The St. Tammany CHAMBERPAC has released a report providing its analysis of how the Sales Tax District 3 (STD3) Dedicated Tax Fund—also known as the “100 Public Works Fund”—is being managed. The fund, established by voters in 1986, was created to finance roads, bridges, and drainage improvements in unincorporated areas of St. Tammany Parish. According to CHAMBERPAC’s review of public records, a portion of tax revenues has been used for administrative and departmental expenses in addition to infrastructure projects. The report outlines differences between CHAMBERPAC’s findings and statements made by President Cooper regarding cost allocations, infrastructure spending, and fund distribution to municipalities. It also references internal parish documents and public budget records to support its analysis and includes statements from former parish officials. CHAMBERPAC has requested an independent forensic audit of the STD3 Dedicated Tax Fund and the formation of a citizen oversight committee to review expenditures and reporting practices. Parish officials have not yet issued a detailed response to the organization’s findings. The complete report and supporting documents are available at www.sttammanychamberpac.org.
–The Tangipahoa Parish School System (TPSS), in partnership with Tangipahoa Crime Stoppers and Transport Ministries, has launched The Hope Closet Project to ensure food and hygiene essentials are available on all 34 school campuses across the parish. Each Hope Closet will provide nutritious food, personal care items, and basic medical supplies to support students and their families. Assistant Superintendent of Innovation Gary Porter emphasized the importance of community involvement, encouraging local businesses and residents to help keep the shelves stocked. Most-needed donations include pull-top canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter and jelly, canned meats, rice, beans, boxed meals, breakfast items like cereal and granola bars, personal care products such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and deodorant, as well as first aid supplies including bandages and cold packs. Donations can be dropped off at the TPSS Family Resource Center, Office of Innovation, 1745 SW Railroad Avenue in Hammond, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
–An armed suspect accused of shooting an Independence police officer and sparking an early morning manhunt in Tangipahoa Parish is now in custody, authorities said Wednesday. The incident began around 3 a.m. when a deputy attempted a traffic stop on U.S. 51 near Velma Road, and the suspect allegedly brandished a gun, prompting a pursuit that involved Tangipahoa Parish deputies, Louisiana State Police, and Tickfaw Police. During the chase, gunfire was exchanged, and an Independence police officer was shot in the leg but is expected to recover. The suspect fled into a wooded area near Highways 51 and 40 before reportedly stealing a car and being captured around 6:40 a.m. near McMichael Church Road in Amite. Sheriff Gerald Sticker said the suspect was also wounded in the exchange of gunfire and is being treated at a hospital, while Louisiana State Police has taken over the investigation.
–The Children’s Museum of St. Tammany will host its annual STEM QUEST Innovation Days, presented by Chevron, on Monday, November 24, and Tuesday, November 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Pelican Park Brown Gym in Mandeville. The free, community-wide event will feature interactive science, technology, engineering, and math activities led by local organizations including Ampirical, KidStrong, the St. Tammany Parish Library, Northshore Technical Community College, and others. Participants can explore robotics, nature, astronomy, and more through hands-on exhibits and demonstrations. Attendees who receive a STEM QUEST wristband can also enjoy free admission to the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany at 813 Florida Street in Mandeville, valid on the same days, with a complimentary trolley shuttle available between Pelican Park and the museum courtesy of Gulf Coast Bank and Trust. The event is presented in partnership with Pelican Park and supported by sponsors Ampirical, St. Tammany Health System, and The Lake 94.7.
–The Covington Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating 16-year-old Raveyon Gaines, who was last seen around 6 a.m. at her home on N. Buchanan Street preparing to go to school. Police said her clothing is unknown, but she has long black braids—formerly brown—and may be carrying an aquamarine book bag. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact the Covington Police Department at 985-892-8500.
–The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested two women following investigations into alleged illegal activity at two massage parlors in west St. Tammany. Deputies began looking into the businesses—one located on Highway 22 in Mandeville and another on Highway 21 in Covington—after receiving public complaints. On Tuesday, November 11, 57-year-old Li Hong Liu and 66-year-old Pengua Sun were taken into custody and booked on charges of massage; sexual conduct prohibited. Sun also faces additional counts of resisting an officer and false imprisonment following what officials described as uncooperative behavior during the investigation.
–A man accused of robbing a Slidell bank last week was arrested Tuesday afternoon following a standoff in New Orleans. Slidell Police said 36-year-old Byron Watson, of New Orleans, was identified as the suspect in the November 7 robbery at Fidelity Bank after investigators analyzed evidence and surveillance footage. During the robbery, Watson allegedly disguised himself with a gray tracksuit, mask, neck brace, bucket hat, and cane, pretending to limp before passing a note to the teller and demanding money. After taking an undisclosed amount, he fled the scene without the limp. Authorities located Watson at a home in the Hollygrove area, where he briefly barricaded himself before surrendering peacefully with the assistance of the FBI SWAT team, Louisiana State Police, and New Orleans Police Department. The FBI has taken over the case and will pursue federal charges.
–The Louisiana Renaissance Festival in Hammond is gearing up for Celtic Weekend, and organizers say tickets are selling quickly. The event runs Saturday, November 15, and Sunday, November 16, featuring themed entertainment, food, and family-friendly fun in a recreated 16th-century village setting. Festival officials encourage visitors to purchase tickets soon at RenFest.net, noting that Saturday’s tickets are almost sold out and Sunday’s are going fast, with beautiful weather expected for the weekend.
–TerraBella Village in Covington will host its 16th Annual “Christmas at TerraBella” Tree Lighting & Holiday Marketplace on Friday, December 12, from 6–9 p.m. in the community’s Town Square. The free, family-friendly event will feature live music and performances by local musicians and youth choirs, candlelight caroling, more than 30 local art and craft vendors, holiday train rides, cookie decorating, Christmas crafts, food trucks, a hot chocolate bar at The Reminding, and photos with Santa. The celebration is open to the public and aims to bring neighbors together in the heart of TerraBella’s walkable, traditional neighborhood community.
–The St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents to celebrate local businesses during Shop Small St. Bernard Week, happening Saturday, November 29 through Sunday, December 7. The 10-day event—held in partnership with the national Shop Small Saturday movement—encourages shoppers to visit neighborhood shops, restaurants, and service providers throughout the parish. Participants can pick up a Shop Small Passport at any participating business or during the kickoff event at French Press Coffeehouse of Chalmette on November 29 from 9–11 a.m. Shoppers who collect stamps from at least five businesses will be entered into a raffle for local prizes and gift cards, with extra entries available for completing multiple passports. Completed passports can be turned in at any participating location through December 7, with winners announced on December 8.
