Slidell residents will have a valuable opportunity to engage directly with local leaders and candidates at an upcoming mayoral forum on Wednesday, July 23, at Slidell Municipal Auditorium. It will be hosted by the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce. This community event is designed to help voters make informed decisions ahead of the upcoming election by providing a platform for candidates to present their platforms, discuss key issues, and answer questions from the public. The forum will take place in the evening, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the program officially beginning at 6:00 p.m. Confirmed candidates scheduled to speak include Bill Borchert, who is running for Mayor of Slidell, and Randy Fandal, the current Chief of Police. Residents are encouraged to attend, listen to the candidates’ visions for the future of the city, and learn where they stand on issues that matter most to the community. The forum is free of charge and open to all members of the public, underscoring the importance of civic engagement and local participation in the democratic process.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested three individuals in connection with the fatal shooting of 65-year-old Annette Jackson, who was killed outside her home in Tickfaw on the evening of Saturday, June 21. Authorities say 19-year-old Jaiden Dillon, Jackson’s grandson who lived with her, shot her through the closed and locked front door as she returned from the grocery store. Deputies responded to a 911 call around 8:45 p.m. and found Jackson suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died. According to investigators, Dillon fled the scene without attempting to render aid or notifying anyone of the shooting. He was later booked on charges including Second-Degree Murder, Failure to Report a Felony, and Obstruction of Justice after turning himself in on Sunday. In the days following the incident, Dillon’s sister, 25-year-old Nijah Dillon, and her boyfriend, 30-year-old Benjamin White, were arrested and charged as accessories after the fact for helping Dillon evade arrest. The sheriff’s office emphasized that the investigation is still active and ongoing, and Sheriff Gerald Sticker urged anyone with information about the case to contact the Criminal Investigations Division. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa, with the potential for a cash reward.
–The Hammond Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating 25-year-old Mia Magee, a Hammond resident who was last seen on June 24, 2025, on Hillock Court after borrowing a vehicle. Mia is described as approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 185 pounds. Authorities are urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact the Hammond Police Department at 985-277-5701. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-554-5245 (JAIL). Community assistance is vital in helping to bring Mia home safely.
–Small business owners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend a free, in-depth workshop on Access to Capital for Government Contracting scheduled for Friday, June 27, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation. The event is hosted in collaboration with several key economic and business development partners, including the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC), Palette Northshore, Southeastern Louisiana University, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Louisiana Economic Development, and the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce. Designed for businesses at all stages—from startups to those looking to scale—the workshop will focus on demystifying the lending process, helping participants understand what lenders look for, how to develop a successful loan proposal, and how to manage credit in ways that can significantly impact financing opportunities. Attendees will also gain insights into the different types of loans available, application processes, and real-world tips for strengthening financial readiness. Jo Ann Lawrence of the U.S. Small Business Administration will serve as the featured speaker, bringing valuable federal perspective on accessing capital. While the event is free, pre-registration is required, and early sign-up is encouraged due to limited seating. This is a valuable opportunity for local businesses to strengthen their financial foundation and better position themselves for growth through government contracting.
–Mark your calendars for Mandeville’s National Night Out Against Crime, happening Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Hosted by the Mandeville Police Department and the Greater Mandeville Police Foundation, this free, family-friendly evening is a celebration of unity, safety, and neighborhood spirit. Guests can enjoy delicious food and drinks, live entertainment, games, face painting, public safety and health booths, and fun for all ages. With strong support from the local community, the event continues to grow each year. Local businesses and residents are also invited to get involved as Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum sponsors. For sponsorship opportunities or more information, contact Officer Eddie Vanison at evanison@cityofmandeville.com or call 985-624-7563.
–A major contraband sweep at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on Tuesday, June 24, led to the discovery of drugs, makeshift weapons, cellphones, and other prohibited items, and is expected to result in multiple arrests and charges. The large-scale operation involved over 100 law enforcement officers from the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO), Rayburn Correctional Center, and the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, who conducted a comprehensive, top-to-bottom search of the facility. The sweep had been in the planning stages for several weeks and was carried out as part of new operational standards implemented by Sheriff Gerald Sticker to enhance safety and accountability within the jail. Authorities say investigations are now underway to determine how the contraband was introduced into the facility, with charges anticipated not only for inmates found in possession but also for any outside individuals involved in smuggling or distributing the illegal items. Sheriff Sticker emphasized the seriousness of the breach and expressed deep appreciation for the partnering agencies whose dedication and coordination made the operation a success.
–The Southeastern Louisiana University Office of Marketing and Communications earned national recognition with two Communicator Awards from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts for its outstanding graphic design work. The office received the prestigious Award of Excellence in the General – Education Website category and an Award of Distinction in the Design Features – Overall Design category for the university’s Centennial logo. Selected from thousands of global entries, these awards highlight exceptional achievement in marketing and communication, placing Southeastern alongside top-tier organizations such as Netflix, NASA, and The Walt Disney Company. The Communicator Awards, judged by a panel of over 500 industry leaders from prominent companies and institutions, is one of the largest and most competitive programs in the field, celebrating innovation and effectiveness in visual and interactive media.
