The St. Tammany Farmer 07-09-2025

Slidell’s special election for mayor expected

Qualifying for the Oct. 11 ballot is this week

BY BOB WARREN Staff writer

City to lease property to brewery

BY KIM CHATELAIN Contributing writer

If all goes as planned, Slidell could have its first production brewery by the end of 2025. The City Council has authorized Mayor Bill Borchert to enter into a lease agreement with a local company that plans to brew beer in a decommissioned public building near Bayou Bonfouca. On June 24, the council unanimously approved an ordinance outlining the terms of the lease. It stipulates that the building at 2275 Bayou Lane will be leased to Dirty Dell Brewing Company, LLC, which will do business as Wicked

BY DARREN COOPER Contributing writer

Abita Springs does the Fourth of July

Fourth of July fun in Madisonville

Red, White and Blue never go out of style at the annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration held in Madisonville.

This year’s event was much like those of the past, with kids’ games, cornhole and horseshoe tournaments, watermelon-eating and rooster-crowing contests, a salute to veterans and fireworks among the staple attractions.

Mother Nature cooperated, too, with temperatures in the 80s and partly cloudy skies throughout the day The milder-than-usual temperatures brought out crowds across St. Tammany, and with July 4 falling on a Friday this year, there was extra time for everyone to recuperate from all that sun and fun before returning to work on Monday

Running for 4 on the Fourth in Covington

The 4 on the Fourth race in Hubie Gallagher Park pulled another full house of participants this year, as this signature Covington event usually does every Independence Day morning. It is a favored Covington event for 400 runners, plus friends, family and lots of volunteers. (The number of runners is capped by the size of the park and the course.) The race originated quite organically more than 25 years ago with members of the 15th St. Flyers running group,

grew steadily and always welcomed the help of West St. Tammany YMCA volunteers. But this year for the first time, the Y assumed more of the event marketing and management of the race, although the two groups still worked shoulder to shoulder to ensure that the downhome heart of this event didn’t change. Race proceeds this year will go to the Covington police and fire departments, Boys and Girls Club of Covington and other local groups.

July14,2025

Session1:10:30A.M Session2:6:30P.M

Communityinputboardswillbeavailablefortwoweeks, until8p.m.onJuly28,attheSlidellbranch.

LacombeReplacementBranchMeetings

LacombeRecreationDistrict#4Gymnasium 61100N12thSt,Lacombe,LA70445

July15,2025

Session1:2P.M. Session2:7P.M.

CommunityinputboardswillbeavailableattheLacombe branchfortwoweeks,until6p.m.onJuly29.

prodigy His coach back then still marvels at how Kade was ‘mastering his craft’ at a young age After a starring role at LSU, helping the Tigers to their historic eighth national title, Kade Anderson is expected to go first, or maybe second, in the Major League Baseball draft, which begins July 13.

He’s the biggest thing to happen in Madisonville since the shipyard. And he is from Madisonville, let’s get it straight.

“I was watching one of those nationally televised games earlier this season and they said Kade was from Mandeville,” laughed Kade’s youth baseball coach and current Madisonville Town Council member Tim Bounds. “I was upset. I’m not sure who pointed it out, but they never made that mistake again. They always say Madisonville now.”

With Kade’s birthday in July, Karena remembers how her son wasn’t quite old enough to play at Coquille when they first moved to town. He first played at the nearby YMCA where she recalls bases were thrown in a soccer field and the kids just sort of ran around. But it didn’t take long for Kade to find a real team and a home playing in town leagues and on travel ball clubs.

“They called that ‘double play,’ where you played rec during the week and travel ball on the weekends,” Karena said. “That ended up being a lot. We did that for a long time.” Bounds had a good feeling about Kade early on. He put the youngster in the most important fielding position in T-ball and said Kade’s dad thanked him profusely

“I told him ‘I will thank you a lot longer than this, just let me know when he makes his major league debut, because I will be there,’” Bounds recalls. The family always hoped Kade would be good — what parent doesn’t? but Karena said the possibilities first started to sink in when her son was 9.

“He tried out for this AllAmerican team and it was different regions throughout the Gulf Coast and he made the team after going to a tryout,” Karena said.

“I want to say we were in Southaven, Mississippi, and then we played at Wide World of Sports at (Walt Disney World). That’s when we started noticing, OK, he is pretty good because he was keeping up with these other kids that were really good,

MAYOR

Continued from page 1A

too.” Kade is now a prototypical left-handed pitcher with a fastball that has bite and a curveball that has spin.

“He was the smallest kid on our team back then, now he’s matured and he’s

Fandal Borchert

bigger in stature,” Bounds said. “When he was smaller, he had to work on his craft and I don’t think he fell into the trap of just dominating because of his sheer size. I think that’s a big reason why he’s been so successful. He’s

also never satisfied. Whenever I message him, he always just says, ‘I have to get better.’”

Kade attended nearby St Paul’s for high school. He shined from the start, but also encountered his first major adversity, having to undergo Tommy John surgery to repair his elbow in the spring of his junior year LSU still wanted him though, and eased him back into competition as a freshman, where he made 18 appearances with a 3.99 ERA.

This season, Kade was lights out for the Tigers. He compiled a 12-1 record in 19 starts, pitching 119 innings In the NCAA College World Series, he burnished his legend with a complete game shutout of Coastal Carolina in Game 1 of the championship series.

“The more intense things get, the more intense he gets,” said Bounds, who followed every pitch from home.

Meanwhile, Karena, who grew up in Slidell, was becoming a favorite of the TV

cameras, living and dying with every pitch, but maintaining her south Louisiana charm during interviews.

“I have been staying off social media, because it’s a little overwhelming. I have 247 friend requests on Facebook. What do I do with that?” laughed Karena. “I don’t know who they are.”

Now everyone knows who Kade Anderson is, and where he’s from. MLB scouts have flocked to the Anderson house. They’re assured they’ve come to the right place when they enter the small town, with each of the three entrances to the small, riverside town adorned with a sign that reads “Welcome to Madisonville, Home of Kade Anderson.”

The family was going to take a quick vacation for the Fourth of July holiday Kade turned 21 during the break and Karena said her son was looking forward to a vacation. For the Draft on July 13, they were hoping to keep things low-key That’s because as soon as Kade’s

name is called, the real business begins. There will be contracts to sign and logistics of getting to the minor league city to which he is assigned. There too begins the journey of Kade’s ultimate goal — making his way onto a Major League Baseball roster

“For such a small town, less than 900 residents we have a strong baseball history,” Bounds said “We’ve had people (from here) do well, but nothing like this. We are honored...It’s wonderful to see his name and our town up on the screen.”

And now Madisonville and Kade Anderson are ready for their close-up.

“When the (elbow) injury happened when he was a junior it put things into perspective for us,” Karena said. “Oh, my goodness, is this a dream crusher? Can you get past this? So, coming from that to where we are now We realize this doesn’t happen for everyone and that this is a special moment and we need to revel in it and embrace it.”

BREWERY

Continued from page 1A

Bayou Brewing Company

Known as the “Old Barn,” the building and surrounding property has most recently been used for storage of city materials. The site also contains a city operated pump station, which is not part of the lease agreement and will continue to operate as it does now

The city will not be involved in the beer production and will serve only as the lessor

The ordinance states that the city will receive $4,000 per month over the initial 10-year term of the lease.

After that period the lease can be renewed at a rate of $4,500 a month for an additional five years, according to the ordinance.

The brewing company could receive “$300,000 in potential rent credit for permanent improvements/ renovations made on-site” during the 10-year period.

Ray Masker III, one of

three people behind the brewery project, appeared before the council prior to the vote on the ordinance.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity that this business is going to bring, not just for us personally but for the city of Slidell,” he said. “I think the city will benefit greatly from having a wonderful brewery site a place where residents and people from out of town can come and enjoy.”

After the meeting, Masker said he and his business partners Scott McCain and Steve Bagwell began as home brewers in early 2023.

At the 12th annual Larry Brewfest held on June 21 in the Castine Center near Mandeville, the People’s Choice first place home brew honor went to Wicked Bayou.

The partners plan to brew and market their Wicked Bayou product in the new brewery Currently, the beer is not available for purchase.

Masker said plans call for an approximately $750,000 renovation of the old barn

Cromer stepped down to take a job in Gov Jeff Landry’s administration. Per Slidell’s charter, the at-large City Council member who had received the most votes in the most recent election

mayor since 2018, left office about 18 months before the end of his regular term in June 2026. The Oct. 11 special election is called to formally fill that seat until next year, when residents will decide who will be mayor for a new 4-year term. That election takes place in March, with the winner taking office in July

over the next few years.

The 5,500-square foot building will be converted into a beer production facility and tap room.

“The place is in rough shape,” he said, noting there is a substantial amount of work to be done at the site.

The city-owned property that includes the barn is seven acres. The brewing company is leasing about four acres of the site for the production facility and parking lot, he said.

Absent any unforeseen hurdles, Masker said the brewery could be operational by November or December

During the council meeting, Councilman Kenny Tamborella pointed out that one of the Wicked Bayou brews — Honey Island Blond is made with honey from St. Tammany Parish’s Honey Island Swamp.

If all goes as planned, Slidell could have its first production brewery by the end of 2025, creating a new attraction and a new source of revenue for city government.

— Borchert in this case — became mayor Borchert says he will campaign as though he was the incumbent. He says his strategy is to “do a great job as mayor so people don’t want to replace you.” Fandal, meanwhile, wants to follow in the footsteps of Freddy Drennan and Ben Morris, both Slidell police chiefs who went on to become mayor

“I’ve felt all along we’d have a lot of support and it’s been absolutely exceptional,” Fandal said.

With the special election still more than three months out, the candidates agree the campaign isn’t likely on the radar of many of the city’s 18,000 registered voters. But that will likely change as their campaigns heat up, they say “I would expect a low turnout,” Borchert said. “The key is getting out your voters.”

Fandal added: “I’m looking forward to October.”

Parish Council to consider zoning change

Move would allow more apartments to be built

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

More than six months after the St. Tammany Parish Council shot down a developer’s zoning request to build hundreds of apartments near Mandeville amid residents’ pushback the council will consider a change to the parish’s zoning code that could boost the chances of those apartments and others like them being built.

The Parish Council will debate a change to parish zoning law to make apartments a permitted use in Highway Commercial 2 zoning designations at its meeting on July 10. About 5,946 acres in the parish are zoned HC-2, including the approximately 30 acres east of La 59 south of Strain Road.

Proponents of the proposal, like Mike Saucier, who is pursuing the Mandeville-area development, frame allowing apartments in areas with HC-2 zoning as a necessary restoration of building rights

Apartments were an allowable use in HC-2 or HC-2A for many years until the parish adopted its new Unified Development Code, which came into effect in August 2024, according to a parish zoning staff report.

“This is way bigger than an individual piece of property,” Saucier said. “I hope they do the right thing and fix this.”

Saucier said he was frustrated that owners of properties zoned HC-2 thought they had the option to build apartments and then had that option taken away That’s what drove him to seek the rezoning from HC-2 to HC-3, which does allow apartments. He was unsuccessful.

But for critics of the proposal like council member Arthur Laughlin, whose district includes the potential Mandeville-area development, the idea of adding apartments to HC-2 is a step backwards.

“It’s just unfortunate for them to try to undo it,” Laughlin said saying he thought some areas zoned HC-2 were fragile and without sufficient infrastructure to support apartments.

The removal of apartments from HC-2 came amid controversy over

a planned apartment complex in an area zoned HC-2 in Covington that ended up sparking a federal lawsuit.

The debate around HC-2 zoning comes as parish officials are looking into ways to increase housing availability and affordability The parish recently launched a survey of St. Tammany residents to better understand residents’ housing needs.

In letters supporting the addition of apartments to HC-2 zoning, the St. Tammany Economic Development Corp., the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce and the Northshore Home Builders Association argue the change was necessary to bring more affordable housing to the parish.

That view has at least some support on the Parish Council

“We have a need for more affordable housing for the current and future residents of our parish,” said council member Jeff Corbin, who is in support of apartments in HC-2.

Other Parish Council members, including Cheryl Tanner and Martha Cazaubon, said their districts were more rural and so did not have as many areas zoned HC-2.

Meanwhile, Matthew Allen, the executive director of Northshore Riverwatch, a conservation nonprofit based in St. Tammany, said he plans to send a letter to Parish President Mike Cooper’s administration and the Parish Council opposing the change because some areas zoned HC-2 are in river flood plains. Ross Liner, the parish’s director of planning, said he has received a handful of emails in opposition to apartments in HC-2.

The parish administration’s position is that apartments are appropriate in HC-2, Liner said, saying it was an allowable use for decades and was consistent with similar classifications in other parishes.

If apartments are once again allowed in HC-2, it would permit one unit per 1,250 square feet, the parish zoning staff report said. In total, there are 2,500 parcels in the parish zoned HC-2 with an average size of .33 acres and a median size of .09 acres. The maximum lot coverage for all buildings in HC-2 is no more than 50%.

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the update to HC-2 in May Liner said Even if the change is approved by the Parish

Council, Liner said, any property zoned HC-2 will still need permits to build apartments.

Covington City Council names officers

Mark Verret will continue to serve as the Covington City Council president and John Botsford will remain vice president.

The two at-large council members were reappointed to their positions by unanimous votes of the council during a July 1 meeting. The council consists of five district representatives and two at-large members.

In other action at the July 1 meeting, the council reappointed Trinni W. Lucas as the District A representative to the Covington Board of Adjustments. He will serve a five-year term that ends June 30, 2030.

St. Tammany Health System opens Money Hill clinic

Staff report

St. Tammany Health System has opened a new Primary Care Clinic in the heart of the Money Hill area to further expand services and outreach in the region

The 5,034-square-foot clinic at 79636 La. 21 is now open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with same-day appointments available.

The facility will also have on-site capabilities, including lab draws and X-rays, as well as also host regular visits from the health system’s Be Well Bus and its new Breathe Well ConneCTion mobile screening units, making access to lifesaving 3D mammography and lung CT scans more convenient than ever for locals.

St Tammany Health Sys-

Thea Andras named Causeway police chief

BY BOB WARREN Staff writer

On her first day as a Lake Pontchartrain Causeway police officer, Thea Andras scanned the seemingly endless stretch of concrete before her and nervously asked her superior: What if someone breaks down?

Three decades later, Sgt. Jimmy Leblanc’s answer still is still etched in her brain.

“Push, pull, drag,” she recalled recently “Get it off the roadway.” Andras, a Covington resident who grew up on the northshore, was named chief of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway police force in May And in every step along the way she has made LeBlanc’s words that day her mantra. To a structure that bills itself as “The Longest Bridge in the World Over Water,” keeping the 20,000 vehicles crossing each day safe is job No. 1. Andras says she and the others who help run the Causeway hate having to close it. “We want the bridge open as much as the commuters do. Believe me, we do.” Carlton Dufrechou, general manager of the Causeway, said the choice to give the top job to Andras was an easy one. She succeeds Roy Jacob, who retired.

ment career, she said.

“You can add first sergeant, first lieutenant, first captain,” she said one recent morning in her office at the northshore toll plaza in Mandeville.

“But,” she added with a laugh, “that’s because I’ve stayed the longest.”

Andras said she can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to get into law enforcement, not as a child growing up in Mount Hermon in Washington Parish and not as a college student at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond and later at the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, where she earned a criminal justice degree.

Her police career started with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, where she worked at different times in the jail and as a dispatcher before joining the Causeway police force.

Dufrechou said Andras, who was a team leader for a decade before becoming chief, is a graduate of the FBI Academy

Andras said she knows that it’s more than just the police officers who keep things rolling along the 24-mile bridges and the Huey P.

“It takes a lot of people toll takers, maintenance workers. It’s not just police.”

tem leadership was joined earlier this month by local dignitaries and residents to cut a ceremonial ribbon and tour the clinic that sits just outside the Money Hill subdivision in the Bush/Waldheim area.

St. Tammany Health System President and CEO Joan Coffman said the new clinic fits neatly into the system’s overarching mission to meet

the growing needs of local residents by keeping pace with the northshore’s continuing population growth.

“Our goal has always been to have a clinic within a 10-minute drive of all of our patients, both as a convenience to them and also as a fulfillment of our promise to provide world-class health care close to home,” she said.

“It’s been a journey to get

here but worth the wait, as many of you already seek care at our flagship St. Tammany Parish Hospital.”

St. Tammany Physicians Network is the primary care arm of the Covington-based St. Tammany Health System and includes six locations throughout western St Tammany Parish.For more, visit www.sttammany.health/ stpnmoneyhill.

“Thea is the right person at the right place at the right time for the Causeway,” Dufrechou said. “She has decades of firsthand experience on the deck and strives daily to make our commuters’ trips safe and timely.”

Andras, 57, has spent 29 years as a Causeway police officer working her way up from patrols into various leadership positions. She leads a police department that has around 30 patrol officers and is tasked with keeping the peace — and the vehicles rolling — on the 24mile Causeway and the Huey P. Long Bridge over the Mississippi River Andras is the first female police chief on the Causeway But that is just one of several “firsts” in her law enforce-

Andras said the most stressful work shifts often come during fog season, when quickly changing weather conditions can cut visibility in one stretch of the spans while it might be sunny and clear just a few miles away

Andras was in the middle of last year’s maelstrom when a series of crashes involving dozens of vehicles shut down both spans of the Causeway for hours.

“Dec. 17,” she said as if the date was burned in her memory “How can I forget? I was northbound at the 11-mile marker trying to clean up the mess.”

Amazingly, no one was seriously injured that day, but the wreckage was stunning.

“Good days and bad days,” Andras said. “That was a bad day.”

Council to vote on reduction of drainage tax

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

As St. Tammany Parish government continues searching for ways to cut costs to taxpayers, a proposed minor reduction in the parish’s drainage tax has become a point of contention among officials in a parish where drainage problems are a major concern for many voters. The debate comes as the parish faces larger questions about how it will fund its judiciary and District Attorney’s Office in the wake of a string of tax defeats to fund criminal justice costs, the most recent in March when voters rejected a plan to rededicate a portion of an infrastructure tax to criminal justice costs.

“How are we asking people to tighten their belt straps, and we’re not willing to tighten our own?”

Parish Council member Joe Impastato asked at a recent meeting. In June, the Parish Council passed a resolution encouraging taxing agencies across St. Tammany to consider reducing their tax rates, coming off the parish’s 2024 reassessment.

Impastato advocated for reducing the parish’s drainage tax by $300,000, from 1.56 mills to 1.46 mills, saying the council should follow the advice it has given to other taxing agencies.

On the other side, Parish President Mike Cooper’s administration asked the council to raise the drainage tax by $400,000, saying savings from the proposed reduction would be minimal, while the extra money could be used for vital drainage projects.

A member of Cooper’s administration said on Cooper’s behalf at the meeting that he thought the public would agree that taking money from drainage is not the best way to reduce taxes. The administration said the proposed reduction would only save the average taxpayer $2.25 a year Somewhere in the middle of the $700,000 gulf between Impastato and Cooper were some Parish Council members who advocated for maintaining the status quo Council member Pat Phillips said in an interview that he ran his campaign on drainage, infrastructure and traffic and wanted to leave the drainage tax at its current rate.

The council’s debate at its June meeting came after it decided not to reduce the tax rate for the St. Tammany Council on Aging and STARC, which helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

At the drainage tax’s current rate, the administration said at the meeting it projects the drainage fund will have a $3 million balance at the end of the year, after taking into account intended expenditures. That is in addition to a $21 million fund balance from its 2% sales tax for infrastructure improvements, which can also be used for drainage, the Cooper administration said.

Pointing to those numbers, Impastato said in an interview that he thought the parish had an abun-

dance of revenue to cover drainage projects. At the same time, the savings from the drainage tax could help offset the parish’s planned $300,000 tax increase for St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services, some of which will help the parish as it aims to boost its spay and neuter voucher program.

Cooper, however, said in a statement that “our citizens have said that drainage is one of, if not their top, priority Our decisions must reflect their values.”

He said the extra $400,000 would help the parish “pursue additional projects that are in various stages and needed, but lack funding.”

The Parish Council will make a decision at its meeting on July 10.

‘Pat’ Clanton, civic force in Covington, dies at

BY BOB WARREN Staff writer

Polly Patricia “Pat” Fuhrmann Clanton, who was born and raised in Covington and later became a political and civic force to be reckoned with as the first woman elected to the City Council, died June 25, her family said She was 96. Clanton, who was born in 1929 and raised on New Hampshire Street during a time when Covington was a much smaller town, centered her life on the city’s downtown, said her son, Patrick Clanton.

“Her whole life was spent here,” Patrick Clanton said. “Her love was always Covington. Until just days before her death, Clanton would always start visits with her family by asking “What was going on in downtown Covington?” Patrick Clanton said

“She lived a good, long life,” he added “She cared so much about this place.” Clanton grew up in a family steeped in Covington politics. Her grandfather, Emile Frederick, and his brother Adolph, were both Covington mayors in the late 1800s. And her uncle, Hebert Frederick, was mayor during World War II. In 1987, Clanton made history when she won a spot on the Covington City Council, becoming its first female member She served two terms in a district seat but did not seek a third term after campaigning hard for the city’s two-termlimit referendum that proved successful with voters.

Then, in 2003, she ran and won an at-large seat on the City Council.

“I think she opened some doors” for women, her son said.

Former Covington Mayor Candace Watkins, who served two terms as the city’s chief executive from 2003-2011, said Clanton was a force, no matter the cause.

“She was always completely dedicated to whatever she was doing at the time,” Watkins said.

“She was on the council for all the right reasons: she wanted to make life better for every resident.”

Watkins recalled Clanton once telling her that a pet peeve was when she saw cars parked along the curb but facing against traffic.

“I think about her every time I see a parked car facing the wrong direction,” Watkins said with a laugh.

Clanton’s family said she was

always impeccably “dressed to the nines” — often with a scarf or hat of some kind. She could often be found at downtown breakfast spots such as Mattina Bella and Abita Roasting, where she would hold court, her family said.

After-breakfast activities often included a drive around Covington to make sure the city remained on the “right path,” her family said.

Even after leaving political office, Clanton was often a receptive sounding board for elected officials, said St. Tammany Parish Council member Rick Smith,

who formerly sat on the council in Covington.

“I didn’t serve with her but I definitely leaned on her and her expertise,” Smith said. “It’s sad that she’s passed, but, man, she led a good life.

“Her fingerprints are all over this town.

Clanton was also deeply involved in the Chamber of Commerce, Playmakers Inc., and supported animal rights causes. Her family said she fought for numerous civic causes, including reopening the closed Columbia Street Landing to city control.

FROM THE FILES OF THE FARMER

Clanton was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Clanton; her parents, Clara Pauline Frederick Fuhrmann and Charles Sidney “Sid” Fuhrmann; a brother, Charles Brandon Fuhrmann; and a sister, Rosemerry Fuhrmann Hanian.

In addition to Patrick Clanton, she is survived by son, Brandon Clanton of Youngsville; three grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren; and four greatgreat-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be announced at a later date the family said.

25

A slice of an underground BellSouth telephone cable full of colored wires capable of servicing 1,200 homes. Lines like this made their way through the area 25 years ago.

telephone lines, but the company now has a new Covington exchange which will mean savings for many. Many west St. Tammany customers ran up long distance charges while online, but the new 898-0815 telephone line will eliminate those charges “It was a long time coming but we’re awfully glad to be here,” said Herschel Abbott, president of BellSouth. Public Service Commissioner Jay Blossman said the new service is welcomed and much needed. BellSouth offers four plans for Internet service. They are an unlimited-use plan for $19.95 a month, unlimited use for $12.95 provided the customer also uses other BellSouth services, up to 10 hours a month for $9.95, and a prepaid 12-month unlimited service plan for $17.95 a month. BellSouth officials made the announcement of the new Covington exchange number last week

and also took the opportunity to push its DSL service which is available on a limited basis in west St. Tammany Using a DSL line and modem Internet customers have 24-hour online connection and may hold telephone conversations while online.

50 years ago

The town of Abita Springs passed an ordinance regulating public amusements Tuesday night,specifically pop festivals and mass gatherings. The ordinance became effective immediately and called for licenses for such activities to be from $25 to $4,800 a year The reasons for a denial of such a license were listed among them health and safety standards, false information on the license application, obscene material or criminal offense according to law

Some 30 people were present at the meeting. Higher license fees were listed for permanent places of amusement. Daily license fees for music festivals were $100. Conditions to be met by public amusements included proper po-

lice protection, water facilities, sanitation facilities, medical care and proper parking spaces.

At the same meeting, the council also passed an ordinance against the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the public streets, with bar owners also held liable for violations if they sell the beverages to the violator

75 years ago

The population of St. Tammany Parish according to figures releasedThursday morning by the Census Bureau is 26,884. This is a gain of 3,260 over the population in 1940.

Covington is the leading town in the parish in way of population with 5,102, compared to its 1940 figure of 4,123. Slidell is next with 3,455 people for 1950 and 2,864 for 1940. Other towns in the parish showed gains with the sole exception of Madisonville, which declined in population from 915 in 1940 to 854 in 1950.

Mandeville’s 1950 population is 1,349, a gain of only 23 over the count 10 years ago.

Dwelling units in the parish

increased from 6,829 in 1940 to 9,373 in 1950, while the number of farms increased from 1,245 to 1,559.

100 years ago

A retreat for ladies and young girls will be given at St. Scholastica Academy, Covington, Aug. 2, 1925. For further information, apply to Mother Prioress, Covington.

125 years ago

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Master Gardeners celebrate 25 growing years

BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing writer

St. Tammany Parish is home to a plethora of public spaces full of fragrant flowers, gracious old oaks, and a wide variety of vibrant plants. From the enjoyment of a walk through the sweet-smelling Antique Rose Garden at Otis House in Madisonville’s FairviewRiverside State Park to the student gardens at Marigny Elementary School in Mandeville, where children get their hands dirty learning how veggies grow, one factor is constant. A St. Tammany Master Gardener is involved.

The St Tammany Master Gardener Association is celebrating 25 years of nurturing both plants and novice gardeners alike, while making gardens throughout the parish verdant and fruitful.

The members work in conjunction with the LSU AgCenter’s County Agents and Extension specialists, according to local group President Earlyn Jaster

“We are excited to celebrate this anniversary and let people know about all the things the Master Gardeners do across the parish,” she said. Their members are involved in 21 local projects. In addition to the two areas mentioned above, they also maintain the Lacombe Butterfly Garden in the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge, six different gardens in Fontainebleau State Park near Mandeville and the extensive herb garden at Slidell Library’s Main Branch.

“The reason this program was first started was to help extension agents build programs and expand outreach to more people. The Master Gardeners really help to get good information into the hands of people who need it,” said LSUAg Center Agriculture and National Resource Extension Agent Will Afton.

“Will has been our county agent for 12 years. He is a great help with all the projects we do,” said Jaster “It’s never a dull moment with him.”

In addition to making the parish flourish and helping people create beautiful spaces at home, the gardening association supports students pursuing degrees in Louisiana schools in areas related to agriculture and horticulture, according to Jaster Study areas include plant and soil systems, landscape architecture, veterinary medicine and natural recourse conservation management, to name a few Each year, the northshore’s Master Gardeners host the Northshore Garden and Plant Sale at the St. Tammany Fairgrounds. And over the past 20 years, it has bloomed from a handful of growers selling their plants to more than 40 vendors marketing plants, bird houses and more, she said. They also host programs there on gardening tips and a children’s learning station

The 2025 show reported more than 3,000 visitors.

“As all proceeds from the gate sales are allocated to our scholarship fund, we were able to provide 1 0 $1,500 scholarships to local students due to this year’s sale,” Jaster said. During the last 20 years, the group estimates they have provided 65 scholarships to graduating seniors and college-level students to the tune of $75,000. This year’s awards were presented at a special meeting on June 18. The meeting also saw thirteen members recognized as members for 20 years or more. They are Marie Porche (1999), AJ Bailey (2000), Cindy Hemm (2000), Karen Reisch (2000), Jean Claire Cleveland (2001), Janice Roussel (2002), Linda Franzo (2002), Mary Ann Brannan (2003), Dede Hanby (2003), Christine Stellingworth (2003), Dianne Ramirez (2003), Kathy Magee (2004) and Janice Wells (2004). The association also recognized Rusty Batty, a former county agent, for his 35 years of service. The Master Gardeners

group will sponsor its Fall Seminar on Oct. 17 that includes nationally known speakers on topics such as glass greenhouses, native plants and herb gardens, as well as talks by John Coykendall about the practice of preserving heirloom seeds and Laura Dowling, former chief floral designer for the White House. More information about the gardening association and its upcoming programs can be found on their website, www.stmastergardener.org.

THURSDAY |JULY17TH |STARTSAT9AM

Toyota, Chevy, Pontiac,Ford, Kia, Mitsubishi, Buick, Infiniti, Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Acura, Mazda, BMW & Others! 10% buyer’s premium & $25 notary fee applies to all purchases Full Payment Due before 1PM on 7/18. All purchases must be removed by 7/21. All vehicles aresoldwithout keys & the running condition is unknown. Some vehicles may be branded salvage, reconstructed,water damaged, etc

THURSDAY |JULY24TH |ONLINEONLY First lot starts closing at 10AM St Tammany Parish Government Surplus 620 N Tyler Street | Covington,LA 70433

Preview: Wed 7/23 from 9A-3P | (2) Bobcat T320 Skid Steers, Toyota Tundra Chevy Silverado, Ford F150, Ford F250 Svc Body Truck Ford F450 Svc Body Truckw/Crane, CAT 400KW Generator Onan McGraw Edison 125 Gen Set,NH TS100 & T6020 Tractors Diesel Tank, (3) Follett Ice Machines, Desks, Chairs, (4) X-Ray Conveyor Machines, Generac Guardian Generator, Truck Bed Tool Boxes, NH Tractor Parts, Filing Cabinets, IT Equipment & More! 16% buyer’s premium applies. $25 notary fee applies. Items in this auction are at multiple locations. For online bidding visit: https://bit.ly/4ehvrRg Gov’t surplusassetswillnot be sold fora price less than

ARTS

STAA Summer Show returns to Covington’s downtown Art House

BY SARAH BONNETTE Contributing writer

Absolute surprise and excitement: Two local artists say that was their reaction when they learned their artwork would be part of St. Tammany Art Association’s Summer Show, a longstanding juried exhibition that draws from multiple states. Both are first-time exhibitors

“I consider the Summer Show my white whale because I’ve tried five or six times to get accepted,” Slidell artist Matt Litchliter said For artist and Covington City Council member Joey Roberts, applying to the show is part of a promise he made to himself. “I have been drawing since high school and have done commissions, but recently have done more work for myself and started entering shows,” he says.

Northshore art lovers will have the opportunity to see Litchliter’s and Roberts’ pieces when the Summer Show opens on July 12 with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m It will be the first time since 2019 that the show has appeared on the walls of STAA’s Miriam Barranger Gallery The extended hiatus came from closures during the COVID-19 pandemic and damage to the Art House from Hurricane Ida.

“It’s part of the legacy of the Art House,” exhibition chair Cindy Pulling said of its 55th anniversary this year “It brings art from across the United States right to our community.”

Officially titled the Annual National Juried Artists Exhibition, it provides emerging and established artists with the opportunity to submit up to three pieces for consideration. Each piece must be an original work created within the past two years and not previously exhibited at STAA. This year brought record entry numbers, Pulling said. There were 329 individual entries, from both local and Louisiana artists, as well as those from North Carolina, Indiana, Missouri and other nationwide locations. Of those, 30 pieces were selected by juror Sasha Newkirk, a jewelry historian, metalsmith and instructor who

THE ST. TAMMANY ART ASSOCIATION SUMMER SHOW

WHAT: The 55th National Juried Artists Exhibition by the St.Tammany Art Association

WHEN: July 12 to Sept. 13, with an artists’ reception on opening day from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and a closing reception on Sept. 13.

WHERE: STAA’s Art House, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington HOW MUCH: No admission to reception or the Art House, open WednesdaysFridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MORE: Visit www.sttammany.art, @sttammany.art on Instagram or email info@ sttammany.art.

‘Awaken III,’ by Matt Litchliter

works in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Objects Conservation Department. Her choice for the Best of Show Miriam Barranger Award will receive $2,000, double the top award amount in previous years, Pulling said. It is sponsored by Heather Barranger Case, granddaughter of Barranger, one of STAA’s founders and its first president.

Other award sponsors include

Carlos Sanchez and Cathy Deano. Litchliter said he doesn’t “expect to win anything,” but is excited about the opportunity to introduce his artwork to new audiences.

In creating his acrylic painting on a circular 10-inch panel titled “Awaken III,” his exhibition piece, Litchliter said he used lessons learned as a studio assistant to renowned artist George Dun-

Madisonville artist wins trip to nation’s capital

BY KADEE KRIEGER Contributing writer

Students of all ages look forward with excitement to field trips throughout the school year But one Madisonville student’s illustration of the phrase “What America Means to Me” earned her the field trip of a lifetime to the nation’s capital.

Emory Dunn, 8, a student at Lancaster Elementary School, submitted one of 75 first-place entries in the 2025 “America’s Field Trip” contest, a nationwide initiative tied to the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.

The selection committee chose her drawing from thousands of student submissions across the country On July 10 she will embark on a twonight, three-day field trip to Washington, D.C., along with her mom, Miranda Dunn.

Emory said the chance to take a trip to an iconic location in the United States enticed her to enter the contest when she heard about it in her third-grade classroom.

“I learned about Washington D.C., and really wanted to go to see the White House,” she said. During the trip, which will be her first airplane flight, Emory will get a special tour of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and an overnight visit in the National Museum of Natural History, Miranda Dunn said.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Emory Dunn, 8, a student at Lancaster Elementary School, is a first-place winner of the 2025 ‘America’s Field Trip’ contest, a nationwide initiative tied to the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.

with her classmates, teachers and administration at Lancaster when she returns to school in August.

Her winning original artwork is a self-portrait with half of her face depicting her own features and the other half of the face showing her favorite parts of America. She said to her, America means “peace, freedom, imagination, love, dreams and fun.”

She drew a peace symbol for the portrait’s eye, a boat as part of her mouth, the Liberty Bell as an ear, hair as an American flag and a city as the neck. She also drew a heart, baseball and football “all things I like about America,” she said America’s Field Trip invites students from third through 12th grades to reflect creatively on the question of what America means to them.

bar’s last exhibition. Dunbar died in June 2024.

It is the third piece in a series that started with “early sketches and an idea of these flowers. They’re usually magnolias, or something indicative of the area,” Litchliter said, adding that the skull in the center “represents my anxiety and how my anxiety can impact, in negative ways, beautiful moments.

“The flower is the beautiful moment,” he said.

For Roberts, creating artwork helps him relax from his busy roles as the executive director of the West St. Tammany YMCA

and as a council member “I draw from the heart,” he says of using pencils as his medium to create richly detailed images.

A documentary on water scarcity inspired his 30-by-20-inch drawing, entitled “Maji Safi.”

The title translates to “clean water” in Swahili, an image that speaks to the lack of basic needs in underprivileged countries.

“I hope it serves as a reminder of not only the many blessings we have around us, but also the opportunities we have to help those outside of our circle,” Roberts said in his artist statement for the piece.

“Of course, we had to watch the movie ‘Night at the Museum’ in preparation for the trip,” she said. Emory said when she learned that she was a firstplace winner and earned the trip she “screamed and jumped up and down.” She is both excited for her upcoming experience and proud of herself for taking a leap outside of her comfort zone. “Winning this contest helped me learn that even if you are scared to do something, you should still try to do it.” She said the accolade has given her confidence in her talent and that she might even be able to call herself an artist.

This year’s competition drew submissions from all 50 states, five U.S territories and the District of Columbia. First-place winners will take part in field trips to historic and cultural landmarks across the U.S. this summer, while second-place winners receive a $500 prize.

Since America250 officially announced the winners after the close of the 2024-25 school year she said she is also eager to share the excitement

The contest is part of a broader educational initiative by America250, the national commission leading preparations for the country’s Semiquincentennial in 2026. The organization piloted the contest in 2024. For more program information and a full list of firstand second-place winners, visit https://america250.org/ fieldtrip/awardees/.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS

snacks, beverages and your choice of seating — lawn chairs, concert chairs or beach chairs — and come out for some family fun, weather permitting. The sponsors haven’t yet announced who will perform, but it’s always somebody worth hearing.

INSPIRE: A program of inspirational music by Jeremy Harper is scheduled July 15 for the Young at Heart program (that’s the 55+ set) in the Central Hall of the First Baptist Church in Covington. Program starts at 10:30 a.m and concludes with lunch at noon for a cost of $15, payable by cash or check at the door, but online registration is required. The deadline to register or cancel is noon July 10 at fbccov. org/adults-55.

FREE JAMS: The Northshore Traditional Music Society provides several free music sessions monthly in St. Tammany Parish for people who show up. See nstms.org for details song lists and to confirm meeting times. The next scheduled sessions include:

n Irish: There’s a Traditional Irish Session July 17 (every third Thursday) from 6:30 p m to 8:30 p.m. in back room of Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St. Musicians and music-lovers to play and sing favorite pieces of Celtic music. Visit the Session Celtic Music resource page at thesession.org/tunes or visit nstms.org.

n BLUEGRASS: A Bluegrass Jam on July 25 (every final Friday) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m in the Covington Farmer’s Market Gazebo, 100 N Columbia St., takes place during the Columbia Street Block Party all along Columbia Street in the walkable historic downtown Covington

THEATER GAME ON: Test your nerves and compete for $500 by playing Suspense Games Live” at 30 by Ninety Theater in Mandeville on July 11. It’s an edge-of-your-seat night of interactive challenges, unexpected twists and high stakes Play or watch and cheer, but the games start at 8 p.m. Tickets $32, fees included. See 30byninety.com or the theater Facebook page for a link to buy them.

MUSIC: The musical comedy “Something Rotten” runs July 12-27 at Playmakers Theater, bringing a side-splitting, slighty risqué performance rated PG-14 Written by Karey Kirkpatrick, John O’Farrell and Wayne Kirkpatrick

the show will be directed by Jennifer Patterson. “Something Rotten” follows the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, as they struggle to compete with the rising superstar playwright William Shakespeare. Watch the brothers create the world’s first musical after consulting a soothsayer. Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets $30 for adults, $15 for students, available at BonTempsTix.com.

ART SUMMER: The St. Tammany Art Association presents its 55th annual national juried exhibition, The Summer Show, at the Miriam Barranger Gallery in the Art House, 320 N. Columbia St., in downtown Covington. It opens with a July 12 artists’ reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. At 7 p.m. that evening, at least $3,500 in cash prizes, including a $2,000 prize for Best of Show, will be awarded. Other cash and merit awards will be presented at the discretion of show juror Sasha Newkirk. The show will be on view until Sept. 13. Free and open to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays. For hours or more information, call (985)892-8650 or email info@sttammany.art.

DUFOUR: An exhibit opening July 12 in the Christwood Atrium Gallery near Covington will include 45 paintings and 20 pieces of blown and sculptured glass created during the last decade by artist Paulo Dufour. An opening reception will be held that day from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; it is open to the public, and no admission is charged. The exhibition will hang through Aug. 29 in the gallery in the Christwood retirement complex at 100 Christwood Blvd. (reach it via Brewster Road)

The gallery is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays

FRAGMENTS: The “Fragments of Imagination” juried exhibition of original art hangs in the George Dunbar Gallery in Slidell through July 25. See it in the Slidell Cultural Center gallery at City Hall, 2055 Second St.; exhibition hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday, by appointment only by calling (985) 646-4375.

POP UP: The Mandevile Artists Guild will hold a PoP Up Art Market on July 13 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St. Members will display a variety of art for sale. Free for members; $10 for others. Join the guild for $50 at Mandevilleartistguild. com. Three more guild pop ups this year at

Experience ‘New Heights’ and Cuban culture in Covington

Staff report

Experience the night life of Cuba right in the heart of Covington at the extravagant “Havana Heights” gala in The Southern Hotel on July 25 to raise money for the nonprofit New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center at Summergrove Farms near Folsom.

The program provides equine therapy for participants to experience “the power of the horse” as a way to heal from trauma and other challenges.

Riders who benefit from this treatment — a combination of hippotherapy and adaptive therapy — include those emerging from diverse but damaging circumstances and backgrounds, from military service, first responder events or human trafficking, to other people of all ages facing emotional, physical and cognitive challenges.

the trailhead.

PEOPLE WHO MEET

NEIGHBORS: The next meeting of the Hermadel/Carolyn Park/Bayou Cache Residents’ Association takes place July 10 at the American Legion Post, 1680 St. Ann Place. Potluck dinner at 6 p.m., followed by business meeting with an insurance broker offering a midyear update about the industry. Mayor Bill Borchert, a Slidell Police Department representative and District D Councilman Nick DiSanti usually attend with neighborhood updates. Bring a dish if you can, but no alcohol. Get to know your neighborhood Questions to club President Jill Dalier at (504) 307-7715.

FEDS: The Slidell chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association next meets on July 11 at 1 p.m. in First Christian Church, 102 Christian Lane. The speakers will be Ted and Steve Longo to discuss investments and the economy. The Lunch Bunch will first meet and eat at 11:30 a.m. at Fatty’s Restaurant, 1300 Gause Blvd. All active and retired federal employees and spouses invited. For more, contact chapter President Elroy Noel at (985) 290-0757 or email elroynoel@bellsouth.net.

COMMUNITY GUMBO

STROLLING: The eighth annual Kokomo Stroll is set for July 12 in downtown Covington.

Think flip-flops and special summer cocktails, cold craft beers and Beach Boys music. Food

trucks and beach games. Plan it now. get tickets, $45, and more info at Kokomostroll.com.

RAPTOR TIME: Pelican Park hosts the LSU Raptor Rehabilitation Program at 10 a.m. on July 12 in the park’s White Gym. This is a chance to see magnificent raptors up close and learn about LSU’s conservation, research and education in the raptor field. Learn how they provide expert veterinary care to injured native wildlife, aiming for their successful return to the wild. A chance for all ages to learn about and appreciate Louisiana’s incredible raptor species.

SHARING: The Avanti Senior Living Community at 2234 Watercross Parkway near Covington will host an American Independence Day Celebration on July 12 at 1:30 p.m. with a mix of Chinese and American performing arts. The artists will include Cuilan Li, Mason Wu and Jeanna Chen performing Chinese classical music using ancient musical instruments, as well as American music and dances. The public is invited. For more info, contact program coordinator Tina Soong at tinasoong@att.net.

QUILTING: Anyone interested in

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ist Church. The guild provides information, education and inspiration in all things quilting and related fiber arts. For more, contact Mollie Lusty at mlusty63@gmail.com.

This year’s fundraiser will include indulging in savory hors d’oeuvres and small plates inspired by Havana and crafted by Chef Alex Harrell of The Gloriette, along with live and silent auctions for exclusive items and experiences.

Attendees are encouraged to embrace their creativity and dress in their representation of the theme or in formal attire.

“From the elegance of Bridgerton to the streets of Broadway and along the courses of Nature, we’ve journeyed through culture and art over the last several years to celebrate New

New Heights is on a mission to harness the healing power of equine-assisted activities to help humans heal, and the nonprofit throws an elegant evening experience every year to help finance the work

Heights Therapy and its mission to serve others,” said Carlos Sanchez of Summergrove. “This year we invite you sway to the sounds of Havana — where vibrant culture and a passion for purpose set the stage for an unforgettable evening of giving.”

Tickets can be purchased through the New Heights Therapy website, and sponsorship opportunities are also available for those who wish to make a significant impact by contacting Mike Arnold at jmikea0329@ gmail.com.

For more information on New Heights, visit www. NewHeightsTherapy.org, contact at info@newheightstherapy.org.or follow on other social media.

SUMMER HOOPS

Salmen’s Weinmunson uses summer league to build relationships, install system as a first-year coach

BY MIKE PERVEL Contributing writer

The Lakeshore Basketball Summer League, which ended on June 26, featured 14 varsity and 12 JV clubs.

None of those teams needed the extra court time more than the Salmen Spartans, and they took full advantage of the added reps.

The Spartans finished 17-6 during the summer under first-year coach Mark Weinmunson Salmen breezed past Pearl River 72-52 on June 26.

The Spartans controlled the game with their aggressive, smothering defense, racing out to a 39-22 halftime advantage.

BJ Mathews poured in back-toback 3-pointers, putting the Spartans in the driver’s seat, 50-34, with nine minutes remaining

“I’m really excited about where we are teamwise,” Weinmunson said. “I feel like we’ll continue to grow once I can implement an en-

tire system. We haven’t scratched the surface at this point, only having a week or two of practice together before competing in the Lakeshore summer league.”

Weinmunson, who spent the last 11 years serving as an assistant with the Mandeville girls basketball team, said his first summer at Salmen has been positive.

“I inherited a senior and juniorladen team,” he said. “Our three talented centerpieces are seniors Marley McKnight and Javarri Williams, along with junior Joshua Carroll. We have good depth and will be able to go eight to 10 players deep. We’ll be tough to beat this year We’re athletic, and our big guys can shoot the ball.”

McKnight led the Spartans with 15 points.

“We did a good job rebounding the ball, pushing it up court and playing fast in transition,” McKnight said. “We have some small ‘grindy’ guards — Xachary Hill, BJ Mathews and Javarri Williams

who do a great job picking people’s pockets, leading to fast break points.”

McKnight said Weinmunson’s focus on sharing the ball has already paid dividends.

“As soon as he came in, we gravitated to him immediately He gets on us when we mess up. He always encourages us to play hard as a team. He’s a player’s coach and lets us hoop, playing within the system. He lets us develop our own offensive flow,” McKnight said.

Salmen junior center Joshua Carroll (6-8, 183 pounds) added 14 points, scoring Salmen’s first six points, including an uncontested thunderous dunk.

“It was a good team victory as we continue bonding under coach Weinmunson,” Carroll said. “He’s taught us a lot about the mental aspect, staying focused, putting mistakes behind you and just moving forward. It was all about

Summer baseball winds down

BY MIKE PERVEL Contributing writer

To the naked eye, it was just another summer league game.

But it was so much more for both Hannan and Mandeville-based Gulf Coast Lending Services as the Skippers came away with a 7-1 victory during the Crescent City Sports Prep Summer Baseball League on June 24. “We have a new team for the most part, so during the summer, it’s important to play quality opponents to prepare for the season. We want our guys to have a lot of different roles as they pick up valuable game experience. The staff has seen lots of good things this summer, but we’re still looking to improve,” Gulf Coast coach Brady Benoit said.

“Summer league is a great way to see how our guys accept being in leadership roles. It gives you a feel for who the real leaders may be and if they can handle those key situations.” On this particular day, Gulf Coast paraded five pitchers to the mound, who limited Hannan to just three hits. Gulf Coast senior right-hander Luke LeJeune (3-0) picked up the win, allowing two hits in three innings. He posted six strikeouts, including three in the first inning, pitching around a two-out single by Jacob Gaubert.

24.

LeJeune also overcame some adversity in the third inning after Gulf Coast took a 3-0 lead. He walked Jake Wood and Carson Ducote on 3-2 counts to open the frame. The Hawks’ Ryan Bordelon executed a perfectly placed bunt for an infield single, loading the bases.

LeJeune refocused, registering a strikeout. Colt Manning hit into a 6-4 fielder’s choice after hustling down to first to beat the relay throw, allowing Wood to score. But that was all the offense the Hawks could muster

“Without a doubt, my fastball was my best pitch, followed by my consistent slider I was living right in the zone, with great location. I was confident in all my pitches, and my off-speed stuff was working as well,” LeJeune said.

“I’m confident in my abilities, and my teammates gave me excellent early run support. We’ve had a pretty good summer.”

The Skippers’ bullpen did the rest as Zach Kemp allowed just one walk in two innings. Nathan Woodward tossed 1.1 innings, surrendering a hit and a walk with

Allstate Sugar Bowl honors Slidell volleyball team

Committee, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, has selected annual award winners in a variety of categories since 1958; it also selects Sugar Bowl Athletes of the Month and each year’s New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame class. Overall, 30 individuals and two teams will be honored for their achievements at the

Braving the competition

BASEBALL

Continued from page 1B

a strikeout before Jackson Amorajabi retired the final two Hawks (2-7) Gulf Coast jumped on Hannan starter James Dosch, pushing across three runs in the second inning. Liam Gillis singled to left to start the rally Following a fly ball out, Landon Moss (23, two runs scored) singled to right, and Kemp reached on an error to load the bases. Dosch ran into some mechanical difficulty on the mound, being called for back-to-back balks, forcing in the first two runs. Gavin Richmond plated Gulf Coast’s third run on a sacrifice fly

“I was looking fastball on the outside part of the plate. That’s what I got, and I took them to the right side on both my hits. I felt comfortable in the box, and I got the pitches I wanted,” Moss said.

“I always try to give my team an advantage, and I want to be a spark plug, getting my teammates energized.” Gulf Coast added two runs in the third on a Gillis sacrifice fly and a Carter Winchester RBI single to make it 5-1. The home team added two runs in the sixth via RBIs by Richmond and Connor Coleman to set the final score While the Skippers’ pitching staff gained plenty of experience, Hannan’s first-year coach Cass Hargis got to know his team. Hargis took over on April 11 for Chris Garrett, who stepped down at the end of the Hawks’ semifinal run to spend more time with his family

Hannan’s Hunter Lay makes contact against Mandeville-based Gulf Coast Lending

Gulf Coast’s

into second under

on June 24

“This is my opportunity to get to know and, more importantly, evaluate my players. It’s also good to compete in an established, tough league. My biggest thing is I want our players to always play hard Moving forward, that will be our program focus,” Hargis said. “It’s been a process, and the kids are working hard to get there.” The Skippers (7-3-1) ended the summer season on June 25 with a 5-4 loss to Riverside and finished in sixth place, just missing out on the four-team playoff. Other St Tammany teams in the league included St. Paul’s-based Calcutta Gold (5-5), Northshore-based Legacy Auto Group (4-5), Lakeshore-based Messina’s Catering & Events (4-6) and Covington (0-8-1).

Amanda Whitney Con‐stanzi, age 85, of Bush Louisiana, passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025. She was born on February 25, 1940, in Thibodaux Louisiana She is survived by her children, Robert Constanzi, Cecil Constanzi (Rose), Michelle Parker (Ken), Audra Phillips (Dan), and Darrin Constanzi (Dawn); daughter-in-law Elizabeth “Libby” Con‐stanzi; grandchildren Ryan Pierre (Kristen), Kayman Gassen (Alyssa), Katlin Gassen (Brittany), Victoria Maxwell, Hailey Maxwell Kendra Constanzi-Miley (Claudia), Darrin “D. J ” Constanzi, Jr. (Lindsey), Ashley Constanzi-Farrar (Nikki), Olivia Serignet (Troy), and Sam “Billy” Constanzi, III (Chelsey); and 22 great-grandchil‐dren. She is also survived by her brother, David Charles “Dave” Whitney; and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, D C. Whitney and Edith Marie DuBois Whitney; children, Melinda Constanzi and Sam Con‐stanzi, Jr.; the father of her children Sam Alexander Constanzi, Sr.; son-in-law, Gregory Maxwell; daugh‐ter-in-law, Judy Constanzi; sister-in-law, Brenda Whit‐ney Amanda was born and raised in Thibodaux Louisiana, and attended Brookfield High School in Brookfield, Wisconsin be‐fore moving back to the New Orleans area after graduation She worked clerical jobs in New Or‐leans for a few years be‐fore meeting and marrying the love of her life, with whom she had seven chil‐dren. After the children were grown, she returned to the workforce working for many years at K-mart until her first grandchil‐dren were born. She later worked as an administra‐tive assistant at Three Rivers and Greenbriar Psy‐chiatric Hospitals in Cov‐ington until her retirement Her hobbies included read‐ing, genealogy, and cook‐ing but her life ultimately revolved around her family She loved spending time with them and making memories together. She loved them, and they loved her She will be dearly missed. E J. Fielding Fu‐neral Home of Covington Louisiana, was honored to be entrusted with Ms Con‐stanzi’s funeral arrange‐ments.

Gegenheimer, Dorothea Sheppard

Dorothea Sheppard

Gegenheimer, age 75, of Covington Louisiana passed away on Wednes‐day, June 25, 2025. She was born on October 10, 1949 in New Orleans, Louisiana She is survived by her lov‐ing husband of 22 years, Henry F “Fred” Gegen‐heimer; children, Nicholas James Laird (Brenda) Sarah Jane Sunderman (Jarrod) and Matthew Henry Gegenheimer; grandchildren, Joseph, Es‐ther, Stella, and Wyatt; and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Harper Sheppard, Jr and Dorothy Bernadine Keese Shep‐pard; and a sister, Judy Sheppard Driskill. “Thea grew up in New Orleans, graduated from Alcee Fortier High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree at Northwestern State Uni‐versity in Natchitoches She taught Kindergarten at various schools through‐out the New Orleans area for 13 years before transi‐tioning to a career in real estate Her lifelong hob‐bies included fishing trav‐eling, bird watching, and photography A longtime faithful member of Wald‐heim Church, Thea served the church in various ways coordinating the church’s mission projects at the Methodist Children’s Home of Southeast Louisiana, founding the blessing box ministry, and serving as a member of the church board. She was a loving wife mother grand‐mother, and friend, and she will be dearly missed by her family, friends, church and community. In

13 years e tran ‐

tioning to a career in real estate. Her lifelong hob‐bies included fishing, trav‐eling bird watching and photography A longtime faithful member of Wald‐heim Church, Thea served the church in various ways, coordinating the church s mission projects at the Methodist Children’s Home of Southeast Louisiana, founding the blessing box ministry, and serving as a member of the church board She was a loving wife, mother, grand‐mother, and friend, and she will be dearly missed by her family friends church, and community. In lieu of flowers contribu‐tions in memory of Mrs Gegenheimer may be made to the Waldheim Church Blessing Box by mail to 77067 Highway 21, Coving‐ton Louisiana, 70435, or in the form of canned goods, toiletries, or other nonper‐ishables brought to the church Her family invites you to share thoughts memories, and condo‐lences by signing an online guestbook at www ejfield ingfh com.

Harrington, Leslie Gonsoulin

Leslie Gonsoulin Har‐rington passed away peacefully on Tuesday July 1, 2025, after a lengthy ill‐ness at her home sur‐rounded by her loving fam‐ily She was preceded in death by her parents, Armel Joseph Gonsoulin, Jr and Johanna Claire Stieg‐man Gonsoulin. She is sur‐vived by her husband Patrick Harrington, her children Benjamin Har‐rington (Christine), Sarah Gibson (Matt) Evan Har‐rington (Sera) and Mar‐garet Fischer. She is also survived by her grandchil‐dren, Mary Ellen Gibson, Eleanor Harrington, Ade‐laide Harrington, Ann Gib‐son Katherine Gibson Charles Fischer, Cecelia Harrington and Owen Har‐rington, and her Siblings, Janice Binnings (Bill), Jean‐nette Fischer (Cary), A J Gonsoulin (Michelle) and Peggy Vallejo (Leo) Leslie was born and raised in Arabi Louisiana, as the youngest of five children She attended Holy Angels High School, where she formed many lifelong friendships. Leslie went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of New Or‐leans She began her pro‐fessional career at Kaiser Aluminum where she met her future husband, Patrick They married in 1983 and soon welcomed four children into their home in Kenner A devoted wife and mother Leslie balanced family life with her favorite hobbies, in‐cluding tennis, sewing, crafting and playing word games (especially when playing alongside her fam‐ily). She was a member of St. Timothy Methodist Church and played a vital role in the organization CHADD (Children and Adults with AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Dis‐order) As her children grew older, Leslie held var‐ious administrative and of‐fice support roles, where her exceptional organiza‐tional skills flourished. She also took great interest in genealogy (most notably from the Gonsoulin line) which e publishing of a amed ‘Royal Blen sion for his‐tory a e led her to work tour guide in New Orleans In more re‐cent years Leslie or “Lol‐lie”, enjoyed doting on her eight grandchildren — whether it be at the beach, cooking together at home or on family trips to visit her grandkids She was widely known for her kind spirit hospitality and gen‐uine interest in others Leslie had a gift for making people feel seen heard, and loved—treating every‐one she met like family Leslie will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Please sign the guestbook at www ejf ieldingfh.com

ious administrative and of‐fice support roles, where her exceptional organiza‐tional skills flourished. She also took great interest in genealogy (most notably from the Gonsoulin line) which led to the publishing of a book named ‘Royal Blend’. Her passion for his‐tory and culture led her to working as a tour guide in New Orleans. In more re‐cent years, Leslie, or “Lol‐lie”, enjoyed doting on her eight grandchildren whether it be at the beach, cooking together at home or on family trips to visit her grandkids. She was widely known for her kind spirit, hospitality, and gen‐uine interest in others Leslie had a gift for making people feel seen heard and loved—treating every‐one she met like family Leslie will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her Please sign the guestbook at www ejf ieldingfh.com

Hosch, Martha Jane Noble Schwabe

Martha Jane Noble Schwabe Hosch passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Satur‐day, June 28, 2025, at the age of 80 years, four months and eighteen days She was born on February 10, 1945, in Chillicothe, Ohio. Her family moved to New Orleans, LA., in 1950, and she has been a resi‐dent of Covington, LA., since 1991. Martha was the loving daughter of her pre‐deceased parents, James William Noble and Dortha (Dottie) Jane Redmond Noble She was preceded in death by her husband and the true love of her life, Donald Joseph Hosch, Sr. Martha was married to her beloved husband, Don for 39 years, 6 months, and 12 days until his death in 2014. She was also pre‐ceded in death by fatherin-law and mother-in-law Henry and Florence Doyle Hosch, as well as her most beloved niece, Nancy Vir‐ginia Elmer. Martha is sur‐vived by her only child, Gary V Schwabe, Jr., from her previous marriage to Gary V Schwabe Sr. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Lisa Marie Callia Schwabe, and her most cherished grandchil‐dren, Rebecca Ann Schwabe and James Noble Schwabe Martha is further survived by her loving sis‐ter, Sallie Noble Elmer, and nieces, Martha Elmer Hur‐ley and JoAnn Elmer Ad‐kins, along with their hus‐bands, Kris Hurley and Bill Adkins, and great-niece Dotti Adkins Martha at‐tended John McDonough High School and graduated from Mid-City Baptist High School in 1962. During her career, she worked for Shell Oil Co. 20th Century Fox, The Daily Record Newspaper, and the Of‐fices of Louis J Roussel Jr and Emile J. Brinkmann. While born in Ohio Martha was a true New Orleans girl who loved nothing bet‐ter than to share good times and a good meal, in‐cluding her favorite craw‐fish with her family and friends. She loved our local music and loved to dance Martha’s wish is that all of her extended family, neigh‐bors friends, and cowork‐ers remember her in good health with a beaming smile on her face. Services were private and closed Funeral arrangements were provided by E. J Fielding Funeral Home with internment in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens/Garden of Angels in Covington, La.

2014. She was also pre‐ceded in death by fatherin-law and mother-in-law Henry and Florence Doyle Hosch, as well as her most beloved niece, Nancy Vir‐ginia Elmer Martha is sur‐vived by her only child, Gary V. Schwabe Jr from her previous marriage to Gary V. Schwabe Sr She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Lisa Marie Callia Schwabe and her most cherished grandchil‐dren, Rebecca Ann Schwabe and James Noble Schwabe Martha is further survived by her loving sis‐ter Sallie Noble Elmer, and nieces, Martha Elmer Hur‐ley and JoAnn Elmer Ad‐kins, along with their hus‐bands, Kris Hurley and Bill Adkins and great-niece Dotti Adkins Martha at‐tended John McDonough High School and graduated from Mid-City Baptist High School in 1962. During her career she worked for Shell Oil Co., 20th Century Fox The Daily Record Newspaper, and the Of‐fices of Louis J Roussel, Jr and Emile J Brinkmann While born in Ohio, Martha was a true New Orleans girl who loved nothing bet‐ter than to share good times and a good meal, in‐cluding her favorite craw‐fish, with her family and friends She loved our local music and loved to dance Martha’s wish is that all of her extended family neigh‐bors, friends, and cowork‐

y friends. She loved our local music and loved to dance Martha’s wish is that all of her extended family neigh‐bors, friends, and cowork‐ers remember her in good health, with a beaming smile on her face. Services were private and closed Funeral arrangements were provided by E J Fielding Funeral Home with internment in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens/Garden of Angels

Barbara Jo Bryan Stat‐ton, age 87, of Covington, Louisiana, passed away on Friday June 27, 2025. She was born on September 19, 1937, in Rogers Arkansas to the late Jeff and Mildred Moore Bryan. She is sur‐vived by her children, Diana Statton Brown of Yulee, Florida, Larry Stat‐ton and wife Alison of Mur‐ray, Kentucky, Deborah Statton Perkins and hus‐band W ne of Oceol

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VILLAGE OF GUTHRIE, ST TAMMANY PARISH, LOUISIANA and which lot have the same location and dimension as shown on the Plan of Vil‐lage

Having a municipal address of 622 Sixth Street Pearl River, LA70452. Municipal Address: 622 6TH ST PEARLRIVER,LA 70452 Writ Amount: $83,989.56 Plaintiff Attorney: Albertelli Law, PO Box 23028, Tampa, FL33623

TermsofSale:With‐out appraisal, 10% at adjudication and balance within 30 days RANDY SMITH, SHERIFF $75.15

PUBLICNOTICE Wilmington Sav‐ings Fund Society, FSB notinits Individual Capacity but Solely as TrusteeofStarwood Mortgage Residen‐tialTrust2021-4 VS Corey Wesley Pe‐ters and Rebecca LynnJones(a/k/a Rebecca Jablonowski, Re‐beccaPeters) (52)202512807

Sheriff’sCivil Division Parish of St Tam‐many StateofLouisiana Notice is hereby given that by virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable 22nd Judicial Dis‐trict Court for the Parish of St Tam‐many in the above entitled and num‐bered cause dated May22, 2025 andto di cted I,

given that by virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable 22nd Judicial Dis‐trict Court for the Parish of St Tam‐many in the above entitled and num‐bered cause dated May22,2025 andto me directed I, Randy Smith Sher‐iff, have taken pos‐ session of and will offer for sale at pub‐ lic auction to the highest bidder in the courthouse located at St. Tammany Parish Courthouse, 701 N Columbia St, Covington, LA 70433, beginning at 10:00 am Wednes‐day, August 13, 2025, the following property: Property Descrip‐ tion: ONE CERTAIN LOT OR PORTION OF GROUND, to‐gether with all the buildings and im‐provementsthereon, and all the rights, ways privileges servitudes, appurte‐nances and advan‐tages thereunto be‐longing or in

being more fully de‐ribed foll

and all the rights, ways privileges servitudes, appurte‐nances and advan‐tages thereunto be‐longing or in any‐ wise appertaining,situated in St Tam‐many Parish, Louisiana and being more fully de‐scribed

HONORS

on the back row Lewis and Dowell put down plenty of the points needed in the final set to build an early lead and close out a 25-17, 25-20, 2325, 25-15 victory that gave coach Danny Tullis his seventh state championship Slidell became the first public school to win a Division I volleyball state title since Tullis coached Fontainebleau to a championship in 2011. His other five crowns came while he was at Pope John Paul II.

“The focus of this season really started when I came here two years ago and I told them they had the same things that everybody else has, just not the belief and not the understanding,” Tullis said. “But they started to believe in themselves in the way that I believed that they could win.”

Joining Slidell and Mount Carmel as finalists for New Orleans’ Outstanding Girls Prep Team of the Year were Haynes Volleyball and St. Scholastica Swimming. Haynes came together behind sisters Virginia and Marilyn Voitier to upend topseeded Hannan to capture the LHSAA Division III state championship in the school’s first-ever trip to the state title match. St. Scholastica’s swimming dominance continued as the Doves used a balanced effort to tally 365 points, 91 points ahead of second-place to win their 14th straight Division II team title at the LHSAA state swim meet.

The Slidell volleyball team was just the latest St. Tammany team or athlete to be honored. On June 25, Kade Anderson, a St. Paul’s graduate and the ace pitcher for the LSU baseball team, was selected as the Allstate Sugar Bowl’s Outstanding Male Athlete from the New Orleans area for 2024-25.

LSU starting pitcher Kade Anderson celebrates after getting the final out of the seventh inning in game four of the College World Series between the Tigers and the Razorbacks on June 14, 2025, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Neb LSU defeated Arkansas 4-1.

Top Tiger Anderson, a native of Madisonville and a St. Paul’s graduate, closed one of the top pitching seasons in LSU history by turning in a pair of sensational College World Series outings to earn Most Outstanding Player honors as LSU captured its eighth baseball national championship. For the year the southpaw recorded a 12-1 record with a 3.18 ERA and 180 strikeouts (No 1 in the nation) in 119 innings (tops in the SEC). Opponents hit just .211 against him, and he walked just 35 batters.

The First Team All-SEC selection started LSU’s opening game at the World Series and tossed seven innings of three-hit ball, allowing just one run and striking out seven as the Tigers took down No. 3 Arkansas, 4-1. In the first game of the championship series against Coastal Carolina, which came in with a 26-game winning streak, he then turned in one of the best games of his career at the most crucial time as he threw a complete-game shutout, allowing just three hits and striking out 10 in a 1-0 victory which put LSU in the driver’s seat for the championship.

“He’s the best player in the country,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said “There’s nobody closer to the major leagues than that right now.”

Additional finalists for New Orleans’ Outstanding Male Amateur Athlete were Harlem Berry (St. Martin’s Episcopal Football), Bryce Calloway (UNO Baseball), John Johnson (Edna Karr Football), and Drew Timmons (Hannan Basketball). Berry, a top signee with LSU, ran for 2,178 yards and 41 touchdowns and was the Metro Offensive Player of the Year for small schools Calloway led UNO in nearly every offensive category and was also an exceptional relief pitcher for the Privateers. Johnson recorded 4,301 total yards and 50 touchdowns for the state champion Cougars, as he was named the Metro Offensive Player of the Year for large schools. The 6-foot-6 Timmons led Hannan to its second LHSAA state championship in four years and was the LSWA Mr Basketball for Louisiana as well as the Times-Picayune All-Metro boys basketball player of the year for the 2024-25 season.

LEAGUE

Continued from page 1B

communicating and continuing to bond as a team. We’re just getting started, and we’re developing into a mentally tough team.”

Lakeshore also finished the summer league on a high note as the Titans had three players in double figures during a 63-53 victory over Pearl River on June 26.

Seniors Cole Janssen and Jeremiah Lewis had 18 and 14 points, respectively, while sophomore Cohen McGee finished with 10. Lakeshore posted a 10-5 summer league mark and went 22-7 overall, having won 11 in a row at one point.

Titans’ coach TK Kendall discussed how his team progressed.

“We played unselfish basketball, finding open teammates Everybody got involved in the offense and played aggressive man-to-man, trapping defense.

We were able to force turnovers, resulting in layups on the other end,” Kendall said “Team rebounding has been our Achilles heel, so we focused on improving our team rebounding and defense during the summer They’ve responded in both areas.”

Kendall said his summer league philosophy is to try and build a different chemistry with role players to help fill out the team’s starting needs.

He added that his focus is to get everyone on the court.

Against Pearl River, the Titans controlled the early tempo, taking a 7-2 lead, but the Rebels hung tough. The game was tied at 21, 27, 29 and 31, but with 1:30 left in the first half, the Titans went on an 8-2 run to take a 39-33 halftime lead.

Lakeshore scored the first four points in the second half, building a 43-33 advantage. A Janssen jumper put the Titans up 61-46 with just six minutes left en route to a 63-53 victory

Janssen, who averaged a double-double in summer league games, said the Titans grew “The entire team hustled, and we played hard. We have good chemistry, and it was a bal-

anced team effort. We make it a point to help each other defensively, which helps us play up-tempo,” Janssen said.

“We’ve been in a pretty good offensive flow this summer and our defense has helped us push the ball up quickly, looking for good open shots. We love to play with defensive intensity.” Lewis, who also scored in double figures in the summer, connected on three 3-pointers.

“We have great team chemistry, playing together,” Lewis said. “Everybody plays hard defensively, and we love to push the pace. We want to play fast. It’s all about getting up good shots, working hard on the boards and getting extra

scoring opportunities.” Pearl River junior big man Mason Hawkins finished with 14 points, including four 3s. Senior Brayden Hutchison chipped in 11 points and several assists. Rebels’ junior point guard Angel Perez added seven points and four assists. Pearl River fourth-year coach Dillon Smith, who played for Kendall in high school, said he liked his team’s energy “I was proud of the way our guys battled, fighting back and going all out,” he said. “We talked about playing hard in the summer league. We emphasized playing with positive attitudes, giving total commitment and wanting to play disciplined basketball.”