The St. Tammany Farmer 12-10-2025

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helps bring the brass during the Marine Forces Reserve Band’s Dec. 3 holiday concert in the Harbor Center ä More photos.

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

In a split vote, the St. Tammany Parish Council has approved the parish’s 2026 operating budget, funding major investments in infrastructure projects but also making significant cuts to some criminal justice agencies and the parish’s mental health hub, Safe Haven.

The $202 million spending plan approved Feb. 4 comes after a budget process that was not nearly as contentious as last year’s, but was still laden

PHOTO BY BOBBY GILBOY

Irwin Marant, photographed at the Covington Trailhead, with a statue of a saluting Ronald Reagan in the background.

Covington veteran continues to serve decades after Vietnam

BY KADEE KRIEGER

Contributing writer

Covington resident and U.S Army veteran

Irwin Marant keeps a box with a few pieces of memorabilia from the months he spent in Vietnam, among them a Purple Heart for being wounded in action and the Bronze Star for bravery Now more than 50 years after receiving those prestigious medals while convalescing as an amputee in a Japanese hospital, he’s being recognized again, this time for his work helping veterans who are struggling after returning home from service.

Marant, 72, is the 2025 Veteran of the Year, designated by the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs, and will be honored Dec. 10 during an awards ceremony at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge. He spent less than a year on active duty before a helicopter crash claimed his hand and part of

HOLIDAY HORNS

It was an evening for collecting new toys for tots to receive at Christmas and enjoying spirited holiday music — with plenty of horns, just the way we like it here — by the Marine Forces Reserve Band. The Dec. 3 concert, for the price of a new toy or monetary donation to Toys for Tots-St. Tammany,Tangipahoa and Washington parishes, took place in the Harbor Center near Slidell.

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

A St Tammany library board committee met recently to begin reviewing more than 150 applications board members say they’ve received from candidates interested in becoming the library system’s director At its Dec. 3 meeting, the Library

Board of Control’s three-person search committee discussed aspects of the application process and answered some pointed questions from an audience of 10 or so people at the Covington library branch before going into executive session to privately discuss most of the applications. The board is seeking a director for the parish’s 12-branch library system, which has been the subject of controversy over books with LGBTQ+ themes since 2022. Former library director Kelly LaRocca resigned her position at

the end of September to take a job with the state library The search has not been without some drama: In October, it became public that the job posting for the new position was created by Connie Phillips, who had filed more than 150 challenges of material at the library, at the request of Library Board President Chuck Branton. Branton said he asked Phillips to make the job posting and that the document she made was what the personnel

his forearm. He survived the challenges of both living with a disability and acclimating to postmilitary life, and he currently serves as a mentor to veterans who are part of the 22nd Judicial District Court Veterans Court program

There were so many things to deal with as an amputee, but I faced my problems,” Marant said. “I had support. Many vets who find themselves in Veterans Court don’t have that and really need help from a mentor, another veteran, because we understand each other

The court-supervised program offers members of the U.S. Armed Forces convicted of a crime a alternative to incarceration

U.S. Air Force retired Brig Gen Mike Cushman, who helped start the program in St. Tammany in 2017, said volunteer mentors come and go but Marant stands out because he has been a steadfast mentor since the program’s inception.

“As a wounded combat veteran himself, he understands the suffering of those in the program, and it takes a special person to deal with all of that,” Cushman said. “He is quiet but effective He doesn’t ever look for a pat on the back. He knows what a mentor is supposed to do, and he does it.”

Cushman, who serves as an adviser to the Veterans Court program and has himself been a mentor, cited Marant’s devout faith as a factor in a gentleness and humility that resonates with those he mentors Marant said that the seed of his faith was planted on a fateful night in February 1972 while he was stationed at Vinh Long Airfield, a small base southwest of Saigon in the heart of the Mekong Delta.

A New Orleans native, Marant dropped out of high school at age 17 and asked to join the military His parents disapproved, even his father, who fought in World War II.

Still, they signed the papers giving permission for him to enlist, and he left for training in Fort Eustice, Va., while still a minor He planned to train as an aircraft mechanic and then continue that career after Vietnam.

After a few months of training, he began service as an E4 Specialist, maintaining the UH-1 “Huey” helicopters and then jumped at the opportunity to join the flight crew. “I remember a Hemingway quote about really experiencing life, and that is what I wanted. I wanted to fly and experience everything, he said.”

As part of a four-man crew, Marant held the job of door gunner and flew on different missions each day In addition to the daily missions, each flight team took turns at night patrolling the base’s perimeter

During a night patrol, Marant’s helicopter drew fire and crashed into a tree. The helicopter disintegrated and scattered the crew into the rice paddy below Marant along with the pilot co-pilot and crew chief, lay unconscious in more than a foot of water, covered in jet fuel. When he regained consciousness, he said he realized the danger they were in and began to pray for their survival.

“I could hear moans and groans but couldn’t see anyone. I could move but my left hand was almost severed. We had no weapons, and I could see flashlights on us from all around,” he said. “I just started praying.”

After a few minutes, he crawled to fellow crew members and saw that they were all alive but that the pilot and co-pilot suffered broken backs. When he saw that the crew chief, “Curly” held a pistol with a tracer, he devised a rescue plan.

“It was a .45, and unheard of that it would have tracers, but for some unknown reason, Curly put them in there. I told him to fire twice in the air,” Marant said.

The plan worked, and backup crews were able to locate them. “We waited 15, maybe 30 minutes, but it felt like an eternity. We were surrounded, and I know that if we’d been captured, we would have died as POWs,” he said Marant never met his fellow crew members again but received word that they survived.

His injuries included jet fuel burns and a deep gash along his upper leg Doctors amputated his hand and part of his arm; then, after being transferred from a hospital in Saigon to one in Yokota, Japan, Marant said he experienced another challenge an earthquake.

“I thought, ‘After everything I’ve been through in Vietnam, now I’m going to die in a Japanese earthquake?’” But he survived that, too, and celebrated his 19th birthday in the hospital. But he said adjusting to everyday life proved to be the greatest challenge of all.

“I had planned to work with my hands, and didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want anyone to help me, so I struggled; that was my way of learning to take care of myself,” Marant said. “I was filled with a lot of pride because I was trying to prove myself, (but) I know now that it is important to let people help me.” Marant spent several years as a commercial fisherman. “Yes, like in ‘Forrest Gump,’” he joked He moved to Covington in the early 1980s and worked for 20 years before retirement as an employee with the U.S. Postal Service. He said his experiences after Vietnam left him passionate about helping veterans readjust to life after service, and he even played a cameo role in the 2023 movie “22: The Unforgotten Soldier,” which addressed the suicide rate of 22 per day among soldiers after returning home He said fighting that statistic is one of the reasons that keeps him involved in Veterans Court. “No matter how bad they think it is, I want them to know that it’s going to get better They need to hang in there and I want to help them do that.” For information about the 22nd Judicial District Court Veterans Court specialty court program, visit https://online.22ndjdc.org/veterans-court.

Marine band goes all out for kids

Sgt. Justin Napier on trombone led the brass section through their paces, engaging the crowd by jazzing up some favorite Christmas tunes.

Slidell Elks honor area veterans

Some 150 veterans and family members gathered

Lodge No. 2321 to enjoy dinner, speakers and

Hanrahan, co-chair of the Slidell Elks

also given $100 gift certificates to local

Parish sues Sheriff Randy Smith over threat to pull deputies from courthouse

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

St. Tammany Parish government is asking a state judge to stop St Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith from removing his deputies from the security detail at the parish courthouse in Covington starting in the new year In a lawsuit filed Dec. 2, the parish government warned of public “endangerment” due to a lack of a security presence and “disruption” to court services if the judge does not require the sheriff’s deputies to remain at the courthouse.

A lawyer for Smith, Andrew Capitelli, told the parish in October that the Sheriff’s Office would terminate contracts with the parish to provide security at the courthouse, formally called the St. Tammany Justice Center the Towers Building in Slidell and the Parish Government Complex near Mandeville, effective Jan. 1.

The Sheriff’s Office was “happy to assist” the parish with finding a security ven-

Joseph Halm jhalm@sttammanyfarmer.net

dor Capitelli wrote in an Oct. 6 letter to Parish President Mike Cooper

“We suggest having your new security team in place for mid-December to allow a twoweek overlapping transition period,” Capitelli wrote.

Capitelli’s letter pointed to the ongoing legal dispute between parish government and the Sheriff’s Office over how much money the parish owes the sheriff for medical expenses for people incarcerated at the jail. The parish government must help fund the jail but has struggled in recent years as taxpayers have shot down numerous proposals to fund the jail and some other criminal justice agencies.

A judge ruled largely in favor of the parish in February 2025 in the legal dispute and the case is now on appeal. But in his Oct. 6 letter, Capitelli

contended the parish was not taking care of the jail expenses it had agreed to cover

In its Dec. 2

filing, the parish argues that multiple “erroneous” opinions from the Attorney General’s Office had misled the parish into thinking it was obligated to pay for security at the courthouse. In fact, the parish now contends, the sheriff’s office has a “legal duty” to provide security at the courthouse, claiming it is one of the sheriff’s “core constitutional and statutory duties.” The parish’s only obligation is to pay $34 per day for each deputy, the lawsuit contends.

The sheriff currently provides nine deputies and three supervisors to the courthouse between 6 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., per a July 2024 cooperative endeavor agreement, the parish said. Deputies are stationed around the courthouse,

including at the courthouse’s public entrances and exits and the courthouse’s loading dock.

Smith called the lawsuit a “waste of taxpayer money by the parish” in a statement. He said his office attempted to negotiate a new security agreement with the parish, but the parish was unresponsive. Bailiffs will continue to be provided for courtroom security, Smith said, but he reiterated his deputies will be pulled starting Jan. 1. Court records show the case had been assigned to Judge Reginald T. Badeaux of the 22nd Judicial District. Cooper through a spokesperson declined to comment on Dec. 4, but after the story published in print and online a day later, Cooper said in a statement that the parish had been prepared to continue its existing courthouse security contracts with the sheriff, but said Smith’s office wanted to “drastically increase their charges to Parish Government.”

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

St. Tammany Parish’s mosquito control agency has come under fire from some elected officials in recent weeks, but the three remaining members of the five-person board that oversees the agency survived an attempt by some St. Tammany Council members to remove them.

Council members Kathy Seiden and Arthur Laughlin had authored a resolution, that would have emptied the St. Tammany Mosquito Abatement District’s board of all of its members. Two other members of the board, Terri Lewis Stevens and Jake Groby, had resigned in recent months.

The resolution came before the Parish Council at its regular meeting on Dec 4.

Seiden said the mosquito district’s recent lawsuit against the Parish Council stemming from the parish’s financial review of the district was a waste of taxpayer money

The district’s board set aside $250,000 in the spring to pay for a variety of professional services, including legal fees, Mosquito Abatement Director Kevin Caillouet said, adding that as of Dec 5, the agency had paid $15,658 in 2025 to Bradley Murchison, the law firm representing the district in the lawsuit.

In front of a large crowd of mosquito district supporters on Dec. 4, Seiden and Laughlin moved to postpone the vote on the resolution to remove board members Vicki TrainaDorge, Kathryn Townsend and Glen Boyer.

But after some 20 people spoke against postponement, the council voted 9-5 against postponing. The council then voted unanimously to remove the item from the agenda

The debate over the proposal to remove the board members came soon after the St. Tammany Government Efficiency Committee in November recommended sweeping changes to the mosquito district, including greater council oversight and the addition of “business experts” to the board. While the council appoints members to the board, the board has control over the district’s budget. Those recommendations were in large part based on a review of the district’s finances that northshore District Attorney Collin Sims helped conduct.

Sims’ report found the district’s approximately $9 million budget was larger than any other mosquito district in the state. The report probed the district’s recent investment in a $4 million helicopter and a new $8 million building with a lab, drawing a comparison to contracting out helicopter service and using Louisiana State University’s lab. The

BUDGET

Continued from page 1A

with frustration. While it includes $53 million in investments in roads, bridges and drainage projects, it also slashes funding for the northshore judges, the jail and the criminal division of northshore District Attorney Collin Sims’ office by 30%. Those cuts are a product of the dwindling revenues the parish has available to fund some of the criminal justice functions it is required to cover The council’s vote for the operating budget was 9-5, and some council members who voted against the budget cited the criminal justice system cuts to explain their opposition.

“That’s wrong for my family It’s wrong for your family, and it’s wrong for every family that calls St. Tammany Parish home,” council member Arthur Laughlin said of the cuts. But elected officials have been able to come up with few other ideas to fund the agencies.

St. Tammany voters have shot down tax propositions for the northshore District Attorney’s Office, the judges and the jail six different times since 2016. Without a dedicated funding source, the parish has to rely on its $16 million general fund to pay those offices. That general fund is already used up covering other expenses

Council member Cheryl Tanner called the most recent cuts “just the beginning.”

“You’re going to see more cuts, especially if we do not find the funding,” Tanner said. She has said those offices could see around 50% cuts in 2027 without additional funding.

District Attorney Collin Sims has urged the parish to come up with a long-term solution to funding his office and other criminal justice agencies. He was recently involved in a financial review of St. Tammany Mosquito Abatement, an independent taxing agency that handles mosquito control, and has argued the parish needs to embark on more

report questioned the amount of money the district spends on salaries and benefits and offered suggestions it said could save costs.

Caillouet has disputed many of the report’s findings and argues the district’s investments in the helicopter and lab are in line with best practices. He said St. Tammany’s size, in terms of population and geographic area, poses unique mosquito-fighting challenges. The district filed a lawsuit against the parish council over the review asking a judge to stop the investigation.

With the increased scrutiny of the mosquito district’s finances, attention from the council turned to the Mosquito Abatement Board. The council appoints four out of the five members. The parish president appoints the other

In November, council member Joe Impastato proposed a resolution to remove Traina-Dorge, but the council removed it from the agenda.

That meeting drew a crowd, as did the Dec. 4 meeting, where some voiced their frustration about the possibility of delaying the council’s decision about the board removals.

“We have done a very honest and conservative job in what we’re doing and we would like that to be brought to the attention, and we would like that to be voted on,” TrainaDorge told the council.

Impastato, the chair of the council, urged a postponement of the resolution, saying he’d had a good conversation with Caillouet a few days before about the council’s recommendations for the district.

But council member Jerry Binder spoke passionately against the postponement

“It almost sounds like this council or at least its leadership is wanting to hold this board hostage,” Binder said. Proposal

financial reviews and take a more global approach to its tax structure.

“We’re running out of money for the essential services for all the things we think are important. And we need a plan,” Sims told the council.

While Sims and the northshore judges have said they’ll work to operate with less funding, he said the financial uncertainty has made for an unstable work environment and warned of the effects on his employees.

“Every single year you hear this is the end,” Sims said.

In a Dec. 5 interview, Parish President Mike Cooper said his administration would continue to seek both “short-term and long-term” solutions to the parish’s budget woes.

“Changing the tax structure cannot be done overnight,” Cooper said, saying his office was also looking at other options.

“We recognize the need for our criminal justice system and Safe Haven. We’re going to continue to come up with a solution,” Cooper said.

Mental health cuts

In November, citing the strained general fund, the Parish Council amended Cooper’s proposed budget to include $620,000 in cuts to Safe Haven, a parishowned campus for mental health services near Mandeville, and called for a “major shutdown” of the campus.

“We cannot fund Safe Haven $600,000, with a cut to our public safety,” Tanner said at the Dec. 4 meeting Meanwhile, five volunteers who work at the National Association of Mental Illness Southeast Louisiana — one of three Safe Haven tenants — urged the council to reconsider the cuts.

Former state Sen. Jack Donahue, who is president of the Safe Haven Foundation Board and a member of the Safe Haven’s advisory council, noted the 15 homeless people who live on NAMI’s campus, and questioned what would happen to them if the campus shuts down.

“What happens to the $14 million in state and federal grants we have at Safe Ha-

Covington library group must book it to a new address

BY DARREN COOPER Contributing writer

The Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany have been asked to book it.

Citing concerns about the building’s roof and structural integrity, the nonprofit group of volunteers who support library branches in western St. Tammany has been told the parish won’t renew the lease on the Friends’ building adjacent to the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds.

The lease will expire on July 3, and the group must find a new home.

“We don’t want to move, but I can understand their side. It does have some problems with wiring and different things, and it needs a new roof,” said Alice McNeal, president of the Friends group. “I do want them to help us find a new building.”

Parish Spokesman Mi-

LIBRARY

Continued from page 1A

committee wanted. Phillips said she used Perplexity artificial intelligence software to generate the job posting.

Parish President Mike Cooper had questioned the appropriateness of Phillips’ involvement, and Cooper’s spokesperson, Michael Vinsanau, drew a rebuke from Parish Council member David Cougle after Vinsanau referred to Phillips as an “activist.”

On Dec. 3, the library board committee faced questions from some audience members about whether Phillips will be reviewing the applications.

The chair of the search committee, Glen Baham, said the only people who had seen the applications

chael Vinsanau said in a text that the cost of roof repairs outweighs the value of the building.

“I have faith,” said McNeal. “I know we have support from the community, and the library supports us. Hopefully, we can get the parish behind us to help find us a place.”

Through various book exchanges and recycling programs, the Friends group has raised thousands of dollars for local causes since reopening after COVID, including $15,000 for college scholarships and $10,000 for the enrichment of summer reading programs.

The organization was in Hadden Hall on Jahncke Street in Covington before moving into leftover, repurposed FEMA trailers on the parish property Two days a week, a small group of volunteers works to process books returned to the libraries, recycling old books

were the committee members — Baham, Branton and Tamarah Myers and some library staff.

“I can honestly say my wife hasn’t even seen any of these,” Baham said of the applications.

However, Baham noted that the library had received some public records requests for the applications, which would be shared once they redacted personal information.

Baham praised the quality of the applications in an interview earlier this week and said he wanted the process to be open and transparent.

Applicants were given the option to have their applications discussed publicly or privately, Baham said. Some applicants may not want their employers to know they are looking for a job, he noted, and it may not

and restoring used ones, and helping to organize and hold used book sales.

McNeal said the current building is adequate, in that it provides space for books and parking for residents coming to drop off donated books or to browse the book sales. At the last sale, McNeal said more than 200 people came by to check out the offerings and shop.

“We’re always getting donations,” she said. “Most of the time we get books from people downsizing or they’re moving, and we put them on our shelves and we try to give them away to different organizations I think what we do is a very important part of the community I really do.” The Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany has started a committee to try to find a new building and is open to any volunteers. To offer help, contact Ann Carter at (985) 892-2729

be fair to applicants who are not qualified to discuss them publicly, he said. Two applicants who asked to be discussed publicly both met the basic requirements, Branton said, and would be moving on in the process. The rest wanted to be discussed privately Baham did not have an exact breakdown but said he thought the majority of applications were from people with master’s degrees in library science. The board also opened the job up to people with master’s degrees in business administration, as permitted by recent legislative change. Baham said the committee plans to recommend five or six names to the full library board, which in turn will be pared down to three finalists from which the board will choose the next director during a public meeting.

ven?” Donahue also asked. Cooper’s spokesperson, Michael Vinsanau, said that the grants, which include funding for a new cafeteria and veterans’ housing, would have to be returned if the property is sold before the grant period expires.

Vinsanau has also said the administration is not sure what the exact effects of the cuts would be.

Tanner said the campus would be able to survive for five or six months at the beginning of the year, using approximately $800,000 remaining funds.

Besides NAMI, which says it provided services to more than 10,000 people in 2024, the other tenants are the St. Tammany School Board and the Florida Parishes Human Services Authority

The cuts to criminal justice funding and mental health services led council member Joe Impastato, who voted to adopt the budget, to call it his “worst day” on the Parish Council.

In its November amendment, the council also removed a 2% cost-of-living increase for parish employees that Cooper had proposed, saying it would revisit raises next spring, after it had more information about employees’ health insurance plans.

Cooper’s originally proposed operating budget called for $196.9 million in expenditures, drawing on $180 million in revenue and leftover funds from previous years. The council’s amendment brought expenditures up to $201.7 million, Vinsanau said In its amendment, the council added millions in additional capital projects. The parish has a lucrative sales tax dedicated to funding infrastructure.

Cooper said he still needed to evaluate the impacts of the council’s amendments to the budget before deciding if he would veto anything.

If the council wants to override those vetoes, it would need to hold a special meeting and an override would take 10 council members to vote in favor of it.

Abita Springs water well awaits diagnosis

BY JIM DERRY Contributing writer

A water sample and unusual activity around the Abita Springs town water well show signs that major work could be needed to fix a possible leak.

Mayor Dan Curtis told the Town Council at its Dec. 2 meeting that a recent daily check of the well by Griner Drilling revealed “vibrations on the ground,” which could indicate a problem with a submersible pump 150 feet below the ground

To check it, the pump must be extracted to determine if it’s just bad bearings in the well motor or something more. Tests also revealed small levels of sand and clay in the water which also could mean something beyond issues with the motor

“They have to pull the pump out, and they have to have something that can lift it 150 feet,” Curtis said. “They’ll run the camera down and see if anything is happening.

“Worst-case scenario? I don’t know, there could be a crack in the casing. We had problems with this well when we cranked it out in 2019.”

The well is 20 to 22 years old, and the lifespan of a typical well of this type is about 25 years, said Town Clerk Leanne Schaefer

“We’ve been trying to get approved for a secondary well since I got into office six years ago,” Curtis said. “It costs $5 million, and where do we get that? We have been trying. A lot of small municipalities are in the same predicament we are in.”

According to Schaefer, the town has

COMMENTARY

Longtime St. Tammany Parish newspaper reporter and editor Kim Chatelain spent Thanksgiving in Japan, enjoying the beauty and friendliness of a new culture, but he missed the beloved American holiday of Thanksgiving and its mascot, the (roasted, fried or smoked) turkey

Slidell newsman enjoys Japan but misses Thanksgiving

Where’s the turkey in Tokyo?

BY KIM CHATELAIN

Contributing writer

TOKYO Visiting Japan during the holiday season was never on my bucket list.

But when the opportunity presented itself to jet over to Toyoko to visit our daughter-in-law’s family and do some sightseeing I said, “Why not?”

I figured it might be a nice change of pace to spend Thanksgiving sans turkey, pumpkin pie and Detroit Lions football. And what a change of pace it was Thanksgiving is a traditional American holiday/ food fest that commemorates a 1621 harvest feast between Plymouth colonists and the Native American people inhabiting what is now Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

President Abraham Lincoln made it an official national holiday in 1863, at least in part at the behest of writer and activist Sarah Josepha Hale, who has been referred to as “The Mother of Thanksgiving.” Hale, renowned as an arbiter of taste for middleclass women of the day, penned a letter to Lincoln that convinced him to support legislation establishing the national holiday of Thanksgiving.

She is also responsible for making turkey synonymous with the holiday In her popular novel, “Northwood,” Hale described an ideal Thanksgiving feast as one featuring roast turkey

We can easily lose sight of how this great celebration on the fourth Thursday of November means nothing to people outside the United States.

I can attest that Thanksgiving is simply another Thursday in Japan just as Mardi Gras is just another Tuesday in say, New York. But we Louisianans are hesitant to completely abandon our traditions, so we set out to find turkey in Tokyo. We might just as well have been searching for boudin. We ended up settling for pizza. Turkey isn’t popular in Japan. Pork and chicken, yes. Turkey no.

It’s not in most grocery stores, not even in the deli department. It is available in Japan primarily through online retailers and import channels.

I’m told that most homes in Japan don’t even have an oven big enough to roast a whole turkey

None of this is meant to dis Japan. It’s a beautiful county with a rich culture that blends ancient traditions and modern influences. Customs like bowing, selfless hospitality and a strong sense of personal and group pride in one’s

been applying for funding for seven years through capital outlay financing and watersector programs, but none has yet been approved. Another request was just submitted to the state this week.

To do the work, the well would be out for a minimum of three days, which means Abita Springs would need assistance from a nearby well. Curtis said hopefully that’s all it would take to fix the problem, as that would cause a minor inconvenience of low water pressure while it was being worked on.

FUNDRAISING EFFORT: A “Safe Haven Baby Box” that would allow for a parent to anonymously and safely surrender a newborn is being planned for Abita Springs.

Sandra Slifer director of “Keep Abita Beautiful,” said the group is trying to fa-

cilitate money for the air-conditioned and heated box to be installed at the Abita Springs Fire Station. The box costs $16,000, and the annual maintenance is another $600 Those interested in donating, or to get more information, contact Eric Givens at egivens@stfd8 com or Slifer at sandraslifer@gmail.com. If built, it would be the third such box in St. Tammany Parish; Covington and Slidell each installed one this past April.

RECYCLING EVENT: Keep Abita Beautiful is hosting an electronics recycling event on Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. outside Town Hall. Items that will be accepted include old Christmas tree lights, iPads and other tablets, computers, cellphones, circuit boards, LCD monitors and cables of all kinds.

Videos explain change to closed party voting

Staff report

Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry says five educational videos have been produced to inform voters of the legislatively mandated transition to closed party primaries starting in 2026. The videos, available at geauxvote.com/ cpp or on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s YouTube channel, are part of Landry’s voter education campaign ahead of the May 2026 Closed Party Primary election.

“This educational campaign will ensure that all voters are empowered with the knowledge they need ahead of the transition to closed party primaries,” she said. “Because party affiliation is key to participating in the party primaries, I urge all voters to check their voter registration at GeauxVote.com and to make updates as needed.”

ELECTION 2026

Per Act 1 of the 2024 First Extraordinary Session, the change to closed party primaries only applies to the offices of U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Louisiana Supreme Court, Public Service Commission, and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Other ballot contests will be open to all voters. Voters are encouraged to visit GeauxVote.com/CPP; download the free Geaux Vote Mobile App; follow the Louisiana Secretary of State on social media; contact their parish Registrar of Voters or Clerk of Court; or call the Secretary of State’s Election Hotline at (800) 883-2805 if more information is needed.

work are deeply engrained in Japanese culture.

The people there place great emphasis on politeness and respect. The result is outstanding customer service, whether one is shopping at a high-end fashion outlet or a convenience store.

The trains run on time, the streets are void of litter, and Japan is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world.

Japan also is at the top of the list for life expectancy globally

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average American lives to 76.4 years old. In Japan, the average life expectancy is 84.3 years. I learned there’s a lot to like about this exotic Far East country (Did I forget to mention the heated toilet seats?)

But let’s talk turkey

There’s just nothing else like Thanksgiving in America, a day dedicated to the divine power of gratitude and the immense warmth of togetherness. At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is so much more than poultry

It’s about being grateful for our families and friends, our freedoms and the many “ordinary” things in our lives that we often take for granted. I can see that clearly from the other side of the world.

Curator Greg Scott returns to the Slidell Museum

Staff report

Greg Scott is returning as curator of the Slidell Museum to oversee operations and continue the museum’s mission to collect, research, preserve and share the city’s history

After a six-month hiatus, Scott returns to the museum while he continues to care for family members. He also serves as a member of the Slidell Noon Lions Club and has received the LLEF Knight of Sight Award and the LCIF Melvin Jones Fellowship, among others.

“Greg’s experience and expertise, devotion to public history and service to our community make him an exceptional steward for the Slidell Museum,” said Mayor Randy Fandal. “We know that people missed Greg while he was gone, and we are thrilled to welcome him back.”

This New Orleans native and graduate of Georgia Military College who served in the Army moved to the Slidell area after

Hurricane Katrina to help care for family members. He has called Slidell home ever since.

“I am happy to return to the Slidell Museum,” Scott said. “I look forward to continuing to share Slidell’s rich history with the citizens and visitors of Slidell through tours at the museum, public appearances at schools and events, and online through our social media channels.”

Scott’s academic credentials include undergraduate degrees in applied science; philosophy, English and history He holds a master’s degree in public history, with additional studies in military science, naval architecture and marine engineering. His scholarship has been recognized by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Golden Key International Honor Society Phi Theta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Phi Alpha Theta Scott’s research and project experience includes collaborations with the University of New Or-

leans, Tulane University, The Midlo Center for New Orleans Studies, and the Homer Plessy Foundation. Notable projects include contributions to the New Orleans Street Naming Project and the Hard Rock collapse historic survey He began working for the city of Slidell in 2018, authoring historic markers for more than 30 locations across the city This work deepened his passion for Slidell’s rich past. The Slidell Museum, at 2020 First St. in Olde Towne, is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m to 2 p.m Admission is free. Groups are welcome and encouraged to schedule a tour in advance. For scheduling or more information, call (985) 6464380 or email museum@ cityofslidell.org. While admission is free, the Slidell Museum accepts donations and community support to sustain these vital cultural services.

One Way Love finds new leader in house

BY LISA VON EBERSTEIN

Continuing writer

An organization with one heartfelt mission — to provide stability to at-risk youth in St. Tammany Parish — recently appointed a new executive director to lead that effort.

To do it, Debbie Thompson stepped up from program director into the executive director position at One Way Love, a nonprofit that provides resources and promotes empowerment for area teens and young adults who are struggling In partnership with St. Tammany Parish Public Schools and the Kids in Transition program, One Way Love offers support to more than 150 students each year

With her background in health care and business development, Thompson was inspired to help and started as a volunteer with the organization before stepping up to lead.

“What led me to One Way Love was seeing the desperate need in our own backyard. Louisiana ranks first in the nation for at-risk youth, second for child poverty, and third for teen pregnancy. Right here in St. Tammany Parish, we have kids facing homelessness, instability and crisis every single day,” Thompson said One Way Love’s programs include behavioral health care access, food and housing support, legal aid, education and technology assistance, workforce development, mentorship and transportation assistance Thompson said her job is to make sure kids in need have someone fighting for them, and she is committed to growing the impact of One Way Love through its mentor network, crisis intervention services and long-term support systems.

“My goals are simple reach more kids and provide deeper support,” she said. “These kids deserve advocates, and this

organization gives them exactly that.”

Thompson succeeds Travis Manint, who is starting a leadership position with the national health care advocacy group Community Access National Network. One Way Love recently announced plans to collaborate with CANN as a community partner for creating policy solutions that affect students and families.

Manint will stay involved with One Way Love through the end of the year to support a seamless transition of the position and assist with the planning of the organization’s 12th annual “A Night of Hope Gala” to be held April 18 at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium.

Rosemary Manint, co-founder and president of One Way Love, said Thompson brings the organizational skills and entrepreneurial spirit the organization needs.

“Debbie has this incredible passion for our kids, the ones who often get overlooked or fall through the cracks. She sees them — really sees them — and she’s driven to make a tangible difference in their lives.

Her compassion for at-risk youth isn’t just something she talks about — it’s what gets her up in the morning,” she said. “She’s exactly the leader we need to take One Way Love to the next level.”

The holidays can be an especially challenging time for at-risk youth, so One Way Love is leading a drive to provide a $50 Walmart gift card to 150 students. Gift cards can be dropped off at Attractions Salon, 767 Robert Blvd. in Slidell; at Affordable Smiles, 1002 La. 59 in Mandeville; or donations can be made by logging on to onewaylove.org.

“Beyond the holidays, we’re building partnerships and fundraising capacity,” Thompson said. “For many of these kids, experiencing homelessness or family crisis, that feeling of being valued is just as important as the gift itself.”

Make the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas matter

The leftovers have been packed and sent home with guests. The turkey carcass is boiling on the stove with onions, celery, and garlic, and the hambone has been relegated to the freezer for a future pot of red beans. The dishwasher is loaded and running Now what? A long winter’s nap?

The term for the period about to follow can be called liminal time. It’s usually thought of as “in between time,” an interim or transitional period. But this interval between Thanksgiving and Christmas calls for deeper meaning. I like to think of liminal time as meaningful or intentional waiting, because we know what is coming.

Regardless of faith traditions, this time is generally punctuated by frantic marketing and shopping for gifts, all culminating in a frenzy of flying ribbon, wrapping paper, empty boxes and gift bags on Christmas morning.

Is it even possible to make this time a bit less wild and uncontrolled?

Personally, I’m aiming to channel my grandmother — once again — and work on homemade Christmas ornaments with the grands. Two of the items we used that were plentiful back then were lovely glass Mardi Gras beads we would unstring, sort and artfully thread them on wire to make creatures she called “bead men.” We also had buttons from my mother’s button box that had been cut off old clothing and saved. There were no hot glue guns. We had Elmer’s and long periods of drying.

She had a fabulous fruitcake recipe — loved by even haters of fruitcakes, and we three elder siblings were the nutcrackers. I also helped make the batter, measuring ingredients into the huge bowl and stirring with a wooden spoon til my arm hurt.

Times are very different now Adults and children are overscheduled, not necessarily by choice. I personally strive for prayer, meditation or meditative reading in the morning and evening, and it doesn’t happen every day It’s all about showing up, and not about perfection In the morning, it sets the tone for the day and at night it helps me sleep. A plethora of apps exist specifically for this purpose

When I get the chance, for instance, when my granddaughter spends the night, we talk to God at bedtime, then I play meditative music once we’re tucked in, and have been doing so since she was extremely young. At 8 years old she still asks for the “night-night” music.

My grandmother kept us busy with seasonal activities that we enjoyed and meant something. The ornaments hung on our tree or were teacher gifts we could proudly say we had made.

I’m hoping that these activities will be as memorable for my grandkids as they were for me. And that they choose to do the same for themselves now later and hopefully with their own children. Maybe they, too, can think of the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas as something other than a fiesta of commercialism.

Holiday of Lights welcomes the season

Staff report

Rain may have delayed the 26th annual Holiday of Lights opening for 24 hours and knocked out the planned parade, but weather did not defeat St. Tammany Parish’s premiere, annual Christmastime event. It kicked off instead on Dec. 6 to the sounds of excited children and the sight of Santa Claus and busy elves, a water tower-sized Christmas tree and a wonderland of twinkling lights — complete with Louisiana “sneaux,” carnival rides and a tram tour through Santa’s Enchanted Forest. There were thousands of lights, Christmas trees and merry displays as far as little eyes could see. Santa helped Parish President Mike

Cooper flip the switch to light up the big tree and the lights that blanketed as the Koop Drive and the Kids Konnection Playground area near Mandeville. The opening also featured young entertainers from local schools and youth organizations. The special weekend festivities end on Dec. 13, but visitors will still be able to walk-through the area along Koop Drive and Santa’s Enchanted Forest on Dec. 19 & 20 from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. nightly But there will be NO falling sneaux, rides, performances or food trucks during this third weekend. After that, from Dec.22 to Jan. 1, visitors will only be able to drive along Koop Drive to see the lights nightly from dawn to dusk.

25 years ago

A lawsuit that challenged a zoning change to allow restaurateur Pat Gallagher to open a bed and breakfast and restaurant at the old Annadele Plantation near Covington has been dismissed State District Judge Patricia Hedges said there was no merit in the suit filed by Charles T. Combe, who lives on property next to the plantation. Gallagher, after several months of negotiating with neighbors and the parish zoning commission, got a rezoning of the property from Suburban Agricultural to Neighborhood Commercial with a conditional use permit on June 17, 1999. Residents of the area, particularly those along Riv-

erside Drive, opposed the rezoning. Combe argued in his suit the parish did not give the required notice of meetings in which decisions were made. He said the decisions were arbitrary and capricious. Parish legal counsel Guy D’Antonio said all meeting notices were delivered on a timely basis and that previous zoning decisions have been upheld in these type cases.

50 years ago

The first case to be heard in the new civil courtroom on New Hampshire Street in Covington was scheduled for today, Thursday if the furniture was brought in on time. Judge Thomas Tanner, of the 22nd judicial District Court, was expecting to hold an informal opening ceremony this morning, to be followed by the first court

session in the newly renovated facility, formerly a bar room. The St Tammany Parish Police Jury agreed last summer to lease the space for a civil courtroom as a temporary measure to provide extra room for the overcrowded 22nd judicial district. The across-the-street courtroom was okayed after renovation estimates were shaved down to the least possible costs.

75 years ago

Louisiana drivers are again warned by L.A. Jones, superintendent of the Driver’s License Division, Department of Public Safety, to check the expiration dates of their licenses.

Driver’s licenses are good for two years from the date of issue and chauffeur’s licenses are good for a period of one year from the issue date. Major Jones stated that the Divi-

sion of State Police is conducting a statewide check on all motorists to determine how many persons are operating with expired licenses or with no license.

100 years ago

Every country has its particular beauty and charm, and as Louisiana is called the “Paradise of Flowers, Forest Glen may justly be called the Glen of the French Pyrenees. Bayou Lacombe, which reminds one of the cave at Lourdes, winds its course through the forest of Louisiana and its limpid waters empty into Lake Pontchartrain. At a short distance from its bank is the picturesque village of Forest Glen, the rendezvous of tourists and a favorite spot for picnickers in St. Tammany In this idyllic place, the Rev F. Francis Balay O.S.B., undertook in 1923 the task of erecting a chapel and a

shrine to Our Lady on a little knoll at the base of which meanders a tiny stream of water Behind the elaborate lattice work, you see the altar of the chapel flanked by two angels. To the left of the altar a statue of the Immaculate Conception meets your eyes, and a fountain at the feet of the virgin invites you with its gentle murmur to rest in this harmonious abode. In this shrine you find the sweet breath of grace, peace and happiness, heaven on earth for body and soul On the hill, an artesian well gushes from the earth its jet of

Christ Episcopal Church celebrates with brass

BY SHEILA GRISSETT Staff writer

In what has become a treasure of a tradition at Christ Episcopal Church in Covington, trumpetermaestro Erik Morales and The Louisiana Brass will return on Dec. 21 to perform their 10th Christmas Brass Spectacular concert of holiday music for church members and the public.

It will be the final Third Sunday Concert Series show of the year in this 35-year-old church music ministry that seeks to bring the community together around a wide variety of music and performers. This month’s ensemble will perform a mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas music

written for brass and arranged by Morales, a prolific composer, maestro, performer and music educator who conducts the Covington Concert Band and other performance groups. The instrumentation, known as a “brass quintet” with two trumpets, French horn, trombone and tuba will produce a full range of notes, from the highest to the lowest.

Performing will be Morales and Ben Toman on trumpet; Fred Wild, French horn; B.J. McGibney, trombone; and Chasse Duplantis, tuba. Selections will feature popular carols and other seasonal selections, including “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,”

“Angels We Have Heard on High,” “The Christmas Song,” “O Come,

PROVIDED PHOTO

Covington’s History and Holly Home Tour this year from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m on Dec. 14 will give participants on the self-guided walking tour a peek into lovingly preserved historic homes new residences and city landmarks — all of them dressed up in their holiday finery

History and Holly tour opens doors in Covington

BY KADEE KRIEGER

Contributing writer

Covington’s History and Holly Home tour gives participants a peek into lovingly preserved historic homes, new residences and city landmarks.

“Guests enjoy seasonal decor, local history and small-town hospitality as docents share stories of the city’s architecture and heritage. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season while supporting preservation in our community,” said Sarada Bonnett, director of Cultural Arts & Events for the City of Covington.

The event which supports the Covington Heritage Foundation, will be Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This year, it features a curated selection of five homes dressed for the holidays during a self-guided tour that begins at the registration spot, the chapel at St. Paul’s School at 917 S. Jahncke Ave.

It’s the first time to be a part of the tour for homeowners Kevin and Chris Kramer, who moved into their residence more than two years ago after living in different homes between Covington and Mandeville for 40 years. Chris Kramer said she’s eager to share the home that she has had her eye on for years before the couple saw it on the market.

“After raising four children, we were excited to begin the next chapter close to family and the things we enjoy good food, arts and community life. This home gave us the space to welcome our kids and their growing families back under

one roof,” she said. “Decorating it for Christmas has been a joy, and we are happy to share that with others during the tour.”

She said that for several years, she loved to drive by the modern farmhouse on East 15th Avenue “It was always one of my favorites. It’s just the perfect spot.”

It is one of the newer ones on the tour, only 10 years old. But Chris Kramer said, “Every room has something unique; there are so many little things to take in.”

Among those details are the light fixtures, farm-style doors and architecture that includes exposed beams and brick.

Chris Kramer said one of her favorite parts of the house is the courtyard with its outdoor porches.

“It’s really a sight to see,” she said. Homes on the 2025 History and Holly Home tour are on East 15th Avenue, South Massachusetts, South Jahncke and East 12th.

Bonnett encouraged guests to park along the outer edges of the St. Paul’s campus or to park at the Justice Center lot on Jefferson Avenue, directly across from the courthouse, and take the trolley Tickets may be purchased in advance at Covington City Hall or online at bontempstix.com Tickets will also be available on the day of the event.

Covington Heritage Foundation

President Mark Verret said the tour carries out the organization’s mission of preserving the city’s culture, character and community, and it is the organization’s primary fundraiser

O Come Emmanuel,” “Silent Night” and more.

The group will perform at 5 p.m., with doors opening at 4:30 p.m.

The free, one-hour performance will be followed by a wine and light hors d’oeuvre reception in the church Parish Hall, a tradition after each Third Sunday concert throughout the year The reception provides musicians and audience members the chance to mingle, and it gives longtime concert supporters the opportunity to visit.

This church at 120 S New Hampshire St. is located just before the entrance to Bogue Falaya Park. For more information, call (985) 892-3177 or visit christchurchcovington.com

FROM SHADOWS TO SPOTLIGHT

The St. Tammany Parish social calendar is

filled with important events throughout the year

We’ve asked organizers to help us highlight people who work behind the scenes to quietly make our most beloved events successful. We’re calling the feature “From Shadows to Spotlight” and

Love fuels the prep for St. Timothy’s Christmas concert

BY JESSICA SAGGIO

Continuing writer

Fluffing bows and strategically hanging garland, volunteer Julie Green knows the sanctuary of St. Timothy on the Northshore will transform into a scene worthy of a Christmas card.

Wreaths, poinsettias, a nativity scene and twinkling lights will enchant the room as the St. Timothy Choir and North Shore Orchestra prepare for their annual Christmas concert While the magic is in the music, it’s also in the details — details Green meticulously prepares as she and her team literally deck the halls of the church.

“It’s a wonderful thing, and it’s a way to give to your church, a small way, but it’s a way,” Green said of her involvement. She and a 15-person committee work diligently to decorate the church’s sanctuary in preparation for the long-standing tradition. The decorations are prepped, primped and posted weeks in advance. The Christmas on the Northshore Concert, featuring St. Timothy’s 62-person choir soloists, children’s choir and the North Shore Orchestra, will take place Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but seating is first-come, first-seated.

Green said the torch of decorating was passed on to her this year, as other veteran committee members look to take a step back. But it’s a “wonderful outreach” to the community, she said, and she’s proud to be involved. Green is also a member of the choir, a second-alto voice amid the harmony of the group. She got involved shortly after joining the church in the early 1990s, and has been singing in the annual Christmas concert ever since. Now she enjoys that experience with her grandchildren in the children’s choir It’s important to her, not only because it’s an impactful experience, but for her grandchildren to be exposed to her faith and the joy of music, she said.

“That’s important to me, and I’ve always been active in their lives,” she said.

letting it be a reminder that not only is one of our area’s biggest events coming up, but also to remind readers the tremendous effect one caring person can have on our community Be well! Andrew Canulette, editor, St. Tammany Farmer

Volunteer Julie Green is part of a 15-member committee devoted to the work it takes to ready St. Timothy on the Northshore for its much-loved annual Christmas concert.

ST. TIMOTHY’S CHRISTMAS ON THE NORTHSHORE

WHAT: St.Timothy on the Northshore Christmas concert featuring the St.Timothy choir, children’s choir and Northshore Orchestra.

WHERE: 335 Asbury Drive, Mandeville

WHEN: Dec. 14, 3 p.m and 7 p.m.

HOW MUCH: Admission is free, but seating is first-come, first-served.

MORE INFO: sttimothyns.org

Decorating and helping with various odds and ends — like baking a casserole for the choir to munch on in between shows or helping corral the children — just adds to the experience. The choir is a tight-knit group led by church Director of Music & Worship Arts Kenya Lawrence Jackson, who also conducts the Christmas concert. Green raved about Jackson as a talented and “amazing” leader

Green said the choir even has members who do not attend the church regularly, but music the group creates together “speaks to you.”

“It’s just the joy of being together as a choir family,” she said.

Jackson also sees the concert she leads as so much more than simply a collection of beautiful music, no matter how exquisite and uplifting that music is

“In a time when there is so much division, Christmas on the Northshore is a truly a collective effort that represents working together in figurative and literal harmony,” she said.” This concert is a bringing together of generations, of talents, of skills and abilities. It includes children and youth from age 3 through high school, choir members of all ages and stages, professional musicians and that’s just the music.”

As for the concert music, it’s simply like no other, said Green, who has out-of-town family members who will visit just to hear the music and see it performed.

She said she believes the experience has the power to make the holiday season feel more alive for Christians and non-Christians alike.

St. Paul’s luminaria light up a message of hope

St. Paul’s Catholic School in Covington staged its annual luminaria celebration on Dec. 2, continuing a tradition brought to the Lasallian school by the early brothers who previously served in Santa Fe, where luminaria have long symbolized welcoming, guidance and a shared Christian hope in the Lord’s coming. Hundreds of candles were carefully placed and ready for lighting as the sun began its descent over St. Paul’s wooded campus where students, families, alumni and supporters gathered to share their beautiful tradition.

Ringing bells, singing elves, St. Tammany lures Santa

Staff report

For the second time, the Covington Concert Band players and the Northlake Performing Arts Society singers will join their voices and instruments to perform “A Northshore Christmas.”

The free community concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 in the Castine Center at Pelican Park near Mandeville, the venue where the two groups first performed together in a Christmas concert in 2023

That performance was the first time St. Tammany Parish had been entertained jointly by its own parishwide NPAS community chorus and the community band. The two nonprofits — totaling about 110 men and women all unpaid and overwhelmingly St. Tammany Parish residents — had never before performed together, nor had either performed with any other full choir or full band, their representatives said Both groups are composed of singers and musicians of all ages and walks of life. They each joined the chorus or the band because they love making music with others and for others, their leaders say. Some have studied music extensively; some teach it or have paid gigs performing; others only performed in high school bands or in church choirs and choruses. But each of them volunteer their own time and treasure because of the joy they take in their music. For more information on the The Northshore Performing Arts Society, see npassingers.org online, and for the band, visit covingtonconcertband.org online.

Other holiday festivities are listed below by geographic reach.

St. Tammany Parish

Dec. 12 & 13, 19 & 20 features special Holiday of Lights activities; after Dec 20, drive-through only from Dec. 22-Jan 1 See Koop Drive near Mandeville transform into the North Pole and a magical path of lights to enjoy by foot or tram. Falling “sneaux,” carnival rides, crafts and performances all free. Santa photos, food trucks and beverages also available to purchase All activities and performances from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 13 Visitors can also walk through Santa’s Enchanted Forest from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 19-20. Otherwise, drive-through available Dec. 22-Jan. 1 Abita Springs

caroling, holiday train rides, holiday cookie decorating and a hot chocolate bar at The Reminding, food and beverage vendors, and more. Santa arrives at 6 p.m.; tree lighting at 7:25 p.m.; candlelight caroling at 8:45 p.m. Free admission.

Lollipop Christmas: Dec. 13, parade starts at 3 p.m. and travels from N. Jefferson Avenue to N. Columbia Street, turns on East Boston Street, up New Hampshire and ends with a turn onto North Theard Street. Post parade, a free children’s event and Christmas tree lighting at Covington Trailhead from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with Santa, Christmas karaoke, arts and crafts and a petting zoo.

History & Holly Home Tour: Dec. 14 from 2 to 5 p.m see preserved historic homes new homes with old charm and Covington landmarks, each decked out for the holidays; friendly docents to direct guests as needed on this self-guided stroll. Tickets $22.94 and at covingtonheritagefoundation.com.

Covington by Candlelight: Dec. 19, 4-6 p.m. with Zion Harmonizers and a Christmas singalong at Covington Trailhead.

Folsom

rade with vessels patriotically decorated to honor vets and first responders, happens Dec. 13, starting at 6 p.m., as the Merry Madisonville Christmas celebration continues. Dozens of festively-lit and decked out boats will cruise the Tchefuncte River, followed by candlelight caroling on the riverfront’s north side. Parade sails north from Maritime Museum dock through the Madisonville bridge and will loop past riverfront crowds several times before returning to the wall to dock for caroling. Bring chairs and blankets; ice chests also welcome, and local restaurants will offer special prices on beverages and treats. Register participating boats at bit.ly/twinkle-on-the-tchefuncteregistration. Get more by searching Twinkle on the Tchefuncte 2025 Facebook page.

Mandeville

Mandeville Trailhead Christmas Market: Dec. 13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with 80-plus artisan vendors; photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus; Shane Madere on stage; and more. Christmas Past Festival: Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Old Mandeville, free admission Shopping, food, drink, pictures with Santa, live entertainment, Kidz Zone with inflatables and ugly sweater contest. Girod Street closed to vehicles from Woodrow to Claiborne during event.

Christmas Concert: On Dec. 14, St. Timothy on the Northshore will host two concerts, one at 3 p.m. and another to follow at 7 p.m., in main sanctuary at 335 Asbury Drive. The free concerts will feature St. Tim’s choir and soloists and the Northshore Orchestra; seating first-come, first-served. Bad Santa Run: Bad Moms That Dance sponsor a fun run and 5K at 7 a.m. on Dec 14 at Mandeville lakefront, starting at splash park in front of the Pontchartrain Yacht Club, 140 Jackson Ave. Race fee $40, and $20 for the fun run. Info at momsthatdance. com/krewe.

Slidell

On Dec. 13, Christmas in Folsom includes nostalgic Merry Little Horse and Wagon Parade at 1 p.m. and festival from 4 to 8 p.m. Parade begins on La. 40 and weaves through Austin and Olive streets, Railroad Avenue, then Rosa Cryer and Broadway streets. The festival in Moise Park includes a tree lighting, caroling, a movie and more.

Lacombe

Cajun Christmas at Bayou Lacombe Center on Dec. 13 with Papa Noel coming down the bayou to the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center from 2 to 4 p.m A complimentary photographer on site to take photos; wildlife and holiday crafts and refreshments. Bayou Gardens’ trails and grounds will be open to enjoy the blooming camellias.

Christmas Under the Stars: Dec. 12-13 and 1920 in Heritage Park, same look but in new venue. Features Christmas cottages, big Santa and light displays (with even more lights). Walk through the displays any evening through Jan 4. On Dec. 12-13 & 19-20, Under the Stars will host Santa and Mrs. Claus, live entertainment, with Witness on Dec. 12, Ozone Music Foundation performers on Dec. 13 and Fat City Swing Band on the 19th; and Ozone Music peformers again on Dec. 20. Northshore Community Orchestra Holiday Concert: Dec. 18 in Slidell Auditorium; doors open for free concert at 6:30 p.m., performance

from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. tree lighting and holiday marketplace at 111 Terra Bella Blvd. Local musicians and youth choirs perform, candlelight

See a miniature Christmas village and landscape on weekends at the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum, 22044 Main St., through Jan. 11. A holiday tradition enjoyed the world over is contained within the Porcelain Christmas Village Showcase a snowcovered world of hand-painted porcelain homes, shops, hotels, parks and more, with tiny figures enjoying their holidays. See it Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a m.-4 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. -3 p.m Call (985) 788-3984 for info. Covington Christmas in the Country: All Saturdays through Christmas. Seasonal shopping and live music from the merchants in downtown Covington. Most shops will open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Santa to visit Dec. 13. 12 Days of Christmas Walking Tour: Through Jan. 6, self-guided stroll in downtown to see 12 lighted silhouettes depicting larger-thanlife images from the traditional Old

Madisonville

Twinkle on the Tchefuncte: A leisurely boat pa-

17 when she plays in the Lobby Lounge, The Harbor Center’s intimate “listening room known for the attentive audiences that fill its cozy space for these monthly “Up Close and Musical” shows. Belle grew up performing in church with her musical Mississippi family, whose roots stretch to music giants Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley Previously nominated for “Songwriter of the Year” in Nashville, she last year placed second in the Ozone Songwriter Festival. This prodigious songwriter performs a mix of ’90s country and Americana music. Lobby Lounge doors at 100 Harbor Center Blvd. near Slidel; open at 6:30 p.m.; music at 7 p.m. Best seats at Eventbrite; a few available at door.

HAIL TO ELTON: The Rocketmen, of New Orleans, will play a high-energy tribute show to Elton John and his music on Dec. 13 at the North Star Theatre in Mandeville Due to ticket demand, the theater has scheduled a matinee and an evening performance “The Ultimate Elton John Experience” promises the showmanship, stage finery, glitz and glamour inspired by Elton John Band members include Aaron Joseph, the band’s Elton lead vocals and piano; Nicholas Dayton (founder of The PopRocks), bass and vocals; Chris Novak, lead guitar and vocals; Guy Duplantier, drums and vocals; and Bobby Rowig, rhythm guitar, keyboard and vocals. Most have musical theater experience and some are also “Lost in the Sixties” band members All seats are reserved, so pick one online at northstartheatre.org. The inclusive price for GA seats is $35.92 (doors open at 1 p.m., show at 2 p.m.); VIP seats are $74.84 and include meeting the artists (doors at 5:45 p.m., music at 7 p.m.)

HO HO HO: The 30 by Niney Theatre in Mandeville is celebrating the season with “A Very Merry Christmas Spectacular” for a final weekend, Dec. 12-14, with curtains at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Milk and cookies at every performance, along with lots of glitter and glam. This spirited celebration at 880 Lafayette St. is a glittering spectacle for entire family, with singing and dancing by local performers of all ages. Tickets from $16-$24, plus taxes and fees. Get them and a complete schedule at 30byninety.com.

A TWIST: At the Cutting Edge Theater in Slidell, “The Christmas Show: A Modern Carol,” is showing for one more weekend, Dec. 12-14. It’s a contemporary twist on a timeless favorite, blending up-to-the-minute pop and holiday tunes with vibrant storytelling, fresh staging and dazzling visuals. Follow Scrooge through a night of heartwarming encounters and transformative melodies as familiar characters weave in today’s chart-toppers and beloved Christmas carols, all at 767 Robert Blvd., with shows at 2 p.m and 7 p.m. Tickets $35 to $45, plus fees, at cuttingedgetheater.com.

ANNIE: Slidell Little Theatre is celebrating the holiday season with “Annie,” Dec. 12-14 & 19-21, shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Though not a “Christmas story,” per se, this classic story of an orphan who ultimately finds a safe and happy home, is a fitting Christmas season tale. Tickets range from $25 to $35, including taxes and fees, at Slidelllittletheatre.org.

COMMUNITY GUMBO

Staff report

St. Tammany is home to an abundance of farmers markets, each with its own flavor Most even have live music and prepared food to eat on-site or take home.

During the long holiday stretch underway, it is important to check out a market’s website or Facebook page to learn if special seasonal offerings are being planned or their operating hours or even operating days — are being adjusted. And it’s always prudent to check in advance if inclement or extreme weather is expected.

The markets listed below and their normal operating hours include:

The Paddock Farmers Market at The Giddy Up Folsom

n 82292 La. 25, Folsom

n Saturdays, 9 a.m. to

1 p.m.

n Live music, local produce, prepared food, local art, handcrafted goods n (985) 705-1091; gufolsommarket@gmail.com.

Abita Springs Art and Farmers Market

n 22049 Main St., Abita Springs

n Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

n Art, food, live music n www .townofabitasprings.com; (985) 8920711

Covington Farmers Market n Saturdays, 8 a.m. to

noon, 609 N. Columbia St.

n Wednesdays, 10 a.m to 2 p.m., Covington Trailhead, 419 N New Hampshire St. n Local produce, dairy products, meat, poultry seafood, prepared international foods, bakery

MUSIC MAN: John “Papa” Gros, a native son and bedrock maker of New Orleans music for three-plus decades, will perform Dec. 12 at the North Star Theatre in Mandeville This consummate live performer, songwriter, singer, longtime band leader and piano powerhouse watched, listened to and learned from music icons Dr. John, Allen Toussaint and Art Neville; Gros’ own sound draws from the funk, brass band, R&B, blues and traditional jazz he grew up with. He is also key to a celebrated Mardi Gras tradition on Bacchus Sunday for the last 20 Carnival seasons when he and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux perform their Funk N Chant. It’s a long set of New Orleans funk and Mardi Gras Indian classics that builds crowd excitement as it goes on Hear Gros and his band at 347 Girod St.; doors at 5:45 p.m.; show at 7 p.m. At northstartheatre.org, reserve a GA or VIP seat, which includes meeting performers. IRISH: There’s a traditional Irish session from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 (third Thursday) in back room of Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St. Musicians and music-lovers to play and sing favorite pieces of Celtic music. Visit nstms.org for details and link to music.

THEATER

‘TWAS OR NOT: Playmakers Theater near Covington is presenting “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” a special version of the classic story by Ken Ludwig, one more weekend Dec. 12-14. “Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” … But wait! A mouse is stirring because Santa missed his house last year. What in the Christmas is a desperate mouse supposed to do? Shows at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. at 19106 Playmakers Road. Tickets from $17.59 to $28.29. Get them and a complete schedule at www.playmakersinc.com.

STARS: American Legion Post 16 will hold a “Star Party” Dec. 11 from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m at 2301 Ronald Reagan Hwy. Embroidered stars from 3’ x 5’, American-made flags (those submitted for retirement) will be removed for presentation to vets and first responders as tokens of appreciation. Public invited. Call (985) 892-0677 if you plan to attend. See starsforourtroops.org to learn more about Star Parties

GRINCH: Kids from 1 to 92 are invited to come out to a free Family Movie Night at the Mandeville Trailhead on Dec. 12 for “The Grinch.” Come at 5:30 p.m. to get a good spot and buy snacks from the concessions on site before the movie begins at 6 p.m. There will also be games for kids, and for extra fun, come in your pj’s or your favorite Grinchwear — and don’t forget to bring a chair or blanket for seating ART MART: The Mandeville Artists Guild will hold its final popup market of the year from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the city’s trailhead. The St. Ann String Band to perform.

FEDS: Slidell Chapter 1396 of National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association meets at noon Dec. 12 at Fatty’s Seafood Restaurant, 1300 Gause Blvd. W., for a Christmas luncheon in lieu of regular meeting. New officers to be installed. Cost $27 per person in advance by calling Elroy Noel at (985) 290-0757 or emailing elroynoel@bellsouth.net. All active/retired federal employees and spouses welcome.

NEWCOMERS: Northlake Newcomers luncheon to take place at 10 a.m. Dec. 12 at Benedict’s Plantation, with live Christmas music. For more, consult northlakenewcomers.com online.

NEIGHBORS: The Hermadel/Carolyn Park/ Bayou Cache Residents’ Association will hold its Christmas potluck and party at 6 p.m. on Dec. 10. Wear Christmas clothes and bring a favorite holiday dish; Santa will lead the caroling; there will be a fun “Dirty Santa” gift exchange ($10 limit); the “Wheel of Presents” returns; and games will keep things lively. Residents of the three subdivisions invited to festivities at the American Legion Post, 1680 St. Ann Place. No alcohol, please. Call club president Jill Dalier at (504) 307-7715 with questions.

PLAYING THE LONG GAME

Mandeville outlasts

Northlake to surge to 60-49 victory

BY JIM DERRY Contributing writer

Early season tournaments are often tough to predict. It’s about this time of year when some football players turn in their cleats for sneakers, and good teams can begin to figure out what they’re going to be

And even when it’s not enough to provide an upset, it sure can make a game fun. Such was the case on Dec. 4, as Class 2A Northlake Christian hung tight with Class 5A Mandeville until the athleticism of the Skippers paid dividends in the end

Will Blessey, Jermaine Brown and Nicolas Pearson helped turn a four-point lead early in the fourth quarter into a 60-49 victory at Northlake in the school’s annual tournament.

It looked more like early November than December for both teams, as they each had a tough time shooting the ball.

Mandeville (4-1), which defeated defending Division II Select state runner-up Shaw by eight points in the third game of the season couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn for much of the first three quarters. As a whole, they were 30.9% on field-goal attempts and 3-of-29 (10.3%) from beyond the arc It was only a little better for Northlake (3-2). They took 15 fewer attempts from the field and were 15-of-40 (37.5%)

“We had to shoot the ball with confidence, hit the gaps in transition and finish strong in the paint (in the fourth quarter),” said Blessey, a senior who finished with 13 points, nine of those coming from the freethrow line. “We game planned for their toughness. We knew they would be fast, physical and aggressive, and we were able to get past them in the second half.

Ten minutes into the game, both teams were still in single digits scoring wise, before things started to pick up a little bit. Mandeville led 22-19 at halftime, and Skippers’ coach Josh Priola got his team to be a bit more aggressive in the second half.

They drew up a few inside plays off inbound passes, and Pearson especially was tough in the paint with six offensive rebounds.

“We just slowed down and relied on the work we have been putting in,” Priola said.

ä See MANDEVILLE, page 4B

District 6-5A reunited as LHSAA OKs new districts

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

It’s official — District 6-5A will come back together for the 2026-28 reclassification cycle. The LHSAA executive committee heard a second round of appeals on Dec. 3, when Chalmette asked for the second time to be placed in District 6-5A, but that appeal was denied. That denial cleared the way for the LHSAA to finalize District 6-5A in its familiar 8-team form before the district was split up two years ago when Salmen moved up to Class 5A. The Spartans’ official enrollment of 993 puts them below the Class 5A cutoff for the upcoming redistricting cycle. The next two-year districting cycle will run from fall 2026 through spring 2028

District 6-5A will include Covington, Fontainebleau, Hammond, Mandeville, Northshore, Ponchatoula, Slidell and St. Paul’s for the next two seasons When Salmen moved up to Class 5A in 2024, it created two, five-team districts in St. Tammany Parish as Chalmette moved into one of those districts that included teams (Fontainebleau, Northshore, Slidell, and Salmen) in the eastern half of the parish. While District 6-5A was reduced to five

teams: Covington, Hammond, Mandeville, Ponchatoula and St. Paul’s.

Salmen will move back to Class 4A and be placed in District 7-4A after a two-year hiatus. That district will be similar to past seasons and includes Franklinton, Hannan, Lakeshore and Pearl River, along with allgirls school St. Scholastica. Loranger which has spent several years in the district, is moving down to Class 3A.

“We’re happy to be back in Class 4A,” Salmen football coach and athletic director Eric Chuter said. “For us to battle the way we did against schools much bigger than us in Class 5A showed some toughness. Football is a numbers game, so now, we’ll be one of the bigger fish in the pond. We feel like we’ll be able to make some noise in Class 4A and the Division II playoffs.”

For the past several years, the Spartans have competed in the Division I nonselect playoffs, which included all the Class 5A nonselect schools and some larger Class 4A institutions. Moving forward, Salmen will be in the nonselect Division II postseason bracket, making them the second-largest enrollment in that classification.

Pope John Paul II moves up to Class 3A with a listed enrollment of 403. That places the Jaguars in District 8-3A with Albany,

ä See DISTRICTS, page 2B

BY MIKE PERVEL Contributing writer

Hannan first-year girls soccer coach Nathaniel Peters said the key to his team’s success is simple — start fast.

The Hawks did that in spades on Dec. 2 as Hannan scored in the second minute and continued the pressure throughout en route to a dominating 4-0 win over Lakeshore at the Titan Coliseum.

“The girls played with high energy setting the early offensive tone. We always emphasize trying to get off to quick starts It’s always better to start strong as opposed to having to play from behind,” Peters said.

“I’m proud of the way the team has started (the season), and they’re meshing well and having fun I’ve been blessed to be around these players since they were eighth graders, and they continue to improve. I love the way we’re playing outstanding defense. I love their defensive effort.”

The victory was the Hawks’ fourth straight to open the season, as Hannan (40) has outscored its opponents 14-4. The Hawks established the early tempo, employing an aggressive offensive attack that peppered shots on goal.

Hannan’s Hannah Hessel put the Hawks on the board in the second minute as she scored from 20 yards out on an assist from Audrey Waldrup. Hannan maintained its early offensive pressure, firing off eight more quality shots on goal following Hessel’s goal. At the 10-minute mark, Hawks’ senior Kaitlyn Brady, a starter since the eighth grade, scored from 25 yards out to double the lead.

“We got off to a quick start, and we’re playing with energy Starting strong has been key for us in our four wins. This is the best team that I’ve played on, since starting as an eighth grader,” Brady said. Hannan junior Maggie Wylie put the match out of reach with two goals late in

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Mandeville’s Daigle named Allstate Sugar Bowl Athlete of the Month

DISTRICTS

Continued from page 1B

Bogalusa, Jewel Sumner and Lo-

ranger

The only classification that has not been finalized is Class 2A, but the only local school in that classification is Northlake Christian. The Wolverines will play in District 102A after previously being placed in District 11-2A with Newman and Country Day, among others, in an earlier proposal District 10-2A will include Amite, Doyle, Independence, Pine, St. Helena and St. Thomas Aquinas That district is similar to the current District 9-2A with the addition of Amite, Doyle and Pine, who are all moving down from Class 3A. Doyle is also in the process of bringing back football after nearly 40 years.

Other classification news includes:

n St. Scholastica will move back up to Division I in girls soccer That will bring back the traditional District 6-I that includes Covington, Fontainebleau, Hammond, Mandeville, Northshore, Ponchatoula and Slidell. The Doves are the reigning Division II state champions after not playing up in the last reclassification cycle.

n Pope John Paul II volleyball

will officially move to District 8-IV that includes Curtis, Country Day, Sarah T. Reed, St. Mary’s Academy, and Ursuline. The Jaguars appealed that placement with a move to District 7-IV but it was not approved. That will break up the long-time district rivalry with Northlake Christian, which will stay in District 7-IV.

ST. TAMMANY DISTRICTS FOR 2026-28

Note: Enrollment numbers included in parentheses. District 6-5A: Covington (1,506), Fontainebleau (1,424), Hammond (1,502), Mandeville (1,950), Northshore (1,492), Ponchatoula (1,964), Slidell (1,562), St. Paul’s (1,430)

District 7-4A: Hannan (642), Franklinton (634), Lakeshore (790), Pearl River (756), Salmen (993), St. Scholastica (954) District 8-3A: Albany (571), Bogalusa (444), Jewel Sumner (406), Loranger (544), Pope John Paul II (403) District 10-2A: Amite (318), Doyle (355), Independence (368), Northlake Christian (364), Pine (387), St. Helena (330), St. Thomas Aquinas (347)

District 7-B: Christ Episcopal, Holden, Lycee Francais, Mt. Hermon

District 7-C: First Baptist Christian, Grand Isle, Lutheran, Phoenix, St. Therese Academy

Lakeshore

HANNAN

Continued from page 1B

the first half. After being denied on her first four shot attempts, Wylie netted her first goal in the 37th minute from about 15 yards away off an assist by Hessel

She capped the scoring in stoppage time of the first half as she scored her second goal off an assist from Brennyn O’Rourke.

“I was in a good position on both of my goals, and my teammates made nice passes, freeing me up On my first goal, I just took one dribble and fired it in. Brennyn (O’Rourke) gave me a nice pass on the second goal, and I just onetimed it in, beating the keeper to the lower left,” Wylie said Hannan junior Mary Friel and keeper Rosemary Burke helped anchor the defense in the shutout. Lakeshore (1-3-1) did a better job denying Hannan opportunities in the second half as the teams played to a scoreless period. The Titans struggled throughout the match trying to work the ball upfield against Hannan’s smothering defense. Lakeshore’s lone scoring opportunity didn’t occur until the 54th minute. Lakeshore sophomore Julia

Staff report

Avery Daigle, a sophomore star for the Mandeville girls swimming team, has been selected as November’s Allstate Sugar Bowl Athlete of the Month presented by LCMC Health.

Athletes of the month have been selected by the New Orleans Sports Awards Committee since 1957. The athlete must be a native of the greater New Orleans area or must compete for a team in the metropolitan region to be eligible. According to available records, Daigle is the first female swimmer to earn the award since February 1994, when future Olympic Gold Medalist Ashley Tappin was honored.

Daigle had a pair of memorable performances in the pool in November, earning Most Outstanding Female Swimmer honors at both the LHSAA Division I state championship meet and the Allstate Sugar Bowl Metro Championships. The sophomore swimmer set two

individual composite state records – both All-America times – while helping the Skippers’ 200-yard medley relay set a composite state record at the Division I state meet on Nov 22. She won the 100 butterfly (54.02), the 100 backstroke (54.14) and swam on the state champion 200 medley relay, which finished with an All-America consideration time of 1:45.30.

“The main goal all season was to go to state, win and break the state records, so I was happy I was able to do that,” Daigle said. At the Sugar Bowl Metro Meet (Nov 7-8), she repeated as the Outstanding Swimmer as she posted her personal-best times in three events, including posting an AllAmerica qualifying time of 53.72 in the 100-yard butterfly She also won the 100-backstroke with an All-America consideration time of 55.31, posted a meet record in the 50-freestyle at 23.14, and keyed the winning 200-freestyle relay team (1:39.06).

“Going into when I first started high school, I always thought the first event I would get an automatic All-American would be the 50 free or the 100 free because those are my main events. When it was in the 100 fly, I was like, ‘Huh, maybe I should be doing that more,’” Daigle said.

Daigle was selected for the Sugar Bowl honor over two other high school stars and four standout collegiate athletes, including Slidell volleyball middle hitter Ava Barduca, who helped the Tigers win their second straight Division I state title over Dominican. In five state tournament matches, the senior recorded 89 kills, 25 blocks, 24 digs, and seven aces.

The other athletes included UNO basketball star Coleton Benson, St. Augustine quarterback Vashaun Coulon, Shaw basketball player Kameron Johnson, Tulane QB Jake Retzlaff and Duke running back and former Mandeville High star Nate Sheppard.

Haddad found herself open about 20 yards out and placed a shot on target, clanking off the crossbar Fellow sophomore Tannah Willie’s rebound was deflected, and Haddad managed to get off a third shot that was cleared by the Hawks’ defense.

Lakeshore senior goalkeeper and team captain Aubrey Gaudet finished with 22 saves, including several one-on-one denials. Titans’ coach Wes Leake said Gaudet is the backbone of the team.

“Aubrey is a quality keeper and a tremendous team captain. She’s quick and athletic with tremendous instincts, anticipating what the offensive player will try to do,” Leake said.

“Credit Hannan. They’re a wellseasoned team, and they’ve seen it all with talented, experienced players, who I know from travel ball teams Giving up those two early goals definitely hurt us. We played a little better in the second half, but our players are trying to get their feet under them. Our challenge is who will be able to provide our scoring during the season.”

SCORE BY HALVES

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Some very familiar names headline the 2025 St. Tammany Farmer All-Parish Cross-Country teams. Northshore sophomore Grace Keene took home the Division I state title in record-breaking time, while three-time defending Division V state champion Noah Watson finished fifth.

The battle for Coach of the Year was a tight one between Mandeville first-year coach Howie Inman and Northshore coach Vincent Ruda. Those schools combined to put 12 runners on these two AllParish teams. Inman just edged out Ruda for the award as seven Skippers are featured below Honorees are listed in alphabetical order by last name underneath the respective Runner of the Year BOYS

RUNNER OF THE YEAR

BRAYDEN BERGLUND, MANDEVILLE, SENIOR

Finished 9th at the Division I state championship with a 3-mile time of 15 minutes, 44.6 seconds, which was a 31-second improvement from a year ago. It was the fastest time from a St. Tammany Parish runner at the state meet. During the regular season, he finished in the Top 10 each meet, won the regional meet for the first time in over 30 years and was the first Mandeville runner to earn LHSAA All-State honors since 2009.

REST OF THE TEAM

JACK BLANDA, NORTHSHORE, JUNIOR

Posted a time of 17:35.5 to finish 61st at the Division I state meet.

ARCH CALLAHAN, ST. PAUL’S, SENIOR

Finished in 41st place at the Division I state meet with a time of 16:56.5, a 29-second improvement on his time from last season.

JOHN D’HEMECOURT, ST. PAUL’S, SOPHO-

MORE

Posted a time of 18:20.8 to finish 92nd at the Division I state meet.

TATE GILMAN, MANDEVILLE, JUNIOR

Finished in 57th place at the Division I state meet with a time of 17:29.0.

DAVID HEBERT, NORTHSHORE, JUNIOR

Posted a time of 18:04.8 to finish 83rd at the Division I state meet.

JOHN KRENNERICH, FONTAINEBLEAU, JU-

NIOR

Finished in 54th place at the Division I state meet with a time of 17:22.6.

ALEXANDER MERKLE, SLIDELL, SENIOR

Posted a time of 18:14.7 to finish 88th at Division I state meet.

MAX NEWMAN, MANDEVILLE, SOPHO-

MORE

Finished in 62nd place at the Division I state meet with a time of 17:35.9.

DYLAN POCHE, FONTAINEBLEAU, SOPHO-

MORE Posted a time of 18:04.8 to finish 84th at Division I state meet.

BRODY TRUMBLE, MANDEVILLE, JUNIOR

Finished in 91st placed at the Division I state meet with a time of 18:19.3. GIRLS

RUNNER OF THE YEAR

GRACE KEENE, NORTHSHORE, SOPHO-

MORE Won the Division I state championship with a 3-mile time of 17:21.7. That time was over a minute faster than her 2024 state time, set a new Division I state record and was the third fastest time ever run at the state meet. She also earned LHSAA All-State honors for her performance.

REST OF THE TEAM

GENEVIEVE BLANC, MANDEVILLE, SENIOR Finished in 35th place at the Division I state meet with a time of 20:22.2.

ELLIE BROCATO, MANDEVILLE, FRESHMAN Posted a time of 20:34.5 to finish 38th at the Division I state meet. GLORIA CHAWKI, NORTHSHORE, JUNIOR Finished in 48th

SIGNING DAY

HAMMOND BOUND

Covington’s Brock, Sharp ink with Southeastern

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Covington athletes Jiwaun Brock and Kaelyn “KK” Sharp were both long-time contributors on the football field and volleyball court for the Lions.

So it seemed only fitting that the duo cemented their college futures at Southeastern on Dec. 5.

Brock, a 3-star receiver looked like he was headed to the PAC-12’s Texas State when he committed to the Bobcats on May 8. But the talented 5-foot-11 athlete decommitted on Nov 20, and it didn’t take long for him to find a new home, just a short drive from his hometown.

“This is a dream come true I’ve been dreaming about this my whole life. The greatest thing about it is that I’m right down the street. I get to play at home All my friends and family can come watch me I love that,” Brock said.

“I got a lot of calls from Power 4 schools, some Group of 5 schools, but the schools were really far away. I talked to my family and they were like, ‘I think you should stay close to home.’ I thought the best decision was to stay close to home.”

As a senior, Brock finished with 47 catches for 906 yards and 13 TDs, along with an interception and a tackle.

Covington coach Greg Salter said Brock is a complete receiver with soft hands, solid route-running skills and the ability to get extra yards after the catch.

“I’m really proud of him,” Salter said.

“He’s done a lot of great things for us over the last few years. I think Southeastern is getting a steal. I think he’ll do really well there. With him, his natural ball skills are exceptional. He does everything you need at receiver.”

Brock said the choice to play football was more of a calling

“To be honest, football chose me,” he said.

“It’s not like you choose it; football chooses

Fontainebleau’s Ava Frerman signs with UNO volleyball

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Fontainebleau outside hitter Ava Frerman always dreamed of being a college athlete.

Both her parents competed at Spring Hill College, so the young athlete went to work.

First, she thought her future was on the soccer field

“I was pretty good at soccer, and I usually like things that I’m good at,” Frerman said. “Volleyball wasn’t my strong suit at first. After I improved in club and school volleyball, I discovered that I really liked it.”

That improvement on the court caught the eyes of college coaches, and the rest is history

Frerman signed to play Division I volleyball at the University of New Orleans

Continued from page 1B

on Dec. 5.

“This means a lot,” she said. “This is something that I said I wanted to do since I was little. Both of my parents were college athletes, so I knew that was something I wanted to do. It still doesn’t feel real, especially since I just started the recruiting process last year.”

As a senior, she recorded 535 aces, 460 digs, 53 blocks and 38 aces. She finished with 1,215 kills, 765 digs, 123 blocks and 82 aces in her Bulldogs’ career Fontainebleau coach Kacie Mulé said as a freshman, Frerman was “locked in” as a soccer player, but the 5-foot-10 senior turned to volleyball and became the Bulldogs’ to-go offensive option.

“This is the culmination of thousands of hours in the gym and outside the gym,”

Mulé said. “I think it’s a great fit for her She wanted to stay closer to home. I think she’ll excel at the Division I level, so this is really great for her.”

Frerman played soccer for eight years, but she competed in her first club volleyball season during the spring of her eighth-grade year That club season was the starting point of her college journey

“Soccer was definitely my No. 1 sport up until my freshman year,” Frerman said. “I just saw how much I was improving in volleyball. I really enjoyed practice a lot more in volleyball than I did soccer I think that is a big aspect of the game, so I just developed more of a love for volleyball.”

Frerman will be an early enrollee at UNO and plans to study chemistry

Birdlow said. “I just lost a lot of love for it. It really didn’t mean anything to me. I told our defense coordinator coach Phil Smith that I thought that was it for me, but he had an hour-long talk with me. He gave me some good advice. He saw it in me before I saw

you. You go out there, and it just happens It brings out a rage when you step on the field.

When you step on the field, all the rage is let out, and you feel relieved.”

For Sharp, signing with Southeastern was the completion of a goal she set when she was just 12-years old. That’s when Sharp told her mother that she was going to play college volleyball.

“This has been my dream, but I never really knew if it was going to happen,” Sharp said “Obviously, I’ve been working towards it, but it feels unreal. I still can’t believe it is happening. I’m a little nervous, but I’m just glad that everyone I love can be here. They have all supported me. I couldn’t be here without them.”

As a senior, Sharp finished with 385 digs, 311 kills and 56 aces. During her time at Covington, she amassed 1,373 digs, 1,330 kills, 259 aces and 52 blocks.

Sharp verbally committed to the Lions on Aug. 15, 2024, and the 5-foot-7 athlete said the community and family feel of South-

eastern just felt like home.

“I just love this sport,” Sharp said. “I get very few breaks from volleyball, but when I do, I get unsettled. I don’t know what to do with myself. Over Thanksgiving, I took a week off and didn’t play volleyball at all, and I told my mom that I was ready to get back into it. I just love it. Getting the opportunity to play four more years is the best thing that I could ever ask for.”

Covington coach Brennon Coker said outside of Sharp’s physical gifts that her leadership sets her apart.

“The sky is the limit for her,” Coker said. “There was never a doubt that Kaelyn Sharp would go next level She put everything into getting to this point. I just really loved seeing her growth and development as a leader I credit a lot of our success this year to how much she has grown as a leader She put the team on her back at times, then she would step back and let others shine. That’s what true leadership is. The legacy she leaves here is massive.”

it in myself. That meant a lot to me.” Birdlow said that conversion made him “put in 10 times more work,” and it showed on the field, especially this past season, as he finished with 37 catches for 556 yards and six TDs. Slidell coach Damon Page said Birdlow also grew into a leader off the field. “He’s one of the best kids that I have ever had the op-

portunity to coach,” Page said. “He has grown so much. His ability to change the room just by showing up is special He’s a great teammate. The maturity he showed his season was even more important than his physical gifts.”

As Birdlow posed for photos with extended family and friends, his older brother Micaiah Birdlow who signed in the same gym with

Centenary College in 2024, said it was a special moment for the entire family

“Being his immediate family, we see a lot of work that he puts in behind the scenes,” Micaiah Birdlow said. “We see everything that goes into those touchdowns and wins. I can testify that he has worked hard to get to this moment. I’m proud of him because he deserves it.”

Relentless pressure fuels

Salmen

girls basketball

team’s 7-1 start

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Salmen girls basketball Daryl Thomas looked out at the court with a smile.

The Spartans were in the middle of a drill in which two players sprinted from the end line, chasing a bouncing tennis ball to see who could catch it.

The drill is simple but creates competition, and that’s precisely the point. The Spartans want to make their opponents uncomfortable by exerting relentless pressure on the ball at all times

“We did a lot of work in the summer to prepare for this season,” senior Akayla McMooian said. “All summer we focused on being pests on defense, and you can see that in the way we play We’re all over the place on defense.”

That focus is playing off. The Spartans (7-1) are riding a six-game win streak, including a 6033 dismantling of Hahnville on Dec. 5.

“In past seasons, I don’t think we had the same competitive nature as we’ve had this season,” McMooian said. “Everybody is going hard. Everybody wants it. They want it for everybody, every game.” Salmen has recorded 174 steals — that’s nearly 22 steals a game — through the first eight games. That number is likely impossible to keep up but the Spartans are going to try.

“We’re going hard in transition, but the main thing is our defense,” Thomas said. “Our defense has been the key We worked on defense all summer We played man-to-man defense all through summer league. We’re very athletic and long, so we wanted to use that to our advantage.” McMooain, a four-year starter, is leading the

team with 20.3 points per game, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.1 steals. Junior guard Kendal Thomas, a three-year starter, is the other double-digit scorer, averaging 15.5 points, 5.1 assists, 4.6 steals and 3.9 rebounds.

“The best teacher is just playing because you’re able to learn the game,” Coach Thomas said. “(McMooain and Thomas) have logged a lot of time on the court. And they have embraced their leadership position, and they have been preaching the team model. Everything goes because of the team. That’s how we’ll be successful.”

Senior post player Bryelle Major adds 9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.5 steals per game, while senior guard An’gana’e Domino is averaging 3.9 steals.

Those teamwide contributions are essential to the team’s continued success as Coach Thomas preaches the Mantra that “hard defense turns into easy offense.”

And the Spartans seem prepared to keep up that defense as practice starts with an 8-minute run to reinforce their conditioning. Salmen believes no one will outrun them this season, but they know much more work needs to happen before they can focus on their final goal — a deep playoff run

“We still need to work on our togetherness, but we’re improving as a team each day,” Kendal Thomas said. “We’re playing more together as a team. We want to make a deep run in the playoffs. I think teams are underestimating right now Teams better be ready when they play us.”

Northlake Christian’s Blake Mediamolle drives to the hoop as Mandeville’s Nicolas Pearson defends.

MANDEVILLE

Continued from page 1B

“To be as bad as we were shooting 3-pointers and to still win the game, that’s what this is about. We’re not going to be able to do that every game and still win, but we’re trying to build off what we did here.”

All three of the Wolverines’ victories so far this season have come against teams in higher classifications Bogalusa (3A) Istrouma (4A) and Patrick Taylor (3A), and they gave themselves a chance to knock off the 5A Skippers. They’re still figuring things out, as well, as they played just their fifth game under first-year coach Justin Posey, who had a couple of football players return to the hardwood for the first time

this season.

“I told the guys that I was proud, and we could have laid down and died. But we fought to the very end, and we threw everything out there that we had,” Posey said. “We gave ourselves a chance at the end, and one game won’t define us.

“I love this school, I love the kids, and I love the opportunity These kids work

so hard we don’t play as individuals, and they think like coaches. They really have bought in.”

SCORE BY QUARTERS

MANDEVILLE | 7 | 15 | 13 | 25 — 60

NORTHLAKE | 4 | 15 | 10 | 20 — 49

PUBLICNOTICE

Servbank,N.A vs William Bradford Guarino (52)202515928

Sheriff's Civil Divi‐sion Parish of St. Tam‐many State of Louisiana

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 October 29, 2025 and to me directed, I, Randy Smith, Sheriff, have taken possession of and will offer for sale at public 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 January 14, 2026, the following property:

Property Descrip‐ tion: All that certain piece or portion of land, together with all the buildings and improvements thereon, and all the tights, ways, means, privileges, servi‐tudes, prescriptions, appurtenances and advantages there‐unto belonging or in anywise appertain‐ing thereto, situated in Sections 48 and 40, Township 8 South, Range 12 East Parish of St Tammany, State of Louisiana, and being described as follows to-wit:

From the section corner common to Sections 23, 38 and 48 of Township 8 South, Range 12 East, go South 71 degrees 36 minutes East, 3469.2 feet along the line divid‐ing Sections 38 and 48; thence South 19 degrees 41 minutes West, 436.1 feet to the Southwest cor‐ner of the intersec‐tion of Richard Street and Clover‐land Drive; thence go along said Cloverland Drive, being South 71 de‐grees 26 minutes East 439.7 feet to an iron pipe and the PointofBeginning.

From the Point of Beginning continue South 71 degrees 26 minutes

to an iron pipe;

439.7 feet to an iron pipe and the PointofBeginning.

From the Point of Beginning continue South 71 degrees 26 minutes East, 217.8 feet to an iron pipe; thence South 18 de‐grees 34 minutes East, 287 feet to an iron pipe set on the North right of way line of Teilwade Drive; thence go along said Teilwade Drive in two courses, North 80 degrees 54 minutes West, 50.6 feet; thence North 71 de‐grees 26 minutes West, 167.2 feet to an iron pipe; thence North 18 degrees 34 minutes East, 297.2 feet to the Point of Beginning and con‐taining 1.48 acres of land,moreorless.

All as shown on sur‐vey of John H. Soll‐berger, C.E dated April30,1959(indi‐cating 1.50 acres), and as per survey of John E. Bonneau & Associates Inc. John E. Bonneau Registered Land Surveyor datedJuly 18, 2003, under Sur‐veyNo 2003521.

Municipal Address: 27217 CLOVER‐LAND DR, LA‐COMBE, LA 70445-4609 Writ Amount:

$166,286.96

Plaintiff Attorney: LOGS Legal Group, LLP 3510 N. Causeway BlvdSuite600 Metairie,LA70002 TermsofSale:With‐out appraisal, 10% at adjudication and balance within 30 days

RANDY SMITH, SHERIFF $101.13 Property

PUBLICNOTICE

U.S. Bank National Association, Not in its Individual Ca‐pacity but Solely in its Capacity as In‐denture Trustee of CIMTrust2020-R1 vs Charlie A Estes, Jr and Debra Pitre Estes (52)202416270 Sheriff's Civil Divi‐sion 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 December 6 2024 and to me directed I, Randy Smith Sheriff, have taken possession of and will offer for sale at public 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, December 17, 2025, the following property:

Property Descrip‐ tion: Tantela Ranch Es‐tates, Phases 1-A and 1- B Lot 15 as referenced in the Mortgage recorded instrument number 1677986

Municipal Address: 77046 TANTELLA RANCH RD Cov‐ington,LA70435

Writ Amount: $116,913.60

Plaintiff Attorney: Dean Morris, LLP 1505 North 19th Street, Monroe, LA 71207

Terms of Sale: with appraisal, 10% at adjudication and balance within 30 days

RANDY SMITH SHERIFF $64.56

Municipal Address: 77046 TANTELLA RANCH RD, Cov‐ington,LA70435 Writ Amount:

$116,913.60

Plaintiff Attorney: Dean Morris, LLP 1505 North 19th Street, Monroe, LA 71207

Terms of Sale: with appraisal, 10% at adjudication and balance within 30 days

RANDY SMITH SHERIFF $64.56 and the

PUBLICNOTICE

UMB Bank, Na‐tional Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity but Solely as Owner Trustee forVerusSecuritiza‐tionTrust2023-5 vs NawaungMaran (52)202513612

Sheriff's Civil Divi‐sion 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 July 7, 2025 and to 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, December 17, 2025, the following property: Property Descrip‐ tion: THAT CERTAIN PIECE OR POR‐TION OF GROUND, together with all the build‐ings and improve‐ments thereon, and all the rights, ways means, privileges,servitudes and ap‐purtenances there‐unto belonging or in anywise appertain‐ing, situated in the State of Louisiana, Parish of St. Tam‐many, in WOODRIDGE ON THE LAKE SUB‐DIVISION, PHASE 2, being more fully described as fol‐lows,to-wit: LOT 307, WOODRIDGE ON THE LAKE SUB‐DIVISION, PHASE 2, ST TAMMANY PARISH, LOUISIANA. Lot 307 is bounded by Ridgewood Drive, the South boundary of Subdivision, the West Boundary of Subdivision, and Ridgewood Circle; the southwesterly rear corner of the lot commences 193.35 feet from the corner of the South Bound‐ary of Subdivision and the West Boundary of Subdi‐vision; said lot mea‐sures 57.16 feet in the rear, along the WestBoundaryLine of the Subdivision, by a width and front on Ridgewood Drive of 63.10 feet by a depth on both sidelinesof125feet According to a sur‐vey by Gilbert, Kelly & Couture Inc. dated October 20, 1992, copy of which is annexed hereto, said lot has the same location, designation and measurements as set outabove

Municipal Address: 415 RIDGEWOOD DR, Mandeville, LA70471 Writ Amount: $236,964.40 Plaintiff Attorney: Halliday, Watkins & Mann, PC 376 East 400 South, Ste. 300 Salt Lake City UT 84111

Terms of Sale: With appraisal 10% at adjudication and balance within 30 days RANDY SMITH, SHERIFF $91.99

tional Association, not in its Individual Capacity but Solely as OwnerTrustee for GS Mortgage- Backed Securities Trust2022-RPL3 vs Rosa M. Navarre a/k/a Rosa M. Macon Navarre and Gerald H. Navarre Jr (52)202514774

Municipal Address: 20650 SOELL DR COVINGTON, LA 70433

Writ Amount: $49,101.53

for the

out appraisal, 10%

Municipal Address: 415 RIDGEWOOD DR Mandeville LA70471 Writ Amount: $236,964.40 Plaintiff Attorney: Halliday, Watkins & Mann, PC 376 East 400 South, Ste. 300 Salt Lake City UT 84111

Terms of Sale: With appraisal, 10% at adjudication and balance within 30 days

RANDY SMITH, SHERIFF $91.99

PUBLICNOTICE

United Wholesale Mortgage LLC Vs David John Mendel, Sr a/k/a Davis J. Mendel, Sr a/k/a David Mendel, Sr a/k/a David John Mendela/k/aDavid J. Mendel a/k/a DavidMendel (52)202515463 Sheriff's Civil Divi‐sion

Parish of St. Tam‐many State of Louisiana

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 October 21, 2025 and to me directed, I, Randy Smith, Sheriff, have taken possession of and will offer for sale at public 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 January 14, 2026, the following property:

Property Descrip‐ tion: Lot 47 of Singing RiverEstatesSubdi‐vision, Phase Two as referenced in the Mortgage recorded at instrument num‐ber2408118

Municipal Address: 109 WOODLAND DR, COVINGTON, LA70433-5328 Writ Amount: $188,866.54 Plaintiff Attorney: Law Offices of Her‐schelAdcock,Jr P.O BOX87379 BATON ROUGE LA70879

TermsofSale:With‐out appraisal 10% at adjudication and balance within 30 days RANDY SMITH, SHERIFF $64.56

Sheriff's Civil Divi‐sion Parish of St Tammany State of Louisiana

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 September 5, 2025 and to me directed I, Randy Smith Sheriff, have taken possession of and will offer for sale at public 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, January 14, 2026, the following property: Property Descrip‐ tion: ALL THAT CER‐TAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, together with all of the build‐ings and improve‐ments thereon, and all of the rights, ways means, privi‐leges, servitudes, appurtenances ad‐vantages and com‐ponent parts there‐unto belonging or in anywise appertain‐ing thereto, lying andbeingsituatedin SECTION 13 AND A PORTION OF SECTION 14, TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 11 EAST, in the PARISH OF ST TAMMANY, STATE OF LOUISIANA, des‐ignated as LOT 1-A on a plan of resubdi‐vision by Ross B. Cashion, Jr., P. R., P L. S. dated June 30 2001, a copy of which is annexed to an act registered as Instrument Number 1253997, and ac‐cording to said plan said portion of ground is more fully described as fol‐lows,to-wit:

From the intersec‐tion of the center line of the Helen‐burg Road and the East line of the gravel road known as Sixth Avenue (now S. Soell Av‐enue), go in a south‐easterly direction along said East line a distance of 675 feet to a point; thence go at right angles in a north‐easterly direction a distance of 1,150 feet to the point of beginning. Thence continue in a north‐easterly direction along the East line of S. SoellAvenue a distance of 100.0 feet to a point; thence turn at right angle and go in a southeaserly direc‐tion a distance of 270 feet to a point; thence turn at a right angle and go in a southwesterly direc‐tion a distance of 100.0 feet; thence turn at a right angle and go in a north‐westerly direction a distance of 270 feet to the point of de‐parture

Municipal Address: 20650 SOELL DR, COVINGTON, LA 70433

Writ Amount: $49,101.53

Plaintiff Attorney: Jackson & Mcpher‐son 935 GRAVIER STREET SUITE1400 NEW ORLEANS, LA70112

TermsofSale:With‐out appraisal, 10% at adjudication and balance within 30 days

RANDY SMITH, SHERIFF $103.06

Plaintiff Attorney: Jackson & Mcpher‐son 935 GRAVIER STREET SUITE1400 NEW ORLEANS, LA70112

TermsofSale:With‐out appraisal, 10% at adjudication and balance within 30 days RANDY SMITH, SHERIFF $103.06

PUBLICNOTICE US Bank Trust Na‐tional Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Trustee For VRMTG Asset Trust vs William Joseph Farmer Jr Kaitlyn Farmer a/k/a Kait‐lyn Marie Farmer Oliver and William Farmer III a/k/a William J. Farmer III (52)202416012

Sheriff's Civil Divi‐sion 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 December 27, 2024 and to me directed I, Randy Smith Sheriff, have taken possession of and will offer for sale at public 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, December 17, 2025, the following property: Property Descrip‐ tion: Certain parcel of ground situated in Section 10, Town‐ship 9 South, Range 14 East measuring 209.4' x 209.4' x 209.61' x 208.1' containing 1.00 acre more or less, as ref‐erenced in the Mort‐gage recorded at In‐strument#1957011

Municipal Address: 64296 CAREY RD, PEARLRIVER,LA 70452

Writ Amount: $95,458.09

Plaintiff Attorney: Dean Morris, LLP 1505 North 19th Street, Monroe, LA 71207

Terms of Sale: With appraisal, 10% at adjudication and balance within 30 days RANDY SMITH SHERIFF $69.85

PUBLICNOTICE

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as Trustee for the Mastr Asset Backed Securities Trust 2007-NCW Mortgage Pass-Through Cer‐tificates Series 2007-NCW vs Jorge A. Gonzalez and Ashanti Bargky Gonzalez (52)202411397 Sheriff's Civil Divi‐sion Parish of St Tam‐many State of Louisiana

Backed Securities Trust 2007-NCW Mortgage Pass-Through Cer‐tificates Series 2007-NCW vs Jorge A Gonzalez and Ashanti Bargky Gonzalez (52)202411397 Sheriff's Civil Divi‐sion Parish of St. Tam‐many State of Louisiana 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 April 11, 2024 and to 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 January 14, 2026, the following property: Property Descrip‐ tion: Lot 351, Brecken‐ridge Subdivision, Phase 3 as refer‐enced in the Mort‐gage recorded at In‐strument#1606556. Municipal Address: 233 GOLDEN‐WOOD DR, SLIDELL, LA 70461-4212 Writ Amount: $212,827.98 Plaintiff Attorney: DeanMorris,LLP 1505NORTH19TH STREET MONROE, LA 71207

Terms of Sale: With appraisal, 10% at adjudication and balance within 30 days RANDY SMITH, SHERIFF $66.00

PUBLICNOTICE

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A vs Allen J. Huffman a/k/a Allen Joseph Huffman a/k/aAllen Huffman (52)202515754 Sheriff's Civil Divi‐sion Parish of St Tammany State of Louisiana

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 October 15, 2025 and to me directed I, Randy Smith, Sheriff, have taken possession of and will offer for sale at public 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, January 14, 2026, the following property:

Property Descrip‐ tion: All that certain piece or parcel of land situated in Sec‐tion 27, Township 5 South, Range 10 Eastcontaining 5.217 acres as refer‐enced in the Mort‐gage recorded at in‐strument number 2112757

Municipal Address: 79150 BOOTH RD, FOLSOM, LA 70437 Writ Amount: $235,480.11

PUBLICNOTICE

Wilmington Trust, National Associa‐tion, not in its Indi‐vidual Capacity but Solely as Trustee of Bravo Residential FundingTrust20192 vs Jeffrey L. Sharp, Kori N. Sharp and Lori A. Sharp Has‐sell, IndependentCo-Administrators of the Succession of Latroy Veltee Sharp and Carolyn Jenkins Sharp (52)202415447 Sheriff's Civil Divi‐sion Parish of St. Tam‐many StateofLouisiana Notice

Municipal Address: 22606 LA-40, BUSH,LA70431 Writ Amount: $9,397.61 Plaintiff Attorney: Dean Morris, LLP 1505North19thSt Monroe,LA71207 TermsofSale:With‐out appraisal 10% at adjudication and balance within 30 days RANDY SMITH, SHERIFF $67.93

Covington, LA 70433, beginning at 10:00 am Wednes‐day, January 14, 2026, the following property: Property Descrip‐ tion: ALL THAT CER‐TAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, together with all of the build‐ings and improve‐ments thereon, and all of the rights, ways means, privi‐leges, servitudes, appurtenances, ad‐vantages and com‐ponent parts there‐unto belonging or in anywise appertain‐ing thereto, lying

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 April 11, 2024 and to 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, January 14, 2026, the following property: Property Descrip‐ tion: Lot 351, Brecken‐ridge Subdivision, Phase 3 as refer‐enced in the Mort‐gage recorded at In‐strument#1606556.

When you need the news. Wherever you read the news.

Plaintiff Attorney: Law Offices of Her‐schelAdcock,Jr P.O.BOX87379 BATON ROUGE LA70879

Terms of Sale:

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Municipal Address: 233 GOLDEN‐WOOD DR, SLIDELL, LA 70461-4212 Writ Amount: $212,827.98