January 31, 2025

Obituary

Charlene Ingram Branch

December 6, 1941 - January 26, 2025

Franklinton-area Man Charged with Vehicular Homicide of A Mother and Two Children

On Thursday(January 30, 2025), 18 year-old Logan A. Schmalz was booked into the Washington Parish Jail on three counts of Vehicular Homicide, two counts of negligent injuring, and one count of reckless operation of a vehicle.

Schmalz’s charges came as a result of his involvement in a fatal car accident on December 15, 2024, which claimed the lives of a mother, 42 year old Tequilla Santee, and two children, 11 year-old Daniya Carter and 3 year-old Dylan Wilson, and injured two other children. The crash occurred on LA Hwy 25 near Stafford Road in Washington Parish. 

Louisiana State Police reported at the time that Schmalz, driving a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado northbound, crossed the center line and struck the southbound 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by Santee. Click here for the original report of the crash

Obituary

April Denise Andrews

December 1, 1980 - January 21, 2025

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 30, 2025

Mason Corkern (age 24 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Pornography Involving Juveniles (8 counts) and Sexual Abuse of an Animal/Filming Distributing or Possessing Images of Abuse (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $75000.00.

Ashton Dykes (age 38 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Logan Schmalz (age 18 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Vehicular Homicide (3 counts), Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Negligent Injuring (2 counts) by the Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.

Tosha Watkins (age 39 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

James Dutruch (age 42 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated (2nd Offense), Careless Operation, and Driving Under Suspension by the Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.

Sarah Martin (age 36 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Simple Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Kevin James (age 41 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

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

Headlines from NPR News

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days














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

Today   A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
Tonight   Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 43. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Saturday   Sunny, with a high near 69. Calm wind.
Saturday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Calm wind.
Sunday   Sunny, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 49. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

January 30, 2025

Obituary

Sherry Ann Gill Simpson

July 11, 1958 - January 29, 2025

Obituary

Bobby Joe Willis

April 8, 1936 - January 29, 2025

Fatal Car Accident in Washington Parish

On Wednesday (January 29, 2025) evening, Washington Parish Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the scene of a fatal car accident on Sie Jenkins Rd. near Rolling Oaks Ridge. Fire District 7 and Northshore EMS, along with several deputies from our office, responded to the scene. The victim was identified as 29 year-old Destyn Alissa Freeman of St. Tammany Parish. Initial reports indicate that she lost control of the vehicle at a high rate of speed. 

Her body was turned over to the Washington Parish Coroner’s Office for an autopsy and toxicology report. 

Obituary

James Richard Morgan

July 23, 1931 - January 29, 2025

Obituary

Dorman Kenyon "Kenny" Kellis, Jr.

November 18, 1950 - January 29, 2025

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 29, 2025

Karen Dickerson (age 36 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (3 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $1110.00 bond.

Becky Lavigne (age 37 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (3 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $35000.00.

Deon Brown (age 26 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery, Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment, and Contempt of Court by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $200.00.

Kaid Elliott (age 20 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling (2 counts), Theft Less Than 1000, Aggravated Burglary, and Sexual Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $115000.00.

Candise Breshaers (age 36 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Dominique Tillman (age 26 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $35400.00.

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

Obituary

Ralph Eugene Henley

February 5, 1950 - January 24, 2025

Traffic Stop Leads to Largest Fentanyl Pill Seizure in STPSO History

A traffic stop Tuesday (January 14, 2025) evening resulted in the largest fentanyl pill seizure in St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office history.

Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit assisted the Criminal Patrol Division with a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 11 Tuesday after observing a gold GMC Yukon committing multiple traffic violations on Dr. T.J. Smith Sr. Expressway near Slidell.

Further investigation following the traffic stop led to a search of the Yukon which resulted in the discovery of approximately 16,000 (nearly 5 pounds) of pressed Fentanyl pills (disguised as counterfeit Oxycodone 30mg) concealed in the roof/sunroof area. Detectives also seized $1,500.

The driver of the Yukon, 21-year-old Tawan Anthony of Pearl River; and his passenger, 41-year-old Regginald Henry of Pearl River, were both arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.

Anthony was booked on the charges of Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Fentanyl), Transactions involving proceeds from Drug Transactions, Driving on the Right Side of the Road, and Following Vehicles Too Close. 

Henry was booked on the charge of Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Fentanyl).

It was learned that both Anthony and Henry were on active supervision with the Louisiana Office of Probation & Parole at the time of their arrest. Anthony is on probation until 2026 following a conviction for possession with the intent to distribute marijuana stemming from an arrest by the Pearl River Police Department. Henry is on parole until 2028 following a conviction for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession of methamphetamine stemming from an investigation and arrest by the STPSO Narcotics Unit in 2017.

“Fentanyl is a very dangerous drug and it is no secret that it is in our community,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “Our narcotics detectives are dedicated to identifying and arresting those individuals who are selling it in our community. These arrests resulted in a very large quantity of this deadly drug being taken off the streets and two dealers being placed back behind bars.”

Headlines from NPR News

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days















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

Today   A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Patchy dense fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Tonight   Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 3am. Low around 60. South wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday   A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am, then a slight chance of showers between 8am and noon. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday   Sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind.
Saturday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Calm wind.

January 29, 2025

Fiscal Review Committee Appoints Robert Neilson as Fiscal Administrator for City of Bogalusa

On January 29, 2025, the Fiscal Review Committee voted to place the City of Bogalusa under Fiscal Administration and appointed Robert Neilson as Fiscal Administrator. See the video below. The Attorney General's Office will file a motion with the District Court in Washington Parish and the appointment must be approved by the assigned Judge. The process is expected to take between one and four weeks. 

The City was under Fiscal Administration about six years ago. Click here for some related articles from that time

Fiscal Administration is considered where a political subdivision’s fiscal stability is found to be in jeopardy. The Fiscal Administrator's authority shall include, but is not limited to, authority over budgets, contracts, personnel, and departments. Officials (elected and appointed) shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Fiscal Administrator. If a conflict arises, the Fiscal Administrator’s decision shall prevail. Click here for an Overview of Laws on Fiscal Administration

Prior to their decision, the Committee heard from their staff regarding the City's problems, including

  • declining cash balances
  • past due payables of about $2 Million, that include
  • past due payroll taxes of about $1.2 Million to the IRS and about $273,000 to the Louisiana Department of Revenue
  • past due vendor bills of about $600,000
  • water bond that is not funded as it should be
  • inappropriate transfer of funds from one account to another 
  • compliance problems with the Department of Environmental Quality
  • past due payments of $263,000 to risk management for liability/workmen's compensation insurance
  • past due payments to Fire Fighters Retirement System of about $116,000
  • delinquent audit reports for 2022 and 2023, with the City being on the non-compliance list

Also speaking to the Committee were Bogalusa Council President Gloria Kates and Vice-President Mark Irvine. The Committee heard about and asked questions regarding the Council's requests for financials and a resolution asking for a Fiscal Administrator. Also, the Committee heard about and asked questions regarding ongoing sewage issues and consultations with DEQ. Irvine emphasized the need to resolve the sewage issues, the need for clarity on credit card use, and the need to rework the 2025 budget.

The Committee heard from and asked questions of Robert Neilson. 

Apparently neither Mayor Tyrin Truong or any of his staff were present for the Committee meeting.

Obituary

Jerry Louis Holmes

October 31, 1940 - January 28, 2025

Obituary

Chanda Simmons Corkern

January 28 2025

Obituary

Johnny Wesley Brumfield

November 27, 1965 - January 20, 2025

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 28, 2025

Efrem Williams (age 56 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Discharge of a Firearm from a Vehicle, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs (3 counts), Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, and Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Christopher Rome (age 37 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Criminal Damage and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Marcus Kagler (age 51 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Burning and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

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

ADAPT's 4th Annual Community Unity Day is March 15th

ADAPT's 4th Annual Community Unity Day will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 10-2 at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds in Franklinton. Family Fun! Community Resources! Arts & Crafts! Food Vendors! Car Show! Door Prizes! Click here for more information on the event.

Click Read More below for Vendor Registration Form and Vendor Information. Registration forms must be received by February 28th at 5:00 PM.  

Obituary

Jerry "Rooster" Mixon

June 2, 1962 - January 25, 2025

Headlines from NPR News

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days














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

Today   Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph after midnight.
Thursday   A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Thursday Night   A chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Low around 60. South wind 10 to 15 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Friday   A chance of showers before 9am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9am and noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 45. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

January 28, 2025

Obituary

Hansel Ray Hall

January 27, 1946 - January 26, 2025

Obituary

Richie Lee Oatis

July 25, 1959 - January 26, 2025

Reminder: City of Bogalusa is on the Fiscal Review Committee Agenda for January 29th

The Fiscal Review Committee is to meet on Wednesday (January 29, 2025) at 1:30 PM in Senate Room F in Baton Rouge. The only relevant item on the Agenda is the City of Bogalusa. What will they consider? What action(s) will be taken? Will the Committee name a Fiscal Administrator? Stay tuned! 

Live video of the meeting will be at https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/video.aspx?roomid=5  If you are unable to watch it live, we will make it available on www.mthermonwebtv.com and share it to our Facebook page.

Since taking offices on January 1, 2023, the Mayor and Council have had a troubled relationship with Council meetings devolving into what the Mayor has termed “a clown show”. Accurate! Continuous name-calling and disrespect directed toward Council members has been common but, in our opinion, undeserved. But beyond the drama is the lack of clarity regarding the City's finances. Repeated requests for financials by the Council have gone unanswered. Something has to be done. 



Obituary

Wilton Ray McCain, Sr.

July 13, 1955 - January 27, 2025

New LSP Troopers in Our Area

After 14 weeks of intense mental, physical, and academic training, three new Troopers, now assigned to Troop L, were among the 51 individuals who graduated from Cadet Class 105, the second LSP Cadet Class comprised exclusively of prior law enforcement officers from across the state. 

The Troopers welcomed to Troop L Monday (January 27, 2025) are Corey Fritts, Katelyn Lee, and Nathanael Wolf.



Obituary

Robert Sidney Stafford

July 24, 1975 - January 25, 2025

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 25-27, 2025

Candy Stringer (age 42 with Sandy Hook, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated (3rd Offense) and Improper Lane Usage by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $25000.00 bond.

Jamey Jenkins (age 31 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment (2 counts) and Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

David Varnado (age 45 with Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Contempt of Court (3 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Shelia Taylor (age 56 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court

Lavonte Bates (age 24 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, Following Too Close, Driving Under Suspension, and Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $25000.00.

Walter Mason (age 32 with Picayune, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation, Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Jesse Patterson (age 52 with Hammond, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Ryan Mizell (age 34 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Extortion and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $35300.00.

James Cotton (age 59 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2500.00.

Tyrik Payne (age 26 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Careless Operation, Expired License Plate, Driving Under Suspension, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Probation and Parole Hold, and Contempt of Court (2 counts). Bond set at $50750.00.

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

Obituary

Jessie Lee Magee

February 15, 1930 - January 17, 2025

Headlines from NPR News

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days















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

Today   Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind.
Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Calm wind.
Wednesday   Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph after midnight.
Thursday   Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Thursday Night   Showers, mainly after midnight. Low around 58. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

January 27, 2025

Sick Puppies Found at Home of Man Already Wanted on Animal Cruelty Charges

A Lacombe-area man, wanted on Animal Cruelty charges, was arrested Saturday (January 25, 2025) afternoon after eight more sick puppies were located at his residence.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies were at the home on Shady Pine Road Saturday attempting to arrest 36 year-old Steven Sims on an outstanding warrant. Sims was wanted for six counts of Animal Cruelty in connection with a previous case.

The dogs, all puppy age, were located in very poor condition inside a screened-in porch at his residence.

Sims was later located at a nearby gas station and taken into custody.

He was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the warrant along with eight additional counts of Animal Cruelty.

St. Tammany Parish Animal Services took possession of the puppies.

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

Obituary

Rodney Wayne Phillips

March 26, 1972 - January 19, 2025

Obituary

Deborah Lynn Jones

November 7, 1960 - January 22, 2025

Obituary

Janice Louise Stillwell Billings

September 21, 1937 - January 24, 2025

Obituary

Robert Lee Carter

July 6, 1938 - January 19, 2025

Obituary

Dr. Walter Edward Tisdale

June 12, 1933 - January 24, 2025

Obituary

Talmadge Allen "T.A." Booty

October 17, 1957 - January 23, 2025

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days














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

Today   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9am. Cloudy, with a high near 64. North wind 5 to 10 mph. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday   Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Calm wind.
Wednesday   A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night   Cloudy, with a low around 57. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph after midnight.

January 26, 2025

Amite Man Dies in Crash, Impaired Driver Arrested

On January 25, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a two-vehicle crash on US Hwy 51 near Anderson Road in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the life of 82-year-old Wilbert Banks of Amite.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Banks was driving a 2000 Ford Ranger southbound on US Hwy 51. At the same time, a 2001 Nissan Frontier, driven by 34-year-old Broderick C. McKnight of Amite, was traveling northbound on US Hwy 51. For reasons still under investigation, the Nissan crossed the centerline and struck the Ford head-on.

McKnight, who was unrestrained, was seriously injured and transported to a local hospital. Two unrestrained passengers in the Nissan sustained moderate injuries and were also taken to the hospital for treatment. Banks, who was properly restrained, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

During their investigation, Troopers determined that McKnight was impaired at the time of the crash. Toxicology samples were obtained from both McKnight and Banks for analysis. McKnight was arrested for L.R.S. 14:32.1 Vehicular Homicide, L.R.S. 32:71 Driving Left of Center, L.R.S. 32:415 Driving on a Suspended Driver's License, and L.R.S. 32:295.1 No Seatbelt. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police remind all motorists of the dangers of impaired driving, which can have devastating consequences whether caused by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two. Motorists are urged to make responsible decisions, such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring that all occupants are properly restrained, and avoiding distractions while driving. These choices can often mean the difference between life and death.

Obituary

Doris Lorraine Kemp Latino

May 29, 1937 - January 25, 2025

Obituary

Sharon “Kay” H. Lott

November 29, 1947 - January 24, 2025

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days















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

Today   A 20 percent chance of showers between noon and 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Tonight   Showers likely, mainly after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Monday   A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Monday Night   Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Calm wind.
Tuesday   Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Calm wind.
Tuesday Night   Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Calm wind.

January 25, 2025

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 24, 2025

Richard Brown (age 58 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court

Amaree Jefferson (age 18 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of 1st Degree Murder, Attempted 1st Degree Murder (2 counts), Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, Illegal Possession of a Handgun by a Juvenile, and Illegal Use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities. No bond set at this time.

Jennifer McDaniel (age 52 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court

Kayla Brumfield (age 31 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court

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

Obituary

Harry Wayne Keaton

May 6, 1937 - January 22, 2025

Today's Message from ADAPT

Alcohol is the most common drug that young people use in the United States. Young people who drink alcohol are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that can lead to injuries and other health conditions. They're also more likely to experience social, academic, and legal issues.

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

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

New Episode of TWILA

Check out our first episode of the new year!!

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 57. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
Tonight   Increasing clouds, with a low around 40. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
Sunday   A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night   Showers likely, mainly after 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday   Showers likely, mainly before 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Calm wind.

January 24, 2025

LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message

What to Do After the Cold Weather

We just experienced the coldest temperatures many of us have ever seen in Louisiana. I lived in central North Carolina for eight years, and 8 degrees F is the coldest I remember it being. While it didn’t get quite that cold at my house this week, it did reach that or a lower temperature in some parts of southern Louisiana. Doubtlessly, there will be much plant damage and death in the upcoming year.

Some good news is that snow acts as insulation. The fact that we experienced our coldest temperatures after we had a blanket of snow on the ground was helpful. Plant roots had some additional protection, beyond what’s provided by soil alone, on our coldest night. This is likely to have helped some plants that regrow from roots survive.

Another thing in our favor is that this occurred in the middle of winter, when plants were more acclimated to cold than they would have been in the late fall or in early spring, when plants had started to resume growth.

I expect that most of our native plants will be okay, even if they sustain some injury. There have been periods of intense cold in history. Of course, the finer points of where things are native may become important. For example, live oaks are native to coastal Louisiana, but we plant them north of the range in which they grew in the wild.

Plants that are marginally cold hardy here very likely sustained damage.

Parts of herbaceous (non-woody) plants that are brown and obviously dead can be cut back soon, though there doesn't need to be a rush to do so, and leaving some of the plant tissue may help protect them from cold weather later in the season. (Furthermore, pollinators and other beneficial insects often live in perennials’ dead stems. Based on this, it’s been suggested to leave the first 1 to 2 feet of dead stems for insect habitat.)

For woody plants and palms, waiting is advised.

On citrus trees, you may not be able to tell the full extent of cold damage until sometime in the summer. Branches or trunks with injured shoots may end up putting out new growth. Likewise, a cold-damaged tree may put out flushes of new growth that later collapse. Waiting until July or August, after the second annual flush of growth has occurred, gives you more time to see the full extent of cold damage. At that time, you can remove dead wood.

Also remember to remove rootstock growth from below the graft union as citrus plants recover. Most rootstocks have trifoliate leaves (leaves with three leaflets), so their foliage looks different than that originating from the scion (top part of the grafted tree).

When the time comes to fertilize citrus trees in late winter or early spring, if it appears that you have cold injury, you can reduce the amount of fertilizer in proportion to the part of the tree that appears damaged and, instead of applying it all at once, divide the total amount of fertilizer up into several smaller applications. Be sure not to fertilize after the end of June, though, since late fertilizer application can predispose citrus trees to cold damage the following winter.

On cold damaged palms, it’s recommended to let brown leaves remain until no further hard freezes are likely to occur. Survival of palms depends on survival of the growing tip (meristem) at the top of the plant. Dead or injured leaves can still help protect the growing tip from remaining cold events.

Since palms do not put out new growth until later than many other plants, wait until July to determine whether or not a palm is dead.

For all plants that survive but have cold damage, provide good care during the upcoming year to help them recover.

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).

LSU AgCenter's 2025 Watermelon Education Meeting is Feb. 7th

The LSU AgCenter will hold a meeting for current and prospective watermelon growers from 6:00 to 7:45 PM on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the LSU AgCenter’s Washington Parish office (1104-B Bene St., Franklinton). Dr. Michael Deliberto of the LSU Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness will discuss farm enterprise budgeting, breakeven analysis, and pricing of watermelons. Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson of the LSU AgCenter will review and provide updates on watermelon production and pest management recommendations.

Please RSVP to Horticulture Agent Mary Helen (mhferguson@agcenter.lsu.edu or 985-277-1850) if you plan to come. For accommodations for persons with disabilities, please contact her at least one week before the event. The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.

Obituary

Supt. Dr. Benson Magee

June 7, 1928 - January 16, 2025

Obituary

Oliver Morris

October 9, 1957 - January 13, 2025

Hammond Woman Killed in Tangipahoa Parish Crash

On January 22, 2025, at approximately 8:10 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a two-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 22 near Edwards Road in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the life of 65-year-old Peggy J. Williams of Hammond.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Williams was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer eastbound on LA Hwy 22. At the same time, a 2011 Ford F-150, driven by Kody A. Lacour of Picayune, Mississippi, was traveling westbound on LA Hwy 22. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet crossed the centerline and struck the Ford head-on. Road conditions were impacted by a winter storm at the time, which investigators will consider as a possible contributing factor.

Williams, who was unrestrained, sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. She later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The driver of the Ford, also unrestrained, suffered minor injuries and declined medical treatment.

During the investigation, Troopers determined that Lacour was impaired at the time of the crash. He was arrested and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail for First Offense DWI and Obstruction of a Court Order. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers urge the public to remember: if you don’t need to drive, stay home and stay safe. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as impairment can significantly reduce your ability to react to dangers on the road. Troopers and emergency responders are doing everything possible to keep our residents safe, but we need your help. Troopers also want to remind motorists that Louisiana law requires everyone in a vehicle to wear a seat belt. While not all crashes are survivable, this simple precaution can save lives.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 23, 2025

Christopher Todd Holmes was booked on the charges of Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm and Resisting an Officer/Flight on Foot. No bond set at this time.

Ashley Mooney (age 32 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear and Bond Surrender by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Kayla Baham (age 33 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (3 counts), No Seat Belt, and No Drivers License by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Christian Young (age 18 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s), Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes 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   Sunny, with a high near 49. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light in the afternoon.
Tonight   Clear, with a low around 23. Calm wind.
Saturday   Sunny, with a high near 55. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
Saturday Night   Increasing clouds, with a low around 37. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
Sunday   A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. East wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night   Showers likely, mainly between midnight and 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

January 23, 2025

Obituary

Donald Leroy "Don" Seal

August 29, 1936 - January 22, 2025

Obituary

Daniel Holliday

August 13, 1951 - January 17, 2025

Obituary

Jimmie Holifield

November 20, 1951 - January 16, 2025

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 21-22, 2025

Rodney Crawford (age 38 with Mandeville, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic
Abuse/Aggravated Assault and Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $6500.00 bond.

Megan Hall (age 36 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Chester Alsobrooks (age 44 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (3rd + Offense), Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, and Contempt of Court by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Joseph Hill (age 45 with Tylertown, Ms. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Tiffany Knight-Martin (age 41 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Introduction of Contraband to Penal Institute by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Adria Cassidy (age 41 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court 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   Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 23. Calm wind.
Friday   Sunny, with a high near 48. Light northwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night   Clear, with a low around 21. Calm wind.
Saturday   Sunny, with a high near 53. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
Saturday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph after midnight.

January 22, 2025

Obituary

Felix Herbert Dicharry, II

November 7, 1941 - January 20, 2025

Another Very Cold Night Tonight



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 34. Wind chill values as low as 12. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tonight   Increasing clouds, with a low around 16. Calm wind.
Thursday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Thursday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 23. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Friday   Sunny, with a high near 47. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Friday Night   Clear, with a low around 21. Calm wind.

January 21, 2025

All La. State Offices Closed on Wed. and Thurs.



Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 20, 2025












Tommy Robbins (age 43 with Tylertown, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts), Driving Under Suspension, and Speed Restrictions by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Kristian Mizell (age 32 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Austin Pounds (age 34 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Eljyn Rayford (age 40 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Human Trafficking/Human Sex Crimes and Prostitution/Soliciting by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Tristian John Louis Gill (age 28 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting by Flight/Aggravated Flight, Aggravated Obstruction of Commerce/Roadway, Resisting an Officer, Criminal Damage to Property Under 1000, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Obstruction to Driver's View or Driving Mechanism, Switched License Plates, No MVI, No Drivers License, and No Proof of Insurance by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Chester Alsobrooks (age 44 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (3rd + Offense), and Contempt of Court by the Bogalusa Police Department. Released January 20, 2025 - No bond information available.

Roger Looper (age 77 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Battery and Battery of Emergency Room Personnel by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released January 20, 2025 - No bond information available.

Marzelos Bell (age 38 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Pay Fine and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $475.00.

James Johnson (age 45 with Tylertown, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Driving Left of Center/Wrong Side of Hwy, Possession of Marijuana, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, and Driving While Intoxicated by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

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

Summary of Dangerous Cold Forecast Through Saturday



Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

















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

Today   Snow, mainly before 2pm. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 33. Wind chill values as low as 13. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Tonight   Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 12. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Wednesday   Sunny, with a high near 39. Wind chill values as low as 12. Calm wind.
Wednesday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 17. Calm wind.
Thursday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Thursday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 22. Calm wind.

January 20, 2025

Obituary

Scott Matherne

November 16, 1967 - January 19, 2025

Obituary

Guy Nelson Lea, Jr.

January 27, 1944 - January 17, 2025

Obituary

Doris Louise Shaffett

June 2, 1943 - January 19, 2025

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 19, 2025

Lonnie Holmes (age 33 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Speeding 21-30 Over Limit, Resisting by Flight/Aggravated Flight, Resisting an Officer/Flight on Foot, Resisting an Officer, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Driving Under Suspension, Switched License Plates, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Alyson Ramser (age 49 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Alisia Adams (age 21 with Laurelton, Ny. address) was booked on the charge of Prostitution by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $2500.00.

Aleia Hebert (age 19 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Underage Operating While Intoxicated and Careless Operation With Accident by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2500.00 bond.

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

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The swearing-in ceremony is expected to begin at 11 a.m. CT or 12 p.m. ET.

Summary of Cold Weather This Week



Heavy Snow Forecast Tonight Through Tomorow



Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

















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

M.L.King Day   Sunny, with a high near 41. Wind chill values as low as 15. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight   A 20 percent chance of snow after 3am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 24. Wind chill values as low as 14. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday   Snow. High near 33. Wind chill values as low as 13. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Tuesday Night   Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 13. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday   Sunny, with a high near 40. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 17. Calm wind.

January 19, 2025

Obituary

Carolyn Jones McGlothlin

June 26, 1940 - January 19, 2025

Obituary

Christopher Kimble Primes, CSM (Ret)

January 12, 1967 - January 17, 2025

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 18, 2025

Randy Watson (age 48 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Violence Battery (2nd Offense) and Aggravated Battery by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Telra Mobley (age 19 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Assault and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

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

Heavy Snow Forecast



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 45. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tonight   Clear, with a low around 22. Wind chill values as low as 15. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
M.L.King Day   Sunny, with a high near 41. Wind chill values as low as 13. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night   A 20 percent chance of snow showers after 3am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 24. Wind chill values as low as 16. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday   Snow showers likely before noon, then snow showers, possibly mixed with sleet. High near 33. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow and sleet accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Tuesday Night   A slight chance of snow showers and sleet before 9pm, then a slight chance of sleet between 9pm and midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 16. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

January 18, 2025

Obituary

Buck Wallace Sharp

October 29, 1959 - January 15, 2025

Today's Comics

Hagar the Horrible

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 17, 2025

Jennifer McDaniel (age 52 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court

Kayla Brumfield (age 31 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court

Alisia Adams (age 21 with Laurelton, Ny. address) was booked on the charge of Prostitution by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Jeffery Baham (age 60 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Sexual Battery/Rubbing/Touching. Bond set at $15000.00.

Roger McCarthy (age 28 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the chages of Driving While Intoxicated and Passing Without Interfering With Passed or Oncoming Traffic by the Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.

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

Winter Storm Watch for Monday Night Through Tuesday Evening

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days















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

Today   Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 74. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight   Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. North wind 5 to 15 mph.
Sunday   Sunny, with a high near 44. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday Night   Clear, with a low around 21. Wind chill values as low as 13. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
M.L.King Day   Sunny, with a high near 41. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night   A 30 percent chance of snow showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.