The St. Tammany Farmer 04-23-2025 by The Advocate

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All the crawﬁsh you can eat supports Hospice House

BY DARREN COOPER

Contributing writer

At Slidell’s annual All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Cook-off, it’s not crawﬁsh by the pound it’s crawﬁsh by the ton.

“Literally, we’ve got tons of crawﬁsh,” said Hospice Foundation of the South and Hospice House Executive Director Miranda Lindsay.

ALL YOU CAN EAT CRAWFISH COOK-OFF

WHAT: All You Can Eat Crawfish Cook-off benefitting Hospice House.

WHEN: April 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Fritchie Park, 905 W. Howze Beach Road, Slidell

The biggest crawﬁsh festival in St Tammany Parish is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 at Fritchie Park, with the tail-peeling and entertainment starting at 11 a.m. Advance tickets are $40 at www.CrawﬁshTickets.com and admission is $45 at the gate. Children under 12 are free. Tables will be arranged, but you can always bring your own platter chair sun-blocking festing hat and enjoy the afternoon until 5 p.m. or the last tail is peeled. Some 45,000 pounds of crawfish have been acquired (that’s 2.25 tons) making it one of the biggest crawfish events in America.

WHO: Music by Tyler Kinchen & The Right Pieces and Karma

HOW MUCH: Admission $45 at the gate; advance tickets, $40; free for children 12 and under Get them at www CrawfishTickets.com.

PARKING: Free shuttle at Salmen High School, Calvary Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, and the old outlet mall (park in the area farthest from Interstate 10). Paid lot ($10) on W. Howze Beach Road past Spartan Drive.

MORE: There’s also a cook-off contest for interested teams.

“We’ve always had good weather and we hope our luck will continue,” said Lindsay “We want people to come out, eat some crawfish, enjoy being around their fellow community members and do something great for a good cause.”

Now in it’s 20th year, the crawfish cook-off benefits Hospice Foundation of the South and its Hospice House, which provides comfort to people at the end of their lives, as well as assisting their loved ones

“We are completely need-based,” said Lindsay “And we want people to understand that it’s not just ﬁnancial need, because the need looks different for every family.”

Over the years, the organization has begun to work more on easing transitions for the family

ä See CRAWFISH, page 3A

SKATE AWAY

Staff report

It may have been tax day for Americans, but that didn’t stop the fun of experiencing the long-awaited skate park that finally opened in John Slidell Park.

The day began with a symbolic ribbon cutting and a round of speeches, but the real fun began after the ceremonial to-dos were over as excited

residents of all ages put wheels down in the new park.

Former Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer, who spearheaded park development for several years, was on hand to declare the new attraction second only to the skate venue at Venice Beach in California.

easily have never happened.

BY SARA PAGONES

Contributing writer

The very ﬁrst bicycle rolled onto the Tammany Trace three decades ago, a ceremonial ride that was more a promise of things to come since it took place on a yet-unpaved section of a former Illinois Central rail corridor

Today, it’s hard to imagine the 31-mile recreational path without cyclists, runners and walkers — 300,000 of them every year, according to parish ofﬁcials.

Once a lifeline for commerce, the trail touches most of St. Tammany’s towns, from

Covington east to Abita Springs, south to Mandeville and then east once more through Lacombe and on to Camp Salmen near Slidell. The parish will observe the trail’s latest milestone on April 26 with a Saturday event that marks not only the Tammany Trace’s 30th anniversary but also observes the nationwide Celebrate Trails Day

A variety of activities are planned, from bike rides to gardening lessons, a much needed adoption of pets from the overcrowded St. Tammany Department of Animal Services. As popular as the Trace is today, it might

Kevin Davis, a police juror at the time, found out that the Illinois Central was abandoning the corridor

“The railroad is what created St. Tammany We were a timber industry with the shipyard in Madisonville. We needed to save this history,” Davis said.

His initial thought of preserving it as a potential roadway gave way to a more creative idea, like running a small train as a tourist attraction — a notion that had some supporters

The obstacle was money — the parish didn’t have it, and the land had already been purchased from the railroad, by business-

BY KIM CHATELAIN Contributing writer

More than three months into 2025, a divided Abita Springs Town Council approved on April 16 a $12.6 million spending plan for the current year

The council’s 3-2 vote on the 2025 budget reﬂects the division in Abita Springs, which is still reeling from a series of troublesome events over the past few years.

Council members Regan Contois, Pat Patterson and Eric Templet voted in favor of the budget. E.J. Boudreaux and Stephen Saussy voted in opposition.

An ordinance to approve the budget ﬁrst appeared on the council’s agenda in December, but a consensus could not be reached and the matter was deferred. Meanwhile, the council sought input from the state Legislative Auditor’s Ofﬁce to better navigate the budgeting process.

The town took advantage of a state law that allows municipal governments to operate temporarily under the previous year’s budget until one can be approved for the new year

But despite the extra time and effort town leaders remained at odds over city ﬁnances and priorities.

“I’m a little disappointed with this budget,” Boudreaux said. “I don’t see anything in here that really talks about advancements in the infrastructure. The priorities in this budget just don’t line up with what the town really needs, as far as I’m concerned.”

Contois stressed the importance of approving a budget for the current year to avoid “dire consequences,” noting the spending plan can be amended as needed in the coming months.

“It’s not perfect,” Contois said of the budget. “We’ve gone through a lot to get to this point. I don’t think we have the luxury of waiting longer to pass a budget because basically the town is going to grind to a halt if we don’t have a way to continue ﬁnancially.”

Major expenditures outlined in the budget include $7.5 million in grants and capital projects; $1.7 million for salaries and beneﬁts;

man Richard “Dick” Blossman.

But Davis was persistent, and he eventually persuaded Blossman to it sell to the parish for $1.2 million, and with the help of federal transportation money and the Regional Planning Commission, the parish made the purchase in 1992.

National legislation that enabled local governments to preserve abandoned lines as recreational trails was also key, and after parish leaders visited a successful conversion in Florida, the idea gained momentum. “I think we had a grand vision for what

ä See TRACE, page 3A

STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD

Silas Hadden, 18, flips his board as he checks out the park hardscape.

ä More photos. PAGE 2A ä See ABITA SPRINGS, page 3A

STAFF PHOTOS BY SCOTT THRELKELD

Reggie White, 26, of Slidell, spins his handlebars during a jump.

Cameron McKnight, 23, of Covington flips his scooter as skateboarders and bicyclists check out the new park during its opening day at John Slidell Park in Slidell.

The youngest riders protect themselves with pink and purple safety equipment.

Cameron McKnight rides his scooter off a handrail

Up in the air with his board.

Taking a ride in the bowl on opening day.

A skateboarder checks out the park

Former Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer cuts the ribbon for a new skate park during its opening day at John Slidell Park in Slidell on April 15.

Jazmine Nolan, 11, left, helps steady her brother, Kori Kellum, 9, both of Lacombe.

TRACE

Continued from page 1A

the Tammany Trace could be,” Tammany Trace Foundation President Bruce Wainer said.

He cited the extension into Covington, the connection to Camp Salmen and what Covington and Mandeville have done around their trailheads as examples of how the Trace evolved.

The Trace is also a part of St Tammany’s growth as a tourism destination, said Donna O’Daniels, president and CEO of Visit the Northshore. Accessible outdoor recreation is one of the top draws for visitors, she said, and the Trace is also a center for events, from farmers markets to concerts at trailheads.

Davis recalls running into a family from Japan years ago while rollerblading on the Trace and thinking, “It really is doing what we thought it would do.”

Wainer agreed: “What we had envisioned is now a reality.”

The Tammany Trace is beloved by

and serenity,

Grandmother teaches enduring lessons of civility, humor

Back in December, I introduced you to my maternal grandmother For those who don’t remember, she went by Tog, a nickname bestowed upon her by one of her six sons, the letters standing for “The Old Girl.” Once I learned this, it didn’t take me long to understand the reasoning behind the name. Grandma taught me so many wonderful things. I learned all about insects and plants. She had an endless supply of embroidery transfers for pillowcases she stamped to teach me this genteel skill. I can set the perfect table, sew buttons on clothes, and a dress or pants. I can darn socks At one time I was somewhat proﬁcient with a sewing machine. And to this day, I can proudly say that I still know my times tables. No thanks to Sister Cabrini. Grandma could have taught THAT woman a thing or two She was the one who taught us manners, and heaven help us if we didn’t use them. Grammar and “proper usage” were essential. If any of us happened to pick up some slang we thought was cool, we’d be shamed down to Hades, and you can bet it wouldn’t happen again I had college friends tell me I didn’t sound like someone from New Orleans. “Why is that?” they asked. I replied that I was terriﬁed

of what might happen if my grandmother knew I was even experimenting.

Margaret Albert

However, there was another side to my grandmother Given the opportunity, there would be the recitation of little rhymes she said came from bathroom walls. I’m pretty sure she heard them from one or possibly all of her six sons. Because of grandma, my sense of humor resembles that of a middle-school boy The things I think are funny are well, FUNNY But you might not think so.

She also taught me a love of language that puts a double entendre, especially one that is unintended, on the top 10 list of things that make me laugh.

I am the person you probably shouldn’t sit next to at an important meeting. Or church. Because if I hear, see, or happen to be reminded of something that could even resemble this type of humor I just might catch your eye and have you laughing too, and you might not even understand why.

The love of language and words that grandma passed on to me are part of the reason why I love writing. So, if you’re reading this, it means this column passed muster with the editors. Thanks, Grandma!

CRAWFISH

Continued from page 1A

TAMMANY TRACE EVENTS

WHAT: Events to celebrate the Trace’s 30th anniversary. WHEN: All throughout the day, April 26. WHERE: All along the Trace, including: KOOP DRIVE TRAILHEAD n A 1- 3-mile run or walk with Brittany & the Wednesday Run Club 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; n Group riding event with Bike Easy from Koop to Abita Springs Trailheard, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; n Adoption extravaganza by St.Tammany’s Department of Animal Services from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; BONFOUCA-CAROLLO TRAILHEAD n Chief Warhorse of the Chahta Native American on St

members left behind. Hospice House tries to get them back to a regular routine and help them deal with their grief.

“We’re all going to die, and we want to make that the best possible experience we can, and we want to try to let family members be family members again,” explained Lindsay “We know this can be consuming for people, and we want to take care of all the caregiving we can.”

The Crawfish Festival almost singlehandedly underwrites the organization, and in the previous 19 years has raised millions.

“This event is what keeps our house up and running,” Lindsay said. “We have other fundraisers, but the cook-off is what keeps us operating Hospice House. We are so thankful for the support over the years.”

ABITA SPRINGS

Continued from page 1A

and $336,639 for public safety

The local government has been battered by several controversial issues that created animosity among those in charge of running the town.

Tammany’s indigenous history, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; CAMP SALMEN n Native plant gardening lesson, 9 to 10 a.m.; n New orienteering course, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rick Lauterbach; n History of the Choctaw Trail, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., historian Tom Aicklen; n Native plant identification, 10 a.m. to noon.,Will Afton/ LSU AgCenter; n Meeting local snakes, reptiles and amphibians, noon to 1 p.m., Kevin McDunn; n Bats of St.Tammany’s Ecosystem, 1 to 1:30 p.m.; and n History of Camp Salmen, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Ben Taylor

Over 50 teams have signed up to participate in the cook-off contest. Each team is given a minimum of 10 sacks to boil. Last year’s winners were “Let’s Geaux Boil,” and each year’s winner receives a custom decorative crawﬁsh paddle. A local team from Fox8 will be the celebrity judges. The mudbugs come from local suppliers. Last year almost 43,000 pounds were enjoyed (Hospice House sells back whatever is not devoured). Beverages and other food will also be available for purchase. This year’s music lineup includes Tyler Kinchen & The Right Pieces and Karma The

Two former town employees face criminal charges for allegedly embezzling public funds for their personal use between 2019 and 2023. The town also has been in a tense legal battle with a developer over a 168-acre planned unit development on La. 36. And Mayor Dan Curtis and the council have also clashed over personnel matters involving the town marshal.

Email Kim Chatelain at kchatelaintp@ gmail.com

Cap’n Crunch and his six siblings arrived at Northshore Humane Society as an unwanted litter of puppies almost eight months ago, and this sweet guy is still waiting for the right family to take him home.

He is a social butterfly at the shelter who gets along well with other pups and people of all ages. He’ll be perfect for a first-time dog owner or someone with a pack at home. Anyone interested in meeting Cap’n Crunch or any of the adoptable pets of Northshore, just email rescue@ nshumane.org or visit northshorehumane.org

PROVIDED PHOTO

Hopping down the Covington bunny trail(head)

The Covington Trailhead was a great place to spend the morning of April 19 with an Easter Eggstravaganza held for area children. Presented by the city of Covington, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Covington and the West St. Tammany YMCA, the fun event included an Easter egg hunt, holiday-themed arts and crafts, STEM activities, a petting zoo and a youth wellness fair The annual event is one of several throughout St. Tammany Parish that take advantage of the mild weather south Louisiana usually receives in mid-spring.

Three young entrepreneurs win seed money

BY DARREN COOPER Contributing writer

From sweet cakes to axes to wearable tech, the ideas and enthusiasm from the young entrepreneurs on the northshore never fails.

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy Northshore is a place where students from eighth to 12th grade can pitch business ideas, learn the ﬁne points of crafting business plans and marketing. Students then have to pitch their idea “Shark Tank”-style to receive funding.

In this 10th year of the YEA program, 12 students graduated, and three of them were chosen to get some seed money that will help boost their nascent businesses Here’s a look at three.

Perfect form

Spina bifada hasn’t kept Breighton Hamel from chasing his athletic dreams. That means he wants to be good, and he wants to ﬁnd every advantage out there he can.

A basketball player all his life, both traditional and wheelchair, Hamel, 15, came up with the idea for Fittech Sports, which is wearable technology that gives instant feedback on the user’s athletic form through a linked app, whether it be a running stride, a baseball swing or a shooting stroke.

“I love anything to do with sports, and I wanted to create a sensor that could ﬁt inside your clothes and track your performance,”

said Hamel, the St Thomas Aquinas freshman who lives in Hammond. “It would send that data to an app, and you can get the feedback in real time.”

Hamel knows fitnesstracking apps already exist, but not exactly to this detail. His business plan involves gaining the license from a similar company and adding his idea to the concept.

“My slogan for the company is ‘Enhance performance for all athletes,’” Hamel said.

Hamel received seed money from the YEA to help launch his product and said the whole program was informative and went by quickly He’s conﬁdent in his idea.

“I’m excited to see where I can go with it,” Hamel said. “I think it deﬁnitely ﬁlls a need. A lot of people have situations where they don’t have the best coaches or don’t have any coaches who can help you with what you’re doing wrong, so building this app will make it so everyone can be the best version of themselves.”

Throw it out there

Some observers might see recreational ax throwing sports as dangerous, but Austin Ricard sees an opportunity and the potential for growth.

“Ax throwing is getting more and more popular especially among teens and young adults who need better ways to communi-

cate outside of technology and social media,” said Ricard, a freshman at Hannan High School who lives in Hammond. Ricard, 14, wants to take the ax throwing concept and make it transportable, much like big gamer trucks that set up outside your door and let a large number of kids play video games on big-screen TVs for parties. Instead, Ricard envisions a long trailer where throwers can heave their axes at a target and mingle.

“I was thinking about it, and I knew I wanted to do something that brought people together,” said Ricard. “I have gone to ax throwing places a few times and thought it was really fun, and I wanted to spread that to others.”

The YEA experience for Ricard served as great preparation and giving him a step-bystep plan on how to launch his business, Austin’s Axes. He is on the search for a trailer that will ﬁt his needs and can be outﬁtted.

Creating his own business idea was a new thought for Ricard, who was introduced to the program by Hamel.

“The main feedback was that you have to like what you do; it has to be something you’re passionate about and something that resonates with you,” said Ricard.

Sweet Annie

Anne Rogers, 18, came up with her spe-

cial chocolate chip cookie recipe a couple of years ago. It’s not so much the ingredients, even though Rogers only uses all-natural sugars, but there’s a craft in the way you mix the dough and brown the butter

“My biggest tip is mixing, it’s really easy to overmix,” said Rogers, from Denham Springs. “I always leave a little extra ﬂour to put in at the end. If you do that, your cookies come out thick and delicious.” Rogers came up with Anne Shirley’s Sweets (Shirley is her middle name), and she sells various cakes and cookies online and at Christ Community Church in her hometown.

Her menu includes cookies — big ones, the size of your ﬁst — plus special cakes She’s working on some new strawberry cake recipes and maybe a lemon bar

She came equipped with her treats to impress the YEA panel.

“I did bring some samples,” Rogers said with a laugh. “Each of them got a slice of strawberry coconut cake and a cookie, and they loved it. I didn’t get any negative feedback.”

EA Northshore is based in Hammond

The program was started by Mandeville businessman Shelby Lasalle in 2015 as a way to teach local young people business skills and how to grow and market their ideas.

It’s one of 150 YEA chapters nationwide. Rick Danielson, another local businessman, is director of the program now

Hamel Ricard

Autumn Raein, 5, cradles a baby chick at the Easter Eggstravaganza. A petting zoo was part of the annual event’s holiday-related activities.

PHOTOS BY BOBBY GILBOY

Teddy Wix, 2, inspects a green plastic egg he found at the Easter Eggstravaganza on April 19 at the Covington Trailhead

Mandeville’s gazebo to get facelift

BY KIM CHATELAIN

Contributing writer

The gazebo at the Mandeville harbor will get a facelift under a contract approved April 10 by the City Council.

The council unanimously voted to accept low bid of $467,996 from Scottmoore LLC and authorized Mayor Clay Madden to sign the contract for the long-anticipated project to spruce up the pavilion. The 10 bids submitted ranged to a high of $798,000, city documents show The open-air structure at the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Lakeshore Drive on the Mandeville lakefront was built in 2008, and city ofﬁcials said “years and years” of deferred

maintenance have left it in need of improvements. Councilman at large Jason Zuckerman said money for refurbishing the gazebo was included in past city budgets, but the repairs could not be started until design work was completed and other loose ends were tied up. In the interim, Zuckerman said the city was able to “add scope” to the project while keeping it generally in line with the original cost estimates. The additional elements involve improvements to the area surrounding the gazebo that is located directly across the street from the Pontchartrain Yacht Club “I’m very excited to get this project going,” he said. The 17-year-old gazebo

perched above the waterway leading from Lake Pontchartrain into the Mandeville harbor, is partially surrounded by rusted railings. Benches located inside the structure also show sign of wear

The project involves cleaning, repairing, and repainting the gazebo and installing a new steel railing system. The contractor will also make electrical repairs and replace the lighting system. In addition, the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and Jackson Avenue will be reconﬁgured and improvements made to surrounding sidewalks, the pedestrian crossing, paved parking spaces, and landscaped areas, according to city bid documents.

With the new accreditation are, from left Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Troy Brackett; Chief of Administration Chad Duffaut; Fire Prevention Officer/Accreditation Manager Mat DelBuono; Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann; accreditation representative Otto Hube (also CFO commission chair and Loveland-Symmes Fire Department chief); Dan Crowley, past chairman of the Board of Commissioners; Chief of Compliance Mike Thiel; and Fire Prevention Officer/Firefighters Association President Dave Berns.

Third time’s another charm for Fire District No 1

Mandeville sets open house on master plan rewrite

Staff report

The city of Mandeville’s Comprehensive Master Plan rewrite has been moving along well, the city administration says, and an open house will take place May 7 to look at the proposed plan and get public feedback to its provisions.

The meeting to examine the “Mandeville Thrives 2045” plan will take place from 5 p.m to 7 p.m at the Spitzfaden Community Center

Several public hearings and focus groups, both online and in person, have already taken place to help inform the plan, and the city’s mayor is asking that residents come out to give more input and feedback.

For more information on the plan update, visit www mandevillethrives2045.com

On another matter, the city will also hold an open house on May 13 at 5 p.m. in advance of the evening’s 6 p.m. Planning and Zoning meeting. The subject

Homewners can

Staff report

team of peers from other agencies to ver-

ify and validate their completed self-assessment The accreditation model encompasses 11 categories, from governance and administration to health and safety District No. 1 Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann stated that the agency’s achievement of accredited status demonstrates his agency’s commitment to provide the highest quality of service to the community “We have also been able to use the Commission on Fire Accreditation International’s process as a proactive mechanism to plan for the future of this agency and locate areas where we can improve on the quality of the services we provide,” he said.

apply to fortify roofs

Qualiﬁed homeowners can apply for a grant worth up to $15,000 to replace an existing roof with a stronger one under the East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity Fortiﬁed Roof Program.

This roofing system is said to be designed and installed to meet the standards of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, a roof with enhanced protection against severe weather, particularly hurricanes and high winds The fortiﬁed roof will be placed to potentially lower the wind insurance portion of a homeowner’s policy, Habitat said, and homes with a fortiﬁed roof may sell for up to 7% more than those without one.

Eligibility requirements specify that the home must be located within East St. Tammany Parish and must have a permanent foundation, meaning mobile and manufactured homes are not eligible nor are townhomes, duplexes and condos. Additionally, the home must be structurally sound and in good condition; the applicant’s name must appear on the deed; and a copy of the deed is required.

Under this grant, Habitat for Humanity can only replace the roof; it cannot repair fascia, sofﬁt siding or other parts of the home.

The grant applicant must be the primary resident of the home; there can be a mortgage, so long as the applicant’s name is on the deed The home must be covered by a current homeowner’s insurance policy that includes wind coverage, and if located in a flood zone, flood insurance is also required. The gross household income (before taxes) must not exceed the program’s maximum limit, which ranges from an annual gross income of $72,960 for a family of one to $129,240 for a family of seven. And the program requires acceptable documentation of all household income, including tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit letters for Social Security, retirement, VA benefits, etc. Habitat will need more information to determine eligibility of any grant applicant who has a recent or open homeowner’s insurance claim; a homeowner cannot receive both an insurance settlement for roof damage and grant funds for a roof replacement. However, the home’s owner can pursue both options and choose the best one. Discuss these and other issues, as well as consult a complete 2025 income chart for eligibility, by visiting www.fortifiedhome.org, www.esthfh.org or calling (985) 639-0656.

PROVIDED PHOTO

The gazebo’s worn railings will be replaced as part of the refurbishment of the Mandeville gazebo.

PHOTOS BY KIM CHATELAIN

The landmark at Mandeville’s harbor across from the yacht club will be spruced up under a new contract approved by the City Council.

Veterans will gather to share stories and write songs

Staff report

A songwriting workshop hosted by Songs of Survivors at American Legion Post 16 in Covington on April 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is open to all local veterans who sign up to participate while there is space. At the workshop, the nonprofit Songs of Survivors will give veterans the chance to collaborate and write a song about their military experiences. During the first part of the session, vets will share personal experiences with others vets and the professional songwriters on hand for the event. After sharing a communal lunch at the post, individual vets will work with a songwriter to capture their story in a song. The program is free to veterans, but each must register online at SOS4Vets. org. Additional sessions can be scheduled if there is a sufficient number of vets who don’t get one of the spots on April 26.

Bubbly on the Bayou benefits Rainbow Child Center

Since 2019, Songs of Survivors has used the workshop and songwriting format to promote the healing of veterans through selfexpression and networking with other vets, an experience that then culminates in the creation of a song that captures some of their military memories and experiences. The songs created will be subsequently produced using state-of-theart equipment and expert engineering to leave each participating veteran with a professionally mastered song about their lives that they can call their own.

beneﬁt

Teaching history and sharing culture in Bayou Lacombe

BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing writer

In honor of Earth Day 2025, volunteers with the Bayou Lacombe Museum are offering an experience ﬂavored with the essence of local Chahta, or Choctaw, culture on April 26 when the museum and a special section of Bayou Lacombe Park shines a light on history

The Choctaw were part of the Southeast culture and spoke a language from the Muskogean family They established settlements in what is now St. Tammany Parish, including near Bayou Lacombe, where some descendants still live.

“We are excited to bring this community together to honor the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Lacombe with all of St. Tammany,” said Karen Raymond, president of Bayou Lacombe Museum’s board of directors.

This year’s celebration in the park will include tours of the Buchockwa Garden, a medicine wheel garden featuring medicinals and other useful plants, as well as an example of a “three sisters garden.” The gardens are a collaborative effort between the museum and Lacombe Recreation District No. 4 and serve several purposes, Raymond said

“Indigenous people have grown corn, beans and squash together for speciﬁc reasons, and we have a great example of this in the Three Sisters Garden,” she said. “As the corn stalks grow tall, the beans use the stalks for support. The squash plants cover the ground surrounding the other two, keeping pests away while the beans offer nutrients to the other plants.”

During harvest time, museum volunteer Scierra LeGarde often makes a delicious relish dish from the produce, according to Raymond The Buchockwa Garden, including a hand-constructed Chahta palmetto hut, has been a part of the museum’s outdoor display for about ﬁve years.

“We wanted to have a living Chahta presence here, and the garden is part of that,” Raymond said Museum board member Anthony Lott believes the gardens help tell an important part of the history of the people of Lacombe.

“Our ancestors grew what they needed to survive and thrive. These gardens help to pass down the history of the indigenous people who have lived in this area,” he said Lott credits his love of gardening from the knowledge shared with him by his uncles and other relatives. He says he has loved to dig in the dirt since he was a little boy, and now he has the opportunity to teach children some of what he learned since an early age.

“When I am working with the kids, I like to call it “growing patience.” I enjoy teaching the children about the plants in the Medicine Wheel and the Three Sisters Garden and then help them to plant their own seeds,” said Lott. “They get a taste of patience, instead of instant gratification, when they plant those seeds. I get excited when they want to come back later to see the fruits of their labors.”

Sharing the meaning behind the plants growing in the special plots is also part of his program. Lott talks about their medicinal factors and shares other details of interest.

“We talk about how some plants can be used for medicine or to dye cloth. The kids find it interesting that yucca was grown, not only to be used as medicine, but because its fibers could be used to make bow strings and other parts of the plant could be made into soap. All these things help to tell the story of how our ancestors lived off the land,” said Lott. The Earth Day program from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will includeh garden activities, scavenger hunts for children and adults, Chahta games and informational booths supporting the museum and community groups. The Sunsetters band will also play throughout the event under the big oak by the museum. The museum is also partnering with Celebration Trails, an initiative working to connect special events and programs to the Tammany Trace and other trails across the United States. The museum at 61115 S. St. Mary St. is regularly open on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. For more information about the Earth Day celebration or the museum, visit the organization’s website,

THURSDAY |APRIL 24TH |STARTSAT9AM City of Slidell& Covington,STP Sheriff, PearlRiver Police, STPSchool Board, STPHospital, STPLibrary,STP Coroner, STP TouristCommission, STPClerk

FILE PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

Color Guard presents the flag during an earlier Veterans Day Ceremony by the St. Tammany Veterans Foundation and Robert H. Burns American Legion Post 16 in Covington.

The 15th annual Bubbly on the Bayou Champagne Brunch celebrated Kentucky Derbystyle on April 13 featured music by Bobby Ohler and brunch by Patton’s SalmenFritchie House in Slidell Proceeds

the Rainbow Child Center

Madeline Coste, Rhonda Poplus and Vashita Batiste

Katie Chabreck, Kimberly Hatcher, Sissy Barrios and Linda Larkin

Michelle Chappuis, Judy Warnke, Carol Sensebe and Joann Chelchowski

Rosanna Marks Stephanie Oswald and Ellen Lamarque

Myra Hazard, Shannon Dardar, Tina Crawford and Barbara Murphy

Sonya Johnson and Urekia Faciane

PHOTOS BY MATT DOBBINS

Shannon Dowden, Genie Suarez, Allison Morici, Lisa Frazier, Sandy Rinaudo, Arlene Holley, Pam Houser and Kim Foltz

Matthew and Kathy Cousin

Ray Holstream, Sylvia Savoie, Barbara Ballard and Bill Hudson

SHOWS

ROCKING: The next free Rockin’ the Rails concert, will feature the Pontchartrain Shakers and their medley of down-home music, from swamp blues to jazz and soul, at the Covington Trailhead from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 24. Bring chairs and blankets for seating.

SOUL: The upcoming free Bayou Jam concert, featuring Lauren Murphy and the Psychedelics, is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on April 27 in Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Lane, in Slidell. Concertgoers can bring their chairs and blankets for seating; food and beverages available for purchase on site Park regulations prohibit pets, skateboards, scooters, barbecue grills and glass. In case of inclement weather, cancellation decisions will be announced by noon on day of event via city website and Facebook page For more, call (985) 646-4375.

LIVE: The city continues its Mandeville Live! Free Fridays concert series on April 25 when the party band Groovy 7 plays from 6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m. Bring shoes for dancing and a chair/blanket for seating at the city’s trailhead, 675 Laﬁtte St., but no outside food, drinks or ice chests allowed. Concessions sold on-site.

GROOVE: The TerraBella Village community in Covington hosts a free public concert in their square on April 25 featuring New Orleans blues singer and pianist Kevin “Sonny” Gullage and the Blues Groovers The 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. concert will also include food trucks, beverage vendors, and lots of green space at 111 Terra Bella Blvd. No outside food, drinks or ice chests permitted. For more, see terrabellavillage.com/events.

ELVIS: Adults 55 and up are invited to join the Young at Heart group at First Baptist Church in Covington for a performance by Elvis impersonator Brandon Bennett on May 20. The program begins at 10:30 a.m., lunch at noon. Cost is $15 by cash or check at the door for those who register online at fbccov. org/adults-55 by noon on May 15 FREE JAMS: A free Bluegrass Jam by the Northshore Traditional Music Society takes place at 6 p.m. April 25 under the Covington Farmer’s Market Gazebo, 609 N. Columbia St. All are invited to sit in or listen as part of the night’s larger block party within walking distance in downtown Covington From noon to 2 p.m. on April 27, at St. John’s Coffee House, 535 E. Boston St., there will be a Slow/ Fast Session with Madeline Hill, especially for those interested in playing Celtic ﬁddle tunes. Music played slowly at ﬁrst, then at normal speed. And on April 28, musicians of all ages and abilities are invited to perform their own music before a supportive audience at Cilantros Mexican Cuisine, 321 N Columbia St. Go online to ntms.org to get mor

PROVIDED PHOTO

Amedee Frederick and Jojjo Wight will bring the Pontchartrain Shakers’ sound back to Covington on April 24

COMMUNITY GUMBO

MUDBUGS: Support your local Marines by attending the fourth annual Crawfish Cook-off for the Corps on April 26 at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club, 140 Jackson Ave. in old Mandeville. Plenty of crawfish, hot dogs and ice cold beer, plus “Flying Pig” and “Frozen Bliss” food trucks, on site from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Kids 12 and under get in free. For tickets, go online to www.sccacookoffs.com/eventdetails/4th-annual-crawfish-cook-off-forthe-corps

ONE-OF-A-KIND: The free, juried, two-day Covington Antiques & Uniques Festival takes place in and around the Covington Trailhead April 26 & 27 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily More than 50 artists, artisans and crafters will display their offerings for festgoers; live music and food. For more info, call (985) 8921873; email sbonnett@covla.com; or see the Covington Heritage Foundation website or Facebook page.

READ: Hometown author Suzie Bronk Hunt will sign copies of her newest release, “50% Chance of Sunshine,” at Eclectic Finds by Artdecogirl, 888 Old Spanish Trail in Slidell from 1:30 p m. to 3:30 p.m. on April 26. This is Hunt s second novel in her Louisiana-set Rienville Moments book series. Hunt, a freelance writer and former columnist, will also talk about books, writing and story creation with readers. For more info, call (985) 768-6294.

and ﬁnd free music for all the sessions.

THEATER

WHAT: Playmakers Theater in Covington will host the Louisiana premiere of “The Sugar Beans,” a Southern gothic comedy of romance, murder and alien abduction produced by the Evangeline Theater Co. Written by Nathan Sanders and directed by Gordon Carmadelle, see how the Nettle Sisters try to escape spinsterhood in unique ways. Get ready for some sugar cane, an Eva Gabor wig, a swamp shack, some space aliens and plenty of laughs. Shows Thursday-Sunday, May 1-4 and May 8-11. Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.; all others at 7:30 p.m. Get tickets online at Evangelinetheater.ludus.com/ index.php. (Previously purchased tickets and season tickets for the now cancelled “Corpse!” will be honored for “The Sugar Bean Sisters.”)

JUDAS: The 30 by Ninety Theatre is presenting the R-rated production “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” for mature audiences only. The play by Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist Stephen Adley Guirgis reexamines the plight and fate of Judas, perhaps the New Testament’s most infamous and unexplained sinner; it explores deep themes of faith justice and the human condition; it contains explicit language and questions religious perspectives that may provoke or unsettle some Directed by DeJuan “DJ” James. Shows April 25-27, May 2-4 and May 9-11 at 880 Lafayette St in Mandeville; evenings and matinees. Visit 30byninety.com for more show details or to get tickets.

KIDS ONLY: Join 30 by Ninety Theatre for Pure Imagination, a one-week musical theater program for performers ages 7-17 directed by Joy Bosley Participants will dive into Broadway magic as they work on a solo or duet and multiple group numbers, culminating in a cabaret-style performance No experience needed to join the May 26-30 workshop, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, with May 31 performances at 10 a.m. and noon. Tuition is $300 and comes with a camp T-shirt. There is also a special half-day program for ages 5-6 on June 2-13. Get more details or register at 30byninety.com

SAM: An evening of song and story, “Sing Me A Song, Sam,” will feature the music and storytelling of Sam Warren, who was last seen on stage as Mister in “A Color Purple.” For audiences of all ages at the Cutting Edge Center for the Arts, 767 Robert Blvd. in Slidell, on April 25 & 26. Shows are at 8 p.m. Text for tickets (985) 288-2933.

ART

WOMEN: The St. Tammany Art Association will host “Girls Night Out — Artistic Journaling” from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 29 at 320 N. Columbia St. All supplies included for $50, but participants are free to bring any personal painting tools or inspirational items, such as photos or mementos. Retired art therapist T.T. Rouse will lead. For more, see sttammany.art/GNO SUBMIT: The St. Tammany Art Association will present its 55th annual National Juried Exhibition on July 12 through Sept. 12 in the Art House’s

Some students learn basic life skills in tech age

BY MARGARET ALBERT Contributing writer

In a world with technology for every purpose, plenty of adults ﬁnd it refreshing to see some students choosing to study basic life skills, which in turn relate to survival, business, leadership and enhanced communication.

Most if not all high schools in St. Tammany Parish offer classes in agricultural science, or “ag,” as well as nutrition and food, which is an updated, upgraded version of what used to be called “home economics.”

During a recent visit to Covington High School, both classes were in session.

Soon after entering their classroom, a small group of agriculture science students were given a prompt and only one minute to think about it before engaging in a “conduct of chapter,” which is a process integral to the Future Farmers of America organization, or FFA, and vital to the Ag curriculum. The students then had 13 minutes to execute a scripted type of parliamentary procedure in which they discussed the prompt and then voted on it.

FFA students must show confidence in communication and public speaking, as well as mastery of subject matter The goal is for these high school students to show competence and leadership in both theory and practice.

Among the many areas for these aspiring agricultural leaders to participate are cattle, poultry, eggs, pigs, ﬁsh, bees, fruits, vegetables, engines, maintenance construction, as well as the knowledge and proﬁcient use of farm tools and equipment — and that’s only a partial list of available concentrations.

Nutrition and food classes at Covington High School combine identifying healthy foods and learning various techniques for preparing, cooking and presenting different types of food, lessons the students used during a visit by St. Tammany Parish School Board members and the system’s superintendent earlier in the school term.

That day, instructor Stephanie Buchholz had her class prepare and serve pizza and quiche with a salad of lettuces and berries harvested from the school garden, a farmto-table experience.

At present, the students are learning life skills cooking.

scientiﬁc grazing rotation for cattle; that pollinator plants native to Louisiana provide essential food for bees; and how proper soil nutrients and care of vegetable, fruit, and pollinator plants are crucial for growth and harvesting.

RECYCLE: On April 26, Mandeville residents can drop off glass for recycling into sand for beach restoration projects. Residents may also drop off documents, junk mail and the like to be securely shredded by a bonded, licensed company. Drop those items at the Mandeville Community Center, 3090 E. Causeway Approach, between 9 a.m. and noon. For more info, see the Keep Mandeville Beautiful website or email kmb@cityofmandeville.com.

FISH: Registration is open for beginning or experienced fishers ages 4 to 15 to sign up for the Youth Fishing Rodeo at Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge on June 7. A morning of fishing at the Jim Schmidt Boardwalk Trailhead/fishing access site at Exit 11 on I-59 North near Pearl River — as well as lunch for the angler’s family — is $10 per child who fishes, but registration is required no later than May 31 or earlier if all spots are filled. Register early and pay online at www.flwr org; phone registrations not accepted, but to request that a registration form be mailed; to ask about financial aide; or get more general info, reach rodeo sponsor U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, call (985) 882-2025 or email lwrfriends@gmail.com or call (985) 882-2025.

HELP: St. Tammany Health System’s Palliative Medicine program will present its next free Advance Care Planning and Education event in Covington at 10 a.m. on May 6 in conjunction with the Cinco de Mammo event at Avanti Senior Living Center, 2235 Watercross Parkway, near Covington. Public invited to this free event. For more, call (985) 871-5975

MUSTANGS: A Local First Responders show of cars, trucks, bikes and Jeeps is planned noon to 4 p.m. May 3 in Fritchie Park in Slidell; proceeds benefit e St. Tammany Firefighters’ Benevolent Association. Judging starts at noon, awards at 3 p.m. Free vehicle registrations 8 a.m.-11 a.m. or until lot is full at the 905 W. Howze Beach Road park. Also door prizes, music, 50-50 raffle, auctions and food for purchase or donation. Hosted by Northshore Mustang Club and St. Tammany fire chiefs. For more, see their websites or Facebook pages.

PEOPLE WHO MEET

WIDOWS: The next general meeting of the Widows’ Social Club of Slidell will be held at 10 a.m. April 26 in the John Wesley Center at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 360 Robert Blvd., with guest speaker Louisiana state Rep. Brian Glorioso, who serves on the civil law, insurance and labor committees. All widows welcome. Questions? Call Cindy Alberts, (985) 707-7676.

SAVE THE DATE

RUN: The West St. Tammany YMCA in Covington to host Healthy Kids Day 5K and 1-mile Fun Run at 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on May 10, respectively. Immediately after, Healthy Kids Day activities begin, to include pool and waterslide (so bring swim trunks), games, crafts and more. Register at RunSignUp (search YMCA HKD5K) before April 27 to save money and get a T-shirt. Events start and end at YMCA, 71256 Francis Road. Proceeds to help the Y extend ﬁnancial assistance to those who cannot otherwise afford services. Go online to get more information or sign up for Kids Day activities at https://runsignup. com/Race/LA/Covington/YMCAHKD5K

“Many of these students don’t know how to prepare and cook fresh produce for a meal,” she says. “Hopefully, they will have learned to plan meals, do the shopping and cook for themselves, whatever their post-graduation plans.”

Meanwhile, ag students are learning about

“These kids are learning stack enterprise. Cattle, pollinators (in this case, clover) and corn are three streams of revenue”, teacher Hunter King says. In short, students in nutrition classes at Covington High School are learning to grow, prepare, and cook all types of foods, while ag students are learning to operate and maintain work equipment, as well as to grow, produce, maintain and harvest some basic foodstuffs. In both curriculums, in the proper year of study this is knowledge that makes important industry-based certiﬁcations available to them. And once they graduate, these young men and women can be equipped with the communication skills, decisionmaking abilities, work knowledge experience and work ethic that helps make them attractive job candidates and young adults much more able to take care of themselves.

232,000 readers, THE PEARL’S REACH:

ThePearl is amonthlymagazine showcasing the bestofNew Orleans FASHION, LIFE,and DESIGN.From curated trend stories to profiles on local leaders and creatives, residentsand visitors alikewill benefitfrom thisstylishguide. in Gambit +Times-Picayune —morethanany lifestyle magazine in NewOrleans

44,000 households

UDING with an incomeof$150,000+ –morethan double anylifestyle magazine in NewOrleans

PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

Alex Perez is with ‘Mama,’ a breeding pig that is part of the Covington High School ag program. The school’s Farm to Table class teaches students the skills to cultivate foodstuffs for consumption, but also vital life skills not shared as often in today’s digital world.

Sac bunt helps lead Pearl River to first playoff win since 2022

against Lakeshore on April 19.

St. Paul’s sweeps Byrd

Scanlon victorious in opening series

BY MIKE PERVEL Contributing writer

St. Paul’s newly appointed head baseball coach Mike Scanlon was all smiles after the Wolves’ first-round playoff series on April 17. He had good reason to be.

ä Baseball recap.

The 31-year-old Scanlon, who came to St. Paul’s last year to join ﬁrst-year head coach Kristian Gibbe’s staff, was elevated to head coach earlier in the day The 15thseeded Wolves took care of business on the ﬁeld with 8-4 and 15-2 victories over 18th-seeded Byrd at Heap Field

“I’m so happy and truly blessed to have this opportunity to guide the Wolves’ historic program It’s like having a dream job, and it’s mine. It didn’t feel real earlier in the day, but the playoff sweep makes it that much sweeter,” Scanlon said.

“It’s not the season record we hoped to have at this point, and we’ve battled adversity, but the playoff sweep gives us a new season and new life.”

The Wolves (10-18) will travel to second-seeded Holy Cross (27-4) in the second round this week.

In the first game, St. Paul’s senior right-hander Easton LeBlanc (3-2) tossed a complete-game four-hitter with one walk and eight strikeouts. All four of his runs allowed were unearned.

“My fastball was the dominant pitch with good location, and my changeup worked the whole time,” LeBlanc said “I concentrated on throwing strikes and getting ahead in the count to get them out. I felt like I was always in control.” LeBlanc, hitting .333 on the year, also went 2 for 4 with two RBIs.

St. Paul’s pounded out 14 hits as a team Left ﬁelder Brennan Villa had three hits, while junior Cody Corales and sophomore Clay Sims each had two hits and two RBIs.

Tied at 3-3 heading into the bottom of the sixth, St. Paul’s batted around to score ﬁve runs and put the game out of reach. The big blow was LeBlanc’s two-run single to left, along with runproducing hits by Sims, Villa and Brennan Keim.

That was just a warmup for the Wolves’ offense as the Wolves scored 15 runs (12 earned) on 15 hits in the second game.

St. Paul’s freshman Jude Reason (3-3) was dominant on the mound, allowing just one run on three hits in four innings. He struck out ﬁve in 64 pitches.

“I just stayed focused, and I was locked in,” Reason said “My fastball was working, so I concentrated on throwing strikes, trying to stay up in the count.”

Senior designated hitter Brennan Keim led the offense, going 3 for 3 with a two-run home run Keim, one of six seniors, said the transition to Scanlon was seamless.

ä See ST PAUL’S, page 2B

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Pearl River softball coach

Courtney Labourdette had played the situation over and over in her head since breakfast.

So, with senior Mylie Elsensohn at third base and senior catcher Emersen Blanchard at the plate in a tied first-round playoff game, the experienced coach knew exactly what to call.

Blanchard laid down a perfectly executed RBI squeeze bunt as that play ignited the 19th-seeded Rebels’ offense en route to a 13-6 Division II nonselect playoff win at 14th-seeded Lakeshore on April 19.

“I’ve been thinking about if we were in that situation,

“I’ve been thinking about if we were in that situation, that it was something I wanted to pull the trigger on. I knew Emersen (Blanchard) could execute We had the perfect person at third base in Mylie (Elsensohn) because she is so fast. I knew that we could get it done. Everyone executed it very well.”

COURTNEY LABOURDETTE, Pearl River softball coach

that it was something I wanted to pull the trigger on,” Labourdette said. “I knew Emersen (Blanchard) could execute. We had the perfect person at third base in Mylie (Elsensohn) because she is so fast. I knew that we could get it done. Everyone executed it very well.”

The bunt came in the ﬁfth inning to give Pearl River a 3-2 lead. The Rebels’ offense didn’t stop there as the visi-

tors scored 10 more runs over the ﬁnal two innings to earn their ﬁrst playoff win since 2022.

“I think all season that our bats have been hot, so it has just been a matter of who is going to start it and when,” said Blanchard, who ﬁnished with three doubles and six RBIs. “I think when everyone saw me bunting which is so crazy, I think that was like okay, maybe we got

this.”

It was just the second time the four-year starter bunted in her high school career It also showed the conﬁdence that Labourdette had in her lineup, especially the top three hitters who went 7 of 10 with 11 RBIs and two walks.

Elsenhen was 2 for 4 with a walk, an RBI and three runs scored in the leadoff spot. Freshman shortstop Bralyn Kelley was 2 for 3 with four RBIs, three runs scored and a walk.

“We’ve been hot lately, so I was very conﬁdent coming into the playoffs,” Labourdette said. “I knew we had a tough opponent in Lakeshore. They came out on top earlier this year so I think

NATIONAL CHAMPS

Covington’s J.T. Sylvera was named Best Lifter, taking gold at the 2025

Covington powerlifting claims team,

individual titles

BY MIKE PERVEL Contributing writer

Covington’s powerlifting teams continued their dominance at the 2025 Powerlifting America High School National

Championships in Milwaukee, Wis., on April 10-13.

The Lions’ boys team repeated as national champions with 60 points to hold off district rival Northshore (42 points). Covington boasted ﬁve individual national champions.

The Lions’ girls team ﬁnished second with 47 points, behind host Germantown High with 53 points. Covington also took home the overall equipped team championship, totaling 66 points to best Germantown High by four points.

Lakeshore’s simple approach at plate pays off in ﬁrst-round playoff sweep

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Lakeshore baseball coach Jacob Seward has preached all season that his team is at its best when it comes out and sets the tone offensively Boy, did the 11th-seeded Titans take that message to heart during a Division II nonselect ﬁrst-round playoff series sweep against 22nd-seeded Franklinton on April 17 and 18. The Titans scored 31 runs in nine innings during 17-2 and 14-1 mercy-rule-shortened victories.

“The kids did a good job of buying into our offensive philosophy,” Seward said.

“They didn’t try to do too much. They got their hits when they could, and when they got on base, they did a good job of causing chaos. I’m proud of our guys for doing what it took to win this weekend.”

The Titans (17-13) will travel to sixthseeded Rayne (21-8) in the second round. The offensive numbers over the two ﬁrstround games are impressive. Lakeshore

pounded out 25 hits including 10 extra base hits. Once they were on the base paths, they stole 12 bases.

Senior Reese Sanzone said the key to their offensive success comes in practice.

“We’re starting to get really hot,” Sanzone said. “It starts with our BP rounds. We’ve just been more energized and locked in. We’re feeling good. It’s all about going through the zone and up the middle, and that’s working right now.”

Junior first baseman Grant Bouillon agreed: “Right now, we’re just staying within ourselves We’re not trying to get too big at the plate. We’re just doing the little things. We’re just attacking pitching in the right way We’re helping our pitchers out in the ﬁeld, so we just want to keep it going.”

In the opening game on Thursday, Lakeshore pounded out 14 hits, including seven for extra bases, en route to a 17-2 victory in three innings.

Seven Lakeshore starters had at least one hit, while eight Titans drove in at least

ä See LAKESHORE, page 2B

“I was optimistic about our chances competing at nationals, even though it presents some different challenges,” Covington coach John Burford said. “Having only nine weight classes, as opposed to 11 at the state meet, can make qualifying to compete at nationals difﬁcult. Plus, there are other factors like the travel involved along with the pressure of having to raise funds to compete at the event.”

PHOTO BY HERB GOMEZ

Pearl River’s Emersen Blanchard lays down a sac bunt

PROVIDED PHOTO

Powerlifting America High School National Championships

PHOTO BY HERB GOMEZ

Lakeshore starter Eli Galiano allowed one run on one hit in three innings against Franklinton on April 18.

Northlake Christian softball team

overcomes injury to earn playoff win

BY DAVE WOODALL

Contributing writer

The result was joyous, but the journey was a tough one.

The 11th-seeded Northlake Christian softball team cruised to a 15-0 win in three innings over 22nd-seeded Episcopal during the ﬁrst round of the Division III select playoffs on April 17.

Next up for the Wolverines (1113) is a road trip to sixth-seeded Houma Christian in the second round.

The Wolverine win was bittersweet as sophomore Sydney Fraher suffered a fractured ankle on a leadoff single and a collision at second base

“It was a tough day,” said Northlake coach Clint Willie “Our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers were with our girl Sydney We are a tight little group, and I let the team know that Sydney would want us to go out and play hard, and that’s what the girls did. I felt good about that, but it’s a tough loss for us. The game was an emotional roller coaster, but we took care of business.”

The outcome was never in doubt as the Wolverines shook off a scoreless ﬁrst inning only to come back to bat around in the second inning and score seven runs.

Northlake starter Abigail Willie allowed just one hit and one walk in three innings. She struck out eight to add to her career 500 strikeout total that she reached earlier this season.

“It was a rough start,” said Abi-

SOFTBALL RECAP

Northlake Christian starter Abigail Willie allowed one

first-round win over Episcopal on April 17

gail Willie. “We played for Sydney, and it was very hard for our team because we are very close, but we finished strong. It’s been a good season for us. We’ve gotten very close, so that’s what helps us to play for each other.”

Maitland Popham and Maddie Henderson both had doubles in the second inning, while Sara Davis and Abigail Willie added singles as 13 batters came to the plate.

The Wolverines added eight more runs in the third to end the game early Northlake sent 12 batters to the plate in that inning as Samantha Raimondi’s RBI single scored Maddie Dozier for the 15th run, ending the game early

LIFTING

Continued from page 1B

SSA, PJP II earn ﬁrst-round playoff wins

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

St. Scholastica junior Aubrianne Kavanaugh blasted a grand slam that ignited the Doves’ offense en route to a 21-5 Division I select ﬁrst-round playoff win in ﬁve innings over 13th-seeded Caddo Magnet on April 17.

The 20th-seeded Doves (9-13) put on a show offensively as junior Karsen Boyet and senior Addison Pontiff both tripled. Junior Ava Au, sophomore Ava Gassen and freshman Haylie Williams doubled during the run-rule victory

First-year coach Emily Borne said the playoff upset was a special one.

“This has been the hardest but most rewarding year,” Borne said. “Never would I imagine we would make it to the playoffs in my ﬁrst year but then also winning the ﬁrst round is a memory I’ll never forget. I am grateful for all the help I’ve had this season and grateful for this team. I knew once Aubrianne Kavanaugh hit her grand slam, it would bring our team back to life, and it did exactly that.”

The Doves will travel to fourth-seeded Curtis in the second round In Division III select ﬁrst-round playoff action, Pope John Paul II cruised to an 11-1 win in six innings over Beekman Charter on April 19.

Junior Ella Babin was dominant at the plate and in the circle. She allowed one unearned run on two hits and four walks in six innings. She struck out four Babin also went 2 for 4 with a home run, a double and three RBIs. Kam Rodriguez went 3 for 4 with an RBI, while Kady Benedic went 2 for 2 with a double, two walks and an RBI. The 10th-seeded Jaguars (14-9) will travel to seventh-seeded St. Louis Catholic in the second round.

DESTREHAN 3,MANDEVILLE 2: The 15th-seeded Skippers took a one-run lead into the bottom of the seventh before the Wildcats earned the walk-off victory with a two-run double. Freshman Mia Baham took the loss, allowing three runs on six hits and ﬁve walks in 6.1 innings. She struck out seven. Juniors Blair Ezell and Caroline Thornhill hit back-to-back RBI doubles to give Mandeville a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning. Sophomore Lily Towles had the other hit for the Skippers (18-8)

SULPHUR 16, NORTHSHORE 6: The 23rdseeded Panthers (18-14) fell behind early as the Tors cruised to a Division I nonselect ﬁrst-round victory in six innings on April 18. Mallory Senat led the Northshore offense, going 3 for 4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Addie Day also recorded two RBIs, while Kylee Hylton went 2 for 4 with a double and two runs scored. Freshman Abbi Allen took the loss, allowing eight runs on 11 hits with three walks in 3.1 innings.

LAKESHORE

from

one run. Sanzone and Cohen Troclair both belted home runs while Boullion, Ethan Grifﬁn and Mason Prinzo each had a triple.

The Titans scored 15 runs in the ﬁrst inning as 19 batters came to the plate. Nine of those runs were scored with two outs.

Sanzone threw three no-hit innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on two walks with four strikeouts.

focused on keeping the bats hot and limiting free base runners for their opponent.

“We’ve got to limit free passes down the stretch, if we want to keep advancing,” Seward said “We’re putting too many guys on base right now The good thing that I saw with my pitchers was that they just kept competing. That’s important this time of year Our kids are competing, and that’s all I can ask for.”

Seventh-grader Sara Davis stepped in after Fraher’s injury and finished with two hits, two RBIs and two runs scored.

“I just tried my best,” said Davis. “The season has been kind of crazy being a seventh grader, but I’m happy I could help the team.”

LINESCORE

EPISCOPAL (11-9): Caroline Watson, 1-1,

NORTHLAKE (11-13): Maddie Henderson, 1-2, 2B, R, 2 RBIs; Maitland Popham, 1-2, 2B, 2 R, 3 RBIs; Sara Davis, 2-3, 2 BB, R, 2 RBIs; Abigail Willie, 1-2,

Lions’ senior J.T Sylvera won a national title at 130 pounds while also earning best lifter honors. Sylvera finished with lifts totaling 1,322 pounds, just seven pounds off his personal best. It was also the second time he lifted 10 times his body weight in his career

“I had a strong meet with good numbers, and it all worked out for me. I knew being named Best Lifter would be a ﬁght, battling my teammate Brett (Falco) and a kid from Texas, who made it tough. Brett and I have both won two best lifter awards so far. If we both compete at Worlds, that could be the tiebreaker between us,” Sylvera said. Sylvera lifted 463 pounds in the squat, 281 pounds in the bench and 578 pounds in the deadlift to set a new national mark.

“J.T had another phenomenal meet,” Burford said. “He continues to excel in impressive fashion, regardless of the competition level or the setting His consistency, training and competitive nature set him apart.”

Junior Brett Falco (145 pounds), sophomore Steele Rogers (203 pounds), junior Andrew Mariakis (264 pounds) and freshman Maximus Guy (super heavyweight) also earned national titles.

Guy set personal bests in the squat (573 pounds) and bench (451 pounds), breaking his previous marks by 30 pounds.

“As a freshman, Max (Guy) did a phenomenal job,” Burford said. “He has shown tons of potential this season, and he has turned the corner, showing his true ability He’s going to be something special.”

Northshore coach Casey Calderone said the Panthers’ runner-up ﬁnish was special.

“Our second-place ﬁnish was outstanding with only seven lifters,” she said. “I’m super proud of how well they competed, but I wasn’t expecting that. Most of our team lifted early in the competition to take the lead, but I knew the points wouldn’t hold up. It was nice to be at the top while it lasted.”

Northshore junior Jackson Bice (163 pounds) won his third national title. Bice posted lifts totaling 1,444 pounds, just six

ST. PAUL’S

Continued from page 1B

In the second game on Friday, the Titans scored in four of the game’s six innings. Bouillon had four RBIs, while Kaleb Hayes and Greg Cusimano drove in two apiece.

Eli Galiano got the win, allowing onerunononehitandonewalkwith ﬁve hit batsmen. He struck out two. Troclair earned the save after tossingthreescorelessinningsofrelief. He allowed one hit and three walks with two strikeouts.

The sweep marked the second consecutive year the Titans have bounced Franklinton from the playoffs in the ﬁrst round.

Now, Seward said the Titans are

weight class at the 2025 Powerlifting National Championships.

pounds off his PR. He squatted 578 pounds, benched 363 pounds and deadlifted 501 pounds.

“It’s exciting to have a threepeat at nationals, and I’m anxiously looking forward to getting my fourth next year I had a solid performance, and it was great showing out for my teammates,” Bice said.

“Lifters from Texas and Wis-

“This is a rebirth, and we’re reborn under Coach Scanlon,” Keim said. “He’s a great coach with lots of energy and intensity. He’ll go to war with us. These are two huge wins for the team, and we want to feed off this momentum.”

Senior third baseman Cameron Caime also belted a home run as the Wolves ended the second game in ﬁve innings.

Covington’s Lila Cooper begins to tear up after hearing the announcement that she was a national champion.

Covington’s J.T Sylvera was named Best Lifter taking gold at the 2025 Powerlifting America High School National Championships.

total of 1,498 pounds lifted. On the girls’ side, Covington senior Lila Cooper (125 pounds) captured a gold medal while going nine for nine on her attempts She set a personal best with lifts totaling 909 pounds — she squatted 358 pounds, benched 203 and deadlifted 348.

“It was awesome winning the gold. Standing on top of the podium after my last lift felt amazing. I teared up, hearing the announcer congratulate me on going nine for nine,” Cooper said.

“I just remember giving my coach John (Burford) a big bear hug and saying I’m ﬁnally a national champion. I did it. He told me how proud he was of my accomplishment. I have a high standard, but I’ve always struggled at nationals. It was all about breaking that mental block.” Cooper finished second as a sophomore and junior after a third-place ﬁnish as a freshman.

“It’s such a surreal new feeling, winning in my fourth year,” Cooper said. “I was so close to being at the top of the podium those previous three years. I ﬁnally took that jump I needed.”

consin gave me a tough battle. The Texas guy bombed out on his squat. He was right there with me, but he missed all three of his squat attempts. I’m proud of where I am at this point.”

Northshore junior Kymani Howard ﬁnished second at 183 pounds, with lifts totaling 1,381 pounds. Senior Austin Davis took third at 231 pounds, with a

“We’re more focused and organized under Coach Scanlon,” Caime said. “Everybody played hard and did their part, getting us back on track. We wanted to be aggressive at the plate, attacking the opposing pitchers.”

Byrd coach Greg Williams said the St Paul’s bats were the difference

“Our pitches found the middle of every bat barrel, and when they didn’t, the hits found an open hole,” he said. “It was

tough way to end our season, but we’ll learn from the playoff experience. We’ll

out what it takes to win playoff games on the road.”

Covington senior Kaylee Robin took second at 167 pounds after she missed a key squat attempt. Robin did establish a new bench press personal best of 336 pounds, setting an unofﬁcial world record.

Lions’ senior Camille Crutcher ﬁnished second at 103 pounds, falling just six pounds short.

The 2025 World Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships, sponsored by the International Powerlifting Federation, will be held in San Jose, Costa Rica, from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.

STAFF PHOTO BY JOSEPH HALM

hit during a 15-0

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Northshore junior Jackson Bice earned a gold medal in the 163-pound

PHOTO BY HERB GOMEZ

SIGNING DAY

Four-person St. Paul’s signing class highlights four different sports

BY MIKE PERVEL

Contributing writer

Four St. Paul’s athletes made their college athletic futures ofﬁcial during a spring signing ceremony on April 16.

The signing class was diverse, including a wrestler, lacrosse player, soccer forward and baseball player

Back-to-back state wrestling champion Jackson Peak is headed to Division III University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

“I ended up choosing Wisconsin–Eau Claire based on its great academics, and that’s where I’ve decided to continue my wrestling career,” Peak said. “They guarantee admission into any physical therapy school anywhere in the country.”

This past season, Peak posted an impressive 30-2 record, winning the state title in the 215-pound weight class. His overall record is 135-26.

“I’m a physical wrestler and I have a big gas tank, never getting tired,” Peak said. “I love opening with aggressive offense, moving forward, pushing to score points early in my matches. I loved being a Wolves wrestler, able to achieve big things. It meant everything to me.”

St. Paul’s lacrosse standout Connor Donohue is headed to Division III Ohio Northern University, located in Ada, Ohio.

“My dream has always been to play lacrosse in college, and I’ll be getting that chance at ONU, which has a very solid program,” Donohue said. “It was important for me to be on a winning, competitive team. ONU also offers very strong academics.”

Donohue was named a secondteam All-District attackman last year For his Wolves’ career, he is fourth all-time with 70 assists and seventh all-time with 141 points. As a senior he ﬁnished with 20 goals and 38 assists.

“Signing a college scholarship to play lacrosse is a long-time dream since maybe age 5, ﬁnally coming true,” Donohue said. “It’s a great stepping-stone for me, hopefully one day being able to turn pro.” Donohue has demonstrated his total commitment to the sport by playing two seasons with a club team in Maryland, traveling on weekends to participate in tournaments.

“For me, it was important to travel and play in high-caliber tournaments, and I got that opportunity to be seen nationally It’s been a great experience for me,” Donohue said.

St. Paul’s two-time state soccer champion Bryce Bordes signed with Division II Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss.

“I chose Mississippi College because I loved the school setting and its location, not being too far

St Paul’s forward Bryce Bordes signed to play soccer at Mississippi College.

from home,” Bordes said. “I also got along well with the coaches, which was important to me.”

This past season, Bordes ﬁnished with 31 goals and nine assists as the Wolves won a 12th state title.

“I dreamed about becoming a state champion back in junior high,” Bordes said. “We had great players on both of my championship teams. It’s awesome to win a state championship, but to have two is very special. There’s no better feeling than that.”

St. Paul’s pitcher and inﬁelder Easton LeBlanc is headed to LSU-

St. Paul’s Easton LeBlanc signed to play baseball at LSU-Eunice.

St. Paul’s wrestler Jackson Peak signed with the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire.

St. Paul’s lacrosse standout Connor Donohue signs with Ohio Northern University

Eunice. “LSU-E has a rich baseball tradition, and they know how to win national championships,” LeBlanc said. “They have built a winning program and are finishing up building a new baseball stadium. I’m looking forward to playing on the new ﬁeld. I also like it being a smaller campus.” The Bengals have won seven National Championships since 2006, the last coming in 2021. LeBlanc, who started playing baseball at age 5, said he hopes to add to that number

Hannan baseball trio ready for JUCO journey

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

A trio of Hannan baseball players will continue their baseball careers in junior college after their recent signings.

Outfielder Jay Lachney and pitcher Patrick Kennedy are headed to Nunez Community College, while shortstop Brody Smith picked Delgado Community College.

Kennedy has been impressive both on the mound and at the plate. He has a 6-4 record with a 2.22 earned run average and 59 strikeouts. At the plate, he is hitting .304 with 14 RBIs.

“Nunez was the place that felt the most like home,” Kennedy said. “The coaches are great there My buddy, Jay (Lachney), is going there, and we’ll be playing against Brody (Smith) for a few years. I think it’ll be fun I think it’ll give me a chance to develop a little more.” Lachney said Kennedy connected him with the Nunez coaching staff; the rest is history

“I texted their coach, and he came to my games,” Lachney said. “He said they liked me. And then when I went on the visit they offered me. My parents loved it there. It’s close to home, so I feel like it’s perfect for me. I’m hoping to develop more and maybe go somewhere else.”

Lachney is hitting .470 with 16 runs scored, 14 stolen bases and 10 RBIs.

While Smith chose Delgado, he will still compete against his teammates. The two junior colleges play in the same conference, so the ability to keep competing against friends was a draw. “A few of my friends told me about it, so when Coach (Joe) Scheuerman contacted me, I went on a visit,” Smith said. “He showed me around the new complex and the ﬁeld and I immediately knew I wanted to go there. I feel like I’ve got some room to grow and get better, so I’m excited ” Smith has been a perfect table-setter this season with a .290 batting average and .408 on-base percentage to go with 22 stolen bases, 21 runs scored and nine RBIs.

Three Lakeshore athletes pick college destinations

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Three Lakeshore athletes announced their collegiate athletic futures on April 11. Soccer player Madison Busque is headed to the NAIA’s Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri.

“I wasn’t really interested at ﬁrst, but when I got down to the end of my recruiting I went on a visit, and it ended up being my favorite one,” Busque said “I started playing soccer when I was 4. I always wanted to play in college as a kid, but I was kind of iffy when I got a little older But the last year or two, I fully embraced it. I’m very excited.”

The midfielder said she settled into that position because it is where she is most comfortable and allows her to be involved on offense and defense.

Joining Busque was a pair of volleyball junior college signees. Libero Olivia Guth is headed to Jones College in Ellisville, Mississippi.

“This has been my goal since I ﬁrst stepped on a court,” Guth said.

“I started playing indoor in the seventh grade, but then Covid hit, so I

started playing beach volleyball. Even since I knew I wanted to go far with it, so today is special.”

Guth said she would head straight from tennis practice to the volleyball court in junior high. She joined her first travel team after her eighth-grade year and the rest is history After an injury-plagued junior season, she earned All-State and All-Parish honors as a senior while recording 468 digs.

“I went through a lot with injuries my junior year, which was a really big setback,” Guth said. “Those injuries just showed me how much I love the sport and how much I wanted to get back on the court. It made me want to push harder to reach my goal I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.”

Teammate Reagan Ziegler picked Pearl River Community College.

“When I toured the school, it just felt right,” Ziegler said. “Everyone was very welcoming. A couple of years ago, I thought I might not keep playing, but I kept going. I wasn’t going to force myself to keep playing, but this was just the perfect ﬁt.” Ziegler started playing in the third grade, and her family even set up a homemade net in the background to fuel her passion.

Two Northshore athletes pick destinations

PROVIDED PHOTOS

PHOTO BY HERB GOMEZ Lakeshore celebrated three college signees on April 11. The future college athletes include, from left, Madison Busque (soccer, Central Methodist), Olivia Guth (volleyball, Jones College) and Reagan Ziegler (volleyball, Pearl River Community College)

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Northshore’s Abryannah Chachere is headed to Hendrix College to play softball. Seated from left are, Rusty Chachere, Avery Chachere, Abryannah Chachere, Sarah Chachere; and standing, Athletic Director Danny Davis.

Northshore swimmer Adonis Turner III is headed to Loyola University New Orleans. Pictured are, seated from left, Dewana Turner, Aspen Turner, Adonis Turner III, Adonis Turner Jr., Shianna Phillips, Zoe Phillips; standing from left, swim sponsor Katie Starks, Hurricanes swim coach Chris Prator and Northshore Athletic Director Danny Davis.

Hannan pitcher Patrick Kennedy, center, recently signed with Nunez Community College. With Patrick are, from left, Hannah, Kevin, Ashley and Sarah Kennedy.

Hannan’s Brody Smith recently signed with Delgado Community College. With Brody are, from left, Courtnie SmithBrock Smith and Brandon Smith.

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Hannan’s Jay Lachney was all smiles as he recently signed with Nunez Community College. With Lachney are, from left, Stephen Couret, Lauren Couret and Kaylee Lachney.

Continued from page 1B

we had a little something to prove.”

The game was tied 2-2 through four innings as Lakeshore’s Annabella Litolff and Pearl River freshman Riley Falcon allowed their defenses to make plays behind them.

The Rebels ﬁnally got to Litolff in the sixth inning as back-to-back walks chased the sophomore. Pearl River took full advantage by scoring six runs as 10 batters came to the plate in the sixth.

The Titans answered with three runs in the bottom of the inning but the Rebels scored four in the seventh to put the game away. The victory avenged a 9-8 extra innings loss to Lakeshore during District 7-4A play on March 18.

“This was a very big win,” Kelly said. “We played them earlier this season, and we lost by one. So, for us to come back and hit the ball and play great defense was really big. This win is a great feeling. Just to beat a district opponent is big.”

Falcon got the win, allowing six runs (three earned) on 14 hits and three walks in seven innings. For Lakeshore (13-11), Tannah Willie went 2 for 4 with two RBIs, while Aubrey Gaudet went 3 for 5 with a double and RBI. Lakeshore coach Megan Melton said the Titans didn’t generate enough offense. “We weren’t hitting the ball like we normally do,” Melton said. “Sometimes you have days like that; it’s just unfortunate that it happened in the playoffs. We have a very young team, and our freshman class has played a big role in our wins. We feel like the future is bright.”

The Rebels (12-12) will travel to play third-seeded Assumption in the second round.

Obituaries

PeterJosephDiMaggio, abelovedhusband,father, grandfather,andgreatgrandfatherpassedaway peacefullyonMarch29, 2025,attheageof94.He leavesbehindalegacyof love,kindness,humor strength,andunwavering faithHewillbedeeply missedbyallwhoknew andlovedhimBornon January28,1931,inNew Orleans,Louisiana,Peter wastheonlysonofJoseph DiMaggioandSarahDuca DiMaggioForover67 years,hewasadevoted husbandtotheloveofhis life,CarolynStaigerHe wasalovingfatherto DawnDiMaggio,Deanna Allen(Michael)David DiMaggioSr.(Anna),and DinaMartinez.Hewasa proudgrandfathertoSean Martinez,MeghanMar‐tinezDanielleDiMaggio MollieHood(Thomas), JaredAllen,ShaneMar‐tinez(Chloe),DavidDiMag‐gioJr.JeremyAllen,and CarolineAllen,aswellas sixgreat-grandchildrenHe wasprecededindeathby hissister,MarieSt.Philip Heisalsosurvivedbyhis sisters,ElizabethDiMag‐gioLorraineSchembre andJacquelineTurner Peterwasamanofdevout Catholicfaithwithadeep devotiontotheBlessed Mother.Hemovedhisfam‐ilytoArabi,Louisianain 1961,wherehebecamea foundingmemberofSt RobertBellarmineCatholic ChurchandservedasaEu‐charisticMinisterCom‐mentator,Lector,School BoardMemberandchair‐personandﬁnanceman‐ageroftheparishfair.He andCarolynwereco-recip‐ientsoftheOrderofSaint LouisMedallionfromthe ArchdiocesesofNewOr‐leansAfterHurricaneKat‐rina,heandCarolynrelo‐catedtoMandevilleand becameparishionersof OurLadyoftheLake CatholicChurchHewasa 1950graduateofStAloy‐siusHighSchool,servedin theUnitedStatesMarine CorpsduringtheKorean Warandobtainedabach‐elor’sdegreefromSouth‐easternLouisianaUniver‐sity.Hewastheinternal comptrollerforthe LouisianaCoca-ColaBot‐tlingCompanyforover25 yearsfromwhichhere‐tiredin1990attheageof 59.PeterwasaPastGrand KnightofJanssenCouncil #3068KnightsofColumbus andamemberofthe4th Degree.Helovedsports andenjoyedplayingsoft‐ballwiththeKnightsof Columbus“OvertheHill Gang.”Heespeciallyloved golfandwasaproudmem‐berofthe“DawnBusters” atBayouOaksGolfCourse beforeHurricaneKatrina andatAbitaCountryClub post-Katrina.Hewasacub scoutleaderandalittle leaguecoach,servedas presidentoftheAcademy oftheHolyAngelsPTO andwasamemberofthe HolyFaithAssociatesand AARPChapter5408.Peter andCarolynnevermissed agrandparents’dayHis selﬂessnessanddevotion tohisfamilyandfriends wereaninspirationtoall whoknewhim.Hetaught theimportanceoffaith, familyhardwork,and kindness.Hewillbefor‐everrememberedforhis warmsmileandunwaver‐ingsupport.E.JFielding FuneralHomewasen‐trustedwithfuneral arrangements.

DonEdwardGrinnell (DonBoy),alifelongresi‐dentofMandeville,passed awayonFriday,April4, 2025.HewasbornonOcto‐ber13,1964toAlice RichardsonGrinnelland MelvinJosephGrinnellHe issurvivedbyhisson GraysonTGrinnellandhis mother,BarbaraBGrinnell; brotherofBarryFGrinnell (Lora)andTerriGFogarty (Rick);nephews,Barry Braden,andBrantGrinnell; ReeseFogartyandniece ReaganFogarty;andgreat nephew,BodhiGrinnell DonwasborninCovington andlivedinMandevillehis entirelife.Hegraduated fromMandevilleHigh,and soonwentontograduate fromSoutheastern LouisianaUniversityHe wastheownerofGrinnell

DonwasCovton andlivedinMandevillehis entirelifeHegraduated fromMandevilleHigh,and soonwentontograduate fromSoutheastern LouisianaUniversity.He wastheownerofGrinnell Industries,amanufac‐turer’srepresentativefor IndustrialproductsDon’s lifewasguidedbyhisde‐voutCatholicFaithand loveforhisfamilyand friendsHewillberemem‐beredbyallforhisloveof hisAlmaMata,Mandeville HighSchoolwherehelet‐teredinFootballandBase‐ball.Hewouldgoontobe the“VoiceoftheSkippers andannouncetheFootball gamesafterhegraduated HislovefortheSkippers wasasdeepashislovefor theLSUFightingTigers.He willbemissedbyallwho knewandlovedhim.E.J FieldingFuneralHomewas entrustedwithfuneral arrangements.

AlanMichaelLoetzerich ofSlidell,Louisiana, passedawayonMarch4 2025,attheageof75.He wasanativeofNewOr‐leans,Louisiana,bornon August21,1949.Alanwas thecherishedsonofthe lateCharlesandThelma LoetzerichHeisthe belovedfatherofTaylor McIntyreandwasaloving brothertohislatesiblings, MarleneL.McCarthyand CharlesWLoetzerichIII. Heissurvivedbyhissister LindaLMunroe,whowill continuetocherishthe memoriestheysharedand iskeepingAlan’sretriever Pup,safeandhealthysince Alan’spassing.Hisniece, PaigeMcCarthywillal‐waysrememberher uncle'sguidanceandthe joyhebroughttofamily gatherings.Alanattended FrancesTNichollsHigh SchoolHiscareerin seafoodsaleswasmore thanjustajob;itwasare‐flectionofhisloveforthe GulfanditsbountiesAn avidfisherman,hecould oftenbefoundonthetran‐quilwatersofLouisiana rodinhand,waitingforthe nextbigcatch.Hewasa familiarfacetomany, knownforhiswarmsmile andthegenuineinterest hetookinthelivesofhis customersandcolleagues Musicwasanotherof Alan’spassions,providing asoundtracktohislife's mostsignificantmoments ThosewhoknewAlanwill rememberhimasaman wholivedwithhishearton hissleeve.Hispresence couldlightuparoom,and hislaughterwasinfec‐tiousHewasafriendto many,alwaysreadywitha helpinghandoralistening earAlanwillbegreatly missedbyallwhoknew andlovedhimAudubon FuneralHomewereen‐trustedwiththearrange‐ments.

MickieMorise,age81,of Mandeville,Louisiana, passedawayonWednes‐day,April2,2025.Shewas bornonDecember10,1943 inNewOrleans,Louisiana Sheissurvivedbyherchil‐dren,DamonMorise (Wendy)MarkMorise (Joann),andAshleyMorise Khashou(Jack);grandchil‐dren,Sage,Mason,Can‐non,Taylor,Morgan,Madi‐sonKeira,andJacob; great-grandchildren,Beck‐hamandNoa;andstepgrandchildren,Cody, Alexandra,Ashleyand Amy,andstep-greatgrandchildElliot.Shewas precededindeathbyher lovinghusbandof59years EugeneGerardMorise;her parents,JohnJosephMar‐sigliaandJosephineMary PisciottaMarsiglia;and herbrotherJohnMar‐siglia.MickieMorisewas knownforherwarmfaith‐fulandplayfulpersonality Herdown-to-earthandcar‐ingdispositionmade everyonefeelwelcometo sharetheirownstory.She ledalifeoflovewhichwas evidentinthewayshe reminiscedaboutherown stories.Mostnotablyshe lovedtotalkaboutthe crazylove”sheshared withherhusbandGene andthejoyinraisingtheir childrenandgrandchil‐dren.Mickietaughtothers tolovebyherownexam‐ple,andshewillbedearly missedbyanyonewhowas luckytoknowher.EJ FieldingFuneralHomeof Covington,Louisiana,was honoredtobeentrusted withMrs.Morise’sfuneral arrangements.

Easetheburdenon yourlovedonesby pre-planning

Securetoday’sprices forfutureservices andensurethatyour wisheswillbefulﬁlled

PHOTO BY HERB GOMEZ

Pearl River’s Emersen Blanchard belts one of her three doubles on April 19. Lakeshore’s

Mahne slides into second for a double against Pearl River.

Pearl River pitcher Riley Falcon got the win against Lakeshore.

Pearl River’s Bralyn Kelly belts a double.

Pearl River’s Mylie Elsensohn scores the first run during a first-round playoff game at Lakeshore.

Morise, Mickie

DiMaggio, Peter Joseph

Loetzerich, Alan

Grinnell, Don Edward

Slidell baseball uses total team effort to sweep Zachary

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Slidell baseball’s schedule has not been for the weak of heart, and that adversity paid off in the ﬁrst round of the Division I nonselect playoffs. The 19th-seeded Tigers upset 14th-seeded Zachary 3-1 on April 18 and ﬁnished the series sweep with an 8-5 victory a day later The Tigers (25-9) will travel to third-seeded Northwood-Shreveport in the second round later this week.

Slidell ﬁrst-year coach Cameron Lewis said it took a total team effort to pull off the ﬁrstround upset.

“It was just a little bit of everybody,” Lewis said. “That was probably the most athletic team we have played all season, so they put a lot of pressure on us all series. In Game 1, Brayden Calamari was fantastic on the mound. The second game was probably the most stressful seven-inning game that I have been a part of in a while. Zachary didn’t go away, but I’m proud of my guys for not ﬂinching and getting the job done.” In the ﬁrst game, Calamari earned the victory allowing one run on six hits and a walk in six innings. He struck out nine. Junior Burdett pitched a perfect seventh to earn the save.

Calamari blasted a two-run home run in the fourth to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead Slidell added another run in the sixth on Troy Green’s sac ﬂy, which scored Elijah Strahan. In the second game, the Tigers pounded out 10 hits as a seven-run second inning proved to be the difference Green got the win, allowing ﬁve runs (three earned) on three hits with four walks in six innings. He struck out seven. Burdett tossed a perfect seventh for his second consecutive save.

Offensively, Burdett belted a three-run triple. Sergio Sotillo went 2 for 2 with two RBIs, while Green had two hits. Calamari and Xavier Paul both drove in a run.

DENHAM SPRINGS SWEEPS MANDEVILLE: The 17thseeded Skippers’ season ended after 10-0 and 4-2 losses to the Yellowjackets on April 17 and 18.

Mandeville (19-17) managed just two hits during the six-inning shutout defeat in the Division I nonselect series opener Peyton Gomez and Luke LeJeune each had singles. In the second game, the Skippers took a 2-1 lead after four innings, but Denham Springs scored two runs in the seventh to clinch the series. Gomez, LeJeune and Brady Hatchett each singled. Reagan Touchstone struck out seven and allowed two runs (one earned) in 4.1 innings.

DE LA SALLE SHUTS OUT NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN: The 17th-seeded Wolverines suffered a pair of 2-0 shutouts on April 16 and 17 during a Division III select first-round series. In the first game, De La Salle used a tworun fifth inning to secure the victory Eli Shoemake pitched well in defeat, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out three. Max Millett went 2 for 3, while Ty Galloway had a double. In the second game, the Cavaliers scored single runs in the first and fifth innings. Stew Covey took the loss but pitched well. He allowed two runs on four hits and three walks in 6.2 innings. He struck out three. Offensively Millett Shoemake Jonathan Lee and Luke McAdams each had a hit.

Pearl River pitching, hitting power

ﬁrst-round

BY DAVE WOODALL Contributing writer

All season long, Pearl River has relied on its pitching, but on April 19, the Rebels’ bats came alive.

Pearl River pounded out 14 hits, including four for extra bases, en route to a 13-3 Division II nonselect first-round series-clinching victory over 21st-seeded Plaquemine.

“We came into the playoffs not hitting the ball well, but this week, our bats have come alive,” said Pearl River firstyear coach Michael Couvillion

“We’ve had to do the small ball thing all year, but when you are hitting the ball, small ball works a lot better Our defense has been great all year We’ve got some guys with hurt arms, but they’re still making every play Plaquemine put the ball in play and hit the ball well.

Our kids know that if they put a couple of runs on the board, our pitchers will come through for them.”

The Rebels (14-12) will travel to fifth-seeded Iowa for a second-round series later this week.

After posting a 3-0 win on Friday, Pearl River used a combination of small ball and long ball to sweep the Green Devils.

Plaquemine (17-17) scored ﬁrst in the bottom of the ﬁrst inning as Christian Boudreaux

sweep of Plaquemine

gether and trust everything that the coaches tell us.”

The Rebels put the game away with a three-run ﬁfth inning for an 8-2 lead Leading the charge were Xan Harwell, Cayden Levy and Clifton each with singles, while Ward drove in a run and reached base on a sacriﬁce bunt.

Sammie McDaniel added a two-run home run in the sixth to put a bow on the victory “This year I have been trying to improve at the plate after coming off some injuries,” said McDaniel. “I got the pitch that I was looking for and finally made a good swing at it.” While Saturday’s game was an offensive explosion, the Rebels opened the series with a 3-0 win on April 18. Harwell tossed a complete-game one-hitter with three walks and nine strikeouts in 109 pitches.

singled and scored on Tre Daley’s RBI double. The Rebels quickly answered with four runs in the second to take control of the game. Senior catcher Dalton Sabathe led off with a double, followed by a Jacob Clifton single. Aiden Ward followed with an RBI single. Drew Clement drove in a run and reached base on his sacriﬁce bunt. Bryce Kellum added a two-run single.

That was all Loyola-New Orleans signee Jake Clifton needed The senior allowed three runs (two earned) on eight hits and one walk in seven innings. He struck out 10.

“We’ve got a great team here with a lot of young guys who have really stepped up,” said Clifton. “I can always trust that the guys behind me will make the plays that we need. We’ve started to put everything to-

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

A pair of unearned runs in the eighth inning proved to be the difference as 20th-seeded Sulphur rallied for a 4-2 ﬁrst-round playoff win over 11th-seeded Covington at Jimmy “Doc” Davis Field on April 18.

“Playoff baseball comes down to two things — you can’t put guys on base for free, and you have to get timely hits,” Covington coach Jeff Dragg said.

“It’s plain and simple, and we didn’t do either of those things tonight. Sulphur put pressure on us, and we made some mistakes. Offensively, we had chances early and didn’t take advantage.”

Covington committed five errors and stranded nine runners. They also had a runner thrown out at home in the first, another caught in a rundown between home and third in the second inning, and a third runner picked off of second base in the fifth.

The game was a pitchers’ duel between Covington lefty Aidan Ryan and Sulphur’s Dayton Hicks, although neither ﬁgured in the decision. Ryan allowed two runs on four hits and two walks in seven innings. He struck out seven in 111 pitches.

Hicks battled control issues early to hurl six effective innings, allowing two runs on six hits and ﬁve walks with seven strikeouts.

The Lions struck in the first inning as Hunter Spell walked to open the inning, followed by Bradey Miller’s single Spell scored on Gavin Panks’ RBI double, but Miller was thrown out at the plate for the first out. The Tors (17-18) answered with single runs in the fifth and sixth innings to take a 2-1 lead The Lions answered as Ryan drew a two-out walk in the bottom of the sixth. Courtesy runner Matthew Fussell scored on

PHOTO BY MATT DOBBINS

Slidell shortstop Junior Burdett recorded back-to-back saves as the Tigers pulled off a first-round playoff upset.

PHOTO BY MATT DOBBINS

Pearl River’s Jake Clifton had plenty to celebrate after a first-round playoff sweep of Plaquemine on April 19.

Covington’s Caden

Covington’s Joel Heck tags Sulphur’s Slade Shove-Knox.

Covington’s Aidan Ryan allowed two runs on four hits with seven strikeouts against Sulphur

PHOTOS BY BOBBY GILBOY

Covington’s Bradey Miller is tagged out at home by Sulphur catcher Brodie Depriest in the first inning on April 18.