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January 13, 2021
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
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Franklinton Mayor & Board of Aldermen Meeting January 12, 2021
More on this extraordinary meeting will be posted later. In the meantime, here is the video.
January 12, 2021
UPDATED: COVID-19 Vaccination Information
UPDATED TO ADD NIELSEN'S PHARMACY!
Washington Parish Government advises that Creel's Pharmacy (985-848-5555) in Pine, Sumrall Pharmacy (985-986-4433) in Angie and Nielsen's Pharmacy (985-732-7481 in Bogalusa are receiving the COVID-19 vaccination and interested citizens that are 70 years of age and older are encouraged to call these pharmacies to put their name(s) on the waiting list.Please do not go to the pharmacies without an appointment.
Also, the Bogalusa Health Unit is expected to receive an allotment of vaccinations for those 70 years of age and older. Citizens can call 985-732-6615 for more information.
For vaccine locations in other areas, click https://ldh.la.gov/covidvaccine-locations/
For Frequently Asked Questions, click https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/faq/category/138
The Louisiana Department of Health is coordinating the COVID-19 vaccine distribution effort in Louisiana. As more vaccines become available from the CDC, more individuals and groups will be offered a vaccination.
Currently, these vaccines will be available only for:
- Persons ages 70 years or older in the community,
- Outpatient clinic providers and clinic staff,
- Urgent care clinic providers and staff,
- Community care clinic providers and staff,
- Behavioral health providers and staff,
- Dialysis providers and patients,
- Home health service providers and recipients,
- Dental providers and staff, and
- Students, residents, faculty and staff of allied health schools (if not already receiving vaccine or in a plan to receive from their respective schools)
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
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January 11, 2021
Full Agenda for First Meeting of Franklinton Board of Aldermen
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen will meet Tuesday (January 12, 2021) at 6:30 PM at the Franklinton Municipal Building, 301 Eleventh Avenue. This will be the first meeting of 2021 and of the newly elected Mayor and Aldermen. The Agenda is presented below.
AGENDA:
Other items added to the agenda will be done by unanimous vote of the Board of Aldermen prior to the beginning of the meeting.
Call meeting to order
Prayer and Pledge
Roll call
Old Business:
1. Approve minutes-December 8, 2020 Regular Meeting
New Business:
1. Selection of Mayor Pro tem
2. Grant authority Mayor and Mayor Pro tem to sign on all accounts for Town
3. Appointment of Municipal Clerk
4. Appointment of Chief of Police
5. Appointment of Town Attorney
6. Appointment of Code Enforcement Officer
7. Appointment of Court Magistrate
8. Departmental Reports
9. Declaration of Fire Department 1994 tanker as surplus equipment
10. Grant authority to begin bid process on 1994 tanker
11. Set minimum bid for 1994 tanker.
12. Introduce ordinance to change the name of Section Line Road to Dr. James Stafford Drive.
13. Mr. Frankie Crosby to address the Board concerning the Town Charter
14. Appointments to the Planning and Zoning Commission
15. Review and authorize approval to ballot wording for March 20, 2021 election
16. Johnnie Daniel from Era Leader to address the Board
ADJOURN
Town of Franklinton is an equal opportunity employer and provider
Entergy Donates $3500 to Bogalusa Help Center
Entergy made a $3,500 donation to the Bogalusa Help Center at Christmas for the purchase of food for the needy. The Center feeds from 350 to 400 families monthly on Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon via a drive-up-distribution method created by the pandemic. Along with about twelve, safety-conscious volunteers, Entergy has made contributions to the Bogalusa Help Center’s 35-year mission for many years.
Pictured left to right are Vice President Patricia Branch, Volunteer Paul Kates, Director Gene Hayman, Board Member and Former Entergy Employee Janola Walker, Entergy Customer Service Manager Eunice Harris, and Volunteer Tahj Morris.
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January 10, 2021
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January 09, 2021
Washington Parish Jail Bookings January 8, 2021
Trenton Statham was booked on the charges of Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear (2 counts) and Bond Surrender (4 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $16,000.00.
Andrew Vaughn was booked on the charge of Bond Surrender by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3500.00
Dakota Hogan was booked on the charge of Protective Order Violation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $5000.00 bond.
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National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is Today
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is on Saturday, January 9 every year. The day encourages citizens to show appreciation to their local law enforcement.
Citizens show police officers that their work is appreciated and that they understand how difficult their job can be. It’s a day for police officers and the public to come together to make safer communities.
Each day local law enforcement is ready to protect citizens and a little positive recognition can go a long way. Let us all take a moment to show our Police Officers that the community appreciates their service!
January 08, 2021
Statement from Gov. Edwards on Record COVID Deaths
Gov. John Bel Edwards issued the following statement today (January 8, 2021) on COVID-19 deaths in Louisiana, after the Louisiana Department of Health reported 105 COVID deaths today, the second highest daily death count since the start of the pandemic. The highest number of deaths Louisiana has reported in a day was 129 deaths on April 14, 2020.
“Today, Louisiana is reporting 105 new COVID deaths, the second highest number since April of last year. We have lost nearly ten months of hard work to slow the spread of COVID in our state and, despite all warnings from medical professionals and public officials, some people still insist on ignoring the mitigation measures that are proven to work, including wearing face masks. Today, we mourn the loss of 7,833 Louisianans to this illness. These are people’s children and parents and friends and coworkers. They are our neighbors. They are our sisters and brothers. This should weigh heavily on the hearts of all Louisianans every time they leave their homes while COVID is so rampant. During this pandemic, each and every choice we make can have catastrophic impacts on our health and the health of those around us. As more people are infected, as our hospitals again reach their capacity, please do what is right – wear your mask, avoid gathering with people outside of your household, stay at home and get tested when you have symptoms, practice social distancing and wash your hands. As of today, nearly 100,000 doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered in Louisiana, which is good news, but the vaccine will not stop this current surge. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but it will not matter if we do not get there.”
Special Election Set to Fill Luke Letlow's Congressional Seat
On Wednesday, Gov. John Bel Edwards signed proclamations setting the dates for special elections in Louisiana, after consultation with Louisiana’s Secretary of State. Included is the election in Louisiana’s Fifth Congressional District following the tragic death of Luke Letlow following a battle with COVID-19.
The qualifying period will be from January 20 to January 22, 2021. The primary will be on March 20, 2021 and the runoff, if necessary, will be April 24, 2021.
LDWF to Stock Rainbow Trout at Bogue Chitto State Park
Grab your fishing gear and bring your friends and family to the Bogue Chitto State Park or another Get Out and Fish! pond for the opportunity to catch a fish you don’t land every day. Beginning the morning of January 14th, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will begin stocking 16 sites with adult-size rainbow trout, ranging from 1 to 2 pounds, making a perfect stringer for dinner.
Rainbow trout are native to rivers and lakes in western North America; yet, due to their popularity, these fish have been introduced throughout the United States through stocking efforts. When water temperatures are cool during the winter months, LDWF takes advantage to stock ponds and lakes with this cold-water fish. LDWF encourages anglers to keep their catch at these sites so the rainbow trout are harvested before temperatures rise.
Anglers 16 and older must possess a Louisiana fishing license when fishing in any Louisiana public waters. Licenses are available for purchase online at https://la-web.s3licensing.com/.
For additional stocking information, including specific locations and the stocking schedule, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/index.cfm?action=pagebuilder&pageID=get-out-and-fish.
71-Year-Old Man Charged With Sexual Battery of 88-Year-Woman
Stanley Narcisse Pichon, age 71 and of the Slidell-area, was arrested Friday (January 8, 2021) on sexual battery charges after it was discovered he victimized his elderly neighbor on at least three occasions.
Deputies with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a Slidell area residence on Monday (January 4, 2021) in reference to a report of an 88-year-old woman with advanced Alzheimer's and dementia, who may have been sexually assaulted by one of her neighbors.
The incident was reported by the victim’s home health care nurse to a family member, who in turn reported it to the Sheriff’s Office. Pursuant to an investigation, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Pichon on three counts of Sexual Battery.
Pichon reportedly admitted to victimizing the woman on at least three separate occasions and acknowledged he knew the act to be wrong due to her diminished mental state.
He was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail. No bond had been set at the time of this report.
Bogalusa Council Approves Budget/New City Prosecutor
The Bogalusa Council met once again via a “GO To Meeting” by phone or computer format Tuesday (January 5, 2021) and, despite technical problems, discussed and adopted the City of Bogalusa Operating and Capital Budgets for the Fiscal Year beginning January 1, 2021. The ordinance was the only item on the Agenda. Those present for the meeting included all Council Members, Mayor Wendy Perrette, Attorney Dale Branch, and Fiscal Administrator Joey Richard.
In addition, Mayor Perrette requested Council approval to employ Bryan Harris as City Prosecutor to fill the vacancy created when David Merlin Duke, the former prosecutor, was elected City Judge. Harris is a resident of Bogalusa and a graduate of Southern University Law Center. Following remarks from Harris and Council discussions, the Council approved the nomination.
Of note and not previously reported, the Bogalusa City Council at their December 15, 2020 meeting elected Councilwoman Danielle Keys to be President of the Council for 2021 and Councilman Kenny Kellis was elected Vice-President. Also during the December 15th meeting, the Council approved a resolution retaining Robert A. Neilson to provide accounting services.
Loupe Named WPSO Corrections Deputy of the Quarter
By vote of her peers and supervisors, Washington Parish Corrections Sergeant Diane Loupe was named Corrections Deputy of the Quarter for October, November and December 2020. On behalf of Sheriff Randy Seal, Loupe was presented a plaque by Chief Criminal Deputy Mike Haley.
Sgt. Loupe supervises the daily operation of the Washington Parish Jail, reporting directly to Chief of Corrections Jim Miller. She also coordinates the jail’s Zoom video conferencing program which allows the court magistrate and district court judges to conduct certain judicial procedures remotely.
Sheriff Randy Seal commented on Loupe’s selection as Corrections Deputy of the Quarter. “Sgt. Loupe is an outstanding manager whose work has drawn praise from the judiciary and others who work with her. She is a vital part of the WPSO family and we are pleased to be able to honor her work.”
Angie Man Arrested for Drug Possession
Yesterday (January 7, 2021), Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kyle Stogner and Detective Chad Cassard were patrolling in the Angie area when they observed a vehicle stopped in the middle of Highway 1071. As the officers drove to the vehicle which was obstructing the highway, the vehicle proceeded to Highway 21, turned north without signaling, then drove off of and then back onto the highway. The officers activated blue lights and were able to stop the vehicle in a business parking lot in Angie.
The driver of the vehicle was David Bryce Mingo, age 59 and a resident of Connie Simmons Road. A pat down search of Mingo revealed two plastic bags containing cocaine and marijuana in a pocket of his trousers. Mingo was arrested for possession of the illegal narcotics in addition to traffic offenses. He remains in the Washington Parish Jail pending a court appearance.
Mingo has a history of arrests in Washington Parish since 2014 when he was arrested for domestic violence. Four additional arrests since that time were for a variety of criminal acts, including automobile theft, convicted felon in possession of a firearm and several counts of failure to appear in court.
“One would think that a fifty-nine year old man would have modified his behavior by this age,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Obviously not in this case. I appreciate the good work of our alert officers who are always on the watch for criminal activity as they patrol our parish. Good work, men.”
Weather Forecast (Video) through Next Wednesday
Worth watching! Chance of rain, sleet, light snow Sunday night into Monday morning.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings January 6-7, 2021
Stacy Sumrall was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $4000.00.
Randell Flynn was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Contempt of Court, and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $4500.00 bond.
Keybian Lewis was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, and Possession of Marijuana by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Lucian Meyers was booked on the charges of Theft Less Than 1000 (2 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
David Mingo was booked on the charges of Obstruction of Highway, Ran Stop Sign, No Turn Signals, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Under Suspension and Improper Lane Usage by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
LWFC Proposed Changes for Upcoming Hunting Seasons
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) adopted notices of intent for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 hunting seasons, 2021-22 general and Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) hunting seasons and rules and regulations, 2022 general and WMA turkey hunting season and rules and regulations and 2021-22 migratory bird hunting season and rules and regulations at its meeting on Thursday (January 7, 2021).
Some of the proposed changes include:
- Clarification on use of legal gear in take of raccoon and opossum to allow use of archery gear and air rifles, which makes legal gear the same as for small game.
- Removes the requirement to obtain a permit from LDWF enforcement in order to take nuisance wildlife and outlaw quadrupeds at night during hunting season on private property.
- Change in tagging requirement that once a harvested deer has been tagged and validated, the hunter will no longer be required to possess antlers or sex organs as long as the tag remains with the carcass. This will allow fewer body parts transported to reduce the movement of potentially CWD infected material.
- Move Washington and St. Tammany parishes into Area A for turkey season.
To view the full notice of intent and all proposed hunting season dates and regulation changes for the upcoming hunting seasons, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/resources/category/commission-action-items.
For more information, contact Tommy Tuma at 225-765-2349 or ttuma@wlf.la.gov.
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January 07, 2021
Help Identify This Suspect in Truck Theft
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief James Travis is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect seen stealing a 2001 black Mazda extended cab pick-up truck from the Wilmer Quickstop on January 7, 2021, around 11:55 a.m.
The truck is utilized by the owner for a pesticide business and has large containers in the bed of the truck full of chemicals. There are placards on the side of the truck displaying the business name, however, they are magnetic and can be removed easily.
“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! “
Amite City Councilman Arrested for Election Fraud
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin this morning (January 7, 2021) announced their offices have arrested an Amite City Councilman on eight counts of election fraud. Emanuel Zanders, III is accused of violating LA RS 18:1461.2 by procuring or submitting voter registration applications that are known by the person to be materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent.
Councilman Zanders was arrested and charged on Monday (January 4, 2021) afternoon. His arrest was a result of the ongoing, joint investigation between the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and the Secretary of State's Office. In October, the Tangipahoa Parish Registrar of Voters contacted the Secretary of State's Office with concerns that voter registration forms were being turned in with fraudulent address information. It is alleged that Councilman Zanders purposefully manipulated over twenty Louisiana citizens into illegally changing their voter registration by asking citizens to sign registration forms that he would later complete with a fraudulent address. It is further alleged that Councilman Zanders submitted another voter registration application on behalf of a citizen using his own address.
As Attorney General Jeff Landry noted at today’s news conference, one of the most sacred principles in our criminal justice system is that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty.
From the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office
The work by law enforcement officers never slows down and so it is with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office. In addition to regular patrols, responding to incidents, and investigations, TPSO recently announced the following:
A warning to the public by TPSO Detectives of a recent increase in vehicle burglaries from the Loranger area south to Ponchatoula, LA. Detectives suspect that at least four individuals are responsible and warn that they are believed to be armed. The suspects are targeting unlocked vehicles and the public is urged to secure their vehicles each night. The public is asked to contact Detective James McGovern at (985) 902-2031 or Detective Kody Glenn at (985) 902-2018 with any information the public may have.
TPSO asks the public's assistance in locating Dillon Joseph Vullo (20) of Pierre Part. Vullo is wanted for Possession of a Firearm by a convicted felon and Obstruction of Justice in connection with a New Year's Day shooting in Pumpkin Center. Vullo is believed to be driving a white in color Mitsubishi car. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Vullo, or the white Mitsubishi car involved in the shooting, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-554-5245.
The TPSO Burglary Task Force has arrested George Dylan Brasel (22) and Alex Overman (19) for the September 2020 burglary of Ponchatoula High School.
Sedrick Guzman (20) of Ponchatoula was booked into parish jail on January 5, 2020 on the charge of Attempted Second Degree Murder. Guzman is accused of shooting a male subject in the abdomen on December 25, 2020. The victim is in stable condition following surgery.
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January 06, 2021
Washington Parish Jail Bookings January 5, 2021
Christina Vaughn was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released. No bond information available.
Cody Applewhite was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set.
Robert Peters was booked on the charge of 1st Degree Rape/Vaginal by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set.
Devaulrick Allen was booked on the charge of Theft Less Than 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.
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January 05, 2021
Washington Parish Jail Bookings January 4, 2021
Jaylon Mahone was booked on the charge of Contributing to Delinquency of Juvenile by the Bogalusa Police Department. Released on $3500.00 bond.
Myles Scott was booked on the charge of Contributing to Delinquency of Juvenile by the Bogalusa Police Department. Released on $3500.00 bond.
Kenyatta Scott was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana (2nd Offense) and Distribution of Schedule IV CDS by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $10,000.00 bond.
Arthur Mingo was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule IV Drugs and Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $10,000.00 bond.
Morgan Cox was booked on the charges of Aggravated Domestic Abuse Assault and Aggravated Domestic Abuse Assault/Child Endangerment (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set.
Brandon Ishee was booked on the charge of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $3500.00 bond.
Kasey Woodward was booked on the charges of Obstruction of Justice, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, and Possession of Marijuana by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $30,000.00.
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January 04, 2021
Washington Parish Jail Bookings January 2-3, 2021
Herbert Brown was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Criminal Mischief by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $3500.00.
Michael Wolbers was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Theft Less Than 1000 by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $3500.00.
Curtis Williams was booked on the charges of Illegal Discharge/Use of Weapon, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, and Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $50,000.00.
Amber Acor was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $3500.00.
Christopher Ramsey was booked on the charges of Criminal Damage, Simple Battery, and Theft Less Than 1000 by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $5000.00.
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January 02, 2021
Washington Parish Jail Bookings December 31, 2020-January 1, 2021
Kenisha Smith was booked on the charge of Aggravated Domestic Violence Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.
Ethan Joiner was booked on the charge of Aggravated Domestic Abuse Assault by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.
Randy Williams was booked on the charges of Domestic Violence Battery (2nd Offense), Simple Battery, Disturbing the Peace/Simple Drunk, Battery on a Police Officer, Resisting an Officer (2 counts), and Attempted Simple Robbery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.
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January 01, 2021
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