiana) April 27, 2020 at Noon

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) today reports 928 additional COVID-19 cases since last Friday and 96 additional deaths. The number of reported Louisiana cases has risen to 27,068 and reported deaths now stands at 1,697.

To date, Washington Parish has 253 reported cases and 18 deaths. St. Tammany has 1,172 reported cases and 100 deaths. Tangipahoa has 535 reported cases and 21 deaths.

Click here for more information and links

Bogalusa Police Charges Man With Attempted Murder

Today (April 27, 2020), Bogalusa Police Detective Captain David Miller reported that Joseph
Anthony Peoples, a 29 year old Bogalusa resident, was arrested and charged in the Attempted Murder of Brandon Williams (age 20 and of Bogalusa), that occurred on April 19, 2020.

The Bogalusa Police Department, in a joint investigation with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, was able to tie two shootings to a Pleasant Hill residence, where 35 year old Shawn Whiteside resided. On the night of April 19, 2020, Joseph Peoples, was identified and implicated by the victim and witnesses, in the attempted murder of 20 year old Brandon C. Williams. The shooting occurred at the residence of Shawn Whiteside.

On the morning of April 22, 2020, Joseph Peoples was identified and implicated by a witness, as the person responsible for the shooting death of 35 year Shawn Whiteside. That shooting occurred just blocks from Whiteside’s residence. Joseph Peoples later reportedly confessed to shooting Whiteside.

Peoples was charged with Second Degree Murder of Shawn Whiteside, by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, and with Attempted Second Degree Murder of Brandon Williams, by the Bogalusa Police Department.

Captain David Miller also stated that "Quick response and excellent teamwork between the BPD and the WPSO Detectives resulted in the closure of two high profile cases within a single day."

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

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


Today in History for April 27th

AP Top Stories April 27, 2020 AM

April 26, 2020

Pedestrian Dies in Crash on LA 59 in Mandeville

On Friday, April 24, 2020 shortly after 4:00 AM, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L
responded to a serious injury crash involving a pedestrian on LA 59 southbound near Alpha Blvd. in St. Tammany Parish. The crash has claimed the life of 33-year-old Christopher M. Jones of New Orleans.

The initial investigation led Troopers to determine that the crash occurred as Jones was standing in the center of LA 59 wearing dark clothing. Jones was struck by a southbound commercial motor vehicle. Jones sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital. A short time later, Jones succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

As part of the ongoing investigation, blood samples were collected for scientific analysis. As troopers review collected evidence, the investigation remains ongoing.

Two Die in Crash on Interstate 55 Near Tickfaw

On Saturday, April 25, 2020 shortly before 8:30 AM, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L
responded to a serious injury crash involving two vehicles on Interstate 55 just north of LA 442 in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash has claimed the life of a driver, 45-year-old Eunique Ebbs of New Orleans, and front passenger, 23-year-old Shaique G.M. Andrews of New Orleans.

The initial investigation led Troopers to determine that the crash occurred as a Honda Civic, driven by Ebbs, was traveling north on Interstate 55 in the right lane. At the same time, a GMC Sierra pickup truck was traveling north in the left lane. For reasons still under investigation, the two vehicles struck each other. Both vehicles traveled off the roadway striking trees. Ebbs, Andrews, and the rear passenger in the Civic sustained serious injuries in the crash, and they were transported to an area hospital. The driver of the pickup truck was not injured. A short time later, Ebbs and Andrews succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the hospital.

As Troopers review evidence, the fatal crash investigation is ongoing. Any resulting charges will be forwarded to the Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney’s Office.

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

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


Obituary

Elmer Fornea
March 12, 1932 - April 25, 2020

Obituary

Kenneth Ray "Ken" Dykes
December 14, 1940 - April 24, 2020

April 25, 2020

Washington Parish Jail Bookings April 24, 2020

Robert Jenkins was booked on the charges of Aggravated Assault With a Firearm, Illegal Discharge/Use of Weapon, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness, and Terrorizing
Derlon Crain was booked on the charge of Simple Burglary
Tialonda Magee was booked on the charges of False Swearing and Contempt of Court

Elder Fraud Information From the La. Attorney General

Click here for the Attorney General's Elder Fraud Booklet


Obituary

Alice Savoy Penny
November 15, 1932 - April 24, 2020

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

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