Barbara Ann Washington Tate May
October 25, 1941 - December 20, 2024
December 31, 2024
Two Caught in Nearby Pearl River County - Wanted in Colorado Death Investigation
The Pearl River County MS Sheriff's Office has reported on the apprehension 46 year-old Johnny
Rankin Morris and 43 year-old Hailey Diane Cole. The two were wanted as persons of interest in a missing persons case turned into a death investigation out of El Paso County, Colorado.
The Colorado investigation discovered both Morris and Cole had familial ties to Pearl River County, MS. Based on information developed by Colorado Investigators, and leads sent in by the citizens of Pearl River County, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office began an extensive search of the county areas associated with Morris and Cole.
On Monday (December 30, 2024), the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen concerning a white male matching the description of Morris attempting to break into her vehicle. Deputies and Officers from the Picayune Police Department responded to the area and began a coordinated, methodical search of the area. Morris and Cole were discovered camping in a shed, and taken into custody without incident.
Morris and Cole were booked into the Pearl River County jail on outstanding Mississippi warrants from Mississippi Department of Corrections for failure to appear, Lamar County, MS for receiving stolen property, and Wiggins, MS for contempt of court – failure to appear. In addition, PRCSO investigations at the scene of Morris and Cole’s capture led to Pearl River County charges of commercial burglary and attempted residential burglary.
Pearl River County Sheriff David Allison would like to recognize the excellent work of his Deputies and the responding Picayune Police Department Officers. Sheriff Allison would also like to thank the citizens of Pearl River County for their tips and leads leading to the apprehension of Morris and Cole.
New Year’s Eve Safety Tips from Attorney General Liz Murrill
“If you’re drinking alcohol, please do so responsibly. That means not getting behind a wheel and driving under the influence. It’s just not worth it. Use a rideshare app or call a taxi. Happy New Year everyone, and cheers to 2025,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.
Attorney General Murrill has the following tips to celebrate safely and avoid any potential dangerous situations:
- Do not drink and drive. Be sure you and your loved ones drive sober. Have a designated driver and don’t abandon a friend if going out with a group. If you have consumed alcohol, leave your car parked and use a taxi or ridesharing app to get home. You can report any drunk drivers on the road to local law enforcement.
- Use fireworks with caution. Follow your local laws regarding fireworks. Watch fireworks from a distance and keep children away from area where fireworks are being lit. Never point or throw fireworks towards people, animals, vehicles, houses, or flammable materials.
- Drink Responsibly. Eat before drinking and hydrate with water. Do not drink anything you did not see poured or opened, and never leave your drink unattended. Do not mix alcohol with medications.
- Educate Your Teenagers. Know where your teens are going and who they will be with. Ensure their phones are fully charged before leaving. Be sure to remind them that the legal drinking age is 21 years old.
Fatal Deer Hunting Incident Near Kentwood
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents are investigating a fatal hunting incident that occurred on December 28, 2024. Roberto Garcia, age 61 and of Baton Rouge, was shot by a hunter while hunting on the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Kentwood.
Agents received information about a hunter that was fatally shot by another hunter and learned that Garcia was hit by a .45 caliber muzzleloader and died before any first responders could arrive.
According to the shooter, he was shooting at a deer and didn’t know that Garcia was behind the deer due to vegetation.
The LDWF Enforcement Division would like to remind deer hunters to follow hunter orange requirements and to fully identify their target and background before pulling the trigger.
MS Man Arrested - Another Wanted for Covington UPS Warehouse Burglary
On December 8, 2024, officers from the Covington Police Department responded to the UPS package distribution warehouse located in the 2000-block of Ronald Reagan Highway in reference to a report of suspicious activity. Upon arrival officers located a suspect attempting to flee the scene.
Howard Cole Jr., age 25 and of Laurel, MS, was apprehended at the scene and subsequently charged with Simple Burglary and Resisting an Officer by Flight.
Detectives investigating the incident determined that Cole was not acting alone. A second suspect, 21 year-old Michael Abney Jr., also of Laurel, MS, was identified as an accomplice.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Abney for Simple Burglary and Resisting an Officer by Flight. CPD is investigating the possibility that Cole and Abney are connected to a multi-state burglary ring.
CPD is asking the public for assistance in locating Michael Abney Jr.
"I commend the swift response and dedication of our officers," said Chief Michael Ferrell. "This investigation may have broader implications, and we are working with law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions to explore potential connections to other crimes."
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Michael Abney Jr. is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Jessica Restel with CPD's Criminal Investigations Division at (985) 867-1200 or submit a tip online at https://www.covla.com/tips
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Sheriff Jason Smith Offers to Pay for Litter Cleanup
In a video (see below) and later clarification, Washington Parish Sheriff Jason spoke of the litter problem stating, "I am personally willing to contribute $50 per hour of litter clean up to every school sports team, school support group, or school club in the Parish under the following conditions:
- Sponsors must be present during clean up.
- Sponsors must take a picture of the area before clean up begins.
- Sponsors must take a picture of the area after they stop cleaning up.
- Sponsors must let me know how long the clean up took.
- Sponsors must let me know how many bags of trash were collected.
- Sponsors must use 35 Gal bags.
In addition to the hourly rate, on 9 June 2025, I will award $1000 to the school group that collects the most bags of trash in the parish during the period of 1 Jan to 31 May 2025.
School sponsors could use this activity to raise additional funds from members of the community. A small pledge per each bag of trash could add up to a significant amount of money in a short amount of time. Community members could also direct the school groups to areas of the most concern. If done correctly, sponsors could use this activity to gain invaluable insight into their students and identify leaders within their group, all while building cohesion and camaraderie.
In addition to the conditions above, I recommend four things:
- Sponsors ensure their respective school administration is completely aware of any plans they have to participate in this opportunity.
- Sponsors plan for the appropriate safety and logistical considerations involved.
- Sponsors prioritize the clean up of Parish Roads before State Roads.
- Sponsors encourage their groups to look for evidence and information that may lead to enforcement actions.
Any sponsor or coach that wants to participate or has any questions may contact me at jsmith@wpso.la.gov. Let the clean up begin!"
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 30, 2024
Emanuel Summers (age 41 with New Orleans, La. address) was booked In For Court
Kevin Ladner (age 39 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Trevor Honaker (age 23 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.
Charlee Burton (age 21 with Hammond, La. address) was booked on the charge of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Bogalusa City Council Agenda for January 7, 2025
The Bogalusa City Council will meet at 5:30 PM on January 7, 2025 at City Hall. The meeting will be streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/mthermonwebtv
The Agenda includes the following:
ADOPTIONS OF RESOLUTIONS:
- A RESOLUTION to amend Chapter VL Agenda Section A, Preparation, Rules of Procedure of the Bogalusa City Council Meetings. .
PUBLIC HEARINGS & ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES:
- AN ORDINANCE to approve the Planning & Zoning request for Mail Box One to change from A-2 residential to B-1 Business located at 815 Virginia Ave.
- AN ORDINANCE authorizing the demolition of the structure located at 1315 S. Columbia Street for safety reasons.
- AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City of Bogalusa to enter into a contract with contract with Servcorp International, Inc. for the annual city auction.
- AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Attorney to retain Lillian “Tina” Ratliff to be Assistant City Attorney.
Public Participation
Administrative Remarks
Council Remarks
Announcements: Next Council Meeting will be held on January 21, 2025.
Meeting Adjourned
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 71. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight Clear, with a low around 39. North wind around 5 mph.
New Year's Day Sunny, with a high near 59. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight.
Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. East wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph after midnight.
December 30, 2024
Arrest Made in Lacombe-area Murder
A Ponchatoula man was arrested for murder Sunday (December 29, 2024), less than 24 hours after a man was found dead near the boat launch on Lake Road in Lacombe.
Shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday (December 28, 2024), a patrol deputy with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s 2nd District was conducting a routine patrol on Lake Road when he observed a male lying in the roadway. The man was pronounced dead on scene from what appeared to be several gunshot wounds. St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape has identified the victim as 25 year-old Yelson Hernan Garcia Banegas, who is believed to have been a resident of Lacombe.
Detectives with the STPSO Major Crimes Unit were called in to investigate and less than 24 hours later the individual responsible, 20 year-old Osmer Noel Villalta-Lopez of Ponchatoula, was in custody and was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on one count each of First-Degree Murder and Obstruction of Justice.
“I want to thank the hard-working men and women of our Major Crimes Unit who worked around the clock to quickly identify and arrest the individual responsible for this crime,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “It is because of their dedication and hard work that we in St. Tammany boast a solve rate on violent crimes that is more than twice the national average.”
***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 Widespread dense fog before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 71. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Tonight Widespread dense fog, mainly after 3am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.
Tuesday Widespread dense fog before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 69. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night Clear, with a low around 38. North wind around 5 mph.
New Year's Day Sunny, with a high near 59. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35. North wind around 5 mph.
December 29, 2024
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Tonight Patchy fog between 11pm and 4am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 46. Calm wind.
Monday Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 69. Light southwest wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.
Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 68. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night Clear, with a low around 40. North wind around 5 mph.
December 28, 2024
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 27, 2024
Kelvin Thomas (age 59 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.
Robert Bridges (age 43 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.
Dennis Thomas (age 38 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.
Rhonda Talley (age 66 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2500.00.
Brittney Campbell (age 32 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on December 27, 2024 - No bond information available.
Jennifer McDaniel (age 52 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court
Cainan Flynt (age 24 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Dallas Kemp (age 20 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Simple Battery With Injury by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2500.00.
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***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Areas of dense fog before 11am. High near 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tonight A 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 11pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Patchy dense fog between midnight and 3am. Low around 56. South wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west after midnight. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Sunday Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 69. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Calm wind.
Monday Sunny, with a high near 70. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.
December 27, 2024
13 Year-Old Kentwood Bicyclist Killed in Crash
On Thursday (December 26, 2024), at approximately 6:30 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a serious injury crash involving two bicyclists on LA Hwy 1061 near Crawford Road in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the life of 13-year-old Benjamin Mixon of Kentwood.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling southbound on LA Hwy 1061 toward a hillcrest. At the same time, Mixon and another bicyclist were traveling in the southbound lane of LA Hwy 1061 on the hillcrest. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet struck Mixon and the second bicyclist in the southbound lane.
Mixon, who was wearing dark-colored clothing, sustained critical injuries as a result of the crash and was transported to a local hospital. At the hospital, Mixon succumbed to his injuries. The second bicyclist, who was also wearing dark-colored clothing, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The driver of the Chevrolet, who was properly restrained, was uninjured. A routine toxicology sample was obtained from the driver of the Chevrolet for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
Troopers want to remind bicyclists that Louisiana law classifies bicycles as vehicles, meaning cyclists must adhere to the same traffic laws as motorists. Never assume that a motorist can see you, and remember that it’s important to stay visible by using appropriate lighting and wearing bright or reflective clothing in low-light conditions. Additionally, cyclists are required to ride as close to the right-hand side of the road as possible, except when passing or turning left. Click here for additional information on bicycle safety,
LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message
Prune Muscadine Vines Each Winter
(I first want to correct something I wrote in last week’s article about gifts for gardeners. I commented that anvil-type hand pruners were preferable, as they were less likely to crush stems. It should have said “bypass,” not “anvil.” Anvil-type pruners are more likely to crush stems.)
The muscadine is one of our native fruit plants and well-suited to much of Louisiana. One well-maintained mature vine can produce 30 to 100 pounds of fruit yearly. People sometimes find pruning intimidating, but muscadine pruning can be pretty simple if you keep some basic principles in mind.
Muscadines fruit on shoots that come from the previous season’s growth. Therefore, it’s important to keep some of this. At the same time, we want to prune in a way that keeps the fruit-bearing shoots close to the permanent arms (“cordons”) of the vine.
To balance these needs, you can cut back the previous season’s growth to “spurs” with about 2 to 3 buds. When vines are young and spurs grow directly from the cordons, leave about 6 inches between spurs. Remove shoots with a diameter less than that of a pencil, since they’re generally less productive. Cut off growth that’s on and right at the top of the trunk, other than the cordons. To keep the vine from strangling parts of itself, remove tendrils that wrap around the cordons or trunk.
Even if muscadines are pruned each year, the wood from which the fruit-bearing shoots grow will get farther and farther from the cordons with each successive year. Spurs grow into spur clusters or “bearers,” which look kind of like deer antlers. Once a vine is five years old or so, you can remove some of the bearers to encourage new growth to arise closer to the cordon.
If you’ve been around healthy muscadine vines, you probably know that they produce a lot of growth each year. Rather than trying to cut all of it off by hand, you can start by removing the bulk of it with electric or gas-powered hedge trimmers.
In fact, some research with the highly productive wine and juice cultivar Carlos suggests that pruning with hedge trimmers results in total yields as great as those resulting from hand pruning, at least in the short term. In the long term, there is likely to be some benefit from removing excessively dense, dead, and diseased wood by hand and to removing tendrils that encircle cordons. For those with limited time and a lot of vines to prune, a possible compromise is to prune by hand every other year or every few years.
If vines have not been pruned every year and the fruiting wood is far from the permanent structure of the plant – whether the vine is on a trellis or an arbor – the vine can be renovated. You may also want to renovate if there are large, unproductive gaps along a cordon.
Renovating a muscadine vine involves cutting a cordon back to an approximately six-inch stub and, after growth resumes, selecting a shoot that grows from the stub to serve as the new permanent arm. During the summer, remove the excess new shoots coming from the stub so that they don’t compete with the one you’ve chosen as your new cordon. The new growth will not produce fruit in the first season, but renovation allows you to prepare your vine for future productivity.
Prune muscadines in the winter, while they’re dormant. I often advise people to prune other deciduous plants in the late January to early February period, shortly before they start growing again, and it’s fine to prune muscadines at that time. However, as people who have pruned muscadines are likely aware, muscadines often “bleed” sap when pruned close to the time growth resumes. This bleeding is widely understood to not be harmful to plants, but if you want to avoid bleeding, you can prune earlier during the dormant season.
Let me know if you have questions.
Click here for previous LSU AgCenter's Weekly Messages
Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson is an Extension Agent with the LSU AgCenter, with horticulture responsibilities in Washington and Tangipahoa Parishes. Contact Mary Helen at mhferguson@agcenter.lsu.edu or 985-277-1850 (Hammond) or 985-839-7855 (Franklinton).
Suspect Sought in Tangipahoa Parish Dollar General Scam
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) needs your help identifying and locating a suspect accused of stealing hundreds of dollars from several Dollar General stores in recent months.
On December 3, 2024 the woman seen in the attached still image went into the Dollar General store in the 12000 block of Wardline Road and approached the cashier with a few small items saying she’d be paying with a cash card. When the cashier seemed unfamiliar with that type of payment method, the woman claimed to be the manager from a different store and offered to help teach the cashier how to process the payment. She then walked the cashier through two different transactions that took almost $1000 from the store’s account.
TPSO deputies learned the suspect had successfully completed this scam at five additional area stores– two times at each location– totaling thousands of dollars stolen.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information about who this suspect is and where to find her to contact Det. McFarland with the Organized Retail Crime Unit at 985-345-6150.
If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s 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.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 26, 2024
Yolanda Mitchell (age 56 with Slidell, La. address) was booked on the charges of Introduction of
Contraband to Correctional Facility and Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1/Principle by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $25000.00.
Christopher Holland (age 38 with Poplarville, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Illegal Use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities and Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $5000.00.
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***
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 before 3pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5am. Patchy dense fog after 11pm. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 61. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Saturday A 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 74. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Saturday Night A 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 57. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.
Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Calm wind.
December 26, 2024
Man Sought in Tangipahoa Parish Rape Investigation
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) is asking for the public’s help in locating a rape suspect, 34 year-old Kentell Sims. A warrant for Sims' arrest was obtained on charges including First Degree Rape, Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile and Sexual Battery.
Earlier this month, TPSO was notified about the Amite-area crime involving a teenager. During the investigation, Sims was identified as the suspect. While he has been in communication with detectives, he refuses to turn himself in.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker is asking anyone with information about Sims’ whereabouts to contact our Juvenile Juvenile Division at 985-902-2031.
If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s 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.
In addition, if anyone has information about a crime, especially against children, that information can be shared with our Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2008 or, as always, in the case of an emergency, call 911.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 24-25, 2024
Ritchie Martin (age 48 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land After Being Forbidden, Simple Arson, and Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Chiquanta McClain (age 41 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Issuing Worthless Checks 1000-5000 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***
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. Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Areas of fog after midnight. Otherwise, cloudy, with a steady temperature around 64. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday A 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Areas of fog before 11am. High near 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday A 70% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night A 60% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind around 5 mph becoming west after midnight.
December 25, 2024
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Christmas Day Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4am. Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 56. East wind around 5 mph.
Thursday A 30 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 70. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then a chance of showers between 9pm and midnight, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
December 24, 2024
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 23, 2024
Curtis Moss (age 43 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs, Driving Under Suspension, Proper Equipment Required, an Contempt of Court by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Michael Morton (age 56 with Mandeville, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary and Criminal Trespass by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Richard Griffin (age 39 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $4000.00.
Peyton Coleman (age 21 with Covington, La. address) was booked on the charges of Criminal Trespass, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Dustin Diddon (age 40 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $500.00.
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***
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 68. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. East wind around 5 mph.
Christmas Day Showers likely, mainly after 11am. Increasing clouds, with a high near 67. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 56. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
December 23, 2024
Wilton Dunaway Sworn in as Bogalusa City Councilman, District B
On Friday (December 20, 2024) morning, Wilton Dunaway was sworn in as Bogalusa City Councilman for District B by Bogalusa City Court Judge David Merlin Duke.
The District B City Council seat was vacant due to the death of Dr. Danielle Keys, who passed away on April 2, 2024. Michael O'ree was appointed to serve in the interim and until the election held on December 7, 2024. District B voters elected Wilton Dunaway to represent them.
Congratulations, Mr. Dunaway. Mr. Dunaway will serve until January 1, 2027, at which time the terms of the Bogalusa Mayor and all City Council members will expire.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 22, 2024
Hope Spears (age 40 with Franklinton, 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.
Selena Robertson (age 24 with Beaumont, Tx. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs and Illegal Use of CDS in Presence of Person Under 17 YOA by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Inella Robertson (age 51 with Beaumont, Tx. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of Schedue III Drugs, Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Possession of CDS in Presence of Juvenile, and Failure to Appear (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
William Toney (age 46 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Improper Lane Usage, Resisting Arrest by Flight, Resisting by Flight/Aggravated Flight, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Chandler Spears (age 24 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Hannah Spears was booked on the charges of Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released December 23, 2024 - No bond information provided.
***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 Sunny, with a high near 63. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Calm wind.
Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 68. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Increasing clouds, with a low around 49. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Christmas Day A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. East wind around 5 mph.
December 22, 2024
LSP Investigating Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy-Involved Shooting
UPDATE: The incident claimed the life 48-year-old Timothy Douglas of Ponchatoula. A TPSO deputy attempted to stop a reported stolen Saturn Vue, driven by Douglas. The Saturn fled, leading to a pursuit that ended at an apartment complex off South Baptist Road in Hammond, where Douglas exited and fled on foot. A deputy pursued Douglas and successfully deployed their Taser, ending the foot pursuit. During an attempt to take Douglas into custody, a physical altercation ensued. Douglas resisted arrest despite multiple attempts to gain compliance. During the encounter, the deputy discharged their service weapon, striking Douglas. Douglas was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A firearm Douglas was in possession of was recovered and processed by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Initial Report
On December 21, 2024, at approximately 11:55 p.m., detectives with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations were requested by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office to investigate a deputy-involved shooting that occurred on South Baptist Road near US Hwy 190 in Hammond. Investigators are working to process the scene and gather further information.
One suspect is deceased at this time. No deputies were harmed during the incident. This is an active investigation, and further information will be released when it becomes available.
Anyone with information and/or pictures or videos is urged to share that information with LSP Detectives. You may anonymously report information through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting lsp.org and clicking on "Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity," or by calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 21, 2024
Joseph Deidrich (age 21 with Mandeville, La. address) was booked on the charge of Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Kayla Brumfield (age 31 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Use of a Movable and Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Laurie Brumfield (age 54 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment 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***
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 56. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Tonight Clear, with a low around 32. Calm wind.
Monday Sunny, with a high near 64. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 69. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
December 21, 2024
Body Found at Beau Chene Marina Near Mandeville
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the Beau Chene Marina near Mandeville shortly before 7:30 a.m. Friday (December 20, 2024) after a man walking his dog observed what appeared to be a body floating in the water.
Detectives with the STPSO Major Crimes Unit were called in to investigate, and the body was turned over to the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Officer.
Today (December 21, 2024), St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape advised the man has been identified as 78 year-old David Podesta, who resided on Marina Boulevard near where he was found. Autopsy results are pending, so cause and manner of death have not been determined.
The death is still under investigation, but at this time foul play is not suspected.
STPSO Investigating Folsom-area Shooting
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting, which occurred Friday (December 20, 2024) afternoon in the 1100 block of McCoy Road in the Folsom area.
Responding deputies located a male subject with multiple gunshot wounds. He was airlifted to an area hospital, where he is listed in critical condition.
Detectives with the STPSO Office Major Crimes Unit conducted a search of a nearby residence associated with the individual who had been shot, and inside that residence, they located a substantial amount of marijuana and a firearm that had been previously reported as lost. That firearm is believed to have been involved in the shooting incident.
Kaden Robertson, age 19, has been arrested for obstruction of justice for removing the firearm from the scene and attempting to hide it in the residence. He was also issued a summons in reference to misdemeanor possession of marijuana.
The shooting incident and the additional marijuana discovered at the residence is still under investigation and additional arrests are expected. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 898-2338.
Slidell Man Sentenced - 950 Images and Videos Depicting the Sexual Victimization of Minors on His Phone
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 18, 2024, Christopher Michael Sommers, age 42 and of Slidell, was sentenced for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors. United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced Sommers to ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by a fifteen (15) year term of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The defendant’s sentence was subject to a sentencing enhancement of a ten-year mandatory minimum because of a conviction on December 13, 2011, in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, for Receipt of Child Pornography.
According to court documents, the case against Sommers developed from an undercover online investigation by the Apache Junction Police Department in Arizona into those individuals who were sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material (“CSAM”). As a result, on April 3, 2024, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) special agents, along with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, executed a federal search warrant at Sommers' residence in Slidell. During the execution of the search warrant, Sommers was found in possession of a Samsung 256 gigabyte USB thumb drive containing 950 images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of minors.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the St Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, The Apache Junction Police Department, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 19-20, 2024
Terryun Lewis (age 23 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Speeding 21-30 Over
Limit, Possession of Marijuana, Introduction of Contraband to Penal Institute, Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, and No Drivers License by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Ronnie Pigott (age 54 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts) and Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.
Verena Fichter (age 35 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II Drugs by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.
Jeffery Wilkes (age 39 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.
Angela Dykes (age 47 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft Less Than 1000, Attempted Burglary, and Criminal Trespass by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Renisha Lucas (age 36 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Jennifer McDaniel (age 52 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court
Christopher Barze (age 29 with Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charge of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Bruce McClendon (age 58 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of License Plate Light Required, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving With Suspended License Due to Previous DWI (or Other) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***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 Widespread frost before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 53. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight Widespread frost, mainly after midnight. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 30. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday Widespread frost before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 56. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Sunday Night Areas of frost after 11pm. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 34. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Monday Areas of frost before 7am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
December 20, 2024
Bush Woman Guilty of Murder in Teen's Overdose Death
District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on December 20, 2024, a St. Tammany Parish jury deliberated for slightly more than one hour before finding 43-year-old Felisia Grantham of Bush guilty of second degree murder and distribution of a narcotic drug to a person under age eighteen. The charges result from the 2022 Fentanyl overdose death of a 15-year-old Covington girl. Assistant District Attorneys Iain Dover and Gary Tromblay presented the case to the jury. Judge Tara Zeller presided over the four-day trial. Detective Matthew Morrison with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Office spearheaded the investigation.
Click here for a previous story
According to trial testimony, during the evening hours of July 12, 2022, sheriff’s deputies and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) were dispatched to the defendant’s Bush residence in response to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive female at the home. Upon arrival, responding personnel observed a 15-year-old girl lying on her back on a bedroom floor, exhibiting no signs of life. Attempts to resuscitate the young girl were unsuccessful. While tending to the victim, deputies noted the presence of illicit drugs and drug-related paraphernalia in the bedroom. Suspecting the girl’s death may have resulted from foul play, a criminal investigation was initiated.
Detectives ascertained that the defendant and a 17-year-old girl were the only other individuals present in the house when the victim was first found unresponsive. Both were transported to the sheriff department’s Bush substation for questioning. During her interview, Grantham stated she picked up the victim, who was her cousin, earlier that day so the victim could spend the night at the defendant’s residence. She said the victim was feeling ill and had thrown up. Once they arrived at the house, the victim retired to one of the bedrooms. Grantham said she later checked on the victim and found she wasn’t breathing.
Detectives seized the drugs and paraphernalia found in the bedroom. Laboratory analysis of the recovered pills indicated they contained Fentanyl, a powerful opioid drug commonly abused, often with deadly consequences. Detectives also seized several electronic devices from the defendant’s residence, one of them being the defendant’s cellular phone. An autopsy was performed on the victim and the toxicology results indicated the victim’s body contained 13 times the amount of Fentanyl needed to kill a human.
Data obtained from the defendant’s phone revealed a series of text messages between the defendant and the victim occurring the day of the victim’s death. The conversation was initiated by the defendant and the essence of the conversation was the defendant offering to obtain Fentanyl for the victim in exchange for the victim sharing some of it with her. Detectives learned the victim had recently been placed into foster care after experiencing horrific abuse at the hands of a family acquaintance. The abuse had caused the victim to experience severe depression, leading her to become involved in illicit drug use. Despite her personal struggles, the victim maintained a job at a local fast-food establishment. The defendant, on the other hand, was unemployed. The text message conversation showed the defendant exploiting the victim in order to obtain drugs for herself financed by the victim. The defendant’s cellphone also revealed that once she concluded her text message conversation with the victim, she then initiated a text message conversation with a known drug dealer from Covington. During that conversation, arrangements were made to obtain Fentanyl.
With this cellphone information in hand, detectives conducted a second interview of Grantham. Initially, Grantham continued to deny any knowledge of drug use being involved in the victim’s death. Detectives then confronted Grantham with the data recovered from her cellphone. Grantham eventually admitted her involvement in obtaining the Fentanyl that was determined to have caused the death of the victim.
A total of thirteen witnesses were called to testify during the four-day trial. At the conclusion of the taking of testimony, attorneys for both the state and defense made their closing arguments to the jury. During the state’s initial closing argument, ADA Tromblay reminded the jury that Grantham was very familiar with the hard life the 15-year-old victim had experienced and that Grantham “leveraged that to her advantage” in order to score the drugs she needed to get the high she sought. Tromblay said Grantham “played Russian roulette with the life of a 15-year-old.” In his closing argument, defense counsel argued the defendant did not intend to contribute to the death of the victim and it would be unjust to send her to prison for the rest of her life “over a text message.” In the state’s rebuttal closing argument, ADA Dover stated the defendant’s text messages were the “beginning, middle and end” of the victim’s death. Dover said the critical issue, according to the law, was not whether the defendant intended to kill the victim but rather whether she intended to aid and abet in the distribution of the drugs that ultimately caused the victim’s death. Dover described Grantham as being evil. He pointed out she had not shed a single tear during the trial, that she knew exactly what she was doing and was indifferent about the result.
Following the guilty verdict, District Attorney Collin Sims stated “Drug dealers and their accomplices should be on notice, that if you want to run the risk and sell your poison to our kids, be prepared to be charged with murder.”
Judge Zeller has set Grantham’s sentencing for February 24, 2025. Second degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)