Another Hit and Run in St Tammany

–The St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office is investigating the mysterious death of 27-year-old Edashia Emonni Caraway of Appleton, Wisconsin, who was killed in an apparent hit-and-run on the Twin Spans early Tuesday, October 21. Authorities say Caraway, who had traveled to New Orleans for a concert to celebrate her birthday, was found dead around 2 a.m. near mile marker 260 eastbound. An autopsy revealed she died from multiple blunt force injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle, and her death has been ruled a homicide. Anyone with information is urged to contact the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office at 985-781-1150.

–Tangipahoa Parish Registrar of Voters Andi Matheu reminds residents that early voting for the November 15 election runs from Saturday, November 1, through Saturday, November 8, excluding Sunday, November 2. Early voting will take place at both the Hammond and Amite Registrar of Voters offices from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day. Voters can find registration details, election deadlines, and sample ballots at www.TangiVotes.com.

–Southeastern Louisiana University’s 40th season of Fanfare continues with a full slate of arts, culture, and academic events ranging from lectures and film to opera and wine tasting. Highlights include a Q&A with Promises of Gold author José Olivarez on Oct. 27, followed by Dr. William Robison’s spirited Halloween lecture on Henry VIII and a screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho on Oct. 30 at Columbia Theatre. The series continues with a Nov. 5 lecture by Southeastern alumnus Nicholas Scamardo on Thomas Paine’s vision of American identity and a two-night production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute on Nov. 6–7. The season concludes Nov. 7 with the 17th Annual Friends of Sims Library Wine Tasting and Silent Auction fundraiser, featuring food, live music, and fine wines to support library programs. Most Fanfare events are free; tickets for select performances are available through the Columbia Theatre box office.

–The Covington Police Department has arrested three individuals in connection with a shooting on North Filmore Street on Friday, October 3, 2025. Officers, along with deputies from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, responded after reports of multiple gunshots and initially took a juvenile suspect into custody. Investigators later determined that Jason Lewis Jr., 20, Jaylen Lewis, 18, both from Baton Rouge, and Manaive Alexander, 21, of Covington, exchanged gunfire following an argument in the 1200 block of North Filmore Street. All three were charged with attempted first-degree murder, illegal carrying of a weapon during a violent crime, and simple criminal damage to property. Dozens of residents, including children, were in the area, and miraculously no injuries were reported. Chief Michael Ferrell emphasized that “senseless violence will not be tolerated” and thanked the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Homeland Security, and the Louisiana State Police Fugitive Apprehension Task Force for their assistance. The case remains under active investigation by the department’s Criminal Investigations Division.

–The Northshore Community Foundation is accepting applications for the 2025 Pat Brister Leadership Award, which honors the late St. Tammany Parish leader’s legacy of compassion and service. The $2,500 grant supports women in St. Tammany Parish seeking to advance their leadership through professional development, certifications, or other transformative experiences. The award is designed to empower women making a positive impact in their communities and is not intended for traditional academic scholarships. Applications are open through November 15, 2025.

–The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office will join the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering residents a safe, anonymous way to dispose of unused or expired medications. Drop-off locations include the STPSO Law Enforcement Complex in Slidell at 300 Brownswitch Road and in Covington at 2070 Collins Blvd. Tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid prescription drugs will be accepted, but syringes, sharps, and illicit substances are not. Sheriff Randy Smith encouraged the public to participate, emphasizing the importance of keeping dangerous drugs out of homes and away from children.

–Northshore Technical Community College will host “Super Skills Saturday” on November 15 at its Hammond Area Campus, 111 Pride Drive, offering hands-on training and certifications designed to help participants boost their careers or personal growth. Courses include Generative AI, CPR Certification, Forklift Certification, and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), with times and costs varying by program. Each course provides real-world instruction from expert trainers and leads to industry-recognized credentials. Registration is open now at www.northshorecollege.edu.

–The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Project Blessings All Year Round for the 3rd annual “Sleep Out 4 Veterans” event, set for Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 1 p.m. at 2031 Ronald Reagan Hwy. in Covington. The event aims to raise awareness about veteran homelessness, and the TPSO is collecting donations at its Hammond substation for items such as toiletries, household cleaners, and new or gently used clothing. Community members are also encouraged to donate supplies like cardboard boxes, tarps, and tents for participants building temporary shelters. Those interested in sponsoring, donating, or participating can call 344-303-3936 or 985-710-5699.

–The Amite City Police Department has arrested 55-year-old Eugene Hickerson in connection with a string of burglaries over the past two weeks, including both residential properties and vehicles. Following an investigation by patrol officers and detectives, Hickerson, a known repeat offender with prior burglary convictions, was taken into custody without incident. Police recovered evidence linking him to multiple cases, and he was booked on nine counts of simple burglary at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. Chief Lendrick Francois praised the work of officers and community cooperation, emphasizing the department’s commitment to protecting residents from repeat offenders. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Amite City Police Department at 985-748-6169.

–The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to report any planned controlled burns before they begin. Officials say the office has recently received calls about scheduled burns that were mistaken for emergencies. To help dispatchers manage resources and distinguish between controlled burns and potential fire hazards, residents are asked to notify both the Sheriff’s Office and their local fire department in advance. Planned burns can be reported by calling 985-839-3434.

–Louisiana could face a halt in food assistance next month if the federal government shutdown continues, Gov. Jeff Landry warned Wednesday. SNAP benefits, which provide monthly support to roughly 800,000 residents—or about 16 percent of the state’s population—will not be reloaded starting Nov. 1 due to unavailable funds, leaving families of four without up to $1,000 in aid. Landry cited past experience during the 2019 partial shutdown, when benefits were issued early through a continuing resolution, and blamed Democrats for the current funding impasse. Those who already have SNAP funds can continue using them, but new benefits will not be distributed until the government reopens.

–The Hammond Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a woman believed to be involved in multiple thefts at Ulta Beauty, located at 2026 Hammond Square Drive. The suspect is described as a Black female with tattoos on both arms. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Corey Morse at 985-277-5758, by email at morse_cm@hammond.org.