The St. Tammany Farmer 10-15-2025

FANDAL ELECTED SLIDELL MAYOR

Chief Randy

to the crowd in Olde Towne Slidell after votes were counted

Police chief grabs 72% of vote in race for City Hall

BY BOB WARREN Staff writer

Randy Fandal won a special election on Oct. 11 to become Slidell’s mayor, capping a campaign he formally launched in January when former Mayor Greg Cromer announced his resignation and becoming the third police chief to make the jump to the Mayor’s Office.

Fandal, the city’s police chief since 2016, will serve the remainder of Cromer’s term, which runs through June. With his election as mayor, a

new leader will now have to be tapped to lead the Slidell Police Department

Complete but unofficial returns show Fandal with 72% of the vote to Borchert’s 28%. Both candidates are Republicans.

“I love the city of Slidell and am proud to call it home,” Fandal said after the returns came in. “I can’t tell you how ready I am to get to work.

I’ve listened to the people and look forward to representing them with transparency, integrity and accountability Our best days lie ahead.”

Fandal, 65, is the third police chief

to get voted into the Mayor’s Office since 2002, following Ben Morris and Freddy Drennan Borchert, 61, was seeking to take another step up in his political history — from district council member to at-large council member to being elected mayor

The election was the culmination of months of back and forth between the candidates’ supporters, many of whom took to social media to bicker with each other Almost from the start, it was divisive as some Fandal

ä See MAYOR, page 2A

Mandeville pier targeted for removal

Council approves demolition of Sunset Point area

BY KIM CHATELAIN Contributing writer

A scar on the Mandeville lakefront left behind by Hurricane Ida in 2021 will soon be erased.

On Oct. 9, the City Council approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Clay Madden to execute a $170,000 contract with Curranco, LLC to demolish the badly damaged public fishing pier at Sunset Point jutting into Lake Pontchartrain immediately east of the Causeway Curranco, based in Harvey, submitted the lowest bid among the 11 companies that responded to the city’s request for proposals with prices ranging from $170,000 to $425,000, city documents show The contractor will remove and dispose of the piles, deck and structure, shelter, roof, lighting, conduits and conductors, water piping, benches, concrete bulk debris, concrete ramp, and will cap onshore buried utilities.

Curranco has 60 days from the start of work to reach substantial completion of the project. Final

Sheriff says he’ll pull deputies from courthouse

Money disputes with parish continue

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

Come Jan. 1, there might not be uniformed St. Tammany sheriff’s deputies staffing the checkpoint at the entrance of the parish courthouse. Or at Parish Council meetings. Or at the Towers Building in Slidell. In another escalation of the skirmishes between St Tammany Parish government and the criminal justice agencies it is required to provide money to, a lawyer for St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith told Parish President Mike Cooper that at the end of the year, the sheriff’s office will stop providing security at government buildings across the parish.

“We are sorry it has come to this, but your

Golden Paws brings seniors together with mature dogs

John Guidry and KodaBug share a moment during a recent Golden Paws

BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing writer

John Guidry had a surprise visitor recently at his home in The Peristyle at Beau West. His guest didn’t say much, but the time the two spent together was a welcome treat for both seniors.

The guest, KodaBug, is a canine ambassador from the Northshore Humane Society’s new “Golden Paws” program.

The initiative brings mature, adoptable shelter dogs to visit residents in local nursing

homes and assisted living centers. The visitors are also relatively senior in dog years. KodaBug, a favorite guest, is a 7-year-old shepherd mix waiting for someone to adopt him into a forever home. And while he waits at Northshore Humane, this canine senior makes visits to human seniors who may not get out and about as much.

“It is wonderful to see the residents visiting with our dogs. It’s a great way to socialize the dogs while also enriching the lives of the residents,” said

Maggie Stokes, the humane society’s volunteer and community outreach coordinator “We select dogs that are good with our staff and have good manners to make these visits.”

Excitable dogs that like to jump up on people need not apply but KodaBug is a gentlemanly guest, according to Stokes. “He’s a big boy, but he is mildtempered. He understands boundaries and is happy to just let people pet and love on him,” she said.

Brian Henly an active North-

shore Humane volunteer, saw Golden Paws as a great opportunity to combine his life’s work with his passion for helping animals without homes. He is the business manager for About You In Home Care. The home health care business and Vital Medical Staffing are supporting partners in the Golden Paws program. “I’m in

Voters back Slidell fire district parcel fee renewal

BY ANDREW CANULETTE Staff writer

Voters in Slidell and its surrounding areas overwhelmingly renewed a $39 parcel fee that supports St. Tammany Parish Fire Protection District No. 1. The measure was approved by a 66% to 34% margin, with all 66 precincts in St. Tammany’s Eighth and Ninth wards on the eastern end of the parish reporting on Oct. 11. Turnout was estimated at 14.2%, with 9,351

MAYOR

Continued from page 1A

supporters were critical of Borchert for not adding the words “interim” or “acting” mayor to his title when he moved into the Mayor’s Office at City Hall.

Per the city’s charter, Borchert became mayor when Cromer stepped down because Borchert was the at-large council member who had received the most votes in the previous council election.

Borchert, meanwhile, made no bones about the fact that he planned to run as an incumbent, saying early on that his months in the Mayor’s Office would be a chance for voters to see he could do the job well.

“It’s not sort of being the mayor It’s being the mayor,” he said during a January interview

As he campaigned, Borchert pushed a platform of his experience in city government and running small businesses. He said that Fandal lacked his vision and was a candidate with a longtime law enforcement background but little government or business experience.

Fandal countered that his work in law enforcement, which includes a long

people voting. The only other item on the ballot was the special election for Slidell mayor, which was open only to registered voters who reside in Slidell city limits. The Slidell-area fire district, however, is one of the largest in the state with some 108,000 residents within its boundaries District 1 firefighters responded to approximately 10,000 calls in 2024, Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann said in an interview before the election.

The parcel fee costs owners of developed properties about 11 cents per day, Kaufmann said, and generates some $1.3 million annually to subsidize fire-fighting efforts in the Slidell area. The fee first was approved by voters in 2006 following a property tax hiatus put in place while citizens rebuilt their homes and businesses after Hurricane Katrina. The 10-year fee was reapproved in 2016 and again on Oct. 11, ensures it will be collected through the end

of 2035. Kaufmann said the fee is important not only because of the revenue it generates for the district, but because it “diversifies” revenue as it’s not connected to fluctuating sales or property tax numbers.

A total of 6,139 voters supported the fee renewal at the polls on Oct 11 with 3,212 voting against, in complete but unofficial returns.

Email Andrew Canulette at acanulette@ sttammanyfarmer.net.

stint with the Louisiana State Police, required him to run large departments. Running the Police Department, he said, is essentially an administrative job that includes a lot of the same political interaction as a mayor or city government leader

During the campaign, Fandal said anyone interested in how the city would look like under his watch just needed to take a look at the Police Department. He noted that he successfully

campaigned last year for a police sales tax that replaced two property taxes and would bring in additional revenues to cover needed salary increases and cover the cost a new police headquarters facility “Slidell doesn’t just need a mayor,” Fandal said during an interview in September “Slidell needs a voice for the eastern side of the parish.”

Voter turnout was 26.4%. That’s lower than the 30% turnout in the 2018 mayor’s

race, but not as bad as the candidates had feared during the campaign. Meanwhile, there’s a chance the two could meet up again next spring. While Fandal won the right to have the office through June, voters will head back to the polls on April 18 for the city’s regular schedule of elections, including police chief, City Council and mayor The winners of those elections will take office in July for full four-year terms.

Project Christmas helps Santa get around the parish

BY DARREN COOPER

Contributing writer

Santa Claus is alive and well through the work of St Tammany Project Christmas. The volunteer organization is currently accepting donations and identifying children and families to provide for this Christmas season.

Those wishing to donate their time, a gift or a monetary donation can go to stprojectchristmas.org or call (985) 259-5770. If you know of a family in need, let the organization know and they’ll do the rest. Oct. 27 is the deadline for people to be registered to receive the blessings of Project Christmas.

“Our goal is to help people remember the magic of Christmas and for children to have gifts on Christmas morning,” said Project

DISPUTE

Continued from page 1A

inactions and inability to communicate have left us with no choice,” Smith’s lawyer, Andrew R Capitelli, wrote in an Oct. 6 letter to Cooper

The sheriff’s threat to terminate security contracts at parish buildings is the latest barb in a yearslong legal battle between the parish and the sheriff over how much the parish has to pay to fund St. Tammany’s jail The parish has in recent years struggled to find funding for many parts of its criminal justice system, including the jail, the judges, and the District Attorney’s Office.

The money woes largely stem from the parish’s repeated inability to get voters to pass tax propositions that would provide revenue to cover those criminal justice costs. Voters have shot down six proposals since 2016. The sheriff’s office now suggests cutting security contracts as a way to find

Christmas President Jewell Bayhi. “So many kids wake up to nothing, or a small gift or a small dinner, and we want to help as many people as we can find and provide them with at least three items and a big Christmas meal.”

Project Christmas has expanded its reach over the last two decades, starting off as a church-centric operation and now spanning the length of the northshore and involving multiple faith and religious groups. Bayhi, a longtime Madisonville resident, said last year the organization gave a Christmas to almost 1,700 children and 85 adults.

Families and children must qualify for a Project Christmas package by providing proof of food stamps and a Social Security card. The organization puts up fliers around the northshore so people can register to

funds. “If money’s a problem, let’s use that toward the jail,” Capitelli said in an interview Capitelli said the sheriff’s office would terminate a $112,000 contract for security at the Towers Building in Slidell, a $95,000 annual contract for security at the Parish Government Complex near Mandeville and another contract for security at the St. Tammany Justice Center in Covington, all effective Dec. 31. “We will be happy to assist the Parish transition to the new security vendor of your choice,” Capitelli wrote.

Legal history

St. Tammany’s sheriff and parish government, which each control their own budgets, have vastly different views on what they are obligated to budget for the parish’s jail, court records show

The sheriff argues in a lawsuit filed by the parish back in 2022 that the parish is obligated pay for almost everything associated with the jail, from the salaries of the deputies there to the

take part as a gift-giver or receiver

“We operate solely on donations, whether that’s money or goods or services,” Bayhi said. “We have some churches that have been with us for years and years, and we get new people every year that see the fliers or our Facebook page that we update quite a bit.”

Volunteers can adopt a family, families or just a child for Christmas. A wish list is provided by the family and the goods are provided by Santa via Project Christmas. Bayhi said bikes are always a big gift, as is bedding, blankets and sports equipment.

Leading up to the holiday, a team of Project Christmas volunteers meets at one of the distribution centers and builds the bikes or put together the Christmas dinners, and the adopted family is notified discreetly to

food the staff serves up.

The parish, meanwhile, has contended its responsibilities are limited to paying to maintain the jail, as well as certain expenses associated with “parish prisoners,” meaning people with charges pending in St. Tammany Parish, as opposed to people incarcerated in the jail who have charges pending federally or in other parishes.

Ad hoc Judge John Conery largely sided with the parish in a February 2025 ruling, and the sheriff’s office has since appealed to the First Circuit Court of Appeal in Baton Rouge.

Capitelli contends the parish government is not taking care of maintenance and other jail expenses that both the parish and the judge agreed it had to cover He says that although the parish budgeted $8.7 million for jail expenses in 2025, the parish has paid only $2.7 million for the first half of the parish’s fiscal year

He also says the parish has not procured contracts for maintenance vendors like plumbers or electri-

PIER

Continued from page 1A

acceptance to be complete within 90 days of the start, which is expected to begin this fall.

Area residents have been clamoring for the reconstruction of the ill-fated pier that has been wrecked by storms on three occasions.

It opened in April 2005 and was badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina a few months later It was repaired and reopened in July 2007.

The 400-foot pier was heavily damaged again during Hurricane Isaac in August 2012. Repairs costing $343,305 were made and the pier reopened in June 2013.

In both cases, the city paid to have the pier brought back to its original state without additional fortification. And both times, the city was reimbursed by FEMA for 75 % of

DOGS

Continued from page 1A

give love and get love as well,” said Henly Milisa Hubbard, executive director of The Peristyle at Beau West, sees firsthand how these visits enhance the lives of its residents, even those confined to their beds.

the repair costs. This time, the city applied to participate in the federal Hazardous Mitigation Program, which allows governments to apply for grants to rebuild storm-damaged facilities in a way that reduces, or mitigates, future disaster losses. That process delayed work on the pier but will ultimately result in a more resilient pier Madden thanked citizens for their patience in waiting for the project to work its way through the federal grant process. “I think it’s going to be well worth the wait,” he said. Mandeville Public Works Director Keith LaGrange said the city hopes to put the reconstruction contract out for bid as soon as the demolition is complete. The exact cost of rebuilding the more resilient pier has not yet been determined, but the city’s engineering consultant put the estimate at $3.5 million.

come pick up the goods, also discreetly

“We ask the parents not to bring the kids,” laughed Bayhi. “We also give the families wrapping paper, so they can be Santa, or honor whatever their Christmas custom is. Everyone that is at the distribution center wears elf hats and costumes and tries to make it fun.”

The response has been overwhelming. Bayhi said Project Christmas frequently receives notes from grateful families after Christmas thanking them for making the day special.

“Christmas time is a time to share,” Bayhi said. “It’s a time to think about people who are less fortunate, and we’re grateful for all our volunteers and the time people spend helping. We are a family-focused group that tries to maintain the dignity of all the people we help.”

cians, leaving the jail “in an unsuitable condition” and leading the sheriff’s office to send prisoners to jails elsewhere.

Conery found the jail was in poor condition and that “significant maintenance has been deferred.” However, he found the deterioration of the jail dates back to a period between 1998 and 2021, when the sheriff was responsible for jail maintenance per a contract with parish government.

The Cooper administration said in a statement that the sheriff’s office is being “uncooperative and unreasonable” and not providing it with documentation of how many people in the jail have charges pending in St. Tammany, an allegation Capitelli disputes.

“Since defeating the Sheriff’s Office in court for their failing to maintain the jail as contracted, we have been attempting to work with the sheriff’s office to remove all contracts with them,” the parish said in a statement.

Email Willie Swett at willie.swett@theadvocate. com.

“The program has been amazing for us. The dogs and volunteers reach every resident at their stage of life, and the animals are phenomenal,” Hubbard said of the visits to the assisted living and memory care facility Visits take place in Peristyle’s common room and in the residents’ rooms.

“The interactions often have the residents sharing childhood memories of their own dogs,” said Hubbard. “It’s wonderful to see a patient’s face light up when the dog walks in This is especially true for many of our bedridden patients, and that is so special.” Golden Paws is active in 10 local care facilities in the Mandeville and Covington areas. On average, one to two dogs, accompanied by a humane society staff member and a trained volunteer, make visits on a rotating schedule, according to Stokes.

“Giving the dogs a chance to go out on these visits offers socialization and enrichment for both the dogs and the residents,” said Stokes.

Northshore Humane Society is a nonprofit, no-kill facility where the average population of adoptable

dogs and cats is about 200 animals, she said.

Northshore Humane Society CEO Scott Bernier called the program a winwin for all parties.

“Our mission has always been about creating a better life for animals. Golden Paws allows us to expand that mission and enrich the lives of people in our community as well,” Bernier stated in a news release. The society invites community support by volunteering or donating to Golden Paws. For more information, contact Stokes at (985) 892-7387 or email mstokes@ nshumane.org. For information and photos of animals available for adoption, check out the organization’s website at www.northshorehumane.org. The shelter at 20384 Harrison Ave. near Covington opens Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A good Night Out across the northshore

Several hundred residents came out on Oct. 7 and 8 to attend National Night Out events throughout St. Tammany Parish in accessible community spaces in Mandeville, Covington and the greater Slidell area. The events were as advertised: A nationwide initiative that invited residents to come out and gather with law enforcement and other first responders in their respective communities or neighborhoods.

In each location, hosts provided low-stress occasions for police, fire and emergency medical representatives to meet, mix and mingle with everyday civilians. Ideally, the gatherings help build better police-community relationships; help chip away at barriers; encourage better communication; and put faces to some of the people who will respond when 911 is called.

Each Night Out was specially geared to children, providing them (and their families) with food, sweet treats, games and the all-important helicopters, motorcycles, SWAT vehicles and trained canine officers that are a big draw for kids of all ages.

Carmine Manalla collects candy with his mom Cheri Aucoin at the St. Tammany Parish First Responders Night Out near Slidell.

and Waren Amedio

Corkern Air Conditioning,Heating and Electric celebrating 50 years in business!!

TheU.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Region6 is publishing this notice to inform thepublic aboutchanges relatedtothe Southern Shipbuilding Superfund Site (Site) in Slidell, Louisiana. On September20, 2025, EPAissuedan ExplanationofSignificant Differences (ESD)todocument changes to theRecordofDecisions (RODs)

From 1919 to 1993, ashipand bargeconstructionrepairfacility was active on site.The activities associated with operations resultedinthe contaminationofsoils andsediments.The area includesa containmentcellonthe northend of theSitethatis covered with native vegetation as wellasanunderwater cap. Thecap prevents ecological exposure to remaining contaminatedsediments that couldnot be dug up. TheSiteis zonedfor light industrialuse

TheESD modifies the1995 and1997 RODs by formalizing Operation andMaintenance plansand mandatesInstitutional Controlsinthe form of aConveyanceNotice

Public Notice Southern Shipbuilding SuperfundSite U.S.

TheAdministrativeRecordFile andthe ESDare availableat: St.Tammany Parish Library SlidellBranch 555 Rebert Boulevard Slidell, Louisiana70458 https://www.sttammanylibrary.org

Site status updatesare availableonthe Internet at: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/southern-shipbuilding

For more informationabout theSite, contactOliverBernal, Remedial ProjectManager,at(214) 665-6773 or by emailat bernal.oliver@epa.gov,or JasonMcKinney, Community InvolvementCoordinator, at (214) 665-8553or1-800-887-6063 (toll-free)orbyemail at mckinney.jason@epa.gov

Allmedia inquiries should be directed to theEPA PressOffice at (214)665-2200.

Delaune, Roslyn Delaune,

Northshore Humane Society gala pulled in animal-lovers

The Northshore Humane Society unleashed its signature fundraising event of the year Oct. 4 at the Covington Country Club to raise money to help build the nonprofit, no-kill shelter’s new home and community space near Covington.

Jonny Moore, Polly Moore, Jules Morales

Coasting into a resource fair

BY MARGARET ALBERT

Contributing writer

On Oct. 2, the Castine Center near Mandeville was bustling with conversation, music, and dancing as the age 60+ crowd

filled the hall for the annual Resource Festival presented by the Council on Aging St. Tammany, better known locally as COAST.

The celebration began with a welcome from COAST Executive Director Amy Kudel, followed by presentations from some of the festival sponsors who share with COAST a commitment to serve older adults in St. Tammany Parish.

As in recent years, the festival theme was “Game On with COAST,” and guests were encouraged to show their spirit by wearing favorite team jerseys.

More than 50 vendors offered information, giveaways and resources to guests and their families, and a new format allowed guests to explore resource providers in the exhibit hall. They lined up at the tables of Medicare insurance providers, finance advisers, providers of fraud and scam prevention, representatives from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and others to learn more.

Guests at the Rescue Me: Unleashed Gala dined on cuisine and speciallycrafted cocktails from a record number of local establishments. There were silent auctions and a new spin-and-sip wine game that might just become a gala tradition.

The night was emceed by WGNO’s Curt Sprang, with live music from Soul Tribe on the main stage and the New Orleans Gumbo Trio outside beneath the oaks with a stunning view of the Tchefuncte River

The COAST staff members were on hand to see that the day flowed smoothly These people work with dedication, compassion and perseverance throughout the year to assure the festival is a success, Kudel said. Lakeshore High students once again volunteered their time to help, even though this year the fair took place on a school holiday The teens were still out in force and stayed busy

The mood was upbeat, and excitement was evident as Kudel announced the win-

provided by sponsors and vendors. By 2 p.m., the crowd had dwindled, and fair workers declared the day a success. Information on COAST partners, workshops, services, and more can be found on the organization’s website, www.coastseniors.org, or by calling (985) 892-0377.

Madisonville woman helps deliver birthday hope to kids

BY LISA VON EBERSTEIN Contributing writer

Madisonville’s Jessica Valladares is leading the Brooke It Forward Foundation in its joyful mission to make children in need feel celebrated on their birthday Valladares recently stepped into the role of executive director during a time of expansion for the Covington-based organization that currently serves 24 Louisiana parishes and one Florida county Brooke It Forward partners with children’s advocacy centers, CASA programs, food banks, homeless shelters and women’s shelters to bring birthday magic to children affected by difficult circumstances.

Started in 2019 by Marie Rudd-Gregory and husband Todd Gregory in memory of her daughter, Brooke Posey, Brooke It Forward delivers colorful birthday boxes with everything needed for an at-home party including

cake mix, icing, sprinkles, ice cream scoop and party supplies, birthday cards and small Christian gifts.

“We are blessed to have Jessica on board as she brings an incredible combination of heart, vision and leadership to Brooke It Forward. From day one, she’s led with purpose and compassion — two qualities that perfectly reflect who we are as a foundation,” said RuddGregory, its president.

Valladares said her passion for service started early in life, inspired by her mother’s example of generosity, even with few resources. “She always found a way to give back,” Valladares said “It doesn’t take a lot of money or time to make a big

impact in somebody’s life.” Valladares previously served as executive director of At Your Service by Christwood, a division of Christwood Retirement Community, and she also served as the community’s chief administrative officer, spearheading empowering initiatives for seniors. She is a graduate of Leadership St Tammany and Chevron Fellows programs and has volunteered for several nonprofit agencies. In her new role, Valladares is focusing on expanding the reach of Brooke It Forward through community partnerships and volunteer programs. Two new initiatives are on the horizon: the Birthday Buddy program to

grow recurring monthly donors, and the Birthday Crew program to grow the volunteer base.

“I think what drew me was the simplicity and the purity of the mission and the healing that can be done through celebration, it’s so powerful. And just that small act of kindness it’s a reminder to these children that no matter what they’re going through, that they have their faith, and that somebody is celebrating them, and they deserve to be celebrated,” Valladares said.

Valladares’ involvement has already brought new energy to the organization.“Her wealth of experience and inspiring leadership bring a fresh vision to the foundation, and I look forward to growing both the organization and myself professionally as program coordinator under her guidance,” said Melissa Ojeda. Rudd-Gregory said Valladares approaches all tasks with excellence and grace: “What truly sets her apart is her heart for the mission. She understands that this work is about more than birthdays — it’s about joy, dignity and showing God’s love in a tangible way That’s why she was the natural choice to lead Brooke It Forward into its next chapter.” For more information or to get involved, call (985) 9002433 or go to www.BrookeItForward.org.

Haggling over pay plan continues among Madisonville leaders

BY KIM CHATELAIN

Contributing writer

The Madisonville Town Council has spent hours bickering over a pay plan for town employees since August, digging deep into the emotional issue but reaching no decision.

The subject dominated conversation during the town’s Sept. 24 council meeting, but members adjourned without taking action.

The topic was only broached briefly in the Oct. 8 meeting and will likely crop up next at a future committee meeting.

Back in August, the council was presented with the results of a study conducted by SSA Consultants of Baton Rouge, which had been hired by the municipal government to evaluate the compensation plan of town employees.

Cody Saucier, an SSA senior consultant, said the firm evaluated Madisonville’s current salary and benefit structure with an eye toward ensuring the town remains an employer of choice in the region.

The study established “market minimum” and “market maximum” salary for each job within the town’s government Those ranges represented the highest and lowest paid municipal government employees with comparable jobs in the region.

For each position, Saucier said the Madisonville employees fell within those guideposts.

And in an analysis of health insurance and other benefits provided to town employees, Saucier said Madisonville is “beyond competitive.”

The town’s benefit package falls short in only one category: paid holidays. Madisonville employees receive 11 per year, while other comparable governments offer 13 to 15, Saucier said.

The study recommended Madisonville establish experiencebased salary ranges for all positions, utilizing market-based sal-

ary data; standardize all position descriptions within the town; and conduct a market-based compensation review every three to five years to ensure compensation and benefits retain internal equity and external competitiveness.

The pay issue, which has been a campaign focus in recent town elections, carried over to the council’s September meeting when council member Louis Ogle offered a step-based pay range plan for employees.

He devised the plan by examining the tenure of each of the town’s 26 employees and plotted the years of service against the SSA recommendation for a 20step pay plan.

What emerged was his proposal to immediately raise the pay of many long tenured employees, including police. Most of those employees would see raises of $2 to $3 per hour, he said.

Currently, Ogle said the highest paid police officer in Madisonville makes $22.68 an hour In neighboring Mandeville, the lowest paid officer, one with no experience, makes $24.23 an hour

“That tells me we’re not where we need to be,” he said.

Mayor Jean Pellot said salaries improved dramatically over the past few years, adding that the town must pay for salary increases with recurring revenues. And he noted that the SSA study bolstered the position that the town’s employees are within market value ranges.

Other town officials noted that employees already received a 5% raise this year, with plans for a similar increase next year And, they said benefits offered by the town were very competitive when compared what is offered by other governments.

Council member Tim Bounds highlighted the health insurance plans and other benefits offered to town employees which he said are very good and should be considered in evaluating compensation.

Tedesco family is dream team for Slidell Food & Fun Fest

BY JESSICA SAGGIO Contributing writer

The Mardi Gras booth at the

Slidell Food & Fun Fest has a bit of a reputation.

It’s where visitors to the fairlike festival on the St Margaret Mary Church and School campus can score big — or small — depending on their luck. It’s where fate and a few bucks can win the likes of a TV, Roku, gift card or a host of other prizes. Just open an envelope with a colored doubloon, and the Tedesco family will tell you what you’ve won.

It’s a staple of the Food & Fun Fest, which is Oct. 17-19, said volunteer Kristi Tedesco Griffith, who works the booth with her family each year. She is also a first grade teacher at the school.

Griffith is one of the quiet forces behind the scenes of the Slidell Food & Fun Festival, arranging the logistics of the fair T-shirts each year and assisting her family with the popular Mardi Gras booth Griffith, along with brother Chris Tedesco and parents, Paul and Cynthia Tedesco, are the friendly faces guests will see when they visit the tent and make their wagers and they have been for years.

Forty-three years, actually, said Griffith, whose parents first started volunteering when she was in kindergarten. Now respectively 77 and 73 years old, Paul and Cynthia have been working as volunteers at the fair for decades. Their children have followed suit; Chris so much so that he is now the assistant fair director

“They have not missed a beat,” said fair Director Robert Bywater He explained that it’s no small task. Organizing the Mardi Gras booth takes countless hours to collect more than 1,000 prizes to be handed out, log them in a database, stuff envelopes with doubloons and managing the tent during the actual fair It’s a balancing act, he said, making sure there is an equal number of prizes remaining at all times.

It’s a year-round effort, and fair organizers are already planning the next year’s fair within days of its conclusion, Kristi said.

But for this family, it’s worth it, said Kristi. It’s a rewarding experience and one she stays involved with for her own kids, as well.

“I just love seeing the smiles on everybody’s faces when they come up to the Mardi Gras booth,” she said. “Something so simple as a pencil and an eraser or a free frosty at Wendy’s, and they get so excited and run off to show their parents. It’s just those little things, the joy in people’s faces. I love seeing that.”

For Chris, it’s about continuing a family tradition that supports the church he loves — and fostering an event that brings so much joy to his community

“St. Margaret Mary is my home. It always will be The parish and its parishioners shaped me into the man I am today,” he said. “I want to see the school and church succeed for future generations.”

We’reputting our energy intoa better Louisiana.

SLIDELL FOOD & FUN FEST

WHAT: An old-fashioned fair with 26 rides; food from 16-plus vendors and live music

WHEN: Oct. 17, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Oct. 18, noon to 11 p.m. and Oct. 19, noon to 9 p.m.

WHERE: Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 1050 Robert Blvd.

HOW MUCH: Free entry to food and music areas. Food and drink for purchase. Unlimited midway ride wristbands online in advance for $38 per session or $78 for the entire fest Individual ride tickets also sold.

WHO PLAYS: Oct. 17,Voodoo Gumbo and The Molly Ringwalds; Oct. 18, Out Da Box, Caroline Tebbs, Peyton Falgoust Music and Bag of Donuts; Oct 19, Bobby Ohler & the Harbor, Bayou Stampede and Witness

Seasonal events dot the parish

It’s that time of year again, and there’s plenty of festivities for everyone in St. Tammany Parish. Monster Mash, Oct. 18

Tote the kids out for a good time and a good cause at the annual Monster Mash at Bogue Falaya Park in Covington from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event includes trick-ortreating, cookie decorating, music, crafts and carnival rides, among other activities. Advance tickets for children are $15, or $20 at the gate. Adult tickets are $5 and those under age 2 are free. Proceeds from the event benefit the St.Tammany Health System Parenting Center Field of Screams, Oct. 18

For those who dare, take a terrifying sunset stroll down the Blue Swamp Creek Nature Trail in Covington.The city’s fire and police departments have teamed up to create “eerie stage scenes” along the trail with a host of unexpected haunts showing up along the route. In other words, be ready for a few jump scares.This event is free and intended for older children, teens and adults. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nightmare on Columbia, Oct 18 The cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine will flow on Columbia Street for this Halloween tradition.The annual event takes place on Columbia Street in Covington and features a host of tents to sample different beverages, a costume contest and live music.This adults-only Halloween party starts with a 5 p.m. sampling of all the yummies, followed by DJ music at the city trailhead beginning at 7:30 p.m. and the costume contest at 8 p.m.Tickets cost $45.

Trick-or-treat at Fontainebleau, Oct. 18 & 25

For those looking to get their candy fix a little early, check out the trick-or-treat event at Fontainebleau State Park near Mandeville from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.The trick-or-treating will take place in the campground area of the park, and all roads that intertwine through that portion will be closed. Cost to participate is the regular park fee of $3 per person

Those under age 3 or over 65 are free. If you can’t make

the first event, Fontainebleau will host another trick-or-treat opportunity Oct. 25 at the same time.

Whisperings, Oct. 19

When history and Halloween collide, it can get a bit spooky And that’s exactly what is expected to happen at this season’s Whisperings event hosted by the Covington Heritage Foundation.The event will be hosted at the Old Seiler Hotel, which is now the Columbia Street Taproom, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Here, guests will unpack the secrets of the historic hotel that was once known as the “headquarters for traveling men.” Learn about the chilling history of the Seiler family and perhaps meet one of the haunts that still call it home.The event is sold out due to a limited capacity, but Whisperings is a Halloween staple each year on the west side of the parish. Make note for next year if you don’t already have tickets

Aldersgate UMC Trunk or Treat, Oct. 19

A community favorite in Slidell, Aldersgate United Methodist Church’s trunk or treat is back for another year The candy extravaganza will feature more than 40 decorated trunks full of goodies and will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.The event will also include face painting, a cake walk, yard games, a selfie station and visits from the Slidell Fire Department and St.Tammany Sheriff’s Office.Admission is free Slidell Zombie Crawl, Oct 24

Look alive, zombies! It’s almost time to crawl down to Olde Towne Slidell for another favorite Halloween pastime.The Slidell Zombie Crawl, suitable for all ages, features trick-or-treating, live music, costume contests, bounce houses, face painting, pumpkin decorating and local art vendors.This year’s crawl will take place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the Olde Towne Slidell/downtown area. This is a free and pet-friendly event sponsored by the Olde Towne Merchants Association. ACCESS Boo Fest, Oct. 25

Dozens of civic groups and more will set up along the walking path and green space adjacent to Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95

Judge Tanner Blvd., between Covington and Mandeville, for the annual ACCESS Louisiana Boo Fest. For only $2 per person, guests can visit six different on-site trick-or-treat “neighborhoods”, as well as decorate pumpkins, have fun with arts, crafts, games, face painting, a photo booth and more. Food and drinks will available for purchase, too. Children are encouraged to costume for the title of “Scariest,”“Most Original” and the coveted “Kids Choice”Award.All proceeds go to ACCESS (Adapting and Changing Children’s Environments with Successful Solutions) Louisiana, which benefits children with disabilities and their families. Gates open at 9 a.m. for families with special-needs children and the general public is welcome from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, go online to accesslouisiana.

org

Pearl River Trunk or Treat, Oct. 25

Venture over to Pearl River for another opportunity to load those buckets with a little extra sugar This year’s free trunk or treat will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Honey Island Swamp Museum and Research Center

Horror in Nature at Castine Center, Oct. 28

What’s a horror flick without deep, dark woods or a spooky swamp? Nature often sets the scene for terrifying tales and horror films. Come learn about their parallels from Master Naturalist Jessica McDaniel at the Castine Center at Pelican Park near Mandeville.This educational and free event will take place at 6:30 p.m. and will leave guests with a new appreciation of how nature shapes the genre that “helps us experience and confront our fears.”While no gory or inappropriate materials will be shown, this event is best for ages 10 and up. Trick-or-Treat, Rev Peter Atkins Park, Oct. 31

For a family night of fun on Halloween, bring the kiddos to the Peter Atkins Park in Covington for a free trickor-treating event.The soiree will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and feature face

painting candy, Halloween crafts, games and costume contests.

Abita Springs Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 31

Take a hike to the Abita Springs Trailhead on Halloween from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the town’s All Hallows’ Eve celebration. The trunk or treat event features, of course, trick-ortreating, but also food, games, a photo booth and a haunted house.This event is free and hosted by the town of Abita Springs.

Compiled by Jessica Saggio

BY SHEILA GRISSETT Staff writer

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra returns to perform its annual Sunset Symphony at the Mandeville Lakefront on Oct. 18, with a special performance by the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra.

The public is invited to attend the free, outdoor concert, bringing along picnics and their children for an afternoon and evening of music specially curated with kids and families in mind. Food and beverage vendors will also be there, and nearby lakefront playground will help keep the children busy

The LPO performance from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. will be conducted by Maestro Scott Terrell, recognized as a champion of new music and a passionate musician and music educator, the director of orchestral studies at the Louisiana State University School of Music, where he is the associate professor of orchestral studies and holds the Virginia Martin Howard Chair He guest conducts orchestras throughout the United States and abroad; was chosen as a fellowship conductor for the inaugural season of the American Academy of Conducting at the Aspen Music Festival; and there was awarded

the prestigious Conducting Prize from Aspen Festival Director David Zinman. Under Terrell’s direction, the LPO will perform a mix of music, from some of America’s best-loved and most recognizable patriotic pieces to selections from some well-known movies and stories, including Lalo Schifrin’s theme from “Mission Impossible;” the Harry Potter-inspired “Sorcerer’s Stone Suite” and the “Superman March,” both by John Williams who composed music for the first three Potter movies; “Hansel and Gretel: Witch’s Ride,” by 19th-century composer Englebert Humperdinck; and “A Town with an Ocean View” from the “Kiki’s Delivery Service” movie by composer Joe Hisaishi. The first music of the day, however, will be performed by selected members of the inspiring Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra, which takes the stage next to Lake Pontchartrain at 4:30 p.m. The GNOYO is an auditioned group of about 500 school-age musicians from throughout south Louisiana and even Mississippi. It has five orchestras, some based in New Orleans and others in St. Tammany It all takes place at 1545 Lakeshore Drive in Old Mandeville, so don’t forget the picnic blankets and foldable chairs for comfortable seating. Oct. 19 is the rain date, if needed. For more, contact (985) 624-3147 or visit www.experiencemandeville.org.

MUSIC

TALENT: New Orleans vocalist and street performer Jourdan Blue will perform Oct. 17 for the free Mandeville Live! concert on the city’s trailhead stage. Fresh from winning third place in this year’s “America’s Got Talent” season finale, Blue performs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring folding chairs and blankets for seating, but no ice chests, food or drinks. Vendors will be at the 675 Lafitte St. venue.

BOSSING: The Honey Island Swamp Band will play a musical tribute to “The Boss” on Oct. 17 at North Star Theatre 347 Girod St., in Mandeville. This eclectic band formed in San Francisco in 2005 post Katrina, but the five subsequently relocated back home to New Orleans and now embody contemporary roots music. All tickets reserved, so pick a seat online and buy a GA or VIP ticket, which comes with drinks and a meet-andgreet with the artists. Ticket from $51 to $90, inclusive, at northstartheatre.org. Music starts at 7 p.m.

ROCKING: Louisiana treasure Bobby Ohler — cornetist, pianist, guitarist and all-around performer — will bring his one-man show to Rockin’ the Rails on Oct. 16 at the Covington Trailhead. Ohler’s music, storytelling and humor is just right for this free, familyfriendly concert. Bring chairs and blankets to the 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. show, get food and drinks from local vendors and enjoy two hours with Ohler.

SUNSET: The Sunset at the Landing fall concert series will close out on Oct. 17 with a show by acclaimed vocalist Stephanie Jordan and her Music Alive ensemble from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the foot of Columbia Street in Covington Bring chairs or blankets for seating and refreshments to enjoy during the show.

WWII TUNES: The First Baptist Church of Covington’s Adult 55+ Group will host the National WWII Victory Belles on Oct. 21 for the group’s Fall Celebration. The trio’s three-part harmony will bring WWII-era musical hits to the guests, including a salute to all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Program in Worship Center at 10 a.m.; concludes with noon lunch Cost is $15 at the door. Registration for this limited-seating event is a must by Oct. 15 at FBCCOV. org/adults-55.

AMERICANA: The next Friends of the Slidell Library fall concert series in eastern St Tammany takes place Oct. 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the South Slidell branch library, 3901 Pontchartrain Drive, with Jupiter Flood playing roots rock folk Americana in the branch meeting room.

THEATER

DRAMEDY: “The funniest (story) ever to make you cry,” ”Steel Magnolias,” continues for one more weekend at Slidell Little Theatre. Written by Robert Harling and directed by Karen Shields, the story revolves around six Southern women in Chinquapin, La., who bond over life’s joys and its heartbreaks. Most of the play is set in Truvy’s beauty salon, a special place for each of the six, and in some ways, the incubator in which their bonds grow and are strengthened. Shows Oct. 17-19. Tickets, adults $25; students and seniors, $20, at slidelllittletheatre.org/tickets.

BANG: In small-town Mississippi, a few days before the Fourth of July, Carnelle Scott (“Miss Hot Tamale”) is rehearsing furiously for the Miss Firecracker Contest and hoping that a victory will salvage her tarnished reputation. But doesn’t the unexpected always happen? In this play, a slew of crazy relatives show up to complicate matters. Tickets to see “The Miss Firecracker Contest” at 30 by Ninety Theater in Mandeville are $14 to $22 for shows Oct. 17-19 and 24-26. Tony Lagman directs, assisted by Merry Antoon

HORROR: Catch the cult hit “Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Oct. 17 at Cutting Edge Theater, 767 Robert Blvd. in Slidell. This Halloween season classic is a treat every year, even though fans know that Brad and Janet will have a flat tire, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter and meet a houseful of crazies. So, see it again. One 8 p.m. show. Remaining tickets are

$38 to $48.50; get them at cuttingedgetheater.com.

YIKES: Be part of the Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadowcast at 30 by Ninety Theatre in Mandeville on Oct. 30-31, but only for those 17 years or older. Shout the callbacks, dance the Time Warp, and have a blast, but keep it safe; theater staff will guide the participation moments. Also, a Rocky Horror costume contest each night for participants to strut their stuff on the runway before the curtain goes up. Do not bring outside props; prop bags will be sold in lobby. Oct. 30 show at 8 p.m.; Halloween night show at 10 p.m. Check online for details.

ART

STTA: Michael Guidry’s exhibition in the Art House in downtown Covington through Dec. 20. This New Orleans artist creates vibrant, layered works, drawing from the rich landscapes and waterways of South Louisiana, his imagination, myth and a dose of whimsy. His paintings push into contemporary terrain through bold color, experimentation with materials and narrative symbolism.

CONNECTIONS: The Atrium Gallery continues its Mary Ann Haase exhibition through Oct. 31 at the Christwood residential complex, 100 Christwood Blvd. (access via Brewster Road entrance) near Covington. Gallery open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at no charge.

COMMUNITY GUMBO

FEST: Multiple performers to entertain Oct. 24-26 in Mandeville during annual Festival of the Lake to benefit Our Lady of the Lake Church and School, including Four Unplugged, Umphy, Christian Serpas & Ghost Town, Bag of Donuts, David Gutierrez and Karen Waldrup, a Mandeville native and NBC’s “The Voice” finalist. Free family festival also includes food; firetruck rides, a kids’ inflatable zone, bingo with the chance at a big pot and more. For complete schedule of events, including the live music that begins during Friday’s 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. opening, go to festivalofthelake.com.

TEE TIME: Tee up for a cause that matters and play the first One Way Love Golf Classic to benefit at-risk youth on Oct. 24 at The Bridges Golf Club at Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. This four-person scramble brings together community, competition and compassion to support St. Tammany youth who need basics and support. Starts at 8 a.m. Visit onewaylove.org/golf to register. For more information or to ask about sponsorships, contact (985)231-2180 or connect@ onewaylove.org.

BEAUTIFUL: The Keep Slidell Beautiful Golf Tournament takes place Oct. 17, the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser of the year to support initiatives such as free tree giveaways; the Front Street Christmas light display; citywide cleanup and recycling events; and ongoing beautification projects. Hole sponsorships are available for $100 and there are limited spots for a four-person team at $500. For all the details, contact (985) 646-9564, slidellksb@gmail. com or visit www.keepslidellbeautiful.org.

MAMMOS: The Northshore Democratic Women’s Club invites all club and community members to a Be Well Screening event on Nov. 9 with a presentation on Breast Cancer Awareness at 3 p.m. St. Tammany Health’s Be Well Bus will provide on-site mammogram screenings from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for women over 40 at the Abita Springs Town Hall. Appointment recommended. Call (985) 773-1500.

HEROES: “Heroes Who Cook” on Nov. 2, a competitive

cook-off on the rooftop of the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center Parking Garage in downtown Covington, is the primary fundraiser for Children’s Advocacy CenterHope House. Competitors are teams of cooking staff from great restaurants and “celebrity” business or political leaders. Tickets for the 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. event are $105/person or $1,050/reserved table for eight online at support. cachopehouse.org/HWC2025. To help a team win, donate to Hope House and give it “tips” online before or during the event. For all info, visit cachopehouse.org and follow the prompts.

PEOPLE WHO MEET BIRDS & BLOOMS: The Northshore Camellia Club will host special guest Jane Patterson, president of Baton Rouge Audubon Society, at the club’s Oct. 19 meeting at Riverwood Club House, 114 Marilyn Drive, in Covington. During the 2 p.m. meeting,

Patterson will share her deep love and knowledge of birdlife with her presentation, “Falling in love with Louisiana Birds.” The public is welcome. Contact Jim Campbell at (985) 630 9899 for more info. FRA: Fleet Reserve Association Branch 222 will next meet on Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at American Legion Post 374, located at 2233 Carey St. in Olde Towne Slidell. All members and eligible members are welcome to attend. For more information, contact (985) 788-0928 or (985) 445-7248.

QUILTING: Anyone interested in learning to quilt, or experienced quilters looking for a group, are invited to the next meeting of The Camellia Quilters Guild of Slidell at 10 a.m. on Oct. 16 (the third Thursday of every month) in Genesis Hall, Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Information, education and inspiration in all things quilting and related fiber arts. For more, contact Mollie Lusty at mlusty63@ gmail.com.

Opera Festa brings grand music to Covington church

BY SHEILA GRISSETT Staff writer

The 35th season of the Third Sunday Concert Series at Christ Episcopal Church in Covington continues Oct. 19 with a performance by Opera Festa of New Orleans, an ensemble committed to sharing opera and song with audiences in multiple venues. This will be a return performance for the music ministry of Christ Epsicopal Church.

The Third Sunday series of one-hour concerts, always free and open to the public, features monthly performances by a variety of accomplished local and regional artists.

The Opera Festa Singers are managed by New Orleans tenor Robert Wagner Wa gn er graduated from Loyola, where he was selected “Outstanding Music Major for the State of Louisiana” as a sophomore and the “Loyola Opera Workshop Award” as a junior and senior After Loyola, he continued his studies at The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and made his operatic debut with The Opera Company of Philadelphia, The Pennsylvania Opera Theater and The Harrisburg Opera Company He later lived and performed in New York City and in

THIRD SUNDAY CONCERT SERIES

WHO: The Opera Festa Singers WHAT: A performance of operatic selections WHEN: Oct. 19, 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: Free and open to the public. WHAT ELSE: Reception on church campus immediately after the concert for artists and audience members. MORE: Get additional information by calling (985) 892-3177.

Europe, where he appeared with the Vienna State Opera for more than 13 years. A few years after coming home in 2017, he assembled a cohort of voice students he named The Opera Festa Singers and began performing informally, in multiple languages, in different spots throughout New Orleans, including a Frenchman Street balcony In a while, members added performances on more formal stages. The Opera Festa Singers still feature a number of Wagner’s students and fellow performers. As always, the concert in Covington will be followed by a reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres in the Parish Hall.

PINKING THE FOUNTAIN

The SMH (Slidell Memorial Hospital)

Regional Cancer Center held its annual “Pinking of the Fountain” extravaganza on Oct 6, a show of solidarity to raise awareness of breast cancer: Detecting it, living through it, living well in spite of it and beating it. Cancer survivors, patients currently in treatment, loved ones, healers and other community members added environmentally safe dye into the fountain in front of the cancer center at 1120 Robert Blvd. The pink water, as well as a joyful second-line parade around the fountain, are visible reminders that kicking cancer requires a supportive village and caring community

Supporters of all stripes joined with cancer warriors, their families and care providers in the annual tradition of “Pinking the Fountain” in front of the SMH Cancer Center

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer women face, with 1 in 8 women fighting the disease every year

MD Anderson, Ochsner add Slidell Memorial to roster of cancer centers

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

A nationally recognized cancer treatment network with a footprint across the nation is expanding its partnership with Ochsner Health and adding a Slidell hospital to its list of affiliated facilities.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Ochsner on Oct. 6 announced a new partnership with Slidell Memorial Hospital at an unveiling ceremony in Slidell.

It’s the eighth cancer center in Louisiana to be affiliated with MD Anderson.

Others include the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center in Jefferson Parish, the Ochsner Cancer Center in Baton Rouge and the St. Tammany Cancer Center in Covington. Ochsner Health and MD Anderson first announced their partnership in June 2023.

“By fully integrating with MD Anderson’s expertise, we are transforming the cancer landscape in Slidell,” said Matthew McElveen medical director of Slidell Regional Cancer Center

The partnership will af-

Staff report

A multi-million-dollar water infrastructure improvement project is slated in Alton in eastern St. Tammany Parish after state funding was approved, President Mike Cooper has said.

The project, including 1.5 miles of new water main, a new water tank and other improvements, benefits hundreds of families on the Alton and St. Joe water systems.

“Upon taking office, we promised to improve our aging water infrastructure and with this project, we have invested over $100 million benefiting thousands of St. Tammany Parish families,” Cooper said. “This project renews our commitment to providing safe drinking water to all citizens on our water systems.” Cooper gave a special shoutout to state Sen. Patrick McMath, state Rep. Jay Galle and the northshore legislative delegation for securing the funding, and to Cooper’s staff for helping get it all done. The improvements, focused on consolidating the water system and creating resiliency, is funded by the Resilient Communities Infrastructure Program and Water Sector Program.

“The citizens of Alton and St. Joe have long-awaited this day,” said District 14 Councilman Jimmy Strickland. “This consolidation will result in better service for the community, and I am grateful to the Department of Utilities employees who worked to get this funding.”

“This investment is another step forward to address the lack of infrastructure that was allowed in the past,” said

Council Chairman Joe Impastato. “The Parish’s legislative and executive branches will continue working together to identify opportunities for water system improvements and advocate for the funding needed to make them a reality.”

Calling entrepreneurs

STartUP Northshore has announced that the NSpire Startup Slam business pitch competition will return to Hammond for its third run on Jan. 8 to provide entrepreneurs with a chance to compete for prize packages, “Shark Tank” style. The Slam event will include a networking reception followed by a live battle of innovation where rising entrepreneurs will showcase their groundbreaking ideas, connect with industry leaders, and compete for one of the largest startup prize packages in the Gulf South, thanks to renewed partnerships with Chevron and Capital One. The 2026 prize package is valued at more than $100,000 and includes $50,000 paired with wrap-around in-kind professional services.

Since its launch in 2023, the NSpire Startup Slam has drawn hundreds of attendees and distributed more than $170,000 in cash and in-kind prizes to local entrepreneurs to help fuel job creation and new investment on the northshore.

“The NSpire Startup Slam has grown into more than just a competition. It has become a rallying point for our entrepreneurial community,” said

Cenzo Caronna, executive director of STartUP Northshore and St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation’s entrepreneur in residence.

“Each year we see bigger ideas, bolder founders, and stronger connections forming on the northshore.”

The Nspire Startup Slam competition reinforces STartUP Northshore’s investment in creating programs that cultivate local entrepreneurs by delivering world-class programming, networking opportunities, access to capital, and mentorship from esteemed industry leaders, investors, and founders, largely at no cost to the startups.

It is open to any business with operations based in or willing to relocate to the northshore’s St Tammany, Tangipahoa or Washington parishes for at least two years and actively participate in the STartUP Northshore entrepreneurial ecosystem. Startups from all industries, backgrounds, and locations are invited.

The venture must be legally incorporated; have been in business for five years or less or be an existing business creating a new division or entity; and have generated less than $1 million in annual revenue in 2025. Nonprofit organizations and previous NSpire Startup Slam winners are not eligible. For more, go to www. startupnorthshore.com/ nspire or email vcaronna@ sttammanyedc.org.

fect everything from diagnosis to treatment, he told The Times-Picayune.

The accuracy of diagnoses will be more carefully tracked, the treatment will follow MD Anderson’s protocols, and patients will now have access to clinical trials run by MD Anderson, McElveen said. For very rare cancers, patients may still have to go to Houston, he said, but this partnership will help facilitate that process.

Cancer physicians had to undergo special training to participate, and some also will serve as adjunct faculty at MD Anderson, McElveen said. Staff at the hospital includes six medical oncologists, two radiation oncologists and four nurse practitioners.

“We spent the last year trying to get our services up to a level to be qualified as being an MD Anderson Center,” said Walter “Dub” Lane, a health care economist at the University of New Orleans who also serves on Slidell Memorial Hospital’s board of commissioners.

“It’s not just a label they hand out — we had to earn it,” he said in an interview

“They gave us a checklist of like 60 things we had to do.”

Lane expects the cancer center to draw people from Mississippi as well as eastern St. Tammany, potentially alleviating pressure from Ochsner’s other area cancer centers, like the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center in Jefferson Parish.

The announcement comes after voters in eastern St Tammany in May approved a $51.5 million bond for Slidell Memorial Hospital to cover a handful of different projects, including at the cancer center, which will see four additional exam rooms, as well as upgrades and replacements of imaging equipment like MRIs and CT scans.

The improvements to the cancer center funded by the bond are unrelated to the partnership with MD Anderson, according to Slidell Memorial Hospital CEO Sandy Badinger But, she said in an interview, they will help.

In addition to Ochsner, MD Anderson has partnerships with six other hospital systems across the country

Slidell-area residents attend ‘police school’

BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing writer

Community members turned students for the Slidell Police Department’s first Citizens Academy since 2019 finished out their course with a bang, literally A SWAT team intervention simulation and a spirited demonstration by members of the K-9 team capped off the course.

The Slidell Police Department had held a six-week class each year since 2009 until the COVID pandemic put a temporary halt to the program. Police Chief Randy Fandal reintroduced the initiative this year as part of his goal to have good police-community relationships.

“The citizens’ academy offers people the opportunity to come and learn what we do We educate them about the different divisions in our department and how they work. Then they can then take that knowledge and share it out in the community,” he said.

The students had a variety of reasons for signing up to learn the inner workings of Slidell’s police department. All said they learned a lot and came away with a greater appreciation for what the men and women in blue have to do in their daily work. The Class of 2025, the department’s 12th Citizens Academy, included more than 30 students.

According to Lt. Craig Aucoin, the department’s director of training, a seat in the annual class is in high demand.

“When we announce that registration is open, we fill up the class in about a day,” he said.

Lance Noel, an engineering manager, saw the class as a great opportunity to know what the police go through to provide policing services to the community

“Our public safety does not happen in a vacuum. I appreciate the commitment and responsibility these officers take on each day,” said Noel. “They have let us peer in the window of their daily lives so that we can know what they go through to provide for our safety.”

The use of drones really piqued his curiosity “I’m very interested in the evolution of technology in police work.

The use of drones by officers to better see their surroundings was interesting,” said Noel.

The love of a long-running television program propelled Rachel Seguin to attend, as well as acting as a guide for her career “I spent my childhood watch-

ing ‘COPS’ on TV It was always exciting and really interesting to me,” said Seguin. Although she did not become a police officer, Seguin works in the money laundering detection division at a local bank. “I interact with law enforcement agencies through my work.

I signed up for this program because I wanted to get a better idea of the different aspects of police work.”

The growing threat of illegal drugs in her community was also a major concern to Seguin.

“I have children, and learning about what’s out in our community was eye-opening,” she said.”It’s some scary stuff. I appreciate what they do to combat the prob-

lem.”

Sgt. Jake Morris, the department’s public information officer and a member of the SWAT team, was one of the instructors during the six-week course. Morris was himself a member of the inaugural Citizens Academy in 2009; he had already applied for a job with the Slidell Police Department when he applied for the first academy, and it paid off.

“When I took the class, I learned a lot about what happens on patrol and at crime scenes, and it helped solidify my decision to become a police officer.”

Students heard talks on subjects such as crime scene investigations, narcotics, gun safety, traffic and patrol work and corrections. On the final night, each graduate received a certificate and a handshake from Fandal, as well as a bright yellow T-shirt and name badge.

Graduates are encouraged to volunteer with the department at community events, such as the annual National Night Out gatherings. They are also eligible to take a ride-along with a patrol officer during their shift. Following the ceremony, students moved to the firearms range for a demonstration by one of the department’s K-9 officers and a simulation of a SWAT operation. K-9 Max was a rock star, exhibiting his dedication to his duty and his handler Officers Brittany French, Zach Colgan and Chance Foltz explained the dog’s training and demonstrated Max’s ability to find a discarded object in a vast field, as well as what can happen if he meets a noncompliant suspect. Foltz, as the newest member of the team, was selected to wear the heavily padded red suit for his rather demonstrative encounter with Max. With the new graduates safely situated on bleachers, the course finale was the SWAT team demonstrating a scenario involving the need to breach locked doors, engage armed assailants and retrieve an injured person in need of emergency medical care. Wearing protective glasses and ear plugs, the graduates experienced the sights and sounds of live fire and concussion grenades.

Four predictions for the playoff grind

Six weeks into the 2025 football season, and I had an epiphany as I watched Mandeville earn a dominating win over Covington in the press box high atop Jack Salter Stadium

As much as I would like to think I know what it going to happen the rest of the way I have no clue.

I said as much while texting with a colleague and looking at scores across the parish.

Most of the teams in St Tammany Parish are similar in both good and bad ways. Hear me out, I’ll say this again, and it’s not just for brownie points, but the coaching in this parish is very good. I’m lucky to be able to cover and work with these staffs on a weekly basis.

Week in and week out teams have to be on the top of their games to be successful because their opponents are going to put pressure on their weak points. That brings me to my next point you can’t make mistakes and win.

Case in point — Lakeshore lost to Salmen two weeks ago because three fumbles turned into 21 points. Every team in this parish is going to take advantage of that Now, that amount is an extreme case, but it proves a point Even the best teams can’t overcome mistakes of that magnitude.

Salmen lost to one-win Northshore this past Friday because the Panthers minimized their mistakes and did what they do best — run the ball. Covington coach Greg Salter has told me on more than one occasion that this game is much the same as when his grandfather Jack Salter coached.

“Blocking and tackling,” Salter said. “Grandpa said a long time ago that it’s a simple game You’ve got to block, and you’ve got to tackle.” Simple words, but in every game I’ve covered this season, the team that blocked and tackled the best won. It’s painfully simple and also extremely difficult to do on a weekly basis. That’s where we are in the season The little things make all the difference If Week 6 was the start of district play, then Week 7 is the start of the playoff grind. And here are four things I predict will happen over the next four weeks before the playoffs.

n The winner of the Northlake Christian at Pope John Paul II game this Thursday will win District 9-2A. It’s been the case the last two years, and it will continue this season. That game will be a war at Lester Latino Field. I can’t wait to see both teams’ running games.

n The Salmen at Slidell game in Week 8 will see the teams combine for 87 points. Who will win? No clue, but it will be an offensive show

n The Mandeville at St Paul’s game in Week 9 will decide District 6-5A. No disrespect to Covington because the Battle for the Little Brown Jug will be another tough game for St. Paul’s in Week 10, but the Week 9 winner will take home the district crown.

n The Slidell at Northshore game in Week 10 will decide the District 7-5A race. I just have a feeling on this one. Slidell has already doubled its win total from last year, and Northshore seems to be finding its offensive identity at the right time. It would be a fitting end to the regular season if the two teams had a chance to finish their bounce-back seasons with a district crown Will I be right? Who knows, but I do know the next four weeks of football will be filled with surprises and entertaining finishes. The full parish schedule is below, but first, our Farmer Football

ROAD WARRIORS

ABOVE: The Mandeville cheerleaders lead the team onto the field at Jack Salter Stadium on Oct. 10.

RIGHT: Covington’s Greyson Frederick tips a pass that was intercepted by Alan Abdullah, left.

Mandeville grinds out 26-9 District 6-5A win at Covington

Luke Demelo caught a bubble screen on the sideline and raced 44 yards for the back-breaking score as the Skippers earned a 26-9 District 6-5A opening win at Jack Salter Stadium on Oct. 10.

“It was a great win,” Demelo said. “We started this season kind of slow, but I think this is our turning-point game. We’re not going to give up no matter what. We showed that tonight.”

Demelo, who had a 39-yard TD in the first half, finished with four catches for 96 yards. Freshman quarterback Krew Collura finished 15-of-22 passing for 203 yards with three touchdowns and an interception.

See MANDEVILLE, page 2B

Loudermilk, Lakeshore run over Franklinton, 41-27

BY JASON RUSSELL Contributing writer

of blockers on Oct. 10.

Lakeshore coach Brent Indest said his team’s toughness was key to the victory

“When you don’t punt, it’s tough to lose,” Indest said.

Lakeshore had a simple mission as it opened District 7-4A play against rival Franklinton on Oct 10 — play mistake-free football. The Titans suffered their first loss of the season one week earlier in a mistakefilled game at Salmen, and Lakeshore was determined to avoid a repeat performance. Mission accomplished. Lakeshore scored on offense and defense, did not turn the ball over and did not punt in a 41-27 victory over Franklinton at the Titan Coliseum. Brody Loudermilk was again the key for Lakeshore’s running game as the junior quarterback rushed 35 times for 196 yards and three touchdowns in the victory, also throwing an 8-yard TD pass. “I know they are going to go out there and run me a lot, so I’m always prepared for it,” Loudermilk said. “The guys up front work so hard, and it really allows me to go and do what I do.”

“Salmen did that to us last week. I stressed that we didn’t give that game away — they took it from us, so you know what, let’s take it from other people.” Indest also agreed with

Pearl River’s punishing ground game

led to an emotional

BY TREASURE WASHINGTON

Contributing writer

Rebels’ coach Jerry Leonard hugged his family postgame. Even though he spent 16 seasons coaching at Salmen, Pearl River High School was basically in his backyard. Following his retirement from administration after the 2023-24 school year, Leonard was itching to get back into coaching.

On Oct. 10, the first-year Rebels coach led his team to an exciting 21-6 victory against District 7-4A foe Hannan at Hawk Field It was his first district win at Pearl River After his postgame speech, Leonard did a push-up with his players and continued firing them up Snapping a three-game skid, Pearl River wants to continue making a statement in district play

“This win means a lot to (Leonard),” senior quarterback Brayden Hutchison said “This win right here is a motivation booster This is the tone setter right here.” Hannan burned over seven minutes off the clock to start the game as 10 of junior Riley Jones’ 23 carries came during the opening drive. Jones capped the drive with a 2-yard TD run up the middle.

But Pearl River countered with its own punishing rushing attack with senior Gage Durand (26 carries, 146 yards, 3 TDs), Hutchison and junior Andrew Sikes (67 yards rushing) leading the way Hutchison had three touchdowns (two offensive, one pick six) called back because of penalties, but finished the contest with 37 yards on 13 carries.

“Penalties are always frustrating,” Leonard said. “There are times when penalties are drivekillers, and that’s what the tough part is to overcome. In this case, that’s kind of what happened to us. We’ve got to do a better job of cleaning those things up, and that’s one of the things we’ll emphasize next week when we’re working in practice.”

In its first year under Leonard, Pearl River has placed a focus on accountability at all levels. Durand owned up to his blindside block that wiped out Hutchison’s pick six. The two-way player added that the Rebels are more disciplined under Leonard.

Week 6 is in the books, and district play is officially underway. Keep reading to see how your team did.

FRIDAY, OCT. 10

LAKESHORE 41, FRANKLINTON 27: See story on Page 1B.

MANDEVILLE 26, COVINGTON 9: See story on Page 1B.

NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN 59, KENNER DISCOVERY 0: The Wolverines (3-2, 1-0) scored on their first eight drives en route to a dominating road victory Senior running back Kameron Casnave had scoring runs of 32, 2 and 4 yards to go with two 2-point conversion runs. Senior Jordan Willis added TD runs of 2 and 12 yards, a 2-point conversion run and a 26-yard scoring catch Senior quarterback Sam Grant rushed for a 10-yard TD to go with his touchdown pass. Senior Aiden Riley scored on a 26-yard run in the second half to round out the scoring. Senior kicker Braden Finklea

MANDEVILLE

Continued from page 1B

Connor Konopka had the other TD on a 16-yard catch in the second quarter

“Our offense just grinded it out against a very good defense,” Mandeville coach Craig Jones said. “We weren’t getting too much in the running game, but we stuck with it, especially in the second half. We needed that win. It was very good for us.”

Demelo’s second TD made it 24-7 late in the third quarter as the teams traded safeties in the fourth quarter, and Mandeville forced a turnover on downs and scooped up a forced fumble by Jax O’Quin to ice the game.

While the Skippers (4-2, 1-0) ground out drives and benefited from good field position for most of the night, Mandeville’s defense held the home team scoreless after giving up a touchdown on the third play of the game.

“We showed out tonight,” said Mandeville senior defensive lineman Marques Zenon, who had several sacks. “We enjoy getting after people, and we love getting after the ball. This was an important win for us. The offense is getting better and bonding and building that chemistry We’re just going to keep getting better from here.”

it was a dream start for Covington as junior Rodney Clark recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff that turned into a 23-yard Mason Cryer TD catch as the home team held a 7-0 lead a little more than 90 seconds into the game. The Skippers didn’t blink as the visitors scored 17 straight firsthalf points to take a 10-point halftime lead.

Mandeville gained a little momentum late in the first quarter as it turned a short punt into a 36yard Carson Champagne field goal to cut the lead to 7-3. But the first half really turned during a two minute and 45 second span in the second quarter as the Skippers scored on back-to-back possessions. It started as Konopka hauled in a 16-yard TD pass from Collura. After a Jareath Francis interception on the ensuing Covington drive, Collura found Demelo for a 39-yard TD pass and run to set the 17-7 halftime score. SCORE

district victory

“The three touchdowns (called back because of penalties), that wasn’t anything compared to the past few years,” Durand said. “In the past, we’ve had 10, 12 penalties in one game. We’re trying to keep our heads down and do our jobs when we need to do our jobs and get off the field when we’re not.”

It wasn’t just the ground games taking stage for both Hannan (24, 0-1) and Pearl River, but the defenses as well. The Hawks’ defense provided plenty of pressure throughout the evening on Hutchison. Hannan junior Gabe Timmons even started off the second half for his team with a sack. But while the Rebels fumbled on their opening drive, their defense held on the next Hawks’ possession with a sack by senior Peyton Penton and a batted pass of Hannan junior Braden Sprang on third down.

Pearl River maintained its slim second-half lead with a takeaway near the goal line, followed by a 57-yard run by Sikes and another Durand score on the ensuing drive. Sophomore Dawson Dreux put the bow on the contest with another Pearl River takeaway after Durand scored his third touchdown of the night.

“We were finally able to settle down and make a quick little adjustment here and there and go back to some keys that we were

WEEK 6 RECAP

was a perfect 5 of 5 on extra points. Defensively, Max Millett recovered two fumbles “We needed it,” Northlake coach James Willis said. “First, it started with a good week of practice, and the kids carried that over into the game. Everyone was focused and executed well. It was good to see because the kids embraced the challenge and played well.”

NORTHSHORE 31, SALMEN 28: See story on Page 3B. PEARL RIVER 21, HANNAN 6: See story above. POPE JOHN PAUL II 42, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 6: The Jaguars set the tone as the visitors recovered a fumble on the Falcons’ first play from scrimmage and cruised to a convincing District 9-2A road victory. Four plays later, senior Dominik Smith rushed for the first of his three TDs as PJP II (4-2, 1-0) never looked back. Offensively, Landon Guidry added 80 yards and a TD, while senior quarterback Gus Pizza

able to stick with,” Leonard said.

“We were able to slow them down. If we don’t do that, this game might have slipped away from us.”

The Rebels (2-3, 1-0) are now focused on a tough two-game district stretch that includes Lakeshore at home, followed by a trip to Franklinton. But first, Pearl River will take a moment to enjoy its road victory

“We came out and we played together,” Durand said “We did what we know we can do. We’ve just got to keep moving forward toward the rest of the district.”

SCORE BY QUARTERS

PEARL RIVER | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 — 21

HANNAN | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 — 6

SCORING SUMMARY

FIRST QUARTER

HAN: Riley Jones 2 run (kick failed), 4:47 0-6

SECOND QUARTER

PR: Gage Durand 3 run (Joseph Vittorelli kick), 8:34, 7-6

THIRD QUARTER No scoring

FOURTH QUARTER

PR: Durand 2 run (Vittorelli kick), 10:06, 14-6

PR: Durand 7 run (Vittorelli kick), 1:59, 21-6

STATISTICS

PEARL RIVER: 272 total yards (31 pass, 241 rush)

RUSHING: Gage Durand, 26-146, 3 TDs; Brayden Hutchison, 13-37; Andrew Sikes, 5-67. RECEIVING: Kaysen McGuiness, 2-21; Logan Turgeau, 1-6; Angel Perez, 1-4. PASSING: Hutchison, 4-7, 31 yards

HANNAN: 203 total yards (123 pass, 80 rush)

RUSHING: Riley Jones, 23-71, TD; Braden Sprang, 5-9; Paul Hoyt, 3-0.

RECEIVING: Hunter Lay, 6-85; Carter Speerly, 3-20; David Chimento, 1-8. PASSING: Sprang, 12-23, 123 yards, 2 INTs

finished with 90 yards passing and a 42-yard TD pass to Noah Panks. Defensively, Jack Roniger had a fumble recovery and a sack as well as a rushing touchdown. Joseph Sprinkle also recovered a fumble. SLIDELL 17, FONTAINEBLEAU 7: The Tigers held Fontainebleau scoreless in the second half as the home team pulled away for a hard-fought Homecoming victory in the District 7-5A opener for both teams. Offensively for Slidell (4-2, 1-0), Mike Thompson hauled in a 63-yard TD pass from Ricky Williams III, while Ja’Kwan Jones scored on a 5-yard TD run. Wyatt Burckel added a 32yard field goal in the fourth quarter to round out the scoring. Jones finished with 187 yards rushing to surpass 1,000 yards on the season. For Fontainebleau (3-3, 0-1), sophomore Sheldon Asmore finished with 72 yards rushing and a touchdown on 12 carries. ST. PAUL’S 41, HAMMOND 12: See story on Page 3B

Covington (4-2, 0-1) managed just 142 yards of offense, with only 12 yards rushing. Defensively, Alan Abdullah recorded an interception on a pass that was tipped by Greyson Frederick.

“We just couldn’t sustain any drives,” Covington coach Greg Salter said. “We wasted too many plays on offense. It all comes down to blocking and tackling It’s a simple game. You’ve got to block, and you’ve got to tackle, and we did neither.”

Despite the offensive struggles,

HALM

Continued from page 1B

FARMER FOOTBALL 5

1 | Lakeshore | 5-1, 1-0 (Last week: 1)

This week: at Pearl River I told you Lakeshore was a very good football team. Coach Brent Indest keeps pushing the right buttons. The Titans overcame some key injuries to score a key District 7-4A win over Franklinton. It was also a bit of revenge after the Demons knocked the Titans out in the quarterfinals last season. The Titans sit at No. 3 in the Division II nonselect power ranking. In other words, Lakeshore is right where it wants to be with four games left in the regular season.

2 | St. Paul’s | 4-2, 1-0 (Last week: 2)

This week: at Ponchatoula St. Paul’s senior running back Cody Corales has been on a tear, running for 518 yards and seven touchdowns the last three weeks. Against Hammond, he helped the Wolves open up District 6-5A play with their 16th straight district victory In fact, the last time the two-time defending district champions lost a district game was on Oct. 7, 2022, to Covington. Death, taxes and St. Paul’s winning district games. The Wolves are in a good spot as they travel to Ponchatoula.

3 | Mandeville | 4-2, 1-0 (Last week: 4)

This week: at Hammond I always give coach Craig Jones a hard time for having pass happy teams. And he always reminds me that the Skippers play to their players’ strength whatever that might be, but that they are actually more of a running team most of the time. He’s right. The Skippers ran the ball 32 times last week against Covington while throwing 22 times for 203 yards. That balance and commitment to the run opened up big plays in the passing game. The Skippers and

freshman QB Krew Collura are finding themselves on offense — that’s dangerous for the rest of the district.

4 | Covington | 4-2, 0-1 (Last week: 3) This week: vs. Slidell The Lions simply have to be a better upfront offensively and tackle better defensively It is really that simple. The offense is bogged down right now and the only remedy is cleaner play Slidell presents a challenge for the defense, especially in the tackling department, so how Covington responds on both sides of the ball will go a long way to deciding how the rest of the season plays out.

5 | Slidell | 4-2, 1-0 (Last week: NR) This week: at Covington The Tigers rejoin the rankings after grinding out a 17-7 win against Fontainebleau to open District 7-5A play Now comes a big nondistrict road test at Jack Salter Stadium. A win in Week 7 would be a signature one for a young Tigers’ team. The Covington defense is very good and probably the best they have faced thus far If the Tigers can put up points on the road, it will be a huge confidence boost for the rest of district play On the fringe: Northshore, Salmen. Week 7 St. Tammany Football Schedule

Thursday, Oct. 16

n Northlake Christian at Pope John Paul II, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 17

n Chalmette at Northshore, 7 p.m.

n Hannan at Loranger, 7 p.m.

n Lakeshore at Pearl River, 7 p.m.

n Mandeville at Hammond, 7 p.m.

n Salmen at Fontainebleau, 7 p.m.

n Slidell at Covington, 7 p.m.

n St. Paul’s at Ponchatoula, 7 p.m.

Contact Joseph Halm at jhalm@ sttammanyfarmer.net.

Northshore scores in the final seconds against Salmen

BY DAVE WOODALL

Contributing writer

The District 7-5A opener between Northshore and Salmen was a see-saw battle that featured six lead changes. Fortunately for the visitors, Northshore saved the best for last With the clock ticking down at Spartan Stadium, Northshore junior quarterback JJ Gonzales ran around the end to score the gamewinning TD with 17 seconds left to rally for a 31-28 road win on Oct.

Several Salmen penalties aided Northshore’s final drive and set the stage for the dramatic Panthers’ score. From the 9-yard line, Gonzales ran towards the pylon and into the end zone, but that was not the end of the drama.

10.

“It’s my job to be patient and to be a leader,” said Gonzales, who finished with 115 yards rushing and 2 TDs. “I always think positive thoughts, so I knew we would score at the end thanks to our great offensive line.”

In those final 17 seconds, Salmen drove into Northshore territory as a facemask penalty on what appeared to be the final play of the game allowed Issac Plinski to attempt a 42-yard field goal that would have forced overtime. The kick came up about a yard short.

Northshore coach Bobby Sanders said the combination of Gonzales and senior running back Ramon Williams (20 carries 126 yards, 2 TDs) was the difference.

“We really needed this one bad,” said Sanders. “Salmen is a really good team, and in my opinion, that is the best team they have fielded in my five years of coaching. They were keying on Ramon (Williams), and rightly so, since he has been

our bell cow all season. This freed up JJ (Gonzales), who did a great job with his reads tonight.” Williams credited both sides of the ball for the victory

“They gave us trouble in the first half, but in the second half, we started to come alive,” said Williams “Our defense was great on that final touchdown, and it didn’t matter who carried the ball because we knew we were going to score.”

Northshore (2-4 1-0) took the early lead on a 5-yard Williams TD run midway through the first quarter Salmen answered with a 43yard run by quarterback Da’John Howard to tie it at 7.

The Spartans (3-3, 0-1) took their first lead just eight seconds into the second quarter on a 29-yard TD pass from Howard to Terrance Mitchell. That score started a wild second quarter On Northshore’s next series, William Lachney connected on a

23-yard field goal to narrow the Salmen advantage to 14-10. Northshore scored again with 1:53 left in the half on a 47-yard run by Gonzales to regain a 17-14 lead But the Spartans answered with a 4-yard Howard run with just 18 seconds left in the first half to take a 21-17 halftime lead. The Panthers opened the second half with an 8-yard TD run by Williams to retake the lead, but Salmen came right back with a touchdown of their own on a 47-yard run by Howard to earn a 28-24 advantage and set up a wild finish.

“This was a very tough loss for us,” said Salmen coach Eric Chuter “We had a number of chances in the fourth quarter on offense, and our defense was playing lights out. All we needed to do was move the ball and punch one in, and it would have been the ball game. We just couldn’t get it done.”

Corales continues hot streak as St. Paul’s dominates Hammond

BY MIKE GEGENHEIMER

Contributing writer

No one could blame Cody Corales if he took a little credit for himself after the past three weeks. After all, running for 518 yards and seven touchdowns is no small feat. But that’s not the kind of player Corales is.

Moments after he ran for four touchdowns in St. Paul’s 41-12 win over Hammond to open District 6-5A play on Oct 10, Corales heaped praise on the people he feels deserve the real credit: everyone else but him.

“The offensive line is playing great,” the senior running back said. “First, I’d like to thank God, but the O-line is playing great and putting me in position to make plays. The tight ends and fullbacks, too. And our coaches have been calling great games.”

Unfortunately, the offensive line doesn’t get to claim stat lines. Those all go under Corales’ name, and it’s beginning to build up.

St. Paul’s (4-2, 1-0) played six games so far this season. And six times Corales ran for at least 100 yards; usually a lot more.

He’s totaled 926 yards and 11 touchdowns on 101 carries this season, averaging close to a first down every time he touches the ball. He peaked with 221 yards a few weeks ago against John F. Kennedy Friday against Hammond (4-2, 0-1) was no different.

Corales got out to a blistering start with three touchdowns and 87 yards in the first quarter to give the Wolves a 21-0 lead. Hammond had no answer as Corales pounded up the middle at will.

After not touching the ball in the second quarter due to Hammond possessing the ball for the vast majority of time, Corales got back to work in the third quarter when he broke off a 62-yard score.

Corales finished with 165 yards and four touchdowns on 13 carries. As a team, St. Paul’s ran for 276 yards.

“He pulls the wagon for us,” St. Paul’s coach Kenny Sears said. “But credit the guys up front, too. The offensive line did a great job tonight opening up holes for him (Corales) is a relentless runner, and he has great vision.”

Brennan

a 19-yard

But despite Corales’ heroics, the play of the game likely went to Christian Martin who in the second quarter took a kickoff 90 yards to the house. Martin, a sophomore defensive back, had a feeling he might get

a chance against Hammond after not taking a kick the previous two weeks. He got his opportunity after Hammond’s first score of the night, immediately responding with his big moment.

next drive when senior quarterback Jacob Crain hit Jayden Burkhalter for a 19-yard score. Lakeshore (5-1 1-0) pulled away in the second quarter, getting a touchdown pass and run from Loudermilk as well as a 94-yard fumble return for a score from Caleb Larson who was also on the receiving end of the TD pass — to make it 27-6 with 5:43 left in the second quarter Larson said he was happy to do what was needed for his team

“All week, we emphasized that

we have to win the turnover battle this week,” Larson said. “We knew we had to do that, and that’s what we did.” Larson missed the Salmen game, and Indest said his absence was noticeable.

“We lost him to a concussion for

Fielding the ball at the 10-yard line, Martin shook a few tackles early and then won a foot race to the goal line for the first return touchdown of his career

a week, but when he is out there, we’re a different team,” Indest said.

After losing twice to the Demons in 2024, Larson said it was nice to get a win over a district rival.

“You’re supposed to look at it as just another game, but there was

“I knew when I saw the hole I had to hit it,” Martin said. “We were up two scores, but I knew the game

definitely some extra motivation behind it,” he said with a smile.

Franklinton scored with three minutes left in the second quarter and on its opening drive of the third quarter to cut the lead to 2720.

After another Loudermilk touchdown run made it 34-20, Franklinton again pulled to within a score on another Crain TD pass at the end of the third quarter

But Lakeshore and Loudermilk put the game away with two long drives in the final period — the first ending with a Landon Hollingshead TD run to account for the final score and the second drive running out the final 6:53 of the game. The only two drives that Lakeshore didn’t score were on a missed field goal to end the first half and the final drive to end the game — which finished with two kneeldowns after Franklinton was penalized for roughing the kicker on a punt.

For Franklinton (3-3, 0-1), Burkhalter finished with seven catches for 160 yards and two scores while Crain who was nursing a hand injury coming into the game

— threw for 290 yards and three scores.

SCORE BY QUARTERS FRANKLINTON | 7 | 6 | 14 |

Slidell uses third-set surge to knock off Northshore

BY DAVE WOODALL Contributing writer

Coming into the District 6-I volleyball opener between Northshore and Slidell, both teams knew it would be a battle. The crosstown rivals always seem to make things interesting, and this match took on even more meaning as both teams came in on hot streaks. Slidell held the No. 3 spot in the LHSAA Division I Power Rankings while Northshore came in at No. 6. Slidell had won 11 of its last 12 matches, while Northshore was victorious in nine of its last 10. Plus, it was Northshore’s annual “Pink Game,” so to say the atmosphere was energized would be an understatement.

Something had to give, and Slidell took just enough of an advantage by rallying to win the third set en route to a 25-19, 25-27, 25-23, 25-15 home victory on Oct. 8.

“We lost the match when we let the third set slip away from us,” said Panthers coach Danny Davis. “We didn’t do what we needed to do to close out the set. We gave them hope, and all the intensity and momentum swung their way. Hats off to them for fighting back instead of giving us the set.”

After splitting the first two sets, the third set proved to be the gamechanger The Panthers (13-7, 0-1) were cruising with a comfortable lead until the Tigers (22-5, 1-0) reeled off six unanswered points to take a 2-1 advantage in the match.

Slidell coach Danny Tullis said his

team finally regained its groove in its service game.

“After the first two sets, we lost confidence and started to serve into the wrong zone,” Tullis said. “If you do that, it’s hard to win since Northshore has good attackers. But all in all, I thought Northshore played

SWIMMERS

Continued from page 1B

ous PRs, helping lead us to victory Our big carryaway is that we picked up five new state qualifiers, including Anna Claire Capshaw, Lucy Inman, Caroline Johnson, Julia Smith and Grace Tittelbach,” said SSA coach Chris Prator

“The kids were in a great mood, ready to swim fast. Nobody wants to be the swimmer on a team that breaks the state-winning legacy streak. They accept it as a positive pressure to continue doing well.”

The Doves won the team title with 188.50 points, more than 100 points ahead of runner-up Fontainebleau. Smith said the Doves are focused on peaking at the state meet in late November

“I feel like I’m where I need to be at this midpoint in the season when it comes to my technique and strategy I need to continue focusing on my breathing pattern along with concentrating on an efficient, steady stroke,” Smith said.

“I’m happy how well we did as a team, and I love the way we’re all coming together, focused on improving as a team.”

While Smith took the 100 freestyle (57.13 seconds) and 100 backstroke (1:04.17), teammate and junior Amelia Smith captured the 50 freestyle (26.14) and 100 butterfly (1:03.80), both personal bests.

“It felt great setting two new PRs I just wanted to go out aggressively, employing what coach teaches us to do. We’re taught to have perfect, consistent technique. I had strong swims and was good under the water,” Amelia Smith said.

Fontainebleau sophomores Emma Chehebar and Kinlee Lard also won two individual events. Chehebar took first in the 200 IM (2:29.95) and the 500 freestyle (6:07.71), while Lard captured the 100 breaststroke (1:15.64) and 200 freestyle (2:09.70).

In the boys competition, St Paul’s won the team title with 163 points, well ahead of second-place Fontainebleau (85).

“We had an outstanding winning team effort, and the kids brought a great energy level throughout,” St. Paul’s coach Emmett Smith. “I love the way our team is support-

well after being down, but they picked it up and came back to give us a good competitive match.”

Slidell senior middle hitter Ava Barduca, who was honored before the match for surpassing 1,000 career kills, posted a match-high 28 kills and six blocks. Senior Addy-

son Dowell added 11 kills and two blocks, while junior Emma Pippenger had 21 digs and seven kills. Senior Ava Labat added 61 assists and 19 digs. Defensively, Chloe Ray finished with 21 digs and seven kills, while senior libero Ella Kate Spilling had

a big night with 40 digs.

“Ella Kate has been incredible all season,” said Tullis “I think it’s been a quiet thing with her as she averages around 25 digs a match.”

For Northshore, senior setter Emily Martin recorded 36 digs, 35 assists, four kills and three blocks. Junior Laynie Guilbeau collected 23 digs, 18 kills and an ace, while senior Kalyssa Tolis finished with 20 digs, 11 kills and an ace.

“Laynie did a phenomenal job for us tonight,” Davis said. “She started slow, but it didn’t affect her game,

ing each other as well as the other competitors. Our guys are taking on some new challenges and are gaining valuable experience.”

St. Paul’s junior Jake Bergeron won the 100 freestyle (48.51) and 500 freestyle (4:52.91). He also swam on the Wolves’ first-place 200-freestyle relay (1:32.38) and 200 medley relay (1:43.14)

“It’s all about preparing for the Big 3 — district, metros and then state. I’m continuing to work on my endurance, and I’m excited to do the 500 free again in my next meet I’m striving for consistent, correct technique, to lower my times,” Bergeron said.

“I liked the way some of our younger swimmers were willing to challenge themselves, competing in new events to help our team gain more experience.”

Fontainebleau team captain Alex Chehebar won the 200 IM (2:08.89)

“Swimming is about mental toughness, fighting off body fatigue and trying to recover from

tough practices. You have to have a good mindset, shaking things off if you don’t get the result you want,” Chehebar said.

“I’m a confident swimmer, and I work hard to be prepared. I like swimming against tough competition, like my friend Jake (Bergeron) from St. Paul’s. I love giving it my best, competing against him.”

Fontainebleau junior Connor Stagnitto won the 100 breaststroke (1:04.22) and finished second in the 200 IM (2:09.78), just a second behind Chehebar

RESULTS FROM PELICAN HIGH SCHOOL INVITATIONAL GIRLS

TEAM SCORES: 1, St. Scholastica (SSA), 188.50. 2, Fontainebleau (FHS), 86. 3, Hannan (HAN), 69. 4, Lakeshore (LHS), 53.50. 5, Northlake Christian (NCS), 51. 200-YARD MEDLEY RELAY: 1 FHS, 2:06.44. 2, SSA, 2:11.42. 3, HAN,

2:16.54.

200 IM: 1, Emma Chehebar, FHS, 2:29.95. 2, Lily Brewster, HAN, 2:38.80. 3, Camille Remond, SSA, 2:42.82. 50 FREESTYLE: 1, Amelia Smith, SSA, 26.14. 2, Caroline Blessey, SSA, 27.59. 3, Kaitlyn Klucher, LHS, 28.38.

100 FREESTYLE: 1, Emma Mae Smith, SSA, 57.13. 2, Caroline Blessey, SSA, 1:01.17. 3, Julia Smith, SSA, 1:04.75.

200 FREESTYLE: 1, Kinlee Lard FHS, 2:09.70. 2, Abby Palermo, HAN, 2:10.43. 3, Marguerite Gagliano, HAN, 2:21.41.

500 FREESTYLE: 1, Emma Chehebar, FHS, 6:07.71. 2, Harper Lees, NCS, 6:15.39. 3, Marguerite Gagliano, HAN, 6:22.96.

200 FREESTYLE RELAY: 1, SSA, 1:47.98. 2, FHS, 1:53.60. 3, LHS, 2:00.13.

100 BACKSTROKE: 1, Emma Mae Smith, 1:04.17. 2, Abby Palermo, FHS, 1:06.44. 3, Ava Gibson, SSA, 1:12.03.

100 BREASTSTROKE: 1, Kinlee Lard,

FHS, 1:15.64. 2, Camille Redmond, SSA, 1:20.52. 3, Caroline Johnson, SSA, 1:25.19.

100 BUTTERFLY: 1 Amelia Smith, SSA, 1:03.80. 2, Francesca Foret, SSA, 1:05.60. 3, Lily Brewster, HAN, 1:13.43.

400 FREESTYLE RELAY: 1, SSA, 4:00.12. 2, NCS, 4:38.21. 3, LHS, 4:49.42. BOYS

TEAM SCORES: 1, St. Paul’s (SPS), 163. 2, Fontainebleau (FHS), 85. 3, Lakeshore (LHS), 57. 4, Northlake Christian (NCS), 45. 5, Hannan (HAN), 43. 6, Ponchatoula (PHS), 32. 200-YARD MEDLEY RELAY: 1 SPS, 1:43.14. 2, FHS, 1:45.88. 3, NCS, 1:58.27.

200 IM: 1, Alex Chehebar, FHS, 2:08.89. 2, Connor Stagnitto, FHS, 2:09.78. 3, Dominic Barcelona, SPS, 2:16.90.

50 FREESTYLE: 1, Gordon Baio, PHS, 22.28. 2 Cole Boisseau FHS, 23.14 3, Grayson Guevara, SPS, 24.81.

100 FREESTYLE: 1, Jake Bergeron, SPS, 48.51. 2, Artem Varnaeva, PHS, 50.48. 3, Aidan O’Connor, NCS, 50.51.

200FREESTYLE: 1 Christopher Lobue, SPS, 1:53.98. 2, Brady Hotard, LHS, 1:56.41. 3, Vann Parr, SPS, 2:09.53.

500 FREESTYLE: 1, Jake Bergeron, SPS, 4:52.91 2, Cole Boisseau, FHS, 5:03.69. 3, Vann Parr SPS, 5:25.01.

200 FREESTYLE RELAY: 1, SPS, 1:32.38. 2, FHS, 1:36.37. 3, NCS, 1:47.61.

100 BACKSTROKE: 1, Artem Varnaeva, PHS, 59.38. 2, Gordon Baio, PHS, 59.50. 3, Daniel Eversgerd, SPS, 1:01.10.

100 BREASTSTROKE: 1, Connor Stagnitto, FHS, 1:04.22. 2, Christopher Lobue, SPS, 1:04.44. 3, Gage Ulmer, NCS, 1:11.76.

100 BUTTERFLY: 1, Brady Hotard, LHS, 56.86. 2, Daniel Eversgerd, SPS, 58.49. 3, Grayson Guevara, SPS, 1:05.13.

Brandt, Robert Carlyle 'Bob'

Robert Carlyle “Bob” Brandt, of Slidell Louisiana, was called home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ, on Monday, September 22, 2025, with his beloved wife by his side. Bob was born on June 9, 1954, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to the late Henry and Doris Brandt of New York, New York. He is sur‐vived by his loving wife Patricia Lynn Tauzin Brandt; his children by marriage, Steven Reed of Covington and Bess Reed Currence (John) and their daughter Mary Molloy “Mamie” Currence of Ox‐ford, Mississippi He is also survived by his sister, Deb‐orah Brandt Durio (Lawrence) of Prairieville Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Lynn Brandt. Born in Ethiopia, Bob spent his childhood in various countries in Cen‐tral and South America He graduated from Chevy Chase High School in Bethesda, Maryland and Tulane University in New Orleans where he earned his undergraduate and Juris Doctorate in Law. Bob spoke four languages, Spanish his second and English his third. He clerked in Bogota, Colom‐bia before settling in Slidell where he began his 40 year law practice with the Williams and Brandt Law Firm. His passion for the law never left him. Even in the final weeks of his life when he was too ill to go into the office he contin‐ued to work on cases at home. Bob was a member of the Slidell Bar Associa‐tion, Leadership Northshore, and First Bap‐tist Church Outside of his professional life, Bob en‐joyed many years of golf‐ing Royal Golf Club and bowling with Sunny Signs teammates for 30 years. He will be remembered for his kindness, humility and Christian love for others The family would like to thank the amazing doctors and medical teams from Slidell Memorial Hospital, MD Anderson, Tulane Can‐cer Center and Notre Dame Hospice. Bob was honored at a private service and celebration of life. Please visit www honakerforestla wn.com to sign guestbook

cer Center and Notre Dame Hospice Bob was honored at a private service and celebration of life Please visit www honakerforestla wn.com to sign guestbook Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA

en Sar n Caroline Ella Favrot Waller (Henry), Paul Massoth Favrot, Phoebe Cornay Allen, Daniel Benjamin Favrot, and Thomas Carter Allen She is also survived by her siblings, Ethelyn An‐nette Champagne Tafe, and Robert Joseph Champagne Jr. Patricia retired as the Principal of Covington High School where she also served as a teacher librar‐ian, and Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruc‐tion. She loved her family, being an educator, travel‐ing, playing bridge, history, and reading. Her family in‐vites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www ejfieldingfh.com

Wright, Jean

rst greatest ve found solace at the piano, often playing when no one was watching. Even as de‐mentia crept into her memory, her hands re‐membered every note Jeanie loved all things about the natural world

Any moment of the day you could find her outside tending to her yard, sitting on her deck singing back to the birds, or tenderly caring for her plants that she loved so much She had a deep affinity for ani‐mals as well. Whether it was rescuing her sweet kitties, Simone and Gracie, or getting slobbered on by a family member's dog, her love was evident by the joy on her and the pets' faces during every interaction

Arra nt by Honaker Funer Inc., Slidell, LA

Joyce Galatas Cuevas age 94, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, sister aunt grand‐mother, and great-grand‐mother, she lived a full and beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and kind‐ness.Born on February 25 1931 in New Orleans, LA., Joyce dedicated her life to her family and created a warm and welcoming space where faith was the foundation. Her kitchen was often filled with homecooked meals and the sounds of family conversa‐tions She is survived by her children: Susan Jenkins (Martin), Lynne CuevasBraden, Tony Cuevas (Leo) Paul Cuevas, Mark Cuevas (Lelian) and Lisa Impas‐tato (Barry). Her legacy lives on in each of them - in the values she passed down, traditions she started and continued, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. She is also survived by her youngest brother Danny Galatas and sister-in-law Nancy Galatas In addition, Joyce is survived by grandchil‐dren: Dana, Farrah Kristen Rani, Tabatha, Fawn, Hay‐ley Mason, Brenna Amanda, Sydney, Elijah, Adam, Jeff, Aaron, and Gabriel She was blessed with great-grandchildren: Jenna Tyler, Beau, Caden Will, Shelby, Jack, Macie, Cadie Emily, Wyatt M. Wyatt F., Kenzie, Roman, Ivy, Iris, Wrenly, Shiana Lainey, Tailor, Ethan, Jace, Jordyn Saeleah and No‐valeigh She is preceded in death by her loving hus‐band, Vernon Cuevas, her parents, Alvin and Leo‐cadie Galatas her broth‐ers, Floyd (Sonny), Wesley, Ronald, and Robert Galatas, her grandchildren, Beau, Kelsea and Brandon her great grandchild, Leo‐cadie among countless other beloved family mem‐bers and cherished friends Joyce had a gentle strength, a joyful heart and a deep abiding faith that carried her through life’s seasons. She embodied the true meaning of Steel Mag‐nolia, born and raised as a Bayou girl from Bayou Lib‐erty She was a woman of quiet strength and heart‐felt devotion. She attended Our Lady of Lourdes and Slidell High schools and was a lifelong member of St Genevieve Catholic Church holding her faith at the center of her life and inspiring others around her. She delighted in family gatherings Sunday din‐ners, and Southern holiday traditions Her grandchil‐dren always knew they could count on their Maw Maw to listen, play, teach and tell stories Her con‐nection to her heritage was unwavering, and she

seasons She embodied the true meaning of Steel Mag‐nolia born and raised as a Bayou girl from Bayou Lib‐erty She was a woman of quiet strength and heart‐felt devotion She attended Our Lady of Lourdes and Slidell High schools and was a lifelong member of St. Genevieve Catholic Church holding her faith at the center of her life and inspiring others around her She delighted in family gatherings, Sunday din‐ners, and Southern holiday traditions. Her grandchil‐dren always knew they could count on their Maw Maw to listen, play, teach and tell stories Her con‐nection to her heritage was unwavering, and she embraced community life with enthusiasm from at‐tending Pirogue Races Bayou Liberty Civic Club events, and enjoying occa‐sional family time at the Fais Do Do. Joyce’s life was a legacy of faith and fam‐ily Our family gratefully acknowledges your love and prayers and presence during this time Arrange‐ments by Honaker Funeral Home

Massoth, Patricia Ann Champagne

Patricia Ann Cham‐

In the quiet morning hours of September 30th, beneath a canopy of twin‐kling lights and adorned in flowers, Jean Marie VanScoter Cockfield Wright took her final breath At her beloved sister's home and in the presence of her devoted children, she slipped peacefully from this world into the next She is remembered by her two children Scooter and Anne Marie; her sisters Jane Ann, Nancy, Kitty, Vicki Jo and Anita; and countless relatives. She is proceeded in death by her parents, Marie and Al; and her one true love her hus‐band Raymond Jeanie's life was a celebration of creativity and expression, and she showed this through many mediumspencil drawings of family, beautiful had-built ceram‐ics, home decor, her yard. and countless other creative pursuits All providing a look into her imagination and a testa‐ment to her patience

Above all, music was her first and greatest love She found solace at the piano, often playing when no one was watching Even as de‐mentia crept into her memory, her hands re‐membered every note Jeanie loved all things about the natural world

This love spilled over to people as well with a warmth and kindness that drew people in- she had a way of making even strangers feel special. Al‐ways humble and devoted, she wholeheartedly saw to the health and happiness of those she loved, often placing their needs before her own. Jeanie lived life in motion- always moving, al‐ways finding joy in the rhythm of everyday mo‐ments. A long walk was her way to clear her head and soothe her spirit. She loved nothing more than hopping on her bike or digging her hands into the soil of her yard. She discovered a new fondness for paying bad‐minton when she lived in Waveland Mississippi with the "Beach Babes" where laughter and friendship were abundant Jeanie's passion for music naturally led to a lifelong joy of dancing, especially when she shared the floor with her husband and soulmate Raymond. There will be an intimate gathering for fam‐ily and close friends later this fall where she will be celebrated and remem‐bered In lieu of flowers we are asking for dona‐tions in her name made to the Alzheimer's Associa‐tion to help with further re‐search and finding a cure for age-related brain dis‐ease

pagne Massoth of Coving‐ton, Louisiana, died on Oc‐tober 2, 2025, at the age of 91. She was born on April 12, 1934 in Covington Louisiana, to the late Robert Joseph Champagne Sr. and Mary Mildred McLain Champagne Patri‐cia was preceded in death by her husband, George Victor Massoth. She is sur‐vived by her children, An‐nette Massoth Couch (Nicholas Blake), Denise Massoth Favrot (Ben) and Giselle Massoth Allen (Thomas). She is also sur‐vived by her six grandchil‐dren, Sarah McLain Couch Caroline Ella Favrot Waller (Henry) Paul Massoth Favrot, Phoebe Cornay Allen, Daniel Benjamin Favrot and Thomas Carter Allen. She is also survived by her siblings Ethelyn An‐nette Champagne Tafe, and Robert Joseph Champagne Jr Patricia retired as the Principal of Covington High School where she also served as a teacher, librar‐ian, and Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruc‐tion She loved her family being an educator, travel‐ing, playing bridge, history, and reading Her family in‐vites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www ejfieldingfh.com IN LOVING MEMORY OF Sherry Rose Arthur Aug01, 1966 -Oct 10,2012

Familyisat theHEARTof EverythingWeDo Makeastarttowardgettingyour affairsinorder Takethefirst stepinplanningthosedetailsto providepeaceofmindforyour lovedone Getyourplansdowninblackand white Yourfamilywillbeglad youdid Getstartedtoday

Any moment of the day you could find her outside tending to her yard sitting on her deck singing back to the birds or tenderly ca in fo he pl ts that sh She ha r ani‐ma er it wa weet kit acie, or on by a fam og, her love e joy on aces du ction Th er to pe th a wa that dr ad a way of making even Al‐ted, w to ness ten ore her own. Jeanie lived life in motion- always moving, al‐ways finding joy in the rhythm of everyday mo‐ments. A long walk was her to le h h d and loved opping ing her of her a new g bad‐ved in ppi with where ndship anie's aturally oy of when oor with ulmate, be an or fam‐s later will be emem‐owers, dona‐made to socia‐ther re‐a cure in dis‐

Youhad so much life left to live, So many sunrises to wake up to, So many more memories to make, So much more love to receive. It will foreverbreak ourhearts That youdid notget that time

Always in ourHearts

Brian, Christy, Jett,Jase, BrianJr, Isla, Mom, Mr.Bob,Shirley,Rusty,Stephanie, Robert,Raymond,Familyand Friends