The St. Tammany Farmer 07-01-2026 by The Advocate

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Smith admits battery, resigns

Veteran lawman

Bret Ibert named interim sheriff

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

After pleading guilty to violently attacking a man in a Madisonvillearea steakhouse, Randy Smith resigned his post as St. Tammany Parish sheriff on June 24, effectively ending his four-decade lawenforcement career by standing before a judge as a criminal defendant in the parish courthouse in Covington.

His resignation was part of a plea agreement that saw Smith admit to a charge of felony battery and agree to attend a substance abuse program in order to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor and avoid spending time in jail.

Dressed in a light blue suit in front of a nearly full courtroom, Smith told Judge Reginald Badeaux of the 22nd Judicial District Court that he understood the charges against him. When asked how he pleaded on one count of felony battery and one count of disturbing the peace through intoxication, Smith said “guilty ” and called his actions on May 29 a mistake.

“I take full responsibility and I apologize to the citizens of this parish, the men and women of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Ofﬁce, and to my family, that I stood up for and I’ll face the consequences of my actions,” Smith told the judge.

Smith’s guilty plea and his resignation marked a stunning fall for a law enforcement officer who first joined the Sheriff’s Office in the 1980s at 21 years old, before going on to serve as Slidell’s police chief for six years and spending most of the last decade as St. Tammany’s sheriff. While Smith’s tenure as sheriff

ä See SMITH, page

Fireworks light up the night sky, and reflect in the dark water of Bayou Bonfouca, during the 2026 Slidell Heritage Festival, held June 27 in Heritage Fest in Olde Towne. The annual event is a fundraiser for local nonprofits and is organized by the Rotary Club of Slidell the Rotary Club of Slidell-Northshore. More than 500 volunteers work the festival, which has raised at least $1.5 million for local nonprofits since its inception.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

INSIDE ä More photos from Heritage Fest. Page 6A ä Blood drive sets goal for USA 250 Celebration. Page 8A ä Stars, Stripes and Stand-up charity comedy show supports veterans’ causes. Page 8A

St. Tammany residents everywhere are celebrating 250

Sheri

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

St. Tammany voters approved all but one of seven tax propositions on the ballot June 27, maintaining funding for the Sheriff’s Office and mosquito abatement, as well as firefighting in Madisonville, parks in Folsom, and sewerage and garbage services in Slidell.

Only a parks millage in Abita Springs failed to earn enough voter support to pass.

The outcome of the votes in the often tax-averse parish offered a sigh of relief for the agencies that depend on the funding. Earlier this month, members of each of the six public bodies with taxes on the ballot expressed concern that renewed anti-tax sentiment could affect the chances at the polls. In the month before the vote, parish voters had rejected funding for street lighting in three different parts of the parish, leading parish ofﬁcials to say that the lights in one neighborhood near Covington would have to be shut off.

The vote also came as lingering controversy surrounded two of the agencies with taxes on the ballot: the Sheriff’s Ofﬁce and the Mosquito Abatement District. But both millages passed.

St. Tammany voters approved, by a 65% to 35% margin, a 10-year renewal of a 4.31-mill tax that would bring in an estimated $13.6 million annually to the Sheriff’s Ofﬁce.

Voters also approved, by a 69% to 31% margin, a 10-year renewal of the 2.95-mill St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement District tax that will bring in an estimated $9.3 million annually

Only a few weeks before the vote, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith was arrested and accused of violently attacking a parish resident at a steakhouse near Madisonville. Smith pleaded guilty to felony battery and resigned from his ofﬁce on June 24

The turmoil at the top of the Sheriff’s Office prompted parish officials and other law enforcement leaders to publicly annouce support for renewal of the millage that funds the salaries and benefits of 142 patrol officers and first was approved by voters in 1978.

Staff report n Pearl River Independence Day: July 3 Pearl River will host its annual Independence Day Festival July 3, beginning at 6 p.m. The free event will include games, food, live music and fireworks It will take place outside Pearl River Town Hall on Willis Alley. Adjacent to the event, the town’s newly revamped splash pad will be open for the fest.

n YMCA 4 on the 4th Race/Run in Covington: July 4

This 27th annual event begins at 7:30 a.m. in Hubie Gallagher Park, 601 S. Filmore St, in Covington. Participants 10 and under start their KidsRun at 8:30 a.m. Wear red, white and blue and enjoy treats, cold beverages and post-race fun with the Beer Mile. Adults $35; kids $15, plus fees. Sign up by June 21 for T-shirt and best registration prices. Register by typing RunSignup ﬁnd YMCA 4 on the 4th in your web

“We’re honored by the trust our citizens have shown us,” interim St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Bret Ibert said in a release following the vote.

“That trust isn’t something we take for granted. We’ll continue working hard every day to earn it by serving this community with professionalism, integrity and dedication.

ä See EVENTS, page 3A ä See MILLAGES, page 2A

FILE PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith speaks to the crowd after being sworn in for another term in office on July 1, 2024.

PHOTO BY MATT DOBBINS

Abita Springs declares a water well emergency

BY JIM DERRY Contributing writer

Abita Springs’ lone water source has become so damaged that Mayor Dan Curtis declared a state of emergency at the June 23 council meeting.

In an effort to reline the well and potentially either ﬁx the pump motor or replace it, the town also approved $425,000 in funding for Griner Drilling Services to begin work. Since 2019, the town has had a standing capital outlay request with the state hoping for help in replacing the well But no approval has come, and there is no guarantee one ever will.

For now, a ﬁx will have to do until a replacement is possible.

Recently, the use of a fire hydrant in District 8, which covers Abita Springs, cut the water pressure in town by half to just above limit of what would have forced a mandatory boil-water advisory Since then, the local fire district has had to keep its 1,800-gallon tank full in order to potentially fight a fire.

Curtis

“This is what the emergency is,” Curtis said. In March, the council approved an application for a $3.75 million bond through the state, but “the Bond Commission came back and said, ‘Hey, your utilities are not making you enough money.’ Well, we went up 4%.

They said, ‘That’s not enough,’” Curtis said.

“They said they would look at other po-

tential ways to approve it, but we will have to go up another 4% to 6%. So, you’re talking about a 10% increase on sewer It’s real easy to sit here and say ‘Let’s just do another increase,’” the mayor said, as compared to actually levying such an increase. The mayor’s emergency declaration states the issues with the well are even more concerning with the area entering another hurricane season, and “the town’s water operator in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Health, has advised that immediate corrective action is necessary to protect public health.”

The pump is 150 feet below the ground, however the lining and screens of the well

MILLAGES

Continued from page 1A

“We appreciate everyone who took the time to vote and for the conﬁdence they’ve placed in our deputies and employees,” Ibert added. “We’ll continue doing everything we can to keep St. Tammany Parish safe while honoring that trust every single day.”

Meanwhile, in the last year, the Parish Council and 22nd Judicial District Attorney Collin Sims scrutinized the Mosquito Abatement District’s finances, prompting the district to file a lawsuit over the financial review process.

In a statement issued weeks before the election, Parish President Mike Cooper gave his “wholehearted” endorsement to both the mosquito abatement millage and the sheriff’s millage, saying they will each “protect our community and reduce the tax burden on our citizens.”

Unofﬁcial results from the Secretary of State’s website showed that millages for St. Tammany Parish Fire Protection District No. 2 in the Madisonville area, and sewerage and garbage services in the city of Slidell all passed. Folsom-area residents renewed for 10 years a 10-mill tax that generates an estimated $505,000 annually for the Folsom-area’s Recreation District No. 12. But voters in the Abita Springs area rejected a 20-year “in lieu” millage of a 9.26-mill tax to fund Recreation District No. 11. This millage would have replaced another 9.26-mill tax that voters approved in 2021. The vote on June 27 was 53% against with 2,566 votes cast.

Lisa Palisi, the director of Recreation District No. 11, said in an interview last month that District 11 recently annexed land from another recreation district, and approving the millage would have meant that the residents in the annexed area would start paying the 9.26mill property tax, as well. Those residents instead will pay a user fee when utilizing district rec facilities.

The current 9.26-mill tax will continue to fund district recreation programming.

The Secretary of State estimated voter turnout in St. Tammany from a high of 27.1% in the Recreation District 12 election to 19.6% participation in the millage renewal for garbage collection in Slidell. Complete, but unofﬁical returns, from local ballot items, as well as regional and state races, are as follows: STATE ELECTIONS

U.S. Senator, Democratic Party

Gary Crockett: 39,414 votes (20 %)

“Jamie” Davis: 156,776 votes (80%)

U.S. Senator, Republican Party

John Fleming: 136,567 (43%)

Julia Letlow: 179,971 (57%)

REGIONAL ELECTIONS

Public Service Commission, District 1, Republican Party

Stephanie Hilferty: 49,047 (62%)

John Young: 29,459 (38%)

BESE, District 1, Republican Party

“Joseph” Cao: 29,417 (52%)

Ellie Schroder: 27,169 (48%)

ST. TAMMANY PARISH

ELECTIONS

Parishwide Law Enforcement District, 4.31-mills renewal, sheriff, 10 years

Yes: 27,367 (65%) No: 14,657 (35%)

Parishwide Mosquito Abatement District, 2.95-mills renewal, 10 years

Yes: 28,896 (69%) No: 12,940 (31%)

City of Slidell, 4.45-mills continuation, sewerage, 10 years Yes: 2,546 (69%) No: 1,125 (31%)

City of Slidell, 4.37-mills continuation, garbage collection, 10 years

Yes: 2,524 (69%) No: 1,137 (31%)

Fire Protection District No. 2 (Madisonville area), 20.62-mills renewal, 10 years

Yes: 2,495 (73%) No: 923 (27%)

Recreation District No. 11 (Abita Springs area), 9.26-mills in lieu, 20 years

Yes: 1,200 (47%) No: 1,366 (53%)

Recreation District No. 12 (Folsom area), 10-mills renewal, 10 years

Yes: 926 (64%) No: 510 (36%)

Andrew Canulette contributed to this report.

that also need repair go down to 2,100 feet.

For nearly three months, Abita Springs has had to get its water from Utilities Inc. of Louisiana, and the town will continue to do so until the problems are ﬁxed. Curtis said it’s not a desirable solution, nor is it feasible long-term.

“Let’s say we shut off UIL, and it’s working,” he said. “What’s to say two fire hydrants need to be opened, and then we don’t have any water? I have been saying this is an emergency since the beginning. (Griner) went down with the cameras, but they haven’t even showed us the pictures yet.

“They say the lining is cracked all the way down, so we have to ﬁx 2,100 feet of pipe. I don’t know how long this is going to take. That is a long way down.”

Mandeville will not raise millage assessment rate

BY KIM CHATELAIN Contributing writer

The tax rate that Mandeville property owners are assessed for city services will remain unchanged for 2026 under a trio of ordinances approved unanimously June 25 by the City Council.

One of the city’s three millages fuels the general fund and two others, the police department. For the past two years, the overall rate for the three has been 8.21 mills, which is projected to generate about $2.2 million in property tax revenue this year

Passage of the three leaves the rate at 8.21 mills, even though the council had the authority to “roll forward” the rate and assess more for government coffers.

In 2012, voters authorized the city to collect up to 15.8 mills in property taxes. The rate has been “rolled back” over the years as property values increased as a result of reassessments by the Tammany Parish Assessor’s Ofﬁce.

A rollback is an adjustment made to local property tax rates after property values are reassessed, and its purpose is to cancel out inﬂationary increases in property values, ensuring that local governments collect the same amount of revenue as they did the previous year State law gives local government bodies the option to “roll forward”— or raise the millage rate back up toward the originally approved maximum rate without consent of voters, but the council opted not to do so.

In past years, efforts to roll forward or adjust rates in Mandeville triggered heated debates. In 2024, city ofﬁcials sparred when the administration sought to keep the municipal rate at 8.86 mills, a level that had been assessed for the previous ﬁve years.

Council members balked at the proposal and the rate was lowered to 8.2, where it currently stands.

St. Tammany Parish voters have displayed a tax-

averse attitude of late. Parish government has failed in six consecutive attempts to persuade voters to approve tax propositions to help fund the parish’s criminal justice system. As recently as May 16, voters in three St. Tammany lighting districts voted down property tax proposals to keep roads in certain areas of the parish lit. Against that antitax backdrop, council member Jason Zuckerman used his own tax bill to give constituents perspective on how the city’s millages factor into a property owner’s overall local tax bill.

Zuckerman said out of his $4,350 annual property tax bill, only $339 — the amount raised by the 8.21 mills goes to the city The remainder goes to services provided by the parish government and school system.

“That’s a helluva bargain,” he said of the city millage assessment. “I’ll bet most of us pay three times that much for internet services.”

While he supports maintaining the city millage at its current level, Zuckerman said tax-weary citizens who balk about the cost of running government should have no qualms with Mandeville’s rates.

“Anyone complaining about high property taxes in this chamber I believe is in the wrong chamber They need to be at Koop Drive,” Zuckerman said, referring to the parish government complex.

Seeming to pick up on that theme, civic leader Becky Rohrbough cautioned the council on what she referred to as the “political expediency” of not rolling forward the millages.

Maintaining municipal property taxes at their current rate, along with a move made earlier in the meeting to establish a minimum general fund balance when drafting the city budget, could jeopardize the government’s ability to meet the rising cost of employee expenses, she said.

Zuckerman

STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON

Julia Letlow addresses the crowd after winning of the runoff in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate at a watch party June 27 in Baton Rouge.

PHOTO FROM JAMIE DAVIS FOR LOUISIANA FACEBOOK PAGE

Democratic U.S Senate candidate Jamie Davis, center, visits with voters in Opelousas on Election Day

browser. For more race info, type in Ofﬁcial 4 on the 4th website.

n Mandeville’s Light up the Lake: July 4 Mandeville celebrates the U.S. at the lakefront starting with the Mande Milkshakers parading at 4 p.m from Foy Street to Carroll Street. Food trucks, a drink tent and games for kids. On the lakefront stage at 6 p.m. a 250 “Liberty on the Lake” ceremony honoring the state’s history, followed by live music from Groovy 7 starts at 6:30 p.m. A ﬁreworks show over the water begins about 8:45 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets for seating at this free event.

n Madisonville’s Old Fashioned Fourth: July 4 A full day of fun and patriotism on the Tchefuncte River with contests for the best in watermelon-eating, rooster crowing, cornhole and horseshoes. Families are invited to bring their lawn chairs and grills from 11 a.m. on to enjoy the riverfront near 144 La. 22. Red, white and blue boat parade is from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (boat line up starts at noon at I-12 overpass. At 4:30 p.m., national anthem, veterans’ salute and special flyover above Tchefuncte River Bridge; ﬁreworks over the river start at dusk (about 8:45 p.m.).

n Olde Towne’s Patriotic Golf Cart Parade and Party: July 4

went all in on

Kyndall

Olde Towne Slidell hosts a golf cart parade starting at 2 p.m. Begins at Second and Guzman streets, turns on Erlanger Avenue, continues down First Street and Robert Street, and concludes on Carey Street. Golf carts will be decked out in patriotic décor that celebrates American culture, sports, art, entertainment, history or music. Register to enter a car at myslidell.com by June 29. Participation limited to the ﬁrst 100 who sign up. Following the parade at 4 p.m., the Olde Towne Merchants Association will host a celebration on Cousin Street with live entertainment, food and drinks and concluding with ﬁreworks.

SMITH

Continued from page 1A

has not been without controversy, he proved to be popular with voters, winning three sheriff’s elections, most recently in 2023.

But it all unraveled after his arrest on June 4 following an investigation by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s ofﬁce into the incident days earlier at Keith Young’s steakhouse, where he attacked Bobby Couvillion, a vocal critic, in front of a room full of patrons. According to Murrill’s investigators, Smith came up from behind Couvillion and put him in a chokehold before pulling him to the ground and beating him.

The sheriff had consumed multiple drinks before attacking Couvillion and had to be pulled off him by patrons and staff, according to a copy of the plea agreement. Smith was at the restaurant with bail bondsman Greg Saurage, investigators said. In a press conference following Smith’s plea, 22nd Judicial District Attorney Collin Sims said that the agreement was aimed at treating the sheriff the same way anyone else would be treated under the same circumstances.

“He acted out, and as a result of that sobriety issue, we’re giving him an opportunity and a path that we afford every other citizen in this parish to earn a misdemeanor if they address the issue that caused it,” Sims said. Smith joins a handful of other top St. Tammany Parish officials in the last decade and a half who have ended their careers with a felony conviction: Smith’s predecessor, former Sheriff Jack Strain, who is serving life in prison for child sex crimes, and former District Attorney Walter Reed and St. Tammany Coroner Peter Galvan, who both served time in federal prison on corruption charges.

“It’s beyond disappointing, it’s a shame, it’s sad that these things occurred, but they did,” St. Tammany Parish Council member Jerry Binder, one of the longestserving elected officials in the parish said in an interview on June 24. “Each

Both events are free.

Abita Springs’ Fourth of July: July 4

Abita Springs will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a festival beginning at 5 p.m. Features a ﬂag retirement ceremony, live music from 4 Unplugged, food and craft vendors, kids’ activities and fireworks at 9 p.m. Festival site is 22044

Main St. in Abita Springs

person went through the legal system properly and a sentence was given. I just hope and pray that in this case, the treatment that’s been assigned to him helps him to make a better life for himself.”

The hearing took less than 30 minutes with Smith walking quickly into the courtroom at about 9:30 a.m., avoiding the media gathered outside. He glanced at the roughly two dozen people behind him in the courtroom’s galley including local lawyers, reporters and community group members and sat down next to his attorney, Eric Hessler Couvillion sat in the front row behind the prosecutors’ table, between his wife and his attorney Couvillion ﬁled his victim impact statement with the court. He did not read it, but a copy was provided to the media by Sims’ office. In it, Couvillion said that he was “grateful that the truth came to light and that justice was not swept under the rug simply because of who was involved.”

Smith gave his plea and said he was prepared to face the consequences. He agreed to not have any contact with Couvillion or Couvillion’s family going forward

Badeaux told Smith “good luck to you in the future,” and Smith was handed over to bailiffs for processing

Smith turned his guns in to the Sheriff’s Office before his hearing, spokesperson Lt. Suzanne Carboni said. He will likely not be stripped of his state pension, according to Rafael Goyeneche III, president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, partly because the offense he pleaded guilty to was not related to his duties as sheriff.

In a news conference after the court proceeding, Sims said that part of the reason he pushed for Smith’s immediate resignation was to remove him from the agency ahead of the June 27 election in which St. Tammany residents voted whether they wanted to renew a millage that funds deputies’ salaries. “We don’t need to have a protest vote,” Sims said.

Sims said he could not release video footage of the incident because of the other defendant, Saurage, who has been arrested on one count of being a principal to second-degree battery Sims also said he could not speak to details of the investigation into Smith, though he said search warrants were issued and phones seized.

According to the plea agreement, however Sims has agreed not to bring further charges against Smith relating to the attack. Smith will go through the 21st Judicial District Court’s drug court program, since the

Free admission; guests encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.

n Covington’s Sparks in the Park: July 4 Covington’s Independence Day celebration will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Bogue Falaya Park. This free riverside event will include kids’

22nd JDC specialty court judge recused herself. The program will last between 15 and 18 months, Sims said. Sims also declined to comment about whether Smith’s second-in-command and former deputy chief, Jeff Boehm, who abruptly resigned June 23 (the day before Smith’s hearing) was under criminal investigation. A phone call and text message to a number listed for Jeff Boehm went unan-

activities, hot dog and pie eating contests, special fun for kids, food trucks and vendors, with live performances by Desert Nudes and the Covington Concert Band. The night will be capped with a ﬁreworks display about dusk. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating.

n Folsom’s Red, White & Blue BBQ: July 4

swered on June 24. Bret Ibert, a nearly 30-year veteran of the agency, will serve as interim sheriff until a special election is held.

Celebrate in Folsom for an afternoon of food, a cornhole tournament horseshoes, a dunking booth and plenty kids’ games and activities. It all takes place in Moise Park behind town hall from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The barbecue is free and there’s a $5 entry fee to join the cornhole tournament that starts at 4 p.m.

The St. Tammany Parish Council was expected to meet June 29 to call an election for sheriff on the crowded Nov 3 ballot. “When the citizens choose their next sheriff, I will do

everything within my power to support a professional, transparent, and seamless transition,” Ibert said in a statement. A special election has to be called because Smith resigned more than a year before his term expires, on June 30, 2028, according to the secretary of state’s spokesperson John Long.

Boehm

PROVIDED PHOTO

Interim St Tammany Parish Sheriff Bret Ibert

FILE PHOTO BY BOBBY GILBOY

Scott

the pie-eating contest at Covington’s annual Sparks at the Park celebration last year at Bogue Falaya Park and now it’s time to do it all again.

From football teams to the firehouse

Editor’s note: “Where are they now?”

The St. Tammany Farmer asked that question about some of the best athletes in local sports history and then we went out and found them

Throughout this summer, we’ll reacquaint readers with some of these familiar faces. We’ll take a deep dive into the success stories that began in parish

BY DARREN COOPER

Contributing writer

Otha Peters Jr gets asked all the time whether he misses football.

“Some days I do, some days I don’t,” said the former Covington High star with a laugh. “I miss the locker room. I miss practicing with my boys and being around the guys. I miss game day and being ready for showtime.”

After a beat, Peters continues.

“I don’t miss the stress level that comes with it, the pressure and the politics. The NFL is one of the few jobs in this world where you can do everything correct and still get ﬁred. I don’t miss that part of it.”

Peters, now 32 and a member of the Bogalusa Fire Department, did everything right while playing for Covington High School. He was a prototypical sideline-to-sideline linebacker, with good instincts, and when he ﬁlled a hole, running backs felt it.

“I tell people all the time — I played in the SEC, I played in the NFL — and the most fun I ever had was playing in high school,” said Peters. “I was playing with my boys. Those were my childhood friends.”

He was one of the top recruits in Louisiana his senior year, starting his college career at Arkansas in 2012 before transferring to UL. Peters was not drafted coming out of college, but cobbled together a solid career playing a few games with the then Washington Redskins, some time in the Canadian Football League and multiple camp experiences Had Peters come out of Covington High School today he likely would have reaped a six-ﬁgure NIL deal. He had about 30 offers back then the main part of the offer was a scholarship. He picked Arkansas, which was coming off an 11-2 season and Cotton Bowl win. They were the hot team at the time.

But in April of 2012, Hogs head coach Bobby Petrino was caught in one of the strangest incidents in college football, getting in a motorcycle accident while riding with a young woman who was not his wife and later admitting to an affair with the woman. Petrino was ﬁred and replaced by John L Smith Peters was an All-SEC freshman selection for the Hogs, with 32 total tackles and a half-sack, but Arkan-

sas was ﬂailing. They went from 11-2 to 4-8 in 2012 and 3-9 in 2013.

Peters transferred to ULLafayette. With no transfer portal in play at the time, Peters had to sit out a full season, too, before he could suit up again. He liked playing for the Ragin’ Cajuns. His older sister, Olanta,

was there. UL made it to the New Orleans Bowl his senior year in 2016.

“One of my childhood best friends was already on the UL team. I went there, and we were roommates, and we played some good football. It brought back joy,” Peters said. “I felt like I lost that at Arkansas.”

Peters went to camp with the Seahawks. He made plays in the pre-season, including an interception with four seconds left to save a 17-13 win over the Raiders in the ﬁnal week, but was one of their last cuts.

He got caught in “the churn,” going to tryouts for other NFL teams, but never stuck for long. He latched on to Washington at the end of the 2017 season, played in three games with them, recording three tackles.

He was cut. He signed with Kansas City, went to training camp with them, but was released.

He went to Canada with a spot almost guaranteed for him, but then hurt his hamstring, tried to come back too soon and reinjured it.

After a few more camp experiences, COVID came and Peters felt like it was time to stop chasing the dream. He came back to Covington and had to ﬁgure out the next chapter in his life.

“I didn’t ever have to work,” he laughed. “The NFL is a job, but it’s not a job; it’s entertainment. I didn’t have to do nothin’ but tackle people until I was 26

or 27 years old.” Peters bounced around the work world before attending the ﬁre academy He says current Lions coach Greg Salter keeps asking when he’s going to show up and become an assistant, but he enjoys his main job.

“I love it,” Peters said.

“It brings me back to my days playing and being part of something bigger than myself and you get that adrenaline rush when the sirens start ringing.”

Now a father with a young son, Peters remembers when his own father, Otha Sr — “Pokey” — died in 2009, just as Peters Jr.’s high school career was starting to take off. At the time, he was struggling, but his mother Sheila, kept him focused.

“She’s the reason I made it as far as I did,” Peters said. “Losing Pops when I was 15, and if you know anything you know that brought a lot of anger to me. But my mom didn’t give up on me. She stayed on me. She is the real reason I was able to have all these experiences and do the things that I have done.”

FILE PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD

Covington’s Otha Peters beats Northshore’s Dominic Ambo to the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter on Oct. 14 2011, at Northshore.

FILE PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN Jordan Olson does some foot drills as coach Otha Peters watches at Curtis Baham’s Special Events football camp at Jack Salter Stadium on July 29, 2023.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Covington native Otha Peters, a linebacker with the Washington Redskins, signs autographs for fifth-graders at Pine View Middle School, which he once attended.

FILE PHOTO BY LESLIE WESTBROOK UL-Lafayette linebacker Otha Peters takes a knee during football practice.

FILE PHOTO BY PETER FOREST

Tulane running back Josh Rounds (25) tries to stiff-arm Louisiana-Lafayette linebacker Otha Peters (7) at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans on Sept. 24, 2016.

Sheriff’s Office announces registration for tax sale open

Staff report

In anticipation of its annual tax lien auction on July 29, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Ofﬁce will advertise the list of delinquent properties in the July 15 edition of The St. Tammany Farmer

The list will also be posted under “Public Notices” on the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Ofﬁce website. In accordance with L.R.S. 47:2153, this is the public notice of properties still delinquent for the 2025 tax year As of current, there are approximately 2,000 properties with taxes and/or related fees

due to the parish and the municipalities of Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Pearl River, Abita Springs and Madisonville. The list on the Sheriff’s Office website will be updated.

Property tax bills for 2025 were mailed Nov 11. Delinquent notices were sent on Feb. 23.

The Sheriff’s Office has contracted with SRI Inc. to use its online tax lien auction platform. The auction will take place at www.zeusauction.com beginning at 8 a.m. and closing at 4 p.m. on July 29.

Those interested in participating in the auction will be required to

create an account on the website and register for the St Tammany Parish auction. Registration will open on July 1 at 8 a.m. and close July 22 at 12 p.m. Registrants will have access to a Louisiana-speciﬁc practice auction to become familiar with the features of the program. For more information on this process, SRI can be reached at (800) 800-9588. The tax lien auction laws were signiﬁcantly changed starting Jan. 1. It is imperative that any party interested in participating in the process read these new laws. Properties must be given due diligence,

as the Sheriff’s Ofﬁce is not responsible for erroneous listings.

Delinquent taxpayers are strongly encouraged to make their payments by noon on July 28 so payments can be recorded, and those properties removed from the website before the auction begins. The tax lien auction process completes the annual property tax collection cycle. The tax lien auction is not for the structure or land itself, but the delinquent monetary obligation of taxes, fees, and the percentage of interest that is to be collected. This places a lien and privilege against the delinquent

Incoming Slidell chief gets jump start on job

BY KIM CHATELAIN

Contributing writer

On the morning following his election as Slidell’s police chief, Tommy Williams said he was at police headquarters trying to get a jump start on his new role as top cop in the 132-member department.

Williams

Fresh off his resounding victory at the polls on May 16, Williams said he wanted to immediately get acquainted and reacquainted with the ofﬁcers he will lead when he ofﬁcially takes the reins July 1 Williams, along with nine City Council members and Mayor Randy Fandal, are to be sworn in to new, four-year terms during a July 1 inauguration ceremony at Slidell Municipal Auditorium at 11 a.m

Over the past month, Williams said he has immersed himself in police work as part of

BY KIM CHATELAIN

Contributing writer

Slidell voters will cast ballots in December to determine if revisions should be made to the city charter, including those deciding whether certain local government administrators should fall under the civil service system.

The City Council, on Tuesday night, unanimously agreed to place seven individ-

property A tax lien auction party pays the tax due, as well as interest and other costs incurred in the collection process.

Owners of property that sell at the tax lien auction have a three-year period during which they can extinguish the tax lien certificate with the Sheriff’s Office by paying the required payoff amount. The amounts collected are then used to reimburse the tax lien certificate holder For additional information on taxes owed or the

his transition from businessman and reserve ofﬁcer to head of St Tammany Parish’s largest municipal law enforcement agency “I’m now looking at things from the top down, rather than the bottom up,” said Williams, who collected 65% of the vote in his twocandidate race in May

From his new perch, Williams said he’s seen how new officers currently receive relatively little vacation and sick leave benefits. To address that, he has already written a policy to establish a “comp time” system, whereby officers can have the option to accrue extra time off rather than taking overtime pay when their work days go beyond their scheduled shifts.

In preparation for his new job, Williams has hopped in police cars and patrolled Slidell with ofﬁcers He queries them on

ual charter change propositions on the ballot in a special election on Dec. 12. The vote also authorized the city to apply to the Louisiana Bond Commission for its consent. The proposed charter changes deal primarily with election and local government personnel rules.

n Establishing new rules for the election of a mayor or a police chief in cases where the post is vacated mid-term

n Deciding whether various positions in government, including the city’s chief administrative ofﬁcer, assistant police chief and the assistant director of any city department, should be exempted from the civil service team

n Determining whether the residency requirement for police chief candidates should be extended from one year to two years to match requirements for mayor and

department protocols and procedures, noting any suggestions the ofﬁcers have that could improve operations.

“Everything that happens in the car, stays in the car,” Williams says of the confidential discussions. “I’m not trying to jam anybody up, but I try to help them to understand I’m there for them. I’m not the boss that’s going to sit behind the desk all the time.”

Coming into his new job, Williams was no stranger to patrolling the streets of Slidell. After serving 14 years as a police ofﬁcer in Roswell, Georgia, he returned to Slidell in 2007 to become a member of a department where his father was a career ofﬁcer

The new chief was a full-time ofﬁcer in Slidell for eight years before retiring in 2015 and starting a small business with his wife. He has been a Slidell reserve ofﬁcer since his retirement.

City Council.

n Changing procedures for Civil Service Board appointments.

The proposed amendments do not include changing the city’s term limit rules for elected ofﬁcials, an issue that had been discussed at public hearings leading up to the drafting of the propositions.

As it stands now, council members, the mayor and the police chief are limited to two

consecutive four-year terms.

A public hearing held immediately prior to the council’s vote Tuesday drew only one speaker, Slidell Civil Service Director Cynthia Boudreaux, who thanked council members for their involvement in bringing the changes to a public vote.

“I appreciate all of your hard work on it and for the lively discussions about what should be and (what) didn’t

need to be propositions ...,” Boudreaux said Tuesday’s meeting was the last for outgoing council members Bill Borchert, Jeff Burgoune, David Dunham, Cindi King and Kenny Tamborella. The five were presented with plaques to commemorate their service to city government. A new slate of elected ofﬁcials will be sworn in to fouryear terms on July 1

Temperatures were high for the 2026 Slidell Heritage Festival, but these youngsters knew the splash pad was a perfect way to keep cool during the annual celebration at Heritage Park in Olde Towne.

The Molly Ringwalds bring their 80s-flavored setlist to a big crowd gathered June 27.

Zebra drummer Guy Gelso plays one of the band’s well-known hits.

A couple enjoys the Heritage Fest entertainment on the Ronnie & Gardner Kole Stage at Heritage Park

A mighty trio of musical acts played the 2026 fest, including Witness, the Molly Ringwalds, and Zebra — each legendary locally and beyond.

PHOTOS BY MATT DOBBINS

Fans line up along the rail as darkness begins to fall at the 2026 Slidell Heritage Festival.

A young fan feels the rhythm of the music at Heritage Park.

Revelers gather on the rail to rock along with the musical acts that played the annual Slidell Heritage Festival.

Felix Hanemann, left and Randy Jackson of legendary rock band Zebra, which headlined the 2026 Slidell Heritage Festival on June 27.

Habitat ReStore shows appreciation, celebrates home ownership

BY LISA VON EBERSTEIN Contributing writer

Jambalaya, sno-balls and great deals drew a crowd of shoppers to Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West’s ReStore in Mandeville on June 12, raising nearly $10,000 for the organization’s mission of building homes, community and hope.

The Customer Appreciation Day was a dual celebration of National Homeownership Month and STW Habitat’s 45th anniversary, highlighting its history and its work to help make homeownership attainable for all. ReStore is Habitat’s nonproﬁt home improvement store and donation center, and proﬁts from sales of its new and used household goods and building materials go to Habitat for its home ownership program.

Shoppers were treated to a 45% discount on their store purchases, as well as food, giveaways and information from United Way and local lenders who sponsored the event.

Jennifer Messina, vice president of development for STW Habitat, said ReStore had 308 sales transactions that day totaling $9,804.

“This really brings to the core of the community that we’re serving through the ReStore. So it’s a great way to thank our shoppers,” she said.

National Homeownership Month is a nationwide effort to encourage people to explore the potential of homeownership.

“It creates awareness to some

Messina, vice president of development for Habitat for Humanity St.Tammany West left, and Rondterries Goins, the 2026 Community Partners Build homebuyer who is helping to build the home she and her family will occupy.

people that think they probably would never be able to afford a home because of certain things going on in their lives, or the amount of income that they earn,” Messina said Event volunteer Rondterries Goins of Covington, a 2026 Community Partners Build homebuyer with STW Habitat for Humanity, said the program has transformed her outlook and provided support on her homebuying journey Construction on her home

is progressing and she hopes to close this fall.

When asked what she would tell others who dream of owning a home but doubt they can afford it, Goins said she would suggest they visit Habitat.

“Don’t give up. Just go for it,” Goins said. “Come in to Habitat — they help you. They’ll guide you in the right way so you can be able to afford one, or do the next step to get in a program to get one.”

According to Messina, Habitat for STW Habitat for Humanity has built and sold 325 new homes in west St. Tammany during its 45-year history, and net proceeds from the ReStore in Mandeville fund construction of about two area homes per year She said anyone who needs guidance during their homebuying journey is welcome.

“Our Homeownership Center here in the ReStore is a great place for those people to come to. Whether Habitat winds up being their path or not, we have licensed housing counselors that are in there to walk them through that process,” she said.

ReStore shopper Mike Pervel of Mandeville scored Saints collectibles and American ﬂags during the event. He said he often shops there on Fridays to take advantage of the military discount. “The people are always friendly, outgoing, courteous,” he said. ‘What they do here is incredible.”

For more information about Habitat for Humanity West and ReStore, go to habitatstw.org.

On hand at Restore were James Hunter, STW Habitat board chairman; Jennifer Messina, vice president of development, and Greg Sinclair, board member

Dogs need to beat the summer heat, too

BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing writer

In this season of summer fun, overheating and sunburn can be an issue for dogs as well as people when it comes to enjoying the outdoors and exercising safely

“If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them,” said Northshore Humane Society COO Ronnie Sanchez. “As it gets hotter we see an increase in heat stroke and other heat related problems in our veterinary clinic.”

Many pet owners take their dogs for daily walks, but concrete and asphalt can heat up quickly and become a real danger to a dog’s feet.

At the hottest part of the day, road surfaces can be hot enough to quickly burn and blister the pads on a dog’s feet, Sanchez said.

“If where you’re walking, on the beach or even the concrete around the pool, is so hot that you that have to put on some ﬂip-ﬂops, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on as well,” he said.

Taking walks early or after the sun starts to set is recommended to minimize exposure to heated surfaces and high temperatures.

Dogs can suffer from

overheating and heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke are excessive panting, struggling to walk or bright red or pink gums. Administering ﬁrst aid quickly is important in these cases, according to Alicia Davis, the society’s vet tech supervisor

“Ideally, taking the dog’s temperature with a thermometer made for dogs is best. Any temp above 104 degrees can be harmful. If the temperature is more than 106 degrees, first aid should be started immediately and the dog taken to a veterinarian for emergency help Intravenous ﬂuids can help to internally lower body temperature and prevent organ damage from occurring,” Davis said.

At home, ﬁrst aid can include covering the dog with wet, cool towels, especially on the dog’s feet. In an airconditioned space, place the dog on a cool tile ﬂoor and offer small amounts of cool water According to Davis, it’s important to slowly lower the dog’s body temperature.

“Do not submerge the animal to cool it off Cool down too fast and the dog can go into shock,” Davis said “Once a dog has a ﬁrst-time

heat-related issue they are more prone to experience another.”

For dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, shade and cool water is key to keeping them healthy, according to Davis.

“Certain breeds are prone to overheating and sunburn. Breeds including French bulldogs, Boston bull terriers and pugs are brachycephalic, or have short muzzles, and cannot pant efﬁciently Our high humidity here doesn’t help. Also, short-haired dogs with white coats can get sunburned through their fur,” Davis said.

The Northshore Humane Society has a heat protocol for the dogs in its care. Once the outside temperature reaches the mid- to upper 80s, the animals available for adoption are kept inside and cool with fans until the thermometer reads a more manageable temperature. Both Davis and Sanchez believe the keys to healthy summer fun for dogs is plenty of shade, a constant supply of cool water, indoor time in the AC and keeping any high energy activities for early morning and late evening hours.

Counselors at Northshore Humane Society’s summer camp know to keep themselves, the campers and their resident animals in the shade and drinking lots of water to keep everyone from overheating

Team member volunteers, from left, Cyndi Macaluso, of Mandeville, and Justice Dennis, of Amite, are with Volunteer Coordinator Christy Delgado, of Mandeville, at ReStore festivities.

Marissa Fielding, administrative assistant for United Way Southeast Louisiana, left, and Catera Cook, career navigator at ReStore.

PHOTOS BY LISA VON EBERSTEIN

From left, Gregory Shoats, STW Habitat for Humanity post purchase coordinator; Shevelle McCrary, its director of homeowner services, and Jon Payer, the repair program manager celebrate at ReStore.

Jennifer

Maritime Museum holds gala for Wooden Boat Fest

Supporters of the Maritime Museum Louisiana hosted a fundraising gala on June 11 in early preparation for its annual Wooden Boat Festival on Oct. 1718 in Madisonville. The group also ofﬁcially named and welcomed the festival’s 2026 king and queen, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and his wife, Cher. The museum and the festival celebrate the state’s maritime history and the communities that keep it anchored to its waterways.

BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing writer

The Blood Center is going big with a 250-unit goal for its USA 250th Celebration Blood Drive in Slidell on July 10. A drive of this size will be a challenge, said Valerie Mascorro, The Blood Center community outreach recruiter, but it is needed to address the critical shortage of blood products available this summer

“An average drive sponsored by an organization usually brings in anywhere between 15 to 75 donations. We’re shooting for 250 units to tie-in with our country’s anniversary celebration, but also because, realistically, 250 units is a one-day supply for the area we serve” Mascorro said.

“It’s scary to do something with a goal this big, but we need this event to be a success. We need to keep a three-day supply of blood on hand to meet the needs of our communities. That in and of itself is always a challenge. During summer months, we struggle with having a one-day’s supply on hand. When the supply gets that low, scheduled elective surgeries are at risk for being postponed. If there’s a mass casualty in our area, we’re in trouble,” the donor recruiter explained.

The Blood Center provides lifesaving whole blood and platelets to hospitals throughout southeast Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast. Blood donations drop in the summer, but the need for blood products at area hospitals doesn’t take a vacation, she said.

The supersized event at the Slidell Auditorium is open to the public, and the blood center is working with organizations to encourage their members to step up and donate en masse. Carnival krewes, civic groups, church congregations, businesses, social clubs — everyone — is encouraged to give together

As important as blood drives are, equally important are the regular donors, such as Dr Patrick Mottram, who require no convincing.

Mottram has been a regular donor since the 1960s, sitting attached to an apheresis machine at a blood center ofﬁce every three to ﬁve weeks donating platelets.

To date, he has donated more than 50 gallons that’s more than 400 units.

“Early in my career I became aware of what it was like to not have enough blood ready when

it was needed. We’d scratch and claw to help hold someone together and then there would not be enough blood available to save them,” the doctor said And seeing that need ﬁrsthand made him a lifelong blood donor

“Even if we have limited choices of what we can give materialistically, giving blood is a primary way almost everyone can help someone,” Mottram said. Whether one gives regularly or during drives, everyone is critical to the system.

“Each donor will make a difference in someone’s life,” Mascorro said. “I know I sound like a broken record sometimes, but it’s true. Blood donations are at a critical level to meet emergency needs in our community If you can’t donate, I encourage you to ask a son or daughter, grandchildren or friends to take the time to give. If you are a member of a club, ask your members to share information about the blood drive and encourage them to take part.”

The community recruiter noted that when there are big events, such as Mardi Gras, donations here go down because people are busy At times like that, the Blood Center can usually borrow units from other agencies to meet the needs here, Mascorro explained. But during the summer, all blood collection groups are hurting from low reserves, so that back up isn’t usually available.

“In my 32 years with The Blood Center, I have seen great responses when we’ve needed blood after a tragedy The important message is, we need donors every day, not just when there’s a disaster,” Mascorro said.

To encourage participation on July 10, donors will receive a special patriotic-themed polo shirt created for the occasion; drawings for $100 gift certiﬁcates each hour; and something tasty to eat — jambalaya and other goodies will be served along with the standard cookies and juice.

The Americans Helping Americans USA 250th Blood Drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Slidell Auditorium, 2056 Second St. in Olde Towne Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Donation time can be reduced by ﬁlling out the center’s Fastlane medical information questionnaire online before arriving. Additional information is available at www.thebloodcenter org or at (800) 86-BLOOD.

FUNDRAISERS

SUZIE HUNT

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and wife Cher will reign as king and queen of this year’s Wooden Boat Festival in October

PROVIDED PHOTO

Rick and Tina Payton

Jacob Hornbeck, Jordyn Prattini, AB York

Bruce Newton, Gerald Babin, Rob Delaune

Bill Munn, Keegan Waldrop, Emily Waldrop

Dave Goodson and Sheilah Goodson

Alexis Hocevar, Jim MacPherson, Andrea Moses

PHOTOS BY BOBBY GILBOY

Penny Baumer, Kristie Thomas, Suzanne Crow

Library support group moves to new location

BY KADEE KRIEGER

Contributing writer

After a fundraising push from its loyal volunteers, The Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany moved this month into its new 321 W. 29th Ave. home in Covington Organization president Alice McNeal said volunteers and supporters spent the past several weeks purging inventory, moving boxes, organizing thousands of books and re-assembling more than 100 shelving units at the new location, which is a smaller space than their previous location for the past several years.

“We are getting all set up and settled and will hold our ﬁrst book sale in the new space in July,” she said. That sale is scheduled for July 17-18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. As always, each monthly sale offers books, puzzles, movies and educational materials.

McNeal said an official open house gathering is in the works for the fall.

Several months ago, the group received notice from St. Tammany Parish government the nonproﬁt needed to vacate the space it occupied in front of the parish fairgrounds because of deteriorated conditions that were too costly to repair The lease had been offered for years at nearly no cost, allow-

ON STAGE

SATURDAY LAUGHS: It’s another Comedy Night at 30 by Ninety Theatre in Old Mandeville on July 11 featuring nationally touring headliner Andy Beningo with special guest Des Mulrooney. Tickets for the 7 p.m. standup show are $32. Beningo has more than 4,000 career shows under his belt and is known for his clean, relatable “everyman” style of comedy. He finds humor in everyday life— from growing up as the middle child to his brief career as a middle school teacher and society’s obsession with technology Opening for him will be the up-and-coming Mulrooney only 25, and already a regular at Chicago’s legendary Zanies Comedy Club, and in 2026, he filmed his first widely streamed Drybar Comedy special. JUST SIT RIGHT BACK: Playmakers Theater will close out its season with a two-week production of “Gilligan’s Island” July 11-26 near Covington. This familyfriendly musical version of the ever-popular, iconic 60’s TV comedy show tells the tale everybody from that era loves to see. Shipwrecked on a remote island, seven castaways build huts and begin to explore their surroundings. They discover strange hieroglyphics in a spooky cave that speak of an ancient legend; the weather gets rough; Gilligan foils the best-laid of the castaways’ rescue plans; romance develops; the castaways have an out-of-thisworld encounter, and more. Fun, wacky and entertaining with 18 original, memorable songs. Produced by Liz Zelenka; directed by Derek Thrush; technical director Anna/Van Turner; and musical director Shawn Patterson Leads include Shane Carter, Vince Boston, Derek Thrush Tiffany Mortillaro, Christian Gray, Aisha Sofia Johnson and Sal Mortillaro. See it at 19106 Playmakers Road.

PIRATES: Moonlight Productions will present the “Pirates of Penzance” over two long weekends, July 10-12 & 17-19 on the North Star Theatre stage, 347 Girod St. in Mandeville. This was Gilbert & Sullivan’s only opera to ofﬁcially premiere in the U.S opening on Broadway Dec. 31, 1879, as an immediate smash This

ing the non-proﬁt to help fund library projects and an annual college scholarship for St. Tammany high school students.

McNeal said a Go Fund me fun-

draiser to help with moving costs raised $1,000, but that the fundraising efforts will continue in order to help cover the monthly $1,200 rent. In addition, volun-

teers are still needed to help categorize books and organize them on shelves in the new space.

McNeal estimated that the organization reduced its inventory by about half in order to move into the smaller space, but that still meant keeping nearly 5,000 books to be sold to support its programs or offered for free.

“We are so grateful for the help we received so far, especially from the Covington branch for helping to take down and reinstall the shelves. There is still plenty to do to get ready for our July sale,” she said.

In addition to supporting library programs and the scholarship, McNeal said the Friends of the Library help to keep books accessible for everyone at a low cost to no cost at all.

“We are dedicated to the cause of literacy, and we simply want people to read People can’t always afford to buy books at the bookstore, and yes there is the library but, of course, you have to bring the books back, so it’s great for people to own their own books. Anyone can come in and get book for $1 or browse through the ones we put out for free.”

She said the organization also keeps books out of the trash, since most book donations can’t be brought to libraries. “We have a system, and we inspect and or-

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS

rollicking tale of duty, love, and delightfully misplaced loyalty follows the adventures of Frederic, a young man who ﬁnds himself entangled with a band of soft-hearted pirates, a troop of determined maidens, and a very persistent major-general whose daughter, Mabel, wins Frederic’s heart. As romance blossoms and identities blur, wit and whimsy steer the course toward an ending that surprises and satisﬁes. Perhaps these pirates are not as ordinary as they seem. Directed by James Sayles. Shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Adult tickets are $33.42 and student seats are $28.22, all inclusive. Get them at northstartheatre.org/.

MUSIC

LISTEN: Nashville-based singer, songwriter and storyteller Katie Boeck will bring her emotionally resonant music to the Harbor Center’s Listening Room on July 14, an intimate, bohemian-styled space that hosts monthly shows by mostly acoustic touring artists. Boeck’s music rests at the intersection of contemporary folk, Americana and soul. A 2023 Kerrville New Folk winner and two-time Rocky Mountain Folks Fest Songwriter Showcase ﬁnalist, Boeck is gaining recognition as a standout voice in the independent folk scene. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; music from 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. at 100 Harbor Blvd. in Slidell. Tickets at eventbrite.com/ JAZZ: A Traditional Jam Jazz with clarinetist and teacher Ben Redwine July 4 (every ﬁrst Saturday) from 9 a.m.11 a.m. at St. John’s Coffee, 535 E. Boston St. Two hours open to all listeners and players, usually a mix of students, amateurs and professional

players. No cost. Conﬁrm session at nstms.org; sheet music available at redwinejazz.com/education.

BEGINNER’S BLUEGRASS: Free Slow Jam on July 13 (every second Monday) from 3 p.m.5 p.m. at the Pavilion in Abita Springs at 22049 Main St. Please bring a chair for yourself. Free session welcomes musicians new to jamming and playing with others, as well as those who want to practice playing at a slower tempo. Get more session details at nstms.org/. FREE DAY: Pelican Park will hold a free day Day in the Park Festival July 11 starting at noon in The Groves, 63350 Pelican Drive, near Mandeville. There will be hands-on workshops, giveaways, and a car show; vendors offering food, beverages and art; plus there will be deejays and live music from noon until 5. The fun continues from 5 p.m.8 p.m. with an EDM after party from The Groves stage.

ART BIG SHOW: ‘The Summer Show,’ the 56th annual national juried artists’ exhibition hosted by the St. Tammany Art Association, will open July 11 with an artists’ reception from 6 p.m.–9 p.m. in Covington. Awards will be announced and presented at 7 p.m. It all happens in the association’s Miriam Barranger Gallery in historic downtown. The exhibition will hang through Sept. 12 and can be viewed during regular gallery hours Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m.–4 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/. COMMUNITY GUMBO

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. 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.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 studentathletes 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

ganize each book we receive,” she said.

McNeal said future donations and proceeds from book sales will hopefully make enough money to pay the rent, bills for operations and fund the organization’s annual Lisbeth Millard scholarship program, which awards $350 a semester to a St. Tammany graduating senior pursuing a four-year college degree.

In an open letter to the community, the Friends of the Library asked for continued support, writing “Every dollar counts, and together we can help ensure that the Friends of the Library continues to inspire and educate our community.”

Statistics from the organization show that in the past ﬁve years, the organization generated more than $63,000 toward projects such as the Lee Road branch renovations, Covington branch musical garden, eAudio book purchases and technology upgrades for children’s librarians. The organization also donates books to nursing homes, maternity homes, veteran’s groups and prisons.

To become a volunteer, call McNeal at (479) 244-0503 or email friendsofweststammany@gmail. com. To make a donation visit https://www.sttammanylibrary org/west-st-tammany-friends-ofthe-library and click on the donate button at the bottom of the page.

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. Club will also recognize winners of the 2026 Americana-themed Showcase Garden competition among the three subdivisions where residents used patriotic displays and landscaping to show the spirit of America. Meet at American Legion Post 185, 1680 St. Ann Place. Pot-luck at 6 p.m.; meeting at 6:30 p.m. Patriotic attire encouraged. Questions? Call Jill Dalier at (504) 307-7715.

FEDS: Slidell Chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association next meets July 10 at 1 p.m. in Genesis Hall at Aldersgate Church, 360 Robert Blvd. Speaker will be Nancy Arce, the food pantry coordinator with Community Christian Concern in Slidell. The Lunch Bunch will meet and eat at LaPines Restaurant, 1061 Robert Blvd, at 11:15 a.m. that day. Anyone interested in attending lunch should notify Cindy Arsenaux or Lynn Brooks; all active and retired Federal Employees and their spouses are welcome. Reach Brooks

Shane Carter as Gilligan

PHOTOS

Boston as Skipper Derek Thrush as Thurston Howell III

PROVIDED PHOTO

Friends of the Covington Library, preparing to move into their new, but smaller headquarters, had to leave about 5,000 books behind They were offered to the public.

PHOTOS BY BOBBY GILBOY

Elizabeth Mano is arranging books for display in the Friends’ new home in Covington.

Antonia Del Rio at the book

Covington Friends of the

New season, new districts for local teams

It’s July 1, so that means it is time to turn the page to the 2026-27 LHSAA sports season. The dog days of summer are ofﬁcially here as teams focus on growth and development, but it’s never too early to look ahead to district play

And the upcoming high school season will look a little different from the past two years, but the good news is that it will look very similar to the past as District 6-5A is ofﬁcially back together

We reported on this back in December during the reclassiﬁcation process, but it’s deﬁnitely worth revisiting now that a new season is here.

District 6-5A returns to its familiar 8-team format, as it was before the district was split two years ago when Salmen moved up to Class 5A. The Spartans’ ofﬁcial enrollment of 993 puts them below the Class 5A cutoff for the current 2-year redistricting cycle.

District 6-5A will include Covington, Fontainebleau, Hammond, Mandeville, Northshore, Ponchatoula, Slidell and St. Paul’s for the next two seasons, which run through the spring of 2028.

When Salmen moved up to Class 5A in 2024, it created two, ﬁve-team districts in St. Tammany Parish as Chalmette moved into one of those districts that included teams (Fontainebleau, Northshore, Slidell, and Salmen) in the eastern half of the parish. While District 6-5A was reduced to ﬁve teams: Covington, Hammond, Mandeville, Ponchatoula and St. Paul’s. Salmen will move back to Class 4A and be placed in District 7-4A after a two-year hiatus. That district will be similar to past seasons and will include Franklinton, Hannan, Lakeshore and Pearl River, along with the all-girls school St. Scholastica. Loranger, which has spent several years in the district, is moving down to Class 3A.

Another key change to this cycle comes in the postseason format For the past several years, the Spartans have competed in the Division I nonselect playoffs, which included all the Class 5A nonselect schools and some larger Class 4A institutions. Moving forward, Salmen will be in the nonselect Division II postseason bracket, making them the second-largest enrollment in that classiﬁcation.

Pope John Paul II is also on the move as the Jaguars are now in Class 3A with a listed enrollment of 403. They will play in District 8-3A with Albany, Bogalusa, Jewel Sumner and Loranger

ä See DISTRICTS, page 2B

Staff report

SUMMER LESSONS

Pearl River’s Dillon Smith returns to bench; players continue growth during summer league

BY MIKE PERVEL Contributing writer

To the casual observer, it was just another summer league boys’ basketball game.

But to Pearl River coach Dillon Smith, it was another step back to normal.

Smith, who guided the Rebels to a 20-12 record and the school’s ﬁrst playoff victory last season, missed that playoff win because he was involved in a vehicle accident less than 24 hours before.

Now, he’s back on the sideline, following right ankle surgery and later neck surgery made necessary after the accident.

“I’m about 90% healed at this point and loving being back coaching my team,” he said. “I couldn’t be any more grateful to the doctors and all the loving support we’ve gotten here in St. Tammany during the entire challenging process. My family and I are truly blessed.”

Pearl River is co-hosting the Lakeshore basketball summer league, and Smith is proud to assist his former high school coach, TK Kendall.

“I’m back doing what I love with my team, and I’m glad to assist Coach Kendall in the process of hosting summer league games here at The Pearl. I’m so thankful for Coach TK. He’s been a great mentor for me and has had a huge impact on my life,” Smith said.

The Rebels are seeing success on the court, boasting a 13-3 record, before the league wrapped up on June 30.

Pearl River edged Picayune Memorial High 61-53, on June 23, followed by a hard-fought 56-52 comefrom-behind win over rival Slidell after trailing by 10

named Allstate Sugar Bowl’s New Orleans Girls Prep Coach of the Year

Meaux Homburg-Bupp, the head coach of the state champion Pope John Paul II girls’ soccer team, was selected as the Allstate Sugar Bowl’s New Orleans Girls Prep Coach of the Year for 2025-26 season on June 22. The New Orleans Sports Awards Committee, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, selects annual award winners in a variety of categories; it also selects Sugar Bowl Athletes of the Month and each year’s Hall of Fame class. The Sports Awards Committee has recognized outstanding high school coaches for the New Orleans area since 1962. Homburg had the deﬁnition of a roller-coaster season directing the Jaguars’ soccer program. In December, her father passed away, and on Feb. 12, she gave birth to her son, Wyatt. Meanwhile, she continued coaching She didn’t miss a game, directing PJP

“I really don’t think people thought this team was going to be a (state title) competitor this season. We were underdogs. All the girls, especially the seniors, had something to prove. They proved it to everybody tonight.”

MEAUX HOMBURG-BUPP , after winning the Allstate Sugar Bowl New Orleans Girls Prep Coach of the Year

II to a 19-2-1 record and the LHSAA Division IV state championship on Feb 25, the second in school history Homburg was also named the St. Tammany Farmer All-Parish

Calvary Baptist, which had upset the top seed, in a penalty kick shootout at Lester Latino Field to reach the championship match. In the title match against Newman, the Jaguars again went to penalty kicks, and again they prevailed with senior goalkeeper Lilly Juneau saving two shots.

“I don’t have the words right now I’m still in shock and awe. It’s going to take me a few days to process this,” Homburg said after winning the title “I really don’t think people thought this team was going to be a (state title) competitor this season. We were underdogs. All the girls, especially the seniors, had something to prove. They proved it to everybody tonight.” The Sugar Bowl also conducted a fan vote for its annual awards, and the Girls Prep Coach of the Year winner was Nathaniel Peters from the

then took down

See COACH, page 2B

Pearl River’s Anthony Sealey drives to the lane against Slidell.

PHOTOS BY JOE TROMBATORE

Pearl River’s Angel Perez goes up for a layup against Slidell on June 23.

Joseph Halm

Meaux Homburg-Bupp

ä See SUMMER, page 2B

points with about 10 minutes left

Against Picayune, Mason Hawkins and Kaysen McGinnis each scored 15 points, while Angel Perez and Merrick Murphy chipped in with seven points each.

“We have a very unselﬁsh, talented group, and nine of them can be productive scorers,” Smith said. “It could be any starter or bench player who helps us, so we have a deep team. This is a great bunch and lots of fun to coach.” Perez said the Rebels are happy to have their coach back on the sideline.

“Coach Smith means a lot to this team. He guides us with an honest, upfront approach He doesn’t sugarcoat things, and he doesn’t tiptoe around any potential issues,” Perez said.

Senior Merrick Murphy agreed:

“Coach Smith is a great game planner, putting lots of effort into watching ﬁlm to get us prepared. He’s always upbeat at practice and wants the absolute best for our team. He brings an old-school intensity, and you just want to play hard for him ”

For Slidell coach Krisner Green, who is entering his eighth season with the Tigers, the summer league is all about court time. On June 23, the Tigers fell to Picayune, 43-42, and Pearl River before knocking off Pope John Paul II.

“You don’t win championships in the summer,” Green said. “It’s a lot bigger than always getting the W, working on creating mental toughness and handling critical game situations. It’s all about continuing to develop handling tough stretches.” Green said he wants his players to hang their hats on their defense

Senior Jalen Lucas (5-9, 160 pounds), the Tigers’ defensive anchor, averaged 12.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2 1 assists and 1.9 steals per game last season, said defense sets the tone.

“I like going to the basket aggressively I can hit the outside shot, but I can also drive and kick, creating shots for my teammates. Defensively, we want to always play hard and be scrappy Good defense converts to better offense,” Lucas said

“Coach Green is hard on us and wants the best for us. He breaks down the game for us in a professional way He teaches us how to play the game the right way always giving us energy.”

Junior guard Ayden Ducre (6-0, 162 pounds) agreed: “We’re working on building more team chemistry We must improve in practice, so things come to us naturally We had a couple of tough losses, so we need to get back to ﬁnding our rhythm.”

Pope John Paul II second-year coach Zachary Pisciotta said his focus is on getting his young team time on the court.

“Our players are striving to be the best versions of themselves, so we can continue to grow and become more successful. We use the summer to develop better skills, learning how to ﬁght through adversity, and moving on to the next possession,” Pisciotta said.

“It’s awesome that we can get so many games in, getting some real varsity minutes for our younger, inexperienced players. It’s a good opportunity to see the team in different positions, ﬁguring out who can step up and contribute.”

Those learning experiences came quickly on June 23 as the Jaguars fell to Pearl River Central, 44-34. Sopho-

DISTRICTS

Continued from page 1B

That leaves Northlake Christian as the only Class 2A school in the parish. The Wolverines will play in District 10-2A with Amite, Doyle, Independence, Pine, St. Helena and St. Thomas Aquinas. That district is similar to the recent District 9-2A, with the addition of Amite, Doyle and Pine, all moving down from Class 3A. Doyle is also in the process of bringing back football for the ﬁrst time in nearly 40 years. Other classiﬁcation changes includes:

n St. Scholastica moves back up to Division I in girls’ soccer That will bring back the traditional District 6-I that includes Covington,

COACH

Continued from page 1B

Hannan soccer program. Peters, in his first year as the head coach of the Hannan soccer team, directed the Hawks to a historic season as they posted a 20-1-1 record and defeated three-time defending state champion Parkview Baptist in the LHSAA Division III state championship match for the program’s first state title on Feb. 26. In addition to Homburg and Peters, the finalists for the Outstand-

more Carter Dierker ﬁnished with 12 points, including four 3s. Sophomore Jai Williams (6-2, 155 pounds) is one of those young players looking to step up after starting all 32 games as a freshman.

“We’re relying on Jai to become a team leader, both scoring the ball and becoming a defensive role model for his teammates,” Pisciotta said. “He’s got all the tools to become a very special player He has the potential, and we have full conﬁdence in his ability to be successful again this year and in the future, leading our program.” Williams said early in his freshman year he was afraid to dribble the ball, but that is all ancient history after helping guide the Jaguars to the playoffs.

“I’m working on ways to be more

Fontainebleau, Hammond, Mandeville, Northshore, Ponchatoula and Slidell. The Doves are the reigning Division II state champions after not playing up in the last reclassiﬁcation cycle.

n Pope John Paul II volleyball moves to District 8-IV, which includes Curtis, Country Day, Sarah T. Reed, St Mary’s Academy and Ursuline. This will break up the long-time district rivalry with Northlake Christian, which will stay in District 7-IV

ST. TAMMANY DISTRICTS FOR 2026-28

Note: Enrollment numbers included in parentheses.

District 6-5A: Covington (1,506), Fontainebleau (1,424), Hammond (1,502), Mandeville (1,950), North-

ing Girls Prep Coach honor were Julie Ibieta (Country Day volleyball) and Danny Tullis (Slidell volleyball). Ibieta directed Country Day to its 10th straight LHSAA Division V state championship as well as its 16th state title in 17 years. Tullis, last year’s honoree, guided Slidell to its second straight state championship as the third-seeded Tigers upended top-seeded Dominican in the championship match. The New Orleans Sports Awards Committee came together when James Collins spearheaded a group of sports journalists to form a sports awards committee to immortalize

The St. Tammany Swim League held its annual ‘B’ Meet at Lakeside Swim Club on June 20 in Slidell. Four teams compete in the league including Pinewood Country Club (PCC), Lakeside Swim Club (LKS), Cross Gates (CGG) and Picayune (PBT). The League Championship is set for July 10-11 at Cross Gates.

creative on offense. I’m a conﬁdent shooter, but I want to keep improving my mid-range jumper My game has gotten more versatile, driving and kicking the ball out. I want my younger teammates to experience the year I had as a freshman last season,” Williams said.

Jaguars’ senior forward Taytem Miller (6-3, 215 pounds) is one of seven seniors returning.

“We’re starting to play with more confidence We have good team chemistry, and we’re close friends off the court. We like to hang out and play pick-up games,” Miller said.

“This summer has been a good learning process with all the young guys, getting more familiar with each other, seeing how we ﬁt together.”

shore (1,492), Ponchatoula (1,964), Slidell (1,562), St. Paul’s (1,430)

District 7-4A: Hannan (642), Franklinton (634), Lakeshore (790), Pearl River (756), Salmen (993), St. Scholastica (954)

District 8-3A: Albany (571), Bogalusa (444), Jewel Sumner (406), Loranger (544), Pope John Paul II (403)

District 10-2A: Amite (318), Doyle (355), Independence (368), Northlake Christian (364), Pine (387), St. Helena (330), St. Thomas Aquinas (347)

District 7-B: Christ Episcopal, Holden, Lycee Francais, Mt. Hermon

District 7-C: First Baptist Christian, Grand Isle, Lutheran, Phoenix, St. Therese Academy

Contact Joseph Halm at jhalm@ sttammanyfarmer.net.

local sports history For 13 years, the committee honored local athletes each month and a variety of annual award winners. In 1970, the Sugar Bowl stepped in to sponsor and revitalize the committee, leading to the creation of the New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame in 1971, honoring 10 legends from the Crescent City in its ﬁrst induction class. While adding the responsibility of selecting Hall of Famers, the committee has continued to recognize the top athlete in the New Orleans area each month as well as a range of annual awards – the honors enter their 70th year in 2026.

GIRLS 7-YEAR-OLD 100-METER IM: 1. Sadie Vidrine, PCC, 3:11.77. 9 100-METER IM: 1. Ari Dover, PCC, 2:49.71. 2. Piper Abadie, PCC, 3:15.14. 10 100-METER IM: 1. Mia Canales, LKS, 2:03.36. 2. Sarah Soupogui, PCC, 2:15.36. 3. Emma Leonard, PBT, 2:18.01. 11 100-METER IM: 1. Skylar Foret, PCC, 2:52.75. 12 100-METER IM: 1. Turner D Brink, LKS, 1:40.46. 2. Lisa Soupogui, PCC, 1:54.63. 13-14 100-METER IM: 1. Shelby Chabreck, PCC, 1:35.19. 2. Addison Fielder, PCC, 1:41.10. 3. Sammie Bryson, PBT, 1:48.55. 15-18 100-METER IM: 1. Passion Spiers, PBT, 1:30.62. 6 & U 25-METER FREE: 1. Isla Carlton, LKS, 44.21. 2. Joanie Schneidau, LKS, 44.64. 3. Josie Parker, LKS, 45.59. 7 25-METER FREE: 1. Emma Torres, CGG, 32.98. 2. Cecilia Helbling, PCC, 34.42. 3. Valerie Luque, LKS, 37.77. 8 25-METER FREE: 1. Lorelle Laskos, CGG, 31.40. 2. Gracie Leonard, PBT, 32.38. 3. Zen Bernard, PBT, 35.37. 9 25-METER FREE: 1. Ari Dover, PCC, 25.53. 2. Shelby Ellis, LKS, 26.71. 3. Alejandra Orellana, CGG, 28.71. 10 25-METER FREE: 1. Roberta Bermudez, PCC, 25.01. 2. Juno Sprout, LKS, 25.42. 3. Brinley Lindberg, CGG, 26.46. 11 50-METER FREE: 1. Ava Thomas, PBT, 46.78. 2. Skylar Moore, CGG, 46.92. 3. Evelyn Stracener, PBT, 47.58. 12 50-METER FREE: 1. Hadley Lindberg, CGG, 44.49. 2. Chloe Casrill, LKS, 45.94. 3. Emersyn B. Pepe, LKS, 49.35. 13-14 50-METER FREE: 1. Addison Fiedler, PCC, 41.18. 2. Cecilia Ganucheau, PCC, 41.56. 3. Gracie Centanni, PBT, 43.62. 15-18 50-METER FREE: 1. Gianna G. LeBreton, LKS, 34.67. 2. Sarah Phelps, PBT, 34.82. 3. Chloe Jones, PBT, 35.97. 11 100-METER FREE: 1. Ansley Graham, PBT, 1:49.94. 2. Sadie Lorance, CGG, 2:01.27. 3. Emma Kate Gallagher, PBT, 2:06.55. 12 100-METER FREE: 1. Izzy I. Smith, LKS, 1:42.70. 13-14 100-METER FREE: 1. Julianna Trussell, CGG, 1:35.51. 2. Mckenzie Landry, LKS, 1:39.56. 15-18 100-METER FREE: 1. Sarah Phelps, PBT, 1:24.05. 2. Gianna G. LeBreton, LKS, 1:25.91. 6 & U 25-METER BACK: 1. Charlotte Durst, LKS, 48.00. 2. Julia Dembrun, LKS, 50.76. 3. Adele Faust, LKS, 55.00.

7 25-METER BACK: 1. Ruby Parker, LKS, 41.49. 2. Elianna Lardizabal, CGG, 44.71. 3. Alicia Orellana, CGG, 50.88.

8 25-METER BACK: 1. Dallas Keller, CGG, 35.10. 2. Ellie Stanley, LKS, 38.63. 3. Zen Bernard, PBT, 42.89. 9 25-METER BACK: 1. Vivian M. Biller, LKS, 31.04. 2. Lilah Nesbit, PCC, 31.53. 3. Chloe Mitchell, PBT, 32.02. 10 25-METER BACK: 1. Juno Spourt, LKS, 28.01. 2. Brooke Rawls-Bechel, CGG, 28.02. 3. Faith Watson, CGG, 29.70.

11 50-METER BACK: 1. Natalie Fuqua, LKS, 56.93. 2. Ansley Graham, PBT, 58.53. 3. Emma Kate Gallagher, PBT, 1:03.77.

12 50-METER BACK: 1. Lisa Soupogui, PCC, 54.86. 2. Izzy I. Smith, LKS, 55.28. 3. Emersyn B. Pepe, LKS, 58.85. 13-14 50-METER BACK: 1. Cecilia Ganucheau, PCC, 49.72. 2. Madison Graham, PBT, 50.66. 3. Gracie Centanni, PBT, 52.29. 15-18 50-METER BACK: 1. Genevieve Delaney, PCC, 47.32. 2. Annie Schneidau, LKS, 52.07. 3. Mia Berger, PBT, 55.64. 7 & U 25-METER BREAST: 1. Saga Raybon, PBT, 47.03. 2. Cecilia Helbling, PCC, 47.61. 3. Lyssa Lemley, PCC, 1:00.19. 8 25-METER BREAST: 1. Faith Harper, PBT, 37.27. 2. Lorella Laskos, CGG, 49.39. 10 25-METER BREAST: 1. Brinley Lindberg, CGG, 30.53. 2. Brooke Rawls-Bechel, CGG, 31.56. 3. Grace Cloutet, LKS, 33.59. 11 50-METER BREAST: 1. Skylar Moore, CGG, 1:00.32. 2. Natalie Fuqua, LKS, 1:01.89. 3. Makynzie Gauthier, PBT, 1:09.55. 12 50-METER BREAST: 1. Lisa Soupogui, PCC, 56.35. 2. Chloe Casrill, LKS, 1:00.18. 3. Izzy I. Smith, LKS, 1:02.60. 13-14 50-METER BREAST: 1. Morgan Fabares, PCC, 59.11. 2. Julianna Trussell, CGG, 59.26. 3. Olivia Korach, LKS, 1:03.01. 15-18 50-METER BREAST: 1. Sarah Phelps, PBT, 50.26. 2. Annie Schneidau, LKS, 53.30. 3. Mia Berger, PBT, 1:01.42. 7 & U 25-METER FLY: 1. Olivia Clayton, CGG, 54.26. 8 25-METER FLY: 1. Zelie Schneidau, LKS, 37.05. 9 25-METER FLY: 1. Leecy Corsentino, CGG, 38.31. 2. Lilah Nesbit, PCC, 48.43. 10 25-METER FLY: 1. Faith Watson, CGG, 30.51. 2. Brooke Rawls-Bechel, CGG, 31.99. 3. Hannah Cloutet, LKS, 52.03.

11 50-METER FLY: 1. Sadie Lorance, CGG, 1:00.81. 12 50-METER FLY: 1. Turner D. Brink, LKS, 45.81. 2. Giana Burrell, CGG, 47.63. 3. Coralynn Knowles, PCC, 53.07. 13-14 50-METER FLY: 1. Addison Fiedler, PCC, 45.38. 2. Julianna Trussell, CGG, 54.46. 3. Madison Graham, PBT, 58.98. 15-18 50-METER FLY: 1. Avery Zelden, PCC, 35.24.

BOYS 7 & U 100-METER IM: 1. Roman Galdamez, LKS, 2:22.46. 10 100-METER IM: 1. Wyatt Bolin-Elfers, LKS, 2:08.96. 2. Cooper Brown, CGG, 2:14.55. 3. Beau Cotten, PCC, 2:27.56. 11 100-METER IM: 1. Abel Weatherman, PCC, 2:21.10. 12 100-METER IM: 1. Joshua Weissbohn, CGG, 1:51.86. 13-14 100-METER IM: 1. Jacob Chabreck, PCC, 1:29.89. 2. Stephen Bech, PCC, 1:34.16. 3. Jacob Maki, CGG, 2:09.81. 15-18 100-METER IM: 1. Dimitri I. Fronistas, LKS, 1:26.00. 2. Christopher Salles, PCC, 1:34.06. 3. Patrick Chabreck, PCC, 1:45.41. 6 & U 25-METER FREE: 1. Jaxxton Wilbert, LKS, 48.20. 2. Brady McNeese, LKS, 48.92. 3. Connor Lancaster, CGG, 49.97. 7 25-METER FREE: 1. Charlie Ganucheau, PCC, 34.29. 2. Eli Andrews, LKS, 36.32. 3. Noah Cloutet, LKS, 40.80.

8 25-METER FREE: 1. Landon Roberts, PCC, 29.43. 2. Connor Mallette, CGG, 33.28. 3. Carson Pohto, LKS, 34.65. 9 25-METER FREE: 1. Julian Hooks, LKS, 23.80. 2. Cal Stephens, LKS, 24.85. 3. Dax Wallace, PCC, 25.19. 10 25-METER FREE: 1. Beau Cotten, PCC, 23.30. 2. Brennan R. Esteve, LKS, 23.58. 3. Logan Knowles, PCC, 30.15. 11 50-METER FREE: 1. Simon Seals, LKS, 49.16. 2. Abel Weatherman, PCC, 53.42. 3. Liam Giveans, LKS, 1:17.09.

12 50-METER FREE: 1. Joshua Weissbohn, CGG, 41.22. 2. Brantley Hostetler, CGG, 42.53. 3. Connor Stoltz, CGG, 48.45. 13-14 50-METER FREE: 1. Jullian Lowe, PBT, 35.21. 2. Kylan McCranie, PBT, 36.31. 3. Austin Jackson, LKS, 42.98. 15-18 50-METER FREE: 1. Coz Reyes, PCC, 31.61. 2. Brince Kay, CGG, 32.63. 3. Christopher Salles, PBT, 33.34. 11 100-METER FREE: 1. Carter Fitzgerald, PCC, 1:42.90. 2. Joseph P. LeBreton, LKS, 1:43.01. 12 100-METER FREE: 1. Joshua Weissbohn, CGG, 1:41.06. 13-14 100-METER FREE: 1. Stephen Bech, PCC, 1:21.03. 2. Jacob Chabreck, PCC, 1:21.49. 3. Austin Jackson, LKS, 1:52.67. 15-18 100-METER FREE: 1. Nickolas Weatherman, PCC, 1:15.44. 2. Dimitri I. Fronistas, LKS, 1:16.12. 3. Coz Reyes, PCC, 1:16.91. 6 & U 25-METER BACK: 1. Rylan Dunaway, LKS, 1:00.19. 2. Brady McNeese, LKS, 1:00.85. 3. Kole Mumphrey, CGG, 1:05.90. 7 25-METER BACK: 1. Leo Stephens, LKS, 41.63. 2. Noah Cloutet, LKS, 44.03. 3. Cooper Esteve, LKS, 47.46.

8 25-METER BACK: 1. Connor Mallette, CGG, 34.62. 2. Landon Roberts, PCC, 42.37. 3. Carson Pohto, LKS, 42.73. 9 25-METER BACK: 1. Dax Wallace, PCC, 32.87. 2. Everett Bertrand, LKS, 38.03. 10 25-METER BACK: 1. Wyatt Chisum, PBT, 30.30. 11 50-METER BACK: 1. Ripken McNeese, LKS, 59.08. 2. Simon Seals, LKS, 59.21. 3. David Medina, CGG, 1:44.72.

12 50-METER BACK: 1. Brantley Hostetler, CGG, 1:00.78. 2. Saul Orellana, CGG, 1:19.76. 3. Demir Bolukbas, CGG, 1:22.93. 13-14 50-METER BACK: 1. Austin Jackson, LKS, 55.13. 2. Conlan Knowles, PBT, 59.18. 3. Brentley Glover, 1:00.58. 15-18 50-METER BACK: 1. Nickolas Weatherman, PCC, 39.17. 2. Odis Sanchez, PBT, 43.57. 7 & U 25-METER BREAST: 1. Noah Cloutet, LKS, 50.88. 9 25-METER BREAST: 1. Julian Hooks, LKS, 46.38. 10 25-METER BREAST: 1. Wyatt Bolin-Elfers, LKS, 30.47. 2. Cooper Brown, CGG, 30.90. 3. Fischer Joyner, PBT, 42.44. 11 50-METER BREAST: 1. Joseph P. LeBreton, LKS, 1:01.26. 2. Carter Fitzgerald, PCC, 1:03.79. 12 50-METER BREAST: 1. Collin Foulon, PBT, 1:01.83. 2. Jacob Tomlinson, PBT, 1:20.21. 13-14 50-METER BREAST: 1. Jullian Lowe, PBT, 55.09. 2. Jacob Maki, CGG, 55.93. 3. Conlan Knowles, PCC, 1:05.34. 15-18 50-METER BREAST: 1. Braylon Landry, PBT, 41.16. 2. Patrick Chabreck, PCC, 44.17. 3. Brince D. Kay, CGG, 45.33.

7 & U 25-METER FLY: 1. Ronnie Jones, LKS, 38.16. 9 25-METER FLY: 1. Cal Stephens, LKS, 32.76. 2. Dax Wallace, PCC, 33.08. 10 25-METER FLY: 1. Beau Cotten, PCC, 29.93. 2. Wyatt BolinElfers, LKS, 32.21. 11 50-METER FLY: 1. Joseph P LeBreton, LKS, 1:05.92. 2.

PHOTOS BY JOE TROMBATORE

Pearl River’s Angel Perez closes out on a shot attempt by Ayden Durce on June 23

Slidell guard Ayden Ducre, left, tries to drive into the lane against Pearl River

Gonzalez,

Alejandro 'Alex'

Alejandro “Alex” Gonza‐lez, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on June 15 2026, at the age of 74. He was born on February 5, 1952, in Havana, Cuba, to his loving parents, the late Juan José Gonzalez and Dulce Maria Gonzalez Gon‐zalez. For 51 years, Alejan‐dro shared a devoted mar‐riage with his wife Cindy Spain Gonzalez. He is the cherished father of Alejan‐dro Gonzalez Jr., Ryan Gon‐zalez (Leigh), Jesse Gonza‐lez (Missy) and Adrian Gonzalez; proud grandfa‐ther of Collin (Sophia) Cole, Lilly, Cade, Olivia, Jesse Braelyn Brennan Emma, and Bella Gonzalez; great-grandfather of Juliet Gonzalez; and brother of José Manuel Gonzalez and the late Maria De Los An‐geles “Nana” Gonzalez Alejandro is also survived by a host of extended fam‐ily members as well as his dog, Sam, who was always a faithful companion Ale‐jandro was the owner of Alex op a busi‐ness as far more than od to him. It was Through his work ned the re‐spect of many and built a reputation for dedication, skill, and honesty. A faith‐ful parishioner of St Genevieve’s Church Ale‐jandro held his faith

and advan‐tages thereunto be‐longing or in any‐ wise appertaining,situated in the State of Louisiana, Parish of St. Tammany, in RIGOLETS ES‐TATES SUBDIVI‐SION Ward 8, in SQUARE A. bounded by Marlin Drive, Louisiana Highway 433, Trea‐sure Isle, Square B and Rigolets, desig‐ nated as LOT 5 measuring as fol‐lowsto-wit: Lot 5 commences 153.87 feet along the arch of a curve from the corner of Marlin Drive and Louisiana Highway 433,

side and a depth on the opposite side line of 431.32 feet: all in accordance with survey by Krebs LaSalle LaMieux Consultants Inc. dated March 19, 1998, except that Marlin Drive is shown as Marilin Drive. Which has the ad‐dress of 103 Marlin Drive, Slidell, LA 70461. Thesalewillbeheld at on July 13, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the

March 19, 1998, except that Marlin Drive is shown as Marilin Drive. Which has the ad‐dress of 103 Marlin Drive, Slidell, LA 70461. Thesalewillbeheld at on July 13, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the property located at 103 Marlin Drive Slidell, LA 70461. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $775,155.19. There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other in‐come or liabilities, except that the pur‐ chaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclo‐sure sale. When making their bids all bidders except the Secretary must submit a deposit to‐taling $77,515.52 in the form of a certi‐fied check or cashier's check made out to the Sec‐retary of HUD. A deposit need not ac‐company each oral bid.Ifthesuccessful bid is oral, a deposit of $77,515.52 must be presented before the bidding is closed The deposit is non-refundable The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within 30 days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may de‐termine for good cause shown, time beingoftheessence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certi‐fied or cashier's check If the Secre‐tary is the highest bidder, he/she need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all convey‐ ing fees all real es‐tate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery date of the remain‐der of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of the title At the conclusion of thesale,thedeposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be re‐turned to them The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to de‐liver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for 15-day incre‐ments for a fee of $500.00, paid in ad‐vance. The exten‐sion fee shall be in the form of a certi

unsuccess bidders will be re‐turned to them. The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to de‐liver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for 15-day incre‐ments for a fee of $500.00, paid in ad‐vance. The exten‐sion fee shall be in the form of a certi‐fied or cashier's check made payable to the Secretary of HUD. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the ex‐piration of any ex‐tension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied to‐ward the amount due If the high bid‐der is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any exten‐sions of time granted by the Sec‐retary the high bid‐der may be required to forfeit the cash deposit or at the election of the Fore‐closure Commis‐sioner after consul‐tation with the HUD representative, will be liable to HUD for any costs incurred as a result of such failure. The Com‐missioner may, at the direction of the HUD representa‐tive, offer the prop‐erty to the second highestbidderforan amount equal to the highestpriceoffered bythatbidder There is no right of re‐demption,orrightof possession based upon a right re‐demption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure com‐pleted pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchasepriceinac‐cordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein HUD does not guar‐antee that the prop‐erty will be vacant. The scheduled fore‐closure sale shall be cancelled or ad‐journed if it is estab‐lished, by docu‐mented written ap‐ plication of the mortgagor to the Foreclosure Com‐missioner not less than 3 days before the date of sale, or otherwise, that the default or defaults upon which th foreclosure is did not exist a time of servi this notice of d andforeclosure or all amount under the mort agreement are

sure ‐missioner not less than 3 days before the date of sale, or otherwise, that the default or defaults upon which the foreclosure is based did not exist at the time of service of this notice of default andforeclosuresale or all amounts due under the mortgage agreement are ten‐dered to the Fore‐closure Commis‐sioner,intheformof a certified or cashier's check payable to the Sec‐retary of HUD, be‐fore public auction of the property is completed The amount that must be paid if the mortgage is to be reinstated prior to the sched‐uled sale is $775,155.19 as of April 28, 2026, plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if pay‐ments under the mortgage had not been accelerated advertising costs and postage ex‐penses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road dis‐tanceforpostingno‐tices and for the Foreclosure Com‐missioner for recording docu‐ments, a commis‐sion for the Foreclo‐sure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connec‐tion with the fore‐closure prior to rein‐statement Tender of payment by certi‐fied or cashier's check or application for cancellation of the foreclosure sale shallbesubmittedto the address of the Foreclosure Com‐missioner provided below. Date: May 20,2026. 189883JUL1-1T $1487.12

PUBLICNOTICE

BRANCH”

In the matter of the establishment of a branch of JD Bank. Notice is hereby given that the JD Bank, whose Main Office and Office and domicile is lo‐catedat507N.Main St Jennings Louisiana, Louisiana, has made application to the Federal Deposit In‐surance Corporation and the Louisiana Commissioner of Financial Institu‐tions to establish a branch to be located at 200 Gause Blvd., Slidell, St. Tam‐many Parish, Louisiana. Any person wishing to comment on this application with the Louisiana Office of Financial Institu‐tions may file his or her comments, in writing, with the Commissioner of Financial Institu‐tions Post Office Box 94095, Baton Rouge Louisiana, 70804-9095. The Office of Financial Institutionsisnotre‐quired to consider any comments re‐ceived more than 30 daysafterthedateof publication of this Notice. The Public Section of the appli‐ cation will be avail‐able at the Office of Financial Institu‐tions for public in‐spection during the regular business hours of 8:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m., Monday throughFriday.

This notice is pub‐ lished pursuant to LAC 10:I.Chapter5of the"Louisiana Reg‐ ister".

JDBank 507N.MainStreet Jennings,LA70546 By:PaulE Brummett,II,CEO 191858JUL1-1T $310.11

“Anyone knowing the whereabouts of James C. Hines, please call Kevin BarnesJr.Esq 985-200-3374” 191936JUL1-1T $62.21 PUBLICNOTICE ABITASPRINGS 2026BUDGET AMENDMENTPUBLIC HEARING

PUBLICNOTICE “NOTICETO ESTABLISHA BRANCH” In the matter of the establishment of a branch of JD Bank.

HEARING The Abita Springs Town Council has presented Instru‐ment 2026-06-01 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AN OPERATING BUDGET OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY1,2026, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31 2026. A copy of the budget amendment is available for in‐spection at the Of‐fice of the Mayor at 72077 Live Oak St. Abita Springs LA 70420 and is also posted on the Town of Abita Springs website at wwwtow nofabitasprings com. The Abita Springs Town Council will hold a public hearing to discuss the adoption of the 2026 budget amendment The public hearing will be held on July 7 2026 at 6:00pm in the Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St Abita Springs LA 70420. Any interested party isinvitedtoattend. 192599JUL1-1T $21.72

PUBLICNOTICE CITYOFCOV‐INGTONPLAN‐NINGCOMMIS‐SIONHAS SCHEDULEDA MEETINGFOR MONDAYJULY 20,2026,6:30PM ATTHECITYOF COVINGTON COUNCIL CHAMBERSLO‐CATEDAT222 KIRKLAND STREET,COV‐INGTON, LOUISIANA. Planning Commis‐sionMeeting

26-07-13 ADMN

SUB-Request: (An administrative sub‐division Referred to the Planning Com‐mission by the Plan‐ning Department) A request to subdivide (Lot consolidation) Lots 4 & 5, Square 1815, into Lot 4A, Square 1815. Divi‐sion of New ington,Covin Per AppenSubdivision 3. Sec. 3.4 (2 (4) Adminis this case is b ferred to the ni

Subdivision Article 3. Sec. 3.4 (2e) and (4) Administrative, this case is being re‐ferred to the Plan‐ning commission because lots do not have access to do not have access to a previously con‐structed public right of way and street and require exten‐sion to sewer and water main lines The subject prop‐ertyislocatedonthe corner of the unde‐veloped right of waysforW18thAv‐enue and S. Grant Street, Division of New Covington, Covington. Petitioner: William Tharp & Sandra Douglas Owner: William Tharp & Sandra Douglas CASE NO. 26-0704 SALE Request for the City to ex‐change the alley that traverses square 2810, Division of New Covington, for lot 10 of square 2810 or a portion thereof. Said alley measuring 300' x 20’, 6000 sq ft or in thealternative,apri‐vatesaleofthealley. Square 2810 is bounded by W 29th Avenue N. Filmore W 28thAvenue and anundevelopedpor‐ tionofN Pierce. Petitioner: West 30’s Redemption Company/ Bryan Burns Owner:CityofCov‐ington

26-07-03-RSE A re‐quest for the Revo‐cation of the 20’s al‐leyways in squares 1602, 1701, 1702, and 1703 and a por‐ tion of S Monroe Street Right of way and a portion of S Madison Street Right of way. Sub‐ject property com‐prises the campus of William Pitcher Jr HighSchool Petitioner: St. Tam‐many Parish School Board Owner:CityofCov‐ington

26-07-15 ADMN

SUB-Request: (An administrative sub‐division Referred to the Planning Com

re (Lot consolidation) the 20’ alleyways in squares 1602, 1701, 1702, and 1703 and a portion of S Mon‐roe Street Right of way and a portion of S. Madison Street Right of way into Lot WP-1 and lot WP-2, Division of New Covington. Subject property is the campus of William Pitcher Jr HighSchool Per Appendix A Subdivision Article 3. Sec. 3.4 (2d) Ad‐ministrative, this case is being re‐ferred to the Plan‐ning commission duetothenumberof lotsinvolved. Any approval of the requested subdivi‐sion will be condi‐tioned upon the City Council approval of the revocation re‐quested in Planning Case No. 26-07-03 RSE of the subject alleysandstreets. Petitioner: St. Tam‐many Parish School Board Owner:CityofCov‐ington

26-07-16 ADMN

PUBLICNOTICE

CITYOFCOV‐INGTONZON‐INGCOMMIS‐SIONMEETING SCHEDULED

FORMONDAY, JULY20,2026, 6:30PMATTHE CITYOF COVINGTON COUNCIL CHAMBERS LOCATEDAT222 KIRKLAND STREET, COVINGTON, LOUISIANA. Zoning Commis‐sionMeeting

26-07-01

PUD(PRD) A re‐quest to change the zoning of a parcel of land identified as,

SUB-Request: (An administrative sub‐division Referred to the Planning Com‐mission by the Plan‐ning Department) A request to subdivide (Lot consolidation) Lots 3, 4, 5, and 6, Square 20, the re‐maining portion of Square 19, and the revoked portion of Joiner Street be‐tween square 20 and 19 and W Edwards Street and W 31st Avenue, into Lots 3A and 5A, Square 20, Connley Addi‐tion, Division of New Covington, Covington. Per Appendix A Subdivision Article 3. Sec. 3.4 (2d) Ad‐ministrative, this case is being re‐ferred to the Plan‐ning commission duetothenumberof lotsinvolved. Petitioner: Collins and 31st LLC/William Kingsmill Owner: Collins and 31st LLC/William Kingsmill PROCESS & AP‐PEAL Th pl or