Good morning, Slidell.

A giant sinkhole opened in Lake Terrace after neighbors reported an unrepaired water leak, swallowing an oak tree and prompting safety concerns in the area.

St. Tammany’s fall calendar is packed with events across the northshore.

The lineup starts with the Parish Fair (Oct. 1–5), includes a free family pumpkin festival in Slidell on Oct. 3, and wraps with the Food & Fun Fest (Oct. 23–25) featuring live music and games.

Students in grades 7-12, including homeschoolers, can enter the annual patriotism essay contest set by the Fleet Reserve Association (350-word essays) by submitting their work at the Slidell FRA Branch 222 before Dec.

1; winners will advance to regional and national rounds.

Louisiana has seen three tropical storms this season as Arthur brought flooding and tornadoes to southeast Louisiana, Bertha produced strong winds at offshore oil platforms and minor coastal flooding, and Edouard is causing flooding and power outages in western Louisiana.

Officials continue to monitor conditions in the Gulf.

Throughout September, residents can join the Love Our Waterways cleanup to remove trash from local lakes, bayous, and ditches as over 200 events are registered.

Lieutenant Gov Billy Nungesser said buckets — donated by Lowe’s and Stine Lumber — will help support the effort.

Officials urge residents to exercise caution as dove season begins this Saturday (Labor Day weekend) when many plan outdoor and water activities.

A boil water advisory is in effect for roughly 280 homes in the Bluffs Subdivision after a water line was damaged on Tuesday near Oak Leaf on Herwig Bluff.

The repair has been completed & Public Works officials are inspecting the line to ensure safety.

DEA officials in Northshore report that nitazenes, a synthetic opioid 500 times stronger than heroin, have been found in yellow powder and pill forms in St. Tammany, Tangipahoa & Washington parishes, prompting authorities to advise residents to use only licensed pharmacists for prescriptions.

The Louisiana Department of Health announced its Medicaid contract with Healthy Blue will end on Dec.

31, 2026, prompting over 290,000 members to join Healthy Louisiana plans beginning Jan. 1. Letters will be mailed by Oct. 1 + members have a special enrollment period from Oct. 15 to Nov. 16.

Slidell’s new varsity volleyball team won a 25-20, 25-15, 25-12 game against Lakeshore on Sept.

1. Coach Logan Lockard said the team showed strong effort and promise for the season.