The St. Tammany Farmer 07-30-2025

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Forum gives voters look at where candidates differ

BY BOB WARREN Staff writer

The two candidates for Slidell mayor squared off publicly on July 23 before a packed audience at a Chamber of Commerce forum, mostly sticking to familiar campaign themes but taking the gloves off over one issue.

The closest Bill Borchert and Randy Fandal came to sparring during the 45-minute event was when moderator Trey Berning asked about police retirement funding.

The question stems from a testy Slidell City Council meeting in May when the council adopted a $65 million annual city budget and an ordinance in which the city would put up more police retirement funding. Police Department employees contribute 10% of their salaries into their retirement systems. The ordinance

WOMEN IN LACOMBE PUT

THE SOUL INTO LINE DANCING

BY SUZIE HUNT

Contributing writer

Cha-cha right. Cha-cha left Step up, step back and turn and turn

On a recent Wednesday night this summer, more than 30 women and girls danced, laughed and learned those moves during a soul line dancing class at the Lacombe Recreation Center

Held weekly, the classes are a combination of exercise and fellowship with a side serving of fun. Infectious music started bodies instinctively moving. Next came the encouraging instructions from leader Darrel Brown. Dressed in patterned tights and a bejeweled T-shirt with “Lady Smooth” spelled out in bling on

“Dancing is great for morale, and it’s great exercise. We have a wonderful time.”

DARREL BROWN, dance instructor

the back, Brown was energy personified as she directed dancers with her words and motions and the music she controlled.

“Dancing is great for morale, and it’s great exercise. We have a wonderful time,” said Brown, who led the dance classes at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for years. With the program’s popularity, Brown’s class outgrew the church space and moved to the recreation center a little more

than a year ago.

On this night in Lacombe, the dancers included women of all ages. Quite a few sported salt-and-pepper hair; one dancer even used her cane to facilitate turns, but most appeared to be anywhere from 20 to 40. Some were first-timers in the weekly dance session, while others have danced together for decades.

Jamie Cousin was participating with daughter Jordan Laurent and her young cousin, Lyrik Pitts.

“My mother, Lou Hunt, and my aunt, Denise Younger, started the soul line dancing group at St. Genevieve before Katrina. My family, my kids and nieces, have been going

BY KIM CHATELAIN

Editor’s note: There was such a positive response to our “Where Are They Now?” stories last year that we brought the series back to the pages of the St. Tammany Farmer this summer We asked that question about some of the best athletes in local sports and then we went out and found them. This week, we feature Covington baseball coach and CHS Football Hall of Famer Johnny Dragg.

BY DARREN COOPER Contributing writer

Johnny Dragg has traded seats from the front of the Covington High School dugout to the front row of the bleachers to watch his Lions. Dragg, now 74, was the Lions baseball coach from 1984 to 2006, winning over 300 games and five district titles. He was also an assistant football coach at the school and is a member of the Covington Football Hall of Fame after making All-District three times as wide receiver from 1967-69 and playing at USM.

He’s still in the same Covington home with his wife, Barbara, that he’s had since 1984, and when Dragg goes

Tourism group gets boost from hotel tax increase

BY KADEE KRIEGER Contributing writer

Visit the Northshore will collect an additional penny per dollar spent from overnight stays in St. Tammany, something the tourism agency has been pursuing for several years. The state Legislature this session raised the occupancy tax for St. Tammany Parish by 1% to 4%, which is added to the nightly rate for visitors who stay at hotels, motels and campgrounds throughout the parish. And during the July 15 meeting of the St Tammany Tourist Commission, the board unanimously voted to adopt the resolution authorizing the increase. The new tax will take effect Oct 1 and generate more operating money

for the nonprofit marketing and destination management organization. Visit the Northshore gets its funding from the St Tammany occupancy tax, along with 25% of the 4% state sales tax levied on lodging. The organization does not receive any funding from St. Tammany Parish resident taxes.

“The benefit to the community of Visit the Northshore is immense. They exhibit an incredible amount of effort in promoting our community to visitors, who then bring revenue to our businesses our restaurants and our whole community,” said St. Tammany Parish Tourist Commission Chair Patti Ellish.

The additional penny is something that Visit the Northshore President and CEO Donna O’Daniels has been

SOUL

Continued from page 1A

for years,” said Cousin. While Laurent helped Pitts learn the routines, Cousin danced with grace and the muscle memory developed with years of experience. She attends classes at different locations during the week

The routines call for constant, synchronized movement. Brown’s simplified instructions helped beginners learn the sequences as she walked through the dancers. As many of the songs involve repeated sequences, once Brown had called out the steps a time or two, the dancers were good to go. Graceful turns and immersion in the music was evident on joyful faces around the room. Mixed in was the laughter born of shared misplaced steps and supportive camaraderie until finally, 34 women and girls were moving in harmony.

A unique accessory used by the dancers are large, collapsible plastic fans, an integral part of the routine created by Tre’ Little for the song “Boots on the Ground (Where Them Fans At).”

COUNCIL

Continued from page 1A

Council member Cynthia StrongThompson and approved unanimously by the council, Mandeville property owners will continue to pay 2.79 mills for city maintenance and operations and .34-mills for the police department That means residents will not see an increase in the next property tax bills for

pursuing since 2019, saying that it brings St. Tammany in line with other occupancy tax percentages collected around the state.

According to the state Legislature Tax Report, several parishes and municipalities collect 4% or greater in occupancy tax, including the Lafayette, Shreveport and Monroe areas and nearby Tangipahoa Parish.

O’Daniels said that the small increase will allow Visit the Northshore to expand its reach in bringing more visitors to the area and supporting local businesses.

“Putting money in our economy from visitors saves the taxpayers money and allows us to invest it in our community,” she said.

Ellish noted the number of restaurants closing in New Orleans and said that without tourism, many St. Tammany restaurants would also close. “Many restaurants operate

on slim margins. Without the visitor impact, they might not be able to make it.”

Visit the Northshore provides marketing through social media newsletters, digital and print campaigns and even a regular podcast that highlights the culinary scene throughout St. Tammany, as well as attractions, outdoor activities and water access to draw visitors.

The organization also maintains statistics on how visitor spending impacts the local economy

The Visit the Northshore annual report reflected that in 2024, 3 million visitors brought $1.3 billion into the St. Tammany economy

The July meeting also saw former state Sen. Sharon Hewitt, of Slidell, taking her seat for the first time on the commission.

Hewitt, whose Senate term ended Jan. 1, 2024, said she is excited to be

part of shaping tourism for St. Tammany

“(Visit the Northshore) is the cheerleader for the parish They get to brag on all things happening. I love being in a position to be a part of it.”

Hewitt said she left her first meeting “impressed with everything” she saw

“There is such a clear vision with deliberate marketing plans including the tracking of data to know which marketing techniques yielded the best results. I look forward to being part of that vision going forward and being able to bring better quality of life opportunities to St. Tammany citizens.”

The next regular meeting of the St. Tammany Parish Tourist Commission Aug. 19 at 2 p.m. at the Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd, near Slidell.

SOUL LINE DANCE SESSIONS IN SLIDELLLACOMBE AREA

n Lacombe Recreation Department, 61100 N. 12th St., Lacombe; Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

n Living the Word International Church, 2528 Old Spanish Trail in Slidell; Mondays at 6 p.m.

n St. Genevieve Catholic Church, 58203 La. 433 (Bayou Liberty Road) near Slidell; Tuesdays at 11 a.m. n Parsons Lodge No. 45, 2598

Fourth St., Slidell, and St. Genevieve share 6 p.m. classes on Tuesday evenings; at St. Genevieve on the first and third Tuesdays and Parsons Lodge, on the second and fourth Tuesdays.

Morning classes are for participants 55 years of age and older

Some classes are free, while others charge $2-$3.

The fans were snapped open and shut quickly on cue, the sound reverberating off the rec center’s gym walls. They also did triple duty as noise makers, celebrating a routine’s successful

those services. The council is holding a series of public hearings on Mandeville’s budget for the next fiscal year, including one held the day before the vote on the property tax ordinance.

completion and to help cool dancers between numbers.

Marva Cousin stepped through the routines a bit slower than most, but at 72, she still has moves. She was sharing the gym floor that night with her 10-year-

Cou ncilm an J aso n Zuckerman described the July 23 hearing as highly productive, giving the council insight into problems with the way money is allocated for city expenses.

He said since 2018, the city has collected roughly $24 million more than it has spent, producing a fund balance of $66.7 million. Despite that seemingly rosy prospect, the city’s general fund is showing signs of stress.

Councilman Kevin Vogeltanz joined other members in saying he is not in favor raising taxes, noting the city currently collects sufficient revenue through sales

old granddaughter Kylie Cousin who was visiting.

“Coming here is one of my favorite things to do. It’s fun, and I love spending time with my granddaughter,” said Marva Cousin.

and property taxes to fund both its operating and capital budgets.

“However, and somewhat bizarrely we’ve restricted a significant portion of the city’s sales tax revenue into accounts that can’t readily fund essential services, like police or quality of life services, “ he said.

“This so-called dedication has led to the peculiar scenario where our total city funds continue to grow…yet our general fund, the one that we use for ev-

Carolyn Rousseau has participated in the classes at St. Genevieve for many years and is proof that it’s a healthy pastime. “I’m 80 years old, and this is what keeps me going!” she said, and kept on dancing

eryday purposes, continues to be strained. Clearly this is not good policy.”

Mayor Clay Madden’s administration has proposed forming a committee to address the budget issue, a move supported by council members.

Zuckerman said it’s possible that alterations to the way public money is allocated could lead to a future tax break for citizens and prompt the city to “stop sticking money in the mattress.”

jhalm@sttammanyfarmer.net

lice pay plan and pension relief.

their campaigns have been pushing out for the past few months.

said the city would cover 3% of that.

Borchert, a former atlarge City Council member who became mayor in January when Greg Cromer resigned, urged the council to vote down the ordinance, noting that police were already receiving raises via a new sales tax voters approved in 2024. Fandal, elected police chief in 2016, said at the meeting that he had met with Borchert and other city officials and none had a problem with the po-

During a brief exchange in the forum before the big crowd at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, Fandal accused Borchert of backtracking on the pension money.

“I called him out on it,” Fandal said.

Borchert disagreed.

“It was never discussed,” he told the crowd.

“I’m willing to take a lie detector test,” Fandal quickly replied when the forum moderator allowed him a response. But for the most part, Fandal and Borchert stuck closely to the talking points

are, from left, David Burke, William Burke, U.S Marines 2nd Lt. Phillip Burke, Rosemary Burke and Susan Burke.

Madisonville honors Marine

BY MARGARET ALBERT

Contributing writer

Editor’s note: This story

first appeared in the July 23 edition of the St. Tammany Farmer It is being reprinted in the July 30 edition to correct errors made in the original version.

When you are a driven, hard-working individual, good things happen.

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Phillip Burke, son of David and Susan Burke of Madisonville, was recently honored by the Madisonville Town Council for his dedication to his community and the country

“I want to make this a tradition honoring the young people of our community when they make the decision to serve our country,” council member Louis Ogle Jr said. Burke attended Madisonville schools through junior high and graduated from Mandeville High in 2021, where he was a member of the school band and USMC Junior ROTC for four years.

He then earned a bachelor of science in Environmental Earth Sciences from Tulane

University Burke has received numerous accolades through the years. He became an Eagle Scout, won the Newcomb-Tulane College Dean’s Service Award, the Distinguished Midshipman Award for excellence in leadership, academics, and military performance, and the General Robert H. Barrow Award for the Marine Midshipman who demonstrates excellence in military character He also was awarded the Cluverius Cup for demonstrating the highest military character throughout four years of service in Navy ROTC at Tulane. Burke applied for and received the Marine Corps ROTC Scholarship for college students pursuing a commission as a Marine officer He was commissioned at the end of his studies at Tulane this year, and his next step is TBS (The Basic School) in Quantico, Virginia.

Ogle said he’d like to continue honoring local military personnel at town meetings and also wants to display temporary banners from time to time around Madisonville to further honor their service.

The election is Oct. 11, and the winner will serve out the remainder of Cromer’s term, which runs through next June.

Borchert, who became the city’s full-time mayor when Cromer left for a post with state government, has campaigned on his months as the government’s chief executive.

“I’ve brought a business mindset to City Hall,” Borchert said. “I’m already doing the job.”

Borchert ran down a list of things he has been involved in either as a coun-

cil member or as mayor, including extending the Tammany Trace farther into Slidell and pushing for a multimillion project to widen Bayou Patassat and line it with walkways.

Borchert said his business approach will pay dividends for the city as it looks to create new economic development opportunities and revenue streams.

Fandal, who became police chief when Randy Smith was elected St. Tammany’s sheriff, has pushed a campaign heavy on public safety and his role running the Police Department.

Fandal touted Slidell’s

low crime rate and said economic development begins with public safety

He said his 45 years in law enforcement includes running large departments and overseeing budgets.

Both candidates have talked about the need to fix the city’s chronic drainage problems, find new money for the budget, and enhance the city’s Olde Towne area.

Capping the event, each candidate was allowed to ask the other a question.

Fandal asked Borchert if he had purchased property along Bayou Patassat, to which Borchert replied “Absolutely, I have.”

Borchert asked why the

Police Department had let its accreditation lapse, to which Fandal replied that the department wasn’t getting its money’s worth with its accreditation service. Afterward, Borchert said he purchased two lots along Bayou Patassat so the “city could use them for the project.” He said they cannot be built on and will eventually be mostly under water once the bayou is widened. Fandal, meanwhile, said afterward that the Police Department uses a different service now that doesn’t offer accreditation, but does provide the department with many of the same services.

St. Tammany Health doctors awarded for system initiative

PROVIDED PHOTO

Physicians Joseph Landers, left, and Andrew Baier won the second quarter Medical Director’s Award for their contributions to developing and implementing an initiative that has a team of physicians, nurses and other hospital specialists regularly meet with patients and their families to discuss a summary of the patient’s treatment plan, clinical progress, expected discharge date and discharge destination. Both doctors are LSU Medical School graduates who have cumulatively spent 39 years with St Tammany Health System

the beginning of the run.

The Fools run another party through downtown Covington

For five hours on July 19, some of the biggest, proudest Fools in St. Tammany Parish — wearing white with a touch of red — gathered to party in downtown Covington. It began and ended in the Columbia Street Tap room, this 2025 Running of the Fools and their female Jewels. There was a pre-party before the run; a really big party after; and even the main event in the middle was just a high-spirited party by people who were also running, sort of. It was a fundraising party by the by the St. John Fools of Misrule that included live music by Javier Gutierrez and Vivaz and some special moves by members of the Bad Moms that Dance team.

“If he asks, I give my opinion, but I pretty much try to back off,” said Dragg “I just watch. It’s just pleasant now to watch and not have to worry about where the ball is going or where the pitches are. I just try to enjoy the game.”

When Dragg started coaching at Covington he said baseball players showed up in cut-off jeans and tennis shoes. He’s seen baseball on the northshore become formidable over the years.

“All the schools on the south shore would come over here to get wins,” Dragg said. “Over the last few years, that doesn’t happen as much as it used to. The teams here are a lot more competitive Baseball has grown on the northshore a lot. With rec programs and travel ball, kids play all year.”

It doesn’t take long for Dragg to remember his own playing days, bouncing from one sport to the next at Covington, three-a-day football practices and scrimmaging from 3 p.m. until dark The schools only had attic fans to keep cool, and his house wasn’t air conditioned. Playing ball was what you did all day long.

Kids specialize in one sport these days, a trend Dragg understands but doesn’t fully support.

“Some kids can handle it. I used to say some kids spread their talent around

that

Allie Smith, former football, track and

posthumously

too much, and they don’t really get better in one sport,” he said. “I used to say you could play two sports, but you’d have to work twice as hard, and if you play three, it’s really hard.”

Dragg said kids who played multiple sports learned how to compete and gained confidence quicker

“You can see the difference from a kid that had started in football when he would come to the baseball field, he just had more confidence in himself. And it was the same way when kids would do well in baseball, they’d go over to the football team and have more confidence in themselves.”

This year, Dragg will be at more Covington games than ever His grandson, Jackson,

is a freshman at Covington, and he plays multiple sports, including baseball. Dragg remarks with pride that Jackson will be the fourth generation of Draggs to wear Covington blue and gold, dating back to his father Alan, who graduated from what was then Lyon High in 1945.

Dragg’s other grandson, Cooper Fletcher, played at Hannan and has enrolled at United States Sports Academy in Alabama to play baseball. Dragg’s granddaughter, Mackenzie Fletcher, was operations director for the baseball program at Northwestern State.

Dragg likes it when he hears from his old players or sees them at Covington baseball or football games.

If there’s no game to see, he spends time working in his yard it still has a batting cage around back. He had knee replacement two years ago, but has recovered He plays a lot of golf, maintaining a single-digit handicap. He got a thrill out of seeing Kade Anderson of nearby Madisonville get drafted No. 3 in the MLB Draft.

“He played against us at Covington, he played center field and pitched,” said Dragg. “He is a good player.” There isn’t much Dragg hasn’t seen over the years.

“I miss the coaching part and being around the kids,” Dragg said. “You get them for four years and you work with them and stay with them and they become your family.”

Women Build dedicates Habitat home in Covington

Staff report

Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West members and supporters recently gathered in Covington on July 23 to dedicate the home they helped build for Arian Chatman and her son, Tahj. Chatman, a customer service representative for the city of Covington since 2019, was the Women Build’s 2024 homebuyer of the year The first wall of her new home on 10th Street was ceremonially raised last Sept. 24, and on earlier this month, the home was blessed by the Rev Melvin Crockett, of Doughty Chapel A.M.E It was an occasion she shared with Women Build leaders and loved ones. It was the culmination of a long process for Chatman, a Covington native Chatman helped do some of the homebuilding work, but she also attended Habitatrequired classes and workshops geared to helping her be a confident homeowner and a good steward of the house and property, on which she now holds a lower interest mortgage and will pay off monthly for many years to come.

“My son is my everything, and I can’t wait to see the smile on his face when

GRANT THERKILDSEN

BY

PHOTO

Amanda Delaup, Lauren Lee and Pemmie Sheasby give Arian Chatman some house-warming gifts from the Women Build community at the July 23 dedication and blessing of her new home.

he moves into his new forever home,” she said of her 6-year-old. To me, home means peace. There should always be peace in your home I (will) create beautiful memories in my new home with my family.”

This marked the 23rd year Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West has taken part in the Women Build program, which empowers women (without excluding men) to build homes for families that otherwise might not be able to own one. To date, more than 400 volunteers have contribut-

ed 2,065 hours to this campaign.

Habitat for Humanity partners with individuals and communities to build or renovate simple, decent, and affordable homes They don’t give away houses of build fancy homes; rather, they help future homeowners build equity through sweat equity, affordable mortgages, and financial education. Potential homeowners apply and are evaluated based on need, their ability to repay the mortgage, and willingness to partner with Habitat.

Discolored water an issue for some in Madisonville

BY KIM CHATELAIN

Contributing writer

Pelloat

Manganese is a naturally occurring trace mineral that plays a vital role in several bodily functions, including bone formation, wound healing, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids.

It is also a source of trepidation in the town of Madisonville.

While manganese is essential in small amounts, too much of it can be harmful. And when it gets into the drinking water supply — even in small amounts it can cause discoloration.

That brings us to Madisonville, which has traces of manganese in the water drawn from one of the town’s two wells.

Madisonville officials say the well that serves the north side of town occasionally emits “nasty looking” water due to manganese Tests have indicated that the water is safe, albeit not very enticing to drink or use in other ways.

Some residents say the rust-colored water has stained sinks and damaged plumbing, while other say it has affected their health.

Mayor Jean Pelloat said Madisonville adds chlorine to its water for purifica-

tion. The addition causes the manganese in the pipes to oxidize, at times giving the water a brownish tinge. It seems to occur primarily when water pressure drops, he said.

The issue has bedeviled Madisonville officials for years and was an issue in last year’s municipal elections. Louis Ogle Jr., who was elected to the five-member Town Council in March of 2024, made the water an issue in his campaign.

“People are frustrated because it’s been going on for maybe two or three years,” he said “At nearly every (Town Council) meeting we’ve had, we’ve discussed the water and what to do about it.”

Ogle believes the town should make the water problem a high priority and has voted against other town projects that he contends are not as vital, such as landscaping and sidewalks. He also voted against allocating about $500,000 toward a new fishing pier a project he said has since been taken off the table.

“A new fishing pier would be very nice, and everyone would like to have it,” he said. “But it’s not more important than water.”

A solution to the water problem has been elusive. There was discussion about adding polyphosphates to the water, but that has been dismissed.

Polyphosphates are water treatment chemicals used

in residential water systems to inhibit corrosion and sequester manganese, iron and other nuisance metals in the water supply

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, public water systems commonly add phosphates to drinking water to prevent the release of metals in drinking water

They are considered safe and are federal- and state-approved if the concentrations are properly controlled.

However, some Madisonville residents are uneasy about adding another chemical to the water supply

“There are some very vocal people about that,” Ogle said. “They’re looking for a different fix.”

The town is working with Owen and White Inc., a Baton Rouge-based consulting engineering firm, to come up with a solution to the brown water issue.

If money were no object, Ogle said the town could replace its aging water system at a cost of about $12 million. That’s a hefty sum for a town that in June approved a $7.8 million budget for the entire 2025-2026 fiscal year

Pelloat said he hopes the Owen and White firm can come up with a solution to the problem.

“It’s not a problem that a lot of people have to deal with daily,” he said. “But if it happens to you, it’s certainly a concern. I feel for people who do experience the problem.”

Madisonville gives interim town clerk permanent position

BY JESSICA SAGGIO

Contributing writer

The town of Madisonville has officially selected its new town clerk by confirming the appointment of interim clerk Deidre Boudreaux.

At its July 9 meeting, the Madisonville Town Council voted unanimously to keep Boudreaux at the helm permanently Boudreaux has been serving as interim town clerk since September 2024 after the departure of former clerk Alicia Watts, who left to take the same position in Mandeville.

Boudreaux

Boudreaux is a veteran town employee, serving as

the finance clerk for the 61/2 years prior Before that, she worked for the city of Franklin “I love Madisonville,” she said. “I love the community, its people, its charm, and I just want to serve them in the best way possible.” Mayor Jean Pelloat said Boudreaux has served the town “very well” since taking over as interim town clerk and continues to progress as she gets settled in the role. The town clerk is responsible for managing both the finance and utility clerks and the administrative side of the town, he said, including records, agendas and

Trump taps Mandeville’s

Paul

Hollis for U.S. Mint

other tasks. The role also serves as a personal assistant of sorts to the mayor, managing calendars and secretarial work.

“She’s got a very busy job,” said Pelloat.

Council member Brad Haddox added that Boudreaux is a good fit for the job because she has great organizational skills and “takes her job very seriously.”

“Deidre does a great job keeping all of us organized and on track,” he said.

Boudreaux is a mother of three grown children and grandmother to five and spent many years as a stayat-home mom. She will also be celebrating 31 years of marriage to her husband in December

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

When he was a little kid, Paul Hollis said his grandmother gave him a Peace Dollar from the Great Depression, sparking a lifelong love of coins.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump nominated Hollis, an elected member of the Louisiana Board of Secondary and Elementary Education and a former state representative from St. Tammany Parish, to run the U.S. Mint, the government agency in charge of making the nation’s coins.

The nomination was sent to the U.S Senate, which will have a confirmation hearing Hollis, of Mandeville, said he plans to carry the same Peace Dollar in his pocket to that hearing

mediately respond to a request for comment.

“I love Louisiana, but the calling is to serve in Washington,” Hollis said

The numismatist

Hollis said he would be the first director of the U.S. Mint, established in 1792, from Louisiana and the only numismatist — a collector of coins.

The Peace Dollar is a dollar coin first made in 1921 to commemorate the end of World War I.

“I’m thrilled about it,” Hollis, a coin collector, said of his nomination. As part of the process, he spoke with treasury officials the U.S. Mint is a bureau in the department of the U.S. Treasury — and after the nomination received a call of congratulations from Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, who he said had recommended him to Trump. Hollis and Johnson had served in the state Legislature together Hollis, a Republican, served three terms in the state House of Representatives between 2012 and 2024. In 2023, he won BESE’s 1st District seat, which covers St. Tammany Parish and parts of Jefferson and Orleans parishes Hollis said he had spoken with Gov Jeff Landry about his recent nomination and that Landry plans to appoint a replacement to the board. A spokesperson for Landry did not im-

Staff report

Lakeview Hospital will host an Aug. 20 health and safety-oriented pop-up wellness and shopping event for people of all ages. It will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lakeview Hospital, with registration in the hospital pavilion at 95 Judge Tanner Blvd. between Covington and Mandeville.

Almost 50 vendors will offer a variety of services,

“It’s been a passion that I’ve had for my entire life,” he said “My brothers wondered, why would you sit there and stare at the coin? But I loved it.”

After graduating from LSU in 1994 with a degree in political science, he joined Blanchard and Company, a rare coin firm based in New Orleans. Then in 2003, he started his own firm, Paul Hollis Rare Coins, selling collectibles on home shopping channels. He wrote a book called “The American Numismatist” about the nation’s history and coins.

After years in politics, he said, this nomination is “the cherry on top of the sundae.”

As director, Hollis would oversee plans to phase out the penny he said, and also be involved in the U.S Mint’s celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary

The mint’s previous director, Ventris Gibson, who was the first Black director, oversaw the rollout of a commemorative coin program celebrating the life of abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Gibson, who was appointed in June 2022, stepped down in March. Kristie McNally is currently the acting director of the Mint.

Hollis intends to keep his residence in Mandeville, in addition to a residence in Washington, D.C., he said.

merchandise, food and beverages; some are shared for free, while others carry a price.

There will also be music by DJ Super Steve at the event that is open to the public and will benefit Lakeview Hospital’s fall prevention program.

Health screenings will evaluate balance, check blood pressure, perform skin cancer tests and check handgrip strength. Attendees can

expect to learn everything from healthy food preparation to tips on gardeneing, stroke prevention, fire safety, mental health and more. There will also be art demonstrations, IV hydration, chair massages, neurokinetic therapy and free giveaways. Those who visit at least half of the vendors and get a card stamped will be entered into a drawing for one of six prizes valued at $200 to $400.

bigger home

BY MARGARET ALBERT

Contributing writer

In 1992, East St. Tam-

many Habitat for Humanity built its first house, thanks in part to a substantial donation from Aldersgate United Methodist Church, to help the nonprofit group that makes home ownership possible for families that might never otherwise attain that dream.

Since then, East St. Tammany Habitat has built many homes and long ago outgrew its own small headquarters on Brownswitch Road.

And now the group will take another big step by moving into a larger home on the Aldersgate campus in Slidell.

It’s a “back to the beginning” moment for the homebuilding group, since Aldersgate has been a supporter from the start and even allowed the housing nonprofit to use Aldersgate facilities to hold events over the years because the nonprofit didn’t have enough space for such events at its Brownswitch offices.

It’s a move East St. Tammany Habitat Executive Director Kentrell Jones is looking forward to making on Aug. 1.

“The church has always shared their space for our workshops and programs since our office can only accommodate our administration,” Jones said. “They have recently offered us a building on their grounds, which up until now, was used for storage. This building will fulfill all our needs and provide ample parking.

“It’s perfect timing. I feel like we’ve come full circle in our relationship with the church. Aldersgate has supported East St. Tammany Habitat from the very beginning,” she said.

When COVID struck in 2020, all Habitat programs and workshops came to a halt, so it was easy to handle administrative duties from the Brownswitch Road office. But once isolation and quarantine were no longer a way of life, the need for additional space became glaringly apparent. And thankfully, Jones said, Aldersgate stepped up to the challenge with an offer that would allow Habitat to have offices, programs, workshops and parking all in one location. And that’s not all there is for the housing group to celebrate these days.

Jones has been appointed to the United States Council of Habitat for Humanity International. That means, in addition to her administrative duties in Slidell, Jones will be part of the team that oversees the direction, policies, procedures, and affiliate relationships at the federal level.

In her new role, Jones will be on the ground floor of everything new coming out of the parent organization, and the Slidell-based group will be among the first to benefit from her involvement.

For her part, Jones said she is proud and excited to be at the helm of this growth for East St. Tammany Habitat, as well as the challenge of her new duties with Habitat’s international council. On Aug 1, Habitat’s new office address will become 360 Robert Road in Slidell, but their website will remain www.esthfh.org.

Chamber of Commerce’s Southern Nights Soirée makes business fun

The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce held its annual summer fundraiser, “Southern Nights Soirée,” at The Greystone near Mandeville on July 18. It was an evening for the business community to mix, mingle and enjoy casino games, live and silent auctions and food from seven of the area’s most popular restaurants. Guests also voted Pat Gallagher’s 527 as the People’s Choice Award for best cuisine.

Slidell will mark 20th Katrina anniversary

BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing

writer

Twenty years ago this August, the winds blew, the water came up and lives were changed. To remember and pay homage to the monumental events surrounding Hurricane Katrina, the Krewe of Black & Gold and the City of Slidell are presenting “Spirit of Louisiana Katrina 20th Anniversary Commemorative Event” on Aug. 30. More than 40% of the city was flooded, according to Kim Bergeron, executive director of the Northshore Cultural Economy Coalition and organizer of the event. Bergeron was a media specialist with the city of Slidell when Hurricane Katrina devastated the city

The Saturday reminiscence of this catastrophic weather event will include music, presentations of remembrance, and an art exhibit populated by the memories of local residents.

The program will begin at 4 p.m. with a community gathering in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, recognizing the many recovery teams, first responders and volunteers who played critical roles prior to, during and after the 2005 hurricane passed, according to Bergeron.

“We will celebrate the people who gave so selflessly to help us when we needed it most This will include presentations by city, parish and state offices, followed by a second-line around the

block in Olde Towne,” said Bergeron. “The second line will honor everyone from the hospital workers and first responders to the utility linemen, waste management teams and community service organizations who helped us during our darkest hour.”

The second-line will leave from the auditorium at 5 p.m., led by the Storyville Stompers. Residents are encouraged to come out and cheer on the parade participants as a thank you for their service.

Following the second-line parade, the Spirit of Louisiana Community Concert will be held back in the auditorium at 6 p.m. The Bucktown All-Stars will headline the concert, and Vince Vance will make a special appearance.

“When the time was right to bring music back to our community, the Bucktown All-Stars and Vince Vance were the first to perform when the Bayou Jam concerts returned,” said Bergeron. “They brought the healing power of music to our community.”

There will also be an art component as part of the commemorative schedule.

“Katrina: Then and Now” will be a community art and artifact exhibition featuring photos of Slidell locations devastated by the storm. Pictures taken just days after the storm will be displayed next to recent photographs of the same location. The exhibit will have a grand opening on Aug. 29 from 6 p.m. to

THEATER

ANNIE: With pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie always charms hearts despite her tough start in life, having been left by parents outside a New York City orphanage in the 1930s. See her story when the Cutting Edge Theater brings “Annie, the Musical” to its Slidell stage on weekends Aug. 1-24. Watch Annie search for her parents; see her plot against the cruel orphanage matron; and enjoy the hijinks that Annie and her fellow orphans get up to. See her negotiate adventure after adventure and ultimately find a new home and family in billionaire Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, his personal secretary, and a dog named Sandy. Two talented young — but already experienced — actresses will both make their Cutting Edge debuts, each in the role of Annie. Addison Ross, age 10, and Caroline Pizza, age 11, will split the work load and take turns playing this lead in different performances. Both started acting early and have been in multiple performances, just not at the Cutting Edge until now. The show opening was delayed but is now scheduled for 11 evening and matinee performances at 767 Robert Blvd. Tickets at eventbrite or save online fees by texting orders to (985) 288-2833.

ROCK OUT: The 30 By Ninety Theater will present “School of Rock, the Musical” for three weekends, Aug. 9-24, in Mandeville. Based on the Paramount movie by Mike White and book by Julian Fellowes, with lyrics by Glenn Slater and the music by Andrew Loyd Webber. Directed by Joy Bosley and produced in collaboration with the School of Rock Northshore, the show features a cast of young rockers ready to make some noise. Follow failed wannabe rock star Dewey Finn pose as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school, turning a class of straight–A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out? Tickets for adults, $35; seniors and military $32; students 13+, $30; and kids 12 and under, $27. Aug. 9 & 10, Aug. 15-17; and Aug. 22-24. Shows at 8 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. matinees. Go to 30byninety.com.

MUSIC

8 p.m. in the Slidell Cultural Center’s George Dunbar Gallery in City Hall. It will be open on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and then on Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., until it closes on Friday, Sept. 26.

“These photos will show places in our city that were reborn, while others were transformed. All of them together will serve as a symbol of resilience and rebirth,” Bergeron said.

The public is invited to submit their Katrina stories and photos via the Northshore Cultural Economy Coalition Facebook page. These items will help to create an archive that will be preserved in the Slidell Museum. Many of the submissions will also be incorporated into the Slidell Cultural Center exhibition via image projections, he said.

The Spirit of Louisiana events are presented by the City of Slidell, grants, individual and corporate sponsorships, the Krewe of Black & Gold and Northshore Cultural Economy Coalition.

The event is funded in part by grants from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Louisiana Division of the Arts, the KreweofBlack&Goldmembership, plus individual and corporate sponsorships. All sponsors will receive priority seating at the events. Find all the details at the Krewe of Black & Gold Facebook page and on the nonprofit’s website at www.KreweOfBlack AndGold.com.

players. Get more details and link to session music at nstms.org.

SLOW

BLUEGRASS: Slow jam Aug. 11 (second Monday) from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. in Abita Springs Pavilion, 22049 Main St. Bring a chair. For beginners who need to play slower or others who want to practice at slower tempo. See nstms.org for link to lineup or other details.

ART

SUMMER: The St. Tammany Art Association’s Summer Show at the Miriam Barranger Gallery in the Art House, 320 N. Columbia St., in downtown Covington, will hang through Sept. 13 and is open to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays. For the hours or more information, call (985) 892-8650 or email info@ sttammany.art.

DUFOUR: An exhibit of 45 paintings and 20 pieces of blown and sculptured glass by artist Paulo Dufour will hang through Aug. 29 at the Atrium Gallery in the Christwood retirement complex at 100 Christwood Blvd. near Covington (reach it via Brewster Road). No admission is charged. The gallery is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays

PEOPLE WHO MEET

THE IGUANAS: A fixture of the New Orleans’ music scene for decades, The Iguanas will perform Aug. 2 on the North Star Theatre stage in Mandeville. This group assimilates and blends what it wants from jazz, funk, New Orleans R&B, Southern blues, the Tejano and Conjunto sounds from the Texas-Mexico border region and the fire of music from the Caribbean and Mexico. The Iguanas, with special guest Michael Brown, will perform at 7 p.m at 347 Girod St.; doors open at 5:45 p.m. Reserved seat tickets, $25; VIP tickets $65 and includes meeting the band and enjoying drinks and light bites in the VIP Lounge. Get the ticket link at northstartheatre.org. For more, call (985) 200-4300.

BONERAMA: The brass rock band Bonerama, with special guest, jazzman Big Daddy O, will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 9 at North Star Theater in Mandeville. Tickets start at $30. The band describes itself this way: ”A funky rock band with brass (or) a funky brass band that rocks. Pick yer poison.” Whatever you call it, Bonerama puts trombones front and center; it was founded in 1998 by New Orleans trombonists Mark Mullins and Craig Klein, both previous members of Harry Connick Jr.’s Big Band. Performs covers and original music. GA reserved tickets, $30 plus fees; VIP reserved, $70 plus fees, with drinks and nibbles and meet and greet with band. Band takes the stage at 7 p.m.

JAZZ: A Traditional Jazz Jam with clarinetist and teacher Ben Redwine on Aug. 2 (first Saturday) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. John’s Coffeehouse, 535 E. Boston St. in Covington. Open to all listeners and players; usually draws a mix of students, amateurs and professional

PD: The next Northshore Parkinson’s Support Group takes place Aug. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (social time 6 p.m.6:30 p.m.) at Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 57210 Allen Road, in Slidell. Dr. Sarah Breaux, an Ochsner neurologist, will discuss how to know if you are a good candidate for deep brain stimulation. All meetings are free and open to everyone with Parkinson’s, their care partners, medical providers or others interested in learning more about living well with the disease.

COMMUNITY GUMBO

POOL TIME: The public pool at the Rev. Peter Atkins Park, 701 N. Tyler St., in Covington, opens from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, when there will be

NEWCOMERS: Slidell Newcomers Club next general membership luncheon is Aug. 13 at the Pinewood Country Club. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.; meeting starts at 11 a.m. Membership in the club is open to all women, new or presently residing in Slidell, Lacombe and Pearl River. Along with the monthly luncheon on second Wednesday of the month, the club offers various interest groups, charity fundraisers and social events. A reservation is required to attend luncheon. To sign up or get more information, contact Judy Warnke at (630) 899-1459 or visit slidellnewcomersclub.com.

Notice is hereby givenpursuant to Article 7, Section 23(C) of the Louisiana Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B) that apublic hearing of Fire Protection District NO.8 in St. TammanyParish will be held at St TammanyParish Government, located at 21490 Koop Dr,Mandeville, La. 70471 on Friday,September5th,2025 at 11:00 a.m. to consider levying additional or increased millage rates without further voter approvaloradopting the adjustedmillage ratesafter reassessment and rolling forward to rates not to exceed the prior year’smaximum. The estimatedamount of tax revenues to be collected in the next year from the increased millage is $1,896.969 and the amount of increase in taxes attributable to the millage increase is $127,648.65.This is not anew tax and St. TammanyFire Protection District No. 8shall not exceed the voter approved maximum millage rate.

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Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper highlights Covington’s 11th annual Summer Football Clinic

BY MIKE PERVEL Contributing writer

Covington alumnus and Green Bay

Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper couldn’t help but smile as he walked on the turf of Jack Salter Stadium. Cooper was part of Covington High’s 11th annual Summer Football Clinic, which took place on July 12 as he returned home to share his expertise with local youngsters.

“I’m glad I came back. There were some familiar faces from last year’s camp, so it was great to see them back. I’m extremely proud to return home and be able to give back to the community It’s great to have a small impact on their lives, helping them improve their football skills and knowledge,” Cooper said.

“I was in their shoes once, so I understand what’s important to them, wanting to improve their skills. Our drills teach them proper technique and the importance of pad level while focusing on executing proper footwork. We emphasize the importance of trying to get better every day, remaining focused.”

The 6-foot-2, 229-pound linebacker lived that mantra after being picked No. 45 overall in last year’s draft. He had an exceptional rookie season, registering 87 tackles, including 57 solo stops. He also had 3.5 sacks, recovered a fumble, forced a fumble and intercepted a pass.

The 23-year-old, who played at Texas A&M and was a consensus All-American in 2023, said aside from football queries, the number one question for him was How much does he make? The question always elicits a chuckle, and Cooper thanked his former head coach, Greg Salter, for pushing him every day to be the best player he could be.

“I was in their shoes once, so I understand what’s important to them, wanting to improve their skills We emphasize the importance of trying to get better every day, remaining focused.”

EDGERRIN COOPER, Green Bay Packers linebacker

“He told me I definitely had potential, and he helped keep me focused, pushing me to excel throughout my Lions’ career I’m very grateful and enjoy coming back when I can to help with the clinic,” Cooper said. Salter, entering his 13th season as head coach at Covington, said he realized early on that Cooper was a special talent with great potential, starting at linebacker while also playing running back in short-yardage situations and returning kicks on special teams.

“Edgerrin is a complete football player, and he earned the coaches’

Four-man PJP II baseball signing class highlighted by UL signee Rodriguez

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Rodriguez said. “Some of the best athletes in the parish all went to the same school. We all grew up together, so we were really comfortable with each other I feel like we set down a good stepping stone for Pope. And everyone signing to play in college is pretty special.” Rodriguez, who hit .458 last season, was originally headed the JUCO route, but during the summer, he played a game against a few other UL commitments. The

Storm Elite U17 girls soccer team excels at USYS Regional tournament

The Slidell Youth Soccer Club Storm Elite U17 girls soccer team finished second at the USYS Southern Regional Championship in Orlando, Fla., on July 2. The Storm went 3-2 at the tournament, with their two losses coming by 2-0 scorelines to the tournament champion Chattanooga Red Wolves.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Slidell graduate and football team captain Landon McGrath was all smiles as he recently signed with Division III Millsaps College.

Slidell long snapper/ tight end picks Millsaps

Staff report

Slidell graduate and football team captain Landon McGrath was all smiles as he recently signed to play football at Division III Millsaps College McGrath will be a long snapper and tight end for the Majors. He was in the top 10% of his graduating class. Over his four years at Slidell, he played multiple positions, including quarterback, tight end, long snapper and even offensive tackle as a freshman. McGrath earned varsity letters in football, track, baseball and golf. He will pursue an undergraduate degree in business administration with a concentration in prelaw He is the son of Heather Edgeworth Keating and Jeff Keating.

Continued from page 1B

trust early on, becoming a starter midway through his sophomore year on our 2017 team that finished 121, losing to Hahnville in the quarterfinals. He’s the total package, having athleticism, instincts and speed He’s just a freak athlete with immense, God-given talent. An extremely hard worker, he pushed himself to become the absolute best,” Salter said. While Cooper was the highlight of the camp for many participants, Salter was also grateful to his other former players who returned to campus to help put on the clinic, sharing their expertise and knowledge as coaches. Seven other former Lions’ players joined Cooper as clinic coaches, including Bobby Barkley, KeJohn Batiste, Devin Brumfield, Lawson Champagne, Ian Goodley, Abram Lewis, Garrald McDowell and Logan Potter

“It’s special seeing those guys again, having a chance to catch up,” Salter said.

“Their involvement in giving back to the community is important and helps make the CHS clinic a continuing success. Their ongoing involvement can hopefully help spark an interest in the kids to pursue

SIGNING

Continued from page 1B

rest is history

“Whenever I got in the box, I happened to glance over and they were videoing my at-bats too. I hadn’t gotten anything from there yet. I felt a little excitement when I saw them there. I got a call a few days later, and they offered me. I went on my visit, and I loved it,” Rodriguez said.

“It’s a dream come true. JUCO was where I was going before. I felt like that was a good option with the portal and everything. But I feel like I have a chance of playing at UL my first year, so whenever they offered, I thought Why not?”

Nate Babin said his road to the NAIA’s Xavier University was one built on trust.

“Since the beginning, Coach (Xavier) Paul really had a lot of trust in me,” he said. “I saw him at a couple of games, and when I visited, it felt like home. Playing in college is something that I wanted to do my whole life, so I’m just really thankful that I have this opportunity”

Babin posted a 5-2 record with a 1.54 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 542 3 innings pitched as a senior He also played second base but will focus on pitching in college.

“I’ve just been pitching my whole life. I always felt that pitching was my stronger suit in the game. I was playing the other positions because I felt like it was what was best for my team I always knew deep down that pitching was what I was meant to do,” Nate Babin said.

“I love the fact that I’m in control of the game. Nothing starts until I make my pitch. That’s a great feeling to have knowing that you get to set the pace and tempo of the game.”

LaCoste said LSU-Eunice’s facilities will give him a chance to improve his game.

“I think JUCO is definitely the best option for me,” LaCoste said. “There are some things that I need to work on, and I think LSU-Eunice will help me a lot I think I’ll grow a lot.”

LaCoste hit .303 last season with 25 RBIs and 11 doubles. He also tossed 24 innings with 33 strikeouts, and he will

likely focus on pitching in college.

Hoff’s road to Southwest Mississippi CC almost didn’t happen. During his junior year, he aspired to pursue basketball at the next level, which led him to attend several camps. He quickly realezed, howevder that playing college basketball might be out of reach so he turned his attention back to baseball.

“I went to a baseball camp at ULM that summer, and the coach really liked what he saw,” Hoff said. “That gave me some confidence that I could play at the next level, whether it was D-I or JUCO.

football one day at the high school level.” Amaury Weary, a 13-yearold eighth-grader at William Pitcher Junior High, took part in his second camp. “Last year’s camp was

fun, but we didn’t get to finish because of the rain. I had a special time this year with friends, and it was a great learning experience for me. I loved having another chance to learn from Edgerrin Cooper He just

said I needed to keep working on improving my speed, staying locked in to get better,” Weary said.

“He’s a very nice, funny guy You can tell he’s just a good person and is interested in helping young play-

I worked with a pitching coach, and I was able to get my velocity up. I went to some more camps, and that’s how we got here.” Hoff, who also pitched, will be a twoway player at Southwest.

“Striking people out and hitting home runs are both great feelings. I really couldn’t choose one that I like more than the other,” he said

“I want to end up either D-I or go in the draft, so I think going JUCO helps build players up. That’s what I want to do. I want to get stronger and better.”

ers. He made the camp fun, and we learned a lot.” Weary will be a two-way performer for the Panthers this season, playing wide receiver and cornerback.

Amaury’s father, Sherrard Weary, a 2010 Covington High grad, said the camp was a memorable one “It was an awesome camp,” Sherrard Weary said. “Learning from a young NFL star and the other experienced mentors means a lot to the kids.

Even I learned some helpful things with some of the drills being taught, so I can work with Amaury If it deals with football, my son loves it.” For the Kebodeaux brothers, it was a true family outing. Lane, 9, and Layton, 6, attended the camp, enthusiastically joined by their 3-year-old brother, Liam. Liam made sure to make his mark at the Lions’ clin-

participates in tackling drills.

ic, racing off the sidelines and joining his brothers to showcase his skills.

The boys’ mother, Lauren Kebodeaux, said the camp was an opportunity for her sons to have fun and learn about the sport.

“Coach Salter and his guys put on an awesome event,” Lauren Kebodeaux said. “It’s a great opportunity for the youngsters to have fun and learn at the same time. All the former Covington High players were fantastic with the kids. It was a great night for football and family fun.” Lane Kebodeaux, who is entering the fourth grade at Christ Episcopal School, plays flag football at Pelican Park with the Hurricanes (QB/WR/safety). Layton is entering first grade and also plays flag football at Pelican Park with the Wolverines.

Brant‐

ley passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025

She was born in Covington LA on February 11, 1967 She is survived by her hus‐band, Mark Brantley; her child Cal Brantley. She is also survived by her sib‐lings Mary B Mizell (late David), John E. “Jeb” Brandt III (Anne), Laura B Alberts (Lloyd) and Joanna B Case She was preceded in death by parents Helen Catherine “Kay” Ross Brandt and John Eugene Brandt, Jr Mrs Brantley grew up in Covington attending St Peter Catholic School and graduating from St Scholastica Academy She graduated with a Bache‐lor’s degree from Louisiana State University, a Master’s degree in Reading from the State University of New York - University of Albany and a graduate certificate in School Librarianship from Louisiana State Uni‐versity. Tina taught in seven schools in four states as she moved with her husband throughout his Army career After moving back to Covington she taught in Catholic schools and then was a li‐brarian for Fontainebleau High School Brock Elemen‐tary School, Alton Elemen‐tary School and Abney Early Childhood Center Tina was a caring and compassionate educator, wife, mother, sister, and friend. She deeply valued education and giving back to the community, and her passion was helping others feel welcome. Her library was a safe space for all, and she cared about each person individually. She was constantly thinking about new books to buy and how she could support her students Tina volun‐teered much of her time throughout her life. She en‐joyed supporting young soldiers and cadets and was a volunteer for Army Community Service. She received the Army Com‐mander’s Award for Public Service for organizing and running a Family Support Group during a unit de‐ployment Most recently, Tina was a member of Mary Queen of Peace Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteered with the Family Promise ministry Tina was a collector of Playbills, loved museums and the arts, and was awed by ornate cathedrals and basilicas She traveled to seven countries and treasured her visit to Italy and Vatican City. She al‐ways loved cats, including her childhood cat Nosey Posey She was preceded in death by her cats Lucky and Twix and is survived by her grand-cat, Bagel Her most cherished thing in life was to be called Mom, Aunt Titi by her many nieces and nephews, and Miss Tina by her stu‐dents. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, con‐tributions in memory of Mrs. Brantley may be made to Northshore Food Bank www northshorefoodbank.

Posey. was pre in death by her cats Lucky and Twix and is survived by her grand-cat, Bagel. Her most cherished thing in life was to be called Mom Aunt Titi by her many nieces and nephews, and Miss Tina by her stu‐dents She will be missed by all who knew and loved her In lieu of flowers con‐tributions in memory of Mrs Brantley may be made to Northshore Food Bank www northshorefoodbank. org E.J. Fielding Funeral Home were entrusted with funeral arrangements

Brumfield, Jacqueline

Jacqueline Brumfield age 89, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, passed away on July 16, 2025. She was born on Au‐gust 19, 1935 in Trenton, New Jersey She is survived by her loving children and their spouses Richard H Schulze Jr., Linda and Gene Monaco, and John and Ra‐jean Schulze; grandchil‐dren, Ashlee Williams Adriane Anderson, Christo‐pher Keefer, Stuart Keefer, Julianna Schulze and Emma Schulze; and greatgrandchildren Gabriel Cleveland, Jacob Cleve‐land, Samuel Williams Oliver Keefer, and Eloise Keefer She is also survived by her many extended family members and friends She was preceded in death by her loving hus‐band of 32 years, Byron Butler Brumfield and her parents, John and Miriam Van Luppen Jacqueline was born in Trenton, NJ and was an only child However, she was doted on by her loving parents and her childless Aunt Betty and Uncle Fred Harm, who lived nearby. She shined in high school as a baton twirling majorette and briefly attended the Uni‐versity of Pennsylvania after graduation She mar‐ried Richard H. Schulze Sr on November 2 1957 and gave birth to Richard, Linda and John in the years that followed. In the early 1970s, Jacqueline ap‐plied her artistic talents and worked at Anderson Studios in Dallas TX where she became an Inte‐rior Decorator and subse‐quently earned accredita‐tion by the American Soci‐ety for Interior Decorators (ASID). By 1980, she was di‐vorced, remarried, and re‐located, first to New Or‐leans and then Mandeville There, with an entrepre‐neurial spirit she opened her own firm as an Interior Decorator, Van Luppen In‐teriors She and Byron lived happily in the Man‐deville area until his pass‐ing in October of 2002 Jacqueline remained in Mandeville afterwards, and she returned to college at the age of 67. With great determination and forti‐tude, she completed her bachelor’s degree in psy‐chology at Tulane’s City College in 2006. In 2007, she decided to move to Texas to be closer to her oldest son, Richard. She lived in McKinney, Texas until 2012 and then she moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to be closer to her daughter Linda and son-in-law Gene E J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, was honored to be en‐trusted with Mrs Brum‐field’s funeral arrange‐ments.

Dorgan, Thomas John 'Tom'

Thomas “Tom” John Dor‐gan embarked on his final journey on July 15, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of laughter love and a life‐time of memories, at the age of 83. Born on May 10 1942, Tom's life was vi‐brant; full of love, service and the sweet sound of New Orleans music. Tom was a man who lived his life as a testament to the power of love, starting with his adored bride of 59 years Bernadette Gannon Dorgan Together, they navigated the waves of life creating a beautiful family He was the patriarch of a clan that included his daughters, Leslie Franck (Gary) Kellie Dorgan (Roy) and Casey Dorgan (Ray); his son Derrick Taylor (La‐tricia); his grandchildren, Justin Faciane Mark Mick" Rucker Jr., Megan Rehmann (Chris) Jaredd Franck, Courtney Root (Matthew), Bailey Taylor and Alexander and Sophia Godsey; as well as his cherished great-grandchil‐dren, Courtney, Madyson, Chloe Peyton, Liam Cooper, Charli, Luke, Bowen and Everly He also leaves behind a host of beloved cousins in Texas Tom was preceded in death by his father Thomas L. Dorgan; his mother, Daisy D Holder; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs John Treon Holder; uncles JC and Jim Holder; paternal grandpar‐ents, Thomas Dorgan and Stella Dorgan Barrera (Gilbert); and his grand‐daughter, Jacqueline Marie Rucker. Tom's life was marked by his unyielding service to his country as a proud Veteran of the United States Navy, with two tours in Vietnam and time spent in the Philip‐pines and Taiwan Upon re‐turning to his beloved city of New Orleans he contin‐ued to serve - this time, as the youngest Chief Engi‐neer for The State of Louisiana at the New Or‐leans Rivergate for over two decades He also worked as Chief Engineer at numerous other build‐ings in downtown New Or‐leans until he retired at the age of 77. Tom’s love for life included his family, his country, and a good tune His love for music wasn t just a hobby; it was a pas‐sion that transitioned Tom into an online sensation known as “DJ Swamp Tom,” spinning New Or‐leans and swamp pop clas‐sics that had his listeners dancing in their living rooms. Tom also loved ani‐mals and all things STEM related He loved New Or‐leans it’s been said t idn’t eat to live, o eat. One of his mo ed questions was, we gonna eat? s the man who could light up a room with his humor warmth and generous spirit. He had a joke for every occa‐sion, a story for every mo‐ment and a generous heart that never failed to show his love for those around him His laughter was infectious, his smile unforgettable, and his

Tom,” spinning New Or‐leans and swamp pop clas‐sics that had his listeners dancing in their living rooms. Tom also loved ani‐mals and all things STEM related. He loved New Or‐leans cuisine; it’s been said that he didn’t eat to live, he lived to eat One of his most asked questions was, “What we gonna eat?” Tom was the man who could light up a room with his humor warmth and generous spirit He had a joke for every occa‐sion, a story for every mo‐ment, and a generous heart that never failed to show his love for those around him His laughter was infectious, his smile unforgettable, and his knack for making every moment a little brighter was a gift to all who knew him To describe Tom as loving, funny, and gener‐ous only scratches the sur‐face of a man whose life was a celebration of what it means to truly live. He was a sailor, an engineer, and a DJ, but most impor‐tantly, he was a husband, father grandfather and great-grandfather who loved his family fiercely and well. As we bid farewell to Tom, we imag‐ine him sailing off into the sunset, Dr. John and Fats Domino playing in the background, with a smile on his face. He has left us with a treasure trove of memories, and while he may have signed off for the last time his legacy will continue to dance through the lives of those he touched Here's to the man who made every day feel like Mardi Gras! Arrange‐ments by Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell.

Jane Giusti

Ducote, of Slidell, Louisiana passed away on July 12, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on July 11, 1943, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Patsy resided in St Bernard Parish for many years before buying her dream home on Lake Catherine, where she hosted numerous parties, holidays, and weekends with family on her pontoon boat. She lived in Slidell for the past nearly 20 years after Hurricane Katrina de‐stroyed her lake home Patsy grew up going to camps in Little Woods on Lake Pontchartrain and spent many summer weeks with her sisters and families at the Lala’s Full House camp on the lake Patsy was predeceased by her parents, Joseph August Giusti and Ethel Giusti Areas; her husband of nearly 30 years, Riley Ducote Jr.; her son Paul Joseph Ducote; one sister, Susan Hardy; two brothers Joey and Ray Giusti; fatherin-law, Riley Ducote Sr.; mother-in-law, Rita N. Ducote; and her brother-inlaw, August “Joe” Condon Patsy's legacy continues through her loving daugh‐ters, Brenda Ducote Stigler (Ronnie) and Debbie Ducote Howell (José Edgar); grandchildren Ronnie Stigler Jr (Melanie), Nickolas Howell, Lauren Stigler Hughes (Blaine), and Alli Howell Earhart (Caleb); and great-grand‐children, Presley and Mi‐anna Stigler Kyndall Noah and Seth Earhart, Riley and Graham Hughes and ance Manno Howell. She so leaves behind, to cher‐h her memory, two sis‐rs, JoAnn Condon and ncy Lala (Anthony); a st of nieces and phews who adored their unt Pat” and her long‐me friend, Judy Migliore tsy worked as a medical eptionist for many ars before retiring in 2005. In her spare time she ved fishing, gardening, d puzzle making and s very meticulous with e care of her lawn and rdens She enjoyed bak‐g her famous brownies

nearly 30 years, Riley Ducote Jr.; her son, Paul Joseph Ducote; one sister Susan Hardy; two brothers, Joey and Ray Giusti; fatherin-law, Riley Ducote Sr.; mother-in-law Rita N Ducote; and her brother-inlaw, August “Joe” Condon Patsy's legacy continues through her loving daugh‐ters, Brenda Ducote Stigler (Ronnie) and Debbie Ducote Howell (José Edgar); grandchildren, Ronnie Stigler Jr. (Melanie) Nickolas Howell, Lauren Stigler Hughes (Blaine) and Alli Howell Earhart (Caleb); and great-grand‐children, Presley and Mi‐anna Stigler, Kyndall, Noah, and Seth Earhart, Riley and Graham Hughes, and Chance Manno Howell. She also leaves behind, to cher‐ish her memory two sis‐ters, JoAnn Condon and Nancy Lala (Anthony); a host of nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Pat” and her long‐time friend, Judy Migliore Patsy worked as a medical receptionist for many years before retiring in 2005. In her spare time, she loved fishing gardening and puzzle making and was very meticulous with the care of her lawn and gardens. She enjoyed bak‐ing her famous brownies for every occasion as well as making her mother s fudge recipe every Christ‐mas to gift her family Patsy will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her Arrange‐ments by Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell.

Williams, Bobbie Jean Harry

Bobbie Jean Harry Williams, age 86, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, on July 22, 2025. Bobbie was born the beloved daughter of the late Robert Benjamin Harry and the late Maggie Varnado Harry on March 15, 1939. She was born in Bogalusa and was a resi‐dent of Covington for over 60 years. Bobbie is sur‐vived by her daughters Jamie Willams Burke (Ian) and Moleta Mowen Bobbie had six grandchildren: James Scott Williams (Cheri), Christopher Mowen (Rebecca), Brandi Mowen, Jacie Williams, Maggie Pierson, and Amber Burke. She also had three great-grandchildren: Baylin Breanne and Bryce Williams Bobbie was pre‐ceded in death by her hus‐band, James Oliver Williams Jr.; her son James Robert Williams; her sister, Wilma Raborn; two brothers, Robert Benjamin Harry, Jr and Johnnie Wayne Harry; and a special nephew, Wayne Raborn Bobbie was a member of First Baptist Church of Cov‐ington and was an active member of the Ogea Con‐nect Group prior to recent illnesses. Bobbie gradu‐ated from Bogalusa High School in 1957. Early in her career, she worked in th insurance industry Sh also spent many years as child caregiver for man chil the community who loved all as her ow went on to wor as a eeper at Coving‐ton chool before re‐tiring in 2002. Bobbie en‐joyed having lunch with the “Class of ’57 Girls”, at‐tending Young at Heart, singing with the Celebra‐tion Singers at church playing dominos with church friends and putting together puzzles The fam‐ily would like to extend thanks to Dr Dale Presser and Melissa Lumpkin, FNP for their compassionate care over the years and to the staff of St. Tammany Health System Hospice for their loving and devoted care during her final weeks. E.J Fielding Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral arrangements

vived by her daughters, Jamie Willams Burke (Ian) and Moleta Mowen Bobbie had six grandchildren: James Scott Williams (Cheri), Christopher Mowen (Rebecca), Brandi Mowen, Jacie Williams, Maggie Pierson, and Amber Burke She also had three great-grandchildren: Baylin, Breanne and Bryce Williams Bobbie was pre‐ceded in death by her hus‐band, James Oliver Williams, Jr.; her son, James Robert Williams; her sister, Wilma Raborn; two brothers, Robert Benjamin Harry Jr and Johnnie Wayne Harry; and