The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has released updated information in the ongoing search for 43-year-old James Wood of Ponchatoula, who has been missing since mid-June. Detectives have obtained surveillance footage showing Wood at the La 22 Mart convenience store, located at the corner of Highway 22 and Lee’s Landing Road, on Wednesday, June 19—not June 21 as previously believed based on bank records. In the video, Wood is seen wearing all black and leaving the store on foot, heading down Lee’s Landing Road. His car, keys, and personal belongings were later found at his home in the 40000 block of River Road, where he lives alone, and no one has heard from him since. Wood is described as 5’8”, 148 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. Sheriff Gerald Sticker urges anyone with information to contact the TPSO Investigations Division at 985-902-2045.
–The American Archive of Public Broadcasting (AAPB), a collaboration between GBH and the Library of Congress, has announced the addition of Southeastern Louisiana University’s acclaimed radio show Rock School to its national collection. The Rock School Special Collection features more than 900 episodes of the weekly music history series produced by Southeastern’s radio station 90.9 The Lion (formerly KSLU). Since its debut in 2007, the show has explored the stories behind iconic songs, influential artists, and major music trends that have shaped American pop culture. Topics span from classics like “American Pie” and the Woodstock Festival to modern-day phenomena like Taylor Swift and AI-generated lyrics. Hosted by music artists and historians Dr. Joe and Tammy Burns, each episode blends deep expertise with engaging storytelling, offering a must-listen experience for rock and roll fans and history buffs alike. The collection is available at americanarchive.org, where it joins over 160,000 preserved files from more than 550 public media organizations across the country—more than 100,000 of which are available for streaming online.
–On July 2, 2025, the Hammond Police Department’s Narcotics Division, Criminal Investigations Division, and SWAT team—assisted by the Louisiana State Police Narcotics Division—executed multiple search warrants that led to the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of illegal drugs, firearms, and over $53,000 in cash. The operation concluded a lengthy investigation into the alleged narcotics distribution network led by Charles Anderson, 25, of Hammond, who was previously out on bond for a 2022 drug arrest. Also arrested were Frederick Varnado, 21; Jessica Anderson, 34; Latrica Anderson, 43; and Geneva Mckay, 61, all of Hammond. Authorities recovered two Glock handguns with extended magazines, an assault rifle, suspected marijuana, ecstasy, various pills, drug paraphernalia, and $53,902 in U.S. currency. The Hammond Police Department thanked the Louisiana State Police for their collaboration and affirmed their continued commitment to removing illegal narcotics and firearms from the community. Anyone with information related to illegal drug or firearm activity is encouraged to contact HPD’s Narcotics Division at 985-277-5700. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
–As national conversations grow around fairness in the justice system, the City Court of Hammond has taken a bold step forward with the development and implementation of the Fair Pay App—a groundbreaking tool that objectively assesses a defendant’s ability to pay court-imposed fines and fees. Created by City Court Administrator Dr. Tony Licciardi, the web-based platform equips court clerks to collect and analyze financial data for judicial review, ensuring that financial sentencing is fair and transparent. For its innovation, the court has been awarded the prestigious IJIS Court Integration Excellence Award, presented by the National Center for State Courts, the National Association of Court Management, the Joint Technology Committee, and the Court Technology Information Officers Consortium. City Court Judge C. Britain Sledge, III, praised the app for transforming how financial penalties are handled, aligning with growing state and national emphasis on equitable justice. Sledge credited Licciardi’s decade of experience in web-based platforms for making the vision a reality and modernizing court processes. The award, presented annually at the NACM Conference, honors technologies that significantly improve the administration of justice.
–TPSO says thanks to a tip submitted to Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa, Inc., suspects in a recent shoplifting case have been identified. Riyuana Green, 19, and Tyriunna Campbell, 18, both of Hammond, were arrested on shoplifting charges on Tuesday, July 1. Warrants have also been issued for Kayla Toefield, 18, and a 15-year-old female. Sheriff Gerald Sticker urges anyone with information on Toefield’s location to contact Detective Earl McFarland at 985-902-2043. Additionally, the image labeled as number 1 in the original release has been updated to include a blurred version to protect the identity of the juvenile.
–St. Tammany Parish officials announced that a section of the Tammany Trace between Marshall Road and Robert Road in Mandeville will be closed for drainage improvements from July 7 through July 18. The closure will take place daily from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. during this period. Parish officials thank the public for their patience and understanding as crews work to enhance the safety and usability of the Trace.
–District Attorney Collin Sims announced that Herbert Davis, 50, of Slidell, pled guilty on July 2, 2025, to armed robbery with a firearm and was sentenced by Judge Vincent Lobello to 45 years in prison without the possibility of parole. The conviction stems from a November 2, 2023, incident in which Davis, masked and armed, robbed a bank on Gause Blvd, escaping with approximately $6,000 before being apprehended after a high-speed pursuit. Slidell Police Detective Kyle Taylor led the investigation, which utilized surveillance footage and forensic evidence linking Davis to the crime. Initially denying involvement, Davis later confessed, citing financial struggles and saying he prayed before committing the robbery but should have “prayed more.” The stolen money was recovered after Davis revealed he had thrown it from his truck during the pursuit. Prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Tiffany Dover and Shelby Stoop, the case concluded with emotional courtroom testimony from bank employees and Davis’s family. The court emphasized the danger Davis posed to the victims and his prior felony record in imposing the lengthy sentence.
–Mayor Borchert is pleased to announce that Dr. John Fitzmorris will serve as the acting curator at the Slidell Museum this summer. Located at 2020 First Street in Olde Towne Slidell, the museum is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with limited hours during the weeks of July 13 and 20. Admission is free. A native of New Orleans, Dr. Fitzmorris brings extensive historical knowledge, teaching at both the University of New Orleans and the University of Holy Cross. He holds multiple advanced degrees in history and religious studies and is preparing his dissertation on Vietnam War chaplains for publication. He also moderates the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society and contributes to the Library of Congress Veterans Oral History Program. For more details, visit the city’s website.
–Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West (HFHSTW) closed out its 2025 fiscal year on a strong note, celebrating the completion of homes with 8 partnering families—with two more closings expected this month—and supporting 7 additional families through USDA and FHA homeownership programs. The new Critical Home Repair Program provided essential safety and accessibility improvements to 36 local households, while the organization also assisted current homeowners facing challenges in the ongoing insurance crisis. HFHSTW’s efforts were made possible by hundreds of dedicated volunteers, thriving staff, a busy ReStore, and expanding community engagement through Women Build and Community Partners Build initiatives. Despite market challenges, HFHSTW continued to steward its resources wisely, thanks to a diligent Finance and Accounting team. The organization expresses deep gratitude for the community’s support and looks ahead with excitement to the coming year and its hallmark Women Build event.
–Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Major Crimes Unit are investigating a shooting that occurred Thursday, July 3, near the intersection of Orleans and Lafayette Streets in the Mandeville area. Deputies responded to the scene shortly before 11:30 a.m. and discovered that, while no one was injured, the incident did result in property damage. Authorities believe the individuals involved are known to each other, and the shooting does not appear to be random. Anyone with information is urged to contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 898-2338.
–Due to overwhelming interest, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office has extended the registration deadline for the 2025 Unity Youth Camp to 4:00 PM on Monday, July 7. Open to students in grades 3 through 12, the camp offers three days of fun, games, and leadership-building activities designed to foster lifelong connections between youth and law enforcement professionals from across the parish. The camp will be held July 15-17 at Pine Jr./Sr. High School, with a registration fee of just $10, covering bus transportation, meals, and a camp T-shirt. Organizers thank everyone who has registered and look forward to welcoming campers soon.
