Two people have been arrested and one remains at large in connection with a July 3 shooting near Mandeville. Keshawn Smith, 19, of Mandeville was taken into custody on July 5 on a warrant for Principal to Attempted First Degree Murder, while Rena McDonald, 62, also of Mandeville, was arrested the same day on a warrant for Accessory After the Fact. Authorities are still searching for Loranja Smith, 19, of Baker, who is wanted for Attempted First Degree Murder. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information on Smith’s whereabouts to call (985) 898-2338.
–Tangipahoa Parish Government, along with Louisiana’s Regional Planning Commission and Department of Transportation and Development, will hold a public open house on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Clausen Large Conference Room in Hammond to discuss plans for a new roundabout at the intersection of E. Minnesota Park and Range Road. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion in the area. Attendees can review project plans, speak with the project team, and provide feedback. Residents, business owners, and stakeholders are encouraged to participate and share their input.
–Shortly before noon on Monday, July 7, 2025, Slidell Police responded to a home off West Hall Avenue after a 6-year-old child was severely injured in a dog attack involving the family’s pitbull, which had been temporarily chained in the backyard. Due to the extent of the injuries, the child was airlifted to a trauma hospital in New Orleans for emergency care. Slidell Animal Control has taken custody of the dog as the investigation remains ongoing. “This is a tragedy that hits all of us in the heart,” said Police Chief Randy Fandal, asking the community to keep the child and their family in their thoughts and prayers.
–Beginning last night, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development launched a nearly $2 million road improvement project on LA 22 between Olde Mill Lane and Howes Lane, just east of Ponchatoula. The work—consisting of grading, milling, patching, and overlay—is scheduled to take place overnight from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. through Friday, October 24, weather permitting. Oversized vehicles will be limited to 12 feet in width in the construction zone. Motorists are advised to use designated detour routes via US 51B, I-12, and LA 445 to bypass the area. DOTD urges drivers to exercise caution, watch for crews and equipment, and thanks the public for its patience during the project.
–Parents and caregivers are invited to a free Internet Safety Training and Taco Tuesday event on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at CAC Hope House in Covington, made possible by the In Jesus’ Name Foundation and Home Bank. Led by Detective Brian Brown—Forensic Examiner with the Covington Police Department and Special Victims Unit Investigator with the 22nd JDC District Attorney’s Office—the session will cover key topics such as social media dangers, cyberbullying, sextortion, and practical online safety strategies for families. Certified as a cyber investigation expert, Detective Brown will provide critical insights to help protect children in the digital age. The event will include free tacos and beverages for registered attendees, but space is limited and registration is required. For more information or to be added to the waitlist, contact Heather at heather@cachopehouse.org or call 985-892-3885 ext. 3.
–Following an outpouring of public tips, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has identified and arrested 52-year-old Donald Ray Vicknair, Jr. on one count of Felony Theft. Vicknair is accused of stealing over $1,500 worth of equipment—including chainsaws and hedge trimmers—from the Tractor Supply Store on Highway 190 in Hammond on June 20. Authorities had previously sought the public’s help in identifying the suspect, who was caught on surveillance leaving the store without paying. Sheriff Gerald Sticker thanked the community for their assistance in the case.
–The Covington Police Department quickly responded to a battery incident involving a citizen exercising their First Amendment rights on July 4, 2025. Jeremy Judice has been arrested and charged with simple battery and criminal damage to property. Authorities emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward violence in the community and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all residents. All individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
–Faimon Roberts from the Advocate wrote about Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith, who marked his first year in office on July 1. Smith is earning quiet praise for bringing a more professional approach to law enforcement—though he shies away from the word “progressive.” A Republican and decorated Marine Corps veteran, Smith operates in one of Louisiana’s most conservative parishes, where “progressive” is often equated with liberal politics. Yet even one of his longtime deputies described working for him as “refreshingly progressive”—not in a political sense, but in the way Smith is transforming the sheriff’s office from a political stronghold into a more professional, service-focused agency. His reforms are most visible in efforts to improve jail conditions and control costs, even as the parish jail remains the most overcrowded in the state. Though Smith faces challenges like a crumbling jail and limited resources, his push for efficiency and accountability may offer a blueprint for other sheriffs navigating similar constraints.
–Tangi Library is hosting a free Health & Wellness Workshop on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 6 PM at the Hammond Branch, led by Kathy Hayden, a National Board Certified Health Wellness Coach from Butterfly Wellness. The workshop will focus on the 7 Dimensions of Wellness, encouraging participants to embrace body, mind, and spirit to realign, refocus, and recharge. Open to the public, attendees are invited to bring a friend and register at Tangilibrary.com to jumpstart their wellness journey.
–The Louisiana Food Truck Festival, presented by Silver Slipper Casino Hotel, will return to The Harbor Center on Saturday, September 6, attracting over 2,000 attendees. Sponsorship and vendor booth opportunities are now available for businesses looking to showcase their brand at this popular event. Interested parties can reserve their spot by contacting Jessica at jessica@harborcenter.org or by calling 985-781-3650.
–The Springfield Police Department is urging residents to use caution after a black bear was spotted within the town limits. Their Chief of Police advises the public not to approach the bear under any circumstances and to immediately report any sightings to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Authorities are working to ensure public safety and ask for the community’s help in spreading the word to keep everyone safe.
–Northshore Technical Community College will host a Career Expo and Open House on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 4:30 to 7:00 PM at its Livingston Campus in Walker, in partnership with the Livingston Economic Development Council. Open to the public, the event will feature local employers from industries including healthcare, manufacturing, distribution, retail, and more, offering on-site hiring opportunities for all skill levels. Attendees can also tour the campus and learn about NTCC’s 25 academic programs and workforce training courses. Dean Dr. Lizette Leader emphasized the collaborative effort behind the event to support regional economic growth.
–On July 4 at approximately 11:53 a.m., Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported drowning at White Sands Lake Beach, just south of Franklinton. Upon arrival, deputies found 16-year-old Dyquell Deadre Gross unresponsive. Life-saving measures were attempted at the scene before he was transported to Riverside Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. The WPSO extends its deepest condolences to Dyquell’s family and friends as they mourn this heartbreaking loss.
–Air Products has donated $3,000 to the Ponchatoula Jaycees to support the development of an inclusive playground at the Ponchatoula Area Recreation District park, sponsoring a Sail Climber as part of the project. The donation is part of Air Products’ commitment to supporting community initiatives through its Louisiana Clean Energy Complex, with additional backing from the Air Products Foundation and the Lake Maurepas Community Fund. “We’re proud to support efforts that ensure all children in Tangipahoa Parish have access to safe and fun playground equipment,” said Danna Leblanc, Commercial Executive Director. The Ponchatoula Jaycees have raised nearly half the necessary funds and hope to break ground on the playground early next year.
