Visitors and former residents of Covington would often write back to the newspaper telling of the pleasant memories they have of the area. These two came in 1923 and 1912.
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Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Legion Post Hosts Model Train Club
A large collection of model toy trains were exhibited at the Robert H. Burns American Legion Post No. 16 in Covington last weekend, with dozens of train dioramas and hundreds of collector train cars on display. The event was sponsored by the Louisiana Chapter of the Train Collectors Association.
The entire Post building was filled from wall to wall with exhibits, train tracks, and vendors selling all kind of items that went into making train layouts look realistic. Here are some photographs.
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There was even a trolley layout set up.
Cars, both railroad cars and automobile cars
Saturday, November 1, 2025
New Pelican Park Access Road Being Built
A new access highway is being built between La. 1088 just south of its Interstate 12 intersection all the way down to Pelican Park. The road then goes around the east side of the park and heads southward to U.S. 190. Pelican Park has expanded its facilities greatly in the past decade, now offering a wide selection of both athletic and non-sporting events, so better access will be provided as a result. It is the largest roadway project in St. Tammany Parish history according to officials.
Parish President Mike Cooper broke ground on the three and a half mile long $34 million LA 1088-US 190 Bypass Road project several months ago, saying that the new road will increase safety and reduce traffic for thousands of motorists in St. Tammany Parish. The access road will also include a ten-foot wide sidewalk that can be used for jogging.
Here is a recent photo of the work underway where the new highway ties into La. 1088.
At La. 1088 there is a construction office and a number of large drainage pipes that will be installed to cross a waterway along the route.
Here's an aerial view of the path of the new road.
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Construction of the connector road is expected
to be completed within two years.
The divided highway artist rendering
The groundbreaking for the new road
(St. Tammany Parish Govt. Photo)
The name of the new road was voted on by the public. It will be called the Adrien Rouquette Parkway, named after the legendary Father Rouquette. He was a Catholic missionary to the Choctaw Native American tribe in the mid-1800's. They called him Chahta-Ima.
The roadway will feature entrances to Pelican Park, a multiuse pedestrian path connecting to the Tammany Trace and provide easier access to Fontainebleau State Park and the Safe Haven campus.
“This new roadway delivers on my administration’s commitment to providing real traffic solutions to our citizens," Cooper said. "Our Parish needs new roads to ease traffic and boost safety, not just repaving existing roads."
A view of the ten foot wide pedestrian walkway and the concrete curbing that was recently poured
The new roadway provides relief and an alternate route for motorists using LA 1088, LA 59 and U.S. 190, as well as other roadways. Traffic studies forecast that more than 3,500 vehicles will use the road daily, with peak daily trips totaling more than 14,200 from Pelican Park visitors.
“I have long advocated for this bypass road to be prioritized, as it was one of my top priorities while campaigning for my Council seat,” said Council Chairman Joe Impastato, who represents the area.
Meanwhile at the southern end of the new road, it parallels the existing Pelican Park Entrance Road. Major clearing and some debris removal has already been done...
The Pelican Park entrance road can be seen on the right.
Pelican Park Map showing sports fields and buildings
See also:
The History of Pelican Park
Ozone Songwriters Festival 2025
The Ozone Songwriters Festival 2025 came to Covington this weekend, with dozens of songwriters and performers converging on ten different music stages throughout the downtown area. Here are some photos of the music offerings at the Covington Trailhead.
Here's the schedule of performances at various stages around town.
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Friday, October 24, 2025
President's Arts Awards Announced
The 2025 President's Art Awards recipients have been announced. Here's the press release: Parish President Mike Cooper has announced the honorees for the 19th Annual President's Arts Awards, presented annually by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs.
The Performing Artist of the Year is Jonathan Sturcken; the Visual Artist of the Year is Bernard Mattox; the Literary Artist of the Year is Maurice LeGardeur; the Musical Artist of the Year is John Autin and the Culinary Artist of the Year is Patton’s Fine Food and Catering.
Maurice LeGardeur
The Patron of the Arts recognition goes to Saladino Gallery; the Outstanding Service Award goes to the St. Tammany Parish Fair Board of Volunteers; the President’s Award goes to Manuel & Patterson, the Native Son Award goes to Theo Von, and the Slidell Art League will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
"For nearly two decades, the President's Arts Awards has honored the talented artists and patrons who brighten our communities with artistic, musical and performative works," said President Cooper. "I congratulate the tremendous work of these honorees who have made a lasting contribution to the fabric of St. Tammany Parish. I thank the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs for their continued support in fostering and promoting arts programs throughout our parish."
“St. Tammany Parish is home to so many remarkable artists, and the President’s Arts Awards gives us the opportunity to celebrate their work and service to our community,” said Commission of Cultural Affairs Chair, Laura Prisco. “St. Tammany Parish is a community proud to support, recognize and celebrate our talented artists and we look forward to celebrating their achievements at this year’s ceremony.”
The St. Tammany President’s Arts Awards is held annually to recognize outstanding artists in St. Tammany Parish. The recipients are selected by the Parish President and the Commission on Cultural Affairs. It is supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Press release by Michael Vinsanau
See also:
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Ribbon Cut On New Trace Segment
The ribbon was cut Thursday afternoon on the newly paved and landscaped section of Tammany Trace between the Covington Trailhead and the Justice Center parking area. Mayor Mark Johnson cut the ribbon while Parish President Mike Cooper looked on.
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The ceremony took place on Lockwood Street, between the train depot and diCristina's Restaurant. A Thursday night concert followed immediately.
The group "second lined" up to the Trailhead, bringing its own marching brass band, the Brasshearts.
Click on Play Triangle to view video.
The dignitaries posed for a group picture.
The band played a varied selection of New Orleans jazz favorites.
Local residents are already using the new section for casual afternoon strolls.
See also:
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Pumpkin Patches Plentiful
Halloween has come and gone, but this year's pumpkin supply was significant. Local pumpkin patch purveyors were everywhere...
Friday, October 17, 2025
Mandeville Pictorial Map of 1986
Here's the cartoon bird's eye view map of Mandeville I drew some 40 years ago back in 1986.
Click on the above image to make it larger.
To see a close up version, click on the link below and when map appears click on the magnifying glass cursor symbol.
Monday, October 13, 2025
Art In The Park 1989
Here are some scenes from the Art in the Park festivities in Covington's Bogue Falaya Park back some 36 years ago in 1989.
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