Northshore Media Group is proud to announce the official opening of nominations for the highly anticipated 2025 Northshore Forty Under 40 Awards. Beginning now, community members can submit nominations for outstanding young professionals making a difference across the Northshore. Each year, the Forty Under 40 initiative celebrates emerging leaders in business and the community who demonstrate excellence, innovation, and impact in their fields. Nominees must be under the age of 40 at the time of nomination and must both live and work on the Northshore. To nominate a deserving individual, visit www.northshoremedia.net and complete the official nomination form. Nominations will remain open until September 1, 2025. Winners will be notified in early October and featured in the December/January issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. This year’s program is made possible through valued partnerships with the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce – Northshore Young Professionals and the Tangipahoa Chamber of Commerce. Past honorees have included entrepreneurs, civic leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and innovators who represent the very best of the Northshore’s vibrant and diverse workforce. For more information, visit www.northshoremedia.net or contact Northshore Media Group directly.
–After a national search, the St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation has selected Russell Richardson as its next President and CEO, succeeding Chris Masingill, who will move on to lead Louisiana Central. Richardson, described by state leaders as a Northshore native with a strong grasp of the region’s potential, is seen as well-equipped to guide St. Tammany EDC into a new era of growth. His previous role at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber saw him leading business development efforts that secured billions in investments and thousands of jobs across the Capital Region. Officials noted that his mix of statewide experience and local insight makes him a strong fit to lead the agency’s strategic efforts to attract investment and boost economic resilience. Masingill, who has served in the role for seven years, will remain CEO through August 22 to support a smooth transition.
–Southeastern Louisiana University President Dr. William Wainwright addressed recent concerns about the university’s involvement in monitoring Lake Maurepas as Air Products prepares for its carbon capture project permitting. In a letter to faculty, Wainwright emphasized SLU’s long-standing commitment to independent, transparent research on the lake’s ecosystem, highlighting decades of work including studies on wetlands and wildlife such as the Maurepas alligator population. He acknowledged misinformation circulating on social media but reaffirmed that all research findings are publicly shared in real time and accessible to the community. Wainwright also explained that when Southeastern expanded its research efforts on Lake Maurepas, it did so with the condition that all work remain independent and openly available. The university has invested in resources to ensure easy public access to research publications and is actively investigating recent findings of elevated toxin levels to assess impacts on fish, crabs, and other wildlife. He encouraged anyone seeking further information to reach out to the university’s research experts, who are leading efforts to protect and preserve this vital natural resource for future generations.
–As of Friday, August 1, the City Court of Hammond has increased its jurisdictional limit on civil cases from $30,000 to $50,000, following the enactment of Act 21 during the 2025 Louisiana Legislative session. The expanded limit allows the court to handle a broader range of civil disputes originating in the 7th Ward of Tangipahoa Parish, including Hammond, Ponchatoula, and nearby areas such as Ponchatoula East, Baptist, and Pumpkin Center. Judge C. Britain Sledge, III, noted that the change is expected to enhance access to timely and affordable legal resolutions for residents. He emphasized that the City Court’s weekly schedule and lack of jury trial delays make it one of the most efficient venues for resolving civil matters, and expressed hope that the increased threshold will help more citizens receive fair and prompt hearings.
–The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has announced that a single lane section of the newly constructed Collins Blvd. bridge in Covington is now open to traffic. This marks a significant milestone in the $30 million U.S. 190 widening project aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and enhancing safety. Crews are currently finalizing work on the bridge approaches, with the full project expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The expansion includes wider lanes on Collins Blvd., new traffic approaches, and expanded lanes over the Bogue Falaya River. The project is being managed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and is contracted to Boh Bros. Construction.
–Starting October 1, Visit the Northshore will see a boost in funding thanks to a 1% increase in the hotel occupancy tax in St. Tammany Parish, raising the total to 4%. The move, approved unanimously by the St. Tammany Tourist Commission and authorized by the state Legislature, adds a penny per dollar spent on overnight stays at hotels, motels, and campgrounds parish-wide. The Northshore Business Council praised the increase as a win for local tourism and economic development, highlighting the potential for expanded marketing, events, and attractions that will benefit restaurants, shops, and outdoor destinations. Tourism leaders say the added funding, long pursued by Visit the Northshore, brings the parish in line with other Louisiana communities and will help sustain small businesses by attracting more visitors. Officials emphasized that the tourism industry remains vital to St. Tammany’s economy, with the new tax supporting outreach through digital campaigns, social media, and other promotional tools—all aimed at growing the visitor economy without burdening local taxpayers.
–Yesterday afternoon, an inmate being transported to the Washington Parish Jail after court appearances in Bogalusa was severely injured after escaping from a moving transport vehicle on LA-10. The inmate, along with two others, was en route when he somehow exited the vehicle while it was still in motion near the intersection of LA-10 and Choctaw Road. Emergency responders found him unconscious on the road, and he was first taken to Riverside Medical Center before being airlifted to North Oaks Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition. The circumstances surrounding the escape and injuries are under investigation by Louisiana State Police, with further details expected as the inquiry continues.
–Chief Randy Fandal of the Slidell Police Department has announced several well-earned promotions, recognizing the dedication and leadership of his officers. Joel Hoskins has been promoted to Lieutenant in the Criminal Patrol Division, while Kyle Taylor and Scott O’Shaughnessy have each advanced to Sergeant—Taylor in the Criminal Investigation Division and O’Shaughnessy in the Criminal Patrol Division. These promotions highlight the officers’ commitment to their roles and the community, as they prepare to take on greater responsibilities within the department.
–McComb Police Chief Earnest Perry has identified Sgt. Jason Blake as the off-duty officer who was shot and killed Tuesday evening while responding to assist someone who had personally reached out to him. The incident occurred near Highway 44 and Cole Thomas Road, where two others were also shot, one fatally. Blake, a well-respected officer with 16 years of law enforcement experience—including five with McComb PD—was described by Perry as a “big teddy bear” who was deeply loved by the community. McComb Mayor Quordiniah N. Lakeley acknowledged the loss and asked for prayers as the Pike County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
–The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has announced the expansion of its SNAP produce bonus pilot project, adding Walmart stores in Calcasieu, Jackson, Lafayette, Rapides, and Terrebonne parishes to the growing list of participating locations. These five parishes join Ascension, LaSalle, Sabine, Tangipahoa, Webster, and West Carroll in the Electronic Healthy Incentives Project (eHIP), which rewards Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables. Through the pilot, shoppers using their EBT cards at participating Walmart stores earn a 30-cent bonus for every dollar spent on fresh produce, with up to $25 in monthly bonuses automatically added back to their cards. The program requires no special enrollment—any Louisiana SNAP recipient shopping at a participating store is eligible. Since its launch in April, eHIP has distributed more than $280,000 in produce bonus benefits, which can be used on any SNAP-eligible grocery items at retailers that accept EBT. The initiative not only supports healthier eating habits but also boosts food access for families across Louisiana. For more details and a full list of participating stores, visit www.dcfs.la/ehip.
–Nunez Community College’s Culinary Arts and Workforce divisions are partnering to offer a 1-day ServSafe Manager Training on Aug. 18, led by Chef Ruth Varisco. The all-day course runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the certification exam from 3 to 5 p.m., and will be held in the Culinary Café inside the Kane Technology Building. Registration is open now at Nunez.edu, with books available upon signup. The $180 course—discounted for Nunez restaurant partners—is perfect for current kitchen staff, students entering the Culinary program this fall, or anyone needing updated food safety certification.
