The Tangipahoa Parish Government will hold a special public ceremony on Friday, June 27, at 1:30 p.m. to unveil a commemorative display honoring the life and heroism of Marine Corps Private First Class Raymond Michael “Mike” Clausen, Jr., the only Medal of Honor recipient from Tangipahoa Parish. The event will take place at the TPG’s Clausen Building, located at 15485 West Club Deluxe Road in Hammond, and will feature a permanent display including Clausen’s military uniform and medals. A graduate of Hammond High School and former student at Southeastern Louisiana University, Clausen enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966 and served bravely in Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic and later as a crew chief. During his second tour in 1970, Clausen risked his life by disobeying direct orders and repeatedly exiting his helicopter under heavy fire to rescue 18 fellow Marines who had become trapped in a minefield. He personally carried six wounded men to safety, only departing once he confirmed all were aboard. For his extraordinary courage and selflessness, Clausen was awarded the Medal of Honor in a White House ceremony in June 1971, along with 98 Air Medals earned for over 3,000 combat flight hours. Clausen passed away in 2004 at the age of 56 and is buried in Ponchatoula Cemetery. Tangipahoa Parish’s Hammond government complex bears his name in tribute to his legacy of service and sacrifice.
–Food lovers, get ready—this Friday, June 27, the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off takes over Slidell’s Harbor Center for one unforgettable night of culinary competition and coastal flavor. Attendees will watch top chefs battle for the title of King or Queen of Louisiana Seafood while sampling dishes from 22 beloved Northshore restaurants at the Tammany Taste Preview. With a $65 ticket, guests gain access to the live cook-off, delicious tastings, and a cash bar—but hurry, tickets are only available through June 26 and won’t be sold at the door. For tickets and event details, visit www.tammanytaste.com.
–The Hammond City Council is set to meet on Tuesday, June 24 at 5:30 p.m. at City Council Chambers, 310 E Charles St., to consider two proposed ordinances that could impact outdoor events and nightlife in Downtown Hammond. The first ordinance would prohibit alcoholic beverages in city parks, while the second would restrict access to stand-alone bars and nightclubs for individuals under the age of 21. The Hammond Downtown Development District is urging residents to attend and share their input, emphasizing the importance of public participation in shaping local policies.
–Over the weekend, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) assisted Ponchatoula Police in apprehending a woman accused of shoplifting over $1,200 in tools and equipment during the grand opening of the new Tractor Supply store on I-55 Service Road. Theresa Prine, 35, was issued a summons for Felony Theft after allegedly attempting to flee with a loaded cart of unpaid merchandise. TPSO’s Mounted Division, present at the event for security, quickly pursued and detained Prine until Ponchatoula Police arrived. Sheriff Gerald Sticker highlighted the division’s crime-fighting capabilities, noting their role goes beyond community engagement to active law enforcement support.
–The St. Tammany Fishing Pier is now in the bidding phase for reconstruction, with construction planned for later this year. The $2.4 million FEMA-funded project will rebuild and strengthen the pier to better withstand future storms, including upgrades such as a more resilient entry, a rock jetty, and improvements to the parking lot. The pier suffered significant damage from Hurricane Ida in 2021, just days before its scheduled reopening after an expansion. Parish President Cooper’s administration and the Parish Council have been working closely with FEMA to move this vital community asset forward.
–The Tangipahoa Chamber invites business leaders to a special luncheon on Monday, July 28, featuring Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley and Tangipahoa Parish Superintendent Melissa Stilley, who will speak on the vital link between education and economic growth. Held at the Southeastern Louisiana University Student Union Grand Ballroom, the event underscores the Chamber’s commitment to education as a key driver of regional prosperity and workforce development. Attendees will hear updates on state and local educational initiatives, with Chamber President Melissa Bordelon and Board Chairman Chance Enmon emphasizing the importance of business engagement in shaping a strong future for Tangipahoa. Local educators will also be invited, and businesses are encouraged to sponsor school system employees to attend. Registration is open through Thursday, July 17, at www.tangipahoachamber.org.
–The St. Tammany Parish Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Council Chambers in Mandeville to consider potential millage adjustments, including levying increased rates or adopting adjusted rates after reassessment, in accordance with state law. The adjustments could raise an estimated $3,026,797 in tax revenue for the parish animal shelter, with $211,876 attributed to the increase. These millages were previously approved by voters, and any adjustments will not exceed the maximum voter-authorized rates.
–The City of Hammond has announced that W Minnesota Park Rd. will be closed to through traffic for several months as crews rebuild the roadway from S.W. Railroad Ave to S. Magnolia St., with a tentative completion date set for November 13, 2025. Businesses along the route will remain accessible from either end or via S.W. Railroad Ave and S. Magnolia St., depending on the construction phase. Phase One closes the road in front of Dairy Queen with access from both ends; Phase Two will block the section from S.W. Railroad Ave to Dairy Queen, allowing access from S. Magnolia St.; and Phase Three will close the portion from S. Magnolia St. to Dairy Queen, with access from S.W. Railroad Ave.
–The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced ongoing railroad maintenance on US 11 at Watts Rd with full road closures in effect daily from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM until Thursday, June 26, 2025. Motorists and emergency vehicles are advised to use LA 3081 and I-59 as detours to bypass the closure during daytime hours.
–The Louisiana Legislature has unanimously approved the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s (CPRA) Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Plan, authorizing a historic $1.98 billion investment—the largest single-year funding in the agency’s history—for coastal restoration and protection. The plan includes 146 active projects and maintains 163 completed ones, with efforts spanning engineering, design, marsh creation, flood risk reduction, and barrier island restoration. Key highlights include the Chandeleur Island Restoration Project, the largest of its kind in state history, and the completion of the Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project, one of the nation’s largest. The plan also supports over 13,000 direct jobs and is expected to generate $773 million in labor income. Since 2007, CPRA has restored or protected more than 67,000 acres of land, improved 383 miles of levees, and restored over 71 miles of barrier islands. The FY 2026 plan reflects strong bipartisan support and a continued commitment to safeguarding Louisiana’s coast, economy, and communities for future generations. For more information, visit www.coastal.la.gov.
–A 56-year-old Sun woman, Sherida Graham, was arrested Tuesday, June 17, after St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics detectives found methamphetamine hidden inside a child’s stuffed animal backpack during a traffic stop on Highway 11 near I-12 in Slidell. Initially stopped in a Dodge Challenger, Graham was found with marijuana, prompting a vehicle search that led to the discovery and seizure of approximately 362 grams of meth, 28 grams of marijuana, two THC vapes, and drug paraphernalia. Authorities confirmed all substances belonged solely to Graham, who was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on multiple drug charges.
–Seventeen deputies from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office graduated from the P.O.S.T. (Police Officer Standards and Training) Academy Class No. 26 during a ceremony held Monday morning, June 23. Completing a rigorous 20-week program with approximately 800 hours of training, 11 days on the range, and 23 written tests, the following deputies earned their P.O.S.T. Level I certification: Jordan Adams, Caimen Burke, Sair Bustillo, Timothy Carroll, Mia Ceravolo, Peter Chung, Alexis Dudas, Kenneth Letort Jr., Dylan Magee, David Moody, Seth Slawson, Tyler Stansberry, Joseph Thibodeaux, Tyler Walker, and Connor Woodward. Gage Dufrene and Kyle Kast earned P.O.S.T. Level II certification. Several were recognized for outstanding performance: Deputy Carroll received the Physical Fitness Award, Deputy Dudas was honored for Most Improved Fitness and Academic Excellence (P.O.S.T. I), Deputy Chung earned the Top Shot Award, and Deputy Kast received the Academic Excellence Award for P.O.S.T. II.
