A Covington man has been arrested following an investigation by the Hammond Police Department and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Authorities say 38-year-old Steven Paul Gauthreaux was taken into custody in Hammond after allegedly engaging in sexual conversations over several days with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old and arranging to meet the minor in person. Police said Gauthreaux was booked on charges of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile and Computer-aided Solicitation of a Minor. Officials noted that the arrest resulted from the department’s ongoing partnership with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, which added two detectives to the ICAC Task Force earlier this year. Police leadership emphasized their continued commitment to protecting children from online predators.
–The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) reports continued progress on the construction of the new Bogue Falaya Bridge near Claiborne Square in Covington. Contractors have completed the concrete pour and are now working on installing side panels. The project remains on schedule, with the bridge expected to open by the end of the year.
–NOLA.com writes that Slidell city officials are moving forward with efforts to redevelop the long-dormant North Shore Square Mall by proposing an expansion of the special taxing district surrounding the site. Introduced at the June 24 City Council meeting, the ordinance would significantly increase revenue for potential property acquisition or revitalization efforts, with estimates suggesting an annual boost from $70,000 to $1.2 million. Established in 2014, the North Shore Economic Development District currently funds consultant studies on the mall’s future, with recommendations pointing toward city ownership. A public hearing and vote on the ordinance are set for July 8. The mall, owned by Canadian firm Morguard, has been closed since 2019, but city and parish officials hope redevelopment could bring in new commercial uses, including entertainment or tech facilities.
–St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith is urging residents to celebrate responsibly this Fourth of July as his office joins a statewide effort to reduce impaired driving. As part of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, additional deputies will be on the roads July 2–6 conducting targeted patrols to deter and stop drunk driving. Sheriff Smith emphasized that deputies are vigilant year-round, not just during holidays, and warned that choosing to drive under the influence endangers everyone. The Sheriff’s Office Marine Division will also increase patrols on local waterways to enforce boating laws and promote safe practices, reminding boaters that drinking and driving laws apply on the water as well. Smith encouraged residents to enjoy the holiday but prioritize safety, stressing that impaired driving is a preventable choice with serious consequences.
–New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center has announced “New Heights Havana Nights” as the theme for its 2025 Annual Fundraising Gala, promising an evening filled with vibrant culture, music, and philanthropy at The Southern Hotel in Covington. Organizers say the gala supports the organization’s mission to provide equine-assisted therapy for individuals with emotional, physical, and cognitive challenges. What began over a decade ago as a backyard garden party has evolved into one of the Northshore’s premiere summer events, each year featuring a unique celebration of art and community. Past themes have ranged from a Roaring Twenties tribute to a Broadway-inspired night in downtown Covington. This year’s Havana-inspired celebration continues the tradition of blending creativity with purpose, with hotel rooms reserved exclusively for ticketed guests. Organizers encourage supporters to follow New Heights on social media for event updates and previews of auction and raffle items. More information is available at www.NewHeightsTherapy.org.
–The Harbor Center is urging anyone planning events to act quickly, as its most in-demand dates are filling fast for 2025. Only a few premium Saturdays remain available, including August 23, August 30, and November 29 for the full venue; October 4, November 22, and December 6 for the Grand Hall; and November 15, December 20, and December 27 for meeting and event rooms. Those interested in booking are encouraged to secure their ideal date now by contacting 985-781-3650 or emailing jessica@harborcenter.org.
–In Ponchatoula, Louisiana, a towering 177-foot flagpole stands proudly thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Minutemen of Ponchatoula, a nonprofit group committed to keeping the American flag flying high over the city. Originally a BellSouth communication tower relocated by the JayCees in 1985, the flagpole now holds a massive 70-by-40-foot flag hand-sewn by local women known as the “Betsy Ross Ladies.” Each July 4th, nearly 80 community members gather to raise the flag during a moving ceremony that symbolizes local pride and unity. With no fundraisers or social events, the organization relies solely on $25 annual dues from members to purchase replacement flags throughout the year. Secretary/Treasurer Ricky Howes urges residents and supporters to join and help preserve this patriotic tradition.
–St. Tammany Parish Government announced that its record-setting investment in water infrastructure is continuing, with crews currently installing miles of new water main to ensure safe drinking water for residents near the Indian Village area of Slidell. The work is part of the $20 million second phase of the East Slidell Regional Water Consolidation Project, which will ultimately benefit more than 10,000 residents. Officials say this phase follows an initial investment of over $23 million and is expected to be completed later this year.
–Nunez Community College in Chalmette is launching a new Cybersecurity program for Fall 2025, offering 15 scholarships worth $1,000 per semester for four semesters to the first 15 students who enroll. Funded by the Louisiana Board of Regents Cybersecurity Talent Initiative Fund, the scholarships require recipients to take at least 12 credit hours per semester and maintain a 2.0 GPA. The program prepares students for careers in a high-demand field with entry-level salaries around $75,000, offering hands-on training in areas like ethical hacking, cryptography, and digital forensics. Students can earn certificates along the way to a 60-credit-hour Associate of Applied Science degree. The scholarship application deadline is July 15, and classes start August 19. Learn more at www.Nunez.edu.
–The Amite City Police Department has launched an investigation into the fraudulent use of a stolen credit card following a June 16 incident at East Side Garage, where a suspect ordered and picked up a lawn mower using the stolen card. The individual, seen in a photo released by police, loaded the mower into a white dual-wheel pickup truck before the business was notified that the payment card had been reported stolen. Authorities are asking anyone who can identify the suspect to contact the Amite City Police Department at 985-748-6169 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245 or online at www.tangicrimestoppers.com. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
