Leadership Tangipahoa is now accepting applications for its next class of local leaders, and they’re looking for individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community. If you’re interested in developing your leadership skills and connecting with others committed to positive change in Tangipahoa Parish, apply today! The deadline to submit your application is Friday, June 27. For more information and to apply, visit www.leadershiptangi.org.
–The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has officially opened Segment 2 of the LA 3241: I-12 to Bush highway project, an 8-mile, four-lane toll-free stretch connecting LA 435 in Talisheek to LA 36, approximately four miles west of Hickory Creek. This segment, completed at a cost of $63 million, joins the previously opened 5.6-mile Segment 3 between Bush and Talisheek, bringing the total completed distance to over 13 miles and improving access between Northshore communities and towns such as Bush, Sun, and Bogalusa. Segment 1, which will complete the 20-mile corridor by linking LA 36 to the I-12/LA 434 interchange, is currently undergoing early construction preparations and is expected to go out to bid in December with an estimated cost of up to $120 million. Originally part of Louisiana’s TIMED Program from 1989, the LA 3241 project has shifted to the state’s highway priority program and is designed to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and support regional economic development through enhanced transportation infrastructure.
–Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller announced that Barriere Construction crews are scheduled to perform asphalt work during the week of June 16 on Briarwood, Arbordale, Whitmar, and East Park, with preliminary patching set to begin on North Duncan later in the week. All work is weather-permitting, and motorists should anticipate intermittent delays in affected construction zones. For the latest updates on road closures and project progress, residents are encouraged to visit Tangipahoa.org and follow the parish’s official social media channels.
–The St. Tammany Parish Public School System (STPPS) will provide free school lunches and breakfasts to all students during the 2025-2026 school year through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This program allows all students enrolled in the district’s 55 schools to receive meals at no cost, with no application or fee required. For more details on STPPS food services, including nutritional education, wellness resources, and information about the CEP, visit www.stpsb.org/foodservices.
–A proposed ordinance in Hammond is generating controversy as it could ban individuals aged 18 to 20 from entering local bars, regardless of whether they are drinking. The measure, introduced by Councilman Kip Andrews, aims to prevent underage access to alcohol after he reportedly overheard a high school student claim they entered a bar with a $40 cover charge. Local bar owner Dan Lambert of Cate Street Pub is pushing back, arguing that many students visit bars simply to socialize and that his establishment already enforces strict ID checks and wristband protocols to distinguish those of legal drinking age. Lambert contends that the ordinance was introduced without consulting bar owners or police, while Andrews maintains the proposal is intended to create safer nightlife environments. The Hammond City Council is scheduled to vote on the ordinance on June 24, and Andrews plans to meet with local bar owners ahead of the decision.
–Drivers in Pearl River should prepare for a complete daily closure of the railroad crossing near McDonald’s—at the intersection of Hwy 41, Hwy 11, and Hwy 1090—from Monday, June 23 through Thursday, June 26, 2025, between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM each day. The closure is necessary for maintenance work on the crossing, weather permitting. Detours will be available via Pump Slough Rd. and Pearl Parkway for access to the interstate and areas east of the tracks. Nelson Rd. near Trackside may also be used, though drivers are urged to exercise caution as it is a residential area.
–The Town of Abita Springs and Mayor Daniel J. Curtis invite the community to join the Annual 4th of July Celebration on Friday, July 4, 2025—a beloved tradition that brings together families, friends, and neighbors in a festive display of patriotism and community spirit. The free event will feature a flag retirement ceremony by the Homer Williams VFW Post 8720, live music from local artists, a variety of food and craft vendors, and a spectacular fireworks display to cap off the evening. This celebration is made possible thanks to the generous support of local sponsors.
–The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating Craig Painter, who was last seen on May 15, 2025, at the Circle K in Covington, Louisiana. He was wearing a camouflage hat, dark-colored shirt, green shorts, and white shoes, and was believed to be heading out to go fishing, carrying a fishing pole and a backpack. Painter is described as approximately 5’9” tall, 120 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-839-3434.
–The Tangipahoa Mosquito Abatement District has confirmed that four mosquito samples collected in Hammond have tested positive for West Nile Virus, prompting additional mosquito control treatments in the area on Friday evening. Officials attribute the rise in mosquito activity to current environmental conditions and urge residents to take preventive measures to protect themselves. For tips on mosquito prevention and more information about West Nile Virus, residents are encouraged to review the provided graphics and visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus.
–The St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation (St. Tammany EDC) has released the Q1 2025 edition of The AnalyST, its digital economic trends report offering in-depth, data-driven insights into local, state, and national economic conditions. Developed with input from Economic Leadership, LLC, the report examines key topics such as inflation, employment, consumer activity, and housing trends. Notable findings include a slight uptick in St. Tammany Parish’s unemployment rate to 4%, continued strength in self-employment, modest wage growth, a dip in new housing permits, and a 6.9% rise in retail sales tax collections. CEO Chris Masingill emphasized the report’s role in helping leaders and businesses make informed decisions to support regional resilience and growth. The full report is available at www.sttammanyedc.org/the-analyst.
–Covington-based Globalstar has opened a new 10,000-square-foot control center to support its global satellite communications operations, marking a significant milestone in regional innovation and connectivity. Recently highlighted in the June issue of Biz New Orleans, Globalstar has rapidly emerged as a major tech presence on the Northshore since its arrival in 2010, with over 60% of its workforce based in Louisiana. The company plans to add 75 more local jobs by the end of the year, as the new facility enhances satellite fleet management, boosts network performance, and positions Globalstar for next-generation technological advancements.
–Savor St. Bernard is launching its inaugural 10-day culinary celebration from July 18–27, 2025, spotlighting the unique flavors and local restaurants that make the parish special. From family-run favorites to neighborhood gems, participating eateries will offer exclusive specials, limited-time dishes, and one-of-a-kind deals designed to draw locals and visitors alike. Organized by the St. Bernard Chamber, the event is free for Chamber members and includes parish-wide marketing support. Restaurant registration is open through June 20, and diners are encouraged to eat local and share in this vibrant new tradition celebrating the parish’s rich culinary culture.
–On April 19, 2025, the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a medical emergency at the parish jail that resulted in the death of 40-year-old inmate Rogers B. Vernon. The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office was brought in to assist with the investigation, which concluded that Vernon died from the toxic effects of fentanyl introduced into the facility by fellow inmates. This led to the arrest of 10 inmates and one civilian on charges ranging from conspiracy to distribute Schedule II controlled substances to introduction of contraband and second-degree murder. Those charged include Brandon Burge, Tilman Myles, Gregory Bell, Benjamin Brumfield, Albert Cecchi, Lance Griffith, David Schmitt, Frank Solomon, Gabriel Thomas, and Eric Williams, along with civilian Linda Smith. In response, the sheriff’s office has implemented new security measures to prevent further contraband entry and expressed condolences to Vernon’s family while thanking Livingston Parish authorities for their assistance.
–Shortly after noon on Thursday, Slidell Police responded to a stabbing on the 1300 block of Ninth Street, where 36-year-old Bryant Irvin of New Orleans allegedly stabbed his girlfriend multiple times at her home before fleeing the scene with the weapon. Witnesses reported Irvin running erratically through the Brugier neighborhood while still holding the knife. Officers quickly responded and located Irvin within four minutes of the initial call; he surrendered the weapon and was taken into custody without incident. Irvin was booked into the Slidell City Jail on one count of Attempted Second Degree Homicide. The victim was listed in critical condition.
