Southeastern Louisiana University’s Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies has awarded the 2025 Nicholas Cefalu Graduate Research Assistantship to Ricky J. Lips, Jr., a history graduate student from Loranger. Funded by a grant from Dr. Ann Kay Logarbo in honor of her father, longtime Louisiana legislator and businessman Nicholas Cefalu, the competitive award supports regional research and includes a benefits package worth nearly $21,000. Lips is currently studying the effects of the Civil War and Reconstruction on civilians in the Florida Parishes. Center Director Samuel Hyde praised the award as a key resource for advancing local scholarship. The annual award is open to students researching topics related to regional politics, agriculture, and business.
–After receiving disaster relief himself following a tornado that damaged his Slidell auto detail shop last year, local business owner Greg Johnson is now giving back by organizing a donation drive for flood-stricken communities in Texas. From Wednesday through Friday, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Johnson is collecting essential supplies — including food, water, hygiene items, and clothing — at his shop at 100 Industrial Road (left side of the building). Donors are asked to call or text 985-288-7823 before arriving. Monetary donations can also be sent via Venmo to @gregjohnson87, with Johnson pledging full transparency by sharing the account balance publicly after the drive ends.
–Qualifying is officially underway in Louisiana for the upcoming fall elections, and one of the most closely watched races on the Northshore is for mayor of Slidell. The seat became open after former Mayor Greg Cromer left office early to join Governor Jeff Landry’s administration. Interim Mayor William “Bill” Borchert, a former Slidell City Councilmember, officially qualified for the race on Wednesday. Also expected to enter the race is current Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal, who has served in that role since 2017 and was re-elected to a second full term in 2022. Qualifying continues through Friday, and additional candidates could still join the race. Voters will head to the polls on Election Day, October 11.
–STartUP Northshore has launched THE LAUNCHPAD, a new series of live pitch competitions designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs across the Northshore. Building on the success of the NSpire Startup Slam, this new mini-pitch format offers founders coaching, visibility, and access to startup resources. Each event will feature three finalists pitching to expert judges for a $5,000 prize pool—$3,000 for the winner and $1,500 for each runner-up. The debut event will take place Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in partnership with Gulf South Angels, and will include a presentation on investor expectations for early-stage startups. Open to the public, the event aims to foster community engagement and highlight local innovation. THE LAUNCHPAD complements STartUP Northshore’s broader programming, including the IDEAinstitute Northshore accelerator, and underscores its commitment to providing frequent, high-impact opportunities for regional startups. Applications are open through July 31 at www.startupnorthshore.com/the-launchpad.
–District Attorney Collin Sims announced that on July 9, 2025, a Washington Parish grand jury indicted 34-year-old Jerry Charles Baker, Jr. of Mount Hermon for second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the January 2, 2025, fatal shooting of 31-year-old Ryan Simmons of Franklinton. The investigation was led by Sergeant Justin Blackwell of the Bogalusa Police Department, and the case was presented to the grand jury by Assistant District Attorney Ronald Gracianette.
–The Hammond-Ponchatoula Sunriser Rotary Club recently presented a check to City Court Judge C. Britain Sledge and Hammond Mayor Pete Panepinto in support of the 2025 Back to School Bash, an annual event providing free backpacks and school supplies to students in Pre-K through 8th grade. Hosted through a partnership between City Court and the City of Hammond, this year’s event will take place on Friday, August 1, from 9 a.m. to noon at Hammond Westside Montessori School. No formal registration is required—just show up!
–Looking for a fun and engaging activity to keep the kids active this summer? Hammond Area Recreation District #1 is offering a FREE Summer Skills Camp on Tuesday, July 15, at Zemurray Park in Hammond, and it’s open to all children in the community. This exciting one-day event is designed to help kids stay healthy, build confidence, and develop athletic skills through a variety of games and activities in a safe, supportive environment. It’s a perfect opportunity for children to make new friends, stay active, and enjoy the summer sunshine. Parents are encouraged to bring their kids out for a day of fun, fitness, and learning—don’t miss this free event at one of Hammond’s favorite parks!
–District Attorney Collin Sims announced that a Washington Parish grand jury has indicted 25-year-old Autumn Victoria Hano Harper of Franklinton for first-degree murder in the death of her 8-month-old son on March 12, 2025. The indictment was handed down on July 9, following an investigation led by Major Randall Penton of the Franklinton Police Department’s Investigations Division. Assistant District Attorney Zachary Popovich of the Special Victims Unit presented the case to the grand jury.
–The Tangi Library is excited to announce that July is Bluey Reads Month, with special celebrations happening across all branches. This Saturday, families are invited to join the fun at the Ponchatoula and Hammond branches for a day filled with food, games, and activities honoring everyone’s favorite Blue Dog—Bluey! Guests can enjoy themed entertainment and even snap a photo with a very special surprise visitor. Don’t miss this fun-filled event for fans of all ages!
–St. Tammany Parish Fire District 11 responded around 10:30 AM yesterday to a serious accident on Hwy 1090 near Nelson Road involving an overturned 18-wheeler carrying scrap and a passenger vehicle. Emergency crews extricated the driver of the passenger vehicle, who was transported to a Northshore hospital for evaluation. Hwy 1090 was shut down between Jubilee Foods and the traffic circle as officials worked to clear the scene. The Pearl River Police Department was on-site managing traffic, and motorists were urged to avoid the area until it was cleared.
–Tangi Government has announced a temporary lane closure on the southern portion of the US 51 Business Roundabout at Club Deluxe Road in Hammond, scheduled for Friday, July 11, from 8 PM to 6 AM, weather permitting. The closure is necessary for crews to install new pavement markings. While the northbound and southbound lanes of US 51B will remain open, motorists are advised to use alternate routes to avoid delays. Suggested detours include LA 22 to I-55 to US 190 for northbound travelers, and US 190 to I-55 to LA 22 for those heading south.
–Reid Road in Amite will be closed from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, July 14, for bridge repairs, according to Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller. Parish crews will be working on an old timber bridge at the far end of Reid Road, which is located off Old US 51, with the project expected to take approximately six hours, weather permitting. Detour routes will be posted, and residents are encouraged to check www.Tangipahoa.org or the parish’s social media channels for updates on road closures.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has announced its July Sheriff’s Sale, set for July 23, with bidding beginning that day. Held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, these public auctions result from court-ordered property seizures and can include real estate, vehicles, mobile homes, campers, and more. Interested bidders must pre-register and submit a deposit at least seven days prior to the sale. Items are available to view now, and all details, including FAQs and registration, can be found on the TPSO and Bid4Assets websites.
