Scan here to sign up for our weekly newsletter, The North Shore Report
How big is your ballot?
Nov.
3 election will be dizzying ELECTION
Thousands of candidates will decide to make a bid for public office when qualifying for the Nov 3 elections begins Wednesday across Louisiana.
There’s nothing unusual about that of course, except the quantifier in that sentence — “thousands.”
Some political observers have said the Nov. 3 ballot could be the longest they’ll ever see, and a quick look at the number of offices that could be contested across the state that day confirms the belief. A total of 2,735 races, from U.S Senator to Slidell City Marshal, will open for qualifying in Louisiana Aug. 5-7. It’s extremely rare that no one would qualify for an elected position, but a good number of the races will, of course, be decided by 4:30 p.m. on Friday when only one candidate qualifies and draws no opponent. That situation pretty much guarantees an automatic road to inauguration day, but stranger things can, and have, happened along Louisiana’s long and winding political road
And, yes, this road promises to be longer than any in recent memory By contrast, there were only 475 possible races on the ballot statewide on the 2024 Presidential and Congressional ballot and just less than 1,000 possible races on the 2023 Gubernatorial ballot. So why so many possibilities this time around? It’s basic math, really Some offices (U.S. representative, for instance) have twoyear terms. Most statewide, parishwide and municipal posts have four-year terms, and there are others (U.S. Senate, District Court judge) that serve six-year terms. The terms are bound to end at the same time now and again and that’s what’s happening Nov. 3 here in the Bayou State.
Kevin Collins’ unlikely path to Covington Police Chief
BY JIM DERRY Staff writer
When Kevin Collins first entered law enforcement 13 years ago, the Covington Police Department was in a crisis.
Public trust was lost amid some officers’ use of excessive force and other problematic behavior Collins didn’t know what he was getting into, and one day becoming the city’s police chief was far from the forefront of his mind. But over time, the department has done its best to shed its problems, firing problematic employees and making other changes. And these days, Collins said he’s glad to take the helm and make history
When Mayor Mark Johnson appointed Collins to
Textron spends $3.4M for Slidell Business Campus
Components of operation have been on campus for years prior to purchase
BY GRACE MAYER
Staff writer
Textron Systems, the national aerospace and defense tech juggernaut with regional operations in south Louisiana, has purchased the Slidell Business Campus on Gause Boulevard from the city of Slidell, its longtime owner. In a deal finalized last month, Textron paid $3.4 million, or about $30 a square foot, for the 13.2-acre property, which it has
leased since 2007 Textron and Slidell city officials announced the news on July 29. In a statement, the company said the acquisition is part of a broader growth plan for the area, where it has three locations — two in Slidell and one on Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans East
“This investment strengthens our ability to deliver advanced capabilities and offers our
ä See CAMPUS, page 2A
“He (Kevin Collins) is calm … and he confronts problems head on. He’s dedicated to public safety, integrity and strengthening our community He’s also empathetic and compassionate, but he holds people accountable. And when I say people, I mean his officers and the public.”
MARK JOHNSON
replace Michael Ferrell in June, he promoted the first Black person to lead the department. Collins said he understands it’s a significant moment, but he hopes the fact is nothing more than a footnote in his career “Even if you don’t want it to be a thing, it’s a thing, right?” he said. “One day there may be a little girl or little boy who looks like me and has aspirations to be a police officer someday, and then
Covington mayor
they know if they decide to become a police officer, they can rise all the way up to chief.” It all ‘worked itself out’ Collins took a circuitous route to law enforcement. He was raised in New Orleans’ Mid-City neighborhood and graduated from Warren Easton High School, where he played football in the early 2000s. He strived to work in sports management and earned a bachelor’s degree in
kinesiology from Southeastern Louisiana University
His senior year in Hammond, he was required to do an internship and found one with Special Olympics. For a short time, it looked like that might end up being a career for Collins; he was named their Louisiana director of sports and competition.
“Special Olympics incorporates many law-enforcement officers and my interest began to pique,” he said. “I watched shows like ‘The First 48’ and ‘COPS’ and movies like that, and I said, ‘I would really like to be a detective.’ And an opportunity came up in Covington, and everything kind of worked itself out.”
He spent two years on patrol before becoming a
BY JOLIE LINDLEY Contributing writer
by
Department of Education at the 18th annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala. “I had gotten to know all the other nominees, and they are all such amazing teachers, so I knew I wouldn’t win. I told everyone not to expect me to win, so it did
PHOTO BY BOBBY GILBOY
Kevin Collins, Covington’s new police chief, is doing the job he wants to do.
Surrounded by his wife of 19 years, Marcie Collins, and five children, new Covington Police Chief Kevin Collins is administered the oath of office by Covington City Attorney Julian ‘Rod’ Rodrigue on July 13.
CHIEF
Continued from page 1A
detective in the Criminal Investigations Division in January 2015. He rose all the way to lieutenant and director of training and an internal affairs investigator before becoming deputy chief for Ferrell in March 2025.
Johnson said when he was tasked with finding the next chief not only was it an easy decision, but one he had made “probably two to two-and-a-half years ago.”
“He is calm and he confronts problems head on,” Johnson said of the new chief he selected “He’s dedicated to public safety, integrity and strengthening our community He’s also empathetic and compassionate, but he holds people accountable. And when I say people, I mean his officers and the public.” Collins is a father of five including four boys – Cameron, 19, Mason, 14, Drew, 9, and Ky, 6, who has a twin sister, Reese He and his wife, Marice Collins, recently celebrated their 19th anniversary In his off time, he coaches and watches football with family and friends.
“We’re always busy There’s always some extracurricular activity going on,” he said.
‘Fine line of gaining trust’
Although he is a young chief at 41, Collins is old school He arrives at work by 7:30 a.m. and jots down a “todo list” with pen on paper He often makes his way around the squad room to help solve problems and to hear from officers with suggestions.
Meeting with his deputy chief, Ed-
ANGLE
Continued from page 1A
With 2,735 possible contests across Louisiana’s 64 parishes less than three months away, expect a field day for the politics junkies in your life. Every Louisiana voter can expect a glut of mailers stuffed in the post box daily through Nov 3. There will be television commercials, newspaper ads, radio spots, pop-up windows on your computer Candidates and volunteers are likely to knock on your door a dozen times or more between now and November, asking for your vote. They’ll show up in your social media feeds and in text blasts across an area code. It’s all part of the political process, really, and no different than any other election cycle. There will just be more of it. A lot more.
In St. Tammany Parish alone, there are a total of 68 different elections taking place, not to mention 10 state Constitutional amendments to consider That’s a lot of information to absorb. But no one, of course, will have 68 or 78 elections to help decide on Nov. 3. There are, for instance 15 seats on the St. Tammany Parish School Board up for grabs in this election cycle. You only live in one of the 15 districts, though, so you’ll vote only in one school board election (and that
win Masters, is part of his daily repertoire, along with the regular paperwork, but Collins also gets out on the street as much as he can with his vehicle’s windows rolled down.
“It’s not for the sake of being seen,” he said. “It’s typically because I may get an email or text message about something going on, and I want to have a better understanding of the house, the location.”
For quite some time, driving or walking around parts of town with a badge on your chest would immediately have many in the community turning around to head in a different direction
In March 2013, two of the department’s officers were fired for using excessive force on an arrestee. Soon after, then-Mayor Mike Cooper released Chief Richard Palmisano from his duties.
Later that year, an officer was fired after arresting two Louisiana high school football officials during a game. The arrests made national news and embarrassed the city
Over time, the department has worked hard to clean up its image.
Collins said he embraces the “fine line of gaining trust.” That line isn’t always marked in ink, and each instance is different from another
“You pull somebody over, you walk up to the window Mom’s hair is all over the place. You hear kids screaming in the car She might have vomit from a baby or something on her shirt,” he said. “She just had to pick up her oldest from school, she happened to reach back and didn’t completely stop at a stop sign or a ran a red light
“Being able to have that discretion to understand what’s going to happen if I write her a ticket. That’s only going to make this situation even harder for her, and I do believe in (having)
eliminates 14 possible races for you in one swoop.) There are 12 judges on the 22nd Judicial District Court bench, but only five of those dozen are retiring That means every voter in the 22nd District (St. Tammany and Washington parishes) likely will vote in at least five judicial races. One of the newcomers might get lucky and run unopposed, but that’s unlikely And it’s equally unlikely that the remaining judges draw opposition (it’s just not the way things are normally done here.) So prepare to strike another seven races or so from your potentials, St Tammany There are a few races everyone in the parish will decide on Nov 3 U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative are two. Our reps on the Public Service Commission and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education are two more. There’s also a special election for St. Tammany Parish Sheriff that is certain to be among the most watched races of the bunch and not just in St. Tammany but statewide, which is an interesting twist. It’s not too often that Baton Rouge takes specific interest in St. Tammany politics, but eyes near and far are studying this one intently I’m sure we’ll learn why as the summer turns to fall, baseball gives way to football, Labor Day becomes Halloween becomes Thanksgiving and on again. Lather rinse, repeat. The most important thing voters
TEACHER
Continued from page 1A
Parish Public Schools. After completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English at the University of Southern Mississippi, she described herself as a high achiever academically who spent a long time pondering what she wanted to do for a career Her passion for teaching won out.
“I realized the most important part of your career is loving what you do, and that I would get to wake up every day knowing that. In general, I’m very passionate about the fact that our job is a very honorable profession. People speak highly of their teachers, and that’s important — even when it’s not reflected in our pay or status in society Our job is one of the most rewarding out there,” she said.
tion first nominated her, and she advanced to the parish level, where she was then chosen as the parish’s nominee. Weber said, “It’s been a long process since October or November of last year Once I was chosen as the parish selection, I needed to film a lesson for the next level of the competition.”
Throughout the competition, she had numerous opportunities to interact with other finalists.
“Once each parish nominated a teacher, there were nine finalists total. After that, we were in a group with Zoom meetings, attended a new teacher kickoff and teacher leader summits. We had been in a lot of communication, and I got to get to know all the other nominees throughout this process,” Weber said
compassion for folks and know that every situation doesn’t require enforcement.”
On the other side of that, “I am completely for us doing what we have to do if people violate the law ..If anybody thought I was soft on that, they’re wrong.”
No politics in his future
Crime numbers overall are down since Collins joined the force in 2013, and the unit overall had a solid run under Ferrell.
Some crimes are significantly lower, including aggravated assaults – from 30 in 2013 to 17 last year – a 43% decrease, according to an FBI chart. Burglaries dropped from 45 to nine, and motor-vehicle thefts went from 13 in 2013 to six in 2025.
Collins hopes to continue that trend with his 44 sworn officers and administrative staff of six. Unlike many municipalities, Covington has a waiting list for those wanting to serve the city in law enforcement, which is a point of pride for Collins.
He has no idea how long he will be in the role of chief – that’s up to the mayor – but he knows he has no aspirations to get into politics. In other words, he has no desire to ever put a “Kevin Collins for St. Tammany Parish Sheriff” sign in your front yard.
“I love people, and if they support me, I appreciate it,” he said. “But I am not doing this because in four or five years I am looking to run for anything
“I just want to make Covington the safest place it can be; that’s really it.”
Jim Derry covers St. Tammany Parish, and has been part of The Times-Picayune staff for much of the past 36 years. Jim can be reached via email at jderry@ theadvocate.com.
can do over the next few months is to find out in which elections they can cast a vote. Do your homework before you get to the voting booth on Tuesday, Nov 3. The Secretary of State’s website, www.sos.la.gov, allows you to search for your personal ballot simply by entering your home address. You also can turn to the St Tammany Farmer, both in print and online at www.sttammanyfarmer.net
We’ll announce who’s in and who’s out shortly after qualifying closes on Friday Aug. 7 and we’ll preview every one of the local races in the three months until Election Day — the municipal ballots in Abita Springs, Folsom and Pearl River; Marshal and Judge of Slidell City Court, East St. Tammany; the special election for the District A seat on the Covington City Council; the all-important School Board seats, and all the rest of the posts that will help govern our parish in the foreseeable future.
Yeah, 68 elections and 10 more decisions on amendments can be overwhelming if you’re a journalist trying to keep track of each race. But you’re not. So, leave the heavy lifting to us. We’ll bring you coverage from every corner of St. Tammany, so no matter where you live, you’ll have the best information available when you step into the voting booth on Nov 3.
Email Andrew Canulette at acanulette@sttammanyfarmer.net
Weber said her students last year were excited to hear she had been nominated for the award, including the class she had only been teaching for a week when she had to film herself teaching a lesson to them. “St. Tammany Parish district sent in the media team in January, and I’d only had those students for a week because of our schedule. By midsemester, my students were oblivious that filming that lesson had helped me, but then I had so many students excited. I had students from the previous semester coming to congratulate me,” she said Weber said she sees daily the impact of her work promoting a love of reading and writing in teenagers. “I love watching my students grow They come to your class and learn something new and difficult, even when living through the teenage shame of trying and not always succeeding, but we hold their hand through that. There’s no place I’d rather be,” she said. The process to become Louisiana’s New Teacher of the Year was long and rigorous. Her school administra-
CAMPUS
Continued from page 1A
workforce a long-term base, all while contributing to continued economic growth and job creation in the region,” said Ryan Schaffernocker, senior vice president of air, land and sea systems at Textron Systems.
For Slidell, the deal eliminates more than $500,000 the city spent each year to maintain the building, which was built in the 1960s for the federal government and once housed operations for NASA and an arm of the U.S Department of Defense. In 1995, the federal government donated the building to the city of Slidell.
In April, the Slidell City Council unanimously approved a measure to sell the property to Textron, saying the building was no longer needed for public use.
At the time, Jonathan Graffeo, vice president of sales and local relations at Textron, said he expected the acquisition could spur additional economic development and
As part of being named the state’s new teacher of the year, Weber will have opportunities to help shape education in Louisiana. “Over the course of the next year, I get to guide the next cohort of new teacher award nominees, and I’ll get to lead a panel for incoming teachers. The Louisiana Department of Education sort of has me on retainer for anything they might want me to do,” she said.
St. Tammany Parish Schools Superintendent Frank Jabbia said of Weber, “The sky is the limit for this amazing educator, and I have no doubt she will leave a lasting legacy on her campus. I am incredibly impressed by what Katie has accomplished in just her first year with our district.”
For now Weber is looking forward to starting the new school year with her incoming freshman students reading Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” She said, “One of my favorite things is getting students engaged in the first scene. I have foam swords, and I make them act it out. My rules are, ‘Don’t break the sword, don’t aim for the face, and don’t alarm the teachers in the rooms around us.’ I’m excited we get to start with this during this semester.”
growth for the company He estimated that Textron’s roughly 100-person local workforce could more than double in the coming years. Earlier this spring, the company announced plans to spend nearly $6 million upgrading and expanding the business campus facility as well as its other Slidell location in an industrial park on Stone Road near Interstate 12. The company does manufacturing, welding, assembly and testing at the two sites.
Textron officials said the expansion will lead to the creation of an estimated 133 jobs. It received a $600,000 performance grant from Louisiana Economic Development to cover investments in equipment and improving existing infrastructure.
Textron Systems is part of Textron Inc., which owns other aerospace and defense brands, including Cessna, Beechcraft, Bell and E-Z Go. The parent company, headquartered in Rhode Island, reported $3.8 billion in revenue in the second quarter Textron Systems reported $347 million in revenue in the second quarter
FILE PHOTO BY KIM CHATELAIN
“The
Kaycie Coffee shop owner
$1.6billion forLouisianabusinesses. Catering for40 peopleused to be agood week.Now they hit400.And that’sjust thetacos From coffee shops tobus tours, Meta’s RichlandParish investment isalreadypayingoff for businesses across Louisiana.
Preston Tour bus operator
Lindsay Food truck owner
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Kids Konnection on Koop Drive next to the Tammany Trace near Mandeville is a great place for kids to play and parents to relax. Water features at the playground make it especially popular during summer months.
Kids Konnection playground near Mandeville reopens
BY ANDREW CANULETTE Staff writer
The popular Kids Konnection Playground, located near St. Tammany Parish Government headquarters and the Tammany Trace trailhead there, reopened fully July 31, a parish spokesperson confirmed.
Kids Konnection had been closed on weekdays since June 1 for maintenance and beautification work that could not wait until summer’s end when children returned to school. The play space, just off La. 59 north of Mandeville, had been open on weekends only for the past two months.
St. Tammany Parish Government spokesman Michael Vinsanau said the park will return to normal operating hours of 8 a.m.
FROM
Slidell considers allowing drive-up alcohol sales
Laws requiring bicycle registration and garage sale permits could be eliminated, too
BY JIM DERRY Staff writer
The Slidell City Council announced July 28 it will hold a public hearing next week for three proposed amendments to the city’s municipal code, as well as for an ordinance that could temporarily limit development adjacent to the city’s historic Olde Towne neighborhood. The first amendment would abolish
requirements to register nonmotorized bicycles, as the “Slidell Police Department concurs that the elimination of these unenforceable and outdated provisions allows law enforcement to focus resources more effectively on high-priority public safety matters,” according to an ordinance introduced by Councilman Sean Fadely Next, the city proposes to do away with the prohibition of drive-up windows and drive-through buildings selling alcoholic beverages, which is legal across St. Tammany Parish. This ordinance, which also was introduced by Fadely, states, “The city believes its current restriction may disincentivize the desire for annexation by certain commercial property owners and may otherwise limit legitimate business
growth.” The third amendment would eliminate a requirement for those wanting to have a garage sale or estate sale from needing a permit.
Meanwhile, Council President Trey Brownfield is proposing an ordinance to “impose a time-limited moratorium on the review, approval, permitting or construction of new buildings or structures (or improvements)” in an area bordered by Fremaux Avenue, Sgt. Alfred Drive and Daney Street adjacent to the Pine Park Place subdivision. The hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 11 at Slidell City Council chambers, 2045 Second St.
After public comments, the board will hold its own discussion on each item and then vote accordingly
to 7:30 p.m., seven days a week, during summer. In addition to age-appropriate playground equipment, water features at the park are a huge hit among kids during the stifling summer heat.
Vinsanau said Red Ox Construction, LLC completed the refurb at Kids Konnection, including repainting the railroad caboose on site, fence work, repairs to the firetruck located there, as well as a general spruce-up of the grounds. Total cost of the upgrade and maintenance was $40,619, Vinsanau said.
Kids Konnection is located at 21490 Koop Drive, north of Mandeville. For more information on the playground, go to www stpgov.org/visitors/tammany_trace or call (985) 867-9490.
THE FILES OF THE FARMER
25 years ago
Developers of a Covington-area shopping center have managed to attract a Target store as an anchor for a shopping center near the intersection of Interstate 12 and La. 21, south of Covington. Paul Lea, president of the Flower Estates Homeowners Association, said representatives of Stirling Properties have mentioned Target as the anchor for their project, which is located north of Christwood retirement center Stirling Properties is developing the project with Montgomery Ventures, which owns the property Neither Levere Montgomery nor representatives of Stirling would comment on the matter Lea said area residents have had several meetings with the developers, and Target was said to be the anchor for the shopping center, which will also include low-density residential lots behind the proposed shopping center and Christwood.
50 years ago
The Mandeville Town Council agreed to advertise for bids for its recreational park and tennis court facility behind the town hall last week. Dr. Gerald Keller said the bids would be opened on Aug. 11 to move forward with construction of the park. Regina Benton, a resident who was in the audience, presented a petition which was signed by 300 people She said the petition asked for another public hearing in the matter “The citizens should be better informed about these tennis courts,” she added. The park will feature three courts, one handball court, a concession stand and parking facilities. The town will foot $72,000 of the bill, with the federal government picking up the other $72,000. The project is expected to come in costing around $125,000, a representative of the architects said.
75 years ago
The Board of Control and the staff of the St. Tammany Parish Library cordially invite you to
attend their first anniversary celebration, Weds., Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Event will be held at the headquarters and Covington Branch Library, 711 Boston St. 100 years ago
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. Heintz, in Covington, will have a new significance for the next week or so “Bud” Heintz, as he is familiarly known, should ordinarily be a pretty busy man. He is a practicing attorney with a good clientele, member of the legislature for St. Tammany, member of the Town Council, St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, Covington Chamber of Commerce, member of various civic committees and probation officer
We believe he gets more pleasure out of being probation officer than he does out of his other work. He loves children and probably no other man in the state has done more to secure the passage of laws for juvenile protection
To get to the point, Mr and Mrs. Heintz have invited 10 children between the ages of 8 and 14, who have never been out of the City of New Orleans, to be their guests for a while at the Heintz Covington residence. Mr James Crowne, city editor of the New Orleans Daily States, has consented to help Mr Heintz in selecting the children who are to be offered this glad summertime visit to Covington.
The little guests will arrive Sun., Aug. 8 and we know they will have a good time a real good time. And we are afraid, in the meantime, that the front of Bud’s law office will present the appearance of a bank that has announced the closing of its doors.
125 years ago
The Honey Island Public School taught by Mr. J.L. Rogers, closed a nine-month term on Friday, July 26, with an enjoyable picnic, during which there were recitations and speeches by the pupils. We regret to see Mr Rogers leave and all wish him success.
the aerial delivery, Coastal
predetermined restoration sites.
La. National Guard team executes new coastal project
National Guard contribution
Using UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters the Louisiana National Guard’s 1st Assault Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment flight crews recently delivered bundled Christmas trees to shallow marsh areas along the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain near Mandeville, then Coastal Environmental Inc. fan boat crew members maneuvered the trees into position to best benefit the marsh.
Coastal Environments specialists had selected the sites to best support stabilization of vulnerable shoreline, and St. Tammany Parish government coordinated the project.
The mission also provided realistic, external-load training for aviators while supporting an environmental restoration effort that benefited local communities. Conducting missions in real-world conditions help flight crews maintain proficiency while supporting Louisiana communities.
“We’re always honored to provide support for our local communities,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael Cannoot, a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot with the regiment.
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper said the project shows exactly how partnerships between government agencies, environmental organizations and the Louisiana Air National Guard can create lasting benefits for the region.
“This project demonstrates how something as simple as recycling a Christmas tree can have a real impact on our coastal restoration,” Cooper
said. “We’re grateful to the Louisiana National Guard for partnering with us and providing the helicopter support needed to place these trees in shallow marsh areas where they can reduce shoreline erosion, strengthen our marshes and create valuable habitats for wildlife. It’s a great example of how partnerships and community involvement can produce meaningful, lasting benefits for our coast and our community.”
Jennifer Smith, director of applied sciences for Coastal Environments, said the site was strategically chosen.
“We selected this site because it’s close to Lake Pontchartrain, and if it opens to the lake, the water could rush in and diminish more land. The Christmas tree bundles will trap sediment, and over time, we hope to see vegetation establish around them,” Smith said. This mission builds on LANG’s longstanding support of coastal restoration efforts throughout southeast Louisiana, including similar Christmas tree drop operations conducted in partnership with environmental organizations at Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge.
PROVIDED PHOTOS BY CAPT PETER DRASUTIS
Following
Environments personnel used fan boats to position the tree bundles at
A UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief with the Louisiana National Guard’s 1st Assault Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment observes the marsh where bundled Christmas trees will be placed along north shore of Lake Pontchartrain near Madisonville on July 8.
Louisiana National Guard soldiers rig bundles of donated Christmas trees beneath a UH-60 Black Hawk.
Trader Joe’s Mandeville location opens
BY JIM DERRY Staff writer
For those awaiting the arrival of Trader Joe’s in Mandeville, that wait will end Aug. 5.
The popular chain will have its first grocery store in St. Tammany Parish, and it follows the success of locations in Metairie and Uptown New Orleans, which opened last month. It is part of an ever-changing landscape of grocery stores on the northshore, as the WinnDixie locations across the parish were recently transformed into Rouses and Aldi markets.
Trader Joe’s is set to open where Home Goods and Spirit Halloween stores were previously located in the Pontchartrain Square shopping center, on U.S. 190 adjacent to the intersection of North Causeway Blvd
When officials announced this past December that Trader Joe’s would be coming to Mandeville, viewers watched Mayor Clay Madden’s Facebook video tens of thousands of times and left hundreds of comments. His most recent post came with an update on June 23 that collected more than 1,400 likes and 187 comments.
While many residents seem to be happy about the opening, including comments of “So excited!” and “Amazing!”, there are others who are concerned about the traffic in the area, which already is highly congested during the day
The shopping center entrance in front of Starbucks is the closest opening to where Trader Joe’s will be located. Referencing it, one resident said: “It should have never been allowed there. I avoid that area because of that spot!” Another said, “Hazard at the entrance by Starbucks. Coming in the back way is impossible to turn into.” Previously it was said by a spokesperson for Nations Real Estate Services, which owns Pontchartrain Square, that Trader Joe’s would lease 25,000 square feet of space.
The Trader Joe’s chain began in 1967 in Pasadena, California, and features mostly privatelabel products. Currently, there are more than 650 stores across 43 states and they say on their website, “We buy direct from suppliers whenever possible, we bargain hard to get the best price and then pass the savings on to you.”
Local legislators update East St. Tammany audience
Slidell entrepreneur slams his pitch home
BY KADEE KRIEGER
Contributing writer
From his perch atop a roof while inspecting damage after a storm, insurance adjuster and Slidell resident Michael Bishop longed for a product that helped him feel safer while giving him more mobility so he could work more ef-
ficiently Since that product didn’t exist, Bishop set out to create it himself.
Since then, Bishop founded his company, IBEX, and has earned the top award at two entrepreneurial pitch competitions, including The Launchpad Pitch Series recently held in Mandeville. He said his concept fuses together elements of existing products but creates something new with more mobility for better, faster work.
It was more than two years ago when the idea struck Bishop on that roof, and he said initially, he was unsure how to even begin to take it from concept to reality
“That day, I grabbed some tools and literally strapped myself to an existing product,” he said “The success of the pitch competitions has given me the confidence to really see the vision and the full potential of this product. I want to see it on a roof one day.”
He took the first step toward making that happen by joining a cohort this spring for budding business startups through the Idea Village, a non-profit business accelerator based in New Orleans, and decided to apply for the 12-week course. Just a few weeks into the course, he began working on a prototype for his new product, S-RAD. He
won the spot among cohort members to pitch as part of the Idea Village Pitch Night, and then emerged the night’s top winner at the competition held in June at the House of Blues Judges awarded him as the winner again on July 23 during The Launchpad competition, which is a part of the business accelerator program STartUPNorthshore.
A Destrehan native, Bishop has lived in Slidell since 2005. He is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University and served as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1998 to 2006, completing two tours in Afghanistan.
He presented his idea alongside two other finalists before a live audience and panel of judges at the North Star Theatre and Cultural Center in Mandeville and received a $3,000 grant to support the continued development of his company Bishop said he has started the process for a patent on his product, and the funding will go a long way in helping him get to the testing phase of the prototype. During his on-stage presentation, Bishop said that just hours before the pitch
Library system eliminates fines
Staff report
The St. Tammany Parish Library Board of Control has removed late fines from overdue books, but it still wants users of the branch libraries to return the items they check out. The new policy, approved in the board’s July meeting, took effect Aug. 3. As of that date, no new late fee charges will accrue, and all late fees will be erased from patron accounts. Patrons are still encouraged to return or renew materials before their due dates, and those not returned 45 days past that date, will incur a replacement fee equal to the cost of the missing item. Returning the item will erase the fee from the patron’s account This change is designed to eliminate the long-standing practice of blocking patrons’ accounts once they reach $5 in fines, even when the materials were returned. With the old fine-based system, patrons who had a block were unable to check out
any materials, including digital materials and museum passes.
“The library belongs to everyone, and we want to make it as welcoming and accessible as possible,” said new Library Director Trevor Collings. “Removing overdue fines helps eliminate unnecessary barriers while continuing to encourage the responsible return of materials. “Libraries across the country have seen positive results with fine-free policies, and we believe this change will help more peo-
ple discover everything the St. Tammany Parish Library has to offer,” he said. “Additionally, this change keeps more money in the hands of library patrons while supporting the parish’s broader tax-neutral funding initiative.”
Fees for other services will continue being imposed, including for out-ofparish library cards, card replacements, Makerspace fees and printing; however, printing fees for veterans and active members of the military have been waived since July 2025.
competition he used his 3D printer to execute a design tweak.
“I’m very excited that I’m ready to get it out on a roof and start the testing process,” he said.
He said the experience with both The LAUNCHPAD and the Idea Village cohort has widened his perspective as an entrepreneur, and he’s now also setting his sights on creating a sales team, developing technology and setting up manufacturing.
Other pitch presenters, Marci Clines of IronRose Legacy Group, and Sarah Cooper Smith, of Northshore Bath Co., each received $1,000 grants.
Judges for the pitch competition were Jay Huffstatler of OnPath Foundation, Kelly A. Raney, of Louisiana Innovation and
Lane Degenhardt of Happycampr and winner of STartUP Northshore’s 2025 NSpire Startup Slam. THE LAUNCHPAD provides early-stage entrepreneurs with coaching, community visibility, connections and startup funding designed to help advance their businesses. The competition is part of STartUP Northshore’s broader entrepreneurial support ecosystem, which includes educational programming, mentorship, investor-readiness resources, and individualized founder support.
Russell Richardson, President and CEO of St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation, said the competition helps entrepreneurs transform promising ideas into sustainable businesses for the northshore.
“Entrepreneurs play an important role in creating new opportunities and strengthening our economy,” Richardson said. “We are proud to congratulate IBEX and commend each of this year’s finalists for their intrepid vision,” he said. Each of THE LAUNCHPAD finalists participated in the Spring 2026 cohort of IDEAinstitute Northshore. This 12-week hybrid accelerator is designed for earlystage entrepreneurs who are ready to level up. Bishop encouraged anyone to apply who has an idea for a business who doesn’t know how to take the next step. “The education that you get at any of the local startup accelerators is invaluable, well worth every bit of cost and time of the class.”
PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN
Enjoying the July 23 Legislative Update Luncheon sponsored by the East St. Tammany Business Alliance at Pinewood Country Club were, from left, Rep. Brian Glorioso, Tina Crawford, Sen Bob Owen, Gwendolyn Clement, Luke Lancaster and Michele Echols. The lawmakers provided their audience with updates on recent legislative activity and how they may impact the business community
Michael Bishop
Krewe of Poseidon having
The Krewe of Poseidon held its coronation ball at Pelican Park’s Castine Center on July 25. The krewe thanked their outgoing royals, King and Queen XI Cliff and Jammie Laigast, and welcomed their new King and Queen XII, Bruce and Letia Harvey. All Hail Poseidon because “It’s all Greek to me,” according to the krewe’s theme. The 2027 Krewe of Poseidon parade in Slidell is scheduled for Saturday, January 23, at 6 p.m.
Retired teacher, community worker Jinx Vidrine honored
Staff report
Volunteer Jinx Vidrine has been awarded the national Girls on the Run Remarkable Volunteer: Fundraiser Award for her efforts on behalf of the organization in south Louisiana and its mission that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running.
It teaches life skills through dynamic interactive lessons and running games to girls in the third through eighth grades. The pro-
gram culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event The program unlocks confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness.
Over the past three years, Vidrine has helped make possible more than $44,000 in support for Girls on the Run programming in St. Tammany Parish, ensuring that no girl is turned away due to financial barriers, said Carley Fuller executive director of Girls on the Run South
Louisiana, where some 300 volunteers work on behalf of girls in 18 parishes.
Additionally, Vidrine’s support brought Camp GOTR to a rural community in the parish, sparked a new Snack Captain role now active on 17 teams across the region, and funded a full team with new shoes last spring for girls in a highneed community in another parish, Fuller said.
“Volunteers are the heart of the Girls on the Run program. We could not deliver this life-changing experience without their generos-
ity and commitment,” according to Fuller “What sets Jinx apart is how personal her support is. She doesn’t just advocate for what girls need; she follows through, right down to delivering fresh produce to the team herself.
“We are so proud to recognize Jinx with this meaningful award (and she remains) a valued thought partner and advocate for removing barriers to full participation in the program.”
To learn more about Girls on the Run, visit www.girlsontherunsola. org.
Jinx Vidrine
Meridith Bourdais, Jon Bourdais, Anna Bourdais
Abby Kosinski, Cathy Polite, Shelby Guttoso
Aubrie Appel, Luann Moak, Brayden Levy
Laresha Bray, Letia Harvey, Amanda Torres
PHOTOS BY BOBBY GILBOY
Charles Conti, Paula Conti, Gisele Abadie, Chris Abadie
Charlotte Cochran, Charlene Thomas, Taylor Bono
Nicole Beech, Brian Beech, Julie Teal
Pocket of Rotary-inspired art installed in Olde Towne
BY DARREN COOPER Contributing writer
Slidell Rotary is building beauty where fences sit. Through his role as public image chair for the Rotary Club of Slidell chapter, award-winning local artist Joshua Wichterich painted five fence panels that were installed July 30 in Pocket Park in Olde Towne Slidell. Put together, the panels reveal the goals and aspirations of the Slidell Rotary and are a depiction of beauty meant to match the surroundings while raising awareness of the club
cause there are always new faces, new projects and new goals. It’s special, because I love community, and I love putting art out there and I really believe in the Rotary Club of Slidell. It’s very special to me.”
Slidell Rotary Club President Pamela Breaux was the organization’s public image chair before Wichterich.
In addition to standard duties like social media posts and press contacts, Breaux grew the role into something bigger
boards I said we have to do it. It gets a lot of traffic.
There was a private unveiling of the art work for select members of Slidell Rotary Breaux called it “beautiful” and a great blend of style and Rotary goals.
Disaster planning on Aug. 8 for people with disabilities
FUNDRAISERS
safeharbornorthshore.org
“It’s very colorful,” said Wichterich a few days before the public unveiling.
“Everything I do is colorful It’s a winding tree coming up into swirling clouds, with butterflies, each color representing something different and the sun representing the iconic Rotary wheel logo.”
Wichterich said the work, done with acrylic latex paint, took him several months.
“I wanted to make it look like there was mobility and the wheel was turning, be-
One of her first projects was creating a ‘paper football’ stadium which was a hit at a Chamber of Commerce event. Breaux saw that Rotary could do more than hand out merchandise at a table; it could engage the community in different ways.
When she saw the chance to purchase fence boards for Pocket Park and design them, she realized that it was an opportunity.
“My biggest mission was to make Rotary be seen ..,” Breaux said. “When Pocket Park was selling these fence
“I chaired an event that I brought to the club called Purple for Polio. We plant purple crocus flowers around the world because one of the goals of Rotary is to eradicate polio,” Breaux said “I wanted it to look like the tree could bend and sway and also, we have seven areas of focus in Rotary, and I wanted each limb to show our iconic symbols to show an area of focus.”
Wichterich is now working on painting one of the miniature shotgun homes for a Hope House initiative and putting up a mural in Ducksworth Park to honor Dr Martin Luther King Jr
“I truly believe that art really matters in a society,” Wichterich said. “It plants a seed of creativity and innovation. Everything can be black and white and rules and information, but art exists outside of those norms and is the skin that brings it all together.”
CHANCES: The NorthlakeMandeville Rotary Club is now selling its 2026 Big Game Rotary raffle tickets. One $20 ticket provides more than 40 chances to win big prizes, including in-demand LSU and Saints tickets (including SEC showdowns), restaurant gift certificates, hotel stays jewelry, golf outings, a ride in an authentic WWII PT-17 Stearman airplane, and more. Get tickets through Aug. 27 at 2 a.m. The drawings will take place later that day, but winners need not be present. Most importantly, this 18th raffle helps Rotary support the Samaritan Center; Children’s Advocacy Center/ Hope House; the Chahta-Ima Reading Challenge Program; the Dictionary Project; St. Tammany Outreach for the Prevention of Suicide (STOPS); Feeding the Needy; Northshore Court Foundation; Safe Haven; Rotary Youth Leadership Assembly (RYLA); the Northlake Nature Center, and more, including Rotary International work fighting
disease; promoting world peace; creating sustainable clean water sources, supporting education, and more. Buy tickets online at https://rafflecreator.com/ pages/30553/2026-rotary-biggame-raffle.
SAFE HARBOR: Safe Harbor has set its annual 2026 fundraising spectacular for Sept. 19 and listed its Superheroes on the nonprofit’s website for residents to review and decide where their votes (donations) will go this year. Their 7 p.m. Real Superheroes of Safe Harbor Gala will be held in The Harbor Center at 100 Harbor Center Blvd. near Slidell, complete with a live auction, a silent auction, live music and the chance for guests to connect. Every dollar raised will directly benefit Safe Harbor’s mission of providing essential services and advocacy for victims of domestic violence and their children. For sponsorship opportunities, ticket information or to donate an auction item, contact a.santos@
Wichterich
Rotary Club of Slidell members, from left, Larry Ayers, Jessica Orillion, Donna Bach, member and artist Joshua Wichterich, Pamela Breaux, Kenny Breaux, Mark Ricard and Ron Davis.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Olde Towne Slidell Main Street representative Dawn Crippin directs installation of the Rotary-inspired fence section in the area pocket park.
White Linen and Lagniappe connects business and art
BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing writer
What makes White Linen and Lagniappe night in Olde Towne Slidell work is the connection made between the people who create the art and the businesses that open their doors to display it for the special evening. Inside the Green Oaks Apothecary, amid the jars of herbs, tinctures and aromatic candles, are watercolor paintings, abstract works and other artistic creations allowed in the store by its owner, businesswoman and arts supporter Brandee Santini. And on Aug. 8, Santini’s support of the arts will be visible outside her apothecary as well when she once again gives over her parking lot to become an artesian marketplace for the evening
“Showing their work here is a great opportunity for new artists to dip their toes in the market and see how well their work is received,” Santini said “I enjoy being an advocate for them.”
She has hosted the off-street, open-air market at her First Street location for seven years. Prior to that, she participated at her former location on Carey Street and was instrumental in the creation of the Carey Street Crawl.
“Olde Towne would not be what it is now without these types of events in conjunction with local businesses. They helped train the population that Olde Towne was not just a bunch of bars,” Santini said Along with artists and other makers, a jazz ensemble from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will serenade the crowd. Approximately 10 artists will be located in the Apothecary’s parking lot, with another 20 or so in booths up and down the street between Robert and Carey streets. Co-hosting with Santini along that section will be local businesses Bear Goods Market and Fresco Olde Towne Slidell. Santini’s favorite part of supporting upcoming artists is making new friends in the process.
“I get to listen to their stories about how and why they make their product. I become a part of someone’s journey, and I’ve made some lifetime friends in the process,” she said.
One of Santini’s favorite pieces she has purchased is by Ernest Roberts at his first show in her parking lot Roberts has gone on to become recognized for his vibrant paintings and recently opened his own gallery on the other end of First Street in Antique Umbrella Alley Santini has also become good friends with watercolorist Amanda Douglas and showcases her work during the year in her store. Douglas’ admiration for Santini’s support is generous.
“Brandee is an amazing person in how she connects people together,” Douglas said.
Participating in Santini’s Saturday art markets starting in 2020 allowed the young artist to build relationships in the local art community In 2022, Douglas participated in her first White Linen and Lagniappe night, with Santini as her host.
“It was awesome and an exciting milestone for me I was able to showcase my art to a larger audience who appreciate art and culture,” Douglas said Her favorite medium is watercolor on
WHITE LINEN AND LAGNIAPPE
WHAT: An evening filled with art in a multitude of expressions throughout Olde Towne Slidell Paintings, music and other artforms will be on display inside local businesses and in open air markets between Front Street and Sgt.Alfred Drive and from Fremaux Avenue to Robert Street
WHEN: Saturday,August 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHO: open to the public.
HOW MUCH: Free MORE INFO: www.myslidell.com or at culturalaffairs@cityofslidell.org
PROVIDED PHOTO
Among watercolorist Amanda Douglas’ favorite subject are birds and inhabitants of local bayous
canvas because she enjoys it softness and fluidity There’s a balance between realism and expression, according to the painter Douglas started painting while living in Puerto Rico with her husband while he was deployed with the United States Coast Guard. Her first subjects naturally included Coast Guard themes.
“I painted a lot of boats for military members. When we moved to Slidell, I moved on to lazy gators on the bayou,” she said. Her favorite theme is birds.
“They are definitely my go-to subject I like to make the connection between painting the different species and understanding their basic biology,” Douglas said. Her art has now made a serendipitous connection through her work with Audubon Delta in Mississippi, a member of the National Audubon Society It really is my dream job.”
Along with her lifelike depictions of different avian subjects, Douglas has a special character she’s created that blends humor, local culture and wildlife. She introduced “Nutria-Gina” to the public at a past White Linen and Lagniappe event in Olde Towne.
“She’s become one of my favorite subjects,” she said. The unique nutria has bright blue fur, is dressed in fashion jewelry and wears an elegant headdress. “She’s definitely a lot of fun to paint.”
ON STAGE
”CHICAGO”: Cutting Edge Center of the Arts continues its weekend production of “Chicago,” Broadway’s longest-running American musical, from Aug. 7-15. Each show kicks off with a local personality serving as emcee. The story is set in 1920s Chicago and made for audiences 18 years and older. Tickets to see it at 767 Robert Blvd. in Slidell are $33-$45 at cuttingedgetheater.com.
BE WARNED: Arthur Miller’s acclaimed play
“The Crucible,” a dramatization of the 1692 Salem witch trials, will be presented at the 30 by Ninety Theater in Mandeville Aug. 8-23. Miller wrote the play in 1953 as a direct allegory for McCarthyism, the movement in which U.S. Sen. Joseph McCarthy led witch hunts against citizens accused of being communists, often using unverified evidence and creating a climate of intense fear and paranoia. The play locally will be directed by Courtney Calato Lee. Tickets from $14-$22 for two long weekends of shows at 8 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. (880 Lafayette St.); get tickets at www.30byninety.com.
MUSIC
BEGINNER’S BLUEGRASS: Free Slow Jam on Aug. 10 (every second Monday) from 3 p.m.5 p.m. at the Pavilion in Abita Springs, 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.
SONGWRITERS: The Mandeville Songwriters Circle will meet from 6-9 p.m. on Aug. 11 (second Tuesday) at Coscino’s Italian Grill, 1901 U.S. 190, Ste. 25. Everyone welcome.
SING: The Adults-55 group at First Baptist Church in Covington invites 55+ members of the public to attend an Old Fashion Hymn Sing in the chapel, not the usual venue, on Aug. 18 at 10:30 a.m. The cost is $15 with a hot lunch to follow in the church Fellowship Hall. Registration is required by Aug. 13 at FBCCOV. org/adults-55.
GUMBO
COMMUNITY
HOOPERS NEEDED: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Louisiana will host their annual Hoops for Kids 3x3 basketball tournament on Aug. 22 to benefit their newest local club, The Doug A. Brooks Family Donor Fund Club in Covington. Limited spots for teams available, so register yours right away to play in the tourney in the Rev. Peter Atkins Park, 701 N. Tyler St., also in Covington. Boys’ and girls’ teams of four people in grades four through 12. Cost is $25 per team to cover jerseys, food, prizes for the winners and more. Check in that day from 7:30-8:30 a.m.; tournament play from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. More tourney sponsors are also needed. To register, offer support or get more information, go to bgcmetrolouisiana.org/ events/upcoming-events.
MORE LINEN: Close out the summer at Covington’s White Linen for Public Art for a night of art, music, good food, curated drinks from local businesses and more on Aug. 15 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Guests are invited to wear white linen or other lightweight clothing to stroll downtown and enjoy everything offered. A percentage of sales will go to the Covington Public Art fund. SHOP FOR GOOD: Christ Episcopal Church in Slidell will hold its annual garage sale Aug.
Fatty’s Restaurant, 1300 Gause Blvd W., at 11:15 a.m. that day. All members and spouses invited, but for lunch, notify President Cindy Arsenaux at (985) 646-2296 or carsen01@hotmail.com or Lynn Brooks at
PHOTO BY SUZIE HUNT
White Linen and Lagniappe business host Brandee Santini stands next to an Amanda Douglas original that’s for sale in her shop.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY BRANDEE SANTINI
An earlier White Linen and Lagniappe evening outside the Green Oaks Apothecary
Now that August is officially here, the 2026-27 high school sports season is just a few weeks away
So it’s time to take one final look back on the 2025-26 season with a recap of all the state champions from St Tammany Parish. Spoiler alert there were a bunch of them.
There are 15 high schools that compete in the LHSAA in this parish, yet far more state titles come back to the parish every year Last season, St. Tammany athletes took home 36 individual state titles and nine team titles those team titles don’t count the six relay titles that came in the pool. If you do the math, it comes to 51 state titles across 10 different sports.
That’s beyond impressive.
Below is a recap of each state crown, starting with the state volleyball tournament in November and ending at the outdoor track and field championships on May 9. In between, there are many miles and many hours of practice to become the best in the state.
Congrats to all our reigning state champions below Nov. 15, 2025
For the second straight season Slidell took on top-seeded Dominican in the Division I state volleyball final, and for the second consecutive year the Tigers completed a sweep to win a state crown
The third-seeded Tigers never trailed through the first two sets and trailed only briefly in the third set of a 25-23, 25-23, 2725 victory as coach Danny Tullis won his eighth LHSAA state championship at the Cajundome
Outstanding player selection Ava Barduca had 21 kills and six blocks on the way to downing Dominican for the second year in a row after it won the previous four consecutive state championships. Slidell senior Ava Labat ignited the offense with 46 assists in addition to her six blocks and two kills. Senior libero Ella Kate Spilling added 16 digs.
The match was a stark turnaround from when Slidell went to Dominican during the regular season and “they beat us like a drum,” said Tullis, who won a second state title while at Slidell after he won five while at Pope John Paul II and one at Fontainebleau.
Nov. 17, 2025
Northshore runner Grace Keene had a historic sophomore season, and it all started with a Division I cross country state championship.
Keene posted the third-fastest time ever at the state meet with a run of 17 minutes, 21.7 seconds to claim the state title at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches That run would earn her Gatorade Louisiana Girls Cross Country Player of the Year honors as well
The state championship was not without drama as Keene settled into fourth place during the first mile while the leaders set a quick pace early Those leaders were Mount Carmel senior Stella Junius and defending state champion and Baton Rouge senior Lucy Thomas. In other words, Keene knew she was racing against the best, but she needed to stick to her race During the second mile, she closed the gap on the leaders, and in the final 800 meters, she finally pulled away from Junius to claim the state title.
Nov. 20, 2025
Not only did Pope John Paul II have two athletes take home outstanding swimmer honors at the Division IV state meet at the SPAR Aquatic Center in Sulphur, but the Jaguars also won the boys’ team title for the sixth straight time. Senior Eric Ring was named outstanding swimmer for the second straight season while sophomore Braylee Ladner won the honor on the girls’ side. Ring was a double-event winner, earning an All-American consideration time of 1:39.41 seconds in the 200-yard freestyle before posting a 4:34.35 in the 500 free-
state crown in Division II at the state wrestling meet. For 113-pound SPS junior Connor Ayala (44-1), the state finals match presented a unique problem he was wrestling his best friend and Brother Martin freshman Jagger Martinez. Ayala used a third-period takedown to earn a 4-2 decision.
style. Both set new school records.
The Jaguars’ boys won the 200-yard medley relay, with the team of seniors Michael Delaney, Zayne Sterbenz, Cole Hutson and Ring posting a time of 1:45.16. PJP II also won the 400-yard freestyle relay as the team of senior Brent Lusich, Hutson, Delaney and Sterbenz posted a time of 3:27.47.
Ladner was a double-event winner, taking the 50 freestyle (24.32) and 100 freestyle (54.27). Her 50 freestyle time tied the school record. She also swam on the first-place 400-yard freestyle relay, along with Adelynn Miller, Iris Lin and Avery Hayden Nov. 22, 2025
St. Scholastica’s swimming dominance continued as the Doves won their 15th straight Division II team title at the state swim meet, but it didn’t lack for drama. SSA edged out Haynes by a 293.5 to 263 margin, while Doves’ senior Smith earned outstanding swimmer honors. Smith was a double-event winner, taking first in the 100 freestyle (53.36) and 200 freestyle (1:57.52).
A big part of why the Doves were able to win a 15th state title was because of their success in relay races. The team of Amelia Smith, Caroline Blessey, Francesca Foret and Emma Mae Smith won the 200 freestyle relay (1:44.92) and 400 freestyle relay (3:49.96). The most dominant performance of the day came in Division I as Mandeville sophomore Avery Daigle had a historic meet She set two individual composite state records — both All-America times — while also helping the Skippers’ 200-yard medley relay set another composite state record. Daigle won the 100 butterfly in 54.02 seconds and the 100 backstroke in 54.14,
setting a pair of state records in the process. She also swam on the 200 medley relay which finished with an All-America consideration time of 1:45.30. That time set a new composite state record for the team of Daigle, McKenzie Douglas, Emma Cate Dobie and Sydney Eagan.
The state meet was the first time that the medley relay team swam in that order Douglas opened with the backstroke (28.78), followed by Dobie’s breaststroke of 29.38. Daigle smashed the butterfly in 23.65, while Eagan anchored the relay with a freestyle leg of 23.49.
On the boys’ side of the Division I meet, Northshore junior Gustavo Castilho swept the sprints with wins in the 50 freestyle (21.02) and 100 freestyle (45.82). Both times broke his own school records. St. Paul’s junior Jake Bergeron,won the 200 freestyle (1:41) to round out the swimming state champions.
Feb. 7, 2026
Three St. Paul’s wrestlers claimed individual state titles in Division I, while a Hannan senior took home the 175-pound
St. Paul’s 190-pound senior Caleb Shartle (34-0) finished his perfect season by avenging last year’s disappointment. Shartle was a state runner-up in 2025. The top-seeded Shartle earned an 18-7 major decision over Jesuit’s Quinn Anderson.
For 215-pound SPS senior John Martinez (42-3), the state title was meaningful not only for him but for an entire community Martinez has autism, but he has wrestled since he was 6 years old and began competing for St. Paul’s in the eighth grade. During his junior year, his family fought legally to gain his eligibility to compete in LHSAA events. They won that battle. He defeated Live Oak’s Billy Edmonston by an injury forfeit in the third period. Martinez lost to Edmonston at the Louisiana Classic. In Division II, Hannan 175-pound senior Noah Yonker (43-4) finally got his state title. Yonker was a state runner-up as a sophomore and seemed well on his way to more success last year before he suffered an elbow injury in the state quarterfinals. After surgery, Yonker attacked his rehab and came back three months early and better than ever Throughout the season, he beat the Division III state champion, three of the top 6 in Division I, and every state placewinner in Division II. Yonker needed a takedown in overtime to earn a 4-1 decision over North DeSoto’s Andrew Arinder to win the state title. It was a bit of revenge, as he had lost to Arinder earlier in the season. His 113 career wins are the most in Hannan history Feb. 21, 2026
Northshore distance runner Grace Keene continued her standout season as she set the composite record in the 1,600-meter run at LSU’s Carl Maddox Fieldhouse during the LHSAA State Indoor Championships. Her time of
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY JAVIER GALLEGOS
St. Paul’s Connor Ayala, left, grabs the leg of Rummel’s John Theile won the 113-pound wrestling state title this past season.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Mandeville sophomore Avery Daigle was all smiles after winning the outstanding swimmer award at the Division I state meet on Nov. 22.
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY JOSEPH HALM
SSA senior Emma Mae Smith won outstanding swimmer honors at the LHSAA Division II state meet on Nov. 22.
PROVIDED PHOTO
PJP II swimmers Braylee Ladner, left, and Eric Ring took home outstanding swimmer honors at the LHSAA Division IV state swim meet on Nov. 20.
STAFF FILE
PHOTO BY BRAD KEMP
Slidell players celebrate their sweep of Dominican during the LHSAA Division I State Volleyball Championship game at the Cajundome on Nov. 15 in Lafayette.
Joseph Halm
CHAMPIONS
the fastest ever run by a high school athlete in that building.
With a new state record and state title in hand, Keene calmly became a double champion with a victory in the 800-meter run (2:19.34).
Keene’s showing at the indoor state championships came on the heels of her historic cross country season that earned her the 2025-26 Gatorade Louisiana Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year award
After Keene won the Gatorade honor, she said her goal was to break the state indoor record in the 1,600.
Feb. 25, 2026
This was a special night for St Tammany Parish soccer and the prelude to a very special weekend in Hammond.
Pope John Paul II won its second girls’ soccer championship as senior goalkeeper Lilly Juneau saved not one but two penalty kicks, including the match-winner, to seal a 5-4 shootout victory over sixth-seeded Newman at the LHSAA Division IV state championship match.
The victory was even sweeter since Juneau had to give up soccer last year after doctors discovered a cyst on her spine She received treatment, returned this season and made four saves in two penalty kick shootouts in the semifinals and finals.
PJP II took a 1-0 lead in the 38th minute on Avery Lewis’ rebound shot on a corner kick
The Jaguars held on to that lead into stoppage time in the second half Then, on what would be the final play of regulation, Newman’s Sara Cordova rocketed a free kick off the crossbar and in to force overtime
It was just one more bit of adversity for the Jaguars (19-2-1) to overcome to claim a special state title in a shootout Shealan Biniam, Adelynn Miller, Bella Chianelli and Avery Evans converted on their penalty kicks before sophomore Isabella Milligan hit the final one Juneau, who finished with 13 saves, recorded her biggest one on Newman’s sixth PK to seal the victory In the boys’ championship Northlake Christian claimed its first state title in seven years and fourth in school history with a 2-0 win over Ascension Episcopal. It was also a bit of revenge since the Blue Gators (13-9-0) knocked NCS out in the semifinals last year with a 4-0 defeat. The Wolverines (20-4-3) were determined to erase that memory and win the school’s fourth state crown.
After a scoreless first half, Northlake sophomore Harry Wall gave the Wolverines a 1-0 lead as he beat the keeper to the ball and headed it into the goal in the 55th minute. Then, senior Gaven Clasen scored in the 77th minute to put an exclamation point on the victory.
The score set off a celebration in the loud and large Northlake student section that continued well after the final whistle Wolverines’ senior captain Stevie Tujague was one of the first Wolverines to leap into the stands after the match.
Feb. 26, 2026
A powerful shot by Parkview Baptist’s Ella Kate Johnston tied its Division III girls’ soccer state championship match against top-seeded Hannan. The three-time defending state champions seemed poised to gain the momentum and add another title to their trophy case.
The Hawks had other ideas as junior Farrah Lightell unleashed a shot 90 seconds later that found the back of the net as Hannan secured its first state title with a 2-1 victory at Southeastern’s Strawberry Stadium Hannan senior midfielder Kaitlyn Brady, who won Most Outstanding Player, said the Hawks’ first state title was years in the making. The last time Brady and the Hawks played in the state championship was 2023, when they fell 2-1 to Parkview Baptist. Brady, now a Providence signee, was a starting freshman on that team, while Hannan first-year coach Nathaniel Peters was an assistant. Hannan took a 1-0 halftime lead after a 17th-minute goal by junior Maggie Wylie, but the Eagles (16-3-1) turned to LSU commitment Ella Kate Johnston in the 61st minute to tie the match. The 2024 Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year took advantage of a poor clearance, found a little space and blasted a powerful shot to tie the match.
The Hawks didn’t blink as Lightell scored less than two minutes later to regain the momentum.
The victory was a fitting ending to a historic season for Hannan (20-1-1). The Hawks outscored their opponents 23-1 in five playoff wins and allowed just nine goals in 22 matches all season. Feb. 27, 2026
St. Scholastica’s girls’ soccer team made a bit of school history during its 2-0 win
over fifth-seeded Teurlings Catholic during the Division II state championship match. It was the school’s first 3-peat in soccer, and sophomore Ella McCollum put the exclamation point on the victory with her savvy play on a second-half corner kick.
The Doves had been extremely effective on set pieces all season, so when junior Bailey Tardo lined up her corner kick, it felt like second-seeded SSA might finally break through.
Tardo’s left-footed ball bent perfectly toward McCollum, who headed it home in the 50th minute, for the match’s first goal.
Sophomore Molly Montgomery, who won Most Outstanding Player honors, put the game away in the 70th minute as she blasted a 30-yard shot into the back of the net to secure SSA’s 10th state title.
The Doves (16-5-6) dominated the scoring opportunities in the first half and outshot the Rebels 15-1, but junior goalkeeper Madilynn Broussard recorded nine firsthalf saves to keep the game scoreless. SSA finally broke through in the second half.
The Doves outscored their opponents 23-1 in five postseason victories as they went into every match with a target on their backs as reigning state champions. The match also marked the end of SSA’s twoyear run in Division II, as the Doves will move back up to Division I next season as the two-time reigning D-II state champions.
March 25, 2026
Pope John Paul II’s Michael Delaney took the state crown at 181 with lifts totaling 1,400 pounds at the Division IV Boys’ State Powerlifting Championships. He tied the school squat record while breaking the school deadlift (560 pounds) and total weight lifted records.
March 26, 2026
Pope John Paul II senior Juliette Brewer won the 165-pound weight class with lifts totaling 950 pounds at the Division IV Girls’ State Powerlifting Championships. She set state records in the deadlift (380 pounds) and total weight lifted. That performance earned her Most Valuable Lifter honors in the heavier weight classes.
PJP II’s Shelby Fischer won the 148 weight class with 910 total pounds lifted to set a new division record. Her 385-pound deadlift is a school record. Cristina Angelloz won the 198 weight class with 850 pounds lifted, while Makensie Scott won the super heavyweight division with lifts
May 2, 2026
Mandeville sophomore Ciara Sergi was simply dominant en route to the Division I girls’ tennis singles state title at Forsythe Park in Monroe.
Last season, Sergi was the state runnerup, falling 6-4, 7-5 to St. Joseph’s senior Ella Mancuso. This year was a different story as Sergi dropped just four games in five state tournament matches. She defeated Mount Carmel freshman Caroline Melius, 6-0, 6-3, to win the state championship. It was a rematch of the regional final, which Sergi had also won. That match came at the end of a three-match slate on the final day, as the tournament was delayed by rain.
The St. Paul’s team of juniors William Cather and Jeffrey Roth Jr won the Division I boys’ doubles state crown as they teamed together for the first time this season.
On Championship Saturday, the duo had to play three matches in a single day, starting at 8 a.m., to claim the state title after the tournament was pushed back a day due to rain.
The team needed to go to a tiebreak in the second set of the quarterfinal and final matches to advance. The duo knocked off the team of Brother Martin’s Dillan LaFrance and Semaj Rouege, 7-5, 4-6 and 7-6 to win the state title. It was a rematch of the regional final.
May 3, 2026
St. Paul’s won its third lacrosse state championship with a 10-5 victory over Loyola College Prep at Hunter Stadium. The Wolves (13-1), who captured state championships in 2017 and 2019, knocked off Brother Martin 21-4 in the quarterfinals before edging Jesuit 11-10 in the semis to advance.
St. Paul’s senior captain Kyle Olsen, who recorded two goals and two assists, was named the championship game’s Offensive MVP Olsen, who is a three-year starter converted on 13-of-17 faceoffs (76% win) in the title match to spark the Wolves’ offense.
St. Paul’s employed a balanced scoring attack led by sophomore Griffin Brownell’s four goals. Freshman August Zornes added three goals while junior Landon Zornes chipped in one goal and three assists. While the offense was humming, senior keeper Brycen Stegemeyer helped keep Loyola Prep at bay Senior Merrick Ancar also delivered a sterling performance, earning Defensive MVP honors.
May 7, 2026
Christ Episcopal senior Gregory Jackson won the 100-yard dash with a time of 11.18 at the Class C state meet at LSU’s Bernie Moore Track Stadium.
May 8, 2026
Northlake Christian senior and Southeastern signee Emma Romano won the Class 2A state title in the pole vault with a vault of 10 feet. Romano, who also did gymnastics her whole life, took up pole vault in middle school and never looked back. She has also broken Northlake’s outdoor pole vault record three times and the indoor pole vault record four times.
totaling 965 pounds.
Northlake Christian’s Ava Finley won the 132-pound state champion with lifts totaling 765 pounds
March 27, 2026
In Division II girls’ powerlifting competition, St. Scholastica had two state champions. Gabby Goodman won at 97 with 540 total pounds lifted, while Grace Hartdegen earned the 123 state crown with lifts totaling 830 pounds.
In Division I, Covington’s Mya Marigny ran away with the 165 state title with lifts totaling 1,100 pounds, while Mandeville’s Sara Refitt won the state championship at 148 with lifts totaling 1,035 pounds.
March 28, 2026
In Division II boys’ powerlifting, Lakeshore and Lutcher tied for first with 61 points, but Lutcher won the state title on a tiebreaker as the Bulldogs had two individual state champions compared to one for the Titans.
Lakeshore’s Issiah Koontz was a state champion at 242 pounds with lifts totaling 1,600 pounds, including a 620-pound squat. Pearl River’s Mason Matrone was the state champion at 220 with lifts totaling 1,495 pounds.
In Division I, Covington senior Brett Falco ran away with the 148-pound weight class. He squatted 595, benched 420 and deadlifted 560 for a 1,575-pound total. His bench press was a new state record.
May 9, 2026
Northshore sophomore Grace Keene set composite records in two of her three events, with strong second-place finishers pushing her to the end. Keene won the 1,600-meter run in 4:54.48 when she overcame a late kick from Mount Carmel’s Stella Junius and regained the lead
PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE
St. Paul’s juniors Jeffrey Roth and William Cather slap hands as they compete in the LHSAA Division I Region IV tennis tournament at City Park in New Orleans on April 21
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE
Mandeville sophomore Ciara Sergi competes in the LHSAA Division I Region IV singles final on April 21 at City Park in New Orleans.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Covington’s Mya Marigny competes in the squat at the 2026 Louisiana High School Powerlifting Association Girls’ South Regional Championships on Feb 28.
FILE PHOTO BY MATT DOBBINS St Scholastica players celebrate their third straight state title after a 2-0 win over Teurlings Catholic on Feb 27.
FILE PHOTO BY MATT DOBBINS
Hannan senior and Most Outstanding Player
Kaitlyn Brady holds the state championship trophy as the Hawks celebrate their first state title on Feb 26.
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE
Members of the Northlake Christian School boys’ soccer team bring the trophy over to the fans as they celebrate their win over Ascension Episcopal School in the LHSAA Division IV boys state championship game in Hammond on Feb 25.
FILE PHOTO BY MATT DOBBINS
The Pope John Paul II girls’ soccer team takes one final team photo as state champions.
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Northshore’s Grace Keene wins the Class 5A
state title at the LHSAA track and field championships on May 9 at Bernie Moore Stadium in Baton Rouge.
