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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.
Published on
2 weeks 6 days ago
Published on
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.
Published on
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
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.
Published on
3 weeks ago
Photo by Steve Kuperstock, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
Storm damage at the home of Robert and Beverly Jones near the intersection of Highway 16 and Highway 1072 in Franklinton. (See additional photo by clicking arrow.)
, Storm damage at the home of Robert and Beverly Jones near the intersection of Highway 16 and Highway 1072 in Franklinton.
UPDATED ARTICLE
Washington Parish officials are evaluating damage that occurred in the parish last night (Wednesday night) as a result of multiple apparent tornadoes that touched down.
Damage was reported in the Franklinton and Mount Hermon areas, 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.
In Franklinton, an apparent tornado touched down late Wednesday night in an area alongside South Main Street (Hwy 16).
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3 weeks 1 day ago
Scott Jordan
The man charged with the 2017 murder of Donna Arceneaux wants his trial moved away from Franklinton.
Scott Jordan was charged in December 2025 with the murder. His trial was initially set to start on April 6 in the Washington Parish Courthouse.
But his attorney plans to seek a change of venue. The motion for a change of venue will be heard on April 1, making it unlikely that the trial would actually begin on April 6.
Jordan is represented by well-known Covington attorney Roy K. Burns Jr.
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4 weeks ago
The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Darwin Sharp held their Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 24. Mayor Sharp began by acknowledging members of the press who were present from Mt. Hermon Web TV and The Era-Leader newspaper. The Board then approved the minutes of the February 10 Regular Meeting.
By Toni Tageant on
4 weeks ago
The Washington Parish Council's most recent meeting was held on Monday, February 23. Following the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes of February 9 were approved. This was followed by a presentation by Parish President Ryan Seal announcing the selection of a quilt square created by Sandy Miller and Kathy Mauthe that will be sown into a quilt being creating to celebrate the United States's 250th anniversary. (See related article.)
By Toni Tageant on
4 weeks ago
Photo by Steve Kuperstock, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
At the groundbreaking ceremony last Friday for the expansion to the Varnado Store Museum’s annex were, from left to right: Museum board member Wayne McElveen; Museum board president Beverly Taylor; Museum board member Jackie Smith; Stephanie Magee of the Parish Permit Office; Penny Jones, representing Sen. Beth Mizell; Museum board member and treasurer Charlene Guidry; Museum director Terry Seal; Parish President Ryan Seal; Kyle Varnado, representing the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office; and Kevin Steele, with the contracting firm that is constructing the expansion.
The Washington Area Museum Foundation formed in 1996 and began soliciting donation and pledges to purchase the deserted D. A. Varnado and Sons building with the goal of making it into a museum. That goal was accomplished through the work of many citizens who were interested in preserving the history of our area. The early openings of the museum were only once a month on a weekend.
By Terry Seal - Varnado Store Museum Director on
4 weeks ago
Published on
4 weeks ago
Brian “BJ” Dykes, center, with Coach Clay Tageant and the FHS Baseball Team. Standing next to Brian are his sons, Brian Jr. and Jersey.
Former Demon #3 Brian "BJ" Dykes threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the FHS vs Sumner game on Friday, February 27.
BJ is a 2009 graduate of FHS where he was an honor student and member of the National Beta Club. He was a 1st team all-district defensive back and four year football letterman for Coach Shane Smith and played in the Lake Ponchatrain All Star game. BJ was also a two year letterman in basketball.
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4 weeks ago
Pictured Left to Right: Jimmy Seibert, CEO, April Ard, RRT, Kandi James, RN, Critical Care Director, Melissa Graham, BS, MLS(ASCP) Microbiology Specialist, Brittany Dillon, BSN, RN, Director of Infection Control & Prevention, Liz Dunaway, BS, MLS (ASCP) Assistant Laboratory Director, Kristian Boyette, MHA, MLS (ASCP) Blood Bank Specialist, Jeffrey Vince, BS, MLS (ASCP) Laboratory Director, Taryn Marchese, BSN, RN, CNO, Crystal Lyons, RRT, Director of Clinical Operations, Dewayne Provost, RRT, Cardiopulmonary Supervisor, and Misty Thomas, RRT.
Riverside Medical Center is proud to announce that our laboratory has successfully completed its recent re-accreditation survey by The Joint Commission with zero deficiencies. This outstanding achievement demonstrates that our laboratory not only meets, but consistently upholds the highest standards in diagnostic accuracy, specimen handling, documentation, staff competency, and quality assurance processes.
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4 weeks ago
Cecily Bateman
•Part 3
"The good lawyer is not the man who has an eye to every side and angle of contingency, and qualifies all his qualifications, but who throws himself on your part so heartily, that he can get you out of a scrape." ---Ralph Waldo Emerson
By Cecily Bateman on
4 weeks ago
Published on
4 weeks ago
Hello again everyone. Hope this finds you all doing well. Can you believe it? We are already through 2 months of 2026. Wow..!!!
So, first thing, ya'll don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour this coming Saturday night/Sunday morning. Lots of folks that I talk to say they had rather this time we are about to enter vs the one we are just finishing up. They like that they have more daylight hours to get things done after they get home from work.
By Lerand Hunt on
4 weeks 1 day ago
State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain of Covington
By Avery White & Sheridan White - Manship School News Service on
