25 years ago
Though it has recently completed major additions to its health care facility, St. Tammany Parish Hospital is moving ahead with plans for a major $45 million to $60 million expansion.
“I've heard both those figures but we have not finalized plans as yet, but expect to have them ready in the next few weeks,” said Steve Soteropulos, director of marketing. Soteropulos said architects are completing final plans and specifications at this time.
“We don't have much in the way of specifics just yet, but the expansion will represent a better ability to do what we are doing now, rather than adding more services,” he said.
Soteropulos said patients that ordinarily it would take in are being diverted. That includes the emergency room, intensive care unit and patient rooms … He said the hospital is authorized to have as many as 199 beds but has never had near that capacity.
“We have between 136 and 143 rooms now and will be adding more with the new expansion,” he said.
50 years ago
With all conditions favorable, Interstate 12 from Bootlegger Road to near Lacombe should be ready for travel late in 1974, according to Victor Raxsdale, area manager for Atlas Construction Company, contractor for the 17-mile job.
The stretch, let in two separate contracts, involves approximately $24 million worth of interstate construction. One of the big items in this is the bridge across the Tchefuncte River, south of Covington. The bridge is well on its way to completion.
Raxsdale said he has no direct knowledge of other portions of I-12, but stated all sections between Hammond and Slidell are under contract and are progressing. The interstate is already open from Baton Rouge to Hammond.
75 years ago
The St. Tammany Parish Police Jury at its regular meeting in Covington last Thursday morning voted unanimously to make it unlawful for anyone to dump refuse, garbage or any other unsightly materials along the highways in St. Tammany Parish.
The law covers both the state and parish roads or any other public thoroughfare. The police jury … also took up many other matters concerning the operation and welfare of the parish, one of which was the recent wet or dry election held in the Sixth Ward.
A discussion arose between the representative of a barroom at Jackson's Landing and the representative of several citizens of the Ward. The citizens wanted the law made effective immediately and the saloon owner asked that the law not be made effective until Jan. 1, 1949, thus allowing him time to dispose of his property. The police jury, after discussion, decided that the ordinance should become effective Aug. 1.
100 years ago
The annual opening of Rest-Awhile in Mandeville took place Tuesday night, the first guests of the season arriving that day.
Quite an interesting program was rendered. Reverend F. C. Talmage conducted the devotional exercises; Miss Rowena McMillan addressed the assembly on the work of the King's daughters and sons; Mrs. Willis, state president of the organization, welcomed the guests and told how Rest-Awhile was maintained. She stated that the place was kept up by small donations and dues and that any contribution to the cause would be gratefully received.
Rest-Awhile has been maintained in Mandeville for the past 13 years and it is not necessary to go into details about this wonderful institution.
125 years ago
Last Monday night, a difficulty occurred in Mr. M.C. Day’s barroom, in which Mr. J.J. Stroble, Rosser Strobel, Chas. Stroble, Chas. Hosmer and M.C. Day were implicated.
Pistols were drawn and a number of shots were fired. Mr. Chas. Stroble received a slight flesh wound and Mr. M.C. Day was shot in the left arm and leg. He was taken to his residence and Dr. Williams was summoned to attend him. At last account, Mr. Day was getting along very well and will doubtless soon be up and about again.
It was a most unfortunate occurrence and is universally regretted.