The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Smitty’s Supply has taken over cleanup operations at its facility last week under EPA oversight, allowing the agency to begin demobilizing its emergency response contractors and oily waste storage containers from the site. EPA Federal On-Scene Coordinator Emma Dixon detailed in a recent video how oily waste and debris collected from facility runoff, nearby ponds, and the Tangipahoa River are being managed. Updates on the ongoing cleanup are available at www.epa.gov/smittys-supply-fire.
–St. Tammany Parish officials will host an open house on Tuesday, October 22, to gather public input on the proposed Emerald Forest Boulevard–LA 59 Connector Road. The event will take place from 5–7 p.m. in the Parish Council Chambers on Koop Drive in Mandeville, where residents can view maps and exhibits, speak with engineering staff, and share feedback on the project. Additional details about the proposed connector road will be posted soon on the parish website.
–NOLA.com writes that a new charter school is on the way to Covington, with the Academy of Classical Education (ACE) set to open in August 2026 for grades K–8. The school, located at 70700 West Ochsner Blvd., will accommodate up to 900 students and follow a classical liberal arts curriculum emphasizing character, scholarship, and civic virtue. Operated by Charter Schools USA—which manages about 100 schools nationwide, including more than a dozen in Louisiana—ACE at Covington will be open to all area students tuition-free. Applications are being accepted through December 5, and if enrollment exceeds capacity, a lottery will determine admission. Despite an earlier denial from the St. Tammany Parish School Board, the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved the school’s charter, making it the second in the parish after Louisiana Key Academy North Shore.
–Barrier Construction crews will be applying final pavement striping this week on several recently overlaid roads across Tangipahoa Parish, according to Parish President Robby Miller. The work, scheduled for the week of October 20, includes North Duncan Avenue, West Black Cat, West MLK, Trabona, South Lewiston, and Old Covington Highway. All work is weather-dependent, and motorists should expect occasional delays in construction zones. Updates on parish road projects are available at Tangipahoa.org and through the parish’s social media channels.
–The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office will hold an equipment auction this week, offering surplus vehicles—once driven by real deputies—and other items no longer needed by the department but still in good condition. The auction, hosted by ServCorp International in conjunction with Government Surplus & Others, will take place Thursday, October 23, with online bidding already open and public viewing set for Wednesday, October 22. Proceeds from the sale will go into the Sheriff’s Office General Fund to help purchase new vehicles and updated equipment. A full list of items and registration details can be found at slidellauction.com.
–Fiddler and singer Amanda Shaw will headline The Lobby Lounge Listening Room at The Harbor Center in Slidell on November 20 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30). Known for her energetic performances that blend Cajun roots with modern flair, Shaw has entertained audiences nationwide with her distinctive Louisiana sound. Advance tickets, including reserved seating and optional table upgrades, are available online at www.tinyurl.com/4tucm49v.
–DEMCO employees and their families gathered for the 7th annual Field of Dreams Softball Tournament, benefiting the Dream Day Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event brought together players, fans, and volunteers united in supporting children and families battling cancer and other serious illnesses. DEMCO CEO and General Manager Randy Pierce said the tournament reflects the company’s commitment to community and compassion. Through its partnership with the Dream Day Foundation, DEMCO continues to “power hope” for families in need while strengthening bonds among employees.
–Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa is hosting its annual “Night Out Against Crime” events to promote unity, safety, and crime prevention across the parish. The first event takes place Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 5 p.m. in the 100 block of North Cypress Street in downtown Hammond, held in conjunction with the Hammond Downtown Development District’s Trick-or-Treat celebration. Families can meet law enforcement officers, enjoy children’s activities, and learn valuable safety tips, with special appearances including McGruff the Crime Dog. The celebration continues Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Faith Temple Church in Independence, featuring food, games, trunk-or-treating, and community resources. Both events are free and open to the public. For details, contact Michelle Gallo at 985-662-5557 or tangicrimestoppers@gmail.com.
