After hours of debate, the St Tammany Parish School Board agreed on July 9 to give its nearly 6,000 employees a one-step raise for the upcoming school year despite concerns of a looming potential budget deficit and the possibility that open positions won’t be filled. The raise will give certificated employees a bump of $500 per year, while support staff will get $350 annually starting in the 20262027 school year This does not include the expected additional $2,000 one-time stipend recently mandated by Gov Jeff Landry’s executive order for teachers and $1,000 for support workers, which will come out of the
Sheriff’s Office lists delinquent properties for tax sale auction
Staff report
In anticipation of its annual tax lien auction on July 29, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has advertised the list of delinquent properties in the July 15 edition of The St. Tammany Farmer
The list also is 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 There currently are approximately 1,800 properties with taxes and/or related fees due to the parish and the municipalities of Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Pearl River, Abita Springs and Madisonville Property tax bills for 2025 were mailed Nov 11, 2025. Delinquent notices were sent on Feb. 23, 2026.
The STPSO has contracted with SRI, Inc. to utilize its online tax lien auction platform. The auction will take place online 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 are required to create an account on the website and register for the St. Tammany Parish auction. Registration closes July 22 at noon. Registrants will have access to a practice auction specific to Louisiana to become familiar with the features of the program. For more information with this process, SRI can be reached at (800) 800-9588. The tax lien auction laws were significantly changed starting Jan. 1, 2026 It is imperative that any party interested in partaking in the process to read these new laws before participating. It is important that properties are given due diligence as STPSO 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 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 STPSO 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.
budgets of local school districts.
Nearly all of the 10 school board members in attendance at the monthly finance and administrative committee meeting in Covington fired questions at school system administrators. Most of the queries focused on the potential deficit and weighing whether the modest raise was more important than the possibility of having to eliminate positions.
Superintendent Frank Jabbia and Chief Financial Officer Terri Prevost repeated a message throughout the meeting that described the
Fish.Crab.Explore.
Second outing for event lives up to its name
BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing writer
On a recent sunny Saturday morning, Alice Harrison learned a bit about crabbing, biology and the waters that surround her hometown during the Fish. Crab.Explore. day at the Lake Road Boat Launch in Lacombe.
“I think I’ve got one,” the excited girl called out, slowly pulling in the string holding her bait and a little lagniappe. Her crabbing partner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife officer Matthew Sieja, stood ready with a long-handled net. As Harrison jumped up and down, Sieja removed the small crab from the net and held it up for her inspection.
“It’s a girl!” Harrison said proudly pointing at the little crab. She had learned to check its underbelly for the telltale triangle markings identifying it as a female. Then she learned another very important lesson.
“We need to put her back,” Sieja said, showing her how to gently hold the crab without getting pinched. And in keeping with new lessons learned, Harrison then tossed her catch back in the water before throwing her bait back in the bayou. For the day, children and adults could also borrow a fishing pole and drop a bobber in the water to fish for perch, as well as learn how to kayak or take a boat tour in the marsh. The boat launch is located near where Bayou Lacombe
PHOTO BY MATTHEW
Proposal designed to protect Old Mandeville
BY KIM CHATELAIN
Contributing writer
The “Monroe Street Corridor Low-Traffic Overlay District” might sound like “government-speak” to some, but City Councilman Kevin Vogeltanz said the purpose of this special zoning classification is simple: protect what makes Mandeville special. The zoning district is outlined in an ordinance introduced July 9 at the Mandeville City Council meeting. The proposed ordinance, while not discussed at the meeting, will likely return to the council agenda later this month.
Vogeltanz, sponsor of the ordinance, previewed the zoning proposal in a lengthy social media post describing it as an effort to preserve Mandeville’s “rightful place as the best residential lakefront community in
Louisiana.”
The proposed legislation stems from efforts to bring two large scale lakefront developments to vacant properties on the lakefront. Plans for Sucette Harbor and Port Marigny generated intense controversy and legal action, with pushback from residents and the City Council over high-density zoning, traffic concerns, and building scale.
Vogeltanz, whose district includes the two development sites, said the ordinance would carve out a section of Monroe Street and “overlay” it with a special zoning classification
An overlay district is a zoning layer applied on top of an existing “base” zoning district to enforce additional or stricter regulations.
The proposed district is geared toward preventing addition congestion along Mon-
earlier this summer
roe Street, which the councilman said is already under serious traffic strain The two-lane roadway provides access to Mandeville’s historic lakefront.
“Mandeville’s own recent traffic study found failing conditions at key (Monroe Street) intersections today and several more projected failures in the future,” Vogeltanz said. “Any significant development will only accelerate and exacerbate traffic failures throughout the Monroe Street corridor…”
The proposed overlay district would encompass an area south of Monroe Street from East Causeway Approach to Lamarque Street. Any major developments — those classified as “planned districts” or “marina districts” would have to meet certain traffic criteria for the city to issue land use and building permits.
For instance, a 10-acre project within the overlay district would be prohibited from generating more than five new “vehicle trips” on Monroe Street each day during peak traffic hours, as ascertained by standard traffic-engineering metrics. If the proposed development failed that benchmark, the city could deny permits for development.
Vogeltanz said his ordinance features an exception that would allow construction of a single-family homes on one-acre lots in the district even if such homes generate above the five-vehicle trip limit.
“I included that exception because the goal isn’t to stop reasonable development or economic use,” he said. “The goal is to encourage low-traffic, low-density development that fits the residential character of the Monroe Street corridor.”
FISH
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and Lake Pontchartrain blend together
“It’s important to reintroduce families to the outdoors and the free resources we have here. Lake Road is a great place to come and bring a net and a chicken leg and go crabbing. Kids under 18 can fish for free,” said Becky Larkins, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife ranger for Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges.
Casey McCarroll and Jade Salazar came from Hammond to spend the morning fishing with a friend. The group took advantage of the borrowed fishing equipment on hand.
“It’s our friend’s birthday, and she wanted to go fishing. We heard about this from Facebook and decided to give it a try,” said McCarroll, pausing to reel in a small perch. “This has been a lot of fun.”
There were cool activities, such as making fish prints and trying to guess what was in touch boxes, things like a rabbit pelt, deer antlers and an alligator skull. It all matters; the common theme for the day was interaction.
“We’ve got a station where kids can scoop up water from the lake and then look under the microscope to see what they can find,” Ashley Ray said of the busy booth sponsored by the St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement office. Ray was coordinator for Fish.Crab.Explore, as well as a board member of the parish recreation district for Lacombe.
Ray also learned a few things that morning, especially at the marine debris tent. Trash pulled from the marsh and lake was on display and used as a teaching tool.
“I didn’t know a (drinking) straw took 500 years to degrade,” Ray said.
During the morning, a plaque was dedicated to the late Cliff and Connie Glockner for their role helping establish the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.
“They were commercial fishermen and did so much to protect the wetlands. They loved this place,” Ray said.
Seventy-five children also re-
ceived gifts of a new fishing pole from the nonprofit Wish To Fish.
“Our goal is to get kids outside. We work with youth who usually don’t have the opportunity to go
fishing,” Wish to Fish member Danica Williams said. The group has been organizing fishing trips on Lake Pontchartrain and out of Venice since 2006 for families in need, at risk youth and those with health issues that may not normally get to drop a hook in the water
“We know that a day out on the water opens minds and hearts. That’s why we do this,” Williams said.
Fish.Crab.Explore was sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, St. Tammany Parish Recreation District No. 4, the Rotary Club of Lacombe and other organizations, Ray said. As this was the event’s second year, she estimated the number of participants would exceed last year’s count of 300 attendees. As the breeze ruffled the marsh grasses surrounding the group of tents and young anglers, Ray was pleased to see crabs and fish going into small coolers for the trip home, happy that the youngsters had learned a valuable lesson while having fun.
“One of the greatest rewards is seeing these kids learn that they can catch their own food and use it instead of having to go to the store,” Ray said.
Elizabeth Benoit grins nervously as she holds a ‘sleeping’ crab
Volunteer Shannon Bordelon, rear, shares a kayak ride with Gail Collier
Caleb Pohto and his dad, Zach Pohto, are serious about catching a crab.
PHOTO BY SUZIE HUNT
Alice Harrison, under the Minnie Mouse cap, and Matthew Sieja, with the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service, show off the beauty of a crab Alice caught at the Fish. Crab.Explore day in Lacombe.
There was a lot of experience behind the teaching going on during the Fish.Crab.Explore event at the Lake Road Boat Launch in Lacombe
PHOTOS BY MATTHEW PAYZANT
Outreach assistant Alyssa-Serenity Luke and mosquito biologist Whitney Look, from left, dip tiny creatures from the water for closer inspection.
Staff report
Longtime northshore business leader and community advocate T. Paul Davis has been appointed to the St. Tammany Heal th System Board of Commissioners, adding decades of executive leadership and nonprofit experience to the health system’s volunteer governing body He replaces outgoing member and Board Vice Chairman Thomas D. Davis, his father, who has served on the body since May 2006.
“Paul has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strengthening our community through thoughtful leadership and service,” Board Chairman John A. Evans said in announcing the appointment “His business acumen, collaborative approach and longstanding dedication to improving the quality of life on the Northshore make him an outstanding addition to our Board of Commissioners. We welcome him to the team and thank him for his willingness to serve.”
A graduate of St. Paul’s School and Southeastern Louisiana University Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in business management before joining Parish Concrete in 1995. He became vice president of the Mandeville-based company in 2003 and has served as president since 2018.
“He has a deep-rooted commitment to our community, demonstrated through the meaningful relationships he has cultivated across the private, governmental and nonprofit sectors,” St. Tammany Health System President andCEOJoanCoffmansaid of Davis. “We are confident he will bring a thoughtful, well-rounded perspective shaped by both his leadership experience and his understanding of who we are as an organization and the vital role we play in advancing the health and well-being of our region.” Davis is also chairman of the St. Tammany Health Foundation’s Board of Trustees, and he has served on the governing boards of the Louisiana Concrete Association and P&W dustries LLC. He is a member of the board of the Northshore Foo Bank and the St. Tamman Chamber of Commerce litical Action Committe in addition to his service the Special Olympics the St. Paul’s School alum association. Legislative luncheon
The St. Tammany Cham ber will host an “Afte the Gavel Legislativ Luncheon: What Passe What’s Pending. What Matters.” on Aug bringing together bu ness leaders and membe of the northshore legisla tive delegation for a cussion on the outcomes of the 2026 Louisiana islative session. Scheduled participan include Sen. Patrick McMath, Sen. Beth Mizell, Sen. Bob Owen, Sen. Bill Wheat, Rep. Stephanie Berault, Rep. Kim Carver, Rep. Peter Egan, Rep. Jay Gallé, Rep Brian Glorioso and Rep. Mark Wright. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon from noon to 1:15 p.m. at Covington Country Club, 200 Country Club Drive in Covington Registration is $63 for Chamber members and $75 for future Chamber members. Register at StTammanyChamber.org/ events.
Streamlined waiver process in Covington is no free ride
BY KIM CHATELAIN Contributing writer
Under certain circumstanc-
es, Covington property owners will be allowed to seek waivers from the city requirement that all properties be tied into the municipal water and sewage systems.
Council President Mark Verret said the changes made July 7 to streamline the exceptions process do not mean that property owners now have an open invitation to bypass the city water and sewerage.
“No one should read this and think, ‘Well I’m not going to tie into the municipal system,’” he said. “It (the exception) should be an out of the ordinary, outlier situation.”
City officials stressed that waivers would only be considered for properties facing specific circumstances that would make the tie-in “impractical, unreasonable and/or financially unfeasible.”
By obtaining a waiver, an owner would be allowed to install a private well or wastewater treatment system, so long as it complies with all applicable municipal and state laws.
To obtain a waiver, a property owner must submit a written request to the city’s Public Works Department, detailing justification for the request and a plan for a water well or a pro-
posed sewer treatment method, according to the two new ordinances passed by the council.
The requests will be evaluated by the public works director, the city engineer and the chief building inspector to determine if a waiver is warranted.
In other action, the council agreed to allow Verret to continue serving as president of the seven-member legislative body for the next year Each July, the council selects two members to serve as its officers.
Current Vice President John Botsford will also continue in his current position.
During the comments and reports portion of the meeting, council members expressed condolences for Chris Rushing, a 38-year-old employee in Covington’s arts and cultural department who drowned July 1 while trying to save his granddaughter from drowning near Bayou Lacombe.
Councilman Jimmy Inman, who was a longtime educator in St. Tammany Parish and taught Rushing years ago, described him as “just a quality individual.”
Botsford said Rushing “had a glow about him” and always had a smile on his face.
“Chris was a hero,” Botsford said. “He jumped into the water to save his granddaughter with no regard for his own life.”
BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer
The last time Ryan Rushing saw his cousin, Chris was on his grandmother’s porch in Abita Springs.
“We were out there sitting on the porch, talking about the basketball team,” recalled Rushing, a coach at Covington High School.
Though they were first cousins, he said he and Chris Rushing grew up like brothers.
“Chris was real dependable He was a warming soul,” Ryan Rushing said. “You ask Chris to help, he was more than welcome A lot of the times you didn’t even have to ask him.”
Later that day Chris Rushing, a 38-year-old Covington resident, went with family to a popular fishing and crabbing spot near Bayou Lacombe.
While there, Chris Rushing’s granddaughter fell into the water on the west side of Lake Road by the bayou, according to a statement from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office on the July 1 incident.
Chris Rushing jumped in and tried to rescue her, the Sheriff’s Office said, but
his attempt to help was an example of the altruism he practiced daily
“That final act of courage and selflessness was simply a reflection of the person we all knew every day,” said Sarada Bonnett, the event department’s head. “Chris was the person I could always count on to be there, early ready to work and wearing that unforgettable smile.”
struggled and was pulled underwater A female relative was able to save the young girl, but Chris Rushing never resurfaced.
Firefighters who responded to the scene around 7:34 p.m. pulled Chris Rushing ashore and attempted CPR. He later died at a hospital, according to Fire District No. 3
Chief Michael Geissler
The autopsy showed it was an accidental drowning, St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office spokesperson James Hartman said.
Those who knew Chris Rushing, an employee at Covington’s arts and cultural department who helped organize more than 100 events every year, said
Ryan Rushing said he wasn’t surprised that his cousin didn’t hesitate to jump in.
“It’s sad for us who are still here. But us knowing Chris, if he was put in that situation 100 times, he’s going to do what he did every single time,” Ryan Rushing said. Still, when Ryan Rushing thought back to the final moments he saw his cousin on his grandmother’s porch, he started choking up.
“If I’d known that was the last time, I would have told him how much I loved him, and how much he meant to me and our family,” he said “I just wish I would have savored that moment.” A funeral was held Saturday at the Community Church in Covington.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY RYAN RUSHING
Chris Rushing, right, with his cousin Ryan Rushing
T. Paul Davis
New assistant principals placed at St. Tammany schools
administrators
TEACHER
Continued from page 1A
enrollment. And when they factor in other cost increases, there’s a potential for a deficit of $30 million for the 2027-28 fiscal year District leaders acknowledged that’s a big number to make up despite the local school system budget exceeding $500 million the past few years
In all, the words “tough times” or “tough decisions” were said by Jabbia or school board members 12 times throughout the meeting. In the end, the measure passed 9-0 with only District 9 representative Gia Baker abstaining. Five board members were absent.
“I feel like we did right by the employees here, and we had to overcome a whole lot with the governor throwing a wrench in all our plans,” Jabbia said Meanwhile, Landry has continued to defend “tightening the belts” of school boards across the state, and his measures have been backed up by both the Louisiana House and Senate.
The governor has said the order “does not cut money from the classroom.”
One way to potentially address the deficit is by shrinking the work force. Jabbia said as employees leave the school system, in many cases they would not be replaced And throughout the course of a school year, he expects about 300 jobs would be eliminated “by no reduction in force, but rather by attrition.”
That would result in a drop of approximately 5% of the work force, and with a savings of approximately $50,000 to $55,000 per eliminated position, the school board would reduce expenditures by about $16.5 million per year
In part, that was a holdup of the July 9 vote. Some members were concerned employees would lose their jobs for what amounts to a $10 per week raise for staffers who remain.
Jabbia assured the board no one will be let go due to budget concerns.
“We have to look at every department across the district,” he said. “You look at other school systems, and they’ve all had to make some serious decisions. As a superintendent, hands down this is my toughest time. COVID was tough, but it was a different kind of tough.
“This probably is the toughest time for any school administration here since 2010 or 2011, and I wasn’t even in administration yet,” he added “I actually think it is probably one of the most challenging times for public education, honestly.”
A first-year teacher’s base salary in St. Tammany — not including stipends — will now be anywhere from $51,533 to $56,477, depending on level of completed college education Each salary step up is $500 annually
Several other items were included in the Memorandum of Understanding that detailed the plans for raises. Employees are being granted up to three days of bereavement leave, an extra day of personal leave and added stipends for paraprofessionals who are asked to spend time as substitute teachers.
Throughout the negotiations, both the school administration and the employee union say they have been in lock step trying to get the MOU completed.
St. Tammany Federation of Teachers and School Employees president Brant Osborn said after the meeting he would have loved to be able to negotiate a higher raise, but he understands the position Jabbia and the school board are in.
“We have negotiated together for five years now and (Jabbia) has a heart for these employees. If he could do more, he would do more,” he said. “At the same time, this is a plan where it’s more than just money –there are a lot of quality-of-life issues here
“We have the opportunity to come back to the table, but as you heard here, we are facing some tough times financially,” Osborn said.
Madisonville approved for $2.55M loan to finish plans for new water well, tower
BY JIM DERRY Staff writer
Sheriff’s Office sued by man wrongfully arrested in 2025 fatal hit-and-run
BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer
A St. Tammany Parish man is suing former Sheriff Randy Smith and some of his deputies in federal court for wrongfully arresting and jailing him for 13 days last year in connection with a hit-andrun that killed a young boy Cody Beaudette was arrested on Aug. 13, 2025, by the Sheriff’s Office on charges of vehicular homicide, hit-andrun and reckless operation in connection with the death of 6-year-old Jeremiah Ramirez.
After 13 days in jail, Beaudette was released on bond and then, two days later, with mounting pressure from family members and investigators who drew attention to exonerating evidence, the Sheriff’s Office announced that new evidence showed the vehicular homicide charge was “not supported” and Northshore District Attorney Collin Sims’ office announced it was refusing prosecution.
Another individual, Connie Estes, was booked that same day on hit-and-run and obstruction of justice charges and has a trial scheduled to start Sept. 14 in connection with the death of Ramirez. The boy was riding his scooter on Northshore Lane near Slidell on Aug. 13 when he was struck and killed.
Beaudette and his family are now seeking damages for wrongful arrest and imprisonment. They are accusing Smith, who served as St. Tammany sheriff for nearly a decade until he resigned in June, and some of his employees of doing shoddy investiga-
After 13 days in jail, Cody Beaudette was released on bond and then, two days later, with mounting pressure from family members and investigators who drew attention to exonerating evidence, the Sheriff’s Office announced on Aug 29, 2025, that new evidence showed the vehicular homicide charge was “not supported” and Northshore District Attorney Collin Sims’ office announced it was refusing prosecution.
tive work before Beaudette’s arrest and later ignoring exonerating evidence during his imprisonment.
The complaint, filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana on June 18, accuses Smith of violating Beaudette’s constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures, and accuses a handful of sheriff’s deputies, some named and some anonymized, of illegal seizure, excessive force, false arrest and imprisonment and malicious prosecution, among other allegations.
“He suffered a lot of mental anguish, him and his family, over the whole ordeal,” said Beaudette’s lawyer, Michael Raspanti, in an interview Suzanne Carboni, a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office, said she could not comment on pending litigation
at this time. In August 2025, when the Sheriff’s Office announced they were no longer seeking the homicide and hit-and-run charges against Beaudette, Smith said, “We believe in holding individuals accountable, but we also have a duty to correct course when the facts demand it.” Beaudette’s complaint alleges that the affidavit in support of his arrest warrant was based on thin evidence and was missing multiple crucial pieces of information. For instance, the color of the vehicle wreckage at the scene of the hit-and-run was a different color from Baudette’s vehicle, the complaints say, and the wreckage at the scene didn’t match damage to Beaudette’s vehicle. It also alleges that even after multiple people showed the Sheriff’s Office evidence that contradicted their earlier findings and showed Beaudette’s innocence, they continued to detain him.
“What is striking is that Beaudette’s little sister, who is not a cop, not a private investigator she managed to acquire all the evidence to really determine who did this in a matter of two days by herself,” Raspanti said The suit accuses Smith of encouraging a culture of “disregarding the constitutional rights of individuals,” pointing to Smith’s office’s 2019 arrest of former federal agent Jerry Rogers, which a federal court found was illegal. The complaint was filed less than a week before former Smith pleaded guilty to felony battery in an unrelated case and resigned from his post.
The Madisonville Town Council has been talking about replacing its old water tower and well for more than a year, and a big hurdle was recently cleared to boost the project forward. The town announced at its July 8 meeting that the Louisiana Department of Health approved a loan of $2.55 million, which would help finalize the total of $9 million it will take for replacement. The council would need only to give a thumbs up to secure the loan, which has an interest rate of 2.45% with a repayment term at up to 20 years.
Pelloat
The remaining money would come from an added $2.45 million from the LDH; a $1 million grant from the Louisiana Infrastructure Technical Assistance Corporation; and the $3 million already been set aside in Madisonville’s budget
“We’re happy about being approved and moving forward, and you know exactly what you’re dealing with,” Mayor Jean Pelloat said. “… I am excited about it. All the steps are in place to drill a new well, install an elevated tank and replace a line to improve out water system — pressure and clarity.”
The new well would be located just to the west of Pine Street and south of St. Louis Street.
Meanwhile, the council also approved a proposal to dig up an area between Main and Water streets to replace all pipes at that location, which has longstanding drainage issues. The cost is approximately $20,000.
There was some concern that several crepe myrtle trees will be lost in the project, and that will be a nuisance for a short period of time to residents, but it was unanimously agreed upon the work needed to be done.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Five new
at parish public schools were announced at the St. Tammany Parish School Board meeting held July 9 in Covington Ben Strohl, far left, was named the acting principal at Covington’s Lyon Elementary School. New assistant principals named at the meeting include, second from left, Kaci Puglia, Lyon Elementary; April Rodriguez, Abney Elementary; Rebecca Cambre, Florida Avenue Elementary; and Phuong Normand, Cypress Cove Elementary. Superintendent Frank Jabbia is at far right.
Covington woman gets hope and a donated kidney from former co-worker
Transplant performed July 1
BY KADEE KRIEGER
Contributing writer
Jessica Farno and Sebrina Wright held each other in high regard when they met as co-workers years ago, but the pair bonded far beyond mutual respect this month when Farno became a living kidney donor for Wright.
“The world is so divided, but our story shows the goodness of people. When we worked together, I always looked up to her and didn’t know she always looked up to me,” Wright said of her former colleague. “She gave of herself from her heart; it has nothing to do with color or background. We are forever connected. Her kidney is now my kidney, and her kidney is kicking butt!” Wright, 49, of Covington, said her full recovery will take a year but is so far progressing better than expected. She said she plans to follow all medical orders so that the positive prognosis continues.
The procedure took place July 1 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans Wright’s kidney issues began when she developed toxemia while pregnant with daughter Morgan in 2000 and began taking medication for high blood pressure. Years later, during a routine tonsillectomy doctors noticed the toll that had been taken on one of her kidneys.
In 2012, Farno and Wright met as part of their training class at the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center
“We weren’t close friends outside of work, but I spent enough years working alongside her at FPJDC to know exactly what kind of person she was,” Farno said of Wright in a Facebook post in the days before the transplant. “What I remember most about Sebrina is
mind.
“From the moment I saw her post, I had a hard time shaking the feeling that I was supposed to pay attention,” she said. “I didn’t know where it would lead. I certainly wasn’t thinking, ‘I’m going to donate a kidney.’ I just knew I couldn’t scroll past it and forget about it. I felt like God was nudging me to learn more.”
Nominations for the Athena awards are being accepted
Staff writer
Sept. 11 is the deadline to submit nominations for the 2026 Athena Leadership and Young Professional Leadership awards. Nominees must live or work in East St. Tammany Nominees must also have achieved the highest level of professional excellence; contributed time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community; and have actively assisted others, particularly women,
in realizing their full leadership potential. The Athena Leadership Award, sponsored by Arena Collective in previous years, is presented to an individual who lives or works in St. Tammany Parish in recognition of their exemplary leadership. Nominees for the Athena Young Professional Leadership Award, sponsored by Mike Rich and Steve Kernahan in previous years, must meet the same criteria and must be 40 or younger
Athena Leadership Award nominees will be invited to join past recipients at a private reception to be held Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. in Slidell. Nominees of both awards will be honored, and the 2026 recipients will be announced at a luncheon Nov 4 at Pinewood Country Club in Slidell. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and the program will begin at noon. Sponsorship information and luncheon reservations can be found at www.athenaest. org.
how she treated the kids in our care In a profession that can sometimes harden people, she never seemed to lose that ability to care.”
Each of them moved on to different jobs a few years ago and fell out of touch
As Wright’s condition worsened and became more dire two years ago, she had to begin dialysis treatment.
“Until two years ago I was fine, had a healthy diet and exercised every day People thought I just had healthy habits, but I was keeping health up because I was really in renal failure,” she said.
Without any donor matches or any new prospects, Wright began to despair that she wouldn’t find a donor; she even considered removing her plea for a donor from her social media accounts.
But before she took that step, Farno, of Madisonville, saw one of Wright’s posts and reached out to Wright and asked about her blood type. That message resulted in a donor match and, ultimately, Farno’s decision to donate one of her kidneys to Wright.
Farno, a mother of five, said she never looked much at social media much, but shortly before she saw Wright’s post, Farno had begun to check Facebook more often to better keep up with her kids’ activities.
She said Wright’s post immediately caught her attention and tugged at her heart. She couldn’t get it off her
She said that every step of the way, she continuously received confirmation “that this is what I was supposed to do. I know that for her, it’s a life changing event, and I feel connected to her now.”
Farno said as she and Wright went through the process, they learned more and more about each other and have learned they have more in common than they even knew when they worked together years ago. They even plan to run a 5K race together once Wright’s recovery is complete.
An avid member of the running community, Farno said she’s been overwhelmed with support from fellow runners, as well as from her husband, Craig.
She said the experience has also solidified her sense of belonging in the northshore community A Chalmette native, she moved to the northshore after Hurricane Katrina and admitted initially feeling “a little lost, missing that security of living near all the people I grew up around,” before she gradually coming to feel more connected in her new home.
“But this experience proves that I’m truly at home So many people have reached out to offer help and support, it’s been amazing,” she said.
“I’d love to inspire others to become a living donor (perhaps even) for a stranger There is so much negativity out there, I hope this brings some sense of goodness.”
FROM SHADOW TO SPOTLIGHT
The St. Tammany Parish social calendar is filled with important events throughout the year We’ve asked organizers to help us highlight people who work behind the scenes to quietly make our most beloved events successful. Andrew Canulette, editor St. Tammany Farmer
Volunteer Larkin wears lots of hats
BY JOLIE LINDLEY Contributing writer
As a member of the East St. Tammany Business Alliance, Linda Larkin is passionate about helping small businesses thrive. Most recently she was instrumental in helping plan the July 23 Legislative Update Luncheon.
“I serve as Rep. Glorioso’s legislative assistant, so I got him on board and also called up everyone else to see if they were available. This particular luncheon is the legislative wrap-up, and it’s a good time for people not really involved in politics to know what the legislature has done this session,” Larkin said.
Larkin said she has helped facilitate the luncheon the last couple of years as a way for both local business owners and any interested community members to know what’s going on. “This one will be a good time to talk
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE LUNCHEON
WHAT: An East St.Tammany Business Alliance event that allows local lawmakers to talk about issues affecting businesses and the economic health of the region.
WHO: Sen. Bob Owen, Rep. Jay Gallé Jr and Rep. Brian Glorioso are scheduled to provide updates.
WHEN: July 23, 11:30 a.m.-
1 p.m.
WHERE: Pinewood Country Club, 405 Country Club Blvd., Slidell
HOW MUCH: ESTBA members $40 and nonmembers; member table of 6, $270; non-member table of 6 , $330
TICKETS: Go to https:// estbusinessalliance.com/ events/.
about the insurance crisis and what legislation can do to help businesses navigate it,” she said Larkin works as marketing director for Patriot Title
and has her hands in service work throughout a variety of organizations. For starts, she’s on the board of STARC; is involved with United Way; and is a Rotary member She also works on Chamber of Commerce projects and does fundraising, philanthropy and networking for several other local groups.
“I do a lot a little bit of everything,” she said Larkin said being a member of ESTBA helps her understand the business climate throughout the parish. “I like being in the know and finding out what is going on and whose businesses are thriving. I’ve also made some really good friends from this organization,” Larkin said, and she encourages other business owners and managers to join ESTBA to get more involved in the community
“I would say it’s a great networking opportunity; you can pass referrals to each other You also sit at luncheons and meet employees, people behind the scenes, and the owners see what’s out there in the small business world that you can learn from.”
PROVIDED PHOTO Sebrina Wright, left, is doing well after Jessica Farno donated one of her kidneys.
Larkin
Actors in Covington reenact America’s history
BY SUZIE HUNT
Contributing writer
American patriotism was on display at the Covington Trailhead on the evening of July 8 when the words of the Declaration of Independence were spoken with emotion fitting a celebration of its birth.
About 100 people sat in the audience dressed in variations of red, white and blue and sported small American flags. They shared the evening with a small contingency of reenactors in colonial garb. It was an opportunity for residents of Covington to commemorate the first public reading of one of the country’s most important national documents.
It was July 8, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was first read to the public in front of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall.
Dressed in a plain, dark period coat, hat and knee britches, Covington City Councilman Jimmy Inman emceed the presentation sponsored by the city of Covington and St. Tammany Parish, in conjunction with the Wharton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
“I was a child during the bicentennial, but I remember it well,” Inman said.
Parish President Mike Cooper shared the same sentiments with the audience.
“I remember riding in a parade for the 200th anniversary with my dad when he was mayor,” Cooper said.
Louisiana State Rep. Mike Bayham, chairman of the America 250 Louisiana State Commission, called Covington a leader of planning for the nation’s big birthday
“St. Tammany Parish was the first of the 64 parishes to become engaged in the program plans. Mike Cooper said the parish was all in and for a long time, they were the only parish joining in. The first of the Liberty Trees to be planted in each of the parishes will be planted in Covington,” Bayham said. The representative also announced that several thousand 2 by 3-foot copies of the declaration would be donated to government buildings, courthouses and schools, public and private starting in September
“Since the day it was read aloud at the statehouse, it still stands,” Bayham said Colonial reenactors took part in Covington’s program Patricia Farris as Martha Washington shared how her husband, George, was given a copy on July 9, 1776, to read to his troops and bolster their confidence. She also made a direct appeal to the young and old in the audience.
“Children, study our history It’s important. For the adults here, I encourage you to turn out to vote. Many people died to give you the right to vote,” Farris said.
Inman shared a few facts about the challenges the founding fathers faced The signers of the document were as young as 18 years of age and that the delegate from Delaware who cast the deciding vote for the colonies to become an independent country — traveled by horseback while suffering from painful cancer Inman also said Benjamin
Patricia Farris, the personification of Martha Washington, gave a little history lesson about the declaration and how her husband, George, used it to rally his troops.
Franklin was noted to say at the signing, “We must indeed all hang together or, most assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
Gary Mendoza, surrounded by fellow colonial reenactors, gave a dramatic reading of the entire document. Members of the audience, some reading along with distributed copies, sat enthralled by his presentation. With forceful emotion, it was easy to believe his interpretation might have been much like how the document was presented to the crowd 250 years ago.
To conclude the festivities, a special flag service was presented. Members of American Legion–Robert H. Burns Post 16 unfurled and refolded an American flag while post commander Mack Maginnis narrated the symbolism for each of the 13 folds made to complete the process and finish the flag into a tight triangle. When completed, the folded flag represents the tri-cornered hats worn by the patriots of the American Revolutionary War.
The audience was solemn during the flag ceremony Even previously fidgeting children sitting on the lawn were still while watching the veterans work.
Inman concluded the program with a prayer from Charles Carroll, the Declaration of Independence’s longest surviving signer at the age of 95. He quoted Carroll as expressing his gratitude to Almighty God for the blessings conferred upon this country
ON STAGE
THE LAND OF SEUSS: A musical for the entire family, ‘Seussical Jr.,’ will take you into the world of Dr. Seuss to visit a family of beloved characters from July 17-26 at the Cutting Edge Center of the Arts, 767 Robert Blvd., Slidell. Go with The Cat in the Hat into The Jungle of Nool and meet Horton, the kind-hearted elephant; Lazy Mayzie la Bird; and JoJo, a Who child reprimanded for thinking too many ‘thinks.’ Horton tries to convince the other animals that the Whos exist, but he is ridiculed and put on trial for insanity. Only his loyal neighbor, Gertrude McFuzz, never loses faith in him. Tickets $28$45 at cuttingedgetheater.com/.
PIRATES: Moonlight Productions will present one more weekend of the “Pirates of Penzance” July 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. It’s a 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. Directed by James Sayles. Shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Adult tickets $33.42 and student seats are $28.22, all inclusive. Get them at northstartheatre. org/.
JUST SIT RIGHT BACK: Playmakers Theater closes out its season with two more weekends of “Gilligan’s Island” July 17-10 & 24-26 in Covington. This family-friendly musical version of the iconic 1960s TV comedy show tells the tale everybody loves to hear. Shipwrecked on a remote island, seven castaways build huts and explore their surroundings. They discover strange hieroglyphics in a spooky cave that speak of an ancient legend; they endure rough weather; 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 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.
MUSIC
Festival taking place in Covington Nov. 7-8. There’s also still some time left to sign up to perform at the festival, but slots are filling up. See https://ozonemusic.org/2026-ozonesongwriter-contest-rules/.
SONGWRITERS: The Slidell Songwriters Circle will meet July 27 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. in the City Hall Meeting Room, First Floor, 2055 Second St.
COMMUNTY GUMBO BASH: The Village of Folsom is throwing a Back to School Bash on Aug. 1 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in Moise Park behind City Hall at 82378 June St. Grab a towel and enjoy five hours of water slides, crafts, games and family fun. Free entry. End the summer with an afternoon celebration before the new school year begins. RECYCLE: Free glass recycling and paper shredding July 25 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Mandeville Community
FUNDRAISERS
IRISH: There’s a free Irish session on July 16 (every third Thursday) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in back room of Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St. Musicians and music-lovers to play and sing favorite traditional pieces of Celtic music. Visit the session. org/tunes to find music catalog or go to nstms.org for details.
NORTHSHORE STRINGS SLOW/FAST
SESSION: This free gathering with Madeline Hill on July 26 (every final Sunday of the month) provides an excellent opportunity to play fiddle tunes, especially Celtic tunes. In first half of free session, tunes are played at slower tempos, with veteran string educators there to offer insight and encouragement to student musicians. In second half, tempos increase to normal performance speeds. From noon-2 p.m. at St. John’s Coffeehouse, 535 E Boston Street, downtown Covington.
OZONE CONTEST: The deadline to submit entries in the 2026 Ozone Songwriter Contest is July 25. Applicants can submit up to three original songs for a chance to be recognized at the Louisiana Songwriter
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are encouraged to wear white linen or other light clothing to help repel the worst of the heat. SOUTHERN CHARM: The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Southern Nights Soirée from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 7 at The Fleur De Lis Event Center, 1645 N. Causeway Blvd., near Mandeville. This premiere chamber social event brings together business leaders, professionals and community members for an evening of Southern hospitality, entertainment and networking. Guests encouraged to wear seersucker suits and linen sundresses for a night of live music by Four Unplugged, exceptional local cuisine, premium cocktails, auctions and raffles. Individual tickets $150; $250 per couple; sponsorships available by calling the chamber at (985) 892-3216.
Tiffany Mortillaro (Ginger)
Christian Gray (The Professor)
PHOTOS BY SUZIE HUNT
Gary Mendoza gives a passionate reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8 in Covington with fellow reenactors Brian Medus and Janet Wright by his side.
Beer Fest bene
A doggone good time was had at the 13th annual Larry Hartzog Beer Fest and Homebrew Competition at Pelican Park’s Castine Center near Mandeville on June 27, with proceeds going to the Northshore Humane Society. Not only could paying guests bring their best friends with them, the humane shelter also brought adoptable dogs to mesmerize the canineloving crowd — and two of them were adopted. The night’s other declared winners included People’s Choice Award favorites: Wicked Bayou, first; 3 Rivers, second; and Drink Like A Girl, third. Resonator Brewing was also selected as the night’s Best Decorated Booth.
Katie Carlson, Lindsey Boyer, Jayden Reppel
Blake and Kristin Jackson
Cameron Brown and Rebecca Marcev
Steve Brownlee, Jillian Browlee, Jamie Erickson, Pam Brownlee, Josh Erickson
Kellie Kirlin deals Robin Diaz at blackjack.
Brett Barrilleaux, Al Barrilleaux, Paul Pujol, Kevin Miller
