PROVIDED BY THE LOUISIANA BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONS
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith booking photo
Teachers get rare meeting to air issues at Lyon Elementary
Staff asked for insight on school leadership
BY JIM DERRY Contributing writer
One week after two former administrators of Lyon Elementary School in Covington were arrested on charges of allegedly failing to report abuse, St. Tammany Parish Schools Superintendent Frank Jabbia held a rare meeting with members of the faculty and staff there. He said he did so in hopes of reassuring employees that the school’s future leaders will reflect the desire of teachers and others to improve disciplinary standards that many say have been almost nonexistent for quite some time. Former Principal Lauryn Faciane and Assistant Principal Tonya Barth were reassigned from Lyon soon after they were released on bond the same day they were arrested on May 27 And Jabbia said, “We have to move forward.”
At the April 16 school board meeting, in a rare moment where grievances were aired in public, eight teachers and parents each told stories of how morale has rapidly deteriorated due to behavior issues that have long been swept under the rug and left unaddressed.
Kelli Ellis, who has been a teacher at the school for three years and has worked in the system for six, was one of those who was unafraid
Longtime lawman faces two charges of disturbing the peace, as well
BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer
In a stunning turn of events for St. Tammany Parish’s most powerful law enforcement official, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith was arrested and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish jail on June 4 on counts of felony battery and disturbing the peace, accused of physically attacking a vocal online critic at a steakhouse near Madisonville on May 29. Smith, who has run the St. Tammany
Sheriff’s Office for almost a decade, was released a short time later on a $10,000 bond. He faces one count of second-degree battery, a felony, and two counts of disturbing the peace, which is a misdemeanor Smith said in a prepared statement that he plans to continue in his role as sheriff. Smith is accused of attacking St. Tammany Parish resident Bobby Couvillion in the bar at Keith Young’s Steakhouse. The incident has been the talk of the parish since that day, with some residents calling for Smith to resign.
People to see …
As he was being booked in Amite, the St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office issued a news release on Smith’s arrest. In it, Smith said he was sorry for the “stress and burden” he caused his family, parish residents and Sheriff’s Office employees. He said that as sheriff, he has had to ignore “hundreds of personal attacks directed at me by an individual who hides behind a computer screen,” a likely reference to Couvillion. Couvillion is a harsh critic of Smith,
Covington Police Chief Mike Ferrell retiring
Deputy Chief Kevin Collins his likely successor
BY ANDREW CANULETTE Staff writer
When Michael Ferrell was named Covington’s police chief in the summer of 2021, his key goals were to bring order to the young department’s officers, burnish the agency’s then-tarnished reputation, and, of course, to fight crime in the parish seat, population 12,000. Following 34 years in local law enforcement, Ferrell will retire effective June 30 with the confidence he’s met each of those goals. His boss, Covington Mayor Mark Johnson, emphatically agreed. “He took a department of young officers, 70-80% had less than five years’ experience, and coached them up into stand-up law enforcement professionals. Following his mantra of “If you can’t be professional, leave the profession,” he trained them up not only in the use of traditional police skills but also in the use of discretion, empathy and accountability.”
Ferrell, 56, grew up in Lafitte on New Orleans’ West Bank. He longed to enter the U.S. Marine Corps as a teenager, but opted instead for local police work when
Former Northlake Christian star Kyren Whittington brought passion to the court
Editor’s note: “Where are
Folsom native now working toward doctorate
BY MIKE PERVEL Contributing writer
native Kyren
Ferrell
STAFF
PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK
LSWA All-Star Two-time St Tammany Player of the Year All-Time school scoring leader 2,665 points.
That’s quite the list for the 2020 graduate, but it’s just one part of her story
Whittington has fond childhood memories of growing up in Folsom, playing various recreational sports at Magnolia Park through age 12, which helped foster her overall love and passion for sports
“I have great memories starting at three years old playing for my dad, Warren, who coached me, playing T-ball, softball and basketball,” she said, adding that she dabbled with badminton and frisbee.
Whittington also loves to fish, saying the best part is cooking the fish she catches.
“Fishing is calming and exciting at the same time,” she said. “My biggest catch was probably about an eight-pound sheepshead in Alabama. I consider myself a pretty good cook. My go-to dish is a medium to medium-well steak with broccoli and maybe a sweet potato. I love sushi, and I’m a very healthy eater.”
Even with diverse interests, the now 23-year-old’s love of basketball has given her both her greatest joys and toughest adversity. Hardwood challenges
Whittington spent her first two collegiate seasons at the University of Louisiana-Monroe before transferring to Tulane in 2022. But it wasn’t always easy
As a freshman, she played in nine games with one start before her season was cut short due to injury She came back with a vengeance the next season as a redshirt freshman, averaging a teambest 15.8 points, which ranked fifth in the Sun Belt Conference, while adding 3.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
But it was in Tulane’s Devlin Fieldhouse that the 5-foot-9 guard truly hit her stride. Whittington led the Green Wave in scoring during her junior season, averaging 17.4 points per game, ranking fifth in the American Athletic Conference, shooting 50% from the field and finishing second in the conference with 2.52 steals per game. But her time at Tulane wasn’t without its challenges, as she had to overcome a torn left meniscus during her junior year
“My rehab was rough and challenging, and being out of the lineup was really tough to handle. After injuring my knee, I can relate to injured athletes medically, physically and spiritually I want to be around sports to help student athletes post op, going through injuries. I want to help athletes recover and just help people in general,” she said
The injury also gave Whittington a new perspective on her future career
“After the injury, my role as a player changed with a new coaching staff. I was a very versatile player and I was able to shift my game, transitioning to the new staff,” she said.
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regularly attacking him in videos posted to social media. The two have had runins before, too. Smith’s office arrested Couvillion in 2019 and accused him of cyberstalking. Investigators with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, which is housed in Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office, concluded that Smith attacked Couvillion from behind and without provocation at the steakhouse, according to the agency’s arrest warrant for Smith. Couvillion was transported to a hospital and suffered from a concussion, the arrest warrant said. Couvillion also said he was left with bruises and scratches. In his statement, Smith said he planned to address his actions through the legal
Whittington graduated from Tulane last summer with a degree in exercise science and is now a part-time physical therapist, working toward a doctorate in the field
Tulane third-year coach Ashley Langford, who took over for longtime head coach Lisa Stockton, coached Whittington in her final collegiate season.
“She was a great vocal leader in the huddle, always giving it her absolute best, and was a difference maker for us,” Langford said.
Quiet leader
That passion has served her well throughout her athletic career, just ask former NCS coach Ryan Perkins, who coached Whittington during her senior year when the Wolverines made the Final Four
“Kyren (Whittington) is a oncein-a-lifetime type of player She could have played at any level. She’s a gamer with outstanding skills. There are some people God gives an athletic ability to, and in Kyren’s case, the Lord kissed her,” Perkins said.
“She could do anything on the basketball court. I never wanted to overcoach her; instead, I just let her do her thing in the flow of the game, leading her teammates.”
Perkins said Whittington’s abilities expanded well beyond the basketball court.
“Kyren’s a great, respectful person and was always humble despite her star status, getting things done on the court. She led by example and was a tremendous vocal leader during timeouts,” he said.
“Her parents are phenomenal and were always present, being extremely supportive. She was raised in a Christian household, and that speaks to her character and her wonderful support system.”
Whittington said her most memorable high school sports moment was winning Northlake’s first girls’ basketball state championship in 2017 as a freshman, beating St. Thomas Aquinas, 52-46.
She was also a difference-maker for the volleyball team, playing as a middle blocker and outside hitter, helping lead the Wolverines to the state semifinals twice.
“Kyren (Whittington) was a fierce competitor who always brought the energy I loved her
process, while continuing to serve as sheriff. Smith cannot be forced to resign his office unless he is convicted of a felony
“As an elected public official and as a lifelong public servant, I fully understand and accept the fact that with this position comes not only great responsibility but also heightened public scrutiny,” Smith said.
As a husband and father, the continued and worsening public harassment of my wife, the false statements against her and the body shaming of her are not only despicable, but unacceptable,” his statement continued. “Seeing the frustration and pain caused to your wife and family is something much harder to ignore.”
Reached by phone on June 4, Couvillion thanked the investigators who worked on the case. But, he added, “(Smith’s) apology was disingenuous and he needs to
heart and determination, controlling the net. As a middle blocker, she was tough, and I consider her one of our school’s all-time greats,” former NCS volleyball coach Lindsey Donovan said.
“Kyren played with an aggressive style but was always calm and composed under pressure. She was a phenomenal talent and a super teammate to be around, always putting the team first.” New perspective
While her time on the hardwood as a player is done, Whittington has stayed active, finishing up her first year as a basketball and volleyball high school official with the Jefferson Parish Officials Association.
“As a former player in both sports, it’s weird to be on that side of the ball, needing to have an official’s mentality The biggest challenge was learning the mechanics of making the call, but knowing the flow of both games
be fired or step away from his position.”
Steakhouse attack
Sheriff’s deputies responded to 911 calls about a fight at Keith Young’s at 4:31 p.m. on May 29, the arrest warrant said. The deputies were told en route that the incident involved a law enforcement officer Upon arrival, Deputy Ashley Caroll learned the suspect, Sheriff Randy Smith, had departed the scene, the warrant said.
Partly to avoid a conflict of interest, the arrest warrant said, the Sheriff’s Office handed the case over to Murrill’s office.
Couvillion told investigators he had been sitting at the bar when Smith grabbed him from behind, threw him to the ground, punched and kicked him, and cursed him out, allegedly saying, “I’m going to kill you, you -----” and “You’re a dead ----.”
makes it less of a challenge for me as an official,” Whittington said.
“I get the rush of still being involved, but I’m at peace with not playing anymore. I get excited about helping other student athletes achieve their goals while still being involved as an official.”
That transition to giving back to the sport feels natural, especially since she was supported by coaches and teammates over the years.
Based on witness statements, Couvillion’s medical records, and the restaurant’s surveillance footage, Murill’s investigators concluded that Smith had placed Couvillion in a chokehold, threw him “violently to the ground,” causing him to strike his head, and struck him while he was on the floor, the arrest warrant said.
Couvillion “had little to no time to defend himself or deescalate and protect himself from Smith’s aggression and physical attack,” the arrest warrant alleged.
The arrest warrant said the charge of disturbing the peace by fighting was based on Smith being the aggressor in an unprovoked fight in the middle of a busy restaurant. The charge of disturbing the peace by appearing in an intoxicated condition, meanwhile, was based on Couvillion’s claim that Smith’s breath had a strong odor of alcoholic beverages,
basketball state title in 2017. Also pictured is NCS coach Aaron Agresta and teammate Natalie Newberry PROVIDED PHOTO
“As a young player, I played purely for the love of the game. I wanted to be the best that I could be at anything that I did. I was taught by my parents to be passionate about everything that I did at a very early age,” she said.
“The best part about my career is that I came to love basketball on my own. It wasn’t forced, and it became so natural to me later on. That young kid had no idea she’d become who she is today, and I’m sure she’s super proud.”
and based on a receipt of Smith’s “visit” to the steakhouse, the warrant said.
The bar tab included five glasses of Walking Fool wine, four happy hour vodka martinis, seven Titos vodkas, one glass of Tanqueray and one Ketel vodka, according to the arrest warrant. It’s not clear who else was with Smith at the steakhouse.
Election season ahead
Even before the steakhouse incident and Smith’s subsequent arrest, the sheriff had been quiet, at least publicly, about whether he would seek a fourth term in office in 2027.
Smith took office in 2016, after winning a bruising 2015 runoff against incumbent Sheriff Jack Strain, who later would be convicted on a raft of child sex crime and corruption counts and is serving a life prison sentence. Several other northshore public officials have faced
criminal charges in the recent past, including former 22nd Judicial District Attorney Walter Reed and former St. Tammany Coroner Peter Galvan Both were sentenced to federal prison for corruption charges.
Smith, who at the time of his runoff against Strain, was police chief in Slidell, ran a campaign that capitalized on voters’ growing disenchantment with Strain, who had been at the helm for 20 years. Smith was reelected in 2019 and 2023. During that race for a third term, Smith’s opponents noted that Smith had said he only planned to be sheriff for two terms. In the meantime, this month Smith has been campaigning to renew a property tax that his office says helps pay for deputies’ salaries. The 4.31-mill tax, which the Sheriff’s Office says generates about $13.6 million a year, is on the June 27 ballot.
PROVIDED PHOTO Kyren Whittington, age 9
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN
St. Thomas Aquinas’s Jade Brumfield is blocked by Northlake Christian’s Kyren Whittington during a District 102A game at The Woodshed on Jan. 21, 2020.
Early voting for 2nd Party Primary/Municipal General Election will begin on Friday June 12, and run through Saturday, June 20, but closed on Sunday, June 14. Additionally, there will be no early voting on Friday, June 19, as offices will close in observance of Juneteenth, a state holiday Early voting hours are 8:30 am. to 6 p.m. daily
The Covington office is at 601 N. Jefferson Ave.; the Slidell office is at 520 Old Spanish Trail, Suite 2F, of the Towers Building; and in Mandeville, 21490 Koop Drive in the Parish Council Chambers, Building A. Identification is required to vote Regular election voting takes place June 27.
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If additional information is needed call (985) 809-5500 or (985) 6464125.
Parish sets up special America 250 website
St. Tammany Parish government has set up a special website to keep track of local fireworks and other festivities planned for the July 4 holiday and any America 250 celebrations of the country’s upcoming landmark birthday The site sttammany.gov/ America250 — is designed to be the go-to resource for residents making their own celebratory plans.
The page will also host historical documentaries such as “History Minutes” and “The Story of America” educational series, offering insights into the nation’s founders and key battles of the American Revolution.
Anyone hosting an America 250 or other patriotic event can download the official St. Tammany 250 logo to help celebrate this historic anniversary
High water cancels Youth Fishing Rodeo at wildlife refuge
Heavy rain and high water in the Pearl River canceled the Youth Fishing Rodeo that had been scheduled for June 6 in the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge, costing its fans one of their favor-
June 27 ballot puts tax renewals before voters
BY KIM CHATELAIN
Contributing writer
St. Tammany Parish is said to have somewhat unique challenges when it comes to abating mosquitoes.
The parish’s coastal marshes, bayous and rural woodlands provide a comfy habitat for southern house mosquitoes and their equally dreaded cousins. Residents of the interspersed suburban neighborhoods can become easy prey for the diseasecarrying bugs.
The mosquitoes’ potential victims — the voters of St Tammany — are being asked to help provide ammunition in the never-ending mosquito war by voting to renew for 10 years a 2.95-mill tax to fund the parishwide mosquito abatement program.
An affirmative vote will allow the St. Tammany Mosquito Abatement District to continue collecting what taxpayers are currently paying to control the flying pests.
Swatting away the tax renewal proposal could leave the mosquito fighters in a jam.
The 2.95 millage rate is the sole source of funding for the district, a parish public health agency established in 1968 to protect parish resi-
CHIEF
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family obligations required him to stay closer to home. He joined the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in 1993 and came aboard the St. Tammany Sheriff’s Departm ent in 1998 He retired from the agency in 2020 after serving as a SWAT Commander, Ca ptain of the Street Crimes Division and as Deputy Chief. He took work with the District Attorney’s Office after leaving the Sheriff’s Office and caught Johnson’s eye when hew was looking for a new chief following a period of turmoil in the department. When former Covington Deputy Chief Joseph “Trey” Mahon was arrested in May 2021 on child pornography charges, Johnson opted for Ferrell, who was known for his no-nonsense administrative style and an innate understanding of how to mentor young police officers. After some tough scrutiny from the city council at the time, and some residents, Ferrell got the job and it started making an impression on the department its personnel almost immediately
“The high point of the past five years has been being able come and make a difference,” Ferrell said. “The mayor reached out to me because I’m a policeman, not a politician. This city needed help fighting crime in the city, particularly in the West 30s area. We had the backing of the mayor and the council and were able to do the work we needed to do. They
dents from mosquito-borne diseases such as the West Nile virus.
The district has a 2026 budget of $8.8 million. In 2016, voters approved a rate of 4.2 mills to operate the district, an amount that has since been “rolled back” to 2.95 mills to offset rising property values while keeping overall revenue neutral.
The 2.95-mill tax costs the owner of a home valued at $300,000 about $65 a year Officials stress that the ballot measure is not a new tax, but a continuation of an existing one at a rate that is lower than the one approved a decade ago.
Kevin Caillouet, the district’s director, said opting for the lower of the two rates in order to keep the millage at its present level — is part of the agency’s effort to ease the tax burden on residents.
That effort includes cutting the 2026 budget by 11% for a total of $1 million dollars and lowering tax collections to draw down on reserve funds, he said.
“Mosquito Abatement is working to be a part of the solution to help address parish
trusted us, and I think that showed in the way the citizens welcomed us to do our job, too.”
Ferrell realizes the timing of his departure might give the impression he’s leaving the Covington PD to seek a higher elected office. He quickly dismissed that thought, however
“I have absolutely no intention to run for political office,” he said. “I plan to play golf, to fish, to spend time with my family and to rest If you do this job long enough, you lose sleep, and your health declines a little bit. I’m a worrier by nature and I don’t sleep much because of it. I’ve got high blood pressure It’s under control but I’m not getting any younger I want to take time to do the things I’ve had on the back burner for the past 34 years when I was a police officer.”
Johnson said after many discussions with Ferrell
budget challenges, while continuing our services to protect public health,” Caillouet said. “We remain committed to operating efficiently, protecting public health, and being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.”
The mosquito control district has 50 employees, nearly half being part-time or seasonal worker The agency treats about 1 million acres of land by air using a plane or helicopter and 700,000 acres by truck.
The mosquito district referendum is one of several items on the June 27 ballot in St. Tammany Parish voters will also be asked to renew for 10 years an existing 4.31mill property tax to fund deputies’ salaries and benefits.
In addition, Slidell voters will be asked to renew two existing millages for sewerage facilities and operations and garbage collection. There will also be a millage renewal proposition in Fire District 2, which serves Madisonville and surrounding areas.
Tax proposals for recreation districts 11 and 12 in the Abita Springs and Folsom areas, respectively, will also be on ballots in those areas.
Here is a brief rundown on those propositions:
over the past year, he knew his hand-selected choice to be chief would be leaving.
So, Deputy Chief Kevin Collins has been working closely with Ferrell the past year to learn some of the finer points of being chief. The City Council is expected to hold a special meeting later this month at which Collins would be named Covington’s new chief. The event will double as an opportunity for city officials and other wellwishers to thank Ferrell for his five years of leadership. Collins, a 41-year old Slidell resident who is married and a father of five. He is a 13-year veteran of the Covington PD and has held key roles in the Criminal Patrol Division and Criminal Investigations Division, where he served as commander He also has been training director in the Professional Standards Division and a 2024 graduate of the FBI National Academy
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 Fire Protection District NO 8 in St Tammany Parish will be held at St Tammany Parish Government, located at 21490 Koop Dr, Mandeville, La 70471 on Thursday, July 16th, 2026 at 5:00 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 $1,934,938 58 and the amount of increase in taxes attributable to the millage increase is $143,224 024 This is not a new tax and St Tammany Fire Protection District No 8 shall not exceed the voter approved maximum millage rate
ite events to kick off the summer
The Jim Schmidt Boardwalk and Trail, location of the popular rodeo that helps kick off summer activities each year has been underwater for more than a week, and water at the Interstate 59 Service Road (Atlas Road) is impassable for vehicles in some locations. All areas must be assessed before reopening the site to public access, according to a June 1 statement by Steve Henry project leader of the Southeast Louisiana NWR Complex.
“With the Pearl River still running high and more rain forecast throughout the week, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s youth fishing rodeo,” Henry wrote. “This action has been taken for the safety of Ref-
uge visitors and the volunteers and staff who work the event.”
Henry’s statement asked that the parents and guardians of children registered for the rodeo be patient as Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges Inc., the refuge’s support group, reaches out to each about the reimbursement of registration fees. In the meantime, questions can be emailed to lwrfriends@gmail.com. Pearl River levels can be checked through the National Weather Service office in Slidell at (985) 649-0357, select option 1, then option 3, then 2, or at Pearl River near Pearl River Boaters are advised to use extreme caution during high river levels. For information, contact the refuge headquarters at (985) 8822000.
n Slidell voters are being asked to continue a 4.5-mill tax for 10 years to maintain and operate “sewerage works and facilities.” The tax raises about $1.52 million a year
n Voters in Slidell will also cast ballots on a proposition to renew an existing 4.37-mill tax “for the purpose of constructing and maintaining garbage disposal works and refuse and garbage collection and disposal systems” in the city The 10-year renewal would raise just under $1.5 million a year
n Voters throughout the parish will cast ballots on a proposition to renew a 4.31mill tax to provide funding for the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies’ salaries and benefit The tax is expected to raise about $13.6 million a year
n In Recreation District 11, encompassing the Abita Springs area, voters will decide on a special tax of 9.26 mills for 20 years to supplant an existing, 10-year tax of the same amount that was ap-
n Madisonville-area voters will decide whether to renew a 20.62-mill tax for fire protection facilities and services to 2039. The tax is expected to raise $7.46 million a year
proved in 2021. If approved, the new millage would be for the purpose of “acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining or operating parks, playgrounds, recreation centers and other recreational facilities” in the district. The new tax, which raises about $1.1 million a year, would “completely replace the current 9.26 mills tax …” n Folsom-area residents will vote on the renewal of a 10-mill tax for 10 years. The revenues, expected to be about $505,000 a year, will go toward parks and recreation facilities.
FILE PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE
Josh Foulon and Haley Marquette, with the St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement District, collect mosquitofish from a ditch in Slidell
Collins
ä Early voting schedule.
Summer camp has gone to the dogs, the cats and the kids
helps familiarize kittens with humans to make them more adoptable.
BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing writer
Truffles, Sky and Koda are getting special attention this summer at the Northshore Humane Society’s annual camp for kids. As the temporary residents at the society’s shelter, the dogs and cats are the team mascots for camp activities around this year’s theme “Mission: Paws of the Galaxy.”
While the animals await adoption to their forever homes, they are helping to teach campers about basic pet care, according to Susie Kaznowitz, the organization’s director of marketing.
“Our campers have one-on-one time every day with dogs and cats that have been chosen to be mascots for the camp. The society’s summer camp gives campers the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of companion animal care through supervised interactions with some of the society’s adoptable dogs and cats,” she said.
Along with participation in arts and crafts and interactive games, campers participate in service projects that directly benefit shelter animals. They also attend special sessions with guest speakers, such as the K-9 team from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, dog trainers and others. Because of this year’s camp theme, there will be a special guest speaker from the Stennis Space Center, Kaznowitz said.
In keeping with the camp’s space theme, Lily Phillips, left, and Katherine Acosta were tasked with helping aliens learn the good traits found in adoptable shelter animals so they could be adopted, too. Lily’s alien dog-mix was Oreo, and Katherine’s alien cat-mix, Evil, were fine examples.
“Our campers have one-on-one time every day with dogs and cats that have been chosen to be mascots for the camp. The society’s summer camp gives campers the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of companion animal care through supervised interactions with some of the society’s adoptable dogs and cats.”
SUSIE KAZNOWITZ, the organization’s director of marketing
Landry plan could cost St. Tammany schools programs
Funding order might even force layoffs
BY JIM DERRY Contributing writer
As in plenty of districts across the state, many inside the St. Tammany Parish School System decried the executive order from Gov Jeff Landry earlier this week that would force a reallocation of money for stipends to be dished out to many of the parish’s public school employees.
The school board joined in on their distaste of the measure during the June 4 committee meeting at the Robert C. Brooks Educational Center in Slidell. In fact, they nearly passed a resolution that would have urged Landry, the state legislature and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to “develop a sustainable, state-funded compensation plan for Louisiana educators and school employees.”
Only James Braud, who represents District 13, voted against it, but says he would like it to be reintroduced when the public “can have time to see it.”
Resolution or not, many inside the school system have not had any trouble publicly speaking against it which is rare There were multiple social-media posts over the past few days from high-ranking administrators calling for Landry to reconsider
And what makes it even tougher is the fiscal year ends June 30 and the new budget for 2026-27 had been all but finalized. Now they may have to go back
to the drawing board if Landry’s order is passed by a two-thirds vote in the state house and senate.
The district’s chief financial officer, Terri Prevost, said in a social-media post, “These funding cuts could lead to cutting of programs and eventually layoffs by district.”
Schools Superintendent Frank Jabbia said at the June 4 meeting that $9.8 million would be removed from its Minimum Foundation Plan if the executive order goes through, and that it could cost the district closer to $13 million.
“We have already offered jobs and have brought in 80 new employees (for 202627); this is a huge issue for us,” he said.
“I don’t see how we could make up the deficit (of the MFP reduction). We’re 88% driven by salaries and benefits. To make these changes, it would have to be personnel related.”
Jabbia added that what many don’t understand is that the stipends won’t go to all of the school system’s nearly 6,000 employees.
“I want to be very clear on that: no administrators, no counselors, no MHPs (mental health providers), no nurses. Anytime there has been a stipend given out, we have given it to all We have recognized every employee. The governor does not allocate that money
“So if we want to include everyone else, we’re talking about another $2 million or $3 million on top of that.”
the camp’s participants acknowledged they are pet owners, with many of them adopting their family pets from this organization. Campers also have the opportunity for quieter interactions with kittens in the cat building. To help socialize the animals, and in return making them more affable for adoption, participants hold and play with them under counselor supervision.
During one visit, three youngsters were each drawn to a particular animal in the cages lining the room. Abigail Henley chose a ball of fur named Cringer, while Elise Meeks cuddled a black kitten named Rhapsody Archer McGuire chose a gray kitten named Bremmer to hold, saying his great-grandmother had two adopted cats and he liked playing with them.
Playtime in one of the facility’s fenced yards is a popular daily activity for both the two-legged and four-legged participants. Truffles, a sixmonth old brindledcolored hound-mix puppy, was rambunctious playing tag with a small group of campers. Overseeing the group, junior counselor Ava McGovern enjoyed the scene.
“The mixture of the kids and the puppies is the sweetest thing ever,” McGovern said.
Ellie Curry enjoyed being part of Truffles’ morning recess. She said her family adopted their own dog, Claudette, from the shelter Through conversation, most of
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to speak out seven weeks ago.
“This year’s level of behavior has been the most severe I have experienced, and I do not believe appropriate actions or systems have been consistently in place to address it,” she said. “We are at risk of losing phenomenal teachers because of these ongoing issues. When selecting a principal, I strongly urge you to consider a leader who prioritizes discipline, accountability and safety
“There have been several serious incidents this year that did not result in many consequences. For example, a student lit toilet paper on fire and was sent back to class. A student brought bullets to school, a group of students wearing ski masks harassed another child. A student locked himself inside a classroom and threw objects. A student brought a knife to school and was sent back to class.”
None of them called Faciane or Barth by name, but it was clear who they were speaking about. And Jabbia was very candid about how the future administrators at Lyon unquestionably will handle things differently In an effort to “get on the same page and to support
the community,” he said he felt it was important to involve the current employees in the decision-making process, something they also asked for when they spoke out in April. And on June 3, the superintendent indeed sat down with 28 teachers and other staff members at Lyon.
Generally, a committee that includes just one or two teachers selects school administrators. This time was very different. In fact, Jabbia said it was the first time he had ever asked a full staff for input on personnel matters.
“They wanted support, and they wanted to know what support was going to look like in dealing with behaviors and outbursts of students, very young students,” he said. “These are students who need extra support because they have educational difficulties and problems operating in a general classroom.”
He said he asked the faculty what they needed from his staff and what central office could do to improve conditions at the school. He also is adding an extra assistant principal there for one year to help with classroom management and discipline.
Jabbia would like to have a principal selected by the end of June and two new administrators shortly thereafter The faculty did not list
The spirited kittens quieted under the campers’ gentle care and obviously enjoyed being loved on. Fair warning to parents with children having this camp experience. Hearts are being lost to friendly dogs and cuddly kittens. If previous years are any indication, Kaznowitz said several families will end up with a new adoptee by summer’s end.
“We usually see six to 10 dogs and cats find a new home with our campers each year,” she said. The Northshore Humane Society’s facility has a population of 150 to 200 dogs and cats available for adoption or in foster care at any given time, according to Kaznowitz. The nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue and community veterinary clinic is located in Covington.
Weekly camps will be held through July For more information about the camp, or about the no-kill shelter, go to www northshorehumane.org.
Trio of St. Tammany schools get new assistant principals
Three new St. Tammany Parish Public School System administrators were announced at School Board committee meetings June 4 in Slidell. From left, are Dawn Cole, Sixth Ward Elementary assistant principal; Nicole Blondeau, Slidell High assistant principal; and Ann Cook, Whispering Forest Elementary assistant principal Superintendent Frank Jabbia is at right. PROVIDED PHOTO
names of anyone they wanted to put up for the jobs, but rather they listed “skill qualities of individuals they felt were important.”
“They want someone who will hold the line, someone who is fair but equitable and has good communication skills,” he said. “They need someone who will support the faculty and staff as they move forward and work to bring the community back on campus for events, read-alongs, lunch — some-
one who can handle those things.”
He also would not limit the scope of where the next Lyon principal might come from and couldn’t even say whether she or he will come from the district.
“It’s going to take a very unique skill set, and the kind of person we need there is not falling off of trees,” Jabbia said. “It has to be someone who is willing to step up and be what Lyon needs. That’s not an easy task.”
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
LYON
Campers spend quality time with animals during the Northshore Humane Camp, and its a win-win. From left, Abigail Henley, Elise Meeks and Archer McGuire learn more about the appropriate handling of kittens, while being held
Abigail Henley shares some sweet, quiet moments with little Cringer
PHOTOS BY SUZIE HUNT
Camp mascot Truffles demonstrates how adorable he can be with sufficient personal attention from campers, from left, Archer McGuire, Caroline Lovell and Meshia Goldin-Capdeville.
25 years ago
Although the St. Tammany Parish school system is attempting to put together a new construction bond issue, Assistant Superintendent for Administration Richard Tanner said no plans have yet been made for a new high school
“I think we will eventually have to build a new high school in the MandevilleCovington area, but that decision has not been made,” Tanner said Monday Tanner said within five years, Fontainebleau High School is expected to have about 2,200 students.
“Obviously, we will have to have a new school to alleviate that,” he said.
However, Tanner said the new school will likely draw students from Fontainebleau, Covington and Mandeville high schools, and not from the Slidell area.
“A mixture of Slidell and Mandeville students in a new Lacombe area high school would not be a good mesh,” Tanner said.
In the meantime, the school board, as are many other parish governmental bodies, is studying the best way to reapportion its 15 districts. Tanner said significant changes are likely to be seen in the Bayou Liberty and Lacombe areas Federal law requires the populations of each of the districts be as near as equal as possible. Currently the Bayou Liberty area has 6,239 registered voters, while the Lacombe area has 10,859 Tanner said the Bayou Liberty area will have to draw residents from the Lacombe district to equalize the proportion.
50 years ago
A full slate of bicentennial activities is being scheduled for July 3 by the St.Tammany Parish Bicentennial Commission.
On that day, beginning around 1 p.m at the Parish Fairgrounds in Covington, ceremonies will begin in observance of the 200th birthday anniversary of the United States of America. Festivities will include a parade, skydiving, awards, music, dancing and fireworks. An early American costume contest will also be a part of the action.
The ceremony will begin with the firing of a symbolic cannon in Covington, coordinated with the firing of similar cannons in communities all throughout St. Tammany Parish. Each town that takes part in the July 3 activities will receive a plaque for its participation Oliver Wagner, a member of the Commission, said. Among the communities that will take part are Covington, Slidell, Madisonville, Mandeville, Lee Road, Bush, Folsom, Abita Springs and Blond
75 years ago
Fishermen and other sportsmen have reported several times lately that dead fish have been seen floating in the Tchefuncte River above the Old Bridge near Covington. Upon investigation, game wardens and enforcement officials of the federal and state governments have found that the dead fish are black bass, catfish, perch and suckers, and their bodies are so decomposed that it is impossible now to determine what caused them to die. However officials have made the statement that they, along with members of the sportsmen club here are checking the river daily to determine the cause.
100 years ago
WANTED — Single man, or man and wife, to take charge of improved farm near Covington. Permanent place to right parties. Apply, M. A. Brady Military Road, Covington.
125 years ago
The Board of Aldermen of the Town of Franklinton have passed an ordinance fixing the salary of the mayor and each of the Aldermen at $7.50 a year Now lookout for a scramble for office at the next election in Franklinton.
Youth in the area lined up for the 17th annual Fit as a Firefighter Camp in Slidell and spent a week learning from first responders and other local organizations to live healthier, safer, more active lives. The week at Camp Villere began June 1 with a welcome from District 1 Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann before the campers went on to learn about sun
safety, watched firefighters demonstrate how passengers are extricated from a burning vehicle, learned about oral hygiene from dental health specialists and made yogurt parfaits for themselves. And that was only Day One of the camp hosted yearly by Slidell Memorial Hospital in partnership with Ochsner Health and St. Tammany Fire Protection District No. 1.
PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN
Jet is such a special horse that he is taken into facilities, right to the bedsides of those unable to come outside to spend time with the Appaloosa, a superstar at Healing with Horses Louisiana in Folsom.
and he approached each of them with gentleness and intuition.
There’s a healing horse in the house
BY JIM DERRY
Contributing writer
When the mother of Kelly Cox Vicari was nearing the end of her 13-year battle with Alzheimer’s, it became increasingly difficult to soothe her mind during the most traumatic part of the fight.
Cox Vicari then turned to one of her mom’s biggest loves: horses. The plan worked “incredibly,” and from there streamed idea that has grown well past anyone’s wildest dreams
The nonprofit organization known today as Healing with Horses Louisiana, of Folsom, began operations in 2019, with Cox Vicari and her volunteers doing exactly what the name implies: Using “equine therapy” to soothe those in a fragile state from the autistic to veterans suffering with PTSD to the depressed of all ages. But nowhere is the health and soothing services they offer more obvious than in the instinctual work of Jet, their top dog horse who is trained to go inside homes and senior care facilities — yes, go inside — and uplift the people he meets there. In most cases, Vicari said, the horse and the human soon become fast friends
If this sounds like something straight from a movie script, maybe it’s just because that movie hasn’t yet been made.
“Once we enter the room, I really like to let the horse make the adjustments, and usually, there’s a minute to let him look around the room, see where we are, get his bearings,” Cox Vicari said. “Then he will approach the bed and get close, and I just (sort) of wait for him to kind of recognize and realize the person who’s in front of him who he’s there for. He very much knows what we’re about and what we’re asking, but there’s no pulling him to someone or demanding him to get close.
Jet makes loving connections, whether indoors or out, whether meeting the younger or the older, and all those who have the ability to smile or laugh when meeting Jet invariably do so.
In all, Healing with Horses has eight “therapy horses,” although only Jet is trained to go inside, and each horse seems to know how to heal in their own way It seems to be an innate sense for the horses to figure out how to lift a person’s feelings, “whether it’s anxiety, fear, sadness — they just pick up on it,” Cox Vicari said.
“They’re very trained, but I cannot train intuition, and that’s what takes over in every session. Whether it’s a private session at my place or if we’re in a nursing home bedside or if we’re outside of a nursing home with everyone in the sunshine it’s something extremely powerful.”
In a recent session, Jet went into a senior care facility where an elderly lady was hesitant to get too close. She watched others pet the horse and talk to him. With each connection Jet made with someone else, the hesitant resident she seemed willing to inch a bit closer
Vicari said. “It’s all so very gentle. And her face, she just she melted. She really did. That was very touching.”
All the horses other than Jet are former thoroughbreds who each went through the rigors of racing and their own hardships. Maybe that’s why they’re so good at healing: They have been through similar situations and, as a result, also needed some uplifting.
Equine therapy can be more than just healing with horses; sometimes it seems to be healing FOR horses. Whatever it is, it sure seems to be working.
“The beauty of it is that it’s like they appreciate their roles,” Cox Vicari said. “They’ve raced, they did a lot in working toward that, they were injured, they came back, and now they have a whole different purpose in life.”
The group assists more than the elderly Healing with Horses also serves disabled veterans, grief victims, special needs individuals and others.
“We see a lot of autistic patients, and suicide ideation has sadly become one of our top clients, which breaks my heart,” Cox Vicari said. “The sadness I see in some of these girls — it’s like they’re empty inside. But an hour and a half with a horse? They become a different person.
“They become joyful, and never even ask where their phone is. They’re smiling, laughing, snuggling with the horses. They’re actually alive. It’s just so beautiful to be a part of this. I am just so humbled everyday with what I am doing, and I am so blessed that God chose this path for me.”
Learn more and read about each of the horses at healingwithhorseslouisiana.org/.
“It really is on his terms, and he will always get close. And yes, nudge and just kind of put his muzzle to their arm or maybe the bedsheets, the blankets. There’s a high sense of smell that they want to take in.”
When all the others had their turn, Cox Vicari asked the lady if she was then willing to get a little closer She nodded yes, reached out her hand, and Jet lowered his head toward her “There was a lot of emotion,” Cox
BY MARGARET ALBERT
Contributing writer
Looking for a way to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday? How about rocking patriotism?
Members of the St. Tammany chapter of the Louisiana Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution are ready to help. Chapter members have painted 250 assorted rocks with patriotic colors, words and icons. The finished rocks will be hidden in Heritage Park and Camp Salmen on the weekend of June 6-7, rainy weather permitting and await discovery by those who look for them.
ReStore plans storewide celebration to mark 45 years
der 12.
Staff report
Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West is inviting the community to celebrate 45 years of building homes, communities and family hope at a special customer appreciation day June 12, when shoppers will enjoy 45% off storewide purchases at the Habitat ReStore.
The ReStore helps finance Habitat’s affordable home ownership and housing education program by selling brand new and gently used furniture, appliances, home décor, building materials, fencing and more at discounted prices to everyone from residents remodeling or downsizing to folks just reorganizing, filling a child’s first apartment or plain old treasure hunting The Mandeville area Habitat Restore at 1400 North Lane works this way
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, the ReStore accepts donations of new or barely used products from individuals and businesses who support Habitat’s mission. Restore then sells those items to the public at prices well below retail, and the proceeds are plowed into Habitat STW’s mission of building homes in partnership with low-income families who will own and live in their homes.
To celebrate those 45 years of homebuilding, the ReStore will further mark down its already discounted items for one day only In addition to the steep June 12 sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day, visitors will also enjoy complimentary food, snowballs, giveaways and community vendors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with special treats for kids un-
The event is a way to thank Habitat STW customers, donors, volunteers and supporters who have helped across western St. Tammany Parish, and now Washington Parish, to build and sell some 325-owner occupied homes and provide counseling and education services to 1,300-plus families for more than four decades.
“Our ReStore customers and donors play a major role in helping local families achieve affordable homeownership,” said Terri Gage, the president and CEO at Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West.
“This celebration is our opportunity to give back to the community while also highlighting the impact that every purchase and donation makes right here on the Northshore.” The ReStore’s inventory is constantly changing, but to check what’s in stock, see the STW Restore Facebook page. Also, visit habitatstw.org/ restore to see a list of items that the ReStore will accept and resell, as well as a list of those items they do not accept. Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Through affordable homeownership opportunities, housing counseling, volunteer engagement and community partnerships, the mission of Habitat STW is to empower local families to achieve strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter Visit habitatstw.org or follow Habitat STW on so-
Notice is hereby givenpursuanttoArticle 7, Section 23(C)ofthe LouisianaConstitutionand R.S. 47:1705(B) that apublichearing/meeting of Fire Protection District No.7 BoardofCommissionersinSt. TammanyParishwill be held in CouncilChambersatSt. TammanyParishGovernmentComplex,located at 21490KoopDrive, Mandeville, Louisiana70471 on Tuesday, July 21 2026 at 7:00 p.m. to consider levyingadditional or increasedmillage rateswithout further voter approval or adopting theadjustedmillage rates after reassessment androlling forwardtorates not to exceedthe prioryear’smaximum The currentyear’sestimated amount of taxrevenues to be collectedis$1,073,681.35 Theestimated amountoftaxrevenuestobecollectedinthenext year from theincreased millageis$1,159,206.02, andthe amount of increase in taxesattributable to themillage increase is $85,524.67
‘Rocking patriotism’ in Slidell parks to herald America 250 PROVIDED PHOTO
The project originated with Mary Beth Bergeron, vice regent of the Slidell chapter, and her hobby of finding and painting rocks
“When my husband and I go camping, I leave the painted rocks behind on the camping grounds as surprise gifts for people to find,” she said.
One day, it occurred to Bergeron that it would be fun to adapt and expand her hobby into a patriotic community project for the DAR chapter membership. They agreed, and everyone got busy decorating rocks for a bit of red, white and blue 250 fun. Anyone wanting to get in on the action should go to Facebook, then search for “Rocking Patriotism” to see Bergeron’s future posts. She says she will advise the public via Facebook when the rocks are hidden
and the search can begin. Anyone who discovers a 250 decorated rock enclosed in a protective plastic bag will also find instructions included on how to post photos of them so that the Facebook community can follow the hunt’s progress. The Rocking Patriotism page will also include some “sneak previews” of what to look for when searching a park. And in case the chapter’s plan to hide their rocks during the first weekend in June gets rained out, there may be a post indicating a new target date. Questions can be emailed to marybethbergeron.us@gmail.com/. Happy hunting!
Gage
A’mya Hector shares some special moments with a new friend
Jack Dahl finds joy in his time with Tea, a retired racehorse on the Healing Horses equine therapy team in Folsom who is said to have an extra measure of intuition to know when someone needs comfort or love
PROVIDED PHOTOS
His owner-trainer-friend Kelly Cox Vicari recently brought Jet to visit some residents at Forest Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Covington,
Two Covington concerts bring music from two cultures
BY SHEILA GRISSETT Staff writer
Two very different concerts are scheduled June 20 and 24 at the Avanti Senior Living community in Covington, one in honor of Father’s Day and a second celebrating summer with a local string band.
Both will be held at the 2234 Watercross Parkway residential community, and the public is invited to attend to share the afternoon’s music and culture.
The celebration of Father’s Day will feature entertainment by the Timeless Glow Youth troupe, led by Cuilan Li, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
June 24 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. will showcase the seven-piece Covington Farmers Market String Band.
The band is co-developed and led by Jan Biggs, director of the market and well known in northshore music circles, and Lou Martin, a former Tulane senior research scientist who uses his mandolin more than his doctoral degree since his 2005 retirement.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Musician and singer Cuilan Li is playing an ancient Chinese flute for residents at Avanti Senior Living Community during an earlier performance.
Their performance will include multiple music instruments, both new and ancient, Asian and Western, including the guzheng and guqin, both types of Chinese zithers; the dongxiao, a Chinese flute; piano; cello; and more Songs in different languages will be performed to honor fathers, grandfathers and great-grand fathers, and there will also be a traditional dance.
The young performers include Sophie Wu, Audrey Carra, Brian Wu, Neva Liu, Mason Wu and Jennifer Qiu.
The Summer Musical Gig on
Both are vocalists, and Biggs is also a guitarist — among multiple roles in the local music world.
Chief among them are her triple hats with the Abita Springs Opry, where she is a board member, one of two backstage managers and an original member of the Steve Anderson Band, said to be the Opry’s favorite house band.
Playing with Martin, a new resident of Avanti, and Biggs will be Kent Barkley, banjo; Bulla Arceneaux, guitar; Charles Macgowan, bass; Alfred Pertuit, guitar; and Danielle Daigle, also guitar All
five sing vocals along with Biggs and Martin
The band will perform country numbers, as well as original music written by band members.
For further information, call (985) 317-6110, said event spokesperson Tina Soong
It’s almost time for another pet-friendly Larry Brew Fest for people who love dogs and good beer PROVIDED PHOTO
focused on improving veteran mental health and helping prevent veteran suicide through humor and camaraderie. Doors and dinner 6:30 p.m.; showtime 7:30 p.m. GA tickets $20; with BBQ buffet and premium seating, $50. Vet discount at
in shades of blue and gold is encouraged to better enjoy the live jazz, a spirited round of bingo, brunch, signature drinks, and a silent auction that includes some of carefully curated experiences. All proceeds help ensure that children in need are celebrated on their birthdays. Individual tickets $135 at www.brookeitforward.org.
Mandolinist and singer Lou Martin
Guitarist and singer Jan Biggs
Samantha Rodosta, Shyanne Boyer
Johnny Macheca, Jamie Macheca, Alison Arnold
Jeffery Acosta, Jessica Acosta, Lucy Reynolds
Deborah Suriff, Carol Pequeno
PHOTO BY BOBBY GILBOY
Cara Barry, Dennis Glass, Melissa Mullis
Jenna Richard, Bridget Boudreaux, Roy Burns III enjoy the spring season’s final Columbia Street Block Party on May 29.
THEATER
FROZEN: The Cutting Edge Center of the Arts, previously known as Cutting Edge Theater, continues with “Frozen” weekends through June 20 at 767 Robert Blvd. Based on the popular animated Disney feature film of the same name, the show includes songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written just for the stage The show, set in the mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, features princesses Anna, played by Jesi Abney and Elsa, portrayed by Emily Roy. The sisters grow up sheltered in 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 the hardworking Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven and a special snowman named Olaf to find Elsa and bring her home. It s a powerful tale on finding the real meaning of true love Tickets at https://www.cuttingedgetheater. com/event.
CHICKEN RANCH: 30 by Ninety Theatre presents “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” with a large cast blending seasoned community theater veterans and stage newcomers in this wellknown Rated R musical comedy weekends June 13–28 in Mandeville. This happy-go-lucky view of smalltown vice and statewide political side-stepping recounts the good times and the demise of the Chicken Ranch, known since the 1850s as one of the better “pleasure palaces” in Texas. Governors senators, mayors and even victorious college football teams flocked to Miss Mona’s cozy bordello until their Puritan nemesis, Watchdog, focused his TV cameras and righteous indignation on the the ranch. Based on the story by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson with music and lyrics by Carol Hall. Jason Leader is directing; Jonathan Sturcken is directing the music; Frank Gonzalez, the band; and Halle Koepp, the choreography. Elizabeth Hartnett as the sharp-witted madam co-stars with James Rivard as Sheriff Earl Dodd, the local lawman who is fiercely protective of Mona and her business Shows at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. at 880 Lafayette St.; tickets $27-$34 at 30byninety.org/shows
GIRLS GET AFTER IT: The musical comedy “9 to 5” continues at Evangeline Theater in Mandeville on weekends through June 21. With the music of Dolly Parton and the book by Patricia Renick, the production is based on the hit movie (with Parton, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda) about three female co-workers who team up to take control of their workplace from a sexist, bigot of a boss, played by Michael Lloyd Graves. It’s an empowering tale of friendship, revenge and standing up for what’s right. Nicole Bariwick portrays Violet; Emily Carmadelle is Doralee; and Brandi Lopez plays Judy Directed by Gordon and Emily Carmadelle, with music direction by Reagan Hightower. Additional cast includes Cat Schully-Williams, Patty Blanchard, Bella Rusche, Casey Lipscomb, Barrett Baumgart-
ner, 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.
MUSIC
LISTEN: The Jump Hounds perform June 11 in the Listening Room, a closequarters entertainment venue for serious listeners inside the Lobby Lounge in Slidell. This New Orleansbased sextet specializes in jump, or jump jazz, a style originating 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. To keep alive this often-overlooked music, the Jump Hounds play a mix of Jump Era classics and original compositions within the genre. Lobby Lounge doors inside the Harbor Center open at 6:30 p.m.; music 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 100 Harbor Center Blvd. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
welcome to play and sing favorite pieces of Celtic music. Visit thesession.org/tunes to find music catalogue or go to nstms.org for details.
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 continues in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall, 2055 Second St., in
BEGINNER’S BLUEGRASS: Free Slow Jam on June 8 (every second Monday) from 3 p.m. to 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/.
IRISH: Free traditional Irish session June 18 (every third Thursday) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in back room of Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St. Musicians and music-lovers
ENCHANTING: “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. It’s a concert is for people of all ages to enjoy music made by people of all ages. 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.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Earl Poole plays Kristoff
Zoey Benedic plays Olaf
PROVIDED PHOTO BY LEYLA’S PHOTO MAGIC Michael D Graves will portray the bigoted bossman.
