The Slidell City Council approved a bid of $17.6 million to begin construction on a new site for its police headquarters and Chief Tommy Williams is hoping work will begin within the next month Voelkel McWilliams Construction LLC, had the lowest bid of the 10 companies that submitted a bid for the project. They ranged from the winner to the high bid of $21.1 million. The new site, which also will include the city jail, will be built on Robert Boulevard near the corner of Fountain Drive. And while it will be similar in size to the current 36,000-square-foot police fa-
cility on Sgt. Alfred Drive in Olde Towne, everything now will be together in one complex. Along with the jail, the new building also will house more meeting rooms and offices for officers and staff. The current headquarters has been in use since 1963, and the project to replace it has been in the works for some time. The council approved the sale of up to $19.8 million worth of bonds in September 2024.
“They have been working in a building that should have been torn down 20 years ago, certainly after Katrina,” then-police chief Randy Fandal, and now mayor of Prep work, construction of $17.6M Slidell Police HQ could start in August ä See SLIDELL, page 2A
Deputy chief sworn
is in the background on the left. BY
KIM CHATELAIN
Portrayed as a compassionate uniter with a badge, Kevin Collins was sworn in as Covington police chief during a jam-packed inauguration ceremony at the city’s Firehouse Events Center on July 13. The 41-year-old Collins was promoted from deputy chief to the city’s top cop following the recent retirement of former Chief Michael Ferrell. Collins has been with the Covington Police Department for 13 years, holding key roles in the Criminal Patrol and
See CHIEF, page 2A
New director says St. Tammany libraries are well-loved
BY SUZIE HUNT
Contributing writer
If you ask Trevor Collings what he likes about his new job as director of the St. Tammany Parish Library, he responds that it’s rarely dull.
“Every day is different. I enjoy that because it’s always interesting,” Collings said.
Since taking on the role as the
head of one of the state’s largest library systems in February, one of Collings’ challenges has included working with a bigger system than his previous job as the director of the Audubon Regional Library system in St. Helena and East Feliciana parishes.
“The scale and scope are much larger. We serve a population of approximately 280,000 people, with nearly a million books and
other items in circulation,” he said. The parish library system also has 12 local branches. He sees in this community an enthusiasm for library services that he hasn’t always seen in other areas.
“One of the things that excites me most is seeing our libraries so well used and loved by the public. That’s not always the case,”
Trevor Collings became director of the St. Tammany Parish Library in February, and he says that directing one of the state’s largest library systems almost never presents him with a dull moment.
PHOTO BY SUZIE HUNT
PHOTO BY KIM CHATELAIN
Covington City Council President Mark Verret, right, speaks with Police Chief Kevin Collins shortly before Collins was sworn in July 13 .at the Firehouse Events Center Tim Lentz, a former Covington Police chief,
PHOTO BY MATTHEW DOBBINS
This recent sunset view from Oak Harbor Boulevard was blanketed by clouds, but no less beautiful.
Strolling Columbia Street
It was time again to stroll along and absorb the atmosphere of Columbia Street in downtown Covington on July 11. Yes, it was the ninth annual Kokomo Stroll, a beachthemed summer event that involved about 25 business and restaurant booths serving summer cocktails, craft beer and local signature bites. There were also booths featuring local art, especially for the flipflop crowd, because who doesn’t like to do a little shopping while strolling around town?
SLIDELL
Continued from page 1A
the city, said two years ago. There were flooding issues inside the building even before Hurricane Katrina, when more than five feet of water rushed in. The city could have chosen to build something new then but instead opted for renovation. Before the bonds were first authorized nearly two years ago, Fandal said there also has been a termite problem at the current headquarters. Now, Williams, the new chief, who took office July 1, is looking forward to the new quarters. “Completion will take about two years,” Williams said. “There’s a process the construction company has to go through with the
department and city planning. I would imagine the second or third week of August we
CHIEF
Continued from page 1A
Criminal Investigations divisions.
In brief remarks after taking the oath of office from City Attorney Julian “Rod” Rodrigue, Collins thanked the large turnout of supporters in the audience that included representatives from neighboring law enforcement agencies, the district attorney’s office and the school board.
The crowd included community leaders and what seemed to be the entire department that Collins will lead, with most officers wearing dress uniforms.
“We are one community,” Collins said. “My goal is to make sure we stay like we are right now one community with members supporting one another.”
Collins said he foresees no major changes in the department, which has 48 sworn officers and a seven-member administrative staff. He has been working closely with Ferrell for the last year to learn some of the finer points of being chief.
“Chief Mike Ferrell set a great foundation, so I just want to build on that,” Collins said “There may be a few tweaks along the way, but nothing drastic.”
Collins said one of his key goals is for the department to maintain a good relationship with the approximately 12,000 residents it serves.
“The community and how they (community members) feel about us (police) is what really matters to me,” Collins said.
A New Orleans native, Collins graduated from Warren Easton High School and
LIBRARIES
Continued from page 1A
Collings said. “Any library can offer access to information. It’s the relational interactions between our staff and our patrons that make a difference.”
He stressed that local branches aren’t just places to pick up a good read
“Not only do we help people grow through recreational books, we offer assistance for people in a lot of different ways. People looking for help with job building skills, résumé writing and preparation for civil service tests and college admissions paperwork,” he said. Additionally, some of the system’s newer initiatives include veterans’ resource centers, the Bookmobile and the Books by Mail program for patrons that can’t get to a library location
Collings said the renewal of the library’s tax millage was tremendous, allowing the system to continue to offer a wide range of services, as well as to move forward with big construction projects that include building a new, larger library in Lacombe; renovating the Mandeville branch; and expanding the main branch in Slidell.
“These three big capital projects are incredibly exciting. We’re committed to serving the public, and these projects will help us offer more ways to serve our patrons,” he said
Southeastern Louisiana University His first job after college was with the Special Olympics of Louisiana, where he worked for five years. While helping coordinate events for the organization, Collins said he encountered police officers from around the state and became interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.
“It kinda piqued my interest and I said to myself, ‘I could do that,’” Collins said during an interview before the ceremony “So, I looked into it, and Covington was hiring.”
The new chief began as a police officer and rose through the ranks, as a detective, the department’s director of training and training director in the Professional Standards Division. He is a 2024 graduate of the FBI National Academy Collins is married and a father of five.
Mayor Mark Johnson described Collins as an empathetic, compassionate professional who will hold people accountable when he needs to and will always act with discretion.
The mayor said Ferrell, who was appointed police chief in 2021, had spoken highly of Collins over the past few years. Last year, Collins was named deputy chief and his responsibility within the department has grown ever since.
“When you have a department where things are running well, that’s the time when you want to promote from within,” Johnson said during the ceremony’s opening remarks. “I was proud to nominate Kevin for police chief. I was proud of the City Council for unanimously approving it I’m proud today that he’ll be sworn in.”
As the summer reading challenge program, with its prehistoric “Unearth a Story” theme, winds down, Collings is looking forward to the things to come in the fall. And again, it’s not all about books. In September, the library has a presentation by Caldecott Medal winner Vera Brosgol, a cartoonist and storyboard artist, as well as a concert series,” he said. There will also be a Touch-a-Truck event for young children and the return of TeenTober, a program geared toward readers between ages 12 and 17. An avid reader himself, Collings also enjoys audiobooks for his work commute, especially mysteries and novels of adventures. He’s recently been enjoying the Jules Verne classic, “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” When off, he enjoys time with his wife and children, ages 8 years to 5 months, and fishing in the their pond Collings said he is embracing the work before him and looking forward to a productive year ahead
“The biggest part of my day is to make sure we do the things we’ve committed to do and keep our promises to our patrons. We have an excellent staff and a supportive board,” he said Collings sees a lot of potential for good in his new community. “Despite the problems in the world I don’t have problems sleeping at night because libraries are always part of the solution,” Collings said.
Kimberli and Tim Harford
Michelle Gardner and son Ian Gardner shop at one of the many art booths.
Maryclaire Hessemer, Angela Reynolds, Jennifer Serpas
Craig and Ellen Foundas, Paul and Camielle Boudreaux
PHOTOS BY GRANT THERKILDSEN
Attendees do a line dance at the ninth annual Kokomo Stroll.
Lilly Marion and Emily Lidikay perform some karaoke.
Pam and Steve Brownlee
Linda Froeba, Lynette Marshall
25 years ago
The city of Mandeville will hold groundbreaking ceremonies for the Tammany Trace tunnel on Monday, July 30 The ceremonies will start at 10 a.m. at U.S. 190 and the Trace. The 80-foot tunnel, once completed, will provide safe passage under U.S. 190 in Mandeville for Trace users. Construction is expected to begin in August and should be ready for use by February 2002.
50 years ago
The computerization of St.Tammany Police Jury budget and payroll records is coming, following the purchase of a Burroughs Corp B700 computer last week.
The police jury discussed the pros and cons of the substantial purchase at its meeting last week. Two representatives from Burroughs explained the capabilities of the machine, and jurors were impressed with the time that could be saved, as well as the money
Police Juror Malcolm Stein felt further study was needed to see if a machine could be obtained that would serve the needs of the police jury and all the other departments in the courthouse
“We should all get together and buy a computer big enough to handle the police jury, the assessor, the sheriff, the registrar of voters and the Clerk of Court’s Office,” Stein
said. He also inquired about the cost of programs needed to run the computer
Sheriff George Broom, after hearing the machine’s capabilities, felt certain it could handle his needs. Stein then agreed to go along with the purchase.
Police jurors Jimmy Morrison, Webb Hart and Earl Broom expressed an interest in the system, saying it was time for St. Tammany Parish to come into the 20th century
“And we have to jump two centuries to do that,” Hart said.
The total price of the computer will be $34,560, payable over a fiveyear period. After that, maintenance
NEWS ROUNDUP
will cost $4000 a year
75 years ago
Eighty-two young boys have enrolled in Camp Benedict, a summer camp conducted by St. Joseph Abbey here, it was announced this week.
The boys are from all over the southern part of the state. It was stated that registrations for the fall term at the Abbey indicate a new record attendance of seminarians, and work is progressing on the new $150,000 physical culture building, as well as the smaller building to serve as a general store for the students.
The celebrated artist Dom Greg-
Pre-K application process reopens online July 24
Staff report
Parents and caregivers of St. Tammany Parish youth can apply for Pre-K classes in the St. Tammany Parish Public School System for the 2026-2027 school year when applications reopen on July 24.
Documents needed to complete the application process can be found online at stpsb. org/prek
To qualify for free pre-K classes with St. Tammany Parish Public Schools, a child must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 30 of this year. The child must live within the attendance boundary of the school he or she will attend, and parents/guardians must meet income requirements.
If all seats are not filled, paid tuition spots may be available for those who do not meet the income requirements. All families seeking free or tuition spots still must complete an online application.
More information about the application process can be found at stpsb.org/prek or by calling the Early Childhood Office at (985) 898-3306.
After the online application is received, a pre-K staff member with the public school system will notify families of their eligibility. Information also will provided at that time on how to complete the registration process.
Sheriff’s Office joins forces with statewide group to fight OD crisis
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has joined the DEA Fentanyl Overdose Response Team, strengthening a statewide partnership dedicated to investigating fentanyl-related overdose deaths, dismantling drug trafficking networks and holding those responsible accountable.
The team brings together investigators, prosecutors and public safety partners to share intelligence, coordinate investigations and target the people responsible for bringing fentanyl into Louisiana communities. Under Louisiana law anyone who distrib-
Children are engaged in a
at
utes fentanyl or other illegal drugs that result in a fatal overdose can be charged with murder
“Fentanyl continues to devastate families in St Tammany and across Louisiana, and we are committed to doing everything we can to stop it,” Sheriff Bret Ibert said “Having one of our investigators serve on this team strengthens our ability to send a clear message that there is no place for this dangerous drug in St. Tammany Parish.”
By having an investigator assigned to the team, the Sheriff’s Office gains access to additional investigative resources, specialized expertise and real-time intelligence from law enforcement agencies across the state. That collaboration will help connect cases that cross parish lines, identify larger drug trafficking organizations and strengthen overdose investigations.
District Attorney Collin Sims agreed.
“(This) strengthens the collaborative network of law enforcement and prosecutors committed to combating the fentanyl crisis,” he said.
DEA Special Agent in Charge John P. Scott, of the New Orleans Field Division, welcomed the St Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office to the group.
ory de Wit, assisted by Swiss art-
ist Milo Puiz, have commenced the frescoing of the large Abbey church, it was learned this week.
One large mural showing Christ flanked by Elias and Moses has been completed over the Blessed Sacrament altar
100 years ago
The youngster of today seems to be nervous,fidgety,emotional. He cannot enjoy things sitting still. When he goes to the movies, a big part of his pleasure is in making motions, stealing the other fellow’s cap. Or nudging him in the back of the neck. He is in the height of enjoyment. If a film breaks and he has a chance to stamp his feet and whistle. It seems to be an outburst of the emotions of preadolescence, a desire to shine in the presence of associates.
There must be a certain amount of patience with this overflow of exuberance, but it should be kept within the limits of a riot. There is not, however, any excuse for the boy who deliberately scars the expensive chairs or who picks the ivory number from the seat. He should be punished, even to the extent of being arrested and charged before the mayor’s court.
The Majestic Theater cost the owners $40,000. It was built to give Covington a place of amusement where first-class entertainment
could be found and enjoyed in comfort. All its furnishings are costly and every boy who has any loyalty in his heart should have too much pride to be guilty of a thing like that. We know that it is a human failing for parents to believe that their children would not be guilty of such a thing, and this makes it difficult to bring such cases before the parents and to get their help in stopping such depredations. But the management has decided that hereafter, any boy caught damaging the seats or picking out numbers will be taken to the parents with the request that the damage be made good. And if this is not done, the boy will be brought before the juvenile
FILE PHOTO BY JULIA KUMARI DRAPKIN
Pre-K class
Lyon Elementary in Covington in 2014
STAFF FILEE PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
The tunnel of the Tammany Trace in Mandeville, photographed in 2014.
East-west red bean battles back in St. Tammany
BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing writer
How many red beans does it take to fuel two successful cookoff fundraisers in St. Tammany Parish? Jamie Clark, United Way of Southeast Louisiana special events manager, says the answer is 504 pounds. And she can prove it.
“My car is full,” Clark said, after picking up the dry red beans that will be transformed into Louisiana’s favorite Monday meal during the dueling cook-offs beginning later this month
The yearly Red Beans ’N’ Rice cook-offs, one on each side of the parish, are part community fundraiser part friendly competition among nonprofit teams and part community gatherings for people to enjoy good food and conversation before the school year
“Since school hasn’t started yet, you can bring your kids,” Clark said. “You can sample every team’s red beans for only $10 and have a lot of fun.” Children under 5 eat free.
Proceeds from the dual events benefit United Way of Southeast Louisiana programs and services on the northshore.
“The great thing about these events is all the money raised here stays here in St. Tammany Parish,” Clark said.
The Red Beans ’N’ Rice-West Cook-off happens first on July 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Briggs Assembly Center at St. Paul’s School at 919 S Jefferson Ave. in Covington. Tickets are $10. Diners can sample the recipes from more than 22 teams and vote for their favorite cooks. Drive-through pick up lunches are also available for $10.
“We’re excited to be back at St. Paul’s because it gives us more space for our teams,” Clark said.
The Slidell Auditorium will again host the Red Beans ’N’ Rice-East Cook-off on Aug. 3 at 2056 Second Ave. in Olde Towne Slidell.
“I can’t wait for the friendly competition and trash-talking. We will have more than 20 teams plus several dessert booths,” said event chairman and St. Tammany Fire District No 1 Chief Chris Kaufmann.
According to Clark, the teams really get into the fun of decorating with their booth themes,
UNITED WAY RED BEANS ’N’ RICE COOK-OFFS
WHAT: Annual fundraisers featuring more than 20 teams at each event, all cooking up the sumptous south Louisiana staple.
WHEN: The west St.Tammany cook-off is set for July 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s School, Briggs Assembly Center 919 S. Jefferson Ave., Covington.
MORE: The east St.Tammany cook-off will take palce Aug. 3, from 11 a.m to 2 p.m at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, 2056 Second St.
COST: Tickets to each cook-off cost $10 and allows each guest to all they care to eat of the many different red bean recipes on hand. Eat-in and carryout services are available in both locations.A drivethru option is available in Slidell, too.
CONTACT: Go online to www.unitedwaysela.org/ redbeans.
and there will a great DJ providing the music.
This is the 22nd competition in East St. Tammany Kaufmann has seen first-hand how the funds raised from the events have benefited the community
“You can eat in or they have a great takeout system. You can drive through and grab lunch for the whole office at a great price,” Clark said.
Teams compete for the Favorite Recipe award, as well as the coveted Most Community Spirit Prize The spirit award is based on the number of dollars raised by each team. According to Clark, this year teams can raise money leading up to their cook-off event through a portal on the United Way of Southeast Louisiana website. Donors can purchase tickets and make donations for their favorite teams through www.unitedwaysela.org/redbeans.
Combined, the two events in 2025 raised more than $30,000 to provide services in St. Tammany Parish, Clark said.
And of course, each red bean cook-off takes place on a Monday
Malise Prieto, longtime
St. Tammany clerk of court, dies at 67
BY JIM DERRY Staff writer
Marie Elise “Malise” Prieto, who served St. Tammany Parish as its clerk of court for two decades, died Friday at her home in Maine.
The death was due to cancer, according to her husband, Rick Delaune. She was 67.
Prieto won her first election in November 1995, taking over as clerk for Lucy Reid Rausch, who also had served the clerk’s office for five terms and was the first woman ever to hold the position.
“She had the utmost respect for people in the community, and they had the utmost respect for her,” said Jessica Jenkins Brewster, the current clerk of court, who garnered Prieto’s endorsement in defeating the outgoing Melissa Henry three years ago.
“Many of the clerks (under Prieto) stayed their whole careers; they didn’t swap around. They were faithful to the office and the community, and I felt she was loyal.”
After narrowly defeating Bonnie Schultz to win her first term as clerk of court, she then defeated her former deputy, John Beyl, in 1999. She easily won her next three elections, including a fifth term, when she ran unopposed.
“She had an innate desire to serve the community,” said Covington mayor Mark Johnson, who knew Prieto from their high school days. “She was just always someone you could depend on.”
A seventh-generation resident of Mandeville, Prieto spent part of her year at her second home in New England. It was there, in October, that she learned of her diagnosis.
“She did everything she wanted to do in life,” Delaune said. “She had a great life. I am so proud to have been a part of it for 26 years until the end of it. She was a pretty amazing lady.” Prieto was a 1976 graduate of St. Scholastica Academy in Covington and earned a law degree from LSU in 1983. She spent the early part of her professional life working as a real estate attorney with her father, Ernest Prieto, before deciding to take a chance in politics. In her later years, Prieto became a “world-class” bird watcher, Delaune said, and traveled to the Dominican Republic, Cuba and all over the world to do so. She also was an avid sailor, and at one time won a Gulf Coast yacht race in Pensacola on her boat, “The Creole Lady.” Along with Delaune, she is survived by a brother, Ernie Prieto, two nieces, Emily and Calla Prieto, and a nephew, Harrison Prieto.
Private services will be held in Maine, and a celebration of her life will take place in Mandeville at a future date.
Upcoming back-to-school bashes cover some supply basics
BY JOLIE LINDLEY
Contributing writer
Two upcoming events will help children prepare for the new school year while they get out to enjoy themselves and see potential schoolmates before the bell soon rings, calling them to class.
The Children’s Museum of St. Tammany’s Back to School Bash is up first on Saturday, July 25, while a week later the long-running Lacombe Back to School Bash will be held over two days on Aug. 1-2.
The first 250 children to enter the expo will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies.
Children’s Museum marketing director Marlo Christensen said organizers will put each backpack into the hands of a child — not a parent or guardian so the
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM BACK TO SCHOOL BASH
WHAT: Children’s Museum of St.Tammany Back to School Bash with free backpacks to first 250 children present, food trucks, games and free haircuts
WHEN: Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to noon
WHERE: Brown Gym inside Pelican Park, near Mandeville
MORE: Call (985) 888-1555 or visit CMSTKIDS.org
children must be present. Parents cannot collect backpacks for children who are not present in the gym.
“We will give the backpack to the child,” Christensen emphasized to avoid misunderstanding during the bash. This year each child
will be given a card to fill out while visiting stations around the expo and then trade that in for their new backpack.
Also this year, the bash will have a school bus on site for children to visit, which can especially help put younger children at ease about riding one of the big yellow buses for the first time when school starts.
Additionally, free haircuts will be offered to children on a first-come, first-served basis; four stylists will stay busy clipping and snipping.
Christensen is excited about moving the event indoors this year and she expressed gratitude to all the sponsors who are making the bash possible.
“This event is done as part of our mission to give back to the community and allows everyone who supports the museum to give back to our
LACOMBE BACK TO SCHOOL BASH
WHAT: A giveaway of school supplies, a resource fair, waterslides, food, free haircuts, a shoe giveaway, and uniform exchange
WHEN: Saturday,Aug 1, from 9 a.m. — 1 p.m.; Sunday,Aug 2, from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. WHERE: Lacombe Rec Center, 61100 N. 12th St. MORE: Call Gerrin Narcisse at (985) 869-2802, Dana Icenhower at (985) 373-6732 or Jordan Johnson at (985)
GIVI774-8221
GIVING: Uniform Donation Dropboxes at Lacombe Family Pharmacy, Bayou Lacombe Pharmacy Bayou Stuf, and St. Tammany Recreation Center in Lacombe
Lyon Elementary has new administrators
BY JIM DERRY Staff writer
Lyon Elementary School has two new administrators, one in Ben Strohl, Lyon’s newly named principal, and another in Kaci Puglia, the school’s new assistant principal
Both moves, announced at the July 9 school board committee meeting in Covington, should help faculty and parents at the school move on following months of turmoil.
Less than two months ago, former Principal Lauryn Faciane and Assistant Principal Tonya Barth were arrested on counts of failing to report abuse. Both were released on bond the same day, and their lawyer said his clients “followed the law.”
One week after their arrest and reas-
and his son
signment away from Lyon Elementary, St Tammany Parish Schools Superintendent Frank Jabbia held a rare meet-
ing with Lyon employees to ask what they needed in their next leaders. Strohl is from the Washington, D.C., area and has worked in the St. Tammany school system for the past 15 years as a coach, teacher and administrator Most recently he was a five-year assistant principal at Lancaster Elementary School in Madisonville.
“It’s a great community, and I have spent the last couple of weeks meeting with about 50% of the staff, and everyone is excited about a fresh start,” Strohl said. “The big thing is going to be building relationships, letting people know who you are and learning who they are. Puglia most recently was a firstgrade teacher at Chahta-Ima Elementary School in Lacombe and has been in the school system since 2018.
children,” she said. While donations for this year’s event are set Christensen said anyone still wanting to donate this year or be involved with future events should reach out to her at the Children’s Museum.
The Lacombe event is a two-day affair held at the Lacombe Rec Center and features different activities each day Sponsored by the Bayou Lacombe Cardinals and the Rotary Club of Lacombe, the Day One bash will feature food, a DJ, waterslides, school supplies giveaways and a resource fair And on the second day, free haircuts, shoe giveaways and a school uniform swap are scheduled.
Organizer Gerrin Narcisse first started the Lacombe back-to-school bash in 2015, running it solo for the first
three years. This year, organizers are looking to supply 750-plus bookbags of school supplies and help more than 350 children with haircuts and new shoes “People can help by donating to the Mande Milkshakers’ shoe drive or by giving monetary donations to the Bayou Lacombe Cardinals. We don’t prefer people donating individual school supplies because we like to keep the bags standardized,” he said. The event will feature games and food to help families mark the end of summer and the start of a new school year Families will also be able to take advantage of resources, including a health fair with over 30 vendors. “We want to give parents ease and students confidence heading into the new school year,” Narcisse said.
STAFF FILE PHOTO
Malise Prieto seen her in January 2019 enjoying one of her favorite hobbies, birding died in Maine this past Friday at the age of 67.
STAFF PHOTO BY JIM DERRY
New Lyon Elementary School Assistant
Principal Kaci Puglia, left, Lyon Principal Ben Strohl,
Andy.
Patrons celebrate The Summer Show
Staff report
The St. Tammany Art Association threw a July 11 opening reception for its 56th Annual National Juried Artists Exhibition, “The Summer Show.” This collection of art from creators in multiple states will hang through Sept 12 at the Miriam Barranger Gallery in the Art House at 320 N. Columbia St. in Covington.
The show was curated by MaPó Kinnord, a contemporary ceramic artist who serves as the department head and associate professor of art at Xavier University of Louisiana. This year’s show drew
296 entries from 107 artists in 13 states Of those juror Kinnord selected 38 pieces for the show, and all of them were celebrated at the opening in downtown Covington. Best in Show honors went to Alabama sculptor Jamey Grimes for his ‘Tempest’ installation. Other top awards included First Place to Lafayette painter Craig Leblanc’s ‘Dancin’ Shoes’; Second Place to Utah fine arts photographer Dave Hanson’s ‘Ancestors;’ and Third Place to Pontchatoula artist Kim Howes Zabbia’s painting ‘Replace.’ See a complete list of honorable mentions at www.sttammany art/.
Susan Hendry, Kim Howes Zabbia, Julie Glass, standing in from of Zabbia’s ‘Replace.’
PHOTOS BY BOBBY GILBOY
Gerald Miller, Theresa Miller Monica Beaubouef, Adam Hellmers
Cindy Vaughan, Paula Gudaitis Astrid Guerrero, Adrianna Hawkins
Cindy Pulling, juror MaPó Kinnord, Martin Payton
PROVIDED PHOTO BY STAA
‘The Tempest,’ a piece by Alabama sculptor Jamey Grimes took Best in Show at The Summer Show exhibition in Covington. Grimes says his art is intended to create an experience that is simultaneously unsettling and serene.
Colleen Angerdina, Wendy Caronna
PHOTO BY SUZIE HUNT
Concern, which was
Wright leads CCC in its role as relief center
BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing writer
When Brenda Wright walks in the door of Community Christian Concern each day, she knows she’s going to face new challenges. Whether it is a homeless person asking for hygiene products, the need to find a funding source for a new initiative or, as on a recent day, a flooded warehouse courtesy of a distant tropical storm, Wright takes it all in stride and credits a great team working alongside her
“The people who work and volunteer here are amazing and a blessing to the neighbors we serve. I am thankful for all they do,” said the organization’s executive director Community Christian Concern, located in Olde Towne Slidell, is a clearing house for a wide variety of services and programs for people in need. Well known for its resale shop, Janet’s Korner, and its food pantry, it provides many types of assistance.
Joining the nonprofit in March 2024, Wright has seen an increase in need for services since she walked in the door on her first day
“According to statistics from United Way, 48% of Slidellians are struggling to make ends meet,” Wright said. She cited increases in property taxes, insurance and rent and federal assistance program cutbacks as why the number of people turning to the organization has increased.
“In 2025, we helped 10,099 people,” she said. The total amount of food, clothing, personal care items and financial assistance distributed last year totaled $614,023. We’ve seen almost 6,000 people already through June and expect that number to grow,” Wright said.
“We refer to the people we serve as our neighbors, as Jesus commanded that we love our neighbors as ourselves. When a person comes in, they meet with a neighbor advocate, who listens with a nonjudgmental ear to their story and assesses their need. It may be for food or clothing or
help filing for SNAP ben-
efits. Our advocates have a 5-inch binder full of information on programs that can meet many different needs,” Wright said She is proud of the personalized attention her staff gives each person so they can try to build relationships with them Instead of just handing out help, the advocates try to help the person reach their potential, according to Wright.
The small staff of fulltime and part-time employees work with more than 50 regular volunteers to provide a large range of services.
“We have the Miramon Center a men’s homeless shelter that can house 10 men at a time. We have the food pantry that distributes food daily to people who are homeless and food boxes filled with a month’s worth of items to people who have a home but need assistance,” she said
A new program this summer offered monthly lunch boxes for 150 children who were at risk of not getting enough nutrition over the summer Each child received a box filled with kidfriendly items like canned ravioli, peanut butter, fruit cups, mac and cheese and more.
“The community really stepped up when we announced this program and donated items and money to purchase things for the boxes,” Wright said Janet’s Korner serves a dual purpose. Not only do the proceeds from purchases at the resale store serve as the organization’s largest fundraiser, it also provides clothing for people in need.
“Eligible neighbors can receive up to five outfits every three months from Janet’s Korner at no cost,” Wright said. For families with growing children, it serves as a big help, especially where school uniforms are needed Wright has a Master of Arts degree in organizational leadership and finds it very useful in keeping all the moving parts going in such a diverse program. She also sees the importance of working with community partners and
credits them with making it all work.
“The generosity we see from the community is amazing. Some people bring in extra produce from their gardens to share through the food pantry, and others donate clothing they no longer need. I meet with people from First Baptist Church and the Good Sam’s ministry at St. Luke’s. We also have come great partners who support us by sponsoring different events.”
Several big fundraising events are coming up. Volunteers are currently creating enticing gift baskets that will be on the auction block during Gulf Coast Bank and Trust’s Auctions in August. Proceeds will benefit outreach initiatives. The always popular Wild Game, Seafood and BBQ Cook-off hosted by Mayor Randy Fandal will be Oct. 3 in Olde Towne Slidell.
The hardest part of her job, according to Wright, is not being able to help enough. She cited the need for a homeless woman’s shelter in our area and the recent loss, due to neighborhood concerns, of a donated building to serve that purpose.
“I hate when I have to turn away homeless women who come to us. There are places for struggling families through Family Reach and Safe Harbor for women experiencing domestic abuse. But there is nowhere locally for a single woman to stay and get the help she needs to move toward being self-sufficient,” said Wright. “With that donated building, we could have been open and running in just a few months. Now we have to start over.” She’s committed to keep looking for a building and the funding to run such a program and make a woman’s shelter a reality.
Wright’s plate is full overseeing the many outreach programs at the organization, but she believes this is her calling and where she is meant to serve.
“Whether I’m working with our advocates or our great volunteers, I’m blessed to be able to serve alongside them,” Wright said.
THEATER
CHICAGO: Cutting Edge
Center of the Arts is presenting ‘Chicago,’ Broadway’s longest-running American musical on Friday and Saturday nights from July 31-Aug. 15. Set in 1920s Chicago and made for audiences 18 years and older, it’s the story of wannabe vaudevillian star of Roxie Hart, who murders her lover, and famed doublemurderess and nightclub performer Velma Kelly When both acquire the same lawyer, the greedy superstar, Billy Flynn, tensions come to a head. Based on play by Maurice Watkins; music by John Kander; lyrics by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse; and choreography by Fosse. At Cutting Edge, Brian Fontenot will direct, assisted by Daniel Mack; music director Aaron Turnipseed; and choreographer Jessica Guastella. Tickets to see it at 767 Robert Blvd. in Slidell are $33-$45 at cuttingedgetheater.com
THE LAND OF SEUSS: There’s one more week to visit the world of Dr. Seuss 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, Lazy Mayzie, JoJo and more July 24-26. When Horton the Elephant tries to convince the other animals that the Whos exist, he is ridiculed and put on trial for insanity, and only loyal neighbor Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Tickets $28-$45 at cuttingedgetheater.com/.
JUST SIT RIGHT BACK: Playmakers Theater closes out with one more weekend of “Gilligan’s Island” July 24-26 near Covington. This musical version of the iconic 1960s TV comedy show tells the tale everybody loves to hear. Produced by Liz Zelenka; directed by Derek Thrush; technical director Anna/Van Turner; and musical director Shawn Patterson. See it at 19106 Playmakers Road.
MUSIC
SLOW/FAST SESSION: This free gathering with professional player Madeline Hill on July 26 (every final Sunday of the month) provides the opportunity to play fiddle tunes, especially the Celtic variety, with others. In first half of each 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 to 2 p.m. at St. John’s Coffeehouse, 535 E Boston Street, downtown Covington.
PERFORM: Open Mic Night on July 30 (final Thursday) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in The Reminding Coffee & Creative House, 141 Terrabella Blvd., Covington. Great chance for musicians of all ages and abilities to perform before a supportive audience. Each performer/ensemble is invited to share a set of three songs or about 15 minutes Arrive early to sign up for a spot. Free event. See nstms. org for more.
BLUEGRASS JAM: A free Bluegrass Jam on July 31 (every final Friday March-October) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Covington Farmer’s Market Gazebo, 100 N. Columbia St. An open, lively jam for players of all skill levels. Takes place concurrently with the Columbia Street Block party in the walkable historic downtown area from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. See nstms.org for details.
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 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://ozon-
