Mystic Krewe of Olympia Saturday, 6:00pm, February 19

In 1965, a group of friends were having lunch across from the Covington Courthouse. Among them were Lieutenant Colonel Earl Wilson, Warren Illing, Sr., H. M. “Ollie” Olson, and James Heinritz. It was shortly after Mardi Gras, and the conversation turned to the Lions Club parade on Mardi Gras morning in Covington. Colonel Wilson commented that many St. Tammany residents in rural areas probably had never seen a “New Orleans style” parade, adding “Wouldn’t it be great to bring one to the community?” By the end of the meeting, plans were under way to form a carnival organization in Covington. Each participant in the project was given the task of signing up 25 members for the organization. By the end of the week, approximately 100 enthusiastic members had formed the Mystic Krewe of Olympia. Parade Route

Mardi Gras and Mardi Paws

Tuesday, March 1st, 10:00am Tuesday, March 1st, 11:00am Tuesday, March 1st, Post-parade Sunday, March 6th, 2:00pm Lions Club Parade Carnival in Covington Tammany Gras at the Trailhead Mardi Paws

Northshore Technical Community College "She Means Business"

Details and/or Tickets

Leaves, Clippings, Bulk Items, Limbs Trashcan not Picked-up or Need a New Can?

Leaves or Grass Clippings?  Please bag them and place them curbside on your usual Wednesday trash day pick-up.

Bulk Debris, Limbs, Missed Pick-up or Need a New Can? Request your pick-up or new can at:  Customer Care Form

Utility Wires Dangling or on the Ground?

AT&T on 15th Avenue, Before Reporting AT&T on 15th Ave,  After Reporting

Like some of you, I find the communication line remnants from Ida bothersome. AT&T and CLECO have done a wonderful job helping clean up. Most of what you see today is Charter Spectrum. I continue to push, pull, nudge and cajole them into action. Our Public Works Department has removed the clutter which was safe for us to handle. As always, a big thanks to them.

Ain't Dere No More!

Those Roof Repair and Stump Grinding signs seem to pop up faster than mushrooms after a rain. Illegally placed on our right-of-ways, they are basically litter. Public Works, myself and citizen-volunteer Steve Hendry have removed and discarded well over 100 signs in the past week.

And yes, I need a step stool to reach the ones nailed on telephone poles. If you're so inclined (and can do so safely), feel free to remove those you come across. Regarding those supporting a local business located in front of that business, we do use discretion / leniency. Garage sale / special event folks: Please remove your signs after the date / event. Let's Keep Covington Beautiful.

Congratulations to Ja'Marr Chase

New Orleans native, Rummel graduate and LSU national championship winner Ja'Marr Chase was recently named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

But Hold On, Pump the Brakes ... Congratulations to Isiah Robertson

Covington has its own NFL Rookie of the Year. In 1971 our own Isiah Robertson was named Defensive Rookie of the Year. He was the first-round draft choice of the Los Angeles Rams, the 10th player chosen overall. Known as the "Black Dick Butkus," star teammate Deacon Jones called Robertson "the best No. 1 choice I've seen since I've been with the Rams."

Isiah attended Southern University where in his senior year he made 112 tackles and had 45 assists. The season was highlighted by a record-setting 102 yard interception return for a game-winning touchdown against arch rival Grambling State University in the game's waning seconds and a 15 tackle game against Prairie View in which he preserved a tie with a blocked extra point attempt.

Being the time of segregation, Isiah attended elementary and junior high at Rosenwald School (opened in 1940) on N. Tyler Street. Today it serves as the Harrison Curriculum Center for St. Tammany Parish Schools.

In the late 1960s, a new school was constructed just down the street: Pineview High School. It would serve for three years as the high school for Black students. Today Pineview is a Middle School serving our 4th, 5th and 6th graders. Pineview Middle School / PTA

Isiah was known for helping others. He had a deep passion for this and thus founded the House of Isiah, a faith based drug and alcohol treatment center for men. Isiah was tragically killed in an automobile accident in December of 2018. He is truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Replies to this e-mail go directly to Mayor Mark. Please share this e-mail with whoever you believe may find it of value.

Rooted in History, Focused on the Future