Man alleges sheri
SOLEMN REMEMBRANCE
Randy Smith’s lawyer says they’re cooperating with AG investigation
BY WILLIE SWETT and MISSY WILKINSON
Contributing writers
A day after St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith was accused of attacking a St. Tammany parish man in a steakhouse near Madisonville, an attorney for Smith said the sheriff is cooperating with Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill in her investigation of the matter Murrill launched the probe late on May 29 after receiving a report from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office about the incident, which surfaced after Robert “Bobby” Couvillion, a frequent online
Slidell intersection may get long-needed roundabout
Council OKs $3.6M to match grants to build traffic circle and replace panels
BY KIM CHATELAIN
Contributing writer
There is widespread agreement in Slidell that a roundabout is needed at the intersection of Robert and Country Club boulevards to eliminate a dangerous traffic hazard. However, there is significant disagreement on exactly when to start the project, how much it will cost and how to pay for it
The rift surfaced during the May 26 City Council meeting as members discussed amendments to the city’s capital budget. The testy debate centered on the allocation of about $3.6 million in state money for upgrades to Robert Boulevard
The council in a 6-2 vote ended up earmarking the funds to be used to “match” federal grants.
ä See SLIDELL, page 3A
Memorial Day gathering moves under cover in Covington
Staff report
Not even the inclement Memorial Day weather could stop military veterans and their supporters from gathering at the St Tammany Parish Justice Center for the annual Robert H Burns American Legion Post 16-hosted ceremony in Covington to remember deceased military veterans. Rain forced relocation to the courthouse side of the Justice Center, where a crowd of about 150 gathered under cover to pay their respects.
A cross section of the community was well represented in the annual observance, with participation by members of the Mandeville JROTC and Boy Scout Troop 160; members of the American Legion, its Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion. Martin Desmond Jr gave the invocation and benediction; the St. Tammany Parish Honor
ä See COVINGTON, page 2A
Stormy weather canceled plans for a formal gathering to observe Memorial Day 2026 at the SELA Veterans Cemetery near Slidell, but loved ones still made their pilgrimages between storms or walked this resting place for vets and their families in the rain. It is a decades-old tradition on Memorial Day to commemorate America’s military dead.
Pirogues racing back to Bayou Liberty
BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing writer
Pirogues, laughter and tradition are set to return to Bayou Liberty on June 7 with the 69th running of the Bayou Liberty Pirogue Races. Held for the first time in 1951, the races were an annual event for decades, bringing families and friends together for a day celebrating the iconic boats that are a lasting part of the bayou’s heritage. The annual event missed a few years due to
Hurricane Katrina, COVID and the death of founder Junior Pichon, but it is back, according to race coordinator Craig Sollberger
“During the years when there was no race, Will (Walsten) and I would get together on the first Sunday in June and paddle the course. People would see us and talk to us about the old days. We missed the races and decided to try and bring them back,” he said.
ä See PIROGUES, page 4A
PHOTO BY SUZIE HUNT
Bayou Liberty Heritage Foundation co-founder and pirogue race committee member Craig Sollberger stands with his pirogue along Bayou Liberty
PHOTO BY MATT DOBBINS
Barbara Powell makes a visit in the rain to honor her parents, Harold and Janice Schwartz, in the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery on Memorial Day.
PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN
WWII and Korea veteran Maj. Jim Robinson, 104, receives a flag in honor of his brother, Wesley, a bombardier who was shot down and died during his fifth mission over Germany. Robinson was presented the flag after it was ceremonially folded by Frank Tridico and Ignatius Desandro.
ä More photos. PAGE 2A
visit
Cemetery
COVINGTON
Continued from page 1A
Guard of Post 16 members presented the colors; Sandra Cash sang the National Anthem (as well as the concluding music); the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Auxiliary members; Post Cmdr Mack Maginnis welcomed guests and laid the wreath; and the POW/ MIA empty chair ceremony was performed by Post Second Vice Cmdr Tom Vennen. Brief remarks were made by St. Tammany Parish Councilman Larry Rolling, Covington Mayor Mark Johnson, Auxiliary President Brenda Ogden, Sons of the American Legion Cmdr Scott Cousins and Matt Cole of the LCPL Justin McLeese Detachment 1487 of the Marine Corps League. The guest speaker was longtime Post 16 member Jane Griffiths, a former US Army nurse who served in Vietnam. But the day’s special guest as he is wherever he goes was former WWII and Korean War veteran Jim Robinson, who at almost 105, is the oldest surviving WWII veteran in Louisiana. He was presented a flag of remembrance for his brother who died fighting in the WWII.
Members
Lyon Elementary principals did
BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer
A lawyer for the principal and assistant principal of E.E. Lyon Elementary School in Covington who were arrested for allegedly failing to report abuse said May 29 that the two educators followed the law
“They at all times rendered themselves very professionally, ethically and legally,” said Covington attorney Roy Burns, who is representing both women.
Lauryn Faciane, 49, and Tonya Barth, 55, were booked into St. Tammany Parish jail May 27 and released the same day on $5,000 bonds. The Covington Police Department said the women were arrested on violating the state’s mandatory reporting law, which requires certain people, including school administrators, to report abuse, neglect or other incidents involving children.
Faciane was the principal of Lyon Elementary, while Barth was the assistant principal. As of May 28, Faciane and Barth were no longer working at Lyon
Elementary, St. Tammany Parish Public Schools Superintendent Frank Jabbia said, though they remain employees of the school system.
Police have not released any details about the incident or incidents that Faciane and Barth are accused of failing to report. Burns said that Faciane and Barth reported an incident to the school resource officer, but it was “nothing major” to report. He declined to share any details about the incident.
“They violated no policy of BESE, no policy of the school board, no violation of the criminal laws of Louisiana,” Burns said, adding that they “were reasonable in everything that they did.” Burns did not provide a date for when Faciane and Barth will appear in court. Violation of the state mandatory reporting law is a misdemeanor and a conviction can come with up to six months in jail or a $500 fine.
Northshore District Attorney Collin Sims said he plans to carefully review the allegations before making any final decisions about whether to accept the charges. “I will not make any decision lightly, quickly or anything like that.”
“I understand the gravity of the case and we’re going to make sure it gets due attention,” Sims said.
Mandeville puts Mansfield over Mayor’s Court
BY KIM CHATELAIN
Contributing writer
The Mandeville City Council has appointed attorney Mark J. Mansfield to serve as the city’s new magistrate to preside over the Mayor’s Court.
Mansfield specializes in family law at his private practice in Covington and will take the position held for the past six years by Rachel P. Catalanotto
Mayor Clay Madden said Catalanotto is moving to Bay St Louis, Mississippi He said he tried to work out a plan to keep Catalanotto in the job despite her relocation, but it proved unfeasible.
A Metairie native, Mansfield is a Jesuit High School and Loyola Law School graduate. He worked as a prosecutor in the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office after law school and practiced family law for 24 years.
The City Council’s vote on his appointment May 28 was unanimous.
The Mandeville Mayor’s Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor traffic summonses, misdemeanor arrests and summonses for violations of the city’s code of ordinances issued by the Mandeville Police Department.
Madden said Mansfield was one of three candidates for the prosecutor position in city court last
year. That was filled by former Mandeville Councilman Ernest Burguieres, but Madden said all three were extremely qualified. Mansfield who lives in Mandeville, addressed the council before the vote on the resolution appointing him.
“I wanted to do something a little different from what I do day-in and day-out,” he said, explaining his interest in the position.
The Mayor’s Court convenes on the third Thursday of the month. The magistrate is employed under professional services contract with the city and is paid $2,000 a month, officials said.
Madden acknowledged Catalanotto’s contribution to the small claims court during discussion on the new appointment, saying that she has done “an amazing job” over the past six years. In other action, the council set the stage for the city’s annual “Light Up the Lake” celebration on July 4 by approving a special events permit application. The annual event at the lakefront will feature music by the band Groovy 7 at 6:30 p.m. and a fireworks show over the lake beginning at 8:45 p.m. There will also be food trucks, children’s activities and a special reading of the Declaration of Independence
The guest speaker was retired US Army nurse Jane Griffiths who served in Vietnam.
of the military salute during the Memorial Day gathering in Covington.
PHOTOS BY GRANT THERKILDSEN Post 16 Commander Mack MaGinnis Jr lays a wreath.
Civil Air Patrol students pose for a photo after the Memorial Day ceremony was cancelled due to rain at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.
PHOTO BY MATT DOBBINS
Between rain showers, Franshon Hudson and family members
her father, George Marbury, a Vietnam War veteran, at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans
near Slidell on Memorial Day
The full stage musical comedy “9 to 5” is being presented at Evangeline Theater in Mandeville on weekends June 5-21. With the music of Dolly Parton and the book by Patricia Renick, the production is based on the wildly popular movie (remember Parton, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda?) about three female co-workers who team up to take control of their workplace from a sexist, egotistical bigot of a boss, portrayed by Michael Lloyd Graves It’s an empowering tale of friendship, revenge and standing up for what s right The female leads include Nicole Bariwick as Violet; Emily Carmadelle as Doralee; and Brandi Lopez as Judy. Directed by Gordon and Emily Carmadelle, with music direction by Reagan Hightower. Additional cast includes Cat SchullyWilliams, Patty Blanchard, Bella Rusche, Casey Lipscomb, Barrett Baumgartner, Andrew Niemann, Jayna Young, Allen Bryant, Ken Richard, Alyssa Scallan and Julia Freas. Shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; reserve seating $32 at Evangelinetheater.com.
FROZEN: The Cutting Edge Center of the Arts, previously known as Cutting Edge Theater, is producing “Frozen” June 5-20 at the 767 Robert Blvd. Based on the hit Disney feature film of the same name, the show will include its songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage. The show is set in the mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, where princesses Anna and Elsa, played respectively by Jesi Abney and Emily Roy, grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends, Anna undertakes an epic journey — with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven and a special snowman named Olaf — to find Elsa and bring her home. “Frozen” is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love Tickets at https://www.cuttingedgetheater.com/event
SOUTHERN CHARM: Mississippi comedian Mary Ryan Brown is doing one stand-up show on June 6 at 30 by Ninety Theatre in Mandeville. She likes to say that she both mocks and participates in the cultural carnival that is the Deep South. Brown keeps her comedy clean but still biting, cerebral and hilariously absurd. In Brown’s world, no thought or action is safe from reflection and sharing. Get tickets to the 7 p.m. show at 880 Lafayette St. at https://ci.ovationtix. com/35711/production/1272831/
MUSIC
LISTEN: On June 11, the Jump Hounds will bring their specialized sound to the Lobby Lounge at the Harbor Center in Slidell. This New Orleansbased sextet specializes in jump, or jump jazz, a style the originated in the 1940s after World War II forced big, expensive swing bands to downsize. This jazz-based rhythm and blues is said to have bridged the gap between swing and early rock ‘n’ roll, sometimes described as an upbeat fusion of jazz, boogie-woogie and blues. To keep alive this often-overlooked music, the Jump
Hounds play a mix of Jump Era classics and original compositions within the genre. The Lobby Lounge hosts an “Up Close & Musical” performance once a month in this intimate space with the unique bohemian vibe. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; music from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 100 Harbor Center Blvd. Get tickets at eventbrite.com.
GLOW: Pelican Park has scheduled a black-light performance and concert experience on June 6 in The Groves that is free and open to the public from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The “Glow Show” by the Category 6 band blends multiple genres of music into a high-energy show with a visually dynamic atmosphere from The Groves stage in the 63350 Pelican Drive park near Mandeville.
JAZZ: A Traditional Jam Jazz with clarinetist and teacher Ben Redwine from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. June 6 (every first Saturday) at St. John’s Coffee, 535 E. Boston St. Two hours open to all listeners and players; usually draws a mix of student, amateur and professional players. Confirm session at nstms.org; sheet music available at redwinejazz. com/education.
BEGINNER’S BLUEGRASS: Free Slow Jam on June 8 (every second Monday) from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Pavilion in Abita Springs at 22049 Main St. Free session welcomes musicians new to jamming and playing with others, as well as those who want to practice playing at a slower tempo. Be sure and bring a chair for yourself, and get more session details at nstms.org/.
ENCHANTING: The 24th annual “Some Enchanted Evening” performance with the Northshore Community Orchestra takes place June 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Slidell Municipal Auditorium. This annual concert is for people of all ages to enjoy music made by people of all ages; orchestra musicians range from 9 years old to almost 90. Susan Messina conducts GOSPEL: Young at Heart, a monthly program for Adults 55+ at First Baptist Church Covington, is hosting a Country Gospel Praise and Hymns program with Tammy Snyder, Georgia Logan and Robby Lavigne, and mature community members are invited. Takes place in the church’s Central Hall on June 16 at
10:30 a.m. A hot lunch for $15 will follow. Registration is required by noon on June 11 at FBCCOV.org/adults-55.
ART
DUNBAR GALLERY: The Mixed Media
2026 exhibition in the George Dunbar Gallery within the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall, 2055 Second St. in Olde Towne, is featured through June 26. Arts advocate Nina Dunbar is the show’s juror and curator. Gallery hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, by appointment only. Call (985) 646-4375.
HEALING: The new St. Tammany Hospital Foundation’s Healing Arts Rotating Gallery Series is being exhibited on the first floor of the Covington hospital through Aug. 17. .
COMMUNITY GUMBO
CLASSICS: The fifth annual Terra Bella Village Classic Car Show is scheduled for June 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 111 Terra Bella Blvd. in the Covington area community. The public is invited to stroll free of charge and enjoy the restored vintage vehicles, oldies music and food from vendors on site. Car show winners in a half-dozen categories will be named at the event. See Terrabellavillage.com for vehicle registration and more details.
INSPIRE: The St. Tammany Leaders Prayer Breakfast takes place at 7:30 a.m. June 5 in the Fleur de Lis Center in Mandeville with guest speakers Marlon Favorite, a member of the Super Bowl XLIV team, along with former Bourbon Street/Las Vegas Strip-centric businessman Arthur Gutierrez, who promotes new beginnings. Tickets $35 at liferesources.net.
FEDS: The Slidell Chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association next meets June 12 at 1 p.m. in Genesis Hall at Aldersgate Church, 360 Robert Blvd. Speaker will be Audrey DeAgano with Arena Collective to discuss the specialization areas of attorneys in her firm. The Lunch Bunch will meet to eat at T LeBlanc’s Creole Kitchen, 797 Robert Blvd, at 11:15 a.m.; to join them, notify Lynn Brooks at (504) 495-9764, or Chapter President Cindy Arsenaux at (985) 646-2296 or email: carsen01@hotmail.com.
Local DAR selects slate of officers
The Wharton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently installed new officers for 2026-2028, including, from left, Vina Berry, vice regent; Janet Pittman, regent; Patricia Farris, treasurer; Geni Newman, corresponding secretary; and Chloe Coombe, chaplain.
PROVIDED PHOTO
New scholarship winner, new Friends’ home
BY JACKIE RIECKE Contributing writer
This year, the Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany has awarded its Lisabeth Millard Scholarship to Lily Ronquillo, a recent Lakeshore High School in Mandeville graduate who plans to attend Louisiana State University this fall to pursue a degree in biological sciences, starting her career track to become a dentist.
projects at the library and offer more scholarships. Because it needs time to move and organize the new location, the regular June sale will be canceled. The first sale in the group’s new home will take place July 17-18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friends of Slidell Library
Every spring, the group accepts scholarship applications from soon-to-be high school graduates in St Tammany with plans to pursue a four-year degree. So far, it has awarded $23,950 in scholarship money since the program began.
The organization selected Ronquillo, daughter of Jennifer and Adam Ronquillo, based on her achievements that include exceeding 120 hours of community service; tutoring her peers in math; and Handwriting Heroes, her passion project that provides an avenue for her classmates to send encouraging letters to Lakeshore graduates who have enlisted in the military
The $2,800 will be paid quarterly over the course of Ronquillo’s four-year academic program.
New move, new challenge
The Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany have found a new home at 321 W. 29th Ave. in Covington, but the location comes with a much higher monthly rent, so it is seeking more volunteers and donations. Contact Alice McNeal at (479) 244-0503 or at friendsofweststammany@ gmail.com by email.
Earlier this year, the group was notified by St. Tammany Parish government that they needed to vacate their current building due to deteriorated conditions that were too costly to repair The lease had been offered for years at nearly no cost, allowing the nonprofit to fund more
BROOKE IT: The Brooke It Forward Foundation is celebrating its seventh anniversary with its first upscale fundraising brunch, Birthdays & All That Jazz, on June 12 from 11 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Country Club in
This Friends group will hold its regular Second Saturday Special Sale on June 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Slidell Library, 555 Robert Blvd. This month’s theme will be books for children and teens.
Other events
Nature on the Geaux: Families will meet amazing animal ambassadors from around the world and learn fun facts in this wild, interactive show on June 3. Due to limited space and seating, there will be two shows, the first from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and the second from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. No registration needed. Mastodon Madness: Kids and families are welcome to drop in at the Abita Springs branch on June 5 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for mastodon crafts, a prehistoric scavenger hunt and other fun activities. No registration needed.
Author meet and greet: Authors Dena Wildy and Charleston Neal will present on their book “Adventure of Titan and Bandit,” followed by a Q&A on June 8 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Madisonville branch. Visit bit.ly/43xVRJP to register online. Harry Potter Genealogy: The Reference Department will provide tour guides to a wizardly world of crafting through the lens of Harry Potter on June 8 at the Covington branch from 2 p.m. to to 3 p.m. Attendees will explore the wizarding family tree, create their own, create a crest with calligraphy; try wax seals; craft a wand and more. No registration is needed; however, seating is limited to a firstcome, first-served basis.
Notice is hereby given pursuant to Article 7, Section 23(C) of the Louisiana Constitution and R S 47:1705(B) that a public hearing of St Tammany Parish Fire Protection District No 6 in St Tammany Parish will be held at St Tammany Parish Government Council Chambers at 21490 Koop Dr, Mandeville, La 70471 on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 6:00 p m to consider levying additional or increased millage rates without further voter approval or adopting the adjusted millage rates after reassessment and rolling forward to rates not to exceed the prior year’s maximum. The estimated amount of tax revenues to be collected in the next year from the increased millage is $885,998 02 and the amount of increase in taxes attributable to the millage increase is $65,613 17
Ronquillo
PROVIDED PHOTO
The Jump Hounds will be at the Lobby Lounge Listening room on June 11.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY LEYLA’S PHOTO MAGIC
Emily Carmadelle, Nicole Hebert-Barwick and Brandi Lopez will co-star in ‘9 to 5’.
