It was a gorgeous day in the Wholesome Folsom neighborhood for the village’s first fall festival, and folks made the most of it There was a patch of pumpkins, especially for the little ones, and pots of chili for the hungry ones — batches stirred up by competitive cooks out for bragging rights. There were antique tractors, each with its own provenance, and a mechanical bull for riders looking to create a new bit of their own history The Sept 27 fest near Town Hall also featured a homestead conference giving lessons on gardening, canning, keeping backyard chickens, baking sourdough and more; special activities for kids of all ages; a new Wholesome Folsom mural unveiled at the nearby Giddy Up; and a salute to some artists who help make Folsom such a special place for those calling it home.
Skenes,
deal to buy North Shore Square dead
BY DARREN COOPER
Contributing writer
A signed Paul Skenes jersey? Nice. A signed baseball jersey by Madisonville’s own Kade Anderson?
Now we’re talking.
In addition to both of those items, Miracle League Northshore has a signed Taylor Swift guitar as a prize for its raffle drawing October 25 about 12:30 p.m., following the morning’s Miracle League games. “We think we have almost every
genre covered, baseball and music,” laughed Madisonville councilman Tim Bounds, an Anderson family friend and supporter of Miracle League Northshore. “We will have some places set up where people can buy tickets. We are excited about the opportunity.” All tickets cost $20 with the chance to win the guitar — note, the guitar is signed, but not played — and a separate raffle for one of the baseball jerseys. Contestants
ä See RAFFLE, page 2A
in
had
Borchert in
and Morguard representatives were
of
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which sits on more than 50 acres at a high-profile site on Northshore Boulevard at Interstate 12.
But two weeks ago, Borchert announced that the city was backing away from buying the mall, or at least from purchasing the entire mall because Morguard had already entered into a purchase agreement with another company for two of the larger former anchor sites at the mall.
The company working to finalize that purchase has not been publicly named. The city said it would instead let private investors take the lead and support them where it could.
The city’s possible purchase of the mall and the enacting of the sales taxes became a
JESSICA SAGGIO Contributing writer
It’s that time of year again. The time to eat, drink and be scary Spooky season is upon us and with a calendar bursting with activities, there is absolutely no reason to be a Hallo-weenie this year So get your best costume in order and get going because it’s about to get really busy here on the northshore. There’s something for everyone this Halloween in St. Tammany Whether you’re looking to
Ella Pittman gets to know a Maymees Farm chicken
Colton Waskom helps daughter Paisley hang
PHOTOS BY GRANT THERKILDSEN
Vivian Abbott looks for the perfect pumpkin at the Folsom Fall Festival on Sept. 27.
SCARY
Continued from page 1A
Olde Towne Pumpkin Festival, Oct. 4
Start the Halloween season off with the star of the show, the jack-o’lantern himself. Visit the Olde Towne Pumpkin Festival, hosted by the First United Methodist Church in Slidell, and enjoy all things pumpkin and fall. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features live music, arts and crafts, a haystack hunt, pony rides, “punkin’ chunkin’,” inflatables, pumpkin decorating, a youth entrepreneur village, a Velcro wall, cupcake walk and plenty of sweet treats A fire truck, SWAT vehicle and firefighters challenge course will also be on site to check out Admission is free, but food and activities require tickets that can be purchased for $1 each, with most attractions ranging in price from 1 to 10 tickets. Proceeds from the event benefit the East St Tammany Rainbow Childcare Center. Monster Mash, Oct. 18
Take the kids out for a good time and a good cause at the annual Monster Mash at the Bogue Falaya Park in Covington from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m
The event includes trick-or-treating, cookie decorating, music, crafts and carnival rides, among other activities. Advance tickets for children are $15, or $20 at the gate. Adult tickets are $5 and those under age 2 are free Proceeds from the event benefit the St Tammany Health System Parenting Center Field of Screams, Oct. 18
For those who dare, take a terrifying sunset stroll down the Blue Swamp Creek Nature Trail in Covington. The city’s fire and police departments have teamed up to create “eerie stage scenes” along the trail with a host of unexpected haunts showing up along the route. In other words, be ready for a few jump scares This event is free and intended for older children, teens and adults. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Nightmare on Columbia, Oct. 18
The cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine will be flowing on Columbia Street for this Halloween tradition. The annual event takes place on Columbia Street in Covington and features a host of tents to sample different beverages, a costume contest and live music. This adultsonly Halloween party starts with a 5 p.m. sampling of all the yummies, followed by DJ at the city trailhead beginning at 7:30 and the costume contest at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45. Trick-or-Treat at Fontainebleau, Oct. 18 & 25
For those looking to get their candy fix a little early, check out the trick-or-treat event at Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The trickor-treating will take place in the campground area of the park, and all roads that intertwine through that portion will be closed. The cost to participate is the $3 per person park fee. People under age 3 or over 65 are free. If you can’t make the first event, Fontainebleau will host another trick-or-treat opportunity Oct. 25 at the same time. Whisperings, Oct. 19
When history and Halloween collide, it can get a bit spooky And that’s exactly what is expected to happen at this season’s Whisperings event hosted by the Covington Heritage Foundation. The event will be hosted at the Old Seiler Hotel, which is now the Columbia Street Taproom, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Here, guests will unpack the secrets of the historic hotel that was once known as the “headquarters for traveling men.” Learn about the chilling his-
MALL
Continued from page 1A
divisive issue, amplified by the upcoming mayor’s race. Borchert faces Police Chief Randy Fandal in the special election on Oct.11.
While Borchert campaigned on making bold moves to spark the economy and revitalize tired sites such as the mall, Fandal pushed the city to slow down any purchase, saying that the public had not had an opportunity to properly vet any proposal.
The future of the mall, a former regional shopping hub that has lost nearly all of its tenants in recent years, has been a big issue in Slidell for the past decade or more.
The council voted 8-0 to eliminate the taxes at its Sept. 23 meeting. Because of some time lapses in voting in and then voting out the taxes, the new tax rate will still be in effect from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31.
“We cannot go back and kill that. It’s too late,” said council member Trey
tory of the Seiler family and perhaps meet one of the haunts that still call it home. The event is sold out due to a limited capacity, but Whisperings is a Halloween staple each year on the west side of the parish. Make note for next year if you don’t already have tickets. Aldersgate UMC Trunk or Treat, Oct. 19 A Slidell favorite, the Aldersgate United Methodist Church trunk or treat is back for another year The candy extravaganza will host more than 40 decorated trunks full of goodies and will take place from 6 p.m to 8 p.m The event will also include face painting, a cake walk, yard games, a selfie station and visits from the Slidell Fire Department and St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office. Admission is free. Slidell Zombie Crawl, Oct. 24 Look alive, zombies! It’s almost time to crawl down to Olde Towne Slidell for another favorite Halloween pastime. The Slidell Zombie Crawl, suitable for all ages, features trick-or-treating, live music, costume contests, bounce houses, face painting, pumpkin decorating and local art vendors. This year’s crawl will take place from 5 p m. to 10 p.m. throughout the Olde Towne Slidell/downtown area. This is a free and pet-friendly event sponsored by the Olde Towne Merchants Association.
ACCESS Boo Fest, Oct. 25
Dozens of civic groups and more will set up along the walking path and green space adjacent to Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd. between Covington and Mandeville, for the annual ACCESS Louisiana Boo Fest. For only $2 per person, guests can visit six different on-site trick-or-treat “neighborhoods”, as well as decorate pumpkins, have fun with arts, crafts, games, face painting, a photo booth and more. Food and drinks will available for purchase, too. Children are encouraged to costume for the title of “Scariest,” “Most Original” and the coveted “Kids Choice” Award. All proceeds go to ACCESS (Adapting and Changing Children’s Environments with Successful Solutions) Louisiana, which benefits children with disabilities and their families. Gates open at 9 a.m. for families with special-needs children and the gen-
eral public is welcome from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, go online to accesslouisiana.org. Pearl River Trunk or Treat, Oct. 25 Venture over to Pearl River for another opportunity to load those buckets with a little extra sugar This year’s free trunk or treat will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Honey Island Swamp Museum and Research Center Horror in Nature at the Castine Center, Oct. 28 What’s a horror flick without deep, dark woods or a spooky swamp? Nature often sets the scene for terrifying tales and horror films. Come learn about their parallels from Master Naturalist Jessica McDaniel at the Castine Center at Pelican Park in Mandeville. This educational and free event will take place at 6:30 p.m. and hopes to leave guests with a new appreciation of how nature shapes the genre that “helps us experience and confront our fears.” While no gory or inappropriate materials will be shown, this event is best for ages 10 and up.
Boo Bash Block Party, Oct. 31
In the name of bringing joy and solidarity to the community, the Boo Bash Block Party will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1225 N. Columbia St. in Covington. This child-centered event will include party games, trick-or-treat stations live music, face painting and free children’s books. This free event is hosted by Queer Northshore, St. Tammany Library Alliance and The Next Right Thing. Trick or Treat at Rev Peter Atkins Park, Oct. 31
For a family night of fun on Halloween, bring the kiddos to the Rev Atkins Park in Covington for a free trick-or-treating event. The soiree will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and feature face painting, candy, Halloween crafts, games and costume contests. Abita Springs Trunk or Treat, Oct. 31
Take a hike to the Abita Springs Trailhead on Halloween from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the town’s All Hallow’s Eve celebration. The trunk or treat event features, of course, trick-ortreating, but also food, games, a photo booth and a haunted house. This event is free and hosted by the town of Abita Springs.
Brownfield, who introduced the measure to fully eliminate the taxes. But while council members offered little debate before voting to eliminate the taxes, several did speak on the city’s potential purchase of the mall.
Brownfield said the process was “embarrassing” and questioned why officials didn’t know until recently that another company was set to buy part of the mall. He suggested a lawsuit if the city thinks the mall owner negotiated in bad faith. But some other council members disagreed with his assessment.
Council member Kenny Tamborella said there was always “an offramp” in the city’s pursuit if things didn’t work out. He noted that for years elected leaders have heard their constituents tell them to work on revitalizing the mall site.
“I believe that there were tremendous benefits to this process,” Tamborella added, noting that interest in the mall site had been dormant for years before the city began making its push.
Christopher Bonanno slides into home in the first inning when some of the Miracle League kids played with the firefighters and deputies in a previous game.
RAFFLE
Continued from page 1A
can purchase a ticket for raffle item of their choice. Customers need to be 21 to enter but do not need to be present to win. Tickets can also be purchased online at miracleleaguenorthshore. org.
The guitar and Skenes’ jersey each come with certificates of authenticity For the Anderson jersey, Bounds can vouch that he signed it recently while home from Arizona, which should suffice.
“It’s definitely cool, and for LSU fans of Skenes and Anderson, it’s an awesome piece of memorabilia for your man cave, and clearly, Taylor Swift is a global icon,” said Trevor Johnson of Miracle League Northshore. “You can’t beat having that hanging on your wall. I am telling people you must be 21 to buy a ticket, but you can always give the guitar as a gift.”
The merchandise comes
from Pro Dreams, an auction service for nonprofit organizations in Baton Rouge. At the moment, 250 tickets are being sold, but Johnson said with increased demand, there could be more added. Miracle League, which gives people with any type of disability or special need a genuine athletic experience playing sports, has 124 athletes registered in fall baseball.
“All proceeds go towards Miracle League Northshore for various items, whether its to purchase jerseys or equipment, trophies and field maintenance and other special events that we have,” Johnson said.
“Miracle League has a huge impact on our community it’s one thing to see the athletes living out their dreams, but it’s heartwarming to see so many volunteers come back and work with the players,” said Bounds. “Every week we see kids coming back on their own, not because they were told to, but because they want to be there. I think it’s incredibly impactful.”
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY SHAWN FINK
For many years, children and adults have found friends and plenty of moral support during Monster Mash in Covington.
STAFF FILE PHOTOS BY SCOTT THRELKELD
A large spider joins in the fun during a previous Monster Mash, an annual fundraiser for the St. Tammany Health System Parenting Center
Early voting in Slidell election ends Oct. 4
Staff report
Slidell-area voters who want to cast an early ballot in the city’s Oct 11 mayoral election, as well as help decide whether to renew a parcel fee to support the area’s fire protection district, can do so until Oct. 4
Early voting will be conducted in two locations: in Slidell at the Registrar of Voters Office, 520 Old Spanish Trail (the Towers Building) in the ground-floor conference area, and in Covington at 601 N. Jefferson Ave., on the ground floor of the St Tammany Justice Center parking garage.
Both locations will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. during early voting.
There will be no voting in the St. Tammany Parish government offices on Koop Drive near Mandeville in this election. Registered voters must provide identification to cast a ballot.
Call (985) 809-5500 or (985) 646-4125 for more information on early voting. The mayor’s race leads the Oct. 11 ballot between Slidell Mayor Bill Borchert and Police Chief Randy Fandal. Borchert, a longtime member of the Slidell City Council, became mayor in January when former mayor Greg Cromer resigned to take a job with the state. Whoever wins the Oct. 11 election will finish Cromer’s term, which ends June 30. Regularly scheduled elections for Slidell’s municipal positions will be held in April, with winners of those elections taking office July 1. Also on this ballot, St. Tammany Parish Fire Protection District No.
1 is asking voters to renew a 10-year $39 annual parcel fee that first was approved in 2006 and renewed in 2016.
District Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann said the $39 annual fee only applies to property that has a structure on it, such as a home or business, not vacant land. The fee nets about $1.3 million annually for the Slidell-area fire district, which is the seventh largest in the state, serving approximately 108,000 residents in the parish’s 8th and 9th wards and responding to about 10,000 calls in 2024.
Kaufmann said the parcel fee is beneficial because it diversifies funding for Fire Protection District No 1. It was proposed during the property tax “holiday” following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina as home and business owners rebounded from the storm.
“The parcel fee of $39 doesn’t fluctuate with the economy,” Kaufmann said. “And the total collected fluctuates very little from year to year because it only applies when a new structure is built on undeveloped property We’ve been able to roll back the 35 mills approved by voters to support the district in 10 of the 18 years the parcel fee has been in place. The parcel fee amounts to about 11 cents a day.” Voters can go online to slidellfire.org/parcel-feerenewal/ for more information.
Sheriff’s Office honored for financial reporting
Staff report
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2024.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.
The report, submitted by St Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office officials, was judged by an impartial panel to meet the standards of the program, which include demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.
“Controller Cynthia Bankston and the entire finance staff worked tirelessly to prepare this document, and I am pleased their hard work is once again being recognized with this prestigious award from an internationally recognized organization,” Sheriff Randy Smith said.
“This award is a true testament to our finance department’s daily determination to serve the residents of St. Tammany in the most diligent, professional and transparent manner possible.”
The Government Finance Officers Association advances excellence in government finance by providing best
practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.
The GFOA established the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program (Certificate Program) in 1945 to encourage and assist state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare annual comprehensive financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal.
Chamber’s biz expo fast approaching
The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce invites the business community to its annual Explore Northshore Business Expo on Oct. 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Harbor Center near Slidell.
The event will showcase approximately 100 businesses, bringing together hundreds of professionals and consumers for a highenergy afternoon of networking, product discovery and business promotion. Attendees can view exhibits, network, talk face-to-face with business and community representatives, regis-
ter for door prizes and giveaway, and more.
The Northshore Young Professionals Summit will be held as part of the expo, featuring three free 30-minute sessions designed for emerging leaders. The summit provides professional development opportunities and encourages participants to explore the expo floor Topics will include burnout prevention, personal branding and scaling
a business. Before the expo, the Chamber will host a special Business & Growth in Southeast Louisiana luncheon featuring speaker Michael Hecht, president and CEO of GNO Inc Hecht will share insights on economic trends, competitiveness and growth opportunities for businesses in the region.
The luncheon is a ticketed event and includes network-
Abita Springs Mayor Dan Curtis recovering from surgery
BY KIM CHATELAIN
Contributing writer
Abita Springs Mayor Dan Curtis will be away from town hall for several weeks while recovering from major back surgery. Curtis was released from the hospital Sept 22 after undergoing an “extensive” six-hour surgery, according to town Alderman Pat Patterson who, as mayor pro tem, ran the Sept. 23 Town Council meeting in the mayor’s absence “He’s resting well at home, and we wish him Godspeed on his recovery,” Patterson said at the meeting. While some board members have not seen eye to eye with Curtis on several controversial issues, Alderman Stephen Saussy suggested that members chip in and send the mayor a get-well plant or flowers while he convalesces Pat-
terson said he would see to it.
and pending surgery
Town Clerk Leanne Schaefer said Curtis will be able to do some work from home during his recovery Curtis has been under pressure from the courts for his involvement in a legal tussle between the town government and a developer seeking to build a new subdivision.
Judge William Burris of the 22nd Judicial District, miffed by Curtis’ violation of a court order to allow the development to proceed, had ordered the mayor to spend every weekend in jail until he complies.
Burris ordered Curtis to report to the St Tammany Parish Jail at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, and be released at 9 p.m. Sunday However, Burris later agreed to issue a stay on his order after Curtis’ lawyers raised concerns about the mayor’s medical condition
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Citing an affidavit from Curtis’ doctor, the lawyers said they mayor is suffering from “severe spinal degeneration” and was scheduled to have surgery in September to undergo spinal fusion.
Having Curtis incarcer-
ated at this time could cause “irreparable injury,” the lawyers argued in court filings.
Curtis was ordered to spend his weekends in jail after Burris found that he was not working toward complying with a court order that he allow a 390home development on 168 acres outside Abita Springs to proceed. In a case that dates to 2018, Curtis and his lawyer have argued that connecting the new subdivision to the town’s sewage system could result in an “environmental disaster.”
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office recently was honored for excellence in financial reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association. From left are Chief Deputy Jeff Boehm; CFO Lauren Hudson; Controller Cynthia Bankston, Sheriff Randy Smith and Deputy Chief George Cox.
High water bills rain fire on Mandeville officials
BY KIM CHATELAIN
Contributing writer
Mandeville government
officials dedicated the majority of the Sept. 25 regularly scheduled City Council meeting to quelling the community uproar triggered by a drastic increase in the latest municipal water and sewer bills. The city has been bombarded with complaints from residents who claimed they were blindsided when the water and sewer bills received this month skyrocketed as much as 500%. It is the city’s first water rate increase since 2017.
Mayor Clay Madden said the city posted notices about the increase on its social media pages and sent a letter in recent water bills to alert the public. Clearly, the message didn’t hit home with many citizens.
“I take responsibility for the mishap,” Madden said.
“That’s on me.”
The city has been heavily subsidizing the cost of operating the municipal water system for more than a decade. The result was some of the lowest water rates in the region, officials said.
meaning operating revenues must match expenditures.
The Water Sector Program funded a study conducted by Manchac Consulting Group that outlined a new rate structure to achieve that goal Covington and Madisonville have also revamped their water system rates to make their systems self-sustaining.
sue at the time.
The new, tier-based rate structure uses water meter size and the amount of water used per month to determine bills. The rates are much higher for those who use the most water, such as people with swimming pools and irrigation systems.
shared the public’s dismay over the higher rates but agreed they are necessary lest the city lose millions in state grants.
Finance Director Jessica Farno conducted a PowerPoint presentation to explain the need for the higher rates and the financial shortfall in the city’s water system.
Those subsidies run afoul of regulations of the Louisiana Water Sector Program, which provides grant money to local water systems for infrastructure improvements.
To receive some $2.2 million from the program, Mandeville’s water system must be self-sustaining,
The Mandeville City Council in January agreed to implement the rate structure proposed by the Manchac group. At the time, city officials said they were led to believe the new, rather complicated structure would translate into an increase of $10 to $20 a month for the average household.
Those projections, however, were based on usage of about 7,000 gallons of water per month. Most households use significantly more, especially during the summer There was little debate on the is-
While all residentss are seeing some increases, Farno explained that only 14% fall into the heaviest water usage category Those residents are seeing he steepest increases.
The change to the new rate system also resulted in the most recent bills to be for 45 days, instead of the usual 30. And, those bills reflect usage for August and September, the highest water usage months of the year The next bill will be for only two weeks and thus much less, officials said.
Council members said they
“I’m sorry your water bill has gone up,” council member Kevin Vogeltanz said, noting that his last bill went up 150%. “We do not want to charge you more money.” Council member Jason Zuckerman was more succinct. “It sucks. I hate it.”
Lakewood Heights resident Dave “Doc” Mancina, a retired CPA, said he sees the need to raise rates, but he stressed that it would cause pain to many residents.
“I don’t think there’s anyone in this room whose bill didn’t go up from 50% to as high as 1,500%,” he said. “It’s very, very upsetting. I’m upset that this fund has been operating at a loss since (at least) 2016 and it wasn’t addressed sooner It makes absolutely no sense to me.”
FROM SHADOWS TO SPOTLIGHT
Bluesberry volunteer creates art, community in Covington
The St. Tammany Parish social calendar is filled with important events throughout the year We’ve asked organizers to help us highlight people who work behind the scenes to quietly make our most beloved events successful. We’re calling the feature “From Shadows to Spotlight” and letting it be a reminder that not only is one of our area’s biggest events coming up, but also to remind readers the tremendous effect one caring person can have on our community Be well!
Andrew Canulette, editor, St. Tammany Farmer
BY JESSICA SAGGIO
BLUESBERRY
WHEN: Oct. 4 10 a.m. — 6:30 p.m.
WHAT: A festival featuring nonstop bluesy music, visual arts, a children’s village, food, beer & wine; singer/songwriter/guitarist Casey James headlines WHERE: Bogue Falaya Park, 213 Park Drive, downtown Covington.
HOW MUCH: Advance GA tickets: $30.81, includes fees and taxes; VIP tickets also available; kids 10 and under are free. Get them online at thebluesberryfest.com.
EXTRA: Parking available at St.Tammany Justice Center, with a trolley running throughout the day.
to arrange children’s programming, and when guests visit, she’s the one orchestrating the community art project at the front of the Bluesberry festival each year It’s a group art experience where everyone contributes a small piece to what becomes one large masterpiece. Munn coordinates that and is the brains behind turning it into something beautiful. This year, she will have every guest decorate a guitar pick that she will assemble on a canvas and resin over She will work on the piece as the night goes on and more
ated but also oversees. She’s a mom herself to a 5-year-old son, and working with children at the festival has become a “newfound passion,” she said.
“I taught kids art lessons and things in the past, but doing it on a mass scale where they come up and participate in the kids’ village, that’s really fun to set up,” Munn explained.
picks are submitted. It’s a special experience, she said, because guests can check in periodically and see its progression. But she’ll balance all of that with coordinating the children’s village as well a part of the festival that not only she cre-
Similar to the adult experience, the children work on a group art mural as well. Each child decorates a popsicle stick, which is also compiled into a larger piece of art. Again, Munn coordinates it all. “Every child can paint a popsicle stick for me, and I collage all the popsicle sticks onto a big canvas,” she said. “It will be almost like a patchwork mural that all these kids have done.” Her son, Camden, is excited to help her at the children’s village and volunteering has become a family affair Her husband, Daniel, also volunteers, helping with social media. While Munn is known for her artistic touch at the festival, she carries that aura wherever she goes. Whether it’s finding new ways to homeschool her son, painting a piece of art or coming up with a new way to serve her community, that sprinkle of creativity is how she gives back. And for those who want to see her in action, visit
PHOTO BY BOBBY GILBOY
Artist Taylor Munn brings community art, along with art projects and other creative activities for children to the annual Bluesberry Festival in Covington. Son Camden likes helping her at the fest and is a big part of her inspiration and creative spark.
Jerome Williams, Emmer Baham, Debbie Collins, Adam Smith
Ron Jefferson, Paula Boyer, Toni Woodson, Chad Woodson
Perry Picou, Brian Johnson, David Jenkins, Cham Mehaffey and Don Bourgeois
PHOTOS BY GRANT THERKILDSEN
Casey Revere keeps Elliott Vairin safe as they check out one of the antique tractors displayed at the festival in Folsom.
Cham Mehaffey and David Jenkins stir up some chilli for the contest.
Karmyn and Mackenzie Miller make dot art
Scott Tassin rides the mechanical bull.
FOLSOM FALL FESTIVAL
2025 St. Tammany Parish Fair Schedule
985-892-8421- 1304 N Columbia St. Drive in entrance West Magee Street
Wednesday, October 1st
7:30 am - 9:30 am – Cut Flowers Exhibits Accepted
7:30 am - 1:30 pm – Crop Exhibits Accepted
8:00 am - till Commercial Vendors Set Up
9:00 am - Judging of Jr and Adult Home Economics Exhibit, Booths and Educational Exhibits
10:30 am - Judging of Floral Exhibits Begin 2:00 pm - Crop Exhibits Judging Begins 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm – Poultry and Rabbit Exhibits Accepted
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Midway Rides $1 each Ride
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm – Mini Farm Open
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm – Weigh Animals and turn in Livestock forms
Thursday, October 2
8:00 am - 9:00 am - Commercial Vendors Set Up
9:00 am - 9:00 pm – Mini Farm Open
10:00 am - 8:00 pm – Exhibits Open for Viewing
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm – Midway Rides Open $27 Pay One Price
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Gospel Night, Stage
Friday, October 3
Entrance Fee $5 Adults, $3 for children under 12 after 1:00pm
9:00 am - 9:00 pm – Mini Farm Open
9:00 am - Parade Line Up, Jefferson Ave
10:00 am - Parade Begins on Jefferson Ave
10:00 am - 9:00 pm – Exhibits Open for Viewing
10:00 am - 3:00 pm – Midway Rides Open $27 Pay One Price
11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Opening Ceremony, Stage
12:00 pm - 12:15 pm - JFK Martial Arts Demo Team
1:00 pm - Entrance Fee at Gates $5 Adults, $3 children under 12
7:30 pm - 10:00 p m – Twisted H Ranch Rodeo, Rodeo Arena
$20 Adults $15 Children 12 years and under
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm – Thomas Cain, Stage
Sunday, October 5
12:00 am - 10:00 am – Livestock Released
8:00 am - 9:00 am – Poultry & Rabbit Release
8:00 am - 12:00 pm – 4H Exhibits, booths dismantled
11:00 am - 6:00 pm - Midway Rides $32 Pay One Price
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Education Booths dismantled
Step right up: It’s time for the St. Tammany Parish Fair
BY SHEILA GRISSETT Staff writer
Come one, come all, 115 years after it first began
The St. Tammany Parish Fair queen and her court have been chosen; the rodeo queen hopefuls are preparing to compete on their horses in the fair’s rodeo arena; and the big fair itself opens its doors to a world of tradition, culture and familiar fair fun Oct. 1-5 at the fairgrounds in Covington.
There will be something for everyone for the price of a ticket — $5 per adult and $3 for children 11 and under — and on three days, there will be no admission charged at all.
The fair weekend kicks off Friday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m. with a parade from downtown Covington, revving up excitement all the way from its start on Jefferson Avenue to Boston St./La. 21, up Columbia Street, and ending at the 1304 N. Columbia St fairgrounds. Opening ceremonies take place on the Main Stage at 11 a.m., with performances throughout the day
Five days of attractions will range from Gospel Night, the livestock show and a two-day rodeo to carnival rides, lots of live music and performances, horticultural and home craft exhibits, and plenty of fair food reminiscent of midway sights and smells from childhood.
A detailed schedule of events admission prices for the midway and rodeo, can be found at sttammanyparishfair.info/schedule.
General admission is free Wednesday Thursday and Sunday; on Friday and Saturday, tickets are required. Founded in 1910, the St. Tammany Parish Fair Association has produced a fair almost every year during the first full weekend in October to showcase local culture, promote economic development, and nurture community pride. The Fair Association also gives thousands of dollars annually to area schools to exhibit entries and in scholarships.
There will be highlights throughout the five days.
n Kids of all ages will enjoy the thrill of carni-
PROVIDED PHOTO
Reigning over this year’s festivities will be, from left, Princess Miss St Tammany Parish Fair Queen Bry’Anna Morgan; Miss St. Tammany Parish Fair Queen Madison Elizabeth Hogan; and Junior Miss St Tammany Parish Fair Queen Maycee Pleasant.
val rides provided by the northshore’s own Mitchell Brothers Amusements. The ever-popular midway will be open to the public from Wednesday through the rest of the week, Wednesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to midnight; Satur-
Michelle Theriot has been called “Queen” all her life, and now she truly is
“It’s a running joke that I was born a queen. My family has always called me ‘the queen,’ I was never a princess,” said Theriot with a laugh. “I always wanted to be a queen. Give me a crown, and I am a happy gal.”
The Abita Springs resident and travel agent was named the official Milk Queen of the Mande Milkshakers’ troop of dancers, philanthropists and all-around merrymakers. At their Polka Dots and Pearls Ball on Sept. 20, where Theriot was crowned, the group raised more than $20,000 for the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana.
Theriot pledges a year of milk and honey for her loyal subjects and to broaden the reach of their all-women group.
“My goal is to spread more awareness of our group and our abilities so we can do more things around our community and participate in different events,” Theriot said. “We have resources at our fingertips. People just have to reach out.”
Born in the small town of Bourg, Theriot went to South Terrebonne High School and graduated from UNO with a degree in mass communication. She was at the Tucks parade in 2018 when she first saw the Milkshakers shake their thing.
“I saw the group and said I want to do this, even though I wasn’t living here at the time,” Theriot remembers.
“Then COVID happened and life happened, and I felt like there was never going to be the right time Finally, in 2023, I said, ‘Let me try out,’ and it was the best decision.”
Ascending to the Milk throne takes a lot of effort; the try-out process is long, full of practices, socials, getting to know the other Milkshakers and finding a fit.
“We start at age 30 and up, and we have women from all walks of life, and everyone has their own story,”
Theriot said. “It’s a great, diverse group of ladies. If I hadn’t joined, I would have never met them. Everyone has such an interesting story and getting to know them has enriched my life, and, at this point, they have become a family.”
Theriot ran for Milk Queen in 2024 and didn’t win but was determined to try again this year. She had to perform various queen-related tasks ahead of time to qualify, mainly trying to boost the organization’s reach on social media.
When the time came and Theriot was announced as the new Milk Queen, she was shocked and euphoric. It really was “The Time of Her Life,” the theme of this year’s ball.
“I was waiting to hear someone else’s name, and I was shocked, and I couldn’t
move, like, this is really happening,” Theriot said. “Everyone was crying. It was so much fun. It was just the best feeling.”
Nicknamed “The Riot” (a play on her last name) among the Shakers, Theriot is focusing on using her skills and the group’s power moving forward. Yes, the Milkshakers will parade at Tucks and Poseidon and Eve and the annual King’s Day parade, but they want to do more on the northshore.
“We are an inclusive community, and we want to spread awareness that we are here on the northshore and are ready to help out in any way we can,” Theriot said. “We love giving back. Parades and merry-making is a small bit of what we do. We really do shine with our fundraising efforts and event-throwing.”
day, 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
n The fair pageantry selection began in midSeptember with baby, children’s, and Princess and Miss pageants at the Greater Covington Center, and the Rodeo Queen Contest for ages 13-19 at the
Fairgrounds. And the Rodeo Queen will be crowned during the popular St. Tammany Parish Fair Rodeo held Friday and Saturday, from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night.
n Live music will take place on the Main Stage Thursday through Sunday,
including gospel music on Thursday featuring local church choirs. The rodeo on Friday and Saturday is the real thing, featuring bull riding, roping, bareback riding, trick riding and a calf scramble for the young ones. n Thursday is also Kids’ Day, with special performances for kids from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local schools bring in students for tours of the Mini Farm, the Educational Booth Building and the Home Economics Building. Please note that the carnival rides and vendors will not be open during this time. n Expect livestock shows, a mini-farm, a quilt show and displays of everything from home-grown canned goods to birdhouses to perfect potted plants. The livestock shows showcase chickens and rabbits, dairy cattle and beef cattle, swine, sheep and goats. The walk-in entrance is at 1304 N. Columbia St.; the drive-in entrance on North Magee Street. Parking is free inside the fairgrounds and the surrounding neighborhood.
Thanksgiving food drive unites Slidell
area neighbors
BY LISA VON EBERSTEIN
Contributing writer
For hundreds of area seniors and families, Thanksgiving will be brighter this year thanks to the Good Samaritan Ministry (Good Sams) and the volunteers who power its annual food drive.
For the volunteers, the Thanksgiving boxes represent more than a holiday meal. They reflect the ministry’s mission to meet urgent needs while building connections of hope. For some, that means providing relief from the stress of putting food on the table. For others, it is an opportunity to live out gratitude by giving back.
The nonprofit organization will provide 300 boxes to people in need during the 2025 Thanksgiving Food Drive, each filled with a voucher for a ham or turkey along with vegetables, stuffing, dessert and other staples of a holiday meal. Any extra donated food supplements the ministry’s emergency food pantry
The food drive is focused on seniors, and deliveries are made directly to residents of local senior living communities so they do not have to travel.
“It’s a beautiful, beautiful example of community involvement in helping — in helping the poor,” said Susan Rotolo, director of Good Sams.
The program has been running for more than 20 years, becoming a hallmark of the ministry’s outreach. Schools, churches and community groups across East St. Tammany unite each fall to make it possible. Northshore High School has been one of the program’s largest contributors, providing both food and volunteers. Students help sort donations while earning service hours, an experience that Rotolo said helps them see the reality of hunger in their own community
Food drive co-chair Tassie Wahl oversees volunteers and coordinates with local schools and said the drive succeeds because the whole community works together Some individuals have surprised the ministry with large food donations after organizing drives in their neighborhoods, and Northshore High School alone donated more than 15,000 cans last year, she said.
“These people are always so grateful,” Wahl said of the recipients. “It’s very rewarding.”
Wahl praised volunteer Lynne Hanson of Slidell, who has been by her side throughout her 11 years with the food drive and is a receptionist for the food pantry Hanson processes applications, directs the sorting of food and helps distribute. “She helps me keep things running,” Wahl said.
Hanson has been volunteering throughout her life and spends a lot of time giving back to the community now that she is
GOOD SAMS THANKSGIVING FOOD BASKETS
HOW TO APPLY:
n Families with verified financial need; applicants must provide proof of income and cannot receive a Thanksgiving box from another program;
n Apply Mondays in October, starting Oct. 6, from 9 a.m.- noon at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church Family Life Center, 910 Cross Gates Blvd., near Slidell;
n Bring photo ID Social Security card, proof of income and SNAP paperwork (or proof of Food for Seniors eligibility);
n Pick up boxes on Nov. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon, in a drive-through format at St. Luke; photo ID is required; and
n Contact Good Sams at (985) 641-6421 for more info.
HOW TO HELP:
n Assist collecting, sorting and packing food boxes or help distributing them on Nov. 24; n Donate nonperishable items, such as canned vegetables, stuffing, rice, pasta, boxed desserts, and peanut butter/jelly; n Donate money to help underwrite turkey and ham gift certificates and to supplement other needed items; n Schools, businesses, churches and community groups are encouraged to sponsor food or supply drives; and n Contact Good Sams at (985) 641-6421 to volunteer or get information on donating food or money.
retired. As a child in England, she joined her mother and the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service visiting nursing homes. “It’s always been something our family did,” she said. She said she gets as much out of the work as those getting the help. “It makes you feel good that you’re doing something to help people, and also, you make a lot of new friends. A lot of my friends, I’ve found from volunteering at different things,” Hanson said. “It’s just something that’s very fulfilling.” She said the Thanksgiving effort is special because of the joy it brings.
“It just makes people so happy,” she said. “Sometimes the people that drive up, they’re just, you know, the look on the faces, especially when you give them the gift certificate for a turkey, just the smiles on the faces and everybody saying, ‘God bless you’ and ‘Happy Thanksgiving.’ It just puts you in a good spirit.”
PROVIDED PHOTO
Michelle Theriot says being picked the new Mande Milkshake Milk Queen is the thrill of a lifetime.
Mark Farner’s American Band to headline Ozone show
Staff report
Rock ‘n’ roll great Mark Farner’s American Band will headline the 2025 Ozone Songwriter Festival’s “Artist Showcase” on Oct. 31 at the Fuhrmann Auditorium in Covington, a performance that officially kicks off Ozone’s two-day festival that follows on Nov. 1-2.
As one of the founding members, lead singer, lead guitarist and writer of more than 90% of the Grand Funk music catalog, Farner was known as the driving force on stage, the engine that pulled the original Grand Funk Railroad to the top of the charts.
With iconic hits, such as “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home),” “Bad Time” and “Mean Mistreater,” Farner has cemented his place in rock history and now the local concert audience will get to experience his highenergy performance.
“Mark is not only a rock icon but also a true song-
PROVIDED PHOTO
Mark Farner and his American Band to headline Ozone concert in Covington.
writer whose music has inspired generations,” said musician-songwriter Greg Barnhill, founder of the Ozone Music Foundation.
“His performance sets the stage for an unforgettable weekend celebrating original music, singer-songwriters, creativity and community.”
The Ozone Songwriter Festival, now in its seventh year, has become one of the premier songwriter events in the Gulf South and is the largest of its kind in Louisiana, featuring more than
120 local, regional, national and international songwriters across multiple stages.
From intimate listening room settings to outdoor stages, audiences experience the stories behind the songs directly from the artists who wrote them.
The Artist Showcase on Oct. 31, a ticketed event (while the two-day festival is free to attend) will highlight select performers and community partners while delivering a worldclass headline concert by Farner’s band — a powerful launch to the festival weekend.
Get tickets and more information at www tickettailor.com/events/Ozonemusiceducationfoundation/1829431.
Proceeds from the “Artist Showcase” support the Ozone Music Foundation’s mission to provide music education programs, mentorship and performance opportunities for young songwriters and musicians throughout the region.
Michael Nielsen takes a seat on a State Trooper’s
Out event in Mandeville.
National Nights Out foster familiarity
BY DARREN COOPER Contributing writer
National Night Out, originally known as National Night Out Against Crime, is a chance for members of the northshore community to interact with the members of law enforcement to share concerns, find out how residents can address various situations and make connections both neighbor to neighbor and resident to police. If community policing is knowing one’s beat and the people who live or work there, then these events each year can foster those goals. Below are the different events planned throughout St. Tammany Parish and listed chronologically, starting Oct. 2. (Folsom got a head start, holding its National Night Out on Sept. 25).
Slidell Police
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 2, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Lane
WHAT: Local businesses are invited to participate in Trick or Treat Alley, set up a table and hand out candy to kids.Among other organizations on hand are the Children’s Hospital New Orleans Critical Care Transport Team with their helicopter, food from the Slidell Police Association and Olde Towne Pizza Company.There will also be fire trucks and the pink breast cancer awareness police car. Mandeville Police
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Mandeville artist takes big prize in Shreveport
Staff report
Mandeville fiber artist Jennifer Morgan recently took first place in the “New Orleans in Art: A Love Letter from the Crescent City” juried exhibition at the R.W Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport. Louisiana artists who know and love New Orleans were invited to pour their love for the city into creations that reflect it.
Morgan created “Big Chief” from fiber and mixed media, and she and the vibrant chief took the big prize.
“I knew I was an artist from a very young age. It was in my genes,” says this North Carolina native and daughter of a professional photographer (her dad) and a fine artist in oils (her mom).
Morgan holds a degree in the fine arts and has dabbled in many creative things in college and over the years, from photography pottery and painting to metalwork, glasswork and jewelry-making. But then she took a class in Mandeville to try fiber art and found her passion.
Morgan now creates art with wool fabric fibers, hand-stitching, beadwork, feathers and other bits of beauty, following her creative spirit to make each piece.
Mandeville artist Jennifer Morgan recently placed first in a juried exhibition of art in Shreveport that accepted entrants from thoughout Louisiana, including artists affiliated with multiple New Orleans galleries.
“It’s great to have a medium that feeds my soul,” she says. See the process the artist used to create “Big Chief” at jenmorgancreativearts.com.
WHERE: Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St.
WHAT: Hosted by the Mandeville Police Foundation along with the Mandeville Police Department, the event promises a family-friendly evening with activities for kids, including games, face-painting and live entertainment.
St Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (multiple sites)
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 7, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE: First District Station, 740 Oak Harbor, Slidell; Third District Station (16189 E. Brewster Road, Covington; Fourth District Station, 81651 La. 21, Bush; Second District Station is partnering with Mandeville Police Department at the Mandeville Trailhead
WHAT: Each site will have bounce houses, food and local deputies and supervisors who will interact with the community The STPSO also advises local neighborhoods throwing private block parties to register their event on its website and coordinate a visit with a local deputy
Covington Police
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Covington Trailhead WHAT: This free community event will have food and drinks, and is a chance for community partners to engage with the local police There will also be entertainment and informational booths from public safety and public health partners.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
‘Big Chief,’ a fiber and mixed media piece by fiber artist Jennifer Morgan.
FROM THE FILES OF THE FARMER
25 years ago
St. Tammany Parish authorities
dodged a potential bullet in the form of a volatile chemical pellet Tuesday when about 30 gallons of the highly flammable material was cleaned up without incident.
The chemical pellets, which burst into flames when in contact with water spilled out of two containers being hauled by Malone Freight Lines of Illinois, at the rest area on I-12 just south of Covington, Louisiana State Police said.
“We were more concerned with getting it cleaned up before it rained,” said Sgt. Randy Fandal of Troop L, near Mandeville.
The spill occurred shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday and there were rain clouds in the area at the time, Fandal said. “There was rain all around us at the time, but the rain clouds dissipated in our area.”
The rest area was closed to traffic shortly after 2 p.m. State Police hazardous material units and St. Tammany Parish Fire Protection District 4 began cleaning up the chemical spill, which was still in progress after 7 p.m.
No citations were issued in the incident, but Fandal said an investigation by State Police was underway
50 years ago
School enrollment in St. Tammany Parish increased 3.6 percent this fall over comparative figures from last year Total enrollment was set at 19,945 students for this session as against 18,810 students at the beginning of the 197475 session. The attendance figures were released by Superintendent of Schools C.J. Schoen this week.
The school to feel the largest increase, Alton Junior High, was at 26.3 percent. The second highest was Pearl River High, with a 15.4 percent jump. The largest decrease came at Florida Avenue Elementary, losing 46.8 percent of its enrollment. The second largest decrease came at Brock Elementary losing 16 percent of its students. The loss was caused by the opening of the new Eighth Ward Elementary, which opened with 895 students.
Enrollment at other schools remained much the same year over year
75 years ago
Only one forest fire was reported in St.Tammany Parish in the past 10 days according to Parish Forester Ed Burns.
It started Monday afternoon practically in Mandeville and ran along the east side of the new black top road to Abita Springs Two Louisiana Forestry Commission crews put it out before it burned five acres. A light firefighting unit manned by George Core and George Gottschalck went to the fire first, but the brush was so thick, they had to get help from a heavy tractor unit manned by W.F. Stimpson, Ed Bennett and Dave Crawford.
Burns points out that the woods “are getting drier and drier” and asks everyone to be careful with fire around the woods.
“Most of the people I’ve noticed burning brush latterly have been taking the proper precautions,” he added, “but I would like to urge brush burners not to burn on windy days and to always have sufficient help around to take care of the fire if it should get away.”
100 years ago
Mrs. A Ruth will supply you with any ready-made article, underwear and hosiery that you wish Ring phone 435-J and be accommodated.
125 years ago
STRAYED – FromAlexius’Brickyard, on Friday Sept. 14, a bald face mare, chestnut sorrel, white hind feet. A suitable reward will be paid for her return to West Brown, She was raised by Jessie Loyd, near Covington.
Superhero Tracey Powell wins Safe Harbor cape
BY DARREN COOPER Contributing writer
With a schedule that includes her work as a family law attorney, a real estate agent, finalizing her social work certification, plus four kids
Tracey Powell already has the busy schedule of a superhero.
Now she has the title and cape to match.
Powell, a Slidell resident, earned the coveted “Real Superhero” honor from Safe Harbor Northshore at their 13th annual gala on Sept 20.
Powell received a crown and red superhero cape at the end of the night. Individually she raised more than $49,000 for the cause, more than any other nominee. The candidates all raised money for Safe Harbor, and each dollar raised equaled one vote
“I knew I had a chance, but I was surprised because I heard of the amounts that some of the past superheroes had,” Powell said. “But I exceeded my goal by a landslide. Not one person told me no when I asked. It’s just a tribute to the amazing generosity of the community we live in.
I love it here.”
Safe Harbor Northshore is an organization that provides 24/7 assistance to survivors of domestic violence, providing short-term and long-care housing options plus helping connect victims with legal services.
The work of Safe Harbor dovetails with Powell’s vocation. She’s handled multiple domestic violence cases and done pro bono work for women in difficult situations.
“It’s heartbreaking sometimes because you get victims that don’t want to confront their abuser,” Powell said “They will come in after a burst of courage and file for a divorce, but then say that they’re going to get back together in a week, and then when there are kids involved, it’s very, very difficult. We have to handle our clients with care and compassion and help them get the services they need.”
Powell graduated from Northshore High School and started at LSU studying mass com-
munications. She transferred to Southeastern and got her bachelor’s degree in English literature before going to law school at Loyola. Powell was inspired by her mother, Georgia Turgeau, who spent decades teaching before going to law school in the late ’90s.
“I was going to be a teacher and follow in her footsteps, but then she went to law school and I said maybe I will try that too,” said Powell, who was sworn in as a lawyer in 2004.
Powell set up her own law firm, which now includes a pair of other attorneys that can handle multiple types of family law cases. Powell has also been working to get certified in social work, with the goal of becoming an expert witness in child custody cases.
“The conflict in some of these cases has gotten out of hand, between the internet and social media, there’s a lot of he-said, she-said, and a lot of conflated and fake evidence,” said Powell. “You can submit fake text messages and AI can put people in places where they weren’t really there.”
Powell has been active in local politics, serving as Justice of the Peace from 2008 to 2015 and serving on the Board of Commissioners for Fire District 1 in Slidell.
She was thrilled with the recognition as a contributor to the Safe Harbor mission.
“I walked up to the stage and put on the cape and the crown,” laughed Powell. “It was a great night all around. The staff at Safe Harbor were so thankful. They said it was a record year.”
Heather Gotangco, Amanda Philipps, Kimberly Molder and Kimberly Vidrine
Safe Harbor board members include, from front left, Lam Tran, Cara Soliman, Litisha Gordon, Kim Kirby (executive director), Meredith Mendez and Cynthia Alfred; back, Scott Williams, Theo Jones and Lori Manville.
Greg and Kasi Mayhall check out the silent auction tables.
Freddie and Jennifer Sandino
PHOTOS BY MATT DOBBINS
The nominees for this year’s Real Superhero included, from left, Bill Gallagher, Jason Cuccia, Luke Lancaster, Grant Simon, Jonee Daigle-Ferrand, Tammy Nick, winner Tracey Powell, Michael Cochran and Gregory Langham.
Attendees were greeted by the Fontainebleau High School Jazz Band outside the Harbor Center
PROVIDED PHOTO
Safe Harbor board member and program chair Meredith Mendez, left, and 2025 Real Superhero of Safe Harbor winner Tracey Powell.
at the city’s trailhead with Bottoms Up, a party band that boasts an extensive catalogue of favorite covers, a fusion of top party and rock ‘n’ roll favorites from the 1950s through today. See the show from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring folding chairs and blankets for seating, but no ice chests, food or drinks. Vendors will be selling food and beverages.
SQUARE: A Friday Night in the Square concert in Covington’s Terrabella community takes place Oct. 10 with Tyler Kinchen and the Right Pieces performing. The public is invited to the 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. event at 111 Terrabella Blvd. There’s plenty of green space, so bring lawn chairs for seating, but no pets (except for legit service animals), and no food, drinks or ice chests Food trucks will be on site selling bites and beverages.
DOUBLE DOUBLE: The Northlake Performing Arts Society singers present a pair of annual fall concerts, “Double, Double, Toil & Trouble,” on the Covington High School stage at 73030 Lion Drive. The show will be presented twice, with some variation, one on the evening of Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and its companion concert, a Sunday matinee performance on Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 for ages 13 and above; younger patrons, free. Get online at NPASsingers.org, or in person at Downtown Drugs, Covington, or C&C Drugs in Mandeville.
JAZZ OUTDOORS: The next Friends of the Slidell Library fall concert series in eastern St. Tammany takes place Oct. 1 from 6 p.m to 7:30 p.m. at the Lacombe branch library, 28027 U.S. 190. Guests
at the free outdoor concert will be entertained by the Fat City Swing Band playing New Orleans jazz. Attendees should bring lawn chairs/ blankets for seating. The rain date, if needed, is Oct. 8, same time, same place.
JAZZ JAM: A Traditional Jam Jazz with clarinetist and teacher Ben Redwine Oct.4 (every first Saturday) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. John’s Coffee, 535 E. Boston St. Two hours open to all listeners and players, usually a mix of students, amateurs and professional players. Confirm session at nstms.org; sheet music available at redwinejazz.com/education
THEATER
DRAMEDY: See what has been called “the funniest (story) ever to make you cry” with the Oct. 10-19 production of “Steel Magnolias” at Slidell Little Theatre. Written by Robert Harling and directed by Karen Shields, the story revolves around six Southern women who bond over life’s joys and its heartbreaks. Most of the play is set in Truvy’s beauty salon, a special place for each of the six, and in some ways, the incubator in which their bonds grow and are strengthened. It’s a drama and a comedy, but no matter what you call it, it’s a story not to be forgotten. Oct. 1012 and Oct. 17-19. Adults $25; students and seniors, $20. Get them at slidelllittletheatre.org/tickets.
BANG: The setting is small town Mississippi a few days before the Fourth of July Carnelle Scott (known locally as “Miss Hot Tamale ) is rehearsing furiously for the Miss Firecracker Contest and hoping that a victory will salvage her tarnished reputation and allow her to leave town in a blaze of glory. Tickets to “The Miss Firecracker Contest” shows at 30 by Ninety Theater in Mandeville are $14 to $22 for shows Oct. 11-12, 17-19 and 24-26. Tony Lagman directs, assisted by Merry Antoon HORROR: See the cult hit “Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Oct. 17 at the Cutting Edge Theater, 767 Robert Blvd., in Slidell. It’s a classic that just seems to get better every year, even though you know sweethearts Brad and Janet will have a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-NFurter and meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. So see it again. One 8 p.m. show. Remaining tickets are $38 to $48.50; get them at cuttingedgetheater. com.
YIKES: Be part of the Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadowcast at 30 by Ninety Theatre in Mandeville on Oct. 30 & 31, but only if you are 17 years or older. Shout the callbacks, dance the Time Warp, and have a blast, but keep it safe for cast, crew, and other patrons. Theater
staff will guide the participation moments. There will be a live shadow cast performing in sync with this classic Halloween season film. There will be a Rocky Horror costume contest each night for participants to strut their stuff on the runway before the show. (Prizes and bragging rights go to the winner(s).) Please do NOT bring outside props; prop bags will be sold in the lobby, and absolutely no rice or open flames. Oct. 30 show at 8 p.m.; the Halloween night show at 10 p.m. Check online for pre-show details.
COMMUNITY GUMBO
ANIMALS: The Northshore Humane Society’s signature annual event, Unleashed! Rescue Me Gala, takes place Oct. 4 at the Covington Country Club. Proceeds from the 7 p.m. event will go toward the cost of building a new facility near the no-kill society’s current location near Covington. Expect good food, specialized drinks, plenty of animal stories, a live auction and the cork pull. Get tickets at $125 through Oct. 4, or sign up as a partner, at www facebook.com/events/s/ unleashed-rescue.
WATCH: There will be a free event called Northshore Moves at the Mandeville Trailhead from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 5. It will be a marketplace open to northshore fitness, health and wellness outfits to gather to tell — and show — the public the various health and wellness activities available to them on the northshore. Vendors will show or share what they do, from Zumba to yoga, Pilates to foam rolling, healthy drinks to exercise. Potential vendors should visit https://www ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/ NorthshoreMovementExpo.
PEOPLE WHO MEET BIRDS & BLOOMS: The Northshore Camellia Club will host Krista Adams, founder of Purple Martin Conservation Initiative, at its Oct. 19 meeting at Riverwood Club House, 114 Marilyn Drive, in Covington at 2 p.m. She will speak about helping purple martins — much-loved songbirds that thrive throughout southeast Louisiana — through education, conservation, and establishing colonies at public venues. The public is welcome. Contact Jim Campbell at (985) 630-9899 for more information.
SUPPORT: The Northshore Parkinson’s Support Group next meets Oct. 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 57210 Allen Road, Slidell. Breakout discussion for care partners facilitated by Maureen Shelton; breakout discussion for people with Parkinson’s, facilitated by Byron Faust. The night’s topic is preparing for a medical emergency As always, the meetings are free and open to everyone living with or caring for people with Parkinson’s.
LIVE BETTER: The Parkinson’s community from throughout southeast Louisiana will gather for its annual Walk for Parkinson’s fundraiser on Oct. 11 in Lafreniere Park in Metairie. This family-friendly event features live music, auction, parade of prizes, kids’ activities and Parkinson’s Foundation resources. The group’s mission is to make life better for people living with Parkinson’s disease through improved care and advancing research toward a cure. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the optional walk 11 a.m. More at parkinsonwalk.org.
Men will wear the bras in breast cancer awareness event
BY MARGARET ALBERT Contributing writer
There will be nothing sedate about the “Parade of Bras” on Oct. 9 in Slidell, an evening of big laughs and much merrymaking to raise money in support of local breast cancer initiatives.
It is an annual project of the Women’s Council of Realtors in St. Tammany, held in The Harbor Center with proceeds to the foundations of both Slidell Memorial Hospital and St. Tammany Health System for mammograms and other initiatives that directly benefit patients. The council has raised more than $270,000 for the cause since starting its parade project 13 years ago.
There will be good food, an open bar, music, both live and silent auctions and plenty of tomfoolery as men wear the bras for the night and entertain the guests from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Bras for a Cause began as individual charity events across the country with themes in common, including men modeling custom bras for auction. Many of these events now opt to display the bras on mannequins at silent auctions, but none of that for the Women’s Council of Realtors in St. Tammany They still have male models on their runway Do not be surprised by
BRAS FOR A CAUSE
WHAT: Food, drinks, music,auctions and male models wearing the bras and entertaining bidders at this fundraiser; proceeds for breast cancer initiatives by the foundations of Slidell Memorial Hospital and St Tammany Health System.
WHO: Sponsored by the Women’s Council of Realtors, St.Tammany. WHERE: The Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd., near Slidell.
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 9, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. HOW MUCH: Tickets cost $60. Get them at www brasforacausela.com.
MORE: Call Stephanie Turnage (985) 710-0585; Jennifer Hayes (985) 507-9446; or Celeste Jeanmarie (504) 7224696.
what you see there, say those who have seen it before. These guys take their mission seriously
“Many of our participating male models have had a family member or close friend who has experienced breast cancer, and they dedicate their time on stage to honoring those individuals,”
said Stephanie Turnage, the present and an original chair of the cause. Paul Chiasson is one of the models with a personal connection to the cause.
“Sure, I’ve had a drive to do my part for this fun event. I’ve been involved since day one. My mom is a two-time breast cancer survivor And just this year, my wife was diagnosed and had breast cancer surgery in July,” he says. Friends and family members of the models often attend to cheer them on and help support the cause.
Chiasson feels his most important message to women is not to skip routine mammograms. His wife’s cancer was caught on a regular screening mammogram.
“It was caught so early that it was stage zero,” he said, and that’s why Chiasson wants women to know that early detection is key The 2025 president of the Women’s Council, Shonte’ Thompson, has served on the Bras for a Cause committee for the past five years.
“This event continues to hold a very special place in my heart,” she said “It’s about celebrating survivors and supporting our local hospitals in a meaningful way.”
Tickets costt $60 Get them and more information at www.brasforacausela. com.
Mikayla Braun
BIG PLAY CATS
Slidell earns 28-14 statement win against Mandeville
BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer
Mandeville scored to cut the Slidell lead to just six points midway through the third quarter. It was a moment that could have tipped the game in the Skippers’ favor, but Slidell had other ideas.
The Tigers didn’t blink as senior Carlos Flemings Jr hauled in his second long TD pass just over a minute later as Slidell earned an emotional 28-14 nondistrict victory at L.V McGinty Sr Stadium on Sept. 26
“That gave us a lot of momentum,”
Flemings said about his 77-yard TD catch to push the Tigers’ lead to 21-7.
“After that, we knew we had it in the bag. Once we get rolling, there is no stopping us As long as we’re up, we’re up. This win means a lot. We knew we had to come in here and execute.”
Flemings also had a 49-yard TD catch in the final minute of the first half. Junior quarterback Ricky Williams III was 10-
of-18 passing for 232 yards with three TDs. Junior running back Ja’Kwan Jones finished with 151 yards rushing on 30 carries.
“It felt good, especially since last year was different for us,” Jones said “But this year, we played as a team and got the results. (Flemings) is the man. We call him 7-Eleven Los for a reason because he’s always open.” Williams added a 25-yard TD run late in the third quarter to push the lead to 28-7.
The Skippers (2-2) tried to mount a comeback as freshman quarterback Krew Collura scored on a 16-yard run after a fumble recovery by Cameron Martin. But that was all the offense the Skippers could mount as the Tigers held them to 248 yards.
“Tonight, we were able to get some points on the board early, and we played some good defense,” Slidell coach Damon Page said “We’ve just got to finish a little better We fumbled the ball late, and we gave up two scores as they pushed the
ball down the field. I’m happy with the win, but I’m still looking for us to get better.”
The victory moves Slidell to 3-1 as the Tigers controlled the game from start to finish, racking up 441 yards of offense.
For Mandeville, senior Jax O’Quin had 58 yards rushing. Collura was 11-of-20 passing for 102 yards, including a 12-yard TD pass to Jake Jacketti.
Mandeville coach Craig Jones credited the Slidell offense for making it difficult on his defense, but he also lamented his team’s tackling and the officiating in the game.
“Slidell deserves the win, but I am frustrated with the officiating,” Craig Jones said “I am very unhappy when the head official tells me that I should change associations. Make sure you put that in. This isn’t even my association. It was a lot of things tonight. I know it’s a lot for a fiveman crew, but that was not good To be
Northshore dominates Covington for first win
BY TREASURE WASHINGTON Contributing writer
Both Northshore’s offensive and defensive lines earned high praise for their efforts on Sept. 26.
The O-line paved the way for a 354-yard offensive performance during a 17-10 nondistrict victory against Covington at Panther Stadium.
While the offense rolled up 291 yards on the ground, the Panthers’ defense made things uncomfortable for Covington junior quarterback Matthew Fussell, forcing him to commit turnovers.
One of those turnovers, a scoop-and-score touchdown from junior Braedin Hopkins during the second quarter, completely swung momentum for Northshore. The Lions may have struck first with a 31-yard Fussell TD run on the opening drive, but the Panthers (1-3) later took the lead in the second half and never relinquished it.
The Northshore community showed out for their team for its first home victory against Covington since 2008. Hopkins described the defense’s performance against the Lions as “electric.”
“We’ve been preaching this when our new DC (Chris Womack) came in (this season),” Hopkins said “We’ve got to be electric. We’ve got to be savage. That’s what happened tonight.”
Womack has experience coaching at the college and prep levels and coached in Livingston Parish for several years. He’s leading a unit that allowed nearly 30 points last season.
Hannan’s Ethridge, Bevolo shine in 5-set win over Dunham
BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer
Hannan middle Aubrey Ethridge took a moment to breathe and meditate.
The Hawks were heading to a fifth set against Dunham, and the Hannan student section was as boisterous as it had been all evening. But Ethridge had one simple thought in her head.
“Before we started the last set, I was just hyping myself up,” Ethridge said “My coaches are always talking about getting my mind right, so that’s what I was focused on. I wanted to show what I can do. I haven’t been able to show out like this, so this was a huge confidence boost.” The 5-foot-11 freshman showed out at the most critical time, recording four of Hannan’s final five points as the
Hawks survived with a 25-18, 25-23, 2527, 19-25, 15-12 victory on Sept. 24. Ethridge finished with 11 kills and two blocks, while senior Bailey Bevolo led the team with 14 kills and four blocks. Bevolo’s thunderous kill at the net capped the wild two-plus-hour marathon.
“Aubrey (Ethridge) is always clutch. She knows what she’s doing. I’m so proud of how far she has come from the beginning of the season to now I’m just so proud of her,” the 6-foot-1 middle hitter said.
“It felt really good to get the last kill.
It’s always fun to end the game with a great play This was a big win. I think we really needed it after falling short at Parkview last night. Tonight, we all fought throughout the whole game.” When Hannan (13-5) needed a point in the final set, the Hawks turned to
their middle duo, and it paid dividends After racing to a 2-0 lead in the match and being within two points of a sweep, Dunham rallied to force a fifth set. The Tigers (17-4) scored the first three points in the final set before the Hawks battled back to take an 8-4 lead on a Bevolo kill. The margin seesawed again as the Hawks called timeout clinging to a 10-9 lead. That’s when Ethridge took over as she scored Hannan’s next four points with thunderous kill after thunderous kill at the net. Bevolo put the exclamation point on the victory with her 15th kill to the delight of the home crowd. The Hawks had four players with double-digit kills, including senior outside hitters Goldie Lowe (13 kills) and Lola Soper (10 kills). Junior setter
PHOTO BY JOE TROMBATORE
Mandeville quarterback Krew Collura is sacked by Slidell’s Javonte Watkins on Sept. 26.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 25
FRANKLINTON 41, FONTAINEBLEAU
20: The Demons scored 28 straight points to take control of a one-point game en route to a convincing road victory. Franklinton senior quarterback Jacob Crain went 15-of-18 passing for 248 yards and three TDs He also had a 10-yard TD run. His favorite targets were Jayden Burkhalter (6 catches, 135 yards, 2 TDs) and Damikies McClain (6 catches, 95 yards, TD). Richard Burris Jr. also had an 80-yard kickoff return for a score, while Tyler Magee recovered a fumble for a touchdown. For Fontainebleau (2-2), Landon Suhre scored on a 31-yard TD run to cut the lead to 7-6 early in the game before the Demons (3-1) took over. Senior Conner Tyson tossed a pair of TD passes including a 12-yard scoring strike to Semaj Whittine and a 32-yard TD pass to Sean Childress.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 26
COVENANT CHRISTIAN 27, HANNAN
19, OT: The Hawks led 12-0 at halftime, but the Lions battled back late to force overtime and rally for the victory. The loss was another tight defeat for the Hawks (1-3) after falling by one point last week. Running back Riley Jones led the offense for Hannan as he finished with 175 yards rushing and three TDs on 25 carries. He had scoring runs of 8, 14 and 10 yards. Junior Paul Hoyt finished with 12 carries for 55 yards on offense and 10 tackles, two TFLs and a PBU on defense. Sophomore Graesyn Broussard added four carries for 40 yards. Defensively, sophomore Evan Morales had 11 tackles while Ryan Rist added nine tackles and a fumble recovery
The Lions (3-1) scored 16 straight points in the second half to take a 16-12 lead in the third quarter. Jones scored on a 10-yard TD run with 2:22 left as Hannan regained the lead, but the Lions booted a 37-yard FG to force overtime, where they scored to earn the victory
LAKESHORE 28, NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN 8: See story Page 3B.
NORTHSHORE 17, COVINGTON 10: See story, Page 1B
PINE 28, PEARL RIVER 0: The Raiders raced out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter as Pine forced five turnovers en route to a shutout victory. Pine quarterback Trey Knight scored on TD runs of one and two yards in the
first half, while the Rebels managed just 29 total yards in the first half.
The Raiders (3-1) put the game on ice in the fourth quarter with a 55yard interception return for a score by sophomore Tyre Bernard and an 8-yard TD run by senior Brady Ryals. Pearl River (1-2) finished with 166 yards of offense. Brayden Hutchison was 5-of-14 passing for 37 yards with two interceptions, and he ran 12 times for 64 yards. Gage Durand rushed for 62 yards on 17 carries. Defensively, Ja’ty Maryland had an interception, while Dakota Johnson finished with seven tackles.
POPE JOHN PAUL II 56, BEN FRANKLIN 7: After racing out to a 14-0 lead, the Jaguars gave up Ben Franklin’s lone score at the 5:37 mark of the first quarter. It was all PJP II from there as the Jaguars (2-2) reeled off 42 unanswered points en route to a dominating home victory. The Jaguars’ defense stiffened after the score, only giving up 52 yards for the rest of the game. The Jaguars’ offense started in Ben Franklin territory for all eight of its possessions. Senior running back Dominik Smith racked up 148 all-purpose yards and three TDs. Senior quarterback Gus Pizza threw for 58 yards, including a 22-yard TD pass to Everett Gibbs and a 15-yard scoring strike to Noah Panks. Other scoring plays included a 12-yard Jack Roninger run, a 10-yard Aiden Fairchild TD run and a 5-yard Landon Guidry score. Freshman Gage Trainor added 48 yards rushing.
SALMEN 38, LIBERTY 22: The Spartans’ offense continued its hot streak as Salmen (2-2) surpassed 35 points for the third straight game to even their record in their home opener. Quarterback Da’John Howard threw for 172 yards on 7 of 12 passing including two touchdowns to Rey’sean Coleman, who finished with four receptions for 94 yards. Howard also ran for 81 yards and a TD on 13 carries. Senior running back Jimmy Chanzy rushed for 155 yards and two TDs on 26 carries as the Spartans racked up 427 yards of offense. Defensively, Tyree Burton picked off a pass as the Salmen defense held Liberty to just 57 yards passing while recording four TFLs.
SLIDELL 28, MANDEVILLE 14: See story, Page 1B. ST PAUL’S 28, KENNEDY 21: See story, at right.
and
the way for running back Oudrey Gros against
on Sept 26.
Career night by St. Paul’s senior is the difference against
BY MIKE GEGENHEIMER
Contributing writer
St. Paul’s celebrated several of its past district championships on Friday night as part of homecoming.
Cody Corales made sure to give them one more thing to celebrate.
The Wolves hung on to beat Kennedy 28-21 on Sept. 26 behind the senior running back’s career performance that included 271 yards of total offense and three touchdowns. He ran for 221 yards on 25 carries and added another three catches for 50 yards to top off the night.
“(Kennedy) is a tough defense,” Corales said. “They fly to the ball, and we knew they were athletic. I’m not gonna lie, that first quarter we struggled to run it. But we kept to our game plan and we kept pounding the rock.”
From the opening minutes, Corales made his presence known when he broke a reception 51 yards for a touchdown on the third play of the game.
That set the stage for an early St. Paul’s lead that grew by as much as 21-0 going into halftime. After having to fight back from an early deficit in last season’s meeting between the two teams, the quick advantage was a focus for the Wolves this time around.
Before halftime Corales had
four carries of 10 yards or more,
including a 28-yard touchdown run midway through the second quarter He tacked on a massive 59-yard TD run in the second half that helped keep a late Kennedy comeback bid at bay
“He’s a special player,” St. Paul’s coach Kenny Sears said. “We have one (running back) down, we had a fullback go down and (Corales) really put it on his back. Guys like that, they’re irreplaceable. He put it on his back and did what he had to do to carry us to victory.”
To help Corales and the offense, the St. Paul’s defense also got out to a fast start in the first half when the first four Kennedy drives ended with an interception, a fumble, a punt and a blocked field goal, respectively Sophomore defensive back Rodrick Payne came up with the pick on the first defensive series to stop what was building to be a promising Kennedy drive.
“I won’t say it’s hard (to keep up early momentum), but I won’t say it’s easy either,” Payne said. “But you have to keep going Don’t let a play you made early in the game distract you later in the game. You have to keep playing all four quarters.”
Kennedy refused to lay down after halftime, though, fighting back to within one score in the fourth quarter
It took a fourth down stop with under three minutes to go to finally seal the victory for the Wolves (3-1).
“We played with some grit, but we’ve been saying for a couple weeks that we still have to play a second half of football,” Sears said. “We played a great first half,
told that is why I’m frustrated.”
The Tigers outgained the Skippers 206-89 in the first half as Slidell built a 14-0 halftime lead It looked like Mandeville would score on the game’s opening drive, but Tyler Roberts recovered a Collura fumble in Tigers’ territory to kill Mandeville’s only threat of the first half. The Tigers answered with an 11-play, 67-yard drive, capped by an 8-yard Jeremiah Birdlow TD catch. The teams traded punts for the rest of the first half, until a big play doubled the Tigers’ lead Slidell drove 81 yards in the final four minutes of the half, capped with a 49-yard TD catch and run by Flemings as the senior caught the ball in stride on a perfect slant for a 13-0 halftime lead. SCORE BY
PHOTO BY JOEY MICHEL
St. Paul’s senior Cody Corales accounted for 271 yards of total offense and three touchdowns against Kennedy on Sept. 26.
PHOTO BY HERB GOMEZ Lakeshore’s Shawn Brown, left,
Benjamin Sandman, middle, lead
Northlake Christian
PHOTO BY JOE TROMBATORE
receptions against Mandeville on Sept. 26.
BY JASON RUSSELL
Contributing writer
Got milk?
Lakeshore quarterback Brody Loudermilk ran all over the Northlake Christian defense on Sept. 26, rushing for 193 yards and a score as the Titans earned a 28-8 victory at Wolverine Stadium
Overall, the Titans had 400 yards of offense, 327 of which came on the ground. Loudermilk was the key to everything Lakeshore (40) did offensively, as NCS had no answer for the junior signal-caller. Loudermilk said he just enjoys playing the game, no matter how many times he is called on to run the ball.
“My mentality is to never give up on it,” he said. “They are going to run me over and over, and I just have to go with it.” Lakeshore coach Brent Indest said Loudermilk is just a tough football player.
“Brody has been playing football since he could walk and has been training his entire life,” Indest said. “He’s ready for moments like this, and he is just going to do what we ask him to do.”
After NCS (1-2) missed a field goal on its first possession, Lakeshore drove 80 yards in eight plays. Loudermilk finished the drive with a 50-yard quarterback draw on fourth-and-2 to give the Titans an early 7-0 lead.
After forcing NCS to punt, Lakeshore did what would become the theme of the night — control the clock by running the ball while throwing in a few passes for good measure.
The Titans’ second drive covered 93 yards in nine plays, with Loud-
ermilk accounting for 24 yards rushing and 60 passing. Oudrey Gros IV had a 3-yard TD run to finish the drive, which took almost five minutes off the clock.
NCS cracked the scoreboard midway through the second period, getting a touchdown when Charlie Gilmore caught a deflected pass from Sam Grant in the end zone for a 16-yard score. The successful Kameron Casnave 2-point conversion run made it 14-8.
Lakeshore basically iced the game after the opening kickoff of the second half, driving 78 yards on 10 plays all of them on the ground. Loudermilk ran seven times on the drive for 55 yards, and Cade Stevens ended the pos-
session with a 5-yard TD run to put the Titans up 21-8. The drive took almost six minutes off the clock.
Lakeshore got the ball back on an interception by Elijah Galiano with 1:09 left in the third period and ran 6:01 off the clock with another long, sustained drive — this one for 90 yards on 12 rushing plays.
Loudermilk spread the love around this time, with five different players running the ball on the drive. Dylan Cusachs capped the march with a 14-yard scoring run to provide the final score. Loudermilk said the long drives are great for both sides of the ball.
“It really helps our defense get rest,” he said. “When they get to
rest like that, they really get to come out and execute, and they were able to do that today by stopping (Northlake) and not letting them score in the second half.”
Lakeshore now faces a twoweek gauntlet against Salmen and Franklinton, a stretch that Indest said will be challenging.
“We’re facing the toughest twoweek stretch of the season, so we have to get healthy and be ready to play,” he said.
NCS coach James Willis, while not happy with the loss, said he was proud of the way his team fought in the game, despite the grind-it-out nature of Lakeshore’s offense.
“We knew it was going to be a game like that,” Willis said. “It was a big game out of district, and we got some big games coming up, but I want us to keep getting better as
Northlake Christian’s Kameron Casnave is brought down by Lakeshore’s Cade Stevens.
Lakeshore’s Dylan Cusachs dives for the pylon against Northlake Christian.
PHOTOS BY HERB GOMEZ
Lakeshore’s Brody Loudermilk rushed for 193 yards and a score against Northlake Christian on Sept. 26.
Duncan dominates in NCS sweep of Covington
BY MIKE PERVEL
writer
Northlake Christian volleyball
coach Lindsey Donovan could see her team turning a corner during the Ruston tournament.
The Wolverines went 5-0 on that road trip and continued the momentum with a dominating 25-13, 25-22, 25-14 sweep at Covington on Sept. 23.
“I’ve been asking the team to play at a fast pace, and we did that against Covington,” Donovan said.
“We play best when we continually push the pace. We call it winning the five, taking care of things in stretches, concentrating on just finishing each set.”
Northlake senior outside hitter Khloe Duncan, who holds offers from Jones College and Millsaps, provided plenty of those finishes as she posted a match-high 13 kills along with five aces, four blocks and four digs.
“We played really well in the Ruston tournament, so we had some momentum against Covington. We have to continue working hard, building trust in each other, and everybody needs to stay hungry,” Duncan said.
“We’re playing a faster offense, finishing quicker sets from Abigail (Willie), who does a tremendous job of moving the ball around. We must stay ready and continue playing with confidence.”
Duncan’s dominance started in the first set as she netted five kills and two aces en route to a 25-13 victory The Lions battled back in the second set as it was tied 10 times, including at 19-19.
Northlake junior Avery Olver reeled off three service points to give the visitors the lead. Covington’s Peyton McBee served an ace to cut the lead to 22-21, but Dorothy Warthan came up with a kill, and Duncan closed out the second set with an ace for a 25-22 victory Covington (7-11) hung around in the third set, holding an early 5-4 advantage before Warthan delivered five straight points, including an ace. Duncan continued her solid serving, reeling off five consecutive points, including her fifth and final ace, en route to the sweep.
Farmer Volleyball 5
Wolverines’ senior setter, Abigail Willie, who surpassed 1,500 career assists last weekend, posted a match-high 33 assists.
“It’s my job to run the offense, keeping us in a good flow throughout the match. I have trust and confidence in all of my hitters, so
I just try to spread the ball around to each of them, trying to keep the defense guessing. Some of our younger players are stepping up, giving me more options,” Willie said.
Northlake junior Grace Stogner had seven kills and four blocks, while Kara McSpaddin added seven kills. Olver led the defense with a match-high 21 digs, while Emma DiGiovanni pulled up 10 digs. NCS posted 11 blocks as a team.
Covington third-year coach Brennon Coker said the two-time defending state champion Wolverines (11-6) were a stiff test.
“We needed to play with more energy Unfortunately, our energy level wasn’t where it needed to be. We had way too many unforced errors, and you can’t have those against a quality team like Northlake Christian,” Coker said.
“We’re usually a powerful serving team with a high-risk, highreward approach, but we just
couldn’t find our groove. At this point, we’re kind of an underrated team, trying to build confidence in each other ”
Covington senior outside hitter Kaelyn “KK” Sharp, a Southeastern commitment, led the Lions with 14 digs and five kills. Senior setter Maddie Reid finished with 12 assists and three digs, while Isabell Montecino contributed five kills and three digs.
“We knew we would be in a fight against the two-time champs,” Sharp said. “I’m a competitor, so I want to win all the time, but I know that’s not possible. We’re in a rut right now, but we’re a scrappy team. We’ll continue to fight and try to win the next one.”
St. Scholastica shoots up the rankings
Joseph
As we turn the page to October volleyball, a quick look back on September reveals one thing there were a lot of early-season tests for St. Tammany schools. Some schools passed with flying colors, and others are still searching for their identity as the regular season reaches the midway point. District play officially starts this week and now the race to the Cajundome begins in earnest. Below are my Farmer 5 volleyball rankings.
BY
SSA junior Caitlin Cambre watches her shot go over the net against Central-BR on Sept. 4.
1 | Hannan (last ranking: 1) The Hawks struggled on the road with a four-set loss to Parkview Baptist after playing well in the Catholic League tournament on Sept. 20. How did they answer that defeat? They survived with a five-set win over Dunham in a two-hour marathon. In that victory freshman middle Aubrey Ethridge showed
out, scoring four of the final five points. That’s a good sign moving forward.
2 | Slidell (last ranking: 2) The defending Division I state champions were swept at home by Dominican (the team they beat to win the title) on Sept. 23, but they responded as all good teams do — by getting a sweep against a quality Northshore team a day later That speaks to the toughness of the Tigers, and that’s no surprise with a Danny Tullis coached team.
3 | St. Scholastica (last ranking: 5) The Doves have four losses as we enter October Those defeats came to St. Thomas More, Dominican, Mount Carmel and a five-set battle against St Michael. That’s a VERY impressive list. Who have they beaten? Just Chapelle, Northlake Christian, Teurlings Catholic, Notre Dame and Fontainebleau. That’s impressive for any team, and that’s why the
Doves are shooting up the rankings.
4 | Northlake Christian (last ranking: 4) Don’t look now, but the Wolverines have won eight straight matches, including wins over Covington, Lakeshore and Mandeville. NCS is finding its identity and senior outside hitter Khloe Duncan is swinging freely That’s a good sign for the two-time defending state champions.
5 | Fontainebleau (last ranking: 3) The Bulldogs are struggling a bit by their standards. A tough five-set loss to Northshore on Sept. 16 started this current stretch that includes defeats to E.D. White and St. Scholastica. Fontainebleau will grow from tough competition, especially as district play nears.
Next Up: Northshore, Pope John Paul II
Contact Joseph Halm at jhalm@ sttammanyfarmer.net.
PHOTO
BOBBY GILBOY
Halm
Contributing
Covington’s Lyric London passes a serve against Northlake Christian.
Covington’s Maddie Reid sets a ball against Northlake Christian.
Northlake Christian’s Evie Burns skies high for a kill.
Northlake’s Grace Stogner, left, and Abigail Willie try to block the shot of Covington’s Kaelyn ‘KK’ Sharp.
Northlake Christian’s Abigail Willie records one of her 33 assists against Covington.
PHOTOS BY HERB GOMEZ
Northlake Christian’s Khloe Duncan records one of her 13 kills against Covington on Sept. 23.
HANNAN
Continued from page 1B
Josie Pathoumthong added 39 assists and 17 digs Ethridge said the team’s tightness has helped her improve each match.
“This season is my first time ever playing middle, and Bailey (Bevolo) has helped me grow as a middle so much,” Ethridge said. “She is always giving me tips and telling me where to go to block She’s helped me improve so much. All of our hard work is paying off.” Hannan coach Rebekka Bonnaffee said Ethridge’s growth has been undeniable as the freshman becomes more and more aggressive at the net. Bonnaffee added that growth is also a credit to the team’s senior leadership.
“My seniors this year are great leaders,” Bonnaffee said. “Not only do they want to win really, really badly, but they are good mentors. They lead by example. Bailey is for sure one of those players who can guide Aubrey to be better every game.” Ethridge agreed: “I think
it was just all about everyone coming together and realizing that we could do this. Everyone just realized that we needed to support each other Everyone was cheering, especially the bench and the students. I think that just raised the energy and made us do better.”
Spirits were high early as the home team led wire-towire during a 25-18 first-set victory The second set was much tighter. Hannan took a 16-15 lead to force a Dunham timeout, and they held off the Tigers for a 25-23 victory Hannan looked on its way to a sweep as the Hawks held a 20-15 lead and were up 23-22 before Kennedi Owens slammed home a thunderous kill to give the Tigers a 27-25 victory and force a fourth set. That ignited the visitor’s offense as Dunham was dominant in the fourth set, racing to a 15-7 lead. The Hawks cut it to two points at 18-16, but an errant Hannan serve sealed a 25-19 Tigers’ win and forced a dramatic fifth set.
“Even though we do have some lapses, these girls want to win really bad,” Bonnaffee said. “They never give up. Sometimes they
Obituaries
lose focus for a minute, but it just takes one little thing to spark them. We’ve got to be more consistent overall, but they just want to win. They found a way tonight.”
Contact Joseph Halm at jhalm@sttammanyfarmer net.
Cynthia Cay Harter De‐Blanc passed away peace‐fully at home with her daughter Marigny Jian by her side on Saturday, De‐cember 7 2024. She was 78 years old Cynthia was born on September 25, 1946 in Olean, NY. Cynthia is sur‐vived by her beloved daughter, Marigny Jian Constance Harter DeBlanc, her sister Becky Harter and brother Sandy Harter She will also be lovingly re‐membered by her nephews William (Lindy) and their children Donovan and Cai‐lyn; Andrew (Alana) and their children Ryan Lee, Zoe Easton, and Paige; and Peterson, along with her cousins and many life‐long friends whose lives were graced by her kind‐ness and care She was preceded in death by her dear parents Constance Osborne Harter and Earl William Harter, Sr. Cyn‐thia’s childhood was filled with love and adventure growing up on the West Bank in Aurora Gardens and spending summers with her grandparents in Pennsylvania She gradu‐ated from Isidore Newman School in 1964. Early in her career, she worked at the New Orleans Museum of Art where she engaged with galleries and sup‐ported artists from around the world She later worked at the Province‐town Art Gallery and earned a degree in English from Skidmore College in 1968. Her natural ability to listen and understand turned into a calling as an educator and social worker, which was a testa‐ment to her deep care for others She taught kinder‐garten at Trinity Episcopal School and worked with underprivileged youth through the Trinity Educa‐tional Enrichment Program She furthered her studies in education at Tulane Uni‐versity and the Catholic University of America where she received her Master of Social Work in 1979. In 1993, Cynthia helped to establish the Weight Management Cen‐ter at St. Charles General Hospital and was a psy‐chotherapist on the hospi‐tal treatment team She dedicated herself to help‐ing thousands of people and later transitioned to private practice where she continued to serve clients with deep compassion and wisdom Cynthia’s spirit was prolific and efferves‐cent. She embodied a light and joy that radiated to all who knew her. She had an incredible sense of humor, a sharp wit and a deep love for reading and writ‐ing Cynthia had a particu‐lar fondness for obituaries, finding in them both deep insight and unexpected levity Her appreciation for dark humor and the irrev‐erent reflected a mind that was curious nuanced, and unconventional She brought warmth and laughter to every room she entered. She had a radiant energy that made every‐one feel seen and valued Above all, she loved with all her heart She adored her two whippets Alibi and Matanzas, and found peace in the sound of the ocean waves—her favorite place to be The greatest joy of her life was the jour‐ney she took to bring her daughter, Marigny Jian into her arms As a single mother, she traveled to China with 30 other fami‐lies and adopted her daughter The bond they shared was the greatest love and treasure of her life A beautiful part of Cynthia’s life story is the connection she had with a shaman who gave her the name Night Owl a symbol of her wisdom and ability to listen deeply Marigny was named Running Brook which is a reflection of her spirit. dness, e for‐deeply ad the her. A thank spice onate Their he dif‐family is mfort they provided E.J. Fielding Funeral Home was en‐ral
trav to China with 30 other fami‐lies and adopted her daughter. The bond they shared was the greatest love and treasure of her life. A beautiful part of Cynthia’s life story is the connection she had with a shaman who gave her the name Night Owl, a symbol of her wisdom and ability to listen deeply Marigny was named Running Brook which is a reflection of her gentle and enduring spirit Cynthia’s love, kindness, and laughter will be for‐ever cherished and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her A special and heartfelt thank you to Notre Dame Hospice for their compassionate care and support Their kindness made all the dif‐ference, and the family is grateful for the comfort they provided. E.J Fielding Funeral Home was en‐trusted with funeral arrangements.
Dutruch, Esther
of Pearl River, Louisiana, passed away on Septem‐ber 6, 2025, at the age of 78. He was born on January 1, 1947, in New Orleans Louisiana, to his loving parents, the late Chester William “Bill” Flick and Josephine Cutrera Towle Robert is the beloved hus‐band of 46 years
Esther Louise Dutruch passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025. She was born in Bush, LA on July 16, 1927. She was pre‐ceded in death by her par‐ents Bertha Sharp Dutruch and Frank E Dutruch; and siblings, Elaine Sharp, Frank Durtuch, Jr. Linda Jenkins and Clyde Dutruch She was a lifelong resident of St Tammany Parish where she was a member of Sharp’s Chapel Church of God and Shepherd’s Fold. Esther was a sweet loving lady. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Esther may be made to St. Jude Children s Research Hospital www stjude.org E. J Fielding Fu‐neral Home were entrusted with the arrangements How to
Notice
Flick Sr., Robert C. 'Bob Robert “Bob”
STAFF PHOTOS BY JOSEPH HALM
Hannan’s Bailey Bevolo, right, celebrates a point during a five-set win over Dunham on Sept 24.
Hannan’s Bailey Bevolo towers over the net against Dunham.
C. Brantonexplainedthe meetingrules andthe rulesfor public comment.He noted that acomment cardwas submittedfor Agenda Item 1, apresentation honoringformerBoardmembers,andaskedE.Couvillontoaddressthematter.E. Couvillonexplainedthatpublic comment is onlyrequiredwhena Boardvoteis involved,perLouisiana’sOpenMeetingslaw.Thereisnopubliccommentperiod forpresentations
1. Presentation–ThankyouforservicetotheLBOC
C.BrantonandK.LaRoccaexpressedgratitudeandappreciationfortheprivilege of workingwith AnnShawand Jill Kesler duringtheir time on theBoard.A Shaw andJ.Keslerwerenot in attendance; library staffwill ensure they receive theirplaquesingratitude fortheir service. K. LaRocca also took amomentto acknowledgeformerLibraryDirectorDonaldWestmoreland,whowaslaidtorest earlierthatday
2. Approval of theminutes of themeetingofthe LibraryBoardofControl thatwasheldonJuly28,2025.
MOTION: T. Myersmovedto approve theminutes of theJuly28, 2025, LBOC meeting.ItwassecondedbyG Baham.
PUBLICCOMMENT: Lisa Rustemeyer –She stated that shedid not raisethe topicofbook challenges at theprevious meeting, but instead mentionedbooks that arecurrently censored in schoolsthatare attendedby military families. Sheasked theBoard whythe proclamationfromthepreviousmeetingwasnotontheagenda SonnetIreland–Regardingaquestionaboutherplaceofwork,shestatedthatshe wouldlikeitaddedtotherecordthatherpubliccommentatthepreviousmeeting wasgivenasaresident,taxpayer,andvoter,assheattendstheLBOCmeetingson herpersonaltime,anddoesnotrepresentanyonebutherself.
DISCUSSION: T. Myersasked how many Young Adult(YA)books areleftto bereviewed.T.DiMaggioansweredthatthereare2,793titlesremaining,whichis 30%oftheYAcollection.
M. Coopercongratulated board memberswho were voted in as officersatthe previousboardmeeting.
J. Murraypresented the2024 audit, afullcopy of whichwas providedtoeach boardmemberandwasincludedintheboardpacketavailabletothepubliconthe library’swebsite.Theauditorsgaveaclean,unmodifiedopinionthatthefinancial statements presentfairly, in allmaterialaspects, therespectivefinancialposition ofthegovernmentalactivitiesandeachmajorfundoftheLibraryasofDecember 31, 2024, in accordance with generally acceptedaccountingprinciples. J.Murray reviewedthedetailsofthefinancialstatementsthroughoutthereport.Hereported that no deficienciesininternalcontrols were identified.Hestatedthatthere were no instancesofnoncomplianceorother mattersthatare requiredtobereported under GovernmentAuditingStandards.HethankedK.LaRocca, D. Cuevas,and B.Geigerfortheirassistancewiththeaudit.
K. LaRocca reviewed thefinancialreportfor July 2025. Thelibrary hasreceived 100% of what wasexpected inAdValoremRevenue andState Revenue Sharing. Thebudgetpercentage shouldbe58.3% in July.Revenuesare at 58.54% and Expendituresare at 56.49%.K.LaRocca gave explanations forlines that were overorunder58%.Mostvariancesareduetoexpensesbeingpaidearlyorlatein theyearandwillbeinbalancebytheendoftheyear
Thecostofthe millage electionwas only$18,000 andthatlinewill be adjusted at thebudgetamendmentnextmonth. TheComputer/Printer Suppliesisover budgetdue to theincreasingcostoftoner. K. LaRocca clarified that Juvenile ProgrammingreferstoChildren’sProgramming. Sheexplainedthatthe names of thebudgetlines have been this wayfor many yearsand can be updatedifthe Boardwishes. The$196,000 in operationalfunds forthe Mandeville Branch capitalproject (approvedbythe Boardinthe May2025 budgetamendment) has been sent to theParish. It will be introduced with theParish’sbudgetamendment inSeptember,votedoninOctober,andthenputoutforpublicbid.
K. LaRocca reportedrecentupdatestofacilities, I.T.,marketingand outreach efforts, professionaldevelopmentopportunities,programminghighlights, new staff, contracts, strategicplanimplementationupdates, Statements of Concern, CapitalProject updates, andthe transitionofmaterials fromthe YAcollectionto theAdultCollection.Shereviewedtheresultsofthecommunityinputsessionsfor theLacombeBranchreplacementandSlidellBranchexpansionprojects. Theribbon cuttingfor theMobile Libraryservice is tentativelyscheduled for November 18. Shereviewedthe servicestatisticsfor July 2025 andthe year-todatestatistics.
G. Bahamexpressedappreciationthatthe MediaProductionSpecialistposition hasbeenfilled.HealsostatedthatheattendedtheGenealogyprogramaboutPope LeoXIVandlearnedthatthePopeisrelatedtotheBahamsfromMadisonville
D. SummerReadingWrap-upPresentation
ThePublic Relations Department presentedthe SummerReadingChallenge Wrap-Upvideothatshowedhighlightsfrommanyoftheprogramsthattookplace throughout theParishthissummer. TheChildren’sProgrammingCoordinator andAdultProgrammingCoordinatorprovideda recap of this year’s successful SummerReadingChallenge,highlightinganincreaseinregistrations compared to last year.Theyalsonoted an impressive numberofteen volunteers, totaling 72thissummer.
E. 2026Budget(Resolution#25-019)
MOTION #1: C. Brantonmovedtoopenthe 2026 BudgetHearing. It was secondedbyG.Baham VOTE: Baham: Yes Cooper: Yes Myers: Yes Thanars: Yes Thompson: Yes Branton: Yes RESULT: Motiontoopenthe2026BudgetHearingcarried.(Unanimous–6) K.LaRoccareviewedtheproposed2026Budget.TheSt.TammanyParishLibrary will operate on arevenue of $13,318,920. Theprimary source (97%)ofthe
library’s2026incomewillbea4.35milpropertytaxmillage.Theremaining(3%) ofthelibrary’sincomecomesfromStateRevenueSharing,finesandfees,interest, anddonations.K.LaRoccaexplainedthattheeconomycontinuestoaffectthecost of supplies. Implementationofthe library’s StrategicPlanwill continue andthe Mandeville Branch renovationshouldhappenin2026.Manyoftheincreases and decreasesyouwillseeintheindividualbudgetlineswillbeduetotheimplications of theseconditions.K.LaRocca providedexplanations foreach sectionofthe budget. Shereviewedthe fund balanceindetail, notingthatthe balancedoesnot equate to cashand includesreceivables fornextyear’s budgetand payables.She reviewedthededicatedsavingsanddeclaredabalancedbudgetfor2026.
PUBLICCOMMENT: Therewasnopubliccomment
DISCUSSION: M.CooperthankedK.LaRoccaforholdingbudgetmeetingswithboardmembers theprevious week to review thebudgetand answer questions,clarifyingthatno quorumwaspresent
MOTION #2: D. Thanarsmovedtoclose the2026 BudgetHearing. It was secondedbyG.Baham
F. Statementofconcerndecision– HouseofEarth andBlood
K. LaRocca presentedthe StatementofConcern(SOC) forthe book Houseof Earthand Blood by SarahMaas.The statementwas submittedbyFrances Smith K.LaRoccareadthestatementaloud.
FrancesSmith,theindividualwhosubmittedtheStatementofConcernfor House of Earthand Blood,was offeredfive minutes forpublic comment.She wasnot in attendancebut submitteda writtenstatement by emailwhich wasprovidedto each board member andwas includedinthe board packet availabletothe public onthewebsite
TerriJ.–Covington,LA.Shestatedthatthebookinquestionisinthelibrary,but wastoldbystaffthatitcannotbecheckedout.B.GeigerandT.DiMaggioclarified that thelibrary hasfour circulatingcopies of thebook that arechecked out by otherpatronsatthistime.Therearenon-circulatingreferencecopiesofchallenged books availableatthe Covington andSlidellBranchesfor in-houseuse.Terri J. wasinfavorofthebookremaininginAdultFiction.
J. CaronMinge –Covington, LA.She spoke in favor of thebook remaining in theAdultcollection. Sheexpressedconcernabout theSOC andthe letterfromF Smith,statingthatF.Smithhasmischaracterizedthelawregardingchildgrooming andhasmadeveryserious,offensive,anddefamatoryaccusations.J.CaronMinge broughtacopyofthelawandreaditaloudforclarification.
Lisa Rustemeyer –Mandeville,LA. Sheagreed with theprevious speakersand spoke in favor of thebook remaining in theAdultcollection. Shequestioned whetherF.Smith hadread thebook andsuggested that theinformationmay have comefromthewebsiteBookLooks
SonnetIreland–Slidell,LA.ShestatedthatthebookisanAdultbookintheAdult section,isverypopular,andwasonseveralbestsellerslists.Shestatedthebookis not accessibletochildrenwithout aparent’spermission. Shenoted that therewas boardmemberconversationduringpubliccomment
Roxanne Newman –Mandeville,LA. Shestatedthatthe book is an Adultbook intheAdultsectionandthereisnoreasontorestrictanyfurther.Shespokeofthe tieredlibrary cardsystemwhich enablesa parent to decide what theirchildren read Jean Wiggin– Abita Springs,LA. Shequestionedwhy theBoard is discussing concerns aboutAdultfictionbooks.She suggested sending alettertoindividuals whosubmittedSOCsfor adultbooks,statingthatthe material is shelvedinthe Adultsection andnofurther actionwill be taken. Shestatedthatshe trusts the librarians.
MOTION: C. Brantonmovedtoaffirm thecommittee’srecommendationfor HouseofEarth and Blood to remain in theAdultFictioncollectionand to deny therequestforremoval.ItwassecondedbyT.Myers
K.LaRoccastatedthattheleasefortheAdministrativeOfficeexpiresinDecember. Shenoted that some board membershaveasked whetherthe library should continue leasingorexplorepurchasinga property. Sheconfirmed that leftover operationalfunds can be used forcapitalpurposes,but purchasinga buildingat this timeisnot feasible due to existingfunds beingset asidefor otherpurposes Thecurrent buildingownersindicated they wouldconsider sellingifthe library isinterestedwhen theleaseisupforrenewal.K.LaRocca recommendsrenewing theleasetothe AdministrativeOffice forfive years. Theleaseamount will be $6,300permonth.
T.MyersaskedifwepaythepropertytaxandinsuranceandK.LaRoccaconfirmed thatbothareincludedinthetriplenetleaseagreement.Whenaskedaboutaleasepurchaseoption, K. LaRocca explainedthatisnot possiblefor agovernmental agency,buttheownersmayconsidersellingthebuildinginfiveyears.
PUBLICCOMMENT: SonnetIreland –She agrees with renewing theleaseand agrees with looking into purchasingaspace.
DISCUSSION:
M. Cooperrecommends renewing thelease andagrees with looking into purchasinga buildinginfive yearsorincluding theAdministrativeOffice in an expansionofoneofthelibrarybranches.C.BrantonagreedwithM.Cooper.
RESULT: Motiontoapprove theleaserenewal of theAdministrativeOffice carried.(Unanimous–6)
H. Resolution #25-016 Resolution amending Rulesand RegulationsUpdate Section106–EorFCodeofConduct(Baham)
G. Bahampresented arevised draftofa proposed Code of Conduct(COC).He explainedthatthedraftservesasastandardstartingpointandcanbereviewedand amendedasneededmovingforward.
MOTION #1: G. Bahammovedtoadopt theCode of Conduct. It wasseconded byT.Thompson.
RESULT: Motiontoamend andspecify thelogistical placementofthe Code of Conductcarried.(Unanimous–6)
PUBLICCOMMENT: Roxanne Newman –She stated that the(COC) references LA R.S. 25:215 and statesthattheBoardemploystheDirectorandotherstaff.Sheinterpretsthestatute to mean theBoard employs theDirector,who then recommends andoversees the hiringofotherstaff.SheaddedthatBoardsaretypicallynotveryinvolvedinstaff hiring or firing. Shestatedthatallowing allboard memberstorequest documents andinformationfromanyemployeeisinefficient.
Jean Wiggin–She begantoclarify herearlier commentsregarding aprevious agendaitemandwasremindedthatthecurrentpubliccommentperiodmustrelate tothecurrenttopic.
Rebecca Taylor –Slidell, LA.She emphasized theBoard’s role in hiring, supervising, andevaluatingthe LibraryDirector,who supervises thedaily operations of thelibrary.She stated that this structuremaintains aseparation between theBoard’s policymakingand theDirector’s operationalmanagement of thelibrary.She noted severalimportant omissions in thecurrent COCdraft compared to theoriginal. Shesuggested revising theCOC,asshe feelsitneeds additionalchanges.
LisaRustemeyer–SheagreedwiththepreviousspeakerthattheCOCneedsmore work.She suggested consideringother CodesofConductfor otherlibraries and consultingwith theState Library. Shedid not agreewith omittingseveral of the originalstatementsfromthecurrentdraft.SheisinfavorofRulesandRegulations committeemeetingstoworkonthispolicy.
SonnetIreland–Sheagreedwiththepreviousspeakers.SheaskediftheBoardhas talkedtoanyonefromtheStateLibraryaboutthispolicy.G.Bahamstatedhehas spokentotheStateLibrarystaffandstaffinotherstates.Shestatedthatthecurrent draftoftheCOCisproblematic,particularlyregardingaskingstaffforinformation rather than going through theDirector.She stated that thereisnomentionofthe LouisianaOpenMeetingsLawincludedinthepolicy.
KristenLuchsinger–ShethankedtheBoardforcontinuingworkontheCOCand urgedagainstrushingtheprocess,stressingtheneedfortransparencyandfairness. Shesuggested adding an anti-harassmentclauseand encouraged board members toengagewithallgroupstoavoidtheappearanceofpartisanship
Joan Simon–She stated that this is tooimportant to rush.She stated she believesthe Boardhas good intentions,but thedocumentneedsmorework.She is concernedwith theissueofrequestinginformationfromstaff rather than the LibraryDirector
DISCUSSION: G. Bahamreiteratedthatthe policycan be amendedovertime,notingthatthe Constitutionwas not writteninone fell swoop andhas severalamendments.He notedthatallboardmembersarealreadyrequiredtofollowOpenMeetingsLaws soitdoesnotneedtoberestatedintheCOC.Henotedthatthesanctionsarepretty clear –board membersare appointed by theParishCouncil andcan be removed by theParishCouncil. He stated that if aboard member actsina waya member of thepublic considersunlawfulorderogatory,theyshouldcontact theirParish Councilperson.
MOTION #3: D. Thanarsmovedtopostpone indefinitely to continue working onthepolicyandbringitbackupatalaterdate.ItwassecondedbyT.Myers M.Cooperstatedheisnotyetpreparedtoapprovethepolicyandtherewerevalid pointsraisedbytheaudience.Heaskedforbackgroundontheoriginofthispolicy, whichC.Branton provided. M. Coopersuggested forminga committeetowork onthiswithG.Baham.C.BrantonstatedthatwouldbetheRulesandRegulations Committee.HealsonotedthatthereisnoParish-wideCOCthatgovernsallofthe agenciesthattheParishCounciloversees
T.Thompson stated that he doesnot seea reason to postpone andfeelsthatitisa good document. He reiteratedthatthe Parish Council governsthe LBOC andcan appointorremoveboardmembers,sohedoesnotseeaneedtopostpone VOTE: Baham: Yes Cooper: Yes Myers: Yes Thanars: Yes Thompson: No Branton: Yes RESULT: Motiontopostponeindefinitelycarried.(Yes–5|No–1) OFF-THE-FLOORMOTION–Requiresaunanimousvote C.BrantonstatedthatK.LaRoccahasacceptedapositionattheStateLibrary
MOTION: C. Brantonmovedtoadd an off-the-floor itemtothe agenda to establisha personnelcommittee(pursuanttoSection 115ofthe Rulesand Regulations of theLBOC) to help administerthe processofvettingand hiring a newLibraryDirector.ItwassecondedbyG.Baham
C. Brantonexplainedthatthe committeewouldconsistofnomorethanthree boardmembersdesignatedbytheLBOCPresident.Heemphasizedthatthehiring decisionwillbemadebythefullBoardatapublicmeeting.Heexplainedthatthis is theverybeginning of theprocessand it will not be done overnight,asthiswill be alengthy process. TheBoard will need to discussjob descriptions,research what resources areavailablefromthe StateLibrary,and consider thepossibility ofhiringaconsultant
SonnetIreland –She questionedwhy this wasnot proposed forthe next board meetinginSeptember,allowing time to understand what this meansand foran InterimDirector to be appointed.She also expressedconcernthatthe matterwas raisedlateinthemeeting,aftermuchoftheaudiencehadalreadyleft.
M. Cooperasked what will this committeedobetween now andthe September board meeting. C. Brantonstatedthatthe committeewouldreach out to theState Library, otherlibraries acrossthe state, gather jobdescriptions,and reach out to consultants.HenotedthatthereiscurrentlyavacancyontheBoardandhewould likeafullBoardtobeinvolvedintheprocess.Headdedthatinitiatingtheprocess now wouldhelpensurecontinuedprogressand allowthe newBoard member to bebroughtuptospeedefficiently
Roxanne Newman –She askedwho wouldberesponsible forselectingthe committee. C. Brantonrespondedthathewould, as BoardPresident,and referencedSection115oftheLBOCRulesandRegulationsManual,whichstates: “The BoardPresident shallappoint themembers of anycommitteeand designate its chairperson.” R. Newman stated that thereshouldbea fair distributionof pointsofviewonthe PersonnelCommittee. Sheexpressedconcernabout the qualifications that will be requiredofthe newDirector andemphasized that the qualificationsshouldnotbelowered,ashasoccurredinotherParishes
DISCUSSION: M. Coopernoted that therules also state: “The BoardPresident shallbeanex officio member of anycommittee.”C.Branton noted that thecommitteemay include onlyhimselfand twoother Boardmembers,asa group of four or more wouldconstitute aquorum.M.Cooperconfirmed that K. LaRocca’slastday will be September22nd, whichisthe date of thenextboard meeting. He asked whetherthe BoardPresident,VicePresident,orany Boardmembercouldbegin gatheringthe previously mentionedinformation in preparationfor establishing thePersonnelCommitteeatthe next Boardmeeting, andwhether theabsence of aformalcommitteewouldpreclude theBoard fromcollectingthe informationC Brantonsuggested.C.Branton stated that it wouldnot preclude thegathering of information, but therewouldbenoformalmechanismfor theBoard membersto discussitamong themselves.C.Branton explainedthatthere areonlythree more scheduledboardmeetingsthisyearandhedoesnotwanttodelaythisprocess.
VOTE: Baham: Yes Cooper: No Myers: Yes Thanars: No Thompson: Yes Branton: Yes
RESULT: Motiontoadd theoff-the-floor itemtothe agenda faileddue to alack ofunanimousconsent.(Yes–4|No–2)
4. Adjournment
Therebeing no furtherbusiness, amotiontoadjournwas made by G. Bahamand wassecondedbyD.Thanars.All were in favor,none were opposed,and no one wasabsent.Motioncarried
