THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT Thursday, June 11, 2026 Page 1B
Page 2B Thursday, June 11, 2026 THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENTMandeville Mayor Clay Madden headed up the ground breaking for construction of the new Sunset Point Pier. Officials broke ground on theproject and Madden particularly thanked ROSTAN Solutions for their consulting help, M&J Civil who won the bid and will be performing the construction, Digital Engineering and Principal Engineering, the Mandeville Planning Department, the Mandeville Public Works Department, and staff assistants Melissia O’Neil and Alia Casborne. Alsoon hand for the ground breaking were Parish Councilwoman MaureenO’Brien representing St. Tammany Parish Government and MandevilleCity Council-at-Large Scott Discon. The work, which will include a renovation of the fishing pier, is expected to be finished by early in 2027.The 400-foot structure just east of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway wasknocked out of commission by Hurricane Ida in 2021, which was the thirdtime the pier sustained major damage from tropical weather. Cost is $2.53million, however, thanks to the city applying for inclusion in the federalHazardous Mitigation Program the cost will be covered almost entirely bythe feds.Renovations begin atSunset Pier in Mandeville MandevilleOPhCovingtoC di U ionPJ’ ffeeAVA A HospitalLakeview HospitalAcquistapace Wine & CMandeville City Hallffee RaniMandeville TrailheadSaia Grocery StoreTexaco Extra MileParish GovernmentTCofAVALAs Cof OchsnerOchsner We Dat SExpress ETammGallagheVaricoseGulf SouCovingtoOn PathCheeseVSt. TW Cancer CenterHospitalStoreEmployer many Chamberer’s RestaurantVein Centeruth Foot & Ankleon LibraryCredit UnionV Slidell-independent.The Slidell IndependAlso available:On Path Credit UnionffeePJ s CoffeeStarbucks Cof StarbuckPJ’ ffffee RCovingtoSouthernAcquistaStone CrOchsner.comdent Cofs Cof ffeefeeRanion City Halln Hotelapace Groceryreek Club & SpaCancer Centerks Cof kevinchiri@gmailcontact Publisher Kevor for more informationIf you would like to bec l.com 985-774-1352in Chiri:n, come a business distribution site at no cost, News fromSt. Tammany WestNOW COVERING MANDEVILLE AND COVINGTONLooking for something to do on Wednesday or Saturdaymornings?You can’t go wrong bygoing to either the Mandeville or CovingtonFarmer’s Markets, wherelocally grown food andlocally crafted items areoffered at dozens ofvendor stands.Mandeville hosts aSaturday event at theMandeville Trailhead,located at 675 LafitteStreet, where they haveover 90 local artisanvendors. The event isopen from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. and offers livemusic starting at 10 a.m.The Covington marketis open each Saturday,rain or shine, from 8a.m. to noon on the sidelawn of the CovingtonPolice Station, 609 N.Columbia Street. OnWednesday the marketcan be found from 10a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N.New Hampshire.For more informationon the CovingtonFarmer’s Market, call985-892-1873, or forMandeville informationyou can call 985-626-3147.Farmer’s Markets open everyWednesday & Saturday morning
COVINGTON -- STartUP Northshore announcedthe return of THE LAUNCHPAD, a live high-energypitch competition spotlighting early-stage entrepreneurs from across the Northshore. The event willbe held at North Star Theatre in Mandeville onThursday, July 23. Applications are now open andwill close on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.Designed to provide early-stage founders with ahigh-visibility platform, individualized pitch coaching, and access to startup resources, THE LAUNCHPAD helps entrepreneurs refine their ideas,strengthen their stories, and connect with the mentors, investors, and community members who cansupport their next stage of growth. Three finalistswill compete for a $5,000 prize pool, awarding$3,000 for the winning pitch and $1,000 for eachrunner-up – helping to bring their next big movewithin reach while encouraging entrepreneurialgrowth on the Northshore.This year, STartUP Northshore is proud to welcome OnPath Foundation as the 2026 PresentingSponsor of THE LAUNCHPAD for two competitions.Through its support, OnPath Foundation is helpingexpand access to entrepreneurial programmingand invest in the bold ideas shaping the future ofthe region.“At the OnPath Foundation, we believe strongcommunities are built by investing in people withbold ideas and the drive to create meaningful impact,” said Jay Huffstatler, Executive Director of OnPath Foundation. “That’s why we’re proud to partnerwith STartUP Northshore on THE LAUNCHPAD andsupport emerging entrepreneurs as they take thenext step in growing their businesses. Entrepreneurship is one of the Foundation’s core pillars, andwe’re excited to celebrate and invest in innovatorswho are helping shape the future of our region.”Building on the success of STartUP Northshore’spremiere pitch competition, the NSpire StartupSlam, THE LAUNCHPAD offers a complementaryplatform for early-stage founders who are workingto get their ideas off the ground. The competition ispart of STartUP Northshore’s growing programpipeline, which also includes IDEAinstituteNorthshore as well as multiple resources designedto support entrepreneurs throughout their startupjourney.“THE LAUNCHPAD continues to create meaningful opportunities for founders to test their ideas,sharpen their message, and build momentum,” saidCenzo Caronna, St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation Entrepreneur-in-Residence andSTartUP Northshore Executive Director. “Throughthis program, founders gain more than just pitchexperience. They gain feedback, mentorship, visibility, and meaningful connections that help accelerate their growth. With support from our greatpartners at OnPath Foundation, we’re expandingaccess to those opportunities and helpingstrengthen the pipeline of early-stage entrepreneurs across the Northshore.”For the winner of last year’s inaugural event, THELAUNCHPAD served as both a business development opportunity and a personal growth experience.“THE LAUNCHPAD didn’t just help grow my business, it helped shape the leader and storyteller behind it,” said Chris Andry, Founder of WSPER. “Oneof the biggest areas of growth has been how I communicate about the business. The LAUNCHPADhelped me refine not only my pitch deck, but alsomy story. I learned how to better explain the ‘why’behind what I’m building, connect with peoplemore effectively, and present my company withgreater confidence and purpose.”The competition will feature finalists pitching liveto a panel of expert judges. Finalists will receive individualized coaching prior to the event and compete for startup funding and resources designed tohelp advance their business.To learn more about this event, apply to pitchyour business, or register to attend, visit startupnorthshore.com/the-launchpad or contact STartUPNorthshore Executive Director Cenzo Caronna [email protected] 3BCenzo Caronna, director of St. Tammany EconomicDevelopment Corporation.From left, Cenzo Caronna - Executive Director, STartUP Northshore (Organizer), Rick Mekdessie - Founder, uGov Systems (Judge), Jill Lane - Owner, North Star Theatre (Venue),John Roberts - Managing Partner, Boot64 Ventures (Judge), Chris Andry - Founder, WSPER (Winner), Alex Cotant - Founder, AXECO Media (Runner-Up), Chance Kittrell - Founder, Whatgradewillitget (Runner-Up), Mike Eckert - Chairman, Gulf South Angels (Judge).THE LAUNCHPAD supports early-stage entrepreneurs in parishTHE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT Thursday, June 11, 2026News fromSt. Tammany WestNOW COVERING MANDEVILLE AND COVINGTONSTartUP NS apps open for return of pitch competitionThe Slidell Independent, after publishing for 17 years in eastern St. Tammany, is now expanding distribution to the west side of the parish. We are starting in Mandeville and Covington where we are looking for 25 business locations to put a newspaper box or drop papers each week for inside your business. Our newspaper is free, but none are thrown on driveways. We have a total circulation in eastern St. Tammany of 20,000, which includes 130 business locations for the weekly paper, and a free online version on our Facebook page. The Slidell Independent provides the most comprehensive news of parish government and city government. We are the only consistent voice to doing. Now, we are expanding our free paper to the west side of St. Tammany. If you would like to have the paper brought to your business each week, and believe you will have approximately 50 people pick it up, we would like your business to be a distribution site. As in Slidell after 17 years, the free newspaper positively will bring extra customers to your business each week—at no cost to you. Great news coverage now comingto Mandeville and Covington!! If you are interested in becoming adistribution site, please contact:Kevin ChiriPublisher/[email protected] Mayor Clay Madden (right) congratulates Slidell Independent Publisher Kevin Chiri and said he is excited for expanded news coverage of Mandeville and Covington to become a part of the paper.
MANDEVILLE — Magnolia TraceElementary has achieved the honor ofbeing recognized as an official Lighthouse School by the Leader in Meprogram, making them the firstschool in the St. Tammany Parish Public School System and one of onlyeight schools in the entire state ofLouisiana to receive the honor. It hasbeen a five-year journey leading upto this crowning achievement sinceMagnolia Trace Elementary firstbegan to embrace the Leader in Meprogram and started following the 7Habits.“This is such a remarkable achievement from a fantastic school in ourdistrict,” Superintendent Frank Jabbiasaid. “Magnolia Trace Elementaryachieving Lighthouse Status is a direct reflection of all their hard work,dedication, and constant commitment. We are so proud to celebratethis honor along with everyone fromteachers to families that have helpedto guide our students to becomingone of only eight Lighthouse Schoolsin the state.”Leader in Me is a part of over 8,000schools internationally, and less than10% of these schools have been recognized as Lighthouse Schools. Lighthouse Status is a special recognitiongiven to schools that fully embraceand live out the 7 Habits. These vitalhabits cover the principles of leadership, responsibility, and personalgrowth each and every day and havemade them a part of their entireschool’s culture. By earning Lighthouse Status, Magnolia Trace Elementary’s students and staff haveconsistently demonstrated thesehabits through a number of ways suchas leadership opportunities, positiverelationships, and a strong school culture focused on helping every childsucceed.COVINGTON – A brutal killing in 2022 thatshocked the Covingtoncommunity was broughtto its final chapter thisweek as Antonio Tysonwas sentenced to 120years in prison for themurders of retiredpriest Otis Young andRuth Prats, District Attorney Collin Sims reported.Tyson was arrested inNovember of 2022 forthe killings of Young,who was retired from St.Peter Catholic Churchin Covington, and Prats,who was his assistant.Sims said that Tysonwas sentenced by JudgeEllen M. Creel followinga hearing during whichthe judge heard compelling victim impacttestimony from nine ofPrats and Young’s familymembers and a RomanCatholic priest whoknew them both well.The statements of thevarious witnesses reflected both sorrow andremembrance. \"Theirdeaths are permanent -no sentence will changethat. Legacy is what remains. And while herlife was taken from us,the impact she had onthose around us remains,\" said one witness. \"We did not losethese people...we stillhold them close tous...but their presencefrom us was taken. A series of choices weremade, and they werenot given a choice,” saidanother.The sentencing hearing followed the defendant’s entry of guiltypleas on May 5, 2026. Incompliance with a pleaagreement endorsed bythe victims' families,Judge Creel sentencedTyson to serve two lifesentences for the twocounts of First DegreeMurder and a 40 yearsentence at hard laboron the single count ofObstruction of Justice,with all three counts ordered to run consecutively to each other.As part of the pleaagreement, the defendant waived all presentand future rights to pursue sentence reductions, administrativecorrections, judicial reviews, or release mechanisms. Additionally, Tysonwill be incarceratedwithin specialized statefacilities under conditions identical to capitalinmates awaiting execution. These conditionsfulfill the explicit desireof the Prats and Youngfamilies that Tyson experience the maximalphysical restrictionswarranted by hisheinous offenses, whilesimultaneously shielding the families fromyears of appellate delays and litigation associated with a capitaltrial.“Today’s sentencingbrings a permanent closure to a deeply painfulchapter in our community's history,” said Sims.“Our office was fullyprepared to seek thedeath penalty and possessed total confidencein the strength of ourcase, establishing thedefendant’s guilt. “However, recent disclosures regarding historical childhood IQtesting, a traumaticbrain injury discoveredin MRI scans, and adaptive deficits raisedclear, significant roadblocks under theSupreme Court's mandate in Atkins v. Virginiathat would have resulted in meaningfulchallenges to defending a death sentencethrough the appellateprocess,” he added.“Rather than exposing these grieving families to potentiallydecades of litigationand the meaningful possibility that an executioncould never legally becarried out, this negotiated resolution guarantees that Tyson willremain removed fromsociety for the rest of hisnatural life under maximum-security, deathrow conditions. Ithonors the wishes of thefamilies, preserves thelegacy of two extraordinary community servants, and ensuresimmediate, un-appealable justice,” Sims said.Sims again praisedthe exhaustive efforts ofthe Covington PoliceDepartment, includinglead investigator CyrusKety, the St. TammanyParish Sheriff’s OfficeCrime Laboratory, andthe St. Tammany ParishCoroner’s Office DNALaboratory for assembling an airtight casethat ultimately compelled the defendant toplead guilty.Page 4B Thursday, June 11, 2026 THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENTAgreement to not seek death penalty was due to mental conditionAntonio TysonNews fromSt. Tammany WestNOW COVERING MANDEVILLE AND COVINGTONFOR YOUR COMMUNITNEWSDO YOU HAVEShare It With Your Community!FREE!parishwhe Slides and inf tion about the fThe Slidell Independent is now covering Covington andMandeville news, which means we are seeking more presreleases, pictur forma following:• Non-Profits• Community Groups• Business Organizations• Special Events• Human Interest StoriesTWE PUBLISH IT Get Your News• Community Announcements• Photos • Ev formation• Press ReleasesSend us your:ent Inf Kevin ChiriPublisherormation and pictures to:[email protected] infkGet Your NewsOut to Thousands!! FREE!ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffl fflffl ffl ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffl fflffl ffl ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffl fflffl ffl ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffl fflffl ffl ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffl fflffl ffl ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffl fflffl ffl ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffl fflffl ffl ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffl fflffl ffl ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffl fflffl ffl ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffl fflffl ffl $\"$ #\"! !\"fiffffl ff#\" flfffflffl fi!# !$ fflff# ##fi!! fflffl ! !ff!ffl! ff#\" # ff! fiffffl!ffifl!ffl ffl!ffl! fflffl! !! fflfflffi ffl ffl !fl !fl fl!fl ff fflfflffl ff !ffl! ffi ff ! !!ffl !! ff ff ff ffl !ff ff ffiff fflfflffi ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffl fflffl ffl # fflff##!# flff !# fflff# $#fiff# !flfl! !ffffl ffl ff fl !ff fl !ffffl ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffl fflffl ffl ! fiff ffifl fffifffflffiflflfi ffififlfiffififfiffi ffi ffi ffiffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffl fflffl ffl ff fi ffff fifi flffi fiffiflfffi fiffifi ffiffl flfifi flffi fififfi ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffiffi ffiffi ffi ffi ffiffl fflffl ffl flfffl Priest killer sentenced to 120 years in prisonMandeville school Magnolia Trace named first Lighthouse School in parish
COVINGTON -- TheSt. Tammany Parish Library will host thefourth and final installment of Dr. Bruce Craft’slecture series, “Forgotten Giants of theLouisiana LiteraryCanon,” on June 23 from6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Covington branch (310 W21st Ave., Covington).This final lecture willfocus on poets of Southeast Louisiana. This series is dedicated to shining a lighton some of Louisiana’snearly forgotten authorsand analyzes why theirwork is still vital to theliterary world. Previouslectures includedShirley Ann Grau, GraceKing and Ada JackCarver. To help promotethe series, the libraryrecorded the first of theseries, a lecture onShirley Ann Grau. Arecording can beviewed athttps://vimeo.com/1177100229/14c78e98de. Dr. Bruce Craft is aninstructor at Southeastern Louisiana Universityand teaches honorscourses on SouthernCultural Identity andSouthern Media, as wellas American Literature,Professional and Technical Writing, and EnglishComposition. His area ofresearch and expertiseis in Southern Literatureand Culture, Folkloreand Folklife, the MediaEcology of the South,and the Intersection ofLiterature and Philosophy. The event is free andopen to the public, although seats are reserved for adults.Interested adults canregister online at the library’s website. ContactJillian Boudreaux, AdultProgramming Coordinator, at [email protected] or bycalling 985-871-1220 forany questions regardingthe program.Page 5BLibrary to host final session ofDr. Craft’s lecture series June 23Thursday, June 11, 2026The cities of Covington and Mandeville will be celebrating the 250thbirthday of America with separateholiday celebrations on Saturday, July4.In Covington, “Sparks in the Park”will take place as it does each year atBogue Falaya Park, with music featuring Desert Nudes and the CovingtonConcert Band.There will also be children’s activities that night, with the fun beginningat 5:30, before fireworks later in theevening.The City of Mandeville’s Light Upthe Lake Concert & Fireworks Showwill also take place on Saturday, July 4at the Mandeville Lakefront.The evening begins at 6 p.m. withLiberty on the Lake, a specialLouisiana 250 Commemoration honoring our state’s rich history, heritage,and enduring spirit. Guests can enjoylive music by Groovy 7, delicious foodtrucks, family fun in the Kids Tent, andan unforgettable atmosphere alongthe lakefront.As the sun sets over Lake Pontchartrain, the celebration will culminatewith a spectacular fireworks showover the lake beginning at 8:45 p.m.Bring your chairs, blankets, and patriotic spirit for an evening of music,memories, and celebration at theMandeville Lakefront.Fourth of July celebrationsacross Covington and MandevilleCOVINGTON — The St. TammanyChamber of Commerce will host itsannual Southern Nights Soirée on Friday, August 7, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. atThe Fleur De Lis Event Center, 1645N. Causeway Blvd. in Mandeville. One of the Chamber's premier social events of the year, SouthernNights Soirée brings together business leaders, professionals and community members for an evening ofSouthern hospitality, entertainmentand networking. Guests are encouraged to don their finest seersuckersuits and linen sundresses for a memorable night featuring live music byFour Unplugged, exceptional cuisinefrom local restaurants, premium cocktails, auctions and raffles. Held in the elegant setting of TheFleur De Lis Event Center, the Southern Nights Soirée celebrates the connections and partnerships that helpstrengthen the local business community while providing attendees with aunique and enjoyable summerevening experience. Tickets are now available and arepriced at $150 for an individual ticketor $250 per couple. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. President-Level Sponsors includeAmerican Bank, CGBEnterprises/Zen-Noh Global, GulfCoast Bank & Trust Company, Hancock Whitney, JD Bank, Lakeview Hospital, Ochsner Health, OnPath CreditUnion, REV Fiber for Business, SlidellMemorial Hospital, St. TammanyHealth System and Visit TheNorthshore. Additional sponsors include The TimesPicayune/nola.com/The St. TammanyFarmer as the Auction Room Sponsorand Inside Northside and NorthshoreMedia Group as Magnolia Sponsors. For tickets, sponsorship informationor event details, visit the events section on StTammanyChamber.org orcontact the St. Tammany Chamber ofCommerce at 985-892-3216.Southern Nights Soirée set for August 7,tickets now available to special eventDr. Bruce CraftTHE SLIDELL INDEPENDENTNews fromSt. Tammany WestNOW COVERING MANDEVILLE AND COVINGTONCALL OR TEXTLA LICENSED NOTARY PUBLICAfter-hours & weekend notary services availableLA Licensed Notary PublicCHIRI MOBILE NOTARY — I COME TO YOU!Fast • Professional • ConvenientServing:Slidell • Lacombe • Pearl RiverServices:• Will Packages (Last Will & Testament, Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney)• Title Transfers• Lien Waivers for Businesses — on-site notarization made simpleWhy Call Me?• Flexible scheduling — evenings & weekends• Homes, offices, hospitals & more• Affordable, clear ratesThought itcouldn’t benotarized today? 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 Mandeville Thursday, June 11, 6 p.m.City Council. Council Chambers.Thursday, June 11, 6 p.m.Comprehensive Land Use Regulation Ordinance (CLURO)Tuesday, June 16, 5 p.m.Civil Service Board.Thursday, June 18, 6 p.m.Historic Preservation DistrictCommission.--Meetings at Mandeville CouncilChambers. 3101 E. Causeway Approach.CovingtonMonday, June 15:6 p.m. – Board of Adjustment6:30 p.m. – Planning Commission.6:30 – Zoning Commission.Tuesday, July 76:00 – City Council.--Meetings held at CovingtonCity Hall, 222 East Kirkland Street.Upcoming Meetings
I used to think I was a better Christian when I’d notice someone in church whose Bible had fewer underlined passages than mine. Then one day, my husband, Bert, bought me a new Bible for my birthday. The pristine pages made it look as if I had never read my Bible, and I realized the error of my ways. Do you ever find yourself making snap judgments about people? If we examine our behavior, we might be surprised to realize the subtle ways we judge others. A child behaves uncontrollably, and we’re convinced their parents are poor disciplinarians. We see an overweight person and assume they have no self-control. Whether or not our assumptions are true, passing judgment on others is always hurtful. And, let’s face it, sometimes we assume things about others when we don’t have all the facts. Could it be that the unruly child has a disruptive behavior disorder? Or the overweight person is suffering from a severe thyroid problem? Perhaps the person sitting next to you in church whose Bible looks like it’s hardly been read might be reading from a recent birthday gift – or using an electronic copy the rest of the week. Or maybe they just don’t like to write in their Bible. When we feel snubbed by someone at work, that person could be embarrassingly shy. Maybe the unsmiling cashier wasn’t being intentionally rude but had just learned that his father was terminally ill. What if we label a woman as immoral, only to discover later she’s pregnant because she was raped, but was too ashamed (or scared) to tell anyone? Most of the time, we’re simply unaware of what’s going on with the people around us. We all know how it feels to have someone mis-assume something about us. What if we moved past our first assumptions and asked God to help us be more loving, considerate and thoughtful? How might others respond if we were kinder? What sort of bridges might we build? Isn’t it interesting that although we’re often guilty of making snap judgments about others, we gravitate toward people who exercise nonjudgmental love? How many more opportunities might we have to share the gospel if we practiced Matthew 22:39 (ESV): “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”? This is a great verse to guide us in all our relationships. Whose day can we change today by being more kind, thoughtful … and a whole lot less judgmental? (Sheryl Hilker Boldt, a Slidell High graduate, author of the blog, www.TodayCanBeDifferent.net. She can be reached at [email protected].) Slidell Inspiration“Go West, young man!” became a rallying cry as the United States expanded its boundaries from “sea to shining sea.” Tens of thousands headed west in search of land, freedom, gold, and the American Dream. Although no one knows for certain who first coined the phrase, it is most often attributed to newspaper editor Horace Greeley in 1865. The famous appeal has become part of American folklore and remains a familiar cliché across the country. Greeley’s full quote also explained why he made the appeal. “Washington [D.C.] is not a place to live in. The rents are high, the food is bad, the dust is disgusting and the morals are deplorable. Go West, young man, go West and grow up with the country.” (New-York Daily Tribune, July 13, 1865) Not much has changed in the nation’s capital, and today the West is not much better. In 2026, another newspaper editor has echoed Greeley’s call to go West—this time only as far as the St. Tammany Parish line. Kevin Chiri, editor of the Slidell Independent, is expanding into West St. Tammany to bring his successful paper to a community looking for local news. Kevin is now bringing the east to the west. Chiri approached a gathering of Christian men and asked whether we would write for the Inspirational Page of his brand spanking new newspaper. I raised my hand and like Biblical Isaiah said, “Here am I send me.” My first article appeared in January 2009, and since then I have written nearly 900 pieces for the paper. Based on my experience a whole lot of people read the Slidell Independent. We are fortunate to live in a strong, familyoriented community, east and west. A few years ago, St. Tammany joined together to stop a California group from building a casino in Slidell. Nearly 70% of voters opposed it and, in effect, sent them west from Louisiana back to Los Angeles. More recently, we spent three and a half years working together to keep sexually explicit books locked away from children in St. Tammany Parish. Here in the East, we have a slogan: Unity in the Community. As we follow Kevin and Greeley’s call to head west, I invite you to read and contribute to what has become a wonderful reflection of life in St. Tammany. The Bible often speaks of east and west, but one of its most hope-filled promises for believers is Psalm 103:12: “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” Since east and west never meet, our sins are eternally separated from us in Christ. Our eternal hope is the return of Jesus from the East: “For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes” (Matthew 24:27 NLT). One final thought: the Wise Men at Christmas came from the East. Just saying…eternally free. (Pastor Morris St Angelo, Lead Minister of Slidell Ministers Association. Email: [email protected] Search for Morris St Angelo on YouTube and Facebook.) By MORRIS ST. ANGELO SLIDELL MINISTERS ASSOCIATIONThere was a rather sad and somewhat alarming article in the news lately about an individual who tried to establish a meaningful relationship with an “AI Chatbot” he created. His AI online “girlfriend” was his attempt to develop and maintain a meaningful relationship, given the setbacks he had previously experienced with humans. However, much to his disappointment this AI relationship quickly ended. The AI girlfriend broke it off and called it quits, reportedly feeling pushed too far and too threatened to maintain even an artificial relationship with the man. What a fitting commentary on our need for relationships and the struggles we face in establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships. Oh well, the course of true love never runs smooth; apparently not even in an AI relationship. Adam and Eve once enjoyed a magnificent and mutually enriching relationship with the Lord. However, that relationship was shortlived as they broke off that relationship through their rejection of God and His care. Consumed as they became with themselves, their fractured relationship with God also spilled over into their relationship with one another and even with the creation. All their relationships became fractured, and irreparably so. Now that’s real disappointment, isn’t it? Perhaps what’s most disappointing of all is that this same rejection of God and all the broken relationships that followed became an inherent part of your nature and mine. This breakage was not of an AI nature, but of a sinful and all too real nature. The Lord wanted His relationship with Adam and Eve (and with us) restored. He went to great lengths to do so. In fact, He went to the greatest extent of all to do so. Here’s the summary: “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself and not counting our sins against us...God made Him Who had no sin to be sin for us…” (2 Corinthians 5) The source of our restored relationship with the Lord was (and is) His grace - God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense. The character of this restored relationship is genuine in every way. This restored relationship is reliable and trustworthy. And the blessings of this restored relationship? These blessings include forgiveness, peace, confidence, joy, His faithful and loving companionship, and everlasting life. St. Augustine wrote, “Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee, O Lord.” Through Jesus the restless and unending pursuit of a genuine, loving, and lasting relationship with God is over. This relationship is yours today as a gift from God. The blessings of this gift flow into our other relationships and bring us genuine satisfaction and mutual love. And there’s nothing artificial about that! “Praise the Lord, my soul…He satisfies your desires with good things and crowns you with love and compassion…” (Psalm 103) (Rev. Jan Case is a retired Slidell Lutheran Minister and can be contacted at [email protected])Our genuine relationship with HimBy JAN CASERetired Lutheran Slidell Minister By SHERYL HILKER BOLDT Guest ColumnistJudging others as we want them to judge usWise men came from the eastAs we take a look or an overview of the Bible, we see how God revealed the Trinity of God. The whole Old Testament is about God, the Father. It tells of His love for His children, His care for His children, and His forgiveness and mercy toward His children. Thus, God revealed Himself as God, the first Person of the Trinity. He also inserted in several places the promise of a Messiah or Savior who would come – in detail. There are mentions of the Holy Spirit, as well, but it is disguised. In the New Testament Gospels, we see Jesus introduced as the Son of God. The Gospels tell similar accounts of the life of Jesus. God actually sent Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice to pay the price for every man for the sin that was introduced in the Garden of Eden. It is effective for everyone who will believe. In spite of there being unbelievers, there is a remnant of believers that has grown to millions. So here, Jesus was introduced as God, the second Person of the Trinity. He also promised another member of the Trinity to come: the Holy Spirit. From the book of Acts to Revelation, we add the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:4-5, Jesus commanded the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until the promise of the Father was given. He said they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit, receive power, and be witnesses of Him to the ends of the earth. In Acts 2:1-4, the disciples were gathered together in an upper room in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost when suddenly a sound from Heaven and a rushing mighty wind filled the house, tongues of fire appeared, and they all were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other tongues (languages). In verse 39 Peter said, “For the promise of the Holy Spirit is for you, your children, and your children’s children, and to all that are far away, and for as many as the Lord our God invites and bids to come to Himself.” Now, the third person of the Trinity was introduced. In the rest of the Bible, the Trinity is mentioned and taught together. God is still revealing the Trinity in the same way today. In the Church, there are “seasons” when the teaching is about the Father God, next season, Jesus, then the Holy Spirit. Think about it and you will see the pattern. God makes it simple: one Person at a time. (Peggy R. Clark is a Prison Chaplain with Maranatha Grace Ministries, [email protected] maranathagraceministries.com) The revelation of the Triune GodBy PEGGY CLARK Prison Chaplain with Maranatha Grace MinistriesPage 6B Thursday, June 11, 2026 THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT
THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENT Thursday, June 11, 2026 Page 7B“Times”By Myles MellorAcross1. Bandy words5. Secure9. End of an emirate14. Unacceptable15. Musical direction forstrings16. I Love Lucy episode17. \"The Office\" receptionist18. Sgts. and such19. About 1% of the atmosphere20. Only X-rated film to winthe Best Picture Oscar23. Visible24. Gift-wrapper's need25. Throaty noise28. Melancholy33. Police announcement36. Shot39. Kind of court40. 15 minutes44. Insurance company45. \"Metamorphosis\" author46. French summer47. Affirmation50. The Shirelles' ''Mama ___''52. Fish caught in pots55. For fear that58. Times when xoxoxo's areexchanged64. Like some floors65. Stuff66. Fruit from Jamaica67. Categorize68. Author Hunter69. So-so grades70. County of Ireland71. Hawaiian honker72. BunglesDown1. Check2. Orient Express terminus3. Remain4. Messenger5. Tooth6. Keystone setting7. Director of ''Gladiator''8. Puccini opera9. Bureau section10. Cooking plant11. 2012 Ben Affleck politicalthriller12. Uplift13. Hostel21. Incompetent22. Select, with \"for\"26. ''___ Stoops to Conquer''27. The \"other\" white meat29. German first person30. Plum variety31. Lacking slack32. Rochester's love33. Pastel color34. Banderas' role35. Farmyard noises37. Shelley's \"___ Skylark\"38. Kills, gangster-style41. \"Another rainy day\" singerfrom the UK42. Rap sheet letters43. Builders must haves48. Pester49. Interstate through Houston51. Reason out53. Wearer of three stars,abbr.54. Cooking utensil56. More prudent57. He's between Harrisonand Polk58. Lab bottle59. Troubadour's love song60. Gaze at61. Indian bread62. Fulmar's kin63. Leaking radiator's sound64. Affection, brieflySlidell PuzzlerFor puzzle answers see page 8B. SUDOKU by Myles Mellor and Susan Flanagan“Drinks” by Myles MellorFind 15 words in any direction. Circle when found.58516 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 Church61305 Airport Road Slidell(985) 726-5179Whitedove.orgFB: WhiteDoveFellowshipPastors Tom & Michelle MillerSunday, 8am & 10:30amCelebrate RecoveryWednesdays, 7pmYoung Adult Bible StudyThursdays, 6:30pmIntercessory PrayerMondays, 6pmWhite Dove Church Northshore890 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 Church
Wind and RainJune has started off with a soggy stretch across the Northshore as anglers continue battling heavy rain, muddy water and high winds between weather systems. Finding a fishable window has been difficult, especially for anglers trying to make longer runs across open water. Despite the tough conditions, a few anglers were finally able to sneak out this past week and make runs into places like the Biloxi Marsh, Lake Pontchartrain and Bayou Bonfouca when the weather briefly settled down Biloxi Marsh SlamAfter weeks of storms, wind and muddy conditions across southeast Louisiana, John Gibby of Mandeville finally found a small break in the weather and made a run into the Biloxi Marsh to see what was waiting on the flats. “If you’ve been watching the weather, you know it’s been all over the place lately,” Gibby said. “Storms, wind, rain, you name it. So when I finally got a break in the weather, I didn’t care what the forecast said the next day. I was going.” Launching from Hopedale Marina, Gibby spent about four hours fishing the marsh during a high, post-rain tide cycle that featured a rare double tide with two rises during the day. “The tide was high after all that rain, and a double tide can either work for you or completely throw the bite off,” he said. Despite the changing conditions, Gibby managed to put together a Cajun Slam consisting of redfish, speckled trout, black drum and flounder while covering the shallow flats. “Sometimes that’s the win after a stretch of weather like we’ve had,” Gibby said. “No bonus fish, no limit, just the slam.” Most of the fish were caught on a Strike King Redfish Magic Saltwater Spinnerbait in the avocado and red head color pattern. Trestles Trout and ICW RedsThe trout bite at the Trestles is still strong even into June. One recent trip turned into a banner day when Gary and Ryan Casper, a married couple fishing with Danny Hunter of New Orleans Best Charters, boxed a two-man limit of speckled trout by 8 a.m. The team couple was using live shrimp on a drop-shot rig. “The trout were stacked up on the pilings early,” Hunter said. “Once we found the right stretch it didn’t take long.” Instead of calling it a day, Hunter made a move toward the Intracoastal Canal to look for redfish. The action stayed hot. Using live shrimp under Undertaker Corks, the group quickly finished off a two-man limit of redfish by 11 a.m. “It was crazy,” Hunter said. Causeway Evening Bite Kyle Englehardt of New Orleans made an after-work run to the Causeway this week and found a decent trout bite despite tough tidal conditions. Launching from the West End launch around 5 p.m., Englehardt made the long run out between 8 and 10 miles on the bridge and slowly put together a box while fishing a 3/8-ounce jighead with various Matrix Shad. Unfortunately as soon as the fish started to pile up, the bite died. “I picked away at them and as soon as I got the pattern down, the wind died and so did the bite,” Englehardt said. The evening featured very little tidal movement, which made fishing more challenging, but Englehardt still managed to catch five trout and five catfish while also losing several fish before getting a look at them. “I lost six UFO’s,” he said. “There was minimal tide this evening which didn’t help things,” he said. “But there was beautiful water and a good amount of bait.” Englehardt kept three trout for dinner and released the rest before enjoying another Lake Pontchartrain sunset on the ride back in. Bayou Bonfouca Marsh BassAfter days of rain across southeast Louisiana, Covington bass angler Jason Pittman finally found a break in the weather and made a quick trip to Bayou Bonfouca in Slidell. Launching from Heritage Park, Pittman spent the morning throwing topwater baits around marsh grass in the bayou. Pittman says the water was definitely brackish judging by the slight sulphonic smell that morning. “There’s a good chance I could have caught a speck or a redfish,” Pittman said. Fishing a Strike King Sexy Dog Jr. walking bait, Pittman found a marsh bass bite with several fish blowing up on the bait around the shallow grass. His biggest was a 2-pound chunk caught at the intersection of the main canal and a canal that leads to Palm Lake. “That was a solidmarsh bass right there,”Pittman said after landing one of the better fishof the morning. “That isa good reason to get upearly.” Pittman also caughtone bass on a frog whileworking thicker vegetation. “I saw some cool topwater fish today, whichwas the goal,” he said.Pittman ended themorning with sevenmarsh bass. (Keith Lusher Jr.writes a weekly column. For more info,visit NorthshoreFishingReport.com. Contact Keith [email protected].)Page 8B Thursday, June 11, 2026 THE SLIDELL INDEPENDENTJason Pittman unhooks a chunky marsh bass caught in Bayou Bonfouca.Ryan and Gary Casper are all smiles with their speckled trout and redfish.Keith LusherBeer Brandy Champagne Cocktails Diet cola Eggnog Ginger ale Orange juice Pina colada Pinot noir Protein drink Smoothie Sodas Sprite Water Answers from puzzles on page 7B.