Submitted by Bogalusa Councilwoman Gloria Kates
(Scroll down for video of the presentation at the last Bogalusa Council meeting)
Pictured are Christa Owens Oree and Bogalusa Councilwoman Gloria Kates
Submitted by Rhonda Gunnell, adaptwp.org
My name is Laura Stack, and we live in Highlands Ranch (a suburb south of Denver). My 19-year-old son, Johnny, died by suicide on November 20, 2019, after becoming psychotic from dabbing wax (marijuana concentrate). You can't become psychotic from "just using weed," you say? How long has it been since you've been inside a marijuana dispensary? If it's not within the last few years, you literally have no idea how different THC products are from the grass you may have smoked as a teen in the 70's, 80's, or 90's. Back then, they were 2-5% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in marijuana), and today's concentrates (all plant matter is stripped) can be 90+% THC. Marijuana is to dabs as cocaine is to crack.
Colorado legalized medical marijuana in 2000 and recreational marijuana in 2012, the first state to do so, when Johnny was 12 years old. In 2014, marijuana hit the streets. Johnny tried his first marijuana at a high school party at the age of 14 when a friend's brother, who had a medical marijuana card, gave them some to try getting high. As parents, we didn't allow marijuana use at all, but today's concentrates, vapes, and edibles have no smell and are easy to hide.
We tried everything to help him, but once he turned 18, he got a medical marijuana card (even though he had no medical conditions), and he moved out of the house to continue to use. Before marijuana, Johnny was a happy, charming, intelligent young man with a 4.0 GPA and a scholarship to Colorado State University. After he burned through his savings, he stole our family dog and threatened to kill her if we didn't give him money. He barely graduated high school with 4 Ds and then attended three different universities, because he had to drop out when he started using again and enter another mental hospital. The doctor at the mental hospital diagnosed him with "THC ABUSE – SEVERE."
Learn more and "Like" ADAPT's Facebook page and visit their website.
Submitted by Joni Fanguy Sanders
Larry Wells moved to Mt. Hermon in the fall of 1993 when he and his siblings were placed in foster care. Larry was well liked and quickly became friends with many of his classmates. One in particular was Joshua Fanguy. By the sixth grade you could find Larry hanging out and going places with Joshua and his family.
Larry remained at Mt. Hermon until his 11th grade year. He moved into the Pine community and quickly made lasting friendship there also. At the end of that school year Larry moved in with the Fanguy family. Larry loved the military and talked about joining most of his high school years. He decided on the Marines and left for boot camp shortly after graduating from Mt. Hermon School on 2002.
He was so proud to wear that “Dress Blues” uniform, said Joni Fanguy Sanders. Larry chose infantry as his MOS. “He wanted to make a difference”, he once said. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California soon after Boot Camp. It wasn’t long after the Operation Iraqi Freedom War began.
Larry’s was deployed twice during the war, in late spring of 2003 and 2004. During his second deployment his unit was sent to the holy Shia "Wadi al Salam" cemetery of An Najaf, Iraq. This was where some of the most intense fighting occurred during the war. During this battle on August 6, 2004 Larry was hit by sniper fire. He was the only Company C, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), Marine that died during the vicious fighting against Sadr's Mahdi Militia.
In 2005 the Fanguy family started a scholarship fund that would give one Mt. Hermon Senior each year $300 cash scholarship. To apply for the scholarship seniors write a 500 word essay on “What Freedom Means to Me”. Joni says this is a way to keep Larry’s memory alive.
In 2020 Joni Fanguy Sanders contacted Senator Beth Mizell’s office on the process of renaming Highway 38 in memory of Larry. On March 9, 2020 the bill was introduced to the Senate. All non Covid-19 activity in the senate was suspended soon after. A year to date the Senator pre-filed the bill again which passed and was signed by the Governor on June 1, 2021.
On August 1, 2021 the bill will be in effect renaming Hwy 38 from Clifton to the Tangipahoa parish line the L Cpl Larry Wells Memorial Highway. A dedication ceremony will be held in November.
Joni Sanders would like to thank everyone for their support of this project in honoring Larry. He was part of our community and ultimately gave his life for us and his country.
An account has been setup at Citizens Savings bank in Franklinton, LA for anyone who would like to make a donations to help cover the expenses of the road signs to mark the highway at each end of Hwy 38. The total price of the two signs is about $1200. Any donations that exceed this amount will be transferred to the L Cpl Larry Wells Memorial Scholarship account to continue sharing his story and his memory at Mt. Hermon School.
The Washington Parish Sheriff's Office reports that, on Tuesday (July 6, 2021), a Kentwood woman was arrested in Franklinton after she was found to be in possession of several different illegal drugs. A detective with the WPSO Drug Task Force stopped her after observing her driving erratically inside the Town of Franklinton.
Noticing she was disoriented, the detective questioned her about her driving and then obtained permission to search her vehicle and purse. During the search, he discovered a variety of opioid based prescription medications for which she had no prescription. She was arrested and transported to the Washington Parish Jail.
Gina Renee Carver, age 56 and a resident of Kentwood, was booked into the Washington Parish Jail on three counts of possession of illegal drugs, one count of distribution of illegal drugs without a prescription and careless operation of a motor vehicle. She has no previous record of incarceration in Washington Parish.
“A drug impaired driver poses as much danger as an alcohol impaired driver,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “I appreciate the alertness of our detective who stopped Carver and prevented her from continuing to drive while under the influence of an illegal substance.”
Jonathan Magee (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on July 8, 2021.
Russell Dans (Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Improper Lane Usage, Failure to Change/Secure Registration, No Drivers License, Resisting an Officer, and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $3500.00 bond.
Christopher Shroeder (Hammond, La. address) was booked on the charges of Speed Unsafe for Road Conditions, No Drivers License, and Possession of Marijuana (3rd Offense) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released - No Bond Information.
Gina Carver (Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule III Drugs, Possession of Schedule IV (2 counts), Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, and Careless Operation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Carlos Walker (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana (2nd Offense) and Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Jasmine Brown (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, No Drivers License, No Proof of Insurance, Resisting Arrest by Flight, and Careless Operation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Qatarrel Walker (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Heroin, Possession of Marijuana (3rd Offense), Obstructing Public Passage(s), and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Joseph Daigle (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Entry of a Place of Business and Contempt of Court by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Learn more and "Like" ADAPT's Facebook page and visit their website.
Disturbance 1. Tropical Storm Elsa is bringing tropical storm conditions to George and South Carolina this morning and should continue her march up the eastern coast of the US.
Disturbance 2. A broad trough of low pressure located over southern Texas is not expected to develop since it should remain over land. However, heavy rainfall and flash flooding will be possible along the Texas Gulf coast over the next few days. Formation chance through 48 hours is neaar 0% and formation chance through 5 days is also at 0%.
Beginning Monday, July 12, 2021 through Friday, July 16, 2021 there will be a FULL ROAD CLOSURE
on LA 25. The closure is located north of LA 1078 (Approximately 240 feet South of Thompson Rd). This is to allow DOTD crews to replace a cross drain, weather permitting.
Restrictions
There will be no vehicle access, so motorist will need to use an alternate route.
Hilton Fluker (Avondale, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs (2 counts), Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs (3 counts), Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs, and Possession of Schedule III Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Randall Broadway (Hammond, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Alton Laurent (Abita Springs, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of CDS with Weapon Present and Possession of Marijuana by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $3500.00.
John Davidson (Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Change/Secure Registration, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, Possession of CDS with Weapon Present, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Tyriun Carter (Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Erica Roberts (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Child Desertion, Possession of Marijuana, and Illegal Discharge/Use of Weapon by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $3500.00 bond.
While not a threat to us in SE Louisiana, Elsa will impact the east coast with hurricane conditions across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and more.
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a Lacombe man in connection with a rape which occurred on Sunday, July 4, 2021.
At approximately 6:00 p.m. on July 4, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies came into contact with a 64 year old Slidell woman who claimed she had been sexually assaulted while out riding her bicycle near the Lacombe-area.
The subsequent investigation led STPSO deputies to a residence located in the 61000 block of Shady Pine Rd. in Lacombe where they came into contact with 46 year-old Rene Murrell who was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail on the charges of First Degree Rape and Resisting Arrest. No bond has been set at this time.
The investigation remains ongoing and no additional information is available, at this time.
“This is an absolute tragedy and my thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family, during this difficult time,” Sheriff Randy Smith said.
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Jimmy Travis reports that at approximately 10:15 this morning, a body was discovered in the median of Interstate-55 near Exit 28 in Hammond. The body was discovered by a grass cutting work crew.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the unidentified body, dressed in male clothing, was possibly stationary in that location for about 30 days prior to being discovered. Detectives did not observe any signs of trauma to the body. The Tangipahoa Parish Coroner's Office will attempt to determine the cause of death.
This investigation is on-going. Detectives are working to identify the body at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact the TPSO or Crime Stoppers, (800) 554-5245.
Jane Doe was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer (3 counts), Possession of Marijuana, and Criminal Trespass by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $3500.00 bond.
Nicole Currie was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer (3 counts), Possession of Marijuana, Criminal Trespass, and Resisting Arrest by Providing False Booking Info by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Jared Berry was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $10000.00 bond.
Jamaneil Brown was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling, Resisting an Officer, and Contempt of Court (3 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
On Friday, July 02, 2021, shortly after 10:30 PM, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a fatal crash on Interstate 12 near Interstate 55 in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the life of 54-year-old Tshombe Myles of Mobile, Alabama.
The initial investigation revealed that Myles was westbound in the left lane of Interstate 12 in a 1998 Mitsubishi Montero. At the same time, a 2021 Freightliner tractor trailer was traveling at a reduced speed in the left lane of Interstate 12, due to traffic congestion. For reasons still under investigation, the Mitsubishi Montero crashed into the back of the Freightliner.
Myles was properly restrained, but sustained severe injuries during the crash. He was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Freightliner was properly restrained and wasn’t injured in the crash. As part of the ongoing investigation, toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office has advised that the body of an unknown female, discovered east of Ponchatoula on June 30, 2021, has been identified as Taysia Folse, a 14 year-old runaway from the New Orleans area.
The body was found in a secluded wooded area and by a driver who was passing the area and noticed what appeared to be a lifeless body.
Taysia's cause of death is undetermined at this time, however, there were no signs of physical trauma to the body.
Currently, detectives are looking for any information that will help in putting the last moments of Taysia's life together. Taysia had a recent distinctive tattoo on her left forearm. This investigation is on-going and anyone with information is asked to call the TPSO at (985) 345-6150, or Crime Stoppers (800) 554-5245.
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office reports the arrest of 30 year-old Kenneth Watson Jr. of Kentwood, LA.
Watson was arrested and charged with second degree murder in relation to the tragic death of a 9 month old.
Chief Jimmy Travis states that the infant succumbed to injuries sustained from what is believed to be blunt force trauma on Sunday, June 27, 2021.
Donnie Magee was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $500.00.
Howard Hanson was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.
Ricky Marks was booked on the charge of Battery of a Dating Partner by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Charlene Bunch was booked on the charge of Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $50000.00.
Natalie Jordan was booked on the charges of Theft Less Than 1000, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $7500.00.
Caryn Burke was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $5000.00.
Kyle Rawson was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Lakeviae James was booked on the charge of Attachment by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Jarred Madden was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Under Suspension, and No License Plate by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $5000.00 bond.
Gregory Mangrum was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on July 2, 2021.
Hurricane Elsa is moving at 31 MPH and will be approaching the Florida Keys and southern Florida early next week. Hurricane conditions are expected in Haiti and the Dominican Republic today and in Jamaica Sunday. Watches and warnings will likely be required today for the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, the Florida peninsula, and the Florida Keys. By Monday, Elsa is expected to move across central and western Cuba and head toward the Florida Straits.
On June 30, 2021, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a location East of Ponchatoula, Louisiana in reference to the discovery of the body of an unknown female.
At this time in the investigation, the identity of the female is unknown. The female is believed to be approximately five feet six inches tall with a medium-large build. The unknown female has a tattoo of two jester masks with a script saying “Smile Now Cry Later” on her left forearm.
If you have any information which may help detectives identify this unknown female please, contact Crime Stoppers at 800-554-5245 or the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 985-345-6150.
On Thursday, July 1, 2021, shortly after 6:00 AM, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 12, just east of LA 21, in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 25-year-old Damarcus Jackson of Lacombe, Louisiana.
The initial investigation revealed that a 2008 Chevrolet HHR was westbound on I-12 in the left lane. For reasons still under investigation, the HHR veered onto the left shoulder and impacted a concrete traffic barrier. After impact, the HHR traveled across all westbound lanes of travel and ran off of the road to the right. The HHR then rolled over before hitting multiple trees.
Due to the severity of the crash, at this time it is unknown if either occupant was properly restrained. Jackson was pronounced deceased on the scene and the other occupant was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. As part of the ongoing investigation, toxicology samples were obtained for analysis. The crash remains under investigation.
Northshore Technical Community College is hosting a vaccination drive on Monday, July 12, 2021 from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Sullivan Campus located at 1710 Sullivan Drive in Bogalusa, Louisiana.
Vaccinations are free and they are offering the Pfizer vaccine to anyone 12 years of age and older. The follow up date will be August 2, 2021.
Please make your appointment 24 hours in advance as CVS is required to run insurance on everyone receiving the vaccine. (This is ensure they know patient medical history if something should indicate you should not receive the vaccine.)
The Washington Parish Council met Monday (June 28, 2021) evening and approved three ordinances and a resolution. Ordinances approved included one related to the road transfer program and two ordinances accepting Delta Lane and Tammy Lane as parish roads. The resolution that was approved amended a previous resolution regarding lawn maintenance for the Veterans Memorial Park.
During Public Participation, the Council heard from Mrs. Ross with questions about the road she lives on and Frankie Crosby announced a “Glow Ride” on July 10, 2021 sponsored by the Champions of Change.
During the Presidents Report, the Council heard from Finance Director Donna Graham, Public Works Director Ken Wheat, and Transportation Manager Donnell Merritt. Following Council Discussions, the meeting adjourned.
Christian Dillon was booked on the charges of Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, and Possession of CDS With Weapon Present by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $30000.00.
Tyler Hart was booked on the charges of Aggravated Domestic Abuse Battery and Domestic Abuse/Pregnant Woman by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $50000.00.
Samuel White was booked on the charges of Simple Battery and First Degree Rape/Aggravated Rape by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $501000.00.
Tracey Knight was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $10000.00 bond.
The Washington Parish School System has advised of this event and that it is by appointment or walk in. You can schedule your vaccination time by calling (985) 543-4880 or by using the link https://laredcap.oph.dhh.la.gov/surveys/?s=RCD74AWXHH
With the Governor’s approval of SB 60 by Senator Pat Connick, college athletes in Louisiana may be paid and obtain professional representation. The law allows compensation of intercollegiate athletes for the use of their name, image, or likeness (NIL). But before athletes can receive money, athlete agents wishing to represent them must register with Attorney General Jeff Landry's Office.
“The law requires folks wanting to provide professional representation for intercollegiate athletes to register with my office,” said Attorney General Landry. “If you are interested in providing an intercollegiate athlete with professional representation related to the use of his or her name, image, or likeness – you can complete the Athlete Agent Registration form readily available on our website.”
Under Senator Connick’s bill, compensation received must be commensurate with market value (and not marked up as a recruiting tool). Such compensation will not affect aid grants, scholarships, eligibility, etc. Athletes may use the educational institution’s facilities, uniforms, logos, etc. only with express permission of the institution.
Additionally, the legislation states that postsecondary education institutions themselves are not to provide or direct NIL compensation and university boosters may not create or facilitate NIL compensation opportunities. Among other stipulations like not applying to tobacco, alcohol, gambling – it also mandates that contracts for athletes under 18 must be executed by their parents or legal guardians.
Louisiana is now one of 20 states to pass NIL laws. A copy of the Athlete Agent Registration form may be found at https://agjefflandry.com/Files/Article/10/Documents/AthleteAgentForm.pdf.
From researching to gaming to communicating, the Internet can be a great source of learning and fun for our children; but cyberspace can also be dangerous and even deadly. And with Summer in full swing and Louisiana children spending more time online, Attorney General Jeff Landry is encouraging our State’s families to educate themselves about cyber safety and security.
“Oversharing and bullying online can lead to embarrassing situations and dangerous predicaments,” said Attorney General Landry. “We must do all that we can to protect Louisiana’s children from those wishing to do harm.”
In order to help our State’s youth stay safe online this Summer, Attorney General Landry offers the following cyber tips:
Attorney General Landry also urges parents and guardians to take a proactive role in their children’s cyber safety. “Do not simply rely on software applications or device restrictions; know the websites they are visiting, the apps they are downloading, the people they are talking to, and the info they are sharing,” added Attorney General Landry. “Tell your kids to come to you if any situation online makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.”
For more ways to stay safe online, visit www.agjefflandry.com/cybersafety.