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1 week ago
John Gallaspy
Washington Parish President Ryan Seal has issued an Executive Order directing that all flags in the parish be flown at half-staff tomorrow, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in honor of John Norman Gallaspy.
We join our community in remembering his life and legacy, and we lift his family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Mr. Gallaspy was an attorney, a watermelon grower, a community activist, and a proud and active veteran, having won the Bronze Star with V for valor during the Korean War.
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1 week 6 days ago
Photo by Steve Kuperstock, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
This metal outbuilding was flipped over and moved by the Franklinton tornado. It is located at a residence on Clarain Drive on the south side of Franklinton.
Although the two tornadoes that touched down in Washington Parish last Wednesday night created plenty of damage, local residents can be thankful that there were no serious injuries or deaths.
Damage was reported in the Franklinton and in the areas to the south of Mount Hermon, as well as elsewhere in the parish.
But it was more than just tornado and wind damage ---- Pine High School suffered a lightning strike and classes were cancelled for Thursday.
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1 week 6 days ago
Justin Brown, Chief of Police
, Jason Smith, Washington Parish Sheriff
Washington Parish and Franklinton first responders received plenty of praise for their efforts following last week’s tornado emergency. The Era-Leader asked Sheriff Jason Smith and Franklinton Police Chief Justin Brown to comment:
•SHERIFF JASON SMITH
“I’m thankful there was no loss of life and I want to commend the communications deputies who worked so diligently through the storm to ensure the response of law enforcement, fire, public works, DOTD, and the utility companies was properly coordinated. Thank you, Katherine Ordoyne and Abigail Knight.”
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1 week 6 days ago
The Franklinton Mayor and Board of Aldermen met most recently on March 10. Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes of the February 24, 2026, Regular Meeting were approved.
The Board then addressed new business.
First on the agenda was to adopt the Fleet Monitoring and Vehicle Use Policy. This item was tabled at the last meeting so that Aldermen would have more time to study the document.
By Toni Tageant on
1 week 6 days ago
The Washington Parish Council met on Monday, March 9.
By Toni Tageant on
1 week 6 days ago
Cecily Bateman
"Maybe I should just go home and ride my tractor." ----Chuck Grassley, Iowa farmer and President pro tempore of the United States Senate
By Cecily Bateman on
1 week 6 days ago
Photo by Tracey Ladner, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
Franklinton High’s record breaking quarterback, Jacob Crain, signed with Pearl River Community College Monday afternoon, continuing his football career.
Jacob is the son of Rob and Kristi Crain of Franklinton. He is shown above with his parents and grandmothers at the signing ceremony.
From left to right are Linda Crain, Rob Crain, Jacob Crain, Kristi Crain, and Judy Simmons.
Jacob’s deceased grandfathers are Robert Crain and Reggie Simmons.
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1 week 6 days ago
Franklinton Junior High School Students of the Month were recently recognized.
Shown in the photo above are, front row, left to right, Darriuna Hart, Everett Smith, Reagan Stogner, Jacori Webb, Kollin Graves, Quentin Spikes, Will Walker, and Alexis Magee.
Back row, left to right, Ethan Pierce, Principal Misty Polk, Ziley Babin, Rayley Brown, Evan Tovar, Heaven Butler, Eugene Simmons, and Drew Hartzog.
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1 week 6 days ago
Rev. Jimmy Oalmann
Luke 8:26-39
By Rev. Jimmy Oalmann - Richardson Baptist Church on
1 week 6 days ago
Jim Brown
Louisiana has been called the Culinary Mecca of America. Folks in this part of the country can take just about anything edible and make it not just good, but quite exceptional. And when we say anything, we mean everything. There is virtually no limit to what a Cajun will put in a gumbo. Well, because of federal restrictions, there is one thing --- horsemeat.
For years, Congress has banned the sale of horsemeat for consumption in the U.S. But that could well change under the proposed budget by the Trump Administration.
By Jim Brown on
2 weeks 5 days ago
The National Weather Service Northshore tornado survey graphic.
The National Weather Service has completed its preliminary survey of the tornado damage that occurred in and near Franklinton Wednesday night.
The survey report puts the maximum wind speed of the Franklinton tornado at 105 mph, which is 6 mph shy of the 111 mph minimum wind speed of a Category 3 hurricane. Category 3 is considered to be a major hurricane.
The NWS survey shows that the Franklinton tornado was on the ground for 5.14 miles, with a total width on the ground of 300 yards.
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2 weeks 6 days ago
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2 weeks 6 days ago
Above, young patrons at the Franklinton Library had an amazing time with Ms. Tashika Tate, Mrs. Leslie Pittman, and Mrs. Lazette Watterson, who read stories and passed out goodie bags for all of the children in attendance.
Also, everyone sang along to the beautiful book "One Love" and filled the room with joy and laughter.
The library offers a big thank you to these three ladies for giving the children such a good time.
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2 weeks 6 days ago
Cecily Bateman
•Part 4
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." ----Winston Churchill
By Cecily Bateman on
2 weeks 6 days ago
Callie Foreman
With my new occupation I must say that the art of communication has been key in success.
I found myself immersed in a world of sudden new languages even though some could still be referred to as the English language. There have been times when I have wanted to stop a child in full speech and question if in fact the figurative language he is using might be inappropriate, and then I think again. And yet still I remain fascinated by the way communication is key in the lives of those around us and how it builds our self-esteem.
By Callie Foreman on
2 weeks 6 days ago
Rev. Jimmy Oalmann
Luke 8:22-25
By Rev. Jimmy Oalmann - Richardson Baptist Church on
2 weeks 6 days ago
The new Magnolia Belle officers (shown above) are, from left to right: Angela Rosa-President, Sherri Brown- Treasurer, Joni Brindle-Secretary, Jana Stafford-Historian/Reporter. Not shown: Anne Millette-Vice president.
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2 weeks 6 days ago
The Magnolia Belles held their January meeting with the Installation of officers at the home of President Angela Rosa. The Social committee did an outstanding job with Mardi Gras themed decorations and games. The meal of appetizers, salad, green beans, with chicken and sausage pasta was catered by Juneau's Meats. Dessert was a variety of King Cake flavors. Shown above: The Social Committee from left to right: Niki Watson, Pam Pierce, Jessi Pounds, Michelle Sprehe, Jolene Spears (chairperson) Melanie Sumrall, and Paula Spears.
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2 weeks 6 days ago
The Franklinton Waverley Club held its March meeting on Thursday, March 5 at the Rock House. Hostesses for the St. Patrick's Day themed meeting were Juhn Marie Green, Karen Spears, Sierra Smith, and Karen Watson. Ladies enjoyed an Irish meal of spinach pasta, corned beef sliders, fruit salad and sherbet for dessert. Tables were decorated with vases containing sprigs of green and gold amidst gold coins. Member Cecile Green received the special honor of having Happy Birthday sung by the members.
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2 weeks 6 days ago
The Town of Franklinton recently officially awarded its Solid Waste Contract to Amwaste of Louisiana.
Amwaste of Louisiana was already the Town’s current waste service provider at the time of the award, secured the new agreement, solidifying its partnership with the Town for an additional five years.
Pictured above signing the contract are Amwaste of Louisiana's District Manager Lauren Anthony and Franklinton Mayor Darwin Sharp
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