Washington Parish Jail Bookings for November 19, 2021

Christopher Pitre (Morgan City, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Speeding 41 or More Over Limit by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2500.00 bond.

Joshua Foxworth (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Criminal Trespass, Theft of a Motor Vehicle/25000 or more, Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence (3 counts), Resisting an Officer/Flight on Foot (2 counts), and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Billy Mingo (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Careless Operation, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Attempted Introduction of Contraband to Penal Institute, and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2550.00 bond.

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Country Christmas Festival is in Tylertown December 10th

The Walthall County Chamber of Commerce has advised that this year the Country Christmas Festival will be held on Friday, December 10, and the Craft Show will be held in the Agri-Heritage Building from 10am until 6pm on Railroad Avenue in Tylertown. The Country Christmas Festival Craft Show has been held annually there for around the last ten years.  Prior to that, vendors set up in front of stores along the sidewalk and now many of the downtown shops place sale items on sidewalk tables in front of their stores. As part of the Country Christmas Festival, some of the downtown banks and stores have old-timey demonstrations and others offer refreshments to their customers that day. The Country Christmas Festival and Craft Show is part of the series of activities the Walthall County Chamber of Commerce sponsors each year called “Celebrating the Season”. 

New this year is Floyd Netterville from Smithdale.  Floyd has colorful indoor and outdoor metalwork.  Velma Jean’s will have a food booth and is in the process of fine-tuning the selection and you can bet it will be outstanding. Ben Atwood of the Vintage Guitar Emporium is scheduling the entertainment. Danny Rast, from Columbus, MS, will be located outside the side entrance frying pork skins and selling them fresh or pre-packaged.  Cindy Smith is coming from Florence, MS, and she’s bringing hundreds of repurposed bears and other stuffed animals outfitted with hand-crocheted accessories that will be sold for $5 each.  Dane the Balloon Man will be on-site creating balloon toys. Vick Gulotta’s woodworking and other crafts will be on-hand and Megan Taylor will have wreaths, table pieces, and woodworking. Milton Kinler will bring needlepoint, handmade crafts, and woodwork. Shelia Graham will have Christmas embroidery and Melissa Stevenson will have clothing, jewelry and blankets.  Mary Schilling will have paparazzi jewelry and Ashley Allen will have shirts, ornaments, decals, and signs. Clodine Ross is bringing her well-known New Orleans style baked goods.

Many of the classic favorites are returning.  Ms. Dot Johnson will be back with her popular divinity and baked goods.  Stan Todd will return with his amazing hand-thrown glazed pottery. Phillip Branch will have honey and Terry Reid will have jelly, jam and bread.  Diane Turnage will have paintings, gift items, and woodworking and Margaret Dixon will have soap and pottery. Theola Smith’s booth will overflow with sewn gift items - aprons, throws, books, baby gifts, and more. Tim Rivers will be back with a massive selection of flashlights, headlamps, lanterns, and walkie talkies.

Nearly all of the inside spaces have been filled and once the remaining few are taken only outside spots will available.  More info at www.walthallchamber.com

Slidell Man Charged With Firing Into a Crowd

A two-year-old narrowly missed being shot Wednesday (November 17, 2021) evening, after a man fired multiple bullets into a crowd of people standing outside of a small apartment building in Slidell.

Slidell Police arrested 35-year-old Kevin Roberts on Thursday (November 18, 2021) morning, and charged him with six (6) counts of Attempted First Degree Murder and one (1) count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Around 10:40pm on Wednesday, Slidell Police responded to the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Eighth Street, after receiving reports of gunfire in the area. When officers arrived, they discovered six frantic victims outside of a small apartment building. One man was suffering from a gunshot to his leg, but the others were miraculously unharmed. One of the six innocent bystanders was a 2-year-old child.

Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal says, “This type of ignorance and disregard for human life is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our community. I'm proud to say that a swift investigation by our detectives got this dangerous man off our streets and in jail where he belongs. As your chief, I am committed to seeking the longest possible jail sentence for these violent criminals.” 

The gunshot victim is expected to make a full recovery. The alleged motive for the shooting stemmed from a disagreement earlier the same day. Roberts was booked into the Slidell City Jail and has since been transferred to the St. Tammany Parish Jail.

Michael David Branch Arrested on 32 Felony Charges

On Thursday (November 18, 2021), Michael David Branch, age 43 and a resident of Highway 436, was arrested and placed in the Washington Parish Jail charged with thirty-two felony offenses. Branch was booked on domestic abuse battery with strangulation, domestic abuse child endangerment, domestic abuse of a dating partner, possession of illegal drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, contempt of court and twenty-six counts of possession of a firearm by a person convicted of domestic violence.

The arrest came after a Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy responded to Our Lady of Angels Hospital in reference to a victim who was receiving medical treatment for injuries suffered during an act of domestic abuse. The victim, who sustained injuries after being attacked by Branch while her child was present, was discharged from the hospital after being treated by medical personnel. Branch was arrested after deputies and detectives went to Branch’s home with a signed search warrant. It was at that time numerous firearms and a quantity of drugs were discovered in Branch’s house.

Branch has five previous stays in the Washington Parish Jail beginning with an April 2019 arrest for domestic abuse battery. This was followed by a May 2019 arrest for violating a protective order. He was arrested again in January 2020 for again violating a protective order, theft and two counts of contempt of court. 

In July 2020, Branch was once again arrested and charged with battery of a dating partner and criminal damage to property. He faced more charges in November 2020 when he was arrested and charged with felony battery of a dating partner, violation of a protective order, theft and five counts of bond surrender. He remained in jail for eleven days before posting bond for his release. He plead guilty to the domestic violence charge and was given a six month suspended sentence and two years of supervised probation.”

“Branch’s record of violence against women speaks for itself,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “He displays a flagrant disregard for women and for the law itself. I firmly believe the District Attorney’s Office will vigorously prosecute him on these latest charges and do all within its power to make certain he receives time behind bars.”

Covington Police Nabs Man Attempting to Sell Drugs Outside of a Dollar General Store

On November 18, 2021, officers with the Covington Police Department conducted an investigation of a suspicious person attempting to sell narcotics outside of the Dollar General Store, located at 1823 N. Columbia Street. 

Officers located the subject identified as 61 year-old William Lott, Jr., a convicted felon, who was ultimately found to be in possession of a 9mm pistol, and approximately 380 grams of marijuana packaged for sale. 

Lott was arrested on the charges of Possession with intent to distribute marijuana (380 grams) (Felony), Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (Felony), Illegal carrying of weapons (Felony), Controlled dangerous substance within 2000 feet of a school, and Transactions involving proceeds from drug offense. 

Bogalusa Council Meeting of November 16, 2021

The Bogalusa City Council met Tuesday (November 16, 2021) and addressed a lengthy Agenda. Guest Speaker Purvis Morrison made a presentation and answered questions regarding a proposed Resiliency Plan, the Council took action on six Resolutions, introduced six Ordinances (to be discussed and voted on at the December 7th meeting), held a Public Hearing and then voted on one Ordinance, heard from one resident during Public Participation, and heard Administrative Comments from Mayor Wendy Perrette.

The Resiliency Plan has been previously discussed with the Mayor and Council Members. The Plan considers how problems, such as the issue of blighted properties, can be addressed by updating Ordinances and Code Enforcement. The Plan's goals seem to be to bring in more revenue to the City, clean up the City, and improve the quality of life for residents. Please see his comments and the Council's remarks beginning at 2:00 into the video. 

Resolutions considered were 

• A RESOLUTION by the City of Bogalusa adopting the Washington Parish Multi Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan 2021
• A RESOLUTION changing the form for zoning change requests for the Planning and Zoning Commission
• A RESOLUTION to hire an administrative consultant for the City of Bogalusa relative to the Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (LCDBG-CV) Love Louisiana Outdoors Program
• A RESOLUTION to hire an Engineering Services for the City of Bogalusa relative to the Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (LCDBG-CV) Love Louisiana Outdoors Program
• A RESOLUTION authorizing the Mayor of the City of Bogalusa to declare 26 acres in Mississippi as surplus and not needed for the City's purposes. This is the first step in disposing of the property
• A RESOLUTION pertaining to personnel policies and procedures reference: transparency of the  hiring process. While acknowledging the Mayor's authority, the resolution was seeking to give the Council more information regarding new hires. The vote on approval of the resolution resulted in a tie vote and failed to pass.

Ordinances introduced were 

• AN ORDINANCE to approve the Planning and Zoning request for Martha Durand to change a vacant property from A-2 Residential to B-Transition
• AN ORDINANCE authorizing the Mayor to retain Pistorius Associates to provide Architectural Services to rehabilitate the City Court Room/Council Chambers and necessary repairs to roof structure
• AN ORDINANCE authorizing the Mayor to request bids or quotations for repairs and rehabilitation of the Bogalusa City Hall Building, the City Court Room/Council Chambers and roof repairs to accept the low bid or quotation
• AN ORDINANCE to discourage underage possession and consumption of alcohol/alcoholic beverages for those under the age of twenty-one (21) regarding social hosting
• AN ORDINANCE authorizing the Mayor of the City of Bogalusa to enter into a new lease agreement with The Salvage Store, Inc. concerning 209 Industrial Parkway, Bogalusa, Louisiana
• AN ORDINANCE approving and adopting the City of Bogalusa Operating Budget and Capital Budget for the Fiscal Year beginning January 1, 2022

A Public Hearing was held an Ordinance to approve the 2021 Revised Budget and the Council then voted to approve the Ordinance. During Council Discussions regarding the Ordinance, a number of issues were raised and clarified. See the video beginning at 34:00

During Public Participation, one resident addressed an issue of a “sink hole” near her property.

Beginning at 1:01:45, Mayor Perrette provided Administrative Remarks. She thanked the Council for approving the revised budget and commented on the recent tax renewal failure and that the measure will be placed on the ballot in the spring, 

Following comments from Council Members, the meeting adjourned. 

Obituary

Georgia Mae Hartzog

November 30, 1937 - November 17, 2021

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for November 18, 2021

Talage Ratliff (Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Terrorizing and Criminal Mischief/False Report of a Crime by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Cresen Miley (Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Terrorizing by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Daniel McCann (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Michael Branch (address not available) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation, Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment, Battery of a Dating Partner, and Possession of a Firearm or Carrying of a Concealed Weapon by a Person Convicted of Domestic Abuse Battery (18+ counts) by the (Agency Not Available). Bond information not available.

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Obituary

Norma Rae Travis Muse

January 16, 1940 - November 16, 2021

Obituary

Kolton Tate Fairley

January 16, 2014 - November 16, 2021

Man Wanted in St. Tammany for Aggravated Crimes Against Nature

Multiple Offender from Slidell Faces Unknown Sentence After Latest Conviction

District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that on November 17, 2021 a St. Tammany Parish jury, found Christopher “Winky” Bell, Jr., age 35 and of Slidell, guilty of two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and two counts of Obstruction of Justice. 

On May 26, 2019, the St. Tammany Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call from the Alton area where family members of a homicide victim were gathered for a memorial. The crowd became alarmed and began running when they noticed an armed Bell circling the area. After obtaining a description of the vehicle Bell was in, officers descended on the area. After a brief pursuit officers located Bell and the two firearms he attempted to hide under a residence.

A twelve-person jury deliberated for about an hour before handing down the guilty verdict. The case was tried by Assistant District Attorneys Blair Alford and Tiffany Dover.

The charge of felon in possession of a firearm carries a penalty of five to twenty years and obstruction of justice carries a penalty up to twenty years. The sentence range(s) could be affected by his status as a multiple offender when he is sentenced by District Judge Vincent Lobello on January 20, 2022.

Bell has previously been convicted for three counts of aggravated battery in 2005, illegal possession of stolen property in 2012, again for illegal possession of stolen property in 2013, possession of cocaine in 2013, aggravated battery, aggravated criminal damage to property, and hit and run driving involving serious bodily injury in 2014.

Bell is also awaiting trial on charge(s) of second-degree battery from May 2019, battery from June 2019, battery from February 2020, obscenity from August 2020 and battery from December 2020.

The District Attorney’s Office commends the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Deputies for their hard work and dedication to the safety of our community.

Bogalusa's Violent Crimes Task Force Arrests 3 Fugitives

The Bogalusa Police Department has advised that, on Monday (November 15, 2021) afternoon, the
Covington Police Department investigated a drive by shooting in their city. Their detectives identified two female suspects and arrest warrants were obtained. On Wednesday (November 17, 2021), Covington authorities received information that one of the suspects, Alriyane Tri Al Simmons, may be at a residence in Bogalusa. She was wanted for Attempted Second Degree Murder and Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property. Click here for the previous related story

The Bogalusa Police Department Violent Crimes Task Force was contacted and responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Avenue F. While speaking to a resident, Officers observed Simmons inside the house. When officers attempted to arrest Simmons, she resisted but was quickly taken into custody. 

While at the residence officers also identified Christina Marie Long who was found to be wanted out of Covington for Felony Theft. She was also arrested. 

A male subject at the residence was questioned. He falsely identified himself, and was released after a warrants check was made with no record on the subject. Later in the day, while working with Covington Detectives, Officers determined that the male subject was actually Drew Preis who is on Felony Parole for multiple drug offenses and wanted for a Parole Violation. Preis was also wanted by the Covington Police Department for Felony Theft. He had since left the residence and Task Force Officers began a search for Preis. He was located in the area of Hwy 60 later in the evening and was also arrested.

All three fugitives were booked into the Bogalusa City Jail, then released to the Covington Police Department. All three have been booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail.

Mile Branch Settlement's Pioneer Christmas is Dec. 4th & 5th

Obituary

Marie Annette Ingram Vince

July 16, 1960 - November 17, 2021

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for November 17, 2021

Brenzel Warren (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Bench Warrant/Failure to Appear, Contempt of Court, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Eric Sartin (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft Less Than 1000 (2 counts), No License Plate, No MVI, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Criminal Trespass by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

David Bonnette (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Adrian King (Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of 2nd Degree Rape/Vaginal, Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s), Molestation of a Juvenile or Person With Physical/Mental Disability, Sexual Battery (Rubbing/Touching), Oral Sexual Battery, Prostitution Under Seventeen, and Enticing Persons Into Prostitution by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Charles Jenkins (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Attachment by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

David Miller (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery and Cruelty to Infirm by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Deanna Johnson (Hammond, La. address) was booked on the charges of 2nd Degree Murder, Aggravated Burglary, and Theft of Firearm (3 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Shemethia Williams (Hammond, La. address) was booked on the charges of 2nd Degree Murder, Aggravated Burglary, and Theft of Firearm (3 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Christopher Bennett (Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $670.00.

Today's Message from ADAPT

Identifying the signs of unhealthy relationships is essential for overall well being. Understand your value and don't settle.

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. 

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