PONCHATOULA — A Ponchatoula man shot in the face Thursday night remained under treatment in a hospital Friday while police searched for the assailant. A Ponchatoula police officer patrolling North Baronne Street around 10 p.m. saw two men standing in the roadway — one whose clothing was bloodied — Police Chief Bry Layrisson … Continue reading →

LIVINGSTON — Federal authorities have closed their criminal investigation into parts of the Hurricane Gustav cleanup work in Livingston Parish without indictments, but a state investigation could be revived, District Attorney Scott Perrilloux said Wednesday. Though the U.S. Attorney’s Office has determined there are not any cases to be made on federal law violations, that … Continue reading →

AMITE — Tangipahoa Parish School Board members clashed Wednesday over whether a May 15 budget-cutting session was properly conducted as a full board meeting. The May 15 meeting was called as a Finance Committee As a Whole to discuss the 2013-14 operating budget, which had a projected $9.6 million deficit. All board members were … Continue reading →

Livingston — As the other students leaned in to listen, Pilar Howell didn’t miss a word as she talked about her upcoming trip to visit her family in Peru. Howell, a native of Peru and a resident of Albany, seemed to lead the discussion as she spoke fluent English during Thursday afternoon’s English as a … Continue reading →

HAMMOND — Toccarra Moore, 8, eagerly hopped inside a clear, inflatable “hamster” ball, and ran inside to roll it across the large field behind Hammond Westside Elementary Montessori School. After she made her way back to the starting line, an exhausted and sweaty Toccarra rolled out of the ball, breathless. “It’s fun,” the second-grader … Continue reading →

A cook-off was held Saturday at the Lagniappe Restaurant in Springfield. Proceeds from the cook-off and fun day benefit the Killian Police Department. The event also featured face painting, balloon rides and an inflatable for youths.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Livingston needs foster families for the overwhelming amount of kittens, cats and pregnant cats. The agency asks that residents consider becoming a feline foster for the SPCA of Livingston. The agency pays all expenses. … Continue reading →

The Livingston-Tangipahoa Section this week includes photos from local civic, community and school groups and highlights recent events around Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes.

Ponchatoula — Ponchatoula High School held a graduation ceremony at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Southeastern Louisiana University Center. Summa Cum Laude Graduates: Scott Collins Felder, Samantha Leigh Hall, Glenn Thomas Loup Jr., Raley Anne Pellittieri, Taylor James Ransom, Jillian Christine Wild, Cassidy Brooke … Continue reading →

Denham Springs — Denham Springs High School held a graduation ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday at the school’s Yellow Jacket Stadium. Honor Graduates: Joshua Layne Alexander, Ashli Jade Allegar, Jared Andre’ Barnum, Minley Breanna Bell, Keagan Christine Benoit, Robert Brian Benton, Andrew Nicholas … Continue reading →

HAMMOND — Albany High School held its graduation May 10 at SLU University Center. Honor graduates: Madison Frederick, Samantha Lopez, Sarah Spano, Casey Tessmer, Danielle Keith, Ryan Thompson, Stephanie Andry, Katie Pizzolato, Rachael Portier, Taylor Callahan, Shelby Stewart, Harley Dekeyzer, Nyeshia Harris, Nathaniel Rushing, … Continue reading →

Children’s Hospital and the New Orleans Children’s Advocacy Center presented 42 trees to community leaders across Louisiana in memory of the children who lost their lives to child abuse or neglect. In a special ceremony April 22, Hayward received a tree to be planted at the local Children’s Advocacy Center in Hammond. Hayward is the first facility … Continue reading →

The St. Thomas Aquinas Home and School Association selected Johnny Milazzo as the 2013 recipient of the Mother Seton Award. The award was created to honor individuals who volunteer their services to their home, their school and their church. Mother Seton recipients have strong Catholic values and a selfless dedication to Catholic education. … Continue reading →

A new one-stop shop for student technology needs is now at Southeastern Louisiana University, offering students access to equipment, extended hours and 24-hour technical assistance by phone and email. The Student Technology Center, located in Fayard Hall next to the War Memorial Student Union, was developed after students asked for greater access. Funded by SLU’s Student Tech … Continue reading →

Perrin Early Learning Center in Ponchatoula held its April Pandarific Program for students with excellent behavior last month at school. The administrators presents the students with a certificate for a free kid’s meal from Raising Canes and a free order of apples or french fries from McDonald’s. The students also played games and ate ice cream … Continue reading →

COA MEETING: 9 a.m., Senior Center, 949 Government Drive, Denham Springs. The Livingston Council on Aging will hold its annual meeting where it will elect three board members from Livingston Parish. (225) 664-9343. PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10 a.m., Albany-Springfield Library Branch, 26941 La. 43. (225) 567-1441. BEAD ART WORKSHOPS: 10 a.m. to noon, 12:30 … Continue reading →

BABY & ME: 9 a.m., Hammond Branch Library, 314 E. Thomas St., The program is for babies ages 6 to 36 months and their caregivers. STORYTIME: 10 a.m., Ponchatoula Branch Library, 380 B. Fifth St. BABY & ME: 2 p.m., Loranger Branch Library, 19451 La. 40. TEEN PROGRAM: 3:30 p.m., Ponchatoula Branch Library. TEEN VOLUNTEER … Continue reading →

LIVINGSTON PARISH COUNCIL ON AGING AND
TANGIPAHOA VOLUNTARY COUNCIL ON AGING: Meal site menus. For meal site locations, please call (225) 664-9343 in Livingston Parish or (985) 748-7486 in Tangipahoa Parish. Baked spaghetti casserole, green beans with peppers, tossed salad with dressing, white dinner roll, apple cobbler, milk. Continue reading →

Meatball sub, wedges or fries, romaine and tomato cup with pickles, fruit, milk. Manager’s special brunch, fruit, milk.

DENHAM SPRINGS — Changes in the National Flood Insurance Program threaten a major reduction in property values for many Denham Springs residents who live in flood zones, the city’s building official said Tuesday. When homes located in flood zones are sold, the new owners may have to pay thousands of dollars more a year in … Continue reading →

HAMMOND — Mayor Mayson Foster’s proposed budget for the 2013-14 fiscal year calls for raising the pay of city employees even though their wage hikes once again will not reflect national cost-of-living index gains. The council unanimously approved an ordinance during its meeting Tuesday that authorizes the waiver of an existing ordinance that requires the … Continue reading →

INDEPENDENCE — A 10-year-old girl died Monday afternoon after she was ejected from a car in a crash on La. 1054 about 3 miles north of La. 40 in Tangipahoa Parish, State Police said. An unlicensed 15-year-old girl was driving a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am north on La. 1054 with three juveniles when it … Continue reading →

AllStar Automotive Group, Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard and Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputies have partnered with Southeastern Louisiana University’s Zoom into Careers. Southeastern Louisiana university is offering Zoom into Careers, which is a series of career workshops scheduled over the summer for junior high and high school students. The workshops are hands-on … Continue reading →

AMITE — The Tangipahoa Parish School Board on Wednesday used a rededication of sales tax revenues, cuts to transportation services, elimination of a perfect attendance salary supplement and a one-time reduction in the board-mandated minimum fund balance to come within $1 million of a balanced budget for 2013-14. The remaining $892,000 needed to prevent a … Continue reading →

WALKER — Karla Waddell dashed around the fellowship hall of Walker United Methodist Church on Saturday, checking on stylists, chatting with eager moms and giving a massage to Pat Lee. Waddell, the owner of Salon Dolce, in Baton Rouge, was one of four stylists who volunteered at the Mother’s Day makeover event designed to give … Continue reading →

HAMMOND — Just outside of Southeastern Louisiana University’s Sims Memorial Library on Thursday, Rusty, a small, frisky Chihuahua and pug mix, whipped his tail around as he swiftly paced from one college student to another. As he pulled on his leash and headed in the direction of SLU student Blake Matherne, of Ponchatoula, Rusty greeted … Continue reading →

WALKER — Dogs in the city of Walker will soon have a place to play once a new dog park is completed. Mayor Rick Ramsey has agreed that the city of Walker will donate land near the lake at Sidney Hutchinson Park for the community dog park. “I was asked about a dog park … Continue reading →

Livingston Parish residents will have an opportunity to review and provide input on the new Livingston Parish Comprehensive Master Plan at two meetings. The meetings will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, and at 8 p.m. May 23 at the Livingston Parish Council Chambers, 20399 Government Blvd., Livingston. Continue reading →

The Livingston-Tangipahoa Section this week includes photos from local civic, community and school groups and highlights recent events around Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes.

Staff members of Southeastern Louisiana University’s student newspaper The Lion’s Roar were honored in the Better Student Newspaper Competition for their work at the 133rd annual Louisiana Press Association Convention April 20 in Baton Rouge. For the second year, Michael Dinino Jr. swept all three prizes for his advertising design work in the “Staff Generated-Black and White” … Continue reading →

North Oaks will hold Physical Day on Saturday at North Oaks-Livingston Parish Medical Complex for student athletes who attend participating Livingston Parish schools. Athletes from 25 Tangipahoa Parish schools and Southeastern Louisiana University received free physical examinations April 20 at North Oaks Sports Medicine Physical Day. North Oaks sponsored the 22nd annual event to help junior … Continue reading →

WALKER — Walker High School will hold a graduation ceremony at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 19, 2013, in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on LSU’s campus. Honor Graduates: Randy Alphonso, Mikayla Anderson, Jessica Arbour, Karen Arledge, Victoria Arledge, Kristen Baudoin, Andrew Benton, Kelsey … Continue reading →

Retired Chief Judge Burnell J. Carter of the Louisiana 1st Circuit Court of Appeals will serve as commencement speaker at Southeastern Louisiana University’s graduation ceremonies Saturday. The ceremony will start at 10 a.m. Approximately 1,250 students will receive bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees. Carter had served on the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals since 1982 and … Continue reading →

Ronald McDonald visited with Independence Elementary and Central Tangi Head Start students on April 18. The character discussed the importance of cooperating; using please, thank you, you’re welcome; and being friends, not bullies, school officials said. Students in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten attended the presentation and received McDonald’s coupons.

AWARDS AT ALBANY MIDDLE: 7:25 a.m. for eighth -graders, 8:50 a.m. for seventh-graders, 9:40 a.m. for sixth-graders and 10:30 a.m. for fifth-graders, Albany Middle School cafeteria, 29675 Reeves St., Albany. PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10 a.m., Albany-Springfield Library Branch, 26941 La. 43. (225) 567-1441. BEAD TOWN WORKSHOP: 10 a.m. to noon, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 … Continue reading →

BABY & ME: 9:30 a.m., Hammond Branch Library, 314 East Thomas Road. The program is for babies ages 6 to 36 months and their caregivers. STORYTIME: 10 a.m., Ponchatoula Branch Library, 380 N. Fifth St. ADVENTURE CLUB: 10:30 a.m., Kentwood Branch Library. BABY & ME: 2 p.m., Loranger Branch Library, 1945 La. 40. The program … Continue reading →

Baked ham, macaroni and cheese, green beans, carrot sticks, wheat roll, melon cup, milk. Spaghetti and meatballs, green beans, wheat garlic bread, banana, milk. HAMBURGER, RELISH CUP, OVEN FRIES, RICE CEREAL TREAT, … Continue reading →

LIVINGSTON PARISH COUNCIL ON AGING AND TANGIPAHOA VOLUNTARY COUNCIL ON AGING: Meal site menus. For meal site locations, please call (225) 664-9343 in Livingston Parish or (985) 748-7486 in Tangipahoa Parish. Sliced roasted turkey with gravy or barbecue chicken breast, mixed vegetables, sour cream/chive potatoes, whole-wheat bread, milk.

LORANGER — A pickup struck and killed a pedestrian Monday night, State Police reported Tuesday. The incident occurred about 9 p.m. on La. 445, 3 miles south of La. 40 in Tangipahoa Parish. Troopers identified the victim as Charles Favre, 26, of Springfield. Favre was walking northward in the northbound traffic lane of La. … Continue reading →

Parents of St. Helena Parish public school students will soon have a school of their own to attend. Schools Superintendent Kelli Joseph and her staff are working to create a Parent Academy, where parents can learn more about meeting their children’s educational needs by taking classes, learning about student performance data and participating in various activities. Continue reading →

HAMMOND — The long-term solution to funding Hammond’s magnet school programs may require going before a federal judge, the Louisiana State Bond Commission and ultimately back to the voters, a Tangipahoa Parish School Board member told a parents group Monday. But School Board member Brett Duncan said short-term options aren’t much simpler. Voters in … Continue reading →

Livingston Parish residents will have an opportunity to review and provide input on the new Livingston Parish Comprehensive Master Plan at two meetings. The meetings will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, and at 8 p.m. May 23 at the Livingston Parish Council Chambers, 20399 Government Blvd., Livingston. Those interested in reviewing the plan in advance, … Continue reading →

HAMMOND — Hammond police arrested a man Friday night in a killing earlier that day, Hammond police Chief Roddy Devall said Sunday. Eugene Guidry is accused of shooting Jerrell Bird on Washington Avenue, Devall said. Police were called about 12:30 a.m. Friday about the shooting and found Bird dead in a vacant lot, Devall … Continue reading →

GREENSBURG — The St. Helena Parish School Board agreed Thursday to allow 12 seniors who met all course and grade requirements for graduation but did not pass a standardized test to participate in a May 17 graduation ceremony. St. Helena Central High School’s 67 seniors met with Superintendent Kelli Joseph to plead the case for … Continue reading →

LORANGER — A motorcyclist died in a collision Wednesday morning with a car on La. 40 near Passman Road , State Police reported. Louis Perkins, 24, of Luling, was killed shortly after 7 a.m. when his motorcycle struck a PT Cruiser that had just backed onto the road, according to a State Police news release. Continue reading →