Louisiana State Police Troop L has arrested 39-year-old Candace L. Leblanc of Covington in connection with a September 16, 2025, crash that killed 8-year-old Jewel Leger, also of Covington. Toxicology results showed Leblanc had impairing drugs in her system at the time of the wreck, which occurred when her Toyota Camry left LA Highway 40 near Hurd Road and struck a tree. Leblanc, who was properly restrained, suffered moderate injuries, while Jewel—an unrestrained front-seat passenger—died at the scene. Troopers obtained an arrest warrant charging Leblanc with vehicular homicide, no child restraints, possession of alcohol in a motor vehicle, driving without a license, and careless operation. She was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Facility on October 4. State Police continue to investigate and remind motorists never to drive impaired and to ensure all passengers are properly restrained.
–Southeastern Louisiana University alumna and Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts will return to campus Friday, Oct. 17, to cut the ribbon on the newly renovated and expanded D Vickers Hall, home to the new Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center. The 33,000-square-foot addition to the 80,000-square-foot building was funded through state Capital Outlay funds and a major donation from Roberts. The upgraded facility now features three state-of-the-art broadcast media studios—a newsroom, film studio, and multimedia studio—along with new radio and audio production spaces, expanded classrooms, and reconfigured faculty offices to enhance collaboration. The renovation also includes a complete makeover of the Vonnie Borden Theatre, now seating 498 guests with updated backstage facilities. Southeastern President William S. Wainwright said the project significantly enhances learning opportunities for students in communication, media, and the arts.
–Hammond Police are searching for 21-year-old Amarion Nelson of Hammond, identified as a person of interest in a deadly shooting that occurred on October 1 near Apple Street and King Ard Street. Officers were called after a man arrived at North Oaks Medical Center with a gunshot wound and later died from his injuries. Detectives immediately responded to the scene, collected evidence, and have developed several leads as the investigation continues. Police Chief Edwin Bergeron Jr. said the department is committed to bringing those responsible to justice, emphasizing that such violence will not be tolerated in the community. Anyone with information on Nelson’s whereabouts or details about the shooting is urged to contact Hammond Police at 985-277-5701 or Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245. Callers may remain anonymous and could receive a cash reward.
–Louisiana State Police say a two-year-old Tangipahoa Parish boy, Christopher Cooper, is safe after being the subject of an AMBER Alert early Wednesday morning, October 1, 2025. The alert was issued around 1:10 a.m., and through the swift work of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Unit, and Troopers with the newly formed Louisiana State Police Critical Response Emergency Search Team—known as LSP CREST—the child was safely recovered, and the suspect was taken into custody without incident. LSP CREST, which became operational in September, is made up of Troopers and Department of Public Safety investigators who respond statewide to critical missing person cases involving children and vulnerable adults. The team brings together regional expertise, advanced technology, and investigative resources to assist local agencies in urgent search and recovery missions. State Police say this case highlights the importance of collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement, as well as the public’s role in responding quickly to AMBER Alerts. To learn more about Louisiana’s AMBER and Silver Alert programs, visit www.lsp.org.
–Tangipahoa Parish officials say the Phase 2025 overlay project is nearing completion, with Barriere Construction crews set to wrap up final work in the coming days. Parish President Robby Miller said permanent striping is scheduled this week, weather permitting, on Whitmar Drive, East Park, Briarwood, Old Covington, and West Black Cat roads. Motorists should expect intermittent delays in construction areas. Residents can stay informed on parish road work by visiting www.Tangipahoa.org or following Tangipahoa Parish Government’s social media channels.
–The Blood Center is calling on Northshore residents to roll up their sleeves and donate during the Explore Northshore: St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce Business Expo. The blood drive will take place Wednesday, October 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Harbor Center, located at 100 Harbor Center Boulevard in Slidell. Donors will receive a special “batty” T-shirt and a VIP ticket to The Mortuary Haunted Mansion as a thank-you. The event, themed “We Are Out for Blood,” aims to boost local blood supplies ahead of the busy fall season. Participants can speed up the process by completing their FastLane questionnaire online before arriving. For more information or to sign up, visit TheBloodCenter.org or call (800) 86-BLOOD.
–With early voting now complete, Washington Parish voters will head to the polls on October 11 to decide whether to renew four existing property tax millages that fund essential parish services. The renewals include 4.6 mills for libraries, 3.11 mills for health units, 4.13 mills for parish roads, and 1.03 mills for public buildings. Parish officials note that these are not new taxes but continuations of long-standing millages that support vital community needs—from library programs and public health services to road maintenance and the upkeep of key parish facilities like the courthouse and jail.
–Friday evening around 6:15 p.m., the Covington Police Department responded to reports of gunfire near North Filmore Street and West 33rd Avenue. No life-threatening injuries have been reported, and one person is in custody. Authorities say there is no known ongoing threat to the public and officers will maintain a visible presence in the area throughout the night. The incident is under active investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Covington Police Department at 985-892-8500, submit a tip at www.covla.com/tips.
–The St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office has identified the two women killed in a vehicle crash near Slidell on September 21 as 27-year-old Kayleigh Case of Arabi and 60-year-old Tina Lyons of Slidell. Officials said both women died from blunt-force injuries sustained in the crash. The release of their names was delayed while authorities worked to notify next of kin.
–The Washington Parish Free Fair returns October 15–19, 2025, bringing five days of “Ridin’, Ropin’, and Rock N Rollin’” to Franklinton. Now in its 114th year, the fair is celebrated as the largest free county or parish fair in the nation and the second oldest in Louisiana. Visitors from across the country come to enjoy livestock and agricultural exhibits, Old McDonald’s Farm, live music, the PRO Rodeo, and the bustling Midway. The beloved event also features the Mile Branch Settlement, where costumed hosts offer a glimpse into pioneer life with historic cabins, crafts, and music. Organized entirely by volunteers, the Washington Parish Free Fair continues its tradition of community spirit, family fun, and Louisiana heritage that keeps crowds coming back year after year.
–The Slidell Police Department’s “Pink Car” kicked off a busy weekend visiting local events and businesses to support cancer awareness. Stops included Chief Fandal’s Wild Game, Seafood, and BBQ Cook-off, Good Times Tattoo, the Marine Corps League, Our Lady of the Lake Trunk or Treat, and Quillen Temple Church of God. The department thanked the community for their support and encouraged residents to say hello if they spot the Pink Car around town. Every dollar raised benefits the Slidell Memorial Cancer Center, and more stops are planned in the coming weeks.
–Southeastern Louisiana University’s 40th season of Fanfare continues next week with a lineup of lectures, music, and art celebrating the region’s culture and creativity. On Oct. 8 at 11 a.m., the History and Political Science Department will host its “Then and Now” lecture in the Student Union Theatre, featuring Cody Scallions, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Louisiana State Museums, who will speak on “Leading Innovation at the Louisiana State Museum.” That evening at 7 p.m., the Southeastern Chamber Orchestra, directed by Victor Correa-Cruz, will present “Timeless Vivaldi” in Pottle Auditorium, free and open to the public. The week also includes the Hammond Regional Arts Center’s opening reception for the Hammond Art Guild’s 63rd Annual Judged Exhibition, “Beauty in the Bayou” by Marceo Brim, set for Oct. 10 from 5–8 p.m. and running through Nov. 6. Most Fanfare events are free; more information is available by contacting the Columbia/Fanfare office at 985-549-2999.
–The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office will join communities nationwide for National Night Out Against Crime 2025 on Tuesday, October 7, from 5 to 8 p.m., hosting free, family-friendly events at district locations in Slidell, Covington, Bush, and in partnership with the Mandeville Police Department at the Mandeville Trailhead. Designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and residents, the events will feature bounce houses, food, STPSO vehicle displays, meet-and-greets with deputies, and performances by local dance and cheer teams. Neighborhoods can register their own gatherings for deputy visits, and the STPSO is seeking sponsors, nonprofits, restaurants, and performance groups to participate. More details are available at www.stpso.com.
–Two people were arrested after St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies discovered illegal narcotics during a traffic stop near Mandeville on Saturday, September 27. Detectives with the Sheriff’s Proactive Enforcement Unit pulled over a blue 2009 Kia Sorento on Highway 59 near North Lane and identified the occupants as 56-year-old Robert Giraldi and 51-year-old Sherie Quave. A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of approximately 10 grams of methamphetamine—five grams found near each suspect—as well as drug paraphernalia. Quave was booked with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, while Giraldi was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and traffic violations. The Sheriff’s Office said its Proactive Enforcement Unit focuses on targeting high-crime areas and disrupting narcotics and firearms-related offenses across the parish.
