Recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of the Roseland incident, with crews reporting a total of 6,890,793 gallons of liquid—including oil, water, and grease—recovered from the site, Tangipahoa River, and nearby ponds as of Monday morning. Overnight operations included four collection points on Pond D-1 and 11 vacuum trucks working across seven sites, yielding more than 207,000 gallons. To date, 4,065,000 gallons have been shipped off-site for proper disposal. Authorities say EPA staffing will increase over the coming week to support ongoing night operations.
–The sixth annual Bluesberry Music + Art Festival, presented by Gulf Coast Bank & Trust, will return to Covington’s Bogue Falaya Park on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., showcasing a powerhouse lineup of regional and national blues talent headlined by Texas blues-rock artist Casey James, with performances by Jared Daws, JJ Muggler, Julian Primeaux, and Kevin & The Blues Groovers. Alongside the music, the festival will feature 20+ regional artists, live art demonstrations, interactive painting, a Children’s Village, and the popular Food Truck Roundup offering local cuisine with a blueberry twist, plus craft cocktails, wines, and brews in the Abita Beer Garden. General admission is $25 online or $30 at the gate (free for kids 10 and under), with trolley service available from the St. Tammany Justice Center; details and tickets are at www.thebluesberryfest.com.
–The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating after two bodies were discovered Sunday, Sept. 28, while firefighters with St. Tammany Fire District 9 battled a blaze at a home on Sun Drive in Sun. The victims’ remains have been turned over to the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office for identification, and the causes of death and the fire remain under investigation. Detectives with the Sheriff’s Major Crime Unit are working alongside Fire District 9 and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, with no further details released at this time.
–Daniel Callihan, 38, was sentenced to life in prison in Mississippi after pleading guilty to capital murder, sexual battery, and two counts of kidnapping in the death of 4-year-old Erin Brunett. Hinds County Circuit Judge Debra Gibbs handed down consecutive sentences, including 30 years for each kidnapping charge, to run alongside prior sentences Callihan received in Louisiana. Erin and her 6-year-old sister were kidnapped in June 2024 from Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, after their mother, Callie Brunett, was murdered. Investigators found Erin dead at a Jackson, Mississippi, home where Callihan had been traced, while the surviving sister was safely returned to family. During his arrest, Callihan admitted to killing Erin, and at Monday’s hearing, family members described him as a predator and rapist, supporting the guilty plea to spare the surviving child from testifying in a trial.
–The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office announced that two people were arrested after detectives uncovered a large quantity of drugs, firearms, and cash during a Sept. 11 search of a home in the 100 block of Mirecourt Circle in Slidell. Narcotics detectives, assisted by the Proactive Enforcement Unit, seized fentanyl, Ecstasy pills containing methamphetamine, crack and powder cocaine, marijuana, THC gummies, kratom, two semi-automatic handguns, drug paraphernalia, and over $2,000 in cash. Following the investigation, 34-year-old Troy Smith was booked on multiple charges including possession with intent to distribute narcotics, illegal carrying of weapons, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, obstruction of justice, and transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses. His co-resident, 21-year-old Dasha Johnson, was charged with obstruction of justice, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of kratom.
–The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce will host its State of Education Breakfast, presented by LOPA, featuring a panel of local education leaders discussing the challenges and opportunities facing schools in Louisiana and on the Northshore. Panelists include Southeastern Louisiana University President Dr. William Wainwright, Northshore Technical Community College Provost and Vice-Chancellor of Academics and Student Affairs Dr. Daniel Roberts, and St. Tammany Parish School System Superintendent Frank Jabbia, who will share insights on the current state of education and future initiatives for the region. Tickets are purchased in advance through the St. Tammany Chamber’s website or by contacting their office directly.
–Ponchatoula is celebrating a weekend full of music, art, and community events, Mayor Wes Daniels announced. On Friday, October 3, Justin Cornett will bring Swamp Pop to the Live After 5 stage. Saturday, October 4, residents can enjoy the downtown Art & Wine Stroll from 5–8 p.m., featuring local art, shopping, and wine tastings, followed by NOCTURNE at Twin Steeples from 7–10 p.m., a nighttime showcase of light, music, and creativity.
–Southeastern Louisiana University is celebrating 100 years of Lion Pride with its Centennial Homecoming from October 13–18. Festivities include downtown Gumbo Ya-Ya and Throwback Thursday events, the return of alum Robin Roberts, and a grand finale on Lion Football Game Day, offering a week full of tradition, community, and school spirit. Full event details are available on the university’s website.
–St. Tammany Fire District 13 in Goodbee reported that a September 7 residential fire led to an arrest after an investigation revealed it was intentionally set. Firefighters contained the blaze, which self-extinguished in the master bedroom, and discovered the homeowner was out of state. Surveillance footage and physical evidence showed a woman leaving the home just before the 911 call. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office identified and arrested her on an open warrant and burglary charges. During a subsequent interview, she admitted to both the burglary and setting the fire and was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail. Fire officials also emphasized the importance of closed bedroom doors and functioning smoke alarms for safety.
–A St. Helena Parish Grand Jury has indicted inmates Tilman Myles and Brandon Burge on charges of Second Degree Murder in connection with the April 19 death of fellow inmate Rogers B. Vernon, who suffered a fatal fentanyl overdose inside the parish jail. According to 21st Judicial District Attorney Scott Perrilloux, the two men are accused of introducing fentanyl into the facility, where Vernon, 40, was pronounced dead despite lifesaving efforts. The indictment follows an extensive investigation by the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, which resulted in 11 arrests, including 10 inmates and one civilian, Linda Smith, who faces conspiracy and contraband charges. Perrilloux emphasized the dangers of fentanyl in correctional settings, calling the indictment a crucial step toward accountability. The case will proceed in 21st Judicial District Court in Greensburg.
–The City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Concert Series continues Sunday, Oct. 5, with a free performance by Audio Beach in Heritage Park from 5–7 p.m. Known for blending rock, funk, R&B, blues, and country, the band is celebrating its 22nd anniversary after decades of performing across the Gulf Coast and sharing stages with music legends. Mayor Bill Borchert encouraged residents and visitors to enjoy the fall concerts, which also include Monster Crawfish on Oct. 26, a Veterans Day tribute with the Northshore Community Orchestra on Nov. 9, and Vince Vance and the Valiants on Dec. 7. Guests are invited to bring chairs and blankets, with food and drinks available for purchase; weather-related cancellations will be announced by 1 p.m. on the city’s website and Facebook page.
–The City of Mandeville’s Mandeville Live! Free Fridays concert series continues on Friday, Oct. 3, with a performance by the band Bottoms Up at the Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte Street, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The family-friendly event is free to the public, with food and drinks available for purchase on site. Guests are reminded that no outside food, drinks, or ice chests are allowed.
–Tangipahoa Parish officials announced that Jerome Drive, off Happywoods Road, will be closed Thursday, Oct. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as parish crews replace a cross drain at the intersection of Ann Drive. No thru-traffic will be allowed in the construction zone, and detours will be posted. Parish President Robby Miller also noted that overlay work during the week of Sept. 29 includes shoulder dressing on several roads in Tangipahoa Parish and corrective asphalt patching on Gemstone Drive. All work is weather permitting, and drivers are advised to expect delays and check Tangipahoa.org or parish social media channels for updates.
–WBRZ reports that lawyers for the state are seeking to close the courtroom to the public and media during testimony in the upcoming retrial of Melanie Curtin, who faces first-degree rape and video voyeurism charges. Curtin, convicted in 2021, argues that jurors will see new evidence that “unequivocally contradicts” the original testimony and insists the trial should remain open so the public can witness her defense. Curtin was arrested during the investigation into former Livingston Parish deputy Dennis Perkins and his wife, Cynthia, who were charged with multiple sexual assault and child pornography offenses; Dennis Perkins received a 100-year sentence, Cynthia Perkins 41 years, and Curtin a life term. Prosecutors say Curtin helped Perkins assault an unconscious woman in 2014 and that the assault was videotaped. The 1st Circuit Court of Appeal overturned her conviction due to evidentiary errors, and the state Supreme Court declined review, clearing the way for her retrial before Judge Brian K. Abels.
–The Town of Kentwood announced that its 2025 Christmas in Kentwood celebration will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, with a full day of holiday festivities. The Christmas Festival will run from noon to 5 p.m. at the Community Center area, followed by the annual Christmas Parade, organized by the Kentwood Rotary Club, with lineup at 5 p.m. and the parade beginning at 6 p.m. on Main Street. The evening will conclude with a festive fireworks display hosted by Cajun 2 Steps. City officials invite the community to come together and celebrate the holiday season while remembering the true reason for the season.
–An Albany man has been sentenced to 75 years in prison for the sexual battery of a juvenile under the age of 13, following a Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office investigation into abuse at an unlicensed in-home daycare. Judge Erika Sledge handed down the sentence to 43-year-old Joshua Prine on Sept. 22, after his conviction last month in a two-day bench trial. Prosecutors presented evidence including testimony from the victim, medical experts, family members, and incriminating messages between Prine and his ex-wife, which contradicted her claims that he was never left alone with children. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux praised the victim’s bravery in testifying and commended both investigators and Assistant District Attorney Brett Sommer for securing justice in the case.
