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“The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights

New attack: Public prayer

Speaker takes on council chair

By KEVIN CHIRI

Slidell news bureau

MANDEVILLE – For the second month in a row at the St. Tammany Parish Council meeting, a new movement trying to remove prayer from the start of the monthly meetings is the latest controversy being stirred up, not surprisingly, by individuals who were previously speaking in favor of keeping sexually explicit books on the shelves of the parish public library branches.

--Council Chair Arthur Laughlin

One of those same speakers at last Thursday’s meeting was Terri Lewis Stevens, a controversial appointee by Parish President Mike Cooper to the St. Tammany Mosquito Abatement Board. This time, Stevens almost got thrown out of

the meeting by Council Chairman Arthur Laughlin for bringing up the prayer topic out of order after the matter had already been addressed and was no longer the agenda item.

(See Meeting, Pg. 5A)

another controversial issue at the recent council meeting.

This pile of money, totaling approximately $5,000, was seized by Slidell Police, along with over 100 assorted pills, when a local driver made an illegal move to pass an SPD officer, who was sitting at a stop sign.

‘You can’t make this up!’

$5,000 makes

in front of

SLIDELL – The Slidell Police Department reported another of their most popular Facebook stories this week, filed under the “We can’t make this stuff up,” category.

SPD Spokesman Sgt. Jake Morris posted a story this week that he titled, “what NOT to do when driving behind a police car in a neighborhood.”

Morris said that on Saturday night, a Slidell Police lieutenant was driving through a neighborhood in a fully-marked police car — the type that has “SLIDELL POLICE” plastered on every side to make it readily apparent that it’s a cop car.

(See Drugs, Pg. 9A)

Ousted trio go to court to regain their control

By KEVIN CHIRI Slidell news bureau

NEW ORLEANS – The last desperate move for three former St. Tammany Library Board of Control members to regain the power they displayed for several years in St. Tammany Parish libraries, that had them

All former board members were nominated and were voted on equally….but Taylor, McHugh and Parr did not get the votes to return them to office.

consistently voting to keep sexually explicit books on the public library shelves for minors to access, will be decided in the Eastern District Federal Court in New Orleans next week.

(See Trial, Pg. 7A)

A Night of White

Unexpectedly pleasant weather added to a big turnout on Saturday night in Olde Towne for the always popular White Linen & Lagniappe Night, featuring a multitude of local artists, music in the streets and, of course, great food and drinks from Slidell businesses. Among those having a great time were Gwen Michon dancing with young Naomi Michon. See more pictures inside on pages 12A-13A.

Three Slidell lawmakers bring back productive report

By KEVIN CHIRI Slidell news bureau

SLIDELL – The first year for any freshman Louisiana lawmaker taking part in the state legislative session has to be daunting, trying to learn the ropes about how to get things accomplished at the state level for their hometown constituents.

And even though new Sen. Bob Owen did have a previous

term behind him as a state representative, Owen and two new state representatives from the Slidell area—Stephanie Berault and Brian Glorioso—all seemed to jump in with both feet at the recent spring session of the Louisiana Legislature. Not only did all three sound very confident and informed about their issues when they addressed the recent St. Tammany Chamber “Legislative

Roundup,” but the three Slidell lawmakers were very active at the spring legislative session with a host of bills proposed, as well as turning many of them into productive new laws that were signed by the governor. The Chamber annually hosts the “Legislative Roundup” that brings together all St. Tammany lawmakers in the Legislature, letting local businessmen and women hear about what was accomplished.

Topping the good news was a list of $2.5 million in funding for 17 different projects in St. Tammany Parish. Among that, Slidell received $800,000 in money for city tornado damage, police and city operations and storm damage repairs, while the Pearl River Recreation District #5 received $200,000 for the Pearl River Pump Slough Boat Launch and Park.

(See Report, Pg. 7A)

Terri Lewis Stevens, a parish board appointee by Parish President Mike Cooper, was in the midst of

Rep. Brian Glorioso

Slidell's Grace Keene, 14, earned All-American honors and a Bronze medal after competing in the Junior Olympics on July 30 in Greensboro, NC. She ran the 1500 meters in 4:45.58 to take third place in her age division, even as she was competing in the 15–16-year-old age group. She was selected for the All-American honor, which is given to the top eight fastest athletes in the country in each age group. “I will admit I was a little nervous, but I remembered that challenges make champions, and my nerves faded away,” she said, after training twice a day for the past five months to get ready for the big event.

Endangered children located safely, mother arrested for taking kids

MANDEVILLE – Officers with the St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office helped locate and safely secure two young girls from New Orleans, after a Level II Missing Child Endangerment Alert was sent out Friday morning, Aug. 2.

The final determination in the case, according to Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Lt. Carli Messina, was that the mother, the non-custodial parent, had taken two eight-year-old girls without proper authority.

When the alert went out, the Sheriff’s Office was notified of the children who were missing, and told that the suspect, Alejandra Gutierrez, was likely in the Mandeville area.

At approximately 9 a.m. Friday morning, the vehicle Gutierrez was known to be driving was located in the Mandeville area in the 300 block of Oak Island Dr., bringing together deputies with the St. Tammany Sher-

iff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police Special Victim’s Unit, and FBI Violent Crimes Task Force.

The children were found to be safe and in good health, and returned to their father. Gutierrez was arrested as a fugitive from New Orleans Police Department and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Facility where she will await transport to Orleans Parish Prison for warrants issued by the New Orleans Police Department.

“Keeping children safe is a responsibility we take seriously as law enforcement. I am proud of my deputies for acting quickly to ensure the safety of these children, and I am grateful for the relationships we have with all of our law enforcement partners which we were able to utilize quickly to yield a positive outcome.” Sheriff Randy Smith said.

Auction items on display Thursday

SLIDELL – If you are looking for some of the most amazing bargains ever, and all to support non-profit groups and great public causes, you might want to zip across the lake to Gulf Coast Bank & Trust this Thursday night, Aug. 8.

The annual “Auctions in August” fundraiser is now underway, with several hundred items online to be bid on throughout this month. The deals to be had are not to be believed, and all the money raised goes to dozens of charity groups.

This Thursday, the bank is opening the doors to the location where many of the items can be viewed first-hand, if you show up between 5 to 6:30 p.m.at their 1817 Veterans Blvd. location in Metairie.

The first 50 people to show up will also receive a free Becky Fos “Crescent Crescendo” print. You can view all the items online and bid for them now at: AuctionsinAugust.com

SLIDELL — The St. Tammany Parish Public School System is releasing Back to School resources for the 20242025 school year leading up to the beginning of the school year.

Smart Start Days

All students in Pre K-12 will report for one of the Smart Start Days based on the first letter of their last name.

•August 8: Only Pre K-12 students with last names A-L attend school on this day.

•August 9: Only Pre K-12 students with last names M-Z attend school on this day.

•All students attend school and begin a normal schedule beginning August 12th.

The full calendar for the 2024-2025 school year is available at www.stpsb.org/calendar.

Registration

Parents and caregivers can register a child through the online registration portal at www.stpsb.org/register or in person at the school the child will attend. Current STPPS students do not have to register again if moving up in grade level. Parents and caregivers can find the school their child will attend by going to the Find Your School App at www.stpsb.org/findyourschool and typing in their address without the city and state.

Apply for STPPS Pre K

All applicants, including those who are seeking paid tuition Pre K spots, must complete an online application at www.stpsb.org/prek to begin the application process for Pre K. Parents and caregivers can also find more information about Pre K at www.stpsb.org/prek.

School Meals

Free school lunches and breakfasts are available for all students during

the 2024-2025 school year through a program called the Community Eligibility Provision. All enrolled students in our 55 schools are eligible to participate in this meal program without having to pay a fee or submit an application. There is no free and reduced meal application this year.

School Supply Lists

School supply lists, by grade level, are located on school websites for grades K-8. The Pre K/ Early Childhood supply list is available at www.stpsb.org/prek. High School teachers will send students home with their supply lists on the first day of school.

Bus Transportation

Families who need bus transportation can find their bus driver’s contact information through the STPPS Bus Stop Locator at www.stpsb.org/transportation. The bus driver will provide information about the bus stop location and times.

If families have additional questions about bus transportation or need assistance, they can call the transportation hotline at 985-898-3373. The hotline is available from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. on August 8, 9 and August 12, 13.

Stay Connected

Families can check out all of the many ways to get information about their school and the district by visiting the STPPS Connect Page at stpsb.org/connect. Download the STPPS mobile app and find the information you want in the palm of your hand! Visit stpsb.org/mobileapp to learn more. Subscribe to our Enewsletter and have the latest news and happenings sent directly to your email inbox! Visit stpsb.org/enewsletter to subscribe and view the latest edition of our Enewsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Slidell Mexican restaurant catches fire, destroys building, no one was injured

SLIDELL – A new Mexican restaurant in Slidell was shut down after a devastating fire created significant damage, but fortunately, none of the workers or customers were injured in the blaze that broke out on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 30.

Fire District #1 Spokesman Jason Gaubert reported that they received a call at approximately 4:05 that afternoon, and had firemen on the scene in three minutes, with a total of 40 firefighters eventually showing up to contain the blaze that occurred in a business strip mall at 1797 Gause Blvd. West.

When firefighters showed up, they saw heavy smoke and flames showing from the roof of the 2,000-square foot

business of Las Morritas Taqueria and Bar, which had only opened there nine months previously.

Gaubert said that he was told workers inside the restaurant heard a popping sound, followed by the lights going out. Not only were there customers inside with the employees, but roofers were on top of the building working on the roof.

All workers, customers and the roofers escaped unharmed and Gaubert reported that “firefighters did a phenomenal job of keeping the fire from spreading throughout the strip mall.” The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

EDITORIAL

Slidell Opinions

If you hear a cheer all over Slidell later this week from parents in the city, it is most likely the relief and joy that comes when students head back to school in the fall.

That begins this Friday, Aug. 9 when public school students begin going back, followed by private schools that return on various days starting Monday, Aug. 12.

With the return of students comes a reminder to all drivers that school zones carry different rules for motorists and need to be adhered to, all for the safety of our children.

According to Louisiana law, crossing guards are granted the authority to control traffic flow at intersections to ensure students' safety, and while some busy school zones can become frustrating, it is best for all to respect those guards who give of their time more as a volunteer effort than for the money.

Most importantly these days is the new Louisiana law that prohibits all drivers, regardless of age, from using a cell phone to make calls, send texts, or access social media platforms when they are driving through a school zone.

Special rules to follow when you are near school buses with flashing red lights are that you must come to a complete stop at least 30 feet away from the bus. Drivers must remain stopped until the bus stop arm is retracted and the bus resumes motion. Extra caution should be exercised around school buses, as children may unexpectedly enter the roadway.

Many drivers may find it confusing to determine when to stop for a bus when traveling in the opposite direction, especially on a multi-lane highway. A good rule of thumb is always to stop unless you are on a four-lane road with a physical barrier, a raised median, or a continuous turn lane.

Louisiana law also requires children under 13 to ride in the back seat of a vehicle whenever possible. For younger children, it is recommended that they remain rear-facing until the age of two or until they have outgrown the weight or height limits of their car seat.

The goal for every year is that each child in our community can enjoy a safe school year throughout the 10 months they are going to school or coming home. Unfortunately, Slidell has not been immune to a few tragic accidents in recent years that involved students, particularly since there seems to be moreand-more parents who opt to drive their children to school, then pick them up after school in what can be very long, busy lines.

Please remind yourself this week that when school is in session, traffic on the roads is considerably higher in the mornings and afternoon.

No one wants there to be a tragedy for their child, or anyone else. For that to happen, we must all remain vigilant and always prioritize safety. The well-being of our future generations relies on our commitment to safe driving practices.

‘Letters

to the Editor’

The Slidell Independent welcomes “Letters to the Editor.” Letters must be no longer than 500 words, and The Slidell Independent reserves the right to edit the letters as needed. Please e-mail letters to: sliindenews@gmail.com.

Purport

1.:tohavetheoftenspeciousappearanceofbeing,intending,orclaiming (somethingimpliedorinferred) abookthatpurportstobeanobjectiveanalysis also : claim foreignnovelswhichhepurportstohavetranslated

—MaryMcCarthy

2.:intend,purpose

Did you Know?

The Latin verb portare, meaning “to carry,” was the port of entry for many an English word, from the noun portfolio to familiar verbs report, support, and transport. (The port a ship uses comes from a different Latin source: portus, meaning “port.”) Purport too ultimately comes from portare, although its direct ancestor is the Anglo-French verb purporter, meaning “to carry” or “to mean.” Today, purport is typically used when someone or something makes a claim that may or may not be true; something purported to be a fact is not at all a sure thing. The skepticism that modern purporting generally requires wasn’t present in the original verb, however. In the late 17th century, a purported claim was assumed as true as any. And three centuries before that, to purport a message, idea, etc., was simply to convey it. Purport can also function as a noun with a meaning closely related to the older verb one: it can refer to the main or general meaning conveyed in a piece of writing, in someone’s actions, etc., as in “the purport of the visit” or “the essay’s purport.”

Laughlin shines in tough position

Ever been to a St. Tammany Parish Council meeting?

I have. And it’s the reason I don’t attend too many these days thanks to the fact I can watch it online a day or two after it is finished.

Most Parish Council meetings run several hours, or even as much as five-and-a-half hours, which was the case at the most recent “night of fun” on Thursday, August 1.

While I candidly admit that I don’t love attending meetings anymore, I have been to plenty in my career to know what goes on.

And if there is anything I have come to appreciate, and respect, it is the person who is the chairman or president and has to run things.

I do attend many of the Slidell City Council meetings now, since we are The Slidell Independent, but those gatherings do not have nearly the number of issues—or drama—that is occasionally found at the Parish Council meeting.

For that matter, recent Slidell Council presidents like Ken Tamborella or Bill Borchert have done a remarkably good job getting us in and out in record time, so naturally I really appreciate that. And for the “new kid on the block,” Councilman Megan Haggerty, who has taken over the reins of the presidency and runs the meetings, I was quite impressed with the efficiency she displayed as well dur-

BY KEVIN CHIRI The Slidell Independent

ing some recent meetings I attended.

To start with, if you are to be a president or chairman who runs these government meetings, you must be familiar with Robert’s Rules of Order. Many of you are familiar with that phrase—it refers to a specific procedure that must be followed in government proceedings to ensure everything is done according to the law. And I must say, it isn’t easy to do all that perfectly.

All this talk gets me to my point for this week— the most recent Parish Council meeting that has turned up a new problematic topic with a very small handful of people now deciding they must oust the longtime tradition of starting each meeting with a short prayer.

Geez, what next?

Let’s call this what it is—liberal, far-left individuals who seem to hate everything supported by the Christian community. Look at the national news and you don’t have to watch long

to see the organized effort to get anything Godly out of the public sector.

Here in our own backyard, we know it began with the recent library book controversy in St. Tammany Parish when sexually explicit books were discovered in our 12 library branches, all right there on the shelves for kids to pull down and read pornographic text.

Thankfully, due to the outstanding efforts for two years by many parish residents and public officials, it appears that situation will soon be rectified with a restricted section for the books—not banning! And then, all the parents who believe it is so important for their kids to read about sex when they are 8-yearsold can go right to our library and do it!

Back to last week’s Parish Council meeting—now that the left has lost the battle for the books, and I still struggle to understand what kind of adults would fight so hard so kids can read about porn and sex at very young ages—we have our new fight of taking prayer out of the meetings.

Parish Council Chairman Arthur Laughlin has been leading those meetings for some time, and I immediately took notice last year that he was a guy who was in charge and did a great job in an

extremely difficult position. He did his best to move things along, and in my opinion, always bent over backwards to show respect to public speakers.

During the library book controversy, he had his share of challenging times with very passionate speakers on both sides. And last Thursday night, he had to deal with another difficult speaker, who wouldn’t follow the rules and could have easily been tossed out of the meeting—something Laughlin did not do.

I’ve frequently talked about the difficulty of serving in public office. It’s a mostly thankless job, and that’s why I’m thankful for many who are willing to take it on. Those jobs are very important to us, to keep our quality of life in St. Tammany Parish, and keep order in our communities.

But more than serving on a public body, you deserve an extra pat on the back if you are willing to become the president or chairman. Now, that deserves big-time props. And we’re fortunate to have people like Laughlin, and others, who have been willing to accept that responsibility.

Kevin Chiri can be reached by

SLIDELL – Football season is in the air, with the Saints kicking off their pre-season schedule this Saturday, Aug. 10 with their first game against the Arizona Cardinals, followed by a great way to get into the gridiron excitement when the St. Tammany Chamber brings back the popular Fan Up Pep Rally, set for the Slidell Auditorium on Thursday, Aug. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m.

The Fan Up Pep Rally is the biggest Northshore tailgating party that is loaded with football fun, excitement, dozens of raffle prizes, great food and drinks— AND—a chance to win a pair of Plaza Level Saints season tickets, valued at $3,395, for the purchase of a $20 admission ticket.

SLIDELL BUSINESS

Chamber CEO Lacey Osborne said the Fan Up Pep Rally was always something they wanted to bring back to eastern St. Tammany, after the former Slidell Chamber used to hold it annually. The Pep Rally always brought together several hundred fans to the Auditorium and this year will be no different.

“From the time we started the parish wide Chamber in 2019 we have worked to serve both the west and east sides of the parish equally, and the Fan Up Pep Rally was always a great thing the Slidell Chamber used to hold, so this year we are ready to bring it back and it is going to be a lot of fun,” Osborne said. Admission is only $20, which automatically enters you in the drawing

for the Saints season tickets, while anyone age 20 and under enters the party for free.

Along with local vendors having plenty of great food and drinks at booths throughout the auditorium, there will also be football games all around the event site to add an additional touch of fun to the Saints pep rally.

Along with the big drawing at 6:30 p.m. for the Saints season tickets will be raffle prizes that can be won by buying five tickets for $5, and there are outstanding football items in a silent auction. Among the raffle items are a Saints IPod, a Saints Bookbag, a Saints bluetooth speaker, an LSU Jacket, and gift baskets of wine. There will also be a 50/50 game of Heads or Tails.

(Staff photo by Kevin Chiri.)

“This really is the biggest indoor Saints tailgating party on the North Shore,” added Osborne. “We hope to have the place packed and have a great day to begin cheering on our

Upcoming Meetings

Slidell City Council

Aug. 13, 6:30--City Council Meet-

ing. Council Chambers, 2nd St.

Aug. 27, 6:30--City Council Meeting. Council Chambers, 2nd St.

St. Tammany School Board

Aug. 8, 6:00--Full Board meeting. (Slidell)

** Unless designated elsewhere, meetings at C.J. Schoen Bld., 321 N. Theard, Covington.

** Slidell meetings: Robert C. Brooks Education Complex, 2544 Sgt. Alfred Dr., Slidell.

St. Tammany Parish Council

Sept. 5, 6:00--Parish Council Meeting.

Aug. 28, 6:00—Agenda Review, followed by Finance Committee.

** Meetings at Parish Office, Koop Drive, Mandeville. Koop Drive, Mandeville.

St. Tammany Library Board

Aug. 26, 6:30—Parish Council Chambers.

--Koop Drive Mandeville

Fire District #1

Board of Commissioners

Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Towers Building

St. Tammany Levee Board

Aug. 21, 6:00—Slidell City Auditorium.

--Committee meetings - 5 p.m.

Saints this season.”

Vendor booths are still available for $200 each. You can sign up by going online to the Chamber website at: Sttammanychamber.o

You can purchase tickets in advance for the event, which also qualifies you for the Saints season ticket rally, by calling Amy Tucker at 985-273-3007.

‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ hits SLT

SLIDELL – Slidell Little Theater is selling tickets for their next upcoming play,

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” which will run at the local theater from Friday, August 23 through September 8. Shows are performed on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is presented with special arrangement through Musical Theatre International (MTI) and will be directed by Ashley Krieger.

(From Pg. 1A)

After the Parish Council went through a process for several months earlier this year that led to the reappointment of the Library Board, following the state law that was sanctioned by the Louisiana attorney general, three former board members were ousted.

That led to a lawsuit by former Chairman Rebecca Taylor, and former Board Members Anthony Parr and Bill McHugh, which is set to begin next Tuesday, Aug. 13 and should last two days or longer, said Attorney Bruce Hamilton for the plaintiffs. They claim in the suit that their First Amendment rights were violated because they claim they were replaced due to their “perceived political affiliations.”

Taylor, McHugh and Parr were the three Library Board members who fought hard over the past two years to ensure the books would remain available for children to read.

Critics of the books being openly available on the shelves, who first discovered them in June 2022, were asking for a restricted section, not to ban the books. However, that trio consistently voted to make

(From Pg. 1A)

Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" showcases the film’s Academy Awardnominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. Peter Parnell’s new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel.

Tickets are on sale for $35 for adults, as well as $25 for students and seniors. You can purchase tickets in advance online at: Slidelllittletheater.org/tickets

TRIAL: Library Board lawsuit in court beginning Tuesday, led by Taylor, Parr and McHugh

sure the books remained available, as well as dozens of other books in the children’s section that promoted and educated about gay, lesbian and transgender lifestyles.

The board was changed in May of this year after new Councilman David Cougle, along with new La. Rep. Brian Glorioso, both attorneys, researched the manner in which the Library Board had originally been appointed. They discovered that the Parish Council had not followed state law in the appointment process since they were supposed to appoint the board members to staggered terms. All board members had been appointed to five-year terms.

Since it was impossible to go back and figure out who should have been appointed for a one to five-year terms, the state attorney general ruled that a reappointment process needed to take place.

Not only did that happen for the Library Board, but Cougle also found that seven other parish boards were also incorrectly appointed, and all of those boards have since been fixed as well.

When the Library Board reappointment process was begun, all

14 council members were allowed to nominate anyone they wanted, and it allowed Taylor, McHugh and Parr to be nominated for the new board along with 19 other nominees. However, none of those three received close to enough votes to return to the board, although one former board member, Ann Shaw, considered “moderate,” was reappointed.

Weeks after the reappointment of the new board, the three former members filed a lawsuit in New Orleans claiming their First Amendment rights were violated and that they should be returned to the board. Not only did they sue the St. Tammany Parish government, but specifically Cougle, who led the fight the past two years to get the books into the restricted section.

The group originally asked the judge in the case for a restraining order to keep the new Library Board from meeting, but that request was denied, leading to the trial set to begin next week.

Among others receiving subpoenas, The Slidell Independent was also subpoenaed and forced to identify who ordered and paid for full-page ads that ran virtually every week in

the paper for well over a year, taking a stand against the availability of the books and pressing the Parish Council to take action. Previous to the election last fall that brought in nine new Parish Council members out of the 14-man body, no action was ever taken to address the controversy until Cougle and the other nine new P.C. members were elected.

The lawsuit goes into great length discussing Cougle’s efforts to find a way to change the board. He was one of nine newly-elected parish councilman from last fall’s election, when Cougle and many others campaigned on the library book issue, promising to find a way to “fix the problem.”

The lawsuit claims that Taylor, McHugh and Parr were holding positions on the board that “they were duly appointed to,” although that claim conflicts with the Louisiana A.G. opinion about the need to reappoint board members to staggered positions.

The lawsuit also states the library board controversy “focused mainly on sexually explicit materials and minors’ access to them,” but said the real “issue of LBGTQ literature is the underlying basis of

community outrage that influenced and informed much of the political rhetoric that swept (new) PC members into office.”

There were over 150 books challenged to the board, with the majority having detailed sexual text stories and information, besides the other books that addressed the gay, lesbian and transgender lifestyles.

Cougle was among parish residents who formed a citizen organization called the St. Tammany Library Accountability Project (STLAP) that sought for the books to be put into a restricted section, not banned, as critics and other media frequently incorrectly stated.

The actual beginning of the controversy was in June 2022, when Library Director Kelly LaRocca oversaw a PRIDE display in three of the 12 parish branches, a month which promotes and supports the gay, lesbian and transgender lifestyles. Books on those topics were set up in a display in the library branches in close proximity to children’s collections, then were discovered by several parish mothers, who began the fight.

Cougle was previously quoted as saying

the process to reappoint the board was not discrimination or removal against any of the previous board members, frequently termed “liberal” or “far-left,” by online critics and officials with the Concerned Citizens of St. Tammany. Cougle noted that all former board members were nominated and were voted on equally with all the other nominees, but Taylor, McHugh and Parr did not get the votes to return them to office.

LaRocca had also been under intense criticism for the past two years of the controversy since she headed a library committee that was tasked with reviewing each of the challenged books. However, in each instance, her committee that was selfpicked by LaRocca recommended the board keep the books on the shelves.

She has since stated that she will have no problem following the directives in the future from what is now a conservative board, expected to put the majority of the books into the restricted area. She also had nothing to do with the lawsuit filed by the ousted three members.

REPORT: Chamber members get updates by Slidell lawmakers, productive report brought back

Owen, who won election last fall for the District 1 Senate seat previously held by Sharon Hewitt, jumped from the House of Representatives side of the Legislature to the Senate and filed 22 bills to start his second full term serving in Baton Rouge.

Going through the natural process that allows some bills to move to passage, then others that get short circuited for different reasons, Owen had an impressive showing with 12 bills in the final totals, with eight of them signed by the governor.

Owen is already getting a reputation for taking on common sense issues that many people want to see addressed but may not always seem critical at first glance. As a representative he started off just like that after seeing a huge hole in the law for the governing of drones—an exploding industry that now has them being utilized numerous ways.

Owen created the Louisiana Drone Task Force last term that is working on the complicated question of laws for where and when drones can be used, mainly to ensure the privacy of state residents is retained.

This year he began working on a bill that strengthens the laws about people who drive in the left lane of the interstate and hold up traffic because they are going slow, even though all interstates have signs saying, “slower traffic move to the right lane.”

Owen also had a bill passed that raises the fines for those who use “bait dogs” to train dogs for fighting.

“When I learned about this, I had to do something because there are people who get a docile dog from the shelter, then use them to train pit bulls and other dogs that fight. I saw dogs that were beaten up and injured so badly, and finally had to be euthanized,” he said. “It really is animal cruelty.”

Owen said he had a cousin and a friend who died from opioid overdoses, which is why he authored and passed a bill to get non-opioid treatment for those who need it.

Owen got the biggest laugh of the

day when he began talking and said he has “the coolest license plate in the state” that senators can get. His plate says LA1.

As for his work in the Legislature the past four years, and now heading for another four years as a senator, he said, “this is the most rewarding work I’ve ever done in my life. Even though the pay isn’t great, we are helping people and changing lives, and I love doing this.”

Berault had five bills in her freshman year in Baton Rouge and focused on education and information for pregnant women without it costing them more money, the critical reform for homeowner insurance reform, and to “provide more preventative medicine to keep people healthy.”

She said that her first session was eye-opening for many reasons.

“I was surprised to see the lack of drama. Sure, we disagree with other lawmakers, but we are not disagreeable about it.

“One of my goals is to find more ways to bring job creators to Louisiana, and that’s why passing a lot of insurance reform was important,” she remarked. “Also, we gave law enforcement more tools to do their job and that will help in a lot of ways also.”

Glorioso said he went to Baton Rouge with big plans to work on insurance reform, but perhaps due to his profession as a lawyer, was handed a super complicated bill on

racketeering.

“I figured my first bill would be easy, but then I was asked to handle the racketeering bill,” he said with a laugh. “It was pretty complicated, but even as a freshman I was open to tak-

ing a leadership role, so I accepted it.”

Glorioso was heavily involved in the many new laws that are expected to lower homeowner insurance and said he is already seeing more companies return to write business here, the key to bringing rates down since Louisiana has the second highest insurance rates in the country, even higher than New York and California.

Another aspect of getting that done was Glorioso’s effort to create a Coastal Reinsurance program that puts Louisiana in a bigger insurance pool with other coastal states to share the risk of big storms.

“When Florida did that it lowered the reinsurance cost dramatically and I think we will see that here as well,” he remarked.

Sen. Bob Owen

Rep. Stephanie Berault

Krewe of Poseidon royalty announced for Season X

The Krewe of Poseidon, the largest carnival krewe outside of New Orleans, proudly unveiled its royalty for the 10th Anniversary year during their coronation ball on Saturday night at the Castine Center. Jimbo Borchert and Deanna Reine were crowned as King and Queen Poseidon X respectfully. This year’s theme, “What A Wonderful World,” was also unveiled at the event. The 650+ guests were entertained by the Phunky Monkeys. John Snell served as the Master of Ceremonies. The krewe will parade at 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, on the traditional Slidell route. This year’s float themes will highlight great destinations throughout the world. For additional information visit www.poseidonslidell.com or via social media.

The Krewe of Poseidon is a coed carnival organization dedicated to supporting the community of Slidell

SLIDELL ‘Letters to the Editor’

(Editor's Note: The city of Slidell is publishing the City Council minutes as a service to readers in the name of transparency for residents, even though they are only legally bound to run the minutes in the Official Journal. The Slidell Independent is barred from bidding as the Official Journal because it is a free paper, however, city officials elected to run them in our publication to inform residents of City Council actions.)

Minutes July 9, 2024 6:30 P.M.

Council President Haggerty called the regular meeting of the Slidell City Council to order in the Auditorium Meeting Room. A quorum was present.

PRESENT: Council Members Jeff Burgoyne, Leslie Denham, David Dunham, Megan Haggerty, Nick DiSanti, Kenny Tamborella, Trey Brownfield and Cindi King

ABSENT: Council Member Bill Borchert

ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Greg Cromer, Police Chief Randy Fandal, Council Administrator Thomas Reeves, Chief of Staff John Welborn, and City Attorney Thomas Schneidau

The Council President opened the Consent Calendar for a public hearing. No one from the public appeared to speak. The Council President closed the public hearing on the Consent Calendar. Councilman Tamborella sec-

Thanks for Camp Salmen, now for the next step

Editor,

Thanks to the Independent for addressing the lack of potable water issue at the Camp Salmen Nature Park. Thanks too, mainly to Sharon Newton, who alerted the public to the situation, and pressured park and parish officials to take appropriate action to resolve the situation after almost two years of stagnation. Thanks too, to those parish officials, both elected and appointed, who made it a priority.

As a member of the citizen's committee that worked, along with Parish President Kevin Davis in 2003, to acquire the old Camp Salmen Boy Scout Camp and the Green Property on Bayou Lacombe for the public, I have had an abiding interest in both these properties and the enormous potential they have; both for our local residents and as tourist attractions for St. Tammany Parish. It was a privilege to work alongside other dedicated citizens on a Master Plan for public use of these valuable and historic properties. It's time to move forward to get ahead. We have much to offer and much to do.

I was inspired by the inherent potential of the Northshore to present proposals and plans for a master trails program to the Lt. Governor in 2004, and in 2006, through the 520-mile Louisiana Scenic Bayous, Byways, Bikeways, and Blueways Initiative to devise a 14-parish Corridor Management Plan across the Florida and River Parishes for the Louisiana Office of Tourism.

Our Heritage Corridors and Themed Trails Rural Tourism Economic Development Initiative includes the Camp Salmen Nature Park and the Francios Cousin Bayou Heritage Nature Park as prime environmental heritage locations for a series of Museums Without Walls using ODT>Outdoor Display Technology to tell the little-known and fascinating story of us: our region on the Northshore. The CSNP is a key element in this effort.

I admire and commend those public officials, like State Representative

Mary Dubussion, who initiated the restoration of the old colonial Trading Post building with a $500,000 grant, and Parish Councilman Jimmy 'Gumby' Strickland, in whose district the CSNP will be a remarkable and profitable recreational, educational, and environmental asset. Yet, too few people even know the park and all its assets exists. Our corridors and trails project can help remedy that lack. We can begin now, and acquire what we need as we go along. Positive action brings success. Let us move on.

The Old Trading Post is an important colonial site that played an essential part in the history of our area. It deserves to be preserved for future Americans and perhaps as a museum that tells the Northshore story.

Since first established during the American Bicentennial in 1976, the Lacombe Heritage Center has had significant impact in creating museums, festivals, trails, and other projects that protect, preserve, promote, present, and pass along the environmental, historical, and cultural heritage of the Northshore. Through our experience and expertise, our plans can achieve more every day, for tomorrow. If we allow ourselves to stagnate due to ineptitude or apathy, we only harm ourselves. This is why I was willing to donate the funds to install a water line into the park. To me it seemed like such a simple, and inexpensive; and very necessary, solution.

I am pleased to learn that the parish had the money to move ahead with the required water line installation.

The Lacombe Heritage Center is ready to contribute our talent, ability, resources, and energy to a shared responsibility with the parish and state.

I thank the Friends of Camp Salmen Nature Park for their cooperation in coordinating financial contributions from various sponsors and donors. Let's go together and keep up the good work for our parish and community.

Tom Aicklen Coordinator Lacombe Heritage Center

onded by Councilman Brownfield made a motion to adopt the Consent Calendar.

ROLL CALL 8 Yeas 0 Nays 1 Absent CARRIED

CONSENT CALENDAR

A. Approval of the Minutes of the June 25, 2024 meeting.

B. Proposed Ordinance:

1. Item No. 24-07-3539: An ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Slidell, Chapter 27, Section 27-163(c)(3)a, to update the date slot for the Krewe of Mona Lisa Moonpie, (Tamborella).

Note: A Public Hearing will be held on the above listed ordinance on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 2045 Second Street, Suite 319.

C. Appointment:

1. Nominating Committee for Slidell Memorial Hospital Board of Commissioners – Reappoint Raymond Brinson to a term expiring 7/1/2027. (Mayor).

D. Monthly Financial Report (May)

REGULAR AGENDA

PUBLIC HEARING

As advertised, a public hearing was held on Item No. 24-06-3537, an ordinance

granting a Conditional Use Permit for Gun and Holster Assembly at 1020 Old Spanish Trail, Suite 8 ONLY (Case Z2406). No one appeared to speak. The Council President closed the public hearing. Councilman Brownfield seconded by Councilman Burgoyne made a motion to adopt Item No. 24-06-3537, Ordinance No. 4185.

ROLL CALL 8 Yeas 0 Nays 1 Absent CARRIED

LEGISLATIVE COMMENTS AND REPORTS

Councilman Brownfield invited everyone to a fund raiser for the Nicholas Eirich Foundation. The Foundation was created in memory of Nicholas Eirich and the funds raised will go to help provide emotional and financial support to families going through organ transplants. The event will be held on July 13, 2024 at Pope John Paul Gym. For more information you can go to Facebook, Nicholas’s Journey.

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS AND REPORTS

Mayor Cromer congratulated Councilwoman Haggerty and Councilman DiSanti on their first meeting as President and Vice President.

As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:39 p.m.

Charbonnet to be guest speaker at Magnificat breakfast

SLIDELL — Come hear the inspiring testimony of Denny (Denise) Charbonnet at the next Magnificat breakfast on Saturday, August 17 at Pinewood Country Club, 405 Country Club Blvd., Slidell, LA presented by the East St. Tammany Slidell Chapter of Magnificat, a ministry for Catholic women.

Denny Charbonnet ‘s approach to life was formed by her deep faith in God. While on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in 1987 she experienced a life-changing interaction with the Blessed Mother and the Holy Spirit. She became involved in many ministries, which strengthened her relationship with Our Lord and His Mother. Although she wears many hats, her role as mother and grandmother is her most precious. Denny is

on Aug. 17

the loving mother of Rev. Beau Charbonnet, Jean Charbonnet and the late Elise Charbonnet Angelette.

Denny offers two scriptures that are written on her heart “For we know that all things work for good to those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 “For I know well the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope!” Jeremiah 29:11

Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Breakfast begins at 9 a.m. Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased at Eventbrite.com. For additional information contact Debbie Callens at 985502-0349 or Charlotte Champagne at 985-707-3670 or email Eaststtammanymagnificat@gmail.com.

Mayfield collects 20 bags of coats to be taken to Uganda for children

Slidell’s David Ziegler, along with his wife Grace, go to Uganda, Africa every fall to perform mission work at an orphanage that takes care of approximately 170 children. One of their greatest needs when going is to bring coats and light jackets to the children, something that has been assisted greatly by a Slidell teacher at Mayfield Elementary, who headed a drive that collected 20 large bags of children’s coats and light jackets. The Ziegler’s, who work through Harvestime Bible Institute that trains pastors and ministers with a two-year degree in Biblical Ministry, received the coats from Dana Fradella, who was assisted in the drive by Mayfield Principal Katie Singleton and the custodial staff. Many of the coats came from clothing in the school lost and found, but never claimed by anyone. The clothing will be taken by the Ziegler’s to the orphanage on a mountain in the city of Masaka (southern Uganda). Bogalusa-born Darren O'Quinn and his Ugandan-born wife, Fatuma, oversee the orphanage appropriately named, "Love and Care for All." Darren and Fatuma also direct and finance, "Zion Primary School," which educates over 100 elementary-aged students just down from that mountain. If you want to support the Ziegler mission work, visit Faith Christian Bookstore in Slidell or Gibson House Antiques in Picayune. You will find displays with many Ugandan made crafts with all proceeds collected supporting, "Love and Care for All." For more information or to schedule Dave and Grace to speak at your church, home Bible study, school, place of business, etc. contact them at: intout.org

DRUGS: Man arrested after passing marked police car

(From Pg. 1A)

The lieutenant noticed a vehicle behind him that seemed to be in a hurry, “and according to the lieutenant, the vehicle behind him kept veering into the oncoming lane, looking as if it wanted to pass the police vehicle.” As the lieutenant

came to a stop sign, the vehicle that was right behind him suddenly made his move, “going AROUND the lieutenant at the intersection.”

Not surprisingly, the officer turned on his emergency lights and pulled the vehicle over, finding what was called “a pharmacy inside of his vehicle — over 100

assorted pills, a bag of cocaine, and roughly $5,000 in cash.”

“Needless to say, the night ended a little differently than the criminal expected,” said Morris. The moral of the story is: don’t be impatient while driving, especially if you’re ‘riding dirty.’

Mayfield teacher Dana Fradella (left in top photo) stands with Grace Ziegler, and Pastor David Ziegler stands with his wife in bottom photo, showing the massive number of jackets and coats now ready to go to children in Uganda, Africa.

T St. y Coroner Dr. e became the new parish coroner last year when no one qualified in the elec tion to run against him. Once in office, an investigative stor y uncovered these fac ts:

• Taape was charged with Child Sexual Assault crimes over 20 years ago in New Mexico. He never was officially tried on those charges since a judge threw them out af ter prosecutors took too long to get it to trial.

• Taape had an out- of- cour t sexual harassment settlemen foor feemale employee that also never made its way to cour t.

• Taape was fired b foormer St. Taammany Cor foore the elec tion for repor tedly leak ing private foormation on a case from the Coroner ’s s O ffice.

, personal inf

• Taape was sued only a week af ter tak ing office af ter he announced he would cancel a critical depar tment program that provided specially trained nurses to exam sexual assault vic tims. He claimed the program was too expensive, but his decision meant vic tims would not have the best evidence from the exam to take to cour t.

Family First of St. y was formed to ensure our

are of moral character and integrity, , something we believe Taape does not

He should not be serving the people of St. Taammany in such an impor tant position.

Suppor ting the Recall is:

• N ine St Taammany state lawmakers

• The Slidell Cit y Council

• The St Taammany Parish Council

• St Taammany Chamber

Petition Locations:

PREAM Pizza: 196 Audubon Dr. Ace Hardware: 1037 Rober t Blvd.

Restaurant Cote: 2219 Carey St. Finnan’s Pharmac y : 3044 G ause Blvd. E. LA Nails: 2139 G ause Blvd. E. Coral Reef Dive Shop: 1501 G ause Blvd.-St. 7 May Salon Therapy : 2237 First St. Slidell Vet Hospital: 1104 Front St. Front Street Barber : 2256 Front St. Slidell Feed & Seed: 101 W. . Pennsylvania Ave. N ick Law Firm: 2229 Sgt. Alfred Dr.

HELP! Y WE NEED

Slidell heads to Olde Towne dressed in white

White Linen & Lagniappe 2024 in Olde Towne hit the jackpot with the weather on Saturday for its annual downtown party with surprisingly comfortable temperatures after earlier rain, and a cloudy evening. The crowds turned out in a big way for the always entertaining night that features artists all over Olde Towne, live music on the streets, great food and drinks, plus lots of fellowship with friends.

Staff photos by Kevin Chiri

Blake Newberry had a great time although not all of his kids (from left) Oakley, Ashton and Easton Newberry, shared his enthusiasm.

Attorney Laura Borchert (left) always opens her Olde Towne business for the night. Along with her are Jeanette Schween (center) and Sean Spoliansky.

Taylor Eskine, Lauren Campbell and Trisha Jay.

Plenty of music was playing in the streets, or in this case, an Olde Towne business porch.

Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal with his wife, Dania.

Lainey Thornhill and Lauren Scallan.

Crystal LeBoeuf with her cute dog, Beaux.

These two cowgirls, Kerri Bradley (left) and Carolina Campbel, were heading for the fun in Olde Towne.

Restaurant Cote and Maple Room owner Jeremy Reilly taking a break on his outside porch with Christine Guillot.

Patricia and Ron Duhe.

Troy Brackett is always on the lookout for the camera and caught the Slidell Independent photographer here, immediately asking to be in the paper…..again.

Slidell Magazine Final Page Farewell

An added bonus to the 2024 White Linen Night was a celebration in the Municipal Auditorium to congratulate Slidell Magazine founder and owner Kendra Maness Davis for bringing the monthly publication to Slidell in June of 2010. Maness published 165 magazines but is calling it quits now as her life is taking her out-oftown. Maness thanked numerous people who contributed to the popular magazine and was thanked by Mayor Greg Cromer for her positive, uplifting product that Slidellians enjoyed.

Kendra Maness Davis thanked many people at the event, particularly artist Michael Reed, who created more covers for the magazine than anyone, with 11 pieces of artwork.

Dozens of the 164 magazines can be seen in front of the stage, offered to locals for free, as Councilman Bill Borchert addressed the crowd, with a line of key contributors to the magazine seated to the right.

Kendra thanked a number of key contributors to the magazine, including financial columnist Mike Rich, who wrote a piece every month since starting in the sixth edition in January 2011.

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer (left) thanked Kendra for her contributions to the city, including the popular work of writer John Case, known as “The Storyteller,” with his intriguing and fascinating stories that revolve around Slidell history. Case began writing in the 12th edition in July of 2011.

OBITUARIES

ARTHUR MICHAEL GALSCHJODT

Art enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1965, serving four years during the Vietnam War, stationed at Dover Air Force Base, where he made several life-long friends. After the service, he returned

Arthur Michael Galschjodt, known affectionately as “Art” by his friends and loved ones, embarked on his final journey to meet our Lord and Savior on July 25, 2024. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 3, 1944 to Arthur Edward and Ninfa Joanne Galschjod, Art's laughter and generosity became a timeless classic, much like the cars he so lovingly restored. The oldest of seven children, Art is survived by his sisters, Mary Pedro, Marianne Vazquez, Gerry Galschjodt, Trudy Galschjodt, and Joanne Cecere and one brother, Christopher. The family re-settled in Brooklyn, New York, where Art completed high school focused on the woodworking trade.

to St. Louis to pursue a career in finance and help care for his grandmother, Marianna Pisciotta Randazzo. There he met and married his wife of 50 years, Kathleen Pecaut Galschjodt. They moved to Louisiana in 1974 and later had a daughter, Gretchen Galschojdt Turner.

Art always loved cars, and he began a career in auto restoration in Louisiana after leaving the finance industry. His career, which spanned 40 plus years restoring cars, was built solely on word-of-mouth and generational referrals. His business, The Art Works, wasn't just a business; it was a monument to Art's talent, where he was

CYNTHIA DOWLING COCHRAN

Cynthia Dowling Cochran of Slidell was called home to God’s kitchen on July 27, 2024, at the age of 77. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. William Dowling. Cindy is survived by her husband, Michael Cochran, and many, many friends.

She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Slidell and served for many years as the president of the Women of First Church.

Cindy was a retired teacher who taught first and second grades for 32 years in Missouri, Kansas, and Slidell,

Louisiana.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Slidell Animal Shelter-Animal Assistance League of Slidell and the Methodist Children's Home of Southeast Louisiana. Friends and family attended a memorial service at the First United Methodist Church of Slidell. A private internment will take place at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery at a future date.

dubbed “The Ultimate Body Man” and praised for painting cars “like Rembrandt.” His custom paint jobs weren't just eye candy, they were award-winning masterpieces that turned heads and stole shows across the country. But it wasn't just chrome and paint that fueled Art; his heart was always at the dinner table, passing a good time with the people he cared about. He enjoyed spinning tales of his New York City antics, the adventures of caring for his Italian grandmother, unauthorized excursions with his service buddies, and the unending love for his wife and daughter that could rival any romantic classic.

Generous to a fault, Art was always looking out for his neighbors. He was a dedicated parishioner of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church and began his day saying the rosary in the chapel. His sense of humor was as infectious as his smile, and you could bet that any gathering with Art was going to be full of stories. He never met a stranger, just friends he hadn't shared a laugh with yet. We honor and remember a man whose life was as colorful and full of character as the cars he brought back to life.

As we lay him to rest, may his heavenly roads be endless, the skies sunny, and may every car in the great beyond

be in need of that special Art touch. Services for Art will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024 at St. Margaret Mary Church located at 1050 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA 70458. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. The rosary will be recited beginning 10:30 a.m. A private graveside service will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, you may send Mass cards or donate to St. Margaret Mary Church or Art’s favorite charity, Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.org. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com

Audubon Funeral Home Obituary Listings

(For information on services, contact Audubon at 985-645-0600 or online at: audubonfuneralhome.com)

Jerry Mack Stewart, age 77, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. He was a painter by trade and a talented musician, especially playing country and gospel music.

Nicole Ann Lanier, age 40, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024.

Born in New Orleans, she graduated from Fontainebleau High School in 2002 and then earned a Science degree with a focus on Accounting. She worked for PEC/Premier Safety Management. She was also a devout Catholic.

Linda Lloyd Brewer Mallard, age 82, of Pearl River, LA, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024.

Born in Frankfort, KY, she was a devoted homemaker throughout her life.

Kurt Otis Schenker, age 78, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024, due to cardiac arrest.

Born in Morristown, NJ, he served in the U.S. Army as a field medic during the Vietnam War, honored with three Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars and a host of other medals. After the war he joined the family construction business and earned a degree in Substance Abuse from Southern University, followed by a Master’s in Hospital Administration from College of St. Francis. He worked at Methodist Psychiatric Pavilion and Bowling Green Hospital before working for Amtrak. He was a Freemason and parishioner at St. Luke Catholic Church.

Williams Funeral Home Obituary Listings

(For information on services, contact Williams Funeral Home at 863-5733, or go online to: dtwilliamsfuneralhome.com)

Hali Lyn Thomas, age 36, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

Patsy Ruth Alford Hilbun, age 83, of Pearl River, LA, passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Pearl River for 50 years and was famous for her chicken and dumplings. She also enjoyed canning jelly and baking cakes. She loved trips to the Smoky Moun-

tains as her favorite vacation place.

Patricia Scheurer, age 85, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. She served many years in the St. Tammany School System as a librarian assistant and teacher aid. A devout Baptist, she enjoyed cooking and watching classic movies.

Donald Gregory “Greg” Harper, age 68, of Pearl River, LA, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024. He was a successful businessman and involved in politics and world news, while also enjoying history, plants, chickens and studying ancestry.

Honaker Funeral Home Obituary Listings

(For more information on services, contact Honaker at 985-641-1900 or online at: honakerforestlawn.com)

Kristopher “Kris” Allen Benson age 46, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Born in Metairie, LA, he was a graduate of Pope John Paul II High School and attended the University of S. Alabama, working as an environmental first responder.

He enjoyed cheering for the Saints in his spare time.

Virginia Landry Vitale, age 41, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, after a courageous battle with leukemia.

She was an exceptional and caring registered nurse during her professional life, and loved traveling, baking, fashion and makeup.

She also had a special place in her heart for her “pups” and her cats.

Margaret “Sue” Henry Mailhes, age 75, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Born in New Orleans, she was a lifelong resident of Louisiana and worked

for many years as a secretary at Covington High and Slidell Junior High School. She was a devout member of St. Luke Catholic Church and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, cooking, shopping and watching classic movies.

Melba L. Houvenaeghel, age 87, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024.

Born in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, she moved to the U.S. in 1963, and lived the past 57 years in Slidell. She had a passion for helping others with volunteer work and was a founding member of the Slidell Foreign Born Wives Club. Her favorite events were traveling, shopping trips, Mardi Gras balls and area social outings.

Nicholas “Nick” Daniel Glover, age 31, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

Born in Slidell, he graduated from Slidell High in 2011, then went to work in the lawn service business for 10 years. During his spare time, he loved golfing, and watching the Saints and LSU games.

2024 Vice President Jeanne Brooks with “Charity of the Year” recipient Mark Michaud of Southeast Louisiana

2024

St. John the Baptist Assistant District Attorney Keith Green, Jr. swears in Executive Board members Jane Freeman, Pam Anderson, Linda Bankston, Kathy Berault, Betty

Incoming President June Green takes the Oath of Office from her son, St.

2024 IW Club Executive Board and Officers: Gay DiGiovanni (Treasurer), Jeanne Brooks (Vice President), Pam Anderson, Betty Rose, Sherry Garcia (Executive Board), June Green (President), Renee Arcenault (Secretary), Theresa Wallot, Jane Freeman, Kathy Berault, Linda Bankston (Executive Board).

Mark and Sherry Garcia, 2023-2024 President presenting donation check to Southeast Louisiana Underwater Search and Recovery Founder Mark Michaud as the charity of the year. It is marked Mark Sherry Selausar.

Sharron and Bill

and IW President June

2024-2025 Inner Wheel Club of Slidell

2023 and

Frank and Elaine Duvic recipients, Pam Anderson and June Green.

2023 President Sherry Garcia (center) with new members Corinne Whittington (left) and Pam Franklin.

Underwater Search & Recovery.

Rose, and Theresa Wallot.

John the Baptist Parish Assistant District Attorney Keith Green, Jr.

Hosts

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Slidell Puzzler

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25. Heretofore, for a poet 26. X-mas story beginning 30. Military helicopter 34. Roof hanger

36. "Help ___ the way!"

37. Momentous

42. Tahari of fashion

43. Concert crowd's shout 44. Early October babies

47. Popular Asian fare 48. Roe

51. Good fellers

53. Monkeyshine

55. Stunning

60. At no cost, in Germany

61. Connect

62. A law ___ itself

63. A Norwegian king

64. At full throttle

65. Roger of "Cheers"

66. Cruise ship stop

67. Simmons competitor

68. Whirl Down

1. Snarl 2. Lover

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5. Fish species

6. Untangle your hair

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9. Spanish inn

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29. Bias

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32. Dearie

33. School subj.

34. Repetitious

35. Sear

37. Migratory fish

38. Oscar-nominated role for Smith

39. Can be prime....

40. Start of many an ode's title

41. Evergreen shrub

45. Cut

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48. Expressed an opinion

49. Let off

50. Merchant ship

52. Slug liquid

54. Blue shade

55. WWW addresses

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58. Going strong

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SUDOKU by Myles Mellor and Susan Flanagan

Sudoku puzzle

“Nations” by Myles Mellor Find 15 words in any direction. Circle when found.

By MORRIS

My youngest granddaughter is about to enter high school. She spent her first 8 years of learning in a small Christian school and her graduating class had eight girls and one boy. Her new high

Slidell Inspiration

The good-old-days, Bah Humbug

school has about 2,700 students and a campus with more buildings than some universities. She registered and began orientation this week. They even gave her a new computer. I don’t know who is in greater culture shock, my granddaughter or her grandpa. When I went to high school, many years ago, at Holy Cross High in New Orleans we had maybe 400 students. We didn’t have computers because there were no computers except maybe on Mars. She’ll be fine, it’s her grandparents I’m worried about. We often reminisce

about the good old days and weave romantic stories that make them sound like heaven on earth. Can you imagine driving across country on a summer vacation with no air conditioning? We would stick to the seats it was so hot. My dentist looked like Doc Holiday and might have attended school. One day after dinner I was informed that the fried chicken, we ate was my pet chicken.

How about our desire to live during the time when Jesus was alive. The Romans occupied that part of the world and unless you were a citizen of Rome your life was less valuable than

my pet fowl. If you cut yourself, you had a high probably of dying from infection. The closest thing to a doctor was a witch doctor.

Not many people ever met Jesus. He was busy ministering to the masses and dodging those who wanted to kill Him. There was no pot roast after church if you happened to attend one of Jesus’ mega events. He fed people a couple of times, and the menu was dried fish and stale bread. Remember the sick woman with the issue of blood who braved a crowd almost as big as a Taylor Swift concert, to just touch Jesus’ cloak.

Honestly, today is the best of times. It’s 92 degrees outside but a cool 72 inside my airconditioned house. I have a wonderful lap top computer with a 27-inch color screen to type this article. When I’m finished, I will eat a wonderful lunch with food from my refrigerator and drink water that flows endlessly from an inside tap. I’ll turn on a 65-inch TV and watch the news as I chow down. I have 15 Bibles on the shelf over my computer and I have an unlimited supply of research material at my fingertips via the Internet. I can watch Bible teachers all

We can be free from destructive conduct

I can’t think of a more liberating feeling than telling Satan, “I’m breaking up with you! You won’t control me any longer, because I found Somebody else!”

Do you agree?

Then why don’t we do it? Why do we take so long to end our relationship with Satan?

Jesus’ death on the cross makes it possible to die to sin and live for God, once and for all.

“For the death [Jesus] died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to

God.”

What does living for God look like? What choices and priorities would we have to change? How different would we feel at the end of each day if we persevered in our quest to break away from behaviors that cause regret?

Imagine our lives free from destructive conduct and negative thought processes – including the way we view ourselves. Imagine how making better choices would change

The secret of color

Have you ever wondered how flowers, trees, grass, birds, animals, fish, rocks, the sky and every other thing in nature gets its color? Is it in beholding the thing that the color comes? Our eyes are fearfully and wonderfully made so that they can behold color but does that have anything to do with what color something is?

If we observe a red rose, why is it red? Science says that the red rose is bathed with the light that contains all the colors. The rose absorbs all the colors except the red and so it appears to us as red. So the red color is the one color the flower reflects or gives back. What color would the rose be if it absorbed and kept all the colors of the light? It would be a black flower. Not only with flowers but with all things, what you take of this world and keep to yourself becomes hidden and dark. Only what you reflect or give back can be seen in all its beauty. Those who seek to gain love from this world but not to give love are the loveless. Those who seek to get blessed from the world but don’t bless are the unblessed – the black flowers. So, what you give is what you get and who you are. Jesus said, “Give and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that you give, it shall be given unto you.” Luke 6:38. So what you want to have in your life is what you must give. That’s called the Law of Sowing and Reaping. If you want to be blessed, bless others. If you want to be prosperous, give money to others in need. If you want to be rich, give of your possessions. Each person, as each flower, becomes only what it gives back or reflects. What if a flower reflects all of the light? It becomes the white flower. What if you give everything back and keep nothing? You become all that the light is. Jesus said, “I am the

the way our spouse sees us. The way our children see us. Sometimes, it takes years to recover from the hurt and pain we suffer because of the consequences of our choices. As we cry out to God to get us back to where we once were (or where we long to be) emotionally, relationally or financially, we desperately hope we’ve finally learned our lesson. That we’re finally at the point where we no longer want to live for that sin. We pray we’ll fi-

By PEGGY CLARK Prison Chaplain with Maranatha Grace Ministries

light of the world.” John 8:12. Our goal is to be like Jesus so we are to follow His example of giving. He gave all He had – even His life – for us. Let’s also give all that we have so we can become the light of the world and everyone we meet will want what we have . . . Jesus.

(Peggy R. Clark is a Prison Chaplain with Maranatha Grace Ministries, prclark7@gmail.com, maranathagraceministries.com)

nally choose, once and for all, to live for God. If you haven’t reached the place of wanting to live for God, but wish you had, ask God to help you desire a deeper relationship with Him … to thirst for it. Ask your powerfully compassionate heavenly Father to show you His purpose for your life – and how your choices are keeping you from experiencing the life you could have. If making yourself accountable to someone will help, then please reach

out to a caring friend or mentor and make this happen.

Consider meditating on God’s Word every day this week. Whenever I take the time to reflect on God’s Word, allowing it to transform my way of thinking, I gain a greater level of maturity and find the strength to experience greater victory in my battle with sin.

Best of all, I draw nearer to the One Who shows me how to live the life He created me to live — for Him.

day long on my TV. If I want an audience with Jesus, I just close my eyes and speak to Him and He speaks back to me. “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NLT)

The good-old-days, Bah Humbug.

(Pastor Morris St Angelo, Lead Minister of Slidell Ministers Association. Email: slidellministersassociation@gmail.com Search for Morris St Angelo on YouTube and Facebook.)

By SHERYL HILKER BOLDT Guest Columnist

(Sheryl Hilker Boldt, a Slidell High graduate, author of the blog, www.TodayCanBeDifferent.net. She can be reached at sherylhboldt@gmail.com.)

It’s been a few weeks since daylight saving time (DST) ended and we dutifully turned our clocks back one hour. Are you adjusting to that change? Have you become accustomed to the “early darkness”?

Studies over the last several years indicate that crimes spike across the United States in the weeks after DST ends as citizens turn their clocks back one hour. Robberies, vehicular thefts, assaults, and even murders all increase as the darkness comes earlier. Numerous studies conclude that keeping DST in place could possibly reduce crimes, especially robberies. Yes, criminals prefer darkness over light, year after year.

Curiously enough, Jesus seemed to echo these findings when He observed, “Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear his deeds will be exposed.” (John 3) The “darkness” of which Jesus speaks was not a physical darkness but was instead a spiritual darkness. This was (and is) the deep darkness of sin and its numerous evil manifestations. Given the choice between light and darkness, between righteousness and corruption, between right and wrong, people instinctively prefer the latter over the former - year after

year, generation after generation, and person after person. The consequences of that preference are devastatingto other people, to oneself, and to the entire community. That instinctive preference for darkness is startling, isn’t it? This stunning fact goes a long way toward explaining the actions of people. This also explains even our own thoughts and actions at times as this same preference tugs insistently on us.

God had something better in mind for people - His light of truth, love, and peace. That light came at Bethlehem in the person of Jesus, the Light of the World. Sadly, this gift of Light was rejected, and, in fact, people attempted to snuff out that Lightrejecting, persecuting, and even attempting to end Jesus’ life, time and time again.

However, God’s love for mankind would not be extinguished. To be sure, Jesus would humbly give up His life, but He would come to life again on the third day after His death. Through the power of His resurrection victory His light of forgiveness, mercy, and eternal life would continue to shine brightly in the world of darkness. So it was that the Lord “called us out darkness and into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2) This calling occurred through the Good News of salvation. Through this calling we are bathed in the Light of

By JAN CASE

God’s truth, love, and peace. In this Light we thrive and grow as His people. In this Light we praise our gracious Lord.

This Advent season the words of the prophet Isaiah call out to us as we prepare for the celebration of our Light’s coming at Bethlehem: “Arise, shine for your Light has come.” (Isaiah 60) Jesus echoes this grand invitation as He declares, “You are the light of the world…”

(Matthew 5) This is the gracious title, the gracious role, and the gracious privilege that is ours year-round as we “fall back” on His grace and “spring ahead” with humble and joyful service to others. Our Lord declares, “Let there be light!”

First Pentecostal Church

388 Robert Blvd, Slidell 985 643-8760

www.pentecostalsonline.org

Facebook: First Pentecostal Church of Slidell

Donald Bryan, Pastor

Service Times: Sundays at 10:30am Wednesdays at 7pm

Billing Address: 388 Robert Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458

Slidell Minister ’s Association

SMA is for Pastors and Christian Ministers to gather in unity. We are united in Jesus Christ, crucified and resurrected. If you have a Christian ministry of any kind and would like to be involved in our work, we would love to have you join us. For more information: slidellministersassociation@gmail.com

Pastor Morris St. Angelo or Chaplain David Ziegler

"People Pointing People to Jesus” 59008 Hwy. 433 Slidell *** 985-690-6077

trbcslidell.churchtrac.com *** Facebook

Pastor Randy Boyett

Service Times: Sunday School - 9:45am, Worship 11am — Bible Study - 5pm

Wednesday: Choir rehearsal – 5pm; Bible Study - 6pm

890 Robert Blvd., Slidell

Pastor Robert Robinson

Services: Sunday School, 9:30am; Worship, 10:30am. Wednesday Bible Study: 5:45pm 985-290-4123

True Life Church

62160 Airport Road, Slidell 985-643-5870

Web: truelifeslidell.com

Facebook: TrueLifeChurchofSlidell

Pastor Mike Callahan

Thompson Road Baptist Church

Special programs: --Courtside Ministry every Thursday 8am12pm at Covington Courthouse. Offers pray for those going to court.

--Monday: The Good News Club at Mayfield Elementary. Designed by Child Evangelism Fellowship to present Good News of Jesus Christ to children.

Service Times: Sunday worship 9am & 10:30am Special Programs: Kids/Youth/Men/Women/Senior Ministries, Addiction Recovery, GriefShare

--Franklin Graham’s Operation Christmas Child: Takes the Gospel to over 100 countries around world. Dropoff location for shoebox collection in November.

--Partner with David & Grace Ziegler to carry the Gospel to Uganda, Africa.

--Support Community Christian Concern and Pregnancy Help Center.

61305 Airport Road Slidell (985)

62340 Highway 1090, Pearl River (985) 863-9444

www.generationsnola.com

Lead Pastor Chad Cocran

58516 Pearl Acres Rd., Slidell 985-643-6017

Pastor Jerry Smith -- State

Licensed Christian Counseling Sunday Service: Bible Study, 9:15am; Worship, 10:30am.

Ministries: Early Learning Center, Sewing Ministry, Ministries for all ages. Choir/Orchestra/Praise Team Discovergrace.us

Oyster Reef Specks

With the forecasted highs reaching the upper 90s, anglers on the Northshore are opting for watching preseason NFL football rather than chasing fish.

So, when Danny Hunter of New Orleans Best Charters gave me a call and asked if I wanted to catch speckled trout, I was hesitant to answer.

Hunter has been finding limits of speckled trout fishing the oyster reefs on the southern end of Lake Borgne. I made a trip with Hunter to learn a few of his techniques and learn a new way to fish for trout in August.

We launched at Rigolet's Marina and hunkered down for a long ride through Rigolet's Pass and across Lake Borgne. The winds were blowing out of the north at 10 mph, making the lake a bit of a challenge, but Hunter's 24-foot Sportsman Master 247 bay boat handled it well.

After reaching our destination, Hunter pointed out the white PVC pipes that rose from the water. "Those markers show where all the oyster leases are," he said. "When fishing flat-bottom lakes like Lake Borgne, any kind of structure you can find is going to attract baitfish and predator fish."

Hunter uses Marker 54 Jerk Shrimp. It’s a 4inch shrimp has an eyehole in the middle of its body, which allows it to hang horizontally. "When I pop that

shrimp, it bends in half and looks like a real shrimp popping," Hunter said. He rigs the shrimp four feet under an Undertaker Cork. Hunter threw his trolling motor down and positioned his boat on the outside of an oyster bed. We both cast our rigs into the water. The action was slow at first as we were popping our corks to no avail.

However, patience paid off, and Hunter's cork suddenly shot under. He leaned back, set the hook, and reeled in a 14-inch speckled trout. He explained what he'd observed at these oyster reefs. "Sometimes these fish swim around these reefs looking for baitfish, so you have to be patient out here. If you fish a spot for just a half hour and move, you might miss the fish when they come through," he said. Hunter was right! My cork shot under, and I reeled in a 15-inch trout that I tossed into the ice chest. We stayed put in our position and caught a few more speckled trout with some white

trout mixed in. Hunter said the white trout bite had been amazing all summer and had helped "save" a few trips when he takes clients out. "A lot of people frown upon keeping white trout. They say the meat is too mushy. But I’ve noticed if you get it on ice quickly and keep the meat cold from the time it enters the boat, to the freezer, white trout fillets rank right up there with speckled trout," Hunter said.

As the morning wore on, the sun rose higher, and the heat reminded us of why August can be such a challenge for fishing. Hunter shared his "glass half full" analogy. "Look around. How many boats do you see?" he asked. "We've got the place to ourselves out here. If you prepare correctly—sunblock, long sleeves and pants, and a hat—the heat is manageable," he said. I have to admit that the steady action made the heat barely noticeable at times.

As 10 a.m. approached, we were closing in on a limit of specks. That's when Hunter's cork went under, and he set the hook on something that pulled drag from his reel. He lowered his head and said, "Stinking gaff top!” The fish moved in on our party, and we began catching gaff top catfish that averaged 20 inches.

After wasting time reeling in a few of these fish, Hunter made a move to another oyster

reef where we picked up where we left off. Hunter's cork shot under, and he yelled, "Fish on!"

He reeled in an 18inch speckled trout which hit the floor of the boat like a brick. "Now we're talking," Hunter said. "Sometimes these bigger trout will come through and turn your entire trip around," he said. A few casts later I fished off our limit with another quality 18-inch trout.

From now until the first cool fronts arrive, the oyster beds in Lake Borgne will be producing trout. Hunter recommends that anglers with the summertime blues make a trip to the reefs. "I have been catching fish here all month, and there is no sign of it letting up," he said.

Tournament Results

The Double Nickel Bass Club (East) kicked off its Fall and Winter series on Tuesday. There were 19 boats that showed up to compete on a high river with an incoming tide. At blast-off, some of the boats went south and some went north. During the weigh-in, most of the anglers talked about how difficult it was to catch fish.

Bill Dorris proved to be the best of the field on this day as he weighed in 3 fish at 7.32 pounds. In second place was Jerry Bullock with a 3-fish bag weighing 5.50 pounds. Bullock also had the big fish of the day: a 4.43-pound bass. CJ Mayeux came in third place with 5.24 pounds.

The Double Nickel (West) fished the Tchefuncte River. Five anglers showed up to fish

the event that saw temperatures in the 90s. Lots of limits were caught today. Most of the anglers caught fish on topwater but it was Bobby Newberry who ended up with the heaviest bag by fishing deep. 5.11 pounds is what it took to beat out the field. Newberry also won the big fish pot with a kicker fish that weighed 2.64 pounds.

Upcoming Tournaments

The Double Nickel Bass Club (West) is holding its next tournament at the Tchefuncte River on August 20. For more information, please contact Joe Picone at 985-630-4170.

The Double Nickel Bass Club (East) is holding its next tournament at the East Pearl River on August 20. For more information, please contact Dwain Crumby at 985-502-6006.

Pearl River Team Trails is holding its next tournament at Crawford Landing on September 13. For more information, please contact Charles Dauzat at 985-

960-3260.

Florida Parish Bass Anglers is holding its next tournament at the Tickfaw River on September 8. For more information about becoming a member, please visit Florida Parish Bass Anglers on Facebook.

The Bayou Lacombe Big Bass Tournament will be held on Friday, August 16, at Bayou Lacombe. For more information, please contact Rob Raccuglia at 985377-4975.

Liar’s and Lunkers is holding its next tournament at the East Pearl River on August 25. $50 per boat. For more information, please contact Morgan Schutte at 985-789-4503.

(Keith Lusher Jr. writes a weekly column. For more info, visit NorthshoreFishingReport.com. Contact Keith at keith@northshorefishingreport.com.)

Danny Hunter is seen here with an 18-inch speckled trout caught over an oyster bed in Lake Borgne.

Keith Lusher boat flips a speckled trout caught on a Marker 54 Shrimp.

Keith Lusher

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