October 12, 2021

Broadband Speed Testing to Help Get Broadband in Our Area

In the effort to get broadband in our rural areas, please help by going to https://dra.gov/speedtest and measure your internet speed. If you don't have internet, use a place that has internet to do the speed test and specify, "No internet service at (enter your address)".

Everyone that participates in this short testing will add a mark on the map and the more marks they see, the better chances we have to get something done in our area.

Also, please share this information with all your family, neighbors and friends!!



WP Council Hears About Work Crews, Appoints Redistricting Consultant, Sets Up Redistricting Advisory Committee

The Washington Parish Council met Monday (October 11, 2021) evening and, in addition to handling routine matters, addressed the matter of redistricting of council districts, heard comments from residents, and heard reports from Parish President Richard Thomas and his staff.

The work of redistricting of council districts must be accomplished by the end of the calendar year. To facilitate the work, the Council voted to approve an amended resolution that 1) appointed Marshall Buddy Jenkins as a consultant to the Washington Parish Council (as recommended by the Infrastructure Committee) and 2) established an Advisory Committee. Jenkins “crunches” the numbers to comply with redistricting requirements and makes recommendations to the Council, who will vote on how council districts lines will be drawn. The Advisory Committee, consisting of seven members (one to be appointed by each Parish Council Member) will participate and provide for transparency in the process. View the video beginning at 5:35. Also, go to https://www.mthermonwebtv.com/2021/09/wp-infrastructure-committee-on.html, beginning 2:00, for the discussion on redistricting at the Infrastructure Committee meeting on September 23, 2021.

President Thomas provided an update on the review by the attorney firm engaged by the parish to examine solar plant issues. See the video beginning at 15:50. The review has included examination of documents of related hearings by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, programs in other states, an analysis of the parish's draft of a proposed ordinance, input by the Concerned Citizens, and input from two solar energy companies. A final report is expected by the end of November.

Beginning at 20:00 into the video, President Thomas provided an update on COVID-19 in the parish, Public Works Director provided information regarding debris cleanup following Hurricane Ida, Finance Director Donna Graham and others remarked on the recent passing of Washington Parish Librarian Allison Barron and his contributions over the years, and Transportation Manager Donnell Merritt reported on other work performed by work crews. 

Thomas, Wheat, Merritt, and others emphasized the efforts by public works and other WPG employees who have worked 12 hour shifts, 7 days a week for the last 41 days. 

Following comments by Council Members, the meeting adjourned. 

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October 11, 2021

Pike County (MS) Jail Shakedown Search Results

Last Friday (October 8, 2021), Pike County Sheriff’s Office personnel, the Mississippi Highway Patrol
SOG Team, and Probation/Parole Agents with the Mississippi Department of Corrections, conducted a shakedown search of Cell Block A, Cell Block C, the kitchen, and the laundry room in the Pike County Jail. 

During the shakedown, four cell phones, multiple phone chargers, several shanks, multiple items that could be used as weapons, and other contraband were found. The shakedown search resulted from a three-week investigation that is currently still ongoing. 
















The Pike County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Mississippi Department of Corrections for their assistance. 

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 8-10, 2021



Aaron Blackwell (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Obstruction of Highway, Resisting Arrest by Providing False Booking Info, and Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3500.00.

Michael Goings (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Drug Free Zone Violation, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $30500.00 bond.

Brandi Bailey (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Use Turn Signal, Expired Drivers License, Prohibited Acts/Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Probation and Parole Hold, Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, and Failure to Appear (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Dave Winstead (Pearl River, La. address) was booked on the charges of Restricted License/Requirement, Switched License Plates, No Proof of Insurance, Registration/No Proof/Must Carry, Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Schedule III Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Michael Lowery (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Expired MVI, Failure to Use Turn Signal, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Heroin, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Arnie Smith (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Improper Turn/Accident, Unlawful Use of License, Prohibited Acts/Schedule II Drugs, and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Rachelle Rooks (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jerry Burton (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Battery and Contempt of Court by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

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Obituary

Pauline Lou Ford Martin

September 27, 1941 - October 9, 2021

Obituary

Desmond Harold Warren

January 12, 1999 - October 7, 2021

October 10, 2021

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October 09, 2021

Additional Arrests in Attack of Covington Teacher

On Friday (October 8, 2021), Detectives from the Covington Police Department secured arrest warrants for two additional persons who videoed the attack on the Covington High School teacher. Click here for the previous story.

Both subjects, one being a juvenile and the other 18-year-old Trinity Gervais, turned themselves in to the Covington Police Department. The juvenile suspect was released on a custodial agreement and Gervais was issued a misdemeanor summons. Both suspects were charged with Unlawful Posting Of Criminal Activity For Notoriety and Publicity (Misdemeanor).

The Covington Police Department wants this incident to serve as a reminder to our youth that even videoing illegal activities can land you criminal charges.

Parent Arrested on Numerous Charges Following School Incident

On Thursday (October 7, 2021), while responding to a complaint of a disturbance from a parish elementary school, a Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy encountered Seth Brown, age 41 and who gave a Des Allemands, Louisiana address. Brown was arrested and booked into the Washington Parish Jail on charges of terrorizing, criminal trespass, assault, resisting an officer, disturbing the peace with loud and abusive language and three counts of public intimidation. He was also booked on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court.

The incident began when Brown, the parent of a student, refused to comply with school rules involving proper procedure for dropping his child off at school. After aggressively confronting the assistant principal the previous day, Brown was banned from school property, although he returned the following day. In the presence of the deputy on October 7th, Brown was reportedly belligerent and cursed and yelled that the school “won’t control me.” Brown then reportedly resisted arrest before being restrained by the deputy. Two other deputies responded to the scene but no use of force was necessary.

“The prevailing issue is the protection of all children at any school,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “School must be a safe place for all students as well as staff. Mr. Brown made the unwise decision to create disturbances at the school and this will not be tolerated. I congratulate school officials for their management of this issue and commend our deputies for diffusing what could have developed into a worse scenario.”

Downtown Street Festival is October 16th in Bogalusa

The Downtown Street Festival presented by The Bogalusa Historic Cultural District is happening Saturday, October 16, 2021 from 3-10 p.m. Mark your calendars and plan to attend the outdoor event featuring live music, Louisiana cuisine, artisan vendors, an antique car show  supported by Open Road Cruisers, a silent art auction at Riverstone Gallery, and art contests hosted by the YMCA. 

Special thanks to Mike Shepherd, President of The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame for agreeing to MC the event.  

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to the grassy lawn in front of The Daily News to enjoy this benefit concert FREE to the public!

Music Line-Up includes~

  • Randy Jackson of Zebra, A Tribute to Led Zeppelin
  • The Chad Harry Experience
  • The Rezonators 
  • Claire Kellar
  • Street Performance by Saxophonist Steve Burke  

Sponsors making the festival possible include  Louisiana Cultural Districts, International Paper, Bogalusa Rebirth, City of Bogalusa, Washington Parish Assessor Jimbo Stevenson, The Brennan Family, Kelvin May, Attorney at Law, Robert Neilson, CPA, Champagne Beverage Company, Ponchartrain Distillery, Sharp Paint & Body Shop, Triana’s Discount Tire & Auto, Rowanoak Development, Jax-Piper, LLC, Rotary Club of Bogalusa, Fane Properties, LLC, City Drug Store, Sheriff Randy Seal, Jason Mickenheim, Attorney at Law, Nobles & Associates, Ellis & Pris Sampson, Ramie & Suzi Bourne, Chris & Debra Young, Ken Leblanc, Magee Financial, Champagne Beverage Co., State Representative Malinda White, Open Road Cruisers, Riverstone Gallery & Holistic Center, The Museum, YMCA.

Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat at RMC in Franklinton



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October 08, 2021

Timber Damage from Ida (A Video Report)

Forest landowners in southeast Louisiana have faced a double whammy in terms of stagnant prices for their timber and Hurricane Ida laying a destructive path through the state.  LSU AgCenter reporter Craig Gautreaux has this report from southeast Louisiana.

Aerial Spraying for Mosquitos This Weekend in Washington Parish

Obituary

JoAnn Carrier Mitchell

May 29, 1945 - October 08, 2021

Obituary

Frank S. Bickham, Sr.

February 13, 1931 - October 7, 2021

18 Year-Old Covington Student Attacks Disabled Teacher

On Wednesday (October 6, 2021), the Covington Police Department responded to Covington High School in reference to a student physically assaulting a schoolteacher after the dismissal bell rang. Officers reportedly learned that the disabled 64-year-old schoolteacher, was viciously attacked by Larrianna Jackson, an 18-year-old Covington High School student. 

Due to injuries sustained by the attack, the teacher had to seek medical attention at a local hospital. 

Larrianna Jackson was arrested and charged with Battery of School Teacher (Felony). Jackson was then transported to St Tammany Parish Jail. Bond was set at $25,000.00.

Officers on scene were also provided a video that captured the entire incident. The video shows the schoolteacher sitting at her desk where she appears to be talking to Larrianna Jackson. After a moment, Jackson punches the teacher, causing the teacher to fall to the ground. As the teacher fell to the ground, Jackson continues to violently closed fist punch the teacher. The video then turns off at this point. 

Officers learned that this violent attack by Jackson, may have been prompted by a viral social media application known as Tik-Tok. Evidently users on the app have deemed it to be a challenge to damage school property and attack teachers. 

The Covington Police Department would like to remind everyone that anyone who participates in such a challenge will be booked accordingly. 

This matter is still under investigation and more arrests may be forthcoming.

Obituary

Alan Dewey Blackwell

October 19, 1956 - October 07, 2021

Obituary

Robert J. Booth

December 17, 1958 - October 02, 2021

Obituary

Twyla Evette Jefferson Taylor

October 10, 1976 - October 05, 2021

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 6-7, 2021










Carlos Morris (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Zachary Armijo (Varnado, La. address) was booked on the charge of Obscenity by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

Lucian Meyers (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Bond Surrender (2 counts) and Failure to Appear (4 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $10000.00.

Ravon Brumfield (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession of a Stolen Firearm by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2500.00.

Ashley Carden (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Seth Brown (Des Allemands, La. address) was booked on the charges of Criminal Trespass, Disturbing the Peace/Loud & Abusive Language, Simple Assault, Terrorizing, Public Intimidation and Retaliation (3 counts), Resisting an Officer, and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Obituary

Willow Bea Crawford Parker

August 23, 1925 - October 05, 2021

Obituary

Mary Nell Warren Bateman

June 30, 1933 - October 6, 2021

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October 07, 2021

Two Former St. Tammany Deputies Sentenced in Kickback and Bribery Scheme

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that David Hanson, age 63 and from Abita Springs,  and Clifford “Skip” Keen, age 53 and from Covington were each sentenced Wednesday (October 6, 2021) to 50 months imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and soliciting a bribe.  The charges stemmed from their roles in the privatization of a work release program in Slidell that operated between 2013 and 2016.  Additionally, the two were sentenced to three (3) years of supervised release, a $10,000 fine and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  Restitution ordered without prejudice, with the amount to be determined at a later date.

According to court documents, Hanson and Keen, each of whom worked as Captains with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO) discussed with then-Sheriff Rodney J. (“Jack”) Strain about becoming owners of a work release program in Slidell, Louisiana that Strain decided to privatize. Ultimately, Hanson, Keen, and Strain agreed to make Keen’s adult son and Hanson's adult daughter owners of the Slidell work release program. 

Hanson, Keen, and Strain also agreed to hire another individual to actually to operate the Slidell work release program because Hanson's daughter and Keen's son lacked sufficient education, training, experience, or funding.  The person they hired was presented a series of conditions: Hanson's daughter and Keen's son would each own 45% of the business and receive 45% of the profits; the operator would own 10% of the business and receive 10% of the profits in addition to his salary. 

On June 4, 2013, Strain entered into a cooperative endeavor agreement (“privatization agreement”) on behalf of STPSO with St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC to operate the Slidell work release program.  Although Hanson's daughter and Keen's son acted effectively as passive members and did not participate substantially in the operation, oversight, or administration of the Slidell work release program, the operator was required to pay them salaries in addition to their ownership disbursements.  The operator was also directed to pay an unnamed Strain relative and employee at STPSO approximately $30,000 per year for a no-show job at the Slidell work release program.

During the time St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC operated the Slidell work release program, Hanson's daughter and Keen's son received not less than $1,195,000 from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC in the form of ownership disbursements, salary payments, and occasional lump sum miscellaneous payments.  They converted the majority of the money they received to cash and transferred a significant portion of the funds back to their fathers. 

Additionally, it was understood that Strain would receive financial compensation from them in exchange for bestowing the right to operate the Slidell work release program on St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC.   Hanson and Keen each gave Strain a portion of the payments they received in cash payoffs in amounts greater than $1,000 on a recurring basis.  Hanson also arranged for Strain’s son to receive a check in the amount of $4,000.  

Strain was indicted in a sixteen-count indictment by a federal grand jury separately on August 29, 2019.  Trial in that matter is scheduled to begin on December 6, 2021. 

Click here and click here for previous related stories.

5K & 1 Mile "Road to a Cure" Event in Osyka Saturday



Get it Growing! Sunflowers Always Face the Sun

By Heather Kirk-Ballard, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist

Perhaps one of the most brilliant and uplifting of flowers is the sunflower. Native to North America and made popular throughout Europe, this plant has a long history. Helen Keller once said, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It’s what sunflowers do.”

According to the National Sunflower Association, the sunflower was a common crop grown by American Indian tribes. The plant was first cultivated in present-day Arizona and New Mexico about 3000 B.C. Some archaeologists believe the sunflower was domesticated before corn.

Today, sunflowers are grown as a crop for seed, cooking oil and making flour. They are also grown as cut flowers and can be used in the landscape as an ornamental selection. The National Garden Bureau has designated 2021 as year of the sunflower.

Sunflowers can be either annual (Helianthus annuus) or perennial (Helianthus maximiliani). The most commonly known types are annual and are single stemmed. There also are both pollen and pollen-free varieties. Pollen-free varieties have been bred to be sterile to extend the vase life of the cut flowers and for their clean appearance. It’s also good for allergy sufferers. Some pollen-free sunflowers are Moulin Rouge, ProCut series, Sunbuzz, Sunrich series and the Vincent series.

Pollen-producing sunflowers are excellent for those gardeners who ae looking to support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, beetles and moths. Some great pollen-producing selections for your garden are Soraya, Ring of Fire and Valentine.

Plan to Attend the Rodeo in Franklinton Oct. 22-23

Bring the family and expect great entertainment at the Washington Parish Free Fair Pro Rodeo on October
22-23, 2021 in Franklinton. Click here to learn more

And there is much more! The 2021 edition of the Washington Parish Free Fair will run as scheduled October 20 – 24, 2021. The fair will open with the traditional Wednesday morning parade and close on Sunday evening. 

There is too much planned to put it all here!, So, Click here for the Washington Parish Fair Association's FB page and click here for the Washington Parish Free Fair website.


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Today's Message from ADAPT

Learn more and "Like" ADAPT's Facebook page and visit their website.

ADAPT, INC. is a nonprofit organization whose goals are 

  1. To prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens by delivering research based prevention programs.
  2. To provide child abuse prevention and direct services to victims which includes a variety of programs and services.
  3. To provide sexual assault prevention and direct services to assault victims which includes: operating a 24/7 crisis hotline; providing hospital and law enforcement victim advocates 24/7; providing sexual assault information, prevention education, professional training, awareness campaigns, inter-agency collaboration, and victim support and counseling.
  4. To provide prevention and educational services targeting substance abuse. 

October 06, 2021

Bogalusa Council Meeting October 5, 2021

Obituary

Melvin Leo Hebert

February 11, 1941 - October 5, 2021

Obituary

Anthony Wayne Morvant, Sr.

August 21, 1956 - October 3, 2021

Bush Man Arrested for Sex Crimes

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Bush man for sexual battery and molestation of a juvenile early Tuesday (October 5, 2021) morning.

Deputies arrested 52 year-old Jeffery Davis on warrants for the above listed charges at his residence in the 28000 Block of Highway 40 and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center. Bond was set at $160,000.00.

The charges stem from incidents that occurred six to eight years ago with two female victims, who were ages 18 and 14 at the time.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 5, 2021



Donshay Dyson (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery, Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment, Cruelty to Juvenile(s), Disturbing the Peace/Simple Assault, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

James Taylor (Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $3500.00.

Wesley Cardwell (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Commical Scott (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Forgery (2 counts), Identity Theft (2 counts), Bank Fraud (2 counts), and Theft Less Than 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3500.00.

Ricky Applewhite (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession of Stolen Property by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $5000.00.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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October 05, 2021

Obituary

Delorice Spillman Mizell

March 10, 1938 - October 5, 2021

Obituary

R. Lee Brumfield McClenton

January 10, 1934 - September 26, 2021

Obituary

Sharon Henry Warren

March 14, 1962 - September 28, 2021

74 Year-Old Loranger Man Jailed for Theft of Machinery

On September 19, 2021, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office detectives began investigating the theft of a John Deere "Compact Track Loader", a piece of machinery valued at approximately $80,000. Detectives identified 74 year-old Murphy Martin of Loranger, La as a suspect in the case.

Martin refused to cooperate during the investigation and was taken into custody in McComb, Ms on September 25, 2021. After being taken into custody, Martin continued to provide false information to detectives on the whereabouts of the stolen equipment. Martin was later booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail for Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Obstruction of Justice, and Illegal Possession of Stolen Things. 

On September 21, 2021, detectives received information from an anonymous caller on the location of the missing John Deere. Detectives located the machinery in Springfield, La and secured them for return to the registered owner.

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office would like to thank the public, as well as the McComb Police Department, the Pike County Sheriff's Office, and the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office for their assistance during this investigation.

UPDATE: Theft Suspect Armed With BB Gun Identified But Not Located

October 6, 2021 Update: Deputies with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office located Andrew Barbazon in Natalbany Wednesday (October 6, 2021) afternoon. He was taken into custody and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail as a fugitive. Sheriff Randy Smith thanks the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office for its assistance in locating Barbazon. “I cannot thank Sheriff Daniel Edwards and the men and women of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office enough for the assistance they have provided to us on this case and the hours they have put in helping us locate this man to get him off the streets,” Sheriff Smith said.

_______________________________________

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives, working with Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives, have identified the individual responsible for the incident this weekend at the Covington Academy Sports and Outdoors as 33 year-old Andrew Barbazon. An arrest warrant has been issued for Barbazon on the charge of First Degree Robbery. 

Shortly after 9:00 am Saturday, October 2, 2021, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Academy Sports and Outdoors in Covington after a female reported a white male armed with a rifle had stolen her truck.

Deputies arrived at the store within minutes and began investigating the incident. After deputies reviewed video footage from the store, it was learned the unknown white male removed an airsoft BB rifle from its packaging and discarded the empty package in the store. The white male then exited the store and was in the parking lot for some time. As the female was loading her packages in the back of her truck, the unknown male walked up and entered her opened driver’s side door, before exiting the parking lot towards Interstate 12. Shortly after 11:00 am, the truck was located on Haynes Road in Tangipahoa Parish. 

If anyone has any information on Barbazon’s whereabouts, please contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 898-2338.

Obituary

Clabon Baham

August 9, 1930 - October 4, 2021

Obituary

Joseph Scott Mitchell

January 2, 1976 - September 29, 2021

Obituary

John T. Crain

February 21, 1970 - October 4, 2021

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 4, 2021



Darian Renter (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, Drug Free Zone Violation, and Failure to Appear by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $150500.00.

Shelbi Frierson (Pearl River, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Speed Unsafe for Road Conditions by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $5000.00.

Billy Cavanaugh (Poplarville, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Resisting an Officer by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $5000.00.

John Arrington (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Drug Free Zone Violation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

Logan Wheat (Poplarville, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Heroin and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $5000.00.

Derrick Dones (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, and Illegal Carrying of Weapon by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $150000.00.

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October 04, 2021

DOTD Congratulates Barriere Construction

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development would like to congratulate Barriere Construction Co. on their recent Contractor Safety Award from the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).

Barriere Construction Co. was one of three contractors nationwide who received this award during ARTBA’s annual convention, held in North Carolina, last month.

“Safety is our number one priority, and to see our local contractors recognized for doing this helps create a culture where we must always remain vigilant while working on the roadways,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “One life lost is one too many, and highlighting safety can help prevent roadway deaths.”

Winners were selected based on demonstration of key principles of safety excellence including management commitment, employee participation, incident investigation, auditing, planning and risk assessment.

ARTBA is an association that advocates for the transportation construction industry by promoting infrastructure investment, research, education and public awareness.

STPSO and TPSO Looking for Thief Armed With BB Gun

Shortly after 9:00 am Saturday, October 2, 2021, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Academy Sports and Outdoors, located at 7205 Pinnacle Parkway in Covington, after a female reported a white male, armed with a rifle, stole her truck.

Deputies arrived at the store within minutes and began investigating the incident. After deputies reviewed video footage from the store, it was learned the unknown white male removed an airsoft BB rifle from its packaging and discarded the empty package in the store. The white male then exited the store and was in the parking lot for some time. As the female was loading her packages in the back of her truck, the unknown male walked up and entered her opened driver’s side door, before exiting the parking lot towards Interstate 12.

Shortly after 11:00 am, the truck was located on Haynes Road in Tangipahoa Parish. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives are working with Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives to identify and locate the white male.

If anyone has any information to assist with the investigation, please call the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 898-2338.  

Obituary

Ignazio "Neish" Longo

May 08, 1927 - October 03, 2021

Obituary

Hugh Edward Cassidy, Jr.

November 01, 1936 - October 02, 2021

Obituary

Frances M. Breland

March 30, 1941 - October 3, 2021

Obituary

Jerri LaJoyce Dillon Brumfield

September 28, 1957 - September 29, 2021

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 1-3, 2021





Justin Owens (Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Robbery (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $30,000.00.

Roy Barrios (Hammond, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Careless Operation, and Failure to Change Address on Drivers License by the Louisiana State Police. Released on $3500.00 bond.

Velicity Burkhalter (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Loud & Abusive Language and Resisting an Officer by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $1000.00.

Jamaneil Brown (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Chad Lorio (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Ran Stop Sign, Possession of Heroin, and Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

October 03, 2021

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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October 01, 2021

Obituary

Malcolm Allen Fry

August 18, 1940 - September 30, 2021

Washington Parish Man Charged With Burglary

Joseph Harper, age 19 and a resident of Highway 62, is in the Washington Parish Jail on charges of burglary of an inhabited dwelling and contempt of court. His bond is set at $11,000.

On September 21, 2021 a Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a residence on Gene Williams Road in reference to a complaint. He discovered that Harper had made entry into the residence through a bedroom window. When confronted by the homeowner, he left and apparently took the victim’s debit card which later was used for online purchases.

On September 29, 2021 a Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant received information that Harper was in the area of Gene Williams Road and Squirrel Alley driving a vehicle with a Mississippi license plate. The Lieutenant spotted the vehicle and then located Harper inside a nearby residence. Harper was arrested and transported to the Washington Parish Jail for booking.

Harper has a record of one previous arrest in Washington Parish. In November 2020, he was arrested and charged with aggravated battery, battery of a dating partner and criminal damage to property. After spending six days in jail, he was released on a $30,000 bond.

“Young Mr. Harper is paving a treacherous road for himself,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Unless he turns his life around quickly, he might be destined for a lifetime of arrests and incarcerations. I congratulate our patrol deputy and Lieutenant for investigating this case, following up and making the arrest. Good job, men!

Varnado Area Man Arrested at Bogalusa Motel

On September 30, 2021 Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force detectives, Bogalusa Police Department officers and the Louisiana State Police executed an arrest warrant and made entry into a room at the Choctaw Motel on Columbia Street and arrested Christopher Pernell Smith, age 38 and resident of Sid Sam Road east of Varnado, who was in possession of a Louisiana ID card which listed a Ferret Street address in New Orleans. At the time of his arrest, Smith was in possession of illegal narcotics and a loaded .45 caliber revolver. He was transported to the Washington Parish Jail and  booked on charges of two counts of distribution of illegal drugs, one count of possession of illegal drugs with intent to distribute, one count of possession of illegal drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and contempt of court. His bond is set at $200,000.

Smith has a record of six previous arrests in Washington, beginning with a 2008 arrest for driving while intoxicated. This was followed by a succession of arrests on various charges including possession of illegal drugs, domestic abuse battery with strangulation, domestic abuse child endangerment, resisting an officer, and several counts of failure to appear in court.

“The only way to slow down a drug dealer is to put him in jail and keep him there,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Our fine officers have done their job and let’s hope he is not back on the street in the near future. Illegal drugs fuel much of the violence we see in Bogalusa and I applaud the efforts of all of our area law enforcement officers to make cases and arrests. They are doing an outstanding job.”

Obituary

Brandon Michael Watts

July 21, 1985 - September 07, 2021

Obituary

Martha Newman Wilson

November 02, 1944 - September 30, 2021

Obituary

Nancy Pauline Hand

November 17, 1949 - September 30, 2021

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for September 30, 2021





Christopher Smith (Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Distribution of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts), Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Dustin Givens (Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Kidnapping and Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Bria Perry (Bogalusa, 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 With Intent to Distribute Schedule IV Drugs (3 counts), Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, and Drug Free Zone Violation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Kordarrius Mingo (Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Speed Unsafe for Road Conditions, Illegal Tinted Windshield/Side Windows, No Proof of Insurance, Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Resisting an Officer (2 counts), Distribution of Schedule 1 CDS, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs (2 counts), Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs (3 counts), Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule IV Drugs (3 counts), Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, and Drug Free Zone Violation by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Estley Barber (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Battery, Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment (3 counts), Domestic Violence Battery (2nd Offense), Sexual Battery, Oral Sexual Battery, Probation and Parole Hold, and Bond Surrender by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $73750.00.

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