Franklinton Police Chief Olander Smith Resigns

After three years at the helm of the Franklinton Police Department, Olander Smith submitted his resignation Tuesday night (January 8, 2019) during the Franklinton Board of Aldermen meeting. His resignation is effective February 1, 2019.

Smith is a resident of the Hackley community of Washington Parish. Prior to serving as Franklinton Poice Chief, Smith retired from the Louisiana State police after thirty three years, achieving the rank of Major and directing four Troops. Mr. Smith has over forty years of public service in law enforcement.

During his term as Police Chief and in addition to his primary duties, Smith initiated a Safety Expo for children, joined in efforts to address the parish's addiction crisis, promoted efforts to involve youth in the betterment of the community, worked with the District Attorney to address the plight of crime victims, and served on the Washington St. Tammany Electric Board of Directors.

Smith finished his brief remarks by sharing how you “get what you want” and that is by planning, by working, and by praying.

We wish Chief Smith the best in the future.

Today in History for January 9th

AP Top Stories January 9, 2019 AM

Obituary

Justine Conerly
June 20, 1985 - December 29, 2018

Pedestrian Struck and Killed on East Causeway Approach

The Mandeville Police Department responded this morning (January 8, 2019) to a crash that took the

life of Gregory Discon. The crash occurred on East Causeway Approach near the intersection of Kleber Street.

The investigation revealed that Discon had just been involved in a single vehicle accident immediately before the fatality that claimed his life. In that incident, a dog reportedly ran out in front of him causing him to strike the raised median and a street sign near the same location. His car was towed due to damage. A family member, Scott Discon, arrived to pick up the victim. The victim was in front passenger seat but after pulling off, realized he left personal effects on top of the car which blew off and into the street. Gregory Discon got out and proceeded to the rear of the car and began gathering his belongings in the lane of travel. A white 2014 Mercedes struck the victim, killing the victim instantly.

Obituary

Julius Edward Bolton
August 05, 1955 - January 04, 2019

Obituary

Joshua Caleb Murphy
July 7, 1977 - January 6, 2019

Bogalusa Woman Identified as Mandeville Crash Victim

Cassandra McClain, age 37 and of Bogalusa, has been identified as the pedestrian who died after being struck by two vehicles near Mandeville on Saturday evening (January 5, 2019), according to an article by Bob Warren, NOLA.com (Click here to read).  McClain died of multiple blunt force trauma to her head, chest and abdomen, the Coroner’s Office said.

St. Tammany Parish Coroner Charles Preston's office had requested help in identifying the victim and reported that the victim was not carrying ID or a cell phone and that she was African-American, believed to be in her mid to late 30s and wearing dark clothing and black earrings.

Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L determined the victim, now identified as McClain, was wearing dark clothing and was walking in the eastbound lane of US 190 on the Bayou Castine Bridge. She was first struck by a vehicle driven by Melvin Ruiz (37) of Mandeville. Following that collision, McClain was also struck by a vehicle driven by Emily Anne Jeanfreau (17) of Mandeville. McClain was transported to Lakeview Regional Medical Center by St. Tammany Fire District 4 and was pronounced deceased shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Obituary

Essie Marie Newman
July 17, 1940 - January 03, 2019

Today in History for January 8th

AP Top Stories January 8, 2019 AM

Arrest Made in Slidell After Man Robs and Batters Ex-Girlfriend

A man was arrested Sunday (January 6, 2018) after he reportedly robbed and battered his ex-girlfriend in a Slidell-area motel room before fleeing from authorities.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a motel on Yaupon Drive in Slidell shortly before 1 p.m. Sunday after a female occupant reported her ex-boyfriend, Kevin Martin (22), had forced his way into her room, battered her and stole her wallet, which contained an undisclosed amount of cash. She told deputies Martin then exited the motel room and ran toward a nearby shopping area.

With the assistance of a Slidell Police Department officer, who was working nearby security detail, STPSO deputies were able to locate Martin and, after initially resisting, was taken into custody. The stolen cash was located in the pocket of Martin’s jacket and was returned to the victim.

Martin was charged with Resisting a Police Officer with Force or Violence, Battery of a Dating Partner, and Aggravated Burglary.

Obituary

Jeannie Spears O'Brien
December 8, 1946 - January 6, 2019

Franklinton Dixie Baseball Registration

Click here for online registration.

Today in History for January 7th

AP Top Stories January 7, 2019 AM

Obituary

Elmer "Rip" Rohner
February 13, 1934 - January 5, 2019

Today in History for January 6th

Bogalusa Mayor,Council, and Prosecutor Sworn Into Offices

Sworn into the offices by City Court Judge Robert J. Black at the City of Bogalusa Citizens' Inauguration on January 4, 2019 were David Merlin Duke as City Prosecutor, Wendy O'Quin-Perrette as Mayor, and City Council members Theodore Drummond, Penny Douglas, Gloria Kates, Danielle Keys, Oneita Graham, Kenny Kellis, and Mark Irvine.

The ceremony was well-attended and included many parish leaders. Each of the newly-elected office holders were given opportunity to make brief remarks and Mayor Perrette made the Inaugural Address. In her remarks, the Mayor reflected on the challenges Bogalusa has faced and called upon the Council to work hand-in-hand with her to address the challenges the City continues to face.

Prayers were made for wisdom, perseverance, strength, courage, a spirit of unity, and the removal of political rivalries and grudges.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings January 4, 2019

Seena Chauvin was booked 01/04 In From Court
Brett Moore was booked 01/04 on the charge of Driving While Intoxicated
Patricia Allred was booked 01/04 on the charge of Contempt of Court
Lance Rouse was booked 01/04 on the charges of Armed Robbery and First Degree Murder
Melissa Smith was booked 01/04 on the charges of Armed Robbery and First Degree Murder
Brie Ramser was booked 01/04 In From Court