The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested 28-year-old Isaac Robertson of Slidell in connection with a fatal crash that killed two people and injured three others near Slidell on September 21. Robertson, the driver of a Ford Focus that crossed the centerline on Allen Road and collided head-on with a Mercedes sedan, was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on October 14. He faces two counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of first-degree vehicular negligent injuring, DWI – second offense, reckless operation, and driving with a suspended license for a prior DWI. The crash occurred around 9 p.m., claiming the life of a passenger in Robertson’s car at the scene and the driver of the Mercedes at the hospital. The Sheriff’s Traffic Division continues to investigate.
–The Tangipahoa Reshaping Attitudes for Community Change Coalition (TRACC) is encouraging residents to “Paint the Town Red” by taking the drug-free pledge during National Red Ribbon Week, observed Oct. 23–31. The coalition’s goal is to reach 150 pledges, with 139 already committed to living drug-free. Red Ribbon Week is a nationwide campaign that promotes drug prevention and awareness in schools and communities each October. To take the pledge and join the movement, visit www.tangitracc.org.
–District Attorney Collin Sims announced that Judge Richard Swartz sentenced 47-year-old Calvin Ulyessa Brown of Slidell to 57 years in prison for attempting to kill his estranged wife. In August, a St. Tammany Parish jury found Brown guilty of attempted second-degree murder, attempted simple burglary, and stalking after a four-day trial prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Christina Fisher and Heather Stephens. The charges stemmed from a February 26, 2022, incident in which Brown ambushed his estranged wife on Joseph Street in Slidell and shot her four times as she sat in her vehicle, while their 7-year-old son witnessed the attack from Brown’s car. Responding officers, including Rachel Harris—later honored with a lifesaving award—revived the victim after she stopped breathing. Surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and data from Brown’s Apple Watch tied him to the crime. The victim, who survived after years of abuse, testified about the long pattern of violence. Before sentencing, both she and her son addressed the court, with the child asking his father, “Why did you do this to us?” Judge Swartz imposed the maximum penalties on all counts—50 years for attempted murder, six for burglary, and one for stalking—to be served consecutively.
–AN 17 writes that nearly two months after a deadly explosion at its Roseland plant, Smitty’s Supply has moved part of its operation to Independence, sparking concern among residents. On Tuesday, the Independence Board of Aldermen voted 4-1 to approve the company’s occupational license for its West 7th Street facility, which Mayor Jim Paine described as a “holding facility” for pre-packaged oil products—similar to inventory at an auto parts store. Despite objections from residents worried about safety and the site’s proximity to schools and City Hall, Paine said the city has “no ordinance in place” to prevent the move. Fire prevention officer Brian Mashon confirmed the building meets safety codes and includes a sprinkler system, while the Department of Environmental Quality found Smitty’s in compliance. Officials said products will be stored temporarily before being shipped out, emphasizing that no chemicals will be mixed or sold on-site.
–Shortly after 5:00 pm, Slidell Police responded to the area of Possum Hollow Park after receiving 911 reports of shots being fired in the area. As officers arrived on scene, they located a victim suffering from several gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. This investigation remains ongoing, and more information will be released at a later date.
–Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa is hosting its annual “Night Out Against Crime” events to promote unity, safety, and crime prevention across the parish. The first event takes place Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 5 p.m. in the 100 block of North Cypress Street in downtown Hammond, held in conjunction with the Hammond Downtown Development District’s Trick-or-Treat celebration. Families can meet law enforcement officers, enjoy children’s activities, and learn valuable safety tips, with special appearances including McGruff the Crime Dog. The celebration continues Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Faith Temple Church in Independence, featuring food, games, trunk-or-treating, and community resources. Both events are free and open to the public. For details, contact Michelle Gallo at 985-662-5557 or tangicrimestoppers@gmail.com.
–Southeastern Louisiana University’s 40th annual Fanfare celebration continues next week with a full lineup of music, theatre, and academic presentations honoring the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The week begins Tuesday, Oct. 21, with Visual Art + Design Instructor Anne-Liese Fox’s lecture, “Restoring Performance: Personal Story, Place, and Memory in Post-Katrina New Orleans,” marking the 20th anniversaries of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Fox also directs “Katrina’s Path,” a play by Rob Florence running Oct. 22-25 in the new D Vickers Hall Studio 1048, featuring interconnected monologues from New Orleanians who lived through the storm. On Oct. 23, the Columbia Theatre hosts a live performance of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon with a multi-projector liquid light show, followed by The Graveyard Girls Oct. 24-25, a Halloween-themed play by resident playwright Tommy Jamerson with an original score by Hayden Kimball. Most events are free, and tickets for select performances are available through the Columbia/Fanfare office at 985-549-2999.
–The Tangipahoa Mosquito Abatement District has scheduled an aerial mosquito treatment for the evening of Thursday, October 16, beginning around 6:50 p.m., weather permitting. The treatment is being conducted in response to high mosquito trap counts detected in the area. Residents can view the planned treatment zones and stay informed about mosquito control efforts by visiting www.tangimosquito.org/Check-Spray-Zones.
–WWL-TV writes that Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order Wednesday putting future carbon capture projects in Louisiana on hold. Carbon capture and storage is a method that prevents carbon dioxide from factories and power plants from entering the air, helping to reduce climate change. Captured gas is compressed and pumped deep underground, where it’s stored permanently.The governor’s order puts a moratorium on new Class VI injection well permits, which are used to store carbon dioxide underground. The pause will allow the state to focus on reviewing 33 permit applications that were already submitted, rather than accepting new ones. Landry’s order requires companies to involve local communities and governments more in the planning of carbon capture projects, aligning with recent state law changes. The state is also creating a priority list for existing projects, with companies needing to meet certain requirements before being considered. Larger projects must show they support the local economy and protect public health and the environment, with the goal of making the review process more transparent and organized. Landry says he supports the industry’s growth but wants to make sure it’s done safely and transparently.
–Nunez Community College in Chalmette is celebrating a record-breaking Fall 2025 semester, marking its largest freshman class since 2018 and a 31% increase in first-time freshmen over last year. Overall enrollment rose 13%, with students taking more classes and driving a 14% jump in credit hours. Including 1,200 Dual Enrollment students, total participation reached new highs. Chancellor Dr. Tina Tinney credited the growth to Nunez’s focus on programs that lead to “high-wage, high-demand jobs.” The college’s new Cybersecurity program debuted strongly with over 40 students, joining a roster of innovative offerings such as Wind Energy Technology, Aerospace Manufacturing, and Process Technology with upcoming LNG training. Nunez continues to expand career, dual enrollment, and community programs, reflecting what Tinney called “people changing the quality of their lives” through education.
–Cyclists from across the region and beyond will take part in the annual Tour da Parish – Ride Through St. Bernard on Saturday, Oct. 25, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Los Islenos Heritage Site in St. Bernard. Hosted by the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce, the non-competitive ride offers 10-, 15-, 30-, and 51-mile routes showcasing the parish’s scenic backroads and coastal views. Since its founding in 2015, the event has become a celebrated tradition for cycling enthusiasts. Pre-registration is $50 through Oct. 20, with day-of registration available for $75 from 6–7:30 a.m. Riders will cap off the day at the “End of the World Finish Fest,” featuring local food, drinks, and live music. Updated course maps and packet pickup details are available at www.tourdaparish.com
–Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Business is launching a new online medical sales training program in spring 2026 to prepare students and professionals for careers in the fast-growing healthcare sales field. The flexible, fully online program—designed by Professional Sales Instructor Travis McCoy—will teach medical terminology, evidence-based healthcare practices, and advanced sales strategies to meet rising industry demand. “We’re equipping learners with the tools and confidence they need to succeed in a high-demand, high-reward field,” McCoy said. Dean Tara’ Lopez added that the program bridges healthcare literacy and business skills to help participants make an impact in the evolving medical sales industry. Applications open Oct. 20, 2025, with virtual interest sessions scheduled for Oct. 30, Nov. 12, and Dec. 2. The application deadline is Dec. 19, 2025. More information is available at www.southeastern.edu/medsales.
