Issuu

COVINGTON • FOLSOM • LACOMBE • MADISONVILLE • MANDEVILLE • SLIDELL

ST. TAMMANY

N O L A.C O M

W e d n e s d ay, O c t o b e r 14, 2026

1AN

Alfonso named interim superintendent ST. TAMMANY PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BY JIM DERRY Staff writer

Following more than two hours of debate and public questions, the St. Tammany Parish School Board on Oct. 5 appointed Assistant Superintendent Steve Alfonso as the interim replacement for Frank Jabbia, who abruptly retired Sept. 30. The interim appointment, which passed on an 11-2 vote, followed months of questions surrounding the situation at Lyon Elementary in Covington, in which two former school administrators pleaded guilty to charges of failure to report STAFF FILE PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN child abuse. Alfonso will serve for the remainder The St. Tammany Parish School Board has made of the school year as the board searches Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Steve for a permanent replacement for Jabbia. Alfonso interim superintendent in place of the retired During the meeting, Alfonso addressed Frank Jabbia. comments and questions critical of the

system and its response. “We acknowledge there are some problems that need to be addressed,” he said. “I acknowledge them. I am willing to step up and address those problems.” The well-attended meeting at the CJ Schoen Administrative Complex in Covington saw both support and opposition to Alfonso from the crowd. Many inside the school system advocated for his promotion as interim leader, while others said that someone from outside the system was needed immediately. “Some of the words I can use to describe him are honesty, trustworthy, experienced, committed,” said Johnny Vitrano, a now-retired former principal

Another Night Out the trailheads in Mandeville and Covington, along with Heritage Park in Slidell, during the late afternoon and early evening of Oct. 6 as law enforcement personnel left patrol vehicles and station houses to mix and mingle with residents for a few

BY JIM DERRY

hours of intentional community

Staff writer

building. It was part of a continuing, national movement to foster better working relationships and the communities they serve,

ä See ALFONSO, page 3A

Sheriff candidates call for culture change ‘at the top’

National Night Out took over

between local ﬁrst responders

at Fontainebleau High School, who ﬁrst hired Alfonso to St. Tammany in 2008. “Steve will do the job. He’s made tough decisions. He’s willing to do them.” Shelta Richardson, a former member of the School Board who was one of 24 public speakers to offer their opinion, said that everyone who supported Alfonso was “part of the problem.” “They have been here 20, 30, 40, 50 years,” said Richardson. “Give this community an opportunity to have a reset.” Isabelle Moore and Michelle Hirstius were the two no votes on the board. Deborah McCollum and Michelle Ruffino Gallaher were absent. Board President Amanda Reed Martin said Louisiana law left no option but to ﬁnd the best suitable replacement — at least on an interim basis — as soon as

PHOTO BY MATT DOBBINS

Reed Navarre crawls through the smoke room set up by St. Tammany Parish Fire Department at the National Night Out held in Heritage Park in Slidell on Oct. 6.

all geared toward getting to

Marcus Jackson, left, instructs Zakari Landor on how to play a game at the Covington Trailhead.

know one another to better ﬁght crime together. There was a lot of food, a lot of freebies, a lot of families — kids swarmed ﬁrst responder vehicles — always a

PHOTO BY BOBBY GILBOY

favorite with the younger set. Coming as it does in October,

The four men running to become St. Tammany Parish’s next sheriff presented their platforms at a forum in Mandeville on Oct. 7, each stressing the importance of restorH H H H H H ing trust in an agency that’s been riven by budget worries, ﬂagging morale and a scandal that felled its former leader. Former Louisiana State Police Superintendent Robert Hodges, retired U.S. Marshal Scott Illing, retired St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Lt. David Maki and ex-Slidell interim Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau ﬁelded questions at The Greystone from Kyle Beerbohm, a board member of the St. Tammany Chamber of

ELECTION

National Night Out doubled as a

ä See SHERIFF, page 2A

sort of trunk-or-treat in Heritage Park, where some vendors with canopies handed out treats. Lots of youngsters, and an occasional adult, were dressed

Eden Schexnayder, held by mom Jann Schexnayder, is excited about her cotton candy.

for the season, giving the crowd a real family-ﬂavored Halloween feel on the mild fall evening. And for those who wanted to down more than a Tootsie Roll or two, there were hot dogs, pizza and

PHOTO BY BOBBY GILBOY

jambalaya — because national though it might be, this was still

ä More Night Out photos.

Night Out in Louisiana.

Early voting begins Oct. 20 Staff report Early voting in person for the Nov. 3 primary election takes place every day from Oct. 20, through Oct. 27, except for Sunday, when there is no voting. In person early voting hours weekdays and Saturdays are 8:30 a.m. through 6 p.m. The locations for voters to go and vote early and in person include: n Covington, 601 N. Jefferson Ave., St. Tammany Justice Center

PAGE 4A

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2A ✦ Wednesday, October 14, 2026 ✦ St. Tammany ✦

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H H

SHERIFF

ELECTION

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Commerce. During the event, one of multiple forums and debates held ahead of the Nov. 3 election, the candidates largely echoed each other’s points. Each emphasized his long experience in law enforcement and the need to restore trust in the Sheriff’s Ofﬁce. They all acknowledged potential budget issues facing whoever wins the election, stressed an ultimate goal of keeping residents of St. Tammany safe and focused on the need to halt violent crimes before they happen. The luncheon came less than four weeks before the election to see who will fill the remaining term of Randy Smith, who resigned and pleaded guilty to second-degree battery after attacking a critic at a steakhouse. The term runs through June 2028. Though the tenures of the two past two sheriffs, Smith and Jack Strain, resulted in criminal charges, neither

were mentioned by name. They only came up in the first question, when Beerbohm asked the candidates how they perceived the culture inside the Sheriff’s Ofﬁce. Illing said that although he believed “we have a good Sheriff’s Office,” he said there are problems that exist and vowed to get rid of “the good old boy system.” Maki, who retired from the department in January, said, “I can tell you (the of-

ﬁcers) are fearful.” “The previous leadership led by fear instead of motivation, and I will lead by motivation,” he added. Seuzeneau said the ofﬁce “has an incredible pool of men and women, which is why this parish is so safe.” “When you change the culture at the top, it permeates all the way to the bottom, and that’s what we need,” he said. Also stressing the quality of deputies and administra-

tors already inside the Sheriff’s Office, Hodges said that moving forward, “They just need the right leader, someone who has a proven professional law enforcement career and is not tied to politics.” Each of the candidates has spent years in law enforcement, though this is the first run for office for all but Illing, 65, who finished third in the race for sheriff in 2015, behind Strain and Smith. Illing began his

career as a state trooper in the mid-1980s, then had a three-decade run working in U.S. Customs and next as a U.S. marshal for a short time during the ﬁrst term of President Donald Trump. Maki, 50, is the only one of the four candidates to have worked in the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Ofﬁce, serving for two decades beginning in 2006 before his retirement. Hodges and Seuzeneau each have experience running a law-enforcement agency. Hodges, 54, was the superintendent of the Louisiana State Police for more than two years and worked as a state trooper for 31 years, while Seuzeneau, 43, was interim Slidell police chief when Randy Fandal became the city’s mayor and has worked in several highlevel positions over the past 20 years. The oversight of the Sheriff’s Office budget was a focus of the forum. Each candidate talked about what would happen if he was presented with a one-time, $10 million addition to the $95

VOTING

District Judge, District 22, Division F

St. Tammany School Board, District 7

n * P. Wallace “Wally” Gott-

n Earl T. Carr Jr. (R)

n * Isabelle Moore (R)

Constable, Ward 2

Continued from page 1A

STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER

Louisiana State Police Superintendent Robert Hodges, from left, U.S. Marshal Scott Illing, retired St. Tammany Parish deputy David Maki and former Slidell interim police chief Daniel Seuzeneau, candidates for St. Tammany Parish sheriff, stand for an opening prayer at a St. Tammany Parish Chamber of Commerce luncheon Oct. 7 at The Greystone in Mandeville.

n * Vincent J. “Vinny” Lobello

(R)

Parking Garage (across District Judge, District 22, from the Justice Center in Division G n “Ben” Clayton (R) downtown Covington) n Slidell, 520 Old Spanish n Jason Cuccia (R) Trail, The Towers Building n Theophile “Theo” Jones (R) (first floor conference train- n Amanda A. Trosclair (R) ing area) n Angelina Valuri (R) n Mandeville, 21490 Koop Drive, Council Chambers, District Judge, District 22, first building on the left Division H The following candidates n Whitney Germany (R) qualified for the Nov. 3 elec- n Luke Lancaster (R) tions. Some races included on this list will be voted on District Judge, District 22, only by a portion of St. TamDivision I many residents (such as n Michael Cochran (R) School Board, municipal races, etc.) while others (U.S. District Judge, District 22, senator and representative, sheriff, seats on the 22nd Ju- Division J dicial District bench) will be n * Ellen Creel (R) open to all registered voters District Judge, District 22, in the parish. In addition to the offices Division K on the Nov. 3 ballot, a total n * Patrice W. “Patti” Oppenof 10 Louisiana state consti- heim (R) tutional amendments are to be decided that day, as well District Judge, District 22, as a proposed fee renewal Division L of a Slidell-area drainage n * Dawn Amacker (R) district.

ALL QUALIFIERS * – Incumbent

District Attorney, District 22

n * Collin Sims (R)

Sheriff, St. Tammany Parish

U.S. Senator

n Robert Hodges (R)

n “Jamie” Davis (D)

n Scott Illing (R)

n Julia Letlow (R)

n David Maki (NP)

U.S. Representative

n Randall Arrington (R) n E. “Liddy” Glass (NP) n Lauren Jewitt (D) n * Steve Scalise (R)

Associate Justice Supreme Court, District 1

n * William “Billy” Burris (R)

Public Service Commissioner, District 1

n Stephanie Hilferty (R)

n Christopher “Chris” Justin

(NP)

n Connie Norris (D)

State BESE Board, District 1

n * “Joseph” Cao (R)

n Angela Hershey (D)

District Judge, District 22, Division A

n * Alan Black (R)

District Judge, District 22, Division B

n * Tara Zeller (R)

District Judge, District 22, Division C

n Blair Alford (R)

District Judge, District 22, Division D

n * John Keller (R)

District Judge, District 22, Division E

n Michele Moore Echols (R) n Cameron Mary (R)

THE ST. TAMMANY ADVOCATE 321 N. New Hampshire Street Covington, LA 70433 PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY

Online at theneworleansadvocate.com/ community/sttammany

n Daniel Seuzeneau (R)

City Court Judge, East St. Tammany

n D’Andrea McMooain Chat-

man (D)

n Tammy M. Nick (R) n Tracey Turgeau Powell (R)

City Marshal Court, East St. Tammany

n John Gallaher (R) n Kevin O’Neill (R)

St. Tammany School Board, District 1

n Geoffrey “Geoff” Hingle (R) n Brandi Lopez (R)

St. Tammany School Board, District 2

n * Roslyn H. Hanson (R)

St. Tammany School Board, District 3

n * Adaline Villneurve Ruther-

ford (R)

St. Tammany School Board, District 4

n * Kalinda Fauntleroy (R)

St. Tammany School Board, District 5

n Miranda Buras (D)

n * Charles Brandon Harrell

(R) n Tammy Harwell Penton (R)

n “Ben” Banchs (R)

St. Tammany School Board, District 8

n * “Mike” Peterson (R)

St. Tammany School Board, District 9

n Reid Mahne (R)

n Samantha Ronquille (R)

St. Tammany School Board, District 10

n Nicolle Balser (R)

St. Tammany School Board, District 11

n Pamela Hotard (R)

n Jesse “Bert” Stephens (R)

(R) n Samuel Lee Provost (R)

Constable, Ward 3

(TWO TO BE ELECTED) n * Richard Ewing Moore Jr.

(R)

n * “Rick” Moore (R)

Constable, Ward 4

(TWO TO BE ELECTED) n Jared M. Schmidt (R) n * Jonathan Witman (R) n * Natalie Russo Witman (R)

Constable, Ward 5

Eastman (Other)

n Sheldon Kerr (R) n Robert “Bob” Krieger (NP) n John Preble (R) n Angela Whitehead (R) n John Zimek (R)

Aldermen, Pearl River

(FIVE TO BE ELECTED) n “Tim” Bennett (R) n Mathieu “Matt” Daigle (R) n * Kristy Franatovich (R) n Kory Kingston (NP) n Maria Lee (R) n John Masson (R) n * “Tim” Moray (R) n Dustin Shaffer (R)

Aldermen, Folsom

(THREE TO BE ELECTED)

n * Shawn Dillon (R) n * DeAnna Richardson Mingo

n Heath Panks (R)

Constable, Ward 6

n * “Jimmy” Howell (R)

n * Michelle Hirstius (R)

St. Tammany School Board, District 13

n * James Braud (R)

St. Tammany School Board, District 14

n Scott Allen Polk (R)

Constable, Ward 7

n * “Greg” Chabreck (R) n Adam C. Jacks (R)

Constable, Ward 8

n Ronald Randolph (D)

n Floyd Trascher (R)

St. Tammany School Board, District 15

Constable, Ward 10

n * Michelle Rufﬁno Gallaher

(R)

(TWO TO BE ELECTED) n * Byron Armand (R) n Curtis Conerly (R)

Justice of the Peace, Ward 1 Lakeshore Villages Community Development Supervisor, Division A

(TWO TO BE ELECTED) n * “Pete” Lalanne (R) n * Amy Murphree (R)

ROBERT FECANIN JR. (R)

Justice of the Peace, Ward 2 Lakeshore Villages Community Development Supervisor, Division B

(TWO TO BE ELECTED) n * “Tim” Garlick (R) n Terry Sharp (R)

NO CANDIDATES

Justice of the Peace, Ward 3 Lakeshore Villages Community Development SuperviJustice of the Peace, Ward 4 nsor, Division C

n * Connie Moore (R)

(TWO TO BE ELECTED) n Carlie Bloxom (NP) n * Susan Tingstrom Leonard (R) n * “Anne” Thompson (R) n Brett Tribou (R)

*Charlyn Flanagan (D)

Lakeshore Villages Community Development Supervisor, Division D NO CANDIDATES

Justice of the Peace, Ward 5 Lakeshore Villages Community Development Supervin James “Pee-Wee” Kahl (NP) sor, Division E Justice of the Peace, Ward 6 n * Anthony Caruso (R) n Rebecca “Becky” Crawford

(R)

Mayor, Abita Springs

n * Lisa Munday Polk (R)

n Stephen Duncan Saussy

Justice of the Peace, Ward 7

n Sandra Slifer (NP)

n * Shannon Bordelon (NP) n Staci Sidhu Wright (D)

Justice of the Peace, Ward 8

n * Michael Tassin (R)

Justice of the Peace, Ward 10 (TWO TO BE ELECTED) n * Clayton Borne (R) n * Rebecca Hill (D)

n Erin Oramous (R)

(TWO TO BE ELECTED)

EDITOR

n * John Thomas Mathies III

n Stewart “ManyLightnings”

n * Todd Kraft (R)

St. Tammany School Board, District 6

Andrew Canulette editor@ sttammanyfarmer. net

(TWO TO BE ELECTED) n * “Greg” Galloway (R)

n John d’Hemecourt (R)

St. Tammany School Board, District 12

n Patricia Kennedy Richards

n * Amanda Reed Martin (R)

schalk (R) n * Blake Pennington (R)

Jr. (R)

Mayor, Pearl River

n Virgil R. Phillips (NP) n Cheryl Schultheis (R)

Mayor, Folsom

n * Lance Willie (R)

Chief of Police, Pearl River

n Steven Ball (R) n John Polk (R)

(R)

Aldermen, Abita Springs

Constable, Ward 1

n Carl A. Bayhi (R)

(FIVE TO BE ELECTED)

n * E.J. Boudreaux (R)

SUBMISSIONS

Send your news, photos or letters to the editor by Monday at 5 p.m. to be published 9 days later, as space is available. Original photos will run as space is available and must be high-resolution JPEG attachments, 1MB or larger. First and last names must be included, from left to right. EMAIL: editor@sttammanyfarmer.net MAIL: use address at left ONLINE: www.sttammanyfarmer.net

n * George W. Garrett (D)

(NP) COUNCILMAN, COVINGTON, DISTRICT A n Maisha Harrell-Bijou (D) n Pamala McKay (D) n Alva Drionne Smith (D)

Proposition, St. Tammany Parish Drainage District No. 4

(RENEWAL OF EXISTING MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION TAX, FOR THE KINGSPOINT, FOXHOLLOW, PINEHURST, OAK PLAIN AND SPRINGHILL NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE SLIDELL AREA.) Shall Drainage District No. 4 of the Parish of St. Tammany, State of Louisiana (the “District”), be authorized to renew the existing $253 maintenance and operation tax on each landowner of record within the District in the amount of $253 for each 10,000 square feet of each lot and parcel owned, beginning with the year 2028, and ending with the year 2032, subject to renewal for ﬁve year terms by special election, reasonably expected to generate approximately $300,017 annually, to maintain the levee system, pumping station, pumps, holding ponds, construction of pumping stations, acquisition of land therefor, and other matters related thereto, in addition to the operation of the District including cost of the pumping station operation staff, salaries of ofﬁce staff, utilities and fuels, purchase of equipment necessary for the maintenance or operation of the District, contract services, insurance, personnel, and other matters related thereto or called for by law?

STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Proposed Amendment No. 1

Do you support an amendment to allow the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran with a service-connected disability, who receives the additional property tax exemption, to make a one-time transfer of the additional property tax exemption to a subsequent qualifying property? (Effective Jan. 1, 2027).

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DISPLAY ADS: 504-636-7425 CLASSIFIED ADS: 504-636-7421 M–F, 8 A.M.–5 P.M.

million budget in 2027. A quarter-cent sales tax on the voters’ docket for December could add an additional $15 million to $20 million, which would be directed for use in the justice system. “The conditions of our jail right now is deplorable,” Seuzeneau said. “It needs to be fixed … because citizens are tired of this parish and the sheriff fighting over who should do what. The bottom line is it needs to be fixed, not only for the inmates, but for the deputies who work in that environment.” Meanwhile, Hodges said he would use the hypothetical money for “more enhanced training, ensuring you retain the deputies in the jail,” and Maki concurred that he would use a majority of the money for added training. Illing said: “Our philosophy is money goes into personnel first and for operational (matters) second.” Jim Derry can be reached via email at jderry@ theadvocate.com.

Proposed Amendment No. 2

Do you support an amendment to allow a local taxing authority to continue to levy a lower millage rate without losing its ability to adjust to the maximum authorized millage rate from a prior year’s reassessment? (Effective Jan. 1, 2027).

Proposed Amendment No. 3

Do you support an amendment to prohibit a defendant from being released on any post-conviction bail if the defendant is convicted of an aggravated offense against a minor child?

Proposed Amendment No. 4

Do you support an amendment to prohibit a person who has served more than one and one-half terms as governor from being elected as governor for any future term?

Proposed Amendment No. 5

Do you support an amendment to authorize a state retirement system to apply any nonrecurring state monies it receives to any of its unfunded accrued liability rather than requiring application to its oldest unfunded accrued liability?

Proposed Amendment No. 6

Do you support an amendment to authorize parishes and municipalities to extend an additional property tax exemption for property subject to the homestead exemption that is owned and occupied by a person who is at least 65 years of age and who qualiﬁes for the special assessment level? (Effective Jan. 1, 2028).

Proposed Amendment No. 7

Do you support an amendment to allow for the use of public funds by a political subdivision for the purpose of identifying, inventorying, removing or replacing drinking water utility service lines made of or affected by materials as speciﬁed or prescribed by the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements of the United States Environmental Protection Agency?

Proposed Amendment No. 8

Do you support an amendment to prohibit expropriation of property by a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign adversary?

Proposed Amendment No. 9

Do you support an amendment to increase the maximum amount of income a person may receive and still qualify for the special assessment level for residential property receiving the homestead exemption? (Effective Jan. 1, 2027).

Proposed Amendment No. 10

Do you support an amendment to allow property tax exemptions for blighted or derelict properties that have been rehabilitated, and to require the legislature to enact laws providing for administration of these exemptions? (Effective Jan. 1, 2027).

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✦ St. Tammany ✦ Wednesday, October 14, 2026 ✦ 3A

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ALFONSO

Continued from page 1A possible. The school system’s chief financial officer, Terri Prevost, read a seven-minute statement explaining “everything is on hold” until a superintendent is named. “We have a simple, but very critical responsibility, and that is to ensure that our school system can legally operate moving forward,” Reed Martin said. “Without a CEO in place, certain operations would come to a halt. That would hurt our system, and it deﬁnitely is not what’s best for our students.” Many board members asked direct questions of Alfonso, and Hirstius went back and forth with him and the school board’s attorney, Paul Harrison, for 25 minutes. “Are we appointing an interim superintendent, or are we effectively clearing a pathway for the interim to become the permanent superintendent?” Hirstius asked. Alfonso responded: “If I don’t do a good job as interim, don’t hire me. It’s as simple as that.”

STAFF PHOTO BY JIM DERRY

Retired Fontainebleau High Principal Johnny Vitrano speaks at an Oct. 5 St. Tammany Parish School Board meeting in support of Steve Alfonso, who was named interim superintendent by an 11-2 vote. Meanwhile, some on the school board said they felt left in the dark — both throughout the months-long situation at Lyon and the quick call for Oct. 5 special

meeting to vote on Alfonso with no other options. Alfonso, 53, will lead the district for the remainder of the school year, which runs through May 26,

2027. His salary will be discussed at an executive session following the board’s committee meetings Oct. 8 in Covington, and it is expected to be slightly less than the

Covington residents accused of raising money for Hamas, defrauding Medicaid Staff report Federal authorities arrested two St. Tammany brothers accused of using social media to collect tens of thousands of dollars for Hamas, the Palestinian militant group responsible for the October, 2023 attack on Israel, according to newly unsealed documents. And in separate case in a different jurisdiction, the two men and more family members were arrested in a state beneﬁts fraud scheme. Recently unsealed records in the federal courthouse on Poydras Street in New Orleans revealed that Covington brothers Omar and Abdel Adhami were arrested in September on a sealed complaint following a joint investigation by the FBI and the New York Police Department. Snapchat, Instagram and WhatsApp records the FBI obtained allegedly show the men used those social media sites to solicit more than $80,000 from followers, often through posts accompanied by pro-Hamas imagery. In Louisiana, Abdel Adhami faces counts of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, wire fraud and money laundering. Omar Adhami is charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and wire fraud. More recently, on Oct 7, in a separate investigation, the brothers and three more of their Covington family

Omar Adhami

Abdel Adhami

members, including their wives and another Adhami brother, were arrested on defrauding the Louisiana Medicaid Program of more than $224,000 by allegedly underreporting their income in order to receive Medicaid benefits, according to the office of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill in Baton Rouge. Medicaid is a taxpayerfunded program that provides free and low-cost medical coverage to certain groups of people who meet specific guidelines, including significantly low incomes. On Sept. 15, all five were arrested and booked at the St. Tammany Parish Jail. In addition to the brothers, those arrested included Iman H D Srour, Amani Abu Zenah and Mohammad I. Adhami. All five are in their 20s and 30s. These arrests were the result of a joint investigation involving the Louisiana

Bureau of Investigation, the FBI, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Hammond Police Department, Mandeville Police Department and Louisiana State Police. St. Tammany Parish District Attorney Collin Sims will prosecute the state charges of felony theft and government benefits fraud. Meanwhile, allegations that the two brothers were part of a larger, ongoing plot to raise, transmit and conceal money being sent to Gaza were included in criminal complaints drafted by FBI counterterrorism agents and will be prosecuted at the federal level, although court records say their actions allegedly took place in St. Tammany Parish. They appear to have drawn law enforcement scrutiny when Abdel Adhami, the elder of the two, messaged an undercover NYPD detective last fall and tried coaxing the officer to bring cash to Louisiana, according to the

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court record. Between November 2023 and February of this year, the FBI says Abdel Adhami sent about $80,000 to people close to Saleem Alzaq, his alleged handler, in the Gaza Strip. He primarily used PayPal to send the money, court records show, after soliciting the money from users on Instagram and other social media platforms. Omar Adhami is accused of sending about $6,000 to associates of Alzaq in the same period, the records show. Defense attorneys for the brothers could not immediately be reached. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have charged Alzaq in the indictment with raising a total of nearly $1.75 million for Hamas over several years.

$257,000 Jabbia was making at the time of his retirement. When his term is up, he will have the opportunity to be a candidate as the next full-term superintendent if he so chooses. Alfonso came to the St. Tammany school system from Archbishop Rummel High School, where he worked as a teacher and head basketball coach for seven years until 2008. He held similar roles when he ﬁrst moved to the northshore – both at Fontainebleau and Lakeshore High schools. In 2012, Alfonso became an assistant principal at Northshore High under then-principal Mike Peterson, who now serves on the school board. He became the head of administration and human resources in 2018 and became an assistant superintendent in 2022. “My focus is bringing our staff together, supporting our schools, listening and carefully considering the public’s concerns, and doing what’s best for our kids,” Alfonso said. “I know there are people who have concerns about me and the direction of this school system. I will listen to my critics and work hard to address those concerns.”

2 PUBLIC AUCTIONS Live & Online Bidding

THURSDAY | OCT 15TH | STARTS AT 10AM St. Bernard Parish Government

120 W. Agriculture St. | Chalmette, LA

Preview: Wed 10/14 from 9A-3P | Trucks, Vac Trucks, Fire Truck, Trailers, Dump Truck, Excavator Buckets, Generators, Lawncare Equipment, Animal Medical Equipment & More!

THURSDAY | OCT 22ND | STARTS AT 9AM

City of Slidell & Covington, STP Sheriff, STP Hospital, STP Coroner, STP School Board, Town of Madisonville, US Bankruptcy Assets & Others 101 Magnolia St. | Slidell, LA

Preview: Wed 10/21 from 9A-3P | Cars, Trucks, SUV’s, Dump Trucks, Fuel Truck, Wrecker, Van, Box Truck, Trailers, Backhoes, School Buses, Golf Carts, Tractor & Bobcat Attachments, Woodchippers, Tractor, Welding Machines, Tools, Comm. Kitchen Equipment, Electronics, Various Jewelry & Much More!

Buyer’s Premium: 10% onsite & 16% online. $25 notary fee applies. Visit slidellauction.com for more details, terms & conditions. For online bidding visit: https://www.proxibid.com/servcorp

Government surplus assets will not be sold for a price less than allowed by law. The sellers & auctioneer reserve the right to reject any & all bids & remove any property from auction. Some items will be subject to reserve. All items are sold “AS IS” without warranty & with all faults/defects. ServCorp Int’l, Inc. • 101 Magnolia St. • Slidell, LA 70460 (800) 340-2185 • slidellauction.com • Bradley Mutz, LA-1467

4A ✦ Wednesday, October 14, 2026 ✦ St. Tammany ✦

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PHOTO BY BOBBY GILBOY

St. Paul’s Brass Band blows some tunes for the Night Out crowd at the Covington Trailhead.

NEIGHBORLY NIGHT OUT PHOTOS BY MATT DOBBINS

Slidell Police Department officers Tyler Oulliber, right, and Chance Foltz, left, hang out with River ‘Spiderman’ Richard, Samantha Richard and Kaisley Boudreaux at Heritage Park.

Kellcyee Mayer, of St. Tammany Parish Animal Services, gets a warm greeting from a rescue Lab. Ashae and Anjel Ellis are matching cowgirls.

Carlie Boullt takes a ride on the sheriff’s water rescue boat in Slidell manned by St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy John Dugas.

Bailey Merritt stands with Slidell Police Chief Tommy Williams alongside a Police Department unit specially wrapped in pink to help raise money for breast cancer research during October.

Trooper Mitchell Saunders, from left, mans a State Police helicopter visited by Jacob Seidel, Liam, Hays, Hayley and Matt Higginbotham in Slidell. Melodie, Matthew and Melissa Goubert with Sgt. Jake Morris, of the Slidell Police Department

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6A ✦ Wednesday, October 14, 2026 ✦ St. Tammany ✦

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Mandeville council gets look at new police headquarters BY KIM CHATELAIN Contributing writer

Architectural drawings for a new $8 million Mandeville police headquarters building were presented to the City Council on Oct. 8, and the immediate reviews were very positive. John Kleinschmidt, of New Orleans-based Waggonner & Ball Architects, led a presentation on the project to replace Mandeville’s dilapidated police station, which was put into operation in 1983. City officials said the building, located adjacent to City Hall at 1870 U.S. 190, is structurally unsound and not safe for police to occupy during storms and other emergencies. It has undergone several structural changes over the years and

has become a maintenance nightmare. Plans call for rebuilding the new station on the existing footprint. Part of the old structure will remain and be used for storage, but a completely new, more modern structure will dominate the project. If all goes as planned, construction of the new station will begin in February 2027 and take 18 months to complete, meaning the building could be in operation by August 2028. Kleinschmidt said the existing police station will remain in operation throughout the construction process. Council member Jason Zuckerman, a professional architect who got his first look at the drawings at the meeting, said he was im-

pressed with the building design. “I think the aesthetic is wonderful,” Zuckerman said. “It’s really a nice presentation. It’s very, very nicely done.” Council member Jill Lang concurred. “This is a great improvement,” she said. “Much needed.” Mayor Clay Madden said the state will provide 75% — about $6 million — of the project’s cost; the city will pony up another approximate $2 million. The new police headquarters will feature larger training and evidence rooms, a secure prisoner transport portal and modern, stormresistant construction. It will also provide space for the police department’s dispatch and investigations

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The planned $8 million Mandeville police headquarters arms, operations that are currently located in satellite locations. “We’ll be able to have everything under one roof,”

Madden said. Part of the existing building to remain will be converted into a workout area for police personnel. The

police department hopes to secure donated gym equipment from a local health club that is renovating its workout area.

Coroner wants more public awareness of suicide danger, prevention BY SUZIE HUNTER Contributing writer

St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape is concerned with the increase in the number of suicide deaths this year, which already surpasses all of last year. At 41 self-inflicted deaths as of Sept. 1, the number of 2026 suicides has already exceeded the 2025 total and is just three short of the 44 suicides that occurred in St. Tammany Parish in 2024. Tape cannot point to just one issue fueling the suicide death spike, although he believes economic pressures do play a part. “St. Tammany is one of the most affluent parishes, and it also has one of the highest rates of mental health crisis. Along with issues including divorce and health problems, such as cancer diagnoses, financial pressures can make people feel despondent and hopeless,” Tape said. The coroner wants to remind the public there are many ways people contemplating taking their own life can get help. “In imminent cases, 911 is available to everyone. Our office responds to calls to (985) 781-1150 around the clock. There is also the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 and the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 for those people who just need to talk. The hotlines are anonymous and free of charge,” Tape said. He stresses that many people in crisis can benefit from a break in their thinking process, either by talking to a friend or doing something physical, as simple as taking a walk. “People think they are the only ones with these thoughts. We have to break the stigma of talking about mental health issues,” he said. “A change of scenery can also reset a person’s thoughts and show them a better way forward.” According to Tape, there is a promising study involving people who went to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco with the purpose of jumping off. For the people who met resistance, whether it was traffic or a safety barrier fence, more than 90 percent of the people who couldn’t easily jump, after having to take a pause and retreat, said they were glad it didn’t happen and wouldn’t try again. “Studies have shown that many suicide attempts are spontaneous, and for people who meet resistance in completing the act, that pause is enough for them to

CRISIS LINES Help is available for yourself or for someone else who needs support:

n 911 for Emergency Services, 24/7 n 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24/7, English and Spanish available n 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line, 24/7 n (985) 781-1150 for the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office, 24/7 n (888) 521-2297 for NAMI Southeast Louisiana, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

see that ending their life is not the answer,” Tape said. A majority of the parish’s suicide cases involved selfinflicted gunshots. Free trigger locks are available from the coroner’s office. “These devices can be a barrier to someone in crisis. It slows them down and can give them a chance to think,” Tape said. NAMI Southeast Louisiana and Florida Parishes Human Services Authority recently attended a firearm show at the Castine Center in Mandeville and provided free gunlocks and resources to guests, according to Monique Gregoire, NAMI SELA Community Outreach and Policy Coordinator. “We are identifying opportunities to have increased access to audiences most likely impacted by potential suicides,” Gregoire said. Help is also available for people who are concerned a person they know may be contemplating taking their own life. “Anyone can call one of the hotlines for help or just for advice,” Tape said. “We encourage anyone who is concerned about someone considering suicide not to hesitate but to reach out for help or guidance,” Tape said. Along with information, Tape says there’s an option for individuals in acute danger. “An OPC, or order of protective custody, is available if someone is in acute crisis and is a physical threat to themselves or someone else. You can call the coroner’s office and make a request any time, 24/7,” Tape said. The person would be brought to a hospital for evaluation and if needed, would be committed for a period of time for treatment. “The important message is there is help available for anyone who needs it if only they will reach for it,” Tape said.

PROVIDED PHOTO BY PAT MASSARINI

This year’s medal winners and some of their guides in the Slidell Elks Lodge No. 2321 youth fishing rodeo included front row from left, James Walker and Stella Bopp; second row from left, Bowen Roques, Breaux Thibodeaux and Simka Brinson; and back row, Elk Randy Bergeron, volunteer/co-chair Cathy Neight and Elk Don Baye.

Elks youth ﬁshing rodeo remembers Charlesray Neight ray Neight, the youth chairman who recently passed This year’s annual youth away after he and wife, ﬁshing rodeo by Slidell Elks Cathy, co-chaired all of the Lodge No. 2321 was dedicat- youth programs for years. There were 55 particied to the memory of CharlesStaff writer

pants, plus family members and Elks in the recent rodeo. Each young angler fished with a cane pole. After being treated to hamburgers, hot dogs and sno-balls, medals

were awarded to winners of the first fish caught, the most fish caught and the biggest fish. At the end of the rodeo, each child was given a rod and reel to take home.

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8A ✦ Wednesday, October 14, 2026 ✦ St. Tammany ✦

Friends and family at the fair

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The Festival of the Lake, a

Mandeville tradition for more than four decades, returned to the grounds of Our Lady of the Lake Church and School on the weekend of Oct. 9 to 11 with a card full of well-known bands, plenty of food, and lots of amusements, from a wine tasting and bingo to inﬂatables, magic shows and story time with local authors. In addition to all of that, weather permitting, three days of music opened Friday with Four Unplugged, included Christian Serpas & Steve Blaze and headliner Marc

PHOTOS BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

Our Lady of the Lake students do their part to help get the three-day festival started in Mandeville over the Oct. 9-11 weekend.

Broussard on Saturday before closing out with electronic Frog in Space and Flow Tribe on Sunday.

Lane and Reed Lamonte put some serious thought into their coloring at a festival art table.

The Rev. Doug Busch gives a prayer to open Festival of the Lake on the grounds of Our Lady of the Lake Church and School in Mandeville.

Cameron and Phoebe Ferret get up close and personal with a friendly snake.

Salary set for St. Tammany schools’ interim superintendent BY JIM DERRY Staff writer

The St. Tammany Parish School Board has finalized the contract for Interim Superintendent Steve Alfonso and will pay him the same salary as his predecessor, Frank Jabbia, who retired Sept. 30. The pay decision came during an Oct. 8 executive session at the CJ Schoen Administrative Complex in Covington following a set of committee meetings that lasted for three hours. His total salary comes out to an annual rate of $257,335, which will roughly equal $182,000 through the June 30, 2027, end of Alfonso’s term as interim chief. It averages just shy of $5,000 per week. “Mr. Alfonso is stepping up to face many challenges, and the board has complete confidence that his executive and managerial leadership will successfully guide our district through this period,” School Board President Amanda Reed Martin

said. “Because of the extensive scope of this work, the board believes it is entirely equitable that he receives the salary and benefits associated with these heavy responsibilities.” Alfonso was approved as interim superintendent by a vote of 11-2 at a special meeting on Oct. 5, having served as the top assistant superintendent to Jabbia for the past four years. But the board delayed making a decision on his salary until later in the week. At the Oct. 8 meeting, he sat in his regular spot in front of the dais with his staff, instead of sitting in the center of school board members, as did Jabbia and previous superintendents. Along with his new duties running the district, he will continue on with parts of his old job until he can “shufﬂe things around a bit.” “It has been a great transition thus far,” Alfonso said. “Our team members all are onboard, and the feedback has been very positive.” The public-comment sec-

tion of the meeting included a number of emotional statements, and included a threeminute prepared speech from M.K. Jabbia, the daughter of the former superintendent, who said her father had been constantly targeted by critics online. “Thank you for finally freeing my dad from the chokehold this job had become,” Jabbia said. “I hope no one here has to see their father or parent endure this type of online harassment.” Some of the regular public speakers who had been aiming their frustrations at Jabbia have now shifted their aim onto the board and Alfonso. David Marek has been a consistent critic of the school system throughout the controversy surrounding the handling of the situation at Lyon Elementary, in which two former school administrators pleaded guilty to failure to report child abuse. He questioned why the board didn’t consider other candidates for the interim role.

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“Y’all didn’t put up any candidates beside him; y’all already knew,” Mared said. “Why didn’t y’all just say, ‘Let’s skip the vote. This is who we’re putting in?’ ” In his first week on the job, Alfonso said he already has reached out to “recon-

nect” law enforcement officials with administration and staff at the district’s 55 schools and central ofﬁce. “It was very important for us to get together after the situation at Lyon,” Alfonso said. “We need to make sure our administrators have clar-

ification on the things that must be reported and how we can take the district forward from here.” Jim Derry covers St. Tammany Parish, and can be reached via email at jderry@theadvocate.com.

✦ St. Tammany ✦ Wednesday, October 14, 2026 ✦ 9A

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Sunny McDaniel is a member of the board of trustees for the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation and works to expand inclusivity at hospital events.

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Autism advocate Sunny McDaniels brings inclusivity to Monster Mash MONSTER MASH

BY JESSICA SAGGIO Contributing writer

For months, volunteer Sunny McDaniel has been meticulously preparing every detail of the Sully Sensory Pavilion at the annual Monster Mash Halloween celebration. From kiddie pools filled with dried corn kernels to slime stations designed to accommodate all levels of communication, each activity in this corner of the popular children’s event has been diligently researched. The idea is, it’s a place that is inclusive to all children, she said, and especially those who are on the autism spectrum. But it’s also a place where fun turns into development. Where slime making turns into an exercise in communication, or digging in corn kernels develops fine motor or social skills. And McDaniel, who is a nurse practitioner and member of the St. Tammany Health Foundation board, has thought out each activity — not only as an act of love for her son, Sullivan, who is the pavilion’s namesake, but an act of service to her community. “It’s all about the method to the madness,” she said. “There is evidencebased research that sensory play can build a lot of parts of your nervous system.” The Monster Mash is a kid-centric trick-or-treating festival hosted by the hospital foundation and will take place at Bogue Falaya Park in Covington Oct. 17. It runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and cost of admission is $15 for children, if purchased in advance, or $20 at the gate. Adults are $5. Proceeds benefit the STHS Parenting Center. Inside the event, a trick-or-treat village will line the park, while activities, carnival rides, games, music and cookie decorating highlight the afternoon. There will be some children that may need a reprieve from the party, said McDaniel, explaining that those on the

WHAT: Halloween-themed festival for kids offering trick-or-treating, carnival rides, music games and more. WHERE: Bogue Falaya Park, 213 Park Drive, Covington. WHEN: Oct. 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. COST: $15 for children, if purchased in advance, $20 at the gate. $5 for adults. WEBSITE: dothemash.org. autism spectrum juggle a different set of challenges when at an event. The sensory pavilion is a safe place for them to both feel included or even to just take a break. It features activities, a quiet space to watch a low-stimulating cartoon movie, photo opportunities and other Halloween-themed experiences. McDaniel has been hosting this pavilion the past three years. And McDaniel understands the need for this type of space well, not only as a professional autism specialist, but also as a mother. Her 13-year-old son has had to navigate the challenges of being on the spectrum, giving her a unique perspective on what does and does not work. While Sullivan no longer needs accommodations, his mother knows having inclusive events that encourage those on the spectrum to participate are vital. Research shows that when a community rallies, its members on the spectrum thrive, she said. “It is not an intellectual disorder,” McDaniel explained. “ … When you isolate and you put people in a box, you smother them and their lights dim, and they don’t ever see their full potential because they don’t follow the same path as everybody else.” Advocating for her son was always her inspiration, she said, but now it goes beyond that. It’s about her community. “I have to create those resources if they don’t exist,” said McDaniel, who

Sunny McDaniel with son Sullivan, who has inspired her efforts to make hospital visits and events more friendly to those on the autism spectrum. practices at Strawberry Patch Pediatrics. “He’s taught me so much, but he’s allowed me to help other families who are going through the same thing. So I stay up studying and understanding the data so I can advocate when I need to.” McDaniel said from a clinical standpoint, it’s not just about today when it comes to those on the spectrum. It’s about developing them into members of society who can thrive 50, 60 or 70 years later on their own. “My biggest worry is what happens when I’m not in this world,” McDaniel said, echoing the concerns of many parents who are in her shoes. “I worry about when my son is 70 years old and needs to go down to the hospital, and is he going to be taken care of and taken

care of with dignity.” This is why as a medical professional she designed sensory bags for autistic patients to better navigate their doctor visits. Her reach goes beyond the Monster Mash and has impacted the hospital system as a whole. “She has chosen to champion the needs of patients with autism by working to not only create, but fundraise for programs that continuously improve how St. Tammany Health System cares for these patients,” said Nicole Suhre, executive director at the St. Tammany Health Foundation. “But she doesn’t just focus on what’s happening within the walls of our locations, she takes her show on the road! Monster Mash is the perfect example.”

St. Joseph’s Seminary College celebrates 135 years of priestly formation BY KADEE KRIEGER Contributing writer

Patrons of the upcoming Deo Gratias gala, the annual fundraiser for St. Joseph Seminary College, will honor in a whimsical way the memory of a beloved former monk while supporting the education and formation of future priests. The Deo Gratias Gala, “Under the Stars,” will celebrate 135 years of priestly formation on Oct. 24 on the St. Joseph Seminary College campus. During the event’s exclusive patron party at 5 p.m., guests can enjoy a specialty cocktail in memory of the Rev. Peter Hammett, the former senior member of the Abbey’s monastic community. Patrons will be offered Hammett’s favorite cocktail, the sidecar, created in about 1918, most likely in the Paris Ritz bar — though the origins are still disputed between Paris and London barkeeps. But there’s no disputing that the Deo Gratias Gala begins at 7 p.m., and all guests are also invited to attend, along with St. Joseph Abbey monks, the 6 p.m. vespers, a solemn and sacred prayer service in the historic abbey church. The service displays a small piece of the Benedictine tradition the abbey monks live out daily, said marketing and communication manager Emily Rowell Lechleiter. Proceeds from the event support the Seminary College’s operating fund, helping sustain the education and formation of future priests. Longtime Deo Gratias patron and Covington resident Anne Simpson said

discernment and vetting process through his diocese and must be approved before being accepted to attend the Seminary College. While tuition provides an important source of revenue, it does not cover the full cost of educating and forming the seminarians or the overall cost of operating the Seminary College, Lechleiter said. “The proceeds from Deo Gratias help bridge the gap between tuition revenue and the actual cost of providing this education and formation,” she said. In addition to the cocktail in honor of Hammett, the patron party will feature hand-passed appetizers and the opportunity to view the hand-painted art by the Dutch artist and Benedictine monk Dom Gregory de Wit in the monastic refectory, a dining space typically reserved for the monks. Many art critics believe de Wit created what would become his magnum opus there on the murals in the church and refectory of St. Joseph Abbey between 1946 and 1955. The gala from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. will also PROVIDED PHOTO BY ST. JOSEPH ABBEY & SEMINARY COLLEGE feature a catered dinner by Bonnano’s Catering, three full bars and live music by One view of the St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College grounds. Four Unplugged. Guests may also particitheir vocation and preparing for priestshe appreciates that the event provides pate in a silent auction featuring one-ofsupport for the largest undergraduate a-kind artwork, signed St.s and Pelicans hood. seminary in the country. memorabilia and unique experiences. “The funds raised at Deo Gratias are “Right here in our backyard, we have a The evening will conclude with a jewelry essential to helping young men answer tremendous opportunity to support the ed- God’s call to serve the church. Deo Gratirafﬂe featuring a piece donated by Bouucation for the church’s future,” she said. as gives our local community an opportudreaux’s Jewelers. The Rev. Maurice Moon, vice-rector and Tickets start at $150 and can be purnity to support them in their calling while dean of students, said that as an alumnus strengthening the church as a whole,” he chased at www.saintjosephabbey.com/deo. of St. Joseph’s, he knows the importance said. For information, visit www.saintjoseph of the event to the young men discerning Each seminarian undergoes a thorough abbey.com/.

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Kimberly Hill is hardworking Milkshaker sister and queen BY TAMMY NUNEZ Contributing writer

PHOTO BY LISA VON EBERSTEIN

The Krewe of Bogue Falaya’s first royal, 2027 King Adam Acquistapace, center, is flanked by krewe Captain Larry Rolling, right, and Co-Captain Amy Tucker.

Covington businessman named krewe’s ﬁrst king KREWE OF BOGUE FALAYA EVENTS

BY LISA VON EBERSTEIN Contributing writer

The Krewe of Bogue Falaya in Covington has its first king. Adam Acquistapace, of the familyowned Acquistapace’s Wine, Cheese & Markets, was named king at the krewe’s 2027 Royalty Announcement event Oct. 4 at the Southern Hotel in Covington. The krewe has named grand marshals in previous years but never a monarch. Acquistapace is the first. For him, the honor closes a loop that started on a downtown sidewalk. “As a kid growing up here,” Acquistapace said, “we would go to the parades on Mardi Gras Day in front of the store. And as a little kid, they were exciting. I never, in a million years, dreamed that the parades would be like they are. It is truly a destination.” Krewe captain Larry Rolling said Acquistapace is representative of what the krewe looks for in its honorees. “The Krewe of Bogue Falaya takes great pride in how we pick our royalty. This individual enriches our community — by involvement, achievements and continuous generosity to our community,” Rolling said. The Acquistapace family, with roots as family grocers as far back as 1860 in New Orleans’ Bywater, first established themselves in Covington in 1963 and have expanded ever since. Another landmark for the Krewe

POSTER REVEAL HAPPY HOUR: Meet inaugural poster artist Katie Rose McConnell Nov. 12, 4:30 to 6 p.m., American Bank, 1819 N. Columbia St., Covington; for more information, call (985) 898-0206. MARDI GRAS MASQUERADE BALL: Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. at The River Mill Center in Coquille Park, 13505 La. 1085, Covington LUNDI GRAS SECOND-LINE: Feb. 8, 4 p.m., Bogue Falaya Park MARDI GRAS DAY PARADE: Feb. 9 following the 10 a.m. parade in downtown Covington; for information, visit kreweofboguefalaya.com of Bogue Falaya is its ﬁrst poster art. Katie Rose McConnell, of Covington, was introduced as the inaugural artist during the announcement event. She is currently creating the poster that will be revealed Nov. 12, and its details will be a surprise. “It’s inspired by the history of the krewe,” McConnell said. “I want to bring in all of the elements of the Krewe of Bogue Falaya and what makes it so special and different.” During the event, Rolling gave credit to the krewe’s ofﬁcers for the community spirit of the organization. “We try to make this the best Carnival experience on the northshore by far,” he said.

Long before Kimberly Hill was sashed and crowned 2027 Milk Queen last September at the eighth annual Polka Dots & Pearls Ball and Charity Auction, Hill’s focus was on fundraising. The effort predated her even joining the local Mande Milkshakers, a women’s marching and dancing group with a serious charitable bent, in the summer of 2021. Still, the night of the ‘27 ball felt magical to Hill. “It was just so incredible to know that ... together we all put our hearts into this and just made an incredible impact,” she said. It was amazing — even to those who did it — to hear that their group had raised $32,000 for Family REACH Alliance, which helps people achieve financial stability to move away from homelessness or housing instability. “That $32,000 amount announced floored everyone,” Mande Milkshaker Lt. Debbie Graham said. “Then, to hear that Kimberly alone raised over $13K was not only exciting for us and for her, but the thought that we were able to give this money to Family REACH Alliance made us realize the impact and importance of what we do. “Kimberly has a gift for fundraising and always goes above and beyond when it comes to obtaining sponsorships,” Graham said. Yes, the crown definitely sits comfortably on Hill’s head. Fundraising is literally her job. She is executive director of the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana, a statewide nonprofit that helps people who have been impacted by brain and spinal cord injury. It’s a personal mission sparked by one of the scariest moments in Hill’s life. After working in the brain injury rehabilitation field for years, Hill got a call 11 years ago from a friend of her son, Reagan. The call made her world freeze. Reagan, then a lanky 6-foot-2 inch 15-year old, dove into a neighborhood pool and was traumatically injured. He was face down in the pool, paralyzed and unable to turn over. His friends had jumped into action and summoned help. One with some first aid training stabilized Reagan’s neck while he was turned over in the water while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Hill and her husband, Keith, raced to the hospital. “He was initially paralyzed from the neck down,” she remembers. “But through the incredible medical team, prayers and by the grace of God, he walked out of Children’s Hospital three months later. That recovery is not typical for someone with a spinal cord injury. I know, I mean, I’m actually at an event right now with the United Spinal Association of Louisiana. … I know how different our lives could be. That’s was not typical; that recovery (was) not typical, and so running this organization is so much more than just giving back to the community and

PROVIDED PHOTO

Professional fundraiser Kimberly Hill was crowned the 2027 Milk Queen last September at the eighth annual Polka Dots & Pearls Ball and Charity Auction.

wanting to make a difference. It’s also showing my gratitude and gratefulness for the fact that he had such a positive outcome.” The same grateful heart eager to spearhead positive change also led her to join the Mande Milkshakers. “I joined it because I was always very active with my two boys when they were growing up, you know, room mom, soccer mom, all the (mom) things while also working,” she said. “Then, I was becoming an empty nester, and I knew I needed to fill that time with something. And for me, it was really about finding something with purpose and giving back to the community while also having fun and being around people, being very social. When I saw the Mande Milkshakers in a parade, I was like, that looks like so much fun. They are having a blast. They look adorable.” That was a little over five years ago. This past year, she danced in every parade, including those times she had a sore throat, limited energy or other commitments. The feat made her one of five Milkshakers to earn an “Iron Mande” award. Now, Hill’s ready to lead the way into 2027 with the group. “Kimberly’s dedication to the Mande organization, our charity partners, and our community will make her a wonderful Milk Queen. We know she’ll wear the crown with class and heart and will use this as an opportunity to further our philanthropic efforts,” Milkshakers captain Melissa Serpas said.

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12A ✦ Wednesday, October 14, 2026 ✦ St. Tammany ✦

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Russ Plyler attempts to connect with a ham radio operator using Ozone Amateur Radio Club equipment, while Ron Riviere, below, works on club equipment in Slidell.

Radio operators making connections at Hamfest Third Sunday at Christ Episcopal

FILE PHOTO

The Third Sunday concerts at Christ Episcopal Church in Covington traditionally fills it sanctuaries for the music.

to host Loyola Opera Workshop

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH THIRD SUNDAY CONCERT

Staff report

PHOTOS BY SUZIE HUNT

Ron Riviere shares the airwaves with a ham radio operator in Elk Horn, Wis.

Two-day event in Slidell offers info, equipment BY SUZIE HUNT

Contributing writer Inside a room at the Ozone Amateur Radio Club’s headquarters in Slidell, Ron Riviere sat in front of a bank of ham radios, turned one on, twisted a dial and listened. Almost immediately, a voice came through the speaker with the standard code for hello, “CQ, CQ, CQ,” and a series of numbers and letters, the man’s call sign. Riviere answered back with his own “WB5CXJ” and a simple greeting. The voice coming from the equipment belonged to a ham radio operator broadcasting from Elkhorn, Wisconsin. He was radioing as a POTA, or Parks in the Air, when operators put up temporary antennas in parks or public spaces and reach out to make contact with other operators across the country. After trading a few pleasantries, Riviere signed off and twisting a dial, went looking for another operator. Connections like these can be made across the world and even to the International Space Station. Most astronauts are ham radio operators, according to Riviere. “That’s what ham radio is all about. We get to talk to people across the country and all over the world,” he said. Riviere’s been a ham radio operator since the 1970s, when he and his late wife, Terry, learned about the hobby from a newspaper article and decided it was something they could do together. After she died in 2002, Riviere met and married Sharon. She, like her late husband, is a ham radio operator and a member of the Slidell club. She and Riviere have been talking over the airwaves together ever since. The Slidell club has more than 60 members and meets twice a month: one meeting for business and one as a social time. “We have a good time together, and we also serve a purpose during events like hurricanes and other disasters,” said club member Russ Plyler. He also serves as the St. Tammany Parish Emergency Radio Operator Coordinator. During times when the

HAMFEST WHAT: A gathering of ham radio operators and those interested in the hobby to exchange information and learn the latest news about equipment and other programs. WHERE: Slidell Auditorium, 2056 Second St. Olde Towne, Slidell WHEN: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday HOW MUCH: Entry fee is $10 (good for both days) and includes a raffle ticket; 12 years and under are free. EXTRAS: Information forums, vendors, flea market/swap meet and equipment door prizes MORE INFO: www.s5sla.net/ hamfest.htm or hamfest@ w5sla.net. parish’s Emergency Operations Centers are activated, club members are part of the communications team located in Slidell at the Slidell Airport Terminal and in the parish’s EOC on Koop Drive in Mandeville. “When cell service and internet go down, we can transmit using portable antennae and get information to where it needs to go,” said Plyler. The club maintains four repeater stations in Lacombe that serve the northshore and southshore with an approximate radius of 50 miles. Messages can be transmitted great distances through a network of repeater stations. During Hurricane Katrina, Riviere evacuated to northern Louisiana and worked in the Monroe EOC, providing a connection to operators in Slidell and helping to assist relief efforts in the city. The EOC’s ham radio equipment is checked monthly by club members to maintain service. They also work with area ﬁre and police departments to make sure their backup communications equipment is in working order at no charge.

The equipment There are two types of two-way radio services:

GMRS or General Mobile Radio Service and ham radio. GMRS systems are limited in what frequencies they can access and users do not require a license, according to Plyler. Ham radio operators have to pass a test to get a license and have greater reach through their equipment. “For many people, they start out with a GMRS system and then move up to becoming licensed ham radio operators,” Plyler said. “We’re seeing more young people in their 20s and 30s becoming interested in this. Our club is good at supporting and encouraging that interest,” Plyler said. The club hosts an annual Field Day where members see how many operators they can contact around the world in a 24-hour period. “That’s a lot of fun. We can throw out our call sign and be talking to someone anywhere from Picayune to Spain,” Riviere said. To support the club’s efforts, the members are hosting their annual Hamfest on Oct. 16 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 17 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Slidell Auditorium, 2056 Second Ave. in Olde Towne Slidell. The admission ticket price of $10 is good for both days and children 12 and under are admitted free. There will be a speaker’s forum, a flea market for operators interested in buying and selling parts and a rafﬂe for new equipment, according to Plyler. Forum topics will include a National Weather Service Spotter Talk, POTA/Parks on the Air, and MeshCore, a newer, off-grid radio communications system. “It’s a great place to ﬁnd equipment and talk with other operators about what works well for them,” Plyler said. Riviere said it’s also a great place to put a face to a voice. “Hamfest is a good place to meet people face to face that you’ve been talking to over the radio,” he said. For more information about the Ozone Amateur Radio Club or Hamfest, contact the group by emailing hamfest@w5sla.net or www.w5sla.net/hamfest. htm.

The 36th season of the Third Sunday Concert Series, an outreach of Christ Episcopal Church, will continue Oct. 18 with selections by the Loyola Opera Workshop. Although the season’s opening concert was held in a secondary venue due to construction, that work is complete and the popular, long-running series has returned to its regular venue on the main church campus at 120 N. New Hampshire St. in downtown Covington. The Loyola Opera Workshop, established in 1954, continues to be an active academic and performance training program directed by Carol Rausch, who is also music director and chorus master for the New Orleans Opera Association. Members of the ensemble have the opportunity to perform in various roles with the opera as part of their training. The workshop ensemble also puts on a fully staged opera with orchestra each season, as well as piano-accompanied opera scene programs. Workshop students, along with Rausch, as their director and accompanist, will offer selections from operas and Broadway musicals at their Third Sunday performance. Highlights are expected to include excerpts from Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” and “The Marriage of Figaro,” the Act I duet from

PROVIDED PHOTO

Loyola Opera Workshop Director Carol Rausch

“Werther” by French composer Massenet, a rarely heard aria by Puccini, an aria from the opera Evangeline by Louisiana composer Keith Gates, and a favorite selection from Lerner and Loewe’s “Camelot.” The public is invited to the one-hour, admissionfree performances at 5 p.m. at Christ Episcopal. And as is tradition, following the music, there will be a reception on campus with light refreshments for the performing artists and audience members to meet, mix and mingle. The monthly concerts from September through May are offered at no cost through the support of the church congregation and the wider community. The program offers a variety of musical genres that change from monthly, but the performances always begin

WHO: New Orleans Opera Workshop WHAT: A one hour performance WHEN: Oct. 18; show 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.; doors open at 4:30 p.m. WHERE: Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington. HOW MUCH: No admission and open to the public. WHAT ELSE: Reception on church campus immediately after the concert for artists and audience members. MORE: Get additional information at (985) 8923177. at 5 p.m. Doors to the handicapped accessible church building open at 4:30 p.m. Other concerts scheduled for 2026-27 include harpist Patrice Foster and Arpa on Nov. 15; holiday selections by the Louisiana Brass, led by Erik Morales, on Dec. 20; classical pianist Diana Tracher on Jan. 17; New Orleans jazz by Oscar Rossignoli on Feb. 21; selections on ﬂute and piano by Sarah Schettler and Lillia Oliinyk on April 18; and Louisiana Blues by Chris Thomas King on May 16.

FUNDRAISERS SIP: Join the Northshore Humane Society fundraiser to enjoy Sips for Strays at Palmettos on the Bayou for a special evening featuring a curated dinner with wine pairings, live music, a silent auction and signature cocktails inspired by some of the shelter’s own residents. The bar opens at 5 p.m., with food and wine from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the 1901 Bayou Lane restaurant in Slidell. It’s a chance to sip, savor and help Northshore Humane save lives. Tickets are $125 per person; get them at northshorehuanesociety@nshumane.org/. Proceeds from the evening will support Northshore’s lifesaving mission to provide shelter, medical care and other essentials in order to give homeless animals another chance for safety and a forever home. GATOR TRAIL: Runners and supporters are getting ready to hit the Gator Trail 5K Trail Run in Lacombe — where they will “Leave the Pavement Behind” — to help fund student scholarships at Northshore Technical Community College. The event takes place Oct. 17 but advance registration closes Oct. 15, so get it done. There are several levels, including the Gator Gallop, the 5K and the 5K Trail Run for youth 1015. Get all details, times and the registration site by going to northshorecollege.edu/ advancement/gator-tail-5k/ CLAYS: The Clays for Kids Tournament in support of the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany will take place Oct. 23 at Covey Rise Lodge, 24009 Singing Waterfall Road, Husser, La., The course at the lodge will be set up to be fun for all skill levels, but some stations will challenge even the expert marksman. Shooting clays begins at 9 a.m.,

PROVIDED PHOTO

The Sip for Strays event will help take care of pups such as these little terriers abandoned at 3 weeks old in a small box found alongside a road in Folsom. with lunch at 11:30 a.m., then awards at 12:30 p.m. The museum contact is Marlo Christensen at mchistensen@ mchristsensen@cmstkids.org or calling (985) 888-1555. Get more details, a rundown of costs and early registration at cmstkids.org/event/claysfor-kids-fundraiser/. MANIA TIME: Patrons and sponsors of the 35th Wooden Boat Festival in Madisonville will gather Oct. 16 to celebrate on the eve of the two-day festival along the

Tchefuncte River that will draw hundreds of boats and thousands of guests. The prefest “Maritime Mania” gala will be held from 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. in the Maritime Museum Louisiana at 133 Mabel Drive with live music by Supercharger; a pirate costume contest; silent auction; open bar; and delicacies from local restaurants. Guests 21 years and older can get individual tickets for $75, or couples for $125, at maritimemuseumlouisiana.org.

✦ St. Tammany ✦ Wednesday, October 14, 2026 ✦ 13A

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AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS ON STAGE

DRACULA: For those who love howling Halloween Laughs, “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors,” is a must-see at Slidell Little Theatre over two weekends, Oct. 16-25. This is a campy, fast-paced reimagining of Bram Stoker’s classic gothic novel. It’s 90 minutes of lightning-fast, laughout-loud, wit with cultural references. It’s PG 13, with some mature content. Ever wonder what would happen if you took Stoker’s legendary vampire tale and put it into a blender with Mel Brooks, Monty Python and “The 39 Steps?” This is what would happen. When Stoker’s lovely Mina falls ill with a mysterious disease of the blood, friend Lucy and her fiancé, Jonathan, enlist the help of famed female vampire hunter, Dr. Jean Van Helsing. Their hunt for the dangerous and sexy Count Dracula abounds with clever wordplay and quick-change antics. Five actors play multiple roles in this bloodcurdlingly hilarious send-up of the literary classic. Directed by Kylie Barnes. Curtains at 7:30 p.m., with matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets $25 adults, $20 students and seniors, at www.slidelllittletheatre.org/tickets. PG 13, with some mature content. ZOMBIES: Think “Grease” with a radioactive twist, and come to the “Zombie Prom” at 30 by Ninety Theatre, 880 Lafayette St., in Old Mandeville, two more weekends through Oct. 25. Don’t let the high school setting fool you. This 1950s-inspired tale is filled with rock ‘n’ roll and outrageous characters shot through with sufficient sci-fi to warrant its own cult classic status. Set in the atomic era at Enrico Fermi High, teenaged good girl Toffee falls for classic bad boy Jonny. After pressure forces them apart, Jonny drives his motorcycle into a nuclear waste dump and returns from the dead as a glowing zombie to win her back. Will he be allowed to take her to the prom at the school where a zany, tyrannical principal makes the rules? And what happens if he is turned away? Plenty, and favorite rock ‘n roll tunes keep the action moving. Directed by John Wesley, with assistance from Lauren Price; musical direction by Jonathan Sturcken, with assistance from Lilly Vita. Leading the cast are Addison Fitzmor-

ris as Toffee; Liam Favre as Jonny; Kristi-Anne Lyons as Miss Delilah Strict; and Nino Bonura Sr. as Eddie Flagrante. Curtains at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; tickets from $25-$32. Reserve them at 30byNinety. com/. BLOODTHIRSTY: The 1960sstyle sci-fi horror musical “Little Shop Of Horrors” continues to devour the hearts of theatergoers for one more Friday and Saturday night, Oct. 16-17, at Cutting Edge Center of the Performing Arts, 767 Robert Blvd., in Slidell. The campy “Little Shop” productions at 8 p.m. are led by director-choreographer Emma Daigrepont and music director Earl Poole, and all the weird characters we know are there. See meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn discover a plant he names “Audrey II” in honor of the sweet co-worker, on whom he is crushing. But the plant of mysterious origins turns out to be a foul-mouthed carnivore that feeds on blood, and Audrey II leads Krelborn along a nightmare path he never contemplated. How does Krelborn stop it? See “Little Shop” for the first time, or see it again and again, but whatever you do, don’t feed the plants! Get tickets

at www.cuttingedgetheater. com. DEAD GIVEAWAY: For some more Halloween mischief, The Village Church Theater presents a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater play on two Saturdays, Oct. 17 & 24, at 6 p.m., and two Sundays, Oct. 18 & 25, at 1 p.m., in Lacombe. See ﬁve elderly spinsters sharing the same house, despite all actively disliking one another, when Halloween night rolls around. OK. They aren’t friends, but is one of them guilty of murder? Is the doctor involved? What about the housemaid? What mayhem! Guests are invited to wear their Halloween costumes and BYOB, if they choose, but the Village Church provides the show and an Italian meal of lasagna or pasta Alfredo and sides. For tickets, call Linda Villa at (985) 290-6692, and come to church for the show at 29180 U.S. 190 in Lacombe.

MUSIC

ELEGANCE: Another special late fall tradition is about to play out alongside Lake Pontchartrain in Old Mandeville on Oct. 24 when the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performs its annual Sunset

Abita Springs Opry bringing mix of music BY SHEILA GRISSETT Staff report

The second of three fall season Abita Springs Opry shows takes place Oct. 17, and it will bring a mélange of music with roots deep in the heterogeneous culture of southeast Louisiana. In other words, lots of different strokes for different folks — all on one stage within the pecky cypress walls of its old town hall venue. The Opry produces six concerts a year — three in the spring, three more in the fall. Music continues to be played primarily acoustically, all produced by the nonprofit Abita Opry Inc. and dedicated to the continuing mission of preserving and presenting Louisiana roots music. But before there’s music inside, there’s food outside. Nonprofits invited by the Opry prepare and sell lipsmacking favorites before every show, from gumbo and hot dogs to ice cream and bakery treats. Opry fans can enjoy a meal or snack at tables outside before going in for the show, and the nonproﬁts get to keep the proceeds of their work. The lineup for Oct. 17 includes the following four sets. The Lucky Dogs, a crowd favorite, will open the show with vintage New Orleans rhythm & blues, traditional jazz and classic regional oldies. This group often channels the spirit of local legends (Fats Domino, Ernie K-Doe and the like) and are known for crowd-pleasing sing-alongs and nostalgic local tributes. This trio always puts smiles on faces. The Cactus Thief is led by songwriter Aaron Maris, and their music if often called country boogie or sometimes, swamp gospel. Whatever you call it, it blends regional roots, country and blues textures, with first-class musicianship. They are a return act to the Abita Springs Opry. The Desert Nudes is a

FILE PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performs Oct. 24 on the Mandeville lakefront.

ABITA SPRINGS OPRY

trio is known for beautiful harmonies in the traditional Western country songs they WHAT: Second show of the fall perform. The Opry audience can expect to hear some old season tunes they have not heard in WHEN: Oct. 17; music 7 p.m.- a long time. 9 p.m.; doors open 5:45 p.m. Clarinetist virtuoso, bandleader and master class WHERE: Abita Town Hall, educator Ben Redwine, one 22161 Level St. region’s leading jazz muWHO: The Lucky Dogs; Cactus of sicians, will bring friends to Thief; The Desert Nudes; Ben the Abita Opry stage to close Redwine & Friends out the Oct. 17 show. “He is one of the few musicians HOW MUCH: All seats $20. Buy in advance at (504) 214- we can call and ask him to bring a group and trust him 7777 from Kathy Armand or to bring something great. buy at door on first-come/first- We are also ﬂattered that a served basis. musician of his caliber will preform for the Opry,” said new addition to the lineup. Abita Opry producer Bryan Led by Andre Bohren, the Gowland of the ﬁnal act.

Symphony as the sun sinks toward the horizon and the shimmering water. Weather permitting, it promises to be an enchanting evening of music and nature. The LPO has promised a stunning repertoire of classical and contemporary symphonic music conducted by David Torns that should please listeners of all ages. Torns, resident conductor and principal pops conductor of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, is a passionate proponent of music education and is education conductor for the LPO and music director of the Louisiana Youth Orchestras. The Oct. 24 event will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a performance by the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestras, followed by the LPO at 6 p.m. JAZZY: Abigail Flowers, voted Best Jazz Vocalist by the Nashville Industry Music Awards, will make her debut at the Lobby Lounge at the Harbor Flowers Center in Slidell on Oct. 21. The jazz vocalistsongwriter-arranger will

perform with New Orleans jazz musicians Amina Scott and Arnold Little III. She is known for her smooth, precise, captivating performances, an homage to vocal jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole, and she regularly sings in multiple languages, including French. Another monthly Up Close & Musical performance in this intimate listening venue where every seat is comfortable and situated near the stage. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; music at 7 p.m. Plenty of parking. Get advance tickets at www.tinyurl. com/mtpbk3n7/. Few tickets at the door. SWEET: Jazz clarinetist Ben Redwine will perform the community Sunset at the Landing concert on Oct. 16 on the banks of the Bogue Falaya River at the foot of Columbia Street in Covington. Residents are invited to bring their folding chairs, blankets, picnics and refreshments and set up to enjoy two hours of great music — free to them — under the oaks from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., weather permitting.* Redwine can play it all, and who knows will come along to play with him. ROCKIN’: Rockin’ the Rails

welcomes the high energy, six-piece rock and pop dance cover band Whiskey Business to the Covington Trailhead Oct. 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Don’t forget to bring the dancing shoes to this one, along with a concert or lawn chair or blanket for comfortable seating. Remember, this is an admission-free concert for residents and their friends. GOSPEL: The First Baptist Church Covington’s Young at Heart Ministry will feature The Commissioners, singers from William Carey University, for a time of friendship and Southern gospel music at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 20 in the Central Hall at the church at 16333 La. 1085. This event is for adults 55 and older, and the public is invited, but anyone attending must reserve a spot by noon on Oct. 15 online at fbccov.org/adults-55/. The $15 cost includes lunch and is payable at the door by cash or check only. For more information, call the church at (985) 892-2149.

COMMUNITY GUMBO

SEE THE NIGHT: Pelican Park Nature Center is sponsoring a Community Night Hike and Moth Sheeting at the Northlake Nature Center, 23135 U.S. 190, on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. near Mandeville. Participants will explore a designated section of the Nature Center at their own pace, but in a contained hiking area that allows for independent exploration without the worry of making a wrong turn or getting lost in the woods. Two moth sheets will anchor opposite ends of the hiking area, attracting a variety of nocturnal insects for participants to observe. Experienced naturalists will also be walking along the route to help spot, identify and interpret the wildlife encountered along the way. Because everyone explores at their preferred pace, the experience becomes a collective effort. Participants should download iNaturalist to their devices before attending so volunteers can help them learn how to use the app. There will be limited ﬂashlights and headlamps available for loan. Bring water. Children 6 and older may attend but must remain with parents at all times. Get tickets at pelicanpark.recdesk. com/community/program/ detail.

ENDORSEMENTS

The St. Tammany ChamberPAC is focused on candidates’ commitments to work with the business community, their willingness to listen to concerns expressed by employers in their district, and their commitment to transparency in government.

Julia Letlow

Steve Scalise

U . S . SENATOR

U . S . REPRESENTATIVE

Cameron Mary

Amanda Trosclair

DIVISION E

DIVISION G

Stephanie Hilferty PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

IN LOVING MEMORY OF Sherry Rose Russell Arthur Aug 01, 1966 - Oct 10, 2012

22 ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT ,

Robert P. Hodges SHERIFF

22 ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT ,

Luke Lancaster

22 ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT , DIVISION H

Daniel Seuzeneau

CO-ENDORSEMENT

SHERIFF

And just like that, everything in our world changed forever. Always in our hearts, Brian, Christy, Jett, Jase, Brian Jr, Isla, Mom, Mr. Bob, Shirley, Rusty, Stephanie, Robert, Raymond, Family and Friends

St. Tammany ChamberPAC is a nonpartisan political action committee working to increase voter turnout; identify and recruit qualified candidates to run for office at the local and state levels; and importantly, endorse pro-business political candidates who support the free enterprise system, freedom from unnecessary government regulation, and quality of life in our region.

PAID FOR BY STTAMMANYCHAMBERPAC.ORG

14A ✦ Wednesday, October 14, 2026 ✦ St. Tammany ✦

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