LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message

Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Continues to Affect Louisiana Landscapes

Crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS) has been present in southeast Louisiana for over ten years now. Recent questions from clients, as well as the finding of an infestation in my own yard, have prompted me to address the topic again and in more depth.

These insects are members of the felt scale family. They live on bark of crape myrtle trees, feeding on plant sap. Like other felt scales and soft scales, they excrete a sugary substance called honeydew. Sooty mold, made up of various fungal species, grows on the honeydew.

Oftentimes, the reason people notice that they have a problem is not because they see the insects themselves but because sooty mold makes the trunks of the crape myrtles appear black. Sometimes, plants under the crape myrtles have sooty mold on them, too, since honeydew drops from the crape myrtles onto other plants.

Over time, the infested crape myrtles become less vigorous and produce fewer flowers. Young trees may be more severely affected.

My recent delving into CMBS biology was prompted in part by the question of whether it feeds on plants other than crape myrtles. It does. In its native range, it’s been found to infest a number of other hosts. In the US, the list of hosts it’s been reported from is limited and includes spirea (Spiraea japonica and S. thunbergii), a species of St. Johnwort (Hypericum kalmianum) that doesn’t commonly grow this far south, and, to my dismay, our native American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana).

To catch a CMBS infestation early, before sooty mold is widespread, I suggest checking your crape
myrtles from time to time for the white, cotton-like coverings of the adult females and eggs or of the male pupae so that, if desired, you can take steps to manage them while the population is small. These white structures are roughly 1 to 3 mm long, or less than one-eighth of an inch in length. They do not move. Only juveniles (nymphs) and winged adult males move. Under the cottony coverings, CMBS bodies and eggs are typically pinkish in color.

CMBS bodies are sometimes hidden under the peeling bark of crape myrtles or under lichens, so look closely when checking for them.

There are larvae of some lady beetles, such as Hyperaspis bigeminata, that feed on CMBS and are also white and cottony looking. It’s important to distinguish between the bad guys and the good guys, since if you have a lot of the latter, that may change how you decide to treat (or not treat) the plant. One way to distinguish lady beetle larvae from CMBS is that the former will likely move if they’re disturbed.

Note that the presence of sooty mold doesn’t necessarily mean that you have CMBS. Aphids often live on crape myrtle leaves, and they also excrete honeydew, resulting in sooty mold growth on leaves. If sooty mold is primarily on leaves, aphids are likely the culprit, but it covers much of the trunks and branches, you likely have CMBS.

I will address CMBS management in the next article.

Let me know if you have questions.

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Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson is an Extension Agent with the LSU AgCenter, with horticulture responsibilities in Washington and Tangipahoa Parishes. Contact Mary Helen at mhferguson@agcenter.lsu.edu or 985-277-1850 (Hammond) or 985-839-7855 (Franklinton).

Washington Parish Burn Ban Lifted

As of today (August 28, 2026), the burn ban for Washington Parish has been terminated by Proclamation Number 08-2026-02 signed by Washington Parish President Ryan Seal.

Obituary

Willie Mae Rogers McElveen

July 17, 1936 - August 28, 2026

Obituary

Delorese Bickerstaff Day 

January 25, 1934 — August 23, 2026

Angie Man Convicted of Murder in Fentanyl Death

District Attorney J. Collin Sims reports that on Thursday (August 27, 2026), a Washington Parish jury returned a guilty verdict in just 30 minutes, finding 43-year-old Derrick Fairley of Angie, Louisiana, guilty as charged of Second Degree Murder and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. The verdict was rendered following a trial before the Honorable District Judge Martin Coady. Sentencing is scheduled for September 4, 2026. Fairley faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment at hard labor without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. 

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The conviction stems from the fatal overdose of 34-year-old Roxanne Fortenberry on December 15, 2024. Washington Parish Sheriff's Office (WPSO) deputies responded to a residence on Wardline Road where Fortenberry was discovered deceased in her bed. An autopsy and toxicology screening conducted by the Coroner's Office subsequently confirmed that Fortenberry died of a lethal dose of Fentanyl.  

A forensic analysis of the victim’s cell phone conducted by WPSO detectives uncovered text messages from December 13, 2024, in which Fortenberry arranged to purchase $100 worth of suspected Heroin from a drug dealer identified as "Dee.” Investigators traced the phone number directly to Fairley, a known narcotics dealer with an extensive criminal history.  

On December 16, 2024, undercover officers with the WPSO and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT) utilized the victim's cell phone to set up a controlled drug buy with Fairley. When Fairley arrived at the victim's driveway, law enforcement surrounded the vehicle. As officers activated their emergency lights, Fairley handed a concealed bag of brownish powder to his female passenger, apologizing to her as he instructed her to hide the narcotics. Field tests confirmed the substance contained Fentanyl. 

Assistant District Attorneys Iain Dover and Tiffany Dover prosecuted the case on behalf of the State. During closing statements, ADA Iain Dover emphasized the consequences of narcotics trafficking, stating, "The defendant sold the victim a death sentence, and with the money he received, bought himself a life sentence.”

District Attorney Collin Sims commended the actions of law enforcement and the prosecution team following the verdict. "Fentanyl is a deadly poison that continues to devastate families across our community. This verdict sends a clear message: if you deal fatal doses of Fentanyl in Washington Parish, my office will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law for murder," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "I want to commend the dedicated work of our prosecution team, lead WPSO investigator Captain Chad Cassard, and our law enforcement partners who acted swiftly to take this violent repeat offender off our streets.”

Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith stated, “Unfortunately, we continue to have people in our community who manipulate others in their lowest moments in order to make money. Thankfully, in Washington Parish, I have some exceptional deputies who will not stop going after the people who take advantage of others.  Today was a win; there will be more.”

"Fentanyl is a lethal poison, and those who trade human lives for profit must face swift justice," said DEA New Orleans Special Agent in Charge John P. Scott. "This conviction highlights the vital impact of our Fentanyl Overdose Response Team working alongside local partners to pull deadly traffickers off our streets."

DA Sims extends special recognition to the joint law enforcement effort that led to the apprehension and conviction of Fairley, including the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT), the U.S. Secret Service, the Louisiana State Police, and the Bogalusa Police Department. 

Letlow Announces Washington Parish Office Hours

Congresswoman Julia Letlow has announced that her team will host satellite office hours in Washington Parish and her district staff will be available in both Bogalusa and Franklinton to help constituents of Louisiana’s 5th District with federal agency related issues, such as IRS, VA, or Social Security assistance. All local residents in LA-05 are invited to attend and receive specialized assistance. 

September 9, 2026: From 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Bogalusa City Court, 202 Arkansas Ave., Bogalusa, LA. 70427

September 9, 2026: From 2 - 3 p.m. at Franklinton City Hall, 301 11th Ave., Franklinton, LA. 70438 

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 27, 2026

Chad Moore (age 33 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Switched License Plates, Theft Less Than 1000, and Theft of Motor Vehicle 5000-25000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

Gabriel Warren (age 23 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Attempted Simple Burglary by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Autumn Bonnet (age 30 with a Covington, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

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

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for August 26, 2026

Eushekia Hughes (age 37) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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.

Ivance Mitchell (age 29) was booked on the charges of Possession of Firearm or Carrying Concealed Weapon, Driving Under Suspension, No Insurance, and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Ike Spencer (age 32) was booked on the charges of Illegal Carrying of Weapon, Possession of Schedule I, Ignore Traffic Signal, Driving Under Suspension, Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear, and Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Manzanero Wabomnor (age 43) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Alyssa Toledo (age 33) was booked on the charges of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond and Contempt of Court by Bondsman.

Gage Ticker (age 21) was booked on the charges of Pornography Involving Juveniles and Sexual Abuse of an Animal (2 counts) by the Louisiana State Police.

Kristen Browncoulfield (age 37) was booked on the charges of Bank Fraud and Access Device Fraud by the Slidell Police Department.

Tracy McMurtry (age 46) was booked on the charge of Manufacture/Distribution Schedule I CDS by the District Attorney.

Lynette Gonzales (age 59) was booked on the charge of Stalking by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jamaica Ball (age 29) was booked on the charge of Armed Robbery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Brianna Rielo (age 24) was booked on the charge of Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Donald Cyprian (age 22) was booked on the charges of Simple Battery and Negligent Carrying of a Concealed Weapon by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Antoine Calahan (age 27) was booked on the charge of Violation of Protection Order by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Ricky McKevitt (age 68) was booked on the charges of Driving Under Suspension, No Safety Belts, No Proof of Insurance, Contempt of Court, and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

***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   Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the morning.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Calm wind.

Saturday   Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night   Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 70. Calm wind.

Sunday   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Tropical Disturbances Today

The only disturbance out there is Tropical Storm Dolly, which is located about 1145 miles east of the Leeward Islands and continues moving rapidly westward at 24 MPH with 40 MPH maximum sustained winds. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Dolly is forecast to degenerate into a tropical wave before it reaches the Leeward Islands.

Obituary

Barbara Ann Nevers 

June 24, 1946 — August 26, 2026

Obituary

Charlotte Ann Gill

June 23, 1962 — August 26, 2026

Bogalusa Man Pleads Guilty to 2022 Murder of Marl Wayne Smith

District Attorney J. Collin Sims reports that on Thursday, August 27, 2026, 54-year-old David Huey Rester, Jr., of Bogalusa, Louisiana, pleaded guilty as charged to First Degree Murder in connection with the March 2022 shooting death of local business owner Marl Wayne Smith.  Following the guilty plea, District Judge Martin Coady sentenced Rester to life imprisonment at hard labor without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. Assistant District Attorneys Jay Adair and Christina Fisher prosecuted the case for the State.

The charge stems from an incident on March 2, 2022, when deputies with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a medical emergency call at The Pub Lounge on South Columbia Street in Bogalusa. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bar’s owner, Marl Wayne Smith, deceased behind the bar with multiple gunshot wounds, and the business's ATM destroyed. A collaborative investigation conducted by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, led by WPSO Detectives Raymond Myers and Corbet Hunt, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, and law enforcement partners in Mississippi linked ballistics, local firearm purchase records, and surveillance footage to Rester. 

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Investigators obtained video surveillance from the bar that depicted Rester entering the establishment and drinking multiple beers while conversing with Smith, who was the only other person present at the time, for approximately 90 minutes. After rising as if to leave, Rester shook Smith’s hand, then pulled a gun from his waistband, shooting Smith several times. Rester then retrieved some of his fired shell casings before unsuccessfully attempting to retrieve cash from the bar’s ATM. He was subsequently arrested after robbing a bank in Waveland, MS, and shooting at pursuing law enforcement officials during a high-speed chase along I-10 through Hancock and Harrison Counties in Mississippi. 

"This conviction ensures that a dangerous offender will spend the rest of his life behind bars," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "Marl Wayne Smith was a valued member of the Bogalusa community, and while this life sentence cannot replace the loss felt by his family and friends, we hope it brings a measure of justice and closure to all who loved him. I commend the thorough investigative work of the law enforcement agencies involved and our prosecution team for securing this result."

Obituary

Timothy Allen Camaille

January 14, 1961 — August 25, 2026

Suspect Vehicle Sought in Tangipahoa Parish

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) is investigating a case involving a woman severely injured when an object was thrown through the windshield of her vehicle.

In the late evening hours of August 16, 2026, a semi-truck driver traveling on Highway 1054 near Forbes Road in the Spring Creek area experienced her windshield suddenly break, shattering portions into the passenger compartment. Glass from the break severely injured one of her eyes which she continues to receive medical treatment for today.

The investigation revealed that an occupant of a red, four-door sedan with chrome rims, passing the semi-truck in the opposite direction, threw an object at the windshield, causing the break. Dash camera video in the semi-truck captured the incident and the suspect vehicle.

The TPSO is asking anyone with information about this vehicle, or this incident, to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2088.

If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip!

Tips submitted directly through Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.

Obituary

Kevon Lionel Handy

January 3, 2000 — August 12, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 26, 2026

Chance Luke (age 28 with an Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated With Child Endangerment, Hit and Run, Criminal Damage, No Insurance, and Gross Littering by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond information incomplete at this time.

Leslie Davis (age 37 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft 1000-5000, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Marijuana, No License Plate, and Driving Under Suspension by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Torrence Reed (age 47 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I/Ecstasy, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II (4 counts), Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule III, Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Possession of Heroin, Transactions Involving Proceeds From Drug Offenses, Possession of Schedule I/Tetrahydrocannabinols or Synthetic Cannabinoids, Open Container in Vehicle, and Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Richard Creel (age 26 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II (2 counts), Obstruction of Justice, and Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Joseph Garner (age 32 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule I Drugs, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of a Firearm or Concealed Weapon by Person Convicted of Domestic Abuse Battery, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Obstruction of Justice, Possession of Marijuana, Prohibited Acts, License Plate/Improper Lighting, Proper Equipment Required on Vehicles, and No Drivers License by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

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

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for August 25, 2026

Melvin Newton (age 40) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jared Bland (age 37) was booked on the charges of Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Trespass, and Simple Criminal Damage to Property by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Scott Glendening (age 54) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Louisiana State Police.

Terrell Guillard (age 20) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS, Possession With Intent to Distribute
Schedule II CDS, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule IV CDS, Illegal Carrying of Weapon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Unregistered Firearm or Silencer by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Redonald Veal (age 50) was booked on the charges of Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear and Contempt of Court by Agency not listed.

Akiah Smith (age 23) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS, Possession of Schedule II, Illegal Carrying of Weapon, and Possession of Firearm or Carrying Concealed Weapon by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Mark White (age 19) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS, Possession of Schedule II, Illegal Carrying of Weapon, and Driving Under Suspension by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Lance Brewer (age 35) was booked on the charges of Housed for Court and Contempt of Court by Agency not listed.

Sharoy Massey (age 32) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Jason Dickson (age 50) was booked on the charges of Bank Fraud and Computer Fraud by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Tristan Brown (age 21) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Cody Beason (age 31) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Justin McCullum (age 38) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole.

Wendi Holmes (age 45) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Alisha Christmas (age 35) was booked on the charge of Theft Less Than 1000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Charles Delaughter (age 41) was booked on the charge of Theft 5000-25000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Ryan Billings (age 44) was booked on the charges of Manufacture/Distribution Schedule II CDS, Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Safety Belts by the 22nd Judicial Court.

John Hargis (age 33) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Chad Winslow (age 45) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Louis Mistretta (age 41) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary and Illegal Possession of Stolen Things Less Than 1000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Opal Currie (age 23) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Mark Grainger (age 32) was booked on the charges of Bank Fraud, Computer Fraud, and Forgery by the Slidell Police Department.

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

Obituary

Tammy Rester Creel

November 18, 1959 - August 22, 2026

Tropical Disturbances Today

Disturbance 1. Central Tropical Atlantic (AL96): An area of low pressure is located about midway between Africa and the Windward Islands. Advisories could be initiated on a short-lived tropical storm later today.  However, environmental conditions are expected to become hostile beginning on Friday, likely ending its chances for further development. Formation chance through 48 hours...high...90 percent and formation chance through 7 days...high...90 percent.