Washington Parish Council Agenda for August 10, 2026

The Washington Parish Council will meet at 5:30 PM on Monday (August 10, 2026) in Council Chambers at the Courthouse in Franklinton. The meeting will  be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/mthermonwebtv

On the Agenda for the Regular Meeting are the following: 

Michelle Trueschwig: Kushner LaGraize, Audit Report

Theo Jones: Candidate for 22nd Judicial District Court - Division G

Parish President Ryan Seal: Presentation to recognize employee

ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/DISCUSSION ITEMS

• Ordinance No. 26-790: Introduce an Ordinance to Amend the 2026 Annual Operating Budget for the Washington Parish Government

• Resolution No. 26-1522: Adopt a Resolution Appointing George Martinez to the Washington Parish Gas Utility District No. 2 Board of Directors.

• Resolution No. 26-1523: Adopt a Resolution by the Washington Parish Council Accepting the Lowest Responsible and Responsive Bid for the Purchase of Resuscitation Equipment for Washington Parish Fire Protection Districts No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Bogalusa Fire Department and Franklinton Fire Department, Utilizing Opiod Settlement Funds, and Authorizing the Parish President to Execute All Necessary Documents

• Resolution No. 26-1524: Adopt a Resolution by the Washington Parish Council Authorizing the Retention of Special Legal Counsel to Represent Washington Parish Government in Connection with Claims Arising from the August 22, 2025 Smitty's Supply Explosion, Including Participation in any Class Action or Required Litigation, for the Recovery of Costs Incurred by Washington Parish Government

• Resolution No. 26-1525: Adopt a Resolution by the Washington Parish Council to Authorize the Parish President to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Southeast Louisiana Pregnancy Center for Women and Children, for the Reimbursement of Eighty Percent (80%) of the Eligible Cost of a Maternal Substance Use Disorder Initiative Using Opioid Litigation Proceeds

Following Public Participation, the Council will hear reports from the Parish President and his staff before adjourning 

This Week in Louisiana Agriculture

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 7, 2026

Kristal Bateman (age 40 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Gregory Stafford (age 32 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Parole Violation and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Dane'Nycole Spears (age 37 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Obituary

Randy Devon Magee

August 25, 1953 — July 31, 2026

Obituary

Lori Quinn Harris

September 5, 1975 — August 6, 2026

Obituary

George Robert "Robbie" Stevens

May 12, 1948 - July 28, 2026

Tropical Disturbances Today

A tropical wave is expected to move off the west coast of Africa on Tuesday. Some development of this system will be possible during the middle to latter part of next week while it moves westward across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...20 percent.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.

Today   Sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Calm wind.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind.

Sunday   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Monday   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

One Arrested, Two Critically Injured in Reckless Driving Incident

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office reports the arrest of 18-year-old Josean Martinez of Ponchatoula, Louisiana in connection with a reckless driving incident that has a teen and a 20-year-old still fighting for their lives.

Martinez has been booked on two counts of Negligent Injury and Failure to Seek Assistance as well as one count each of Obstruction of Justice, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and Driving with No License. A 13-year-old passenger was also cited for Failure to Seek Assistance in the matter.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Just before 5 a.m. on Sunday (August 2, 2026) the TPSO was alerted to a medical emergency in the 23000 block of Highway 190 in the Robert area. Deputies arrived to find a 17-year-old female and a 20-year-old male critically injured on the ground off the side of the roadway. They were both transported to an area hospital where the female remains in critical condition, but is improving, and the male is in serious condition.

The investigation revealed that while Martinez was driving a pickup truck, the male passenger was standing in the bed of the truck and the female passenger was hanging out of the rear passenger window, both holding onto the top of the truck. At some point, both victims lost their grip on the roof and were thrown to the ground.

The investigation also revealed that a passerby called 911, not Martinez nor a 13-year-old female present at the time of the incident. The pair also left the scene prior to help arriving. There’s additional evidence that Martinez tried to hide his truck.

“This is a devastating reminder to families, especially of young people, that driving is a privilege, not a game, and that vehicles are not toys,” said Sheriff Gerald Sticker, “Two lives are in jeopardy over foolishness. Please join me in prayer for healing and help us stress the importance of safe driving behaviors, rules and expectations, especially ahead of many teens heading back to school as first-time drivers.”

Bogalusa Woman Arrested for Fatal Hit and Run; Parents Arrested for Obstruction

Troopers with the Louisiana State Police Troop L have continued to investigate the hit-and-run crash that resulted in the death of 24-year-old Rodrigo Ornelas Jr. of Folsom, which occurred on April 12, 2026. The investigation resulted in the arrests of three individuals from Washington Parish. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that Ornelas Jr. was riding a bicycle east on LA Highway 40, in a poorly lit area. At the same time, an unknown, dark-colored sedan or small SUV was traveling east on LA Highway 40, struck Ornelas Jr., and left the scene. Ornelas Jr. was transported to a local hospital for treatment, where he later died. 

Through further investigation, Troopers identified the vehicle involved in the crash as a 2019 Buick Encore and determined that 34-year-old Megan J. Kyle of Bogalusa was driving the vehicle when it struck Ornelas Jr. Further investigation, including multiple interviews, determined that her parents, 62-year-old Monica V. Wildebrandt of Franklinton and 63-year-old Robert J. Kyle of Bogalusa, knowingly and willfully attempted to conceal evidence related to the crime.

On August 6, 2026, Troopers arrested Megan J. Kyle, Monica V. Wildebrandt, and Robert J. Kyle. Megan was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Facility for Felony Hit and Run. Monica and Robert were booked into the Washington Parish Correctional Facility on charges of Obstruction of Justice, Injuring Public Records, and Accessory After the Fact.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Louisiana State Police remains committed to thoroughly investigating every hit-and-run crash and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. Leaving the scene of a crash is a serious crime that only compounds the tragedy for victims and their families. Troopers will continue to use every available investigative resource to identify those involved and pursue justice on behalf of the victims and their loved ones.

Obituary

Althea Lucy Y'Bos Buras

February 17, 1943 - August 5, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for August 6, 2026

April Varnado (age 44) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

BL Shirley (age 50) was booked on the charges of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Schedule II by the Slidell Police Department.

Tiffanie Cuquet (age 46) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Drug Paraphernalia, and Obstruction of Justice by the Slidell Police Department.

Tinaja Taylor (age 24) was booked on the charges of Taking Contraband to and from a Penal Institution (2 counts)
by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Megan Kyle (age 34) was booked on the charge of Hit and Run With Death or Serious Bodily Injury by the Louisiana State Police.

Christopher Orlando (age 42) was booked on the charge of Theft Over $25000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jewel Gill (age 56) was booked on charge(s) not listed by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Trisha Teague (age 34) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (4 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Tristen Pena (age 29) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Diego Smith (age 27) was booked on the charges of Principal to Commission of Crime and Second Degree Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Juan Dominguez Juarez (age 20) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Shawn Murphy (age 39) was booked on the charges of Operating While Intoxicated (3rd Offense) and Careless Operation by the Louisiana State Police.

Ernest Anclade (age 58) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Christopher Fisk (age 38) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) and Theft Less Than 1000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Tonya Oliver (age 37) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Crystal Shirley (age 47) was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Taillights, and Windshields Required by the Slidell Police Department.

Janae Benton (age 33) was booked on the charges of Theft and Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land After Being Forbidden by the Slidell Police Department.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 6, 2026

Marvin Carter (age 59 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Prohibited Acts, Median or Barrier Crossing Prohibited, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $7500.00.

Monica Wildebrandt (age 62 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Injuring Public Records, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, and Accessory After the Fact by the Louisiana State Police. Bond set at $25000.00.

Robert Kyle (age 63 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, Injuring Public Records, and Accessory After the Fact by the Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.

Raheem Kennedy (age 26 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.

Today   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Saturday   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Saturday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.

Sunday   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for August 4-5, 2026

Robert Coleman (age 34) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Louisiana State Police.

Katie Randall (age 25) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Driving Under Suspension, and Establishing Speed Zones by the Slidell Police Department.

Masyn Lumpkin (age 19) was booked on the charges of Underage DWI, Purchase and Public Possession of Alcoholic Beverages, General Speed Law, and Open Container in Motor Vehicle by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Seth Hardesty (age 25) was booked on
the charges of Battery of a Dating Partner, Illegal Carrying of Weapon, Possession of Schedule I, Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear (2 counts), and Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Kristine King (age 45) was booked on the charge of Attempted First Degree Murder by the Mandeville Police Department.

Nimon Henry (age 25) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Katherine Beleto (age 43) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Driving Under Suspension, and Misuse of Temp Tag by the Mandeville Police Department.

Ashley Decausey (age 37) was booked on the charges of Theft and Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land After Being Forbidden by the Slidell Police Department.

Kelvin Magee (age 38) was booked on the charges of Windshields Required, Improper Land Usage, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS (3 counts), Transactions Involving Proceeds From Drug Offenses, and Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.

Bryant Sylves (age 66) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Bicycles/front lamps/side and rear reflectors required by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jason Clements (age 43) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Device Taylor (age 26) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole.

Patrick Kittel (age 38) was booked on the charges of Manufacture and Possession of a Bomb, Possession of Schedule I, Possession of a CDS in Drug Free Zone, Illegal Carrying of Weapon, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Pamela Stringfellow (age 55) was booked on the charge of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things by the Louisiana State Police.

Chade Johnson (age 20) was booked on the charge of Battery of Emergency Room Personnel by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Christian Nixon (age 22) was booked on the charges of Simple Criminal Damage to Property 1000-50000 and Stalking by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Joseph Brown (age 62) was booked on the charges of Parole Violation and Failure to Honor Written Promise by Probation and Parole.

Tommy Garrett (age 61) was booked on charge(s) not listed by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Brittany Blackwell (age 28) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

John Barber (age 47) was booked on the charge of Pornography Involving Juveniles by the Louisiana State Police.

Brandi Jarrow (age 34) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II (2 counts) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

AG Murrill's LBI Arrests Slidell Man on 500 Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced that the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) arrested a Slidell man on 500 counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material Under the Age of Thirteen.

The suspect, 47-year-old John Matthew Barber of Slidell, was identified during a proactive investigation involving the distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through an online peer-to-peer network.

During the investigation, agents determined Barber downloaded hundreds of files containing prepubescent CSAM to file storage devices at his residence in Slidell.

On August 5, 2026, Barber was arrested on the charge of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material Under the Age of Thirteen (500 counts). Barber was arrested at a residence on Sgt. Alfred Drive in Slidell and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail.

The arrest was the result of a joint investigation involving the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the 22nd Judicial District Court Special Victims Unit Task Force, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, the Covington Police Department, the Slidell Police Department, and the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office.

Bond has been set at $500,000.00.

The investigation remains ongoing.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Abita Springs Man Dies in Head-On Crash

On August 5, 2026, at approximately 10:40 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a two-vehicle serious injury crash on US Highway 190 near Rapatel Street in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 50-year-old Joseph M. Fortes Jr. of Abita Springs.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2020 Honda Civic, driven by Fortes, was traveling west on US Highway 190 near Rapatel Street. At the same time, a 2007 Ford Expedition was traveling east on US Highway 190 near Rapatel Street. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicles collided head-on.

The driver of the Ford, who was properly restrained, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Fortes, who was unrestrained, sustained serious injuries and died at the scene. As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers believe a witness may have observed the crash and are asking that individual, or anyone with information or dash camera footage related to the incident, to contact Louisiana State Police Troop L at (985) 893-6250.

Obituary

Doris Jeanette Patterson Guy

May 7, 1959 - August 5, 2026

Slidell Man Arrested, Volatile Materials Found & Removed

Patrick Kittel, age 38 and of Slidell, was arrested Wednesday (August 5, 2026) following a joint investigation by the FBI and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office that resulted in the execution of a federal search warrant at a duplex in the 3100 block of City Drive in Slidell. The investigation stemmed from information developed by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit and shared with the FBI.

Wednesday morning, FBI agents and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office deputies executed a federal search warrant at the residence. During the search, investigators located volatile materials and explosive precursor devices inside the duplex. As a precaution, the surrounding area was secured while bomb technicians responded.

FBI bomb technicians worked alongside members of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office Hazardous Device Unit and the Louisiana State Police Hazardous Device Unit to safely remove the hazardous materials from the residence. Deputies with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office and troopers with the Louisiana State Police then escorted the materials to Camp Villere, where they will undergo additional testing and safe disposal. The operation was completed safely, and there was no threat to the surrounding community.

Kittel was arrested by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center for L.R.S. 14:54.3 Manufacturing and Possession of a Bomb. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible. Federal prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana are also reviewing the case for potential federal charges.

"I want to thank all of our federal, state and local partners for their outstanding teamwork and professionalism throughout this operation," Sheriff Bret Ibert said. "The close working relationships we have allow us to share information, coordinate resources and respond quickly when situations like this arise. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the administration, faculty, staff and parents at Abney Elementary, as well as the residents who live nearby, for their patience and cooperation. Their understanding allowed law enforcement and first responders to safely complete this operation."

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office thanks the FBI; Slidell Police Department; Louisiana State Police; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney's Office; St. Tammany Fire Protection District No. 1; and Acadian Ambulance for their assistance and partnership throughout this investigation.

Two Die in Aircraft Crash at Bogalusa Airport

Emergency personnel responded to the scene of a small aircraft crash today (August 6, 2026) at approximately 10:48 AM at George R. Carr Memorial Airfield (Bogalusa Airport) in Bogalusa, Louisiana. The crash is reported to have occurred during takeoff and the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the aircraft to be a Beechcraft Bonanza.

The aircraft was occupied by two individuals, each of whom were pronounced deceased at the scene. The victims have been identified as William "Bill" Day, age 68, and his wife, Tommie Day, age 69, both of Seguin, Texas. The next of kin have been notified. 

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and will lead the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with assistance from local authorities. 

Additional information will be released as it becomes available and as appropriate.