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Borchert, Fandal will face off
Special election set for Oct. 11
BY BOB WARREN Staff writer
The special mayoral election in Slidell on Oct. 11 will be a twocandidate race.
When the three-day qualifying period closed on July 11, Bill Borchert, who became the city’s mayor when Greg Cromer stepped down in January, and Randy Fandal, who has been Slidell’s police chief since 2017, had signed up to run.
Both candidates are Republicans.
The winner of the Oct. 11 election will fill the remainder of Cromer’s term, which runs through next June. The city’s regular slate of mayoral and City Council elections will be in March, with the winners taking office in July
Borchert was in his second term as an at-large City Council member when Cromer stepped down earlier this year Borchert then became mayor, per the city’s charter, as the at-large council member who received the most votes in the most recent election.
Fandal became chief of police in 2017, winning a special race to complete the term of Randy Smith, who had become St Tammany sheriff. Fandal was reelected twice more to full terms.
Slidell considers buying mall site
BY BOB WARREN Staff writer
As Slidell elected officials have racked their brains in recent years to come up with ideas to revitalize the largely shuttered North Shore Square Mall, one alternative has often been discussed: The city buying the beleaguered site Now, in the most definitive sign yet that such a purchase is a serious consideration, the city government has set in motion a plan that could ultimately generate the money it would need to buy the mall.
The Slidell City Council last week agreed to expand the boundaries of a 10-year-old special economic development district that encompassed the mall. Now, the district will also take in the land and more commercially successful stores across Northshore Boulevard and extend to
ä See MALL, page 4A
BY DARREN COOPER Contributing writer
Kade Anderson is going from the Tchefuncte River to Puget Sound In a slightly surprising outcome, the Madisonville resident and LSU product was selected No. 3 overall by the Seattle Mariners in the Major League Baseball Draft on July 13 Many mock drafts had the 21-year-old left-hander going to the Washington Nationals with the first overall pick Still, the Mariners made Anderson the highest-drafted player from St Tammany Parish ever chosen in any professional sport. He’s also the fourth-highest drafted player in LSU history Two LSU pitchers had been taken with the No. 1 pick overall previously (Ben McDonald, of Denham Springs, in 1989 and California native Paul Skenes in 2023.) Outfielder Dylan Crews was picked second, also in 2023. According to his family, Anderson watched the draft with his family at their Madisonville home. The Nationals were said to be considering between Anderson and high school shortstop Ethan
Holliday for the No. 1 pick Instead, they went with 17-year-old Eli Willits, a high school senior shortstop from Fort Cobb-Broxton (Okla) The Los Angeles Angels followed by taking UC Santa Barbara right-handed pitcher Tyler Bremmer Anderson went next to the Mariners, who are currently second in the AL West at 51-45. Reared on the ballfields of Coquille Park, Anderson played high school baseball at St. Paul’s in Covington, but had to endure Tommy John surgery his junior season. He went to LSU and was brought along slowly as a freshman, pitching just 38 1/3 innings, but recording 59 strikeouts.
As a sophomore, Anderson authored one of the greatest pitching seasons in LSU history, striking out 180 batters in 119 innings (only Skenes and McDonald had more in one season for the Tigers) and helping lead the Tigers to the 2025 national championship Anderson is represented by prominent agent Scott Boras. After signing his contract, he will likely be assigned to one of the Mariners minor league affiliates. Skenes was originally sent to double-A by the Pirates after his selection in 2023. The possibilities for Anderson in the Mariners organization are Arkansas (double-A), Everett, Washington (High-A) or Modesto, Calif. (single-A).
The No. 3 selection carries an estimated pick value of $9.5 million. If Anderson advances to the Major Leagues, which is practically guaranteed at some point, he would become the second player from Madisonville to reach the highest level of the sport. Irv Stein played for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1932.
From basketball to broadcasting, Northshore star Aidoo makes her mark
Editor’s note: There was such a positive response to our “Where Are They Now?” stories last year that we brought the series back to the pages of the St. Tammany Farmer this summer We asked that question about some of the best athletes in local sports and then we went out and found them.
This summer we’ll reacquaint readers with some of these familiar faces. We’ll take a deep dive into stories that began in youth leagues, continued at local high schools and then colleges near and far Many of these homegrown talents played professionally, too, reaching the pinnacle of athletic achievement.
This week, we feature Northshore standout Tiffany Aidoo.
young women vital to one of St. Tammany’s all-time greats
BY MIKE GEGENHEIMER Contributing writer
Tiffany Aidoo will never forget the T-shirt she wore on Nov 17, 2004.
It was just a plain white tee with “Lady Panthers” and “11/17/04” printed on it. And truth be told, the shirt itself was totally meaningless in the grand scheme, given the sheer number of T-shirts student-athletes collect during their four years of high school.
The date was pretty nondescript, too, a random Wednesday leading into Thanksgiving break.
But on a personal level, the significance is great. It’s the date a nervous freshman started her first varsity basketball game at Northshore High School. It’s the date she started the journey to becoming the first girls’ player in school history to score 1,000 points. It’s the date she started becom-
GRANT THERKILDSEN
Northshore’s Tiffany Aidoo, center, fights a pair of Comeaux High players for the ball in a 2006 high school contest.
ing the leader who would become a two-year captain for the Tulane women’s basketball team, the date her dreams of calling college basketball
games on ESPN took flight, and the date her resolve to mentor and develop young athletes across south Louisiana took root.
All those roads lead back to Nov 17, 2004.
“Basketball gave me the ability to build a life roster,” Aidoo said “I have really great discernment for the people that I have on my team, how I show up for other people, what is my role in certain things. That’s really special because that’s not always easy I’ve learned how to navigate things with grace and that’s probably the most beneficial thing that sport has given me over my entire life and career I can be innovative, I can adapt to adversity I’m able to have a team of supporters, and that is honestly the best thing I could ever imagine.” For at least 20-something years, Aidoo’s life has centered around basketball.
Most in St. Tammany Parish likely remember her leading Northshore to district titles in her junior and senior seasons, twice earning All-State honors for her efforts. Lesser known, perhaps, was that Aidoo was a standout volleyball and softball player who
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK
Parish Council appoints pair to library board
BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer
Ending months of wrangling over appointments to St. Tammany’s Library Board of Control, the Parish Council appointed two members who have expressed different visions of how the library should approach access to its collection for youth.
Dinah Thanars, who was nominated by Democratic Parish Council member Jimmy Strickland, and Glenn Baham, a Slidell native who had the support of some Republican organizations, are the two newest board members, joining Travis Thompson who was appointed last month.
Thanars Baham
Eight of the Parish Council members voted for Thanars over Jill Kesler, who received five votes and had the backing of some Republican organizations. Both were current board members whose terms had ended and required reappointment. Thanars was appointed in February after a resignation, and Kesler had been on the board for just over a year
The appointments of Ba-
ham, who was appointed unanimously, and Thanars capped off months of contentious debate over three openings on the library board. Last month, the Parish Council also appointed Thompson, a Republican, after the discussion largely centered on the political affiliation of the nominees.
Thanars’ appointment to the board in February came after Strickland vowed to increase the racial diversity of the board in response to its discussion of the young adult novel “The Hate U Give,” which Strickland said showed how “out of touch” the then-all White board was. With the appointment of Baham and Thanars, the board now has two Black
members.
‘Access’
Baham said in an interview that while on the board he wants to focus on the library’s budget, as well as kids’ access to library materials.
Minors’ access to materials with sexual and LGBTQ+ themes have been central to the controversy in the parish’s library system over the past three years. Soon after the controversy began, the library adopted a tiered card system that gives parents control over what minors can access.
But after a recent push by some officials, the new board members may be involved in debates around what counts
as “access” — whether it means available for checkout, as Gov Jeff Landry said as attorney general, or available to take off the shelf at the library
“Is the stuff going to be accessible right off the shelf?”
Baham asked.
He said he thought some library materials should be in a section of the library that kids can access only with permission from their parents. He added he wants to do so in a way that is not cumbersome for library staff.
Thanars has generally taken a different approach.
At a meeting in April, Thanars joined a majority of the library board in voting against a resolution calling for Attorney General Liz Mu-
rill to issue an opinion about what “access” means. On Thursday, in a statement read aloud by Thanars’ husband, Don Thanars, Thanars praised the library’s tiered card system, but also said it was important to “acknowledge the realities of the digital age.”
“Teenagers are already exposed to mature things through gaming, social media and online platforms,” Thanars said.
“A more effective approach may lie, not in outright restriction, but in a balanced strategy that includes age-appropriate access, parental involvement and ongoing education to help young people navigate such content responsibly,” she said.
Panel declines to vote on zoning rule that would bring more apartments
BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer
With some St. Tammany residents strongly opposed to reinstating apartments as an allowable use in the vast area of the parish zoned Highway Commercial 2, the Parish Council voted unanimously on July 10 to remove the item from consideration entirely Around 5,946 acres in the parish are zoned HC-2. Both the parish administration and parish zoning board had recommended reinstating apartments in that zoning
AIDOO
Continued from page 1A
classification. The reinstatement also had support from some parish business groups and Mike Saucier, a developer who argued the parish had essentially taken away his building rights by removing apartments from HC-2.
But the reinstatement faced strong criticism from some residents.
Jake Airey, who was on the Parish Council when it removed apartments from HC-2, joked he was having “PTSD.”
“I just don’t think — we looked at this — that HC-2 is
somehow found time to make straight As throughout high school.
After graduation, Aidoo became the first, and to this day only, girls basketball player to ever have her number (23) retired at Northshore.
She eventually played four years at Tulane, captaining the Green Wave to an NCAA Tournament berth in 2010 She is one of only 30 Tulane players to crack the 1,000-point mark for a career and she remains in the Top 10 in both games played and three-pointers made. In 2011, she broke the women’s and men’s school record for three-pointers made in a single game (connecting on nine against Alabama-Birmingham.)
None of it surprised Tim Holmes, Aidoo’s coach at Northshore.
“Tiffany had no fear,” Holmes said “She had the whole package. She was not afraid of anybody and she could play any position.”
But what always stuck out most about Aidoo was her dedication to growing off the court.
Holmes distinctly remembers one instance when Aidoo said she might not be able to play in a big game because she needed to study and was worried if she didn’t, she might make a B in one of her classes.
But Aidoo was always top notch, both on the court and in the classroom. She graduated from Tulane with a degree in communications, but
appropriate for apartments,” Airey said.
Other residents who spoke raised concerns about drainage issues and exacerbated flooding problems from increased development.
“Apartments don’t belong in Highway Commercial 2,” said Ross Favaloro, a resident who opposed a development Saucier had planned in the Mandeville area.
Apartments were an allowable use in HC-2 or HC-2A for years until the parish adopted a new Unified Development Code, which came into effect
stuck around to get her Masters in liberal arts. At the same time, she was a graduate assistant to the women’s team and worked as a player liaison. She never had aspirations to coach, focusing her energy instead on mentorship and player development instead of Xs and Os of the game.
The want to work with young people, as much as young players, is something she credits to her older brothers, especially Denis Aidoo, who was one of Tiffany’s first youth league coaches. Denis originally got into coaching because of his sister, and he eventually became program director for the prestigious Kenner Angels AAU team. Tiffany, of course, was a member of the team throughout her youth, and it’s where she first gained attention as one of the nation’s top young players.
For the past few years, Aidoo has worked for the Laureus Sports For Good Foundation as the New Orleans Program Officer where she helps invest in youth athletes and development. The global group acts as philanthropic intermediaries to fund organizations that use sports to promote youth development and social impact. She says it’s her “true calling” and was an obvious choice for her career
“Being her older brother I’ve idolized what she’s done and how she gives back to sports,” Denis Aidoo said. “Both (of us) got so much from athletics as far as connections and friendships, learning and growing and adapting life lessons. And she’s found so many ways to give back to the sport and
in August 2024. That change came after the Parish Council and Parish President Mike Cooper became embroiled in controversy over an apartment complex in an area zoned HC-2 near Covington. The complex never got built, and the developer ended up suing the parish after estimating a loss of $6 million The parish eventually agreed to settle for an undisclosed amount.
After apartments were removed from HC-2, Saucier, who had plans to build hundreds of apartments and
to people who maybe don’t have the same privileges and opportunities, so that they can hopefully learn similar life lessons and live a better life.”
Tiffany remains close to the Green Wave, as well. In 2021, she began working as a color commentator for ESPN, regularly calling the school’s women’s basketball games. Former Tulane coach Lisa Stockton first approached Aidoo about calling games, but she turned her down, not sure about her desire to get into broadcasting.
But after talking to her family, Aidoo quickly changed her mind. Turns out, she was as comfortable with a microphone as she was with a basketball in hand.
And all these years later, Northshore High remains close to Aidoo’s heart. When fellow Northshore alum Cherie Spencer committed recently to play at the University of North Texas, Aidoo crossed her fingers that she’ll have the chance to call a game between the Mean Green of North Texas and her own beloved Green Wave sometime in the near future.
More than two decades after playing her first game for Northshore, after pulling on that memorable T-shirt to begin warmups, Aidoo longs to see young players succeed in the same ways she did, both on and off the court.
It’s about passing a legacy to the next generation, and Aidoo is forever grateful she still has the chance to play her part.
“It’s so important for girls to have exposure to the things they don’t know they can do,” Aidoo
retail on about 30 acres near Mandeville, asked the council to rezone the area from HC-2 to HC-3, a Highway Commercial classification that does allow apartments. But the Parish Council shot the proposal down in December
At last week’s meeting, council member Arthur Laughlin, whose district includes the development proposed by Saucier, initially proposed postponing the reinstatement of apartments in HC-2 until the parish finishes its housing study, which is expected to wrap up later
this year As part of the study, the parish recently launched a survey of residents to understand their housing needs. But council member David Cougle suggested instead the parish remove the item from the agenda entirely, which is what the council did. That way, he said, if the item is introduced again, the council will have to wait a month before passing it.
“The Council made many important decisions (on July 10), and I support the actions they took,” Cooper said in a statement.
said. “The sport has given me so much, and now I’m giving back to the sport in ways I never imagined I could — whether that’s being a mentor to young women and girls,
whether that’s understanding who you can be, or understanding your limits and how you can push past those and the confidence you can build.”
Mandeville raises garbage fee, delays tree protection vote
Public hearings set for proposed city budget
BY SARA PAGONES Contributing writer
When Mandeville residents open their city utility bill next month, they can expect a notice that their garbage bill is about to increase by nearly $5 a month — a change approved by the City Council on July 10. The change reflects several years of increasing costs by Coastal Environmental Services that the city had not been passing along to residential customers, instead subsidizing the increase to the tune of $255,000 a year After some discussion, the City
Council voted 5-0 for an ordinance that says the fee will correspond to the rate charged by the service provider
Currently, residential customers are paying $16.46 per garbage can monthly, the same amount that they’ve been charged for about six years. But during that period of time, the actual cost has risen annually The rate is tied to the consumer price index, and the city’s contract with Coastal allows annual increases, City Finance Director Jessica Forno said. Forno said the difference amounts to $21,000 each month or $255,000 a year
“It sounds silly we would be losing money every month,” council member Kevin Vogeltanz said, but added that he felt conflicted.
The city is always trying to reduce millage rates, he said, pointing out that when last year’s reassessment caused people’s property taxes to increase, even if only by $100 a year, “it’s a big deal” and said that city officials seemed blasé about the impact
But City Attorney Elizabeth Sconzert said that the city gets “dinged” by auditors every year for the situation.
“We are subsidizing people’s garbage bills with tax dollars,” Forno said, and the city needs to collect what it is being charged
Mayor Clay Madden agreed, saying that the city has been generous and didn’t pass along the increases through COVID-19 and Hurricane Ida. but can’t continue to underwrite bill. “It’s maybe like $5. The
cost of services has gone up, and garbage collection is no different,” he said.
Council member Jill Lane said the garbage charge is different from a millage or tax but is a utility “I don’t think the city should eat this cost,” she said. Council member Scott Discon agreed, said the city had just taken a similar step with charges for water after many years of collecting less than the cost of providing that service.
jhalm@sttammanyfarmer.net
Council members Lane and Discon said they need additional time to refine the ordinance that would take into account concerns raised last month about the potential impact on new construction.
The City Council also set a schedule for five public hearings on Mandeville’s budget for the next fiscal year Hearing dates were set for July 15, July 21, July 23, Aug. 5 and Aug. 11. The hearings will begin at 6 p.m. Councilman Jason Zuckerman said the number of hearings could be increased or reduced as needed.
Mandeville resident Scott Accardo said that the city should stop absorbing the cost of rate increases. “If you don’t stop it now at $250,000, it will be $500,000 and then $750,000,” he said. In other matters, the council voted to postpone again the proposed change to the city tree ordinance that seeks to provide the same protections currently given to live oaks to magnolias and cypress trees. The matter now is scheduled to be discussed at the Aug. 14 council meeting.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY MACKENZIE MITCHELL
Tiffany Aidoo interviews longtime Tulane women’s basketball coach Lisa Stockton. Aidoo was one of Stockton’s prize recruits and led the Green Wave to an NCAA tournament bid in 2010.
BY KIM CHATELAIN
Contributing writer
To say that the last few months have been difficult for Courtney Candies and her family might be the understatement of the year
On March 23, her husband — St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Grant Candies was killed in the line of duty While still deep in mourning over his loss, she learned that her cousin — Cleco lineman Wade Singletary also lost his life on July 2 while serving the community
The double whammy was life-shattering for the mother of two, but the astounding outpouring of support from the community the two men served has provided fuel to keep her going “Everyone tells me I’m strong,” Candies said. “They tell me ‘I don’t know how you get up every day or how you do this or how you do that.’
“I’m Grant’s wife, and that being said, I know exactly what he would expect of me. I know he would want me to take care of his guys and be strong.” Grant Candies, a 37-yearold former Marine and a decorated sheriff’s deputy, was killed while trying to stop a vehicle being pursued by deputies in a chase
During his April 1 funeral service, he was memorialized as a popular law enforcement officer a reliable friend and co-worker and a supportive mentor to others in law enforcement Candies’ death triggered an outpouring of support from throughout the parish and beyond. The state VFW gave its First Responder of the Year Award posthumously to the nine-year sheriff’s office veteran.
In late July, the Louisiana
Slidell Museum gets curator for summer Staff report
Historian John Fitzmorris will serve as the acting curator at the Slidell Museum this summer, overseeing operations and continuing the museum’s mission collecting, researching, p serving, and sharing Slidell’ history
“I am honored to serve as the acting curator of Slidell Museum this su mer,” Fitzmorris said. “G Scott, the past curator, an outstanding job with museum, and I look forw to working with Greg continue making the Slidell Museum a great place both residents and visitors to explore.”
A native of New Orleans, Fitzmorris brings a wealth of historical expertise Slidell Museum He an undergraduate degree, two master’s degrees a Ph.D. in history from University of Southern sissippi. He is a recipient the George F. Windell for Outstanding Thesis. teaches a diverse range subjects, including U.S. tory, Louisiana history history, the history of Vietnam War, the Civil and Reconstruction. He serves as moderator for Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society UNO and conducts oral terviews with war vetera for the Library of Cong Veterans Oral History gram. The Slidell Museum’ summer hours are Mon through Thursday from a.m to 4 p.m Hours wi limited during the weeks July 13 and July 20, only on Tuesday and Th day from 10 a.m. to Admission is free.
Sheriffs Association will bestow its Bob Buckley Award on Candies The award honors deputies injured or killed in the line of duty
Courtney Candies received a letter of condolence from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. And a GoFundMe account set up in the late deputy’s name with a goal of raising
$25,000 has amassed $85,465 in donations from 896 contributors
“It’s been overwhelming for sure,” she said of the response to her husband’s heroic death.
Notoriety is nothing new for Grant Candies, who was
named STPSO Deputy of the Year in 2023. But there is a twist of irony to it all.
Courtney Candies said while her husband deserves all of the accolades that have come his way, he was not one for the limelight.
“My husband was humble,” she said. “He did his job without calling attention to it and he expected nothing in return. He didn’t like
the attention to be on him so all of this coverage from the media, this recognition he would have been mortified.”
Both Candies’ children, who are 13 and 8, have taken their father’s death very hard, particularly the teenage daughter “She is hiding from the world for the time being,” Candies said. “But both
It’s a situation that was made worse by the
of Singletary, 38, of
River St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office determined that he died from low-voltage
(children) have seen the support, and both are just in awe of everything that has come about.”
Candies said she intends to start a foundation in
Grant’s name to benefit families of fallen officers and other law enforcement needs.
“I’m trying to give purpose to this terrible situation,” she said
The Slidell Museum cated at 2020 First Stree Olde Towne Slidell Gr are welcome but are encour aged to schedule a tou advance. For more inform tion, call (985) 646-43 contact via email at um@cityofslidell.org.
admission is free, the Museum accepts donati and community support continue providing vital tural services.
Sgt Grant Candies
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
Courtney Candies, right, stands between her children, Brenna, 13, and Bryson, 8, as the casket holding their father and her husband, Sgt. Grant Candies, is placed into the back of a hearse on April 1. Candies was killed in
Wade Singletary
Folsom strikes Fourth of July theme for park grand opening
BY ANDREW CANULETTE Staff writer
The ribbon-cutting for Folsom’s Moise Park may not have taken place until July 5, but all the excitement of a Fourth of July celebration was there when members of the community came together for a Red, White & Blue BBQ.
The park is lit, as well, meaning it can be used around the clock
Local families gathered during the late morning and early afternoon for traditional cornhole and horseshoes tournaments and the dunking booth — a very popular attraction on the warm summer day For more information on upcoming events at Moise Park, go to www.villageoffolsom. com/events.
The park, located behind Town Hall just off June Street, has been open to villagers for months now, but the gathering on July 5 to officially open the park marked the finality of the plan put into motion several years ago to bring additional recreational space to Folsom. The park has picnic tables, new restrooms, walking paths and a fenced-in area with playground equipment named the Mathies Family Playground, in honor of former Folsom alderwoman Jill Mathies, who passed away unexpectedly late last year
MALL
Continued from page 1A
the stores north of Interstate 12. And with that expanded district, called the Northshore Square Economic Development District, officials also adopted a resolution “providing notice of intention to levy and collect” new taxes to generate money that could be used for a potential mall purchase in the future.
The council’s action follows its agreement in January to pony up $100,000 for a consultant’s study of the best possible uses for the old mall site.
While the results of that study aren’t yet ready, Mayor Bill Borchert said the consultant, Colliers, has made one thing clear: “They recommend that, for any real development, the city should have ownership of the mall.”
Asked if the city has negotiated a possible purchase with Morguard, which owns North Shore Square, Borchert, who became mayor in January with Greg Cromer’s resignation, declined to get into specifics.
“We have, quote unquote, negotiated with them for a number of years,” he said Hard times
The 621,000-square-foot mall, which opened in 1985 and quickly became a regional shopping hub, now sits nearly empty in a highly visible location at Northshore Boulevard and Interstate 12. Only two anchors remain: a popular Dillard’s Clearance Center and At Home.
Slidell officials have pressed Morguard, a Canadian company that manages more than $17 billion in real estate across North America, to breathe new life into the site. But no plans have emerged.
Slidell City Council President Nick DiSanti, who has been involved in the effort to revitalize the mall, said a purchase is one option that would be explored.
“It’s been mostly vacant for far too long,” DiSanti said. “Buying is one of the potential outcomes.”
When the council created the Northshore Square District in 2014, it imposed a half-cent additional sales tax on purchases made in
the district. The intent was to build revenue that could aid Morguard’s revitalization efforts. But little apparently came of those efforts. Efforts to reach Morguard officials for comment were not successful.
Though the council sitting as officers of the economic development district — adopted a resolution providing notice of potential new taxes, Borchert said a decision on how much extra to levy would come later after the city has a better idea of how much it needs.
The resolution says the city can levy up to 2% sales tax, up to 5 mills of property tax and up to 2% for a hotel occupancy tax — or any combination of those additional taxes.
Borchert said the extra half-cent levied in the original district brought in around $100,000 annually He said an additional halfcent in the expanded district would bump that to around $1.2 million to $1.4 million annually
Negotiations
Borchert declined to say how much money he thinks the mall is worth. He said Morguard owns most of the approximately 55-acre site, but Dillard’s and a self-storage business have separate owners.
The city would have to negotiate with each owner, he said.
Slidell isn’t in a unique position in trying to revitalize a mall In Kenner, for instance, officials have struggled mightily to come up with a workable redevelopment plan for the Esplanade Mall site, which was purchased by a new company for $10 million in 2023 but remains closed.
Chris Masingill, CEO of the St. Tammany Economic Development Corp., said Slidell’s purchasing of the mall merits serious consideration if the city wants to be the driver of any revitalization.
“It’s often more of an advantage if the public entity has control over it,” he said.
Possible new uses run the gamut, Masingill said, ranging from recreational facilities to office space to ware-
house operations. That’s where the consultant’s study will come in, he said.
“What is the art of the possible? Let’s not be constrained,” Masingill said
“Maybe it’s a total teardown.”
Borchert, meanwhile, said he expects any mall plan to generate some pushback from residents But he said the community wants some-
thing done with the site.
“We know that nothing has been done over there for 10 years,” he said “And we know the community has told us that something has to be done with the mall.”
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Holly Fair, Lily Willie and Martha Conrad
Dawson Bernard, Camella Fauntleroy and Lindsey Dillon
Denice Blair, Paul Blair, and Folsom Police Chief Shilo Bruhl
Jordan Mancil competes in the cornhole tournament.
Noah Greaver, 4, takes a turn scooting down the big slide.
PHOTOS BY BOBBY GILBOY
Eva Mizell, 6, enjoyed the new swingset at Moise Park.
Mosquito abatement
officials
see high risk for West Nile virus
BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer
St. Tammany Parish is at an elevated risk for West Nile virus, the St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement District said last week, noting that the district collected over three times as many pools of mosquitoes with West Nile virus in June as it did the same time last year
The infected mosquitoes came from traps across the parish, from Covington to Slidell, which indicates an elevated risk to residents throughout the parish, the agency said in a news release
The agency collects mosquitoes from over 130 sites from February through November As of July 8, the agency had collected 22 pools of mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile virus from 13 different sites. This time last year, they had collected six, according to St. Tammany Mosquito Abatement Director Kevin Caillouet.
Of the pools with mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile virus, 91% were from neighborhoods with a high density of on-site sewage disposal systems, which often eject partially treated sewage into ditches that, in turn, become breeding grounds for mosquitoes with the virus, the news release said.
The Louisiana Department of Health reported one human in St. Tammany was infected with West Nile virus as of June 28, Caillouet noted.
The agency encouraged residents to make sure their septic systems are working properly and to control vegetation in the ditches so the agency’s larval treatment can work. The agency sprays more than 600 miles of roadside ditches every five days in the summer the news release said.
The agency also recommended individuals use mosquito repellent, avoid peak mosquito biting times and wear longsleeved shirts and pants.
Katie and Z have a blast making waves on northshore
BY DARREN COOPER Contributing writer
Katie Guasco and Zondra White Jones (Katie and Z to their fans) finish one another’s sentences whenever they’re together, whether they’re working or playing or both.
The chemistry, enthusiasm and curiosity of these two have become key parts of their “All The Waves” monthly podcast A Visit the Northshore project that highlights people places and events north of Lake Pontchartrain.
“We have other responsibilities” beyond the podcast they love making, said White Jones.
“We have like, real, paying, jobs,” laughs Guasco. “This feels like our hobby.”
“Right,” sgrees White Jones.
“This really does point back to our mission,” said Guasco. “We have big jobs.
Z is always traveling, selling the northshore. I have a whole team working under me.”
Since the podcast started, they’re closing in on 5,000 downloads, a fact that amazes them both, and they have plans to increase their visibility with video and more guests.
“We are trying to make this the No. 1 podcast across the South,” said Guasco. “We are looking forward to opening our show up to guests from New Orleans. People don’t realize how musicians will play Jazz Fest and then come here.”
A lot of New Orleans acts come over here and then spend the weekend, adds White Jones “It’s the same for Baton Rouge.”
Guasco is the chief marketing officer for Visit the Northshore, and White Jones is a senior sales manager for the for the parish’s tourism commission. And one of the ways to market anything these days is with a podcast.
The women were work colleagues and friends but the idea of doing a show together was a new one.
“Our president, Donna O’Daniels, said it right away, ‘It’s you and Zondra,’” Guasco recalls. “We sat down (to decide) what do we want to say and how do we want to build this? No one in our entire office had worked on a podcast before.”
Visit the Northshore part-
nered with the Northshore Media Group to use their podcast space and get some early interview tips and help securing guests.
Mardi Gras expert and historian Arthur Hardy was one of the first podcast guests, but the shows have run the gamut and have included a range of northshore businesses, some of which are part and parcel of the area’s history Guasco and White Jones prepare for the podcast, but at no point do any of the shows sound scripted. Instead, they sound like your momma’s kitchen with friends sitting around sharing stories and good times.
“Our podcast is really about the human connection to the stores and the people behind the places,” Guasco said “Sometimes it’s about things or places we have never seen or done (and) sometimes it’s about places we have seen 100 times, but even then, they always teach us something about themselves or why they are in the business, and I love that.”
Guasco grew up in Metairie before settling on the northshore 10 years ago; White Jones is a Mandeville native.
“Zondra likes to tell everyone that she’s the native,” Guasco said with a laugh.
There is some teasing that goes on.
“Katie has a similar personality than me, we gel, she is funny she is charismatic and she is transparent, which is one of the things I love about her We just have a good time together,” White Jones said. “We go on walks together at work.”
Both Guasco and White
Rotary Club in Slidell honors Kathy Townsend
Kathryn ‘Kathy’ Watson Townsend has been awarded the Slidell Rotary Club’s Bill Lowry Service Above Self Award, so-named to acknowledge the founding member’s kindness and community involvement Today’s members agreed that Townsend exemplifies the Lowry motto and laud her as an intelligent, compassionate woman who leads with authenticity and humility. She listens deeply, acts with integrity and remains composed under pressure. Friends and colleagues describe her as ‘genuine’ and ‘a rock,’ someone whose words are matched by her actions.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Jones are proud of the show
Ask them for a favorite?
They can’t pick. But their dream guest would be actor Ian Somerhalder, who grew up in Covington.
“If we did that, we would feel like we have arrived,” said Guasco with White Jones cackling in the background. “We could talk about Mardi Gras and the dog parade, his time on the northshore. That’s on my list.”
All The Waves has brought Guasco and White Jones a measure of fame. Fans of the show are “Wavers” and know all the catchphrases.
“People tell me I look familiar,” Guasco said.
White Jones said, “I get recognized by my voice. They’re like, ‘Are you Z from All The Waves?’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s me.’ That has been fun.”
“Usually, if we’re together, I say I’m Katie,” Guasco said.
“I’m Zondra,” White Jones follows.
Then without missing a beat, together they say, “And you’re listening to All The Waves.” The laughter that follows rolls on like a wave.
Parish assesses housing needs
Staff report
St. Tammany Parish is conducting an anonymous housing survey for people living or working in the parish. The results of this official 2025 Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment will be used by decision-makers to address current and future housing needs. Take the quick survey online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/2WQD8FP
Slidell mayoral candidates forum
The St. Tammany Chamber is hosting a public forum for Slidell’s mayoral candidates on Wednesday July 23, at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, 2056 2nd St., from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. This is an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates on the issues that matter to the Slidell community and local businesses. The forum is free and open to the public. Registration is not required but is appreciated at sttammanychamber.org/events.
Slidell gets another beautification grant
Keep Slidell Beautiful has been awarded a 20242025 Keep Louisiana Beautiful Trash Receptacle Grant Program that will finance four new collection containers, two at the Calamari Tennis Center, one in Olde Towne at the corner of 2nd and Cousin streets, and another in Greenwood Cemetery Through the 2024 Trash Receptacle Grant Program, Keep Louisiana Beautiful awarded 285 receptacles to 60 organizations in 37 parishes. As part of the grant requirements, Keep Slidell Beautiful will conduct a post-installation litter scan and compare the data col-
lected to preliminary scan results. Data will be shared with the public as soon as it becomes available.
“Litter is hurting our quality of life in Slidell,” says Keep Slidell Beautiful Director Marisa Frischhertz. “With these new receptacles installed, we will be able to reduce litter and keep our community clean and beautiful.” Recent data collected by Keep Louisiana Beautiful shows a reduction of litter by 78% in areas where trash receptacles are properly installed and maintained, according to Susan Russell, executive director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful. “One of our organization’s key initiatives is to help build infrastructure that supports clean, beautiful communities,” she said. “Funding trash receptacles is one way we do that. Congratulations to Keep Slidell Beautiful for being selected as a 202425 Trash Receptacle Grant recipient.”
PROVIDED PHOTO BY JORDAN HEFLER
Katie Guasco, left, and Zondra White Jones are hosts of Visit the Northshore’s All the Waves podcast.
West 30s neighborhood party celebrates home ownership
BY KADEE KRIEGER
Contributing writer
Volunteers and board members of the West 30s Redemption Company combined a block party with a house blessing to celebrate two milestones that highlight the organization’s success in bringing home ownership to families in the West 30s community
“There is no doubt that great things are happening in this community,” said board member and pastor Fred Taylor, who provided the invocation for the program that celebrated the completion of the faithbased nonprofit organization’s 75th home and its total investment tally reaching $10 million since its inception.
Founder and Executive Director Bryan Burns began the West 30s Redemption Company after touring the histori cal neighborhood as part of Leadership St. Tammany in 2017.
He said he was struck by the sub-standard living conditions of many of the homes, which often housed multiple generations under one roof. He began to look for ways to revitalize the neighborhood and support its residents, calling on civic leaders, including Covington Mayor Mark Johnson, to help launch a plan to breathe new life into the community.
That plan took shape when Burns said he found a house for sale in the neighborhood and enlisted support from churches, businesses, grants and banks to renovate the residence and allow a resident to become a first-time homebuyer
Within four years, the organization had built or renovated 25 homes and created at least that many new homeowners.
“In our first year we built one house I never thought that we could be at 75 houses 81/2 years later,” Burns said. “God has provided what we needed and when
we needed it.” Donations, along with grants from banks, keep the monthly mortgage payment as low as possible for the new homeowners. The building projects and other financial support reached $10 million with the completion of the latest two homes
“Even more importantly we have helped families gain ownership of their homes and given them an asset to pass along to future generations. It’s a pathway out of poverty,” Burns said.
Many of the residents who became homeowners through the West 30s Redemption Company program gathered with Burns and other event speakers, including Johnson, Covington Police Chief Michael Ferrell, State Rep. Mark Wright and new homeowner Orisia Haas. The event drew other elected officials, law enforcement officers, Covington firefighters, elected officials, health care partners and friends of residents.
Johnson said Burns’ compassion and persistence in supporting the West 30s residents inspired collaboration among all facets of the community
“The West 30s Redemption Company shows that to improve quality of life it takes an entire community working together — from government to non-profits, businesses and community members themselves,” he said. “God had a plan, and we did it.”
During the event Burns
honored longtime organization volunteer Orvin Tobiason with the Legacy Award Burns said Tobiason has consistently identified homes as candidates for renovation, referred families to become homeowners in the program and “has always remained the most positive, upbeat, friendly and encouraging board member.”
Following the formal program, the Rev. Guimond Louis of Christ Episcopal Church blessed the program’s two newly renovated homes. Those attending the event were able to tour the homes and enjoy chargrilled burgers and hot dogs, sandwiches, cookies and other refreshments.
Lillie Tillison, who became the organization’s 25th homeowner in 2022, said with each new house or renovation project, the neighborhood has become more and more beautiful. “I love crossing into the neighborhood and seeing where the beauty starts,” she said.
“We are also a wonderful, diverse mix of neighbors here in the West 30s.”
Shawn Rogers, who serves as a financial counselor for the families and individuals who are accepted as homeowners, said she witnesses first-hand the joy owning a home brings to the residents. “It brings their hope and confidence to a new level,” she said. “It is so motivational for them ” For information about the West 30s Redemption Company, visit https://www.w30rc.org/.
Covington Police Chief Michael Ferrell speaks at the celebration.
Orvin Tobiaso speaks after receiving the Legacy Award.
Homeowner Orisia Hass stands in the kitchen of her new home, one being blessed and celebrated at the June 30 neighborhood event.
Covington Mayor Mark Johnson makes remarks.
The Rev. Fred Taylor gives the invocation.
Burns
Bryan Burns, of the West 30s Redemption Company, speaks at the double home building and a celebration of 75 homeowner-occupied homes in the neighborhood since the company began.
PHOTOS BY GRANT THERKILDSEN
The Rev. Guimond Louis, of Christ Episcopal Church, with help from West 30s Redemption Company President Ross Richardson, blesses two homes during a celebration of homeowning milestones in the community on June 30
Abita Springs volunteers clean up a corner of America
BY SHEILA GRISSETT Staff writer
It takes a volunteer army to keep a village, a park or a neighborhood clean, and St Tammany and its municipalities seem to have plenty of troops. And that’s a good thing.
The national Keep America Beautiful nonprofit launched an initiative this year to clean up the country so that it looked its best for the nation’s 249th birthday on July 4. The primary goal called for removing 25 billion — yes, Billion — pieces of litter from public spaces waterways and parks. Basically, that meant cleaning up every community in the United States by Independence Day It’s a good bet that not everyone, everywhere, got that done, and those who didn’t are urged to keep working after the fireworks end.
In St. Tammany there are mulitple nonprofit beautification groups working year-round picking up litter, collecting recyclables, cleaning waterways, raising awareness and teaching environmental stewardship. Most of these groups work in concert with local government jurisdictions and under the Keep Louisiana Beautiful umbrella.
Among those that did carry out a big cleanup before the holiday was Keep Abita Beautiful, which used its Greatest American Cleanup Grant to finance a litter pickup, some improvements and a celebratory picnic in Carnation Street Park in the Abita Nursery Subdivision.
The grant also financed a colorful interactive mural in the park, one with a built-in slide for the kids, the creation of Slidell area artist Dave Kelsey Other volunteers added blueberry bushes, a live oak tree, and a native mulberry in the park.
Volunteers also came from Homer Williams VFW Post 8720 for a day of service. Post members worked alongside subdivision residents, Keep Abita Beautiful volunteers and members of Just Love Your Neighbor - Northshore Disciples.
The 20 or so volunteers collected almost four dozen 32-gallon trash bags of litter and another 12 bags of recyclables, which is sig-
nificantly less than the amounts generally collected in a group cleanup Perhaps the continuing Stop Litter campaign is making some difference.
The Town of Abita Springs sent Public Works Department employees and heavy-duty trailers to haul away the trash.
Meanwhile, to make sure that none of the tired volunteers went home hungry, James Sandifer, owner of Sandman’s Kicking Mobile Catering, came out to feed them hot grilled chicken, while the Just Love Your Neighbor volunteers served up Cane’s chicken and all the trimmings.
It was a day of community, camaraderie and chicken done two ways, a true American-style clean up in the park.
James Sandifer, the owner of Sandman’s Kicking Mobile Catering, came out to the park to grill chicken to help refuel the troops.
Almost four dozen 32-gallon bags of litter were hauled away.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Volunteers planted a live oak tree, a native mulberry and blueberry bushes in Carnation Street Park
Volunteers load a rotting platform while cleaning up and spiffing up Carnation Park.
A Greatest American Cleanup Grant to Keep Abita Beautiful was used to host a big cleanup in Carnation Park in the Abita Springs Nursery Subdivision and install/dedicate a new interactive mural and slide created by Slidell area artist Dave Kelsey.
Another live startup pitch series on tap
Staff report
STartUP Northshore has created a series of live pitch competitions called The Launchpad to spotlight early-stage founders from across the northshore It builds on the success of NSpire Startup Slam. The new initiative is a minipitch designed to fuel early-stage ventures, offer entrepreneurs a platform and the startup resources to get their ideas off the ground. Each event in the series will feature three finalists pitching to a panel of expert judges. Each finalist will receive individualized coaching for their unique pitch prior to the event and will compete for a $5,000
prize pool — $3,000 to the winner and $1,500 to each runner-up. The Launchpad will make its debut Aug. 6 at a co-hosted event with Gulf South Angels, combining the pitch competition with investor insights, community energy, and startup storytelling into one evening
The event is free and open to the public and offers community members the chance to engage with emerging local entrepreneurs. The location of the event will be announced soon. Applications for the Aug. 6 event will close July 31 at 11:59 p.m.
“The Launchpad is more than a pitch competition, it’s a launch point for inno-
vative ideas and the founders behind them,” said St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation Entrepreneur-in-Residence and STartUP Northshore Program Manager Cenzo Caronna. “By creating more moments for startups to take the stage and connect with their community, we’re shaping a future where anyone with a vision can build something great right here on the northshore.”
To learn more about this event, apply to pitch a business or register to attend at https://startupnorthshore. com/the-launchpad or contact STartUP Northshore Program Manager Cenzo Caronna at vcaronna@ sttammanyedc.org.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Eric McVicker is working to create a video series based on his book, ‘Louisiana: Our Home,’ a collection of wildlife, wetlands and the state’s vanishing coast. ‘I want to portray a story and a feeling of what we live with while we still have it. I want viewers to be thinking about the changes in our ecosystem.
Photographer trying to turn book into video series
BY MARGARET ALBERT
Contributing writer
Eric McVicker’s hobby quickly is becoming his life’s work.
In December of 2025, McVicker, who’d worked primarily as a political consultant for most of his adult life, was enjoying the success of his book of photography “Louisiana: Our Home.” It all began with peaceful walks in nature and photographing the flora and fauna with his phone.
What started as a personal photo journal turned into a full-fledged pastime. By his own admission, he watched every available video on YouTube to better his craft, until one day, “I bought a real camera,” he said.
Six months later, McVicker’s photography journey has progressed from stills to video He sees photos as telling a story, and videography as an entirely different level of storytelling. To this end, he is presently creating a six-part docuseries based on his book of Louisiana photographs “I had no way of knowing this is where I’d be headed,” he said.
A 15-year career as a political analyst has resulted in fruitful connections with the media and movie industries. He has an Emmy winner on his post-production team. Randy Kinchen, of the Benchmark group, a friend and supporter of McVicker’s photography, has funded a 5-minute sizzle reel, now complete, to generate the interest of investors and distributors.
Slidell Elks deliver care packages for veterans
Staff report
Maria Nechaeva, of Slidell, president of the Southeastern Louisiana University Student Government Association, has been elected by the University of Louisiana System’s Student Advisory Council to serve on the system’s Board of Supervisors.
A biological sciences major, Nechaeva will serve as the student voice on the board that governs nine Louisiana universities.
“Being chosen to represent all of the students across our system is a tremendous honor,” she said.
“My involvement in the Southeastern community has shown me the true impact a student voice can have. I am beyond excited to represent and uplift the
ideas, experiences, and challenges of the students I have the privilege to advocate for.”
Nechaeva is a member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, where she serves as director of structured recruitment, and she was elected as part of the Delta Tau Delta sweetheart court. Before becoming SGA President, she served as the director of Traditions, through which
she planned homecoming, The Big Event, and the back to school bonfire.
“I have every confidence that Maria will do a wonderful job representing the students of our nine system institutions,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “She has done a remarkable job engaging our student body as Southeastern’s SGA president, and she embodies our core values of excellence and caring in every aspect of her leadership role.” The University of Louisiana System, one of the nation’s largest higher education systems, is made up of nine distinct educational institutions serving more than 91,500 students and awarding more than 16,500 degrees annually
There is already interest in the project, he said.
This is a man who likes to challenge himself. His motto could easily be “Go Big or Go Home.”
To date, there are 200 hours of footage in the can. The focus will be on the swamps, coastal regions and forests, surveying the wildlife, and bodies of water Each episode has a budget of $25,000. “I feel like this is a story worthy of national attention, and I’m aiming for a story and production of National Geographic quality.” The first episode is titled “Beasts of the Wild.” McVicker’s target date for release on the first episode of the series is fall of 2026. When asked about his target audience, McVicker became reflective. “I think anyone with an emotional connection to this area will relate to this, as well as those who appreciate good videography and storytelling.”
So, what exactly is the content of this story?
Rather than a story about the people, this is about how the land and how wildlife react to natural disasters, as well as the vanishing coastline and wetlands. “I want to portray a story and feeling of what we live with while we still have it. I want viewers to be thinking about the changes in our ecosystem.”
For a taste of what’s coming, check out the 5-minute Sizzle Reel at https://youtu. be/-8IWC6cUTe0.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Slidell Elks Lodge members recently visited the Slidell VA center delivering food and comfort items to the VA Slidell Pantry that will be distributed to homeless veterans. From left to right are Advance Medic Support Maggie Hunt; PACT Social Worker Shawn Smith; VA Clinic Manager Richard Breaux; Elks Co-Chairs of Veterans Programs PSP/PER Randy Bergeron and Greg Hanrahan; Elks Auxiliary member volunteers Judy Hanrahan, Cathy Neight, Lynn Bergeron and Carol Massarini.
Slidell resident elected to University of Louisiana Board of Supervisors
Maria Nechaeva
MUSIC
UP CLOSE: Hiroya Tsukamoto, an internationally acclaimed guitarist, composer and singer-songwriter from Kyoto, Japan will bring his fusion of folk, jazz and world music to the intimate Listening Room at the Harbor Center on July 24. It should be a perfect performance space for Tsukamoto’s unique fingerpicking that one critic described as “delicate, fluid, and beautifully detailed.” The “Up Close & Musical” show starts at 7 p.m. Advance only tickets, $22 plus fees, at Eventbrite; no tickets sold at the door; four-top tables also available in the bohemian-style, smoke-free 124-seat venue.
POWER: Alt-rocker singer-songwriter Maggie Koerner will perform at 7 p.m. on July 26 in the North Star Theatre at 347 Girod St. in Mandeville. Koerner, a Jazz Fest regular, will fill the smaller venue with her gut-punch lyrics and powerful voice that is at once both rich and raw. Doors open 5:45 p.m Reserved seat tickets only, $45 plus online fees. Get the link at northstartheatre.org.
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS
and Allison Hotard, a Gulf Coast comic who brings the local flavor. Comic Gina G hosts the show. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. at 880 Lafayette St. in Mandeville. Tickets $32. Get them online at 30byninety com.
MUSIC: The musical comedy “Something Rotten” continues for two more weekends, Jul 18-27, at Playmakers Theater, bringing a lightly risqué performance rated PG-13. Written by Karey Kirkpatrick, John O’Farrell and Wayne Kirkpatrick, the show is directed by Jennifer Patterson. “Something Rotten” follows the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, as they struggle to compete with the rising superstar playwright William Shakespeare. Watch the brothers create the world’s first musical after consulting a soothsayer. Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets $30 for adults, $15 for students, available at BonTempsTix.com.
ART RED
DOOR: Check out the three episodes of Through the Red Doors, a web series featuring local artists and art collectors. Go to STAA.org for links to the episodes on YouTube.
odist Church, 360 Robert Blvd. The guest speaker will be paramedic Georgie Fatic to talk about ways to avoid falls, getting help in case of a fall, and other safety measures especially beneficial for those who live alone. All widows welcome. Questions? Call Cindy Alberts, (985) 707-7676.
COMMUNITY GUMBO
CREATURES: The Pelican Park Nature Club will meet for conversation and a “Creatures of the Night” presentation by Tulane Professor and naturalist Bill Wimley on July 23 at Tandem Coffee and Cocktails, 424 Girod St., in Mandeville. Following the 5:30 p.m. social hour, Wimley will open the world of the night via a photographic presentation that shows how an illuminated white sheet can attract a stunning array of moths, beetles, and other nocturnal insects. It’s a rare glimpse into the rich biodiversity that comes alive after dark. There will be a companion field trip to Northlake Nature Center on July 26. For more, see www.facebook.com/ share/16j15oZd9n/ or visit https://pelicanpark.recdesk.com/Community/Program/ Detail?programId=2978. New members are welcome. CREATURES II: A Creatures of the Night field trip starts at 7:30 p.m. on July 26 in the Northlake Nature Center, 23135 U.S. 190, near Mandeville. Participants must be at least 10 years old; long sleeves and long pants are recommended, and closed-toe shoes are required. Naturalist Bill Wimley will lead the group to see moths, beetles and other nocturnal insect that take center stage after the sun goes down. Visit https://www.facebook. com/share/16WsTkY7Qi/ or https://pelicanpark.recdesk.com/Community/Program/ Detail?programId=2979.
Staff report
The deadline to submit nominations for the 2025 Athena Leadership Award and Athena Young Professional Leadership Award is Sept. 5.
The annual competition is open to women living and working in east St. Tammany Parish who have achieved a high level of professional excellence; contributed time and energy to improve the quality of life for community residents; and actively assisted other women realize their full leadership potential.
Nominees for the Athena Young Professional Leadership Award, sponsored by Mike Rich and Steve Kernahan, must also be 40 years of age or younger The Athena Leadership Award, sponsored by the Arena Collective, is open to all other women meeting the three-pronged Athena leadership model of professional excellence, community involvement and female mentorship. The group’s Leadership Award, presented locally since 1989, is part of the Athena International Foundation.
play and sing favorite pieces of Celtic music. Visit the Session Celtic Music resource page at thesession.org/tunes or nstms.org to confirm session
BLUEGRASS: A free Bluegrass Jam on July 25 (every final Friday) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m in the Covington Farmer’s Market Gazebo, 100 N Columbia St. Takes place during the Columbia Street Block Party all along Columbia Street in the walkable historic downtown Covington See nstms.org for details, song lists and to confirm event.
CELTIC: A free Irish Slow/Fast Session on July 27 (every final Sunday) from noon to 2 p.m. at St. John’s Coffee, 535 E Boston St. in downtown Covington. Play numbers slowly to learn them, then speed up the tempo. See nstms.org for details, song lists and to confirm meeting times.
THEATER
LAUGHS: 30 by Ninety Theatre will host Comedy Night 15 on July 25 with headliner, Texas comic Andy Higgins, known for his hilarious takes on aging and “senior moments.” The night’s comic card will also include Mike Peterson, Houston’s original “Comedy Cop,” a retired peace officer and former Army MP,
SUMMER: The St. Tammany Art Association’s Summer Show at the Miriam Barranger Gallery in the Art House, 320 N. Columbia St., in downtown Covington, will hang through Sept. 13 and is open to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays. For the hours or more information, call (985) 892-8650 or email info@ sttammany.art.
DUFOUR: An exhibit of 45 paintings and 20 pieces of blown and sculptured glass by artist Paulo Dufour will hang through Aug. 29 at the Atrium Gallery in the Christwood retirement complex at 100 Christwood Blvd. near Covington (reach it via Brewster Road) No admission is charged. The gallery is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays
FRAGMENTS: The “Fragments of Imagination” juried exhibition of original art hangs in the George Dunbar Gallery in Slidell through July 25. See it in the Slidell Cultural Center gallery at City Hall, 2055 Second St.; exhibition hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday, by appointment only by calling (985) 646-4375.
PEOPLE WHO MEET
WIDOWS: The Widows’ Social Club of Slidell will next meet at 10 a.m. July 26 in the John Wesley Center at Aldersgate United Meth-
SOIREE: It’s another Southern Nights Soiree, so break out the seersucker and linen for an evening of premium cocktails and casino gambling at the Greystone, 935 Clausel St., in Mandeville, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. It’s a St. Tammany Chamber of Commerece signature event that promises networking, live and silent auctions and restaurant tastings from the northshore’s finest establishments. Tickets are $150 per person and available at sttammanychamber.org/events or by calling (985) 892-3216.
QUILTING: Anyone interested in learning to quilt or experienced quilters looking for a group are invited to the next meeting of The Camellia Quilters Guild of Slidell at 10 a.m. on July 17 (the third Thursday of every month) in Genesis Hall, Aldersgate United Methodist Church. The guild provides information, education and inspiration in all things quilting and related fiber arts. For more, contact Mollie Lusty at mlusty63@gmail.com.
CHURCH SALE: Christ Episcopal in Slidell will host its 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. garage sale on Aug. 2, one of the church’s biggest fundraisers of the year. For a $5 entry donation, guests can come in at 8 a.m. to shop before doors at the 1534 Seventh St. church open to the public at 9 a.m. Donations are being accepted at the church on Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Updates for this event will be regularly posted on the church Facebook page.
Additional information and nomination forms for both awards are available at athenaest.org. Completed nomination forms and supplemental materials must be submitted to the selection committee at athena@athenaest.org or to the Young Athena Selection Committee via kristen@stanleywallacelaw com no later than 5 p.m. on Sept. 5. Nomination forms received after that time will not be accepted. For additional information on the Athena Leadership Award nomination form, contact Laurie Jugan at (985) 640-1681 or at athena@athenaest.org Additional information on the Athena Young Professional Leadership Award may be obtained by contacting Kristen Stanley-Wallace at (985) 288-4621; 2238 E. Gause Blvd., Slidell, LA 70461; or kristen@stanley-wallacelaw.com. All email inquiries and submissions must include “Athena” in the subject line. Nominees of both awards will be honored at a 6 p.m reception on Sept 24, and the 2025 recipients will be announced at a luncheon Nov 5 at Pinewood Country Club in Slidell. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and the program will begin at noon. Luncheon reservations for priority seating, $45 per person, open on Sept. 20 via athenaest.org or by calling Tara Ingram-Hunter at (985) 288-8116. Reservations after Oct. 31 for the November event will be $55 per person and available until they are all sold.
Hiroya Tsukamoto
IN THE SWIM
The St. Tammany Swim League held its annual A Meet at Millbrook Country Club in Picayune, Mississippi, on June 28. Pinewood (PCC) won the combined team competition with 1,664 points. Other teams competing in the meet included Lakeside (LKS) with 1,284 points, Cross Gates (CGG) with 903 points and Picayune (PBT) with 352 points.
Lachney takes over Mandeville wrestling
Coach of the Year moves to D-I program
BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer
The St. Tammany Parish Wrestling Coach of the Year is on the move, and he’s staying close to home. After six seasons leading the wrestling program at Lakeshore, Michael Lachney has moved to Mandeville to take over the school’s boys and girls wrestling programs.
Lachney said the decision to move ultimately came down to a couple of key factors, including gaining approximately five times more practice space.
“My daughters are in the Mandeville feeder system,” Lachney said. “My oldest daughter is starting at Madisonville Junior High, so she’ll be at Mandeville in two years. It’ll be nice to be with them when they get to high school. A second big reason was that Mandeville has designated practice facilities for the team I feel like it’s a better setup to grow a team. I feel like we started to cap out at Lakeshore.” Prior to Lakeshore, the 2002 Riverdale graduate coached at Bonnabel for five years. He wrestled all four years in high school.
The move to Division I comes after the Division II Titans had two boys’ state runners-up and three podium placers last season, along with a girls’ state runner-up in the
first girls’ tournament in LHSAA history
Lachney said he is excited about the potential future growth of girls’ wrestling. The Mandeville team has eight female wrestlers, and he believes the Skippers can compete for future state titles.
“I have two daughters, so with girls wrestling starting up last year as the first official year, my oldest daughter is getting into wrestling a little bit. I want her to have the best opportunities. And with the addition of a second team at every high school, it’s making space tighter,” Lachney said.
“At Mandeville, we have enough space to accommodate boys and girls. It’s a better opportunity to grow both teams. Girls wrestling is the fastest growing sport in the country so I’m hoping to keep growing the sport.”
LSU’s Anderson named top male athlete in LA
Staff report
Kade Anderson, the ace lefthanded pitcher for the LSU baseball team, was selected as the Allstate Sugar Bowl’s James J. Corbett Award winner as the top male athlete in the state of Louisiana on July 8.
The New Orleans Sports Awards Committee, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, has selected annual award winners in a variety of categories since 1958; it also selects Sugar Bowl Athletes of the Month and each year’s New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame class. Overall, 30 individuals and two teams will be honored for their achievements at the 2024-25 Allstate Sugar Bowl Sports Awards Banquet presented by LCMC Health on August 2.
Since its inception in 1967, the Allstate Sugar Bowl’s James J. Corbett Award winners have included 20 NFL players, 10 Major League Baseball players, four NBA players (including two Hall of Famers), 11 Olympians (including eight Gold Medal winners), five WNBA players and two PGA Tour stars.
The odds are good that Anderson will become the 11th Corbett Award winner to make it to the Major Leagues. “It means so much to me to be included on the list [of Corbett Award winners] along with so
Michael Lachney
HILARY SCHEINUK
Pinewood swimmer Bodie Meyers competes in the 7-and-under 25-yard butterfly.
Lakeside’s Olivia Bolin-Elfers competes in the 11-year-old backstroke.
Meet results and more photos. PAGE 2B
PHOTOS BY MATT DOBBINS
Cross Gates’ Sam Naffa competes in the 15 to 18-year-old 50-yard butterfly at the St. Tammany Swim League A Meet on June 28.
Lucas
GIRLS
8-YEAR-OLD 100-YARD IM: 1, Taylor Shay, CGG, 1:52.57. 2, Vivian Biller, LKS, 1:53.26.
9 100-YARD IM: 1, Lylah Gust, LKS, 1:38.39. 2, Madelyn Sheridan, PCC, 1:51.60.
10 100-YARD IM: 1, Lexie Sottile, LKS, 1:33.67. 2, Payton Hayden, PCC, 1:52.56.
11 100-YARD IM: 1, Olivia Bolin-Elfers, LKS
1:32.79. 2, Linley Miller, PCC, 1:39 42.
12 100-YARD IM: 1, Melanie Delaney, PCC, 1:32.72. 2, Gracie Centanni, PBT, 1:50.11. 13-14 100-YARD IM: 1, Macie Jones, PCC
1:10.44.
100-YARD IM: 1, Victoria Rice, LKS
15-18
1:07.99. 2, Addison Provenzano, LKS, 1:08.86. 3, Avery Hayden, PCC, 1:11.11.
6 & U 25-YARD FREE: 1, Sadie Vidrine, PCC
27.18. 2, Lyssa Lemley, PCC, 28.97. 3, Riley Sottile, LKS, 30.15.
7 25-YARD FREE: 1, Faith Harper, PBT, 20.68. 2, Emma Gust, LKS, 21.75. 3, Ava Sterling, LKS, 22.62.
8 25-YARD FREE: 1, Vivian Biller, LKS, 19.30. 2, Zoey Ann Norberg, CGG, 19.39. 3, Taylor Shay CGG, 20.49.
9 25-YARD FREE: 1, Avery Gratton, CGG, 16.18. 2, Mia Canales, LKS, 17.33. 3, Lylah Gust, LKS 17.36.
10 25-YARD FREE: 1, Lexie Sottile, LKS, 16.63. 2, Paisley Roberts, PCC, 18.00. 3, Payton Hayden, PCC, 18.44.
11 50-YARD FREE: 1, Turner Brink, LKS, 34.92. 2, Izzy Smith, LKS, 35.70. 3, Bernadette Biller, LKS, 35.89.
12 50-YARD FREE: 1, Gracie Tartar, PBT, 30.83. 2, Gabby Moody, PCC, 34.71. 3. Shelby Chabreck, PCC, 35.52.
13-14 50-YARD FREE: 1, Iris Lin, PCC, 27.82. 2, Lanna O’Rourre, CGG, 29.56. 3, Passion Spiers, PBT, 31.31.
15-18 50-YARD FREE: 1, Avery Martin, PBT, 27.72. 2, Ryleigh McCreary, LKS, 27.87. 3, Sydney Salles, PCC, 28.14
6 & U 100-YARD FREE RELAY: 1, PCC, 2:16.88.
7-8 100-YARD FREE RELAY: 1, CGG ‘A’, 1:23.90. 2, LKS, 1:44.69. 3, CGG ‘B’, 2:08.79. 9-10 100-YARD FREE RELAY: 1, LKS ‘A’, 1:11.74. 2, PCC, 1:14.71. 3, LKS ‘B’, 1:21.49. 11-12 200-YARD FREE RELAY: 1, PCC, 2:21.48. 2, LKS ‘A’, 2:23.81. 3, LKS ‘B’, 2:37.47.
13-14 200-YARD FREE RELAY: 1, PCC, 2:07.29. 2, CGG, 2:07.49. 3, PBT, 2:07.71
15-18 200-YARD FREE RELAY: 1, LKS, 1:47.52. 2, PCC ‘B’, 1:52.66. 3, PCC ‘A’, 1:52.76
6 & U 25-YARD BACK: 1, Sadie Vidrine, PCC, 36.96. 2, Riley Sottile, LKS, 37.95. 3, Avery Mamolo, PCC, 40.12.
7 25-YARD BACK: 1, Faith Harper, PBT, 27.48. 2, Addison Gabriel, CGG, 28.13. 3, Emma Gust, LKS, 30.02.
8 25-YARD BACK: 1, Emerald O’Toole, CGG, 24.58. 2, Regan Helwig, CGG, 25.60. 3, Cadence Swendsen, CGG, 27.74
9 25-YARD BACK: 1, Avery Gratton, CGG, 20.75. 2, Lylah Gust, LKS, 22.48. 3, Lily O’Hara, LKS, 22.77.
10 25-YARD BACK: 1, Paisley Roberts, PCC
21.85. 2, Payton Hayden, PCC, 23.55 3, Susan Paquet, PCC, 23.77.
11 50-YARD BACK: 1, Olivia Bolin-Elfers, LKS, 40.98. 2, Turner Brink, LKS, 45.23. 3, Ella Erwin PCC, 48.26.
12 50-YARD BACK: 1, Gracie Tartar, PBT, 39.36. 2, Gabby Moody PCC, 41.54. 3, Julianna Trussell, CGG, 42.26.
13-14 50-YARD BACK: 1, Iris Lin, PCC, 33.04. 2, Hailey Shay, CGG, 34.86. 3, Lanna O’Rourre CGG, 36.92.
15-18 50-YARD BACK: 1, Addison Provenzano, LKS, 30.68. 2, Vivienne Smith, LKS, 31.54. 3, Grace Nguyen, CGG, 33.92. 7 & U 25-YARD BREAST: 1, Emma Gust, LKS 30.83. 2, Lena Cefalu, CGG, 31.65. 3, Addison Gabriel, CGG, 39.31.
8 25-YARD BREAST: 1, Taylor Shay, CGG, 28.77. 2, Zoey Ann Norberg, CGG, 29.12. 3, Regan Helwig, CGG, 29.21.
9 25-YARD BREAST: 1, Madelyn Sheridan, PCC, 24.73. 2, Adaline Herbert, CGG, 24.79. 3, June Brink, LKS, 26.99.
10 25-YARD BREAST: 1, Paisley Roberts, PCC, 21.36. 2, Lexie Sottile, LKS, 21.70. 3, Avery Scholtens, CGG, 25.96. 11 50-YARD BREAST: 1, Bernadette Biller, LKS 44.66. 2, Turner D. Brink, LKS, 44.95. 3, Linley Miller, PCC, 49.91.
12 50-YARD BREAST: 1, Addison Fiedler, PCC, 44.53. 2, Shelby Chabreck, PCC, 45.14. 3, Mercedes Snyder, CGG, 50.48 13-14 50-YARD BREAST: 1, Macie Jones, PCC, 37.09. 2, Hailey Shay, CGG, 38.83. 3, Dylann Hursey, CGG, 45.68.
15-18 50-YARD BREAST: 1, Ryleigh McCreary, LKS, 33.76. 2, Vivienne Smith, LKS 35.93. 3, Avery Martin, PBT, 36.91.
2025 ST. TAMMANY SWIM LEAGUE A MEET RESULTS
7 & U 25-YARD FLY: 1, Riley Sottile, LKS, 35.41. 2, Lyssa Lemley, PCC, 40.52.
8 25-YARD FLY: 1, Zoey Ann Norberg, CGG, 23.75. 2, Ari Dover, PCC, 33.66. 9 25-YARD FLY: 1, Mia Canales, LKS, 20.36. 2, Avery Gratton, CGG, 20.67. 3, Lily O’Hara, LKS, 22.52. 10 25-YARD FLY: 1, Susan Paquet, PCC, 24.27. 11 50-YARD FLY: 1, Olivia Bolin Elfers, LKS 39.90. 2, Giana Burrell, CGG, 42.43. 3, Lisa Souopgui, PCC, 50.53.
12 50-YARD FLY: 1, Brynleigh Jones, CGG, 37.66. 2, Gabby Moody, PCC, 39.22. 3, Addison Fiedler, PCC, 39.46 13-14 50-YARD FLY: 1, Macie Jones, PCC, 30.70. 2, Iris Lin, PCC, 30.90. 3, Lanna O’Rourre, CGG 33.28. 15-18 50-YARD FLY: 1, Victoria Rice, LKS, 29.61. 2, Sydney Salles, PCC, 30.00. 3, Ryleigh McCreary, LKS, 30.42. 8 & U 100-YARD MEDLEY RELAY: 1, LKS, 1:57.78. 9-10 100-YARD MEDLEY RELAY: 1, PCC, 1:28.39. 2, LKS ‘A’, 1:28.84. 3, LKS ‘B’, 1:40.21. 11-12 200-YARD MEDLEY RELAY: 1, PCC, 2:39.48.
2, LKS, 2:46.45. 3, CGG, 2:56.81. 13-14 200-YARD MEDLEY RELAY: 1, PCC, 2:22.88. 2, CGG, 2:24.01. 3, PBT, 2:36.63. 15-18 200-YARD MEDLEY RELAY: 1, LKS, 2:02.18. 2, PCC ‘A’, 2:09.60. 3, PCC ‘B’, 2:12.19. BOYS
7 & U 100-YARD IM: 1, Leonardo Quinto, CGG, 2:07.42. 9 100-YARD IM: 1, Lucas Pepe, LKS, 1:47.06. 10 100-YARD IM: 1, Darren Weng, PCC, 1:36.14. 11 100-YARD IM: 1, Bodie Meyers, PCC, 1:15.16. 2, Joshua Weissbohn, CGG, 1:38.31. 12 100-YARD IM: 1, Ian Budde, LKS, 1:08.52. 2, Luke Csaki, PCC, 1:12.42. 3, Jayden Lin, PCC, 1:25.45. 13-14 100-YARD IM: 1, Wesley Garner, PBT, 1:01.22. 2, Makai West, PCC, 1:01.28. 3, Donald Frisard, LKS, 1:03.85. 15-18 100-YARD IM: 1, Carter Diecidue, PCC, 1:00.63. 2, Sam Naffa, CGG, 1:01.87. 3, Leo Naffa, CGG, 1:03.00.
6 & U 25-YARD FREE: 1, Brooks Meyers, PCC, 20.46. 2, Roman Galdamez, LKS, 23.57. 3, Greyson Galdamez, LKS, 24.72.
7 25-YARD FREE: 1, Leonardo Quinto, CGG, 20.40. 2, Parker Bengston, PCC, 21.92. 3, Owen Unsworth, PCC, 26.37.
8 25-YARD FREE: 1, Julian Hooks, LKS, 21.95. 2, Charles Evans, PBT, 22.10. 3, Oliver Evans, PBT 22.93. 9 25-YARD FREE: 1, Lucas Pepe, LKS, 16.70. 2, Gavin Finley, LKS, 18.16. 3, Cooper Brown, CGG, 19.65. 10 25-YARD FREE: 1, Lucas Lunsford, LKS, 15.69. 2, Zayden Urban, PBT, 17.20. 3, Carter Fitzgerald, PCC, 18.06. 11 50-YARD FREE: 1, Brycen Hueschen, LKS 33.31. 2, Jackson Bradley, CGG, 34.39. 3, Collin
Foulon, PBT, 37.16. 12 50-YARD FREE: 1, Luke Csaki, PCC, 27.67. 2, Ian Budde, LKS, 28.16. 3, Stephen Bech, PCC, 33.41. 13-14 50-YARD FREE: 1, Wesley Garner, PBT 24.77. 2, Makai West, PCC, 24.83. 3, Donald Frisard, LKS, 26.54. 15-18 50-YARD FREE: 1, Mason Dominigues, PCC, 25.18. 2, Carter Diecidue, PCC, 25.20. 3, Luke Wagner, PCC, 27.20. 6 & U 100-YARD FREE RELAY: 1, LKS, 1:51.68. 7-8 100-YARD FREE RELAY: 1, LKS, 1:38.97. 2, CGG, 1:43.30. 3, PCC, 1:44.70. 9-10 100-YARD FREE RELAY: 1, LKS ‘A’, 1:11.63. 2, PCC, 1:20.19. 3, LKS ‘B’, 1:21.23. 11-12 200-YARD FREE RELAY: 1, PCC, 2:05.02. 2, LKS, 2:25.43. 3, CGG, 2:37.16. 13-14 200-YARD FREE RELAY: 1, PCC ‘A’, 1:45.65. 2, LKS, 1:57.97. 3, PCC ‘B’, 2:01.24. 15-18 200-YARD FREE RELAY: 1, PCC ‘A’, 1:45.99. 2, PCC ‘B’, 1:53.64. 6 & U 25-YARD BACK: 1, Noran Wagemann, CGG, 27.50. 2, Roman Galdamez, LKS, 32.36. 3, Greyson Galdamez, LKS, 33.39.
7 25-YARD BACK: 1, Owen Unsworth, PCC, 33.77. 8 25-YARD BACK: 1, Oliver Evans, PBT, 25.69. 2, Julian Hooks, LKS, 31.77. 9 25-YARD BACK: 1, Gavin Finley, LKS, 24.11. 2, Brennan Esteve, LKS, 26.46. 3, Aidan Mamolo, PCC, 27.72.
10 25-YARD BACK: 1, Lucas Lunsford, LKS, 19.32. 2, Carter Fitzgerald, PCC, 21.34. 3, Simon Seals, LKS, 23.12. 11 50-YARD BACK: 1, Brycen Hueschen, LKS, 39.58. 2, Jackson Bradley, CGG, 43.42. 3. Collin Foulon, PBT, 49.33.
12 50-YARD BACK: 1, Luke Csaki, PCC, 33.04. 2, Jayden Lin, PCC, 40.86. 3, Stephen Bech, PCC, 44.44. 13-14 50-YARD BACK: 1, Donald Frisard, LKS 30.25. 2, James Ganucheau, PCC, 32.02. 3, Blake Borchers, PCC, 33.26. 15-18 50-YARD BACK: 1, Beaux Reyes, PCC, 28.12. 2, Leo Naffa, CGG, 28.73. 3. Mason Dominigues, PCC, 31.92. 7 & U 25-YARD BREAST: 1, Brooks Meyers, PCC, 31.30.
9 25-YARD BREAST: 1, Ben Cotten, PCC, 27.81.
10 25-YARD BREAST: 1, Lucas Lunsford, LKS 19.59. 2. Darren Weng, PCC, 21.71.
11 50-YARD BREAST: 1, Bodie Meyers, PCC, 39.76. 2, Brycen Hueschen, LKS, 43.39. 3, Joshua Weissbohn, CGG, 44.11.
12 50-YARD BREAST: 1, Jayden Lin, PCC, 43.32. 2, Ethan Ferrell, PCC, 50.40.
13-14 50-YARD BREAST: 1, Wesley Garner, PBT 31.51. 2, James Ganucheau, PCC, 35.03. 3, Blake Borchers, PCC, 38.56. 15-18 50-YARD BREAST: 1, Mason Dominigues, PCC, 31.33. 2, Sam Naffa, CGG, 31.68. 3, Sam Hirsh, PCC, 34.70.
7 & U 25-YARD FLY: 1, Leonardo Quinto, CGG, 27.47.
9 25-YARD FLY: 1, Lucas Pepe, LKS, 20.11. 10 25-YARD FLY: 1, Darren Weng, PCC, 18.78. 11 50-YARD FLY: 1, Bodie Meyers, PCC, 35.32. 2, Jackson Bradley, CGG, 45.71. 12 50-YARD FLY: 1, Ian Budde, LKS, 31.60. 2, Stephen Bech, PCC, 38.55. 13-14 50-YARD FLY: 1, Makai West, PCC, 26.65. 2, James Ganucheau, PCC, 28.54. 3, Stephen Rao, CGG, 33.90. 15-18 50-YARD FLY: 1, Carter Diecidue, PCC, 26.67. 2, Leo Naffa, CGG, 27.05. 3, Beaux Reyes, PCC, 27.79. 8 & U 100-YARD MEDLEY RELAY: 1, CGG, 2:18.35. 9-10 100-YARD MEDLEY RELAY: 1, PCC, 1:30.63. 2, LKS ‘A’, 1:31.66. 3, LKS ‘B’, 1:41.88. 11-12 200-YARD MEDLEY RELAY: 1, PCC, 2:24.92. 2, LKS, 2:37.75. 3, CGG, 3:11.64. 13-14 200-YARD MEDLEY RELAY: 1, PCC ‘A’, 2:04.33. 2, LKS, 2:13.81. 3, PCC ‘B’, 2:15.14. 15-18 200-YARD MEDLEY RELAY: 1, PCC ‘A’ 1:59.83. 2, PCC ‘B’, 2:09.83.
PHOTOS BY MATT DOBBINS
From bottom to top, Robert Carminati, Frederick Brink and Locklin Miller compete in the boys 6-and-under 25-yard backstroke at the St. Tammany Swim League A Meet on June 28.
Cross Gates’ Taylor Shay prepares to complete in the 7-year-old breaststroke. She was the top points earner in her age group.
Lakeside’s Lucas Lunsford competes in the 10-year-old 25-yard backstroke. He was top points earner in his age group.
Mason Dominigues and Leo Naffa perform their cannonball pool entries before the 15 to 18-year-old 50-yard backstroke.
Picayune Blue Tide swimmer Zayden Urban gets last-minute encouragement before the 25-yard backstroke.
Pinewood’s Paisley Roberts competes in the 10-year-old breaststroke. She was also the top point earner in her age group.
Pepe, of Lakeside, cheers on Kinsley McNeese in the 12-year-old 50-yard backstroke. Pepe was top point earner in the 9-year-old boys division.
Wesley Garner of Picayune competes in the 15 to 18-year-old 50-yard breaststroke.
Pinewood’s Beaux Reyes wins the 200-yard freestyle.
Picayune swimmer Gracy Tarter won the 12-year-old 50-yard backstroke and was top point earner in her age group.
Sam Naffa, Mason Dominigues and Henry Hirsch share a laugh before the start of the 15 to 18-yard-old breaststroke.
Lakeside’s Emma Gust loses her goggles while competing in the 7-and-under 25-yard breaststroke.
Berlin Sr., Daniel
Daniel Stokes Berlin Sr. longtime resident of Cov‐ington, LA, was called home to be with the Lord on July 7, 2025, at the age of 96. Dan was born Sep‐tember 1, 1928, in Jackson Barracks New Orleans and fell in love with Covington after his move in 1947. He was preceded in death by his parents Marie Beulah Champagne Berlin and Frank Stokes Berlin and three brothers, Robert (Aline), Francis (Beverly), and John. He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years Ina Beverly Berlin; three children, Daniel S Berlin Jr. (Seleta) David Berlin (Theresa), and Diane Hawkins (Jack); ten grand‐children, Lacie (Ed), Colleen (Ty), Jade, Miranda (Ryan), Michelle, Michael (Taylor), Daniel III (Jes‐sica) John, Lonnie and Douglas; and twelve greatgrandchildren Dan was a loving husband, father, and grandfather He was known for his kindness, a man full of compassion and generosity. He loved the Lord Jesus Christ and he loved the Catholic Church Dan demonstrated his love for the church while a parishioner at St Peter in Covington, serving as a leader of song and as the first Parish Council president there He was also a bookkeeper for the school After becoming a member of St Benedict Catholic Church, Dan served in many capacities, including as a lector, a member of the Holy Name Society in the men’s club and on the St Benedict’s Parish Council and Finance Committee. On May 6, 2001, Dan received The Order of St. Louis IX Award from Archbishop Schulte in recognition of his leader‐ship in the parish. He was also a member of the woodwork shop volunteers at St Joseph Abbey. Over the years, Dan belonged to various social groups and other organizations, in‐cluding the Lion’s Club, the Rotary Club, Boy Scouts of America, Knights of Colum‐bus Council 3016, and the Krewe of KC Carnival Club serving as an officer in many of these organiza‐tions He was made a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary Club International Dan began his banking career at Citizens Bank & Trust in 1948 and subsequently worked for several other fi‐nancial institutions in the community In 1977, Dan received an associate de‐gree in banking from LSU and was President of the Junior Banking Associa‐tion. After a successful ca‐reer in banking spanning close to 50 years, Dan re‐turned to Citizens Bank & Trust Co. and was elected to the Board of Directors in May 1996, and then elected as Chairman of the Board in May 2014. Upon his re‐tirement from the Board, in appreciation for Dan’s ded‐icated service, the Board appointed Dan as Chair‐man Emeritus. E.J Fielding Funeral Home were en‐trusted with funeral arrangements.
ard Moreau, Matthew Ar‐sene Blaum
Blaum Corkern and Mason William Blaum. He was pre‐ceded in death by his par‐ents Roy Francis Blaum and Della Olga Haase Blaum; and siblings, Louis “Buddy” Arthur Blaum and B Conrad Blaum. Roy was born in New Orleans, Louisiana where he at‐tended Holy name of Jesus Grammar School and De LaSalle High School He at‐tended Tulane University majoring in Architecture and Business Administra‐tion. He enlisted in the Army in 1956 where he served as a radio operator in Korea. It was in Korea that he discovered his pas‐sion for photography After his honorable release from active duty he attended San Mateo College in Cali‐fornia in order to study photography He was then accepted to Brooks Insti‐tute in Santa Barbara, Cali‐fornia for his advanced photography studies. He later worked as a camera‐man for Channel 8, WVUETV filming news and sports, and producing commercials He became the Chief Cameraman with channel 4, WWL-TV and WYES-TV, filming news documentaries, commer‐cials production and spe‐cial features for Walter Cronkite and Mike Wallace shows on CBS News He was also a Cameraman and Stringer for United Press International and UPI films, Newsweek Time and Life Magazines as well as the Associated Press. He completed a film for Plaquemine Parish on life styles and industry He was a staff photographer for the Times Picayune, Daily Record and States Item newspapers in New Orleans. It was around this time that he began to learn the Harmonica and was the Cameraman Editor and performed the original harmonica music over film for a documentary called Help”. Shortly thereafter Roy began to master the guitar He moved to the north shore in 1978 and began his life at the shop He started making knives and opened 2 knife shops then the 3rd shop in 1978 on North Columbia St. in Covington He was an avid bass fisherman and tradi‐tional bow hunter He carved amazing and whim‐sical figures and shared them with so many people He loved the Covington Community and the peo‐ple “The Shop” was his home where he would al‐ways be available for a quick joke, a song on the guitar or an important life lesson He continued to run his business living his en‐tire life on his own terms until he was 90 years old and went to glory He has left a huge void in the com‐munity and will most cer‐tainly be missed by all who knew and loved him. E.J Fielding Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Bodron, Deborah
and special sense of humor she had a gift for making others laugh and feel at ease Her legacy is one of love, curiosity, and grace. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flow‐ers the family asks that you sit with someone you love, tell an old story, and let your heart ache – a little –for the beauty of it all. E J Fielding Funeral Home were entrusted with the arrangements.
Chabreck, Claire
Claire Marie Tabary Chabreck, a longtime resi‐dent of Lacombe, Lousiana departed this earth on Fri‐day, June 27, 2025, at the age of 96. She was the daughter of the late Fer‐nand Joseph and Willie Louise Cox Tabary She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Marlene Rizk (George) her sons, Stephen Chabreck (Frances) Gregory Chabreck (Sherry), her sister, Merle Chabreck, her daughters-in-law Jan Chabreck, Kristie Chabreck, brother-in-law, Pete Jabbia, 14 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews She is preceded in death by her husband John Chabreck, Jr., her sons, John Chabreck III and Richard Chabreck, and daughter, Rebecca Chabreck Kelly her brother, Fernand Tabary, Jr and sisters, Estelle Ray‐mond, Marie Lynch, and Rosemary Touzet. Claire was a devout parishioner of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in La‐combe She was a founder and board member of the Bayou Lacombe Crab Festi‐val and enjoyed a long friendship with fellow members and volunteers Claire was the heart of her big family and many friends She delighted in sharing memories and sto‐ries with all of them Her hearty laugh and cheerful voice will be sorely missed The family would like to thank Concerned Care Hos‐pice for their wonderful, compassionate care of Claire. Please consider Mass intentions or dona‐tions to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Lacombe. Honaker Funeral Home were entrusted with the arrangements.
cia Spansel; and her grand‐daughters, Charlotte A Cuccia and Gwendolyn M Cuccia. She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Rena McGin‐nis, and her cherished grandson, Benjamin L Spansel Patricia grew up in the Carrollton area of New Orleans, attending Mater Dolorosa for ele‐mentary school and gradu‐ating from St. Stephen High School She attended Loyola University, where she was a member of Beta Epsilon Upsilon honorary medical technology soci‐ety Cardinal Key national honor society, and Tri Sigma social sorority, grad‐uating summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in medical technology Patri‐cia was a proud and dedi‐cated mother and home‐maker She also found time to engage with and serve her community, enjoying activities and the company of others via membership in the Bonnabel Civic Asso‐ciation the St Angela Ladies Association, and as a volunteer docent at his‐toric Longue Vue House and Gardens. Following Pat and Tom’s move to Pearl River she continued to serve others as a volunteer at Slidell Memorial Hospi‐tal, member and counselor with Marriage Encounter, volunteer at Sts Peter and Paul Church, and as a certi‐fied Master Gardener of St Tammany Parish The fam‐ily extends their heartfelt thanks to Sofia Sulguado for her compassionate as‐sistance, as well as the team from Vital Caring Hospice. Arrangements by Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell.
Linda Marie Davis passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at the age of 61. She was pre‐ceded in death by her daughter, Tracy Anne Davis and her father James Charles Koffskey. Survived by her husband, Donald Charles Davis and her son Stephen Charles Davis Also survived by her mother, Arlene Robin Koffskey and two brothers Paul Koffskey (Tia) and David Koffskey and a host of nieces and nephews She was born in New Or‐leans, La., raised in Lafayette, LA, then re‐turned to New Orleans, LA to attend Loyola University She loved everything about New Orleans, especially Mardi Gras with all its fes‐tivities. Eventually she moved to Covington, LA where she continued as an educator She was a dedi‐cated teacher and Assis‐tant Principal, and she loved her work. She will be sorely missed. E.J Fielding Funeral Home was en‐trusted with funeral arrangements.
Jr (Sherrie), David Rhodes (Darlene), and her grand‐children, Lauren Rhodes, Sean Rhodes, and stepgrandchild James Berg‐eron She is also survived by her sister Darlene Bonura (the late Joseph), her brother-in-law Larry Rhodes (Betty), and her sister-in-law Suzanne Stafford (Pat) and several nieces and nephews. Joyce was a native of New Or‐leans, LA, and was a long‐time resident of Meraux LA. Following Hurricane Ka‐trina, she resided in St Amant, LA, before moving to Mandeville LA She was a longtime parishioner of St. Mark Catholic Church in Chalmette, LA, where she was a Eucharistic minister, and was active in St Anne Church in Sorrento, and later was a member of Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Man‐deville, LA. Her faith and devotion to God were ex‐traordinarily important to her After graduating from high school at the age of 16, Joyce enrolled in the Charity Hospital School of Nursing, but soon realized that she was not yet ready for such a challenging pro‐fession. Soon thereafter she met the love of her life, Ronald Rhodes got mar‐ried, and started a family While her children were growing up, she was a de‐voted mom and home‐maker Her love for her family was evident in all that she did. In her early forties, her dream of be‐coming a nurse was rekin‐dled, and she returned to nursing school finished first in her class, and earned her LPN license In the early years of her nurs‐ing career she worked at Montelepre Hospital on Canal Street until its clo‐sure. She then went on to work at St. Margaret’s Daughters Nursing Home until her retirement. Al‐ways the caregiver Joyce took exceptional care of her husband, Ronnie and continued to dote on her children and grandchil‐dren, whom she loved be‐yond measure The family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to the nursing staff at St Tammany Hospital, Dr Nathalie Kerkow Dr Georges Antoun, Sarah Bourgeois, and a special thank you to Felicia Fontan for all of her support. E.J Fielding Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Rome, Ronald Joseph
Army Na‐tional Guard from 1964 through 1970, achieving the rank of Sergeant. His sense of duty and disci‐pline carried over into
lifelong career as a phar‐macist, where he cared for generations of families with patience and exper‐tise. Ronald worked for K&B owned and operated Rome’s Pharmacy in Metairie, and later served the community through his work with Eckerd CVS and Winn Dixie. Throughout his career he was known for his dedication to his pa‐tients, his warm demeanor, and his willingness to lend a listening ear A man of deep faith Ronald was a long-time parishioner of St Peter Catholic Church where he found joy and fel‐lowship in singing with the church choir He gave gen‐erously of his time as a vol‐unteer at St Tammany Parish Hospital and through the St. Vincent de Paul Society, always seek‐ing ways to help those in need Outside of work and service, Ronald enjoyed the serenity and adventure of sailing—a passion that reflected his calm and steady nature. Ronald’s legacy is one of quiet faith, gentle leadership, and steadfast love for his fam‐ily and community He will be remembered for his in‐tegrity, his warm smile, and the countless lives he touched through both his profession and his service He filled our lives with joy and laughter He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. E.J Fielding Funeral Home was en‐trusted with funeral arrangements.
Deborah Doolittle Bo‐dron, age 75, of Covington Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 She was born on June 20, 1950, in New Orleans Louisiana and is survived by her son, Michael “Mike” Bodron Jr. (Sally); grand‐children, Michael, Adaline, Eleanor and William, who affectionately referred to her as “Mina”; and many loving cousins and friends She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, the love of her life, Michael George Bodron II, as well as her parents, Thomas Doolittle and Pearl Pulling Doolittle Debbie was a de‐voted educator whose teaching career reflected her deep love of learning and her commitment to others She found deep joy in spending time with her family and friends treasur‐ing those relationships throughout her life. Debbie was an avid reader with a lifelong passion for history and the arts, and she ap‐preciated the simple plea‐sures especially a quiet moment with a good book and a glass of Chardonnay Known for her sharp wit and special sense of humor, she had a gift for making others laugh and feel at ease Her legacy is one of love, curiosity, and grace. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her In lieu of flow‐ers, the family asks that you sit with someone you love tell an old story and let your heart ache – a little –for the beauty of it all. E J. Fielding Funeral Home were entrusted with the arrangements.
Patricia Mary McGinnis Cuccia, of Pearl River, Louisiana passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the age of 84. Born in New Orleans, LA, Patricia was a longtime resident of Metairie, LA, where she was a parishioner of St Angela Merici Catholic Church For the last 28 years, she has been a parishioner of Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church of Pearl River. Patricia is survived by members of her beloved family includ‐ing her husband of 61 years, Thomas J Cuccia; her children David T. Cuc‐cia (Leslie) and Cheryl Cuc‐cia Spansel; and her grand‐daughters, Charlotte A Cuccia and Gwendolyn M Cuccia She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Rena McGin‐nis, and her cherished grandson, Benjamin L Spansel Patricia grew up in the Carrollton area of New Orleans, attending Mater Dolorosa for ele‐mentary school and gradu‐ating from St Stephen High School She attended Loyola University, where she was a member of Beta Epsilon Upsilon honorary medical technology soci‐ety, Cardinal Key national honor society, and Tri Sigma social sorority, grad‐uating summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in medical technology Patri‐cia was a proud and dedi‐cated mother and home‐maker. She also found time to engage with and serve her community, enjoying activities and the company of others via membership in the Bonnabel Civic Asso‐ciation, the St. Angela Ladies Association, and as a volunteer docent at his‐toric Longue Vue House and Gardens Following Pat and Tom’s move to Pearl River, she continued to serve others as a volunteer at Slidell Memorial Hospi‐tal, member and counselor with Marriage Encounter, volunteer at Sts Peter and
Joyce M. Rhodes passed into eternal rest on Sun‐day, July 6, 2025, in Coving‐ton, LA She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald A. Rhodes, Sr. and her parents, Wallace L Markham and Gladys T Harmon She is survived by her children Kathleen Rhodes, Ronald A. Rhodes, Jr. (Sherrie) David Rhodes (Darlene), and her grand‐children Lauren Rhodes Sean Rhodes, and stepgrandchild, James Berg‐eron She is also survived by her sister Darlene Bonura (the late Joseph), her brother-in-law Larry Rhodes (Betty), and her sister-in-law Suzanne Stafford (Pat) and several nieces and nephews Joyce was a native of New Or‐leans, LA, and was a long‐time resident of Meraux, LA Following Hurricane Ka‐trina, she resided in St. Amant, LA, before moving to Mandeville, LA. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Mark Catholic Church in Chalmette LA where she was a Eucharistic minister, and was active in St. Anne Church in Sorrento, and later was a member of Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Man‐deville LA Her faith and devotion to God were ex‐traordinarily important to her. After graduating from high school at the age of 16, Joyce enrolled in the Charity Hospital School of Nursing, but soon realized that she was not yet ready for such a challenging pro‐fession Soon thereafter, she met the love of her life Ronald Rhodes, got mar‐ried and
Ronald Joseph Rome 84 Devoted Husband, Pharma‐cist, Army Veteran, and Faithful Servant to His Community Ronald Joseph Rome, 84, born and raised in New Orleans and a resi‐dent of Covington Louisiana, passed away peacefully on July 7 2025, surrounded by the love of his family Born on August 8, 1940, Ronald lived a life marked by service, com‐passion and quiet strength He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Marilyn Margot Rome; and is survived by his children, Gregory Joseph Rome, and Allison Rome Roux (husband, Andre Roux Sr.); his grand‐children Natalie and Tyler Rome and Abby, Alex and Andre Roux Jr. He gradu‐ated Alcee Fortier High School in 1958 and Loyola University in 1964. He proudly served his country in the Louisiana Army Na‐tional Guard from 1964 through 1970, achieving the rank of Sergeant His sense of duty and disci‐pline carried over into his lifelong career as a phar‐macist, where he cared for generations of families with patience and exper‐tise Ronald worked for K&B, owned and operated Rome’s Pharmacy in Metairie, and later served the community through his work with Eckerd, CVS and Winn Dixie. Throughout his career he k fo his de tients and hi a liste deep f long-t Peter where lowsh church erously unteer Parish throug Paul S ing wa need service the se of sai reflecte steady legacy gentle steadfas ily and be reme tegrity, and th touche profes He filled our lives with joy and laughter. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered E.J. Fielding
Davis, Linda Marie
Cuccia, Patricia Mary McGinnis
Rhodes, Joyce M.
