Deputies rescue Slidell man who drove off Twin Spans Oct 27, 2009
St. Tammany deputies rescued a man from Lake Pontchartrain Sunday morning after his vehicle plunged from the Twin Spans, said Capt. George Bonnett, a St. Tammany Sheriff's Office spokesman. WWL-TV. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Opinion: DuBos Two potential candidates finally make a mayor's race Oct 21, 2009
A native of the Lower 9th Ward and a graduate of St. Augustine High School, Stanford and Carnegie Mellon, Henry is a self-made businessman who, with his childhood friend, actor Wendell Pierce, is rebuilding Pontchartrain Park. If he runs, Henry would complicate things for Badon and Murray. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Man rescued after boat capsizes in La. Oct 19, 2009
NEW ORLEANS A 72-year-old man who had been missing for 16 hours since his boat capsized in Lake Pontchartrain was found alive Sunday in the water, authorities said. The Coast Guard says the man, whose identity was not released, was rescued five miles south of the north shore around 10:30 a.m. by a St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Office search boat. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Obama pledge to New Orleans Oct 17, 2009
Speaking at a town hall meeting near the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, Mr Obama recounted what he said was ''good progress'' during the first nine months of his Administration. But he was quickly put on the defensive by one resident who said he was still frustrated by the slow pace of the economic and physical recovery around him. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
La. parish tries new approach to fending off hurricanes Oct 14, 2009
"The ridges do not replace the function of the wetlands," said John Lopez of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, a local non-profit environmental group. "We have to be careful and do this very selectively.". (USA Today -- Tech)
Bumpy road to recovery for Lakeview Oct 12, 2009
Yoder said so far about $35 million has already been spent for repairs on the main roadways such as Canal Boulevard, Harrison Avenue, Robert E. Lee Boulevard and Pontchartrain Boulevard. "We are very happy with the progress that's been made on the main thoroughfares, said Yoder. Robert E. Lee is new, Fleur De Lis is getting started on phase two. Phase three on Fleur de Lis which will go from about 32nd to Hammond Highway, those drawings are now being completed and submitted to the highway... (WWLTV.com, LA)
Seeking shelter from the storm Oct 6, 2009
Her chapter is the fourth busiest in the country, having to deal with a large amount of tropical storms and hurricanes and setting up shelters on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain every time an evacuation order is issued ... They learned through word of mouth that the levees on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain had been breached. (University News, MO)
Northshore leaders lobby D.C. to forgive loans Sep 30, 2009
"We really want to discuss the issue of forgiveness, as they've done all across the country in any disaster, Davis said. Davis said he doesn't expect an answer on the forgiveness request until early next year. While in Washington, he also wants movement on the Northshore's hurricane protection plan. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have presented a series of hurricane protection plans to Northshore leaders. The one favored by Davis and other would include a series of gates along the CSX... (WWLTV.com, LA)
Parish president's resignation letter Sep 25, 2009
Among these are: the projects included in the Bond Issue voted on by the citizens earlier this year, reaching a final solution on the LaPlace water system, the economic development potential by transferring management of the airport to the Port of South Louisiana, moving forward on the adjudicated properties program, seeing many areas of our parish revitalized by carrying out the historic re-development plans, and moving forward on the levee along Lake Pontchartrain. Nothing should stand in the... (L Observateur, LA)
Corps discusses proposed floodwall under Causeway Sep 24, 2009
NEW ORLEANS The Army Corps discussed the proposed construction of a new floodwall under Causeway Boulevard at Lake Pontchartrain Wednesday night. WWLTV. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Wendys armed robber arrested in Mississippi Sep 18, 2009
During last week s robbery, Owen allegedly walked into the Wendy s restaurant on Pontchartrain Drive with the gun, ordered the employees to empty the cash registers, then asked for a bag to put the money in and fled the scene. Slidell police released video surveillance tape of the robbery to the local media. (Slidell Sentry-News, LA)
Emotions high has longtime Basin Foundation director gives way to assistant Sep 18, 2009
NEW ORLEANS -- At the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, it was a day of endings, beginnings, and tears mixed with smiles ... They want to see the beach at Pontchartrain Beach restored and re-opened, and Lakeshore Drive improved, and yes, they have heard the complaints about traffic problems and limited hours on the lakefront. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Waterspout on Lake Pontchartrain; lake rising Sep 13, 2009
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A waterspout on Lake Pontchartrain headed toward land, and the lake rose enough to close one New Orleans floodgate. The National Weather Service called a tornado warning for St. John the Baptist Parish and LaPlace because radar showed the waterspout moving landward Saturday afternoon. (KSLA.com, LA)
Volunteers lead effort to revitalize Point Platte Marsh Sep 12, 2009
Volunteers worked Thursday, and will continue to work Friday, planting two species of marsh grass in Lake Pontchartrain ... "This was all just broken marsh and open to Lake Pontchartrain and subjected to the energy of the waves from the Lake," said Brian Fortson, the environmental specialist for St. Tammany Parish. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Fishin' Report: Redfish and drum hauled in from Lafitte Sep 4, 2009
Next week, I m off on special assignment, but the week after I m back in Lake Pontchartrain with Capt. Kenny Kreeger I ll let you know what the story is there the minute we get back to the wharf. Meanwhile. (WWLTV.com, LA)
State's first windmills go up in Slidell Aug 30, 2009
The windmills are along Carr Drive along Lake Pontchartrain. The four windmills each stand 50 feet tall. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Thousands of snags remain from hurricanes Aug 29, 2009
Frank Woolleys shrimp trawl got snagged in Lake Pontchartrain ... But so far only eastern stretches of Lake Pontchartrain and some rivers along the north shore have been addressed ... Only parts of the north shore and nearby rivers, including the Tchefuncte, have been cleared so far, along with stretches of Lake Pontchartrain near Chef Pass and the Rigolets. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Spirit of Recovery: Slidell bouncing back post-Katrina Aug 27, 2009
Much of Lake Pontchartrain's north shore near Slidell was reduced to rubble ... The progress in some neighborhoods along Lake Pontchartrain has even surprised neighbors. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Senate GOP’s Doctors Launching Health Care Road Show Aug 26, 2009
On Friday, Barrasso and Coburn will be in New Orleans to tour the Louisiana State University Center for Advanced Practice and Student Learning Center, and the Tulane Community Health Center, followed by a town hall meeting at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. Joining them will be Sen. (Roll Call)
Fishin' Report: Drumming up a fish fry in Lake Pontchartrain Aug 14, 2009
All the veteran Lake Pontchartrain anglers will tell you that drum, sheephead, reds, trout, flounder, and another half-dozen or so species are clustered at that spot ... In the meantime, feel free to call Capt. Kenny at 985-643-2944 to set up a Pontchartrain trip. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Divided crowd packs into town hall meeting on health care Aug 11, 2009
"We weren't allowed in because it was packed. If they would have gone to some place like the Pontchartrain Center, we'd have all been able to go in," said Jim Brousse of New Orleans. They let people feel the weight of a health care reform bill, many inches thick, and passed the time in solidarity. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Louisiana child sex case revealed by confession Aug 9, 2009
In excruciating detail, the ex-leader of Hosanna Church in tiny Ponchatoula on the northwest bank of Lake Pontchartrain, wrote in a journal how he and others stood shoulder to shoulder in the youth hall, passing children to each other, committing every imaginable sex act upon them. "Everybody got a turn," Lamonica said. (Nola.com -- Sports)
School buses to hit the roads Thursday Aug 5, 2009
This is because of the opening of the new Emily C. Watkins Elementary School, which has altered the attendance zones at Lake Pontchartrain, LaPlace, East St. John and Fifth Ward elementary schools. DiCarlo said projections done for the new school year seem to be on target. (L Observateur, LA)
Katrina debris still a hazard in Lake Pontchartrain Aug 5, 2009
NEW ORLEANS -- Third generation Bucktown fisherman Frank Wooley says he and others face a hidden hazard in lake Pontchartrain -- submerged debris littering the bottom of the lake since Hurricane Katrina ... The next step in coming weeks is for the Coast Guard to do a survey to see just what is under the surface of Lake Pontchartrain. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Two Northshore rivers now clean enough for swimming Jul 29, 2009
The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation said Monday there is both good and bad in their "State of the Basin" presentation ... "We've managed to find the pollution sources," said Dr. Andrea Bourgeois-Calvin of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, "mainly the fecal pollution sources, and correct those sources to where our fecal coliform counts are now routinely very low." ... "The efforts of all the federal, state, local partners, non-profits, volunteer efforts, it's a tremendous group effort,... (WWLTV.com, LA)
Environmental groups want action from Obama on La. coast Jul 26, 2009
They were joined by two Louisiana-based groups -- the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation. The groups also criticized the Army Corps of Engineers for not producing a plan on how to restore coastal Louisiana. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Obama Administration Urged to Convene Task Force and Take the Lead on Protecting Coastal Louisiana Jul 25, 2009
WASHINGTON, July 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A coalition including Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation today called on the Obama Administration to bring together a task force to speed up efforts to restore coastal wetlands, help communities reduce their exposure to hurricane damage, and resolve critical issues not addressed in the Army Corps of... (PR Newswire)
Vitter supports 'Pump to the River' plan Jul 21, 2009
The current plan has all of the water being diverted into Lake Pontchartrain through a series of new pumps and floodwalls at the mouth of the 17th Street, London Avenue and Orleans Avenue canals. Pump to the River supporters said under the current plan, the Corps would not improve interior canal walls except for where they breached during Hurricane Katrina. (WWLTV.com, LA)
weir-levee system Jul 15, 2009
The St. Tammany Parish Council let the Army Corps of Engineers know Thursday night that it wants a plan for storm protection that keeps water in the Gulf of Mexico from entering Lake Pontchartrain, and it wants that work to begin as soon as possible ... Each weir would contain gates at the waterway openings that would allow a controlled flow of water into Lake Pontchartrain but limit how high water could get. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Washington Parish reservoir project blocked Jul 11, 2009
On Friday, the Army Corps said it would not issue a wetlands permit for the reservoir, which the state had hoped to build by damming the Bogalusa Creek, a waterway in the rural pine country north of New Orleans across Lake Pontchartrain. Plans called for building a 3,400-acre reservoir capable of providing 51,000 gallons of water a day and flooding land occupied by about 30 homes, three cemeteries and a church. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Bill filed requiring corps to choose strongest flood protection plan Jul 11, 2009
Corps officials recently signed off on Option 1, allowing for the design and construction of three pump stations -- where the 17th Street, London, and Orleans Avenue Canals meet Lake Pontchartrain. Metairie resident and Pump to the River supporter Lisa Ludwig says that could lead to dangerous consequences. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Man, father charged after Slidell hit-and-run Jul 10, 2009
The van was pulled over in the 4100 block of Pontchartrain Drive, with Bickman, his father, Callahan and Janie Williams inside, police said. Bickman and Callahan admitted to hitting the victim, police said. (WWLTV.com, LA)
New I-10 bridge to open eastbound lanes Jul 9, 2009
5-mile bridge over Lake Pontchartrain between New Orleans and Slidell is scheduled to open to eastbound traffic on Thursday. The new Interstate 10 bridge will replace a twin span damaged by the August 2005 hurricane. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Pontchartrain Park residents celebrate start of repair to golf course Jul 5, 2009
Hurricane Katrina left its mark on the Joseph Bartholomew golf course and Pontchartrain Park, by flooding the area with water and damaging the trees and landscaping ... "At the beginning, when I first saw it, I didn't think we could [come back]," said Helena Jones, who moved to Pontchartrain Park in the early 1960s ... "This is basically what you would call the hub of the community," said Pontchartrain Park resident Lauren Smith. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Is fallen tree Georgia's 2nd oldest? Jul 3, 2009
Landry said experts have used boring devices on some of Louisiana s most famous live oaks, including the Seven Sisters Oak in Lake Pontchartrain, thought to be 1,200 years old. Finding that kind of history in Atlanta is hard to come by, experts said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Taking it to the bank not always easy for area angler Jul 3, 2009
UPDATED: 3 :13 a.m. CDT, July 03, 2009. Friday, July 03, 2009 Bob Marshall. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Coca-Cola Gives Back to the City of New Orleans and Celebrates 15th Anniversary of Essence Music Festival Jul 3, 2009
The first gift supports the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundations Save our Lake, an effort to restore and preserve the Lake, which complements the Companys commitments to protect and preserve the environment. . (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Fielkow frustrated by Jindal's veto of NOAH money Jul 2, 2009
With the potential closure of NOAH, Department of Health and Hospital officials are expected to move in-patient care across Lake Pontchartrain to Southeast Louisiana Hospital in Mandeville. Fielkow asked Jindal and Levine to reconsider the move, and said he would sponsor a forum at City Council Chambers to on July 14 from 6 to 8 p.m., urging lawmakers to override Jindal s veto. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Legendary high school coach Johnny Altobello dies Jul 2, 2009
Visitation for Coach Altobello will be Thursday night at 6 p.m. at the Lake Lawn Funeral Home at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. The funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday. Chats, Boards & Blogs. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Vitter gets $100K for BPD in new bill Jun 30, 2009
Funds in the amount of $250,000 were also included to continue the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Program. In cooperation with the University of New Orleans, the program conducts priority research and provides science support for the restoration of the Pontchartrain Basin ... Lake Pontchartrain supports an expansive ecosystem, is home to hundreds of species of fish, birds and other wildlife and provides countless recreational opportunities, said Vitter. (Bogalusa Daily News, LA)
Very little private investment in N.O.'s rebuilding Jun 27, 2009
Without construction jobs aimed at $14 billion worth of levee repairs and improvements and two major bridge projects -- the widening of the Huey P. Long Bridge over the Mississippi River and the rebuilding of the Twin Spans bridge over Lake Pontchartrain -- the city's economy would be moving even slower. "It's worrisome," Scott said. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Swimmers ignore drowning, warnings at lakefront Jun 21, 2009
NEW ORLEANS - On a hot day, the sandy shoreline along Lake Pontchartrain fills up with people. Chris Breaux and his family are among the swimmers at Pontchartrain Beach ... One of the warnings at the Pontchartrain Beach pier is written in both English and Spanish. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Escaped Louisiana murder suspect hunted Jun 20, 2009
Searchers are still focusing inside St. Tammany Parish, on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain, 30 miles north of New Orleans, said Capt. George Bonnett of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office. At large is Timothy Murray, 29, who is charged with murder, Bonnett said. (CNN)
Coast Guard finds body of missing man in lake Jun 19, 2009
NEW ORLEANS The U.S. Coast Guard and NOPD found the body a man who went missing after jumping into Lake Pontchartrain ... The Coast Guard, which worked with New Orleans police and the Levee Board Police Dive Team, had a boat searching the water not far away from the UNO pier right off of the old Pontchartrain beach. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Boy who nearly drowned at Northshore camp dies at hospital Jun 6, 2009
CPR was given to the child and he was taken to St. Tammany Parish Hospital, before being rushed across Lake Pontchartrain to Children s Hospital. The boy was one of many campers at the school's baseball camp that was swimming in the outdoor pool. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Boy nearly drowns at Northshore camp Jun 4, 2009
A boy was rushed across Lake Pontchartrain from Covington to Children s Hospital in New Orleans after nearly drowning while swimming at St. Paul s baseball camp, according to Covington Police spokesman Jack West. Video: Watch the Story. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Historic Lakeview lighthouse making strides in rebuilding process Jun 4, 2009
NEW ORLEANS On a windy day, waves crash against the Lake Pontchartrain seawall next to the vacant lot where the New Canal Lighthouse stood until Hurricane Katrina wrecked it ... But the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, which has been fighting to restore the lighthouse, is in the process of obtaining the building permit ... "We have a tremendous amount of interest. We've actually had some private groups, lighthouse groups from around the country come and tour. The tour buses are ready to... (WWLTV.com, LA)
No plans to open Bonnet Carre Spillway May 28, 2009
When all 350 bays of the structure are opened, as much as 250,000 cubic feet of water per second is steered out of the river and into Lake Pontchartrain to reduce the strain on levees in St. Rose, Kenner and the New Orleans area. Although the fresh water from the river can be a shock to some plant and animal life in the salty lake, Brantley said the seasonal flow of water through the spillway is a good thing for the environment. (L Observateur, LA)
Worlds greatest bridges May 27, 2009
Travel book writer Richard Koss, who co-authored "Lonely Planets New England" guide likes New Orleans Lake Pontchartrain Causeway: It has two parallel bridges over the lake, one of which is the longest in the world, he says. Hes also high on Chicagos Michigan Avenue Bridge, a drawbridge in downtown with bas-relief sculptures depicting events of the citys history. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Ambulances, fire trucks to pay tolls on Leeville bridge May 25, 2009
On the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway police vehicles, fire trucks and ambulances are exempt from the toll while responding to an emergency, according to general manager Robert Lambert. Officials for the Crescent City Connection could not be reached for comment. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Gulf menhaden population under attack May 24, 2009
Martin OConnell, director of the Nekton Research Laboratory Pontchartrain Institute for Environmental Sciences at the University of New Orleans, says menhaden need a marsh habitat and those locations are diminishing for the small, oily fish. Menhaden, also called a pogy, is caught commercially in the Mississippi Sound and Gulf of Mexico for processing into fish oil capsules, fertilizers and fish food. (The Clarion-Ledger)
33 indicted on drug charges after multi-parish effort May 22, 2009
NEW ORLEANS Federal and state lawmen on both sides of Lake Pontchartrain had a busy day, indicting 33 people on drug charges. Announcing the indictments, and a series of arrests, U.S. Attorney Jim Letten was flanked by FBI and DEA agents, plus law enforcement officials from the north and south shores. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Teens catch Saturday's tornado on video, up close and personal May 19, 2009
The teens watched the tornado move over Lake Pontchartrain, then after grabbing a video camera, they drove a few blocks closer, to the levee, then, ran even closer. I saw it, it kept getting bigger and bigger and it looked like it was coming toward me," said Miller. I could see all the water being pulled up into the sky and stuff, and I think it was moving closer to land," said Raymond. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Coconut Beach may move to J.P. to make room for pumping station May 14, 2009
The Army Corps of Engineers is considering moving the pumping station on the 17th Street Canal closer to Lake Pontchartrain. The move would mean acquiring some or all of the land Coconut Beach currently sits on. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Riley: Suspect in murder of pastor, wife was looking for grandson May 14, 2009
Somebody broke into their home Sunday in the Pontchartrain Park neighborhood and gunned down the elderly couple. Today, Police Superintendent Warren Riley confirmed investigators now have a motive. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Improvements included in Bonnet Carre master plan May 7, 2009
He said changes have become necessary since the spillway has evolved from a man-made channel to redirect floodwaters from the Mississippi River to Lake Pontchartrain into one of the River Parishes largest recreational areas. Residents have been known to use the spillway for boating, biking, running, horseback riding, ATV riding and wildlife watching. (L Observateur, LA)
Action Report: After decades, actor's father may finally receive WWII medal May 6, 2009
NEW ORLEANS After Katrina, actor Wendell Pierce flew from Hollywood to New Orleans weekly, to help his parents rebuild the flooded home where he was raised and to rejuvenate the entire Pontchartrain Park neighborhood. Video: Watch the Story. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area grows Apr 29, 2009
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) did precisely that last Wednesday with their announcement of the acquisition of roughly 1,700 acres of cypress swamp on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain ... Herndon said Wednesdays announcement builds on the Conservation Funds commitment to protect and restore coastal wetlands in the Lake Pontchartrain/Lake Maurepas basin. (L Observateur, LA)
Gains made in efforts to improve Bayou St. John water quality Apr 17, 2009
NEW ORLEANS It went from being a shortcut for sailing ships to reach New Orleans, to a picturesque waterway meandering from Lake Pontchartrain to Mid City, but this year there is a campaign to improve water quality in Bayou St. John. Video: Watch the Story. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Man to swim lake for lighthouse Apr 16, 2009
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A Colorado man, who was born in New Orleans, plans to swim seven to nine miles in Lake Pontchartrain to raise funds to restore the New Canal Lighthouse ... will swim the distance from the lighthouse, with a stop at old Pontchartrain Beach, and return to the lighthouse ... Anne Rheams, deputy director of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, says they're asking people to donate $1 for each mile Moseley swims. (KSLA.com, LA)
Haunted by Katrina: A reporter's story Apr 13, 2009
The canal drained a quarter of the city into Lake Pontchartrain. Katrina's storm surge battered a 500-foot hole in its levee, and the swollen lake poured through the breach. (FOX 11, AZ)
Second time charm on St.John bonds Apr 8, 2009
L'Observateur Print Edition. By ROBIN SHANNONLObservateur Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 8:38 PM CDT. (L Observateur, LA)
Coroner: Baby found in Lake Pontchartrain died from drowning Apr 7, 2009
-- The Jefferson Parish Coroner s Office says that a newborn baby that ended up in Lake Pontchartrain in Kenner after a woman placed her in the water died from drowning ... On Feb. 10, witnesses near Lake Pontchartrain in Kenner said they saw a woman place a child in the water and then walk off. (WWLTV.com, LA)
New Orleans weathers recession well Apr 5, 2009
The recovery dollars are currently paying for projects large and small - including an $800 million replacement of the damaged "twin span" bridges over Lake Pontchartrain and thousands of homes being fixed under the state-administered Road Home program. The Army Corps of Engineers continues to use contractors to strengthen the levee system. (Boston Globe)
River Parish voters go to polls today Apr 4, 2009
7 million for drainage improvements and construction of a Lake Pontchartrain levee system. - Proposition 4: 2 million for improvements to three intersections of Airline Highway in LaPlace. (L Observateur, LA)
