EDGE August | September 2026

NATURE – FOOTBALL – SOCIAL – COMMUNITY – FOOD

AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2026

White Linen and Lagnlappe

A few days after we uploaded the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake, life took an unexpected turn. I underwent bypass surgery.

I’ll share more about that experience in a future issue. For now, I simply want to acknowledge the incredible people who stepped up while I was away.

Putting together an issue of EDGE is no small task, but neither is helping run the St. Tammany branch of Northshore Media Group and supporting our local radio stations. Between the magazine, our advertisers, promotions, sales, community events and the daily demands of broadcasting, there is always something happening. While I focused on my recovery, so many people stepped in to make sure everything continued to move forward and for that I am deeply grateful.

To our advertisers, readers, contributors, photographers and community partners, thank you for your patience, encouragement and well wishes. Your messages, cards, texts and prayers meant more than you know.

To my Northshore Media Group family, thank you for taking on extra responsibilities and making sure both EDGE of the Lake and our St. Tammany operations continued to serve the community. Whether you were helping with the magazine, keeping our radio stations running, covering meetings and events, supporting our clients, or simply checking in to see how I was doing, your kindness and teamwork reminded me just how fortunate I am to work alongside such dedicated people.

To my family, medical team and friends, especially my husband, Jerry, and our son, thank you for your constant love, encouragement, and support. You carried me through some difficult days and celebrated every milestone along the way. I truly could not have done it without you.

This experience has reminded me that while deadlines, meetings, and busy schedules are important, nothing compares to good health, supportive colleagues, loving family and a caring community. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown to me and return with an even greater appreciation for the people who make the Northshore such a special place to call home.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I am grateful to be back, grateful for a second chance, and excited to continue sharing the stories that make our communities so special.

PUBLISHER

Cover Canoe Trip

Photo by Rhett Allain

CARE WHEN YOUR KIDS NEED IT

Because kids rarely come down with something during office hours, St. Tammany Health System came up with something to make things easier for your family. We call it ExpressCare Kids. Now your child can see the St. Tammany Pediatric team up until 8 p.m. weekdays, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends for the same fee you’d pay for a regular office visit – no urgent care or emergency room co-pays!

MANY kids are treated after hours at ExpressCare Kids.

Photo By: Nancy Hale

NORTHSHORE MEDIA GROUP NM

We are looking for local business and professional leaders who have achieved success and excellence in their field or shown amazing potential at an early stage of their career. Nominees must be under 40 when nominated and live and work on the Northshore. Beginning on August 1st, Northshore Media Group will be accepting nominations for our 2026 Forty under 40 awards. To nominate someone go to northshoremedia.net and fill out the nomination form. Nominations end September 1st. Winners will be notified in early October and the winners will be featured in our December/January issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine.

Mike Cooper St. Tammany Parish President

The final few months of Summer bring the rush of the “Back to School” season and the promise of Fall’s cooler weather on the horizon.

The August and September months are also the most active part of our least favorite time of year, Hurricane Season. Your parish government is ready to serve you. Our teams prepare year-round by enhancing our 74 retention ponds and drainage systems, investing in our 1,600 miles of roads and by performing over 20,000 work orders a year. Our teams also work closely with our local first responders, state officials and federal agencies, ensuring that the needs of our citizens will be met in the event of a natural disaster.

Although we may not be directly on the shores of the Gulf, St. Tammany is still a coastal community and our decisions have reflected that. On the heels of the completion of the Tchefuncte Habitat Restoration Project last year, work is well on the way for the $2.4 million Tchefuncte Breakwater. The 1,750’ rock wall will enhance resiliency for the Madisonville area and encourage the creation of marshland long-lost to erosion. More than a dozen more coastal restoration and protection initiatives are on the way, that will strengthen our defenses, improve resiliency, and protect the quality of life from Madisonville to Slidell.

You too can prepare for the height of Hurricane Season. I encourage you to sign up for our emergency alert system, STAT, at sttammany.gov/STAT. Get together with your family and loved ones to plan an evacuation route and destination. Gather vital supplies such as batteries, radios, flashlights, bottled water and non-perishable foods if you decide to stay. Finally, please check on and fuel for your generators.

Robby Miller Tangipahoa Parish President

It’s hard to believe that this August will mark 10 years since the floods of 2016 and five years since Hurricane Ida impacted Tangipahoa Parish.

The 2016 floods were literally a first for our team and me, as we had two major floods in the first eight months of our first term. The August flood posed a new kind of challenge: in addition to residents and businesses affected, we had motorists stranded on I-12 for several days due to the floodwaters.

Our team rallied together to think outside the box. As always, our Tangipahoa community moved to help one another, and at the end of the day, we were able to do the impossible, delivering water, food, and even medical supplies to those who were trapped on the interstate. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the way it felt to make a difference in those challenging days.

Similarly, Hurricane Ida brought out the best in our people. While tens of thousands of our residents were hurting, they worked side-by-side with their neighbors to clear roadways, cut down and move downed trees, and even hold cookouts in their yards to feed linemen and others who came here to help us recover from the storm. Our team spent almost three weeks working from the Emergency Operations Center. For many of them, their own properties were significantly damaged by the storm, but our team did not flinch—they put the people of our parish first.

The storms of the past remind us of the challenges we have overcome. In Tangipahoa, the August 2016 flood and Hurricane Ida brought out the best in our people and taught us new ways to care for one another. These are the lessons we take with us as we head into the height of storm season, and while we hope we never have to live through those experiences again, we are also well aware that we will rise to the challenge if called to do so.

Caring for our community, together

Benjamin Guevara, MD Orthopedic Surgery

At Ochsner Health and Slidell Memorial Hospital, your health is our priority. From primary care to complex procedures and emergency services to long-term wellness, we deliver high-quality care that’s easy to access and centered around you.

With expert physicians, leading technology and a compassionate care team, we work together to treat not just the condition, but the whole person.

Here, healing is guided by skill, compassion and a deep commitment to our community.

To schedule an appointment, visit ochsner.org

NORTHSHORE MEDIA GROUP

There is something special about football season on the Northshore.

As the summer heat begins to fade and Friday nights return, communities across St. Tammany Washington and Tangipahoa parishes come together under the lights. From packed stadiums and marching bands to cheerleaders and hometown rivalries, high school football is more than a game— it’s a tradition that unites generations.

For players, the season represents months of hard work, early morning workouts, and a commitment to their teammates. For coaches, it’s an opportunity to shape young men both on and o the field. For fans, it’s a chance to gather with friends and family

and cheer on the schools that represent the heart of their communities.

In this year’s Football Preview, EDGE of the Lake takes a closer look at the teams, athletes, and coaches who will define the 2026 season. From returning standouts and rising stars to key matchups and district battles, we’ll highlight the stories behind the scoreboards and celebrate the passion that makes high school football one of the Northshore’s most cherished traditions.

So grab your school colors, find your seat in the stands, and get ready for another exciting season of Friday Night Lights.

* Schedules subject to change

ARCHBISHOP HANNAN HAWKS BOGALUSA LUMBERJACKS

The 2025 Archbishop Hannan Hawks, based in Covington, finished 3-7 overall and 0-4 in District 7-4A, good for a disappointing fifth place, as the Hawks continued a rebuilding process under Coach Steve Soper. Hannan picked up a signature 49-28 home win over Cohen, but dropped several lopsided decisions, falling 46-14 to Lakeshore, 41-17 to Franklinton, 21-6 to Pearl River, and 27-19 to Covenant Christian Academy. Soper, who inherited a program that went winless in 2023 before making the playoffs in 2024, enters 2026 with 19 starters back, including 12 seniors. Senior quarterback Braden Sprang and junior receiver Graesyn Broussard headline the offense, while firstyear defensive coordinator Austin Bellamy takes over what Soper calls the most balanced defense the program has fielded in years. District 7-4A opens with play against Franklinton at home followed by an away game at Pearl River, home game with Lakeshore before a finale at Salmen, which rejoins the district after two seasons in 5A. With so much experience returning, Hannan believes 2026 is the year it finally breaks through to a winning record and a return trip to the playoffs.

DATE TIME OPPONENT

Sept 4 7 PM (A) Northlake Christian

Sept 11 7 PM Parkview Baptist

Sept 18 7 PM (A) Pope John Paul II

Sept 25 7 PM Fisher

Oct 2 7 PM Saint Thomas Aquinas

Oct 9 7 PM Franklinton

Oct 16 7 PM (A) Opelousas Catholic

Oct 23 7 PM (A) Pearl River

Oct 30 7 PM Lakeshore

Nov 6 7 PM (A) Salmen

The Bogalusa Lumberjacks, out of Bogalusa in Washington Parish, endured another difficult season in 2025, finishing 1-10 overall and 1-4 in District 8-3A, with their lone win coming against Springfield, 28-20. The Lumberjacks were outscored badly across the schedule, including losses of 57-0 to Sumner, 64-16 to Pine, and 46-28 to Albany. With those struggles came a major coaching change: longtime coach Cyril Crutchfield retired, and Bogalusa turned to Larry Harold, a Southern University graduate who played under legendary coach Pete Richardson and has since built programs at Istrouma and Scotlandville, plus 15 years in Georgia. Harold, who moved his family to Bogalusa this spring, wants to run the football but will adapt to his personnel, while installing an aggressive, attacking 3-4 scheme on defense. In the Lumberjacks’ spring game against Abramson, quarterback Deontae and receiver Jayden connected on several big plays, and defenders Ayden Roberts and Lemaj Levi stood out. With a new coaching staff and what Harold calls a talented, athletic roster, Bogalusa hopes 2026 marks a genuine turnaround after back-to-back one-win seasons.

DATE TIME OPPONENT

Sept 4 7 PM (A) Independence

Sept 11 7 PM South Plaquemines

Sept 18 7 PM Varnado

Sept 25 - - - - - - - -

Oct 3 7 PM (A) Jefferson RISE Charter

Oct 9 7:30 PM (A) Booker T Washington

Oct 16 7 PM (A) Sumner

Oct 23 7 PM (A) Loranger

Oct 30 7 PM Pope John Paul ll

Nov 6 7 PM Albany

COVINGTON LIONS

The 2025 Covington Lions, based in the St. Tammany Parish city of Covington, returned to the playoffs, finishing 6-5 overall under Coach Greg Salter and reaching the first round of the Division I Non-Select bracket, falling to Parkway, 51-30. Covington beat rival Hammond 25-14 and rolled past Archbishop Hannan late in the year, but dropped hard-fought district games to St. Paul’s, 34-14, and Ponchatoula, 24-14. Senior quarterback Matthew Fussell, who completed 71 of 151 passes for 1,194 yards and 18 touchdowns while also rushing for 508 yards and five more rushing scores in his first year as a starter, headlines a Lions team with 13 returning starters among 31 seniors heading into 2026. Fussell played through a groin injury suffered in Week 4, and Salter expects a full recovery to unlock another level for the offense. Salter said District 6-5A’s return to its old eight-team format only raises the stakes. With a proven veteran coach and a deep, veteran roster, Covington enters the 2026 season with real expectations to build on last year’s playoff berth.

FONTAINEBLEAU BULLDOGS

The Fontainebleau Bulldogs, located in Mandeville, took a step back in 2025, finishing 2-8 overall and 0-4 in Class 5A District 7, missing the playoffs after a difficult season. District opponents proved too much all year, including a 43-19 road loss to Northshore, a 17-7 setback against Chalmette, and a 42-20 loss to rival Mandeville to close the season. Heading into the 2025 year, Fontainebleau had leaned heavily on junior quarterback Logan Astugue and two-way standouts Conner Tyson and Semaj Whittine to anchor a defense built around an experienced, four-year senior linebacking corps, but the Bulldogs could never find enough consistency to return to the postseason. Fontainebleau enters 2026 under new leadership: John Kavanaugh has departed after three seasons, and the Bulldogs have promoted Chris Womack, who spent last season as Northshore’s defensive coordinator, to head coach. Womack inherits a program looking to rebuild its identity, and his defensive background will be an early focus as Fontainebleau looks to shore up a unit that struggled to keep opponents out of the end zone in 2025.

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FRANKLINTON DEMONS HAMMOND TORNADOES

The Franklinton Demons, the Washington Parish seat’s namesake school, backed up their breakout 2024 season with another strong campaign in 2025, finishing 9-4 overall and 3-1 in district play for second place under Coach Nick Saltaformaggio. The Demons rolled through the first two rounds of the Division II Non-Select playoffs, beating Rayne 51-14 and Jennings 40-14, before their season ended in the quarterfinals with a 51-37 loss to North DeSoto. Along the way, Franklinton also survived a 33-30 non-district thriller over Abbeville and beat Archbishop Hannan 41-17 and Pearl River 42-20 in district play. Senior quarterback Jacob Crain, the all-time leading passer, closes out a standout career, and replacing his production is the top question facing the 2026 offense. The Demons will lean on the emergence of Jayden Burkhalter, who paired with Crain down the stretch, while the defense returns eight starters and should again be the identity of the team. “If we aren’t working during Thanksgiving week this year, I will be disappointed,” Saltaformaggio said this spring, a standard the program expects to meet.

The Hammond Tornadoes, out of the Tangipahoa Parish city of Hammond, built on their 2024 turnaround, finishing 7-4 overall and 2-2 in District 6-5A for second place under Coach Dorsett Buckels, and returned to the playoffs before falling in the first round to Captain Shreve, 61-21. Along the way, Hammond beat rival Ponchatoula 35-28 and knocked off Salmen 40-20, with running back Zalen Bennett and quarterback Terin Jones pacing an offense that leaned heavily on the ground game. But Hammond enters 2026 needing to replace a significant core: Bennett, defensive back Vince Delaney and defensive end Aydan Self all graduated as All-Americans and signed to play college football, at Jackson State, Mississippi Valley State and Ottawa. “We are replacing 24 guys,” Buckels said after a spring scrimmage, calling this year’s group a young team still building chemistry. Jones, who has started since he was a freshman and enters his fourth year running Buckels’ system, gives Hammond a proven playmaker as it tries to push from a playoff qualifier into a legitimate District 6-5A title contender.

Sept 4 7

Sept 10 7 PM Covington

Sept 18 7 PM (A) Pine

Sept 25 7 PM (A) Sumner

Oct 2 7 PM Lutcher

Oct 9 7 PM (A) Archbishop Hannan

Oct 16 7 PM Pearl River

Oct 23 7 PM (A) Lakeshore

Oct 30 7 PM Salmen

Nov 6 7 PM - - - -

Sept 18 7 PM (A) L.W. Higgins

Sept 25 7 PM (A) Mandeville

Oct 1 7 PM Saint Paul's

Oct 9 7 PM (A) Slidell

Oct 16 7 PM Northshore

Oct 23 7 PM (A) Covington

Oct 30 7 PM Fountainebleau

Nov 6 7 PM (A) Ponchatoula

NECESSARY

WE CARE FOR:

• Telehealth Appt.

• On-Site Physician

• Open 365 days

• Covid Testng

• Drug Screens

• On-Site XRAY

• Colds & Flus

• Sore Throats

• Physicals

• Ear Aches

• Cuts & Lacerations

• UTI’s

Covington

LAKESHORE TITANS

The Lakeshore Titans, based in Mandeville, authored one of the area’s best turnarounds in 2025, finishing 8-3 overall and a perfect 4-0 in District 7-4A to claim the district championship under Coach Brent Indest. The Titans rolled through the regular season with wins over Fontainebleau (45-7), Northshore (28-13), Franklinton (41-27), and rival Archbishop Hannan (4614), before their season ended in the Division II NonSelect regional round with a 54-42 shootout loss to Cecilia. Indest, however, will not be back to lead the encore: he departed this offseason to take over at Abbeville, his alma mater, ending a four-year run at Lakeshore that produced a strong 33-15 overall record and four straight playoff berths. The Titans promoted from within, elevating assistant Hunter Bonvillain, who served as coordinator under Indest, to his first head coaching job. The change comes as District 7-4A itself is shifting, with Salmen rejoining the league after two seasons up in Class 5A. Bonvillain inherits a program at its peak and will keep the momentum going as Lakeshore chases back-to-back titles in 2026.

MANDEVILLE SKIPPERS

The Mandeville Skippers, representing the St. Tammany Parish city of Mandeville, followed up their 9-1 regular season in 2024 with another playoff run in 2025, finishing 7-4 overall and 4-3 in District 6-5A under Coach Craig Jones. Mandeville reached the second round of the Division I Non-Select playoffs, routing Thibodaux 48-27 before falling to Neville, 31-14. The Skippers also had a tough district slate, dropping a 2431 decision to St. Paul’s, though they closed out a 4220 non-district win over Fontainebleau late in the year. That playoff run came after sophomore Krew Collura was thrust into the starting quarterback job in Week 1 when senior Ben Hendricks suffered a season-ending injury; Collura settled in and returns as the starter for 2026. Jones said this year’s group is experienced without being senior-heavy, with a deep receiver corps led by seniors Luke Demelo and Jack Jacketti. The Skippers also welcome a new defensive coordinator. With Jones back and talking about title aspirations, Mandeville will look to reclaim the district crown it lost after last year’s 9-1 campaign.

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Sept 11

Sept 18

Sept 25

Oct 1

Oct 9

Oct 16

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Oct 16

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NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN WOLVERINES

The Northlake Christian Wolverines, a Covingtonbased private school, put together another solid season in 2025, finishing 7-4 overall under Coach James Willis and advancing to the second round of the Division III Select playoffs. The Wolverines throttled St. Louis Catholic 59-20 in the first round before running into eventual contender Dunham, falling 62-3. Along the way, Northlake Christian posted dominant district wins over St. Thomas Aquinas (51-0), Pope John Paul II (140), and Independence (57-15). The Wolverines leaned heavily on senior running back Kameron Casnave, who piled up more than 2,500 yards in his final two seasons, and two-way playmaker Jordan Willis, the coach’s son, who added over 1,000 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns. Willis, entering his eighth season and coming off Coach of the Year honors in District 9-2A, has led the Northlake Christian Wolverines to the playoffs in six of seven seasons and says his formula stays simple: play the best players. With Willis back for 2026, the Wolverines will look to push further than the second round in Class 2A District 9.

NORTHSHORE PANTHERS

The Northshore Panthers, based in Slidell, showed real signs of progress in 2025, improving to 3-8 overall and 2-2 in District 7-5A after a rough 1-7 campaign the year before, though the Panthers still fell short of the playoffs under Coach Bobby Sanders. Northshore beat Fontainebleau 43-19 and edged Salmen 31-28 in district play, but a non-district loss to St. Paul’s (38-14) and a tough district loss to Slidell (42-3) kept the Panthers out of the postseason field. Quarterback J.J. Gonzales and running back Ramon Williams give Northshore a foundation to build on heading into 2026, though the Panthers will need to replace defensive coordinator Chris Womack, who left this offseason to become head coach at rival Fontainebleau after helping engineer Northshore’s turnaround from the defensive side of the ball. That coaching departure adds an early storyline to a District 7-5A slate that already includes Chalmette, Salmen and Slidell. With another year of experience for Gonzales and Williams, Northshore hopes that 2026 is the year steady improvement finally turns into a return to the playoffs.

Sept 4

Sept 11 7

Sept 18

Sept 25 7

Pope John Paul ll

Oct 2 7 PM (A) Country Day

Oct 9 7 PM (A) Independence

Oct 16 11AM Pine

Oct 23 7 PM (A) St. Helena C&CA

Oct 30 7 PM (A) Amite

Nov 6 7 PM Saint Thomas Aquinas

Sept 18 7

Sept

Oct 2 7

(A) Lutcher

(A) Ponchatoula

Oct 9 7 PM Saint Paul’s

Oct 16 7

Oct 23 7

Oct

Nov 6 7

(A) Fountainebleau

(A) Slidell

PEARL RIVER REBELS

The Pearl River Rebels, hailing from the small St. Tammany Parish town of the same name, went through a transition season in 2025, finishing 4-6 overall and 2-2 in District 7-4A in the first year under Coach Jerry Leonard, who came out of a brief retirement to take over after Eric Collins departed following three straight playoff appearances. The Rebels beat Archbishop Hannan 21-6 but lost tough district battles to Franklinton (42-20) and Loranger (31-28), and also fell to Pope John Paul II (35-21) in non-district play, missing the playoffs for the first time in four years. Senior quarterback Brayden Hutchison and running back Gage Durand return as the offensive foundation, with a veteran line developing in Leonard’s second year. Leonard, a coach with a long track record locally, gave the program continuity amid the coaching change. District 7-4A also looks different in 2026 with Salmen rejoining after two years up in Class 5A. With a full year in Leonard’s system now under their belts, the Rebels hope 2026 brings a return to playoff contention.

PINE RAIDERS

The Pine Raiders, based just outside Franklinton in Washington Parish, kept their program’s winning tradition alive in 2025, finishing 7-4 overall and 3-2 in District 8-3A for third place under Coach Bradley Seal, extending its streak of postseason appearances. The Raiders’ season ended in the first round of the Division III Non-Select playoffs with an 18-34 loss to Kaplan, but not before Pine posted big district wins over Bogalusa (64-16), Albany (50-22), and Springfield (4812). Pine graduates a significant senior class, and the 2026 offense will now run through junior quarterback Cooper Thomas, a mature decision-maker who Seal’s staff expects to be a natural leader after backing up the position in 2025. Senior Braxton Newman brings speed to the backfield, while sophomore Isaiah Matthews flashed his own burst with a touchdown run this spring. The lines will look different without departed seniors, but the Bickham twins already draw praise up front. With a new quarterback and several new faces in bigger roles, Pine will look to reload and push for another playoff berth in 2026.

Sept 4

Sept 11

Sept 18 7

Sept 25 7 PM (A) Pine

Oct 1 7 PM (A) Sumner

Oct 9 7 PM Salmen

Oct 16 7 PM (A) Franklinton

Oct 23 7

Oct 30

Nov 6 7 PM (A) Lakeshore

Sept

Sept 11 7 PM (A) Pope John Paul II

Sept 18 7 PM Franklinton

Sept 25 7 PM Pearl River

Oct 1 7 PM (A) Loranger

Oct 9 7 PM (A) St. Helena C&CA

Oct 16 7 PM (A) Northlake Christian

Oct 23 7 PM Amite

Oct 30 7 PM (A) Saint Thomas Aquinas

Nov 6 7 PM Independence

PONCHATOULA GREEN WAVE

The Ponchatoula Green Wave, out of the Tangipahoa Parish city of Ponchatoula, endured a second straight difficult season in 2025, finishing 2-8 overall and 1-3 in District 6-5A under Coach Tim Walters, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Ponchatoula’s lone district win came against Covington, 24-14, while the Green Wave were outscored badly in other district games, including losses to Chalmette (49-7) and St. Paul’s (45-10). The struggles led to a coaching change: Walters is out after two seasons, and Ponchatoula has hired Scott Shaffett, a veteran of Louisiana prep football who previously coached at Varnado and Independence, to reset the program. Shaffett, the Green Wave’s third coach in four years, admits the roster is starting from scratch, though nine starters return, five on offense and four on defense. He has pointed to size and a solid offensive line as strengths to build around. Shaffett takes over a program that reached the Class 5A state championship game as recently as 2021 and will look to restore that identity in a rugged District 6-5A.

The Pope John Paul II Jaguars, a Slidell-based Catholic school, saw their win total dip in 2025, finishing 5-6 overall and 2-2 in District 9-2A for third place under Coach Philip Pigott, though the Jaguars still made the playoffs before falling in the first round of the Division III Select bracket to Slaughter Community Charter, 21-17. PJP II beat Independence 40-8 and St. Thomas Aquinas convincingly in district play, but a district loss to Northlake Christian (14-0) and a non-district loss to Pearl River (35-21) proved costly. Junior quarterback Austin Franzo took over full-time after the graduation of three-year starter Blaze Rodriguez, and senior Dominik Smith returned from injury to anchor the backfield. Pigott, entering his sixth year, has built the Jaguars into a steady Class 2A program, with a 17-6 mark over the two seasons before this year’s dip and a rivalry with Northlake Christian that decides the district most seasons. With Franzo now more experienced and Smith healthy, PJP II will look to reload and chase Northlake Christian atop District 9-2A in 2026.

Sept 4 7

Sept 11

Sept 17

Sept 25 7 PM (A) Saint Paul's

Oct 2 7 PM Northshore

Oct 9 7 PM (A) Fontainebleau

Oct 16 7 PM Mandeville

Oct 23 7 PM (A) Slidell

Oct 30 7 PM Covington

Nov 6 7 PM Hammond

Sept 25 7 PM (A) Northlake Christian

Oct 1

Oct 16

POPE JOHN PAUL II

SALMEN SPARTANS

The Salmen Spartans, based in Slidell, turned in one of the best seasons in years in 2025, finishing 6-5 overall and winning the District 7-5A title at 3-1, before falling to Zachary, 48-15, in the opening round of the Division I Non-Select playoffs. The Spartans beat rival Slidell 35-21 in the district title run, with running back Jimmy Chanzy and quarterback Da’John Howard leading an offense that came together after some early-season growing pains, while Chanzy finished his career with more than 2,000 yards rushing. Salmen enters 2026 needing to replace that: Chanzy has graduated and signed with NAIA Bethany College, and senior Joshua Loydrake is headed to Division III Belhaven. “We’re going to miss him, but we’re really excited for his future,” longtime Coach Eric Chuter said of Chanzy this spring. Howard returns as a senior after passing for four scores and rushing for nearly 720 yards in 2025, giving Chuter, entering his ninth season on the job, a proven playmaker as Salmen rejoins District 7-4A in 2026 after two years in Class 5A.

SLIDELL TIGERS

The Slidell Tigers, representing the city of Slidell, authored a dramatic turnaround in 2025, finishing 6-5 overall and 3-1 in District 7-5A in the second year under Coach Damon Page, a massive improvement from the 2-9 record that greeted Page in his debut season. The Tigers throttled Northshore 42-3 and beat Chalmette 36-28 down the stretch before their season ended in the first round of the Division I Non-Select playoffs with a 52-39 shootout loss to Hahnville. Senior running back Ja’Kwan Jones was a driving force behind that turnaround and returns as the engine of the 2026 offense; he was the headliner of an encouraging spring scrimmage on May 15, breaking off several tough runs, including a 21-yard score. “The kids were very excited about the changes we made,” Page said after that scrimmage. Seniors Ricky Williams III and Stanley Lange both saw time at quarterback this spring, giving Page options. With a battle-tested roster and a coach who quickly rebuilt the culture, Slidell hopes 2026 brings a return to the postseason with staying power.

Sept 4 7 PM Mandeville

Sept 11 7 PM (A) Live Oak

Sept 18 7 PM (A) Chalmette

Sept 25 7 PM Amite

Oct 1 7 PM (A) Kennedy

Oct 9 7 PM (A) Pearl River

Oct 16 7 PM Lakeshore

Oct 23 7 PM Sumner

Oct 30 7 PM (A) Franklinton

Nov 6 7 PM Archbishop Hannan

Sept 4 7 PM (A) Holy Cross

Sept 11 7 PM Lakeshore

Sept 18 7 PM (A) Lutcher

Sept 25 7 PM (A) Fountainebleau

Oct 1 6:30 PM Mandeville

Oct 9 7 PM Hammond

Oct 16 7 PM (A) Covington

Oct 23 7 PM Ponchatoula

Oct 30 7 PM (A) St Paul’s

Nov 6 7 PM Northshore

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ST. THOMAS AQUINAS FALCONS ST. PAUL’S WOLVES

The St. Paul’s Wolves, a Covington Catholic school, capped a legendary era in 2025, finishing 9-3 overall and a perfect 4-0 in District 6-5A to win their third straight undefeated title under longtime Coach Kenny Sears. The Wolves beat Pineville 56-7 in the first round of the Division I Select playoffs before their season, and Sears’ tenure, ended with a 34-14 loss to Evangel Christian in the regional round. Running backs Cody Corales and Adam Connell, with quarterback Brady Pierson, powered a physical rush attack that carried the Wolves to the crown, including a 34-14 win over rival Covington to clinch it. Shortly after the season, Sears announced his retirement after 27 years as head coach and 36 total at the school, closing a career with a 198-101 record, 23 straight winning seasons, and 21 straight postseason trips. St. Paul’s has turned the page, hiring Josh Gast, a winner at North Iberville, to take over. Gast inherits one of the area’s premier jobs after one of the most decorated careers in St. Tammany Parish history.

The St. Thomas Aquinas Falcons, a small Catholic school in Hammond, endured a brutal 2025 season, finishing 0-10 overall and 0-4 in District 9-2A, a step back from the disappointing 1-9 mark the year before, as the Falcons were outscored 412-55 on the year. Losses piled up against district and area foes alike, including a 51-0 defeat to Northlake Christian, a 50-7 loss to St. Helena, a 42-6 setback against Pope John Paul II, a 41-7 loss to Independence, and a 42-0 shutout against Prairieville in non-district play. Senior quarterback Chase Oalman did what he could behind a young cast, but depth remained the central problem for a second year. The Falcons’ district, which also includes Northlake Christian, Pope John Paul II, St. Helena and Independence, offered little margin for error, and St. Thomas Aquinas found no signature result on the schedule. Heading into 2026, the Falcons will again lean on player development and growth in the weight room as the staff tries to rebuild a roster that has struggled on both lines of scrimmage.

Sept 4 7 PM (A) Destrahan

Sept 11 7 PM Brother Martin

Sept 18 7 PM Del La Salle

Sept 25 7 PM Ponchatoula

Oct 2 7 PM (A) Hammond

Oct 9 7 PM (A) Northshore

Oct 16 7 PM Fountainebleau

Oct 23 7 PM (A) Mandeville

Oct 30 7 PM Slidell

Sept 4 7 PM Central Private

Sept 11 7 PM (A) Albany

Sept 17 6:30 PM (A) PTSA

Sept 25 7 PM West St. John

Oct 2 7 PM (A) Archbishop Hannan

Oct 9 7 PM (A) Amite

Oct 16 7 PM St. Helena C&CA

Oct 23 7 PM Independence

Oct 30 7 PM Pine

Nov 6 7 PM (A) Northlake Christian DATE TIME OPPONENT

Nov 6 7 PM (A) Covington

TRIP REPORT

cane bayou

STORY RHETT ALLAIN

PHOTOS RHETT ALLAIN

Everyone knows that if you live in Colorado or someplace out West, there are plenty of opportunities to explore local wildlife and nature. You can find a remote trail and experience that feeling of being completely separated from civilization. It’s too bad that you live in Louisiana and you are stuck with interstates, cities and suburbs.

Oh sure, there are some nice hikes out into the woods and swamps on the North Shore. If you head out to Fontainebleau State Park, there’s a bunch of awesome stuff to see. However, there’s always that sign of civilization. You know, roads, trails, boardwalks into the swamp. These give easy access, but it’s not raw nature.

This is exactly what you can see in Cane Bayou.

But guess what? You just need one simple thing that expands your access. A boat. Not just any boat, but something small like a kayak or a canoe. With a kayak you can get out into nature and you won’t even see signs that humans exist (unless you go with a friend). Either way, it’s awesome. This is exactly what you can see in Cane Bayou.

The great thing about kayaks is that they are much cheaper than a small motorized boat and most of them can be transported on top of a normal sized car. This is not quite true for the larger and heavier canoes. Also, inflatable kayaks have become more popular. This means that you don’t even have to transport the boat on top of your car, you can just pull it out of the trunk and inflate it. That’s nice.

Kayaks also can be a bit easier to use than a canoe. The canoe is larger and harder to turn and usually is propelled with a single paddle. This means that most uses continue to switch paddling sides of the canoe (and also switch the hand grip on the paddle). If you practice, it’s possible to keep the paddle on one side of the canoe with something like a L-stroke. This move is not surprisingly in the shape of the letter L. It both pushes the boat forward and provides torque to keep it straight.

The kayak solves this problem by using a double-bladed paddle. Now the human can easily alternate paddle sides and keep the vessel moving in a straight line. It’s much easier and intuitive for a beginner to just jump in and go with no training or practice. There are even some kayaks that don’t need paddles. Instead, they have peddles. These pedals attach to small flippers under the kayak so that you can move forward using the power of your legs. Turning is accomplished with a hand controlled rudder. Personally, this is the way I like to kayak–you can go much faster and you have your hands free to take photos.

Wait. So, kayaks are cool and everything but what if you don’t have one? Yeah, that’s kind of a bummer. But there is a solution (other than borrowing one from a friend). It just so happens that there are rental kayaks right at Cane Bayou. Canoe and Trail Adventures (canoeandtrail.com) offers rental services. They have single and double kayaks as well as canoes. Yes, I said kayaks are

better but that’s because I’m biased. Honestly, if you want to transport more stuff the canoe is the way to go.

OK, now let’s get to the important stuff. Where is this bayou? If you drive just past the main entrance to Fontainebleau State Park on Hwy190, there is a sign for Cane Bayou boat launch. Once you enter, there is a self check in station. It’s still part of the park, so there is a 3 dollar fee–but no attendant. Other than that, there’s plenty of parking and a large boat ramp area.

Once you put in, you have an option. You can go upstream (North) where the trees overhang the water and everything gets narrow. If you want to challenge yourself to see how much stuff you can fit your kayak through, this is the option for you. However, I feel that there’s much more to see going downstream towards Lake Pontchartrain. That’s probably what most people choose, and that’s the way I like to go.

Once you start the downstream journey, you will pass under the bridge that’s part of the St. Tammany Trace bike trail. After that, there are very little signs of human life (except for the other humans in kayaks and canoes). This is your classic bayou experience and at this point you will be far enough away from the highway that you will probably just hear the sounds of nature. It’s great.

What will you see? There are some great cypress trees and tall grass on the banks. There are plenty of birds and alligator gars. Actual alligators? Of course there are alligators, it’s Louisiana. However, you might not notice them if they see you first they will just duck underwater. If you do want to spot them, just look ahead in the water for something that looks like a floating stick that’s moving too fast. That’s probably not a stick. The visibility of alligators also depends on the season. You aren’t likely to see them during the winter (but you probably don’t want to go kayaking in cold weather either).

About halfway down the bayou towards the lake, there’s been a nice osprey nest. It’s in an old tree on the left side of the waterway. Go slow and quiet and hopefully you will see the animal. This is also the point where the bayou transitions from swamp trees to marsh and grasses. That means no more shade. Just a warning. Keep going and the bayou empties out into Lake Pontchartrain. At the mouth, the bayou the bottom is surprisingly sandy and the water sometimes clear. It’s shallow enough in some parts to get out and stand. On the side of the mouth you can also find small sandy beaches. These are great places to stop and just hang out for a little while.

As you head back to the landing, you might notice that it takes a little bit longer going up stream. It might not seem like there’s current in the bayou but there is. It shouldn’t be too bad but just make sure you plan accordingly. The downstream trip can take about an hour depending on how fast you paddle and then just a few minutes more to get back.

Now for some important questions and answers. When should you go to Cane Bayou? Well, it can get quite hot in the middle of the summer and really cold in the middle of the winter. Of course you already knew that. For me, the fall and spring are both great. My

favorite is to go in April or May when everything is green but it’s not all that hot (yet). Very early in the morning you get shade from the trees for part of the way and some of the birds are more active at this time. If you can go during the week, you might not see any other humans on the bayou. That makes it even more special.

What should you bring? Boaters should wear a life jacket or personal floating device. Yes, I know you are an expert swimmer but you just never know what’s going to happen until it actually happens. Also you will probably need some water. If you plan for a trip longer than a couple hours maybe you will need a snack. Bug spray and sunscreen are obviously very important. Wear clothes that can get wet–it’s a kayak after all and you are right by the water. If you want to get out on a beach, wear appropriate shoes. I also like to take photos with my phone and you don’t want to drop it. You can either tether the phone to your life jacket or get some type of flotation for it (they do make these). If you don’t take pictures, how will anyone know you actually kayaked Cane Bayou?

Divert & INSPIRE

In Service of Northshore Kids & Families

STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH PHOTOS CLEVELAND WESTER

When my straight-arrow, rule-following 16-year-old got caught in the middle of a chain reaction fender-bender on a stormy evening a few years ago, we were just glad he wasn’t hurt. And he was glad he wasn’t in trouble. Well, not with us, anyway. But when he was required to make an appearance in front of a judge a few weeks later, we were taken by surprise when he was given community service and ordered to meet with someone at the Youth Service Bureau.

To add insult to injury, a girl who’d been clocked driving over 100mph received a similar “sentence,” and one of his best friends managed to avoid having to appear in court for a traffic violation altogether. Oh, the injustice!

I figured it would just be a good “life’s not fair” kind of lesson, but it wound up being a much more rewarding experience. We went together to meet with the head of the YSB, a somewhat imposing, but kind gentleman named Cleveland Wester who counseled, advised and oversaw the mandatory community service, But even more importantly, he left a lasting impression on us. When I was asked to interview him recently, I immediately recalled our memorable interaction, and was curious to find out more about him.

If you’re not familiar with Cleveland or the Youth Service Bureau, congratulations. It may be because the kids in your life are either staying out of trouble or flying below the radar. Nonetheless, it should be comforting to us all that there’s an organization in our community that is dedicated to keeping kids out of the criminal justice system.

Founded in 1981 by a local judge who saw the need to serve troubled and at-risk youth in the Northshore area, it was originally designed to give juvenile lawbreakers the opportunity to make restitution for their crimes. It later expanded to include counseling services, and since then, several additional programs have been rolled out to address even more specific needs.

PHOTO JOEL TREADWELL

Today, there are five programs under the YSB umbrella. Each one is designed to either catch kids before they run into trouble, or redirect the ones that are already struggling.

• Crossroads is a diversion and prevention program for juveniles who have broken the law (this includes traffic offenses).

• Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) employs highly trained volunteers who speak in court for abused and neglected children.

• Families In Need of Services (FINS) provides resources and support for families of children with ungovernable behavior, such as running away and truancy.

• Options is a family-focused, licensed outpatient treatment program for adolescents who are experiencing problems with alcohol and/or drugs.

• Truancy and Assessment Service Center (TASC) is a prevention program that provides resources and support for children in grades K-5 and their families to reduce truancy and prevent juvenile delinquency.

Parents and caregivers can reach out directly for help, but the YSB also has partnerships with local community organizations, schools and court officials who provide referrals. Last year alone, the bureau’s four offices in Covington, Slidell, Franklinton and Bogalusa were able to provide assistance to 2200 St. Tammany and Washington Parish kids and families.

Cleveland came onboard and started helming the ship six years ago, personally overseeing each of these comprehensive programs. On paper, he’s clearly qualified for the job, having earned a Bachelor of Social Work in 1986 and a Master of Social Work with a specialty in Community and To

ysbworks.com

Organization in 2006. Plus, he’s currently finishing up his final dissertation and will soon obtain his doctorate degree in business. And while those qualifications are impressive, newsflash: kids don’t care about degrees and credentials. What makes Cleveland so uniquely qualified and effective in this role is his ability to relate to his young clients, thanks to his innate nature and the difficult childhood that he, himself, endured in South Florida.

Cleveland grew up with significant abuse, neglect and lack of stability or resources. He also moved 12 times before age 13, and most tragically, witnessed a close friend’s murder. Instead of surrendering to misfortune and mirroring the circumstances he was born into, he used all that pain and trauma as motivation.

“I decided at age 12 that going to school was better than being home, and I knew that I did not want to grow up to be like my parents. I was also lucky to find out early that I was good at sports, so my goals were to go to college, graduate, play in the NFL and help kids and families.”

Sure enough, he got himself accepted to college at age 16-and-a-half and soon became a standout running back who was inducted into his university’s football hall of fame in 2004.

“God blessed me with acceptance into Concordia University in Nebraska. My journey started and I knew I couldn’t fail or go back.”

After graduating from college at age 20, just as he’d planned, Cleveland signed a contract to play for the Detroit Lions. Though his professional football career was cut short by injuries, he fulfilled that final and most important goal to help kids stay out of trouble.

“The NFL was not my ultimate calling. This was.”

It’s not unheard of for professional athletes to work with non-profit organizations for tax breaks and good public relations, but serving as the CEO of Youth Service Bureau involves a lot more than lending his name and showing up for photo ops.

“I started from the bottom many years ago and worked my way up from floor staff to therapist to director, and now CEO at Youth Service Bureau. I know each program inside and out. Our main focus is advocacy, education, counseling and intervention. How do we keep kids from getting a record? How can we help them reach their fullest potential?”

Cleveland still retains the sturdy, athletic stature

of a professional football player, so I wondered if his physicality came in handy when dealing with kids who might be inclined to test boundaries and challenge authority. But the scared-straight, intimidating-drillsergeant approach is not his style.

“No, I’m firm, but fair. And I listen, but I give feedback. Kids respect that. They don’t give me a hard time. Never have.”

My son wound up serving out his community service by helping out with the St. Tammany Parish Library’s summer reading program and various special events over the span of a few weeks, which he thoroughly enjoyed. And while it wasn’t exactly doing hard time at Angola, the experience of standing up in front of a judge, abiding by a mandated work schedule and proving to Cleveland that he intended to stay out of trouble in the future was definitely an impactful glimpse into the criminal justice system.

Upon my son’s completion of the program, Cleveland shared some parting words. Far from a cookie-cutter exit speech, he addressed my son’s specific interests, hobbies and future plans. He encouraged him to keep his eyes on the prize and warned him about getting distracted or negatively influenced by any “knuckleheads” that might be hanging around. We both walked out of that office with smiles on our faces, feeling really buoyed by Cleveland’s upbeat attitude.

When I asked him about this tailored approach during our recent chat, he told me, “You’ve got to meet kids where they are. You’ve got to find out about them, understand their goals and encourage them to keep working towards them.”

Despite his perpetual positivity, there’s no way to have a 100% success rate. I asked about dealing with the heartbreak of kids who slip through the cracks despite intervention, and he replied with his signature optimism.

“There are a lot more good apples than bad. I’ve heard from kids that I worked with back in the 90s who thank me for what I did for them, and say they use the

same structure with their kids. And that’s what it’s all about.”

It’s truly remarkable that a 12-year-old could look around at his dire circumstances and formulate (and later successfully execute) a plan that would not only provide himself with an escape route, but would lead to a life of service. Far from harboring self pity for what he endured in his youth, Cleveland channels it into giving his all to helping kids and families every day.

“God has blessed me in so many ways, I wouldn’t go back and change a thing. I’m able to share my experiences with these kids, so they understand where I came from and that I could’ve made different choices. I could’ve sold drugs. Did my family and I need the money? Yes, of course. I could’ve become the biggest drug kingpin in Florida. But I chose differently. And so can they.”

The Youth Service Bureau is independently operated and funded by a combination of grants, subsidies and corporate and private donations. To donate your time or treasure, or to learn more about their programs, visit their website at ysbworks.com.

Walk into a Covington Business Association meeting and you’ll quickly discover it’s about far more than business cards and networking.

Yes, you’ll find entrepreneurs introducing themselves during the One Minute Drill. You’ll hear updates from city leaders, learn about upcoming events and probably leave with a handful of new contacts. But stay a little longer and something else becomes apparent. Conversations continue well after the meeting ends. Business owners become friends. Volunteers are recruited. Ideas become reality.

That sense of community has been at the heart of the Covington Business Association since its earliest days.

Long before downtown Covington became the thriving destination it is today a handful of local business owners recognized that if they wanted their city to succeed they would have to work together.

According to founding president Cliff Bergeron those first conversations began in 2009. Downtown looked very different than it does today. Vacant storefronts lined several streets, businesses were struggling to attract customers and there was a growing desire to encourage people to rediscover Covington.

Then-Mayor Candace Watkins, Pam Keller, Director of Cultural Events for the City of Covington and a small group of merchants began meeting to discuss how they could promote downtown and support one another.

STORY SARAH BARRETT

PHOTOS COVINGTON BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

One of the group’s first projects was a publication called CARE, short for Covington Area Retailers. The magazine highlighted local businesses, featured walking maps and promoted community events. It was designed to encourage residents and visitors to spend more time exploring the unique shops, restaurants and galleries that made downtown Covington special.

As those meetings continued it became clear the group needed a stronger identity and a formal organization.

In 2011 the Covington Business Association officially incorporated as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit business organization. Bergeron became its first president, helping establish bylaws, organize leadership and create the framework that still guides the organization today.

PHOTO SARADA BONNETT

“When it became the Covington Business Association we created the bylaws, got incorporated with the state and organized the leadership,” Bergeron said.

The association began with roughly 20 members.

Today it has grown to more than 250 active members representing businesses across Covington and throughout St. Tammany Parish.

Bergeron credits much of that early growth to dedicated volunteers who believed in the organization’s mission. Among them was the late David Barfield whose enthusiasm and determination helped recruit many of the association’s first members.

“He believed in what we were trying to build,” Bergeron said.

Another idea that became a familiar sight around downtown was the Covington Business Association flag displayed outside member businesses. Inspired by a similar program in Mandeville the flags quickly became a symbol of businesses committed to supporting one another and investing in the community.

As membership increased so did the organization’s influence.

Monthly meetings evolved into much more than networking opportunities. Business owners gathered alongside elected officials, nonprofit leaders and community partners to discuss issues affecting Covington. Members shared ideas, promoted upcoming events and built relationships that often extended far beyond the meeting room.

“It’s about building relationships,” Bergeron said. “People do business with people they know.”

Over the years the association also became known for producing events that brought thousands of people downtown. block parties, Kokomo Stroll and Nightmare on Columbia have become annual traditions that introduce visitors to local businesses while creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors.

While the organization continues to celebrate its history it is also looking toward the future.

Current CBA President Orion Vantol understands what it feels like to be the newcomer.

He and his wife moved from Baton Rouge to Covington in 2020 after falling in love with the community during weekend visits. Looking for ways to become involved he discovered the Covington Business Association through the GoCovington website and joined as a member in late 2022.

Within a year he was invited to serve as marketing director and in July 2025 he was elected president.

Vantol is also the owner of Digital Neauxmad, a boutique marketing, branding, technology and consulting firm that works alongside businesses as an extension of their own teams.

“When I first joined I saw the CBA as the organization every business in Covington should belong to,” Vantol said. “As I became more involved I realized it could be so much more.”

His vision builds on the foundation established by the organization’s founders while expanding its role as a resource for local businesses.

“My vision is for the CBA to be the platform that makes owning and operating a business in Covington as easy as possible,” he said. “Whether that’s connecting business owners with local government, helping them find resources or introducing them to the right people, we’re here to create those relationships.”

For Vantol the association’s greatest value is not simply organizing events. It is creating an environment where meaningful relationships happen naturally.

“Our members aren’t just networking,” he said. “They’re becoming friends. They’re volunteering together, supporting nonprofits and helping each other succeed.”

He believes those connections become especially important as St. Tammany Parish continues to experience rapid growth.

Few would argue that the Northshore is changing. New neighborhoods continue to appear, businesses are opening at a record pace and national retailers are taking notice.

For many longtime residents that growth brings both excitement and concern.

Vantol believes the Covington Business Association can play an important role in helping preserve the qualities that have made Covington one of Louisiana’s most desirable communities.

“Growth is inevitable,” he said. “Our responsibility is to make sure that growth embraces what makes Covington special instead of changing it.”

He points to the community’s remarkable commitment to supporting local businesses.

“We have this incredible culture where people intentionally choose to support local businesses because they know those dollars stay here,” he said. “Those businesses sponsor youth sports, support nonprofits, donate to schools and reinvest in the community.”

That philosophy is one reason the association continues to grow, adding approximately 10 new members each month.

Vantol measures success differently than many organizations.

“If our members are thriving then we’re doing our job,” he said.

Helping guide that vision is Vice President Howard Harper, owner of Black Flower Records. Together they have focused on making meetings more welcoming, more engaging and more valuable for every member.

Whether someone is attending for the first time or has been a member for years they want everyone to feel included.

“We provide the platform,” Vantol said. “Whether you’re making business connections, looking for volunteers or simply getting to know your community, those opportunities start here.”

For Vantol the association’s success has never been about one person.

“It’s an incredible honor to serve as president of the Covington Business Association,” he said. “I’m fortunate to work alongside an outstanding board that gives their time, ideas and energy because they genuinely care about this community. Howard Harper and every member of our board bring something unique to the table and together we’re building on the foundation that so many others created before us.”

“But it’s really our members who make this organization what it is. Their enthusiasm, generosity and willingness to support one another make leading this organization easy. Every month I see business owners showing up not just for themselves but for each other. They’re supporting nonprofits, mentoring new businesses and celebrating each other’s successes. That’s what makes the CBA so special. It’s a privilege to be part of it.”

Today the Covington Business Association hosts monthly meetings that regularly bring together business owners, elected officials, nonprofit organizations and community leaders. Members hear updates from the City of Covington, learn about upcoming events and have the opportunity to introduce themselves and their businesses through the popular One Minute Drill. The meetings have become known for their relaxed atmosphere where conversations often continue long after the formal agenda has ended.

The association’s signature events including Final Friday, Kokomo Stroll and Nightmare on Columbia continue to showcase downtown Covington while encouraging residents and visitors to shop locally, dine locally and discover businesses they may not have otherwise visited.

Just as importantly the organization has become a bridge between the business community and local government, helping foster conversations that strengthen the city’s economy while preserving the character that has made Covington so unique.

Looking back Bergeron is proud of how far the organization has come.

Looking ahead Vantol believes its greatest contribution may still be in front of it.

As Covington continues to grow the Covington Business Association remains committed to the same idea that inspired those first meetings more than 15 years ago. Through monthly meetings, community events and partnerships with local leaders the organization continues to connect people, strengthen businesses and champion the spirit that has made Covington one of Louisiana’s most vibrant communities.

“When local businesses work together,” Vantol said, “the whole community benefits.”

It is a philosophy that has guided the Covington Business Association from the beginning and one that its leaders hope will continue shaping the city’s future for years to come.

TANGIPAHOA NATIVE

GEORGIA’S T P DAWG

STORY

When you hear about Ayla Guzzardo leading the Georgia Lady Bulldogs as their head coach, it’s hard not to feel a surge of pride – especially if you’re from Tangipahoa Parish. Her story isn’t just about basketball; it’s about family roots, small-town grit, and having the ambition to make big dreams real.

Ayla’s journey started right here in Tangipahoa. She grew up in a close-knit family and a community that cheered her on from the start. Growing up, Ayla was surrounded by a hardworking, supportive, and fiercely loyal family that laid the foundation for Ayla’s determined spirit.

“I’m excited, I’m humbled, and I know I’m going to work hard, which will translate both on and off the court,” said Ayla during a recent press conference.

Her love for basketball blossomed at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School, where she quickly became a standout player. She was the kind of player who hustled on every play, dove for loose balls, and lifted her teammates when they needed it most. Coaches and classmates still talk about how she played with heart – the kind you only get from someone who truly loves the game and the community she represents.

Early on, Ayla also became a leader off the court. Her teachers remember her as someone who always had a smile, was quick to lend a hand, and brought a little extra sunshine into every room. That blend of athleticism and genuine kindness made her a force to be reckoned with – and a role model for younger students looking up to her. After high school, Ayla’s journey took her beyond Tangipahoa, but she never forgot where she came from. She played college ball, honed her skills, and began carving out her path as a coach. One of her biggest milestones came when she became head coach for the Southeastern Louisiana University Lady Lions. At Southeastern, just a stone’s throw from her hometown, Ayla turned the program around and made a name for herself as a passionate, energetic leader who could inspire her players to believe in themselves. Every step of the way, her hometown roots kept her grounded. Whether she was facing tough losses or celebrating big wins, Ayla always picked up the phone and called home. Those conversations with her family reminded her why she started this journey in the first place.

Fast forward to today, and Ayla Guzzardo is at the helm of the Georgia Lady Bulldogs, inspiring a new generation of athletes. She coaches with the same passion she had as a player at St. Thomas Aquinas, and her players can feel it. Ayla’s story is one of perseverance and staying true to your roots –proof that a small-town girl from Tangipahoa can make it to the big stage, all while carrying her hometown pride in every step.

So, the next time you see Ayla Guzzardo leading her team to victory, remember: she’s not just a coach – she’s a hometown hero, showing the world what Tangipahoa is all about. As Ayla shared with a smile...

“We’re all in this together, GO DAWGS!”

COMMUNITY LEADERS

Much of the charm of downtown Covington is our historical 19th and 20th century architecture. Much of the vibrancy of downtown Covington is our outstanding cuisine. Often the two collide creating a charming and vibrant experience.

The Seiler Bar and Columbia Street Tap Room are located in the 20th century building that was once the Seiler Hotel. Meribo, Coffee Rani and New Orleans Seafood and Spirits rise above 19th century Lee Lane. The historic Southern Hotel is home to The Gloriette. Many of us old timers recall when the best oyster po-boy in the world was served at Nathan’s Bar on Gibson … which today Mattina Bella calls home. Arguably, the best donuts on the north shore are found at Butter Krisp located in what has historically been Butter Krisp.

Buster’s Place Restaurant and Oyster Bar operates from the same space where the owner’s great grandmother once served as one of America’s first female insurance brokers and is named for the grandfather that continued Aubert Insurance there as well. The Greyhound is in the same building that once housed the Greyhound bus station. Del Porto Ristorante was once Hebert’s Drugs. Before that, it was the Frederick–Planche Ford Dealership and originally was a silent movie theater (Park Theater) complete with burlesque stage.

LOLA, with its train dining car, is in the “new” train depot – constructed in the 1920’s to replace the old 19th century train depot on Gibson Street. This old train station was the destination of Homer Plessy in 1892 … the trip he never took. As a child, Lee Harvey Oswald resided on Vermont Street. Some say at today’s Valencia. Some say it was next door.

Culinary artists abound in Covington. Some just happen to be in delightful, historical, architectural gems. Together they make Covington … Covalicious.

Summer is off to a great start in Slidell!

On July 1, I was honored to join the members of the Slidell City Council and Slidell Police Chief Tommy Williams as we took the Oath of Office during the City of Slidell’s Inauguration Ceremony. We all look forward to working together to serve the citizens of Slidell and continue moving our community forward.

In July, our community came together to celebrate Independence Day and our nation’s 250th anniversary. Through the Rotary Clubs’ Slidell Heritage Festival, the City of Slidell’s Celebrate America 250 Golf Cart Parade, and the Olde Towne Merchants Association’s Independence Day Festival and Fireworks Spectacular, we honored our military, first responders, and the many men and women who have helped preserve the freedoms established by our Founding Fathers in 1776. These events showcased the patriotism and community spirit that make Slidell such a special place to call home.

While Independence Day has passed, America 250 is much more than a single day or weekend of festivities. Throughout the coming months, I encourage everyone to reflect on our nation’s history, remember those who have served, and celebrate the freedoms we enjoy every day because of their service and sacrifice.

And summer is far from over! I invite everyone to join us for the 9th Annual White Linen and Lagniappe on Saturday, August 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell. Enjoy live entertainment, artists and vendors, delicious food and cold drinks, unique shopping, and an evening of fun with family and friends while supporting our local restaurants and businesses.

I look forward to seeing you there and to continuing to celebrate all that makes Slidell such a great community.

Mark Johnson City of Covington Mayor

Randy Fandal

City of Slidell Mayor

Camouflaging Nature

e Killdeer Bird.

Camouflaging

STORY NANCY HALE

PHOTOS NANCY HALE

At first glance, my driveway seems like one of the worst places imaginable for a bird to build a nest. Cars come and go, people walk by, and the marina is just a short distance away. Yet every spring, one remarkable little bird proves that sometimes the most unlikely places are exactly where nature thrives.

The killdeer, a familiar shorebird throughout St. Tammany Parish, has adapted in an extraordinary way. Rather than nesting along quiet beaches, these birds often choose gravel driveways, parking lots, rocky paths, and open fields. Their choice seems risky until you notice the eggs.

Or rather, until you don’t.

The four beautifully speckled eggs blend so perfectly into the gravel that they virtually disappear. What looks like a random collection of small stones is actually one of nature’s best examples of camouflage. Unless you know exactly where to look, you’ll likely walk right past them.

For the past several weeks, I’ve had the privilege of watching one pair raise their family right outside my home.

Watching the parents has been fascinating. While killdeer don’t necessarily stay together for life, they are outstanding partners during nesting season. They take turns sitting on the eggs while the other heads off to feed. Their routine is almost perfectly timed, and each bird knows exactly when it’s time to take over.

Their parenting instincts are even more impressive when danger approaches.

If a predator, or even a curious human, gets too close, the parent suddenly runs away from the nest while dragging one wing behind as though it has been badly injured. The dramatic performance is entirely intentional. The bird hopes the predator will follow what appears to be an easy meal and leave the well-hidden eggs behind. Once the danger is safely away from the nest, the “injured” bird suddenly recovers and flies off. Sometimes both parents participate in the performance until the threat has passed.

Then came the day I had been waiting for.

For the first time in my life, I watched the chicks hatch.

Within hours, the parents carried away every broken eggshell, leaving no trace that a nest had ever existed. By the following day, four tiny chicks were already running through the driveway, across the yard, and toward the marina. Unlike many baby birds, killdeer chicks don’t spend weeks waiting in a nest. They are up and moving almost immediately.

One of the sweetest sights was watching the chicks dart beneath their mother’s wings whenever they wanted warmth or protection. One moment they were fearlessly exploring the world. The next, they had completely disappeared beneath her feathers, safe and secure until they were ready for another adventure.

I’m happy to report that all four chicks survived and are now exploring the neighborhood. I even wonder if one of the adults may have hatched in this very driveway last year, returning to a place that proved to be a successful nursery.

Perhaps the greatest lesson these little birds have taught me isn’t about adaptation or survival, although they’ve mastered both. It’s about paying attention.

As a photographer, I’ve always found myself looking for beauty. My camera has taught me to notice the light, the details, and the small moments that many people simply walk past. Lately, I’ve found myself slowing down even more and taking the time to simply watch. In doing so, I witnessed one of the most incredible stories unfolding just a few feet from my front door.

How many moments like these do we miss because we’re looking at a screen instead of the world around us?

Nature doesn’t ask us for much. It simply asks us to notice.

Sometimes the most extraordinary stories aren’t found in distant places. Sometimes they’re hidden in plain sight, waiting in a gravel driveway for someone willing to stop, look closely, and appreciate the wonder of everyday life.

NATURE DOESN’T ASK US FOR MUCH. IT SIMPLY ASKS US

COMMUNITY LEADERS

The past couple of months have brought a lot of change to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, but one thing that has never changed is the men and women of this agency have continued showing up every day to serve this community.

When I was asked to step into the role of Interim Sheriff, my goal was to provide steady leadership, support our employees and make sure the people of St. Tammany continued receiving the level of service they’ve come to expect.

Our deputies, detectives, corrections employees, dispatchers and support staff never missed a beat. They continued answering calls, investigating crimes, patrolling neighborhoods and serving this parish with professionalism and integrity. They are the reason this agency has earned the respect of our community.

Seeing voters approve the renewal of the law enforcement millage was especially meaningful because it wasn’t about one person. It was about the people who wear this badge and the ones who work behind the scenes to keep St. Tammany a safe and great place to live.

To every employee of this Sheriff’s Office, thank you. This was your victory. You earned the confidence of this community through your hard work, professionalism and dedication, especially during a challenging time. I couldn’t be prouder to serve alongside you.

And to the citizens of St. Tammany Parish, thank you for your trust. We know that trust has to be earned every day, and that’s exactly what we’ll continue working to do.

As we get closer to electing the next Sheriff, I have one request. Take the time to learn about the candidates. Ask questions. Look at their experience, their leadership and their vision for this agency. This is an important decision for the future of public safety in our parish, and I hope voters will make that decision based on qualifications and character and not simply on name recognition or politics.

I’m honored to serve this community during this transition time, and I’m confident the Sheriff’s Office will remain strong because of the dedicated people who make up this agency.

Bret Ibert

St. Tammany

Parish Interim Sheriff

IN JUST ONE PLACE — AND NEITHER ARE WE!

Northshore Media Group gives your business powerful exposure across radio, print, podcasts, digital, social media and more — creating advertising that people hear, see and remember.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS LIVE!!!

NORTHSHORE MEDIA GROUP

Keeps Local Football Traditions Alive

There is something special about Friday nights in Southeast Louisiana.

As the sun sets and stadium lights illuminate football fields across St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington and eastern Livingston parishes, communities come together to celebrate one of our region’s most treasured traditions: high school football. The sounds of marching bands fill the air, cheerleaders energize the crowd, and hometown fans pack the stands to cheer on the next generation of local athletes.

For those who cannot make it to the game, Northshore Media Group ensures they never miss a moment.

For decades, local radio has been the soundtrack of Friday night football. Long before livestreams and social media, families gathered around their radios to hear every

touchdown, interception, and game-winning drive. Today, Northshore Media Group proudly continues that tradition, bringing the excitement of local football to listeners across the Northshore.

Each Friday night, our Games of the Week showcase the biggest matchups from schools across St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, and eastern Livingston parishes. Fans can tune in on Lake 94.7, Kajun 107.1 and Tangi 96.5 or listen online from virtually anywhere, allowing alumni, families, and supporters to stay connected no matter where life has taken them.

These broadcasts are about much more than the final score.

They tell the stories behind the helmets, introducing listeners to student-athletes who dedicate countless hours to their teams

while balancing academics, family, and community involvement. They recognize the coaches who mentor young leaders, the bands that create unforgettable halftime performances, the cheerleaders who inspire school spirit, and the countless volunteers who make Friday nights possible.

For many listeners, our broadcasts provide an important connection to home. Grandparents who can no longer climb stadium steps, parents working evening shifts, military families stationed away from Louisiana, and former students living across the country can all experience the excitement of hometown football through the familiar voices of Northshore Media Group.

Our dedication to local sports is part of our commitment to the communities we serve. While national media focuses on professional and collegiate athletics, we

believe the stories unfolding on local high school fields deserve to be celebrated. Every broadcast shines a spotlight on young athletes who represent their schools with pride and reminds us why high school football remains such an important part of life across the Northshore.

From season-opening kicko s to district rivalries and playo battles, Northshore Media Group is proud to bring communities together every Friday night.

Because on the Northshore, football is more than a game. It is tradition. It is community. It is hometown pride.

So grab your school colors, turn up Lake 94.7, Kajun 107.1 or Tangi 96.5 and join us each Friday night as we celebrate the teams, schools and communities that make high school football one of Louisiana’s greatest traditions.

our turn: by Karen Moses

ABOUT KAREN MOSES

In every issue, EDGE of the Lake invites a local chef or restaurateur to visit another eatery on the Northshore.

Leonardo’s Trattoria & Pizzeria in Mandeville has earned a reputation for serving up the finest authentic Sicilian dining experience around in a warm, friendly atmosphere. While they still offer all the traditional dishes that Chef Leonardo Giarraputo brought over from Italy, new owner Karen Moses, who took over the reins in January, has expanded the menu to include some new specials and specialty pizzas, as well as a few of her signature desserts, like homemade cheesecake and Key Lime pie. Located in the Magnolia Plaza shopping center on Florida Street in the heart of Mandeville, Leonardo’s is open for lunch and dinner every Monday through Saturday.

A group of my girlfriends and I call ourselves “The Golden Girls” and we enjoy trying new restaurants together. I was born and raised in Covington, and we’ve never had an Indian restaurant around here before, so I was excited when three of us recently decided to visit Mantra Indian Cuisine.

They’ve got a great location on Highway 22 in the Azalea Square shopping center, which is easy to find and there’s ample parking. We reserved a table for 5pm on a Sunday and we were greeted by the owner and seated right away. They had live music and it was elegantly decorated with velvet booths and chandeliers. It was busy with several large tables of people celebrating Father’s Day, but not overly crowded.

The menu offered a lot of classic and creative choices. But while I have an eclectic palette, I’d never eaten at an Indian restaurant before, so I appreciated how helpful and knowledgeable the server was, easily answering all of our questions and making great suggestions.

We started out with their Mantra Margaritas and a Mango Mojito, which were really good, flavorful and had nice presentations with colorful garnishes. They were slight twists on the classic drinks, with tamarind and simple syrup added to the Margarita, and mango flavoring added to the traditional Cuban Mojito.

For appetizers, we shared a Naan Bread Sampler, which was a combination of freshly baked classic naan, garlic naan and spicy bullet naan. We also shared the delicious Garlic Shrimp, which had an intoxicating aroma, vibrant color and was cooked in a tangy, sweet garlic sauce.

Our entrees were all large enough to share, so we got to sample a little of each. The Butter Chicken, which is one of their featured dishes, is perfectly tender and served in a creamy, buttery, brightly colored tomato sauce with curry and other aromatic spices. The Tandoori Salmon is marinated in yogurt, lemon and spices, then specially grilled to give it a nice smoky flavor and tender texture. Finally, the Lamb Biryani is sort of like Indian jambalaya. It’s a mix of nicely cooked lamb, fresh herbs, garlic, onion, bell peppers and basmati rice.

Each one was delicious and had amazing aromas. While I enjoy spicy food, I wondered if any of the dishes might be too much for me, but they all had great, complex flavors with just enough heat.

For dessert, we each had coffee and we shared their Creamy Custard, which is a Venezuelan flan with caramelized sugar and condensed milk. It had a nicely balanced, traditional flavor with just the right sweetness and a smooth consistency.

We really didn’t know what to expect when we walked in, but we wound up enjoying everything. In addition to the great service and delicious food, we appreciated that the portions were large enough for sharing. They also offer an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for even more sampling.

I’d definitely recommend Mantra to others for dinners with family, nights out with friends or special occasions, like birthdays and anniversaries. It’s eclectic, the food and atmosphere are great and it’s truly one of a kind on the Northshore.

Brook It Forward Foundation hosted its first Birthdays & All That Jazz Brunch fundraiser, raising money to support its mission of bringing birthday boxes to children in crisis.

The Summer 2026 Healing Arts Exhibition celebrated the healing power of art, made possible by the commitment and hard work of the exhibition committee. The art is on display at the St. Tammany Parish Hospital.

The Nest by Stork Wellness Collective celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting at its new Covington location, welcoming the community to a space dedicated to supporting women and families through every stage of parenthood.

EDGE caught World Cup fever and traveled to Atlanta to cheer on England alongside thousands of passionate fans.

City of Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal and Chief of Police Tommy Williams were officially sworn into office during a ceremony marking the beginning of their new terms of service to the community.

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