Riverside Medical Center Now Offering 3-D Mammograms

As a patient you have the power to choose were you will go for medical imaging when your doctor

orders an imaging exam. Physicians trust Riverside Medical Center for their quality and professionalism. Patients choose Riverside Medical Center for their convenient location, easy scheduling, and friendly, personalized care.

RMC is now offering Washington Parish's only 3-D Mammogram! Studies show that 3-D mammograms reduce the need for additional imaging and increase the number of cancers detected during screening. And, Riverside's SmartCurve System is clinically proven to deliver a more comfortable mammogram. The curved compression surface mirrors the shape of a woman's breast. Ask your Primary Care Provider to order your Mammogram today!

Scheduled exams are available Monday through Friday. Emergent exams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Radiology Imaging Services offered include MRI, MR Arthrograms, CT, CT Angiography, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Mammography, Breast Biopsy, Bone Densitometry, Fluoroscopy, Digital Radiography, Epidural Steroid Injections of Lumbosacral area, Joint Steroid Injections (Hip, Shoulder), Thyroid FNA, General Biopsy, and Lumbar Punctures

The RIGHT CHOICE is RIGHT HERE. Click here for more information.

Notice of Public Hearing

Today in History for June 10th

AP Top Stories June 10, 2020 AM

Two Suspects in Jail Following Investigation into Northshore Gun Store Burglaries

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has obtained arrest warrants for Kahliq Williams (20) and

Richard Jones (22), both of New Orleans, for burglarizing a Covington-area gun store.

Over the past several months, investigators from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, the Slidell Police Department and Louisiana State Police, have worked on a joint investigation relative to several gun store burglaries on the Northshore. During the course of that joint investigation, a Covington-area gun store was burglarized in the early morning hours of April 17, 2020 and numerous guns were stolen during that burglary. 

Investigators from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, working in collaborative efforts with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, were able to identify Williams and Jones as two suspects responsible for the burglary. The subsequent investigation resulted in the recovery of several guns from the burglary. 

Williams was taken into custody on May 20, 2020 by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, while in commission of an unrelated offense.  Williams is in the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, and pending his release, will be transported to the St. Tammany Parish Jail, where he will be booked on arrests warrants for the following charges: Simple Burglary, Illegal Possession of Stolen Things Over $5,000, Handling of Machine Guns (5 counts), Theft of Firearms (45 counts), and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

Jones was arrested by the New Orleans Police Department and booked into Orleans Parish Prison on May 22, 2020 for crimes committed in Orleans Parish. On June 1, he was transported to the St. Tammany Parish Jail and booked on warrants for the following charges: Simple Burglary, Illegal Possession of Stolen Things Over $5,000, Handling of Machine Guns (5 counts), Theft of Firearms (45 counts), Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, and Possession of Firearm or Carrying Concealed Weapon by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies

The investigation relative to this burglary, as well as other gun store burglaries on the Northshore, is ongoing.

“Protecting the communities of St. Tammany Parish is a vital part of our mission,” said ATF New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “ATF will continue to provide expertise and resources to investigate burglaries of lawful enterprises that are part of the community. I would like to thank all of our law enforcement partners for working tirelessly to ensure justice will be served.”

Sheriff Randy Smith thanks all of the other agencies involved who continue to work together with our deputies to bring justice for our local gun store owners.  “Arrests like these would not be possible if it wasn’t for the joint effort of law enforcement working together,” Sheriff Smith said.

Obituary

Essie Pearl Newkirk
April 29, 1941 - June 08, 2020

Obituary

Jennifer Rebecca Barnes
November 28, 1972 - June 05, 2020

Obituary

Ivy Wallace Wall, Jr.
February 03, 1942 - June 07, 2020

Obituary

Louise Kemp Dillon
November 12, 1929 - June 7, 2020

Washington Parish Jail Bookings June 8, 2020

Onycha Young was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Contempt of Court (3 counts)
David Wells was booked on the charge of Distribution of Schedule 1 Drugs
Emelda Mingo was booked on the charge of Distribution of Schedule 1 Drugs

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today in History for June 9th

AP Top Stories June 9, 2020

Help TPSO Locate This Stolen Mower

Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa, Inc. advised today (June 8, 2020) that Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards is asking for the public's assistance in locating a stolen lawn mower.

A Kubota ZD21 zero turn lawn mower was stolen from a residence on Weinberger Rd. in Ponchatoula on June 4, 2020, and subsequently sold to a white male driving a white Dodge pick-up truck on Saturday June 6, 2020. It is believed the buyer unknowingly purchased the stolen mower and lives in the Amite area.

“If you have information on this case please call Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s anonymous tip line at 1.800.554.5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! Be a part of the solution and you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000! “

Obituary

Dorothy Ann "Puggy" Tate
February 04, 1948 - June 07, 2020

Obituary

Eddie Nell Bullen Merritt
December 31, 1935 – June 7, 2020

Obituary

Lindsay Margaret McElveen
November 23, 1980 - June 4, 2020

Three Shot/Two Deceased in Amite

Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa, Inc.  is reporting that, according to Amite Police Chief Jerry Trabona,

Amite Fire crews dispatched his office to a residence on Bourgeois Street where they were responding to a medical call around 6 p.m. Thursday evening (June 4, 2020). Once on scene, APD learned that medical crews were treating a victim who had been shot. Investigators were also told that there were two more victims inside the structure
.
Officers went through the home to make sure that there were no active shooters on site and found the bodies of two additional victims who were pronounced dead on the scene. They were identified as Terrence Foster (26) and Alvin Henderson (29), both of Amite. The victim who was being treated on site when officers arrived was taken to North Oaks Medical Center. Louisiana State Police Crime Lab and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office are assisting Amite Police in the investigation.

The murders occurred in an area of town Trabona called a “quiet place,” nestled behind the East Mulberry Street Cemetery in a residential area just minutes from Fleet Easley Park. He said the crime scene was especially disturbing, adding that investigators believe the door was "busted open.” He said investigators have some leads, and are looking into a TPSO-referred case that may be connected.

If you have information on this case please call Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s anonymous tip line at 1.800.554.5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! Be a part of the and you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000!

STPSO Searching for Missing Boaters

UPDATE: Two boaters located Ted Roach and Jennifer Lingoni at approximately 1:30 p.m. Monday. They were found sitting on the porch of a camp near Bayou Lacombe and were brought to a nearby boat launch, where they were checked by medical personnel and found to be in good condition.

Roach and Lingoni told deputies their boat sunk in the Rigolets Sunday afternoon, and they spent Sunday afternoon and Sunday night clinging to one life jacket before they made it to shore at Goose Point sometime Monday morning. They then swam across a marsh area and sought refuge at the camp until they were located.

ORIGINAL STORY:
Members of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office resumed their search Monday morning (June 8,

2020) for two missing boaters. Ted Roach (35) and Jennifer Lingoni (31) left out of Salt Bayou near the Rigolets in Slidell at approximately 1 p.m. Sunday (June 7, 2020). They were in a 20-foot skiff with a light-colored top and a 90 horse power Yamaha outboard.

The STPSO was notified shortly after 3 p.m. Sunday, as Tropical Storm Cristobal was approaching the Louisiana coastline, that the two boaters had not returned as planned.

The STPSO Marine Division, assisted by U.S. Coast Guard and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries personnel, searched until dark on Sunday. The conditions on the lake became too dangerous  and the search was suspended until this morning. The Coast Guard helicopter searched through the night with no sight of the vessel and STPSO Marine units resumed their search at first light on Monday morning.

Anyone with information about the location of the boat or the two individuals is asked to call 911.

Message From Parish President Thomas on TS Cristobal

“We are very fortunate that Washington Parish “dodged the bullet”once again. Tropical Storm Cristobal produced rain and wind but not what was originally forecast for Washington Parish. I declared a State of Emergency, at which time the Washington Parish EOC was activated on June 5 and throughout the duration monitoring TS Cristobal closely.

Information received from homeland security director Bobbi Jo Breland indicates Washington Parish received about 3 inches of rain, very few power outages and no damage to report. Our local rivers are still forecasted to rise but we do not expect any major impacts from these rises. As of 8 o’clock this morning the Bogue Chitto at Franklinton was at 2.5 feet. The river is expected to rise to a crest of 9.0 feet early Wednesday morning. The Pearl River was at 11.0 feet. The river is expected to rise above flood stage Wednesday morning to a crest of 14.0 feet tomorrow evening. It will then fall below flood stage late Thursday evening.

Our public work crews were prepared; though it turned out to be a trial run as to what the wind and rain can do. Five trees were reported down on roadways in the parish and our crews were able to remove in a timely manner keeping the citizens of Washington Parish safe.

While the forecast from the National Weather Service and the national hurricane center indicated greater impacts for our area I am thankful that they were minimal, however I urge every citizen to remain vigilant and not let your guard down as this hurricane season is forecasted to be 60% above normal.”

Richard N Thomas Jr
Washington Parish President

Obituary

Randy "Little Man" Freeman
November 4, 1962 - June 4, 2020

Latest on Cristobal

Cristobal has weakened to a tropical depression this morning. It continues to move north-northwest at 10 mph, winds will be diminishing, but the rain threat still poses a threat of flooding.

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Washington Parish Jail Bookings June 6-7, 2020

Lacorte Cooley was booked on the charges of Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Michael Mentel was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated (2nd Offense) and Disturbing the Peace/Noise
Adam Fugate was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery
Cullis Rohn was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear and Theft 1000-5000
Willie Dennis was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Resisting an Officer
David Hall was booked on the charges of Ran Stop Sign, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs (6 counts), Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs (6 counts), Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule III Drugs, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule IV Drugs, Possession Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, and Possession of CDS With Weapon Present
Kamber Sibley was booked on the charges of Driving Under Suspension, Expired License Plate, Switched License Plates, No Proof of Insurance, Possession of Heroin, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Delaris Jenkins was booked on the charge of Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm
Treon Smith was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated (4th Offense) and Careless Operation
Robert Watson was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Today in History for June 8th

AP Top Stories June 8, 2020

Obituary

Christopher Dale Holden
June 04, 1970 - May 28, 2020

Obituary

Eva Beatrice “Bea” Rayburn Shaw
June 11, 1939 - June 05, 2020

TS Cristobal Key Messages This Morning

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Latest on TS Cristobal

We are currently under a Tropical Storm Warning, with winds forecast to be 25-35 mph and gusts to 55 mph. However, the latest advisory adds that there is uncertainty in track, size and intensity, with the potential for wind 58 to 73 mph.

A Flood Watch remains in effect, with an additional 4-8 inches and the possibility of higher amounts. The advisory states that the situation is "somewhat favorable for tornadoes".

At 10 a.m. CDT, the center of Tropical Storm Cristobal was located over the Gulf of Mexico about 345 miles (545 km) south of the mouth of the Mississippi River. It's moving toward the north near 12 mph (19 km/h). On the forecast track, the center will move northward over the central Gulf of Mexico today and tonight, be near the northern Gulf of Mexico coast on Sunday, move inland across Louisiana late Sunday through Monday morning, and the northward across Arkansas and Missouri Monday afternoon into Tuesday.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings June 4-5, 2020

Christopher Warren was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) and Probation Violation
Calvin Martin was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court, Failure to Appear (5 counts), and Probation Violation
Jessica Hunt was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear
Vicki Morgan was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Open Container in Vehicle, and Improper Lane Usage

Today in History June 6th

What Can We Expect in Rainfall from TS Cristobal?

Driver Missing After Crash On Interstate 10

On Thursday, June 4, 2020 shortly after 10:30 pm, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L

responded to an injury crash on Interstate 10 eastbound on the Twin Span bridge near mile marker 259 in St Tammany Parish. A driver that had exited their vehicle from a prior crash fell over the side rail of Interstate 10 into Lake Pontchartrain as a result of the impact.

The initial investigation led Troopers to determine that, 47-year-old Louis Picolo was eastbound on Interstate 10 in a Chevrolet Cruz when he rear end impacted a Dodge Pickup that was stopped due to a prior crash with a Mercedes Sedan. All of the occupants of the Dodge and Mercedes were standing on the shoulder of the Interstate 10 bridge at the time of the impact. The impact caused the driver of the Dodge, who was standing on the shoulder, to go over the bridge rail into the lake.

The identity of the missing driver is unconfirmed at this time. The St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office Marine Division as well as the U.S. Coast Guard are conducting a search of the area for the driver. Impairment is unknown and Picolo was not wearing his seat-belt at the time of the crash. As part of the ongoing investigation, a blood sample was taken from Picolo that will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for scientific analysis. The crash is still under investigation and any charges will be forwarded to the St Tammany District Attorney’s Office.

Message from Parish President Thomas on TS Cristobal

Obituary

Idell Crain
January 17, 1924 - June 4, 2020

Parish President Thomas Signs Emergency Declaration for Tropical Storm Cristobal

Citing the potential for Tropical Storm Cristobal to produce tropical storm force winds and heavy rain, Washington Parish President Richard N. Thomas, Jr. today declared a State of Emergency.

Obituary

Christole Young Washington
August 11, 1962 - May 31, 2020

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today in History June 5th

AP Top Stories June 5, 2020 AM

Sandbag Locations in Tangipahoa Parish

Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller announced that sandbags will be available starting at 8

a.m. Thursday for residents and businesses in low-lying areas

Miller said self-service sandbag stations will be available at three locations:

• 8th Ward Fire Department on LA 445, 
• 8th Ward Fire Station on LA 22 in Bedico, and 
• Ponchatoula East Station 4 at the corner of Sandhill Cemetery Road and LA 22.

Residents will need to bring their own shovel to fill the sandbags.

“We encourage anyone who has had an issue with flash flooding or flooding following extended rain events to please come out and pick up sandbags,” Miller said.

Sandbag Locations in St. Tammany Parish

Six Self-Service Sandbag Locations are Open in Advance of Tropical Storm Cristobal. All locations

will have sand and bags provided. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels in case all shovels provided are in use. In addition, residents are asked to limit the number of sandbags to 15 per vehicle. The locations will be open from dawn to dusk.

St. Tammany Parish Government- Building
21410 Koop Dr., Mandeville

St. Tammany Parish Public Works- Airport Road Barn
34783 Grantham College Rd. Slidell, LA

The Old Levee District Site
61134 Military Road (Hwy 1090) Slidell, La.

St. Tammany Parish Public Works- Fritchie Barn
63119 Highway 1090 in Pearl River

St. Tammany Parish Public Works Barn- Keller Barn
63131 Fish Hatchery Road, Lacombe

St. Tammany Parish Public Works Barn- Covington Barn
1305 N. Florida Street, Covington

Residents are asked to clear any debris from culverts and drainage pathways, and to monitor the weather forecast in the coming days through your local media outlets.

Sandbag Locations in Washington Parish

City of Bogalusa Residents (limit 10/person) 

• Austin St @ Bauer St 
• Main St. ballpark 
• Ave B Sports Complex

Sand and bags are available at each location. Please bring your own shovel.


Town of Franklinton Residents (limit 10/person)

• 1108 Lenora St., Franklinton, LA

Pre-filled bags are available

For All Residents Located Outside City Limits

• WPFD #7, 17380 Bill Booty Rd., Bogalusa, LA 

Sand and bags are available. Please bring your own shovel.


There is a limit of 10 pre-filled bags at the following locations. Please bring a shovel to fill additional if needed.

• Public Works Location #2, Yacc Rd., Bogalusa, LA (behind Washington Parish Animal Shelter) 
• Public Works Location #3, 801 Pearl St., Franklinton, LA

REMINDER: Keep an eye on Tropical Storm Cristobal

Tropical Storm Cristobal is forecast to arrive at the Louisiana coast this weekend with tropical storm force winds. The National Weather Service in New Orleans has issued a Flood Watch for portions of southeast Louisiana and Mississipi, that includes our area, and is in effect from now through next Tuesday morning

Tropical moisture streaming over the central Gulf Coast region will be capable of producing copious rainfall each day through the weekend and into early next week. General and widespread flooding will become increasingly likely as this wet pattern persists. Rainfall rates at times will range 2 to 4 inches per hour. Rainfall accumulations over the seven day period could easily exceed ten inches within the watch area.

Be prepared! Impacts include standing water in streets to the point of impassible roadways and rapid rises on area creeks and streams. Drainage systems may approach capacity at times during periods of heaviest rainfall.

Obituary

Dee Elaine Norris
February 27, 1942 - June 3, 2020

Revised COVID-19 Testing Schedule in Washington Parish

Please see the attached revised testing schedule for Washington Parish that due to the current forecast and impending impacts of Tropical Storm Cristobal, sites will be suspended from June 7 – June 12, 2020. Changes are in RED.

Details: To be tested, residents must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Louisiana ID.  The site will use a self-administered nasal swab test that will allow those being tested to swab their own nose onsite while in their vehicles, observed by a trained medical volunteer to ensure the sample is taken correctly, and drop the sealed sample into a container on their way out of the drive-thru site.   Those being tested will need to wear a mask and stay in their cars for verification of eligibility criteria, ID check and self-administered test. Walk- up testing is not preferred due to safety concerns.

Two Arrested Following Mandeville Carjacking

Two New Orleans-area men were arrested Wednesday (June 3, 2020) after they carjacked the vehicle

they had just sold to a Mandeville-area man.

Shortly after 4 p.m. Wednesday a bystander called the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office to reported they observed what appeared to be a carjacking in the area of Bay Drive and Penrose Drive near Mandeville.

Garien Tatum (21) and Deontae White (23) reportedly had gone to a Mandeville-area residence supposedly to sell a man a 2003 Ford Mustang. After signing the title over, they were riding with the man in the Mustang to complete the necessary paperwork to finish the sale, when Tatum and White produced firearms and robbed the man of the money he had brought with him to purchase the vehicle. Tatum and White then took the car and fled back to the Southshore.

Causeway Police located the Mustang headed southbound on the bridge and alerted the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Tatum and White were apprehended when they reached the Southshore and were booked into the Jefferson Parish Jail as fugitives.

Once transported to the St. Tammany Parish Jail, they will be booked on warrants charging them with Carjacking, Armed Robbery, and Armed Robbery with a Firearm.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings June 3, 2020

Hunter Crain was booked on the charge of Statutory Rape
Richard Hunt was booked on the charges of Obstruction of Justice, Possession of Heroin, and Attachment
Halley Honaker was booked on the charges of Probation Violation and Contempt of Court
Bobby Jarrell was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear and Contempt of Court (5 counts)
Graylon Dillon was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts) and Possession of Schedule IV Drugs
Alex Myer was booked on the charge of Parole Violation
Joseph Landrum was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation and Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment (2 counts)

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today in History June 4th

AP Top Stories June 4, 2020 AM

Amite Police Investigating Ace Hometown Theft

Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa, Inc. reported today that, on Monday (June 1, 2020), Amite City Police began investigating a theft that occurred at Ace Hometown in Amite. Ace provided photos of two white males and two white females that are seen taking numerous items from store shelves and concealing it on their person. After concealing the items the subjects leave the store failing to render payment for the them. The subjects enter a white GMC or Chevy truck with a large front bumper and stripes on the side and leave the scene.


“If you have information on this case please call Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s anonymous tip line at 1.800.554.5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! Be a part of the solution and you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000! “

UPDATE on Tropical Storm Cristobal

Tropical Storm Cristobal is forecast to arrive at the Louisiana coast Saturday evening with tropical storm force winds. The National Weather Service in New Orleans has issued a Flood Watch for portions of southeast Louisiana and Mississipi, that includes our area, and is in effect from now through next Tuesday morning

Tropical moisture streaming over the central Gulf Coast region will be capable of producing copious rainfall each day through the weekend and into early next week. General and widespread flooding will become increasingly likely as this wet pattern persists. Rainfall rates at times will range 2 to 4 inches per hour. Rainfall accumulations over the seven day period could easily exceed ten inches within the watch area.

Be prepared! Impacts include standing water in streets to the point of   impassible roadways and rapid rises on area creeks and streams. Drainage systems may approach capacity at times during periods of heaviest rainfall.

Speed a Factor in Fatal Crash With 18-Wheeler

Today (Wednesday, June 3, 2020) shortly after midnight, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop

L responded to a fatal crash on Interstate 12 westbound near Airport Road in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the life of 30-year-old Jory W. Thaxton.

The initial investigation led Troopers to determine that Thaxton was traveling westbound on Interstate 12 in the right lane at a high rate of speed in a 2016 Toyota Corolla. For reasons still under investigation, Thaxton rear-end impacted a 2010 Freightliner 18-wheeler driven by 56-year-old Leon Roland of Phoenix Arizona. Thaxton sustained severe injuries in the crash and was transported to a local hospital before being pronounced deceased. Seat-belts were used by both drivers and impairment is not suspected.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings June 2, 2020

Emerald Stewart was booked on the charge of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
Claiborne Eubanks was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction
Justin Gunnell was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction
Paul Robinson was booked on the charges of Second Degree Murder, Resisting an Officer, Obstruction of Justice, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Schedule II Drugs
Curtis Brister was booked on the charges of Distribution of Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule III Drugs, and Obstruction of Justice
Dynell Dyson was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness and Criminal Damage
Duane Whitney was booked on the charges of Tampering With Surveillance-Accounting-Inventory- or Monitoring Systems of Jail
Andre Lucas was booked on the charges of Aggravated Assault With a Firearm, Illegal Discharge/Use of Weapon, and Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm

Obituary

William Junior McCain
June 26, 1953 - June 2, 2020

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today in History June 3rd

AP Top Stories June 3, 2020 AM

Can You Identify This Person for St. Tammany Sheriff's Office?

Tropical Storm Cristobal Coming Our Way!

Obituary

Edward Leon Sanders
May 28, 2020

Obituary

Keran Ellison Moses
September 12, 1958 - May 29, 2020

Obituary

James A. Warren
June 13, 1945 - May 30, 2020

Surveillance Video Helps Solve Burglary – Two Arrested

An investigation into a May burglary in the Highway 62 area led to the arrest of Trenton Kyle

Statham, age 20 and a resident of Highway 62. On May 28, 2020 Statham was arrested and placed in the Washington Parish Jail charged with burglary, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, two counts of contempt of court and two counts of failure to appear in court. His bond was set at $16,000.

The investigation began with a response from WPSO patrol deputies to a residence in the area and a report of several expensive items that had been stolen. Although there were no witnesses to the crimes, a surveillance camera at the property captured video of an automobile leaving the scene at the time of the burglary. An unidentified female was driving the vehicle. The investigation was turned over to the detective division and assigned to Detective Kody Glenn.

On May 28, 2020 Detective Glenn was on Highway 438 when he observed a vehicle parked behind a residence which matched the description of the vehicle which fled the burglary scene. He approached the vehicle and observed a male and female asleep in the back seat. The juvenile female matched the description of the person seen driving the vehicle at the burglary scene. The male, Trenton Kyle Statham, had warrants for his arrest and was taken into custody. The juvenile was charged with being an accessory to the burglary and released to the custody of her father.

Statham reportedly admitted to the burglary and revealed where he had sold some of the stolen property. The stolen items were quickly recovered and returned to the owner.

Statham had two previous Washington Parish arrests. In March 2018, he was arrested and charged with possession of illegal drugs and possession of illegal drugs with a weapon present. He was arrested again in July 2019 for vehicle theft.

Any person who has purchased items from Trenton Kyle Statham is asked to call Detective Kody Glenn at (985) 201-6033.

“Good surveillance video provided by the homeowner, good response by patrol deputies and good investigative work all combined to solve this case,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “An alert Detective Kody Glenn quickly spotted the suspect vehicle, identified the burglars and made the arrest. Thanks, Detective Glenn, for a job well done.”

Mississippi Fugitive Found Hiding in a Closet in Bogalusa

On Monday (June 1, 2020), the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office received notification from the Hancock County, Mississippi Sheriff’s Office that a person they were seeking was in Washington Parish. Hancock County had a warrant for Justin Nathaniel Gunnell (20) for aggravated battery for stabbing another person.

Today (June 2, 2020) the Sheriff’s Office received additional information from Hancock County indicating the wanted man was hiding out in a residence at 1807 Avenue E in Bogalusa. WPSO deputies responded to the residence accompanied by WPSO Drug Task Force detectives, Hancock County Sheriff’s Office detectives and the Rayburn Correctional Center canine unit. Gunnell was located hiding in a closet and taken into custody without incident. When he was searched, illegal drugs were discovered in his pockets. He was transported to the Washington Parish Jail where he will remain until extradited to Mississippi.

Gunnell is no stranger to Washington Parish law enforcement. In 2017, he was arrested for burglary of an inhabited dwelling, criminal damage to property and five counts of theft of firearms. He was released the following day after posting a $10,500 bond. He was arrested again in 2018 for possession of illegal drugs. In 2019, he was arrested for unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling and unauthorized use of a movable.

“After Gunnell’s 2017 arrest,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal, “I hoped that the stark reality of that arrest would signal the beginning of a new course for him. Obviously it didn’t. Gunnell continues to engage in criminal activity and he is likely to spend much of his adult life behind bars. Jails and prisons were designed for persons who refuse to conform to the standards of a decent and civilized society and who have no respect for the rights of others. It seems Gunnell fits that description. I appreciate the help of all of our WPSO officers as well as our law enforcement partners from Rayburn. We are glad to be able to assist Hancock County and will always stand ready to work with any law enforcement agency to solve crimes and arrest criminals.”

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today in History June 2nd

AP Top Stories June 2, 2020 AM

Some In Louisiana Will Receive Stimulus Money On Debit Cards

Attorney General Jeff Landry wants Louisiana citizens to be aware that the U.S. Treasury Department has begun distributing some Economic Impact Payments to eligible individuals via prepaid debit cards; and he is offering consumer information and tips to help ease some of the concerns regarding the validity of these stimulus monies.

“It is great that Louisiana consumers are being cautious in the wake of the many Coronavirus scams we have seen,” said General Landry. “I want our State to know that the federal government is indeed sending debit cards to some people and that those recipients should follow all directions provided with the prepaid cards.”

Consumers, who are receiving EIP cards because the IRS did not have their bank account information, should be aware that the prepaid debit cards will arrive in a plain envelope from “Money Network Cardholder Services.” The cards are Visa branded and are issued by MetaBank. Detailed instructions on how to easily activate the card will be included in the envelope.

General Landry offers the following tips to Louisiana citizens who receive their Economic Impact Payments via a prepaid debit card:

• Follow the directions provided with the prepaid card and make sure that you are using EIPCard.com for accurate information about the card.
• Know that activation includes inputting your card number, the last 6-digits of your Social Security number, and the 3-digit security code from the back of your Card. It may also include providing your name and address or answering other identity verification questions.
• When activating your card, select a secure PIN number and do not share this number with anyone.
• Visit EIPCard.com to locate surcharge-free ATMs for cash withdrawals, to view the fee schedule and cardholder agreement information, and to get answers to questions regarding the card.
• Be on guard against any non-official scam websites, text messages, or phone calls requesting your card number, PIN, or other personal and financial information.

For more information about Economic Impact Payments, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center.

Obituary

Rebecca Jordan Brown
March 02, 1937 - May 28, 2020

Louisiana Plans to Move to Phase 2 on June 5th

Today (June 1, 2020), Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that following continued improvement in

Louisiana’s COVID-19 outlook and a significant increase in testing capacity and contact tracing, Louisiana is ready to move to Phase 2 of the White House’s reopening strategy on June 5.

Gov. Edwards will sign the official order for Phase 2 of a Resilient Louisiana by Thursday evening, with guidance being issued to individual industries and businesses via the OpenSafely.la.gov website throughout the week. In Phase 2, churches, places of worship and many more businesses will be able to operate at 50 percent capacity with social distancing, masks for public-facing employees and increased sanitation. In addition, the state strongly recommends that businesses consider offering temperature checks before a person can enter and posting the symptoms of COVID-19 outside with a request that symptomatic individuals not enter.

2020 – 2021 Fishing Licenses Available Now

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reminds anglers that if you purchase your fishing

license today, Monday, June 1, it will be good until June 30, 2021. That’s 13 months. While current licenses will not expire until June 30, LDWF reminds anglers that they can purchase and renew today.

Purchasing and renewing your license can be done quickly online by visiting https://la-web.s3licensing.com/Home. Purchasing your license online will easily allow you to have a copy of your license emailed to you.  This will allow you to save a digital copy on your mobile device, with no need to carry a printed copy.

Licenses can be purchased at designated local vendors or at the LDWF office in Baton Rouge.  Acceptable methods of payment for purchases made online are Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

If you need assistance with your online purchase, please contact the 24-hour help desk at 888-362-LDWF (5393).  If you have other licensing questions, call the license office at 225-765-2887 or 225-765-2898 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Anglers are also invited to participate in the agency’s Free Fishing Weekend on Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14.   The weekend is an opportunity for Louisiana residents and visitors alike to fish Louisiana waters without an otherwise required fishing license. While a fishing license is not required, all fishing regulations, including size, season, catch limits and gear restrictions will remain in effect.

Tropical Depression in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has identified Tropical Depression Three in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Advisories on the newly formed Tropical Depression indicate that it will gradually strengthen and become a tropical storm tonight (Monday) or Tuesday and be named Cristobal. The system is expected to be primarily a rain event, threatening the Mexican states of Tabasco and Veracruz and portions of Guatemala.

Although this system is not currently expected to impact the United States, it should serve as a wake-up call to stay informed as we enter the hurricane season.

Washington Parish Animal Shelter Gets Large Dogfood Donation

The Washington Parish Animal Shelter has expressed their thanks to the organization Greater Good (GreaterGood.org) for the donation of over 2000 pounds of dogfood to the shelter and the community of Washington Parish.

The Washington Parish Animal Shelter is located at 23046 YACC Rd., Franklinton, Louisiana and the telephone number is 985.205.2023.

Their public business hours are as follows: By appointment only on Saturdays, Closed Sunday and Monday, and from Noon to 4:00 PM Tuesdays-Fridays.

Click here to visit (and Like) their Facebook page

Varnado Store Museum Resuming Normal Schedule

The Varnado Store Museum in Franklinton, Louisiana has announced they will resume their normal schedule beginning Saturday, June 6, 2020. The museum will be open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM and on Sundays from 1 PM to 4 PM. They will have the Student Art Show, which was interrupted by the virus, at least through June.

They ask that visitors observe social distancing guidelines and wear a mask.

Click here for their Facebook page and to learn more about what's happening at the Varnado Store Museum.

Obituary

Christine Penton Sticker
July 7, 1934 - May 31, 2020

Important Message from Parish President Thomas on the Census

Washington Parish Jail Bookings May 30-31, 2020

Javanta Dillon was booked on the charges of Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Improper Equipment
Kenneth Lang was booked on the charge of Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling
Jesse Patterson was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear
Johnny Hennick was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness, Possession of Marijuana, Introduction of Contraband into Penal Institute, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Jonathan Newman was booked on the charges of Theft 1000-5000 and Attachment (2 counts)
Seth Biggers was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II Drugs
Derek Moss was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction
Michael Grabert was booked on the charges of Failure to Use Turn Signal, Driving Under Suspension, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs/Morphine, and Failure to Appear

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today in History June 1st

AP Top Stories June 1, 2020 AM