Visit The Northshore is urging St. Tammany Parish business leaders and tourism stakeholders to complete a comprehensive survey that will guide the creation of the parish’s new Destination Master Plan, stressing that responses must double to accurately reflect local needs and opportunities. Partnering with Destinations International and MMGY NextFactor, the agency says the survey will help shape future tourism growth, business support, infrastructure improvements, and long-term investment in a sector that generates more than $1.3 billion annually and sustains thousands of local jobs. Those who began the survey can resume where they left off, and all stakeholders are encouraged to participate and share the link with colleagues before the Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 deadline.
–The National Weather Service in New Orleans is warning residents of a frost and freeze risk tonight into Wednesday morning, with the highest threat expected across southwest Mississippi and neighboring Louisiana parishes. Even areas in the lower-risk zones are encouraged to prepare as temperatures drop. Officials remind the public to protect the “Three Ps” during the cold snap: pets, plants, and people.
–Hammond’s holiday season kicks off this weekend as Zemurray Park debuts its festive lights display and train rides, welcoming families for nighttime fun throughout December. Santa will be on hand as the park glows with colorful decorations, with attractions open on weekends through December 21—Fridays from 6–9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 5–9 p.m. Organizers invite visitors to enjoy the lights, take photos, and celebrate the season in one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions.
–Southeastern Louisiana University will kick off the holiday season with the return of the First Lady’s Tree Lighting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. at the Student Union. The event, one of the final celebrations of the university’s Centennial year, will feature festive train rides, a snow maze for students, and an evening filled with music, lights, and Lion pride.
–Old Mandeville is gearing up for its annual Sips of the Season celebration, returning to Girod Street on Thursday, December 5 from 5–9 p.m. The festive stroll invites guests to sample signature Christmas cocktails from more than 40 local businesses while enjoying live music, food, art, and holiday cheer. Volunteers and merchants will line the street with themed drinks and decorated booths, creating one of the community’s most popular seasonal traditions. Tickets are on sale now at www.OldMandevilleBusiness.com.
–STOPS (St. Tammany Outreach for the Prevention of Suicide) has launched its annual “30 Days of Hope” campaign for December, aiming to raise awareness about suicide prevention while sharing education, resources, and support throughout the month. The organization emphasizes that suicide impacts families, friends, coworkers, and entire communities, often leaving people feeling isolated, but stresses that no one should face those struggles alone. STOPS says donations directly support prevention programs, community outreach, training, and connections to help for those in crisis, encouraging residents to get involved and help foster safer, more compassionate communities. More information is available at stopsla.org, and anyone needing help can call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
–Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said Monday he wants the National Guard deployed back into New Orleans before Christmas, adding that he spoke with President Trump that morning and was assured troops could be in place within two weeks. Landry said the planned deployment would involve a larger force than the Guard presence used during the Bayou Classic and would be part of the administration’s broader initiative to combat crime by placing federal troops in selected U.S. cities. He also noted that, if approved, the Guard could remain in New Orleans through Mardi Gras.
–The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that an investigation into the attempted sale of a minor began on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, after deputies learned that Howell Gene Penton, 73, of Picayune, allegedly solicited a woman at the Angie Auction House to purchase her 10-month-old daughter. Working with the Angie Police Department, the WPSO Special Investigations Unit conducted an undercover operation on Saturday, Nov. 29, which resulted in an arrest warrant being issued for Penton, who was taken into custody the same day without incident. The case remains under investigation, and anyone with information related to the sale of minor children is urged to contact the sheriff’s office at 985-839-3434.
–St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services will join the community for the opening night of the annual Holiday of Lights celebration on Friday, December 5, offering discounted pet adoptions as the “Christmas Tree” water tower is illuminated on Koop Drive in Mandeville. From 6 to 8 p.m., staff, volunteers, and adoptable dogs will be on hand for photos, free cuddles, and the chance for animals to find their “freedom ride” home. The festive event, a longtime parish tradition, features thousands of lights, Santa photos, carnival rides, and more for families kicking off the holiday season.
–The Children’s Museum of St. Tammany announced that Executive Director Christy Myers will step down on December 15 as her family relocates to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Museum leaders praised Myers for her seven years of service, highlighting her steady guidance through major transitions, including the pandemic and an unexpected relocation of the museum. Myers, calling the moment “bittersweet,” expressed gratitude for the staff, trustees, and advisory board, and said she remains confident in the museum’s bright future. She will assist with the leadership transition as the Board prepares to announce the museum’s next executive director.
–The Baton Rouge Advocate is reporting that two executives from Smitty’s Supply have been indicted — along with two other men — in connection with an alleged 2024 incident in which they reportedly beat a man linked to a rape case involving a relative. The charges stem from a purported assault the day before the suspect’s arrest, and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office is handling the prosecution. The four were arraigned recently; however, no further details about their identities or the specific charges have yet been released. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
–Hammond Firefighters responded to their third structure fire of the day on Monday when a blaze was reported at approximately 7:33 p.m. at a residential apartment complex off Simpson Place. Crews arrived to find flames showing and immediately began extinguishing the fire while assisting residents out of affected units. The incident displaced occupants from five apartments but caused no reported injuries. Earlier in the day, firefighters handled a morning fire around 8:14 a.m. at a home on Estate Circle, which also displaced its residents, and a 6:44 p.m. fire at an abandoned residence on Magazine Street. The Simpson Place fire remains under investigation.
–The Hammond Ballet invites the community to its annual Nutcracker Tea on Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m. at Carter Plantation, offering an afternoon of holiday magic featuring special performances from the Nutcracker Ballet, fine food, storytime, photos, and meet-and-greets with beloved Nutcracker characters. Guests can also shop at Clara’s Corner and bid on gifts in the silent auction. More information is available at HammondBallet.com.
