The weather will be perfect as the Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow returns October 11–12, 2025, at the Hammond Northshore Regional Airport, promising a thrilling weekend of aerial performances, family fun, and aviation experiences. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. CST each day. Visitors can find full event details, schedules, maps, performer lineups, tickets, and vendor information on the airshow’s official website. Attendees are also encouraged to download the Hammond Airshow app, available on Google Play and the Apple Store, for real-time updates, maps, and alerts to ensure they don’t miss any flyovers or performances.
–Voters in Slidell will head to the polls this Saturday to choose between Interim Mayor Bill Borchert and Police Chief Randy Fandal in a special election to complete the term of former Mayor Greg Cromer, who resigned earlier this year for a state position. Both candidates emphasized their approaches to two major city concerns: redevelopment of the Northshore Square Mall and drainage improvements. Borchert, a local businessman and former city council member, said his private-sector experience equips him to manage city finances and foster economic growth, while Fandal highlighted his decades of law enforcement leadership, arguing that managing police departments translates to effective city governance. On the stalled Northshore Square Mall project, Fandal criticized the city’s initial $100,000 study as rushed and costly, while Borchert defended stepping aside to allow private investors to lead redevelopment. Drainage remains a top concern, with Borchert citing more than $10 million in recent improvements and Fandal pledging to prioritize long-standing problem areas such as Gause Boulevard. The winner will serve through June 30, 2026, completing Cromer’s term, with the next regular mayoral election scheduled for April 2026.
–St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper announced a new $1 million partnership to remove 16 abandoned and sunken boats from local waterways, marking a major step toward improving safety and environmental health across the parish. The initiative, funded in part by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Coastal Environments, Inc. (CEI), will target derelict vessels in the Tchefuncte River, Pearl River, Bayou Liberty, and Bayou Lacombe. The one-year project, launching January 1, 2026, totals more than $1.3 million for efforts in both St. Tammany and Livingston parishes, with over $1.1 million in federal support. Cooper said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to preserving the parish’s natural beauty and ensuring safe navigation. Parish Council Chairman Joe Impastato praised the collaboration, emphasizing community concerns about the environmental and safety hazards posed by sunken vessels. In addition to removing an estimated 193 tons of marine debris—10% of which will be recycled—the program will include an educational outreach component for 20,000 elementary students on the importance of responsible boating and waterway stewardship.
–Slidell residents will head to the polls this Saturday, October 11, to elect their next mayor, and local business and community organizations are urging citizens to make their voices heard. The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, along with partners including the Northshore Business Council, East St. Tammany Business Alliance, Northshore Home Builders Association, and United Way of Southeast Louisiana, is promoting voter awareness and participation in the city’s election. Their message to residents is clear: “Show up. Speak up. Vote Slidell.”
–The Friends of The Harbor Center will host the 2025 Senior Appreciation Luncheon on November 11 at The Harbor Center in Slidell, with Slidell Memorial Hospital + Ochsner Health serving as the presenting sponsor. This beloved annual event celebrates the community’s senior citizens with a free lunch, live entertainment, and local vendors. Guests will enjoy food donated by Patton’s, Bev Inc., Blue Bell Ice Cream, the Slidell Fire Department, and Slidell Police, followed by music and dancing with DJ Rockin’ Ron. “The Senior Appreciation Luncheon is a highlight of our year, and we are thrilled to partner with Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner Health to make this day special,” said Joseph Montelepre, President of The Friends of The Harbor Center. Businesses interested in participating as vendors can contact General Manager Victoria Paz, and attendees are asked to RSVP by October 31 to reserve their spot for a day dedicated to honoring the wisdom, joy, and contributions of Slidell’s seniors.
–Tangipahoa Parish officials announced that maintenance work on Allen Drive in Loranger will require a detour on Friday, Oct. 10, as crews replace a cross drain approximately 2,600 feet east of the Allen Drive intersection. Parish President Robby Miller said the project is part of ongoing drainage improvements, with work scheduled between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. Detours will be clearly marked, and no through-traffic will be allowed in the construction zone. Residents are encouraged to check Tangipahoa.org and the parish’s social media channels for the latest roadwork updates.
–EquipmentShare, one of the nation’s fastest-growing construction-technology and equipment-rental companies, celebrated the grand opening of its ninth Louisiana branch in St. Tammany Parish with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new Core Solutions facility in Lacombe. The event marks the start of a five-location expansion across the state, adding 120 new jobs and bringing the company’s Louisiana footprint to 13 sites. Company leaders and local officials, including representatives from Louisiana Economic Development and the St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation, highlighted EquipmentShare’s role in strengthening the regional economy and supporting major infrastructure and industrial projects. As part of its community commitment, EquipmentShare also announced local donations to Miracle League Northshore and Hogs for the Cause, continuing its tradition of supporting nonprofits in the areas it serves.
–Ponchatoula is gearing up to host Tangipahoa Parish’s first-ever Veterans Parade, a community celebration honoring local heroes and their service to the nation. Organizers expressed gratitude to the sponsors, donors, and volunteers who have helped make the historic event possible. As the parade date approaches, participants are reminded to submit their entry forms by October 17 to finalize the lineup and seating arrangements. Forms are available online and at city halls throughout the area, and those needing assistance can call 985-351-6585 or 985-981-0059 for more information.
–Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Captain Brett Stassi Jr. remains hospitalized and in recovery after being critically wounded in Monday night’s courthouse shooting, which also claimed the life of Deputy Charles Riley. Captain Stassi Jr. sustained severe injuries to his kidney, spleen, part of his pancreas, and a section of his colon, requiring two surgeries—the first to save his life and the second to remove additional tissue and close his bullet wound. Family members described his survival as a “walking miracle,” noting the bullet passed just millimeters from his spine and aorta. While doctors continue monitoring his condition, prayers have been requested for his kidney function, and his family says he faces a long road to recovery. Sheriff Brett Stassi, his father, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community.
–District Attorney Collin Sims announced that 42-year-old Eliseo Carbajal Perez of Mexico pleaded guilty in Washington Parish to second-degree rape, aggravated crime against nature, and two counts of molestation of a juvenile, ending his trial on September 30 shortly after jury selection began. Perez admitted to repeatedly sexually assaulting two young girls in Franklinton over several years, beginning when they were about 5 and 7 years old. The abuse came to light when one victim confided in her mother, prompting an investigation led by Detective Demmie Rice of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant District Attorneys Doug Freese and Le’Anne Malnar prosecuted the case before Judge William H. Burris, who sentenced Perez to four concurrent 35-year prison terms without the possibility of parole. Upon completion of his sentence, Perez—who is in the United States illegally—will face deportation proceedings.
–The Crusade For Christ Ministry Event will take place at Cate Park in Hammond on Saturday, October 25, 2025, beginning at 3 p.m. Hosted and envisioned by Lisa White-Cockerham, the gathering aims to bring ministry beyond church walls and into the community, uniting people through praise, worship, prayer, and encouragement. The event, organized by Women Working With A Purpose in partnership with ZOE Ministries and Re-Vision Church Hammond, seeks to inspire believers and share the message of Christ with others. Pastor Les Fogleman of New Beulah Baptist Church, known as “the man with the crosses,” will also participate in the event focused on fulfilling the Great Commission.
–Nunez Community College earned top honors at the 2025 Louisiana Association of College & University Student Personnel Administrators annual conference in Hammond on Oct. 6, claiming three of the four statewide awards for the second year in a row. Director of Student Success Natalie Haniford received the Two-Year Program or Practice of the Year Award for organizing the college’s popular Trunk or Treat event; Student Success Coach Megan Trainor was named Outstanding Mid-Level Two-Year Professional of the Year; and Office Manager Emily Sherwood received the Rising Two-Year Professional of the Year Award. Additionally, Student Government Association President Troy Sino Jr. was recognized as the inaugural Two-Year Student Leader of the Year. Nunez Provost Dr. Cherié Kay LaRocca praised the recipients for their dedication and impact, noting that the recognition reflects the college’s commitment to student success and community engagement.
