By KEVIN CHIRISlidell news bureauSLIDELL – It may havebeen an unpleasant andcontentious 10-monthprocess for all partiesinvolved, but the beginning effort by a very fewSt. Tammany public officials to start a road tosolving the parish fiscalcrisis appears to have finally gotten off to agood start.And you have to givethe St. Tammany Mosquito Abatement District board and DirectorKevin Caillouet creditfor playing a big part inthat, even though theparish department wasput through the publicwringer in the process.(See Millage, Pg. 10A)The Slidell High volleyball team was honored by the Slidell City Council for recently claimingtheir second straight state 5A volleyball championship, making them the first public schoolsince 1935 to win back-to-back state titles. Coach Danny Tullis, who has coached high schoolvolleyball for 26 years and has led his teams to an impressive number of eight state titles,guided the Lady Tigers to a 36-7 overall record. They defeated state powerhouse Dominicanin the finals with three straight set wins.Major millage cutplanned by districtCooper seeks to spend $1.65 million more in 2026By KEVIN CHIRISlidell news bureauCOVINGTON – Withan important first stepnow made by the St.Tammany MosquitoAbatement District(MAD) in reducing their2026 millage by 30 percent, a critical meetingcalled by D.A. CollinSims will be held thisThursday with everytaxing district in theparish in an effort tokeep the ball rolling togreatly reduce the taxburden for St. Tammanyresidents.(See Sims, Pg. 10A)Sims calls meetingfor taxing agenciesBy KEVIN CHIRISlidell news bureauSLIDELL – In a time when mostSt. Tammany public officials areseeking ways to cut taxes andbecome more efficient with theiroperations, Parish PresidentMike Cooper wants to spend anadditional $1.65 million more forthe 2026 budget.The Parish Council recentlypassed a $202 million budget for2026, which included a cut to theannual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for parish workers, as well as cutting $650,000from Safe Haven, the parish campus that provides mental healthservices.(See Cooper, Pg. 11A)State volleyball champs againMosquito lawsuit is droppedThursday, December 18, 2025 Vol. 17/No. 51FREE!TODAY’S INSPIRATION“The virgin will conceive a child!She will give birth to a son and willcall him Immanuel (which means‘God is with us’).” —Isaiah 7:14The board alsocutting travel,salaries and requiring costshare for employee healthinsurance.ees exclude Kids menutizer excludes Braziliaentreeon foappe(Limits apply, promotill Bites Menu when youFREESmalBring a friend. Enjoy aNEW LUNCHMONDAY THRU FRID ABo$2HaBoHaThOuu)an & Fried Steak Bites, or dine-in only, freeu order two entrees.E appetizer from theSPECIAL!A Y 11AM to 3PM 860 OAook a Party, or let us help cater your off-site party2 off Martinis, Margaritas, Specialty Cocktailsappy Hour Mon – Fri 3 to 6pmottomless Mimosas & Brunch: Sat, Sun, 10 a.m.alf Price Wine Bottle Special: Wed. & Thurs.ursday Night Filet Mignon Steak Specialutside Patio Seating Available - Pet Friendly985-259-4051AK HARBOR BLVD‘’I am disappointed in this decision. It is timeto realize we have serious problems and tospend $1.6 million more is not helping us.’ --Council Chairman Cheryl TannerSILVER SLIPPER ANDCHAMBER HOSTCHRISTMAS PARTY.See pg. 1B.Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal, along with Council Members Nick DiSanti and Megan Haggerty, congratulated the Lady Tigers on their second straight state volleyball title on behalf of the entire City Council, presenting all team members and coaching staff with certificates from the city.Slidell volleyball head coach Danny Tullis with topplayer Ava Labat, who was named MVP at the statetournament and recently signed a scholarship toplay college volleyball at Loyola.Showing off the state championship trophy at the state tournament, after defeating Dominican instraight games for the title, is the Slidell High Lady Tiger volleyball team and coaching staff.SeniorsCheyenne O’Neil, Ella Kate Spilling, Bri TassinAnaya Miller, Caylin Bergeron, Payton Rowbatham, Ava Labat, Michelle Byrd, Addyson Dowell, Anya Jefferson, Taryn Ducre,Ava BarducaJuniorsLillian Simpson, Emma PippengerSophomoresChloe Ray, Maddie Green, Teagan Canion,Brylee McGovern, Nora FinchisFreshmenTessa SymonsManagersCollin Tullis, Kelly MedinaCoachesDanny Tullis, Rachel Battistella, Alison Tullis,Stephen Ford, Allison Hartmann2025 Slidell Lady Tiger Volleyball RosterCollin Sims
Page 2A Thursday, December 18, 2025 THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENTSwift action may have prevented worsesave you BIG bucks!specialize in low-mileage VEHMake the drive to Picayune wlow-mileage useLooking for a gadooletColor2024 ChevrHICLES towhere wed car?great20k milesLeather seats,LT Crew Cab,$ ,29977Sentra SV2023 Ni64k milesAutomatic,ssVsanYour L ow-Mileage Headqu -Mile g quarters601-798-8682Mon-Fri: 8 to 5:30 Sat: 8 to 2herringfordlincoln.com820 Memorial Blvd Picayune, MS 39466 fl \"\"!fiffffifffi ffifflffi # $ &% ffiffl!( ' *) + , $ !.fflfi\"!fiffi-ff / % +fl 0 $ INTEGHONESTfor over 40 Our comm Our commfor over 40 HONESTINTEGRITYTY ANDyears...mitmentyears...TY ANDRITYAFTER in all we in all weDon’t waMARKET AND EXTENDEWE ACCEPTe do.ait:ED WARRANTIES!Faster, Better S ,Don t waService!ait:SLIDELL – A LaPlace man was killedin an Interstate 10 crash when hedrove into the back of a car headingwest towards New Orleans, LouisianaState Troop Spokesman Marc Gremillion reported.On Thursday, Dec. 11, around 7p.m., troopers with State Police TroopL began investigating a two-vehiclecrash on I-10 near LA 433 (Old Spanish Trail) in Slidell. The crash claimedthe life of 61-year-old Brian Chappellof Laplace.The preliminary investigation revealed that Chappell was driving a2011 Harley-Davidson Motorcyclewest on I-10 near LA 433, in the rightlane. At the same time, a 2019 Cadillac Escalade was traveling west on I10 near LA 433, in the center lane. For reasons still under investigation,the Harley-Davidson crossed into thecenter lane and struck the right rearof the Cadillac. Chappell lost controlof the Harley-Davidson and ran off theroad before crashing into a ditch.Despite wearing a DOT-approvedhelmet, Chappell suffered serious injuries and died on the scene. The passenger, who was also wearing aDOT-approved helmet, was transported to a local hospital, where theindividual remains in critical condition. At the time of the crash, the driverof the Cadillac was properly restrained and uninjured. As part of theongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were collected fromboth drivers. This crash remainsunder investigation.I-10 crash in Slidell claims life of LaPlace manMANDEVILLE – A neighbor in an affluent Mandeville subdivisionstopped what might have been themurder of a woman who was beingseverely stabbed as he shot the alleged perpetrator to death to stop theattack, Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Lt.Suzanne Carboni said.St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smithsaid, “the neighbor’s actions appearto have prevented further serious injury or loss of life.”Sheriff’s deputies were dispatchedat 3 a.m. on Monday to Richland Drivein the Greenleaves subdivision inMandeville in reference to gunshots. Upon arrival, deputies located a deceased male in a yard in the 200 blockof East Richland Drive and a femalesuffering from apparent stab wounds.Detectives with the STPSO MajorCrimes Unit learned that the femalehad exited through a window of a residence and was attempting to gethelp from neighbors after herboyfriend attacked her inside thehome.The boyfriend was attacking the female victim with a knife when aneighbor exited his residence anddemanded he stop. When the suspectrefused and continued to attack hisgirlfriend, the neighbor fired hisweapon, striking the suspect, who waspronounced deceased at the scene.The female was transported to alocal hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.The incident is still under investigation, and no charges have been filedat this time.“This was a violent and extremelydangerous situation that unfolded inlocal neighborhood during earlymorning hours,” Sheriff Smith said.“Based on the information we have atthis time, the neighbor’s actions appear to have prevented further serious injury or loss of life. Ourdetectives will continue to thoroughlyinvestigate to ensure all facts are reviewed.”Neighbor shoots man who was attacking girlfriend in neighborbood ffi fl ffi fl
THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT Thursday, December 18, 2025 Page 3AParish allocating funds properlySLIDELL ‘Letters to the Editor’Editor,I have been seeing the news fromthe Chamber PAC about how the 2-cent roads sales tax has been spentimproperly. That is simply not true. Ican’t see how they came to that conclusion. I am a previous employee of theParish Government in the Finance Department for over 20 years. The fundsthat were transferred to the Generalfund were for cost allocation plancharges. These are charges for procurement, accounts payable, accountsreceivable, and other administrativedepartments. A company was hired toallocate the costs of these departments based on the actual number oftransactions or other data to the departments that use their services. It isa complicated calculation that usesreal data. No one wants to pay moretaxes and an Attorney General willhave to be paid from some sort of taxdollars. In my opinion, this is not necessary.The Finance Department of the Parishdoes an excellent job and will notallow funds to be spent improperly.Laura Reine Lyonspreserve their financial future.We help families protect andWe help businesses reduce risk.We help consumers save money.WE ARE INTHE BUSINt to you.NESS OF HELPING PEOPLEMotorcycle InsuranceTV InsuranceBoat InsuranceAuto InsuranceLet us protect anything importanAe InsuranceUmbrella CoverageCommercial InsuranceRV InsuranceHomeowner InsuranceMotorcycle InsuranceLifRenters InsuranceGeneral LiabilityFlood InsuranceWorkers Compelebrwner Chris WSlidell, LA2250 Gause Blvd East, 3rd FloorA 70461 (985) 732-4104For more iChris@workmaO Workmac rating a Readers Can with his familynformation:angroup.orgfa y,Choice recognition.workmanins.com'&%$#&&\"!\" #fiff\"fflffi$\"flff%ffi210/.-,+*)-('&-%$#&\"!' fiffffl-ffifl 2fl) '-fl . !!'&%$#&&\"!\"fi#\"flff%ffi/1.-fl*+-%$#&-(\"!' fiffffl-ffifl ffifl) '-fl . !!' #$&#\" \" %fi%ff\"$fl'-)+--!&+\"\"\"'fffi\"#ff#$ffffl'flff- flffl'fi$ -fi+#+ff -! -!$&!ff+- ff!fl) -(flff-+*)* -fl*+* -*+**+*ffflffl'* -fifffl)ff+*fl*+fl -)!fl- flffl' \"\"\"#&%ffi\"#ffiff\"#,fl$ '*-,+$!+0-+fl+ff-)fl'-(+fl$+**-++fffffl$*+**-)!-( --\"flff) ff+fl)-+*-/-fl'&-\"!*)-'*fffl'+*-+)+&COVINGTON – ASlidell man was sentenced to 35 years in theDepartment of Corrections without benefit ofprobation, parole orsuspension of sentence,following a conviction attrial for Second DegreeBattery.District AttorneyCollin Sims reportedthat a sentencing hearing was held in 22ndDistrict Court forDwight Ambo, 35, whoreceived the 35-yearsentence due to being amultiple offender.Ambo was convictedof the followingcharges: Second Degree Battery; AttemptedAggravated Assault witha Firearm; ConvictedFelon in Possession of aFirearm. Ambo also received aconcurrent sentence offive years in the Department of Corrections onthe charge of AttemptedAggravated Assault witha Firearm.The conviction stemsfrom an incident that occurred shortly aftermidnight on July 17,2023. Investigators determined that Ambo arrived at the home of hisfather, Isiah Ambo, andbegan aggressivelyyelling and banging onthe front door. A 13-year-old boy, theson of the victim's girlfriend, began to openthe door, and the defendant forcibly pushed hisway inside the residence. Once inside,Dwight Ambo brandished a firearm andthreatened to kill his father before physicallyassaulting the victimwith his free hand. St. Tammany ParishSheriff’s Office deputieswho responded to thescene observed IsiahAmbo had multiple facial lacerations and wasbleeding, then was diagnosed with a brokennose after being takento the hospital. The accounts given by the victim, his girlfriend, andher son were consistentand video footage fromthe front door corroborated the accounts. Thegrip of a firearm wasalso visible in his pocketin the video.Assistant District Attorneys Luke Lancasterand Jason Cuccia handled the case. The casewas investigated by theSt. Tammany ParishSheriff's Office.\"The 22nd JudicialDistrict Attorney's Office is committed toseeking justice for victims of violent crime,\"said District AttorneyCollin Sims. \"Thelengthy sentence imposed in this case reflects the severity ofDwight Ambo's actionsand his history of criminal behavior. We willcontinue to aggressivelyprosecute those whouse violence andweapons in our community.\"Multiple offender gets 35 yearsDwight Ambo
Where does the timego?We all know the saying of “time flies,” butsometimes we really arestunned to see familygrow up, and the yearsgo by in what seems likerecord time.Next week my secondborn grandchild, JerryJr., will turn 18. What?I felt the same waywhen Abby, our first,turned 18 and now sheis already 19! What theheck!I remember the daysleading up to Abbybeing born. We were inShreveport visiting ouroldest daughterChrissy, and we got thecall that Jenny wasgoing to have the baby.We were fortunatelyhalf-way to Killeen, TXand drove as fast as wecould get away with toget there to see grandbaby number one.Now, Jerry is turning18 and we have foundourselves talking abouta number of grandkidsfinishing high schoolbefore long and mostwill probably head off tocollege. Things won’t bethe same around herewhen all that happenssince my wife and I feelso blessed to have six ofour seven grandchildren living within fiveminutes of us.Jerry is doing great inhigh school. He is on thecross country and trackteams, has tons offriends, is super smart,and has had his sightsset for years on being ameteorologist. Youshould see his bedroom—weather chartsand maps on all thewalls. For this youngman, an idea of a greatafternoon is studyingmeteorology maps!Pretty impressive.But watching kids getolder, and then grandchildren, can be a difficult thing, thinkingabout the day they won’tbe around as much. I have a daily readingfrom a small publicationcalled “Jesus Calling.”I’m sure many of you arefamiliar with it. I love itbecause it continues torefocus my mind onpositive things, beingthankful for all we have.Today it referenced aBible Scripture thatcomes from the daysleading up to the birthof Christ when the angels told the shepherds,“Do not be afraid. Ibring you good news ofgreat joy.”Fear is such a stronghold in the lives of manyof us. Part of our humannature is to worry aboutthings, and be afraid ofwhat might happen inour lives. That’s why theBible reminds us tofocus on joyful things,and be thankful for allwe have. The Bible saysthat fear robs us of faith,power and love, andthat’s why focusing ongood things, beingthankful, removes fearfrom our minds.When our children orgrandchildren areyoung it is such a happy,joyful time. But as theyget older, we parentsand grandparents canlose that joy when wethink of the approaching years to come, whenthey have moved onwith their lives anddon’t need us as much.But the truth is thatthere is still much joy tobe had when they areolder. Think of the greattimes to see them graduate college, begin theiradult professional careers, and then havechildren as we did.My wife and I don’tlove the fact that two ofour four children liveout of state. But youknow what? It gives us agood excuse to take aroad trip to visit them,and there is somethingreally fun about visitingyour kids in anothercity, and enjoying theadventures of a differentstate.Yes, we talk frequentlyabout our grandkidsgetting older. Jerry andZach will graduate inonly a year-and-a-half,and the two whiz kidswill head off to collegesomewhere—hopefullynot too far away.Marshall is comingnext and will be graduating in two-and-a-halfyears. Then my Reagangirl has only a littlemore than four yearsleft. That leaves Jordanaround here, who wewill still enjoy for a fewmore years after thatand also Mikey’s boy,Henry.The Bible urges us tolive one day at a time.It’s such great adviceand is probably my favorite Scripture: “Takeno thought for the morrow, for the morrow willtake thought for thethings of itself. Sufficientunto the day is the evilthereof.”I love that Scriptureand try to recite it everyday, but we humans aredifficult creatures tocontrol, aren’t we? I stillworry about the futurelike most people, buthopefully not too much.I have so much to bethankful for, truly I do.And I’m sure you feelthe same way.I’m going to do mybest to enjoy one day ata time with these grandkids God has blessed uswith, and that all startswith another crazyChristmas Day celebration in one week.Hope you also focuson your blessings thisholiday season. Wehave so many all aroundus, don’t we?Kevin Chiri can bereached by e-mail [email protected] St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement District has operated in the parish since being formedin 1968, and never found itself in the news otherthan the occasional times when a higher-than-average number of West Nile Virus mosquitos werefound on the North Shore.That certainly changed in 2025 in a most surprising way when the district suddenly found itselfunder the spotlight for a financial review, which ledto extensive criticism from public officials and residents alike.The Mosquito District was, in its view, unfortunately selected as the first of many St. Tammany taxing agencies that was to face a review from thenewly-formed businessmen’s group called the TaxReduction and Stabilization Work Group, somethingstarted by District Attorney Collin Sims. There wasnever a suggestion of wrongdoing by the district,but rather, there was an effort to find efficienciesthat would lead to substantially lowered millages.St. Tammany rates in the top four of the highesttaxed parishes in the state, which is the key reasonthe public refuses to support any new tax plan thatis critically needed for public safety agencies.The results of the review from independent parishbusinessmen questioned many of the recent spending practices, as well as a lucrative employee healthplan, high salaries and other matters that put theMosquito District in a negative public light for thefirst time in its history.However, months after the highly emotional andcontroversial review was made public, the districtboard of directors and Executive Director KevinCaillouet have done something that should provecritical to the future of the parish fiscal crisis.They made new recommendations in spendingfor 2026 that will result in a 30 percent reduction inits millage, among other changes, which will hopefully be the first step in a long process to regainpublic trust in government.It would have been easy for the district to standtheir ground with the decisions the board madeabout its operation. After all, it’s human nature toreact negatively when criticized, especially sincethere was no evidence the district did anythingwrong, nor was their work criticized.But instead, the Mosquito District board put theirpride down and took a step that should be a hugemove to show other taxing agencies what isneeded—for the good of everyone in St. TammanyParish. The decisions to cut spending were notsmall. They are the kind of changes that are substantial enough for the average citizen to sit up andtake notice.And hopefully it will be seen years down the roadas the leadership needed to save our great qualityof life in St. Tammany, since the man leading theparish has been on the sidelines for six years withno real solution—only watching as things have gotten worse.Page 4A Thursday, December 18, 2025 THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENTSlidell Independent Submission GuidelinesThe Slidell Independent is interested in publishing your information and need pictures and/orstories submitted to the newspaper through e-mail.We run any newsworthy information for free, and generallyhave it in the paper within twoweeks of the time it is submitted.Here is how you can have yourinformation published in ourpaper:E-mail: [email protected] make your story a textfile of some kind, preferably aWord file, then attach it to the email. Pictures should be saved as jpgfiles and also attached.Please try to minimize yourpictures to one or two with eachspecial event you send, unless itis something that requires morethan a couple of pictures. If you do have multiple picturesto send, you might find it worksbetter to send the pictures in twoor three separate e-mails, so thefile is not so large to overload thee-mail system.If you have a special event youwould like reporter coverage for,please e-mail that in also, and wewill consider it for our staff. Weassign reporters to local schoolsfor special events.If you have any further questions, call Publisher Kevin Chiri at985-607-8852 or email him [email protected] OpinionsEDITORIALJoy and thankfulness sends fear awayBY KEVIN CHIRIThe Slidell IndependentBlarney[BLAR-nee]\"She relied on blarney to persuade her co-workers to share details about their lives.\"\"The kindergarten teacher playfully asked her class if they had an actual question or just more blarney.\"Have you ever been told that you have the gift of gab? In Ireland, a person who manages to reach and kiss the BlarneyStone is rumored to be blessed with the gift of persuasive speech that can charm and flatter any listeners.The word \"blarney\" comes from Blarney Castle and its famous stone, which is supposed to give whoever kisses it thegift of blarney, or persuasive, charming, flattering speech.Irish, 18th century — Part of Speech: Noun1. Talk that aims to charm, pleasantly flatter, or persuade.2. Amusing and harmless nonsense. What it meansAbout BlarneyExamples of Blarney in a sentenceDid you Know?Origin:The Slidell Independent welcomes “Lettersto the Editor.”Letters must be no longer than 500 words,and The Slidell Independent reserves theright to edit the letters as needed.Please e-mail letters to:[email protected].‘Letters to the Editor’MAD decisioncritical for goodof parish futureTHE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT STAFFTHE SLIDELL INDEPENDENTP.O. BOX 3130Slidell, La. [email protected] Slidell Independent is a locally owned and operated newspaper that serves the eastern St. TammanyParish area, including Slidell, Lacombe and PearlRiver.It is distributed through free circulation in the eastern St. Tammany region, while also available for purchase at local stores.The Slidell Independent is published once a weekon Thursday, distributed as an A.M. publication.Reproduction of any portion of the paper is not permitted without authorization of The Slidell Independent.‘Your Community, Your Slidell Newspaper’The Slidell IndependentKEVIN CHIRI: Editor and [email protected] WEISHEIT: News Editor [email protected]
THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT Thursday, December 18, 2025 C Longo, Longo Ted Steve CIMA®CFP®,ChFC®, CRT Collins, Mayeaux Chris Michael RPS®,CFP® Longo Lawson Mo Amy Stephanie M orreale Clantony Tracy l CMarc 2054 Gause Blvd. East Slidell | 985-IN-PERSON CO M MATIONSHIP | flffi fiff ffl \" ffff ! ' &%$# \" ffff PERSONAL REL -445-1042 | LongogrM UNIC ATIONPRO -AC TIVE OU roup.netTREAC H2 0 2 2R E A DERS’ C HOI C E A W A R D SSLIDELL BUSINESS News and NotesPage 5ALodge Cast Iron opened a Slidell store recently with a new location in the FremauxTown Center, bringing the longtime nationalcompany south after CEO Mike Ottermansaid the city was chosen because “of thegreat culinary area you have here.” LodgeCast Iron originally opened in Pittsburg, PA,in 1896 and sells nothing but “Made in America” products, most of which had beensold for years through other retailers. But thestore made a new move in recent years bystarting to open their own stores, and Slidellis only the sixth location picked in the U.S.The store promotes itself by saying they “sellheirloom-quality cookware and accessories.”Town Center ‘Lodge Cast Iron’ opens doorsSlidell Mayor Randy Fandal joined the St. Tammany Chamber for a grand opening at the Lodge Cast Iron store, which is now open in the Fremaux Town Center.Key staff members and company execs came to Slidell to join in the grand opening, including(from left) Lawrence Balmer, Margaret Martin, Janae Mizell, Store Manager Jenna Lockwood, LodgeCast Iron CEO Mike Otterman, Heather Rau-Strickland, Cathy Duhon and Ben Knudsen.
Page 6A THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENTBy KEVIN CHIRISlidell news bureauCOVINGTON – Thelast topic most peoplewant to be concernedabout is the sewer treatment system in theircommunity, but it is certainly something that isstill very vital to all.That’s what led to aconference hosted bythe Northshore BusinessCouncil at the Covington Marriott Hotel,where a big crowd of regional public health officials were on hand, aswell as executives running two of the largesttreatment plant operations in St. Tammany.Also on the panel toconclude the day of information was Chris Tissue, director of the St.Tammany Departmentof Utilities, who broughta slightly different viewto the discussion sincehe heads the government-run parish utilityon the North Shore. Alsobringing good information to the officials onhand was Magnolia Utilities Director SteveErnst and Alex Williamswith Utilities Inc., two ofthe largest private companies serving St. Tammany.Jake Groby, former St.Tammany parish councilman and currentMandeville superintendent of utilities for thatcity, was also a key contributor who broughtover 30 years of experience working withsewer treatment systems, much of the timein St. Bernard Parish. Hediscussed a new Mandeville system that nowoperates with three, 3-acre lagoons as part oftheir treatment plant.The system can hold upto 8.1 million gallons,able to handle thatamount of treated wastewithin 24 hours with nooverflow. The ponds are10 feet deep.Groby, who recentlywon an EPA Region-6Excellence Award, saidthe city took on rehabilitating the system andhad to remove 5,500 drytons of sludge that hadnot been cleaned out in30 years.“The smell for quite awhile after we finishedwas something thatwould curl your hair,” hesaid, acknowledginghomeowners near theplant were complainingloudly. “But now wehave an odor controlsystem and we haveswitched to using Peracetic Acid rather thanultraviolet lights to treatthe sewer. The cost isone quarter of ultraviolet lights.”The experts who werespeaking about optionsfor treatment plantsagree that it is a mostchallenging situationacross the North Shore,partly because there isno centralized system.“We are working tobecome centralized, butthere are 16 individualsystems across theparish,” Tissue explained. “The biggestproblem we have, likeeveryone else, is maintaining the infrastructure, while not raisingrates too much.”St. Tammany government has made a nobleeffort to improve waterand sewer systems fromthe east to the westsides of the parish. Over$80 million has been invested in upgrades andimprovements over recent years, thankslargely to federal andstate money.State law allows anysystem, public or private, to increase rates ifthey make major investments to upgrade thesystem. For that matter,the systems are mandated to raise rates to apoint where the systemcan be maintained, andhave capital for needsin the future.St. Tammany just announced rate increasesfor the 16,000 users theyhave, with those ratesranging from a 32 percent increase for thoseusing under 2,000 gallons of water a month, toa 126 percent increasefor those using over40,000 gallons a month.“The costs to rebuildsome of these systemsis extreme,” Tissueadded. “And of coursethere are funding constraints, but we are nowbringing all St. Tammany to uniform rates.”The two private company execs face similarchallenges to providequality service to theircustomers. Both headcompanies that havebeen purchasingsmaller, old waterand/or sewer companies in the parish, butsaid it usually takes millions of dollars in investments to bring theoperations up to standard.“The big problem forSt. Tammany is they lackenough good infrastructure, so we come in andpurchase smaller companies, then upgradethe infrastructure,” Magnolia Utilities DirectorErnst said. “When webuy these old systemswith a lot of problems,they are frequentlyowned by people whoran them into theground until they wereno good at all, and theyare happy to sell themfor a dollar. But thatmakes it obvious it willtake millions of dollarsto turn them into qualitysystems.”Magnolia currentlyruns 36 different systems in St. Tammanyand has 20,000 connections in the parish.All men agreed thatbigger plants run moreefficiently, and largecentralized systemsserving thousands arethe best way to go. “But the operatorsface the same problemof so many systems allover the parish in thatit’s extremely expensiveto upgrade them,”Williams remarked. “Wealso face problems because we can only discharge so much intoarea waterways, depending on how muchthey are allowed to take.Some of the waterwaysare already maxed outto the amount of discharge they can take.”The Parish Council recently passed a sewertreatment plant inspection plan for St. Tammany, after the La. Dept.of Environmental Quality rated every one ofthe waterways on theNorth Shore as “impaired” due to pollution. It is estimated thereare over 36,000 individual treatment plants thatare not operating correctly and dischargingpollution into ditches,which eventually makesits way to area waterways.Magnolia purchasedseveral St. Tammanysystems in recent yearsand has invested millions of dollars in improvements, but somewater users have reported bills thatquadrupled because ofit, something the PublicService Commissiondoes allow so the company can recoup theirinvestment.Ernst said they dotheir best to avoid “rateshock,” which occurswhen a system has nothad a rate increase in along time. Magnolia islike other companieswho ends up gettingcriticized for that because they purchase theolder companies, investmillions, then are forcedto increase rates—sometimes substantially—so they can payfor their investment thatwill eventually providemuch better water andsewer systems.One other consensusthat all agreed on is thatimproving the sewertreatment systems in St.Tammany and gettingthem to a high-qualitylevel will not be a quick,easy fix.“It takes 18 to 24months for us to get anyprofit after we invest ina system,” Williamssaid. “We have a lot ofinvestors who want toput money into ourcompanies, but thereare so many demands toget approval, and it’salso hard to get contractors who are specializedin building these systems.”Former St. Tammany Parish Councilman JakeGroby brought over 30 years of experience withsewer treatment plants to the NBC meeting, explaining what they have done in Mandeville toimprove their system, where he is now the director of the system.Staff photos by Kevin ChiriExperts on sewer systems agree on one thing: Challenges are aheadThursday, December 18, 2025NBC seminar topic not the favorite issue to mostHeading the panel discussion at the meeting were (from left) Tommy Buckell asmoderator, along with Alex Williams from Utilities Inc., Magnolia Utilities DirectorSteve Ernst, and St. Tammany Director of Utilities Chris Tissue.Among the Board of Directors for the Northshore Business Council (NBC)and special speakers on hand for the recent conference on sewer treatment plants was (from left) Dr. John Day from LSU, Chairman RonBlitch, Paysee McWilliams, Jake Groby, Michael Holly, Kevin Davis andClayton Driggs.The city of Slidell sent two representatives to the meeting, with(from left) Slidell Director of Engineering Christi Lambertson,former NBC Chairman Kevin Davis, Keith Espadron with St.Tammany Corporation, and Slidell City Engineer Blaine Clancy.
COVINGTON – A St.Tammany Parish grandjury recently handeddown indictments inthree cases involvingrape of a victim underthe age of 13, drugcharges and sexual battery, District AttorneyCollin Sims reported.Lee Cousin, age 41from Lacombe, was indicted for First DegreeRape Involving a VictimUnder the Age of Thirteen and Possession of aSchedule II ControlledDangerous SubstanceLess Than two Grams,Cocaine. St. TammanyParish Sheriff’s OfficeDetective AngelicaLopez was the lead detective on the case.In a separate case,Cousin was indicted forAggravated First Degree Rape Involving aVictim Under the Age ofThirteen and Sexual Battery of a Victim Under13. St. Tammany ParishSheriff’s Office Detective Angelica Lopez wasthe lead detective onthe case.Allen Edward Tate,age 30 from AbitaSprings, was indictedfor two Counts of Conspiracy to Distribute aNarcotic Drug to Persons Under Age Eighteen, First Degree Rapeand Sexual Battery Involving a Victim Underthe Age of Thirteen.Covington Police Department Officer Derrick Tomberlin handledthe case.THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT Thursday, December 18, 2025 Page 7ADrugs and cash seized after arresting Allen Edward Tate.Lee CousinTwo locals indicted on major crimes“Islands”By Myles MellorAcross1. Gp. in charge of condominiums, perhaps4. Places for R.N.'s7. One of the Staple Singers12. New England cape13. Smuggler's amount15. Drive away16. Portal with a butterfly logo17. Roger of \"Cheers\"18. As scheduled19. Islands22. Lotus car23. Alphabet book phrase24. Mark down for a sale, say28. Cheer33. Training routine35. Where drums and canalsare found36. Islands42. All-encompassing43. Kitchen appliance44. Deadly48. Educator52. Hooked on, say54. Porch chair material55. Group in the Atlantic60. Meterologist's map line62. Pelee Island's lake63. Skedaddle64. \"Chill out!\"65. Goose egg66. 12/24, for one67. Gettysburg general68. Tax form ID69. Primary colorDown1. Pound2. Reduced3. Occurring every year4. Gumbo ingredient5. Nothing, in Nice6. Musher's transport7. \"Later!\"8. Debate side9. Henry number10. Something to believe in11. Ain't __ sweet14. Workplace safety org.15. ___ State (Arkansas nickname)20. Bewildered21. Hearth residue25. Ladies' wear26. Strauss's \"___ Heldenleben\"27. Legal scholar's deg.29. Best Picture directed byHitchcock30. Chinese \"way\"31. Miss the mark32. Government securityagency, abbr.34. Dieters' stats36. Boxer's punch37. One ___ time38. Remote abbreviation39. Baseball's Mel40. Fish eggs41. Palindromic actress45. Ending46. Relieve of weapons47. Printer paper size, abbr.49. Closet accessory50. Salad ingredient51. Took five53. Court cry55. Caesar's sidekick56. In ___ way57. Provokes58. Knights59. Writer, Uris60. Company nicknamed \"BigBlue\"61. Go out withSlidell PuzzlerFor puzzle answers see page 6B. SUDOKU by Myles Mellor and Susan Flanagan“Environment” by Myles MellorFind 15 words in any direction. Circle when found. flffifflfffi !\"#!$ffi%&'(flffifflfffi !\"#!$ffi$$!ff%)*+ ,-. *ff! - / \"!0 %1&+2-2*2.3444.&+2-2*2.3BUSINESSSLID CENTERDELLDAVID J. HILDEBRANDPARKER BALL, D.Dall agesDT, D.D.Sell, LAD.S.ld Spanish TrailA 70458Dental Wellness for a(985) 643-0304 1430 Olslidellfamilydentistry.com Slide
Page 8A THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENTRose Landry, Alzheimer's Coordinator; Cindy Arseneaux, President ofNARFE Chapter 1396. Patsy Ashton, NARFE Region VI Regional VP; Elroy Noel,former President; Cindy Arseneaux, President; SabrinaMartin-Watley, President, Louisiana Federation.Jim Johnson, Service Officer and Newsletter; Cindy Arseneaux, President; Sherry Deadmond, 1st VP; Marilyn Linker, Treasurer; Patricia Pecoraro, Secretary; Elroy Noel,2nd VP.SLIDELL -- The St. Tammany ParishPublic School System maintainedconsistent overall district performance, earning a solid “B” letter gradeand a District Performance Score(DPS) of 87.3 in the latest scores released by the Louisiana Departmentof Education. “Our district continues to provideopportunities for all students to succeed no matter what their plans areafter graduation,” said Superintendent Frank Jabbia. “Thanks to thededication and hard work of our students, employees, families and community we are making strides andcontinuing to build on the strongfoundation we have built.”Notable Achievements This Year Include:•Gains were made in areas thatdemonstrate students graduate ontime and are prepared for future success, including a 3-point gain inStrength of Diploma and a 2- pointgain in high school Progress Index.Gains were also made in GraduationRate, K-8 and high school Interest andOpportunities and ACT Index.•Percent proficiency in social studies increased districtwide and DIBELSscores increased.•16 schools grew their SPS (SchoolPerformance Score).•Consistent overall growth in district performance over the past 4years following COVID.School Board President MattGreene said, “We are proud of theprogress our district has made overthe past several years, and we arepoised for growth and continued success not only in the state’s accountability metrics but across all measuresof student achievement. We will continue to grow through setting high expectations and standards for allstudents and providing employeeswith the support and resources theyneed.”St. Tammany Parish receives ‘B’ in public school performanceSLIDELL — The National Active and Retired FederalEmployees, Chapter1396 of Slidell had theirChristmas Luncheonand Installation of officers on Friday, December 12 at Fatty'sRestaurant with 24 attendees. The new officers installed were: Cindy Arseneaux, President ofChapter 1396; SherryDeadmond, 1st VicePresident; Elroy Noel,2nd Vice-President;Marilyn Linker, Treasurer; Patricia Pecoraro,Secretary. The outgoingPresident, Elroy Noelwas presented a Certificate of Appreciation forhis service of 13 years,plus a special mug andphoto album. The officers were sworn in bythe President of theLouisiana Federation,Sabrina Martin-Watleyfrom Ruston LA.A donation of $1000 tothe Alzheimer's Fundwas presented by CindyArseneaux to the localcoordinator, RoseLandry. Officers installed for group, donation made to Alzheimer's FundThursday, December 18, 2025CALL 844-809-0674HaleGroves.com/H6YF27 Use Code H6YF27*$7.99 shipping & handling. Satisfaction completely guaranteed. This gift ships in December at the peak of freshness. IC: H6YF27REG. $49.99NOW$3499+$7.99shippingSAVE OVER 52%#483X | HALE SELECT DELUXE GIFT BOX The ideal gift for fruit and snack lovers alike!SuicDepreFeSuicide Hecidal?essed orelingces:f the followingyou by CALLINGoughts.depression or health issuesn helping thoseish is focusingelp Linesresourcor TEXTING any ofor ysuicidal thsuch as anxiety,who face mental more attention onSt. Tammany ParThere is help fext LineDial 211 or 988S ammany Help Line800-273-8255National Suicide Hotline:t. TNational Text “Home” t e(You talk with someoT to 741-741one via text only)
THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT Thursday, December 18, 2025 Page 9ACheck out these LOCAL businesses for great gifts and services
(From Pg. 1A)The board of directorsfor the Mosquito Abatement District (MAD) announced they havedropped a lawsuitagainst St. TammanyParish officials, whichwas filed over a monthago to halt further investigations into their finances. The decisionfollowed a statement ata St. Tammany Government Efficiency Committee meeting whenChairman Joe Impastatosaid the parish had nofurther plans to lookinto the finances.That all came afterDistrict Attorney CollinSims asked 50 parishbusinessmen earlierthis year to help theparish by offering theirfinancial and businessexperience to begin reviewing all the taxingagencies in the parishto find improved efficiencies. The hope wasthat as that was done, itwould greatly reducethe tax dollars fromparish residents.St. Tammany is amongthe four highest taxedparishes in the state,with over 50 total taxingagencies when you include all the municipalities. The high taxburden has led to thepublic rejecting anyother tax requests,which is now forcing 30percent cuts in publicsafety agencies such asthe D.A.’s Office, the Justice Center operationand the Sheriff’s Officejail operation.The businessmen’sgroup, named the TaxReduction and Stabilization Work Group,started their work withthe Mosquito Districtand reported their findings in an hour-and-ahalf public meetingwhich criticized many ofthe expenditures overrecent years, includinga lucrative health insurance plan for employees, travel expenses,the purchase of a $4 million helicopter andbuilding an $8 millionstructure that housed anin-house lab.That put Caillouet andthe Mosquito Board in anegative light publicly,something the nearlyeight-year director hadnever experienced inhis time running theMosquito District. He refused to attend ParishCouncil meetings to answer questions, butrather, held his ownlengthy public presentation to answer thecharges.However, all that public battling is now behind both groups and inthe end, the intent ofSims and others whosupported operationalreform for all taxingagencies, has been accomplished with thefirst of the many parishtaxing agencies.Sims, who has beenpraised for taking aleadership role in theparish fiscal crisis asParish President MikeCooper has not offeredany solutions, was alsoheavily criticized forstepping into the arenathat was hardly what hewas elected to do.He and Caillouet bothtook public criticismafter the report findingswere publicized, but thetwo had a meeting lastweek and seem to haveironed out their differences, now focusing onthe same goal of reducing the taxpayer burden.“I had a very favorable response from thedirector (Caillouet), andwe both realize that wehave a serious tax structure problem in St. Tammany Parish. We needevery one of the taxingagencies to help,” Simssaid.“This was never aboutpicking on the MosquitoDistrict, but it just sohappened they were thefirst one we reviewed.We had to start somewhere,” he added.Not only did the Mosquito Abatement Boardvote to drop the lawsuit,but more importantly,the board has voted forseveral big changes totheir operation that willsave taxpayers substantial money.That is because theyare now recommendingto the Parish Council todrop the MAD millagefrom the current level of3-mills to a new level of2.27-mills (30 percent),which will lower taxesby $2.4 million.The board hasadopted a 2026 budgetthat will reduce operating costs by 5 percent,which includes permanent changes to healthbenefits, travel andsalaried positions.The health benefitswere pointed out by theTask Force since MADwas the only agency inthe parish that offered100 percent benefits foremployees and familymembers.“We have cut thatback now and employees will have a costshare for family members,” Caillouet explained. “Also, we havecut our travel budget by50 percent, and we havecut our total salaries bynot filling one currentvacant position.”MAD is also going tosell one of their two airplanes, a Britten Norman Islander that waspurchased in 1999 for$645,234 and could sellfor between $600,000and $1.2 million, whilethey are also liquidatingother assets for whatCaillouet believes couldbring in a total of$900,000. The district currentlyhas $3.58 million inunassigned reservefunds and will begin utilizing that money to operate.“We used to keep asix-month operationalreserve, but are changing it to three months,”he added.Caillouet acknowledged the fact that thereview of their operation “gave us a push tolook harder at our expenses and operation,”he said, “but the reviewalso pointed out therewas no evidence ofwrongdoing here, and itshowed there are nocomplaints in the service we provide to thepublic.”From the outset of theinvestigation, therewere numerous claimsof the review being an“illegal investigation,”claiming the district isan individual entity thathas their own board ofdirectors to provideoversight.Parish officials refutedthat by noting the district was formed by theParish Council, with theboard appointed by thecouncil, and thereforethey had every right,even a responsibility, tosee where money wasbeing spent.“Yes, they do have aright to review our operation, but the way theywent about it was notright,” Caillouet said.They tried to use theD.A., not to mention thefact the Home RuleCharter has a specificoutline of how we wouldbe reviewed, and thatwasn’t followed.”While one councilmember claimed at ameeting that the districthad spent $28,000 onlegal fees in the lawsuit,Caillouet said that wasnot true.“We spent $15,560and not all of that wentto this lawsuit,” he said.Caillouet agrees withthe intent of the ParishCouncil to find more efficiencies in the manytaxing districts and saidhe, nor his board, haveever been against trying to help find ways tobetter fund publicsafety.“It is certainly truethat we have a structuraland trust problem withthe public,” he agreed.“Taxpayers have beensqueezed, and if allother taxing districtscan drop their millagesas we have done, itcould go a long way toimproving public trust.”However, the start tofinding efficiencies ingovernment did get offto a rough start, and theMosquito District, whichoverwise for over 50years was never in thespotlight other than forthe good work they haddone, found itself thetarget of much scrutiny,then criticism.“We’ve been underattack and in the nearlyeight years I have beenthe director we neverhad anything like thathappen,” Caillouet said.“We’re committed likeeveryone to solve thisproblem, but it can’tstart if one group is attacking another.”“From the beginning,our priority has beenprotecting the publichealth and mosquitocontrol efforts St. Tammany residents rely on,and we are excited torefocus on that mission,”he added.(From Pg. 1A)As the parish faceswhat has been called a“major fiscal crisis,”Sims has somehow become the leader of themovement to get everytaxing agency in St.Tammany to considerways to substantially reduce their millages.“If we can’t get everyone to help us do this itwon’t work,” Sims said.“Everyone gets it—wehave a serious tax structure problem in theparish, and it has led tothe important publicsafety agencies gettingcut by 30 percent.”Sims said he has beenmeeting with numerousparish taxing agencyleaders in past weeks tosee if they are supporting the hope he andother public officialshave. Should a majorityof the over 50 parishtaxing agencies findways to become moreefficient and substantially reduce their millages, the hope is thatthe public would support some kind of millage for public safety.However, Sims andothers have statedclearly that it won’t happen unless taxpayerssee an overall drop, anda big one, in the tax burden that has themranked among the topfour highest taxedparishes in the state.With the MosquitoDistrict board taking thelead by voting to reducetheir millage by 30 percent for 2026, Sims hasbeen meeting withother taxing agenciesand inviting them to themeeting this Thursday.He said his preliminarymeetings, especiallywith the heads of the 13fire districts, have beenencouraging.“I met with the firechiefs at their monthlymeeting, and they wantto support and help outour situation,” he said.“This is for the good ofthe entire parish, and ifthe fire chiefs weren’ton board with this, Idon’t know that wewould have hopes forsuccess.“I can’t say how important it is that the firechiefs are supportingour efforts,” he added.That has led to themeeting this Thursdaywhen Sims expects virtually every one of theparish taxing districts tobe represented.The idea of getting allthe taxing districts to reduce their millage hasbeen talked about sincesix years ago whenParish President MikeCooper was firstelected. Cooper alsotalked during campaigning about the importance of thathappening, which couldlead to a much-neededdedicated public safetymillage getting passed.But as no action wastaken by Cooper sincehe was elected the firsttime, and then a secondtime in 2023, the publichas defeated a publicsafety millage six timesin a row.Experts and parishleaders have all agreedon the same reason forthe defeats: lack of public trust in government.Earlier this year, withSims’ agency alreadyfacing a 30 percent cutin funding in 2026, theD.A. took the surprisingposition of taking itupon himself to find asolution and becomingthe leader in the effortto reduce millages. Thatled to a financial reviewof the Mosquito District,followed by the boarddeciding to drop itsmillage by 30 percent—considered the kind ofreduction the publicneeds to see to regainits trust of government.“That is really important for them to do that,”Sims said. “Now, we arehopeful of other agencies doing the samething.”However, plenty of attention has been directed to the 13 firedistricts for many years,with some critics believing they receivemore money than isneeded. Altogether, thedistricts receive 339.06mills, an average of 26mills per district, whichis close to a fifth of thetotal tax bill for mostresidents, dependingon where you live. FireDistrict #1, which covers Slidell and much ofthe eastern portion ofSt. Tammany, will receive 32.41 mills for2026.“Without the willingness of the fire chiefs tohelp this situation, Idon’t know if we couldmake this happen,” Simssaid. “It is huge that theyare on board with this.”While Sims, alongwith former ParishCouncil Chairman JoeImpastato, first came upwith the idea two yearsago to review every taxing district to find moreefficiencies, the directorof the Mosquito Districtsaid he has been onboard with that idea fora long time. Earlier thisyear, he met withCooper and suggestedthe idea of approachingevery taxing district toseek reduced millages.“He told me hethought it was a goodidea,” said MosquitoDistrict Director KevinCaillouet. “But thennothing ever happened.”Sims is also seekinghelp from the LouisianaLegislature to increasethe amount of moneythey pay for each judge,something that has notbeen increased in 30years.Page 10A THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENTHaAOPEN at 1 OPEN at 11am 7 daysWE ARE BAAuthentic MexicMargaritaappy Hour Everya weekACK!an foodasy day: 2-6OPEN at 11am, 7 days In former SteakhouseBack area of a weekTSaltgrasse building -Town CenterLOWRY DUNHAM CASEInsuring S outh Louisiana sEALTH • LIFE • www.ldcv.comE & VIVENince 1901gencyCOMMERCIAL • HOME • AUTO • H2001 1st Street • Slidell • (985) 643-1234LOWRY-DUNHAM, CASEIndependent Insurance AKevin CaillouetThursday, December 18, 2025MILLAGE: Board votes for substantial millage reduction, cuts other expensesSIMS: Critical meeting to be held Thursday with all taxing districts in parish
(From Pg. 1A)But on Monday,Cooper sent a letter toparish employees andParish Council members informing them hewas going to veto thebudget and restore theCOLA raises for parishemployees and restorefunding for Safe Haven.The council will holda special meeting thisThursday, Dec. 18, tosee whether they willoverride the veto. However, that would take 10votes out of the 14 council members, somethingthat most council members believe is unlikelyto happen.The raises for parishemployees will cost approximately $1 million,something Cooper saidin his letter was important for the workers inparish government.“Supporting the teamwhich keeps our parishoperating efficientlyand effectively remainsa top priority for me,”Cooper said in the letterto his employees.However, with theparish budget for 2026now including a 30 percent cut to publicsafety—the D.A.’s Office, Justice Center operation and jailoperation—many of theParish Council members were not happy tosee Cooper veto theirefforts to reduce expenses.“We appreciate ouremployees and it wasnothing against them topull the COLA raises,”said veteran Councilman Jerry Binder. “Butthese are tough timesand we had to make atough decision on thebudget.“I know the parishpresident has the rightto veto it, but given thefinancial situation of ourparish, the final budgetwithout the raises wasthe difficult thing wehad to do,” Binderadded, who voted infavor of the final 2026budget.Councilman ArthurLaughlin, who has become one of the mostvocal critics of Cooper,said the parish president was “stealingmoney from the road taxto fund this. He is takingmoney from other projects the parish residents expect, andthrough the magic ofcost allocation, will fundthese raises.“Mike Cooper caresmore about the employee salaries than hedoes his commitment tothe people of St. Tammany Parish,” Laughlinstated. “He’s the shepherd of us all, but he’snot a very good shepherd.”“It means other projects won’t get done,”Laughlin added.Newly-elected ParishCouncil ChairmanCheryl Tanner agreedwith Laughlin’s thoughtsthat the veto was thewrong thing to do.“Let’s just say I amdisappointed in this decision,” she said. “It istime to realize we haveserious problems and tospend $1.6 million moreis not helping us.”Tanner noted theparish faces yet anotherbig concern early in2026 when health insurance rates are expectedto rise, which was thekey reason the councilfelt they had to hold offon the COLA raises.Councilman Joe Impastato also said he disagreed with thedecision, especiallyafter he was one of twopublic officials whostarted a year ago tosuggest reviewing allparish taxing agenciesto find efficiencies thatwould reduce taxes forthe public.“We have to learn tobe more efficient,” hesaid. “We have to cometo terms that we have hita tax ceiling—this is acritical time, and I disagree with him deciding to veto the budget.”Cooper’s letter saidthe funding for SafeHaven was needed because “mental and behavioral health servicesare sorely needed in St.Tammany, now morethan ever before.”However, one parishcouncilman said thatparish funds are noteven used for services.“The parish funds thefacility, not the services.NAMI of SoutheastLouisiana, the SchoolBoard, and FloridaParishes Human Services Authority (movingout at the beginning ofthe year) rent facilitieson the campus. In otherwords, the cuts to SafeHaven do not affectmental health programs,” the councilmansaid, asking to remainanonymous.The parish fiscal crisisbegan to get more attention six years agowhen Cooper was running for parish president the first time. Hetalked about the situation frequently duringcampaigning and notedthe need to reduce orcombine millages ortaxes, which total over50 across the parish, including municipalities.However, since thenCooper has only soughtmore taxes on the public to solve the problemand has had no othersolution, with the publicvoting down publicsafety funding six timessince 2016. The budgetcrunch hit its worstpoint this year when 30percent cuts were included in the 2026budget for the DistrictAttorney’s Office, theJustice Center operationand the mail maintenance.That led Impastatoand D.A. Collin Sims tostep forward as leaders,asking for a review ofevery taxing agencywith the hope of greatlyreducing the tax burdenon the public. If thathappens for a majorityof the agencies, theirhope is that the publicmight support a smallmillage for public safetyfunding.The first step in thatdirection came forth inthe past week when theSt. Tammany MosquitoAbatement District,after having a financialreview, is now seeking areduction of 30 percentin their 2026 millage, amove that would savetaxpayers $2.4 million.Cooper has yet to become involved in the effort to review the taxingagencies and has, so far,offered no other solution for the problem thatis scheduled to lead to50 percent cuts in public safety for 2027 ifnothing changes.THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT Page 11AThe three organizations nominated for the fourth quarter Men of Steelcheck worth $12,500 were (from left) Dane Kennedy and Alaina Millerwith Truth in Nature; Heather Levin and David Horchar with FamilyREACH Alliance; Marie Gregory and Jessica Valladares with Brooke ItForward.Staff photos byKevin ChiriFamily REACH Alliance, formerly known as Family Promiseof St. Tammany, was selected the winner of the fourth quarter Men of Steel check totaling $12,500, which comesfrom 125 group members who donate $100 every quarter toa local charter. Family REACH Alliance is an organizationdedicated to helping families transition out of hard timesinto permanent housing and financial independence. Alsonominated this quarter was Truth in Nature, and Brooke ItForward, with the men gathering for their fellowship anddinner at Palmetto’s on the Bayou.Men of Steel donate$12,500 to Family REACHParish CouncilmanArthur Laughlin withLouis Ochoa.Jay Fournet, DaneKennedy and Reed Ingram.Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal was sitting at the head of the table with hisfriends. (From left) Fandal, Tommy Williams, Clay Ashley, Bill Glover,Andrew Carollo, Marie Gregory, Bruce Javery and Ross Eirich.Showing off their “Big Beautiful Check” after being selected at the Menof Steel event were board members, along with Family REACH Alliancerepresentatives. (From left) Don Shea, Trey Brownfield, Heather Levin,David Horchar, meeting sponsor Arthur Laughlin, Eric Calvin, AndyFrisard and Gary Frisard.Thursday, December 18, 2025MostAffordableSenior Living in Slidell!• One Level Community Living• On-Site Library and Computer Room• Beauty and Barbershop• Pet-Friendly• Private Dining Areas for Parties and Special Occasions• Individually Controlled Heating and Air Conditioning• Various Sizes of Suites Available with Fully Equipped Kitchens• Outdoor Walking Paths and Blooming Gardens on Landscaped Grounds• Courtesy Transportation for Shopping, Errands, and Local Doctors’ Visits(985) 641-2827Come Visit Us. Schedule a Tour.354 Robert Blvd - Slidell slidellazaleaestates.comIndependent Living. Assisted Care. Let us make life wonderful for your loved one. Serving Slidell over 25 yearsTom Fitzmorris rated 5-Star Restaurant11 9Tues-Sat11am - 9pmCOOPER: Parish President wants to spend additional $1.65 million for 2026 budget
Page 12A THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENTThe JOY Ladies Auxiliary, which held their recent Fall and HolidayBoutique and Lamb of God Lutheran Church, handed out checks tolocal charities from the proceeds of that fundraising event. Attendees got to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with JOY CharityBeneficiaries being CCC, STARC, and JAS Junior Auxiliary ofSlidell. From left, Connie Boetler, President of JOY; Brenda Wright,CCC Executive Director; Nancy Arce, CCC Food Pantry Coordinator; Lotte Delaney, JAS Secretary; Trina Slaughter-Gibson, JAS Vice-President; Suzanne Bourgeois, STARCDirector of Operations; and Mark Baham, STARC Executive Director.Donations made by JOY LadiesExtra patrols to be provided inorder to prevent impaired drivingThursday, December 18, 2025SLIDELL -- The St. Tammany ParishSheriff’s Office is joining other locallaw enforcement agencies in a coordinated effort to reduce impaireddriving fatalities during the holidayseason by participating in the DriveSober or Get Pulled Over campaign. As part of the state-wide campaign,which runs Dec. 12 through New Yearsand is funded by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, extradeputies will be assigned to saturatepatrol efforts to target impaired drivers. “We want people to know that weare out there, not just during the holidays, but every day looking for drivers that are under the influence, andwe hope these extra patrols serve asa deterrent to drinking and driving. Ifyou choose to consume alcohol, don’tdrive.” Sheriff Smith wants to encouragedrivers to make the right choice to notdrink and drive. To help with this effort the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’sOffice is offering a Safe Ride Home toanyone who finds themselves impaired and unable to secure a soberride home.“If you know you’re going to bedrinking alcohol, have a plan. Get adesignated driver, call a cab orarrange for a lift from a ridesharecompany. If you have exhausted all resources and cannot find a way to gethome, call the STPSO. We will provideyou a safe ride home,” Sheriff Smithsaid. “We are giving everyone an opportunity to get home safely. There isno excuse to be on the roadway impaired.” St. Tammany Parish deputies willprovide anyone who lives in theparish a safe ride home during thisholiday season. If you don’t live in theparish, deputies will attempt to find asafe means to get you home.“Our goal is to ensure everyonegets home safely and that we havezero fatal accidents in our parish during this holiday season,” Sheriff Smithsaid. Anyone wishing to use the Safe RideHome program can call the nonemergency number at 985-898-2338.LA LICENSED NOTARY PUBLICCHIRI MOBILE NOTARY – I COME TO YOU!Fast • Professional • ConvenientSERVINGSlidell Lacombe Pearl River• Will Packages (Last Will & Testament + Power of Attorney + Medical Power of Attorney)• Title Transfers• Lien Waivers for Businesses – On-site notarization made simpleSpecialties:Why Call Me?Flexible scheduling – evenings & weekendsHomes, offices, hospitals & moreAffordable, clear rates fl Featuring our greFROM THE S LVA FAFOR OVER 30 YESERVING SLIDELL’S BEST SEALV GGIO F1194 HarboTuesday 11 a.mFriday &11 a.m.Su11 a.mClosed985.64 eatAMILYEARSEAFOODLor Dr. - Slidell- Thursday:m. - 9 p.m.& Saturday:. - 10 p.m.ndaym. - 9 p.m.d Monday41.0464 Featu uring our gre eat
THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT Page 1BFREE!Staff photos by Kevin ChiriThursday, December 18, 2025There are plenty of business Christmas parties once the calendar turns to December, but few can beat thespecial food and prizes brought to the Harbor Center each year for the annual Silver Slipper-St. TammanyChamber get together. With NOLA Grill providing its usual fantastic layout of food and drinks for the evening,Slipper General Manager Angi Truebner-Webb brought her crew from the casino, along with a dozen fantastic door prizes that included hotel stays, dinner at the Blue Bayou, Samsonite luggage, cooking pots,kitchen items and more.Silver Slipper, Chamber come together for ChristmasPatty and Alan Thriffley.Chamber Chairman Ronnie Simpson, Silver Slipper G.M. Angi Truebner-Webb, Louis Ochoa and Gary Faller.Bringing the fun to the Harbor Center for the annualSilver Slipper-St. Tammany Chamber Christmas partywere Slipper reps Christie Pittman, General ManagerAngi Truebner-Webb and Kendra McArthur.Silver Slipper handed out lots of great door prizes to lucky guests, with Slipper G.M. Angi Truebner-Webb doing the honors. Along with hotel stays, free dinners at the Blue Bayou, there were plenty of other great gifts such as Samsonite luggage and more.Ron Jackson, Greg Paretti, Julie Paretti, Gabe Paretti, and Brianah Vining.Don Shea Alan Thriffley Ron Jackson Luan JarrowYolanda Paz Stacy Moses Gary Faller Anthony BridgesCasey HerringMaggie Stokes and Josh Lloyd
(Editor's Note: The city of Slidell ispublishing the City Council minutesas a service to readers in the name oftransparency for residents, eventhough they are only legally bound torun the minutes in the Official Journal.The Slidell Independent is barredfrom bidding as the Official Journalbecause it is a free paper, however,city officials elected to run them inour publication to inform residents ofCity Council actions.)MinutesOctober 28, 20256:30 P.M.Council President DiSanti called theregular meeting of the Slidell CityCouncil to order in the CouncilChambers. A quorum was present.PRESENT: Council Members BillBorchert, Leslie Denham, David Dunham, Megan Haggerty, Nick DiSanti,Kenny Tamborella, Trey Brownfieldand Cindi KingABSENT: Councilman Jeff Burgoyne ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Randy Fandal, Acting Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau, Council Administrator ThomasReeves, Chief of Staff Mike Noto, andCity Attorney Thomas Schneidau The Council President opened theConsent Calendar for a public hearing. No one from the public appearedto speak. The Council Presidentclosed the public hearing on the Consent Calendar.Councilman Brownfield secondedby Councilwoman Haggerty made amotion to adopt the Consent Calendar.ROLL CALL8 Yeas0 Nays 1 AbsentCARRIEDCONSENT CALENDARA. Approval of the Minutes of theOctober 14, 2025, meeting.B. Proposed Ordinances:1. Item No. 25-10-3615: An ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Slidell, Section23-4 to provide for earlier trash collection in the City of Slidell and toprovide for ancillary matters in connection therewith, (Tamborella).2. Item No. 25-10-3616: An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 4176,revising the Revenue, Expense andCapital Budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 (second supplemental), providing for supplemental appropriations,additional revenues and matters inconnection therewith,(DiSanti/Brownfield, by request of Administration).3. Item No. 25-10-3617: An ordinance authorizing the Mayor of theCity of Slidell to acquire, for and onbehalf of the City, via donation fromThe Sherwin-Williams Company (orits successor(s) or assign(s)), 7.2acres of land +/- in Sec. 40-T8S-R13E,St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, and totake all ancillary action in connectiontherewith, (DiSanti/Brownfield, by request of Administration).4. Item No. 25-10-3618: An ordinance amending the job descriptionfor the unclassified position of chief ofstaff, (DiSanti/Brownfield, by requestof Administration).Note: A Public Hearing will be heldon the above listed ordinances onTuesday, November 25, 2025, at 6:30p.m. in the Council Chambers, 2045Second Street, Suite 319.C. Proposed Resolutions:1. R25-27: A resolution to requestfunding for airport improvements atthe Slidell Airport and to provide representations and approve ancillaryaction in connection therewith, (DiSanti/Brownfield, by request of Administration).2. R25-28: A resolution authorizingthe Mayor of the City of Slidell to execute an Agreement with theLouisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) forimprovements at the Slidell Airport,(DiSanti/Brownfield, by request of Administration). 3. R25-29: A resolution authorizingthe Mayor of the City of Slidell to execute an Agreement with theLouisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) forimprovements at the Slidell Airport,(DiSanti/Brownfield, by request of Administration).4. R25-30: A resolution designatingauthorized signatures for the purposeof check writing for the City of Slidell,(DiSanti/Brownfield, by request of Administration).D. Reallocation of Funds:1. To reallocate funding within thePolice Department: 26003-New, Uniforms Expenditure Increase $50,000;26003-71002 R&M Vehicles Expenditure Increase $50,000; 26003-85008-0227 Bullet Proof Vests ExpenditureIncrease $50,000; 26003-85999 Undesignated Expenditure $150,000Decrease.E. Monthly Financial Report: (August and September 2025)REGULAR AGENDASPECIAL PRESENTATIONFather Dan Darmanin and Mr. RobBywater appeared before the Councilto talk about the success of their recent Food and Fun Festival at St. Margaret Mary Church. They thanked themany volunteers for their hard workand stated that there would be no festival without the volunteers. They alsothanked the Slidell Police Departmentfor providing them with a very safefestival.POSTPONED PUBLIC HEARINGSAs advertised, a public hearing washeld on Item No. 25-08-3607, an ordinance amending, consolidating, andreplacing portions of the MunicipalCode in Chapters 2, 7, 8 and 22, andAppendices A, B, B1, and F, into theUnified Development Code per Exhibit A; and updating the official zoning map per Exhibit B. Buddy Lloydappeared before the Council andstated that more work needs to bedone on this ordinance and asked theCouncil to delay any action on thisitem. The Council President closedthe public hearing. Councilwoman Haggerty seconded by Councilman Brownfieldmade a motion to postpone Item No.25-08-3607 until the December 9,2025 Council meeting.ROLL CALL8 Yeas0 Nays 1 AbsentCARRIED As advertised, a public hearing washeld on Item No. 25-09-3613, an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Slidell, Chapter1 – General Provisions, Chapter 2 –Administration, Chapter 13 – Environment, Chapter 16 – Health and Sanitation, and Appendix F – Fees, toestablish an Administrative Hearingoption to more effectively processcode violations, to streamline andclarify related standards and sectionsof the Code and add associated processing fees, penalties, and to provide for related matters as well asAmendment A, which corrects numbering errors, updates definitionsand adds back into Chapter 13amended provisions on noise and litter. No one from the public appearedto speak. The Council Presidentclosed the public hearing. Councilman Tamborella secondedby Councilwoman Denham made amotion to adopt Amendment A toItem No.25-09-3613. ROLL CALL8 Yeas0 Nays 1 AbsentCARRIEDCouncilman Tamborella secondedby Councilwoman Denham made amotion to adopt Item No.25-09-3613,as amended, Ordinance No. 4258. ROLL CALL8 Yeas0 Nays 1 AbsentCARRIEDPUBLIC HEARING:As advertised, a public hearing washeld on Item No. 25-10-3614, an ordinance amending portions of Chapters 8 and 20 of the Code ofOrdinances of the City of Slidell toprovide certain exemptions to occupational licensing and private property sale permitting and to providefor other general licensing and permitting matters in connection therewith. No one from the publicappeared to speak. The Council President closed the public hearing.Councilman Brownfield seconded byCouncilman Tamborella made a motion to adopt Item No. 25-10-3614, Ordinance No. 4259. ROLL CALL8 Yeas0 Nays 1 AbsentCARRIEDLEGISLATIVE COMMENTSAND REPORTSCouncilwoman Haggerty thankedFather Dan and Mr. Bywater for a verysuccessful fair. She also commendedthe Slidell Police Department formaking it a very safe event.Councilman Brownfield invitedeveryone to the Heroes Who Cookevent on Sunday, November 2, 2025,from 4:00 – 7:00 on the rooftop of theJustice Center parking garage in Covington. This event is a fundraiser forCAC/Hope House, who helps manylocal children in crisis situations. Councilman DiSanti remindedeveryone that the next Council Meeting will be held on November 4th.The normal date of November 11thfalls on Veteran’s Day and the City willbe closed that day to honor our Veterans.ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTSAND REPORTSMayor Fandal stated that it has beenan enjoyable first week and he has hitthe ground running. He mentionedthe following upcoming events:Thursday, October 30th is East St.Tammany Business Alliance’s, Business After Hours at Patton’s from 5:00to 7:00 p.m.Saint August Maison’s Reveille willbe held on Friday, October 31st at7:30 a.m.The Zydeco Festival will take placeon November 1st in Heritage Park beginning at 11:00 a.m.Also on Saturday, November 1st,Keep Slidell Beautiful will host theHousehold Hazard Waste CollectionDay at Northshore Mall from 8 – 12. Keep Slidell Beautiful will host theirannual Citywide Cleanup Day on November 8th during which glass recycling, soft plastics and 4 tires per carwill be collected.POLICE CHIEF COMMENTSAND REPORTSChief Seuzeneau discussed thehomicide that occurred two weeksago, noting that the suspect was apprehended within a week. In connection with that incident, there wereunconfirmed threats regarding possible activity at the SMM Fair. As a precaution, six SWAT team members andthe drone team were added to theregular patrols. The Chief stated thatthe fair concluded with very few incidents.Chief Seuzeneau recognized theSlidell Animal Shelter and the AnimalAssistance League for achieving NoKill status. He commended their hardwork and dedication, noting that thisaccomplishment is something the entire community can be proud of.As there was no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 6:51p.m.MinutesNovember 4, 20256:30 P.M.Council President DiSanti called theregular meeting of the Slidell CityCouncil to order in the CouncilChambers. A quorum was present.PRESENT: Council Members JeffBurgoyne, Leslie Denham, David Dunham, Megan Haggerty, Nick DiSanti,Kenny Tamborella, Trey Brownfieldand Cindi KingABSENT: Council Member BillBorchertALSO PRESENT: Mayor Randy Fandal, Acting Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau, Council Administrator ThomasReeves, Chief of Staff Mike Noto, andCity Attorney Thomas Schneidau The Council President opened theConsent Calendar for a public hearing. No one from the public appearedto speak. The Council Presidentclosed the public hearing on the Consent Calendar.Councilman Brownfield secondedby Councilwoman Denham made amotion to adopt the Consent Calendar.ROLL CALL8 Yeas0 Nays1 AbsentCARRIEDCONSENT CALENDARA. Appointment:1. BZA Board – Reappoint TravisThompson to a five-year term, endingDecember 1, 2030 (Brownfield)REGULAR AGENDASPECIAL PRESENTATIONAssistant Director of Keep SlidellBeautiful, Marisa Frischhertz appeared before the Council to give anupdate on their 2025 projects. Januarystarted with a Tree Giveaway eventwherein 350 trees were given toSlidell residents. During Mardi GrasKSB members threw sustainablethrows. This upcoming Mardi Grasthey will hand out pick up sticks andplastic bags. The Spring Citywidecleanup was in April wherein 200-300volunteers lined the streets of Slidellto pick up litter, mulch gardens andtake recycling items from residents.The monthly glass recycling programstarted in April and has been verysuccessful, with each month increasing the collection of glass. The annualGolf Tournament was in October. Thisraises money to fund KSB’s projects.KSB recently partnered with the Rotary Club to “Purple the Garden” inrecognition of World Polio AwarenessDay. The Fall Citywide Cleanup eventis this Saturday; 200 volunteers havealready registered. During the eventa team of volunteers will be collectingsoft plastics, glass and each car candrop off 4 tires for recycling. Volunteers will soon start putting theChristmas on Front decorations outfor the upcoming holiday season.Lastly, Mrs. Frischhertz introduced theboard members who were present,including Councilwoman Denham.Councilwoman Haggerty thankedMrs. Frischhertz and board membersfor their hard work in keeping ourcommunity looking beautiful.LEGISLATIVE COMMENTSAND REPORTSCouncilman Brownfield remindedeveryone to check the Council meeting dates for November and December as they change because of theholidays.ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTSAND REPORTSMayor Fandal invited everyone toattend the Veteran’s Day Concert inHeritage Park on November 9th from4:00 – 6:00 p.m.Mayor Fandal and Council President Nick DiSanti presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Lesli Smith forher courage in assisting an officer inpursuit of a fleeing suspect. As there was no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 6:51p.m.Page 2B Thursday, December 18, 2025 THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT
IMPROVEMENT!TIVA109 LEFLEUR DrSlidell, 704604 bd • 4 ba • 5,483 total area Great property with too many amenities to list. New sewerage treatment system installed and newprice Seller is MO VATED CouldPRICE390,000 MLS #2484574I asombe in new home fprice. Seller is MOTIVATED. Couldfor NewYear.$390,000 MLS #2484574also have commercial lots and me waterfront lots just waiting for you. Please call me. 2E307 Gause East, SlidellLicensed in LA and MSach office is independentlyowned & operated.ADVERTISINGLUXURY FURNISHED EFFICIENCY APARTMENT:Studio apartment includes 75 inch SMART TV, Stove, Refrigerator, Microwave Oven,Air Fryer, KEURIG coffee maker, toaster, electriccan opener, and more….WI-FI, CABLE TV, water,sewage, garbage, electricity,ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED.$1,200 month TEXT only: 985-768-9622FURNISHED COTTAGE Studio apartment includes LAND LINE TELEPHONE with unlimited long distance callsAND 75 inch screen Smart TV; KITCHENETTE includes microwave oven, electric stovetop, coffee maker, refrigerator, etc.WI-FI, Cable TV, sewage, water, garbage, electricity…ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED.$800/monthNO PETS TEXT only: 985-768-9622REAL ESTATELooking to promote your services or find a newhire? Deliver your classified message statewidefor as little as $265 per week through theLouisiana Press Association’s Classified Network.Pre-payment required. To learn more, email [email protected] or call 225-344-9309. HOME/GARDENDENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discountplan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE DentalInformation Kit with all the details! 1-855-268-0108www.dental50plus.com/morning #6258 (LASCAN)HOME SERVICESPart-Time In-Home Nanny Needed – Cross Gates NeighborhoodSeeking a reliable, caring nanny for January and February to provide in-home childcare in theCross Gates area for one infant. Position is part-time, 10–15 hours per week, with flexiblescheduling. Ideal candidate is experienced, an effective communicator, shares biblical values,and is comfortable caring for young children in apet friendly home setting.Responsibilities include:Feeding, changing, and basic infant careEngaging play and age-appropriate activitiesLimited associated responsibilities includingwashing bottles, starting child’s laundry, etc.Competitive hourly rate. References required.CPR credentials preferred.To apply or inquire, please [email protected] HOME NANNY NEEDEDHOME IMPROVEMENTHouses for Sale - Slidell AreaBond for Deed - 985-290-6336LIQUIDATION SALELiquidation Sale with New ItemsWe have NFL puff vest-KC, 49ers, Broncos, Star Wars items, Dolls, Games, Men's dressshoes size 9, books, etc.December 19 from 11am-5pm & December 20from 9am-2pm148 Kilgore Ct., SlidellCOINS WANTEDWant to sell your old U.S. coins or entire coincollection? I pay cash and can meet at a public location ofyour choice. Premiums are paid on silver coins.Call 985-788-5891.We Buy Houses for Cash AS-IS! No repairs. Nofuss. Any condition. Easy process: Call, get cashoffer and get paid. Call today for your fair cashoffer: 1-225-545-1983 (LA_SCAN) MISCELLANEOUSDIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing onyour roof! Sign up for Directv and get your firstthree months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime,Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choicepackage $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. CallDIRECTV 1-866-734-0452 (LA-SCAN)Dish Network: Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet!Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In GiftCards. Call Today! 1-855-654-8207 (LA-SCAN)HEALTH/WELLNESSAttention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! Acheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALLNOW: 1-877-305-0196 (LA_SCAN)DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discountplan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE DentalInformation Kit with all the details! 1-855-268-0108www.dental50plus.com/morning #6258 (LASCAN)PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME frompests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs,Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locallyowned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! Have zip code of property readywhen calling! 1-877-728-0264 (LA_SCAN)BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONEDAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs.Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 1-877-496-0371 (LA_SCAN)Struggling with debt? If you have over $15,000in debt we help you be debt free in as little as 24-48 months. Pay nothing to enroll. Call Now: 1-877-773-1742 (LA_SCAN)Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more tosupport our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! CallVeteran Car Donations at 1-844-742-5188 today!(LA_SCAN) Prepare for power outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect (TM) standby generators - themost powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty -7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A.Call Briggs & Stratton 1-844-512-5930. (LA-SCAN)Prepare for power outages today with a GeneracHome Standby Generator. Act now to receive aFREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase.Call 1-844-335-2962 today to schedule a freequote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.(LA-SCAN)Replace your roof with the best looking andlongest lasting material…steel from Erie MetalRoofs! Three styles and multiple colors available.Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer.Up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855-582-6043 (LASCAN)THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT Thursday, December 18, 2025 Page 3B20% OffHoliday SaleTeleflora's Yuletide Sparkle TreeReg. Price$89.99Teleflora's Yuletide Sparkle Tree is a festive floral Christmas tree made of red blooms, holiday greens, and shimmering accents. Arranged in Teleflora's keepsake Crystal Drum Vase, it's a joyful holiday gift or centerpiece.SKU #T25X420AYour Price$71.99(Plus Shipping)*Call 1-855-452-6069 to place your orderUse Promo Code MB20066 to get 20% offPromo code is only valid for phone orders.*Product availability varies by market and minimum order values may apply. A shipping fee of $20.99 is applied to US orders; additional fees may apply for same-day delivery. 1501 Gause Blvd., Ste. 1 Slidell LA 7985-643-3111Locally owned and operatedWE ARE HERE FOR YOU!!!0458. Steve Di BROKER / OWxonNERTANGLEWOOD CROSSINGy. YNOW is your time to act so you don't miss out on this great opportunit You'll be the envy of your friends and family when you callthis custom-built house your home, situated on a corner lot, near John Slidell Park.MLS# 2504995 $ 340,0002667 HIGHLANDS Matt Wood 985-502-8errice! When r. There is d for your ack patio rage. 900 S DR.821940-2654KINGSPOINT,Move-in-ready home at a great priccondition matters, look no furtherplenty of room in the backyard fgarden. Enjoy sitting on the back patio sipping your favorite beverMLS# 2495771 $ 189,9Kristie Tousinau 985-64PERFECT FOR INVEtie T105 FOXCROFTMatt Wood, 985-502-Kris Tousinau 985-64ESTORS99off Old Spanish state system for k up to Slidell's 9,900T DR.-821940-2654DistinctiveMLS# 254-bedroom, 1-bath home located oTrail, with easy access to the Interscommuters. Also, just a short walk up tparade route.511294 $ 99VE19-2654eSlidell.comtie TMatt W 23046 SLIDELL AV Wood, 985-502-82Kris Tousinau 985-640-
Years ago, I cuddledmy one-year-old granddaughter. Looking intoher sweet little face, Isaid, “Emma, do youknow how much I loveyou?” Immediately, Isensed my heavenly Father asking me thesame question. “Sheryl, do you knowhow much I love you?”I remember pausingto consider my heavenly Father’s grandquestion that day, butI’m sure I didn’t comeclose to grasping thefull extent of His love. How about you? Doyou realize how muchGod loves you? If you’re like me,you’ve made somepretty bad choices. Andbecause of those mistakes, our relationshipshave suffered. We feelinsecure. Sometimes wewonder why anyonewould love us. Especially God.Wouldn’t it be wonderful, especially thisChristmas season, if wecould take God at HisWord and absolutelybelieve that He loves us,despite everythingwe’ve done? How would this truthtransform us? How would feeling secure in our heavenly Father’s love change howwe see ourselves in themirror? How would ourambitions and goals appear when illuminatedby perfect, unconditional love? And how would it impact our relationships?Would we begin to invest more time in others? Forgive easier andsooner? Would we finally beable to forgive ourselves? Believing God lovesus – unconditionally –could change the waywe celebrate Christmas. But how can we know,without a doubt, that thecreator of the universereally does love us, rebelliously flawed as weare? Listen to God’s ownwords: “But God showshis love for us in thatwhile we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”(Romans 5:8 ESV).If this verse is too familiar, you might missthe beauty of its message. Take a momentand read it again, personalizing it and emphasizing each word: “But God clearlyshows and proves Hisown love for me, (yourname), by the fact thatwhile I was still a sinner,Christ died for me, (insert your name again!).”Let me ask once more(while also asking myself): Do we know, absolutely know, howmuch God loves us?We’ll never fully comprehend how much ourheavenly Father lovesus. How could we evertruly grasp its vastness?Perhaps the more wethink about this week’sverse and the more wespeak it out loud in thefirst person, the morewe’ll understand …… how much He trulydoes.(Sheryl Hilker Boldt,a Slidell High graduate,author of the blog,www.TodayCanBeDifferent.net. She can bereached at [email protected].)Slidell InspirationAll men wore dresshats and suits when Iwas a young man. I hada hat collection of stylesand colors for every occasion. My goal was tolook as dapper as FrankSinatra. Dress for Success, a 1975 book byJohn T. Molloy wasabout the effects clothing had on a person'ssuccess in businessand personal life. It wasa best seller. Style,color, what coat buttonsto use, ties, shoes andeverything was a clueto looking successful.Then somewhere inthe sixties, whenwomen burned theirbras, men burned theirdraft cards, and sex became something youdid, not what you were.The clothing stylebegan to reflect thescrambled social moralcode. Blue jeans withragged holes were instyle. T-shirts with signage messages wereeverywhere. Todaywearing your SundayBest is a clean shirt, sandals and shorts, allbranded as unisex.I’m a dinosaur, and Ilike being one. I wear ahat, suit and tie tochurch. I stand out fromthe crowd, but I like thelook, especially the hat.I’m starting a movementto bring back the hat. Itdoes lots of good things:It shades my eyes,keeps my head warm inwinter and best of all itprotects my head fromgetting wounded everytime I forget to duck.What you wear on anyoccasion displays thevalue you place on anevent. Men wear tuxedos to weddings, andsuits to funerals.Clothes do make theman. There are lots ofnews stories about thedecline of manhood.When you see a man ina hat and suit they garner attention. They lookimportant and add atouch of class to theevent they attend.There was a recenttragedy in Texas, andthe President and hiswife went to the sceneof the tragedy. A groupof Texas Rangers werethere and were individually introduced to theFirst Lady. Each man respectfully removed hishat as he shook thehand of Melania. It wasstriking to watch.God likes hats too.The priests were towear hats as part oftheir attire. “Make tunics, sashes, and hats forAaron’s sons to expressglory and beauty.” (Exodus 28:40 MESSAGE)The Bible speaks moreabout crowns than hats.There are ImperishableCrowns, Crowns of Rejoicing, Crowns of Righteousness, and Crownsof Life. ( 1 Corinthians9:24-25, 1 Thessalonians2:19, 2 Timothy 4:8, Revelation 2:10) A popular churchsong is “I can onlyImagine.” The lyricsasks what we will dowhen we see Jesus. I’m100% sure if Jesus visited my house, I wouldtake off my hat in respect to the King ofGlory. It’s high time webegin to dress and actrespectfully. People willspeak with respectwhen they are properlydressed. A hat wouldmake it a perfect item totop off a Sunday outfit.Try getting dressedup for church this weekand see what happens.Wear a hat if you haveone.(Pastor Morris St Angelo, Lead Minister ofSlidell Ministers Association. Email:[email protected] for Morris StAngelo on YouTubeand Facebook.)By MORRIS ST. ANGELOSLIDELL MINISTERSASSOCIATIONApparently, the useof guilt to inspire generosity isn’t workingtoo well these days - atleast when it comes tothe practice of “guilttipping.” Guilt tippingis the latest socialpressure or discomfortcustomers feel whenasked to tip, especiallyon digital paymentscreens for serviceswhere tipping was nottraditionally expected.This can include picking up take out, picking up a drycleaningorder, buying a coffee,or other self-servicesituations, and it leadscustomers to tip out ofa feeling of obligationrather than genuineappreciation.Judging from thesubstantial push-backby customers, manyare not impressed bythe clever attempt touse guilt to securetips. In fact, instead ofgenerously offeringtips, customers are increasingly withholding tips!Has anyone ever attempted to motivate orcontrol you throughguilt? A common practice is to exploit guilt;after all, the ends justify the means, don’tthey? Psychologistsexplain that the cleveruse of guilt can give aperson a sense of control, power, and superiority. And by nature,who wouldn’t like a little more of thosegoodies?Thankfully, God handles our guilt in another way and with anentirely different motive. God’s approach toour guilt is to forgive,not exploit. With thepsalmist we must honestly acknowledge,“My guilt has overwhelmed me.” (Psalm38), and with John wemost humbly recognize, “If we say wehave no sin we deceive ourselves andthe truth is not in us.”(1 John 1) However,John’s summation ofour state of guilt doesn’t end there. Here’sthe punchline: “But ifwe confess our sins,God who is faithfuland just, will forgive usand cleanse us from allunrighteousness.” (1John 1)Although the ways ofthe world, the devil,and even our own sinful nature lead us tobelieve that truepower can be found inguilt and exploitingguilt to achieve selfserving ends, God’sWord teaches of another power, truepower: “I am notashamed of theGospel, because it isthe power of God untosalvation…in theGospel a righteousness from God is revealed, arighteousness that isby faith…” (Romans 1)The power of God’sforgiveness (the gift ofrighteousness purchased for us by Jesus)transforms our relationship with God inwondrous ways. ThisGospel-poweredtransformation endows us with trust inHis promises, true joy,a peace beyond allhuman understanding,and eternal life withHim and all believers.This Gospel-poweredforgiveness alsomakes us eager in ourrelationships with oneanother, “forgiving asthe Lord forgives us.”(Colossians 1)This was the promise God made andkept through theChrist Child whobrought us the ultimate knowledge ofsalvation through theforgiveness of oursins. (Luke 1) Come toBethlehem and seeHim whose birth theangels sing!(Rev. Jan Case is a retired Slidell LutheranMinister and can becontacted at [email protected])Empowered by forgivnessBy JAN CASERetired Lutheran Slidell MinisterTo submit an article to the Slidell Inspiration page, e-mail [email protected] SHERYLHILKER BOLDTGuest ColumnistA Christmas Reminder: You are loved more than you realizeLet’s dress and act respectfullyHow many times haveyou heard someone say,“God wants us to bepoor so we can stayhumble.” Give mechapter and verse onthat one. Look at all thepeople in the Old Testament who were verywealthy. There wasAdam who owned thewhole world (since hewas the only resident),Abraham, Isaac, Jacob,Joseph, David, Solomon,all the kings of Israeland Judah, and otherstoo numerous to list. Inthe New Testament, lookat the Book of Acts andsee that people gavegenerously to everyneed anyone had. Godis not against wealth.Deut. 8:18 says, “Youshall remember theLord, your God: for it isHe who gives you thepower to get wealth, thatHe may establish Hiscovenant.” He is againstthe LOVE of moneywhich makes onegreedy, stingy, and selfcentered.The church whichJesus established is thevehicle by which unbelievers can be reachedwith the knowledge ofthe truth of God’s Wordand be born-again intothe Body of Christ. Believers need to be generous with their moneyto fund missionariesboth at home andabroad who are sent toevangelize the world.God owns the wholeuniverse. He has nolack. He wants to blessall of us believers witheverything we need orwant so that we canfocus on blessing others. In fact, God has already done everythingHe is ever going to dobecause He lives outside of time. It is alwayspresent tense with God.He is not limited by anything. Does it not say inGenesis 2:2 that Godrested from all His workon the seventh day?Does it not say in 1 Peter2:24 that by His (Jesus’)stripes we were healed?Isaiah 53:5 also says byHis stripes we arehealed. It’s alreadydone. We don’t have tobeg God to do something. He’s already provided it. We just have tothank Him for it and receive it by faith.The secret to a lifepleasing to God isspending quality timewith Him so that wehave a close, intimaterelationship with Him.In that close relationship, we hear Him speakto us and give us direction for every day. Wethank Him for leading,guiding, and directingus every step of the wayand protecting us fromall harm and evil. Wemeditate on His loveand goodness and divine provision. Hewants us to know Him asour everything bothgreat and small. No limits.(Peggy R. Clark is aPrison Chaplain withMaranatha Grace Ministries,[email protected]) Don’t limit GodBy PEGGY CLARKPrison Chaplainwith MaranathaGrace MinistriesPage 4B Thursday, December 18, 2025 THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT
THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT Page 5BSLIDELL -- Southeastern Louisiana Universitycelebrated its graduatesSaturday, Dec. 13, in twoseparate commencement ceremonies in theUniversity Center. Students receiving associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoraldegrees:Doctoral DegreesSlidell – Nancy Grimwood Gonzalez, Educational Leadership;Masters DegreesPearl River – MelissaWilliams Keicher, MATMultiple Levels;Slidell – Tyler TravisEshenko, Applied Sociology; Therese MaryAnn Hoggatt,Communication Sciences & Disorders;Michele Minnick Hubert, Strategic Communication; MadelineKathleen Kelly, SpecialEducation; Brittney Lauren Kubik, Business Administration; NicoleTassin Mick, Nursing;Nicole A. Raj, MAT Multiple Levels; ClaudiaLouise Ritchie, Nursing; Bachelors DegreesLacombe – MekhiJordan Batiste, Psychology; Emily MarieCousin, Kinesiology;Sydney Theresa Johnson, Business Administration;Pearl River – RyanBrown, Accounting; AllieNicole Fleming, Nursing; Bailey NicoleSchween, Nursing;Daniel W. Sinclair, Accounting; Sarah Elisabeth Stroyewski, MiddleSchool Special Education Mild/ModerateGrades 4-8;Slidell – Alaina LynnAppe, Communication;Tristan Eugene Bagley,Marketing; Jadyn Elizabeth Barduca, HealthSciences; CharlieGabrielle Bateman,Early Childhood Education Grades PK-3;Stephen G. Bateman, III,Kinesiology; Tessa J.Battaglia, English;Shawn David Breaud, Jr.,Criminal Justice; J’NellJondrea Anisha Casborn, General Studies;Matthew WilliamCooper, EngineeringTechnology; EddieMichael Dema, Jr., Accounting; Tyler DiMaggio, Accounting; AlyssaMarie Doll, Kinesiology;Mackenzie CorinDoody, Human Development and Family Science; Jackson P. Eason,Computer Science; Hannah Michelle Havert,Nursing; Joey JosephHosni, Business Administration; Rani LynnKanz, Finance and Accounting; NicholasKeller, EngineeringTechnology; NoahMatthew Kreemer, General Studies; Maci Ashlyn Labruzzo,Communication Sciences & Disorders; Andrew Tyler Landry,Business Administration; Also, Jayla M. Lang,Health Sciences; LillieMichelle Lore, Nursing;John Joseph Macaluso,IV, English; Alyssa JadeMajor, Computer Science; Emma R. Martin,Elementary EducationGrades 1-5; Brett McCaslin, Supply ChainManagement; ShannahNelson, Psychology; Alfred James Nicholas, Jr.,Health Sciences; TylerG. Oakes, Health Sciences; Haley AshleyPanks, Elementary Education Grades 1-5,Christian Anthony PoliniClements, Accounting;Keith Edward Rawls,Psychology; Christopher Patrick Richard,Computer Science;Caleb James Romain,Marketing; Keilab D.Russell, Accounting;Karime G. Sanabria,World Languages; Kaitlyn M. Simmons, Nursing; Grace LaurenWaguespack, HealthSciences; Adrion West,History; Sydnei BrookeWolfe, Nursing;SLU hands out degrees to graduatesThursday, December 18, 202558516 Pearl Acres Rd., Slidell985-643-6017Pastor Jerry Smith -- StateLicensed Christian CounselingSunday Service: Bible Study,9:15am; Worship, 10:30am.Ministries: Early LearningCenter, Sewing Ministry, Ministries for all ages.Choir/Orchestra/Praise TeamDiscovergrace.usSMA is for Pastors and Christian Ministers togather in unity. We are united in Jesus Christ, crucified and resurrected. If you have a Christianministry of any kind and would like to be involvedin our work, we would love to have you join us.For more information: [email protected] Morris St. Angelo or Chaplain David ZieglerSlidell Minister’s Association 62340 Highway 1090, Pearl River985-863-9444www.generationsnola.comLead Pastor Chad CocranSunday Worship: 9am & 10:30amGenerations Youth meets everyWednesday evening at 7pmBible classes and small groupsmeet midweek.Generations Church2263 2nd St., corner of 2nd andRobert St., Slidell 678-372-0470camelliacitychurch.comPastors Brenn and Kristin ButtsService: Sunday at 10amCamellia City Church433 Erlanger Ave, Slidell985-643-6437www.firstumcslidell.orgSunday Worship: 9:45am & 11amAdult Classes on Sunday9:30am & 9:45amPreK-6th grade on Sunday9:45am & 11amCrossroads youth ministrySunday, 5pm-7 pmFirst United Methodist Church of Slidell1000 Caruso Blvd., Unit 415,Slidell, LA 70461985-661-2086brideadornedchurch.orgPastor Joseph PedreiraSunday Service: 10amYouth & Young Adults:Wednesday: 6:30pmBride Adorned Church35300 Home Estate Drive, Slidell, LA 70460985 641-2109“Blessing Box”Find us at - facebook.com/GoodShepherdLutheranChurchSlidellReverend Robert BelknapSunday Worship Service: 10:30amSunday School & Adult Bible Study9amMid-week Bible Study:Thursday 11:30am Good Shepherd Lutheran Church LCMSGrace Memorial Baptist Church2395 East Gause Road,Suite 7, SlidellWorship: 10a.m.A Bible teaching ministry Bible Study, 7p.m. Wednesdays at 211 Hollow Rock CourtDr. Ansley Orfila, pastor985-886-148057209 Allen Road, SlidellSunday Worship: 8a.m. & 10a.m.Vibrant worship, practicalteaching, and ministry for children and studentsPastor Carlos Cage, 985-643-2929www.communitych.com Church of the Savior61305 Airport Road Slidell(985) 726-5179Whitedove.orgFB: WhiteDoveFellowshipPastors Tom & Michelle MillerSundays @10amCelebrate RecoveryWednesdays @ 7pmYoung Adult Bible StudyThursdays @ 6:30pmIntercessory PrayerMondays @ 6pmWhite Dove Church NorthshoreCommunity Church Slidell890 Robert Blvd., SlidellPastor Robert RobinsonServices: Sunday School, 9:30am;Worship, 10:30am.Wednesday Bible Study: 5:45pm985-290-4123Covenant Baptist Church388 Robert Blvd, Slidell985-643-8760 www.pentecostalsonline.orgFacebook: First PentecostalChurch of SlidellDonald Bryan, PastorService Times:Sundays at 10:30amWednesdays at 7pmBilling Address: 388 RobertBlvd, Slidell, LA 70458First Pentecostal ChurchReserve your spot on this page for only $10 a week. Contact Jenny at [email protected] or 985-607-8852.Please submit any community news to Jenny at [email protected] or 985-607-8852. | 985-288-4634K | 6am – 3pm348 Robert Blvd. | Slidell, LA 70458 Our own 'Sedr fee'Breakfast & Lunch 7 DAYS A WEEKa Blend CofPart-Time In-Home Nanny Needed – Cross Gates NeighborhoodSeeking a reliable, caring nanny for January and February to provide in-home childcare in the Cross Gates area for one infant. Position is part-time, 10–15 hours per week, with flexible scheduling. Ideal candidate is experienced, an effective communicator, shares biblical values, and is comfortable caring for young children in a pet friendly home setting. Responsibilities include:Competitive hourly rate. References required. CPR credentials preferred. To apply or inquire, please contact [email protected].• Feeding, changing, and basic infant care• Engaging play and age-appropriate activities• Limited associated responsibilities including washing bottles, starting child’s laundry, etc. SAVE 32%R E G . $ 2 9 . 9 9 NOW $19.99 + $7.99 SHIPPINGCALL 1-855-658-1247PITTMANDAVIS.COM/P6YF13 USE CODE: P6YF13Good while supplies last. Some restrictions may apply. Limit 5 tins per customer. IC: P6YF13
Winter RollercoasterWinter has settled inon the Northshore, andwith it comes the rollercoaster of temperatureswings that we call winter here in SoutheastLouisiana. The latestcold front sentovernight lows in the20s and dropped watertemps for both freshwater and saltwater anglers. As usual this timeof year, the water is lowin the marsh and themain canals have become the focal point forinshore fishermen looking for steady action.East Pearl RiverJohn Guillot of Kiln,Mississippi made a lateevening run to the EastPearl River to try forblack crappie. Heheaded to the back ofEnglish Bayou, an arealoaded with structure.Guillot said he hadfished there once before but did not do well.This trip was different.He tied on a black andchartreuse jig and wentto work. “Maybe I hadbetter luck today ormaybe I just kept the jigin the water longer,”Guillot said. The fishwere cooperative fromthe start. By the end ofthe trip he put 39 crappie in the boat, comingup just shy of the number he wanted. “I justcouldn’t break 40 keepers,” he said. Guillotsaid the action made upfor the shortfall andadded that EnglishBayou remains a solidoption when the PearlRiver fish turn on.Blast and CastTodd Fitzmorris ofSlidell made a blast andcast trip that remindedhim just how lucky he isto be a sportsman inSoutheast Louisiana. Heand two friends startedthe morning in themarsh and finished witha three-man limit ofducks. After the hunt,Fitzmorris headed tothe Trestles for an afternoon fishing trip.The friends fishedfrom 2:30 to 5:00 pmand put 23 keeper troutin the boat. The waterwas clear and calm, andthe trout were feedingon larger bait.“The trout wanted bigplastic baits,” Fitzmorrissaid. He pointed to apogie that came out ofone trout’s stomach andsaid the ghost minnowfrom Lost Coast Baits, inpogie color, was themost productive lure.Fitzmorris added thatthe pattern made sensegiven the recent drop inwater temperatures.“I caught trout the lasttwo afternoons jiggingplastics in 11 to 12 feetof water. None of thesetrout had shrimp in theirstomachs. They all hadpogies,” he said. “Nowthat the water is in themid to upper 50s, thetrout are gorging onbaitfish getting readyfor the next cold snap.”He said anglersshould consider usinglarger plastics that resemble baitfish this timeof year. Once the waterdips into the low 50s, heexpects the trout tomove deeper into thecanal systems.Pipeline Canal RedsJerry Porter of Folsommade a recent trip to thePipeline Canal off theICW and found the winter redfish pattern aliveand well. He launchedafter the latest cold frontand worked his wayalong the man-madecanal, focusing on areaswhere the duck pondsdrain into deeper water.The conditions lined up,and Porter finished thetrip with a full limit ofredfish.“I look for clean waterfirst,” Porter said. “If youcan find that in thePipeline Canal duringwinter, the fish are usually close.”Porter has been fishing the canal since hewas 28 years old. Helearned the patternfrom his father, whoshowed him how redfishmove out of the shallowponds when water temperatures drop into the40s. The first deep waterthey reach is the 8-to12-foot depth of thecanal, and Porter stayson the ledges that sitabout 10 feet off theshoreline.He fished slowly witha 4-inch Cocahoe minnow on a 3/8-ounce jighead, favoring darkcolors to match thestained winter water.“When the bite slows,I put on a spinner to addflash,” he said. Porterexpects the pattern tohold steady as long ascold fronts continue todrop the water levels.Upcoming TournamentsPearl River TeamTrails will hold its nexttournament at CrawfordLanding on January 10.For more information,call Charles Dauzat at985-960-3260.(Keith Lusher Jr.writes a weekly column. For more info,visit NorthshoreFishingReport.com. Contact Keith [email protected].)Page 6B Thursday, December 18, 2025 THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENTJohn Guillot caught these sac-a-lait in English Bayou on a black andchartreuse jig.Todd Fitzmorris ends his cast and blast with asolid trout caught at the Trestles.Keith LusherAtmosphereCarbonEcofriendlyEmissionsFossilfuelsGlobalwarmingGreenHealthyIcecapsMeltingNaturalOceansOrganicOzonePolarSealevel Answers from puzzles on page 7A.
THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT Thursday, December 18, 2025 Page 7BCertified Financial PlanAl ® an Knight, CFPnner™ EstatRetire appropriate professional.fered through s Financial Services, Inc. Securitiesrvices.com70458te Planningrement and eAadvisory services of22-RJFST A 12/22/2022Raymond James does not provide legal services. Please discuss these matters with theRaymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.f / SIPC. Investment Knight Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James985.641.0111 | knightwealthser506 Robert Blvd | Slidell, LAoffered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRAransitioning-1272 TidOpen Mond y - SuurbaWhiskey & Boundaybon MenurThursday Steak Night / Half Price BMimosa Brunch, starts 1Outside Patio Seating AvaiBottles of Wine(Select Bottles)0AM Sat & Sunlable (pet friendly)348 Robert Blvd. | Slidell, LAOur own 'Sedra BlenBreakfast & Lunch 7 DAYS A A 70458 | 985-288-4634fee' WEEK | 6am – 3pmnd CofA th ti MWE AREi f dE BACK!Happy Hour EvMargarAuthentic MeOPEN 7 DAYS A very day: 2-6ritasexican foodWEEK at 11AMY HAPPY HOUR 3-6pm YSUN BRUNCH 9am-2:30pmSAT DINNER 3pm-9:30pmSAT BRUNCH 10-2:30FRI:11am-9:30pmWED-THURS: 11am-8:30pmTUES ClosedMON 11am-8:30pmDAILSt.5817m• Butter Beans• Stuffed Bell Peppe• ya• Creole Gumbo JambalaCreole Gumbo• Jambalaya• Stuffed Bell Peppe• Butter BeansrsDaily Specials on• Smothered u ey Butter BeansTurkeButter Beans• Smothered Turkey Daily Specials on1480 Gause Blv Gau d, Ste K ay - F ay 11com Mcreolesistersnola. eMonda ridayomndasnoBlsBM dacreolesisGeNecksSlidell LA, 7 ell LA, 71 AM - 6 PM 2AM (985)-288-0505045805M88 AM(98-6)-580ll L 4585$7 Pancake Breakfast2ND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH8am to 11am
(For more information on services,contact Honaker at 985-641-1900 oronline at: honakerforestlawn.com)Charmaine Ann Lemaire, age 68,of Slidell, LA, passed away on Friday,November 28, 2025.She was born in Fairfax County, VA,then was a longtime resident of Slidellwho worked for 31 years at Lockheedat the NASA Michoud facility, holdinga position as a data analyst.She was a dedicated member to theAmerican Legion Auxiliary Slidell#185.John Daniel “JD” Landrum, age80, of Slidell, LA, passed away onWednesday, December 3, 2025.Born in Houston, TX, he began selling real estate after high school, thenafter moving to New Orleans, spent hisreal estate earnings until they ran out,and spent the night on park benchesin Jackson Square or Pirate’s Alley. Helater went back to bartending and gothis Louisiana real estate license.He opened Johnny White’s SportsBar on Bourbon Street, followed by theMRB bar and then the Blue Nile onFrenchmen.He enjoyed fishing, then latermoved to Slidell where he loved thelocal dog park.Clifton “Cliff” Cox, age 82, ofSlidell, LA, passed away on Saturday,December 6, 2025.Born in LeCompte, LA, he was a former resident of River Ridge, Clintonand Roseland, LA, before moving toSlidell in 1993.He served in the U.S. Air Force andwas employed for over 30 years withDelta Air Lines as an aircraft mechanic. Following retirement, he laterworked as a construction inspector forthe city of Slidell.He loved to travel, enjoyed boating,cruising, playing cards and live music.Nebeha Haddad Broom, age 93, ofSlidell, LA, passed away on Sunday,December 7, 2025.A lifelong resident of Slidell, she attended Southeastern Louisiana University and Moler Beauty College,owning and operating the House ofBeauty for 48 years.She was an active parishioner at OurLady of Lourdes Catholic Church andrecipient of the Order of St. LouisMedallion for dedication and serviceto the church.She was also chairperson of theHospitality and Welcome Committeefor 50 years as the first recipient of theOur Lady of Lourdes “Woman of theYear.”She was active in other groups suchas past president for the Slidell JayceeJaynes, Xi Gamma Lamda, the SlidellWomen’s Civic Club, the OzoneCamellia Club and the Krewe ofPerseus.Larry Pentzer, age 77, of Slidell, LA,passed away on Sunday, November23, 2025.He had a passion for life and soughtit through the air, car or riding motorcycles or donkeys.Lillie “Carol” Herbold, age 88, ofSlidell, LA, passed away on Sunday,December 7, 2025.Born in Baltimore, MD, she was ahomemaker who was active in churchand concerned with salvation throughJesus for others. Page 8B Thursday, December 18, 2025 THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT(For information on services, contactAudubon at 985-645-0600 or online at:audubonfuneralhome.com)Alvin “Al” Paul Adams, Jr., age 76,of Slidell, LA, passed away on Monday,December 8, 2025.Born in New Orleans, LA, he served inthe U.S. Navy and then chose a management career in shipping at major portlocations across the U.S., including overa half dozen companies.He graduated from Abramson HighSchool, then furthered his education atDelgado College.He was a parishioner of St. LukeCatholic Church.Audubon Funeral Home Obituary ListingsLilliankay GertrudeDuggan Westergard,born April 22, 1948, inNew Orleans, LA,passed away peacefullyat home on November25, 2025, in Slidell, LA, atthe age of 77.What brought her thegreatest joy in life washer family. Lilliankaywas preceded in deathby her husband of 51years, Alfred Westergard Jr. and belovedbrother, Danny MichaelDuggan. She is survivedby her children, ShaunMarie Wilson (Marc)and Timothy MichaelWestergard (Kate); Shewas a proud and deeplyloving grandmother toKatherine Isabelle,Grant Owsley, andWilliam Andrew Wilson,as well as Philip Dugganand Arthur James Westergard. She was thedaughter of the lateMichael Walter Dugganand the late LucilleCatherine Duggan. Sheis also survived by aniece, a nephew, andmany cousins, all ofwhom held a specialplace in her heart.She graduated fromAnnunciation CatholicSchool in New Orleansand spent most of hercareer in the Birth Registrar’s Office at SlidellMemorial Hospital,where she worked withdedication until her retirement in 2023. A longtime member of St. Margaret Mary CatholicChurch, Lilliankay livedher faith daily. She was aloving wife, mother, andgrandmother whosegentle, caring spirittouched all who knewher. She will be deeplymissed.Relatives and friendsare invited to attend aMass of Christian Burialon Monday, December29, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St.Margaret Mary CatholicChurch, 1050 RobertBlvd., Slidell, LA. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m.in the church. Private interment will be held at alater date.The family extends aheartfelt thanks to allwho visited and caredfor Lilliankay during herfinal months. Theirfriendship, love, andcompassion brought hergreat comfort.LILLIANKAY GERTRUDE DUGGAN WESTERGARDTimothy David Reinepassed away peacefullyon December 13, 2025,at the age of 63, surrounded by his lovingfamily. Born on June 13,1962, Tim lived a lifeshaped by service, faith,family, and a joyful spiritthat brought laughterwherever he went.Tim was preceded indeath by his father,George E. Reine Jr.; hismother, Bertha ElizabethMiller Reine; his brothers, George E. Reine IIIand Glen William Reine;his nephew, Scott ErnestReine; and his sister-inlaw, Brenda ReineBertus, wife of GlenWilliam Reine.He is survived by hisbrothers Ronald WalterReine (Sylvia), MichaelAnthony Reine (Carol),and sister-in-law DianeReine Ciko (George);seven nieces and twonephews; numerousgreat-nieces, greatnephews, and greatgreat nieces andnephews; and many,many friends who lovedhim dearly.Tim dedicated muchof his life to public service and law enforcement. He served withthe St. Tammany ParishSheriff’s Office, attainingthe rank of Corporal inPatrol and Special Operations and later servingas Captain of the Reserve Division. He alsoserved as a Police Officer with the Slidell Police Department in thePatrol Division.Tim’s career furtherincluded service as aDeputy Sheriff with theMonroe County Sheriff’sOffice in the FloridaKeys, where he workedin Patrol, District II (KeyVaca) and as a CrimeScene Detective, DistrictIII (Key Largo). At thestate level, he served asan Investigator with theLouisiana Lottery Corporation Security Division during its start-upoperations, and later asChief of Enforcement forGaming Regulation withthe Louisiana EconomicDevelopment and Gaming Corporation.Tim also served theState of Louisiana as aCommissioner with theLouisiana HighwaySafety Commission,where he held a StateTrooper commissionand worked closely withlaw enforcement agencies. His service extended to national andprofessional roles, including Past President ofthe Fraternal Order ofPolice in the FloridaKeys, commissionedmember of the U.S. Customs Blue LightningStrike Force and SpecialAgent with the LouisianaState Police.A graduate of Holy Redeemer in Lacombe,Tim studied Criminology at Louisiana StateUniversity and attendedthe Orleans ParishCriminal Sheriff’s Academy.Above all else, Timwas the jovial, fun-lovinguncle and the belovedbaby brother. Known forhis quick wit, love ofChristmas, and lifelongdevotion to the New Orleans Saints, he madeevery gatheringbrighter and everyroom warmer.Tim loved God, andhis faith was a constantsource of comfort,strength, and peacethroughout his life.Tim will be remembered for his warmth,quick wit, generousheart, deep faith, andthe joy he brought toeveryone around him.His legacy lives on in thelaughter he shared, theholidays he made special, the Saints games hecheered through, andthe family and friendswho will forever holdhim close.Relatives and friendsof the family are invitedto attend the funeralservice at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 GauseBlvd. West (in ForestLawn Cemetery),Slidell, LA on Wednesday, December 17, 2025,at 11 a.m.Deacon Chris Schneider is officiating. Visitation on Wednesday, December 17, 2025,from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.Interment in ForestLawn Cemetery.In lieu of flowers,please consider donating to the Slidell PoliceAssociation Toys fromCops. For donation information, contact Detective Kelby Wuertz [email protected] DAVID REINEOBITUARIESHonaker Funeral Home Obituary Listings