The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in its investigation after a man was found shot to death inside a vehicle in the Amite area early Sunday, August 10. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office said the identity of the person is 37-year-old Cardell Buckhanan of Roseland. TPSO is asking for the public’s assistance in its investigation of the murder of Buckhanan. Deputies responded to a crash on Bennett Road around 3:15 a.m. and discovered the vehicle in a ditch with the victim inside. Sheriff Gerald Sticker urges anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2088 or provide an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245 or www.tangicrimestoppers.com; tips submitted through Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.
–Slidell Mayor Bill Borchert has announced a major milestone toward completing the long-planned extension of the Tammany Trace into Heritage Park, following Norfolk Southern Railway Company’s proposed abandonment of rail lines that align with the city’s land use and infrastructure plans. The project—outlined in the Slidell 2040 Comprehensive Plan and Bicycle Master Plan—will connect the existing 31 miles of the Trace, currently ending at Camp Salmen, directly to Heritage Park along Bayou Bonfouca, creating a vital link in Slidell’s bicycle network and expanding access to parks, schools, neighborhoods, and Olde Towne. City officials say the extension supports multiple transportation, land use, economic development, and public health goals, including boosting tourism and promoting active lifestyles. Design work for the Bayou Lane trailhead is expected to be funded through a federal RAISE Grant, with Borchert noting that the project will “expand recreational opportunities for our residents, businesses, and visitors.” More information is available at MySlidell.com and on the City of Slidell’s social media pages.
–In the past two weeks, the Hammond Police Department Narcotics Division, with assistance from HPD’s SWAT, Street Crimes, K-9, and Patrol divisions, has executed multiple search warrants that resulted in several arrests and the seizure of illegal narcotics, firearms, body armor, and cash. On July 29, Jamion Jackson, 36, and Juan Jackson, 31, both of Hammond, were arrested following a search on East David Drive; Jamion was charged with narcotics and weapons offenses while on probation, and Juan was taken into custody on multiple felony warrants and for resisting arrest. On July 31, a Kansas Street search led to the arrest of Reginald Bernard, 49, on narcotics, weapons, and body armor charges, as well as destruction of evidence. On August 5, a Rosewood Drive search resulted in the arrest of Tarell Harvey, 31, on narcotics charges and multiple counts of cruelty to juveniles after three children were found with access to drugs. Police remind the public that any amount of illegal narcotics is a crime and encourage tips to the Narcotics Division at 985-277-5700. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
–Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller announced that during the week of August 11, paving operations will continue on Duncan Avenue in Amite as part of the parish’s Phase 2025 overlay projects. Barriere Construction crews will also perform shoulder dressing on several roads, including South I-12 Service Road, Whiskey Lane, and Arbordale, while paving will take place on South Lewiston, Frank Lane, and others, with preliminary patching scheduled for Chemekette and Frank Lane. All work is weather-permitting, and motorists are urged to use caution in work zones. Road closure updates are available at Tangipahoa.org and on TPG social media channels.
–Keep Mandeville Beautiful is inviting volunteers to join the Fall Citywide Clean Up on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Lakefront Gazebo, 2129 Lakeshore Drive. Participants will help collect litter and beautify the community, with free food and T-shirts provided as a thank-you. For more information, email kmb@cityofmandeville.com.
— Olde Towne Slidell will soon offer a new nighttime experience with “Evenings in the Alley,” a monthly event bringing live music, late-night shopping, local art, and food to Antique Umbrella Alley every third Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. The series kicks off September 20, inviting visitors to stroll beneath the colorful canopy, enjoy the charm of Olde Towne after dark, and explore businesses and vendors in a lively, festive atmosphere.
–Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the unsealing of a seven-count federal indictment charging Darryl Sumler, 61, of Slidell; Darryl Goodman, 47, of New Orleans; and Jason Slaughter, 33, of Bogalusa, with fentanyl trafficking offenses following their arrests by local law enforcement and DEA agents. All three face conspiracy charges to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, carrying penalties of 5 to 40 years in prison, fines up to $5 million, and at least 4 years of supervised release. Sumler faces four additional counts of fentanyl distribution, Slaughter is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and Goodman is charged with distribution of a quantity of fentanyl, which carries up to 20 years in prison.
–Christopher Williams, 16, pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder in the September 2023 shooting at St. Helena College & Career Academy that killed classmate Vernon “V.J.” Gordon Jr. and injured two others. Sentenced to “juvenile life,” Williams will remain incarcerated until age 21. Gordon, 16, was shot seven times and died at the scene, with his parents remembering him as an honor roll student, athlete, and “good kid” with a bright future. The family has filed a civil lawsuit against the St. Helena Parish School Board and Superintendent Kelli Joseph, alleging inadequate campus security; Joseph declined to comment citing pending litigation.
— A new $5.4 million federally funded drinking water filtration system is being installed in the Madisonville area to benefit over 10,000 residents and businesses by removing iron and manganese, which cause discolored water, from wells serving subdivisions along Highway 1085 and Bootlegger Road. Expected to be completed by early 2026, the project is part of President Cooper and the Parish Council’s ongoing efforts to improve water and sewer infrastructure throughout St. Tammany Parish. Residents may experience temporary water discoloration in the coming days due to contractor work rerouting water lines this past weekend.
–Save the date for Southeastern’s Fall Grad Fair 2025, happening Tuesday, September 30, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Wednesday, October 1, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm upstairs in the Student Union Theater and Commons by Career Services. This event is your one-stop shop for all commencement essentials, including caps and gowns, class rings, graduation photos, invitations, and more. For questions, email alumni@southeastern.edu.
–The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division has arrested multiple suspects following an investigation into an alleged marijuana distribution network led by 49-year-old Trevor Sibley, which also implicated his wife and sister. Sheriff Jason Ard said agents executed search warrants at locations in Livingston and Walker, seizing about 750 grams of marijuana, multiple THC vape cartridges, residual methamphetamine, packaging materials, digital scales, a vacuum sealer, $2,564 in cash, and 33 firearms, including two fully automatic weapons and one with a suppressor. Those arrested include Trevor Sibley, Jaci Fournet Sibley, 37, and Tina Roshell Sibley, 54, with Steven Payne, 55, and Caleb Ball, 35, cited via summons. Ard noted the case remains under investigation and more arrests are possible.
