Southeastern Sends Five to Miss Louisiana

–The Olde Towne Arts Commission and the City of Slidell invite the public to the opening reception of Fragments of Imagination, a juried art exhibit showcasing local and regional talent, on Friday, June 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the George Dunbar Gallery inside Slidell City Hall. Renowned New Orleans artist Terrance Osborne—known for his vivid portrayals of Louisiana culture and collaborations with brands like Nike and Coca-Cola—will serve as juror, with awards announced during the event. Admission is free, and guests will have the chance to meet Osborne and the featured artists. The exhibit runs through July 25, with gallery visits available by appointment. More details are available at MySlidell.com or by calling (985) 646-4375.

–A domestic dispute in Slidell escalated into a dangerous standoff early Monday morning, June 16, when 39-year-old Corey Griffin of Vicksburg, Mississippi, opened fire on responding officers before fleeing the scene. Police had arrived at a home on Riviera Drive following a 911 hang-up call and were attempting to assist a woman when Griffin fired at least two shots and retreated into the house, where a child was also present. Officers did not return fire and quickly secured the area, calling in SWAT, K-9, and drone units. The child was rescued safely, and Griffin was later found hiding in an abandoned vehicle after an aerial and ground search. No injuries were reported. Originally arrested for Domestic Violence by Aggravated Assault, Griffin now faces additional charges including Attempted First Degree Murder of a Police Officer, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Illegal Carrying of Weapons, Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Obstruction of Justice, Theft of a Firearm, Resisting an Officer, Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, and Criminal Trespassing.

–The Northshore Humane Society invites the community to Larry Brew Fest on Saturday, June 21, from 4–7 p.m. at Mandeville’s Castine Center—an indoor celebration of craft beer, music, food, and animal advocacy. Attendees can enjoy tastings from over 200 beer, wine, and liquor selections, vote for their favorite home brewers from three regional clubs, explore local vendors, savor food truck fare, and meet adoptable pets—all while supporting a great cause. Tickets, including early entry and designated driver options, are on sale now at www.northshorehumane.org, with prices increasing at the door. Proceeds benefit the Northshore Humane Society.

–The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about a phone scam involving the number 985-543-8123, which falsely appears as the Sheriff’s Office on caller ID. Scammers are impersonating law enforcement, claiming issues with the Paycheck Protection Program or a missing loan hearing, and attempting to solicit cash from victims. TPSO stresses that it does not collect fines over the phone and urges residents not to answer or return these calls. If contacted, hang up and verify legitimacy by calling TPSO directly at 985-748-3334 or 985-748-3328, and report suspicious calls to the Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2088.

–A carjacking that began in New Orleans’ French Quarter sparked a series of high-speed pursuits across multiple parishes before ending in Slidell with the arrest of 46-year-old Randy Darby. Early Saturday morning, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) launched an investigation after a Nissan Rogue was reported stolen during a carjacking. Later that day, the stolen vehicle was spotted in Slidell, prompting the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO) to attempt a pursuit. During the chase, the Rogue collided with a sheriff’s office unit but continued fleeing, crossing back into Orleans Parish. On Sunday, June 15, Louisiana State Police Troopers working alongside NOPD spotted the same Nissan Rogue again in Slidell. When troopers tried to initiate a traffic stop, the driver refused, leading to a short pursuit that ended when the Rogue crashed into a Louisiana State Police unit. Thanks to coordinated efforts from the Louisiana State Police, NOPD, STPSO, and support from the Slidell Police Department, Randy Darby was taken into custody without further incident. He was transported to the St. Tammany Parish Jail and booked on charges related to the carjacking, vehicle pursuit, and related offenses. Authorities continue to investigate whether additional charges are warranted.

–John Tsai has become the first student from Nunez Community College’s Wind Energy Technology program to land a job in the wind industry, joining Gulf Wind Technology (GWT) in Avondale as an Associate Rotor Technologist. Just two semesters into the program, Tsai impressed GWT during a mock interview at Nunez’s Windward Bound industry conference in March, leading to a tour of the facility and eventual job offer. While continuing his studies this fall, Tsai is already working full-time, traveling across the country to support blade maintenance and non-destructive testing projects. His achievement highlights the success of Nunez’s young Wind program, which still has scholarship opportunities available for Fall 2025. Registration is open now at www.Nunez.edu.  

–Starting Tuesday evening, June 17, one southbound lane of LA 21 at the I-12 interchange in Covington will be closed nightly for road and bridge construction, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation. The partial lane closures will take place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Thursday night, continuing into the early morning of Friday, June 20. One lane will remain open at all times, with no additional vehicle restrictions, but motorists should expect possible delays during the construction period.

–District Attorney Collin Sims announced that on June 11, 2025, a St. Tammany Parish jury found 81-year-old Richard James Nyberg of Slidell guilty of sexual battery and indecent behavior with a juvenile after just 25 minutes of deliberation. The conviction followed a two-day trial, during which prosecutors presented evidence—including hidden camera footage. Slidell Police Detective Matthew Bauer led the investigation. Nyberg, who denied wrongdoing and blamed the grandmother, was arrested after the video confirmed the assault. Judge Tara Zeller set sentencing for July 8, with Nyberg facing up to 99 years in prison.

–The City of Slidell advises residents of a temporary, one-day closure of the Gause Blvd. (US 190 W.) railroad crossing on Saturday, June 21, starting at 7 a.m. A subcontractor working for Norfolk Southern will conduct repairs to a bent rail caused by a recent heavy object falling onto the tracks. To ensure safety and prevent further issues, Norfolk Southern will replace the damaged rail and repave the crossing’s approach and gauge. This hard closure means no vehicular or pedestrian traffic will be allowed to cross Gause Blvd. at the railroad while repairs are underway. The closure is expected to last one day, and motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes and exercise caution in the area.

–The St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating runaway juvenile Bentley Rodriguez, a white male born on October 12, 2010, who was last seen around 1 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025, near 557 Taylor Street in Greensburg, La. His direction of travel is unknown. Anyone with information about Bentley’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 225-222-4413. Sheriff Clay Chutz is encouraging community members to remain alert and report any sightings immediately. –Family REACH Alliance has announced plans to open a new thrift store at 1807 N. Causeway Blvd. in Mandeville, a social enterprise aimed at raising critical funds to combat family homelessness while also creating volunteer opportunities, employment pathways for clients, and greater awareness of the organization’s mission. To ensure the store’s success, the nonprofit is seeking donations of goods, volunteers, and loyal customers, and will soon launch a fundraising campaign to help cover startup costs. Supporters are also invited to participate in an upcoming naming campaign for the new venture.