The St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement District (STPMAD) has reported a sharp rise in West Nile virus (WNV) activity, detecting 22 infected mosquito pools in June 2025—nearly triple the number found by this time last year. The mosquitoes, primarily the Culex quinquefasciatus species, were trapped in Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe, Slidell, and Waldheim, with 91% of WNV-positive pools located in neighborhoods with failing individual sewage systems. In response to the elevated risk, intensified mosquito control efforts—including helicopter larviciding and nighttime spraying—are underway across the region. Residents are urged to maintain their septic systems, clear roadside ditches, and protect themselves with repellents and appropriate clothing to help prevent human infections.
–On the morning of July 7, 2025, Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a fatal single-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 40 near Barker Road in St. Tammany Parish that claimed the life of 64-year-old Houston Dutruch of Greensburg. According to the preliminary investigation, Dutruch was driving a 1998 Ford F-800 truck pulling a trailer southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the roadway, struck a culvert, and overturned onto its roof. Despite being properly restrained, Dutruch sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. A routine toxicology sample was collected as part of the ongoing investigation. State Police remind drivers to avoid operating vehicles while impaired, fatigued, or distracted and emphasize the lifesaving importance of seatbelt use for all vehicle occupants. Hazardous driving conditions can be reported to Louisiana State Police by dialing *LSP (*577).
–The Amite Oyster Festival was proudly represented at the Amite Chamber of Commerce Business Luncheon yesterday, where festival figures including their Pearl, Mrs. Amy Kent, Grand Marshal Mrs. Carla Tate, and several board members. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser served as the keynote speaker, delivering an inspiring message about the vital role tourism plays in Louisiana’s economy and culture. Attendees left with a renewed sense of pride in the state’s rich heritage, especially its agriculture and seafood industries. Festival organizers encouraged everyone to support local by choosing Louisiana seafood and reminded the community to mark their calendars for the next Amite Oyster Festival, happening the third weekend in March.
–The City of Hammond announced that starting September 1, 2025, water and sewer fees will increase for the first time in eight years, and garbage fees will rise for the first time in five years. The adjustments are being made in response to rising costs associated with providing these essential services. City officials emphasized that efforts were made to keep the increases as minimal as possible. Residents are encouraged to visit the City’s social media pages for detailed information, including comparisons of current and updated rates and minimum bill amounts.
–Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller announced that Barriere Construction crews will conduct preliminary patching and shoulder dressing operations on multiple roadways across the parish during the week of July 7, 2025. Patching work is scheduled for North Peckerwood, West MLK Drive, and South Lewiston, while shoulder dressing will take place on Old Covington, Arbordale, South I-12 Service Road, Whiskey Lane, New Genessee, Chappapeela, Woodstone, and East Park. All work is weather-dependent, and motorists should anticipate intermittent delays in active construction zones. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on road closures and project progress by visiting www.Tangipahoa.org or following TPG’s social media channels.
–St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape has released the official findings following the autopsy of Wade Singletary, a 38-year-old Cleco lineman from Burns Road in Pearl River, who died on July 2, 2025. The autopsy, conducted Monday, determined the cause of death was low-voltage electrocution, and the manner of death was ruled accidental.
–A Slidell man was arrested Monday morning after allegedly propositioning a group of juveniles in the parking lot of a local shopping center. Around 6:00 a.m. on July 7, Slidell Police responded to a report of a suspicious individual near the Big Lots store, where the man reportedly approached the juveniles in a vehicle and made an explicit offer to one of them. The juveniles quickly rejected the advance and provided police with a detailed description of the suspect’s vehicle, including a license plate number. Officers were able to identify and locate the suspect, 67-year-old Rene Hocke of Slidell, at his residence. Following questioning, Hocke admitted to the allegations and was arrested on charges of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile under Louisiana law. Police commended the juveniles for their swift and responsible actions, which led to a quick arrest and helped ensure community safety.
–The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce has announced a lineup of upcoming events aimed at fostering business connections and community engagement. On Thursday, July 17, members can participate in the Business-to-Business Networking event from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Chamber’s Covington office, where participants will give brief sales pitches and connect with fellow professionals (registration required). On Friday, July 18, the Chamber will host its signature Southern Nights Soiree from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Greystone in Mandeville, featuring casino games, premium cocktails, restaurant tastings, and live and silent auctions in a sophisticated Southern setting; tickets are $150. On Wednesday, July 23, the Chamber invites the public to a Slidell Mayoral Candidates Forum from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, offering voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates (doors open at 5:30 p.m., registration appreciated but not required). On Tuesday, August 19, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser will speak at the Tourism’s Economic Impact Luncheon at The Southern Hotel in Covington, highlighting the importance of tourism to Louisiana’s economy; tickets are $63 for members, $75 for non-members, and $700 for a table of eight. Finally, football fans won’t want to miss the Fan-Up Luncheon on Wednesday, August 27, at The Sadie Jane in Slidell, where guest speaker Mike Detillier will preview the upcoming season; tickets are priced the same as the August 19 luncheon, and registration is required for all events at www.sttammanychamber.org/events.
–The next Keep Hammond Beautiful public meeting will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 312 E. Charles Street in downtown Hammond. Community members are invited to attend and learn more about ongoing beautification efforts, upcoming projects, and opportunities to get involved in making Hammond a cleaner, greener, and more attractive place to live and work. The meeting will include updates from organizers, open discussion on new initiatives, and ways residents and local businesses can support the program’s mission. Keep Hammond Beautiful encourages all those interested in enhancing the city’s appearance and environmental health to participate.
–Christ Episcopal Church in Slidell will host its annual Garage Sale on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a wide variety of items including clothing, toys, books, kitchenware, tools, plants, and more. For a $5 entry donation, shoppers can access the Early Bird Special beginning at 8 a.m., with doors opening to the general public at 9 a.m. Lunch will be available for purchase by cash or card, and donations for the sale are being accepted at the church on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, and we love watching the community come together to help everyone,” said Senior Warden Robyn Burk. The event is open to the public, and updates can be found on the church’s Facebook page. Christ Episcopal Church is located at 1534 Seventh St. in Slidell, with Holy Eucharist celebrated every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., including a Children’s Church program during the later service. More information is available at www.ChristChurchSlidell.net.
–Berry Bowl Road in Independence will be closed on Thursday, July 17, for a cross drain installation project at the intersection with Danna Road, according to Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller. Parish crews will begin work at 7 a.m., with the closure expected to last until about 1 p.m., weather permitting. During the closure, traffic on Berry Bowl Road will be detoured east to Highway 51, while drivers on Alessi Road/Danna Road should anticipate intermittent delays due to flagging operations. Motorists are advised to expect delays and check Tangipahoa.org or parish social media for updates.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Library is hosting a SAFE – Domestic Abuse Workshop on Tuesday, July 9, at 5:00 p.m. at its Amite Branch. This informative session is designed to help participants better understand the different forms of domestic violence and how to recognize and differentiate them. Attendees will also explore the key elements of healthy relationships and gain insight into what love truly means. The workshop aims to provide valuable tools and knowledge to empower individuals to support those who may be experiencing domestic abuse.
–St. Tammany Parish Government proudly announced that community-donated Christmas trees have played a crucial role in protecting local marshland, with over 180 feet of tree fencing now installed along the eastern bank of the Tchefuncte River near Lake Pontchartrain. This eco-friendly barrier aims to combat erosion and strengthen coastal defenses in the region. The parish extended special thanks to the City of Mandeville and Comite Resources for their partnership in making the project a success.
