Carley Provost II is in custody following a fatal shooting off North Jones Road near Bogalusa, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed. Deputies had initially warned that Provost, considered armed and dangerous, fled the scene in a white 2010 Chevrolet 2500 with black rims and green suspension, license plate C904079. Authorities thanked the public for their assistance in the search and urged anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office at 985-839-3434.
–The Blood Center is urging residents to donate blood throughout the holiday season, before and after New Year’s Day, in memory of the lives lost during the 2025 terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, as donations traditionally decline during the holidays and blood inventories fall below optimal levels. To raise awareness, The Blood Center has partnered with parish presidents, councils, and municipalities to secure 14 proclamations designating January as Blood Donor Awareness Month, emphasizing that readily available blood saves lives during emergencies. President and CEO Billy Weales said 57 lives were saved during the Bourbon Street attack because blood was available, crediting donors who gave in the weeks leading up to New Year’s Eve 2025 and encouraging the community to honor the 14 victims by donating or hosting drives ahead of the anniversary. Medical Director Dr. Tim Peterson noted donations dropped more than 50% before New Year’s 2025, while demand often increases due to travel-related injuries and medical procedures, adding that donors can give every 56 days when eligible. The Blood Center must collect 200 to 250 units daily to supply more than 50 hospitals across South Louisiana, South Mississippi, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and information on donating or hosting a drive is available at www.TheBloodCenter.org or by calling 800-86-BLOOD.
–Hammond Mayor Pete Panepinto said he has not been contacted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security, or any other agency regarding reports of a proposed ICE detention facility in Hammond. In a statement, Panepinto said recent media coverage has referenced such a facility, but emphasized that no official communication or details have been provided to his office. The mayor added that if the situation changes and verified information becomes available, he will share updates with the public.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office reminded residents that its Hammond and Amite offices are open for property tax payments until 4 p.m., with additional tax collection days scheduled for Dec. 31. Property tax information and payments can be accessed online through TPSO.org, the TPSO app, or the parish tax website, where residents can search and pay by notice number, parcel number, name, or address; however, online payments are processed by a third-party vendor and include a 3.99% convenience fee for credit or debit cards that does not go to TPSO. Residents may also pay by mailing a check with no fee or by paying in person with check, cash, or money order at the Hammond or Amite offices, where drop boxes are available inside. Officials emphasized that by law, property taxes become delinquent after Dec. 31, 2025, with interest accruing at 1 percent per month beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
–In October 2025, the Hammond Police Department Narcotics Division, working with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, launched an investigation into Gelvin Jennings, 43, of Hammond, who detectives suspected was distributing crack cocaine and possibly heroin while on federal probation. Investigators conducted controlled purchases of crack cocaine, leading to arrest and search warrants for Jennings, his residence, and his vehicles. During the execution of the search warrant on December 17, 2025, detectives found numerous items consistent with drug distribution, including digital scales, packaging materials, cutting agents, and drug paraphernalia, as well as two handguns, ammunition, and approximately $11,000 in cash concealed inside Jennings’ truck. Jennings’ 19-year-old son, Galvin Stevenson, was found inside the residence, where detectives also recovered a handgun with an extended magazine he acknowledged was his, along with a small amount of marijuana; Stevenson was later determined to be out on bond for firearm and narcotics charges. Jennings, who is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his probation status, was not present during the search, prompting an additional warrant; he later turned himself in on December 23, 2025, and was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. Authorities emphasized that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty and encouraged anyone with information about illegal narcotics or firearms to contact the Hammond Police Department Narcotics Division.
–Northshore Technical Community College Chancellor Jim Carlson reflected on 2025 by praising faculty, staff, and supporters for a year marked by growth and student success, noting that 3,218 students completed degrees, diplomas, and workforce credentials, milestones he said represent lives changed and careers launched. Carlson highlighted record enrollment as evidence of strong community trust in NTCC and pointed to major investments in the college’s future, including approval of a significant expansion to the Diesel Technology Building and early development plans for a new Hammond Area Campus. Looking ahead to 2026, Carlson said the college will continue to grow, innovate, and expand access to ensure every learner has a clear pathway to success, thanking the NTCC community for its dedication and commitment to the college’s mission.
–The Children’s Museum of St. Tammany announced its annual NOON Year’s Eve Bash, a family-friendly celebration welcoming 2026, scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon at the museum in Mandeville. The event will include museum admission with New Year’s activities throughout the galleries, a DJ and glow dance party, face painting, cotton candy from Fluff Gourmet Floss, and a balloon drop at noon. Executive Director Joey Roberts said the limited-capacity event offers families a fun, mission-driven way to celebrate and encouraged early ticket purchases. Tickets are $15 per person ages 12 months and older when purchased online, or $20 on the day of the event, with online member discounts available through midnight Dec. 30. The museum is located at 813 Florida St., Suite A, in Pelican Plaza.
–The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about ongoing phone scams in which callers impersonate sheriff’s deputies or other law enforcement personnel, spoof official phone numbers, and use the names and ranks of actual employees to appear legitimate. Sheriff Randy Smith said the agency has received multiple reports of scammers telling residents they face arrest for missing jury duty or failing to appear in court, then demanding immediate payment of supposed fines to avoid arrest, often through gift cards or prepaid debit cards. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized it does not make such calls, does not demand payment over the phone, and will never request payment via unconventional methods, noting that claims of “gag orders,” outstanding warrants, or urgent fines are false. Residents are urged to hang up immediately if they receive such a call, avoid sharing personal or financial information, and independently verify any questionable contact by calling the agency directly using an official number found online.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Library is accepting nominations for its 2026 Young Woman of Excellence Award in celebration of Women’s History Month, recognizing a middle or high school student who demonstrates leadership and positive impact in her community. Teachers, principals, school librarians, and community leaders are invited to nominate students for the honor, which highlights young women who exemplify excellence, service, and leadership. Nominations must be submitted online at TangiLibrary.com by the deadline of 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9.
–St. Tammany Parish Government is accepting recycled Christmas trees through Jan. 31 for use in marsh creation and fish habitat enhancement projects. Officials said only bare, unflocked trees will be accepted and must be dropped off during daylight hours at the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds in Covington. Residents are reminded to remove all stands, lights, ornaments, and other decorations before placing trees at the drop-off site.
–Nunez Community College announced the speakers and program for the 11th Annual Battle of New Orleans Historical Symposium, set for Jan. 9 on the Nunez campus and Jan. 10 at the St. Bernard Parish Cemetery, with both days free and open to the public. Day 1 will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Student Testing and Career Counseling Center and will feature an overview of the battle by St. Bernard Parish Historian William de Marigny Hyland, followed by presentations from Bradford Waters, M.D., on the Kentuckians and Tennesseans who fought in the battle; Ina Fandrich, Ph.D., on historical documents and the role of Free People of Color; and Robert Freeland on the life of Renato Beluche, with Hyland returning later to discuss incompetents, traitors, and spies connected to the conflict. A free lunch and a wine and cheese reception will also be offered. Day 2 will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at the St. Bernard Parish Cemetery, where attendees will commemorate four Battle of New Orleans veterans buried there. Free tickets for Day 1 can be reserved through www.Nunez.edu.
