Richard Meek

Editor and General Manager at The Catholic Commentator

Staff Writer at Daily Star (Hammond, LA)

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Articles

Compromise reached between admin and APD as Amite Council adopts amended budget

1 week ago | an17.com | Richard Meek

On Friday, last minute number crunching and bringing clarity to confusion among city officials broke a stalemate and allowed the Amite Town Council to adopt a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. As a result, a growing schism involving the city administration and Amite Police Chief Lendrick François ended with a compromise that satisfied the administration’s desire to cut back the rate of growth within the police department.
Sheriff discusses budget, warden departures, new jail dormitory

1 week ago | an17.com | Richard Meek

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker has put the finishing touches on his first budget, and while he admits to the absence of bells and whistles, he says it does show a projected net profit, indicating that the department is heading in the right directionIn a wide-ranging interview with AN17.com, Sticker not only discussed his budget but also the loss of two wardens in his first 11 months in office.
Hammond leaders, bar owners weigh in on proposed bar ordinance

1 week ago | an17.com | Richard Meek

Hammond bar owners and the city’s top law enforcement officer have expressed their opposition to a proposed ordinance that would ban 18- to 20-year olds from entering a stand alone bar.”At their June 10 meeting, City Council President Kip Andrews introduced what was a surprise ordinance to some.
Amite police chief says budget cuts could be 'extremely dangerous' to city's safety

1 week ago | an17.com | Richard Meek

Threatened by budget cuts that could approach 11%, Amite Police Chief Lendrick Francois acknowledged he is concerned about potential safety issues.
Francois says Amite taking significant steps to keep city safe

1 week ago | an17.com | Richard Meek

Amite has been proactive in addressing crime in the city as well as increasing its law enforcement presence, according to police chief Lendrick Francois. Addressing the Amite Chamber this past Wednesday, Francois cited a recent pay increase for officers and an ordinance restricting the hours juveniles can be on the street as significant developments in making the city safter. The chief explained how in 2023 officers’ annual pay rose from $29,999 to $41,000.
Hammond mulls proposed ordinance that would ban 18- to 20-year olds from bars

1 week ago | an17.com | Richard Meek

Southeastern Louisiana University students might soon have to leave the city limits in order to meet their fraternity brothers, sorority sisters or even friends in a barroom setting. Hammond City Council members are mulling an ordinance introduced by President Kip Andrews this past Tuesday that would prohibit anyone under the age of 21 to enter or remain on the premises of any stand-alone bar or nightclub while that establishment is selling alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises.
Hammond residents facing potential increases in utility rates

2 weeks ago | an17.com | Richard Meek

Hammond residents may soon be facing increased garbage collection bills as well as upticks in water and sewerage services. The proposed rate increases are necessary because city officials said residents have been being undercharged for those services.
Ponchatoula adopts 'realistic' 2025-26 budget

2 weeks ago | an17.com | Richard Meek

Ponchatoula Mayor Wes Daniel’s first budget forecasts a healthy outlook, with the city predicted to operate in the black for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Daniels unveiled his first budget since taking office in 2024 during the Ponchatoula City Council meeting Monday night, and the forecast is rosy. Council members unanimously adopted a budget with a predicted net of $497,086 by June 30, 2026. The city is expected to generate revenue of 15,523,166 with expenses predicted to check in at 15,026,080.
Tangi mother, grandmother finds peace through running

2 weeks ago | an17.com | Richard Meek

Sherryjean Husser vividly remembers an otherwise nondescript day that changed her life, with the roots planted for an odyssey that would take her across two continents and become a source of inspiration for many. Married and a mother at the time, Husser was relaxing in her Tangipahoa Parish home watching televangelist Pat Robertson tell the story of a Pacific Northwest man who struggled with depression, a subject dear to her heart as she had faced similar challenges.
Judge rules in favor of city in Ponchatoula Country Market Cafe dispute

3 weeks ago | an17.com | Richard Meek

The city of Ponchatoula appears to be the lone winner in a lawsuit involving the city, Ponchatoula Country Market and Paul’s Café, although the future impacts of Tangipahoa Parish Judge Erika Sledge’s ruling appear unclear.

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