February 28, 2026

Obituary

Charlton Harold Cranfield

November 26, 1931 - February 27, 2026

Obituary

Leo Fennel Mizell

August 21, 1930 - February 23, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for February 26-27, 2026

Robert St. Amand (age 50 with no address shown) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriffs Office. No bond set at this time.

Melvin Touro (age 34 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Home Invasion/Simple Assault, Battery of Infirm, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $150000.00.

Veronica Magee (age 47 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Macy Kuhn (age 54 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation and Parole Hold by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Joshua Crain (age 44 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $10000.00.

Darian Larson (age 28 with Foxworth, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $7500.00.

Duane Greely (age 45 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Probation and Parole Hold and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Jessica Brumfield (age 24 with no address shown) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Cassandra Thompson (age 27 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Franklinton Police Department. 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 78. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Tonight   Patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 50. Calm wind.
Sunday   Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Sunday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday   Sunny, with a high near 80. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Monday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 58. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

February 27, 2026

Covington Man Arrested by AG Murrill's LBI

Brandon Joseph Brown, age 36 and of Covington, was arrested February 12, 2026 at his home by Louisiana Attorney General Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation on the charges of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, Indecent Behavior/Grooming of a Child, and Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor. 

This arrest was a result of a joint investigation with The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) Cyber Crime Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, the 22nd JDC ICAC Task Force and Covington Police Department.

The investigation is ongoing.

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

Free Internet Safety Training at Hope House is March 3rd

Source: Post by Children's Advocacy Center-Hope House and Covington Police Department — with Collin Sims DA

Over 60% of teens say they’ve received a message from a stranger online. Sextortion cases involving minors have surged nationwide in the last few years, and many victims are under age 15. Prevention starts with informed parents. 💡

Join us at Hope House on Tuesday, March 3 from 6-7PM for a FREE Internet Safety Training led by Brian Brown, Detective and Forensic Examiner with the Covington Police Department; Special Victim Unit Investigator with the 22nd JDC District Attorney's Office. Brown has been certified as an expert in numerous jurisdictions in cyber investigations and forensic examinations. 

Register now: https://www.cachopehouse.org/events 

A complimentary dinner will also be provided.

This presentation will educate parents about the dangers of their children's online use of electronic devices. It will discuss the features of various applications, as well as cyberbullying, sextortion, and sexting. 

If you have any questions, please contact us at heather@cachopehouse.org or 985-892-3885 Ext 4.

LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message

Tangipahoa and Washington Parish Are Among Top-Ranking Parishes for Horticultural Crops

For each calendar year, LSU AgCenter Extension agents submit estimates of a variety of agriculture-related values – acres and yields of crops, acres of hunting leases, numbers of farm animals, etc. – for the annual Louisiana Summary: Agriculture & Natural Resources, which we usually call the AgSummary. I’m in the process of preparing estimates of the 2025 horticultural crop numbers, so it’s on my mind. I thought some of you might be interested in knowing more about some of these values. Since the 2024 AgSummary is the most recently published one, numbers are from that year, unless noted.

The area spanning Tangipahoa and Washington Parishes is a great place to be a horticulture-focused Extension agent for someone like me who likes working with commercial horticultural crops.

As many people are aware, Tangipahoa Parish is famous for strawberries, and Washington Parish is known for watermelons. Indeed, Tangipahoa ranks first in Louisiana for strawberries, with approximately 145 acres, while Washington ranks first for watermelons, with an estimated 225 acres. These two parishes also rank near the top in combined fruit and vegetable acreage (not counting sweet potatoes or pecans, which are counted separately in the AgSummary).

Besides edible horticultural crops, Tangipahoa and Washington are also near-top-ranking producers of nursery crops. By 2024 AgSummary numbers, Tangipahoa and Washington Parish rank second and third, respectively, by harvested acreage. According to 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture numbers, the order is reversed for the value of sales (for “Nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, sod”), with Washington ranking second and Tangipahoa third. (Rapides Parish, where the Forest Hill nursery area is located, is first in both cases.)

Dairy is outside of my area of responsibility, but Washington and Tangipahoa Parishes rank first and second, respectively, in Louisiana by all of the following measures: milk production and total dairy gross farm value (value of dairy animals and milk production) in the 2024 AgSummary and, in the 2022 Census of Agriculture, for the sales value of cow milk.

It will be a while before the 2025 AgSummary is published, but you can access those from 2024 and preceding years, going back to 2004, on our website. The USDA Census of Agriculture is only conducted every five years, and the most recent one was done in 2022. You can search “county”-level data for a lot of interesting information.

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).

Suspects Sought in Loranger Snowball Stand Burglary

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) needs the public’s help identifying and locating two suspects accused of breaking into a snowball business in Loranger.

In the overnight hours of February 24, 2026, surveillance video at the Freeze King Snowball stand located in the 54000 block of Highway 1062 shows a man breaking in through the door and rummaging through the business with a second suspect before stealing the business’s ice machine, worth thousands of dollars.

At least one suspect is seen clearly in the video and appears to be a black male with a thin build wearing a black hoodie sweatshirt with designs on the chest and arms as well as a light colored vest on top of the hoodie and ripped jeans.

Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information about who these suspects are, and/or their whereabouts, to contact our Criminal Investigations Division at 985-402-0214. 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!

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

Obituary

Alberta R. Dillon

July 23, 1952 - February 24, 2026

Obituary

Mary Ann (Riley) Clark

August 26, 1967 - February 20, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days













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

Today   Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.
Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 52. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday   Sunny, with a high near 78. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Saturday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Calm wind.
Sunday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

February 26, 2026

Video: Legislative Audit Advisory Council & City of Bogalusa on February 26, 2026

The Legislative Audit Advisory Council met today (February 26, 2025) at 10:00 AM. The City of Bogalusa was on the Revised Agenda with an update from the Fiscal Administrator (Robert "Bob" Neilson).

Also in attendance were Bogalusa's Mayor and his entourage.

Mr. Neilson provided his report but there was little, if any, review or questions regarding the report. Instead, most of the meeting saw criticisms of Mr. Neilson - nothing really new, but all with the goal of replacing Mr. Neilson with a limited Fiscal Administrator.

Click here to view the entire meeting

The video provided below is that portion of the meeting relating to the City of Bogalusa.

District Attorney Sims Announces Triple Jury Convictions Against Violent Offenders and Career Criminals

District Attorney Collin Sims announces a major week of justice for St. Tammany Parish, as three
separate juries returned guilty verdicts against repeat offenders for crimes ranging from a brutal jailhouse battery to a near-execution during a vehicle repossession and armed narcotics possession.

“This week’s verdicts send a definitive message that my office and the citizens of this parish will not tolerate those who habitually act as if they are above the law,” said DA Sims. “Whether it is violence on our streets, the illegal combination of guns and drugs, or brutal attacks within our correctional facilities, we will hold these individuals accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

I. St. Tammany Jury Finds Slidell Man Guilty of Brutal Jailhouse Battery

On February 24, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found Farman Robert Gillum, 44, of Slidell, guilty as charged of Second Degree Battery following a trial presided over by the Honorable Judge Alan M. Black. Assistant District Attorneys Luke Lancaster and Shelby Stoop prosecuted the case. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

The conviction stems from a coordinated August 16, 2022, attack within the St. Tammany Parish Jail. Surveillance footage showed Gillum and two co-defendants (who previously pleaded guilty) repeatedly striking an inmate. The victim suffered a broken nose, facial lacerations, and multiple instances of losing consciousness.

During ADA Lancaster’s closing remarks, he stated, “This is a violent man who committed a violent act because he thinks our laws do not apply within the prison system. I’m asking you to hold him accountable for this brutal attack.”

Gillum’s record spans over two decades, with convictions for drug charges and battery of a police officer. Sentencing is scheduled in Judge Black’s courtroom on March 17, 2026.

II. Slidell Felon Convicted Following Violent Armed Confrontation Over Vehicle Repossession

On February 25, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found Cordell Parker, 57, of Slidell, guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Attempted Illegal Use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities during a Crime of Violence by Discharge. The trial was presided over by the Honorable Judge Scott Gardner and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Gary Tromblay and Jay Adair. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

On January 31, 2025, an agent for Spartan Recovery was repossessing a 2017 Mercedes-Benz on C L Parker Road in Slidell. After the vehicle was hooked to the wrecker, Parker approached the agent, angry, and asked him if he could retrieve personal belongings. While the agent complied, Parker emerged from his home with a semi-automatic handgun. He pointed the handgun at the agent and forced the agent to disconnect the car. He then placed the barrel of the pistol against the agent’s forehead, ordered him to his knees, and threatened to kill him. As the victim fled, Parker fired a gunshot. The U.S. Marshals Service later apprehended Parker on February 25, 2025.

During ADA Tromblay’s opening statement, he detailed the terrifying nature of the assault, saying, “[Parker] went from angry to murderous hostility. The victim was scared to death. He thought he was going to execute him in the street over a car. He never should have had a gun. There are reasons that people like Mr. Parker shouldn’t have guns.”

The victim, D.B., stated in an emotional testimony: “He put the gun to my forehead…he told me he was going to kill me. He told me to get down on my knees and put my hands behind my back. To this day, I still have nightmares, almost daily.”

ADA Adair, in his closing argument, challenged the defendant’s credibility, stating, “D.B. has nothing to gain, and the Defendant has nothing to lose. One of them thumbed his nose at the oath, the court, and you all – you all get to decide which one did.”

ADA Tromblay, in his closing rebuttal, referred to the defendant’s story as “a bald-faced lie,” and added, “He will never forget what this defendant’s face [looks like] – nor will he ever forget what this defendant did to him. Hold this defendant accountable.”

Parker’s record spans four decades, including convictions for felony theft, burglary, drugs, and gun charges. Sentencing is set in Judge Gardner’s courtroom on March 18, 2026.

III. Convicted Cocaine Distributor Found Guilty of Armed Narcotics Possession

On February 25, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found Bobby Strickland Jr., 60, of Slidell, guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies and Illegal Carrying of Weapons while in Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. The trial was presided over by the Honorable Judge Alan A. Zaunbrecher and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Amanda Gritten and Le’Anne Malner. The Slidell Police Department investigated the case.

Strickland was arrested on March 13, 2025, during a traffic stop on Carroll Road in Slidell. Upon identifying the driver as Strickland, officers learned of his extensive history involving narcotics and his release from parole for the distribution of drugs. After obtaining consent to search the vehicle, officers discovered a cache of illegal items, including Crack Cocaine, Marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a Colt .38 Special revolver in his vehicle.

ADA Gritten, in her closing argument, stated: “It is unacceptable behavior to ride around our parish with drugs and a gun after being released from incarceration for distributing cocaine. Find him guilty as charged.”

Strickland is a habitual offender with a record spanning several decades, including convictions for multiple drug charges, for which he previously received a 25-year sentence. Sentencing is set in Judge Zaunbrecher’s courtroom on March 9, 2026.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for February 25, 2026

Billy Gay (age 47 with Bogalusa, 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.

Walter Strahan (age 59 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft of 1000-5000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Mickel Burrell (age 20 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of 2nd Degree Rape/Vaginal by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Rachel Strahan (age 49 with no address shown) was booked on the charge of Theft of 1000-5000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Odie Hughes (age 46 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft of $25000 or More by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Tyja Brown (age 22 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment by the Washington Parish Sheriffs Office. No bond set at this time.

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

Tickfaw Man Arrested by AG Murrill's LBI

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation agents has arrested 35-year-old Douglas Ray Miller of Tickfaw for 67 counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material under the age of 13. Miller was arrested at his home on Hwy 1064 in Tickfaw on February 25, 2026 and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. His bond information is not available at this time.

LBI agents initially got a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This arrest was a result of a joint investigation with The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) Cyber Crime Unit, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation continues.

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

City of Bogalusa on Legislative Audit Advisory Council Agenda Today

The Legislative Audit Advisory Council meets today (February 26, 2025) at 10:00 AM. The City of Bogalusa is on the Revised Agenda with an update from the Fiscal Administrator (Robert "Bob" Neilson).

The meeting will be streamed live at https://senate.la.gov/video/scrF#

If you are unable to watch, we will have the video later.


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 after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph. 
Friday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Calm wind.
Saturday   Sunny, with a high near 79. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Calm wind.

February 25, 2026

Slidell Man arrested by AG Murrill's LBI on Sex-Related Charges

AG Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation agents arrested 21-year-old Colin Scott Sehmi of Slidell for the offenses of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile - 2 counts, Indecent Behavior with Juvenile/Grooming of a Child - 2 counts, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor - 2 counts , and (Possession of) Child Sexual Abuse Material under the Age of Thirteen - 4 counts. Sehmi was arrested on February 20, 2026 at his home on Royal Drive in Slidell. He was released on February 24, 2026 on a $30,000.00 bond.

Agents initially got a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This arrest was a result of a joint investigation with The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) Cyber Crime Unit, the 22nd JDC SVU Task Force, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Covington Police Department.

“Cases such as these, with potential victims local to St. Tammany and throughout the United States, are a prime example of why the collaboration of law enforcement through the Louisiana ICAC Task Force is vital. The Louisiana ICAC Task Force and its partners will do everything in our power to bring this man to justice and identify any potential victims of his crimes," said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending. It is expected that additional victims will be identified as a result of the ongoing investigation.

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

Playing With Gun Leads to Death of 14-Year-Old in Hammond

The Hammond Police Department reports that at approximately 11:50 pm on February 24, 2026, HPD responded to a call of shots fired with one possible victim. Arriving on the scene, officers observed a 14-year-old juvenile female with an apparent gunshot wound. The juvenile was transported to North Oaks Health System, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.

Detectives identified a suspect in the shooting as 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond. 

During the investigation, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and pulled the vehicle over. The driver was Robinson. Robinson was taken into custody and transported to the HPD Criminal Investigation Division for questioning. Detectives learned that, while Robinson was playing with a gun, the gun went off, with the bullet striking the female juvenile. Robinson was booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or morse_cm@hammond.org, via the Hammond Police Department’s Facebook page, or through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s anonymous tip line at 1-800-554-5245. Be a part of the solution and you may be eligible for a cash reward.

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

STPSO Pursuit of Stolen Vehicle Ends in Arrest

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office reports that a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle that began in St. Tammany Parish and crossed into neighboring parishes ended Tuesday (February 24, 2026) afternoon with the arrest of the driver, identified as 41-year-old Tiffany Howard of Ventress. Howard was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Aggravated Flight From Officer, Aggravated Assault With a Motor Vehicle Upon a Peace Officer, False Imprisonment, Illegal Possession of Stolen Things 5000-25000, Simple Obstruction of a Highway of Commerce, Aggravated Criminal Damage, and First Degree Murder. No bond has been set at this time.

Shortly before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, a St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy was in the area of Louisiana Highway 59 and Interstate 12 when he observed a white Ford Fiesta that had been reported stolen out of St. Tammany Parish earlier this week. When the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver fled westbound on Interstate 12, initiating a pursuit.

During the pursuit, the suspect struck multiple law enforcement units while attempting to evade capture. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies, along with Louisiana State Police troopers, coordinated efforts to safely bring the pursuit to an end in Livingston Parish near the Holden exit. The vehicle ultimately wrecked, and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. No serious injuries were reported.

“This suspect showed a blatant disregard for the safety of our deputies, our law enforcement partners and everyone traveling on the roadway,” said Sheriff Randy Smith. “Thanks to the professionalism, restraint and teamwork between agencies, this dangerous situation was brought to a safe conclusion, and the individual responsible is now in custody.”

The investigation is ongoing.

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

Obituary

Sue Brister Causey

September 25, 1944 - February 18, 2026

Obituary

Pamela Mary "Pam" Puig

August 15, 1957 - February 20, 2026

Obituary

Donald Wayne Mayfield

February 1, 1945 — February 23, 2026

Obituary

Jennifer L. Burris

July 15, 1966 - February 11, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for February 24, 2026

Jonathon Jordan (age 38 with Astor, Fl. address) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the
Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at  $15000.00

Marylin Shoemaker (age 67 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Cruelty to Juveniles by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Devin Lewis (age 29 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on charge(s) not shown by arresting agency not shown. No bond set at this time.

Albert Shoemaker (age 42 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Sexual Battery (Rubbing/Touching), 2nd Degree Rape (Vaginal), Indecent Behavior With Juvenile (2 counts), and Aggravated Crime Against Nature (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

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

Arrest Made in Dog-Fighting Case

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) reports they have arrested one suspect and is seeking information about others in connection with a dog-fighting operation. Alfred Dyson, age 64, was booked on one count each of Dog Fighting and Cruelty to Animals.

Just before 8 p.m. on Saturday (February 21, 2026), the TPSO received a tip about a dog-fighting event underway on the property of the Old Country Dollar Store on Highway 10 near Anderson Road in the Roseland area. When deputies arrived, more than a dozen individuals scattered from a shop-type building, leaving behind a puppy in concerning condition and various signs of a dog fighting operation, including a boxing-type ring, a scale, and a program booklet featuring various dogs as contestants.

Dyson, confirmed as the owner of the property, was on scene and was taken into custody. Several vehicles abandoned by the crowd were also seized and are being processed to determine ownership. Tangipahoa Parish Animal Services took in two dogs for medical evaluation and treatment.

This is an ongoing investigation with more arrests expected. Detectives are asking for information about anyone involved with Saturday’s incident, or any prior similar activities at that location, as well as any information about where the dogs involved in this incident may have come from, to contact our Criminal Investigations Office at 985-902-2088. 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! Tips submitted directly through Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.

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

Obituary

Cynthia Ann Paulk

April 13, 1940 - February 23, 2026

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 75. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight   Increasing clouds, with a low around 60. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 5 to 15 mph. 
Thursday Night   A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 59. South wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight. 
Friday   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. North wind around 5 mph. 
Friday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Calm wind.

February 24, 2026

Obituary

Walter Vertrees "Vert" Adams

September 26, 1939 — February 22, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for February 22-23, 2026

Hardy Thomas (age 41 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Violence Battery (2nd Offense) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Angel Mingo (age 21 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Home Invasion/Intimidation, Criminal Damage (2 counts), Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness, Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery, and Cruelty to a Juvenile(s) by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Charles Lewis (age 61 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Kelsey Varnado (age 20 with no address shown) was booked on the charges of Principal to Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, Contributing to Delinquency of Juvenile, and Aggravated Battery by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Jeremy Blow (age 46 with Ponchatoula, La. address) was booked on charges not listed and by Arrest Agency not listed. 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 62. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight   Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday   Partly sunny, with a high near 74. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
Wednesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 10 mph.
Thursday   A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. South wind 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday Night   A 80 percent chance of showers. Low around 57. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight. 

February 23, 2026

Obituary

David Lavon "Wooche" White

November 13, 1962 - February 17, 2026

Obituary

Larry Dillon

February 19, 1947 - February 15, 2026

Obituary

Wava Graham Hill

August 30, 1942 - February 21, 2026

Inmate Found Deceased at Slidell City Jail

The Slidell Police Department reports that early Sunday (February 22, 2026) morning, an inmate at the Slidell City Jail was found unresponsive inside his jail cell.

The individual has been identified as 65-year-old Douglas Koch. Preliminary information indicates that Mr. Koch appeared to have suffered a medical emergency in his sleep. He had been arrested approximately two days prior for second offense D.W.I. and was housed alone in his cell at the time of his death. At this time, foul play is not suspected.

As is standard procedure with any in-custody death, the Slidell Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is conducting a full investigation. Based on current information, all indications suggest Mr. Koch died of natural causes.

An autopsy will be performed by the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office, which will officially determine and classify the cause and manner of death.

Obituary

Marilyn Mansfield "Nan" Carpenter

February 23, 1954 - February 20, 2026

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 54. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight   Widespread frost after 5am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 27. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday   Sunny, with a high near 61. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday   Partly sunny, with a high near 74. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
Wednesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind around 10 mph.

February 22, 2026

Obituary

Bobbie Earl Wilkes McElveen Adams

January 15, 1935 - February 21, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for February 19-21, 2026

Joryiel Cyprian (age 18 with Tangipahoa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Obstruction of
Justice/Evidence Tampering and Illegal Carrying and Discharge of Weapon by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $30000.00.

Robert Westmoreland (age 35 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Probation Violation and Contempt of the Court by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Jasmin Pacheco (age 37 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts), Contempt of Court, and Bond Surrender (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $20000.00. 

***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. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph.
Tonight   Clear, with a low around 32. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday   Sunny, with a high near 52. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Monday Night   Widespread frost after 4am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 26. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday   Sunny, with a high near 61. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. South wind around 5 mph.

February 21, 2026

This Week in Louisiana Agriculture

Fire weather Warning for Washington Parish

Critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. 
 




Obituary

Ernest "Buddy" McBeth, Sr.

October 1, 1948 - February 19, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
















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

Today   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 80. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight   A 20 percent chance of showers before 7pm. Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 40. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday   Sunny, with a high near 56. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday Night   Clear, with a low around 33. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday   Sunny, with a high near 53. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Monday Night   Clear, with a low around 26. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

February 20, 2026

Obituary

June Rose Hoyer Magee Thomas

June 8, 1941 - February 19, 2026

Tangipahoa Parish Jail Nurse Pleads Guilty to Fraud Offenses

U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that Tonya Denise Brown, age 49, a licensed practical nurse, and of Tangipahoa Parish, pleaded guilty to five felonies on February 12, 2026. Specifically, Brown pleaded guilty to four counts of Wire Fraud, with each count involving a different scheme.

Click here for a previous related story

According to court records, in one scheme, Brown used a nursing job at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail to obtain money with false promises of assistance with state criminal prosecutions. 

In the other three schemes, Brown defrauded people by claiming that, in exchange for money, she would help them obtain disaster assistance benefits. As a result, Brown defrauded the HUD-funded Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program, that provided grant funding to homeowners affected by disasters, and defrauded FEMA’s rental assistance program that provided grants to help displaced disaster victims pay their rent.

Finally, Brown pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone Hydrochloride pills, a Controlled Substance and admitted that she offered to sell such. She also acknowledged that she lied to the FBI and to a judge regarding this matter.

The possession with intent to distribute count, the wire fraud count for false promises of assistance with state criminal cases, and the wire fraud count for false promises of assistance with disaster benefits and are each punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment. The wire fraud counts related to the Restore program and the FEMA rental assistance program are each punishable by up to 30 years’ imprisonment due to enhanced penalties for fraud involving disaster benefits. A fine of up to $250,000 may be imposed for each count except the Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance count, for which a fine of up to $1,000,000 may be imposed. Brown is subject to at least three years of supervised release and is required to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, per count.

Washington Parish Government: 2025 By the Numbers

In 2025, Washington Parish Government continued working to strengthen infrastructure, improve public facilities, and support growth.

Highlights include:

  • 30 miles of roads asphalted

  • 116 culverts installed

  • nearly $3 million secured in grant funding

  • major bridge, facility, and recreation improvements

  • 2,013 permits issued, reflecting continued growth

  • 5,856 bags of litter collected parish-wide

  • 100% live release rate at our Animal Shelter

"We are grateful for the partnership of our employees, Parish Council, and citizens. We look forward to new projects in 2026 as we continue moving Washington Parish forward." - Parish President Ryan Seal.

Obituary

Truette Alonzo Bateman

February 22, 1936 — February 15, 2026

Obituary

Donald White

June 23, 1943 - February 3, 2026

Obituary

Jewel Zen Lewis

November 2, 1989 - January 22, 2026

Obituary

Verda Lea Mizell Dillon

September 20, 1951 - February 19, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days















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

Today   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. 
Tonight   A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 5am. Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 66. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 43. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. 
Sunday   Sunny, with a high near 59. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Sunday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 35. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

February 19, 2026

Obituary

Ronald Duncan

February 7, 1957 - February 17, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 29 - February 18, 2026

Note: This record may be incomplete due to the WPSO upgrading their system and to the non-availability of inmate release records.

John Weakland (age 39 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Distribution of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts), Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule II Narcotics, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, No Drivers License, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (3rd + Offense), and Possession of Marijuana by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $75000.00.

Douglas Demmons (age 39 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Distribution of Schedule II CDS (2 counts), Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule II Narcotics, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Convicted Felon in

Possession of Firearm, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (3rd + Offense), Failure to Appear, and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriffs Office. Bond set at $150000.00.

Etric Peterson (age 42 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling and Resisting an Officer/Simple Assault by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $30000.00.

Terry Jefferson (age 48 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriffs Office. Bond set at $2500.00.

Charles Robinson (age 49 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Provide Proper Info, Resisting Arrest by Flight, and Failure to Comply in Person Sex Offender Registration Tier 1 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $15000.00.

Matthew Jones (age 20 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Battery, Principle to Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, and Contributing to Delinquency of Juvenile by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $5000.00.

Skylaar Moore (age 35 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Clifford Mancuso (age 27 with Perkinston, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Posssession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $7500.00.

Austyn Reynolds (age 28 with no address shown) was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $7500.00.

Ronald Heyne (age 27 with no address shown) was booked on the charges of Domestic Violence Battery/Strangulation and Criminal Damage to Property by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $2500.00.

Douglas Chaney (age 49 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.

Michael Chain (age 68 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Stolen Things Under 1000, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

Jerry Johnson (age 38 with Folsom, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving During Darkness With Parking Lights, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Driving Under Suspension, Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Possession of Mariuana, Possession of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Proof of Insurance by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $500000.00.

Ernest Frank (age 55 with Poplarville, Ms. address)was booked on the charges of Ran Stop Sign, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility, and Possessin of Schedule II Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $12000.00.

Kendrick Johnson (age 46 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Probation Violation and Contempt of Court by Probation and Parole and the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jasper Hunt (age 62 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court and on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Shelbie Hoffman (age 33 with Bush, La. address) was booked on the charges of Probation and Parole Hold and Failure to Pay Fine (2 counts) by Probation and Parole and the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2820.00.

Nicolas Calidonia (age 45 with Bush, La. address) was booked on the charges of Parole Violation and Contempt of Court by Probation and Parole and the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jessica Cooley (age 44 with no address shown) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Domestic Violence Assault, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

Monica Truax (age 54 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $7500.00.

Michelle Rogers (age 31 with no address shown) was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $7500.00.

Gregory Levias (age 69 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses, Proper Equipment Required, MVI Expired, and Contempt of Court by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $10000.00.

Jaycob Burkhalter (age 19 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Illegal Use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Possession or Dealing in Unregistered or Illegally Transferred Weapons, Tampering With Sign Identifying a Firearm-Free Zone, Resisting Arrest, Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Illegal Discharge of Weapon, and Resisting Arrest by Flight by the Bogalusa Police Department and the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $40000.00.

Aquilla Baker (age 43 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of False Swearing by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $2500.00.

Calvin Peters (age 62 with no address shown) was booked on the charges of Issuing Worthless Checks 300-500 and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $7500.00.

Lindsay Brunet (age 32 with no address shown) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Second Degree Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

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

Prevalence of Mental Illness - You are not alone!


Obituary

Ja’Cari Profit

July 10, 2025 - February 5, 2026

Obituary

Eunice Faye Byrd Sheridan

July 25, 1939 - February 19, 2026

Obituary

Roderich Tyrone Jefferson

March 3, 1966 - February 5, 2026

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 83. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight   A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 65. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Friday   A 40 percent chance of showers and possibly thunderstorms. Areas of fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning. 
Friday Night   A 40 percent chance of showers after midnight. Increasing clouds, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday   A 60 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. 
Saturday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. North wind 5 to 15 mph. 

February 18, 2026

A Message From The Washington Parish Youth Coalition

LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message

PhytoFindings: Cotton Jassid on Okra

It will be a while before we have okra or eggplants in our gardens again, but I want to alert you to an insect pest that we may encounter in the upcoming growing season.

In September 2025, LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. James Villeagas notified us that the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry had found a new-to-Louisiana insect pest, the cotton jassid, on ornamental hibiscus plants at some nurseries. In early October, he alerted us that they had also been found in cotton fields in Tensas Parish.

A little over a week later, in mid-October, I was looking at my okra plants. It was late in the season, I hadn’t side-dressed them with fertilizer, and I knew that I had root knot nematodes in this area. So, I wasn’t surprised that they weren’t looking their best. It occurred to me, though, that my Orleans Parish colleague Dr. Joe Willis had mentioned that cotton jassids affect okra plants. I flipped over a leaf and, sure enough, found some suspicious light green critters. I sent some photos to Dr. Villegas, who agreed that they appeared to be cotton jassids.

The cotton jassid (Amrasca biguttula) is also known as the two-spot cotton leafhopper. It has piercing-sucking mouthparts, meaning that it doesn’t make holes in plants but removes sap from them. Toxins in its saliva also contribute to the symptoms it causes, including yellowing, reddening, marginal browning, leaf distortion, and plant stunting. Like many piercing-sucking insects, cotton jassids feed from the undersides of leaves, and they’re small. Nymphs (juveniles) range from 0.6 to 2.2 mm long, or from about one-fortieth of an inch to a little under one-tenth of an inch, while adults can reach up to 3 mm long, or a little under one-eighth of an inch. So, you probably won’t see them unless you look for them.

Cotton is the most economically important crop that the cotton jassid damages, hence the name. However, it also affects other plants that are valuable to us. Cotton, okra, and the many Hibiscus species are all in the mallow family (Malvaceae). We value most cultivated hibiscus plants for their ornamental qualities, but people grow roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa, also called sorrel or Florida cranberry) so that they can use its calyxes (part of the flowers) for making tea and other products.

Eggplants are in the nightshade family with tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes, but the cotton jassid feeds on them, too. Leaf symptoms are not as distinct on eggplant as they are on cotton and okra, but yield loss has been reported.

We don’t yet know to what extent the cotton jassid will overwinter in Louisiana. Nevertheless, it is highly likely that numbers will be lower early in the growing season than later.

So, while both okra and eggplant are heat-tolerant vegetables that can be planted later than some other warm-season crops, I recommend planting them early within their recommended planting windows this year. Okra sometimes experiences damping off if planted too early, when soil is still cool, so don’t go crazy with early planting but consider planting in April in southeast Louisiana. Likewise, eggplant is more cold-sensitive than some other warm-season vegetables, but it can be transplanted in mid- to late-March, once no frosts are in the forecast.

At this time, we’re largely relying on information from other states about insecticide efficacy for cotton jassid. The most effective insecticides are not available in quantities appropriate for most home gardens.

Imidacloprid has some efficacy, and there are at least a couple of imidacloprid-containing home garden insecticide products – Bioadvanced Fruit, Citrus & Vegetable Insect Control and Monterey Fruit Tree & Vegetable Systemic Soil Drench – that are labeled for use around okra and eggplant, once per year. Both must be applied to the soil at the base of the plants, just after they’re transplanted or shortly after plants emerge from seeds. They are not labeled for spraying onto the leaves of the plants.

There are other imidacloprid products labeled for use on ornamental plants. Because these products are systemic and due to concerns about bees, they have restrictions related to the timing of application relative to flowering, and this affects when they can be used on ornamental hibiscus plants.

Another option for home gardeners is neem oil. There are a number of neem oil products on the market, and some have broadly worded labels that allow use on many types of vegetable plants and ornamentals. However, the spray must cover the undersides of the leaves, and repeated applications will likely be needed. Even if one of the imidacloprid products is used, I would suggest regularly checking okra plants for cotton jassid nymphs and adults, and spraying neem oil if you start seeing them.

Make sure any insecticide you’re considering using is labeled for the type of plants on which you plan to use it, and read and follow label instructions.

Since many other insects (most of which are not pests) occur in the garden, and a wide range of other factors can cause plant problems, let us know if you need help with troubleshooting.

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, 985-277-1850 (Hammond), or 985-839-7855 (Franklinton).

Margie Y. Jenkins Azalea Garden Party is March 12th

The LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station is pleased to announce the Margie Y. Jenkins Azalea Garden Party, a special event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the beloved Margie Y. Jenkins Azalea Garden. The celebration will take place Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Hammond Research Station, located at 21549 Old Covington Highway, Hammond, LA 70403. Refreshments will be provided for all guests.

Established in 2006, the Margie Y. Jenkins Azalea Garden honors the extraordinary legacy of Margie Y. Jenkins, a nationally recognized plantswoman and horticultural pioneer celebrated for her passion, generosity, and decades of influence on the nursery and landscape industry. Over the past 20 years, the garden has become a vibrant showcase of azalea diversity, a living resource for research and education, and a treasured destination for Louisiana gardeners and visitors.

The anniversary garden party will bring together friends, supporters, horticulture professionals, and community members to commemorate two decades educational outreach, and the enduring impact of Margie Jenkins’ work. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy walks through the garden, connect with AgCenter faculty and staff, and experience the garden at one of the most beautiful times of the year.

“We are proud to honor Margie Jenkins’ remarkable contributions to not only Louisiana horticulture but to Southern horticulture,” said Dr. Christine Coker, Station Coordinator. “The azalea garden stands as a testament to her passion for plants and people.”

The event is free and open to the public. A special raffle will be held with proceeds going to support the Azalea Garden.

If you would like to support the Margie Y. Jenkins Azalea Garden, or for more information, please contact the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station at (985) 543-4125.

Obituary

Carol Sue Slocum Carrier

July 6, 1954 - February 15, 2026

Body of Apparant Drowning Victim Recovered Near Enon

The Washington Parish Sheriff's Office reports that the remains of 66-year-old Marcel Chauvin of
Marrero have been recovered and received by the coroner. 

Earlier on Tuesday (February 17, 2025) evening, WPSO had reported that deputies were searching for the body of a man in an old gravel pit near Holdens Run in Enon. It was reported that the victim attempted to grab a kayak, fell into the body of water and did not resurface. First responders were on scene with a sonar boat and dive gear. 

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 78. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight   Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday   Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
Thursday Night   A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday   A 50 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph.

February 17, 2026

This Week in Louisiana Agriculture

Obituary

Jennifer Maria Bankston

January 8, 1961 - February 9, 2026

Obituary

Lorraine Janice Crowe

July 15, 1951 - February 15, 2026

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 71. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday   Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph.
Thursday   A 30 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
Thursday Night   A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind 5 to 10 mph.