October 31, 2020

Slidell Man Dies in Single-Vehicle Crash on LA 433

On Friday, October 30, 2020, shortly before 5:00 pm, Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a one-vehicle fatal crash on LA 433 south of US Hwy 190 in St. Tammany Parish. The crash took the life of 46-year-old Jason A. Rodriquez of Slidell.

The initial investigation revealed that Rodriquez was traveling southbound on LA 433 in a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica when he exited the roadway. The vehicle impacted multiple trees before coming to a stop. Rodriquez was transported to a local hospital where he later died from injuries sustained in the crash. He was properly restrained and impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash.

Washington Parish Animal Shelter – Update 1st Year

The Washington Parish Animal Shelter staff provided an update earlier this month on their first year of operation. Click here to go to and "Like" their Facebook page.

The shelter has taken in roughly 800 animals. A majority were spayed/neutered. Based on a normal litter size of 8 puppies, about 400 females x 8 puppies per litter x two litters a year = 6400 dogs that did not enter our parish.

The shelter has been fortunate enough to receive aid from the community, and local rescues. They expressed special thanks to Washington Humane Society and Magnolia Chapter, Doggoneexpress.com, Northshore Humane Society, greatergood.orgMississippi Animal ProjectWings of Rescue, and Animal Clinic of Bogalusa 

Not all the animals at WPAS have found loving homes. Although at this time the shelter does not euthanatize for population, animals that are too ill or have terminal illnesses may be euthanatized. Also, the shelter is a “no bite” shelter which means that the shelter will not take in an owned animal that has bitten or may bite and that all animals that have bitten or will bite will be euthanized. With that said, only 43 animals have been euthanatized at the shelter during the first year. 

In addition, the WPAS is not animal control. The shelter only intakes stray and owned animals. The shelter does not pick up animals, all animals must be brought in by the public, and they ask that you call for an appointment before showing up to surrender the pet.

Tropical Disturbance Today

A vigorous tropical wave located over the central Caribbean Sea  is expected to develop into a tropical depression during the next day or so while the disturbance moves generally westward into the western Caribbean Sea. Impacts are expected in Honduras, Nicarague, the ABC Islands, and Jamaica. Formation chance through 48 hours is at 90% and formation chance through 5 days is at 90%. 



Local Weather 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)

Today in History for October 31st

October 30, 2020

Obituary

James Edward Causey, Sr.

June 24, 1954 - October 24, 2020

Bogalusa Historic Cultural District Logo Contest

The Bogalusa Historic Cultural District is having a contest for the logo that will be used to promote the cultural district. Submissions must be ORIGINAL ART, is open to all ages and the winner will receive $100. 

Designs can be emailed to SaveBogalusa@bellsouth.net by the deadline of November 15, 2020. 

Click here to "Like" their Facebook page

Reminder: Set Your Clocks Back This Sunday

Daylight saving time in the United States is the practice of setting the clock forward by one hour during the warmer part of the year, so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less. Most areas of the United States and Canada observe daylight saving time (DST), the exceptions being Arizona (except for the Navajo, who do observe daylight saving time on tribal lands), Hawaii, and the overseas territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established the system of uniform daylight saving time throughout the US.

In the U.S., daylight saving time starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November, with the time changes taking place at 2:00 a.m. local time. Clocks "spring forward, fall back"—that is, in springtime the clocks are moved forward from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. and in fall they are moved back from 2:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. 

Click here for more information from Wikipedia

Reminder: All WPSS Students Begin 5 Days Per Week Nov. 2nd


 

Wrecked and Unresponsive Motorist Arrested for Drug Possession

Jail records indicate Joseph W. Kennedy, age 36 and a resident of Highway 438, has been jailed in Washington Parish at least ten times since 2007, with his October 28, 2020  arrest being the latest. Responding to a report of a single vehicle wreck north of Franklinton, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered an unresponsive Kennedy behind the wheel. The car he was driving, which was registered to a woman in Sandy Hook, Mississippi, had left the road and was resting against a telephone utility box.

Responding deputies noticed various forms of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia in the car as they forced open a window and gained access to the vehicle. Kennedy, who was sweating profusely, woke up at that time and immediately began claiming he was only parked on the side of the road to take a nap and that he had not done any drugs. Evidence at the scene, including the testimony of an off-duty officer who witnessed the accident, indicated otherwise.

After being medically cleared by responding medical personnel, Kennedy was arrested and transported to the Washington Parish Jail. He was booked into the jail on seven counts of possession of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, Xanax, marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine and morphine, in addition to drug paraphernalia. He was charged also with careless operation of a motor vehicle.

Kennedy’s arrests since 2007 have been for a variety of charges, including driving while intoxicated, disturbing the peace, distribution of illegal drugs, possession of illegal drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, introduction of contraband into a correctional facility and failure to appear in court. In addition, he faced several traffic violations and being a fugitive from the Louisiana Division of Probation and Parole. His latest three previous arrests in 2017, 2018 and 2019 were for possession of illegal drugs, including heroin.

“How fortunate that he did not crash into another vehicle,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “His reckless behavior could easily have impacted innocent motorists in the area. Obviously, his lifestyle is one that promises only a dismal future.”

Washington Parish Jail Bookings October 29, 2020

Antonio Peters was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Heroin, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm

Brandon Brister was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, and Contempt of Court (2 counts)

Otrevious Harris was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction and Armed Robbery (2 counts)

Randy Williams was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Contempt of Court

James Magnesun was booked on the charges of No License Plate, Failure to Use Turn Signal, No Proof of Insurance, No Drivers License, Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, Resisting Arrest by Providing False Booking Information, and Obstruction of Justice



Tropical Disturbance Today

A tropical wave located over the eastern Caribbean Sea is likely to develop into a tropical depression this weekend or early next week as the system moves into the central and western Caribbean Sea. Formation chance through 48 is at 70% and formation chance through 5 days is at 80%. 



Local Weather 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)

Today in History for October 30th

AP Top Stories October 30, 2020 AM

October 29, 2020

“Aggressive Action” Requested to Address Calpine/Entergy Noise

At their meeting on Monday (October 26, 2020), the Washington Parish Council heard from an Entergy representative regarding complaints of excessive noise from the power plant located just outside the city limits of Bogalusa. Both Washington Parish President Richard Thomas and the Council had been made aware of complaints, made preliminary investigation into the issue, and requested the presence of Calpine and Entergy representatives at the meeting. Specifically, noise levels in excess of 70 decibels and such noise beginning as early as 4:30 a.m. were complained of by nearby residents. Calpine is the current owner/operator and Entergy will soon be taking ownership of the plant.

Parish resident Phillipp Bedwell, who lives near the plant, addressed the Council. He related that the excessive noises began about three weeks ago and reached 66 decibels at his driveway at 11:20 pm. He stated that the noise levels were twice as high at his home as the noise levels should be at the plant – this according to EPA standards. Bedwell stated that, per the EPA, decibel levels above 55 impacted health and welfare, affected sleep, and causes physical and psychological problems. He encouraged “aggressive action” by the Council. 

The Entergy representative committed to investigating and cooperating with the Council and residents to resolve problems. However, the contract has not been made available to the Council and the issues of permitted levels and permitted hours cannot be addressed without it. (See the video beginning at 9:20 into video of the meeting).

In other business, the Council 

  • heard from Vincent Wynne, candidate for District Attorney
  • heard from Kevin Pearson, candidate for Public Service Commissioner
  • adopted three resolutions regarding Washington Parish Fire District No. 6 Board of Directors
  • introduced an ordinance accepting Fernwood Drive, Arbor Lane and Sundance Lane as Parish roads

Washington Parish Jail Bookings October 28, 2020

Zachary Spears was booked on the charge of Probation and Parole Hold

Myron Mark was booked on the charges of Probation and Parole Hold and Contempt of Court

Adreina Fields was booked on the charges of Principals and Aggravated Crime Against Nature

Rebicca Churchwell was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction

Tremale Jenkins was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery (3rd Offense) and Bond Surrender

Joseph Kennedy was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana (3rd Offense), Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Possession of Schedule II Drugs (4 counts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Careless Operation With Accident



Tropical Disturbances Today

Disturbance 1. Tropical Storm Zeta has moved on and now located over western North Carolina.

Disturbance 2. A large area of disturbed weather, associated with a pair of tropical waves, is moving from the tropical Atlantic across the Lesser Antilles and into the eastern Caribbean Sea.  A tropical depression could form over the weekend or early next week while the system moves westward across the central and western Caribbean Sea. Formation chance through 48 hours is at 20% and formation chance through 5 days is at 60%. 



Local Weather 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)

Today in History for October 29th

AP Top Stories October 29, 2020 AM

October 28, 2020

17-Year-Old Dies in Two-Vehicle Crash on LA 16

On Wednesday, October 28, 2020, just before 1:00 pm, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a fatal crash on LA 16 west of LA 1074 in Washington Parish. The crash claimed the life of 17-year-old Ciarra N. Carr of Mandeville.

The initial investigation led Troopers to determine that Carr was northbound on Choctaw Rd in a 2001 Ford Escape when she disregarded a stop sign entering LA 16 in front of a 2006 Freightliner 18 wheeler. The Freightliner impacted the Escape on its driver’s side. The Freightliner rolled over and impacted a utility pole as well as a gas line before coming to a stop. The gas line ignited and engulfed the Freightliner in flames. 

Although Carr was properly restrained, she sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the Freightliner was able to exit his vehicle with minor injuries. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash but as part of the ongoing investigation, blood samples were collected from Carr for scientific analysis. 

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists to make good, safe decisions such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, obeying the speed limit, and avoiding all distractions. While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained.

Bogalusa City Schools Closed Thursday, October 29th

Bogalusa City Schools will be closed Thursday, October 29, 2020.  BCS advises they will be assessing damage and return to school Friday. Virtual school continues if weather permits.

WPSS Schools Closed Tomorrow, Thursday, October 29th

NHC Director Ken Graham's 4:30 p.m. Update on Zeta

Message from Parish President Thomas on Shelters



Driver Dies When Vehicle Being Towed Became Unhitched

On Monday, October 26, 2020, just after 10:00 pm, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a fatal crash on Interstate 12 westbound at LA 434 in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of Cesar H Depaz of Pineville, Kentucky. 

The initial investigation led Troopers to determine that Depaz was driving a 1994 Toyota pickup westbound on I-12 in the right lane when an additional 1984 Toyota he was towing became unhitched. The 1984 Toyota was still partially attached by an improvised safety chain and began to drift left and right where it impacted a 2014 Audi A7. The Toyota then exited the roadway where it overturned and impacted a light pole. Depaz sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. Both drivers were properly restrained during the crash and impairment is not suspected to be a factor. As part of the ongoing investigation, a blood sample was collected from the driver of the Toyota for scientific analysis. 

NHC Director Ken Graham's 7:30 a.m. Update on Zeta

Washington Parish Jail Bookings October 27, 2020

Jordan Lebo was booked on the charges of Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence (2 counts), Battery on an Officer With Injury, Failure to Appear, and Battery on a Police Officer

Ebony Mercadel was booked on the charges of Obstruction of Justice, Criminal Conspiracy, and Accessory After the Fact (2 counts)

Tina Harvey was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Probation Violation

Tonious Anders was booked on the charges of Battery of a Dating Partner, Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment, Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence (2 counts), Disturbing the Peace, and Contempt of Court

Seth Biggers was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Bond Surrender



Update on Hurricane Zeta

The Washington Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness issued the following statement this morning: 

"Hurricane Zeta is forecast to make landfall along the Southeast Louisiana coast this afternoon as a category 2 hurricane. Heavy rainfall, storm surge, strong to potentially damaging winds, and a few tornadoes can be expected as Zeta passes through the area this afternoon and evening.

Strong to potentially damaging winds are expected this afternoon and evening. The strongest winds will occur closest to the storms center and well to the east. Hurricane force winds are expected across parts of SE LA and coastal MS, with the strongest winds across areas nearest Zeta’s track. Power outages will be possible along with damage to trees, power lines and structures. Secure loose outdoor household items that could blow around and cause property damage. All preparations should be completed.

A hurricane warning has been issued for Washington Parish which means means hurricane-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours."



Local Weather 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)

Today in History for October 28th

AP Top Stories October 28, 2020 AM

October 27, 2020

WPSS Schools & Offices Closed Tomorrow

The Washington Parish School System has advised that all WPSS schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, October 28, 2020 due to Hurricane Zeta.


Obituary

Ella Margaret Mitchell

December 31, 1930 - October 26, 2020

Washington Parish Jail Bookings October 26, 2020

James Odom was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts)

Andrew Morgan was booked In From Court

Aristine Gatlin was booked on the charges of Malfeasance in Office (2 counts)

Whitney McNeese was booked on the charge of Theft Less Than 1000

Richard Rogers was booked on the charges of Battery/ER Personnel or Healthcare Professional (4 counts) and Interference With Medical Treatment



Obituary

Silas Joseph "SB" Bickham

July 23, 1944 - October 21, 2020

Key Messages for Tropical Storm Zeta



Local Weather 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)

Today in History for October 27th

AP Top Stories October 27, 2020 AM

October 26, 2020

Washington Parish Jail Inmate Charged With Self-Mutilation

Brent Jonathon Crain, age 36, has been in the Washington Parish Jail since October 19, 2020 at which time he was arrested after leading Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies on a two state pursuit. His crime spree ended in Walthall County, Mississippi, where he was arrested before waiving extradition and being returned to Washington Parish where his crimes occurred. Click here for that story.

On Monday (October 26, 2020), Crain reported to jail personnel that he had fallen over a fan in the jail and cut his leg. Jail personnel transported him to an area hospital where he was treated for his wound.

Believing the injury report to be suspicious, Corrections Sergeant Barry Cooper reviewed video footage and discovered Crain’s injury report was false. Instead, video evidence revealed that Crain enlisted the assistance of fellow inmate Desean Coleman, (26) to intentionally cut his leg. Crain then manipulated the wound to produce more blood before calling out to jail staff for assistance.

Upon his return from receiving medical treatment, Crain was arrested on a charge of self-mutilation. Coleman was arrested and charged with being a principal to the self-mutilation and possession of contraband, the sharp edge weapon utilized to inflict the wound.

Crain has an extensive record of arrests in Washington Parish beginning in January 2007. His eleven previous arrests were for a variety of offenses, including three counts of issuing worthless checks, vehicle theft, firearm theft, possession of illegal drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, aggravated battery, three counts of being a fugitive from another jurisdiction, three counts of theft, burglary, criminal damage to property, failure to appear in court, three counts of vehicle theft, two counts of hit and run and two counts of criminal damage to property. In addition, he was arrested again after being placed in jail for two counts of tampering with jail surveillance cameras, two counts of criminal damage to property, theft of jail property and possession of contraband in a correctional facility. Today’s arrest is Crain’s thirteenth.

Coleman has one previous stay in the Washington Parish Jail. In July 2016, he was charged with theft of a firearm and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

“Crain’s continued reckless behavior puts him on a fast track to prison,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Thanks, Sgt. Cooper, for an excellent job reviewing the surveillance video and determining what actually happened so that you could make this arrest. I appreciate everything you and all of our jail staff do to keep Washington Parish safe.”

Lee Road Resident Charged With Unauthorized Entry

Timothy Dewayne Mizell, age 25 and a resident of Lee Road, was arrested Sunday (October 25, 2020) and booked into jail on charges of unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling and simple assault. The arrest was made by Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Michael Thomas.

After a resident denied Mizell entry into her house, he reportedly went into the yard and dropped his trousers, exposing his buttocks. He then returned to the residence and shoved the resident aside as he made his way into the house. The resident then shoved him outside through another door and locked doors to the house before calling the Sheriff’s Office.

Sgt. Thomas responded, located and arrested Mizell, and transported him to the Washington Parish Jail.

“I’m just glad the situation didn’t escalate into something more serious,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “When emotions run wild, it is so easy for something much more serious to occur. Thanks, Sgt. Thomas for responding and handling this matter.”

Probationer Arrested in Hackley Area for Possessing Meth

Last Friday (October 23, 2020), the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office was working in the Hackley area when Lt. Brent Goings spotted a vehicle with a switched license plate. He stopped the vehicle and encountered Nicole Tompkins, age 23 and a resident of Benny King Road, who was in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine.

Tompkins was arrested and transported to the Washington Parish Jail where she was booked for possession of methamphetamine and driving with a switched license plate. Tompkins is also on felony probation with the Louisiana Division of Probation and Parole.

Tompkins has one previous stay in the Washington Parish Jail. In February 2018, she was arrested for distribution of a drug for which she had no prescription and failure to appear in court.

“It really troubles me,” said Sheriff Randy Seal, “to see young residents of our parish who are involved in the illegal drug trade. There are options to this kind of lifestyle and Ms. Tompkins would do well to explore them and seek better ways to find fulfillment in life.”

WPSO Deputies Finds MS. Fugitive Hiding in Vehicle

Daisy Dee Ann McCarty, a 23 year old resident of Star Creek Road in Washington Parish, did not go to court in Franklin County, Mississippi. The county issued a felony warrant for her arrest and Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Randall Garcia and Sgt. Michael Thomas located her on Saturday (October 24, 2020) hiding in the rear of a vehicle at her residence. She was arrested on the Mississippi warrant and transported to the Washington Parish Jail.

McCarty’s legal issues became more complicated when a quantity of methamphetamine was discovered in her jacket pocket. She then was booked into the jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine and being a fugitive from Mississippi.

McCarty has one previous stay in the Washington Parish Jail. In August 2017, she was booked on charges of second degree battery, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

“We honor Mississippi warrants and they honor ours,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “The effectiveness of law enforcement is enhanced by the cooperation of various agencies, both in Louisiana and other states. We are always pleased to assist other agencies and always grateful for assistance they provide to us.”

Suspicious Person Report Leads to Drug Arrest

Today (October 26, 2020), an early morning report of a suspicious person going door to door on Mitchell Road south of Bogalusa led Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Jay Dupre and Deputy James Gregorio to the area. Unable to locate a suspicious person on Mitchell Road, the officers spotted a man fitting the description sitting next to a business on Highway 21.

James Alton Odom, age 32 and a resident of Willow Street in Bogalusa, was identified as the person seen earlier on Mitchell Road. A pat-down search of Odom revealed a hypodermic needle containing methamphetamine, other hypodermic needles and a quantity of methamphetamine concealed in Odom’s sock.

Odom was arrested and transported to the Washington Parish Jail charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

“It just doesn’t make sense to me,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “There are much easier ways to find comfort and meaning in life than through drug use. I hope this arrest serves as a means for Mr. Odom to re-evaluate his priorities in life and get whatever help he needs so that he won’t be walking a parish road and disturbing residents in the wee hours of the morning.”

Mt. Hermon Man Charged With Threatening to Burn Residence With Woman and Daughter Inside

Last Saturday (October 24, 2020), Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Michael Thomas responded to a report of a man threatening to burn a residence with a woman and her daughter inside. The females fled to a nearby church where they called 911.

Sgt. Thomas went to the location of the females, then proceeded to locate the man who had made the threat. Shortly thereafter, Sgt. Thomas encountered James L. Smith, age 43 and  a Mt. Hermon resident, sitting in a truck. As Sgt. Thomas approached, and before mentioning why he was there, Smith stated that he was using gasoline only to clean his truck.

Deputy Randall Garcia arrived to assist and Sgt. Thomas placed Smith under arrest, charging him with aggravated assault domestic abuse and domestic abuse with child endangerment. Smith was transported to the Washington Parish Jail.

“Anger management seems to be an issue for too many people,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “I am grateful to Sgt. Thomas and Deputy Garcia for resolving this situation before it got out of hand.”

Sun Man Arrested for Juvenile Sex Offenses

Last Friday (October 23, 2020), Randall M. Lott, age 50 and a resident of Sun, Louisiana, was arrested on a warrant issued by Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Detective Demmie Rice. Lott was booked into the Washington Parish Jail on charges of computer aided solicitation of a minor, indecent behavior with a juvenile and solicitation of prostitution. His bond was set at $100,000.

Lott has one previous arrest in Washington Parish. In September 2019, he was jailed on charges of possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft. He spent one night in jail before posting bond for his release.

“Despicable,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal, “is the first word that comes to my mind when I hear about an adult who sexually preys on a juvenile. There is only one appropriate place for any person who sexually victimizes juveniles, and that place is jail.”

Drive-Thru Trick or Treat - at RMC in Franklinton



Trunk 'R' Treat - Bogalusa is Wednesday Oct. 28th


Join the Bogalusa Strong Meeting Online Tomorrow at Noon

Click this link to join the meeting. 

Conference ID: 373 812 716#


AGENDA

12:00   Call to Order                                                                              

12:05   Senator Beth Mizell, Pregnant Incarcerated Females                

12:15   Jaime Bruins-Cyprian & Gloria Kates, The Dangers of Hookah  

12:25   Dr. Katie Queen, Get Your Flu Shot                                             

12:35   Valerie Vincent & Dr. Katie Queen, Shop With A Doc                  

12:40   Ivy Kennedy, Advocacy for Victims of Domestic Violence            

12:50   Community Announcements, Dana Walker                                 

Bogalusa Strong is a collaborative partnership of community members, leaders, businesses and organizations working together to improve our quality of life by promoting physical, social, and environmental health. Bogalusa Strong is co-chaired by Angela Lambert, Our Lady of Angels Hospital and Valerie Vincent, LSU AgCenter.  Bogalusa Strong is supported by the Mayor of Bogalusa and the Mayor’s Wellness Council, residents and community partners.

Bogalusa and Washington Parish health determinants are some of the highest in the state. We desire for our community to be one where individuals and families are physically and emotionally well, have lower rates of diabetes and other health concerns related to poor diets and lack of activity and live healthy long lives. We are working to create a healthier community together where all people thrive.

Obituary

Jacqueline "Jackie" Dugas

March 8, 1931 - October 24, 2020

Washington Parish Jail Bookings October 25, 2020

Daisy McCarty was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction and Possession of Schedule II Drugs

Jennifer Abelseth was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts)

Timothy Mizell was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling and Simple Assault

Jared Hillery was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Marijuana

Jyron Robinson was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction



Key Messages for Tropical Storm Zeta



Local Weather 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)

Today in History for October 26th

AP Top Stories October 26, 2020 AM

October 25, 2020

Arrest Made in Wilson Road (near Abita Springs) Murder

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in connection with the murder of 61-year-old Everett Wayne Finely (also known as James Finley and "Gator”) on August 12, 2020 near Abita Springs. 

The STPSO had received a 911 call at approximately 3 am from an individual claiming he had been shot. Deputies arrived at a residence located in the 21000 block of Wilson Road and located a man, who was later identified as Finely, suffering from a gunshot wound. Medical personnel transported Finely to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Click here for a previous related story.

After a lengthy investigation, STPSO detectives were led to a former coworker of Finley’s, Robert Dickerson (age 57) of Covington, as a potential suspect.

While being questioned by detectives, Dickerson reportedly confessed to shooting Finley.

He was arrested for one count of Second-degree Murder and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail. Dickerson was also booked on warrants for one count each of Possession of Stolen Firearms and Illegal  Possession of Unregistered Weapons.

“I am very proud of our detectives who worked this case, following every available lead to identify the person responsible so he can be brought to justice and victim’s family and friends can have closure,” Sheriff Randy Smith said.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings October 24, 2020

Vallee Debellevue was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Failure to Appear (2 counts)

Clotile Tompkins was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II Drugs

Nicole Tompkins was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs and Switched License Plates

James Smith was booked on the charges of Aggravated Domestic Abuse Assault and Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment



TS Zeta Forecast to Become Cat 1 Hurricane

Click here for more information on Tropical Storm Zeta



Local Weather 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)

October 24, 2020

Obituary

Melba Louise Kagler

January 06, 1943 - October 20, 2020

Obituary

James Alvin Miller, Sr.

January 21, 1928 - October 23, 2020

Washington Parish Jail Bookings October 23, 2020

Christopher Magee was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts), Contempt of Court, and Possession of Schedule III Drugs

Valerie Carroll was booked on the charges of Possession of Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Contempt of Court

Yasmmen Thomas was booked on the charges of Identity Theft, Forgery, and Contempt of Court

Lonnie Rainey was booked on the charges of Possession of Stolen Things Under 1000, Possession of a Stolen Firearm (2 counts), and Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm (2 counts)

Randall Lott was booked on the charges of Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s), and Solicitating Prostitution

Jackie Redmond was booked on the charges of Failure to Comply With Registration Requirements (2 counts) and Fail to Comply in Person Sex Offender Reg T-383509724500936830/



Tropical Disturbance Today

A broad area of low pressure located just southwest of Grand Cayman Island is gradually becoming better organized and a tropical depression is expected to form within the next day or so while the low drifts toward the north and northwest. The system could move near western Cuba on Monday and move slowly across the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by Tuesday. Formation chance through 48 hours is at 90% and formation chance through 5 days is at 90%. 



Local Weather 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)

Today in History for October 24th

October 23, 2020

Missing Endangered Adult



Obituary

Bettye Jean Brown

September 14, 1955 - October 16, 2020

Obituary

Robert Spec McClendon, II

September 13, 1955 - October 17, 2020

Obituary

Leonard Mayfield

October 07, 1938 - October 22, 2020

Obituary

Elva Jo Boyd Rogers Porter

November 1, 1931 - October 22, 2020

Obituary

Freddie Jenkins Corkern

January 17, 1927 - October 22, 2020

Former Slidell Pastor Arrested for Molestation

The former pastor of a Slidell-area church was booked Thursday (October 22, 2020) night into a Georgia jail as a fugitive out of St. Tammany Parish, after detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office obtained warrants for his arrest on molestation charges.

An investigation into claims Patrick Wattigny had sexually abused a minor in 2013 while serving as pastor of St. Luke’s Church in Slidell, culminated Thursday with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office issuing warrants for his arrests on four counts of Molestation of a Juvenile. All four counts are in connection with the same victim.

STPO's press release states that Wattigny started grooming the victim, who was 15 at the time, through general conversation, which led to telephone and text message conversations and eventually in-person visits, at which time the acts of molestation occurred on at least four different occasions. Some of those instances occurred in the church rectory. 

Wattigny was arrested at a residence in Georgia Thursday night, and booked into the Troup County Jail, where he is awaiting extradition to St. Tammany Parish.

“It is deeply disturbing when an individual in a position of authority uses that position to prey on the most defenseless of our population – our children,” Sheriff Randy Smith said.

Click here for a related story from Catholic News Agency

Click here for a related story from nola.com

Washington Parish Jail Bookings October 22, 2020

Jason Bell was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts)

Crystal Duncan was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction and Failure to Appear (2 counts)

Cody Morris was booked on the charges of Possession of Heroin and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Jesse McDowell was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Probation Violation

Chance Thomas was booked on the charges of Manufacture of Schedule II CDS, Distribution of Schedule IV CDS, and Failure to Appear