25 years ago
Imagine a library without books. It's easy if you try.
St. Tammany Parish will have such a library, but it will not lack for information — even without the books.
"What we are talking about," said Don Scroggins, director of administration, "is a number of computer locations all equipped with the fastest internet Technology we can get."
The location of the new facility, which will likely open in mid-March, will be the new state office building next to the Police Jury Administrative Complex on Koop Drive.
"We are going to have about 3,000 square feet on the second floor," Scroggins said. The library will be equipped with five study carrels capable of handling six internet terminals each.
"Other than a few magazines around the outer perimeter, there won't be any books," he said.
Library Director Jan Butler said the electronic library will be unique in the state and maybe the Southeast. "I'm not aware of any in this area, but there are some out west," she said.
50 years ago
Covington's revamped city police department has a new headquarters station, a new telephone and (its own) radio system, it was announced by Chief Bill Dobson.
The city's long arm of the law has moved out of City Hall and into a building a 518 N. Columbia Street, where there will be personnel on duty 24 hours around the clock. Any person needing police assistance may dial 892-8500, Dobson advised.
The chief also announced the hiring of a new policeman — Victor Schilling — with three more to be added this month. He said Covington now has 20 regular policemen and six more who are on duty as special officers at school crossings.
The new city radio system will take a load off the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Dept., which formerly handled all Covington police radio messages. However, Dobson said the city and the sheriff will still be linked by radio, will be able to take each other's messages, and will be will be in position to offer rapid mutual assistance when called for.
75 years ago
On Wednesday, Jan. 12, at 8 p.m., the Covington high school girls' chorus will present a program of songs. The 40 voice choir, a newly organized group at Covington high school, will include in their program a group of 16th century motets, a group of semiclassical songs and a group of popular songs, The highlight of the program, however, will be their rendition of "Onward Ye People" by Sebelius. The concert will be given at the grammar school auditorium. Tickets may be purchased at Hebert's drugstore for 25 cents and 35 cents.
100 years ago
It is now believed that radium in the sun accounts for the enduring power of that star, sending forth power and heat through hundreds of millions of years, with a certainty of lasting hundreds of millions of years more.
We had plenty of radium here, once, if it be true that lead is radium that lost its power. If the stars are fountains of radioactive power, do they grow quiet like our earth and become planets of some bigger sun when their radioactive energy dies?
125 years ago
The old year went out and the new year came in on a cold wave, with the usual accompaniment of fireworks and the ringing of bells.