[JHL]

I have a brother in Ponchatoula, LA - near New Orleans. Haven't heard from him or his wife since before Katrina hit. I suspect they didn't evacuate, or they'd have checked in by now. I'd appreciate hearing any news about the Ponchatoula area from freepers in the area. Can't seem to find anything on the web about how their community fared. Our mother and my siblings are very concerned. Thanks.

JHL

[MarMema]

I have a brother in Ponchatoula, LA - near New Orleans. Haven't heard from him or his wife since before Katrina hit.

God bless you and I will pray for your family.

[conservative in nyc]

The news should be good. Ponchatoula is in Tangipahoa Parish. According to WWL-TV:

9:15 A.M. - Gordon Burgess, Tangipahoa President: Some electrical power throughout the parish…North Oaks Hospital is operating, part of Pontchatula is working, but Amite has no power…No loss of life due to the storm…Advises residents to stay out of the parish to allow all relief effort to go unimpeded...A curfew is established.

http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/WWLBLOG.ac3fcea.html