Edge August September 2025

ART - FOOTBALL - KATRINA - SOCIAL - BUSINESS

Get back in the game

At Ochsner Andrews Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, we understand the importance of getting you back in the game. Whether your injury is minor or something more complex, our multidisciplinary team of orthopedics and sports medicine providers, concussion specialists, certified physical therapy specialists will work with you to develop a customized care plan to fit your needs.

• Same-day, next day and Saturday morning appointments

• Recovery options to maintain high-level performance

• Serving 12+ local school programs with locations in Slidell, Covington, Hammond, Diamondhead and Bay St. Louis

For more information call 985-898-7272 or visit ochsner.org/sportsmedicine

Welcome to our high school football preview issue. It’s hard to believe the season is almost here. Across the Northshore, stadium lights will soon shine bright again as teams take to the field, and communities come together to cheer them on. There’s nothing quite like Friday night football to bring people of all ages together.

This issue also marks a somber anniversary. It has been twenty years since Hurricane Katrina changed the lives of so many. Kim Bergeron shares powerful images from the aftermath of the storm, alongside photographs from today. Her work reminds us just how far we’ve come and how resilient our community truly is. The strength, determination and heart of the people in this region continue to inspire.

The Northshore is a place like no other. Its beauty, both natural and cultural, runs deep. Every issue, we meet more people who contribute to the character and story of this place. They are artists, athletes, historians, educators and small business owners. They are the ones who weave the fabric of our area and help define who we are.

We’re proud to share their stories with you. As always, thank you for reading and for being part of the EDGE of the Lake community.

PUBLISHER

Cover Photo

Jerry Cottrell

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.

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 2025 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.

Latter Still Blooms

STORY DEMI GUILLORY

PHOTOS

BY

ABBY SANDS

Before April of 2024, Compass was operating outside Louisiana as the leading real estate company in the country. Meanwhile, Latter & Blum, a name as recognizable as other well-established businesses like Boh Brothers and Domino Sugar, continued its long reign locally as the number one real estate company. Both leaders in the same industry servicing different areas, the two companies independently met success under names that quite simply spoke for themselves.

However, a change was quietly taking shape behind the scenes that would merge the two brokerage forces together, creating an even stronger agency for the people of Louisiana. Latter & Blum, founded in New Orleans in 1916, was officially acquired by Compass last spring, undergoing an initial transition phase where the company was co-branded using both names. Fast forward to today, Compass is fully operational under its sole name with the same Northshore offices in Mandeville and Covington.

What makes Compass special is the heart of what made Latter & Blum a leader in New Orleans and the surrounding Gulf Coast region. Reflecting on what the merger has represented above all, Lacey Conway, formerly the CEO of Latter & Blum and currently the Executive Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions for Compass, was confident in her answer given the history and reputation of the local real estate giant. “Latter & Blum grew to be the #1 real estate firm in the region because of the quality, local service that we offered to each of our clients,” said Conway. Leaders, she added, in the community who are fiercely dedicated to serving with “integrity and respect.”

The good news? The Latter and Blum legacy has not ended. It continues with even greater potential under Compass, and Conway is proud to be a part of honoring Latter and Blum’s storied history. A new name and brand “only builds on this strong, local foundation,” she said. “We want clients to know that Compass in Louisiana and Mississippi is still a local company providing the same local service that they’ve come to expect from us. But now, that service is even greater.”

Priscilla Morse has been the managing broker of the Mandeville branch since 2018 and is motivated by the potential for greater success this change brings–not only for Compass but the people it serves. “We are local, we are national and we are global,” Morse emphasized. Compass has an origin story based in tech, and Morse says that this distinction helps set the company apart from others when it comes to their capacity to truly deliver for their clients.

Coupled with their unmistakable service is the modern technology Morse credited for the level of service Compass offers. These combined forces are assets that are hard to replicate. “Compass,” Conway explained, “leverages cutting-edge technology to provide data-driven insights, streamlined processes, and innovative tools for agents and clients. This acquisition means [we] have access to Compass’ advanced technology and national network, potentially transforming how real estate transactions are conducted in our region.”

Blooms As Compass

MANDEVILLE LOCATION

1151 N CAUSEWAY BLVD, MANDEVILLE 985.626.5695

Working as an agent alongside Morse, Jennifer Schaff-Mutter echoes the enthusiasm about the unique technology driving the company to renowned accomplishment. Compass, as Mutter put it, is home to “some of the smartest people in the world.” A large contributor to this is the development of The Compass 3-Phased Marketing Strategy which involves launching a property in three stages to maximize exposure and price. Just like many companies test products with a smaller audience before launch, listing a home as a Compass Private Exclusive allows sellers to test price, gain critical insights, generate early demand, and extend the marketing runway–all before going public. Then, Compass Coming Soon allows sellers to publicly launch their property on Compass.com, showcasing it to all agents and consumers on the internet without displaying days on market or price drop history. Armed with feedback from agents and buyers, Compass agents can then strategically launch the home on the public market to help ensure maximum demand and confidence to achieve the best outcome for clients.

Some clients who are more vulnerable to difficulty navigating the current challenges in real estate benefit the most from the innovative Compass model. Mutter has witnessed its impact firsthand, recalling a recent experience with an older client and how the built-in advantages within the company, like The Compass 3-Phased Marketing Strategy, have significantly made the selling process a much smoother experience. “We’ve had a lot of success selling houses before they even become active, or sometimes they never become active in the real MLS,” said Mutter of the beauty of their Compass Private Exclusives. “No other real estate agency has anything like that.”

For Sales Manager Ashley Nguyen of the Covington Compass office, this reliance on superior technology is not a bold statement or advertisement to attract potential clients. “Our platform gives our agents everything they

need to support their clients at the highest level, from start to finish.” An essential selling point for clients choosing the right agent is an easy, relatively stress-free experience–one that Nguyen promises Compass can deliver. “[Our technology is] not just flashy–it actually works and makes a difference. Our clients get 24/7 transparency–so you’re never in the dark about what’s happening with your sale or purchase.” Communication and collaboration are important in building trust between agent and client, and the Compass team utilizes all of their vast resources to ensure all needs are met.

But like any good success story, there are multiple layers that contribute to its profound influence. World-renowned technology is only part of the story, and while it is one that the passionate Compass team takes great pride in, they are most proud of how their service impacts the people who ultimately determine their success.

“When you work with a Compass agent, you can expect top superior service,” Nguyen shared. From the first conversation to well after closing, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.” It is the same commitment by the same team who made Latter & Blum a household name in the region–the same “seamless, customized” experience with “transparency and efficiency” that you always could rely on, Conway added. The only difference? The merger has brought more assets to emphasize what already made Latter & Blum special to the people of Louisiana.

A choice for Compass is a choice for unparalleled support in any real estate circumstance. Or, as Mutter simply said, “when you hire one of us, you’re hiring 100 [of us]. We still have the top agents, and we’re all very inclusive and want to help each other.” Slight changes, like a new name or paint color on the walls of both Northshore offices, may be noticeable, but the things that did not change are more impressive–the foundation of a company firmly intact with the heartbeat of a team of agents who prioritize the success of others above their own. “I feel incredibly lucky to lead a team of agents who are passionate about their work and deeply rooted in our Northshore community,” Nguyen said of the honor she acknowledges in her position as manager. “My role is all about supporting, coaching, mentoring, and helping them grow professionally.”

Over at the Mandeville office, Morse takes her job as the managing broker equally as seriously, being a physical presence in the office as often as she can. In her own words, “I am a hands-on manager, and I’m here Monday through Friday, from 7:15 or 7:30 until about 3:30 or four in the afternoon.” Her presence is not only practical or necessary to fulfill her administrative duties, it is important for both her team and her clients to know she is there and can be counted on in any situation–even when she is not there, she is always a phone call, email, or text away.

This level of commitment is not a rarity, but it is representative of how Compass consistently leads the industry in service and reliability. Fifteen months following the acquisition, there

COVINGTON LOCATION

806 S TYLER ST, COVINGTON

985.626.8589

are no signs of slowing down for the brokerage. In fact, the Northshore team at Compass are more energized than ever by what the merger continues to offer. “More tools, more resources, and more ways for our agents to serve their clients even better,” Nguyen said when looking back on the last year.

As the team reflects, they are also looking ahead to what’s next and what more they can do to preserve and advance the level of excellence associated with Compass. What does that entail? “In the short term, Compass aims to integrate Latter & Blum’s local operations smoothly, enhance service quality, and expand our client base,” answered Conway. “Our long-term goals,” she added, “include increasing market share in the Southern U.S., fostering technological innovation, and maintaining leadership in real estate services.”

If the present is bright at Compass, the future is even brighter. Mutter knows this personally as her 18-year old daughter recently obtained her license and is working as her assistant. “[This change] has given a lot of us reason to up our game,” she said. Nguyen shares the same sentiment and is appreciative for the way the changes have made her love for the work she does stronger. “It’s brought a fresh energy and a new level of excitement to our office, and it’s been amazing to see how it’s elevating the way we serve our clients.”

Across the broader region, Compass shares this optimistic outlook for the future. “We are so excited to bring our leading real estate platform for buyers, sellers, and agents to the Gulf South,” said Rachel Hocevar, President of Compass’ Southern Markets and a New Orleans native. “We are committed to success with a combination of our national reach and the local expertise of our incredible agents and employees.”

Morse, Mutter, Conway, and Nguyen make up a small but important part of the Compass team who are ready and more prepared than they have ever been to serve the people of the Northshore. “We live here, we work here, and we care about our community,” Nguyen said. “So when you’re ready, or even just curious, reach out. We’d love to be part of our journey.

Blake Latiolais, B1 Studio LLC.

Pictured: Brothers Kobe and Ryan Szura

STORY BETSY O’LEARY PHOTOS JOHNNY CHAUVIN

When you first arrive and walk through the dealership’s doors, you’ll feel a change in the atmosphere.

It’s noticeable, not only in the architecture of this first-of-its-kind Kia dealership design, but most importantly, in the culture of the team and the friendliness that exudes from each person you meet.

In fact, you may step right into a Louisiana-style celebration complete with impromptu music, dancing, and cheering as the team members and customers relish in the excitement of their new car purchase.

This is the culture of “Buy Happy, Drive Happy” that the Szura family has brought with them to Kia of Covington from their highly successful first Kia franchise in East Texas. The Szuras and Happy Kia in Silsbee, Texas, were recognized as the number one Kia store in the nation for customer satisfaction for three years running.

In this day and age of corporate entities, Kia of Covington is truly a familyowned and operated business. From Father, Kevin Szura, who is the Dealer Principal, to both his sons, Ryan Szura, General Manager and leader of daily operations, and Kobe Szura, leading the sales team as General Sales Manager. It’s not just the three of them, but their wives, children, and grandchildren who are part of this “Happy” endeavor in relocating and immersing themselves into our

Kia of Covington opened in February 2025 and, in a short span, has consistently been the number one volume Kia dealership in the State of Louisiana and the Southern Region. In a time when many dealerships struggle with inventory shortages, the dealership

boasts an impressive selection on hand, with at least 300 vehicles on the lot at any given time and access to over 500 in rotation, ensuring customers never have to compromise on their choice.

“Our manufacturer partners promised us we’d never run out of options, and Kia has kept that promise,” Ryan says.

The Szura family’s commitment to our area and community is as strong as their dedication to customer care. Ryan adds, “Moving to Covington wasn’t just a business decision, it was a family commitment. Ryan, his wife, and their children relocated in early 2023, actively engaging themselves in the area long before the dealership doors opened. Since arriving, they’ve supported local schools, youth sports teams, and civic organizations, quickly becoming a positive force on the Northshore.

“Here, our family includes our employees, our employees’ families, our customers, and our community,” Ryan says. Kia of Covington employs 60 staff members and is growing, providing jobs and opportunities to local families. Even customers feel like they are part of something bigger.

From the lifetime perks to the friendly waves you’ll get every time you stop in, Kia of Covington is redefining what a dealership can be. Here, happiness drives everything, and that is something worth celebrating.

“ “We love seeing customers bring their kids to ring our sales gong or to stop by and just say hello,” Ryan shares with a smile. “This is more than a place to buy a car. It's a place to belong.”

The Kia of Covington staff work hard to build life-long relationships.

Where will a Christ Episcopal School education take you?

Christ Episcopal School graduates are accepted to and attend some of the finest colleges and universities in the country (and beyond)!

Just since 2020, we’ve added the following Ivy League penants to our esteemed acceptance wall: Princeton, Yale, Harvard, Columbia, and Brown universities and the University of Pennsylvania. In our 13 years of graduating classes, our students have been accepted to more than 280 additional prestigious colleges and universities, including Stanford, UVA, Tulane, TCU, Rice, Savannah College of Art and Design, and the University of Notre Dame, just to name a few.

And, if that’s not impressive enough, we also boast alumni who have received a U.S. military academy appointment or otherwise served our country and those who have furthered their academic endeavors as athletes, including at the Division I level!

We can’t say for sure where your path will lead as a Christ Episcopal School graduate. What we can tell you is that the outstanding elements of a CES education–faculty members who are second to none, opportunities that support all interests, and the ever-present goal to tailor the academic experience to each individual student–will prepare you to take the first steps on that path. A path filled with confidence, an appreciation for the world around us, and an academic foundation that was built on curiosity and independent thinking.

Fall Open House Events

Upper School (Grades 8-12) • october 14 • 8:30 a.m.

early childhood (EPK-K) • october 8 • 9 a.m.

Reach out now to learn more about grades Early Pre-K through 12

Contact Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management

Molly Heurtin at mheurtin@christepiscopalschool.org.

NORTHSHORE MEDIA GROUP

It’s that time of year again , Friday nights under the lights are back! Don’t miss a minute of the action as Northshore Media Group brings you live broadcasts of local high school football on your favorite stations: Lake 94.7, Kajun 107.1, and Tangi 96.5.

Then, wake up with us every Saturday morning for a complete roundup of all the local gridiron action! Catch “At the Goal Line” on Lake 94.7 and Highway 104.7, and tune into “Under the Hood” on Tangi 96.5 for in-depth analysis, scores, and highlights.

From everyone at Northshore Media Group, we wish all our teams, coaches, and fans a healthy, safe, and successful season. Let’s make this a year to remember!

* Schedules subject to change

ARCHBISHOP HANNAN HAWKS BOGALUSA LUMBERJACKS

The 2024 Archbishop Hannan Hawks endured a difficult season under Coach Steven Soper, finishing just 2–10 overall and winless in district play. Despite flashes of grit—including a playoff win over St. Michael (29–20) before falling to Vandebilt Catholic (9–49)—the Hawks struggled on both sides of the ball. On defense, Hannan allowed 44 points per game, conceding 40+ in nine of ten contests. Looking ahead to 2025, the Hawks followed an aggressive pre-season regimen of weight training, conditioning, and practice. The Hawks had some key losses to graduation. Now they aim to build around key veterans while bringing along younger players as quickly as possible. The O line returns Brennan Jarrell, OL Elijah Williamson, Jude Monier, and Max Hand. The defensive backfield returns LB Greyson Dupre, S Paul Hoyt, and CB Keaton Wheeler. It might be Braden Sprang under center as the replacement for graduating Brody Smith. With some experience returning on both offense and defense, Hannan seeks a significant bounce-back season in 2025. Growth at the quarterback position, improved line play, and a hungry defensive unit all point toward a team determined to redefine itself after a challenging campaign.

Sept 5 7 PM (A) Northlake Christian

Sept 12 7 PM (A) Ascension Episcopal

Sept 19 7 PM Catholic of Pointe Coupee

Sept 26 7 PM (A) CCA

Oct 2 7 PM Saint Thomas Aquinas

Oct 10 7 PM (A) Pearl River

Oct 17 7 PM Loranger

Oct 24 - - - - BYE

Oct 31 7 PM (A) Lakeshore

Nov 7 7 PM Franklinton

The Bogalusa Lumberjacks had a challenging 2024 season, finishing 2–8 overall and 2–3 in District 8-3A play, landing fourth place in the standings. Their season ended with a 37–12 loss to Lakeside in the first round of the non-select Division III playoffs. Despite the tough results, Bogalusa showcased resilience. They had previously earned a solid playoff win over Loreauville in 2023, showing postseason promise. However, that momentum didn’t carry into 2024, where they struggled in district play with only two wins, highlighting inconsistency on both sides of the ball. Under fourth-year head coach Cyril Crutchfield, attention now shifts to a rebuilding 2025 campaign. The team lost key talent—most notably in a dual-threat quarterback. With a roster that lists only four seniors, this will be a young team, with multiple players capable of playing on both sides of the ball. Sophomore Deontae Isman could step in at QB, and he’ll have to move because the line looks a little thin. And the defense will have to find a way to improve over last year’s campaign, where they game up more than 40 points six times.

Sept 5 - - - - BYE

Sept 12 7 PM (A) S. Plaquemines

Sept 19 7 PM Salmen

Sept 26 - - - - BYE

Oct 2

BYE

Oct 10 - - - - BYE

Oct 17 7 PM (A) Sumner

Oct 24

Oct 31 7 PM Pine

Nov 7 7 PM (A) Albany

WE CARE FOR:

• Telehealth Appt.

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• Open 365 days

• Covid Testng

• Drug Screens

• On-Site XRAY

• Colds & Flus

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• UTI’s

The 2024 Covington Lions roared through a successful season, finishing 9–3 overall and 2–2 in District 6-5A, good for third place in a competitive field. They opened strong, dismantling Bogalusa 48–6, and closed district play with a firm 33–9 win over Ponchatoula. One tough district setback came courtesy of Mandeville in a narrow 35–33 loss, though starting QB Caden Heck still delivered 278 passing yards and three total TDs. As the 2025 campaign approaches, Coach Greg Salter aims to build on that momentum. The Lions return chiefly on defense with seven starters back, including defensive standouts like Max Guy and Termarkus Scott, aiming to bolster their front seven. Offensively, however, Covington faces key gaps, including very few returning offensive starters. And they have to find a new quarterback to replace Heck. Key players like Jiwaun Brock and Amari Smith, standout receivers from the previous season, are returning, along with other experienced players. With a promising defense and a reshaped offense, the Lions enter 2025 as a team in transition—capable, resilient, and hungry to translate past success into deeper playoff runs. The trip to St Paul’s Hunter Stadium to close the regular season could have huge implications.

Sept 5 7

Sept 12

Sept 19 7

Sept 26 7

Oct 3 7

Oct 10 7 PM (Mandeville

Oct 17

Oct 24

Oct 31 7

Nov 7 7

(A) Ponchatoula

FONTAINEBLEAU BULLDOGS

The Fontainebleau Bulldogs traveled a tough road for their 2024 campaign, finishing 3–7 overall and 1–3 in Class 5A District 7, placing fourth. They struggled on both sides of the ball, averaging just 14 points per game while giving up just over 30. A notable bright spot was a thrilling 35–34 district-opening win over Hammond in September, but inconsistency plagued them throughout the season. With veteran head coach John Kavanaugh entering his second year, the focus for 2025 is rebuilding through youth and establishing a strong running game. The offense will be led by dynamic sophomore running back Sheldon Asmore, and multidimensional Conner Tyson. The offensive line, though inexperienced, returns key pieces like Kenneth Primus and Henry May. Defensively, the Bulldogs bring back at least four starters, and will need their experience and leadership at linebacker and cornerback. Still, they will rely heavily on fresh faces and developing depth. For 2025 Fontainebleau looks to strengthen its identity by leaning on a stout running game and young defensive core. Improved consistency and cohesion are key as the Bulldogs strive to rise from the lower tier of District 7.

Sept 5 7 PM (A) Lakeshore

Sept 12

Sept 19

Sept 26

Oct 3

Oct 10 7

Oct

Oct 24 7 PM (A) Chalmette

Oct 31 7 PM Northshore

Nov 7 7 PM (A) Mandeville

COVINGTON LIONS

MANY, MANY YEARS AGO, SOME KING COMMISSIONED AN EGG AS A SYMBOL OF LUXURY AND OPULENCE.

FRANKLINTON DEMONS

The Franklinton Demons achieved a remarkable turnaround in the 2024 season under head coach Nick Saltaformaggio. After a 3–7 record in 2023, the Demons surged to a 12–2 finish, capturing their first district title in over a decade and advancing to the LHSAA Division II Non-Select State Championship. Their season culminated in a narrow 35–32 loss to Cecilia in the Superdome, ending an 11-game winning streak. Quarterback Jacob Crain led the offensive charge, passing for over 2,000 yards and earning Gridiron Football Player of the Week honors during a semifinal victory over Iowa. Running back Sy Austin contributed significantly, rushing for 147 yards and three touchdowns in the championship game. The defense, anchored by linebacker Elijah Hart and defensive tackle David Moore, played a pivotal role throughout the season. Looking ahead to 2025, the Demons aim to build on their success. While they will need to replace key players like Austin, the return of talents such as QB Jacob Crain and wide receiver Damikies McClain provides a solid foundation. The team’s resilience and depth suggest that Franklinton will remain a formidable contender in the coming season.

DATE TIME OPPONENT

Sept 5 7 PM (A) Amite

Sept 12 7 PM (A) Covington

Sept 19 7 PM Pine

Sept 26 7 PM (A) Fontainebleau

Oct 3 7 PM Sumner

Oct 10 - - - - Bye

Oct 17 7 PM Abbeville

Oct 24 7 PM Pearl River

Oct 31 7 PM (A) Loranger

Nov 7 7 PM Archbishop Hannan

The Hammond Tornadoes concluded the 2024 season with a 6–4 record, marking their first winning season since 2018. Under head coach Dorsett Buckels, the team demonstrated significant improvement, culminating in a 42–14 victory over Slidell. Quarterback Terin Jones showcased his dual-threat capabilities, passing for 146 yards and two touchdowns while also contributing on the ground. Running back Zalen Bennett was a standout performer, rushing for 101 yards and two touchdowns in the Slidell game. Defensively, the Tornadoes were formidable, recording nine sacks in the Slidell matchup alone. Defensive linemen Elontae Beauchamp and Melvin Wilson were instrumental in pressuring the opposing quarterback, each tallying three sacks. Looking ahead to 2025, Hammond aims to build upon the momentum of the previous season. The team will look to capitalize on the experience gained and continue their upward trajectory in the competitive landscape of Louisiana high school football. With a solid foundation and a commitment to improvement, the Tornadoes are poised for another successful season. They kick off the season again with Denham Springs, a solid opponent to see where the Tors stand right out of the gate.

Sept 5 7 PM Denham Springs

Sept 12 7 PM (A) Amite

Sept 19 7 PM (A) East St. John

Sept 26 7 PM L.W. Higgins

Oct 3 7 PM (A) Slidell

Oct 10 7 PM St. Paul’s Oct 17

(A) Mandeville

Covington

Salmen

Ponchatoula

HAMMOND TORNADOES

LAKESHORE TITANS

The Lakeshore Titans finished the 2024 football season with a 5–5 record, marking a solid performance in Class 4A District 7. Their season ended with a tough 41–40 loss to Franklinton in the Quarterfinals of the LHSAA Division II Non-Select playoffs. Despite this, the Titans demonstrated resilience and competitiveness throughout the season. Under the leadership of head coach Brent Indest, Lakeshore is poised for a promising 2025 season. The Titans will look for help from quarterback Brody Loudermilk and defensive lineman Issiah Koontz. Running back Dylan Cusachs, who had a strong 2024 season, is also expected to contribute significantly on both offense and defense in 2025. Oudrey Gros, who had over 20 touchdowns in 2024, will also be a key player on defense. The team’s improved offensive line and capable tight ends are expected to add a new dimension to their offense. With a blend of experienced upperclassmen and emerging talent, the Lakeshore Titans hope to build on the foundation laid in 2024 and contend for a deeper playoff run in the upcoming season.

MANDEVILLE SKIPPERS

Last year the Mandeville Skippers amassed a 9–1 regular season record, with the lone blemish coming from a squeaker of a game against St Paul’s. Their season was highlighted by a thrilling 35–33 victory over Covington in a battle of undefeated teams, showcasing their resilience and offensive prowess. However, their playoff run ended with a loss to West Monroe, concluding a season driven by their high-powered offense. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Mandeville aims to build upon their successful 2024 campaign. The team will rely on the leadership of head coach Craig Jones. Quarterback Ben Hendricks will have to continue his growth and the whole offense will need to build strong team chemistry to make up for the loss of players like Nate Sheppard, who is now playing for Duke. The offensive line will be crucial in maintaining the team’s strong running game. Defensively, the Skippers look to improve from the previous season, and they’ll use speed at linebacker to make the field smaller. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, Mandeville is poised for another competitive season in District 6-5A.

Sept 5

Sept 12

Sept

Sept 26

Oct

Oct

Oct

Nov

NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN WOLVERINES

The Northlake Christian Wolverines finished the 2024 football season with a strong 9–3 record, showing clear improvement from the previous year. Under head coach James Willis, the team demonstrated a balanced offense and defense. However, their postseason ended with a loss to Catholic High School-New Iberia. Looking ahead to 2025, Northlake Christian aims to build on its successful season. The Wolverines will rely heavily on returning leaders who play on both sides of the ball, including linebacker Trace Crane who also plays fullback. Sr Cameron Casnave can also go both ways at RB and LB. And Colton West should get a chance to show what he has at QB. Leonard Tridico, Wyatt Perritt, Luke Fortier, and Landen Luparello are just some of the big bodies that will try to win the war of the trenches. Competing in Class 2A District 9, the team hopes to continue its competitive play and make a deeper run in the playoffs with aspirations of contending for a state championship. With a pretty manageable schedule, Northlake should rack up some early wins and they get Independence and St Thomas at home late in the season.

NORTHSHORE PANTHERS

In the 2024 season the Northshore Panthers struggled to get wins. Despite the tough year, standout performances came from senior running back Ramon Williams and sophomore wide receiver Derek Weilbaecher, who provided offensive sparks. Defensively, the team allowed over 300 points and had trouble containing high-powered offenses. Inexperience across both lines and a young secondary contributed to their struggles, though the coaching staff remained focused on player development. Looking ahead to 2025, the Panthers return a solid core of senior leaders as well as some capable linebackers. Actually, the defense should have a better showing this season with improved depth at linebacker and in the secondary. With another year of experience under head coach Bobby Sanders’ system and a tough early schedule to build resilience, Northshore could take a step forward. Their toughest games will be at home down the stretch, so look for the Panthers to potentially disrupt the district standings. The foundation is set for a rebound, hopefully making the 2025 campaign a fun one to watch.

DATE TIME OPPONENT

Sept 5 4 PM (A) Archbishop Hannan

Sept 12 7 PM (A) Baton Rouge Episcopal

Sept 19 - - - - BYE

Sept 26 7 PM Lakeshore

Oct 3 7 PM (A) Breaux Bridge

Oct 10 7 PM Kenner Discovery

Oct 17 11AM (A) Pope John Paul ll

Oct 24 7 PM St Thomas Aquinas

Oct 31 7 PM (A) St. Helena College

Nov 7 7 PM Independence

DATE TIME OPPONENT

Sept 5 - - - - BYE

Sept 12 7 PM (A) John Curtis

Sept 19 7 PM (A) Lakeshore Sept 26 7 PM Covington Oct 3 7 PM (A) Mandeville Oct 10

(A) Salmen Oct 17

Chalmette Oct 24

Saint Paul’s Oct 31 7 PM (A) Fontainebleau Nov 7 7

Slidell

The Pearl River Rebels concluded the 2024 football season with a 5–5 overall record and a 2–2 mark in District 7-4A. Their season ended with a 50–29 loss to Cecilia in the first round of the LHSAA Division II NonSelect playoffs. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Rebels will be led by new head coach Jerry Leonard, who they lured out of retirement. He brings extensive coaching experience and strong ties to the community. Leonard has a long history in coaching, especially in St. Tammany Parish. He amassed a 100-75 record at Salmen before stepping away to move into administration after the 2017 season. His arrival is expected to bring fresh energy and direction to the program. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Pearl River aims to build on the foundation laid in 2024. With a new coaching staff focused on player development, the Rebels are poised to make improvements in the competitive District 7-4A. The 2025 season presents an opportunity for Pearl River to return to the playoffs and compete for a district title. Late season home games against Pope John Paul and Loranger will help demonstrate who far Leonard can take this team.

PINE RAIDERS

The Pine Raiders finished last season with a strong 9–4 record, marking their third quarterfinal appearance in five years under head coach Bradley Seal. Their playoff run included impressive wins over St. Helena (49–12) and Kaplan (21–6), highlighting their dominance on both offense and defense. However, their season ended in the quarterfinals with a 26–7 loss to St. James. Looking ahead to 2025, the Raiders aim to continue their upward momentum. While they will need to replace key players like DJ Garrett, Thomas Benard, and James Owens, several talented returners are ready to step up. Senior quarterback Trey Knight, who threw for 1,950 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024, will lead the offense. He will be supported by senior fullback Chris Williams. On defense, senior defensive lineman Lyrian Hart and tight end/defensive end Zac Thomas are expected to be key leaders. It won’t get easier as the season grinds on. Three out of their last four games in 2025 will be on the road. With a strong core returning and a commitment to excellence, Pine looks poised for another competitive season in 2025.

DATE TIME

Sept 5 7 PM (A) St Martin’s Episcopal

Sept 12 7 PM (A) South Lafourche

Sept 19 - - - - BYE

Sept 26 7 PM Pine

Oct 3 7 PM (A) Chalmette

Oct 10 7 PM (A) Archbishop Hannan

Oct 17 - - - - BYE

Oct 24 7 PM (A) Franklinton

Oct 31 7 PM Pope John Paul II

Nov 7 7 PM Loranger

DATE TIME OPPONENT

Sept 5 7 PM St. Thomas Aquinas

Sept 12 7 PM Independance

Sept 19 7 PM (A) Franklinton

Sept 26 7 PM (A) Pearl River

Oct 3 7 PM Varnado

Oct 10 7 PM Albany

Oct 17 7 PM (A) Amite

Oct 24 7 PM Sumner

Oct 31 7 PM (A) Bogalusa

Nov 7 7 PM (A) Springfield

PEARL RIVER REBELS

For the Ponchatoula Green Wave, a 2-8 record was not what they wanted, and it was certainly a challenging year under new head coach Tim Walters. In addition to that, the team experienced significant turnover, graduating key players. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Coach Walters begins his second campaign aims to build on the experience their younger players gained in 2024. The team returns several key players. Running back and receiver Will Walker is a playmaker. And watch out for Sr Defensive lineman Brayden Hurst. But, the Green Wave will need to address the loss of their entire offensive line and secondary. Developing new starters in these critical positions will be essential for the team’s success. St Paul’s Covington, and Hammond all make late season trips to the Swamp. Knocking off one or two of them might be a better goal than the playoffs. With a strong focus on player development and team cohesion, Ponchatoula is determined to return to winning ways and compete at a high level in District 6-5A in 2025.

POPE JOHN PAUL II

The Pope John Paul II Jaguars wrapped up last season with a strong 9–3 overall record and a 3–1 district mark, showing significant improvement from the previous year. Under Coach Philip Pigott, a 2003 alumnus, the team secured a notable playoff win against Holy Savior Menard, defeating them 39–14. Their postseason run ended with a second round loss to Episcopal High School. Looking toward this season, the Jaguars aim to build on their successful campaign after an aggressive offseason strength and conditioning program. While they will need to replace some key contributors, the team returns several talented players, including running back Dominik Smith, who gained 1,460 yards in 2024, could be called on to carry the offensive load again. On the other side of the ball, an improved secondary should help that unit get off the field and get the ball back to the offense. With a strong foundation in place, the active fan base and support system at Pope John Paul II is urging their team to continue its upward trajectory, hopeful of another successful season and a deep run into the playoffs.

DATE TIME OPPONENT

Sept 5 7 PM Walker

Sept 12 7 PM (A) Dutchtown

Sept 19 7 PM Live Oak

Sept 26 7 PM (A) St. James

Oct 3 7 PM Independance

Oct 10 7 PM (A) Chalmette

Oct 17 7 PM St. Paul’s

Oct 24 7 PM (A) Mandeville

Oct 31 7 PM Covington

Nov 7 7 PM Hammond

DATE TIME OPPONENT

Sept 5 7 PM Pearl River Central

Sept 12 7 PM Varnado

Sept 19 7 PM (A) Riverdale

Sept 26 7 PM Ben Franklin

Oct 3 7 PM (A) St. Martin’s Episcopal

Oct 10 7 PM (A) Saint Thomas Aquinas

Oct 17 7 PM Northlake Christian

Oct 24 7 PM Independence

Oct 31 7 PM (A) Pearl River

Nov 7 7 PM St. Helena College

PONCHATOULA GREEN WAVE

SALMEN SPARTANS

The Salmen Spartans finished the 2024 football season with a 5–6 overall record and a 3–1 district mark, placing second in District 7-5A. The season began with a tough 42–14 loss to Mandeville. Despite early setbacks, the Spartans bounced back with key victories, including a 28–14 win over rival Slidell. However, their hopes for a district title were dashed in a close 34–28 loss to Chalmette, who secured the championship with a late touchdown. Looking ahead to 2025, the Spartans aim to build on their competitive play. The team returns several starters on the offense, including Ronald Coleman on the line and Terrance Mitchell, Kashius Sampson, and Ahman Bush catching the ball. Running back Jimmy Chanzy also returns for the offense. Da’John Howard will replace the graduated Markel Keys at QB. The defensive line returns three starters, but there will be new faces at linebacker. A pair of three game stretches of away games would challenge any team. But with a strong returning core and a focus on player development, Salmen is poised to challenge for a district title and make a deeper playoff run in 2025.

SLIDELL TIGERS

In the 2024 football season, the Slidell Tigers ended up with a 2–9 overall record and a 1–3 district mark, placing fifth in District 7-5A. The season began with a challenging 42–14 loss to Mandeville. Despite early setbacks, the Tigers bounced back with key victories, including a 24–19 win over rival Northshore. However, their hopes for a district title were dashed in a close 31–21 loss to Chalmette, who secured the championship with a late touchdown. Looking ahead to 2025, youth will be the name of the game for the Tigers. Ricky Williams could be under center, behind a young line that will need to gel quickly. If the outside starters are Wide Receivers Ramelo Howard and Carlos Flemings Jr., then they could bring some age to a young offense. The Tigers are young on defense too, with potentially only 3 senior starters coming back. Head Coach Damon Page is in his first season. He’ll have to be focused on building a culture of intensity and discipline if Slidell is able to challenge for a district title.

DATE TIME

Sept 5 7 PM (A) Mandeville

Sept 12 7 PM (A) East Ascension

Sept 19 7 PM (A) Bogalusa

Sept 26 7 PM Liberty Magnet

Oct 3 7 PM Lakeshore

Oct 10 7 PM Northshore

Oct 17 7 PM (A) Fontainebleau

Oct 24 7 PM (A) Slidell

Oct 31 7 PM (A) Hammond

Nov 7 7 PM Chalmette

DATE TIME OPPONENT

Sept 5 7 PM Lutcher

Sept 12 7 PM LCA

Sept 19 7 PM (A) Warren Easton

Sept 26 7 PM Mandeville

Oct 3 7 PM Hammond

Oct 10 7 PM Fontainebleau

Oct 17 7 PM (A) Covington

Oct 24 7 PM Salmen

Oct 31 7 PM (A) Chalmette

Nov 7 7 PM (A) Northshore

ST. PAUL’S

WOLVES

In November 2024, St. Paul’s Wolves clinched the Class 5A District 6 title with a thrilling 38-28 win on the road against Covington High. Quarterback Brennan Keim escaped defenders for a crucial 31-yard touchdown on fourth-and-short late in the fourth quarter, sealing back-to-back district crowns. Finishing 9–2 overall and undefeated (4–0) in district play, the Wolves advanced into the LHSAA Division I Select playoffs as a top-eight seed. Fast forward to the 2025 season, the Wolves maintain strong momentum under Coach Kenny Sears. Brady Pierson is slated to take over at QB, with returning starters Cody Corales and Troy Wilson in the backfield behind him. Brennan Villa will be the only returning starter catching the ball and the offensive line returns three starters. On defense, expect to see some new faces in new spots and they’ll also have to make do without the services of kicker Drew Talley who graduated. Coach Sears says he expects this team to compete in the playoffs and one key will be staying healthy. As the Wolves aim to replicate the success of last season, Hunter Stadium will serve as the twelfth man in key rivalries late against Mandeville and Covington.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS FALCONS

The St. Thomas Aquinas Falcons wrapped up the 2024 football season with a 1–9 overall record and a 0–4 mark in district play, finishing fifth in District 2A. The season began on a high note with a thrilling 49–47 victory over Pine High School, showcasing the team’s offensive potential. However, the Falcons struggled to maintain momentum, facing tough losses to teams such as Loranger, Ascension Catholic, Riverside Academy, and Archbishop Hannan. Despite a difficult stretch, the team showed signs of growth and determination throughout the season. Looking ahead to 2025, the Falcons are focused on getting more athletes on the sidelines, addressing one key problem from last season, which was depth. With a renewed emphasis on player development and team cohesion, the coaching staff is committed to creating a more competitive and disciplined squad. The hiring of new leadership in Boomer Nunez, the Falcons hope to turn lessons learned into success and re-establish themselves as a strong force in Class 2A. Brodie Crouch should be able to help on the offensive and defensive lines. He missed last season due to injury. DATE

Sept 5 7 PM (A) Live Oak

Sept 12 7 PM Brother Martin

Sept 19 7 PM Del La Salle

Sept 26 7 PM Kennedy

Oct 3 7 PM University Lab

Oct 10 7 PM Hammond

Oct 17 7 PM (A) vPonchatoula

Oct 24 7 PM (A) Northshore

Oct 31 7 PM Mandeville

Nov 7 7 PM Covington

Sept 5 7 PM (A) Pine Sept 12 7 PM (A) Loranger

19

Sept 26

Oct 17

Oct

Nov 7

THERE’S A REASON WHY CHEVY IS CALLED

As General Motors’ biggest brand, Chevrolet is proud to do our part:

• GM has more U.S. employees than any other automaker

• GM has 4,000 dealers that employ 228,000 people across all 50 states

• GM’s capital and R&D spending supports a nationwide network of more than 50 U.S. manufacturing and parts facilities, including more than 30 propulsion, stamping and assembly plants

• GM has more U.S. vehicle assembly plants than any other manufacturer

• Since 2019, we have increased our direct purchases in the U.S. for North American production by 27%

This August is a solemn reminder: 20 years since Hurricane Katrina. While the memory and feelings of this catastrophic storm will always be a part of us, I think of the days that followed when our community showed its resilience, courage and triumphant spirit.

Katrina not only impacted us all personally but also changed the landscape of St. Tammany as we knew it. Thousands of families have moved to our community and embraced what makes St. Tammany the best place to live. As one of the fasting growing parishes, we too must work to preserve our beloved quality of life.

I’m proud to share that we have invested more in our infrastructure, including roads, bridges, drainage, water and sewer, coastal protection and internet access, than any administration in parish history. Our Planning team continues to examine and overhaul our development standards to ensure they are in line with your values.

Our work continues daily to ensure we are prepared and protected for the next hurricane so that we minimize the concern of the next hurricane to impact St. Tammany. So much has been accomplished and there is so much more that we want to get done.

I have always said that our best days are still ahead of us and each day, I am excited to get to work and renew that commitment to a better tomorrow. I love our community and neighbors, who make this the most desirable parish in Louisiana.

As always, if you have any questions or want to provide feedback for our future, please email me at President@StTammany.gov.

Serving as your Parish President remains one of my most humbling honors.

As we shift our focus from summertime to school time, I want to remind all of our residents to be extra careful when driving in our neighborhoods especially in the early mornings and late afternoons when children are walking to and from schools and bus stops. Please obey all speed limits and stop at all stop signs, especially when driving through residential areas.

With the start of the school year, our school zones will go into effect in the mornings and afternoons. Please obey all school zones and follow the directions given by our crossing guards. They are tasked with the hard job of keeping our children safe while keeping traffic flowing.

Remember that school zones are hands free zones. This means it is illegal to use your cellphone while driving through a school zone. This includes talking on the phone, texting, checking your email and accessing, posting or reading from social media sites.

So, put down your phones and pay extra attention when driving around our schools. Please be patient and give yourself a few extra minutes of travel time as everyone adjusts back to their school year schedules.

According to state law, drivers must stop for a stopped school bus that is loading or unloading children. It is very dangerous to pass or attempt to pass a stopped school bus.

I also encourage parents to get to know the resource officer at your child’s school. These men and women are not only there to keep the schools safe; they are also building positive relationships between our children and law enforcement.

If you have concerns you would like to address with the resource officer at your child’s school or have questions about safety at our schools in general, contact your child’s school administrators and they can put you in touch with them.

Let’s have a great start to the school year!

Mike Cooper

St. Tammany Parish President

Randy Smith St. Tammany Sheriff

KATRINA, THEN AND NOW.

A community event 20 years in the making.

STORY KIM BERGERON

PHOTOS BY KIM BERGERON

Each of us has milestones that create the personal timelines of our existence. There are the “firsts,” like first day of school, first kiss, and first date. There are the “big ones,” which may include our graduation day, wedding day, and the birth of a child. The “sorrowful farewells” mark remembrances of loved ones lost and poignant recollections of their impact on our worlds. Collectively, these become the many chapters of our lives.

Then there are the life-altering moments by which entire communities are defined.

On August 29, 2005, that moment was Hurricane Katrina.

For those who lived it, in countless ways, it seems like so long ago. Yet sometimes, it feels like it was a bit more recent. Now that two decades have passed, many feel the time has come to let go of all things Katrina and move forward, while acknowledging our resilience, recovery and rebirth. This milestone anniversary offers a final opportunity to connect and share our stories and memories so that future generations—as well as those who were not living in Slidell when Katrina hit and those who were not yet born—can come to know the human side, the emotional toll of the natural disaster that forever transformed the city and its people.

“Katrina, Then and Now” is a community art exhibition presented by Northshore Cultural Economy Coalition and hosted by the City of Slidell in the George Dunbar Gallery, Slidell Cultural Center in City Hall. The exhibition will feature artistic images shot in the immediate aftermath of Katrina, when the city was still largely uninhabited. Many of the portraits are haunting in their starkness and destruction, with nary a human in sight. The stillness in the imagery reflects the eerie silence that befell the city after the storm had passed. Gone were the sounds of traffic, of birds and of crickets. No dogs. No cats. The silence was deafening. Perhaps the most curious phenomenon, one shared by numerous photographers, is that every time they view post-Katrina images, they feel like they can smell that distinct after-hurricane stench as if they’re still standing in the very spot at the moment the images were captured. It’s surreal.

The exhibition will also include photos of many of those locations in the present day—some restored, some morphed into new existences, and some relegated to the pages of Slidell past. Also to be included are artifacts collected following the storm.

The public is invited to submit their Katrina stories and photos via the NorthshoreCEC Facebook page, to help create an archive that will be preserved in the Slidell Museum. Many of the community submissions will also be incorporated into the exhibition via image projections.

A COMMUNITY, REBORN

“Katrina, Then and Now” will open 20 years to the day after that storm wreaked havoc throughout the city and beyond. The exhibition opening night is Friday, Aug. 29, 6 to 8 pm. On Saturday, August 30, the gallery will be open from 2 to 4 pm, prior to the Spirit of Louisiana events scheduled to take place on that date. Regular gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 2 pm and by appointment. To schedule, call (985) 646-4375. The exhibition will close on Friday, Sept 26, with special hours of 3 to 6 pm. Admission is free.

THE SPIRIT OF LOUISIANA

Complementing the exhibition will be the Spirit of Louisiana Katrina 20th commemorative events on Saturday, August 30. A community gathering with elected officials and dignitaries will be held at 4 pm in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. This will be followed at 5 pm by The Spirit of Louisiana Second Line led by the Storyville Stompers. The procession will begin at the auditorium and City Hall and will circle the Municipal Square block. That event will honor the many groups and individuals who were part of the recovery efforts including government employees, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS and medical personnel, utility linemen, waste management service providers, civic and faith-base organizations, the hospitality industry and the media whose tireless efforts kept citizens informed through the most challenging of times. The evening will end with a 6 pm concert in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium featuring The Bucktown All-Stars, who were the first band to perform in Slidell’s Bayou Jam Concert Series following Katrina. Special guest Vince Vance, who performed the second post-Katrina Bayou Jam Concert, will kick off the concert with a special tribute song. “Katrina, Then and Now” is made possible by the Rebirth title sponsor, Visit the Northshore, and media sponsors EDGE of the Lake and Sophisticated Woman magazines. For more information about the community exhibition, visit NorthshoreCEC.org. For additional information about the Spirit of Louisiana commemorative events and to reserve free tickets to the Bucktown All-Stars concert, visit KreweOfBlackAndGold.com

AUGUST

30, 2025

OLDE TOWNE SLIDELL

Community Gathering, 4 pm

The Spirit of Louisiana Katrina 20th Anniversary commemorative events will begin at 4 pm in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, featuring elected officials and dignitaries in recognition of two decades of the community's resilience, recovery and rebirth. Free and open to the public.

reebirth. h Free e and open to o the Cit

Community Concert, 6 pm

Featuring The Bucktown All-Stars, which was the first band to perform in the City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Concert Series in the months following Katrina. Special guest appearance by Vince Vance. Get free concert tickets at KreweOfBlack AndGold.com.

PRESSEN E TEED

PRESENTED BY REBIRTH SPONSOR Spirit of Louisiana Second Line, 5 pm

Led by the Storyville Stompers and honoring the many selfless individuals who have been part of the recovery and rebuilding. This includes city, parish. state and national government employees, elected officials, EMS and healthcare workers, law enforcement, firefighters, utility linemen, waste management teams, faith-based and community service organizations and volunteers, hospitality workers and the media who worked around the clock to keep us informed. Begins and ends at the Slidell Municipal Auditorum/ City Hall, circling Muncipal Square block.

REBI B RTH SPPON O SOR

The Spirit of Louisiana Katrina 20-Year Commemoration is supported by a grant from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s Community Partnership Grant program. Funding has also been provided by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs, an agency of the St. Tammany Parish Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works. For additional event information and to reserve free concert tickets, visit KreweOfBlackAndGold.com

COMMUNITY LEADERS

Dear Citizens,

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! It’s been a hot and busy season here in the City of Slidell. We recently celebrated Independence Day with two fantastic events: the Slidell Rotary Clubs’ Heritage Fest and the Olde Towne Merchant Association’s Independence Day Celebration. Both drew record attendance, and the entertainment, food, and fireworks were enjoyed by all.

The City of Slidell is already planning an exciting 2025/2026 cultural season. Get ready for Bayou Jam concerts in Heritage Park this fall and spring, along with White Linen and Lagniappe and Arts Evening cultural events in Olde Towne Slidell. The Slidell Cultural Center will host new exhibits, and the holiday season will bring Slidell’s Bayou Christmas Under the Stars, Community Golf Cart Parade and the Holiday Concert with the Northshore Community Orchestra. Remember, all these events are free to the public! You can find a complete list of events on the event calendar at MySlidell.com

As we are in the middle of another hurricane season, I urge all citizens to stay prepared, have a plan, and remain informed. Team Slidell is working hard to ensure our city is ready should a storm come our way. We are continuously checking choke points, clearing waterways, and confirming our pumps are operational.

For emergency information, please visit the city website and the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” Facebook page. These resources are accessible from anywhere via cell phones, laptops, or tablets, ensuring you can receive continuous news and updates about Slidell, even if you need to evacuate.

The novelist James Lane Allen famously said, “Adversity does not build character—it reveals it.” For a lot of us here in South Louisiana, one of the most challenging times we’ve faced was the day Hurricane Katrina made landfall (August 29, 2005).

As we prepare for the 20th anniversary of that historic date, I believe Tangipahoa Parish is a better community today because of our Katrina experience, and I think our community’s response to the families who were deeply impacted by that life-changing storm reveals a lot about our parish’s character.

You will recall that after Katrina Tangipahoa became a safe place for displaced families from across the lake. The Tangipahoa Parish community welcomed these residents with open arms. Their children were enrolled in our schools. Our churches and community groups embraced them, and many of our employers were able to offer them good jobs so they could support their families. Over time, many of these families fell in love with our parish and chose to MOVE HERE. Southshore businesses took note, and several chose to move their operations here as well, citing our high land and excellent access to port, rail, and two major interstates.

Those infrastructure assets also made Tangipahoa Parish a great staging area to drive the rebuilding effort after Katrina. We were blessed to have utility crews from all over the region stationed here in Tangipahoa. We also became a hub for the Louisiana National Guard, who set up camp (literally) at the Hammond-Northshore Regional Airport post-Katrina. That footprint transitioned into the amazing facility we see at the airport today, and it became a launching point to help set the airport control tower project in motion. These assets truly make our Hammond Airport something special.

Post-Katrina, Tangipahoa Parish has experienced explosive growth. Census figures suggest our parish has gained more than 30,000 residents in the 20 years since Katrina made landfall. Once considered a “sleepy,” “rural” parish, Tangipahoa is one of Louisiana’s fastest-growing parishes today, and our I-12 region remains one of the most popular choices for people to live, work, and play. People want to be here!

For Tangipahoa Parish, the Katrina story is more than just about weathering tough times. It is about rebirth and the positive changes that have come from adverse situations—and maybe, just maybe, finding that silver lining.

Robby Miller

Tangipahoa Parish President

Bill Borchert

City of Slidell Mayor

2025 Phenomenal Women’s Retreat

A POWERHOUSE EVENT FILLED WITH:

Dynamic speakers + educational workshops

Local vendors & women-owned businesses

Prizes, giveaways, lunch, & laughter

Real

RACHAEL LAGARDE WALKER:

Teaching, Creating, and Taking Flight

STORY DREW BARZENICK

PHOTOS BY JERRY COTTRELL

Rachael Lagarde Walker’s journey as an artist and educator is one of resilience, self-discovery, and creativity. A native of Louisiana, Rachael has spent over a decade balancing her love for making art with her passion for teaching it. This balancing act has not only shaped her career, but deeply influenced the way she views the world and her role in it.

Rachael earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Louisiana State University, with a concentration in printmaking. After college, she moved to New Orleans with dreams of becoming a working artist. Like many creatives, she faced the challenge of sustaining herself financially while pursuing her art. She held a variety of interesting jobs, gaining life experience and perspective, but the road to stability led her back across Lake Pontchartrain to Covington, where she took a position as a substitute art teacher. On the weekends she worked at Moe’s Art Supply; she purchased a pack of watercolors from Moe’s that ultimately sparked her future as an artist.

At that point in her life, Rachael was searching not just for what kind of artist she wanted to be, but what kind of life she wanted to build. Teaching art felt deeply fulfilling, yet she still longed to create her own work. Rachael describes the watercolor set from Moe’s as the beginning of what would become a sustainable and satisfying balance: being both an educator and a working artist.

Now, with 14 years of teaching experience, Rachael teaches at Lee Road Junior High and Folsom Junior High. She earned a teaching certification from Southeastern Louisiana University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Columbia University. This is a unique program designed specifically for artists who are also teachers. Each summer, she relocates to New York City for six weeks of intensive studio study, and during the school year she continues her graduate coursework via Zoom. Through this program, Rachael began to create oil paintings-a medium that she says allows her to “say more and feel more” than she ever could through watercolor. Oil painting has opened new artistic doors; she is able to achieve a sense of depth in her work that she was not able to achieve before.

Her studio, Rachael Walker Studio, is both a sanctuary and a classroom. She teaches adult watercolor classes at her studio, but she also uses the space to focus on her own work. Over time, she found the grind of creating art for other people often dulled the joy of making art. Now,

her studio is a place of joy, reflection, and purpose. In addition to classes at her studio, she also teaches adult watercolor classes at the St. Tammany Art Association.

Much of Rachael’s inspiration comes from her upbringing. She grew up surrounded by creativity. Her parents and her three sisters were always crafting, whether it was a banner, T-shirt, or poster. Her family’s homes were filled with John James Audubon artworks and antique furnishings. These influences now appear frequently in her current work of birds perched on old furniture.

Oil painting has allowed her to tap into deeper, more emotional themes. After surviving cancer, Rachael adopted a new mantra: “Why wait?” The experience was a reminder that life is fragile and finite. No longer willing to spend time on things that don’t bring her complete joy, Rachael has stopped accepting commissions and focused entirely on the work that speaks to her personally. She notes she is forever grateful for her commissions- they allowed her to obtain her studio and launch her career as an artist. “We can do hard things and survive them,” she says.

“It’s time to paint what I’ve always wanted to paint.”

Through teaching, Rachael also hopes to be the kind of mentor she once had. In second grade, an art teacher sparked her love of art, and now she works to be that same source of

encouragement for her students. Her classroom is a space of trust, creativity, and acceptance. Students are always given choice in what they create, even when working within structured lessons. For instance, when studying Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, students recreated her in imaginative settings–on vacation, in sports jerseys–bringing themselves into the art. To Rachael, that’s the point: to help young artists find their voice, make mistakes, and feel safe doing so. “I want my students to know that you can have a stable career and still have hobbies,” she says.

“You can find your balance. I didn’t hear that enough growing up.”

At the core of Rachael’s work is her deep connection to birds. In both her visual art and her written artist statement, birds are metaphors for freedom, strength, and feminine traits she sees mirrored in women’s lives. In her words:

“I find a fascinating parallel between birds and women that transcends mere observation. Birds epitomize freedom through flight, constantly transcending boundaries, which resonates deeply with my own quest for liberation. As a woman, I strive to break glass ceilings and reclaim my freedom of choice, navigating diverse landscapes- cultural, professional, and personal. Our journeys reflect the migratory patterns of our feathered counterparts, each seeking a place of belonging and expression.

Birds, in their instinctive nurturing, build intricate nests and tend to their young with care. Similarly, women create safe havens, whether literally or through supportive communities. As I navigate my journey into motherhood, I find that my metaphorical nest continues to foster growth and connection.

In this parallel dance of gender roles, societal expectations, personal growth, and the essence of birds, I discover common ground: resilience against adversity and an unwavering commitment to flight. As I celebrate these themes, I recognize the power I hold in both my art and my life’s journey. Through this exploration, I aim to inspire others to embrace their own paths toward freedom and self-discovery.”

With boldness, honesty, and a brush full of history and nostalgia, Rachael Lagarde Walker paints a life that honors the past while looking towards a vibrant future. Her work and her teaching invite others to do the same: embrace who they are, trust their voice, and never stop learning or creating.

Rachael resides in Covington, Louisiana, with her husband Dylan, seven year old Emerson, and two month old Genevieve.

COMMUNITY LEADERS

There is a lot to love about Covington: Architecture, history, cuisine, music and cultural events. However, like most cities, Covington also has the challenge of a historically impoverished neighborhood. The desire to “do something about it” began in earnest in the 1990s and grew stronger in the 2000s with the Northshore Community Foundation leading a project in 2010 to create a plan to improve the quality of life for the residents. With engagement and input from the residents themselves, a course was charted: The West 30s Revitalization Plan. Under the leadership of then Mayor Candace Watkins and Councilwoman Frances Dunn, many parts of the plan were implemented.

One of the biggest challenges was safe and affordable housing. As awareness of the concern grew, Bryan Burns felt a calling to tackle that aspect. Founding a faith based non-profit, The West 30s Redemption Company (W30RC), Burns teamed up with banks, businesses, churches, good hearted people, the Parish and the State to build new homes for families caught in the trap of renting less than desirable houses – helping one family at a time through the blessing of homeownership. In 2017, the W30RC renovated and provided one home. The next year, a few more. This year, we celebrate completion of the 75th home! Over $10,000,000 has been invested in the neighborhood (more than any individual or organization has ever invested).

In the last few years, Covington Police proactively addressed the problem of guns, drugs and crime. Code Enforcement pursued blighted houses and abandoned cars. Public Works cut back roadside brush, improved drainage, streets and utilities. Residents began caring for their streets. The City added new playground equipment and a splash pad to the park, and made improvements to the only free, public swimming pool in western St. Tammany.

LIFE MOVES FAST

Mark Johnson City of Covington Mayor

POLITICS VS.

“When I was asked to interview Northshore DA J. Collin Sims back in May, I decided to approach it purely from a perspective of personal interest. I was curious about the nature and complexity of this job, the person inhabiting the office, his agenda, and the possibly thorny connection to TRAC (Transparency and Accountability Committee). He answered all of my questions candidly and to my satisfaction, so I wrote up the article and submitted it to my publisher. Little did I know, just four days later, that aforementioned thorny issue would be the subject of some headline grabbing stories out of New Orleans. Great. While I have strong personal opinions about pretty much everything, I’m certainly not one to wade into public debates or controversy. So, what now? Should we edit out the controversial bits? Reword anything that sounded too complimentary? Pull it from publication altogether? Or just publish it in its original form, but with a little preface addressing the elephant in the room? Guess which one we chose. I don’t pretend to be an expert on all the nuances and inner workings of local (or any) government, so it’s neither a political endorsement nor an indictment. It’s just a simple profile. No more, no less.”

- Liz Genest Smith

PRIORITIES

STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH

BY JOEL TREADWELL

Fun fact, I thought about going to law school for one hot minute in college.

A communications law class I took as part of my journalism school curriculum was taught by a quirky, charismatic professor who was famous for putting individuals on the spot with hypothetical questions. But in a giant auditorium filled with 300 people, what are the chances you’ll actually get called on? Well, pretty good in my case. I forget what he asked me, but instead of quickly considering legal implications and ethical nuances, then presenting a coherent opinion on how I thought the law should be applied, I chose a different approach. It involved panicking, talking in circles, then sticking the landing with a non-committal conclusion involving that famously nebulous cop-out of a concept, the ol’ slippery slope.

Needless to say, I did not go on to law school, but later that semester, I enjoyed minor redemption when I was the only student who nailed the professor’s wacky challenge to bring him a polkathemed eight-track tape. In addition to temporary star pupil status, I was given an automatic A on my next test, and I promise this will be relevant later.

That class and that particular panicked moment came back to me when I was asked to interview the District Attorney for St. Tammany and Washington parishes, J. Collin Sims. Along with gathering up biographical information and the latest media reports, I spent some time ruminating about his job and all its complexities.

PHOTO

As DA, you not only have to prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the government and the community you represent, but you have to do so under the watchful eye of the public with the specter of elections forever hanging over your head. Can you imagine trying to focus on doing your job while being judged and heckled by an audience who gets to decide whether or not you keep that job? It sounds like a game show from hell to me. If I thought the pressure to think on my feet under the scrutiny of a professor and a few hundred hungover 20-year-olds was excruciating, I couldn’t begin to imagine living and working under that kind of intense microscope. What kind of person would willingly seek this out?!

That’s exactly what I was hoping to find out, beginning with the most basic of basics. When I started out by asking him to paint a picture of his family life growing up, Collin was surprisingly candid and thorough right out of the gate.

“I had a bit of a di erent family. My parents got divorced when I was young and my dad had multiple marriages. I have several half siblings as a result, but I’m my mom’s only child. It was an odd dynamic, but great and amicable. I grew up here in Mandeville, went to St. Paul’s and graduated in 1999. I was really into football, baseball and powerlifting, so I guess you could say I’m very type A.”

The discipline and drive he applied to sports didn’t initially carry over into academics, though. Collin admits that he coasted through high school, but things shifted drastically in college. Not only did he meet Elizabeth, his future wife and mother of his three children, but he found his calling.

“My communications speech class professor at Mississippi College said we would get an A if we participated in a debate conference. And that changed everything.”

VS.

PRIORITIES

Unlike my short-lived polka glory, the lure of an easy A wound up lighting a fire under Collin, prompting him to get serious about his studies, earn a respectable GPA and head to law school at Loyola University New Orleans. Although there were no attorneys in the family, his dad was in the Navy, his uncle was a submariner and his brother is an Army Ranger. As a perfect way to blend his law degree with the family tradition of serving the country, he applied for an appointment to JAG (Judge Advocate General’s Corps), the legal arm of the United States Air Force. His plans were thwarted at the last minute, however, when a seemingly minor blip in his medical history, exercise-induced asthma, disqualified him.

Disappointed, but undaunted, he initially gave private practice a whirl with a prominent New Orleans law firm, but it wasn’t a good fit. Even though it would offer better money, less red tape and fewer people to answer to than a government position?

“Money is great and necessary, of course, but I didn’t find it to be enough of an incentive,” he told me. “I wanted to make more of an impact and I find I thrive in more of an adversarial environment.”

In another unflinchingly candid moment, Collin revealed that at least part of that drive to make a difference came from the tragic loss of two of his brothers. One died by suicide, the other’s drug problems have led to a 20-year estrangement from his family. As such, Collin sought out and soon found jobs that better suited his energy and sense of duty, first in Orleans Parish as an Assistant District Attorney, then as one of the youngest Assistant United States Attorneys in the nation.

“That environment in the U.S. Attorney’s O ce was always competitive and it often involved partnerships with other agencies. And there was a focus on investing in strategies to avoid violating the Constitution and rendering cases worthless.”

He carried those lessons and that work ethic home to the Northshore about a decade ago when he accepted a position as head of the criminal division of the DA’s office. Most notably, he served as lead prosecutor in the successful conviction of former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain for some pretty heinous sex crimes. Upon the passing of the previous DA, Warren Montgomery, Collin became the Interim District Attorney, then was formally elected to the job in March of 2024.

Considering his experience using collaborative efforts to build strong criminal cases in his previous jobs, it’s no surprise that task forces figure prominently in his efforts to tackle some of our region’s biggest problems, including opioids, sex crimes and government accountability. These networks of agencies and parishes have allowed for a sharing of intelligence and resources that has yielded multiple arrests and convictions within the past several months.

A prime example is the multi-agency initiative to combat the local opioid epidemic that was kicked off in July of last year. By March of 2025, it had resulted in the seizure of 313,000 fentanyl pills, cash, guns and various other various drugs, along with multiple arrests. And in June alone, a drug dealer was sentenced to life for supplying the fentanyl that led to a teenager’s fatal overdose, a 36-year-old man was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the sexual assault of a young girl and an 81-year-old man was successfully convicted and is currently awaiting sentencing for sexually assaulting a 6-year-old.

Collin and his wife Elizabeth, a nurse practitioner in Covington, share a passion for child advocacy. Collin serves in various leadership roles for the Children’s Advocacy Center and Hope House, while Elizabeth is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), giving a voice to vulnerable children in the court system. Unsurprisingly, child exploitation weighs extra heavily on Collin, who admitted, “I would throw everything at it if I could.”

Along with the other initiatives, the DA’s office is stepping up efforts to crack down on those who prey on children by working on better ways to identify which perpetrators of abhorrent behavior, like possessing child porn and conversing with children in online chat rooms, are most likely to be hands-on predators. But it’s a complicated process. In a perfect world, all bad guys would face justice, but in the real world, actually administering justice is greatly limited by time and resources. One of the many challenges that we, the public, don’t often consider, is the process of choosing which cases to actually prosecute.

“Each year, we have 100-120 trial opportunities to move 3,100 felons through the system,” Collin explained. “We are working on creating a hybrid structure to process everything more efficiently. This includes prioritizing by offense, making reasonable deals and diverting prospective criminals. These kinds of decisions have to be made every day to avoid a massive backlog.”

While this all makes logical sense, let’s be honest. Logic doesn’t always play a big role in public opinion, where justice is often defined in emotional terms instead of legal ones. As a result, there are always going to be people who are disappointed, outraged or downright devastated by these decisions. And all of those people get to make their displeasure known at the ballot box. How could that kind of pressure and scrutiny not influence someone’s priorities?

POLITICS VS.

PRIORITIES

“Politics come last,” Collin was quick to say.

“I’d be paralyzed, otherwise. As a prosecutor, people’s opinions have to be an afterthought if you’re focused on doing the right thing.”

Another consideration is the strength of each individual case. Without solid, properly handled evidence to reduce or eliminate reasonable doubt in a jury’s minds, it’s a waste of precious time and resources to prosecute.

“The biggest stress comes from not being able to charge a defendant when I know they did it. It’s the worst part of the job, having to tell someone, ‘I believe you, but I cannot do what you’re asking me to do.’ And then to sometimes have it twisted by the public. In this line of work, you just don’t wake up with the intent of screwing someone over.”

While sex and drug crimes are bigger headline grabbers, I was equally curious about the new financial task force. The St. Tammany Parish Oversight Committee, better known by the acronym TRAC (Transparency and Accountability Committee), is a joint initiative between the DA’s office and the parish council.

Since its inception, I’ve seen multiple media and online sources make comparisons to the federal government’s Department of Government Efficiency. If it’s like DOGE, which frequently mentions targeting “waste, fraud and abuse,” will TRAC be cutting what it deems to be wasteful programs or services? And will it be rooting out specific perpetrators of fraud and abuse?

“This task force isn’t looking for criminal activity, it’s for education and fact-finding only. The goal is only to review priorities, identify structural problems and opportunities for cost savings, then provide the budget analysis to the parish council. We also want to show the taxpayers where their money is going, and hopefully, reduce millages, shave a little off taxes and restore public trust.”

Still in its infancy, TRAC will eventually be made up of council members and local business leaders who generate reports that will be shared with both the parish council and the public. Collin stressed that his office will have a limited role, only serving as an asset to the committee to get it up and running, then assisting on an as-needed basis after that. He also said that due to the dedicated nature of the funds being reviewed, none of the cost savings can be diverted to the criminal justice system and his office.

When asked if it was tricky to advocate for government efficiency just after St. Tammany’s criminal justice department (which includes the DA’s office) asked voters to boost their budget by approving the diversion of a portion of an already-existing sales tax, he readily provided clarity on the situation.

“We don’t need more money, we just want to avoid cuts to our current budget. Part of the purpose of TRAC is to address the antiquated tax structure and how much money is dedicated without flexibility. There are zero dedicated funds in the criminal division of the DA’s office, so deep budget cuts put services like our DNA lab in jeopardy.”

One example of the aforementioned dedicated funds is the St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement District which, thanks to a decision made back in the 1970s, is guaranteed approximately $10 million a year. In contrast, the criminal justice department recently faced the threat of a staggering 55% cut to their budget.

“While it’s a necessary service, more money is collected from the taxpayers for mosquito spraying than what the parish invests in the criminal division of the DA’s office and judiciary combined.”

For context, St. Tammany switched from a more traditional police jury system of governing to a parish-council one in 2000, which is supposed to offer more accountability, oversight and transparency. But Collin suggests that the parish never took advantage of that opportunity to create a mechanism for reviewing the current structure and identifying the best ways to handle taxpayer money. Hence the need for TRAC.

Just before concluding our lengthy discussion, Collin made it a point to circle back to expand on the concept of “diverting prospective criminals,” one of the tools he uses to avoid amassing a big backlog of cases.

“This is a non-prosecution component, dedicated to identifying non-violent o enders early so that they can be placed in specialty courts to avoid becoming serious o enders. Early intervention can derail their trajectory and get them back on a better path.”

While it obviously has practical implications where costs, caseloads and community safety are concerned, that last part felt a little personal. Having suffered through the tragic outcomes that befell two brothers who lost their way, it must be gratifying to be able to channel some of that pain into something altruistic. Sure, it’s important to have a DA who’s tough on crime and fiscally responsible, but how reassuring to have an element of compassion playing a role, as well.

In summing up his overall approach to serving as our District Attorney, Collin told me, “I’m working on building public confidence by creating transparency. I take calls, I don’t filter, it’s the only way I know. I won’t always get it right, but I’m focused on making decisions for the right reasons. Other than being a dad, there’s nothing I’d rather be doing.”

POLITICS VS.

Thursday, October 2 at 7 p.m. The Greenwood | A Property of Southern Hotel

Supporting the patients and families at St. Tammany Cancer Center - A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center

STORY SARAH COTTRELL

PHOTOS BY JERRY COTTRELL

Ata quiet farm tucked into the woods of Folsom, healing begins with a breath, a hoofbeat, and a silent connection. There is no pressure to speak, no rush to explain. Here, horses and humans meet as they are, in the moment, and something unspoken begins to shift.

This is Healing with Horses Louisiana, a nonprofit equine therapy program founded by Kelly Cox Vicari, a lifelong horsewoman whose personal journey of caregiving and grief gave rise to a place of deep and lasting purpose.

“I grew up here, with horses all around me,” Kelly says, standing beneath the bright umbrellas that line the paddocks. “I raised my five children here with them. Horses were always part of our lives, learning respect, responsibility, and the quiet language of trust that passes between horse and human.’

But it wasn’t until she spent more than a decade caring for her mother, who lived with Alzheimer’s, that she fully discovered their healing power.

“There were times my mother was anxious and unreachable,” Kelly recalls. “Then one of the horses would walk over and gently rest their head on her lap. Her whole energy would soften. She’d quiet. It was like watching a switch flip.”

After her mother passed, Kelly felt a deep void. The barn was quieter. The rhythm of care had faded. But word began to spread. First it was other families with loved ones living with Alzheimer’s. Then someone asked if they could bring a child with special needs. A cancer survivor. A veteran.

Over time, the farm gradually evolved into what it is today. A place where people of all backgrounds and abilities come to find peace and connection.

The healing here goes both ways.

Nearly all of the horses at Healing with Horses Louisiana are Louisiana-bred Thoroughbreds, many of them former racehorses who suffered injuries on the track. Without intervention, most would have been euthanized. Instead, they are given a second chance, first to heal, and then to help others do the same.

“There is something very full circle about it,” Kelly says. “The horses receive what they need from the clients, just as they offer something in return.”

One of those horses is Chanel, who raced only once. During her debut, she tore a tendon so severely that she was scheduled to be euthanized on the track. Her owner called Kelly, who initially said no. She knew the time and cost it would take to rehabilitate her. But the owner begged Kelly to just come meet her.

“As soon as I saw her, I knew she was coming home with me,” Kelly says.

Chanel spent more than two years in slow, careful recovery. That is often the case. The horses are not introduced to clients until they are physically and emotionally ready. Most arrive with torn tendons, fear, and uncertainty. Some are blind in one eye, like Bear, a gentle gelding whose calm nature now brings peace to anxious children.

Kelly works directly with local Thoroughbred farms that contact her when a horse is injured and in need of rescue. If she has the space and resources, she brings them to the farm, offering the time and care they need to recover.

“These horses are remarkable,” she says. “They’ve been through so much. And they still choose to trust again.”

Unlike traditional riding therapy, Healing with Horses Louisiana focuses on non-mounted, ground-based interaction. Clients never ride the horses. Instead, they groom, walk, and connect with them through guided sessions that build trust, emotional regulation and selfworth.

Each session is structured to meet the unique needs of the client, whether it’s a child with autism, an adult with PTSD, or someone recovering from illness or trauma. Sessions typically last one hour or an hour and a half. Group sessions are also available and can be booked through the website. Kelly collaborates with social workers and therapists when needed to ensure every client is supported with compassion and professionalism.

“It’s about being present,” Kelly says. “That’s where healing begins.”

The paddocks are lined with colorful umbrellas, offering not only shade but sensory enrichment and even scratching posts for the horses. Everything about the setting is intentional. It is peaceful, inviting, and completely immersed in nature.

The farm sits on 20 acres, a portion of the larger property Kelly grew up on as a child. In those early days, she was an avid equestrian, competing in eventing, which includes dressage and cross-country. Her childhood passion grew into a lifelong commitment to horses and their care.

Now, that legacy continues. Her children were raised with horses too, learning respect, responsibility, and the quiet language of trust that passes between horse and human.

Healing with Horses Louisiana became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2023, with a clear mission: to serve both the horses and the humans who need them. It is one of the only programs in the country that specializes in touch and sensory therapy with unmounted horses, and one of the few to bring therapy horses into facilities such as nursing homes and group homes.

“It’s about connection,” Kelly says. “No words, just presence. And from there, healing happens.”

To support the work of Healing with Horses Louisiana, the organization will host its annual gala in November at the Tchefuncte Country Club.

The event raises essential funds for the care of the horses and the continued expansion of therapeutic programming for those in need.

Whether it’s a child learning to brush a horse for the first time, or an aging veteran finding peace beside an animal who has also survived loss, every session is a reminder that healing is possible.

And it all begins with a quiet moment, shared between two beings who have come through pain and found their way back to trust.

St. Tammany NOW

Taking Care of Business

Welcome back to St. Tammany NOW, bringing you the latest economic development, business, and industry insights in our community. St. Tammany NOW highlights who and what makes the St. Tammany business community thrive and illustrates the opportunities to diversify and fortify our economy.

Are you an existing business owner in St. Tammany looking for resources to take your organization to the next level? Are you an established company looking to expand? Are you an employer wanting assistance to recruit and retain talent? Did you know St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation (St. Tammany EDC) can assist with all these concerns?

As the economic development organization for St. Tammany, St. Tammany EDC is committed to directly supporting our business and industry partners as they seek to thrive in our community. Recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as an Accredited Economic Development Organization, St. Tammany EDC serves as a comprehensive resource center for business services throughout the parish.

By working with us, you gain access to invaluable resource partners and experts through our varied and expansive networks. We offer assistance as you navigate through local and municipal government processes— everything from permitting to zoning to infrastructure. We walk alongside you, advising and advocating on the appropriate steps required for your business to succeed.

For established businesses, our Advance St. Tammany business assistance program provides unparalleled service through an array of tools and resources. No organization is too big or too small to take advantage of this opportunity. Best of all, it is available at no cost. This program is intentionally designed to support the needs of St. Tammany businesses. Through thoughtful outreach, creative solution finding, and a collaborative mindset, Advance St. Tammany

intentionally provides the following business solutions and services to business and industry in the parish.

The IEDC notes that fostering and sustaining existing local businesses is essential to building a strong and stable foundation for a successful future. Our knowledgeable Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) team is wellversed in navigating the complex circumstances that can arise as your organization evolves and expands. As part of our second five-year economic development strategic plan, THRIVE2029, our approach centers on cultivating strong, dynamic partnerships with local businesses to stimulate investment and generate jobs. Through dedicated business engagement initiatives, our staff aims to understand business needs, gather market intelligence, and align support efforts. St. Tammany EDC staff serve as your resource experts, having our finger on the pulse of current economic, business and workforce opportunities such as special projects, initiatives, and requests. Additionally, we maintain timely knowledge of relevant business solutions including local, regional, and state programs and services. This allows us to communicate effectively with companies and respond

to questions and/or obtain answers from the appropriate resource partners for matters outside our expertise.

As part of our commitment to inform and advise local businesses, collaboration and partnerships with regional and state resources are the cornerstone of the Advance St. Tammany program. State and regional economic development agencies, such as Louisiana Economic Development and Greater New Orleans, Inc., are regularly part of business retention and expansion meetings with our larger economic driver companies. We engage with these groups to focus on higher level policy and cross-cutting issues and opportunities on regional, state, and federal levels.

So what are some of the services our BR&E team can offer?

“If you are looking to expand your existing business within St. Tammany, we can assist in finding the ideal site by utilizing current site selection best practices and evaluation methods. In addition, we can facilitate site tours, meetings with the key leadership and stakeholders, and offer project management and permitting guidance from local, state, and federal agencies.

If you are ready to begin construction, we can help you apply for and access economic development support programs.

If you are looking to acquire the best talent available, St. Tammany EDC can leverage its relationship with our workforce development partners. We work closely with Tri-Parish Works, St. Tammany Parish Public Schools,

“Since our inception over 13 years ago, Ampirical has enjoyed the benefits unique to operating a business in St. Tammany Parish. We recruit professional talent from across the country, and we’re able to attract and retain superior candidates because of the quality of life o ered here, whether that’s in educational opportunities, attractive communities, or proximity to all that the greater New Orleans area provides.”

– Matthew Saacks, President of Ampirical Solutions LLC

Chris Masingill Chief Executive Officer

St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation.

Northshore Technical Community College, and Southeastern Louisiana University. These key stakeholders can facilitate job recruitment, engagement opportunities, and industry engagement in experiential learning internships and customized training opportunities.

Advance St. Tammany’s focus on partnerships allows for greater collaboration and successful implementation of economic development initiatives in our community. We have seen this materialize through a greater number of business expansions and prospects interested in our parish. Building and fostering these interconnected business relationships is a hallmark of our business assistance program, and it’s one we are especially proud of.

St. Tammany EDC is launching a new online resource specifically dedicated to assisting and engaging with our

business community. We encourage you to follow our social media channels and sign up for our e-newsletter to receive the latest updates on this initiative.

So before you buy, build, or hire, learn more about the complimentary suite of resources we can offer you and your business by visiting our website at sttammanyedc.org. If you’re ready to take advantage of these services, connect with our business engagement team directly by contacting our Director of Business and Industry Development, Keith Espadron, at (985) 809.7874 or kespradon@sttammanyedc.org. Contact us today to see how we can advance your business tomorrow. Stay connected with St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation on our website and by following us on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook. Kristin W. Durand, Director of Communications and Public Information Officer, is the lead contributor to this article.

““Today’s groundbreaking is more than just the start of construction; it’s the beginning of a new chapter for Beier Integrated Systems. We’re committed to bringing innovation and excellence to the forefront of our industry, and this new facility will enable us to expand our capabilities and better serve both our government and commercial clients.”

- Ben Todd, President of Beier Integrated Systems

St. Tammany EDC representatives, St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper, and corporate leadership break ground on the Beier Integrated Systems corporate headquarters expansion project.

our turn: by Trey Herty

ABOUT

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

T-Rey’s Boudin and Specialty Meats is Mandeville’s go-to spot for authentic Cajun cuisine. Chef and owner Trey Herty describes it as “a homage to the South Louisiana meat markets he visited growing up,” featuring family recipes, regional specialties and a strong emphasis on artisanal, locally sourced products. Shoppers can stock up on Louisiana favorites like salami-sized andouille sausage, hog’s head cheese, cracklins, and of course, boudin. The shop also offers some creative, less traditional items, such as smoked chicken salad, crawfish queso, and unique boudin varieties like Vietnamese-style and seafood. While primarily a storefront, T-Rey’s also serves up daily grab-and-go meat-and-three lunch specials, with a rotating menu that includes classics like smoked sausage in tomato gravy, smoked brisket, pork spare ribs, and slow-cooked lima beans with house-pickled meat.

I had heard great things about Slidell’s Creole Sisters Cafe & Catering on social media, so I was excited about trying it for myself. I met the owner and chef, Tara Williams, at the Taste of St. Tammany, so I was happy to see her and to be greeted with a hug.

The restaurant’s space is cozy and welcoming. It’s familyrun and you can tell they’ve put a lot of love into it. There are pictures of her mom and other family on the walls, so it’s clear where the inspiration comes from. And behind the counter, there’s a shelf where Tara displays her own spice and seasoning blends.

We went on a Wednesday at about 4:30 and were able to get a table, and there were a lot of people coming in to pick up take-out orders. The menu is smart, featuring very traditional Creole food. They have a nice selection of appetizers and we decided to get a sampler platter that included things like crawfish balls, boudin egg rolls, crab cakes and seafood egg rolls. They were all good, but their crab and shrimp bites especially stood out for their use of fresh seafood and a nice seafood boil flavor. They were crispy, hot, and came with a remoulade sauce that had a nice tang and zest that really complemented the dish.

The menu changes, but they always have staples like fried fish, fried chicken and ribs. They offer gumbo every Friday and lucky for me, Creole stuffed bell peppers on Wednesdays.

I chose this for my entree, served with green beans, mac and cheese and a dinner roll. It was outstanding and reminded me of my childhood in St. Bernard. The flavors were reminiscent of the stuffed bell peppers my dad would order at Rocky and Carlos restaurant in Chalmette.

The bell pepper was tender and perfectly seasoned with a mixture of ground beef, shrimp, sautéed Creole trinity and a lot of love. It tasted like home! I also got to try the country fried pork ribs with chili garlic glaze, and they were also excellent.

We were absolutely stuffed after our appetizers and meal, but they have a dessert table with homemade cakes and pralines that we couldn’t pass up. There was a banana pudding cake that was tempting, but I chose to take home some German chocolate cake. It’s my favorite and I always have it for my birthday, and theirs did not disappoint.

The traditional Creole dishes are amazing, and there’s something for everyone. They even offer some all-American favorites, like burgers and chicken wings. I’d definitely recommend coming here for a casual meal with family, friends or business associates, or if you want to pick up a hot, homecooked meal to take home with you. We cannot wait for our next visit with Tara and her family.

Visit the Northshore welcomed the community to their newly renovated Visitor Center! What began as a much-needed update to the 27-year-old facility has transformed the space into a modern, more inviting environment for both visitors and staff.

The St. Tammany Health Foundation held their annual donor recognition celebration where they awarded the 2024 Adrian award was given to Winn Dixie.

The Children’s Museum of St. Tammany announce its new Mobile Literary Exhibit. Parker Finch, a recent Cypress Ridge High School graduate raised funds for this project and partnered with the museum to construct the Mobile Literary Exhibit.

Northshore Humane society launched their Capital Campaign to build a new facility for our amazing pets and staff!

Brittani Naccari Farrell and Timeless Touch Medical Aesthetics celebrated their second year anniversary. Congratulations!

Gabriella Alongi, a 6th grade honor student at Christ Episcopal School in Covington, was chosen to join the Honors Performance Series Middle School International Honor Choir 140-member ensemble and sing in Carnegie Hall in June.

The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce joined partners from the Livingston Parish Chamber, Tangipahoa Chamber and Washington Chamber of Commerce at the Louisiana State Capitol for Northshore Focus 2025.