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December 31, 2022

Obituary

Shannon Nicole Dillon

December 28, 1983 - December 30, 2022

Obituary

Elizabeth "Beth" Ravencraft D'Angelo

February 4, 1967 - December 28, 2022

Two in Custody After 2-Hour Stand-Off in Tickfaw

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office Chief Jimmy Travis reports that just before 7:00 PM on Friday
(December 30, 2022), deputies responded to the Woodlands Apartments on Woodlands Drive in Tickfaw after being notified that 24 year old Kelvin Provost had barricaded himself inside his apartment. Provost was wanted by a bail bondsman for a slew of weapons charges, including being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. It was later discovered Provost also had a number of outstanding warrants through the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office as well. 

The TPSO Special Response Team was called to the scene and attempted to negotiate with Provost to no avail. A little over two hours later, just after 9:00 PM, Provost agreed to give up and was taken into custody along with a second subject, identified as 18 year old Jason Harrison. 

At this time, the investigation is ongoing. The exact charges pending against both subjects will be released at a later time.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 29-30, 2022

Colby Stokes (age 21 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft of a Motor Vehicle (25000 or More) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $7500.00 bond.

Benjamin Newman (age 35 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Battery and Disturbing the Peace/Loud & Abusive Language by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2500.00 bond.

William Williams (age 36 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (3 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

December 29, 2022

Obituary

Christopher Flot

August 3, 1960 - December 27, 2022

Obituary

Ollie Faye Lott

February 13, 1934 - December 28, 2022

Obituary

Loran Peters, Jr.

June 28, 1935 - December 24, 2022

ATTENTION RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF BOGALUSA – A Message from Coastal Environmental Services

“We will be launching our new service on Monday January 2nd. Your current provider will be continuing to collect garbage the remainder of this week. It has come to our attention that your current provider is not emptying your new Coastal Environmental Services Cart. We realize that this may cause you to have more garbage than normal next week when we launch our new service. That is ok. We will be prepared. 

As a reminder, if you currently have a Waste Connections, Progressive or IESE cart, you may use it as a secondary cart. Your new CES Cart should be used as your primary cart. You can also use a personal cart as long as it is the same shape and size as your new CES Cart and the lid is attached to the cart. Your current provider will be collecting their carts in the near future so we suggest that you do not put any of your household waste in their carts. 

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition phase of moving to our new enhanced automated service. We look forward to serving the residents of the City of Bogalusa.”

https://www.ces-la.com/city-of-bogalusa/

Click here for a related article

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 25-28, 2022

Christian Gelis (age 37 with Slidell, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Laila Marshall (age 46 with Slidell, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Schedule III Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Brandy Colson (age 38 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (3rd + Offense), Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Improper Equipment, Failure to Use Turn Signal, and Failure to Appear (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Ricky Peters (age 59 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (3 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

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December 28, 2022

Will State Employees & Retirees Lose Access to Their Pharmacy?

Today (December 28, 2022), Attorney General Jeff Landry wrote a letter to Governor John Bel Edwards and Commissioner Jay Dardenne asking the Office of Group Benefits (OGB) to refrain from pushing through a contract with Caremark PCS Health.

The proposed contract, set to go into effect at the start of the new year, would create pharmacy deserts across Louisiana and cost taxpayers 3.5 times more than the State is paying for the Medicaid program currently. Members of OGB include state and local government employees, teachers, retirees, and their dependents. The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget unanimously rejected the contract, but OGB has decided to go forward.

"Under this contract, independent pharmacists will not be able to afford to fill prescriptions for OGB members and will not serve them," said Attorney General Landry. "This will be especially impactful to citizens in rural communities. We must put Louisiana first and do what is fair for independent pharmacists and the patients they serve."

Independent pharmacists are crucial in providing healthcare access to some of the most vulnerable populations in the State. If they pull out – state employees, retirees, and other members of the OGB plan will have to travel considerable distances to get their medication.

"This is not the goal of a state-sponsored health care plan," wrote Attorney General Landry. "The contract should be revised to ensure that benefits are reasonably accessible; otherwise, any benefit under the plan is pure illusion and any number of employees, retirees, and others will be left out in the cold." 

Click here to read the letter

Bogalusa Police Report 9th Homicide of 2022

A disturbance turned deadly in the 1000 block of Lona Rester Place shortly after midnight (December 28, 2022) and Bogalusa Police Department detectives are investigating the City’s ninth homicide of the year.

Police received the first call shortly after 12:30 am in reference to a disturbance. Minutes after the first call, and shortly before police arrival, the complainant called back and stated that the person had kicked his door in and he had shot him. Police arrived to find Bobby Chance Thomas, 27 years of age, deceased from a single gunshot wound. The male resident who fired the fatal shot, as well as a female resident, were still on scene and cooperated with police. 

Early indications are that Thomas is a relative of one of the residents, and an argument had taken place earlier. Thomas left the home, but returned a short time later and began causing a disturbance outside, prompting police to be called. Thomas then allegedly kicked in the door of the home and made his way towards the male resident, who told police that he feared for his safety, and he shot Thomas in self defense. A rifle was recovered at the scene.

No arrests have been made due to the evidence currently pointing to a justifiable homicide. However, when the investigation is complete, it will be forwarded to District Attorney Warren Montgomery’s office for review. A Grand Jury review should then follow.

Obituary

Ronald Lane Farmer

June 28, 1976 - December 25, 2022

Arrest Made in Christmas Eve WalMart Fire

The State Fire Marshal's Office announced today (December 28, 2022) the arrest of a Hammond man for the Christmas Eve fire inside a heavily-occupied Walmart store in Hammond. Terrence Michael Coe (age 43) was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 on one count each of Aggravated Arson, Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Robbery and Terrorism.

Around 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 24, 2022, the Hammond Fire Department responded to a call for a fire inside the Walmart store located in the 2700 block of W. Thomas Street. The fire was contained to the paint aisle of the store thanks to quick-acting employees and customers who utilized fire extinguishers to put out the blaze. Despite the store being occupied by at least 500 customers and employees at the time of the fire, no one was injured and the store was evacuated safely.

Investigators quickly determined the fire was intentionally set and pinpointed a suspect seen on the store’s surveillance video. Shortly after sharing still images from that video with our media partners and with the public via social media, the investigative team was able to identify the suspect as Coe. 

Coe reportedly admitted to investigators he set the fire in an effort to distract from his efforts to steal various items from the store.

The SFM would like to thank the Hammond Fire and Police Departments for their partnership in this case and for the assistance of the media and public for their contributions to closing this case so quickly.

Heavy Duty Equipment Thefts in Tangipahoa Parish

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office is asking the public's assistance in identifying the person(s) responsible for the theft of two skid steers taken on December 5, 2022 from separate locations. 

In the first case, a John Deere Skid Steer was taken from a job site on Hwy 40 west of Independence. 

In the second case, a Caterpillar Skid Steer was taken from a construction site on Interstate 55 and was later recovered in the Uneedus area. A male person of interest was seen driving a white Chevrolet pickup with the skid steer loaded onto a bumper pull trailer. 

Chief Travis asks anyone with information regarding either case to call the Sheriff's Office at 985-345-6150, OR if you wish to remain anonymous, 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! You may be eligible for a cash reward.



Obituary

Mary Ellen Cade Mondul

January 31, 1939 - December 23, 2022

Today's Message from ADAPT

Learn more and "Like" ADAPT's Facebook page and visit their website. 

ADAPT, INC. is a nonprofit organization whose goals are 
  1. To prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens by delivering research based prevention programs.
  2. To provide child abuse prevention and direct services to victims which includes a variety of programs and services.
  3. To provide sexual assault prevention and direct services to assault victims which includes: operating a 24/7 crisis hotline; providing hospital and law enforcement victim advocates 24/7; providing sexual assault information, prevention education, professional training, awareness campaigns, inter-agency collaboration, and victim support and counseling.
  4. To provide prevention and educational services targeting substance abuse.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

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December 26, 2022

Obituary

Robert "Bob" James Wheat, Jr.

September 16, 1948 - December 25, 2022

Obituary

Roger O'Neil "Big Moe" Moran

June 27, 1945 - December 24, 2022

Obituary

Percy Ray Stafford

January 3, 1934 - December 20, 2022

Today's Message from ADAPT

Learn more and "Like" ADAPT's Facebook page and visit their website. 

ADAPT, INC. is a nonprofit organization whose goals are 
  1. To prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens by delivering research based prevention programs.
  2. To provide child abuse prevention and direct services to victims which includes a variety of programs and services.
  3. To provide sexual assault prevention and direct services to assault victims which includes: operating a 24/7 crisis hotline; providing hospital and law enforcement victim advocates 24/7; providing sexual assault information, prevention education, professional training, awareness campaigns, inter-agency collaboration, and victim support and counseling.
  4. To provide prevention and educational services targeting substance abuse.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

(click image below for a clearer picture)

December 25, 2022

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 24, 2022

Santo Nepomuceno (age 31 with Eustis, Fl. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated (3rd Offense), No Drivers License, and Open Container in Vehicle by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Benjamin Holmes (age 32 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft 1000-5000 (2 counts), Domestic Abuse Battery, Simple Battery, and Attempted Criminal Damage to Property by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Glen Jenkins (age 35 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Protective Order Violation and Stalking by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Shannel Dreux (age 48 with Mandeville, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Jonathan Stogner (age 42 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Schedule IV Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Judd Davis (age 46 with Mandeville, La. address) was booked on the charges of Proper Equipment Required, Open Container in Vehicle, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

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December 24, 2022

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 22-23, 2022

Tiffiney Carpenter (age 49 with Bogalusa, La. address was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $555.70.

Dale Jones (age 23 with Covington, La. address) was booked on the charge of Criminal Trespass by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2500.00.

Charlene Locke (age 42 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of No Taillight, No License Plate, Misuse of Temporary Tag, Driving Under Suspension, Inspection Sticker/Expired or None, No Insurance, Failure to Yield/Driveway Road or Alley, Failure to Use Turn Signal, Simple Burglary, Criminal Trespass, and Possession of Stolen Things Under 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $25000.00.

Ezra Bateman (age 34 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary, Possession of Stolen Things Under 1000, Criminal Damage/Principle, and Attachment by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $35000.00.

Roger Haynes (age 18 with Sandy Hook, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana and Possession of CDS With Weapon Present by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

December 23, 2022

Franklinton Soccer Club Registration

Here is registration information for Franklinton soccer.



***Players must be age 4 by Jan. 1, 2023

***Players born in 2016 will purchase new uniforms

ALL players must register in the spring of each year to play

***The deadline to sign up for the Spring 2023 season is January 31. There will be a late fee of $10 for any registration after that date.

***Membership fees are $65. That covers Spring and Fall 2023. **This is paid each calendar year and is the same price whether you play one season or both**

***Uniforms for age 6 and under
(birth years 2018 & 2017) are $20. That includes one jersey and socks.

***Uniforms for upper players (players with birth year of 2016-2004), will be $70. The kit consists of two jerseys, shorts, and socks.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY WHEN SELECTING UNIFORM SIZES, AND BE SURE TO CHOOSE "NO UNIFORM NEEDED" IF YOU CHILD DOES NOT NEED A NEW UNIFORM.

***Practice days/times depend on the coach. Games will be held on Saturdays from March 4- April 29 (no games the week of Spring Break, 4/15) 

Click here for online registration

Armed Robbery Found Hiding in Bathroom of Slidell Motel

On December 10, 2022, a victim parked her vehicle outside of her residence, at the intersection of Treme and Barracks streets in New Orleans. As she walked to the front door, 22-year-old, Shampain Shaquan Derrick Poole. Poole reportedly approached the victim, armed with a handgun, and demanded the victim’s keys and cellphone. 

The victim complied and the suspect fled in the victim’s vehicle. NOPD positively identified Poole as the perpetrator of the armed robbery and obtained a warrant for his arrest. Earlier this week, an alert citizen called Slidell Police and stated they saw a subject matching his description staying at a local motel. Slidell PD entered the room, and found Poole hiding in the bathroom. He was taken into custody, without incident. 

Poole was booked into the Slidell City Jail as a fugitive, and will be extradited back to New Orleans to face his charges. 

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Obituary

Henry Robinson, Jr.

February 9, 1963 - December 16, 2022

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

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December 22, 2022

Attempted Robbery of a Pastor/Shots Fired/High-Speed Chase/Two Gang Members Arrested & Two More Wanted

Yesterday (Wednesday, December 21, 2022), the Pike County Mississippi Sheriff's Office responded to a report of an attempted robbery on Summit-Holmesville Road. A local pastor came home to two (2) black males with firearms inside his residence. They attempted to rob the pastor but were unsuccessful and also attempted to steal the pastor's truck but ended up getting stuck. 

The pastor ran from the residence to call for help and the suspects began firing at the him. The pastor was unharmed and was able to escape. The suspects then fled on foot into the woods by the residence. Deputies and detectives arrived and attempted to locate the suspects. 

Deputies saw a white Ford F-250 pickup that attempted to turn around in the roadway, deputies attempted to stop the truck, and a high-speed chase followed. The chase ended when the truck crashed on Garner Cemetery Road in Walthall County and multiple suspects ran from the truck armed with various firearms. 

Pike County Sheriff's Office Deputies, Walthall County Sheriff's Office Deputies and the Mississippi Highway Patrol surrounded the area and were able to take two (2) suspects into custody, along with three firearms. Arrested were Lakeviae "Bangman" James and Sedale Payton, both of Tylertown, Mississippi. The other two suspects were able to evade authorities. 

The pickup truck had switched licensed plates and had been reported stolen from Hattiesburg, MS. During the investigation, it was determined that both incidents were linked. At this time, some of the suspects have been identified but their names are being withheld because of the ongoing investigation. All suspects are reportedly active members in a non-recognized hybrid street gang called DOA (Dead on Arrival). 

Anyone with any information on this crime or any other please call Central Dispatch at 601-783-2323, Pike County Sheriff's Office at 601-783-6767, or Crime Stoppers at 601-869-7141. 

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Fugitives from St. Helena and Tangipahoa Arrested in St. Tammany

On Wednesday (December 21, 2022) St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office detectives were contacted by investigators with the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office requesting STPSO attempt to locate 25 year-old Sidney Banks, Jr, wanted for Criminal Conspiracy to Second Degree Murder and Criminal Conspiracy for Attempted Second Degree Murder. Banks was also wanted by the Hammond Police Department for Simple Battery and Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling.

STPSO detectives located Banks at his place of employment in Pearl River and he was taken into custody. During his arrest, Banks was found to be in possession of illegal narcotics. Sidney Banks was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center as a fugitive from St. Helena Parish and for various narcotic’s charges.

While conducting their investigation at Bank’s place of employment, STPSO detectives also came into contact with another employee identified as 29 year-old Toi Williams, who was found to be a fugitive from the Hammond Police Department, where he was wanted for Second Degree Battery, Simple Battery, and Criminal Damage to Property. A handgun, which was reported as stolen from Tangipahoa Parish, was located inside Williams’ vehicle. Toi Williams was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center as a fugitive from Hammond and for possession of the stolen firearm.

Low Temperature Range Forecast for Friday & Saturday





Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 20-21, 2022

Laken Harris (age 34 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Attempted Introduction of Contraband to Penal Institute by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $15000.00.

Steven Tew (age 24 with Franklinton, La. address) as booked on the charges of Probation and Parole Hold and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Gregory Honaker (age 53 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (3 counts) and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

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December 21, 2022

Obituary

Betty A. Flynn

February 19, 1941 - December 5, 2022

Obituary

Christine B. Taylor

March 4, 1928 - December 19, 2022

Obituary

Rodrick Hill

December 29, 1978 - December 15, 2022

State Fire Marshal Urges Safety Awareness to Avoid Fire Tragedies

The State Fire Marshal’s (SFM) Office is pleading with the public to increase fire safety awareness and prevention efforts as deputies continue to investigate multiple fatal home fires across the state in just one day.

“It’s cold outside and we know cold temperatures go hand-in-hand with fire tragedies,” said State Fire Marshal Dan Wallis, “But we haven’t even seen the harshest temperatures yet. That’s why I’m very concerned and urging families to be aware of the fire hazards in their homes and in the homes of those they love.”

“These deaths are all devastating, especially because, of what we know, they were all likely preventable,” said Wallis, “Please, stop what you are doing now and look around your home. Do you have a working smoke alarm? Are there hazards in your home that can lead to fire danger? Head to your elderly neighbor or relative’s home and do the same check. Following our simple safety steps can and will save lives.”

Those key safety messages include:

  • Place space heaters 3-5 feet from combustible objects like blankets and curtains
  • Plug all heating appliances directly into wall outlets, not power strips or extension cords
  • Do not use stoves or ovens to heat homes
  • Don’t overfill fireplaces/wood-burning stoves
  • Do not leave candles/open flames (or space heaters) left unattended
  • Keep holiday decorations 3-5 feet from heat sources and be mindful of not only the quality of their wires, but how many decorations are plugged into one power source
  • Have working smoke alarms in your home!

 Lastly, these deaths bring our state’s fire fatality count up to 75 with more than 10 days left in the year. In all but a handful of those cases, no working smoke alarms were found.

Smoke alarms save lives and our Operation Save-A-Life partners with local fire departments to install FREE smoke alarms for families that need them most. To learn more about Operation Save-A-Life, or to register for a free smoke alarm, visit lasfm.org.

Prepare for Coming Weather










Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

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December 20, 2022

Three Drive Themselves to Jail & Were Provided Rooms!

On the night of December 19, 2022 three parish residents were incarcerated in the Washington Parish Jail after driving themselves to the Sheriff’s Office parking lot.

Acting on surveillance by the jail investigator, the jail warden and a member of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force set up surveillance in the parking lot based on information that specific persons would be visiting the jail in an attempt to introduce illegal drugs to inmate Kevin Michael Knight, age 34 and who is in jail after his November 2022 arrest for possession of stolen property and introduction of drugs into the jail. Knight is a career offender, having been arrested ten times prior to his current charges. Since 2009, Knight has been incarcerated on a variety of charges including possession of illegal drugs, resisting arrest with force or violence, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, theft, burglary, failure to appear in court, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, aggravated battery, contempt of court and other charges. All total, Knight has been arrested and charged with thirty-one criminal offenses.

While surveilling the parking lot, officers observed a vehicle driven by David Thomassen, age 37 and a resident of Tullos Road. Passengers inside the vehicle were Laken Chantelle Harris, age 34 and a resident of Skeet Statham Road and Cecelia Dykes, age 44 and a resident of Dogwood Valley. As officers observed, Dykes exited the vehicle in possession of a bag of clothing intended for an inmate.

Dykes entered the lobby of the jail and turned the bag over to the jail investigator who immediately searched the contents of the bag and discovered illegal drugs which were concealed inside shower shoes. The deputy seized the contraband drugs and placed Dykes under arrest. Dykes physically resisted the arrest and was restrained and handcuffed. A search of Dykes’ personal property revealed additional illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. Dykes was booked into the Washington Parish Jail on charges of distribution of illegal drugs, introduction of contraband into the jail, possession of illegal drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer. According to jail records, this is her first time to be locked up in the Washington Parish Jail.

While Dykes was being arrested, officers in the parking lot blocked the vehicle driven by David Thomassen and arrested both Thomassen and Laken Knight. Both were handcuffed and placed in the Washington Parish Jail.

Thomassen was booked on charges of introduction of contraband into the jail and possession of drug paraphernalia. He has eleven previous stays in the Washington Parish Jail beginning with a 2007 arrest for disturbing the peace and resisting arrest. Since that time, he has been arrested for offenses including driving while intoxicated, theft, distribution of drugs, theft, possession of stolen property, failure to appear in court, criminal damage to property, being a fugitive from another jurisdiction and criminal trespass. Throughout the years, Thomassen has been charged with nineteen criminal offenses.

Harris was booked into the parish jail on charges of introduction of contraband into the jail and obstructing a public passage. This is her ninth arrest since 2016 for a variety of charges including second degree kidnapping, burglary, battery, resisting arrest, child desertion, possession of illegal drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, probation violation, parole violation, introduction of contraband into a correctional facility, sale of illegal drugs, disturbing the peace and failure to appear in court. In total, Harris has been charged with thirty-seven criminal offenses.

“Driving themselves to jail certainly saved us the expense of going out and looking for them,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “This has to make our top ten list of stupid criminal acts. I can’t say enough good things about the good work by our jail and narcotics deputies. Working together, they prevented drugs from entering the jail and taking those illegal drugs out of circulation. I do regret that we cannot publish the pictures of these criminal offenders; however, our state legislature has decided that we can no longer publish pictures of arrested individuals except in certain extreme situations. I believe the public has a right to know who they are. Unfortunately, my hands are tied, even though this one arrest involves four criminal offenders who collectively have committed at least eighty-eight criminal acts.”

Obituary

Ruth Estelle Branch

June 2, 1965 - December 18, 2022

Obituary

Michael Douglas Redmond

June 10, 1980 - December 18, 2022

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 19, 2022

Dustin Holden (age 38 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court, Driving Under Suspension, and Careless Operation With Accident by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Salvador Riggio (age 62 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Careless Operation With Accident, No Proof of Insurance, and Expired MVI by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

David Thomassen (age 37 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Attempted Intrroduction of Contraband to Penal Institute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Cecilia Dykes (age 44 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Attempted Introduction of Contraband to Penal Institute, Distribution of Schedule III Drugs, Resisting an Officer (3 counts), Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Obituary

Alfred Charles Partman, Sr. (AC) "Sparkplug"

July 13, 1934 - December 14, 2022

Bogalusa District A - 9th Annual "Christmas Give-a-way with Santa"

Gloria W. Kates, Bogalusa District A Councilwoman, has announced the the District's 9th Annual "Christmas Give-a-way with Santa" for children 8 and under who reside in District A;  however, if you reside outside the district, no child will be turned away. 

The event will be on Thursday, Dec 22, 2022 from 04:00- 05:30 pm at the Poplas Quarters Recreational Center at Dobbs and 1-JJ Piper (Next to Coach Mike "Michael Harrington Baseball Field). 

All may wear your Christmas attire for the Christmas Pageantry. Please bring along your personal cameras for photos. Parents please accompany your child. Happy Blessed Holidays! 

All Parish Businesses WPSO Checked Refused to Sell Alcohol to Minors

On December 13, 2022 the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a juvenile underage drinking enforcement check of eleven Washington Parish businesses. Each of the businesses which were visited by an underage purchaser refused to sell alcohol to the minor.

Those businesses which refused to sell alcohol to the underage purchaser were:

  • Town Crier, Franklinton
  • Winn-Dixie, Franklinton
  • Market Max, Franklinton
  • Chevron on Washington Street, Franklinton
  • Hackley Hill Store, Hackley
  • JZ Quick Stop, Bogalusa
  • Walgreens, Bogalusa
  • CVS, Bogalusa
  • Pumping Station, Bogalusa
  • Highway 10 One Stop, Bogalusa
  • Chevron on Sunset Drive, Bogalusa

“This is good news,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Louisiana law specifically requires age identification for alcohol purchasers. It is gratifying to know that our parish businesses are doing their part to keep alcohol out of the hands of underage buyers. I congratulate our local businesses for enforcing the age limit and hope we never have to report any parish business for violating the age requirement for purchasing alcohol. We will be making additional checks during the holiday season.”

Truth in Nature - Franklinton Chapter

The Truth in Nature Franklinton chapter is one of 20 in the United States. The Franklinton chapter has 14 boys registered and 10 men registered as mentors. Their mission is to mentor and teach fatherless and single parent boys about Christ and overall how to be a Godly man in today’s society. This ranges from home life, school, hunting and fishing and just everyday dealings. We are accepting any boys that meet the qualification of being single parent and grades 5th-12th. 

Contact Program Director Country Tynes at 504-400-8748 for further information or email country.tynes@truthinnature.org

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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December 19, 2022

Bogalusan Indicted by Federal Grand Jury – Faces Up to 15 Years in Prison

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Jerome Shaquille Wilson, aka “Rome,” age 27 and a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 15, 2022 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Federal law prohibits individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes from possessing firearms after being convicted.

The indictment charges that Wilson had been convicted January 13, 2013 for Aggravated Battery and on April 6, 2021 for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Further, the indictment charges that Wilson was in possession of a firearm and ammunition on December 6, 2022.

If convicted, Wilson faces up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, a period of supervised release of not more than 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 

In a separate matter, Wilson was identified by Bogalusa Police on November 4, 2022 as wanted for Obstruction of Justice in connection with the murder of Jerry Smith outside of Lumberjack stadium during a football game on October 14, 2022. Click here for that story

Washington Parish is Now a "Storm Ready Parish"

Washington Parish Government, through the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, has received recognition as being "STORM READY" by the National Weather Service. Washington Parish is 1 out of 24 parishes throughout our 64 Parish state to be so recognized. Lauren Nash of the National Weather Service presented the "Storm Ready Parish" sign.  

Pictured from left to right (back row) are: Brandon LaSalle, Franklinton Fire Chief, Richard N. Thomas, Jr., Washington Parish President, Jim Coleman, Washington Parish Communications District, Ken Wheat, Washington Parish Director of Public Works, (front row): Bobbi Jo Breland, Jordan Dykes, Washington Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness, Lauran Nash, Wendy Perette, Bogalusa Mayor, Donna W. Graham, Washington Parish Director of Finance, and Alex Sumrall, Washington Parish Quality Assurance.