STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! - Youth Coalition at Main's Supermarket

Washington Parish Youth Coalition members joined forces with the Franklinton Police Department and Main’s Supermarket manger, Austin Main, to implement the National Sticker Shock Campaign on Thursday, May 31, 2024. 

This campaign is aimed at educating, informing, and reminding the public that it is against the law to purchase alcohol for underaged individuals. Stickers were placed on windows and walls at Main’s Supermarket in Franklinton, LA. 

We would like to thank Mr. Main for his compliance with and support of Louisiana law RS 14:93.11, the Franklinton Police Department, and the Washington Parish Youth Coalition students for helping enforce this program. 

If your business would like to participate in the National Sticker Shock Campaign, please contact Jana Pounds at Adapt: 985-735-0160.

Click here for previous efforts by our Youth Coalition

Every Drowning is Preventable!

Obituary

Milford L. Walker

April 30, 1943 - May 30, 2024

Bogalusa City Council Agenda & 2024 Operating Budget Information

June 4, 2024: The next Bogalusa City Council Regular Session. The Agenda (COMPLETE PACKET) can be reviewed at https://www.mthermonwebtv.com/p/bogalusa-city-council-meeting-june-4.html

Re: 2024 Annual Operating Budget

The latest version of the 2024 Annual Operating Budget can be reviewed (all 98 pages of it) at https://webgen1files.revize.com/bogalusala/Document%20Center/%20Browse%20Documents/Agendas%20&%20Minutes/Notices/2024%20Budget%20Revised%20Budget%20dated%20052424.pdf and at the Bogalusa Library and City Hall. 

June 11, 2024 at 5:30 PM at City Hall: Public Hearing Discussion and a Special Call Council Meeting to introduce the 2024 Operating Budget.

June 18, 2024 at 5:30 PM at City Hall: The City Council will vote on the 2024 Operating Budget at the Bogalusa City Council Meeting. 

Bogalusa City Schools Summer Feeding is June 3rd to June 27th

Click here for the Breakfast and Lunch Menus

Obituary

Doris Valdez

April 4, 1957 - May 29, 2024

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   A 50% chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight   A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind around 5 mph. 

Saturday   A 90% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 10am. Patchy fog before 8am. High near 84. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday Night   A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday   A 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. 

Sunday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Summer EBT Program Updates From WPSS

Learn more at https://dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/1239/

Obituary

Yvonne Bennett Rogers

August 30, 1942 - May 29, 2024

Detectives Investigating Pearl River Homicide

This morning (May 30, 2024), the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office reports that STPSO Major Crime Unit Detectives are investigating a homicide which occurred over the weekend in the Pearl River area.

At approximately 5 p.m. Sunday, STPSO detectives were dispatched to a residence in the 67000 block of Slaughter Drive near Pearl River in response to a suspicious death after 74 year-old Douglas LaFrance was located deceased on his front porch. 

Following an autopsy performed by the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office, suspicions were confirmed and LaFrance’s death was ruled a homicide.

Anyone with information about LaFrance’s death, is asked to contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 898-2338

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 29, 2024

Trevor Penton (age 20 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft 5000-25000, 
Theft of Firearm (4 counts), and Simple Burglary by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $30000.00.

Joshua Lane (age 43 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $1500.00.

Arica Runfalow (age 34 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $30000.00.

Brittany Purvis (age 37 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $750.00.

Paul Dessommes (age 54 with Bogalusa, La. address and homeless) was booked on the charge of Attempted Simple Burglary by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Julani Thomas (age 30 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft of a Motor Vehicle 5000-25000 and Issuing Worthless Checks Under 1000 by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Anthony Penix (age 30 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court

Antonia Parra (age 51 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court

Jessica Thomas (age 41 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court

Ashlyn Ashmore (age 36 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Bond Surrender.

Kenneth Trumps (age 56 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Shawanda Roberts (age 40 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failue to Appear (3 counts) and Child Restraint Violation (2nd Offense) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $1750.00.

The photo of persons pictured were released by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office in accordance with their updated policy, guided by legal and ethical considerations. 

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Dairy Festival in Tylertown is Saturday

Looking for a fun-filled day for the whole family without breaking the bank? Look no further than
the Dairy Festival at Holmes Water Park in Tylertown, Mississippi on Saturday, June 1st, starting at 8:00 AM! 🎉🐄🎪! 

Admission to the grounds is FREE, and all games and activities are completely FREE too! FREE parking at the Southwest Events Center! 🅿️ That's right, you can enjoy a day of entertainment without spending a dime. 🤩

Enjoy the music, food, FREE ice cream & milk, kids activities, entertainment, bake-offs, car show, cow calling, butter churning, flower show, pony rides, antique tractor show, vintage bicycle show, sack races, turtle races, petting zoo, and fireworks at 9:00 PM.

For more information, visit dairyfest.net and for the schedule of events visit https://www.dairyfest.net/schedule/

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight   A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday   A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Light east wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Friday Night   A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph. 

Saturday   A 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night   A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Obituary

Henry A. Blades

June 1, 1941 - May 28, 2024

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 25-28, 2024

Opal Dickerson/Harris (age 71 with Lacombe, La. address) was booked on the charge of Protective Order Violation and Resisting an Officer by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2000.00 bond.

Jeremy Ard (age 28 with Angie, La. address) was booked In From Court

Brandi Parker (age 47 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court

Terry Thompson (age 38 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court

Harriet Dial (age 69 with Bush, La. address) was booked on the charge of Cruelty to a Juvenile(s) by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Georgia Dial (age 34 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Cruelty to a Juvenile(s)/2 counts by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

The photo of persons pictured were released by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office in accordance with their updated policy, guided by legal and ethical considerations. 

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.

Tonight   A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday   A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Thursday Night   A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. 

Friday   A 40% chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Light east wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Friday Night   A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Blood Drive On Behalf of Sgt. John O'Hern is June 3rd

Obituary

Eddie Nelson Brumfield

November 10, 1949 – May 27, 2024

Obituary

Gabriella Tre'shun Hogan

October 1, 1992 - May 13, 2024

Obituary

Richard Willo "Dick" Cothern

September 16, 1943 - May 27, 2024

Bogalusa Mayor Names Selection Committee to Help Choose Police Chief Nominee

In a Facebook post this morning (May 28, 2024), Mayor Tyrin Z. Truong announced that there are five candidates for Police Chief of the Bogalusa Police Department and that he has formed a selection committee comprised of a diverse group of citizens to help choose a nominee. No timeline for the selection was provided. The five candidates were not identified.

The Selection Committee consists of  

• Willis Yarbrough, Former BPD Assistant Chief 
• Reverend E.L. Powell, Pastor of New Triumph Missionary Baptist Church 
• Khlilia Daniels, Director of Youth Violence Prevention Nonprofit 
• Fate Ferrell, Citizen
• Dodi Browett, Citizen 
• Rick Corsetti, Citizen

According to the Bogalusa City Charter, the Police Chief shall be appointed by the mayor, subject to confirmation by the council in accordance with applicable state law. 

Obituary

Ralph Arnold Burch, Sr.

June 14, 1940 - May 26, 2024

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Tonight   Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Calm wind.

Wednesday   A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday   A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. 

Thursday Night   A 20% chance of showers before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Obituary

James G. Dugar

December 13, 1932 - May 24, 2024

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Memorial Day   A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. West wind around 5 mph.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Calm wind.

Tuesday   A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Calm wind.

Wednesday   A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

4 Inmates Have Escaped Jail in Amite

UPDATE (May 27, 2024 - 10:56 AM): Sheriff Edwards reports Johnson and Guidry have both been taken into custody. Deputies located them hiding in a dumpster behind the Dollar General Store on Pumpkin Center Road and Old Baton Rouge Highway. Hookfin and Cyprian are still at large. 

Original Story

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office is currently seeking the whereabouts of four escaped inmates from the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says the four inmates were able to escape the perimeter fence of the Parish Jail while participating in their recreation time on the yard. Upon inspection of the perimeter fence, a section of the fence was found to be vulnerable and easily maneuvered in such a way that a small statured body could slide through. 

The four escapees are identified as (and shown left to right below)

• Omarion Hookfin - 19 years old b/m of Hammond
• Avery Guidry - 19 years old b/m of Natalbany
• Jamarcus Cyprian - 20 years old b/m of Amite
• Travon Johnson - 21 years old b/m of Natalbany

Johnson, Hookfin and Guidry were in jail following their arrest for a 2022 homicide in Hammond, whereas Cyprian was serving time for armed robbery and weapon charges. Hoofkin also acquired additional charges of aggravated battery while incarcerated in the Catahoula Parish. 

Sheriff Edwards asks anyone with first hand knowledge of any of the four subjects whereabouts to contact 911, 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.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tonight   Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Memorial Day   A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 94. Southwest wind around 5 mph. 

Monday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Calm wind.

Tuesday   A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 67. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

RCC's K9 Team Places 1st

Members of Rayburn Correctional Center’s K9 Team participated in the Annual Louisiana Department of Corrections Manhunt Field Trials, hosted by Raymond Laborde Correctional Center May 21-24, 2024 at Kisatchie National Forest in Pollock, LA. A total of 42 Chase Team members from 7 DOC facilities, Winnfield Correctional and a K-9 team from Escambia County Florida attended the competition. 

RCC took first place in the competition for the seventh time in the past 12 years. RCC had the fastest average track followed by RLCC in 2nd place, Escambia County in 3rd place and EHCC in 4th place. The teams were very competitive and all were able to successfully catch within the 90 minute time limit. The teams were treated to a crawfish boil, hosted by RLCC after the awards presentation. All members were complimented on their dedication to the training and thanked for their support of the K-9 Units across the department. 

Congratulations to Rayburn Correctional Center’s K9 Team members, Tracking Dog “Pine”, Lt. Col. Connor Holmes, Lt. Col. Richard Forbes and Lt. Col. Tylan Self who are pictured with Rayburn Correctional Center’s K9 Commander, Col. Chesley Spears. 

Rayburn Correctional Center is grateful to Louisiana Department of Corrections Secretary James Leblanc, and Warden Travis Day for being given the opportunity to attend and compete in this prestigious event and for Raymond Laborde Correctional Center’s Warden Marcus Myers and his administration for hosting the event that builds camaraderie and knowledge for all who attend and compete.  

An Open Letter to the Citizens of Washington Parish from Randy “Country” Seal

Dear Friends and Fellow Washington Parish Citizens:

As I look back on my 30 years of elected public service, I'm overcome with feelings of humility, gratitude and accomplishment. Working for the Washington Parish community I hold so dear and serving as Assessor for 18 years and Sheriff for 12 years has been an honor and blessing that I simply have no words or the ability to describe. To my constituents, I thank you for your confidence and trust through the years. What an incredible privilege it has been to work for you!

The opportunities afforded me - a Varnado country boy from humble beginnings - have been far beyond even my wildest dreams. But as I look back on my years of service, it is not lost on me that my record is simply a testament to the collective efforts and sacrifice of so many dedicated, talented and special people. To all of you, I owe an unrepayable debt of thanks and gratitude. Your commitment has fortified me from the onset, and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

My time as Sheriff has been the most rewarding time of my professional life. I believe we've done good work to keep crime low, operate with balanced budgets and spotless audits, support our deputies and make our agency a state and national model for a rural sheriff's office. There have been bumps in the road, but I believe God's hand has guided us to successful results. My prayers are with my successor and his family as they accept the challenges of the office.

As we all do, I'm entering a new season of life - an exciting season with new opportunities and challenges, filled with hope and promise. Now it is time to cheer, support and sacrifice for those who have done the same for me throughout my lifetime. I'm looking forward to spending more time with my children, grandchildren and the love of my life, my beautiful wife Sheila. You all have been my rock, and I love you all so very much!

In closing, please know that my love, dedication and commitment to our Parish remain as strong today as ever. If I can be of any help to any of you in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. May God bless you all and may God bless Washington Parish!

Humbly,

Randy “Country” Seal

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 24, 2024

Jayrin Smith (age 17 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contributing to
Delinquency of a Juvenile, Possession of Alcohol/Person Under 21, and Cruelty to a Juvenile(s). No bond set at this time.

Gregory Dones (age 40 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court

Kyle Ballard (age 29 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court

Steven Glover (age 42 with Angie, La. address) was booked In From Court and on the charge of Failure to Appear. No bond set at this time.

Jennifer McDaniel (age 51 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court

Corey Ruffin (age 48 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Obstructing Public Passage(s), Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness, Failure to Appear, and Contempt of Court (3 counts) by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Obituary

Holyne Passman

September 16, 1932 - May 23, 2024

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Sunny, with a high near 93. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight   Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph.

Sunday   Sunny, with a high near 93. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Memorial Day   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Monday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Washington Parish Jury Finds Inmate Guilty in Attack

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on May 22, 2024, a Washington Parish jury found 51-year-old Bruce Stipe of New Orleans guilty of “Battery of a correctional facility employee” involving an attack on a Rayburn Correctional Center guard. Assistant District Attorney Luke Lancaster presented the case to the jury and Judge Ellen Creel presided over the trial.

Testimony during the trial established that on October 26, 2023, guards at Rayburn Correctional Center responded to a disturbance in one of the inmate dormitories. As the guards attempted to quell the disturbance, several inmates crowded the area and began verbally assaulting the guards. The inmates were given orders to back away. In response, inmate Bruce Stipe took a fighting stance and said “F--- you motherf---ers, I ain’t moving.” Stipe proceeded to physically attack one of the guards, striking him in the face and biting him three separate times. Other guards were able to subdue Stipe and gain physical control of him. The injured guard was treated by medical staff at the facility.

Stipe is set to be sentenced by Judge Creel on July 8, 2024. He has numerous prior felony convictions out of New Orleans, including Attempted first degree murder of a police officer, Attempted second degree murder, Armed robbery, Simple burglary and Simple escape. He also has a previous conviction for Battery on a correctional officer involving an attack on a Rayburn guard in 2021. He is being housed at Rayburn while serving a 40-year prison term on the attempt murder and escape convictions.

Obituary

Mildred Virginia Day

December 3, 1930 - May 24, 2024

Obituary

Michael E. Holland

September 15, 1958 - May 22, 2024

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 23, 2024

Cedric Anders (age 35 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Leon Lewis (age 59 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Unlawful Disruption of a School Operation by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Mary Mayfield (age 55 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Distribution of Schedule III CDS (2 counts) and Failure to Pay Fine by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Jessica Oree (age 37 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Loud & Abusive Language, Simple Battery, Unlawful Disruption of a School Operation, and Resisting an Officer by the Boglusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Josef Hughes (age 32 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Ronald Cotton (age 35 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Attempted Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Sa'mya Dillon (age 17 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

The photo of persons pictured were released by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office in accordance with their updated policy, guided by legal and ethical considerations. 

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

WPSO Sergeant John O'Hern Seriously Injured

A Message from the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office (May 24, 2024)

“We are reaching out to ask for your prayers and support for our own Sergeant John O'Hern. Late last night, while responding to a call south of Franklinton off of Highway 25, Sergeant O’Hern was hit head on by an impaired driver. He has sustained serious injuries, including a shattered pelvis, a dislocated femur, and various bumps, cuts, and bruises.

When Sergeant O’Hern was sworn in with the WPSO, he made it a top priority to arrest drunk drivers and keep our roads safe. His dedication to this cause makes this incident especially poignant.

We know the road to recovery will be long and challenging for Sergeant O’Hern, but we stand by him and support him fully. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Click here to learn more about this Officer

An Affordable Housing Opportunity

Tropical Disturbances Today

A trough of low pressure is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms a few hundred miles to the northeast of the central Bahamas. An area of low pressure is expected to form within this system roughly halfway between Bermuda and Hispaniola later today. Although environmental conditions are not conducive, some slight subtropical or tropical development is possible over the next couple of days while the system moves northeastward. Formation chance through 48 hours is at 10% and formation chance through 7 days is also at 10%. 

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight   Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph.

Saturday   Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Saturday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph.

Sunday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

BEWARE – TAX SCAM

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office is warning the public of yet another scam, this time, relating to taxes. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says letters have been sent through the US Postal Service in official-looking envelopes claiming to be from the "Tax Assessment Securities of Tangipahoa County". The envelope attempts to scare residents to respond by stating Immediate Action Required and urges individuals to contact them via the provided 1-800 number.

The 1-800 number is to a third-party company claiming to be a law firm. The call taker will then state "Well, if you call the IRS you'll never get through, I can call them on your behalf but know, I'd be privy to your information such as Social Security Number and Bank account information".

Detectives recommend that if you receive one of these letters, simply disregard and feel free to place it in "file 13". 

Detectives also urge the public to verify whom they are talking to and never give out personal information to any third party. 

Para at School in Covington Arrested for Cruelty to Juvenile

The Covington Police Department has reported the arrest today (May 23, 2024) of Monica Bates, a paraprofessional at E. E. Lyon Elementary School in Covington, on the charge of cruelty to juveniles. 

Last week, school staff at Lyon Elementary School reported a concerning incident involving a student and Monica Bates. The incident is alleged to have occurred during school hours while Bates was supervising the student.

"The Covington Police Department takes all allegations involving the safety of children very seriously," said Chief Michael Ferrell. "Upon receiving the report, our officers immediately launched a comprehensive investigation." Following a thorough investigation, Monica Bates was arrested. She is no longer an employee of the school system.

The Covington Police Department acknowledged the full cooperation of the St. Tammany Parish School System. “This type of alleged behavior will not be tolerated,” said St. Tammany Parish Public Schools Superintendent Frank Jabbia. “The safety of our students is always our top priority and we are committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for all students.”

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Due to Louisiana law, a booking photograph is not provided.

Above-normal 2024 Hurricane Season Predicted

NOAA National Weather Service forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center predict above-normal
hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season and a 5% chance of a below-normal season.

NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 8 to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges.

The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation.

Click here for more from NOAA on the 2024 hurricane season

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 21-22, 2024

Randy White (age 44 with Slidell, La. address) was booked In From Court

Hezzie Carter (age 29 with Holden, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting an Officer, and Driving Under Suspension by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $5000.00.

Kendrick Thomas (age unlisted with Hammond, La. address) was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Entry of a Place of Business by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

Kayla Fowler (age 22 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $5000.00.

Hunter Thomas (age 28 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court and on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $750.00.

Ashton Clark (age 17 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Battery, Criminal Damage to Property Under 1000, and Resisting Arrest by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3500.00.

Brandy Colson (age 39 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

The photo of persons pictured were released by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office in accordance with their updated policy, guided by legal and ethical considerations. 

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Obituary

Ora Dean Cyprian Burris

March 3, 1935 - May 8, 2024

Tropical Disturbances Today

A large area of cloudiness and showers over the southwestern  Atlantic is associated with a surface trough. An area of low pressure is expected to form within this system a few hundred miles north of Hispaniola in the next day or so.  Environmental conditions are not expected to be conducive, however, some slight tropical or subtropical development is possible while the low moves northeastward through the weekend. Formation chance through 48 hours is at 10% and formation chance through 7 days is also at 10%. 

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph.

Friday   Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 92. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph.

Saturday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Bogalusa City Council Meeting May 21, 2024

Tuesday (May 21, 2024) evening's meeting of the Bogalusa City Council was marked by disruptions, disrespect of the Council, verbal attacks on Council Members, emotional outbursts, and heated rhetoric from the public. Most of these responses came after the Council considered adoption of a resolution that would revise public participation from four minutes to two minutes. The resolution is an attempt to restore order to City Council meetings that have too often degenerated into chaos in the recent past. Following lengthy discussions and public participation, the Council voted to limit public participation on the business portion (resolutions and ordinances) of the meetings to three minutes and to limit Public Participation segment that followed to two minutes.

The issues began early on but accelerated at around 42:00 into the meeting. You have to see video of the meeting below, to fully appreciate what happened.

Mayor Truong was not in attendance but provided the following comments in a Facebook post this morning (May 22, 2024):

“I wasn’t at the council meeting yesterday but watched clips of the chaos. The council was fighting with citizens and putting people out because they want to cut speaking time to 2 minutes and the public is upset. Also, pro tip for citizens—the council CANNOT make you sit down as long as you are RESPECTFUL and speaking on the AGENDA ITEM. They are violating open meeting laws and free speech by throwing people out because they don’t like what they have to say. And in a few short weeks, BPD won’t be throwing you out, as the next chief will have to set guidelines for removal instead of arbitrarily doing the council’s bidding. Slowly but surely, we are making city government more reflective of the people.”

Despite disruptions encountered during the meeting, the Council, 

• introduced an Ordinance setting AD Valorem Tax Rates and Levying such Taxes for 2024, as required by Law
• introduced an Emergency Ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract to complete ABBA Replacement Rotating Assembly Model Fmn0814s/40 for quote station 3 pump 2
• introduced an Emergency Ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract to complete ABBA Replacement Rotating Assembly Model Fmn0814s/40 for quote station 3 pump 3
• introduced an Ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract to repair a sewer pump SHT at the Amanda Court Lift Station
• Approved an Ordinance (following a Public Hearing) authorizing the Mayor to enter into an amended Lease Agreement with Washington Parish Council
• Approved an Ordinance (following a Public Hearing) authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract to repair a sewer pump SHT at the Amanda Court lift station. 

Public Works Director James Patterson provided comments regarding the City's major sewerage issues that includes active leaking of raw sewage into the Bogue Lusa Creek.

Following further comments from Council Members, the meeting adjourned. 

The next meeting of the Bogalusa City Council is scheduled for June 4, 2024.

Two Drive-by Shootings in the Loranger Area – The Two Victims Unharmed

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office is investigating two drive-by shooting incidents which took place Saturday (May 18, 2024) in the Loranger area about two minutes apart.

Sheriff Daniel Edwards says the first incident occurred around 11:23 PM. Deputies responded to a reported drive-by shooting that occurred on Highway 40 near the intersection of Highway 445. Deputies were told by the victim that she was traveling on Highway 40 when she noticed a vehicle approaching from the rear with hazard lights activated. Without coming to a complete stop, the victim pulled to the shoulder of the roadway to allow the vehicle an opportunity to safely pass. The vehicle, identified as a small red car with tinted windows, pulled in front of the victim and slowed down. The victim then saw an arm extend from the front passenger window and observed a pistol in the person's hand. The subject then fired the weapon twice in what is believed to have been an attempt to force the victim to stop. However, after seeing the muzzle flash, the victim fled the area at a high rate of speed, unharmed. 

Exactly two minutes later, the Sheriff's Office received a second call reporting a similar incident on Highway 40 east of Highway 445. The second victim stated she was traveling on Highway 40 when she observed an unknown black male standing near a small red four-door car with the hazard lights activated. While passing the vehicle, the driver heard gunshots and realized her vehicle had been struck. Fortunately, the second victim was also unharmed. 

Detectives urge the public to keep and eye peeled for a vehicle matching the description, and to be vigilant to their surroundings while driving in the event a similar incident occurs.

Sheriff Edwards asks anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspects or anyone who has further knowledge of these or similar incidents, to contact Sergeant Wylie Foster at 985-748-3337, 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

Francis Hill Brumfield

July 8, 1953 - May 17, 2024

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Thursday   Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 90. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Thursday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

BOLO For These St. Tammany Theft Suspects

Obituary

Hazel Irene Lewis

February 9, 1940 - May 19, 2024

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 20, 2024

James Gann (age 67 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse
Battery/Aggravated Assault. No bond set at this time.

Kevin Crutchfield (age 24 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Battery, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Contempt of Court by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Madisyn Mitchell (age 26 with Picayune, Ms. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Heather Wascom (age 45 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Illegal Use of CDS in Presence of Person Under 17 YOA, and Possession of Marijuana by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Rhonda Fields (age 50 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer, Battery on ER Personnel or Healthcare Professional (2 counts), Battery on a Police Officer (2 counts), and Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Tyrone Fox (age 53 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court

Roxanne Fortenberry (age 35 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court

Joseph Knight (age 51 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court

Rayford Goings (age 42 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Taylor Corona (age 24 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts), Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Schedule IV Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Kenneth Martin (age 60 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court

The photo of persons pictured were released by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office in accordance with their updated policy, guided by legal and ethical considerations. 

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***