Centennial Tree cut down by vandals

The live oak tree the Bogalusa Rotary Club planted in Cassidy Park on March 10 was destroyed sometime Thursday.

The tree was cut at the base. The top of the tree was found a few feet away, still adorned with the small American flag that lay on the ground.

Park enthusiast and naturalist Terry “Foots” Quinn discovered the vandalism Friday morning around 8 a.m.

“It shocked me to see that,” Quinn said. “I would like to think that’s it’s a kid playing a joke. I wouldn’t think anybody would have a grudge against the Rotary Club. We rolled yards as a kid, but we never did something like this.”

Museums of Cassidy Park Director Marcelle Hanemann said Friday she was appalled by the destruction of the tree.

“The tree was still up when I left Thursday around 3 p.m.,” Hanemann said. “I can’t believe somebody would do that. It was a beautiful tree. At the end of the ceremony after planting it, we all kind of gave it a group hug.”

webDSC_0394 fixed

Hanemann said the tree’s destruction was a senseless attack.

“Trees are just beautiful things. They provide shade. They provide oxygen. They provide places birds and other animals to live and don’t’ ask for anything in return except to left alone and allowed to grow,” Hanemann said.”

SportsPlus

Local

School Board member found dead in pickup truck

Local

Report: Louisiana a ‘sinkhole state’ for taxpayers

Local

Buccaneers storm past Amite School Center, set sights on district championship

Local

Bogalusa man killed in La. 21 accident

News

False Crime Reports Lead to Arrest of Bogalusa City Employee

News

EMERGENCY CURFEW ORDER TROPICAL STORM FRANCINE

News

Bogalusa City Schools Announcement

News

Bogalusa Library Prepares for Constitution Week Celebrations

News

Unrestrained Driver Killed in Washington Parish Crash

News

City Finance Committee Meeting, August 29, 2024

News

Equal Justice USA hosts Bogalusa Day of Action at Coke Plant

News

Franklinton Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Manslaughter

News

Virginia Woman Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison On Drug Trafficking Charges

Crime

Suspect in 2021 homicide arrested and booked into BPD City Jail

News

Washington Parish sends three delegates to Democratic National Convention

News

Suspect in 2021 Homicide Arrested and Booked into BPD City Jail

News

City Council Meeting August 6, 2024

News

Northshore Charter School Board Meeting Board adds four new members and introduces 2024-2025 budget

News

Key findings from Louisiana Legislative Auditors Board investigative report into the City of Bogalusa’s finances

News

Washington Parish Watermelon Festival this weekend

News

Bogalusa City Council reluctantly passes 2024 operating budget, 2023 audit due June 30

News

New District Attorney Collin Sims, Sheriff-Elect Jason Smith, and Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong speak out on plans to police Washington Parish, Bogalusa

News

Bogalusa Rebirth faces pushback from city

News

Bogalusa Mayor announces police chief selection committee