Tornadic winds in and around Eden Isles bust up cars, homes, businesses
BY WILLIE SWETT
said. Outside, he saw tree limbs flying by the hotel windows. Afterward, the exterior of one side of the hotel appeared to have been ripped off. Nearby the wind had torn through an exterior wall of a building that once housed Town and Country Fine foods. Several nearby trees also were down “I was just on summer vacation. I’m from Texas and my family is in Alabama, and we met in the middle,” Akers said. Her car windshield is cracked and her side mirrors damaged. Still, she said it could have been much worse, and she was thankful she and her
St. Tammany Parish voters will have their say June 27 on up to 11 different ballot items, from deciding major party candidates for one of the state’s U.S. Senate seats to local referendums on millage renewals for the sheriff’s office, the parish mosquito abatement district and more. Each of the 171 precincts in St. Tammany will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on June 27. Early voting started June 12 and concluded June 20. Chronic voters will pay close attention to renewals on tap for both the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement District No. 1. Under normal circumstances, both would be considered sure things for renewal, but local voters have been especially tax-averse in recent years. The recent arrest of St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith,
BY JOLIE LINDLEY Contributing
St. Tammany Health System nurse navigator Kristi Lamarque-Bordelon’s drive and advocacy to better support families grieving infant loss recently propelled the state legislature to pass Louisiana’s new Perinatal Bereavement Care Initiative, also known as Angel’s Law. Gov. Jeff Landry signed the bill on June 1. The bill calls for every hospital in Louisiana that provides maternity or neonatal services to
PHOTOS BY MATT DOBBINS
New code enforcement procedures taking effect in Slidell
Staff reports
The city of Slidell’s new code enforcement process, designed to be faster, clearer and more responsive, should be fully implemented this summer The changes are based on Ordinance 4258 adopted in October
The new process includes a faster hearing, with 15 days’ notice; streamlined rules for property nuisances, including junk, unsafe structures, high grass, graffiti and trash can pickup; and new hearing fees (minimum $250) and potential fines. In the coming months, the city said residents may see new violations posted that reflect this process and said employees with the Department of Public Operations, Code Enforcement Division, aim to be “reasonable, transparent and considerate” as new changes are implemented.
For Slidell residents and business owners, the bottom line means more violation notices posted around the city, and for violations not resolved, a date may be set for a government decision more quickly and a minimum $250 hearing fee will be assessed to the property owner The process should work this way: A violation notice is issued, and if the violation is not addressed, then a hearing is
ROUNDUP
scheduled with 15 days’ notice provided. At the hearing, a judgment may be issued with fines, penalties and potential city correction ordered at the expense of the property owner City officials added anyone who receives a notice should correct the violation or contact the city right away to get questions answered by calling the Department of Building Safety at (985) 6464300 or codeenforcement@cityofslidell.org.
Residents who see junk, high grass, or debris may submit a complaint at https://myslidell. com/planning/code-enforcementcomplaint-form/.
Branton reappointed to parish library board
The head of St. Tammany Parish’s library board, appointed by the Parish Council following years of turmoil over minors’ access to library books with LGBTQ+ themes and sexual content, will remain on the board for five more years.
Charles “Chuck” Branton was first appointed to the seven-person Library Board of Control in February 2025 to finish the term of
another member who had resigned from the board. Branton eventually became chair of the board. During his short tenure as board chair, Branton, a lawyer, has helped the library system successfully campaign for a tax renewal and helped lead the search for a new library director after the former director left last fall He has also at times sparked controversy, at one point drawing condemnation from Parish President Mike Cooper for having a conservative activist use AI to create a job posting for the new library director
Branton was not at the council meeting because he was delayed returning from his daughter’s wedding, but in a statement read aloud by a council member, Branton touted his experience as a library director in Richland Parish from 1978 to 1981. He also highlighted his efforts on last year’s successful library tax campaign, and his work on “policies designed to protect children from sexually explicit materials.”
But some others said under Branton, the library system has increased censorship and has shown bias by meeting with groups like the Slidell Minister’s Association and not others like St. Tammany Library Alliance, a citizens’ group formed in response to what its members said were efforts to censor material at public libraries.
After his term expired earlier this month, Branton’s reappointment came before the St. Tammany Parish Council on June 4. A Covington resident and retired Air Force commander Col. Jason Trew, also was nominated for the position.
Library board appointments have been politically charged for four years in St. Tammany, where, amid some residents’ outcry over books with LGBTQ+ themes and sexual content, the Parish Council turned its attention to the board, overhauling its membership and sparking an unsuccessful federal lawsuit
Trew meanwhile, described his love of books and argued that his work on resolving disagreements in both military and civilian life prepared him for the fraught situation at the library He is an adjunct professor at Savannah College of Art and Design, has taught leadership workshops at companies like Procter & Gamble, and, while in the military, negotiated with Russian forces, his résumé says.
Much of the discussion about the two candidates came from members of the public, who took markedly differing views of Branton’s tenure on the board.
Branton’s supporters, some of them from conservative or religious groups, said he brought stability to the library board and helped ensure that inappropriate books were out of the hands of children.
Judge William H. Burris took the oath of office on June 17 in New Orleans to become an Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. Burris represents the First Judicial District, which includes portions of Orleans, Livingston, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, Washington and Tangipahoa parishes.
A native of Franklinton, Burris earned a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and a Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Southern University Law Center He began his legal career as an attorney in Baton Rouge, then entered private practice before joining the 22nd Judicial District Court in 2018.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Louisiana Supreme Court Justice William H. Burris, right, takes the oath of office administered by his father, retired 22nd Judicial District Judge William J. Burris, on June 17 in New Orleans. Justice Burris’ wife, Lacy Caine Burris, holds the Bible during the swearing-in ceremony. The younger Burris also sat on the 22nd Judicial District bench before winning a special election to fill the First District seat on the Louisiana Supreme Court earlier this spring
As chief judge of the 22nd JDC, Burris presided over general jurisdiction matters. From 2018 to 2020, he oversaw the Washington Parish Adult Drug Court and from 2020 until his election to the Supreme Court, he managed the 22nd JDC
Reentry Court, focusing on offender rehabilitation and workforce development Burris also has served in the House of Delegates for
ARTHUR
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family were safe.
The National Weather Service could not confirm as of that day whether a tornado had caused the damage but said that with further analysis, there was possibly a weak tornado or two. Almost every street in Eden Isles had branches down and there was minor damage to some homes there and in other area neighborhoods.
According to Brian Macaluso, a spokesperson for St. Tammany Fire Protection District No. 1, the winds near Eden Isles clocked between 90 and 100 mph.
On Marina Drive, just off Interstate 10, Julie Bylsma was outside her home in bare feet raking leaves and shaking her head later that morning The railing and the frame that held up the awning of her second story balcony had fallen, but she didn’t notice the ruckus “I slept through all of it,” she said. Elsewhere on Marina Drive, Troy Ingram was sitting outside, surveying the
branches strewn around his front yard, as he waited for his neighbor to get a trailer to haul debris. A large branch off his Bradford Pear tree lay across
his yard, but his house was largely spared. “We dodged a bullet today We really did. This could have been bad.” Firefighters at St. Tammany Fire District No. 1’s
the Louisiana Bar Association. He was an executive board member of the Louisiana District Judges Association and has served as chair of the LDJA/DOC Joint Committee. He also previously served as bresident of the Franklinton Chamber of Commerce. Burris is an ordained deacon at First Baptist Church in Franklinton. He is married to Lacy Caine Burris, and they have two children. Burris succeeds former Associate Justice William J Crain, who retired effective December 2025, following his appointment to the U.S District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. First Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Allison H. Penzato, who served as Supreme Court Justice pro tempore since December 2025, has returned to full service at the First Circuit Court of Appeal.
nearby Station 16 said they responded to multiple accidents that morning as heavy rain and high winds affected visibility Winds blew some of the department’s equipment into a nearby canal and firefighters also responded to an 18-wheeler turned over near an Interstate 10 exit.
Daniel Seuzeneau, interim Slidell police chief, said officers observed many people driving through floodwaters, which can push water onto homes and businesses, and some cars also stalled in standing water on Gause Boulevard, one of the city’s main thoroughfares. A few houses and businesses also took on minimal amounts of water, he said.
And yet, despite the challenges the parish faced, including trees hitting houses and one tree even hitting a moving car, Clint Ory, the parish’s emergency operations director said there were no reported injuries in the parish in connection with the storm.
“As bad as all this is — and it sure looks like a tornado (hit near Slidell) — for what happened, we are really very very fortunate,” Ory said.
Asked about the Library Alliance in an interview a few days after the vote, Branton said, “These people have threatened me and said they ‘know where you live.’” He added, “I refuse to meet with a group that has attacked me. I don’t see anything to be gained.”
In an interview responding to Branton’s claims, Kristen Luchsinger, a co-founder of the Library Alliance, said she didn’t believe Branton had been threatened and asked him to show proof. “You just don’t like to meet with people who disagree with you,” she said of Branton.
Following a brief debate among council members, the council ultimately voted 9-4 to reappoint Branton, with council member Rick Smith absent.
In a statement, Cooper said he was “grateful for (Branton)’s continued commitment to serving the citizens of St. Tammany.”
Willie Swett
POLLS
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is seen by some as a setback for the 4.31-mill tax renewal that helps fund salaries and benefits of the department’s patrol officers.
The 10-year millage, first approved in 1978, expires next year Supporters say losing that funding could lead to significant budget cuts that likely would reduce the number of rank-and-file deputies working in the parish.
Meanwhile, St. Tammany Parish mosquito control officials hope that the agency’s belt-tightening will convince voters to renew a 10-year 2.95 mill property tax that will generate $9.3 million per year and serve as the sole source of revenue for keeping the insects and diseases they carry in check
The 2.95-mill tax rate would begin in 2028 if approved by voters. That’s lower than the 4.2-mill tax that won 64% of the vote in 2016.
The owner of a $300,000 home would pay about $65 a year if the renewal passes.
The district rolled back its current millage to 2.27 mills, cut its budget by 11% this year and is using reserve funds, said department director Kevin Caillouet said. Reductions were made by having employees pick up part of the cost of their health care, as well as cutting travel and training spending. Three vacant administrative posts also were kept vacant to help save taxpayer money
None of the cuts have affected operations, Caillouet said. The agency has 28 fulltime employees and also has part-time workers during the more active summer months.
Slidell voters will cast a ballot on a 4.37-mill continuation that would generate $1.49 million to pay for garbage collection, and another 4.45-mill tax continuation that would generate $1.52 million to pay for sewage infrastructure. If the renewals don’t pass, the taxes will stop generating revenue at the end of this year, Mayor Randy Fandal said In the Madisonville area, voters will weigh a 10-year, 20.62-mill property tax renewal to fund operations for St. Tammany Parish Fire Protection District. No. 2. The renewal would raise an estimated $7.466 million annually In the Folsom area, voters are asked to support a 10year, 10-mill renewal to support parish Recreation District No. 12. The tax would raise an estimated $505,000 annually to cover operational costs at Magnolia Park, the hub of recreation in the northwest corner of the parish. And in the Abita Springs area, Recreation District No. 11 officials are asking voters to consider a 20-year, 9.26mill property tax that would replace the 9.26-mill tax approved by district voters in 2021.
Also, some Southeast Louisiana voters can cast ballots in Republican Party run-offs for the District 1 seat on both the Public Service Commission and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Stefanie Hilferty and John Young are in the running for the PSC and Joseph Cao and Ellie Schroder face off for the District 1 BESE seat. Voters statewide will have a say in run-offs to determine the candidate who will replace current U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy on Capitol Hill. Gary Crocket and Jamie Davis face-off for the Democratic nomination while John Fleming and Julia Letlow are vying for the Republican nod. Cassidy finished third in the Republican primary behind Letlow, a current member of the U.S. House, and Fleming, who is state treasurer Sara Pagones contributed to this report
Email Andrew Canulette at acanulette@ sttammanyfarmer.net
Branton
PROVIDED PHOTO BY ST TAMMANY FIRE DISTRICT NO 1 Damaged home in Eden Isles on Thursday
STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Waffle House employees secure a sign that came apart by winds during Tropical Storm Arthur as it moved through the Slidell area.
STAFF PHOTO BY WILLIE SWETT
The exterior of the Wyndham Hotel in Eden Isles in St. Tammany Parish was damaged due to high winds on June 18.
Streetlights going dark where voters defeated funding
BY KIM CHATELAIN
Contributing writer
Streetlights were expected to go out in several Covington area subdivisions beginning the week of June 22 by virtue of the voters’ recent rejection of a 1-mill tax to keep their neighborhoods illuminated.
About 150 light poles in St Tammany Parish’s Lighting District No. 16 will be phased out of service over the coming weeks, and all streetlights in the district will be turned off by July 6, parish officials said.
However, residents in the affected areas can request that individual light poles be illuminated.
In such cases, the cost imposed by CLECO for providing the streetlight under a type of “adopt a light pole” program will appear on the monthly bill of the person who makes the request, parish officials
said That cost is likely to range between $12-$16 a month, based on the type of streetlight, officials said.
Individual homeowners’ associations within the district could also decide to work out a lighting plan with CLECO, parish administrators said
Customers are asked to call CLECO at (800) 622-6537 for details on the program
Voters in Lighting District No.16, which encompasses Crestwood Estates several other neighborhoods northeast of Interstate 12 and U.S.
190 near Emerald Forest Boulevard, voted down a proposition to renew taxes that provide the sole funding for streetlights. Lighting districts are special taxing areas where the voters agree to dedicate funds for public lighting. Had it passed, the tax for Light-
ANGEL’S LAW
Continued from page 1A
care includes making sure families are given more time to grieve after a stillborn birth or the birth of an infant with only a very brief time to live.
“For me, losing my own daughter is what propelled me into healthcare and pushed me into being a nurse and into the labor and delivery world,” LamarqueBordelon said. “I tell families all the time, ‘I do not know your pain. Everyone’s pain is different, and what it means to each family is different. But I do understand your pain.’” Angel’s Law care requires that hospitals provide access to perinatal cooling devices such, as a Caring Cradle or a CuddleCot, which slow down biological effects related to the loss, thereby giving parents more time to grieve with their infants and to preserve memories with photos and footprints or handprints, if desired
The bill also calls for specialized training for hospital personnel and assistance with bereavement services such as grief counseling and support groups.
As a nurse navigator Lamarque-Bordelon works with labor and delivery nurses to make sure that families experiencing loss are treated with empathy and dignity, and getting this bill passed will help provide even more training for healthcare professionals to give better support to griefstricken loved ones.
St. Tammany Health System Chief Nursing Officer Kerry Milton said she welcomed Lamarque-Bordelon’s championing of the initiative that will provide hospitals with more resources
ing District No. 16 would have cost the owner of a $200,000 home about $20 a year Crestwood Estates has 84 light poles, the largest number of any neighborhood in the district, parish officials said.
That western St Tammany lighting district was one of three in the parish where voters overwhelmingly rejected referendums to renew taxes for lighting at their current levels.
The District 16 proposition would have generated approximately $42,100 annually for a period of 10 years to fund public streetlights. As of earlier this month, approximately $10,000 remained in the district’s account which was expected to fund operations through mid-June 2026.
On May 16, voters in two other St. Tammany Parish lighting districts also defeated streetlight funding propositions. The lighting
INFORMATION ON ANGEL’S LAW
n To read or made contact for more information, search online for: St.Tammany Health Infant Bereavement Support Services online at https:// www.sttammany.health/ BereavementServices
n Caring Cradle Angel’s Law informational page at https:// www.caringcradle.com/angelslaw-sb32
n Cuddle Cot Angel’s Law informational page at https:// cuddlecot.com/angels-lawpassed/
n Text of Act. No. 346 — Angel’s Law or https:// www.legis.la.gov/ Legis/ViewDocument. aspx?d=1478288
to help families.
“Of all the sad things in life, one of the saddest is the loss of a child especially a stillborn birth or an infant born with only a few hours left to live. It’s important we care for patients in all circumstances, and this is one of those where we knew we could do a better job We knew there was equipment out there that would help us “ Milton said. Lamarque-Bordelon said that in her role as a nurse navigator, she employs all the tools at her disposal to help families in each unique situation, such as when a family knows ahead of time they will be suffering a loss.
“Sometimes we have families who have babies who are not compatible with life. When they get those diagnoses, they can conference with me and our team and work through the needs that best fit their family I can’t change the diagnosis, but I can do everything in my
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry gives St. Tammany Health System Bereavement Nurse Navigator Kristi LamarqueBordelon the pen he used to sign Angel’s Law.
power to help them when the baby arrives.”
Other times, the diagnosis is sudden, and that requires a different skillset.
“In that case, we have to jump into action I can help the families navigate in a traumatic situation. They need someone who can offer all the support we have to give and say, ‘This is what we can do for you and your family.’ A lot of times they have no idea, but are so thankful.”
Milton praised LamarqueBordelon’s work: “This is so important to her; her skill set is aligned with this. She’s experienced such grief of her own and has lived it, which makes her so compassionate in this role.”
The beginning
The idea for Angel’s Law came from Lamarque-Bordelon’s work starting an infant loss bereavement support group at St. Tammany Hospital.
“With the support group, we wanted families to be able to come and sit and have conversations and a commonality Then, hearing people’s experiences from
taxes were on the same ballot as a series of constitutional amendments that voters rejected. Street lights in the Lighting District No 4, which serves a significant portion of western Slidell, and in District No. 9, which serves the area generally southeast of I-10 near South Military Road in the Slidell area, are expected to go out early next year as those entities run out of funding.
Parish officials said they believe voters were in a “no” mode for the May 16 ballot.
“I was shocked,” said St. Tammany Parish Councilman Larry Rolling, who represents part of Lighting District 16. “I think people got caught up with the no vote. It was just no, no, no…right down the line.”
All three propositions were soundly defeated. In District 16, 61% of voters were opposed. In
other places, made me realize we could do more. Everly’s Law, a similar bill, got passed in Texas, and it made me want to be a leader for our state, and I thought we could do this.”
Lamarque-Bordelon said she went back to her earliest education to review how a bill gets written and passed, to get the ball rolling in the state legislature.
“I’m a really great nurse, but bill-making was not on my agenda,” she said.
She said she wrote how she thought it could work and approached Sen. Patrick McMath’s office with the idea, eventually working with his staffers to craft the Senate proposal. “They had no idea what families go through; they were crying on the first phone call. The senator was an absolute ‘yes.’ He was blown away and had no idea how often this occurs in the state,”
Lamarque-Bordelon started conversations about the proposed bill in September 2025 and said she was pleasantly surprised at how quickly the process moved through the legislature.
“I’ve been told this doesn’t happen this way It was quick. I believe when people heard what it is and how important it is, they wanted to move on it.”
She testified in front of the Senate Health and Wellness Committee first, which led to numerous emails from senators requesting more information. “They didn’t understand that hospitals in Louisiana didn’t have what they needed to provide these resources in a time of grief. We can always do better in healthcare. When you touch on people’s hearts, it highlights that when people know what this is, they want it done. They know it’s the right thing to do,” she said.
Lamarque-Bordelon said
District 4, 71% were opposed while 68% voted no in District 9. Voter turnout in the three districts ranged between 25% and 30%.
The Parish Council is considering placing the three propositions back on the ballot in either December or April 2027 Because these taxes are collected through annual property tax bills, funding would not be received until the end of 2027 or the beginning of 2028, regardless of which election date is selected.
A news release issued by the parish government acknowledges the loss of street lighting will affect residents in the three lighting districts and understands the concerns this may create. However, because the districts are funded by voter-approved dedicated revenues, streetlight service can only continue while sufficient funds remain in each district’s account.
awareness and access to resources is key She cited CDC statistics showing there are between 21,000 to 22,000 stillbirths in the United States each year and that one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage.
“We honor mothers and families in their space, whether they want to spend time with stillborn baby or not. We need to give them the choice. We want women to know that we will remember them and their baby’s name and give them the compassionate care they deserve.”
McMath agreed that the bill would be beneficial to the state.
“When Kristi shared her vision — inspired by similar legislation passed in Texas — I knew this law would elevate the level of care for families experiencing unimaginable loss,” McMath said. “I am proud to author Angel’s Law and grateful to my colleagues for their support,” he said. Rep. Kim Carver introduced the bill on the House floor, and it passed both chambers unanimously, with 118 lawmakers signing on as co-authors. Milton pointed out that the bill does not provide for full funding of the initiative, especially for providing the cooling devices to hospitals.
“We are certainly looking for community support for the hospitals that don’t have the necessary equipment,” she said. The bill states that the Louisiana Department of Health may seek funding from any voluntary sources, including grants and donations.
Lamarque-Bordelon said she hopes all families will now have greater awareness of the possibilities for support in Louisiana when suffering an infant loss, whether expected or unexpected
“I would tell them there are now ways out there to have additional time with your baby and make memories and to know that’s it OK to ask for it. And as a hospital system, you are going to walk away with mental health resources from us. Navigating child loss is very hard, and they need the support whatever that looks like for families, be it a counselor, support group, Zoom meeting, or other online resources,” she said.
“If a hospital does a good job on the front end, then the mother’s and family’s trauma is lessened in the long run. But it also helps even more when they get support on the back end. It helps them cope going forward.”
Relaxing in Bayou Liberty, where the living is easy
Arabella and Sky Stewart get some heat relief in the Heritage Park splash pad.
PHOTOS BY MATT DOBBINS
What could be a better time than playing in the water with your grandfather?
This is what a dog’s day afternoon in Bayou Bonfouca looks like.
Thereisonly ONE REAL REPUBLICAN for Public ServiceCommissioner
HILFERTYWRONG ON LOWERING
TAXES
Hilferty voted for GovernorJohn Bel Edwards’ nearly $1 billion taxincrease,making Louisiana’ssales tax the highestinthe nation. (Source: HB 62, 2016)
HILFERTYWRONG ON PROTECTING VICTIMS
Hilferty turned againstthe Louisiana DistrictAttorneys when voting for theDemocrat-ledCriminal Justice Reforms,which lessened penalties, lessened mandatoryminimums, and weakened the three-strikes rules forcertain habitual offenders. (Source: SB 221/Act 282, 2017 Regular Session; SB 220/Act281,2017Regular Session)
HILFERTYWRONG ON PROMOTING INSURANCE REFORM
Hilferty,the wife of atrial lawyer,sided with trial lawyers and votedagainst the Republican supported, LABI-backed tortreform measure, which would havelowered personal injuryexposureand cutdown insurance premiums. (Source: HB 597, 2020 Regular Session)
HILFERTY WRONG ON PROTECTING STUDENTSFROMDIVISIVE CONCEPTS
Louisiana Republicansadvanced multiple bills to ban “divisive concepts”inschoolsand limit discussion on race. Hilferty brokewith the GOPby opposing Republican backed Critical Race Theorycurriculum restrictionbills. She took her liberal position national taking center stageonCNN to bash afellowRepublican. (Source: House Education Committee2021, May4,2021, CNN)
HILFERTYWRONG ON PROTECTING PARENTAL RIGHTS
Hilferty was one of only fiveRepublicans who voted againstasking for parental consent before ateacher could use astudent’s preferred pronouns. Hilferty supported the use of they/themwithout parental approval, putting her squarely at odds with herown party.Hilferty voted to allow teacherstotalk withstudents about sexual orientation and gender identity. Hilferty voted to let state government conducta survey on students’ sexual practices. (Source: HB 402,2016;HB837,2022;HB466,2023;HB81, 2023)
HILFERTYWRONG ON GOP-BACKED CLASSROOM PROTECTIONS
Hilferty opposed aGOP bill banning classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity. She doubled down and voted a second time to give teachers permissiontoteach LGBTQ issueswith minors. (Source: HB466, 2023)
HILFERTYWRONG ON PROTECTING CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY
Hilferty brokesharply with the GOPby voting againstone of theparty’s core SecondAmendment priorities to allow constitutional carry of aweapon. (Source:SB1, Second ExtraordinarySession, 2024)
HILFERTYWRONG ON PROTECTING CHILDREN
St. Tammanylegislators wanted to havethe abilitytorestructurethe libraryboardinhopes thattheycould keep sexually explicit or inappropriate booksout of the reach of minors. Hilferty votedagainstSt. Tammanylegislators even though everyNorthshorelegislator voted YEA to protectchildren. (Source: HB 974, Act 647, 2024 Regular Session)
HILFERTYWRONG ON STOPPING GAMBLING EXPANSION
Hilferty supported expandingcasinos, horse racing, riverboat gambling, virtual sports betting,and even voted to give casinos and race track slots an $83 million tax break. (Source: SB 525, SB 316, HB 484,2018 Regular Session; SB 5, 2020 1st ExtraordinarySession)
HILFERTYWRONG ON BEING ASOCIAL LIBERAL
Hilferty voted to legalize raw/smokable medical marijuana and supported creating special housing protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, reflectingher socially liberalpolicypositions (Source: HB 391, 2021; HB 303, 2022)
HILFERTY WRONG ONGOVERNMENTSPENDING AT THETAXPAYER’S EXPENSE
Hilferty voted to give the legislature$1.4billion moretospend than the constitution wouldhaveotherwise allowed. Hilferty took education taxreliefawayfromLouisiana families and redirected the resulting revenue,giving the government tens of millions of dollars to spend at our expense. (Source:SCR 3, 2023; HB 2, 2016 1st ExtraordinarySession)
HILFERTYWRONG ON KEEPING SANCTUARYCITIES
Only twoRepublicans took awalk to letNew Orleansremainasanctuarycity,Hilferty was one of them. Herabsence was asnub to law enforcement. (Source:SB208, 2024)
HILFERTYWRONG ON ETHICS
Over nearly 12 years in office, Hilferty repeatedly sidestepped taking aclear position on contentious votes by voting “present”onthe initial roll call and then being absent when abill came up for avote. Hilferty missed roughly one in four votes where Democratsand Republicans were at odds Shetook 100% of her daily paystipend, but didn’t vote 100% of the time.Unethical. (Source:Legislative Roll Calland
VotesCast by Representative Hilferty, 2016-2026)
ONL JOHNYOUNG C LLED FOR HE PSC TO IN ESTIG E M GNOLI TER.
As Public Service Commissioner,hereishow Iwill bringgreater transparency, accoun and financial relieftoyou. Iwill:
•Open adocket,onday one, to conduct athoroughauditand investigation of the rate increases
•Hold the companyaccountable for improving water clarity, cleanliness, and reliability
• Expectthe companyto greatly improve customer service
•Expectthe companytoprovide you with timely responses, clear explanations,and consistent supp
•Pursue both stateand federalfunding to offsetinfrastructureupgrade costs and reduce your financial burden
•Ensuremoreproductive communication between the PSC and the Departments of Health and Environmental Quality
•Collaboratewith Magnolia Water scientists and engineers to identifywaystostabilize and reduce today’sunusually high water and sewer costs ntabilit , port
25 years ago
The Louisiana State Legislature has passed a law authorizing a 10th judge for St. Tammany and Washington parishes and, ultimately, the elimination of the district’s commissioner If Gov Foster signs the legislation into law, the new judge will take office beginning Jan. 1, 2003. Earlier this year, the judges asked the Legislature to renew for another two years, the legislation creating the commissioner’s job. The state Supreme Court has ruled, however, that most of the commissioner’s powers violate a state constitutional requirement that judges be elected. The 1998 bill creating the position runs through August 2002. Jim Gleason, the commissioner appointed by the nine sitting judges, will remain in the office until that time.
In the meantime, the district judges reevaluated their request for at least three new judges for the 22nd Judicial District. Officials said a thorough review of the formula for determining a judge’s caseload showed the court only needed one new
judge. The Legislature agreed and allotted one new judge to the district whose annual salary will be $114,282.
50 years ago
The final remaining link of Interstate 12 to complete the roadway from Baton Rouge to Slidell will be officially opened to traffic following dedication ceremonies this Fri., June 25, at 11 a.m.
Gov Edwin Edwards will be principal speaker for the late morning opening ceremonies to be held on I-12 at the U.S. 190 interchange near Covington. The tentative program calls for 13th District Sen. W. E “Bill” Dykes to be master of ceremonies.
Other area legislators participating in the program are 12th District Sen. B.B “Sixty” Rayburn, 73rd District Rep. Dennis Paul Hebert, 76th District Rep. Edward Cecil Scogin, and 74th District Rep. R.H. “Bill” Strain.
The mileage and cost of construction in St. Tammany Parish for 34 miles for $36 million. Interstate 12 was originally conceived in the National Defense System of Highways
to make a shorter east-west connection between Baton Rouge and Slidell, as the major east-west roadway (Interstate 10) dips southward through the huge New Orleans complex before extending eastward.
75 years ago
Not only is Covington famous for being a healthy spot, but if incidents continue to happen as they have in the past few weeks, the town will become known as “Honest Covington” to tourists passing through and having the misfortune of losing articles.
A couple from Vicksburg, Miss., was through here a couple of weeks ago, and during their stop at a local service station, the wife left her ring when she went in to wash her hands. The couple, Mr and Mrs. Forrest Colebank, didn’t discover their loss before they had driven on to Tylertown, Miss. After discovering she had left her ring, Mrs. Colebank immediately began calling back to places at which they had stopped. At the time, they had no idea where the ring was left, and so, got out a road map and de-
At a special June 16 meeting of the Covington City Council, members unanimously endorsed Mayor Mark Johnson’s choice of Kevin Collins, left, as the city’s new police chief to replace retiring Chief Mike Ferrell, right, who is leaving to go fishing, play golf, spend more time with his family and rest up after a long career in law enforcement. Johnson and the council praised Ferrell for his service and welcomed Collins, who is stepping up from his role as the department’s deputy chief to the department’s leader.
cided it was Covington. They couldn’t even remember the kind of products the station sold. When they called Covington, they described the place to the telephone operator who put them through to Bill Pugh’s station on Boston Street. They got in touch with Bill, and he told them it wasn’t his station but was probably Stan Marsolan’s place at the corner of Boston and Columbia.
Next day in Vicksburg, Mrs Colebank talked with Stan and he said he would inquire about the ring. Sure enough, next week, the ring arrived at Mrs. Colebank’s home in Vicksburg.
100 years ago
$25 REWARD: For information leading to arrest and conviction of party or parties who broke into Morgan’s Bath House, at Abita Springs on Mon., June 21, and stole bathing suits, etc. 125 years ago
The Mandeville Telephone Exchange of the Cumberland Company has been completed, and we have learned there are about 35 subscribers, which is a very good list to start with.
SCHOOLS
Chamber of Commerce gives scholarships to three
The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce awarded $1,000 scholarships to three outstanding St. Tammany graduating high school seniors, from left, Gianna LeBreton, Slidell High; Leah James, Lakeshore High; and Aubree Arthur, Mandeville High. The scholarships were funded with proceeds from the chamber’s March 2026 Swinging for Scholarships Golf Tournament. Arthur and LeBreton will attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette this fall, while James will head off to LSU in Baton Rouge.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Staff report
Southeastern Louisiana University two-term Student Government Association President Maria Nechaeva, of Slidell, has been selected to serve as a student member of the Louisiana Board of Regents — and made a bit of history in so doing.
A biological sciences major, Nechaeva will become the 47th student to serve a stint on the board, but the first Southeastern student chosen for that honor
The Board of Regents is a state agency created by the Louisiana Constitution to coordinate the efforts of the state’s 32 public colleges, universities, and professional school. It is responsible for strategic master planning, budgeting and performance funding, program approval and termination, and the allocation of the Regents Support Fund.
Nechaeva also recently concluded a term on the University of Louisiana System
Board of Supervisors, again as a student member
“It’s a huge honor to be elected to the Board of Regents. I’m truly thankful for the confidence placed in me and excited to get to work on representing student voices across the state,” Nechaeva said “I am looking forward to being part of such an important time for higher education.”
Nechaeva is a member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority and an officer of the group. Before she became the university’s SGA leader she oversaw its major campus events, including the planning of homecoming, in her earlier role as SGA director of traditions.
Southeastern President William S. Wainwright praised the appointment.
“She has done a remarkable job engaging our student body, and she embodies our core values of excellence and caring in every aspect of her leadership role,” he said.
Southeastern student from Slidell makes university history
Nechaeva
PHOTO BY BOBBY GILBOY
Classic cars and rock ’n’ roll beckon in TerraBella
The TerraBella village outside of Covington held a classic car show on June 13 that welcomed visitors to take a stroll down memory lane with a world of cars from the past and some favorite old rock ’n’ roll music. And it didn’t take a motor head to enjoy the gorgeous classic cars gathered for this free, family-friendly show
Cerise and Darin LeBoeuf check out one of the beautiful classics displayed.
PROVIDED PHOTO
These nasty little pests are a hot weather nuisance that can also make you very sick.
Southern summer heat comes with
legs, wings and stings
“I’m mehhhhlllllllting! Oh, what a world, what a world!”
The Wicked Witch of the West’s death soliloquy sums up my sentiments of the summer season in these parts as temperatures and humidity levels skyrocket
For as long as I can remember, I have never really liked summer I can tolerate upper 80s, but past that, I’ve not fared well, even as a child
This is also the time of year for thermostat wars in my house. If it were up to me, indoor temperatures during summer would hover between 67 and 69 degrees. My husband likes a “balmy” 75. When he’s out of the house, I take keen delight in cranking down the temps and I’ve also been known to do it when he’s there and Ithink I can get away with it
The current season brings, in my opinion, trappings that are a little less than desirable. Please pardon, or join me in my rant.
Ants, anyone?
“And they all go marching down. To the ground. To get out. Of the rain, boom, boom, boom.”
The last time I checked, my pantry was not on the ground; my house is 18 feet in the air Still, those tiny terrors can quickly train their eyes on a poorly fastened syrup bottle, start a party inside, and sound the silent alarm for their friends to join.
When I think I’ve drowned them in insect spray and return later to clean up,
their posse from another galaxy arrive in a neat little trail to a destination just a few feet away expertly avoiding the poison. And it’s just not summer in the deep South until you’re nearly asleep and hear the familiar highpitched erratic whine of a mosquito dancing around your ear
Aaarrrrgggh!
And finally shall we consider the roaches?
Palmetto bugs, cockroaches, call them what you will, they’re what we locals call roaches.
I’ve learned that heat increases both their metabolisms and appetites. Then they get frisky, and BOOM! The population explodes. The “big daddy” roaches, as my granddaughter used to call them, come equipped with wings that are not necessarily noticeable until they’re spread and setting a course for your hair Whether airborne or on land, roaches also like to move in a serpentine pattern, which is particularly exasperating when you’re somewhere between angry and nauseated. Heaven forbid they should land on your bare skin with their tiny suction cup feet. If you manage to swat one of them to the ground — and hopefully you’re wearing shoes — a good stomp of your foot will end it all.
If nothing else, the battle with the bugs is an incentive to keep my house clean sort of.
FUNDRAISERS
FROM SHADOW TO SPOTLIGHT
The St. Tammany Parish social calendar is filled with important events throughout theyear We’ve asked organizers to help us highlight people who work behind the scenes to quietly make our most beloved events successful
Slidell Heritage Fest gives to charities that give to others
BY JOLIE LINDLEY Contributing writer
Joining the Rotary Club led Slidell resident Aaron Hirsh to take an active role in making sure his city’s Heritage Festival runs smoothly each year Currently president of the Slidell North Shore chapter of Rotary, Hirsh volunteers as the vendors chair for the Heritage Festival board of directors, making sure that festivalgoers have plenty of good food and drinks, alongside arts and crafts.
Hirsh’s vendor management skills — which he modestly called “my little part of it” — keep the process running smoothly, his club said. From handling applications filed by potential vendors, to scheduling them and mapping out the venues. Hirsh also coordinates with the sheriff’s department for the sales tax forms for anyone selling anything at the event.
In other words, he does quite a bit.
Hirsh first became involved with the festival seven years ago.
“Through Rotary, I became a member of the Slidell Heritage Foundation board, which is made up of members from each club. I joined in 2019 because I really enjoy what Rotary does in the community through raising money for charities and doing good things for local citizens,” Hirsh said.
The first festival he helped plan was 2020’s when it was modified because of COVID, and he said it’s only gotten bigger
“We have a huge fireworks display that will be even bigger this year to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country,” he said. “We’ll have three well-known local bands performing on the stage that will hopefully draw in people We have a kids’ area, so it’s very family friendly It offers a lot — something for everyone.”
AARON HIRSH, Slidell Heritage Foundation board member
and better since then.
“It’s a lot of fun and a lot of work, but at the same time, we raise a lot of money through the festival for local charities we choose each year,” Hirsh said.
This year’s beneficiaries are the Slidell Police Association, Boy Scouts Cypress District, Integrative Warrior Assistance, Our Friends Closet and Community Christian Concern.
Hirsh said he’s been attending the festival since it started as a small event in John Slidell Park. It has since grown to occupy the larger Heritage Park, which has a stage perfect for performances, and he said the board expects as many as 6,000 festival visitors this year
“We have a huge fireworks display that will be even bigger this year to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country,” he said. “We’ll have three wellknown local bands performing on the stage that will hopefully draw in people. We have a kids’ area, so it’s very family friendly It offers a lot — something for everyone.” Hirsh hopes those in attendance enjoy themselves while also realizing that the festival is about giving back. “We want to drive home the point that this is about giving back to the community through donating to charities. Those charities then give back to the community, too. It’s full-circle. That can get lost in the fun of doing it.”
“We typically raise and give back around $5,000 per charity, or around $25,000 to $35,000 each year This year, we’re on track to be ahead of last year and give each charity a bit more because our new sponsorship chair has done a really good job. It all adds up; it’s a community effort. Local businesses all chip in. That’s why I like the festival. Everyone helps out in whatever way they can,” Hirsh said.
SLIDELL HERITAGE FESTIVAL
WHAT: Festival featuring food, drink, live music and much more.This year’s performers include Witness,The Molly Ringwalds, and Zebra.A fireworks display is set for 9 p.m.
WHEN: June 27, 5 p.m. — 11 p.m.
WHERE: Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Lane, Slidell
HOW MUCH: $15 plus ticketing fee; free for ages 12 and under HOW: Purchase online at https://www slidellheritagefest.org/
FILE STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
Teams are preparing for St Tammany’s annual eastwest red beans and rice competition to raise money for United Way.
BEAN TEAMS: Teams are busy preparing for St. Tammany’s dueling red beans and rice fundraisers to benefit the United Way of Southeast Louisiana. The first red beans and rice sale on behalf of the western section of the parish takes place July 27 in the Briggs Assembly Center at St. Paul’s in Covington, and on Aug. 3, the eastern section team will prepare and sell their lunches in Slidell Auditorium. Get more details as this annual red beans shoot-off approaches at UnitedWaySela. org/redbeans/. GO BANANAS: The American Legion Post 16 in Covington is beginning to prepare for its sixth annual Great American Legion Banana Split Celebration on Aug. 22, and they are looking for some volunteers — including a good-spirited one willing to dress as the banana-yellow event mascot. This event that has grown, and this year, profits made from the sale of old-fashioned banana splits and ice cream sundaes will be donated to the Northshore Food Bank. Volunteers are needed to help with all tasks related to staging and promoting the celebration, including someone familiar with Canva to provide exper-
tise in preparing event flyers. Potential volunteers are asked to call (985) 334-3036 or (985) 892-0677 to discuss or sign up.
BREWS & BARKS: Larry Brew Fest 2026 happens from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 27 at the Castine Center in Pelican Park near Mandeville, a celebration of craft beer, music, food and animal advocacy — all indoors in the AC. Every dollar raised will directly benefit Northshore Humane Society. Samples of 50-100 home-brewed beers from clubs across the state, all competing for a vote; more than 200 commercial beer, liquor and wine tastings. Live music, food and pets for adoption at this animalfriendly event. General admission tickets $50; earlyentry tickets $75; tickets at gate are more, so get them early through www.northshorehumane.org/larryfest.
Margaret Albert
Andrew Canulette, editor, St. Tammany Farmer
ENTERTAINMENT
of
and
Military comics doing stand-up show on July 3
BY DARREN COOPER
Contributing writer
The first time Josh Watts was on stage in front of the whole world, he fell asleep. It’s a great story.
LOUISIANA SEAFOOD COOK-OFF
Slidell chef invited back to cook for title
BY LISA VON EBERSTEIN Contributing writer
STARS, STRIPES &
Now, 24 years later, the 46-year-old Madisonville resident is an accomplished comedian, has been featured on a special on Prime Video and is one of the headliners of the military-centric Stars, Stripes and Stand-Up show at Covington Country Club on July 3.
STAND-UP
WHAT: A comedy benefit for veterans featuring comedians who also served in the military WHERE: Covington Country Club, 200 Country Club Drive
WHEN: Friday, July 3; doors and dinner at 6:30 p.m., showtime 7:30 p.m.
HOW MUCH: General admission tickets are $20; a full BBQ buffet and premium seating is available for $50.
EXTRAS: All proceeds from the show will benefit veteran causes. The show is open to the public, and club membership is not required to attend.
MORE INFO: www covington-countryclub com/article/starsstripes-stand-up---acomedy-benefit-forveterans.
“It’s a good, fun show It’s a chance to give back to veterans and bring the veteran community together (to) make some connections, laugh and have a good time,” Watts said. “Just come out and have fun.”
Watts and the other performers are all military veterans, and proceeds from the show will be donated to veterans’ organizations.
Watts was in the Air Force when he made his somewhat infamous worldwide debut.
Having joined the Air Force in 2000, he spent time in Afghanistan and was selected to sit in the audience behind President George W. Bush in uniform while he delivered a speech in 2002, just months after the 9/11 attacks.
The combination of the hot venue and nine-hour wait took its toll on Watts, who can be seen nodding off behind Bush during his speech.
“I have the YouTube video,” Watts said, still laughing. After getting seriously injured in a car accident and being medically discharged from the Air Force in 2005, Watts was working at a coffee shop when it held an acoustic music night. He told jokes over some chords and loved the audience reaction. Soon after he was traveling to every open mic night he could find.
“I have always been a jokester, and I always liked to laugh, but I never thought about doing it on stage,” Watts said. “I did Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts, and I would emcee shows. I liked entertaining people Then I found stand-up, and it fit I don’t know. Watts is now part of a group of comedians put together by Pete Thomas called “Laugh United,” a union of comedy veterans and military veterans who do comedy that tries to elevate the profile of military veterans as a group.
“We all get along,” Watts said of the troupe “Comedy is fun for me. I don’t see it as a competition. The more good comedy that there is out there, the better it is for everyone. We like to work together, and (we) work with comics coming through the area to get them multiple shows the same weekend so it pays off for them.” Watts’ humor has changed over time. He started off doing subtle observations about the world in a Jack Handy style, but after the birth of his kids, he realized that making himself the comedic figure in his act worked so much better Being a dad, husband and the guy who fell asleep behind the leader of the free world comes with plenty of material.
“I figured out that when you make yourself the punchline, no one can get mad,” said Watts. “I just want to have fun. I know I’m an idiot, and once I started talking about my kids and being a dad, I started getting booked at good shows and clubs.”
The July 3 show is open to the public membership in the Covington Country Club is not required. Watts is promising a funny show that is the perfect kickoff to the America 250 celebration. He’s thrilled to be doing a show so close to home, and odds are he won’t nod off.
Chef Joey Fontenot is not planning on perfecting his Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off dish before stepping into the competition kitchen.
“I’ve never made it before in my life,” Fontenot said of the cook-off dish he plans to prepare. “I work better under pressure. We’re gonna wing it. We’re gonna knock it out the park.”
The general manager and chef at Creole Bagelry in Sidell will represent the northshore for the second consecutive year at the 19th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off (LASCO) on June 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner Fontenot was selected to compete among 11 other Louisiana chefs for the title of King or Queen of Louisiana Seafood.
“I guess I put in a good showing and got asked to do it again,” Fontenot said. “It’s fun It’s good energy.”
Fontenot’s tentative dish blends familiar Louisiana flavors with an upscale presentation: boudin crawfish cornbread topped with either speckled trout or sea bass, pan seared and topped with a quail poached egg and zesty hollandaise and garnished with Cajun paddlefish caviar
“It’s kind of one of its kind,” he said. Fontenot, 42, got his start in the
restaurant business at age 16, washing dishes and bussing tables, then doing prep work at the former Old Hickory Cafe in Pearl River
“I literally started from the bottom,” he said. “I don’t have any classical training, no, no school training, just kind of worked my way up through the system. I taught myself a lot, you know, just kind of being a sponge in the industry and just doing things the right way and working hard and, you know, finally got an opportunity.”
Over the years Fontenot built his culinary career through hands-on experience, including working under Frank Hendrickson at NOLA Southern Grill and later serving as corporate chef for Brick & Spoon on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
“Frank was a very integral part of kind of where I’m at today,” Fontenot said. Now at Creole Bagelry, seafood has remained central to his cooking style. “My main focus for so long has been on a Creole style brunch, which obviously features a lot of seafood. And that’s going to be what I’m going to do at the competition as well,” he said, Samantha Carroll, executive director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board, said chefs are selected each year based on nominations and recommendations of talented culinary professionals
from across the state who share a passion for utilizing and promoting Louisiana seafood.
“We are grateful Joey chose to return to the competition and be part of the 2026 culinary showcase. Having competed before, he brings valuable experience and creativity to the field, and we’re proud to have the northshore represented.”
Fontenot admitted being nervous at his first competition, as the chefs have just one hour to complete their dishes, but this year he will be more seasoned.
“I’m a small fish, you know, swimming in deep waters with some of these guys and females that are competing, you know these guys are classically trained,” he said. “But once we got started, it all comes down to the basics. We’re just all cooking food, and that’s what puts us on an even playing field.” The event is being held in conjunction with the kickoff to the third annual Foodie Feast Restaurant Week hosted by Visit Jefferson Parish. Tickets are $65 each, for ages 21 and over only, and can be purchased by logging onto https://www.visitjeffersonparish.com/restaurants/lasco/. The winner will advance to the Great American Seafood Cook-Off on July 25 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans to compete for the title of King or Queen of American Seafood.
Big party set June 27 for people who love cats
BY DARREN COOPER Contributing writer
It’s gonna be the cat’s meow Big Sky CARES (Community Animal Resources and Education Services) and Art for Cat’s Sake are bringing back the Louisiana Cat Fest to the Fleur De Lis Events Center in Mandeville on June 27. The all-day event is the purr-fect spot to celebrate all things related to felines and their companions, you know, people. It will provide educational resources — maybe you don’t know your own kitty as well as you think you do — artists’ booths, special cat-themed artifacts and trinkets, and a cat costume contest.
“The number one reason why people should come is because it’s going to be fun, capital letters FUN,” said Catherine Wilbert, co-founder and CEO of Big Sky CARES. “There will be so many activities for families to see and do, but I think you’ll also walk away knowing more about your cat than you would think.”
Humans are cautioned to keep their own cats at home for Cat Fest. This event is not for them; besides, they might get mad if they find out you’re learning their secrets.
“The only cats at Cat Fest will be the lovable ones available for adoption, and the cats involved in kitty meditation and kitty yoga,” said Wilbert. “We will also have some celebrity cats You know what they say, dog people go to dog parks, cat people go watch funny cat videos.”
There’s a deeper cause connected to Cat Fest. In addition to learning what Mittens might be thinking and doing at
FILE PHOTO
Some years ago, Dr Catherine Wilbert, kissing an elderly cat at Big Sky Ranch in Folsom, La., and Sharon Schulter founded their nonprofit ranch to provide sanctuary for homeless animals.
night while her humans are innocently sleeping, Wilbert is committed to raising money to help fight feline diseases and to give assistance to cat owners who face big medical bills to keep their cats healthy
After the Cat Fest, there’s a special cocktail party featuring music, a silent auction and an open bar Tickets for the party are $125, but can be reduced with the promo code VIP50.
“We are calling the theme of the party ‘Love Story,’ ” said Wilbert. “When we last put on this event in 2019, there was no cure for FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) and all the money we raised back then went toward research for FIP and for people to have access to care.
Now there is a cure.
“We want to convey to the people who support this event and get behind us that
LOUISIANA CAT FEST
WHAT: A celebration of all things cat including educational presentations, games and a costume contest
WHERE: Fleur De Lis Events Center, 1645 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville
WHEN: Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.; the Cocktail Pawty,
and care MORE INFO: www.louisianacatfest.org
events like this really make an impact, not just on the tens of thousands of animals locally, but hundreds of thousands of cats everywhere.”
Cats are clearly having a moment in today’s culture. Maybe it started with the first cat picture posted on social media, but loving cats, wearing clothes with cats on them and talking about your cat(s) has become a shared experience. There’s no longer a stigma connected to someone who loves cats, and Cat Fest is an opportunity to let those feelings shine.
“Once a person has a cat in their life they love cats,” said Wilbert. “Cats have been with us for thousands of years, they have been everywhere, they’ve traveled all over the world. I just believe that cat people are special kinds of people.”
PHOTO BY MATT DOBBINS
Joey Fontenot, general manager and chef at Creole Bagelry in Sidell will represent the northshore for the second consecutive year at the annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off on June 26 at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner He plans to create a one-of-a-kind dish that he’s never made before, relishing the pressure of the competition.
MUSIC
SLIDELL: Touring country music artists Morgan Myles and Mark MacKay will perform one show on June 25 at the Cutting Edge Center of the Arts in Slidell. Both entertained earlier this year at the legendary Troubadour, a West Hollywood venue that continuously hosts established musicians and emerging artists. Myles finished in the Top 3 of NBC’s “The Voice” season 2022 and made her Grand Ole Opry debut the next year. Mackay makes pure Americana music that blends rock ’n’ roll with country soul, a multiinstrumentalist and touring artist who performs more than 100 shows a year. Get $40 tickets to the 7 p.m. show at 767 Robert Blvd. online at cuttingedgetheater.com/. PERFORM: Open Mic Night on June 25 (final Thursday) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in The Reminding Coffee & Creative House, 141 TerraBella Blvd., Covington. Great chance for musicians of all ages and abilities to perform before a supportive audience. Each performer/ensemble is invited to share a set of three songs or about 15 minutes. Arrive early to sign up for a spot in this free gathering. See nstms.org for more NORTHSHORE STRINGS: This free slow-fast gathering with Madeline Hill on June 28 (every final Sunday) provides an excellent opportunity to play fiddle tunes, especially Celtic fiddle tunes. In the first half of the session, tunes are played at slower tempos, with veteran string educators there to offer insight and encouragement to student musicians. In the second half, tempos increase to normal performance speeds. From noon to 2 p.m. at St. John’s Coffeehouse, 535 E. Boston St., downtown Covington.
THEATER
CHICKEN RANCH: “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” continues at 30 by Ninety Theatre for a final few shows, its large cast bringing this well-known, R-rated musical comedy to life through June 28 in Mandeville. Enjoy this happy-go-lucky view of small-town vice and statewide political sidestepping 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 ranch. Based on the story by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson, with music and lyrics by Carol Hall. Jason Leader directs; Jonathan Sturcken directs the music; Frank Gonzalez, the band; and Halle Koepp, the choreography. Elizabeth Hartnett stars as the sharp-witted madam and 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
ART
PARTY: The Columbia Street Block Party Art Market on June 26 provides a market for local artists to sell directly to the public and create lasting community relationships. Stroll through the Art Market in the 300 block of Columbia Street, right next to the Art House. Find a variety of hand-made arts including: pottery, jewelry, metal sculpture, stained glass, mixed-media, handmade garments, wood carvings, photography, and more from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
LOCAL ARTISTS: The St. Tammany Art Association’s next free monthly Artist Community Night takes place July 1 (first Wednesday monthly) at 6 p.m. in downtown Covington at 320 N. Columbia St. It’s a creative gathering of association member-artists each month for inspiration, connection and hands-on exploration; artists of all backgrounds invited. Led by artist Rachael Walker. More at sttammany.art/acn/.
HEALING: The latest 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
QUILTS: The Gulf States Quilting Association will hold its 21st Biennial Quilt Show at the Harbor Center near Slidell on June 26-27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The juried show will feature more than 200 quilts from multiple Gulf Coast quilt artists, a merchant mall and a Quilters Boutique with handmade items. This year’s theme, “Jewels of the South,” promises quilts that inspire the look of gems or embody the brilliance of jewels Adult admission is $12 per day or $15 for a two-day pass. Children under 12 years is $5.
STOPS: Learn all about the STOPS 5K Fun Run and Walk that takes place Sept. 19 in Abita Springs by first attending the STOPS Kickoff Party on June 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead during the city’s Block Party. Come out and meet the organizers to learn more about the event and find out how to get involved. Register for the race, or start a race/walk team of family and friends, at https://stopsla.org/5kfun-run-walk/. STOPS is about being part of a community that supports suicide prevention, intervention and postvention; does outreach and education; and provides resources and hope.
CLEANUP: Help the city of Mandeville and Mandeville the Beautiful restore the shore by cleaning up after the Independence Day Light Up the Lake
concert and fireworks show. Just meet at the lakefront July 5 from 8 a.m. to noon. Supplies, breakfast, lunch and a T-shirt provided. Sign up by emailing acasborne@cityofmandeville.com/.
FOLSOM: Folsom Recreation District No. 12/ Magnolia Park will host its 2026 Community Expo July 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., a free family event offering residents a chance to discover new services, explore local resources, and meet some community organizations. More than 40 vendors are expected. Free sports physicals for student-athletes offered on-site, as will mammogram screenings, lung screenings (which must be scheduled), hearing tests and a blood drive. The Roux 437 food truck will be on site for anyone with an appetite at the 13296 La. 40 park. For more, contact Lisa Peacock at Lpeacock.rd12@ gmail.com; call (985) 796 5045; go online to magnoliaparkfolsom.com or follow the park’s Facebook page.
CELEBRATE: The Hermadel/Carolyn Park/Bayou Cache Residents’ Association invites all residents to join them on Thursday, July 9, to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and hear guest speaker Suzanne Krieger, chair of the St. Tammany Levee, Drainage & Conservation District, give an update on flood protection projects important to the group. They will also recognize winners of the 2026 Americana-Themed Showcase Garden competition in the three sub-
