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Local News

Merry Christmas from Covington Mayor Mike Cooper

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Covington Mayor Mike Cooper

Covington Mayor Mike Cooper

“The holiday season is truly a time for joy and celebration. It is a wonderful time to look back with gratitude, giving thanks for our blessings, and to look forward with hopefulness and enthusiasm. It is an appropriate time for reflection on the events of the past year – rejuvenated by successes and gaining knowledge from our experiences.

We pause with thoughts of others less fortunate, understanding how this festive season may be difficult for many to embrace, and offer our heartfelt prayers. Let us remember it is not in the material gifts we give and receive that measure the true meaning of Christmas, but those in our minds and hearts. Let us commit to dedicating ourselves to our family, our work and our community in the New Year.

I wholeheartedly extend my best wishes to all of you this Christmas and in 2015!”

– Mayor Mike Cooper, City of Covington

Local News

Mayor Announces Covington Street Improvement Project 2014 Completion

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Covington Street Improvement Project 2014

photos courtesy City of Covington

Covington Mayor Mike Cooper stated that the 2014 Local Street Improvement Project was finalized on Friday, December 19 with the widening and asphalt overlay of W. 8th Avenue between S. Tyler Street and S. Jefferson Avenue and E. 10th Avenue between S. Jahncke Avenue and S. New Hampshire Street.

City of Covington Bicentennial logo“We are glad these improvements will be completed before the Christmas holidays. We thank the citizens for their patience during this construction process,” stated Mayor Mike Cooper.

A new task order will be issued in early 2015 for additional street and sidewalk improvements in the City.

Photos courtesy City of Covington, www.covla.com

Local News

Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Saves Christmas

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photo: wpso.la.gov

photo: wpso.la.gov

Children throughout Washington Parish can sleep soundly tonight. Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal has arrested the famed Christmas thief, The Grinch.

Grinch, 56, a green male who resides on Mount Crumpit near Whoville, had been hiding in Washington Parish, waiting to steal Christmas trees, ornaments, decorations and presents for parish children.

Sheriff Randy Seal said, “We received a tip from Cindy Lou of Whoville who told us Grinch was heading to our parish. We set up surveillance and were able to spot his dog, Max, who was traveling on the shoulder of Highway 10 between Bogalusa and Franklinton. We secretly placed a microphone on his collar and let him go. Thankfully, he went to Grinch who was hiding in the woods near Highway 62. Grinch tells his dog everything, so we were able to listen in on his plans to ruin Christmas.”

Once investigators had the evidence, they were able to apprehend Grinch after a short foot chase. When told that they had listened while he confessed his plans to his dog, Grinch said, “How could it be so? It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags!”

“My hope is that residents of Washington Parish can now relax and have a very Merry Christmas,” said Sheriff Seal as he booked Grinch into the parish jail. Then he turned to the Grinch and said, “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch. You really are a heel.”

Local Events Shop Local This Week at the Farmer's Market

This Week at the Covington Farmer’s Market by Charlene LeJeune

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Blessings of the season to you, friends. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I know you’re all getting ready for family and friends and lots of great food. Stop by for some of Frankie’s goodies, Earl’s raw honey (makes a great gift) and fresh veggies from Mr. Houston.

Crispin Schroeder will play at the Covington Farmers Market this Saturday

Crispin Schroeder will play at the Covington Farmers Market this Saturday

Saturday will be the last market of 2014. Weren’t we just celebrating the 4th of July?  Come and enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee with us while you shop for the goodies you’ll need for your New Year’s party. Chrispin Schroeder will sing out the old year from the gazebo while Jeff and Kristen get the rig into place to smoke up some amazing pork. Make sure you get extra for sandwiches. Lena and Suzie have wonderful breads to make that sandwich perfect.

Chompers BBQ - food demo this Saturday at the Covington Farmers Market

Chompers BBQ – food demo this Saturday at the Covington Farmers Market

I thought we’d finish out this year with the reason you all come to the Farmers’ Market – the vegetables! A quick perusal of the tables last weekend shows that the veggies are not taking a holiday, so much the better for us. I saw the first beets of the season on John’s table along with turnips, carrots, radishes, chard, spinach, kale, tat soi, bok choi, broccoli and iceberg lettuce (sounds like we may need a little dressing too.)

Beets from Bartlett Farm at the Covington Farmer's Market

Beets from Bartlett Farm at the Covington Farmer’s Market

Dinosaur kale, collards, mustard, chard cabbage, spinach, broccoli, carrots and green onions were loaded onto Mr. Houston’s table and a few feet away Ken Savage offers huge, gorgeous cauliflower, oranges, sweet kumquats, red navel oranges, grapefruit, and satsumas. While you’re over there, check out Spanish R Us. Soriedad is baking a fantastic Tres Leche cake, almost too pretty to eat – almost. She’s making coconut flan too.  Remember to get refried beans and salsas for your party!

Baby Swiss from Grow.Farm at the Covington Farmer's Market

Baby Swiss from Grow.Farm at the Covington Farmer’s Market

Fortunately, Nick still has those fabulous Evangeline sweet potatoes. You’ll also find heirloom turnips, chard, curly mustard, flat leaf kale, and persimmons plus quail eggs. Don’t forget your New Year’s cabbage from Natalie and some strawberries too! Johnadale Farms is back again with their strawberries – we’ve got goodness all around! Dennis has pure cane syrup made from his own sugar cane fields. Stop by and check it out!

Alton and Sandra have some absolutely gorgeous camellia bushes that will not be available for long. Look over their table for the most fragrant herbs for your garden – rosemary, lemon thyme, chocolate mint and more.

We hope you’ll join us for the last market of the year. By next Saturday, a whole new year will have begun along with the hopes and plans that a new year always brings. We wish you peace and prosperity in 2015. Thank you for your patronage, your friendship, and your recipes; we look forward to another year with you.

Lots of love,
Charlene LeJeune
Abundant Life Kitchen

The Covington Farmers’ Market is open each Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire and every Saturday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. on the side lawn of the Covington Police Station, 609 N. Columbia St. Call (985) 892-1873 for information or visit www.covingtonfarmersmarket.org

Local News

LHSC: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over This Holiday Season

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Beer bottlesBATON ROUGE – Louisiana law enforcement agencies are joining forces Dec. 12 – Jan. 1 to combat the high number of drunk-driving-related crashes in the weeks leading up to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

December was one of the deadliest months on Louisiana roadways in 2013, with 55 fatal crashes and 59 persons killed, according to preliminary figures. During the four days comprising the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, at least 11 people were killed and 400 injured in Louisiana highway crashes. Alcohol use was a factor in more than half of the fatalities.

drivesoberThe Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is a state and national campaign aimed at keeping impaired drivers off of the roadways and reducing deadly crashes. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is coordinating the statewide campaign by providing grants to local law enforcement agencies and the Louisiana State Police to fund overtime patrols and checkpoints.

“Getting arrested for DWI – or worse, causing a tragic accident – is not a Christmas memory you would ever want. If you’re drinking, don’t drive. Besides the risk of a crash, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over means there will be a greater police presence and a much higher chance that you’ll get caught,” said Lt. Col. John LeBlanc, executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

“When innocent lives are lost because of an impaired driver, it’s devastating, especially around the holidays. State Troopers, along with our partners in local law enforcement, will work tirelessly throughout the Christmas and New Year’s holidays to keep Louisiana motorists safe. If you plan on drinking this holiday season, please have a plan and make good decisions. ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ is more than a slogan,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, Louisiana State Police Superintendent.

Last year in Louisiana, police made 21,680 DWI arrests. Alcohol was a factor in 42 percent of Louisiana fatal crashes in 2013, with young males at particular risk. Although it is illegal for anyone under 21 to consume alcohol in Louisiana, the alcohol-related crash rate for 18-to-20-year-old drivers in 2013 was about twice the average of drivers of all groups. The same was true for drivers killed in alcohol-related crashes.

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission LHSCwww.lahighwaysafety.org

Local Events Local News Non Profit Spotlight Shop Local

Holiday Art Market at the Covington Trailhead Saturday Presented by the STAA

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STAA's Holiday Art MarketPresented by the St. Tammany Art Association in partnership with the City of Covington, the December Covington Art Market takes place this Saturday at the Covington Trailhead in downtown Covington. The market has been extended an extra hour for December, now from 9 am to 2 pm. Local and regional artists with new work will be on hand, including original, local fine-art paintings, photography, hand-made purses, jewelry, ceramics, wood-working, novelties, metal work, plus live music by Timothy Gates, great food from Beck-N-Call, art demos and so much more! Remember, original art is tax-free in the Cultural Arts District! Come shop for Christmas!

Local Events Local News

Deck The Rails: Free Children’s Event With Outdoor Movie ‘Elf’

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Deck The Rails Free Children's EventThe City of Covington presents their annual free children’s holiday event “Deck the Rails” this Saturday, December 6th, 4 – 7:30 pm at the Covington Trailhead. Featuring holiday entertainment, Christmas caroling, Santa’s arrival and an outdoor movie screening of ‘Elf’!          www.covla.com

Local Events Local News

CPD Announces Annual Toys for Tots Campaign In Full Swing for 2014

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The Covington Police Officers’ Recreation Association’s annual Caroline Darby Memorial Toys for Tots campaign for 2014 has officially started. Toys for Tots is held each year, providing toys for children in the community that may not have been able to get Christmas presents otherwise.

With the community’s help, last year toys were presented to over 600 needy children in the Covington area. The support of our community ensured these children were able to have a merry Christmas and could not have been done without your help.

The distribution date for this year is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 9am – 12pm at the Greater Covington Center, 317 N Jefferson Ave. The Covington Police Officers’ Recreation Association is asking the community for donations of toys or monetary donations. Anything the community can give will go directly to making this Christmas memorable for our children.

If you would like to make a monetary donation, please make checks payable to “CPORA Toys for Tots” and mail them to Covington Police Department, PO Box 1059, Covington, LA 70434. For more information, or if you need toys to be picked up, please call 985-898-2641.

Thank you for the support you give each year to ensure the future of our community is able to have a memorable and happy holiday!

Toys for Tots graphic

Local Events Shop Local

Craft Fair On Lee Lane Every Saturday, Presented By The English Tea Room And Covington Weekly

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Craft Fair on Lee LaneThe Craft Fair at Lee Lane will continue this weekend, running every Saturday through December 20th for the entirety of Covington’s “Christmas In The Country,” which officially begins the weekend after Thanksgiving. The market is held in The English Tea Room’s Walker Alley Tea Garden, on the corner of Lee Lane and Walker Alley.

The Craft Fair features local craft artists and vintage collectors, along with live music by local musicians and art demonstrations. Every Saturday presents new vendors and activities! If you are a craft artist or vintage collector and would like to participate in one or more markets please contact Chelsea at 985-288-9609.

Local News

St. Tammany Parish Election Results – Tough Races Yield Runoff for District Attorney

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Dawn Amacker successfully defended her 22nd Judicial Seat with a strong showing (72%,) while Brian Trainor and Warren Montgomery will be headed into a runoff December 6th, 2014. The Louisiana Secretary of State (LSOS) website shows turnout to be slightly less than predicted at just under 50 percent. LSOS has Trainor finishing first with 40% and Montgomery second with 27%. Black and Burns finished 17% and 16%, respectively.

The St. Tammany District Attorney Race has been colorful so far, and the next month will undoubtedly have even more surprises in store. When the race is finalized on December 6th, St. Tammany will have a new District Attorney for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Trainor Montgomery DA runoff

LA Secretary of State www.electionresults.sos.la.gov

Local Events Local News

Election Day November 4th – Find Sample Ballots & Polling Places For Your Area

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Election Day November 4thElection time is here again! Election Day is Tuesday November 4th, 2014, polling places are open 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. View a sample ballot and voting locations for your area by going to the Louisiana Secretary of State website and entering your name, address or parish. For more information about local voting, check the St. Tammany Parish Registrar of Voters website: www.stprov.org

Don’t forget to vote!

Local Events Local News Non Profit Spotlight

Pallets With Purpose Fundraiser Event at Covington Food Bank

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Pallets with Purpose Covington Food BankOn Saturday, November 1st 6:30 – 10 pm the Covington Food Bank will host Pallets With Purpose: fun-flavored, food-funding warehouse event. Guests will enjoy a night of dining, dancing, mingling and shopping. Thanks to partnerships with many long-standing sponsors and loyal supporters, this charitable event contributes funding towards fulfilling the food bank’s mission of serving the hungry with dignity & compassion. Tickets start at $75, and sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information about this event, please contact Jamie Andrepont at 985-893-3003 x105 or jandrepont@covingtonfoodbank.org

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Tickets on Sale Now at COPA – “The Island of Dr. Fitzmorris” & “The Butler Did It”

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Island of Fitzmorris COPA - CopyCenter Of Performing Arts is proud to host “The Island of Dr. Fitzmorris”, a one-night-only show. Playwright and actor Jim Fitzmorris takes audiences on a hilarious journey through the scariest time of all, the 1970s in New Orleans. An affectionate and creepy look at childhood in New Orleans, The Island of Dr. Fitzmorris is the latest comic monologue from a performer The Times-Picayune’s Ted Mahne calls “electric.” Showtime is October 25th at 8pm, doors open at 7:30pm. Tickets are on sale now at www.centerofperformingarts.net.

The Butler Did It - COPAAnd coming in November… Center Of Performing Arts presents the inaugural run of an original murder mystery by local playwright James Lejeune. Follow the antics of six quirky butlers in this fast-paced comedic whodunit. Advance tickets for opening night (November 6th) are available at www.centerofperformingarts.net.

Local Events Shop Local

Tickets on Sale Now at COPA – “The Island of Dr. Fitzmorris” & “The Butler Did It”

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Island of Fitzmorris COPA - CopyCenter Of Performing Arts is proud to host “The Island of Dr. Fitzmorris”, a one-night-only show. Playwright and actor Jim Fitzmorris takes audiences on a hilarious journey through the scariest time of all, the 1970s in New Orleans. An affectionate and creepy look at childhood in New Orleans, The Island of Dr. Fitzmorris is the latest comic monologue from a performer The Times-Picayune’s Ted Mahne calls “electric.” Showtime is October 25th at 8pm, doors open at 7:30pm. Tickets are on sale now at www.centerofperformingarts.net.

The Butler Did It - COPAAnd coming in November… Center Of Performing Arts presents the inaugural run of an original murder mystery by local playwright James Lejeune. Follow the antics of six quirky butlers in this fast-paced comedic whodunit. Advance tickets for opening night (November 6th) are available at www.centerofperformingarts.net.

 

General Shop Local

2014 Parish Fair Posters by Suzanne King Available for Purchase

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2014 St. Tammany Parish Fair Poster Art by Suzanne King

2014 St. Tammany Parish Fair Poster Art by Suzanne King

The Parish Fair is over, but you can remember it always with this one-of-a-kind poster designed by local artist Suzanne King! STPF posters are uniquely different each year while following a classic parish fair theme. Bring yours to Covington Art & Frame for a special Parish Fair frame.  Posters are $20 each and are 14″ wide by 26″ high, signed, numbered, and embossed with the STPF seal.

If you would like to purchase a poster contact Suzanne at high5studioart@gmail.com or 985-502-5660. Posters will also be available for purchase at all of the Rockin’ the Rails concert events this October.

 

Local Events Non Profit Spotlight

Playmakers Announces Cast For Next Play – “Haunting of Hill House” Opens October 31st

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HauntingOfHillHousePlaymakers Theater, 19106 Playmakers Rd. (off Lee Rd.), Covington, announces the cast for this sinister mystery – “The Haunting of Hill House”. The 7 member cast is as follows: Derek Thrush as Dr Montague, Margaret Lipscomb as Mrs Montague, Anysia Genre as Eleanor Vance, Liz Zelenka as Theodora, Barbara Arceneaux as Mrs Dudley, Bill Ruffin as Luke Sanderson, and Mack McGinnis as Arthur Parker.

Hill House remains empty due to it’s sinister reputation until visited by those who wish to delve into the supernatural and make contact with departed spirits. The show runs October 31st – November 16th, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm (except Nov. 2). Adult tickets are $15 & student tickets are $10. The theater opens one hour prior to curtain and complimentary champagne and treats are served on opening night, October 31st. Please reserve by calling (985)893-1671 or visit www.playmakersinc.com. Visit the website to add yourself to the mailing list! Regular updates on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Anyone wishing to participate in any capacity such as lights and sound, building set, designing set, stage manager, costuming, etc, please send your interests to playmakerstheater@gmail.com.

Playmakers Inc logo

 

Local Events Non Profit Spotlight

Friday Night Show at Fuhrmann Auditorium: The Nutria Blues Presented by InterACT NOLA

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InterAct NOLA Nutria Bluesfuhrmann91714InterAct NOLA, a theater group of actors with intellectual disabilities, will perform an original musical, “The Nutria Blues,” a satirical production loosely based on “The Pied Piper of Hamelin.”

The show will be presented Sept. 19th at 7:30 p.m. at the Greater Covington Center’s Fuhrman Auditorium. InterAct NOLA is now in its third year and was formed by Arc of Greater New Orleans.

While the 16th century story focuses on the Pied Piper, children and rats, InterAct’s version hits closer to home as the city of New Orleans is overtaken by nutria, only to be saved by a soulful street musician.

Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the door or by calling Valerie St. Amant at (504) 897-0134.

Local Events Non Profit Spotlight

“The Trip to Bountiful” Opening Night Friday at Playmakers Theater

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Trip to Bountiful - Playmakers TheaterThis is the poignant story of Mrs. Watts, an aging widow living with her son and daughter-in-law in a three-room flat in Houston, Texas. Fearing that her presence may be an imposition on others, and chafing under the watchful eye of her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Watts imagines that if she can get away and return to her old home in the town of Bountiful, she is sure to regain her strength, dignity and peace of mind. So she attempts to run away, and when she reaches a bus station on the last part of her short journey, she falls into the hands of a sheriff whom her son and daughter-in-law have put on her trail. The sheriff, a kindly fellow, allows her to complete the final stage of her journey, so she proceeds to Bountiful and makes a lonely pilgrimage to the scene of her old home. Only too soon she learns that the friends of her youth have all died or scattered, and her home is no longer the spacious mansion of her memories but a crumbling wreck. But she has the supreme satisfaction of plunging her hands into the strength-giving earth, and this leaves her with a sense of that strength and dignity that will give her the courage to survive. When her son and daughter-in-law appear on the scene to take her back to Houston, she consents to return quietly, secure in the knowledge that the remainder of her existence will be enriched as a result of her last contact with Bountiful.

This performance, directed by Derek Thrush, stars Covington local, owner of Rosemary’s Closet Elizabeth Pfeffer Williams as the central role of Mrs. Carrie Watts, with Cary Martin as her son Ludie, and Deborah Marcelle as his wife Jessie Mae. Other cast members include Blaze D’Amico, Mack Maginnis, Allen Bryant, Virginia Patecek and Frankie Castello.

Opening night is Friday September 5th with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sunday matinees at 2 pm until September 21st (no show on the 7th). For more information or to make your reservations online visit www.playmakersinc.com

Local Events Non Profit Spotlight

Rock-N-The River Bash to Benefit Tchefuncte River Foundation

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Rock N the River Bash 8-30-14This unique free event will feature five live hot local bands on a water barge in the river! Enjoy the music of Kandeeside, 90 Degrees West, Main Street, Four Unplugged and Band Camp on the Tchefuncte River to raise awareness on how to keep our beautiful river clean and safe. The barge will be located at 30 degrees 22.698N and 90 degrees 9.505W, and boaters are invited to set anchor and enjoy a nearby beach. Learn more by checking the Foundation’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TchefuncteRiverFoundation

This event was generously sponsored by Columbia Street Rock-N-Blues Café, T Rivers, Hooked Up Again, Davie Shoring & Cole’s Rental World.