Richard Meek

1 week ago | an17.com | Richard Meek

Consumption of alcohol beverages might soon be banned in all of Hammond’s public parks, calling into question the status of such popular events as Hot August Stroll and Starry Saturday in the downtown area. Council President Kip Andrews, who typically abstains on votes allowing for waivers to the city’s existing policy, offered an ordinance this past Tuesday night that would prohibit the consumption of any alcoholic beverages “in any city park and/or public property adjacent thereto.

1 week ago | an17.com | Richard Meek

Consumption of alcohol beverages might soon be banned in all of Hammond’s public parks, calling into question the status of such popular events as Hot August Stroll and Starry Saturday in the downtown area. Council President Kip Andrews, who typically abstains on votes allowing for waivers to the city’s existing policy, offered an ordnance this past Tuesday night that would prohibit the consumption of any alcoholic beverages “in any city park and/or public property adjacent thereto.

1 week ago | an17.com | Richard Meek

Legal arguments are expected to resume Friday in Amite in a lawsuit pitting the Ponchatoula Country Market against the City of Ponchatoula as well as a downtown Ponchatoula breakfast diner but, according to sources, only after PCM officials turned denied an offer from city officials. Opening arguments were presented May 19 during five-and-a-half hours of testimony with Judge Erika Sledge presiding.

2 weeks ago | an17.com | Richard Meek

A 21st Judicial District Court judge has denied a petition by former Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office employees regarding a lawsuit they filed against Sheriff Gerald Sticker regarding payment of health benefits to retired employees. In a ruling Monday, Judge William Scott Dykes, in a move that some observers simply described a procedural or a first step in the case, denied the plaintiff’s petition for a writ of mandamus.

2 weeks ago | an17.com | Richard Meek

Body cameras and the use thereof, or some claim lack of use, sparked a heated exchange during the Hammond City Council meeting May 13. Igniting the controversy during which had been an otherwise benign meeting was a resolution to sign a 5-year agreement with an Arizona company in the amount of $445,502.88 for licensing, services, including cloud storage, warranties and upgrades for the Hammond Police Department’s body cameras.