We've got plenty to share this week! We visit West Feliciana Parish, where drought and rising costs are squeezing cattle ranchers, celebrate 10 years of Iverstine Butcher and see how students are growing their agricultural skills in Lincoln Parish. We're also welcoming TWILA's newest reporter, Gabriella Mercurio! Join us for her first official story as she explores how Louisiana's Farm to School program is turning food waste into learning opportunities.
October 30, 2026
Set Clocks Back One Hour & Check Your Alarms
Louisiana State Fire Marshal (SFM) Chief Chad P. Sonnier urges residents to test their alarms this
weekend as clocks "fall back" one hour for the end of Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, November 1, at 2 a.m.
Residential fires have killed 55 Louisianans so far this year. Only four of those fatal fires occurred in homes with working smoke alarms.
This Sunday, remember to:
- Set your clocks back 1 hour
- Test your smoke alarms to make sure they are working. A working smoke alarm can make all the difference — it can save lives!
- Replace batteries if needed
- Take a moment to review your family's fire escape plan
LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message
Fall and Spring are Good Times to Apply Bait for Fire Ant Management
Where red imported fire ants are a problem, broadcasting a fire ant bait one to three times per year can be a cost-efficient foundation for a management program.
Baits contain small amounts of insecticide mixed with materials that attract ants. If used correctly, worker ants bring the bait back to their mounds so that other ants in the colony are exposed to the insecticide. Because ants themselves distribute it, using bait effectively doesn’t require knowing where all mounds are or physically getting an insecticide to all parts of a colony. Fire ant mounds can extend multiple feet into the soil where they aren’t restricted by a high water table.
For baits to work well, ants need to think of them as food. They should be used when fresh and applied when the ground is dry, with rain not expected within 24 hours.
The temperature at the time of application is important. Fire ants do not seek out food as actively when temperatures are hotter than 90 degrees F or cooler than 65 to 70 degrees F. For this reason, application in fall and spring is often recommended. If you apply bait during the summer, do it at a time of day when temperatures are cooler.
To make sure that fire ants are active enough for treatment to be effective, you can put a potato chip, a piece of hot dog, or a piece of the bait itself near a mound and check to see if ants are present within about thirty minutes. Do not disturb mounds before putting out bait.
There is a wide range with respect to how quickly baits work. Ones containing indoxacarb can work very quickly, substantially reducing fire ant populations within about a week. On the other end of the spectrum are products with insect growth regulators like methoprene and pyriproxyfen. It can take several months for these to have their maximum effect. Products with ingredients like metaflumizone, spinosad, fipronil, and hydromethylnon fall in the middle, with metaflumizone potentially working a little more quickly than the other three.
Pay attention to the rate at which the label says to use baits. Rates are typically very low. For example, the application rate for some is only 1.5 pounds per acre, which is equivalent to just 0.55 ounce per 1000 square feet. Some baits are also labeled for treating around individual mounds. If you only have a few fire ant mounds, you can follow the product label’s instructions for this type of application.
If you want long-term control of fire ants but also need to get rid of them quickly in one or more spots (e.g., where children will be playing), you can take a two-step approach: Apply bait, wait a few days to give ants time to carry it back into the mounds, and then apply a contact insecticide.
Contact insecticides can be in the form of liquids, granular materials that are watered into the mound, or dusts. These work quickly to kill ants that they contact.
When applying a contact insecticide that requires the use of water, it’s important to use enough water to get it down into the mound. Active ingredients in contact insecticides include acephate, d-limonene, spinosad, and various pyrethroids (e.g., bifenthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and permethrin).
When using any insecticide, be sure to read and follow label instructions. Not all fire ant products can be used in all situations. Quite a few are labeled for use on lawns. For vegetable gardens or orchards, options are more limited but do exist. Because ants will travel some distance to forage for bait, bait applied outside of but near a vegetable garden or fruit planting can have an effect on ants in those locations, too.
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).
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 28-29, 2026
Terry Varnado (age 34 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Illegal Discharge/Use of Weapon and Criminal Damage to Property by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.
Stacey Grimes (age 56 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court.
Undreay Jackson (age 54 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Burn Ban Violation of Fire Marshal's Orders and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.
Shawna Cassidy (age 33 with a Mandeville, La. address) was booked In From Court.
Macy Kuhn (age 55 with a Louisiana address) was booked In From Court.
David Varnado (age 47 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Residential Contractor (Home Improvement) Fraud and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 28, 2026
Charles Crockett (age 63) was booked on the charge of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Covington Police Department.
Kayla Carver (age 37) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule III CDS, Possession of Schedule IV (2 counts), Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription, Illegal Carrying of Weapon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Manufacture/Distribution of Schedule II CDS by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Lieteal Burns (age 32) was booked on the charges of Hit and Run and Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle by the Causeway Bridge Police.
Angel Price (age 24) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment and Domestic Abuse Battery/Dangerous Weapon by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Joseph Sagona (age 43) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Bridget Wood (age 61) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Euell Sylvester (age 40) was booked on the charges of Manufacture/Distribution of Schedule I CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Contempt of Court, and Fugitive (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Rodney Karcher (age 74) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Crime Against Nature and Molestation of a Juvenile or Person With Physical or Mental Disability by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Tonya Logue (age 35) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Angelique Gallegos (age 24) was booked on the charge of Battery of a Dating Partner by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Ashley Thompson (age 38) was booked on the charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Open Container in Motor Vehicle, and Driver Must Be Licensed by the Mandeville Police Department.
Darren Bagnetto (age 52) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Kelly Austin (no age shown) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Marc Muniz (age 43) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Laila Burham (age 20) was booked on the charges of Underage DWI, Careless Operation, and Use of Wireless Telecommunications Device Prohibited by the Louisiana State Police.
***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 cloudy, with a high near 82. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday Night A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. East wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
October 29, 2026
Three Women Arrested During St. Tammany Drug Investigation
Three women were arrested Tuesday (October 27, 2026) following a nearly month-long investigation into the distribution of illegal narcotics in St. Tammany Parish. Arrested were 50-year-old Shannon Keplea of Pearl River, 37-year-old Kayla Carver of Pearl River, and 52-year-old Star Willis of Metairie.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Earlier this month, detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit launched an investigation into two Pearl River residents, Shannon Kepler and Kayla Carver, who were suspected of distributing illegal narcotics throughout the parish. The investigation culminated Tuesday when detectives executed arrest warrants for Kepler and Carver, along with search warrants at two residences: one in the 39000 block of West Porters River Road in Pearl River and another in the 1500 block of Rue Lemans in Slidell.
When detectives arrived at the West Porters River Road residence, they interrupted what was determined to be a drug transaction between Kepler and Star Willis. Detectives recovered methamphetamine associated with the transaction, and both women were taken into custody.
At the Rue Lemans residence, detectives observed Carver drive into the area and attempt to leave after spotting law enforcement. She was quickly apprehended and taken into custody.
During the nearly month-long investigation, STPSO narcotics detectives seized more than 51 grams of methamphetamine, approximately seven grams of marijuana, 11 dosage units of suboxone, seven dosage units of gabapentin, two dosage units of tramadol, two dosage units of alprazolam and one firearm
Shannon Kepler was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the following charges:
- 2 counts L.R.S. 40:967A Distribution of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Methamphetamine)
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:967A Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Methamphetamine)
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:968A Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule III Controlled Dangerous Substance (Suboxone)
- 2 counts L.R.S. 40:969C Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substance (Tramadol & Alprazolam)
- 1 count L.R.S. 14:95E Illegal carrying of a Weapon in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:1060.13 Possession of a Legend Drug without a Prescription (Gabapentin)
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:1023 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- 1 count L.R.S. 14:108 Resisting an Officer
Kayla Carver was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the following charges:
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:967A Distribution of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Methamphetamine)
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:967A Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Methamphetamine)
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:968A Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule III Controlled Dangerous Substance (Suboxone)
- 2 counts L.R.S. 40:969C Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substance (Tramadol & Alprazolam)
- 1 count L.R.S. 14:95E Illegal carrying of a Weapon in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:1060.13 Possession of a Legend Drug without a Prescription (Gabapentin)
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:1023 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Star Willis was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the following charges:
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:967C Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Methamphetamine)
Riverside Medical Center's Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat
Riverside Medical Center invites you to their annual Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat! You can enjoy decorated
trunks, Halloween treats, and clean family fun, all from the comfort of your car! For the safety of all participants, no walkers will be permitted. All attendees must remain in their vehicles throughout the event.
60-Year Prison Sentence for Mandeville Sexual Assault of 65-Year-Old
District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that on Wednesday (October 28, 2026), 50-year-old Arthur James White of Mandeville, Louisiana, was sentenced to 60 years at hard labor without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence for the sexual assault of a 65-year-old victim. The Honorable Judge Tara Farris Zeller handed down the sentence following White’s guilty plea to Sexual Battery of a Victim Over 65 Years of Age.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in the early morning hours of May 29, 2021. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a residence in Mandeville after receiving an emergency call. Upon arrival, deputies located the 65-year-old victim hiding behind bushes in a neighbor’s yard.
While the victim was sleeping on her couch, White forced himself on top of her and shoved a cloth into her mouth to silence her screams before sexually assaulting her. The victim was subsequently transported to St. Tammany Parish Hospital for forensic examination, and White was apprehended at the scene.
During the sentencing hearing, the victim delivered a powerful impact statement in open court. Addressing White directly, she stated:
"I thank God I'm here to make this statement. Five years, 5 months ago, I woke up in the middle of the night to see this person standing over me - next thing I know, he's on top of me. I said Stop. I tried to scream. He shoved a rag down my throat. I remember you telling me when you were on top of me...you said, 'I'm doing this because I'm going to prison for the rest of my life anyway.' Today I'm saying to you...Yes, you are. You raped me."
A statement from another victim previously targeted by White over a decade ago was also read aloud by the DA’s Office Victim Assistance Coordinator: "Although it happened over a decade ago, he sought me out. I'm writing this letter for her and for a piece of myself I can never get back."
District Attorney Collin Sims commended the victim’s resilience and the collaborative work of law enforcement and prosecutors:
"Today's 60-year sentence ensures that a dangerous predator will spend the rest of his life behind bars where he belongs. I want to commend the victim for her immense bravery in speaking out and holding this offender accountable, as well as the victim who came forward from his past. Our office remains steadfast in our commitment to seeking justice for victims of sexual violence and removing dangerous offenders from our community."
The case was investigated by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Tiffany Dover and Taylor Nicholson.
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 83. East wind around 5 mph.
Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
October 28, 2026
AG Liz Murrill's Office Arrests Slidell Woman and Mississippi Man on Charges of Sex Crimes Against Children, Including First-Degree Rape
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill's Office reports that a NCMEC Cybertip submitted by a private
citizen reported that an adult female produced and distributed images/videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) involving a toddler in St. Tammany Parish and that those images were distributed to an adult male in Mississippi.
Agents identified the reported female as 47-year-old Lacy Marie Amedio of Slidell, as well as the child(ren) involved. Further investigation determined that Amedio committed sex acts upon at least one child as well as produced CSAM involving this child and at least one other. Amedio then electronically distributed the CSAM content to another party, identified as 36-year-old Corey Dewayne Monk of Walnut Grove, Mississippi.
Amedio was arrested on October 23, 2026 for the following charges:
- 14:81.1 (Possession) of Child Sexual Abuse Material under the Age of Thirteen (Felony); 3 counts
- 14:81.1-- (Production of) Child Sexual Abuse Material under the Age of Thirteen-- (Felony); 6 counts
- 14:81--Indecent Behavior with Juveniles-- (Felony); 6 counts
- 14:42-- First Degree Rape (under the Age of Thirteen)-- (Felony); 2 counts
- 14:43.1-- Sexual Battery (under the Age of Thirteen)-- (Felony); 4 counts
Monk was arrested by Mississippi law enforcement at his residence, pursuant to a Louisiana arrest warrant, on October 26, 2026 for the following charges:
- LA R.S. 14:24-- Principals (to 14:81.1 Child Sexual Abuse Material under the Age of Thirteen-(1) count
- LA R.S. 14:24-- Principals (to 14:42 First Degree Rape-under the Age of Thirteen-(1) count
This arrest was the result of a joint investigation involving the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Slidell Police Department, Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, and Scott County (MS) Sheriff’s Office
Amedio was issued a bond of $2,000,000, while Monk’s bond information is currently unknown. The investigation remains ongoing.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 27, 2026
Carrie Johnson (age 45) was booked on the charge of Simple Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
David Jost (age 70) was booked on the charge of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Mandeville Police Department.
Marvin Smith (age 67) was booked on the charge of Misdemeanor Sexual Battery by the Madisonville Police Department.
Jamar Francis (age 39) was booked on the charges of Battery of a Dating Partner With Strangulation and Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Camerin White (age 25) was booked on the charge of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond by Bondsman.
Katherine Henderson (age 42) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Emanuel Hill (age 21) was booked on the charge of Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Jerry Babineaux (age 61) was booked on the charges of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by Bondsman.
Hamrick Selby (age 41) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) and Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond by Bondsman.
Johnnie Miller (age 38) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Louisiana State Police.
Raheem Harris (age 27) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Elaysha Washington (age 25) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Clarence Stewart (age 40) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (4 counts) and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Jaroby Quijada (age 18) was booked on the charge(s) not listed by the Slidell Police Department.
Shannon Kepler (age 50) was booked on the charges of Manufacture/Distribution Schedule II CDS (2 counts), Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule III CDS, Possession Schedule IV (2 counts), Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription, Illegal Carrying of Weapon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Resisting an Officer by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Star Willis (age 52) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Connie Dickinson (age 63) was booked on the charges of Second Degree Rape, Crime Against Nature, Sexual Battery, and Indecent Behavior With a Juvenile by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Covington-Area Man Arrested for Possession of Child Porn and Bestiality
Marcus Schech, age 18 and of the Covington-area, has been arrested (once again) following an
investigation that uncovered hundreds of images depicting child sexual abuse material and bestiality. An investigation conducted by detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, who also serve on the multi-agency Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, led to the October 20, 2026 arrest of Schech after a forensic examination of his electronic devices revealed hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material and bestiality.
The investigation began after the ICAC Task Force received a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. On August 20, 2026, Investigators executed a search warrant at Schech’s residence in the 100 block of North Drive in Covington with the assistance of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office and the Covington Police Department. During that initial search, investigators discovered five images of child sexual abuse material, leading to Schech’s initial arrest. Several electronic devices belonging to Schech were seized at that time for further examination. A forensic examination of those devices revealed an additional 373 images of CSAM and 25 images of bestiality. As a result of those findings, Schech was arrested again on October 20, 2026 by members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, which includes a detective assigned from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
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