Shortly before 9 p.m. on Sept. 13, Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a fatal crash on LA 21 at LA 3124 in Washington Parish that killed 60-year-old Jackson Brown of Bogalusa. Investigators say Brown was walking south in the right southbound lane when a 2023 Nissan Sentra traveling the same direction struck him. Brown died at the scene, while the driver—who was properly restrained—suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital. Impairment has not been determined, and routine toxicology tests are pending as troopers continue to investigate. Authorities remind pedestrians to use well-lit crossings and wear reflective clothing to help prevent similar tragedies.
–Mandeville Mayor Clay Madden announced several major city projects while addressing concerns about unexpected tree trimming along utility rights of way. Madden said CLECO crews began extensive cutting around power lines without prior notice to the city and has asked the company to pause work until a meeting with city officials on Monday. Meanwhile, the city is preparing to launch the Highway 22 Drainage Project to reduce flooding, begin construction of the Sunset Point–Lakeshore Drive Berm Project to combat coastal erosion and improve wetlands, and start demolition for the Sunset Point Pier project. Madden also noted the city’s “Mande Thrives 2045” Master Plan draft will be posted online soon, with a public open house scheduled for Sept. 29 at City Hall.
–The Hammond Rotary Club has announced that its annual Christmas Parade will roll through downtown Hammond on Friday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m., celebrating the festive theme “Cajun Christmas.” This year’s Grand Marshal is Louis Joseph, a beloved community leader and Tangipahoa Parish Councilman known for his volunteerism and service. Sponsored by Oasis Point Rehabilitation Hospital, the parade will feature dazzling floats, marching bands, dance groups, and an appearance by Santa Claus. The procession begins at Strawberry Stadium’s parking lot and is free for the public to enjoy. Local businesses, including the Ciolino family of Star Equipment and Donna and Robby Miller of PJ’s Coffee, are among the key supporters helping bring this cherished holiday tradition to life. Registration for parade participants is open until Nov. 24 at www.hammondrotary.com.
–The Hammond Regional Arts Center is seeking volunteers for its upcoming Brews Arts Festival on Saturday, October 25. Helpers are needed to check in guests, pour beer, set up and break down equipment, and assist breweries during the event. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Those interested can sign up online at www.HammondArts.org.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the discovery of human remains found Friday in a wooded area along the 40000 block of River Road in Ponchatoula. Authorities have not yet identified the individual or determined the cause of death, and say additional information will be released as the investigation continues.
–As of Friday the Hammond Police Department was seeking the public’s help in locating 31-year-old Mollie Fowler, who was last heard from around 8 a.m. on September 4 at 907 W. Church Street in Hammond. Fowler is described as 5-foot-3, about 140 pounds, with long black hair, and may be driving a maroon Jeep Patriot with an unknown license plate. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to call the Hammond Police Department at 985-277-5701.
–Tangipahoa Parish School System officials released a statement addressing a recent social media incident in which a parent accused a teacher of making negative remarks about a national tragedy without first contacting the school. The post, which quickly spread online, generated threats, false accusations, and damage to the employee’s reputation. After a thorough investigation—including student and teacher statements—administrators found no evidence to support the claim. District leaders emphasized that the unfounded allegations caused significant personal and professional harm, urging parents and community members to bring concerns directly to school staff or use the district’s “Resolve A Problem” form before sharing accusations publicly, and reaffirmed their commitment to respect, compassion, and collaboration.
–Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller has declared a state of emergency due to dangerously dry conditions creating extreme fire risks. The order, signed September 12, 2025, imposes an immediate parish-wide burn ban and activates the parish’s emergency operations plan. Miller said the declaration allows local fire chiefs to issue necessary emergency orders to protect residents and property, with Dawson K. Primes named as the point of contact for the response.
–The Pentagon has reportedly drafted plans to deploy 1,000 National Guard troops to Louisiana, focusing on New Orleans and Baton Rouge through September 2026, according to The Washington Post. The proposal, which requires a formal request from Gov. Jeff Landry, follows President Donald Trump’s recent suggestion to send troops to New Orleans over crime concerns—despite the city’s crime rates being at their lowest since the 1970s. Landry has expressed support, saying he would “take them from New Orleans to Shreveport,” while New Orleans officials and police leadership emphasized their ongoing success in reducing crime through technology, partnerships, and constitutional policing, and said they would work with any additional resources provided.
–Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller announced that Barriere Construction will begin scarifying and compacting the roadbed on East and West Prevost Lane later this week as part of the parish’s 2025 overlay program, which is now about 90% complete. During the week of September 15, crews will also perform shoulder dressing on several roads—including South Lewiston, Lark, New Genessee, Briarwood, Trabona, West Black Cat, Frank, West Martin Luther King, and Perry—while paving operations are scheduled for North Peckerwood. All work is weather-dependent, and motorists should expect intermittent delays; updates are available at www.Tangipahoa.org and on parish social media.
–Southeastern Louisiana University Alumni are inviting fans to join a special game day experience as the Lions face LSU in Tiger Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20. For $160, the package includes round-trip charter bus transportation from the Alumni Center, a tailgate party at Superior Grill with a full buffet and one drink, and a game ticket for the 6:45 p.m. kickoff. Tailgating runs from 3–5 p.m., and alumni are encouraged to reserve their spot early for this all-inclusive, hassle-free trip to Baton Rouge. Registration is available at www.southeastern.edu.
–Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit announced the September 11 arrest of 45-year-old Tasha Hayes of Slidell on three counts of Medicaid fraud. Investigators say Hayes used a fake driver’s license and Social Security number to hide a 2019 second-degree battery conviction while seeking employment with multiple Medicaid providers. The arrest followed a joint operation involving the MFCU, the LBI Fugitive Apprehension Unit, the Louisiana State Police Fugitive Task Force, and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Hayes was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Prison.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Library, in partnership with the Tangi Chess Club, will host the Tangi Chess Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Main Street Dance, 138 Robin Hood Drive in Hammond. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with matches starting at 10 a.m. Youth divisions for ages 8U, 10U, and 13U are free with advance registration, while adults can compete for a $25 entry fee, payable at the door and added to the winners’ prize pool. Trophies and other prizes will be awarded, and organizers invite the community to celebrate and support Tangipahoa’s rising chess talent.
–Over the weekend, Krewe of Omega members and royalty brought a festive Mardi Gras flair to Covey Rise Lodge, entertaining participants of the NASC Sporting Clays South Central event with a lively second line and plenty of bead tossing. Visitors from across the nation and overseas got a true taste of Louisiana as the krewe showcased Tangipahoa Parish’s Mardi Gras spirit, while guests enjoyed delicious food and drinks provided by Tangi Tourism.
–On Tuesday, September 16, the Louisiana Department of Education, in partnership with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute, will host the state finals of the Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition at the Covington Trailhead Park near the Ronald Reagan statue, as part of Louisiana’s Celebrate Freedom Week. Student finalists from across the state will present their interpretations of a speech by President Ronald Reagan, with two winners earning an all-expense-paid trip to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California to represent Louisiana in the national competition.
