Tangipahoa Parish School Board Member Brett K. Duncan shared a letter to Hammond High Magnet School families, students, and staff this week from Principal Michael Kyles, Jr, addressing recent security concerns and outlining a comprehensive safety plan to ensure a secure learning environment. Kyles emphasized that while safety remains the top priority, the school’s recent achievements — including earning the national Magnet School of Excellence honor and being named a Top 50 CLEP High School by the College Board — should not be overshadowed. The plan includes an increased law enforcement presence with daily School Resource Officers, four additional campus security officers, controlled campus access, regular metal detector screenings, random K9 drug and weapon checks, and ongoing safety drills. Mental health support and transparent communication with families are also key components. Kyles encouraged community vigilance through the “See Something, Say Something” initiative, reaffirming the district’s commitment to maintaining trust, transparency, and safety at Hammond High Magnet School.
–Connie Estes pleaded not guilty Wednesday to hit-and-run and obstruction of justice charges in the fatal Slidell crash that killed 6-year-old Jeremiah Ramirez in his driveway on Aug. 13. Estes, whose bond was set at $2 million, appeared in Judge Alan Black’s courtroom in a prison jumpsuit, with family members of both her and Ramirez present. Initially, Cody Beaudette was arrested in connection with the crash, but his attorney provided neighborhood security footage to police showing he was not involved, and the District Attorney later dropped the charges. Estes was arrested on Aug. 29 and is scheduled to return to court Jan. 6.
–A Livingston Parish judge has sentenced Shawn Robertson to 18 years of hard labor, with five years to be served without parole, for the New Year’s Day 2024 crash that killed 17-year-old Walker High student Blakeleigh Weems. The somber courtroom was filled with Weems’ family, friends, and classmates, nearly 20 of whom delivered emotional victim impact statements describing how their lives were forever changed by the drunk-driving crash. Prosecutors said Weems was stopped at a red light on Range Avenue in Denham Springs when Robertson, driving under the influence, struck her vehicle on the driver’s side. Robertson pleaded guilty in October 2025 to vehicular homicide, second-offense DWI, reckless operation, and several related charges. The District Attorney’s Office upgraded the original negligent homicide charge after further evidence review, and the court’s sentencing on Nov. 5, 2025, marked the end of a nearly two-year case that devastated the Walker High community.
–The Hammond Regional Arts Center will celebrate Louisiana’s creative educators with its upcoming “Art Educators as Artists” exhibition, showcasing works by 36 art teachers from across the state from Nov. 14 through Dec. 18, 2025. An opening reception will be held Friday, Nov. 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the HRAC Main Gallery at 217 E. Thomas Street in Hammond. Executive Director Melissa Griffin said the show highlights the talents of educators who “teach and inspire youth” while pursuing their own artistic passions. At the same time, the HRAC Mezzanine will feature “Bluesiana,” a solo exhibit by abstract-landscape painter Anne McLeod Anderson, whose work has appeared in NCIS: New Orleans and HBO’s Treme. All artwork will be available for purchase, and both exhibits will remain open to the public during regular gallery hours. More information is available at www.hammondarts.org.
–The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the U.S. Chamber Foundation to bring the 2026 National Civics Bee to South Louisiana, encouraging 6th through 8th grade students to strengthen their knowledge of civics through writing and competition. The contest begins with a written essay and progresses to live regional, state, and national events, where students can earn cash prizes and national recognition, including a $100,000 529 education savings plan for the national champion. The Fisher Global Foundation will also award $5,000 to the school of each state’s first-place winner. “With this exciting program, we can turn to civics to teach us how to disagree agreeably and move forward together,” said Michelle Biggs, Vice President of the St. Tammany Chamber. The essay portal is open through Feb. 3, 2026, and more details are available at www.sttammanychamber.org/civicsbee.
–The Dukes of Hammond and Cena restaurant will host “Bourbon and Birdies” on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field in Hammond. The evening will feature a curated bourbon tasting presented by Cena, along with food and a “closest to the pin” golf challenge involving a 75-yard wedge shot. The winner will receive a bourbon basket valued at more than $500. Tickets are $100 and include three attempts at the target, with additional shots available for purchase during the event.
–Southeastern Louisiana University’s Office of Graduate Studies will mark its 65th anniversary with a “Birthday Bash” on Monday, Nov. 10, celebrating the launch of graduate programs as part of the university’s Centennial year. Sponsored by the Student Government Association, the event begins at 4 p.m. in the Student Union Theater and will feature remarks, a Student Showcase with fast-paced three-minute research presentations, and plenty of birthday cake. Director of Graduate Studies Dr. John Boulahanis noted that Southeastern has awarded more than 14,500 graduate degrees since the program’s inception. A commemorative plaque will also be placed in Tinsley Hall, room 102—the site of the first meeting to establish graduate studies—honoring over six decades of academic excellence and research.
–Ponchatoula Mayor Wesley Daniels expressed deep gratitude following the city’s inaugural Veterans Day Celebration, calling it an “incredible and well-attended event” that united the community in honoring the courage and sacrifice of America’s heroes. Daniels praised the Ponchatoula Celebrates Veterans Committee, sponsors, volunteers, and city staff for their dedication in making the event unforgettable. He also invited residents to continue the spirit of community by attending the season’s final Live After Five concert featuring the Chase Tyler Band, along with the city’s Antique Trade Days, highlighting Ponchatoula’s local craftsmen, artists, and vendors. “I love our city, and I love its people,” Daniels said.
–The Northshore Food Bank will host its annual “Pallets with Purpose: Shaken Not Stirred” fundraising event on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Food Bank Warehouse, 125 W. 30th Avenue in Covington. Guests can enjoy a night of casino games including blackjack, craps, roulette, and three-card poker, with the first bet free. The evening will also feature a full bar and buffet catered by Gary Bonanno’s Catering, along with raffles, prizes, and surprises. Attendees are encouraged to dress in black-tie or spy-chic attire inspired by James Bond. All proceeds benefit the Northshore Food Bank. More information is available at www.northshorefoodbank.org/pallets.
–Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Business Professional Advancement Programs will host the 2nd Annual Business @ Breakfast on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. in the Student Union Ballroom, sponsored by St. Tammany Health System. The event will feature Dr. Scott Burns, professor of economics and contributor to The Wall Street Journal, presenting “Tariffs and Trade Wars: The Seen and the Unseen.” Guests will enjoy a full breakfast while gaining insights into how global trade policies impact the economy. Seating is limited, and reservations are encouraged.
–The Louisiana Department of Health announced that federal SNAP benefits will resume Friday for all eligible recipients, though most will receive about half their usual monthly amount. SNAP offices statewide have reopened and staff are back at work following the Trump administration’s decision to restart benefits using a USDA contingency fund, which covers roughly half the normal nationwide payments. Recipients who received state-funded emergency SNAP aid earlier this month, including seniors and people with disabilities, will also begin receiving federal benefits Nov. 7, with any unused EBT funds remaining available. Officials say participants don’t need to take action to receive November benefits but must continue meeting standard requirements, while WIC services remain unaffected.
–The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for its Fiscal Year 2026 Budget — a national recognition that highlights excellence in government budgeting. The award acknowledges the agency’s commitment to transparency and effective financial management, with this year’s budget also earning Special Recognition for Performance Measures. Sheriff Randy Smith praised Budget Manager Iwona Lenczewski, Chief Financial Officer Lauren Hudson, and department heads for producing a clear, professional budget that helps citizens understand how tax dollars are spent. The full budget document is available to the public under Financial Reporting at www.STPSO.com.
–The St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce celebrated the success of the 11th Annual Tour Da Parish Bike Ride, held Oct. 25, 2025, which drew more than 400 cyclists from around the world to experience the beauty and hospitality of Historic St. Bernard Parish. Starting at the Los Isleños Cultural and Heritage Site, riders chose from four scenic routes, with the longest reaching the famed “End of the World” in Delacroix. The event featured peaceful bayou roads, volunteer-supported rest stops, and a lively End of the World Finish Fest with local food, music, and giveaways. Sponsored by numerous community partners, Tour Da Parish has become one of Louisiana’s most celebrated cycling events, showcasing the parish’s culture, resilience, and charm.
–Mandeville will honor local heroes with its Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 9, 2025, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Mandeville Boat Launch and concluding at Pat’s Rest Awhile around 4 p.m. The event will feature a performance by Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters, adding a lively Louisiana flair to the celebration. Sponsored by Old Mandeville Business Association and Pat’s Rest Awhile, the parade invites the community to come out, enjoy live music, and show appreciation for veterans’ service and sacrifice.
–The University of New Orleans will soon join the LSU System as the Lakefront campus prepares for a formal transition on July 1, 2026, following years of declining enrollment from a pre-Katrina peak of about 17,000 students to roughly 5,000 today. Thanks to a $20 million legislative investment in the University of Louisiana system and efforts by UNO’s administration, the campus has temporarily stabilized, but leaders hope sharing resources with LSU will boost enrollment. A transition team—including alumni, industry leaders, and figures like former basketball coach Tim Floyd and ex-athletic director Ron Maestri—met Nov. 5 to begin planning, with athletics remaining a central part of campus identity.
