St. Tammany Picayune 07-01-2026

COVINGTON • FOLSOM • LACOMBE • MADISONVILLE • MANDEVILLE • SLIDELL

ST. TAMMANY

N O L A.C O M

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W e d n e s d ay, J u ly 1, 2026

1AN

Slidell’s Heritage Fest honors the USA

AMERICA

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.

Smith admits battery, resigns

ELECTION 2026

Sheriff’s Office, mosquito abatement millages pass easily

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 More photos from Heritage Fest.

Fireworks light up the night sky, and reflect in the dark water of Page 6A ä Blood drive sets Bayou Bonfouca, during the 2026 Slidell Heritage Festival, held goal for USA 250 Celebration. Page June 27 in Heritage Fest in Olde Towne. The annual event is a fundraiser for local nonprofits and is organized by the Rotary Club 8A ä Stars, Stripes and of Slidell the Rotary Club of Slidell-Northshore. More than 500 Stand-up charity volunteers work the festival, which has raised at least $1.5 million comedy show supports veterans’ for local nonprofits since its inception. causes. Page 8A

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

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.

“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 SMITH, page 3A

ä See EVENTS, page 3A

ä See MILLAGES, page 2A

Veteran lawman Bret Ibert named interim sheriff

BY WILLIE SWETT

Staff writer

PHOTO BY MATT DOBBINS

Music, fireworks, food and fun ring in start of country’s historic birthday celebration

INSIDE

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

St. Tammany residents everywhere are celebrating 250 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

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2A ✦ Wednesday, July 1, 2026 ✦ St. Tammany ✦

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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 Curtis potentially fight a fire.

“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

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

City of Slidell, 4.45-mills continuation, sewerage, 10 years

averse attitude of late. Parish government has failed The tax rate that Mandev- in six consecutive attempts ille property owners are as- to persuade voters to apsessed for city services will prove tax propositions to remain unchanged for 2026 help fund the parish’s crimiunder a trio of ordinances nal justice system. approved unanimously June As recently as May 16, 25 by the City Council. voters in three St. TammaOne of the city’s three ny lighting districts voted millages fuels the general down property tax proposfund and two others, the als to keep roads in certain police department. For the areas of the parish lit. past two years, the Against that antioverall rate for the tax backdrop, counthree has been 8.21 cil member Jason mills, which is proZuckerman used his own tax bill to jected to generate give constituents about $2.2 million perspective on how in property tax revthe city’s millages enue this year. factor into a propPassage of the three leaves the rate Zuckerman erty owner’s overall at 8.21 mills, even local tax bill. though the council had the Zuckerman said out of authority to “roll forward” his $4,350 annual property the rate and assess more for tax bill, only $339 — the government coffers. amount raised by the 8.21 In 2012, voters authorized mills — goes to the city. The the city to collect up to 15.8 remainder goes to services mills in property taxes. The provided by the parish govrate has been “rolled back” ernment and school system. over the years as property “That’s a helluva barvalues increased as a result gain,” he said of the city of reassessments by the millage assessment. “I’ll bet Tammany Parish Assessor’s most of us pay three times Office. that much for internet serA rollback is an adjust- vices.”

While he supports mainment made to local property tax rates after property val- taining the city millage at ues are reassessed, and its its current level, Zuckerpurpose is to cancel out in- man said tax-weary citizens flationary increases in prop- who balk about the cost of erty values, ensuring that lo- running government should cal governments collect the have no qualms with Mansame amount of revenue as deville’s rates. they did the previous year.

“Anyone complaining State law gives local about high property taxes in government bodies the op- this chamber ... I believe is tion to “roll forward”— or in the wrong chamber. They raise the millage rate back need to be at Koop Drive,” up — toward the originally Zuckerman said, referring approved maximum rate to the parish government without consent of voters, complex.

Seeming to pick up on that but the council opted not to theme, civic leader Becky do so.

In past years, efforts to Rohrbough cautioned the roll forward or adjust rates council on what she rein Mandeville triggered ferred to as the “political heated debates. In 2024, expediency” of not rolling city officials sparred when forward the millages. the administration sought Maintaining municipal to keep the municipal rate property taxes at their curat 8.86 mills, a level that had rent rate, along with a move been assessed for the previ- made earlier in the meeting to establish a minimum ous five years.

Council members balked general fund balance when at the proposal and the rate drafting the city budget, was lowered to 8.2, where it could jeopardize the govcurrently stands. ernment’s ability to meet St. Tammany Parish vot- the rising cost of employee ers have displayed a tax- expenses, she said.

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

THE ST. TAMMANY ADVOCATE

Contributing writer

PHOTO FROM JAMIE DAVIS FOR LOUISIANA FACEBOOK PAGE

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

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.

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%)

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%)

Yes: 2,546 (69%) No: 1,125 (31%)

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%)

REGIONAL ELECTIONS

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

Public Service Commission, District 1, Republican Party

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

Stephanie Hilferty: 49,047 (62%) John Young: 29,459 (38%)

BESE, District 1, Republican Party

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

“Joseph” Cao: 29,417 (52%) Ellie Schroder: 27,169 (48%)

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

ST. TAMMANY PARISH ELECTIONS

Andrew Canulette contributed to this report.

321 N. New Hampshire Street Covington, LA 70433 PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY Online at theneworleansadvocate.com/community/sttammany

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✦ St. Tammany ✦ Wednesday, July 1, 2026 ✦ 3A

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EVENTS

Continued from page 1A browser. For more race info, type in Official 4 on the 4th website. n M a n d e v i l l e ’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 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,

FILE PHOTO BY BOBBY GILBOY

Kyndall Scott went all in on 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. 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.

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.

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

Interim St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Bret Ibert 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.

PROVIDED PHOTO

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’

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 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.

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-

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.

The St. Tammany Boehm 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.

4A ✦ Wednesday, July 1, 2026 ✦ St. Tammany ✦

Covington linebacker Otha Peters Jr.

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“

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. I was playing with my boys. Those were my childhood friends.

”

OTHA PETERS JR., on days playing at Covington High School

PROVIDED PHOTO

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 youth leagues, continued at local high schools and then colleges near and far. Many of these homegrown talents played professional sports, too, reaching the pinnacle of athletic achievement.

This week, we feature former Covington High and professional football player Otha Peters, who now is a member of the Bogalusa Fire Department team.

BY DARREN COOPER Contributing writer

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 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.

O

tha 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

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.

FILE PHOTO BY LESLIE WESTBROOK

UL-Lafayette linebacker Otha Peters takes a knee during football practice.

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. 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.”

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✦ St. Tammany ✦ Wednesday, July 1, 2026 ✦ 5A

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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

his transition from businessman and reserve officer to head of St. Tammany Parish’s largest municipal law enforcement agency.

On the morning following his elec“I’m now looking at things from tion as Slidell’s police chief, Tommy the top down, rather than the botWilliams said he was at police headtom up,” said Williams, who colquarters trying to get a jump start on his new role as top cop in the Williams lected 65% of the vote in his two132-member department. candidate race in May. Fresh off his resounding victory at the From his new perch, Williams said he’s polls on May 16, Williams said he wanted seen how new officers currently receive to immediately get acquainted and re- relatively little vacation and sick leave acquainted with the officers he will lead benefits. To address that, he has already written a policy to establish a “comp time” when he officially takes the reins July 1.

Williams, along with nine City Council system, whereby officers can have the opmembers and Mayor Randy Fandal, are to tion to accrue extra time off rather than be sworn in to new, four-year terms during taking overtime pay when their work days a July 1 inauguration ceremony at Slidell go beyond their scheduled shifts.

Municipal Auditorium at 11 a.m.

In preparation for his new job, Williams Over the past month, Williams said he has has hopped in police cars and patrolled immersed himself in police work as part of Slidell with officers. He queries them on Contributing writer

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.

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 tax lien auction process, call the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Property Tax Department at (985) 809-8217.

Legislative update luncheon set for July 23 Staff report The East St. Tammany Business Alliance will host its Legislative Update Luncheon on July 23 at Pinewood Country Club.

Local lawmakers will give updates on recent legislative activity, discuss issues impacting the business community, and share insights on what to expect moving forward. Speakers scheduled include Sen. Bob Owen, Rep. Stephanie Berault and Rep. Brian Glorioso.

Tickets to the 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. event are $40 for members; $50 for nonmembers; $270 for sponsored member table of 6; and $330 for a sponsored nonmember table of 6. Seating is limited.

Slidell voters to decide seven charter changes on Dec. 12

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-

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

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.

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6A ✦ Wednesday, July 1, 2026 ✦ St. Tammany ✦

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AMERICA

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

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.

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

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

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

PHOTOS BY MATT DOBBINS

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

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

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.

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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

Jennifer 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.

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.

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

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

PROVIDED PHOTO

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.

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.

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8A ✦ Wednesday, July 1, 2026 ✦ St. Tammany ✦

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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.

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

PROVIDED PHOTO

PHOTO BY SUZIE HUNT

Dr. Patrick Mottram and Blood Center Community Outreach coordinator Valerie Mascorro understand the dual need for both regular donors and community blood drives to keep an adequate level of blood and blood products stocked to save lives 365 days a year.

Celebrate big USA 250 by giving gift of life

BY SUZIE HUNT

Contributing writer

Penny Baumer, Kristie Thomas, Suzanne Crow

PHOTOS BY BOBBY GILBOY

Rick and Tina Payton

Alexis Hocevar, Jim MacPherson, Andrea Moses

Jacob Hornbeck, Jordyn Prattini, AB York

Bill Munn, Keegan Waldrop, Emily Waldrop

Dave Goodson and Sheilah Goodson Bruce Newton, Gerald Babin, Rob Delaune

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 RED, WHITE & BLUE: Stars, Stripes & Stand-Up charity comedy show featuring all vet comedians happens July 3 at Covington Country Club. Public invited, and no club membership needed to attend the show. Proceeds to support local American Legion and VFW posts and the Irreverent Warriors, a nonprofit focused on improving veteran mental health and helping prevent veteran suicide through humor and camaraderie. Doors and dinner 6:30 p.m.; showtime 7:30 p.m. GA tickets $20; tickets with barbecue buffet and premium seating, $50. Vet discount at checkout via covington-countryclub. com/at-the-club.

BEAN TEAMS: Teams are already getting ready for St. Tammany’s dueling red beans and rice fundraisers to benefit the United Way of Southeast Louisiana. The first red beans and rice sale on behalf of the western section of the

parish takes place July 27 in the Briggs Assembly Center, and on Aug. 3, the eastern section team will prepare and sell their lunches in Slidell Auditorium. Get more details as this annual red beans cook-off approaches at UnitedWaySela.org/redbeans.

GO BANANAS: American Legion Post 16 in Covington is preparing for its sixth annual Great American Legion Banana Split Celebration on Aug. 22. Profits from the sale of old-fashioned banana splits and ice cream sundaes will be donated to the Northshore Food Bank.

Volunteers are needed to help with all tasks relating to staging and promoting the celebration, including someone familiar with Canva to provide expertise in preparing event flyers. Potential volunteers are asked to call (985) 334-3036 or (985) 892-0677 to discuss or sign up.

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PHOTOS BY BOBBY GILBOY

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

Antonia Del Rio at the book donation box located at 321 W. 29th Ave., new home of the Covington Friends of the Library. The group will hold its first book sale there on July 17-18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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-

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 liPROVIDED PHOTO brary but, of course, you have to bring the books back, so it’s great Friends of the Covington Library, preparing to move into their new, but for people to own their own books. smaller headquarters, had to leave about 5,000 books behind. They Anyone can come in and get book for $1 or browse through the ones were offered to the public. we put out for free.”

She said the organization also ing the non-profit to help fund li- draiser to help with moving costs brary projects and an annual col- raised $1,000, but that the fund- keeps books out of the trash, lege scholarship for St. Tammany raising efforts will continue in since most book donations can’t order to help cover the monthly be brought to libraries. “We have high school students.

McNeal said a Go Fund me fun- $1,200 rent. In addition, volun- a system, and we inspect and or-

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.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS 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

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Vince Boston as Skipper

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

Shane Carter as Gilligan

Derek Thrush as Thurston Howell III

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.

(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/.

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

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

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 at (504) 495-9764, or Arsenaux at (985) 646-2296 or email carsen01@ hotmail.com.

Congratulations!

Lily Ronquillo

2026 Shelter Insurance Foundation Scholarship Recipient!

We’re pleased to congratulate Lily Ronquillo as the local recipient of the Shelter Insurance Foundation Scholarship. Clark Gristina shares in financially supporting this scholarship offered to students at Lakeshore High School. We’re pleased to recognize her achievements. Lily was chosen by a committee of local high school officials and community leaders.

Clark Gristina CPCUTM CHFCTM CLUTM LUTCF TM

985-900-2594

We’re your Shield. We’re your Shelter.

ShelterInsurance.com

10A ✦ Wednesday, July 1, 2026 ✦ St. Tammany ✦

lll

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Bush’s Baked Beans 10 OZ

Lawry’s Marinade

Kerrygold Butter

A-1 Steak Sauce or Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce

4

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Betty Crocker Red, White, Blue Icing or Sprinkles

1.8 LB

Red, White, Blue Sour Patch Kids or Mini Swedish Fish

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OFF

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Prices good at New Orleans, Metairie, Gretna, Kenner, Marrero, Covington, Mandeville, and Slidell locations July 1st thru July 8th, 2026.

Buy a Pie, Support American Heroes.

From June 24–July 8, $2 from every 8" apple pie purchased in our bakery benefits Paralyzed Veterans of America.

PRICES GOOD JULY 1st - 8th, 2026

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THC

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