Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a 16-year-old Hammond High School student Monday after school resource officers discovered marijuana, THC products, a vape pen, and a stolen handgun in his backpack, prompting a brief campus lockdown while the investigation was conducted. The teen, suspected of being under the influence, was taken into custody without incident, and officials stressed that no students were in danger during the response. He was booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center on multiple charges, including carrying a firearm on school property, possession of marijuana and a controlled substance in a drug-free zone, possession of a stolen firearm, and a firearm-free zone violation. Authorities encouraged the public to report suspicious school-related activity anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa.
–Southeastern Louisiana University’s History and Political Science Department will host its annual Veterans Day Lecture on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. in the Student Union Theatre, featuring retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Russel L. Honoré, widely recognized for his leadership during post-Katrina recovery efforts and his recent role overseeing the U.S. Capitol security review after the Jan. 6 attack. Honoré, a decorated 37-year Army veteran and noted expert on leadership, climate change, and disaster preparedness, will present “A Veterans Day Address by the Category 5 General,” sharing insights from his distinguished career and his latest work. The free public lecture is part of Southeastern’s Veterans Week, which includes several events organized by the Office of Military and Veterans Success, such as a Nov. 11 military banquet with U.S. Air Force General and Southeastern alumna Amy Bumgarner as guest speaker, along with remarks from History and Political Science Department Head Bill Robison highlighting the university’s century of military involvement. For additional details, the department can be reached at 985-549-2109.
–Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa earned national recognition at the recent Crime Stoppers USA Conference, taking home three awards for its print and radio public service announcements and for its Women’s Self-Defense Class initiative. The organization credited Northshore Media Group for partnering on the award-winning campaigns, while also highlighting board member Alexis Ducorbier for spearheading the self-defense program and Community Outreach Coordinator Colton Wilson for developing the campaign graphics. Executive Director Michelle Gallo said the honors reflect the strength of community collaboration and a shared commitment to public safety.
–The St. Tammany Parish Library will celebrate the launch of its Mobile Library with a ribbon cutting on November 18 at the Lacombe COAST Center, marking a major milestone in the library’s 2023 to 2028 Strategic Plan to expand access through innovative services and technology. The mobile branch, which has already been delivering books-by-mail to Meals on Wheels clients and making lobby stop visits to COAST and assisted living centers since earlier this year, aims to strengthen community outreach and complement traditional library offerings. Light refreshments will be served at the 11:30 a.m. event.
–AN17 reports that Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron plans to increase police visibility downtown beginning Halloween weekend as part of a new district that will add at least two extra officers per shift during peak nights from Thursday through Saturday, with coverage extending to nearby parks and frequent community events. Bergeron said the effort responds to the city’s continued growth, despite his earlier request for two additional officers being denied during budget hearings, and noted the expanded patrol zone will span from Chestnut Street to Hazel Street and Church Street to Zemurray Park. Extra officers will remain on duty until 2 a.m. on Halloween to manage the larger crowds expected when the holiday falls on a weekend, and barricades will be deployed in certain neighborhoods to protect trick-or-treaters from vehicle traffic. Bergeron emphasized that the goal of the increased presence is to deter crime while ensuring officers can respond promptly to any issues.
–The National Weather Service in New Orleans confirmed that a tornado touched down in Tangipahoa Parish on Monday, October 27, causing damage consistent with an EF1 rating and estimated peak winds near 95 mph. Survey teams reported the most significant destruction along Dummyline Road, where several large trees were snapped, and additional damage near River Road and Arbuthnott Drive. The tornado also crossed the Tangipahoa River and caused extensive tree damage at Camp Living Waters, where roughly 25 to 30 trees were downed and one tent destroyed. Officials said portions of the storm’s path remain unsurveyable, and satellite imagery will be reviewed in the coming days to assess the full extent of the damage.
–The Slidell Animal Shelter and the Animal Assistance League of Slidell, in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, have achieved official “No Kill” status after maintaining a 90 percent save rate for 12 consecutive months, according to Slidell Police. The milestone reflects the success of several new programs launched this year, including the Community Cat Program, Good Samaritan Kits, and Microchip Scanning Stations, all aimed at reuniting pets with owners and reducing euthanasia. Officials credited dedicated staff, volunteers, and community support for helping make the achievement possible and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring every animal has a chance at a safe, loving home.
–Smitty’s Supply, Inc. announced progress in its ongoing remediation efforts at its Roseland facility after officially assuming management and cleanup responsibilities from the EPA on October 15, 2025. The company reported completing a full review of site conditions and prior EPA documentation, contracting specialized environmental response firms, and reinforcing safety protocols to protect workers and nearby residents. Developed in coordination with federal and state agencies, the company’s remediation plan aims to ensure continued, responsible cleanup operations. Smitty’s Supply stated it remains committed to transparency and collaboration with local and state partners as recovery efforts move forward.
–Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Business and Professional Advancement Programs will host the 2nd Annual Business @ Breakfast on Monday, November 10, featuring economist and Wall Street Journal contributor Dr. Scott Burns presenting “Tariffs and Trade Wars: The Seen and the Unseen” in the Student Union Ballroom. The event, sponsored by St. Tammany Health System, includes a full breakfast, offers CPE credit, and will run from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. with doors opening at 8:15 a.m. Seating is limited to 80 attendees, and organizers say the program will provide timely insights into the global economic forces influencing today’s business environment.
–St. Tammany Parish officials announced that early voting for the November 15 election will take place November 1–8, excluding Sundays, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Justice Center Parking Garage in Covington and the Towers Building in Slidell. Voters will consider propositions including the Fire Protection District No. 3 In-Lieu Millage, Fire Protection District No. 7 Millage Renewal, and Recreation District No. 11 In-Lieu Millage.
–Southeastern Louisiana University is inviting graduating students to the Lion4Life Launch Party on Thursday, December 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Alumni Visitor Center to celebrate their accomplishments. The event will feature food, drinks, music, games, and prizes, with each graduate receiving a mini diploma and a gift from Southeastern Alumni. Attendance is free for graduating students, while guests may join for $25, and RSVPs are encouraged through the university’s event page.
–Ponchatoula Mayor Wesley Daniels announced that new banners honoring local veterans have been installed throughout downtown, reflecting strong community participation in a tribute program that allows families to recognize their loved ones who served in the armed forces. The banners, purchased by residents, will be displayed each Memorial Day and Veterans Day as a recurring salute to area veterans. Daniels expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic response and encouraged families to visit downtown and capture photos of their veteran’s banner.
–The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce will honor a dozen local businesses across nine categories during its 23rd annual Business Appreciation Luncheon on November 13 at Benedict’s Plantation in Mandeville, continuing a long-standing tradition of recognizing excellence and community impact in the parish. Awards will spotlight family-owned enterprises, innovation, customer service, new businesses, and companies that enhance St. Tammany’s image both locally and beyond. The luncheon is supported by a slate of regional sponsors, and tickets are available for purchase through the Chamber’s website.
–City Court Judge C. Britain Sledge, III has been elected Secretary of the Louisiana City Judges Association, securing the one-year board position through a vote of his peers during the Fall Judges Conference. Sledge, who previously served as Treasurer of the association, has led City Court since spring 2022 following a career as a longtime prosecutor in City Court and as an Assistant District Attorney in the 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
–Northshore Humane Society is promoting a full schedule of November events aimed at supporting homeless pets and connecting adoptable dogs with new families. Supporters can meet animals at several community gatherings, including Pups & Pizookies on November 1 at BJ’s Brewhouse, Happy Tails & Happy Meals on November 5 at Patel McDonald’s where 20 percent of proceeds will benefit the rescue, and the 2nd Annual Mandeville Veterans Day Parade and Jambalaya Cook-Off on November 8, where the organization will host a booth. The nonprofit encourages the public to attend, enjoy the festivities, and help make a difference for animals in need.
