Scott Everett Spears
August 7, 1981 - November 19, 2021
November 23, 2021
Washington Parish Council: Major Issues Nearing Completion
Entergy representative Patrick Hamby advised the Council (beginning at 6:55 into the video) that noise mitigation measures at the Entergy plant near Bogalusa are now complete and testing is planned for next week. The target noise level is 45 decibels.
The Council approved a resolution for a fourth extension (for 90 days) of the "moratorium on the approval or permitting of all solar panel farms or utility scale solar projects, commercial solar power plants or operations similar thereto". Prior to approving the resolution and beginning at 52:20 into the video, the Council was advised that the draft of the proposed ordinance was nearing completion. The draft of the proposed ordinance is being prepared by a group of four attorneys, each expert in their fields, retained by the Council. It was ultimately agreed that the draft would be provided to all interested parties and be brought to the Council at a special meeting. The Planning Commission and all interested parties will be invited. The ordinance will then be introduced followed by a Public Hearing and vote by the Council two weeks after introduction.
In other business,
- Small Business Administration representative Barbara Nitis made a presentation (beginning at 2:40 into the video) on assistance available to residents in the wake of Hurricane Ida. The number to call is 800-659-2955
- AT&T representatives Britt Ikerd and Eric Jones (beginning at 9:55 into the video) provided an overview of efforts to improve broadband to the Parish and requested a resolution in support of their application for a competitive $90 million Gumbo grant from the State of Louisiana
- an ordinance was introduced to adopt the 2022 Annual Operating Budget and the Capital Outlay Budget for the WPG. A public hearing and vote will held on December 6, 2021
- approved a number of resolutions of appointment. Huey Newcomb, Judy Howard, and John McCrary were re-appointed to the Washington Parish Fire District No. 5. Board of Directors; Troy Crain, Penny Moses, and Jerome Warren were re-appointed to the Washington Parish Planning Commission; Michael Harang, Thomas Garic, and Ricky Brumfield were re-appointed to the Washington Parish Fire District No. 2. Board of Directors; John Nathaniel, Gary Pierce, and Christine Whittington were re-appointed to the Washington Parish Fire District No. 6. Board of Directors
- a resolution was approved to engage Kushner Lagraize, L.L.C. to perform audit services for the WPG
- a resolution was approved in support of expanding Louisiana Highway 25 and Mississippi Highway 27 to four lanes.
Parish President Richard Thomas (beginning at 1:10:00 into the video) commented on the recent ground-breaking of the Hwy. 3241 project (finally becoming a reality after 32 years), provided comments and described the recent Larry Wells Memorial Highway dedication ceremony at Mt. Hermon School as “wonderful”, remarked on the efforts expanding Highway 25 to a four-lane, and provided the latest COVID-19 statistics in the Parish.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for November 21-22, 2021
Noah Burrows (Silver Spring, Md. address) was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness and Aggravated Assault Upon a Peace Officer by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $3500.00 bond.
Destinee McClain (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule IV Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $5000.00 bond.
Jeffery Wilkes (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Burglary of Inhabited Dwelling and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $45000.00.
Victor Green (Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $100000.00.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
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November 22, 2021
Intruder Arrested by WPSO After Chase and Fight
After a foot pursuit of approximately 200 yards, another deputy arrived and joined the chase. The second deputy was able to overtake Foxworth who actively fought. A third deputy arrived on the scene and was able to assist in subduing the resistant Foxworth.
During an interview with deputies, the property owner reported that Foxworth talked nonsensically when confronted and asked to leave the property. He asked for the keys to the property owner’s car which he had tried to enter and began to walk away only after learning that deputies were headed to the location.
Foxworth was booked into the Washington Parish Jail charged with five counts of resisting a law enforcement officer with force or violence, theft of a motor vehicle, criminal trespass, criminal damage to property and failure to appear in court. As of November 22, 2021 he remains in jail with his bond set at $30,000.
Foxworth has been in the Washington Parish Jail two dozen times beginning with a 2006 arrest for burglary and attempted criminal damage to property. Future arrests over the years were for similar charges in addition to domestic violence, possession with intent to distribute illegal drugs, three separate counts of driving while intoxicated, trespass, battery of the infirmed, hit and run, disturbing the peace, three separate counts of assault, several counts of resisting an officer and several counts of failure to appear in court. All total, he has been charged over the years with more than 70 criminal offenses.
“It seems Mr. Foxworth has some behavioral issues that have not been addressed,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “I’m pleased that no one was injured during this incident and that Mr. Foxworth was safely detained. I hope he can get the help he obviously needs before someone is hurt.”
Tylertown Man Arrested on Gun and Drug Charges
The deputy woke the driver and removed him from the vehicle. Another deputy arrived to assist and the deputies asked for permission to search his vehicle. Permission, laced with an obscenity, was granted. Deputies searched the vehicle and discovered two concealed pistols, a quantity of marijuana and two forms of candy infused with THC which is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. The pistols were a Taurus 9 mm semi-automatic and a Tec-9 9 mm semi-automatic.
Wilson was arrested and transported to the Washington Parish Jail where he was booked on charges of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with weapons present, possession of tetrahydrocannabis, obstructing a public highway and failure to appear in court. He was released from jail the same day after posting a $3,550 bond.
“What a blessing that an innocent motorist did not come along and strike the stationary vehicle,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “There must have been a reason he was in possession of two semi-automatic pistols and I seriously doubt if the reason was legitimate. I applaud our deputies for responding quickly and removing a potential hazard from our roadway.”
WPSO Investigating Alleged Rape / Can You Help?
The 28 year-old woman alleged to the deputy that she had walked to a convenience store on Columbia Street in Bogalusa about 2 a.m. that morning. She said an unknown black male picked her up and drove her into the parish near the intersection of Highway 450 and North Martin Road. She stated he pointed a pistol at her and raped her twice. Then, she stated, he opened the vehicle door and forcefully pushed her out into the roadway while he drove. She did not know her attacker but recalled that he drove a black four door vehicle with front end damage.
The victim, who had visible injuries, was evaluated by Northshore EMS and then transported to Riverside Medical Center. The WPSO detective division was notified and has assumed the investigation. Any person who might have knowledge of this incident is asked to call Detective Demmie Rice at (985) 661-2021. Callers may remain anonymous.
“Help us solve this crime,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “If you have any information whatsoever, please call Detective Rice. It is very important we locate this man and solve this crime before it happens to someone else. Let’s work together to help make Washington Parish safe.”
Brandon Holubar Graduates Law Enforcement Academy
The eighteen week academy prepares an officer for law enforcement duties through a rigorous curriculum including Louisiana law, firearms training and physical fitness. Holubar, who formerly served as a United States Marine, successfully passed all phases of his training.
Holubar is the nephew of WPSO Lieutenant Monica Barber who attended his graduation ceremony and had the privilege of pinning the badge on the new patrol deputy.
“Deputy Holubar has served us well as a corrections deputy and I am confident he will continue the same level of excellence as a patrol deputy,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Washington Parish is blessed to have a wonderful cadre of professional officers who work hard daily to keep our parish safe. I am pleased and honored to be their Sheriff.”
Slidell Police Recover Firearms From Two Convicted Felons in Separate Incidents
Later, on Saturday (November 20, 2021) morning around 3:00am, a Slidell Police officer observed a motorcycle on Gause Boulevard performing a “burnout”. Officers attempted to stop the motorcycle, which was being driven by, 29-year-old, Corey McMooain of Slidell. McMooain fled on Interstate 10 towards New Orleans. During the chase, McMooain tossed a firearm onto the interstate. McMooain was eventually apprehended and a firearm was recovered. It was discovered that McMooain was also a convicted felon. McMooain was arrested and charged with Careless Operation, Resisting an Officer by Flight, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal says, “We will continue keep our community safe by being proactive in getting criminals and illegally possessed firearms off our streets. My message has always been clear to the criminals...If you come to Slidell to commit a crime, you WILL get caught and you WILL be prosecuted. Great job to our officers who have been working hard and keeping busy protecting and serving the citizens of our community.”
Man's Leg Amputated When Struck by Train in Slidell
Slidell Police searched the area of Highway 11 and Indiana Avenue, and located the man suffering from a amputated leg. Officers quickly applied a tourniquet, which presumably saved the man’s life.
The victim was transported to University Medical Center in New Orleans, where he is currently listed in critical condition. An emergency room doctor informed officers that had it not been for their quick response and application of the tourniquet, the man would not have survived.
Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal says, “I am very proud of our officers for their quick response and performing lifesaving measures on this gentleman. Our officers are educated on a lot more than just law enforcement techniques, during their annual continuing education training. My thoughts and prayers are with the victim and for his road to recovery.”
No reports of injuries were reported from the passengers on the train.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
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November 21, 2021
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for November 20, 2021
Joe Crain (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Driving With Suspended License Due to Previous DWI (or Other) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Carroll Wilson (Tylertown, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Obstructing Public Passage(s), Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs/Tetrahydrocannabinols or Synthetic Cannabinoids, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $3550.00 bond.
Ramone Alexander (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (3 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Thomas Washington (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft/Shoplifting by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Austin Lang (Angie, La. address) was booked In For Court
Eloise Applewhite (Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Cecilia Dykes (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.
Terri Jones (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
(click image below for a clearer picture)
November 20, 2021
Portion of Hwy. 38 Renamed in Honor of Fallen Native Son
Larry Wells joined the marines shortly after graduating from Mt. Hermon School in 2002. Larry was deployed twice during the Operation Iraqi Freedom war. During his second deployment his unit was sent to the holy Shia "Wadi al Salam" cemetery of An Najaf, Iraq where some of the most intense fighting occurred. 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 a $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.
Watch the video below and Click here to learn more about Larry.
Kentwood Man Dies in Single Vehicle Crash
The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as Varnado was eastbound on LA Hwy 10 in a 2000 Toyota 4Runner. For reasons still under investigation, the Toyota exited the roadway to the right. After leaving the roadway, the Toyota traveled through the eastbound ditch before impacting a tree.
Varnado was unrestrained at the time of the crash and sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased on the scene. Impairment is suspected and a toxicology sample was obtained from Varnado for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
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