The St. Tammany Farmer 05-21-2025

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Pay raises for teachers, workers agreed to with union

Board to make final decision

BY BOB WARREN Staff writer

Teachers and other school work-

ers in St. Tammany are in line for raises soon if the School Board signs off on an agreement hammered out between Superintendent Frank Jabbia and the employees’ union.

Teachers would receive an additional $2,550, and other school workers would receive $1,750 annually under the proposal, which Jabbia recently negotiated with Brant Osborn, president of the St Tammany Federation of Teachers and School Employees.

Mandeville picnic builds traditions and memories

BY DARREN COOPER

Contributing writer

About the only thing missing is a pie-eating contest, but maybe next year

The 12th Annual Heroes at Home Mandeville Family Reunion is more than just the name says. It’s a throwback to Memorial Day picnics of the past. It’s a chance to recognize and honor former and current service members and enjoy a good time on the scenic lakefront with food and music

“What we want people to know is that it’s open to the public, you don’t have to be just from Mandeville,” said event director Susan Brady “It’s for everybody We want people to come and honor our fallen heroes.”

The event starts with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. that recognizes local Gold Star families Music starts at 10:30 a.m., and the headline act Vince Vance and the Valiants — take the stage at 5:30 p.m.

There are also activities available, such as rope for a family tug of war, sack races and cornhole boards. It’s not a festival per se, in that there’s limited food and drink for sale, and guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic (gas grills only, no glass bottles) and sit out by the water and relax Shuttle services are provided from public parking areas.

Near the entrance will be a welcome tent with raffle tickets for local prizes, including gift certificates and pictures of times gone by

“It’s a good way to see the history of Mandeville,” said Brady There are contests for the largest group/family gathered, the most patriotic tent/table and the most patriotically-dressed person. There is no cost to attend, but donations are welcome. Over the past five years, the event has raised more than $110,000 for a combination of fallen officers’ families and different police organizations.

“Memorial Day for me is about our fallen heroes. I have a brother

The raises would become effective with the school year that starts in August, Osborn said.

The district and union are nearing the end of year one of a two-year collective bargaining agreement that dominated school system politics last summer

Among a handful of other salaryrelated items, the new agreement also calls for stipends ranging from $250 to $1,000 for coaches who guide team to the playoffs or become state champions, as well as $550 per semester for employees who manage the Chromebooks laptop computers at their schools.

The School Board must still approve the agreement. The board is expected to schedule a special

meeting later this month to take up the issue, Jabbia and Osborn said in recent interviews.

The pay raises, if approved, would mark a departure from the most recent stipends given to employees. Those were one-time payments and did not add to employees’ permanent salaries.

The school district has more than 6,000 employees.

Permanent raises were a focus of the talks between the administration and union, Jabbia said.

“We wanted to get out of the stipend business,” Jabbia said. “We felt it was important to start putting our money where we could for a permanent pay raise.”

Osborn posted some key takeaways to the proposed agreement on Facebook last week, one of which noted that this would mark the school district’s largest singleyear raise.

Jabbia said starting teacher salary is just over $49,000 now and would near $52,000 if the raises go through.

Another takeaway in Osborn’s Facebook post notes that teachers have had more than $6,400 in raises over the past four years, while support staff have an additional $4,205.

“We really had a collaborative spirit and did everything we could with the existing budget,” Osborn said last week. “I’m pleased with

Split vote to keep free school lunches at least another year

BY KIM CHATELAIN

Contributing writer

dents will continue to receive free meals during the 2025-26 school year under a federal program that the School Board opted into at its June 15 meeting. The board voted 7-5 to continue the Community Eligibility

BY KADEE KRIEGER Contributing writer

The West St. Tammany YMCA filled its property with hundreds of people who showed up for its national Healthy Kids Day initiative to race, dance, mingle and celebrate the organization’s recent growth and improvements. The YMCA also officially opened its pool for the summer and celebrated its newly lighted back field.

“Nothing but good vibes here,” said Joey Roberts, the West St. Tammany YMCA ex-

ecutive director “We are located in

Jabbia

PHOTO BY GRANT

PHOTO BY MATTHEW DOBBINS

RAISES

Continued from page 1A

it.” Jabbia and Osborn are also watching the politics in Baton Rouge, where the Legislature is mulling bills that aim to raise teacher salaries. Meanwhile, stipends for public school teachers and other school employees are included in the proposed state budget working its way through the House of Representatives.

LUNCHES

Continued from page 1A

Provision program for one more year, reversing a decision it made during a committee of the whole meeting the week before.

Terri Prevost, the school district’s chief financial officer, said the committee’s May 8 decision to suspend the federal program raised concerns from board members, school district employees and parents.

Provost said she and Superintendent Frank Jabbia met to discuss the concerns and financial options for continuing the program, which will cost the district an estimated $2.5 million for the 2025-26 school year

“I took a hard look at the options …,” she said, and determined that money could be made available for the food program without significantly impacting the district’s other financial needs.

A recommendation from the administration to continue the program appeared on the May 15 agenda of the full board, which had the final say on the whether the district would participate.

Some board members questioned the administration’s change of direction and expressed concerns about taking money from other budgets, such as those for school maintenance, to cover the cost of the food program.

Opponents said other programs that provide free lunches and breakfasts for low-income families could instead be put into play for those who can’t afford to pay Those programs require students from needy families to fill out applications to receive benefits.

Conversely, the CEP program provides free meals to all families, including those that could afford to pay for them, the opponents said.

Board member James Braud said parents would appreciate the district’s continued participation.

“This is a good program,” Braud said. “It’s beneficial to the community.” The CEP was established by Congress under the Healthy HungerFree Kids Act. Eligibility is on a four-year cycle, and school districts may opt in, or out, each year of the cycle.

St. Tammany school officials indicated that the 2025-26 year will likely be the last year of the district’s participation due to various factors.

YMCA

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Roberts said the registration showed 100 more participants than the inaugural event in 2024. Proceeds from those events will benefit scholarships to help youth attend summer camps and participate in sports programs, from swimming and football to soccer and T-ball.

Roberts said a recent grant from the NFL Foundation Grassroots program will also enhance both free play and organized games held on the property’s field behind the YMCA. It allowed for stadium lighting to be added to the field so that play can extend past the daylight hours.

“Previously, we have been at the mercy of sunlight, but now the kids will be able to use the space all the way to closing time. During the summer, they won’t come on for long, but we will really see the impact in the fall,” Roberts said. “It’s going to allow so much more time for football, flag football, soccer and just kids playing and staying active.”

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program provides non-profit, neighborhood-based organizations with financial and technical assistance to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of local fields. The grant for field lighting provided an $88,000 value, Rob-

erts said. He said the ability for increased use of the field comes at a perfect time, since the YMCA realized a 13% growth over the previous year The positive turnout at the Healthy Kids Day also reflected that growth, he said.

The event is part of the YMCA’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families, and these kinds of community events are geared to inspire them all to keep their minds and bodies active throughout the summer months and beyond.

“We know that we need to keep expanding our services to meet the needs of the community,” Roberts said.

Donna Laiche, associate executive director, said the success of the day pointed to the fun that members have together “This day was about everyone coming together to have a great time and support our programs.

PICNIC

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who was in Desert Storm and he came home, but some of his buddies did not,” said Brady “This is what Memorial Day is all about, having a special community event where everyone can come together and see our beautiful lakefront.” Here’s a look at other Memorial Day events planned on the northshore: n Retired Sgt. Maj. James A. Kuiken

FILE PHOTO

Mandeville Family Reunion attendees pitched tents and enjoyed a languid Sunday afternoon on the lakefront last year

Northshore Food Bank needs donations, funds

BY KADEE KRIEGER

Contributing writer

The Northshore Food Bank shelves are emptier than they should be as the organization heads into the crucial summer months, and community leaders are asking individuals and organizations to help with muchneeded donations.

“Community donations are imperative to keep our shelves stocked with essential staple food items for our food insecure neighbors — whether through food or funds (of) support. We encourage everyone to help as they can,” said Northshore Food Bank CEO Yvette Roussel. “Every little bit adds up to help our neighbors in need.”

Roussel is also filling the role of development director (chief fundraiser) until the organization replaces former development director Scott Wallace, who took the job just one year ago, according to his Linked In account.

Covington City Council at large member John Botsford mentioned the need for increased donations during the May 6 council meeting, calling what Roussel and her colleagues do an “amazing” effort that must be supported.

n

It’s our goal to be able to bring as many people as possible to all of the things we offer,” she said.

Among those who participated in the 5K were team members of Ainsley’s Angels of Greater New Orleans. Dressed in bright pink, the Ainsley’s Angels runners pushed joggers they dubbed “chariots” carrying 11 participants who would be unable to participate in the race otherwise.

Started in Lake Charles in 2013, the organization now includes chapters in 30 states and allows those of different abilities to experience sporting events through the volunteer efforts of “angels” who propel the chariots.

“We would love you to lend your heart and your legs,” said Ryan Cardinal of Covington, who runs the Greater New Orleans chapter

The organization also brings experiences, such as riding in Carnival parades and even adaptive water skiing, to those unable to participate on their own.

Following the race, the West St. Tammany YMCA held line dancing, Zumba and other activities in the gym.

For information on the West St. Tammany YMCA and its programming, visit www.ymcaneworleans.org/ locations/west-st.-tammanyymca/west-st.-tammanyymca. For Angels info, visit ainsleysangels.org or email Cardinal at neworlans@ainsleysangels.org.

Botsford said the food bank served 810 families last year, a number that hit 1,135 through April of this year

Roussel said the Northshore Food Bank, through nine different programs, addresses various barriers to access proper food for individuals, families, students, cancer patients, those with special dietary needs and homebound seniors. She said the summer months are typically slower months for donations and monetary donations, since schools and churches are some of the larger donors during the school year

The items currently most needed are applesauce, canned spinach, canned carrots, canned chicken, cereal and dry beans. Food donations can be dropped off to the Northshore Food Bank warehouse at 125 W. 30th Ave., in Covington on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. Anyone interested in organizing a food drive, should contact the food drive coordinator at fooddrives@ northshorefoodbank.org. To make a financial donation, contact the development coordinator at clandrum@ northshorefoodbank.org or Roussel at yroussel@northshorefoodbank.org. For information on the Northshore Food Bank, visit https://northshorefoodbank. org/.

“These are our kids, we’ve got to step up and feed our families. The rate of food insecurity in our area is surprising, and people don’t think about the fact that some kids get their only hot meal at school,” he said She said her group is being hurt by a considerable decrease of federal USDA support: “Weekly provisions from our regional food bank have significantly decreased. Community food donations are down almost 28%. We anticipate this pinch will only get worse before it gets better.”

Prescribed burn set in Lacombe area

Staff report

In the Big Branch Marsh, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is expected to finish by June 1 a prescribed burn in a 113-acre pine savannah habitat south of U.S. 190 and north of Bayou Paquet Road in Lacombe. Smoke may be visible in surrounding areas, but impact to the public is expected to be minimal, the agency said. The burn was scheduled to begin in mid-May if prescribed conditions all coalesced, including fuel type, fuel moisture, relative

humidity, air temperature, wind speed, wind direction and other atmospheric conditions for a safe and successful burn.

Big Branch Marsh fire management program objectives include protecting private and human lives against uncontrolled wildfires through vegetative fuel reduction; protecting refuge resources from catastrophic wildfires; maintain biological diversity in fire-adapted plant communities; and maintain habitat for endangered and threatened plant and animal species.

PROVIDED PHOTO BY /USFWS

A prescribed burn in a savannah habitat near Lacombe in 2021.

PHOTOS BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

Paul Bodet helps daughter Natalie do some chin-ups at the Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA of Covington on May 10.

Colette Roberts enjoys a hot dog

Summertime weather and the water feels fine

BY KADEE KRIEGER

Contributing writer

Residents soon can grab sunscreen and goggles and head to their respective public community pools opening for the summer in Covington and Slidell.

The municipal pool at Peter Atkins Park, 701 N. Tyler St., in Covington officially opens May 30 and will maintain pool hours from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday Lifeguards will be on duty during those hours.

The park is near Lyon Elementary School and includes a splash pad, as well as the pool, which is open to the community without charge.

The Lionel J. Washington Community Pool, the public pool in Slidell, will open May 24 at 705 Dewey Ave., across from the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Louisiana. The entry fee is $1, and hours are noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday

The Lakeside Swim Club organization runs the community pool for Slidell and provides lifeguards, and manager Nicole Beebe said the fee will be refunded in case of inclement weather

The pool includes picnic tables and a family atmosphere, Beebe said, and it will remain open until Labor Day weekend.

Another summer treat readily available throughout the area are public splash pads, most of which require no admission fee.

Most commonly, a splash pad is filled with nozzles or jets that stream low-flow water up — typically to varying heights — provid-

BY

THERKILDSEN Makhi Leonard celebrated Covington’s Juneteeth Freedom Day last year by frolicking with a ball in the splash pad at Rev. Peter Atkins Park.

ing water play for children of different ages and sizes. The water is recirculated so that it does not collect.

Splash pads are generally located in a park or even called a “splash park” — and are adjacent to other kid- or family-friendly amenities, such as playground equipment, picnic areas or biking/walking trails.

Splash pads can be found from Madisonville, Mandeville and Covington to Abita Springs, Slidell, Folsom and in Fontainebleau State Park. The opening dates and hours of operation vary, so residents should check websites and Facebook pages for details.

For information about the Covington community pool, visit www.covla.org, and for the Slidell community pool, visit lakesideswimclub.org.

Fitness courts just waiting for users

BY MARGARET ALBERT

Contributing writer

A pair of fitness courts now open in St. Tammany Parish are designed to provide full body workouts in the great outdoors at no charge.

The fitness courts, one at Koop Drive and another at Camp Salmen, each designate seven exercise zones: core, squat, push, pull, lunge, bend and agility There is also a Fitness Court app for users to download and optimize their personal workouts.

The courts were developed with help from The National Fitness Campaign, which creates recreational opportunities for cities, schools and municipalities by helping them find financing through the campaign’s business partners and other available sources.

The St Tammany courts qualified for the campaign’s grant funding, which also allowed for local artists to beautify a fitness court wall at each site.

The Koop Drive wall art was created by Covington resident Joey Roberts, an amateur artist who is the Covington City Council member for District C. Wall art for Camp Salmen was provided by Mandeville artist Mandie Manzano.

Originally from New Orleans, Roberts has been living in Covington for almost 20 years. His baccalaureate degree is in kinesiology, and he has a passion for health and fitness. When the contest announcement was made, Roberts said he thought about his love of the sketch work he does mostly to amuse himself and thought the wall project might be a chance for him to showcase the St. Tammany community that has given so much to him.

“I had an image of Polaroid shots coming to life in my head,” he said. “I made a preliminary sketch with my phone, used a pen

to tweak it, and submitted the sketch,” Roberts said. Those “snapshots” in his mind are now on the fitness wall at Koop Drive

depicting images of Abita Springs, Pearl River Mandeville, Slidell, Covington, Lacombe, Madisonville, Sun and Folsom.

We’reputting our energy intoa better Louisiana.

Manzano began her professional artistic journey in 2011, leading to collaborations with DreamWorks Animation Fine Arts and Warner Brothers. Her artwork can be seen on magazine and book covers and is exhibited in galleries worldwide. She has a whimsical art style infused with elements from nature that feature vibrant colors and playful imagery

“When I saw the contest, this playful scene just popped into my head,” she said. “Alligators in boats, raccoons trying to fish, a pelican superhero, and even some froggy bodybuilders,” she added. The playful artwork that resulted now graces the fitness wall at Camp Salmen. The Camp Salmen Fitness Court cost was $227,000; the cost at Koop Drive was $291,000, the difference being the addition of an open studio surface for

PROVIDED PHOTO BY JOEY ROBERTS

Art by Joey Roberts depicts snapshots of St. Tammany

Parish communities on the fitness court’s outside wall near Mandeville at the Tammany Trace.

PHOTOS BY MARGARET ALBERT

Whimsical artwork by Mandie Manzano on the exterior wall of the fitness court near Slidell

The new fitness court at Camp Salmen is is a multipurpose way to work out near the Tammany Trace.

FILE PHOTO

GRANT

Firefighters in Slidell get K9 service dog peer support

BY MARGARET ALBERT

Contributing writer

The men and women of St. Tam-

many Fire Protection District No.1 have welcomed with open arms and head pats their new Chief Mooney, a 21/2 year-old golden retriever specially trained to offer them peer support and provide crisis response in tough situations.

Mooney, his familiar name, is the department’s first such support animal, and his job will be to support the mental health and well-being of his coworkers Mooney is specially trained to recognize anxiety, stress and PTSD among first responders, and his support will probably matter most when he offers happy, loving distraction to co-workers after critical incidents.

The new crisis response K9 was named in honor of Deputy Sheriff Jason Mooney, who lost his life in the line of duty on Oct. 19, 2007, while responding to an automobile accident. Chief Training Officer Tim Harrison first discussed the possibility of such a service dog for the department when he met Anjanette Montaño, co-founder and executive director of Thin Line Service Dogs of West Virginia, at a national fire protection conference.

Harrison next contacted Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann to discuss the possibility with him, and Kaufmann responded, “Why haven’t you done it already?” Montaño’s business breeds, trains and places service dogs. And when it became clear that this would be the company’s first opportunity to train and place a canine for this specific type of work, her company donated Mooney to the department

“This is our inaugural crisis-response trained canine for Thin Line,” she said. “And you have a chief and department who ‘get it,’ or they would not have welcomed the possibility and carried it through,” she said.

Montaño said she chose Mooney to work with first responders in Slidell because he functions well with multiple people, not just individuals, and is one of the top four dog breeds — Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, poodles and rough coat collies — for service work.

She expressed confidence in Mooney’s new station in life. “We’re proud to pass on this leash,” said Montaño, who started the company with husband Wayne, a firefighter and

military vet They breed and train service dogs and provide them, at no cost, to first responders and veterans.

Mooney will spend his days on the job with his fellow fire personnel, then relax at home in the evenings and on weekends with his handler, Training Officer/Emergency Medical Technician Tim Dudenhefer, who will keep Mooney with him at the department’s training academy daily to ensure his availability to firefighters.

“His arrival is perfectly timed, with May being Mental Health Awareness Month,” Kaufmann said in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming Mooney into our family, where he will be treated as a valued member of our team.”

Slidell halts pop-up vendors on private property

BY KIM CHATELAIN Contributing writer

The Slidell City Council has imposed a 120-day moratorium on outdoor pop-up vendor shop events so that regulations can be enacted to make the unconventional marketing efforts mesh with brick-and-mortar businesses.

The council voted 7-1 for the moratorium following a passionate, 90-minute discussion at its May 13 meeting.

Supporters of the moratorium said it is designed to give city officials time to tighten regulations on pop-ups held on private property so that they don’t infringe on the operations of businesses in shopping centers where the temporary sales ventures are held.

The controversy came to a head after an event in February at a strip shopping center at the intersection of Robert and Marche boulevards.

Owners of brick-andmortar businesses in the center complained that tents were erected haphazardly in the parking lot and on sidewalks, making it difficult for their customers to park and gain access to their stores.

Residents of an adjoining neighborhood also complained, saying the tents erected by vendors created a traffic hazard by blocking the view of traffic on Robert Boulevard.

The complaints prompted city officials to draft a moratorium ordinance that was introduced to the council in April. Several supporters of pop-up businesses urged the council to quash the proposed ordinance, but members opted to move it forward for a vote at the May 13 meeting.

Deanna Miller, who owns a screen printing and embroidery shop in the strip center on Robert Boulevard, urged the council to enact the moratorium to prevent events like the one in February from reoccurring.

She said that event was poorly organized, with vendors putting up tents in reserved and handicapped parking spaces and cars parked illegally throughout

“I support small businesses because I am one. I believe in the American dream because I’m living it. But in my experiences, in my small parking lot, it’s a zoo.”

DEANNA MILLER, who owns a screen printing and embroidery shop in the strip center on Robert Boulevard

the area. Miller said she has nothing against vendors who are using pop-ups to get their businesses off the ground, but she said cramming too many vendors into small parking lots is unsafe and unfair to brick-andmortar businesses whose customers are blocked from reaching stores.

“I support small businesses because I am one,” Miller said. “I believe in the American dream because I’m living it. But in my experiences, in my small parking lot, it’s a zoo.” John Grigg, who now owns a storefront business with his wife on Robert Boulevard after getting their start with pop-ups, spoke against the moratorium saying laws already on the books could address concerns.

He acknowledged that the Feb. 8 event raised legitimate concerns, but that many other pop-up events are held without incident.

“I don’t think shutting off the flow and punishing the whole because of the actions of one is fair,” he said. Council member Trey Brownfield, who cast the lone vote against the moratorium, agreed that the city can address the issue by enforcing existing laws. Shutting down pop-ups casts an anti-business pall over the city, he said.

“We have to become more business-friendly,” Brownfield said. “This is bad for business. It kills the hopes and dreams of small business owners in the city.” Council member Leslie Denham said efforts are well underway to refine regulations regarding popups, noting the moratorium could be lifted in less than 120 days.

Chief Mooney settling in to his new departmental home.

Chief Mooney starts his reign with

First responder mental health specialist Shannon DeLavallade, left, and Anjanette Montaño, co-founder and CEO of Thin Line Service Dogs, shower Mooney with love in Slidell.

Northlake singers beat the odds for 30 years as a choir

BY JESSICA SAGGIO Contributing writer

It was 1995 when Tim Ellzey got word that a community choir was starting up on the northshore.

Ellzey, an engineer for Shell at the time, had always enjoyed singing, but life didn’t take him down the path of a career in music. So the engineer with a tenor voice took a leap and was one of the 150 who auditioned for the group in the living room of then-director and founder Laura Lane. He made the cut.

The group, coined the Northlake Performing Arts Society was a success from the jump, said Ellzey, attracting all sorts of talent from across the parish. Young, old, professional and hobbyist singers came together to share their love of music. The group blended their passion for song, creating an energy that would make Monday night rehearsals in the then-Graham Resources Building in Covington a retreat from the pressures of everyday life. Choir members had to bring their own chairs, and the group had to rent a piano, but the energy was electric.

“You’re singing next to doctors, teachers, mechanics, it’s just a wide diverse group of people who come together and really love to sing,” said Ellzey He said his job at the time required a commute into New Orleans where “long grueling days” in a high-stress occupation were draining. Getting to choir practice felt tedious.

“But when you finished that rehearsal, you had so much energy you couldn’t go to sleep,” he said.

“That’s what singing does for you.” Lane’s original mission to create a community of artists — was working, and the choir hosted its first concert that year Many more would follow Thirty years later, and the NPAS choir members are still singing their hearts out — Ellzey included. It’s been a bumpy road at times, he explained, but all these years later, the choir is still active, still singing and will perform its 30th anniversary concert. “Pearls of the Past,” this week at Abita Springs Town Hall. Performances will take place May 23 at 7:30 p.m. and May 25 at

from the Disney movie “Encanto.”

The group is led by director Kenya Lawrence Jackson.

3 p.m. Tickets are $15. The concert will honor the choir’s anniversary, highlighting members’ favorite songs from the past and also, a song from its first-ever performance in April of 1995 Songs will include a variety of genres, with numbers like the old Frank Sinatra favorite “Come Fly with Me,” ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and more current hits, such as “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”

“We’re going to have a really positive evening. It’s one where you can check your stress at the door and just relax and have fun,” said Sandy Hughes, immediate past NPAS board president. “The joy we will be exuding will be contagious.”

But it hasn’t always been blue skies for the choir. The group almost didn’t make it through the pandemic, said Hughes, when researchers pointed to droplets in the air as the primary culprit to COVID-19’s contagion.

“When COVID hit, one of the biggest spreaders of the virus was thought to be singing,” said Ellzey

St. Tammany Parish Public Schools name new administrators

New administrative appointments made during the St Tammany Parish School Board committee meetings on May 8 are pictured with Superintendent Frank Jabbia, second from right at back, and included, from left front, Jamie Bateman, Little Oak Middle School assistant principal; Jessica Pinegar Madisonville Elementary School assistant principal; Tonya Barth, Lyon Elementary School assistant principal; Patrick Daniel, Covington High assistant principal; Nicole Gagnard, Abney Elementary School principal, Byron Long, Creekside Junior High principal; Colleen Bordelon, Fontainebleau Junior High assistant principal; Ryan Dieck, Northshore High assistant principal; Colleen Assavedo, Tchefuncte Middle School assistant principal; Christian Hahn, Pine View Middle School assistant principal; Jenny Comeaux, Lancaster Elementary School assistant principal; Chandra Adams, Brock Elementary School assistant principal; Carolyn Duffaut, Boyet Junior High School assistant principal; and Robin Mitchell, Lake Harbor Middle School principal.

Some Northlake Performing Arts Society members performing pre-COVID included, from left, Tim Ellzey, Kelly O’Connor and Jerry Smolinski. Both men are original NPAS members.

The choir attempted to take its rehearsals to Zoom, but it was difficult, said Hughes, as the timing of voices was always off on the video call technology It just didn’t work, and in-person rehearsals resumed in September 2020, with various safety protocols in place. Chairs were sanitized, everyone was spaced apart and the voices that once rang out in harmony did so on a much smaller scale and through surgical masks, recalled the choir’s longtime leader Membership dwindled down to just 14 members, but it survived off good planning. The group relied on reserves that had been stashed away — enough to cover six months of operating expenses.

‘PEARLS OF THE PAST’

WHAT: A pair of concerts by the Northlake Performing Arts Society

WHEN: Friday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 25, at 3 p.m.

WHERE: Abita Springs Town Hall, 72077 Live Oak St.

HOW MUCH: Tickets $15 at NPASsingers.org or at the door

WHAT ELSE: A 30th anniversary party for ticketed guests after the May 25 concert at the show venue, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

MORE: Get additional details and more conceret ticket sales venues at npassingers.org No more party tickets for sale.

By Christmas 2020, the choir small but mighty — returned with a concert. The group sang with masks on to 60 or so audience members, a much bigger turnout than was expected. Fast forward, and today’s Northlake Performing Arts Society will celebrate another milestone anniversary, a testament to the determination it took to get through those unprecedented times. The choir is back to its pre-COVID size with more than 70 members and has long since resumed its regular fullseason concert schedule Rehearsals are back to normal and take place at St. Timothy’s in Mandeville, and new members are continually being added Auditions are ongoing, but are usually a formality to place singers in the correct vocal group. One of the newest members is former Covington High School Choir director Cedric Bridges, who joined the choir after his retirement in May Bridges, a professional singer, said it was a chance to enjoy his craft and to connect with others. Many members even come early just to socialize, he said. It’s also a chance to be a part of something “bigger than yourself,” a lesson he taught his students for more than 30 years. And at NPAS the energy is just that. The choir is a blend of voices from all ranges, backgrounds and ages that come together for something bigger than individual talent. But rather, the sound of a community

PROVIDED PHOTO

Kenya Lawrence Jackson leads her Northlake Performing Arts Society singers in an a capella selection.

FILE PHOTOS BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

The Northlake Performing Arts Society singers and Covington Concert Band performed in a first-ever collaborated to give the community a joint Christmas concert near Mandeville in 2023.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

Archbishop Hannan’s Class of 2025 moves on

The Magnify Vocal Ensemble sings during the NCS graduation at First Baptist Church of Covington on May 9.

PHOTOS BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

Northlake Christian Class of 2025 grads turn their tassels at the end of commencement exercises.

Northlake’s Class of 2025 process in to begin the graduation ceremony.

Graduates react to a slide show of highlights from their senior year at Northlake.

Nathan Uberawa gives the farewell address.

Sheri Gros lovingly touches the face of her son, Cohen, after he presented her with a rose.

Jillian Munster walks across the stage to receive her diploma from Head of School Denis Schexnaydre.

Makenzie Jackson is flanked by her parents, Marcus and Tameka Jackson.

Brody Smith exults in receiving his diploma.

Students react to the jokes delivered in the valedictory address.

Valedictorian Daniel King laughs at one of the many little humorous barbs he delivered in his valedictory address.

PHOTOS BY MATT DOBBINS

Archbishop Hannan High graduate candidates file into commencement at First Baptist Church on May 17.

Jane Edwards receives her diploma from Head of School Sheri Gillio.

PHOTO BY MATTHEW DOBBINS

Hannah Garvey reacts to receiving her diploma

St. Scholastica Co-Valedictorian Mary Avenel addresses the graduates and attendees.

Ashton Bedford drew a big round of applause for being awarded one of the two Visitor’s LaSallian Awards at St. Paul’s graduation.

Leslie Adams celebrates with her son, John.

Graduate candidates walk through a phalanx of faculty on the way to the ceremony.

PHOTOS BY MATT DOBBINS

Graduate candidates stroll through the oak-covered St Paul’s campus to the ceremony.

St. Paul’s caps sail up on May 17 and the graduates steam ahead.

FROM THE FILES OF THE FARMER

25 years ago

A huge forest fire between Lacombe and La. 59 just south of Interstate 12 forced officials to close the interstate to traffic for about five hours Sunday, authorities said.

“We had flames shooting 20 to 30 feet high along the north side of I-12, said Mandeville area Fire Chief Earl Gorrondona. Gorrondona said 27 firefighters from Mandeville and another seven from La c om be fought the blaze from 1:27 p.m. to shortly before 6 p.m. The interstate was closed to traffic from La 434 to La. 59 at about 1:30 p.m. and the westbound lane of traffic was reopened at 6:30 p.m ., Gorrondona said. The eastbound lanes were reopened before that time but the chief was unclear on the specific time of opening

All traffic was rerouted to U.S. 190 State Police and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office handled traffic control.

The fire, which burned more than 180 acres of forest, probably began off Thistle Street and just east of a fire that consumed about 150 acres 10 days ago The fire threatened homes in the rural area, but no one was injured in the blaze. Other western St. Tammany Parish Fire Protection districts have been plagued by brush and grass fires over the past week.

50 years ago

Thefts in Covington this week involved a number of parked vehicles.

On Saturday, a thief grabbed a purse from the front seat of a car parked on Monroe at Sharon Alley, following the theft of a purse and $40 from a car in the shopping center parking lot on Tuesday An item worth $188 was stolen from Covington Middle School sometime during late April and early May, and some $5 cash and some luncheon meat was taken in the burglary of a Columbia Street grocery on Wednesday A target pistol was taken from a parked car on North Madison Street on Tuesday, while on Thursday, some $39 in damage was incurred in a 30th Avenue residence burglary Approximately $100-$150 worth of damage was done to the Church of God on Columbia Street on Thursday, and a bicycle and ice chest valued at $139.95 was stolen from a 22nd Avenue residence carport on Saturday

On Sunday, a soft drink bottle was thrown through the window of a store in the shopping center, police reported

75 years ago

Friday,June 2 at 7 p.m.has been set as the formal opening of the St. Tammany Parish Demonstration Library, it was announced yesterday by Miss Lucille Glissen, president of the parish library board.

Ceremonies will be held in the Majestic Theatre building near the library in order to accommodate the expected number of outof-parish visitors, including citizens from the adjoining parishes, as well as the large number from St. Tammany Parish. Immediately following the program in the theater, visitors will be shown the new library in the Lobdell Building, which will be open for inspection.

A large delegation from Baton Rouge from the State Library will be in attendance and the parishwide opening in Covington will be attended by librarians and library friends from Washington, Tangipahoa, East Baton Rouge, Livingston, Orleans, Jefferson, and other nearby parishes with operating libraries.

The launching of the parishwide system will be a large and most impressive ceremonial and there will be a program with state, parish and city officials participating, since the new library is a cooperative endeavor. For once all the books will be on the shelves and the full library staff on hand to meet St. Tammany people, Miss Sarah Jones, state library representative, said this week.

Following the Covington ceremony, the branches will be opened over the parish as rapidly as possible within the next two weeks, said Miss Jones, with appropriate activities at each point. In addition to the branches already named — Slidell, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Pearl River , it is probable that Folsom will also have a branch because of the interest in that community.

The Abita Springs branch will be housed in the City Hall. Mayor John Leveson, member of the library board, is already making plans for it, where it will be quartered in the mayor’s office. Pearl River branch will be in the new City Hall building now rapidly nearing completion.

Some of the branches plan to have program openings Others will hold open house, with the community being invited to visit their new library

100 years ago

Calcium chloride, a chemical highly endorsed by many towns as a dust preventative and as a bond for loose gravel, was applied experimentally on the streets of Covington during the week. Results are awaited with interest not only here, but in nearby towns.

125 years ago The

The Maritime Music & Art Festival was an event in Madisonville Park for families and supporters of the Tchefuncte River Lighthouse, with live music, food, art shopping and games for people of all ages. The festival was a fundraiser to help maintain and the lighthouse and stabilize the land surrounding it. The museum, which manages the lighthouse, is collaborating with St. Tammany Parish to stabilize the shoreline and protect the structure from erosion.

FILE PHOTO BY ST TAMMANY PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE Fire burns on Interstate 12 following a 2017 traffic accident.

Wynona Arnold shops in vendor Ken Newton’s Grit and Wonder pop-up in the arts area of the Maritime Music & Art Festival at Madisonville Park on May 10.

Jaquincia and Thomas Benton, of Benton Bistreaux, help feed hungry festgoers.

Dwayne Dopsie plays and the Zydeco Hellraisers keep people moving

Noah Ammerman and Luke Aderhold aim at some targets in the game area at Madisonville Park.

Luke Aderhold takes a ride down an inflatable water slide.

PHOTOS BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

Jimmy Atwood and Jennifer Smith enjoy a dance at the festival.

Don’t be scared. Henry Denton is just getting in the spirit of a party in the park as artist Frankie Demelo gives him a new look for the festival.

Karen Ainsworth helps granddaughter Caurie Ray Ainsworth enjoy a treat.

MUSIC

OZONE: Get ready for the Ozone Summer Sound-off on May 30 in Slidell, a midseason music fundraiser in preparation for the group’s annual three-day songwriting festival in the fall. The summer show hosted by Emmy-winning, Grammynominated singer-songwriter Greg Barnhill, will also feature the work of Hannah Belle, Laine Bleu Madison and Stephen McDonald and Caroline Tebbs at Slidell Little Theater from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets $35 at givesmart.com/events or Ozonemusic.org. Barnhill founded the nonprofit Ozone Music Foundation eight years ago to educate, nurture and help open doors for aspiring musicians hoping to build careers, and it hosts multiple music events a year, from small group gathers to major performances.

ZYDECO: Accordion virtuoso Chubby Carrier and his Bayou Swamp Band will bring their Creole-based music played with zydeco flair to the Mandeville Trailhead from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on May 23, closing out the Mandeville Live! spring concert season. Carrier and the band, winners of a Grammy for zydeco album of the year, will bring plenty of energy to the stage, so guests should bring dancing shoes and a fest chair or blanket for seating — in case they ever want to sit during the show at 675 Lafitte St. No outside food,

Jefferson, in Covington. The show is from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Get tickets on Eventbrite; $20, plus fees and taxes. GROOVE: The TerraBella Village community in Covington hosts a free public concert in their square on May 23 featuring the party band Groovy 7. The 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. event will also include food trucks, beverage vendors, and lots of green space at 111 Terra Bella Blvd. No outside food, drinks or ice chests. For more, see terrabellavillage.com/ events.

LISTEN: The next “Up Close & Musical” performance in the Harbor Center’s intimate listening room, the Lobby Lounge, takes place with a 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. show on May 27 at 100 Harbor Center Blvd. in Slidell with singer-songwriter Joy Clark, who has claimed “crying” as her superpower. “Tears of joy, because that’s what happens,” she told music writer Keith Spera. “I want to have that connection with people ” Advance tickets only; Eventbrite com seats, $22 plus fees; tables also available. The series features nationally touring acts performing acoustic or lightly amplified music

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS

monthly in the intimate, bohemianstyle, smoke-free, 124-seat venue.

CHORAL CONCERTS: The Northlake Performing Arts Society is celebrating its 30th anniversary with two concerts, one at 7:30 p.m. on May 23 and a matinee at 3 p.m. May 25. Get concert tickets ($15) online at https://npassingers.org or in person at Downtown Drugs in Covington or C&C Drugs in Mandeville. Tickets also be sold at the door in Abita Springs at the Town Hall venue, 72077 Live Oak St

THEATER HAIRLARITY: “Pouf” at the Cutting

Edge Theater continues with 8 p.m. show May 23 and 24. Come and see results in 1958 from mixing hair spray, head lice and a little dab of Elvis if you are Betty, an unfulfilled housewife who sets up an in-home salon when her husband forbids her from getting a job. But Betty makes the most, wielding her hair spray and bobby pins to begin changing the lives of neighborhood women by “poufing” their hair. The show at 767 Robert Blvd. in Slidell is an “uplifting” comedy with lots of big hair and big laughs. Based on the book by Lou Clyde. Tickets $30 to $35 at Eventbrite or save internet fees by texting (985) 288-2933. See www

Dancing a morning away with friends in Slidell

banquet for the May pastoral meeting that included the honored guest, New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond. Gathered with the Archbishop, center left, and the church pastor, the

Darmanin,

Staff report

PEOPLE WHO MEET MUSICIANS: The Northshore Traditional Music Society provides several free music sessions monthly in St. Tammany Parish. See nstms. org to get details, songlists

cuttingedgetheater.com for texting details.

ART

ONE MORE WEEK: The public is invited to a May 22 artist talk with painter Tom Walton at 6 p.m. in The Art House at 320 N. Columbia St. in Covington. No admission. Walton’s current exhibition of paintings that focus on the quiet spaces found in everyday places will hang there through May 24. THE MARKET: Visit the Columbia Art Market — Art in the Alley during the May 30 block party on Columbia Street from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The vendors offering fine art will all be St. Tammany Art Association members. Visit the market at 320 N. Columbia St.

BRIDGING: The “Be-Causeway: Bridging North- and South-Shore Arts” exhibition has opened in the Atrium Gallery on the Christwood campus near Covington. It features pieces from multiple, up and coming artists from throughout the United States who are represented by the Ferrara Showman Gallery in New Orleans. The show represents the Atrium Art Alliance mission to collaborate with other galleries to expand artistic engagement and visibility, and the public is invited to see the show through June 27, Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 100 Christwood Blvd. No admission.

232,000 readers, THE PEARL’S REACH:

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44,000 households

residents can drop off hazardous wastes

St. Tammany Parish is holding its largest Household Hazardous Waste Day event on May 31 from 8 a.m to noon at the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds in Covington. By popular demand, the event has been expanded to accommodate 600 residents, but everyone wanting to participate must first register online and select an available time slot. On collection day, registered participants need only drive their hazardous items to the fairgrounds (using the E. Magee Street entrance only) during their time slot. Once there, volunteers will unload the items from passenger vehicles or pickup trucks — no trailers allowed

lected across events held in Mandeville, Covington and Slidell.

To register, select a time slot or to review a complete list of items that can be dropped off — and those that cannot go to stpgov.org/_ st_tammany_beautiful.php. The hazardous items to be collected cannot be safely placed in regular residential trash bins for collection each week, but they will be properly disposed of by the parish and Keep St. Tammany Beautiful. Last year, an estimated 42 tons of hazardous wastes were col-

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper says his administration is committed to sustainability through initiatives such as Keep St. Tammany Beautiful, green energy throughout parishowned facilities, the work of daily litter abatement crews, publication of the parish Green Guide, weatherization assistance programs, elevated water quality standards and Household Hazardous Waste collections that keep harmful materials from being improperly released into the environment.

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FILE PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

Slidell native and Ozone Music Foundation founder Greg Barnhill performs some of his original music at an earlier Ozone Songwriter Festival, one of the foundation’s several regular events.

FILE PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER

Joy Clark will be on stage at the Lobby Lounge on May 27 in Slidell.

Archbishop Aymond lunches at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Chucrh

PROVIDED PHOTO

St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church’s Hospitality Ministry recently hosted a

Rev. Dan

were ministry members, from left, Susan Billiot, Elisha Parks, Darlene Matthews, Janie Parks and Etchie Yauger

St. Tammany

PROVIDED PHOTO

The Happy Heart Dancers recently spent a happy morning line dancing for and visiting with residents of SummerHouse Park Provence in Slidell. The visiting dancers included, from left, Kathy Spadoni, Karen Breath, Donna Bruskotter, Lou Landry, Shirley Bagert, Tali Guidry, Evelyn Caronia, Cathy Springer, Dale Laborde and Tina Stout.

BACK IN THE SADDLE

Jerry Leonard returns to the sidelines as Pearl River ends its spring against Assumption

BY JOSEPH HALM

Staff writer

Pearl River football coach

Jerry Leonard looked as comfortable as could be in a black shirt with the Rebels’ red and white logo on the front

The long-time Salmen coach is back in a new location just north of his former home, and he couldn’t be happier

“I have been enjoying myself immensely,” Leonard said about returning to coaching. “This is where I’m the most comfortable. It feels like I never left It’s been refreshing It’s a little different, being with a different team for the first time in a long, long time. But the Pearl River

community has shown me a ton of support, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to land.”

On the field the Rebels’ players are enjoying Leonard’s presence as well. Pearl River scored three times in 36 firstteam snaps during a controlled spring scrimmage against Assumption on May 15.

“I think we did great,” senior lineman Hayden Mitchell said.

We’ve got a lot of new coaches and new players, so I think today was phenomenal. As soon as Coach Leonard came to the weight room on the first day we could tell that he was intense and wanted to win. We like that.

We’ve been working to get better the whole spring, and that

will continue this summer.”

Senior quarterback Brayden Hutchison was 9 of 10 passing for 159 yards, including a 70yard TD catch and run to Angel Perez (three catches, 97 yards).

Senior Gage Durand rushed for 79 yards on 13 carries with two touchdowns on runs of seven and three yards. Junior Charlie Rickoll led the defense with two solo tackles and five assists.

“I think we learned a lot about what we have,” Leonard said.

“I told the kids that we set the bar at a certain height, but we have a lot of room for improvement. The ceiling is much higher than we are right now In a

Quarterback play key in Easton-Covington spring scrimmage

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Covington coach Greg Salter knew what he wanted to see from his team as the Lions hosted Warren Easton at Jack Salter Stadium on May 14.

“We lost some great senior leaders from last year, but we have a lot of players back with experience,” Salter said. “We wanted to see who was going to step up this spring and be leaders. We had five O-linemen who graduated, so we have five new O-linemen. I was really pleased with some of the guys who stepped up and took on leadership roles this spring.”

One major storyline for the Lions is who will replace Caden Heck at quarterback. Senior Andrew Reynolds and junior Matthew Fussell split snaps during the scrimmage. Reynolds finished with 95 yards passing on seven completions, and he led the only Covington scoring drive, which was capped by a 23-yard Jackson Aleman field goal. Fussell ran for over 50 yards.

“They both played hard, and

that’s their first time getting varsity experience,” Salter said.

“There are not going to be many defensive lines and front 7s better than that. I thought they did a good job competing and battling. They both have their strengths and weaknesses. Now, we have all summer for those guys to compete, and one of them will win the job.”

Texas State commitment Jiwaun Brock hauled in three catches for 82 yards.

While Covington is searching for its next quarterback, Easton senior quarterback Carl Reed tossed three touchdowns as the Eagles moved the ball despite three turnovers. Eagles’ coach Jerry Phillips said Reed missed Tuesday’s practice due to illness but fought through during the spring game. Players were calling it Reed’s “flu game.”

“I think we did good,” Phillips said “Our numbers are down right now We have about 45 kids on the team, which is the lowest ever for us, but we were physical.

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Salmen High announced on May 12 that Mandeville assistant coach Mark Weinmunson has been named the Spartans’ boys basketball coach.

“I’ve been having the itch to be a head coach again since my son’s junior year

Willis, Pierson

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

St. Paul’s coach Kenny Sears was impressed by several things he saw at the Wolves’ annual Pie Bowl intrasquad scrimmage, but one thing stood out.

“Considering that we had held out a lot of players, I was impressed with how a lot of young guys stepped in and stepped up,” Sears said. “It shows that we have a little depth. I thought we played really well on the offensive line, and we had a lot of explosive plays.” There were nine explosive plays on offense out of 47 firstteam snaps. Those plays were reflected on the scoreboard as the white team earned a 99-49 victory over the blue team in a unique scoring system that rewards big plays, defensive stops as well as touchdowns. First-year quarterback Brady Pierson finished 12 of 19

STAFF PHOTO BY JOSEPH HALM

Pearl River coach Jerry Leonard talks with his team after the Rebels’ spring game against Assumption on May 15.

PHOTOS BY BOBBY GILBOY

Warren Easton’s Marcus Jasmin tries to drag down Covington quarterback Matthew Fussell at Jack Salter Stadium on May 14.

Warren Easton’s Myron Wilhike pressures Covington quarterback Andrew Reynolds.

PHOTO BY BOBBY GILBOY

Paul’s running back Troy Willis racked up over 110 yards from

Mark Weinmunson

A pair of juniors excel during

Slidell’s intrasquad scrimmage

BY MIKE PERVEL Contributing writer

Slidell second-year coach Damon Page knew his young team would take its lumps last season.

Despite managing just two wins in 2024, the Tigers gained valuable experience

“When I took over the program last year, I wanted to change the culture, and the kids are embracing that. They’re coming along this spring, growing and learning as they improve. They showed glimpses of what they can be on both sides of the ball, getting after it in the scrimmage,” Page said

“We had to deal with last year’s thumping, learning the hard way The offense has the potential to be extremely special. They did a lot of good things, throwing and running the ball. We have talented offensive skill players, and I’m anxious to see what they can do this year.”

Two of those skill players — junior quarterback Ricky Williams and running back Ja’Kwan Jones — showed that experience is paying off during the Tigers’ intrasquad scrimmage at L.V McGinty Sr Stadium on May 14. Williams and Jones connected for an 11-yard TD pass on the opening drive. Williams finished 9 of 16 passing for 169 yards, including a dramatic 80-yard scoring toss to Michael Thompson.

“The offense showed up and came to play,” Williams said. “We moved the ball, throwing and running, with my brother Ja’Kwan (Jones) doing a great job. He can make a play for tough yardage when we need it. We’ve spent lots of time in the weight room, and we’ll be much improved this year.” Jones added a 13-yard TD run while racking up 85 yards on 11 carries. He also hauled in four passes for 27 yards.

“Without much practice time, our offensive line is continuing to work hard, and they’re improving,” Jones said. “My job is to do whatever I have to for my team to win. We’re all getting on the same page. We’re learning how to become a real team, and we have great coaches.” Slidell first-year offensive coordinator Brett Bonnaffons, who served in that position at East St. John last season, was impressed with his offense.

“I’m excited about our skill guys,” Bonnaffons said. “They’re pretty darn good, and I’m expecting them to have a heck of a year QB Ricky Williams can become a special player He’s picking things up

quickly and is a real talent.”

Junior backup quarterback Stanley Lange also impressed as he finished 6 of 11 passing for 182 yards, including TD strikes of 60 yards to Kristopher Whittington and 80 yards to Cor-

tez Thompson. While the offense dominated much of the scrimmage, the defense had its moments. Dalton Proctor intercepted a pass, and the unit improved as the scrimmage wore on.

“We need to work on communicating better,” senior linebacker/defensive end Elijah Cross said. “Having a more consistent pass rush will help our secondary Our defensive coordinator, Philip Smith, wants us to play with 100 percent energy to be the best we can be.”

Tigers’ junior outside linebacker Bryant Brown Jr agreed: “Being our first scrimmage, the defense started off a little slow, but once we picked up the pace, we played a lot better The different offensive alignments caused us some confusion in the early going. When we have good communication, it makes a big difference.”

PEARL RIVER

Continued from page 1B

scrimmage

important spring for the first-year coach. It was a chance for the long-time coach to spend time with his new team Leonard took the time seriously as he held several individual conversations with players and position groups

throughout the scrimmage. The usually fiery coach smiled and joked with players as he elected to give individual teaching moments throughout the two-plus hour scrimmage.

“It’s important for me to develop relationships with these kids,” Leonard said. “A lot of them don’t know me yet. I got 10 days with them in the spring, so we’re developing those relationships. I’ve been here every day since they hired me, so some kids have gotten to know me really well. Others, like the baseball guys, I didn’t get them until right before spring. Those relationships are still developing. I think it’s important for me to let them know that I’m watching and that they know they’re being coached.”

Long TD pass a sign of Hannan’s growth in scrimmage

BY MIKE PERVEL

Contributing writer

Hannan second-year coach Steve Soper had a singular focus for spring practices — growth.

The Hawks showed improvement on both offense and defense as they wrapped up their spring with an intrasquad scrimmage on May 15.

“I liked the pace our defense showed, flying to the ball with a good flow Those guys were hustling, aggressively making tackles with two or three people on the plays. I want our guys to play with tempo and pace,” Soper said.

“We’re well on our way this spring, trying to achieve our three goals — getting bigger, faster and stronger Accomplishing that will help make us a better, more competitive team as the season approaches.”

The controlled scrimmage started with each possession at the 30-yard line. The biggest offensive play of the first-team possessions came when junior quarterback Braden Sprang stood in the pocket under pressure and fired a 58-yard scoring strike to junior receiver Hunter Lay

“On the TD pass to Hunter, I was able to stand in there with pressure in my face and deliver a strike to him, and he did the rest with his speed,” Sprang said. “That score seemed to get our offense going. We began to make some plays, which opened things up a bit. We had some good moments and were able to capitalize on them.”

Lay agreed: “Braden (Sprang) made a great fake on the screen, and the safety bit on it. I saw a hole down the middle and just ran through it. The throw was perfect. I’m glad I was able to come through when we needed a big play.”

Junior running back Ryan Bordelon scored twice from one and four yards out, gaining 78 yards on 11 carries. Sprang wasn’t the only quarterback who impressed as freshmen backups Grant Higgs and Dylan Robles showed promise in junior varsity drills. Lawson Hebert caught five passes for 59 yards, including a 13-yard scoring toss from Robles. Robles also found Higgs on a 3-yard scoring toss, while Carter Perniciaro caught three balls for 46 yards. Second-year defensive coordinator Don Kelley said his unit returns six starters led by middle linebacker Greyson Dupre and defensive backs Carson Wallace and Keaton Wheeler

“Those three give us solid, experienced leadership,” Kelley said. “With Greyson (Dupre) in the middle of our defense, he has become an extension of me on the field. He’s instrumental in getting his teammates in the right defensive alignment. I want our guys to play with a more physical mindset, playing up-tempo, getting after it.” Dupre finished with two sacks, while junior Chase Romero logged three.

“Our defense loves playing with an intense physicality,” Dupre said. “It seems like all of us want to hit someone or something, whatever gets in our way. Our guys are big on trusting each other to do their job, working as a team.” Wheeler, who is nicknamed 18-Wheeler because of his jersey number said the defense is growing each day

“Coach Soper is a hands-on coach and has a great offensive mind,” he said. “Going against our offense makes us better and gets us more prepared for our opponents. We have some good coaches, and with our returning defensive experience, we’re comfortable together on the field.”

Slidell defensive players are, from left, Bryant Brown, Javonte Watkins and Elijah Cross.

Slidell junior running back Ja’Kwan Jones

Slidell junior quarterback Ricky Williams

PHOTOS BY MIKE PERVEL

Slidell second-year coach Damon Page addresses his team during its intrasquad scrimmage on May 14.

PHOTO BY MIKE PERVEL

Hannan second-year coach Steve Soper talks with his offensive unit during the Hawks’ intrasquad scrimmage on May 15.

STAFF PHOTOS BY JOSEPH HALM

Pearl River quarterback Brayden Hutchison threw for 159 yards and a touchdown against Assumption.

Pearl River coach Jerry Leonard talks with his team during the Rebels’ spring game against Assumption.

Pearl River’s Kaysen McGinnis makes a leaping catch between two Assumption defenders on May 15.

SIGNING DAY

Slidell celebrates four baseball signees after historic season

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

The Slidell baseball team set a new school record for victories with 27 wins during its quarterfinal run this past season.

The Tigers celebrated several major reasons for that success during a four-person signing ceremony on May 13 Three signees are headed to junior college, and a fourth will play in the NAIA next season.

Catcher Brayden Calamari will play at Nunez Community College next season

“I was just waiting for the right offer,” Calamari said. “I wanted to be closer to home. Nunez offered me, and then I start-

ed to look into the school more. They had majors that I wanted to do. Nunez is close to home, and I’m going to be an electrician.

It was a great fit Ever since I was little, I had the dream of playing college ball.”

Calamari hit .413 with a 1.214 OPS, six home runs and was hit by a pitch 22 times last season. He also pitched, posting a 1.42 ERA with five wins, but he will focus on catching at the next level.

Right-handed pitcher Troy Green will play at LSU-Eunice, the 8-time NJCAA national champions.

“It just felt like home,” Green said. “I’ve got a couple of friends going there I really connected with the coaches well. It just

felt like home. Now I’ll focus on pitching.

I like striking people out, so I’ve always loved pitching.”

As a senior, Green amassed a 10-4 record with a 1.33 ERA in 84.1 innings. He also threw a no-hitter en route to a school-record 143 strikeouts and hit 353 at the plate.

Shortstop Junior Burdett will play at Reid State Technical College in Evergreen, Alabama.

“I’ve been playing baseball since I was 4, and it’s always been a dream to play at the next level,” Burdett said. “I want to eventually get drafted at some point, but today is special. No one in my family has played a college sport, so being the first is nice.”

Burdett hit .350 last season and led the team with 33 runs scored and 21 stolen bases.

Infielder Eli Strahan is headed to Southern University at New Orleans of the NAIA, where he will play with his brother, Peyton.

“It just felt like home,” Strahan said. “And I get to play with my brother (Peyton) once again. We played together my sophomore year, so it’s cool that we get to reunite again It’s a blessed thing. I’ll be able to pitch as well, so I’m excited.” Strahan will play third base and pitch for the Knights. He hit .306 over the final 18 games of his high school career

STAFF

PHOTO BY JOSEPH HALM

Four Slidell baseball players announced their college destinations on May 13. Pictured are from left Junior Burdett (Reid State Tech), Eli Strahan (SUNO) Troy Green (LSU-Eunice) and Brayden Calamari (Nunez Community College)

PHOTO BY KK SHARP

Covington forward Ana Cerniglia signed to play basketball at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., on May 15. The Division III Majors are coming off a 22-5 season where they finished second in the Southern Athletic Association Tournament

Hannan’s Lauryn Holliday, second from left, is headed to the University of South Alabama to cheer this fall. With Holiday are her family members, from left, Summer Holliday, Mike Holliday, Claire Bordelon and Luke Holliday.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Hannan cheerleader Holliday headed to University of South

Covington quarterback Matthew Fussell is sandwiched between two Warren Easton defenders.

PHOTOS BY BOBBY GILBOY

Covington linebacker Termarkus Scott pressures Easton quarterback Carl Reed during a spring game at Jack Salter Stadium on May 14.

Covington’s Jiwaun Brock

Emmons, Ann

St. Paul’s running back Patrick Gahagan takes the handoff from quarterback Brady Pierson during the Pie Bowl intrasquad scrimmage.

Brady Pierson is pressured by Logan King during the Pie Bowl intrasquad scrimmage on May 16.

ST. PAUL’S

Continued from page 1B

Pierson also ran for 38 yards.

“(Pierson) did a good job today,” Sears said. “There is still a lot to clean up, but he has definitely progressed. He had a really good spring, and I thought it showed today.” But the running game stood out on offense. Despite senior Cody Corales being held out for a minor injury, the Wolves rolled up 196 yards rushing on 28 carries for a sevenyards-per-carry average.

Senior Troy Willis led the way with 88 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries while also hauling in three catches for 36 yards

“I feel like we’ve improved every day this spring,” Willis said “The offense came out strong tonight. Our defense makes us better every day I can’t thank my O-line enough. We have guys stepping up and making plays. With me and Cody (Corales) this season, I feel like our run game will be hard to stop.” St. Paul’s junior running back Patrick Gahagan stepped up in Corales’ absence, gaining 45 yards on four carries.

“Going into this spring, I didn’t play running back too much, but I knew I would get some reps tonight since I’ve been work-

SALMEN

Continued from page 1B

both sides of the lens as a parent and as a coach,” he said. “With helping Bryce through his process, I know what to expect on that end I’ve been a head coach in the past, and also being a dad, I think I have a unique perspective. I can help my players with things off the court as well, so I think that was a big part of my calling to do this.”

This will be the first basketball head coaching position for the 2000 De La Salle graduate. Weinmunson, who will be a PE teacher at Salmen next school year, said the chance to build his own program is special.

“My goal is to get the program back to a championship level,” Weinmunson said. “The talent is there so I’m really excited about it.”

Salmen athletic director Eric Chuter said that Weinmunson’s experience was a plus. “Coach Mark Weinmun-

Obituaries

Gaynell Davis Althans passed peacefully on April 17, 2025, in Covington, LA Born October 15, 1940, in New Orleans, LA to the late Joseph Henry Davis and Elvira Tobler Davis, she is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 61 years John Henry Althans Jr. She is survived by her daughter Jane Althans and son, Kevin Althans Her late sister was Carolynn Davis Babin Gaynell was a grad‐uate of McDonough High School and then Louisiana State University where she earned her undergraduate degree in Education. She went on to teach elemen‐tary school at Gayarre Ele‐mentary. Gaynell was a source of boundless love and kindness, making the world a better place simply by moving through it As her soul slides back into the larger universe, it will continue to nourish and mother everyone just as she did while she was here on Earth. She will give Saint Peter barely a second glance as she runs through the pearly gates to em‐brace her husband, sister parents, and all of the furry little companions who have eagerly awaited her return tails wagging in pure joy and adoration. E J Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, was honored to be entrusted with the funeral arrange‐ments.

ing at running back this spring,” Gahagan said. “When coach called me in, I was ready for it. I’m not big, but I get as low as I can, and it helps me out.”

The Wolves’ offense scored on four of its eight first-team drives. Senior Carter Pierson booted a 45yard field goal on the scrimmage’s opening drive.

The defense also had its moments. St. Paul’s senior defensive back Aiden Brooks picked off a pass, and the blue jerseys forced three punts, including a three-and-out on the second-to-last offensive series. The defense had four first-team sacks.

“We started off a little slow, but we picked it up towards the end and started getting stops,” Brooks said.

“I’m not too worried about the score because I think there are a lot of things to look forward to. We’re going to get to the ball and force turnovers. We’re going to fly.”

During second-team drills, junior Christopher Bevolo had a 9-yard touchdown catch, while sophomore Carter Reese scored a short touchdown. Sophomore Charlie Kingrea added a 1-yard TD run in the final second-team session Freshman team drills opened the two-plus hour scrimmage as Pierce Catanzaro scored on a 16-yard TD run while Brayson Saladino recorded back-to-back interceptions.

son is very excited about leading the Spartan boys basketball program. I believe he will provide our student-athletes with a four-year experience that will challenge and prepare them for their futures. I know he is ready to get to work building a championship culture within the boys basketball program,” Chuter said via a news release.

Salmen Principal Liza Jacobs echoed Chuter’s comments in the news release. “We are very excited to have Coach Weinmunson lead our boys basketball program,” she said. “He is aware of and is very respectful of Salmen’s legacy in boys basketball. I have no doubt Coach Weinmunson will bring passion, knowledge and love for learning to our boys basketball program. I am thrilled for the future of our program.” Weinmunson replaces Ryan Rushing, who stepped down after two seasons in March and is now the head coach at Covington

Gary Stephen Blocker Jr. passed away on Tues‐day, May 6, 2025. He was born in Metairie, LA, on January 22, 1979. He is sur‐vived by his loving wife Tammy Bell Blocker; his children Alidia and Brycen He is also survived by his parents, Linda and Gary S Blocker, Sr.; his siblings, Jeannie and Colt; and his Covington Fire Department family along with his ex‐tended fire service family He was preceded in death by his grandmother Bev‐erly Blocker and his grand‐father Melvin Volz Gary was a devoted husband, son brother, and father He loved to travel with his family It didn’t have to be elaborate; he loved to ex‐plore little cities off the beaten path On the week‐ends he often rode around town with Tammy to enjoy brunch and then to check on everything in the area Gary cherished his children and always wanted the best for them The City of Covington Fire Department is forever grateful for the sacrifice of the Blocker Family as they shared so much of him with not only the department but also the entire community Fire Chief Gary S. Blocker Jr made his life as a career Firefighter down to his core. He always did what was right and never what benefitted him personally

This October would have been 28 years of full-time firefighter service He started as a teenager in the fire service as a Jr. Fire‐fighter. His drive was un‐believable, he helped start the first Fire Prevention Bu‐reau in the City of Coving‐ton going on later to be‐come Chief of Prevention Developing policy and en‐forcing codes to make the City of Covington a safer place because of him As Fire Chief he was able to take the Department for‐ward and make it even bet‐ter Improving equipment purchasing new fire trucks, and hiring more firefight‐ers, his goal was to always make the Department bet‐ter than the day before. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. E.J Fielding Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Myron Wayne Brackett of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on April 30 2025, at the age of 91. Born on April 14, 1934, in Hanna City, Illinois, Myron's life was a testament to his un‐wavering strength and dedication to his family and country. Myron's jour‐ney through life was shared with his beloved wife, Patricia Beccue Brackett, who he shared 56 years of marriage with be‐fore her passing. Together they raised a family that included their son Troy W Brackett, and daughter, Tonia "TK" Smith (Tommy) Myron's legacy continues through his adored grand‐children, Victoria Brackett, Hailey Clark, Malorie Smith Joshua Smith and Carson Clark, all of whom brought immense joy and pride to his life After high school graduation Myron answered the call of duty and served in the United States Marine Corps for 25 years His commitment to service was not only a ca‐reer but a lifelong passion, as evidenced by his active involvement in numerous Veteran organizations. He was a active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion and the Marine Corps League, where he found camaraderie and purpose in supporting fel‐low servicemen and ser‐vicewomen. Myron was best described as a family man His unwavering sup‐port and affection for his family were the corner‐stones of his existence He was a man who led by ex‐ample, showing kindness, resilience and a deep sense of honor in every as‐pect of his life. Myron will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him Audubon Funeral Home were entrusted with the arrangements.

Carpenter, Patricia

Patricia Kustenmacher Carpenter, age 81, of Cov‐ington LA passed away on May 9, 2025. She was born on March 2, 1944, in New Orleans, LA to Arnold B and Hazel Fogg Kusten‐macher. Patricia was a member of the First Baptist Church Covington and Del Talley’s Connect Group She enjoyed activities and trips with the Young at Heart ministry Patricia was a dancer and acrobat in her early years. She was a hair stylist and cofounded Northlake Glass in 1977 with her husband of 55 years, Dewey Carpenter Jr. Patricia is survived by her son Dwayne Carpenter (Rachel) and daughter Deanna Carpenter, grand‐children Gavin Carpenter Blake Huff (Brooke), Bray‐den Huff, Breanna Huff Caitlyn Carpenter Wear (Christian) and Bentley Carpenter and great grand‐children Henry Wear Eleanor Wear, and Wyatt Huff. She is also survived by her sister Kathy Prokasy (Jimmy), brothers Kenneth Kustenmacher and Bernie Kustenmacher (Caroline), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank her caregivers at Egan Hospice and at Sage Lake Senior Living where she resided for over 4 years and her sitters Deborah Francis, Tyeisha Magee, Tiffany Hughes-Smith, hos‐pice nurse Destony and others who loved her as their own family Patricia is preceded in death by her husband Dewey Carpenter, Jr. her son Dewey Dale Carpenter, her father Arnold B. Kustenmacher and her mother Hazel Fogg Kustenmacher Grace Fu‐neral Homer were en‐trusted with the arrange‐ments.

Ann Marie Amadeo Em‐mons passed away very peacefully early on the morning of Thursday, May 8 2025. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 18, 1948. She is survived by her children; Tommy Emmons II and Stacey Morgan as well as her precious grandchil‐dren, Joseph, Taylor, Ash‐leigh, Hunter, Mason, Kevin Corrin, Hannah and Wyatt. She is also survived by her siblings; Pete Amadeo Jr and Joseph Amadeo; and great-grand‐children, nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful lifelong friends She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter Amadeo and Mary Haar; her oldest daughter Michelle Em‐mons Harding; and sister Rose Amadeo Raziano After graduating from Riverdale High School in Jefferson, Louisiana, she went on to enjoy a long successful career as an ad‐ministrator at ATT for 30 plus years. Through ATT, she was able to relocate several times to different locations throughout northern Georgia. She was fortunate enough to be able to spend 25 years in the state and really get the most out of her time there

Her personality exempli‐fied loving life, and she al‐ways knew how to make the most of her free time

This ranged from shopping to relaxing on the porch in her rocking chair and sip‐ping a margaritas and tak‐ing in the ambiance. She was also a giver and was able to dedicate her time ensuring her cats had a safe and comfortable home to live in Her warm presence will be greatly missed by her loving fam‐ily and multitude of friends Contributions in memory of Ann may be made to Big Sky Ranch / CATNIP Foundation of Fol‐som Louisiana. E.J Field‐ing Funeral Home were en‐trusted with funeral arrangements.

Kaufman, Elizabeth

Elizabeth Nethlin Rosier Kaufman (Betty), 96, wife of the late Eugene Kauf‐man, married for 70 years, went home to be with the Lord on April 18, 2025. She was born July 28, 1928 in Bastrop, Louisiana Eliza‐beth graduated from St Joseph's Catholic School in Natchez Mississippi As a homemaker, she raised their 5 children She was instrumental in forming an organization to raise awareness of ADHD. At Woodland Presbyterian Church she was much in‐volved in the life of the church Elizabeth was a Stephen's Minister and Step er, she went on a f odland's Lay Renew ang in the choir, beth is sur‐vived hildren Va‐lerie Ann Kaufman Roberts (Steven) of Slidell, LA, Eu‐gene Edward Kaufman of Savannah, TX, Judy Eliza‐beth Kaufman Martinez of Savannah TX, Louis Charles Kaufman II of New Orleans, LA; grandchildren Shane Maghee Roberts (Courtney), Heather Kauf‐man, Kevin Clay Roberts (Jessica), David Michael Martinez; great grandchil‐dren Molly Grace Bock, Abigail Clarke Roberts, Au‐drey Hope Roberts, Owen Maghee Roberts, and Elliot Frann Roberts. Elizabeth is also survived by many nieces and nephews and cherished friends Pre‐ceded in death by her par‐ents Anna Margarite Ro‐drigue Rosier Reinhardt, Patrick Joseph Rosier, her siblings, Anna Marie Vil‐lars Dolores Mae Bastelli her daughter, Nancy Jane Kaufman Moore (Kevin); her son-in-law Richard Raymond Martinez (Judy), grandchildren Jenna Nicole Kaufman Sacco (William) Richard Joel Mosman (Lindsey) Honaker Funeral Home were entrusted with the arrangements.

Roberts (Courtney) Heather Kauf‐man, Kevin Clay Roberts (Jessica), David Michael Martinez; great grandchil‐dren Molly Grace Bock Abigail Clarke Roberts, Au‐drey Hope Roberts Owen Maghee Roberts, and Elliot Frann Roberts. Elizabeth is also survived by many nieces and nephews and cherished friends. Pre‐ceded in death by her par‐ents Anna Margarite Ro‐drigue Rosier Reinhardt, Patrick Joseph Rosier her siblings, Anna Marie Vil‐lars, Dolores Mae Bastelli her daughter, Nancy Jane Kaufman Moore (Kevin); her son-in-law Richard Raymond Martinez (Judy), grandchildren Jenna Nicole Kaufman Sacco (William), Richard Joel Mosman (Lindsey). Honaker Funeral Home were entrusted with the arrangements.

John M. Poole passed away peacefully on Satur‐day, May 3, 2025 at the age of 87. John was born in New Orleans on September 5 1937. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wel‐don Wallace Poole, Sr. and Theodora Milliot Poole; his brother Weldon Wallace Poole Jr.; and his nephew, Weldon Wallace Poole III. Survivors include his part‐ner of 52 years, James L Elzey; three nieces Enid Poole Gorringe (Shane); Erin Poole and Ashley Poole Fuselier, and many great nieces and nephews John was a lifelong resi‐dent of Covington LA. He was a graduate of St Paul's High School and Southeastern Louisiana University. He was a for‐mer owner of Poole Lum‐ber Company, and a local Real Estate Developer John was a loving friend, companion and lifelong partner of 52 years to James “Jim” Elzey To‐gether they enjoyed travel‐ing around the world so‐cializing with friends and working on real estate and interior design projects The

neral

Familyisat theHEARTof EverythingWeDo Makeastarttowardgettingyour affairsinorder.Takethefirst stepinplanningthosedetailsto providepeaceofmindforyour lovedone. Getyourplansdowninblackand white. .Yourfamilywillbeglad youdid Getstartedtoday

PHOTOS BY BOBBY GILBOY

St. Paul’s quarterback

Brackett, Myron

Althans, Gaynell Davis

Poole, John M.

Blocker Jr., Gary Stephen

PUBLICNOTICE

TheMandevilleCityCouncil issolicitingresumesfora qualifiedappointment,tothe MandevilleParksand ParkwaysCommittee. Qualifiedapplicantmusthave abackgroundasanarborist, ornamentalhorticulturist, landscapearchitect,master gardeneranddesigner,orhave atechnicalbackgroundina relatedfield.Pleasesendyour resumetotheattentionof: MandevilleCityCouncil Clerk, 3101EastCauseway Approach Mandeville,LA70448 or awatts@ cityofmandeville.com

Deadline:Friday, May23,2025,4:30pm

PUBLICNOTICE 2018 HeartTrail 5S‐FEB3425JE368687 is stored at Carter's WreckerService 41558 Hwy 190 E. Slidell, La 70461 since 4/14/25 all current charges will have to be paid or trailer will be auc‐tioned on June 23,2025 140566MAY14-212T $150.44

PUBLICNOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FORBIDS

Sealed Bids for the construction of the RBDG Water Street Sidewalk

Connectivity will be received by the Town of Madis‐onville,attheoffice located at 209 Hwy 22 West, Madis‐onville, LA 70447, until 10:00 a.m (local time) on June 10, 2025, at which time the Bids received will be “publicly” openedandread

The Project consists of constructing sidewalk improve‐ments. Bids will be re‐ceived for a single prime Contract Bids shall be on a lump sum and unit price basis, with ad‐ditive alternate bid items as indicated in theBidForm

The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Pro‐fessional Engineer‐ing Consultants Corporation, 7600 Innovation Park Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, 225-769-2810, info@pecla.com. Prospective Bid‐ders may examine the Bidding Docu‐ments at the Issu‐ing Office on Mon‐days through Thursdays be‐tween the hours of 7:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m., and may ob‐tain copies of the Bidding Docu‐ments from the Is‐suingOffice. Contractors sub‐mitting bids shall be licensed under LA R.S 37:21502164, Highway, Street and Bridge Construction The bidder shall show his license number on the bid and on the sealed envelope submittingthebid

Bidding Docu‐ments also may be examinedat: Complete bidding documents for this project are available in electronic form & can be downloaded from the following designated website: http://wwwcentral bidding.com under Professional Engi‐neering Consultants Corporation (sub‐ject to fees & condi‐tions).Foranyques‐ tions regarding the website call Central Bidding at 225-8104814. Bidders are urged to register withhttp://wwwcen tralbidding.com website as a plan holder, even if Bid‐ding Documents are obtained from a planroom or source other than the desig‐ nated website The designated website willbeupdatedperi‐odically with ad‐denda Prospective bidders are solely responsible for ob‐taining the most up – to date Bidding Documentsfromthe designated website Bids will NOT be accepted through the online bidding portal. Bids will be received by mail, and/or delivery as statedabove

Printed copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Of‐fice, during the hours indicated above, upon pay‐ment of a deposit of $150.00 for each set. Bidders who re‐turn full sets of the Bidding Documents in good condition (suitable for re-use) within 30 days after receipt of Bids will receive a full refund in accordance with theLouisianaPublic BidLaw.Checksfor Bidding Documents shall be payable to “Professional En‐gineering Consul‐tantsCorp.”. Upon request and

At time and place stated above, all bids on hand will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bid received after the dateandhourshown above will be re‐turned unopened to thebidder. The St Tammany ParishSchoolBoard reserves the right to adjust quantities by increasing or de‐creasing and to re‐jectanyandallbids ST TAMMANY PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

/s/MATTHEWE GREENE,President /s/FRANKJ. JABBIA, Superintendent 141581MAY21-282T $71.42

PUBLICNOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FORBIDS

of the docu‐ment deposit indi‐cated above plus a non-refundable shipping charge, the Issuing Office will transmittheBidding Documents via de‐livery service. The shipping charge amount will depend on the shipping method selected by the prospective Bid‐der Thedatethatthe Bidding Documents are transmitted by the Issuing Office will be considered the Bidder’s date of receipt of the Bid‐ding Documents. Partial sets of Bid‐ding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Of‐fice. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Docu‐ments, including Addenda if any, ob‐tained from sources other than the Issu‐ingOffice.

Bid security shall be furnished in accor‐dance with the In‐structions to Bid‐ders Section 746 of Title VII of the Consoli‐dated Appropria‐ tions Act of 2017 (Division A - Agri‐culture, Rural De‐velopment, Food and Drug Adminis‐tration, and Related Agencies Appropri‐ ations Act, 2017) and subsequent statutes mandating domestic preference applies anAmerican Iron and Steel re‐quirement to this project All listed iron and steel prod‐uctsusedinthispro‐ ject must be pro‐ duced in the United States The term “iron and steel prod‐ucts” means the fol‐lowing products made primarily of ironorsteel:linedor unlined pipes and fittings, manhole covers and other municipal castings, hydrants, tanks, flanges, pipe clamps and restraints, valves, structural steel, reinfo precast concr and construc materials. The d inimis and min components wa apply to this co tract.”

Owner: TOWN MADISONVILLE By:/s/JEAN PELLOAT Title:Mayor 139025MAY7-1 21-3T $379.00

PUBLICNOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FORBIDS

Sealed bids will be received by the St Tammany Parish School Board, 321 N. Theard Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433, until 2:00 PM, Thursday, June 6, 2025 on NOVAR CONTROLS¬¬. Additional informa‐tion and specifica‐ tions will be fur‐nished to prospec‐ tivebiddersuponre‐quest at the School Board Office. Bid documents can also be found on www stpsb.org/bids or wwwcentralbidd ing.com. Each bid shall be sealed in an

PUBLICNOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FORBIDS

Sealed bids will be received by the St Tammany Parish School Board, 321 N. Theard Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433, until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 5, 2025 on Supplies forGraphicArts Additional informa‐tion and specifica‐ tions will be fur‐nished to prospec‐ tivebidders upon request at the School Board Of‐fice. Bid documents can also be found on wwwstpsb.org/bids or wwwcentralbidd ing.com

Each bid shall be sealed in an enve‐lope clearly marked ontheoutside, “BID #1882 ON SUPPLIES FOR GRAPHIC ARTS –JUNE5,2025.”

All bids shall be ac‐companied by a bid bond, certified check cashier’s check or money order in the amount five hundred dollars ($500.00) At time and place stated above all bids on hand will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bid received after date and hour shown above will be re‐turned unopened to thebidder. The St Tammany ParishSchoolBoard reserves the right to adjust quantities by increasing or de‐creasing and to re‐jectanyandallbids ST TAMMANY PARISH SCHOOL BOARD /s/MATTHEWE GREENE,President /s/FRANKJ. JABBIA, Superin‐ tendent 141582MAY21-282T $71.42

Sealed bids will be received by the St Tammany Parish School Board, 321 N Theard Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433, until 3:00 p m , Thursday, June 2, 2025 on Refriger‐ant Additional informa‐tion and specifica‐ tions will be fur‐nished to prospec‐tivebidders upon request at the School Board Of‐fice. Bid documents can also be found on wwwstpsb org/bids or wwwcentralbidd ing com

Each bid shall be sealed in an enve‐lope clearly marked ontheoutside, “BID #1880 ON REFRIGERANT –JUNE2,2025 ” All bids shall be ac‐companied by a bid bond, certified check cashier’s check ormoneyorderinan amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid

At time and place stated above, all bids on hand will be publicly opened and read aloud Any bid received after date and hour shown above will be re‐turned unopened to thebidder

The St Tammany ParishSchoolBoard reserves the right to adjust quantities by increasing or de‐creasing and to re‐jectanyandallbids ST TAMMANY PARISH SCHOOL BOARD /s/MATTHEWE GREENE Presi‐dent /s/FRANKJ JABBIA Superin‐ tendent 140318MAY14-212T $74 30

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ADVERTISEMENT FORBIDS

PUBLICNOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FORBIDS

Sealed bids will be received by the St Tammany Parish School Board, 321 N Theard Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433 until 3:00 p m , Thursday, June 3, 2025onLimestone, Sand and Pea Gravel

Additional informa‐tion and specifica‐ tions will be fur‐nished prospective bidders upon re‐quest at the School Board office Bid documents can also be found on www stpsb org/bids

Each bid shall be sealed in an enve‐lope clearly marked ontheoutside, "BID #1881 ON LIMESTONE, SAND & PEA GRAVEL– JUNE 3,2025 " All bids shall be ac‐companied by a bid bond, certified check, cashier s check or money order in the amount of five hundred dol‐lars($1,00 00) At time and place stated above all bids on hand will be publicly opened and read aloud Any

The St Tammany ParishSchoolBoard reserves the right to adjust quantities by increasing or de‐creasing and to re‐jectanyandallbids ST TAMMANY PARISH SCHOOL BOARD /s/MATTHEWE GREENE,President /s/FRANKJ JABBIA

PUBLICNOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FORBIDS The St Tammany Parish School Board Child Nutri‐tion Programs 321 N Theard Street Covington Louisiana 70433 ill i l d

PUBLICNOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FORBIDS TownofPearl River (herein re‐ferred to as the "Owner") hereby solicits sealed bids for the Town of Pearl River Sewer System Improve‐ments project de‐scribedasfollows: STATEMENT OF WORK: SewerSystem Improvements to Town of Pearl River Sewer Treatment

date of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associ‐ated with the trans‐fer of title At the conclusion of the sale the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be re‐turnedtothem. The Secretary may grant and extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment All exten‐sions will be for 15day increments for a fee of $500.00, paid in advance. The ex‐tension fee shall be in the form of a cer‐tified or cashier s check made payable to the Secretary of HUD. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the ex‐piration of any ex‐tension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied to‐ward the amount due If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the re‐quired period, or within any exten‐sions of time granted by the Sec‐retary, the high bid‐der may be required to forfeit the cash deposit or, at the election of the fore‐closure commis‐sioner after consul‐tation with the HUD representative, will be liable to HUD for any costs incurred as a result of such failure. The Com‐missioner may, at the direction of the HUD representa‐tive, offer the prop‐erty to the second highestbidderforan amount equal to the highestpriceoffered bythatbidder There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of re‐demption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure com‐pleted pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchasepriceinac‐cordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein HUD does not guar‐antee that the prop‐ertywillbevacant. The scheduled fore‐closure sale shall be cancelled or ad‐joined if it is estab‐lished, by docu‐mented written ap‐ plication of the mortgagor to the Foreclosure Com‐missioner not less than 3 days before the date of sale, or otherwise, that the default or defaults upon which the foreclosure is based did not xist t th

mented written ap‐ plication of the mortgagor to the Foreclosure Com‐missioner not less than 3 days before the date of sale, or otherwise, that the default or defaults upon which the foreclosure is based did not exist at the time of service of this notice of default andforeclosuresale or all amounts due under the mortgage agreement are ten‐dered to the Fore‐closure Commis‐sioner intheformof a certified or cashier’s check payable to the Sec‐retary of HUD, be‐fore public auction of the property is completed The amount that must be paid if the mortgage is to be re‐instated prior to the scheduled sale is $405,254.49 as of March 3, 2025 plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if pay‐ments under the mortgage had not been accelerated advertising costs and postage ex‐penses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road dis‐tanceforpostingno‐tices and for the Foreclosure Com‐missioner’s atten‐dance at the sale, reasonable and cus‐tomary costs in‐curred for title and lien records searches, the neces‐sary out-of-pocket costsincurredbythe Foreclosure Com‐missioner for recording docu‐ments, a commis‐sion for the Foreclo‐sure Commissioner and all other costs incurred in connec‐tion with the fore‐closure prior to rein‐statement Tender of payment by certified or cashier’s check or application for can‐cellation of the fore‐closure sale shall be submitted to the ad‐dress of the Foreclo‐sure Commissioner providedbelow. Date:April22, 2025. Foreclosure Com‐missioner LOGS LEGAL GROUPLLP AmyOrtis,AttorneyLouisiana Bar Roll Number24857 3510 N. Causeway Blvd.,Suite600 Metairie LA70002 Phone (504) 8317726 Fax(504)837-7622 138376-MAY7-1421-3T $5102.17

authority to dispose the following un‐claimed property pursuant to La R.S. 228.3. All inquiries should be directed to Captain Letort at 985-276-1206. 2001 Black GMC Yukon XL Denali, VIN #1GK‐FK66U01J244927 1992 Red Nissan Sentra, VIN #JN1E‐B31P1NU108367 1997 Green Nissan Sentra, VIN #1N4AB41D6VC86 1993Blue Oldsmobile Cutlas Supreme, VIN #1G3WH54T4PD33 By: Deputy Penny Vance,Purchasing Agent SheriffRandy Smith

PUBLICNOTICE

ST TAMMANY PARISH GOV‐ERNMENT ADJUDICATED PROPERTY SALE ADVERTISE‐MENT BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSTI‐TUTIONANDTHE LAWS OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA, I WILL SELL, AT CIVIC‐SOURCE.COM, WITHIN THE LEGAL HOURS FOR JUDICIAL SALES BEGIN‐NING AT 8:00

O'CLOCK A.M ON THE 4th DAY OF JUNE 2025 AND CONTINUING UNTIL SAID SALESARE COM‐PLETED TITLE TO IMMOVABLE PROPERTY ON WHICH TAXES WERE ADJUDI‐CATED TO THE ST TAMMANY PARISH GOV‐ERNMENT, TO ENFORCE COL‐LECTION OF TAXES. THE NAMES OF SAID DELINQUENT TAX DEBTORS AND THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION FOR EACH OF THE PROPERTIES TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE ARE ASFOLLOWS: D&RLANDINC MADISONVILLE, LA 70447 TAXES OWED ARE WITH ALL THAT CER‐TAIN LOT OR PARCELOFLAND SITUATED IN MANDEVILLE ANNEX, IN THE PARISH OF ST TAMMANY, STATE OF LOUISIANA, AND MORE FULLYDE‐SCRIBED AS LOTS NOS SEVEN NINE

NOS SEVEN, NINE, ELEVEN THIR‐TEEN AND FIF‐TEEN EACH MEASURE THIRTY FEET FRONT ON PEN‐ROSE STREET BY A DEPTH OF ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN FEET BETWEEN EQUALAND PAR‐ALLEL LINES. ALL IN ACCOR‐DANCE WITH SURVEY MADE BY HOWARD BURNS, PARISH SURVEYOR, IN MAY1913,ASPER PLAT ON FILE WITH THE CLERK OF COURT AT COV‐INGTON, LOUISIANA. 130876

LANDRY, STEPHENCRAIG 3095 EFFIE ST SLIDELL, LA 70458 TAXES OWED ARE WITH THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, TO‐GETHER WITH ALL THE BUILD‐INGS AND IM‐PROVEMENTS THEREON, AND ALLTHE RIGHTS, WAYS, PRIVI‐LEGES, SERVI‐TUDES, APPUR‐TENANCES AND ADVANTAGES THEREUNTO BE‐LONGING OR IN ANYWISE AP‐PERTAINING, SITUATEDINTHE PARISH OF ST TAMMANY STATE OF LOUISIANA, AND BEING DESIG‐NATED AS LOTS NO. EIGHT (8) AND NINE (9) OF SQUARE NO. SIX‐TEEN (16) OF SALMEN ADDI‐TION NO. 1 TO TOWN OF SLIDELL; SAID SQUARE NO. 16 BEING BOUNDED ON THE NORTH BY JACOB STREET ON THE SOUTH BY ROSA STREET ON THE EAST BY EFFIE STREET AND ON THE WEST BY LOUISA STREET; ACCORDING TO A SURVEY BY H. G. FRITCHIE, PARISH SUR‐VEYOR, DATED OCTOBER 3, 1955; SAID PROPERTY BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS; BEGINNING AT A POINT, THE IN‐TERSECTION OF THE WEST MAR‐GIN OF EFFIE STREETANDTHE NORTH MARGIN OFROSASTREET THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT

NORTHEAST‐ERLY DIREC‐TION, ONE HUN‐DRED TWENTY (120.0’) FEET ALONG THE WEST MARGIN OF EFFIE STREET TO A POINT; THEN IN A NORTHWEST‐ERLY DIREC‐TION, ONE HUN‐DRED TWENTY (120.0’) FEET, ALONG THE NORTH BOUND‐ARYOFLOTNO.8 TO A POINT; THEN IN A SOUTHWEST‐ERLY DIRECTION ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120.0’) FEET, ALONG THE WEST BOUNDARIES OF LOTS NO. 8AND9 TO A POINT ON THE NORTH MARGIN OF ROSA STREET; THEN IN A SOUTHEAST‐ERLY DIREC‐TION, ONE HUN‐DRED TWENTY (120.0’) FEET ALONG THE NORTH MARGIN OF ROSA STREET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCE, MAP OF SALMEN ADDITION NO. 1 TO TOWN OF SLIDELL BY DANEY & WAD‐DILL, SURVEY‐ORS, DATED JUNE 1907, REG‐ISTERED IN PLAT BOOKNO.1PAGE NO. 1 RECORDS OF ST TAM‐MANY PARISH, LA

THIS PROPERTY IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOW‐ING: 1. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS IM‐POSED THERE‐UPON BY FRED W SALMEN BY NOTARIAL ACT OF OCTOBER 29, 1952, BEFORE HARRY SOU‐CHON, N.P., REG‐ISTERED IN C.O.B. 209 FOLIO 393 RECORDS OF ST TAMMANY PARISH, LA.; WHICH COVENANTS ARE INCORPO‐RATED INTO THIS ACT BY REFERENCE AND MADE PART HEREOF AS FULLY, COM‐PLETELY AND EFFECTIVELY AS THOUGH STIPU‐LATED HEREIN IN THEIR EN‐TIRETY 131750 ON THE DAY OF SALE I WILL SELL THE PROP‐ERTY TO THE HIGHEST BID‐DER. THE SALE WILL BE WITH‐OUT APPRAISE‐MENT FOR CASH

ACCEPTABLE TO THE TAX COL‐LECTOR IN LEGAL TENDER MONEY OF THE UNITED STATES AND A NONWARRANTY CASH SALE CER‐TIFICATE SHALL BE ISSUED TO THE PURCHASER FOR THE PROP‐ERTY 141740MAY21-1T $173.32

PUBLICNOTICE THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICATION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR IN‐TEREST IN THE FOLLOWING DE‐SCRIBED PROP‐ERTY LOCATED IN THE PARISH OF ST TAM‐MANY, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OPERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER AC‐TION IN ACCOR‐DANCE WITH LAW: TaxBill130876 D&RLAND,INC. THE PARISH OF ST TAMMANY SEWELL ST PIERRE, clayton d. toups,jackst.pierre, annette parker, PATRICK OCON‐NELL, jeffrey gold, anthony currera, frank currera, Rachael mattingly, laura b. perret, ed‐ward j. perret, vaughn j. perret, patrick e. perret, barbara escudier, joannebullard LOTS 7 9 11 13 15 SQ 20 MANDEV‐ILLE ANNEX CB 60 514 1990 T S D & R PARTNER‐SHIP CB 1470 621 CB 1516 858 INST NO 960285 INST NO 1066250 INST NO 1217733 2017 TS IN NAME D & R LAND INC TO PARISH INST NO 2120820 Improvements thereon bear Munic‐ipal No Madis‐onville,LA70447 TaxBill131750 STEPHEN CRAIG LANDRY, PARISH OF ST TAM‐MANY, stephanie chavers, jessica hopkins LOTS 8 9 SQ 16 SALMEN ADD CB 974 379 CB 1336 920 CB 1438 198 1991 TS IN NAME STEPHEN LANDRY TO PARISH CB 1516 371 CB 1518 94 INST NO 867531 INST NO 881039 INSTNO881040 Improvements thereon bear Munic‐ipal No 3095 Effie St, Slidell, LA 70458

TAX SALE TITLE TO THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY HAS EN SOLD FOR LURE TO PAY AXES. YOU VE BEEN ENTIFIED AS A SON WHO

FAILURE TO PAY TAXES. YOU HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A PERSON WHO MAY HAVE AN INTEREST IN THISPROPERTY YOUR INTEREST IN THE PROP‐ERTY WILL BE TERMINATED IF YOU DO NOT RE‐DEEM THE PROP‐ERTY BY MAK‐ING ALL RE‐QUIRED PAY‐MENTS TO THE TAX COLLECTOR LISTED BELOW OR FILE A LAW‐SUIT IN ACCOR‐DANCE WITH LAW WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICA‐TION OF THIS NOTICE OR THE RECORDING OF AN ACT TRANS‐FERRING OWN‐ERSHIP IF LATER ST TAMMANY PARISH GOV‐ERNMENT 701 N. COLUM‐BIAST. COVINGTON, LA 70433 (985)809-8217 141739MAY21-1T $91.03

PUBLICNOTICE

Introduced May 13, 2025, by Council‐woman Haggerty seconded by Coun‐cilman Disanti, (by request of Adminis‐tration)

RESOLUTION R25-14

A resolution autho‐rizingthebasisupon which to recognize the donative portion of the sale/donation of lands by P & F Lumber Company (2000), L.L.C., St TammanyLandCo., L.L.C., PF Monroe Properties, L.L.C., and Markle Inter‐ests, L.L.C. to the City of Slidell for the City’s Transmis‐sion Line Reloca‐tion Project and to authorize any ad‐justments needed to the property de‐scription based on titlereview.

WHEREAS, in Or‐dinance No 4223, the City of Slidell authorized the ac‐quisition of certain lands from P & F Lumber Company (2000), L.L.C., St TammanyLandCo., L.L.C., PF Monroe Properties, L.L.C., and Markle Inter‐ests, L.L.C. for the City s Transmission Line Relocation Project which is part of its Capital Improvement Plan; and WHEREAS, the ac‐quisition contem‐plates the City’s recognition of a do‐nation by the Sellers for the value of the

PUBLICNOTICE NOTICE OF PUB‐LICMEETING MANDEVILLE CITYCOUNCIL MEETING AGENDA THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025, 6:00PM MANDEVILLE CITYHALL 3101 E. CAUSE‐WAYAPPROACH MANDEVILLE, LOUISIANA70448 CALLTOORDER MOMENT OF SI‐LENCE PLEDGE OF AL‐LEGIANCE ROLLCALL PUBLIC COM‐MENT: MINUTES: 1. Adoption of the May 8, 2025 Coun‐cilMeetingMinutes INTRODUCTION OF ORDI‐NANCES: 1.Introduction of Ordinance 25-16: AN ORDINANCE