Indictment in Franklinton Cold Case

–The National Weather Service says there is a low chance of snow across southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi late Saturday night, with probabilities ranging from about 10% to 30%. Forecasters note that while the odds remain limited, it would not take much for winter weather to cause travel or safety impacts in the region, and officials say the situation will continue to be closely monitored as the weekend approaches.

–Despite continued population growth, St. Tammany Parish remains a safe place to live, work, and recreate, according to 2025 crime statistics released this week by Sheriff Randy Smith. The data show crime in unincorporated areas of the parish dropped significantly, with total reported offenses across nine major categories falling from 2,567 in 2024 to 2,058 in 2025, including 80 fewer violent crimes and 429 fewer non-violent crimes. Major crimes reached their lowest level in five years, while clearance rates hit their highest point, far exceeding national averages—95.1% of violent crimes cleared compared to 44% nationally, and 52.5% of non-violent crimes cleared compared to 16%. Sheriff Smith credited the results to proactive policing, intelligence-led strategies, and strong community partnerships, noting that all homicide cases tied to 2025 statistics have been cleared. While acknowledging the year was marked by profound loss, including the line-of-duty death of Sgt. Grant Candies, Smith said the Sheriff’s Office remains committed to building on this progress in 2026 while honoring the sacrifices of those who serve.

–The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a runaway juvenile. Rayn Johnson, 14, was last seen Saturday, January 10, at his family’s apartment off the I-55 Service Road after leaving following an argument and not returning home, according to his mother. Rayn is described as a Black male with black hair, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 120 pounds, with a scar above his right eye; he was last seen wearing blue and brown pajama pants and a black shirt. His family is originally from the New Orleans area, where he still has connections. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Division at 985-902-2031, or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245 or online, where a cash reward may be available.

–Mandeville High School has been named to the College Board’s 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll, earning bronze recognition for its commitment to expanding college readiness and access to college-level coursework. The honor reflects strong participation and performance among the Class of 2025, with 40% of seniors taking at least one AP exam, 32% scoring a three or higher, and 4% completing five or more AP exams. Mandeville High offers 13 AP courses across 40 class sections taught by 11 AP-certified teachers. Principal Christian Monson praised students for continuing the school’s tradition of success. One of eight public high schools in St. Tammany Parish, Mandeville High serves about 2,100 students in grades 9–12 and is a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, with 93% of graduates continuing their education after high school.

–Organizers have announced the 2026 parade route for the Krewe of Tickfaw River, with line-up and the start set for Dendinger Road on the Tickfaw River. The water parade will travel down the Tickfaw before turning left at the bridge onto the Blood River and heading upriver to Kat’s Warsaw, then reversing course to pass back under the bridge and in front of Boopalus. From there, the route continues to RiverSide Marina, on to Terry Harbor, and concludes at Swamp Drive, with the event party beginning immediately afterward at Boopalus. Spectators with boats are encouraged to anchor along the route, while the public can also watch from the docks at RiverSide Marina or Boopalus.

–A Louisiana food manufacturer, Diversified Foods and Seasonings, LLC, best known locally for producing seasoning blends used by Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurants, agreed to pay a $10,000 fine to settle alleged environmental violations connected to a hazardous ammonia gas leak that once shut down both directions of Interstate 12 in St. Tammany Parish, prompting evacuations and hazmat response due to public safety risks and environmental concerns, according to reporting; the leak released toxic gas large enough to close the major highway for hours and raised alarms among emergency crews and regulators, and the fine resolves oversight actions by Louisiana authorities examining the incident and other compliance issues at the Covington-area plant.

–Festival season kicks off in Independence with the Sicilian Heritage Festival, starting March 7 with a Spaghetti Cook-Off and a new 1-mile fun run. Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero, cartoon character, or other fun costume, with weekend mega passes awarded both for the best outfit and the first runner to cross the finish line. Event forms and details are available at www.indysicilianfest.com.

–U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) is leading a group of nine Republican senators urging the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to more aggressively crack down on illegal fishing by Mexican vessels in U.S. waters, warning that the practice undercuts Louisiana fishermen and helps fund cartel activity. In a letter to NOAA, the senators cited a 28% increase in illegally harvested red snapper seized in 2025 despite fewer interdictions, noting that larger, high-value hauls are still making their way toward the U.S. market through opaque supply chains. They pointed to reports linking the illegal fishing operations to Mexico’s Gulf Cartel and argued that enforcement at sea alone is insufficient without tougher import restrictions. The senators urged NOAA to use its existing authorities, including potential import bans, to prevent illegally caught red snapper from entering U.S. commerce and to protect domestic fisheries, conservation efforts and national security.

–Hope House is spotlighting Board President Leslie Lyons, a longtime child welfare leader who also serves as the Child Welfare Regional Administrator for the Covington, Orleans and Thibodaux regions with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. Lyons, who has been a Hope House board member for four years, said she has worked in partnership with Hope House for nearly 28 years and has witnessed both the growing need for its services and the organization’s expansion. She described Hope House as a “super special organization” that advances healing, justice and prevention for children and families impacted by abuse and neglect. Hope House operates two locations in the 22nd Judicial District in Covington and Bogalusa, providing forensic interviews, trauma-informed therapeutic services, and community education, including no-cost Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for eligible children and families. The organization also coordinates advanced multidisciplinary training for professionals across child welfare, law enforcement and clinical fields, efforts Lyons said lead to better outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

–Tangipahoa 911 advises motorists that the northbound and southbound on-ramps and off-ramps at I-55 Exit 61 (LA 38) in Kentwood will be closed daily on Wednesday, January 21, and Thursday, January 22, 2026, for asphalt overlay work. The closures are weather permitting. During the work, northbound drivers heading to LA 38 should exit at LA 440, travel east to U.S. 51, then go north to reconnect with LA 38, while northbound motorists leaving LA 38 should take U.S. 51 north to MS 584, then west to rejoin I-55. Southbound drivers traveling to LA 38 should exit at MS 584, travel east to U.S. 51, then go south to LA 38, and southbound motorists leaving LA 38 should take U.S. 51 south to LA 440, then west to re-enter I-55.

–For the first time, Killian residents had the chance to question Magnolia Water Company, the town’s new provider, about when their water would be safe to drink. Standing-room-only crowds voiced frustration over brown, rocky, and often undrinkable water, a problem that reached crisis levels in 2024 when bacterial contamination forced the system offline. Magnolia outlined a year-long cleanup plan, with Mayor Caleb Atwell expressing cautious optimism that residents could soon see improvements, though long-term results may take months. Meanwhile, local business owner Dustin Clouatre of Squirters Drilling & Water Wells hopes to offer private well options, but with costs around $7,000, many residents still face barriers to safe water despite state assurances that the system is not unsafe to drink.

–Pike County Sheriff Wally Jones reported that all residents were safely rescued following severe storms and rising floodwaters over the weekend, with no injuries reported. Sheriff Jones praised the community for stepping up to help neighbors, and he recognized the efforts of Emergency Management Director Tina Reed, the Pike County Board of Supervisors, and local fire departments for their tireless response. He also highlighted the crucial support from Sheriff Jason Ard and the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Department, whose equipment and personnel aided rescues when local resources became overextended. Jones emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation through the Parish/County Line Task Force and expressed gratitude to everyone who helped during the emergency.